Firm, concentrated and tannic, this has a smoky character that contrasts the red plum and strawberry fruits. It is solid and chunky, needing to age over several years.
Firm, dark and finely tannic, this has weight and richness, with a severity that dominates the fruitiness. It's dry and tough, and it's aging potential is questionable.
Firm, dry tannins behind this wine give a hard edge that will need time. The wine is powered by its structure, solid and only just fruity. Wait until at least 2017 to allow more fruitiness to come through, although the wine will likely always be tough.
Firm, dry tannins mark this Merlot, and it has nice mouthwatering acidity. But it's a little unripe, with some green, herbaceous flavors accompanying the cherries and spicy plums.
Firm, earth and berry fruits come with nuances of grass and green herbs. The palate feels grabby and raw yet settles into plum, berry, green herb and spice flavors that finish fresh and quick.
Firm, earthy and fruity, this is a chunky wine, with a core of tannins to go with the fruit. It is not for aging, its black berry juice demanding attention now. A great barbecue wine.
Firm, fruity wine, with good clean varietal flavors. Simple and ripe, with a big, tannic finish.
Firm, fruity, with tropical flavors and lots of alcohol. The flavors are tight and contained, the fruit tends to strawberry, and the finish is tannic.
Firm, full-bodied wine, the estate wine of Domaine de la Noblaie is rich in its dried fruit, red berry and solid structure. While it is still young, the wine has weight and the definite potential to age.
Firm, generous and chalky, the tannins in this wine are profound and persistent, providing foundation for a layering of ripe, juicy black currant that's dusted in cedar and chocolate.
Firm, hard and tight, this offers black cherry flavors with some peach-pit phenolics. It's sharp and edgy, definitely on the herbal side, with a hint of stem.
Firm, hard, tart and chewy, this has tight black fruits, high acids and earthy tannins, which are lightened with a note of pretty baking spice.
Firm, pinched aromas of rubbery berry and red fruits feed into a narrow, tomatoey palate with crisp, drawing acidity and tannins. This Carignan-led blend of five grapes is herbal and briny tasting, with tomato, cassis and red-berry flavors. Length, balance and drive push an herbal finish to a good ending.
Firm, ripe and fruity, with a nice mix of plums, berries and earth. The mountain fruit shows good acids, some mineral elements, and a long, complex finish with a fair amount of earth and barnyard. A distinctive, earthy style.
Firm, ripe and structured, this is a wine with a solid grounding in black fruits and tannins. It has a dry core and smoky flavors, with a blackberry juice note that offers a dense texture as well as aging potential.
Firm, structured and solid, this is a smoky, ripe wine with attractive acidity, red berry fruit and good concentration. It is developing slowly, with a solid structure and fine acidity. Drink from 2017.
Firm, tannic and fruity, with some nice tropical fruit flavors, wrapped around stiff tannins and some green, slightly stemmy flavors. The finish is hard and rough.
Firm, tannic and hard, this tight wine has a solid core of dry wood. It seems over-extracted with its bitter coffee flavors. Fruit is hard to come by, although there is weight that could develop.
Firm, tart berry fruit, annotated with dried herb and leaf. The tannins are nicely smoothed out, though the wine finishes with a slightly chalky aftertaste.
Firm, tense and dryly tannic, this is a solid wine, foursquare, its edges a little rough at present. The berry fruits are black, spicy from wood, creating a rich feel. In the end, black currant acidity and freshness finish the wine with a lift.
Firm, tough, mineral and austere, this is a dense wine that grabs you with its structure and dark fruits. The acidity is lean, needing more time to develop as the wine fleshes out.
Firm, well-modulated and medium-bodied, this estate-grown wine brings a mix of apple flesh and skin, along with a strong scent of biscuit. and hint of vanilla. Overall it's staunchly varietal, though not especially complex.
Firm, with a mineral texture that reflects the tough terrain of the Douro, this wine is also full of fine red fruits and acidity. It has young tannins as well as oak flavors that give the wine a dry core. Drink this firm wine from 2018.
Firmer and more tannic than many Hawke's Bay Syrahs, this is nonetheless classy, with gentle cracked-pepper notes and ripe blueberries upfront, followed by layers of blackberries, black olives and spice. The lingering finish features bright berries underscored by coffee grounds. Drink 2018–2025.
Firmly dry wine but unfocused, the tannins dominating the fruit to a give a very dry character. It could just be a young bottling that needs time to soften and open.
Firmly in the style of the vintage, this is dense, full-bodied Cornas, with plenty of fruit. Intense plum, coffee and black olive notes dominate, while the tannins are ripe and plush. Believe it or not, this is actually drinkable now, yet should age easily through at least 2025.
Firmly on the rustic side, this Zin is hot and peppery. It's also slightly sweet and sour, with spicy flavors of soy sauce, mashed cherries and blackberries, candied ginger, balsamic vinegar and tabasco. This controversial wine, which hails from a famous old vineyard, will have its fans.
Firmly smoky, strong wood-aged texture gives a solid structure. However, the wine has some juicy acidity that allows a fresher side to show through. At the end, though, the firm tannins dominate. Give this wine time and drink from 2020.
Firmly structured and elegant, this offers aromas of pressed rose, violet, menthol, savory herb and woodland berry. The palate is still closed but reveals crunchy red cherry, oak, mint and sage alongside youthfully austere tannins that need time to unfold. Drink 2017–2025.
Firmly structured and loaded with energy, this intense red opens with aromas of new leather, pipe tobacco, eucalyptus and a whiff of cake spice. The aromas carry over to the vibrant palate along with raspberry and cherry set against a firm backbone of assertive but refined tannins. Tightly wound and youthfully austere, it still needs time but seems destined to blossom into a beauty. Drink 2025–2043.
Firmly structured but elegant, this offers aromas of blue flower, tobacco, tilled earth, black fruit and a balsamic note. The vibrant palate boasts wonderful intensity, weaving notes of white pepper, baking spice, savory herb, licorice and mineral around a black cherry core. It's young and austere but impeccably balanced with firm acidity and assertive but fine-grained tannins. Give it time to unwind and develop complexity. Drink 2018–2030.
Firmly structured wine, which also boasts delicious jammy fruit, very ripe, very opulent. The tannins are sweet and rich, suggesting aging potential over 7–8 years and more. An impressive wine.
Firmly structured, the wine is dry and with dark tannins. Its fruit is currently masked. Give it until late 2017.
Firmly structured, this dark and dense wine packs a punch of tannins, giving a dry core. The judicious wood-aging supports the black-currant fruitiness that is developing well. It should be ready to drink from 2017.
Firmly structured, this dark wine has smoky tannins and intense acidity combined in a texture that is dusty, almost dry at the core. Over this the ripe red fruits are spread thickly, giving a powerful concentrated wine that will age well. Drink from 2022.
Firmly structured, this has a dry core that's solidly based on smoky tannins. The fruit is holding back, although in a few months the blackberry flavor should surface. The finish retains the dry, firm character of the wine.
Firmly structured, this has both great tannins and equally big, rich berry and black currant fruits that bring the acidity right up front. It is still young, emphasizing the fruit and freshness. The tannins and wood aging flavors need their chance. Drink from 2017.
Firmly structured, this is a rich wine in a style that is rounded and ripe. It has light tannins and spicy acidity to balance the general richness of the wine. Drink now.
Firmly structured, this is a significant improvement on 2007, with the wood kept in play but not dominant. That's because the fruit is so bright, with juicy berries bubbling along, leaving refreshing acidity at the end.
Firmly structured, this opens with aromas of cedar, dried herbs, black currant and sweet pipe tobacco. The smooth, rich palate delivers mature wild cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, ground black pepper and a graphite note alongside a backbone of velvety tannins.
Firmly structured, this opens with aromas of dark berry, tilled earth, leather, game, and a balsamic note. The palate offers depth and layers of flavor including ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, grilled porcini, clove, anise, truffle and a hint of chocolate alongside closely-knit, noble tannins. Drink 2019–2031.
Firmly structured, this opens with aromas of white truffle, forest floor, baking spice and red berry aromas accented with a whiff of sage and rosemary. On the palate, notes of white pepper, grilled herbs and tobacco accent the black cherry core while a backbone of assertive but refined tannins provide the framework.
Firmly structured, this opens with scents of dark cherry marinated in spirits, baking spices, forest floor and a balsamic accent. The focused palate offers red berry, dried black cherry, clove, licorice and dried herbs alongside bracing but refined tannins and nervous acidity. Give this time to unwind and blossom. Drink 2018–2026.
Firmly structured, this wine will be equally packed with ripe fruit. While the toast and tannin flavors soften, wait for those rich red plum and cherry tastes to come through. Balanced and solid, this dense wine should be drunk from 2018.
Firmly structured, with bitter black cherries, red berry fruits and concentrated but vibrant fruit. This is delicious Pinot Noir, not powerful, but immediately enjoyable. Aging? Maybe, but not more than 3–4 years.
Firmly tannic and concentrated, this wine demonstrates how this property has developed impressively in recent years. It is certainly powerful, although managing to retain the Saint-Julien elegance. The blackberry fruits will develop well as it matures. Drink from 2024.
Firmly tannic and dry, this Cabernet, which was blended with a little Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, is one for the cellar. The tannins are tough and astringent, but when they melt away over the next decade or so, they'll leave behind sweet currants, cedar and violets.
Firmly tannic and dry, this is a textured wine with a strong mineral character. Its dark plum-skin fruitiness is tight, nervy and spicy. A strong tannic element, very dry and firm, pushes forward. It's a wine to drink from 2017.
Firmly tannic and dry, with powerful currant, licorice and cocoa flavors and a bit of a raisiny bitterness in the finish. Mainly Bordeaux varieties, with some Syrah.
Firmly tannic and powerful, this is dominated by a plum skin texture and a spice note. It's dense and rich, with a dry structure and the acidity of the vintage showing on the finish.
Firmly tannic and rather mouth-numbing even at five years of age. Enters with a hard edge and finishes tough and gritty. Will it age? There are some black cherry flavors inside, but it's a gamble.
Firmly tannic and still dominated by new wood, this is dense and brooding. It has the typically mineral feel of a fine Douro wine. Concentrated, brambly fruits and a powerful structure make this a wine that needs to age for at least five years.
Firmly tannic and structured this is a young wine that will need time to soften. It has the foursquare character that is often found in Nuits Saint-Georges. The fruit weight is there, promising a ripe red-fruit future. The wine should be ready from 2020.
Firmly tannic and structured, this has a dark, black-fruit character along with paprika and pepper. Blackberry and juicy plum flavors sit behind the tannins. This should develop over 5–6 years. Screwcap.
Firmly tannic and with smoky flavors, this is potentially a rich wine with attractive acidity and red-fruit flavors. Drink this wine from 2018.
Firmly tannic still, this wine is fully ripe, rich and structured. Considerably powerful, it's full of red fruits and dark plums cut with a fine line of acidity. Finishes fresh, with sweet tannins that linger. Drink this fine wine from 2017.
Firmly tannic wine with blackberry fruits and a woody, stalky character. The hard-edged and spicy fruit is on the green side.
Firmly tannic wine, packed with dark, ripe fruits. It has weight, concentration and dense texture that brings together the fruit juiciness with the dry structure. Solid, while also stylish.
Firmly tannic wine, with balancing ripe fruit well under the structured layers. The weight of the wine comes from the rich and generous black plum fruit and acidity. A wine for long-term aging.
Firmly tannic yet with enough sense of juicy fruit to act as a balance, this is a fine, rich wine, showing power and concentration with a solid, ripe structure. Give this wine at least five years to soften and round out.
Firmly tannic yet with the potential of good black currant fruit, this is a fine reflection of the vintage, rich and fruity, layered with considerably fresh acidity. Drink now, or give it a year.
Firmly tannic, angular and powerful, this has concentrated bitter-coffee and licorice flavors that come through strongly, offering intense acidity, a black plum note and a dark finish.
Firmly tannic, it's based entirely on the rich structure of Alicante Bouschet. It has an interplay of dark fruits, spicy wood-aging and acidity. They are combining well to give a well-structured wine that's ripe and juicy. Drink from 2017.
Firmly tannic, solid and chunky wine. The ripe strawberry flavors are balanced by firm tannins and a dark edge of plum skins. Should be aged for another year.
Firmly tannic, the wine shows the structure of the vintage well. It also brings out red berry fruits, with a herbal character that cuts the richness. The wine needs time, so drink from 2015.
Firmly tannic, this has has a dark plum flavor, layered with considerable density and dryness. With its juicy acidity and firm structure, this needs to age.
Firmly tannic, this is a solid, chunky wine. It's full of dark plum, black currant and cherry flavors that fill out the firm, dry structure. Concentrated while also fruity, it's worth aging for a year.
Firmly tannic, this is a structured wine that now lacks fruitiness. It needs to be drunk now.
Firmly tannic, this is still a young wine. It has a dry structure with a black currant-skin stalkiness. Acidity and structure are still developing, so wait until 2016.
Firmly tannic, this is the rare example of a lower-priced wine that deserves some time in the cellar. There's a sense of coolness and restraint to this wine at first. Hints of menthol lift scents of mixed berries, then develop on the palate into sturdy, chewy fruit flavors and mocha. Drink 2018–2030.
Firmly tannic, this tough wine shows signs of over-enthusiastic extraction. That gives a bitter character that will always leave the wine with a dry core. The black fruits skins give acidity and some final freshness. Drink from 2018.
Firmly tannic, this wine is richly endowed with a solid structure and also with bold black fruits. It comes from the producer's main Douro vineyard. Concentrated and ripe, it will age and should be drunk from 2018.
Firmly tannic, this wine is solid, firm and traditional in its dry structure. Black currant fruitiness shows briefly before the tannins and dark extract take over. It's a tough wine at this stage and could well remain hard. Try drinking from 2017.
Firmly tannic, this young, wood-aged wine is dark and brooding. It has a dense texture and the potential of ripe black fruits and powerful tannins. With a fine future ahead of it, the wine needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Firmly tannic, with a peppery flavor, this accents its tart berry fruit with flavors of brown spices and hints of dried leaves. Its power lies in the interplay of such details, as well as the overall balance and precision of the winemaking.
Firmly textured and appetizingly balanced, this wine combines ripe grape aromas with a rather tannic feel. Some tart fruit notes of raspberry and cranberry lift the grapiness. It grows in appeal with each sip.
Firmly touched by wood, this is a rich and also structured wine. It has spice as much as fruit at this stage, the juicy acidity lurking behind the toasty exterior. The wine should balance out but will need time. Drink from 2020.
Firriato's blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah is a youthful wine with aromas of fresh blueberry, plum and prune. The wine offers rich density and very good harmony that makes it both approachable and a pleasure to drink.
Firriato delivers textbook Grillo (a grape native to Sicily) with soothing, rich texture and aromas of nectarine and pear that are not too intense, but strong enough to recall the Mediterranean's sunshine and warmth. The wine would pair well with seafood risotto or baked clams.
First-take aromas of raisin and cotton candy are soft and sweet. Following that lead, this feels chunky but adequately acidic. Herbal, reedy raspberry and plum flavors finish with spice and chocolate notes. Drink now.
First a faint touch of flint and smoke appears, followed by subtle notes of green pear. Still fairly closed, the wine shows a tight body that will loosen into plumper ripeness. Intimations of orange peel and golden pear promise a great wine with a rich mouthfeel and cleansing acidity.
First bottle corked. Second bottle sound, but rather one dimensional. The fruit is simple green apple and green berry; but there is a distinct earthy undertone that carries into the finish. If new oak barrels were used, they are not evident.
First made during the Reagan-Gorbachev years, this blend of 74% Pinot Noir and 26% Chardonnay tastes of hazelnut torte and almond paste, offering richness interwoven with moderate acidity. On the lusherside of the sparkling spectrum, it offers a sweetness of peach, brown sugar and lemon meringue.
First made for the historic summits between Reagan and Gorbachev in 1985, this blend of 69% Pinot Noir and 31% Chardonnay marks the 30th anniversary of that event. Made in a Brut style, it's nonetheless among the winery's most richly opulent concoctions. Lemon bar and vanilla form around a medium build with notes of nutmeg and baked apple, finishing in an intensity of lemon zest.
First recorded in 1375, this vineyard produces powerful, concentrated wines. This fine example is dense, weighty and firm. The acidity is there, buried in the firm tannins. It is a wine with an enormous potential, dark and full of plum skin and berries. Drink from 2022.
First taste was excellent, as the wine entered the mouth with round, ripe red fruit and a hint of spice. But it has something off in the finish, and as it sits in the mouth it loses its freshness and leaves a rather sour, gluey impression.
First thing to know is that this wine is a little sweet, basically off-dry, in residual sugar. But it's balanced with clean acidity, and has pure flavors of peaches, pineapples, pears, vanilla and honeysuckle flowers.
First to arrive, straight to your awaiting nose, are complex aromatics, with a mix of floral and spicy highlights that surround the black and purple fruits with exotic nuances. The fruit is nigh perfect—ripe, round, forward and loaded with plummy, sweet berries. It gathers strength in the core, holds, and then expands into a finish dusted with cocoa and coffee.
First you feel the velvety softness of this Cab. Then the flavors arrive, explosive in blackberries, cherries and currants, green olives, sage, cocoa and oak. Immediately the tannins close in, astringent, dry, hard. The bottom line is an extraordinary wine but one that's not drinkable now. Hold until 2018.
Fish, lightly grilled chicken and pasta would all work perfectly with this food friendly Pinot Grigio. Aromas here include peach, citrus, vanilla bean and almond.
Fistfuls of oak, heat and chocolate-covered blackberry form the basis for this hugely ripe, leathery wine that features a sideshow of tannin. Brick and licorice notes fill out the rest of the generously robust package.
Fistfuls of rustic, pungent earth rise out of this silky, complex wine that is sourced from Nobles and Spring Hill vineyards. A sauvage element keeps it dancing on the edge in terms of balance between savory black tea and forest, and crisp, red berry. Smooth and soft, it meets a demure end.
Fitou, a small region entirely surrounded by Corbières, is very dry in the summer. In 2004, when little rain fell, the grapes became extra concentrated, as shown here. There's a powerful burst of fruit, with black cherries, coffee and plenty of spice from the 50% Syrah. Only to finish are the tannins at all apparent.
Fits the big-production Aussie recipe to a T, blending tropical fruit, vanilla, apple and citrus flavors. It's just a little lighter than expected and finishes short.
Fits the fashion for very pale rosé, with delicate pink color and aromas of struck flint and passion fruit. In the mouth, it's mouthwatering and plump, with peachy notes and a bit of lime zest to finish. Drink now.
Five different Dijon clones go into this barrel-fermented wine. It starts out tightly wound, well-defined with a mineral base under ripe flavors of caramel apple. The crisp, razor-sharp acidity lets the fresh apple fruit shine through, wreathed in notes of flint and smoke and finished with pretty barrel toast.
Five different grape varieties go into this blend, including a surprising 8% Pinot Noir. There's a touch of grilled tomato upfront, followed by more traditional flavors of cassis, vanilla and chocolate. This medium- to full-bodied wine is open knit and ready to drink now.
Five grapes led by Malbec make up this full-force wine with black cherry, cough syrup, vanilla and cream on the nose. The palate is rich, creamy and heavy, with deep, saturated black fruit and chocolate flavors, while the finish is just as thick, maybe thicker. Extremely ripe and saturated, what many would call a “fruit bomb.”
Five vineyards contribute their best barrels to this outstanding blend, which carries the humble Oregon AVA on its label. It's a testament to the art of blending, as most of the components are also featured in vineyard designates, but here the whole is more than the sum of its parts. It's a showcase of pure, dense, detailed red fruits, set in perfectly matched acid, tannin and mineral elements.
Five vineyards contribute to this pure Syrah, which shows spicy, citrusy components around tart raspberry fruit. Clean and lively, it has excellent power all the way through to its clean finish.
Five years after the vintage, this is a fully mature Shiraz that shows off the Clare Valley's trademark acidity. Savory notes of bacon and spice add complexity to plum-like fruit, while the tannins are supple—the structure here is acid-based, not reliant on heavy extraction.
Five years past its harvest, this is ready to go, with quickly-maturing, well-rounded red fruits, and a streak of tobacco running through the finish. Drink now.
Fixin, the northernmost red wines on the Côte de Nuits, generally produces light wines. This is no exception; the wine is bright, very fresh, with hints of berry fruits.
Fizzing lemon peel and more rounded tangerine unite on the nose but really shine on the palate which is concentrated and fruit-driven with a tangy, mandarin-like richness that sweeps to a clean, joyful finish. This is ultraclean and very racy with a glowing core of tangerine.
Flamboyant, exotic aromas of oranges and mangoes emanate from the glass, but the tropical and citrus fruits are more muted in the mouth, finishing with earth and a spicy, clove-pepper note.
Flamboyantly rich and manipulated Chardonnay, with buttered popcorn, tropical fruit and caramaelized toast flavors. Feels a little heavy-handed, but lots of Chard lovers will like it.
Flamboyantly rich in cherries, raspberries and cranberries that are a bit tart, yet enriched with sweet oak. Firm acidity brings everything to a clean, bright finish. A pretty wine, showing elegance and finesse.
Flashes of buttery new oak show up in the lively aromas and richer flavors of this medium-bodied, barrel-fermented and elegant wine. It has a fine array of nutmeg, vanilla and lemon accents lifted by good acidity.
Flashy and delicious, this could even grow in the bottle with a few years of aging, becoming earthier and drier in fruit. Otherwise, it's perfectly fine now—a soft, complex wine, with brisk acidity and flavors of blackberry, black currant and mocha.
Flashy and delicious, this just blows your mind. It's like the essence of the ripest, purest blackberries, with a note of crème de cassis and the sweet appeal of melted dark chocolate. It's a soft wine, but grippy in tannins, which gives it good structure. Your best bet may be to drink it over the next six years.
Flashy and flamboyant, but smells and tastes overoaked, with buttered toast, caramel and vanilla meringue notes swamping the underlying tangerine, lemon and mango fruit. Drink now.
Flashy and opulent in style, this Chardonnay is full of ripe apricot, Meyer lemon, white peach and oak flavors. It would be quite a fruit bomb were it not for superb acidity and a mineral tang—like a lick of cold steel. The grapes are exclusively from the Bien Nacido and Sierra Madre vineyards, two of the best in the Santa Maria Valley.
Flashy and voluptuous. Santa Maria Valley Syrah always has an enormous depth of fruit, spiciness, rich tannins, bright acidity and a firm minerality, and that's just what you'll find in this bottling. It's marked by ripe blackberry, chocolate, bacon and crushed pepper and clove flavors that should drink well over the next six years.
Flashy aromas of toast and butter mingle with tropical fruit aromas and flavors. There's a touch of warmth on the nose, and the mouthfeel is round and fleshy. Drink now.
Flashy notes of wood-grilled apple, brioche and apricot fill the nose. The mouth is round and the palate spicy, as flavors of ginger and cedar dominate the stone fruit.
Flashy, jammy raspberry and cherry fruit marks this vibrant Pinot Noir. It's just yummy, and made bright and clean with zingy acidity. Seems best now for its sheer youthful razzle dazzle, so drink up.
Flashy, soft and luscious, this is made in the modern cult style of Napa Cabernet. It's rich in flavors of blackberry jam, cassis and melted dark chocolate. Heady in alcohol, there's a pleasant, blood-warming heat. The concentration and tannins aren't there to warrant aging, so drink now.
Flat-out delicious, this brings compelling fruit flavors of melon, papaya and pineapple, coupled with juicy, mouth-cleansing acidity. The depth and complexity are phenomenal for an Oregon Pinot Gris produced in large quantities.
Flat and a bit flabby on the nose, this golden Malvasia delivers aromas of stone fruit, mature melon, ash and white mineral. The wine is definitely much more lively in the mouth. where sharp mineral tones add definition and the wine's natural acidity kicks in.
Flat and dull in the nose, with only a touch of apple along with plenty of leftover wood. The palate is thick and woody, and there just isn't ample fruit to offset the oakiness.
Flat and fleshy smelling, with little zap and only soft green fruit aromas. The palate maintains some tang and citrus, while flavors of lemon and tangerine are chunky, loud and lean toward bitter on the finish.
Flat and fruitless up front, this smells a bit like a haystack. Plump on the palate, with a sense of grape skins to the mouthfeel, this tastes yeasty, mildly bitter and of nonspecific white fruits.
Flat and gaseous smelling, with sulfur and no fruit to speak of. Tastes like bland nectarine and tangerine, and the body and finish are almost flabby. Borderline in terms of its acceptability.
Flat and mildly spicy, this is a light-bodied, fleshy red that offers moderately ripe layers of cherry, raspberry and vanilla.
Flat and predominantly dull, there is some lemon and stoniness to the palate, but it's pretty thin and a tad chalky. Low acidity makes it feel heavier than it should.
Flat and somewhat disjointed, this wine offers a strong taste of eucalyptus in a light-bodied, simply structured frame.
Flat aromas barely press Torrontés's standard tropical fruit button. Plump, easygoing and soft on the palate, this tastes lightly of passion fruit and lychee, while a mild banana and melon character drives the finish.
Flat aromas include iodine, butterscotch and cider, but overall the nose isn't that lively or fresh. The palate, meanwhile, is round, soft and mealy, with oaky, barrel-fermented flavors of buttered baked apple and resin. Proves why barrel-fermented Viura is sketchy terrain.
Flat aromas of coconut and toasted oak give way to smoky chocolate mocha, red currant and black pepper. A touch soft on the finish, it otherwise drinks full-bodied and powerful.
Flat aromas of lacquer and cured ham are not all that fruity, and the palate on this Viura is not deep or serious. Mildly oxidized flavors of white fruits and ham are more savory than bright. Drink immediately.
Flat aromas of lanolin and oily white fruits lead to a round, full palate that's getting tired. Salty nectarine and flowery flavors finish with a yeasty note of ham and white fruits.
Flat aromas of red licorice candy, grass and maderized fruit are none too inviting. Feels chunky for rosé, with sweet, wayward fruit flavors that come with a burnt stalkiness. Finishes bitter.
Flat boysenberry and plum aromas are jammy and a bit floral. This feels clipped and rugged, with reedy plum and raspberry flavors that finish short.
Flat but clean, with very light and distant apricot and celery aromas. The flavors veer toward green apple and lemon, while the finish is bland. From a texture standpoint, it's watery, with only modest fruit quality.
Flat cherry and clay aromas set up a scratchy, almost citric palate with short but bright plum and raspberry flavors. This is basic Malbec with a tart hollow wiry finish.
Flat doughy aromas smell cooked and stewy. In the mouth, this shows pointy acidity and overripe fruit flavors. Raisiny flavors are stewy on the finish.
Flat early aromas seem smoky at first and then more like apple and papaya. This is a plump Sauvignon Blanc with mouthfilling weight; it's a touch mealy in flavor, and no particular fruits stick out. It's fine, but short on character.
Flat in color, with a dull luster, this smells mulchy and earthy, with dampness to the nose. A thick, medicinal palate is dealing severe tannins embedded into a syrupy texture. Flavors of fig, raisin and earth are a little spent.
Flat on the nose, then almost identical on the palate, this blend of Malbec, Syrah and Bonarda tastes grassy, lightly green and weedy. Cherry and berry flavors are weak. Tasted twice with similar results.
Flat on the nose, this has a mild whiff of paint or turpentine along with touches of banana and melon. The palate is flat and chunky in feel, with clipped, pithy flavors of mealy citrus.
Flat on the nose, with neutral, slightly floral aromas. The palate is zesty and tart, with midland flavors of lemon, sour apple and lime. Chalky but o.k. on the finish. A one-dimensional white with hardly any lasting potential.
Flat on the palate and somewhat reduced, this big, ripe and generously round wine delivers robust blueberry, black licorice, mocha and oak notes.
Flat slightly flabby aromas of green and grassy black fruits smell of sweet plastic and oak. This feels raw, choppy and scraping. Flavors of minty, herbal black fruits are toasty and show grainy, forced oak. Pepper and mint flavors along with scratchy tannins make for a solid but rough finish.
Flat stewy prune-like aromas are low on life but not off-putting. This feels wide grabby and tannic, while jammy flavors of raspberry and plum finish chunky and expansive, but also tannic and wan. Drink now.
Flat to start, with oaky aromas of mustard and clove, this feels round, with citric acidity and a sense of wood grain to the palate. Barrel-driven flavors of salty melon and mustard end with grainy resiny oak notes.
Flat, bitter aromas of almond skins and mango are the entry to a citric, angular palate with oily orange and nectarine flavors.
Flat, disparate aromas of bread and white fruits are mild. On the palate, this is plump but lacks edge and structure. Briny flavors of tropical fruits finish foamy and with a pickled flavor.
Flat, dusty aromas of lees and vanilla cookies are rather lifeless. While this is wet and somewhat juicy in feel, it's bland as a whole, with yeasty melon and citrus flavors that finish bready.
Flat, earthy raisin and prune aromas in this Garnacha indicate very ripe, almost desiccated fruit. The palate is much like the nose: flat and low on vitality. Jammy blueberry and herbal flavors finish chunky, without lift or nuance.
Flat, fruitless aromas are suggestive of green herbs and vegetables. This feels big, sticky and cloying, with almost no acidity. Melony flavors are heavy and sweet, and there's a wheaty, oxidized flavor to the finish.
Flat, fruity and lacking in complexity.
Flat, gritty aromas are a tad volatile. This nonvintage red feels oaky and raw, with prodding acidity. A rough mix of scouring red-berry fruit, briny notes and oak make for a marginal flavor profile, while the finish tastes briny and pickled.
Flat, lightly oxidized aromas don't impress. The palate on this Garnacha rosé is dull like the nose, with low acidity. Candied, generic flavors are slightly bitter and pithy.
Flavio Fanti's tiny 12-acre vineyard is treated almost like his backyard, with a scrupulous attention to detail and now a dense planting that has definitely improved the quality of the wines. The 1997 shows modern, spicy wood, violet and rose aromas. The palate is rich, firm and dry, but with attractive bitter chocolate and licorice flavors. The new wood shows through but never throws the wine off balance.
Flavio Riserva Talento is a beautiful expression of northern Italy with fragrant aromas of yellow fruit, toast, roasted nuts and lingering toast. 2003 was a hot and steamy year, but this sparkling wine offers the fresh aromas you should expect from a cool-climate wine zone.
Flavor-wise, this is a huge wine, bursting with raspberries, cherries and persimmons. The texture is pure silk and satin, as light and airy as Pinot gets, yet with a ghostly weight. Drink now with your most Pinot-friendly foods.
Flavor complexity is the strong suit of this multi-layered and distinctive wine. Aromas range from floral to minty to toasty to rhubarb-like, and flavors reflect an equally wide range. The texture, too, is intricate and complex, showing good balance and enough richness to project a lingering, spicy finish.
Flavor is what this Zin is all about. It's deep and long in blackberry jam, black currants, raisins, cassis liqueur and black-pepper spice, along with a hint of smoky oak. The tannins are firm and the finish is dry.
Flavor wasn't a problem with this Pinot, which comes from a great vineyard. It floods the mouth with raspberries and cherries. There's also lots of oak influence, in the form of buttered toast and sweet wood sap. What it lacks in subtlety it more than makes up for in fancy deliciousness.
Flavored with pear and apricot, this wine is soft and ripe. The crisp texture comes from the tangy orange zest and acidity. Light and fresh, the wine should be ready by late 2014.
Flavorful and harmonious, seductive notes of soft toast and walnut shell add dimension to the honeydew, red apple and orange zest notes. Medium weight, with good acidity and a lasting finish, this is balanced and approachable now, with all of the elements working together.
Flavorful and smooth in texture, this wine smells almost floral, with fruity and spicy notes like cloves. Full of ripe plum and raisin flavors, it has full body and a broad, soft feeling in the mouth.
Flavorful and sophisticated at the same time, this wine combines honey, peach, orange and clove flavors for an experience that's not blatantly fruity, and not sweet, but delightful. Try it with Thai, Chinese, roast pork or at any outdoor occasion.
Flavorful and sweet but not cloying, it displays plenty of floral and apricot aromas, ripe honeylike flavors and a rich finish. Will pair nicely with cheese and salted nuts as an apéritif, or with biscotti for dessert.
Flavorful but also gentle on the palate, despite the brand name, this is a lushly textured, full-bodied wine that lifts beautiful blueberry and blackberry flavors on fine-grained tannins. It has lightly spicy aromas, a mouthfilling viscosity and long finish.
Flavorful, forward and tasting of a pleasing mix of light, toasty oak and pretty cherry fruit, this is a solid, immediately enjoyable wine. It doesn't have the muscle to go long term, but it offers a lot of pure Merlot pleasure in the near term. —P.G.
Flavors and aromas of tobacco, pepper and spice personify this organic wine from South Africa. Juicy, round fruit and a shot of elegant minerality keeps it all in check. A friendly, solid wine that's 88% Cabernet.
Flavors are followed by intense crisp citrus fruit. This is a lively style, very fresh with a delicious tang of orange zest, light caramel and vibrant acidity.
Flavors are restrained in this medium-bodied wine, so there are not a lot of fruits or herbs to shout out. However, it has a straightforward appeal and will make an unobtrusive pairing with many foods because it has a good, crisp mouth feel.
Flavors like wild berries blend with smoke and rosemary in this full-bodied, full-flavored and firmly tannic wine. It is big in texture and high in aromatic intensity. Made of 72% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 9% Mourvèdre.
Flavors of apple are spoiled by notes of mud and pondwater on the nose. The palate is bitter and undefined.
Flavors of apples, pears and lemons compose this ripe, friendly wine. It has nutmeg and wood flavors along with a warm and rounded character. Drink now.
Flavors of baked strawberry and raspberry provide a concentrated richness to this wine, accented by earthy, subtle baking spice. Layered in well-managed tannins, it offers substantial body without the weight, staying structured on the palate, before an intensity of oak and more spice bursts on the finish.
Flavors of banana and red berry come with some tannin. This exudes vibrant, in-your-face fruit that's crisp and juicy.
Flavors of beetroot and juicy fruit are juxtaposed in this structured yet fruity wine. It has some bitterness and a hint of wood, and there is intense acidity on the finish.
Flavors of berry preserves and toast are loosely concentrated, with peppy acids that charge the palate. It finishes rather short on flavor; the tannic grip is the lasting element.
Flavors of berry, vanilla and tar form around thick, rich tannins, giving this wine a puckering quality that may benefit from opening before enjoying. The finish is sturdy and robust in leathery black pepper.
Flavors of bitter extraction spoil this wine, giving an unnecessarily hard character and masking the fruit. It probably will not soften much. The blend is 79% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc. Produced by Alliance Bourg.
Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and a streak of cola ignite the palate, with a layer of pure mineral underneath. At first a bit delicate, this never pauses, introducing umami and cinnamon highlights on the lingering finish. It's fresh and elegant, with a more gentle fade than some of the more potent Syrahs from Cayuse.
Flavors of bright, ripe black currant fruit and a nose of cinnamon, anise and blackberry recommend this energetic wine from the Wellington region. Slightly rustic but still restrained and elegant, the wine will pair well with grilled meat and a myriad of cheeses.
Flavors of candied lemon, lime and pineapple are brightened by crisp acidity in this unoaked  Sauvignon Blanc. The wine reflects this cool-climate Monterey appellation with its clean, brisk character.
Flavors of cherry compote, Dr. Pepper, vanilla, exotic spice and sandalwood are brightened by acidity, making this easy to mistake for a Pinot Noir. This is rich, vital and complex, so pair it with fare like roast duck or lamb. Greg La Follette has taken the lead in California in exploring the Meunier possibilities, with brilliant results. Drink now–2017.
Flavors of cracker and toast accompany light raspberry fruit. The wine is a bit unbalanced, and it falls a little flat on the finish.
Flavors of creamy vanilla pudding, buttered toast and pineapple jam mark this slightly sweet Chardonnay. A crisp streak of acidity provides much needed balance to the richness.
Flavors of fresh apple and pear appear among light dusting of cinnamon spice. This makes for a wonderful quaffer.
Flavors of green hay, tart juniper berry and gooseberry surface in this Sauvignon Blanc, in addition to richer notes of Meyer lemon and vanilla. It's dry and elegantly complex, with a honeyed richness. This shows the versatility to pair across a huge range of cuisines.
Flavors of honey tangerines and quince preserves resonate deeply in this sweet-tangy Riesling full of fruit and blossom flavors. So sprightly and brisk, it dances delicately on the tongue, yet lingers long with a murmur of lime zest astringency.
Flavors of honey, raspberry and orange jam, vanilla bean and minerals mark this vibrant Viognier. It's quite rich, but is balanced with good acidity.
Flavors of melon, apricot and spice are the hallmarks of this single-vineyard wine. It has rounded, ripe fruit, given freshness by a pink grapefruit piquancy, and finishes with classic Grüner Veltliner pepper.
Flavors of Meyer lemon, lime and grapefruit are accented with a tang of gooseberries in this wine. The finish is lively and dry, with a scour of mouthwatering acidity. Production was 2,500 cases.
Flavors of Orange Muscat and honey on the nose, and lush fruit flavors of pineapple and orange on the palate, give this wine an assertive, exotic character. The tongue-coating texture and honeyed finish recommend it to dishes that can cut the weight—think spicy.
Flavors of peach, orange and mango fruit are prominent in this wine. Of course, there's also the complicating pleasantness of alcohol. Pair with Chinese food, a nice sandwich or pasta salad.
Flavors of pear and white peach drive this clean, fruity wine. It has a tang of citrus and acidity that adds a lively edge. Ready to drink now.
Flavors of pear peel and tart citrus zest on the nose lead to a slightly spicy palate. Floral notes hover above everything, and mouthwatering freshness and appetizing bitterness around the edges gets all juices flowing. While there is texture there is no heaviness. It's a very appetizing, just off-dry wine with gentle subtlety.
Flavors of plum, cherry, cassis, chalky earth, smoke and bell pepper. Still tight and chewy, with suggestions that the fruit from this difficult vintage didn’t attain full ripeness. A good effort from a subpar year, marked by a hint of brett on the finish.
Flavors of pressed apple and pears are uncomplicated but pleasing in this sprightly off-dry Riesling. While delicately framed, it's punchy and penetrating, finishing with a lingering apple-cider sweetness. Drink now through 2017.
Flavors of raspberry jam, pain grille, spice box and dark cherry are forward and succulent, thanks to the juicy acidity and flexible tannins. An herbal rose note surfaces on the midpalate, leading to a warm, persistent finish. Enjoy this with grilled salmon with a soy-ginger glaze.
Flavors of red fruit, tangerine and a touch of spice all contribute to this open, warm effortthat has light acidity.
Flavors of rich, ripe blackberry jam, mocha and toast are wrapped into firm but refined tannins in this Cabernet. The most basic of the winery's Cabs, and the first of the vintage to be released, it's drinking well now and bodes well for the coming 2011 reserves and blends.
Flavors of ripe blackberry, cola and mulberry stand out in this dry, elegant Cab. The tannins are thick but the wine isn't likely to improve with age, so drink soon.
Flavors of ripe peaches and fresh, clean fruit make for an immediately attractive wine. It is balanced with a layer of acidity and vibrant white currants.
Flavors of ripe pear and lime juice make this wine both full in the mouth and crisp. There is an apple skin-like texture to this wine that is ready to drink.
Flavors of ripe plums and cherries dusted with graham cracker crumbs and purple flowers are pleasant on this delicately structured Cabernet. It's straightfoward on the palate, made in a lean, crisp style, with a fresh layer of green leaves and stems that linger.
Flavors of ripe tropical fruit, citrus and green apple mark this crisp Sauvignon Blanc. It finishes dry, despite a burst of honey in the middle.
Flavors of rose petal, cherry and a touch of spice characterize this rosé. A backbone of lively spice carries the sweet-tasting cherry flavors on the palate. Pair this with fruit salads or creamy cheeses.
Flavors of sour grapefruit and almond are somewhat masked by the amped-up oak.
Flavors of stone fruit, citrus and crushed mineral mark the simple, refreshing mouthfeel. This is a good choice for a hot summer afternoon.
Flavors of sweet, smoky oak; ripe, forward tropical fruit; and creamy lees mark this Chardonnay. It's made in the modern, voluptuous style.
Flavors of yellow fruit, peach and apricot are given a light burst of acidity and sent on their way with a mineral texture. This wine is all fruit at first, but with the apple skin edge, it needs a year of bottle age.
Flavors roll from cranberry to sweet red cherry in a red-fruit riot. It was aged in 52% new and 24% one-year-old oak, but it's unobtrusive and not especially toasty. The barrel time has begun to smooth out any bumps and rough edges, though a touch of phenolic bite remains. Drink from 2018 to 2022.
Flawless on the nose, this amontillado purchased from the solera of Señor González Obregón is full of lift, power and toffee on the nose. There's zero excess weight to the palate, which features flavors of nuts, salt, caramel and dried apricot. On the finish, a hint of buttered toast offers an umami offset to acid-driven raciness.
Fleeting hints of rose petals add allure to this wine's aromas of black cherries, cola and spice. Unlike some Tasmanian Pinots, it's generous and round in the mouth, with warm spice notes combining with plum and cola on the finish. Drink now.
Fleeting leather and black fruit notes creep onto the medium-full palate, which feels malleable with its lank acids. The finish comes with a focused note of long-cut tobacco.
Fleshy and borderline mealy on the nose, with banana and melon as the primary aromas, this feels heavy even though firm acidity creates spine and depth. It tastes like a mash-up of apple, melon and baking spice before the chunky finish.
Fleshy and bright, this has tight-lipped flavors of buttered popcorn, spring flowers and white apricots. Fresh and easygoing.
Fleshy and briny, this wine hails from the producer's own marquee vineyard, situated in the heart of the Olivet Lane district. Ripe, with a buttery undertone, it's classic in its rendering of Gravenstein apple and pear flavors—balanced, yet with a robust frame.
Fleshy and dry, this voluptuous wine has an abundance of creamy weight on the palate, but it never veers too far, remaining balanced and ultimately elegant. Stone fruit and quince vie for attention, with a salty undertow of lemongrass and ginger.
Fleshy and floral, this is a delightfully light, dry and tropical wine, with primary characteristics of apple and lime. Refreshing, it'll serve well as a versatile companion on the table or as as worthy apéritif, finishing in grassy fig and pear.
Fleshy and fruity, fresh and full bodied, this generous wine offers scents of orange peel and citrus, and the palate exudes ripe flavors of grapefruit, lime and a hint of melon.
Fleshy and full-figured, this wine is made in a big, expansive style. It's rounded in vanillin oak and a bite of honeycomb, with lighter accompaniments of mango and pear.
Fleshy and lightly oxidized on the nose, this Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sparkler shows a seltzer-like palate with pulse-preserving acidity. The palate brings a mix of peach, yeast, spent lees and oxidized flavors.
Fleshy and ripe with flavors of sweet yellow peach touched with honey, this is an easy going medium-sweet Riesling. There's a touch of savory smoke and spice that persists from nose to finish, but overall, it's bright and sunny with lingering lemon acidity.
Fleshy and ripe, with blackberry and currant flavors just beginning to turn the curve from primary fruit and cocoa to bottle bouquet. Picking up notes of dried fruits and dried flowers. Yet the tannins are still firm and acidity still cuts across the middle. A little unbalanced but interesting. Now–2012.
Fleshy and ripe, with concentrated cherry and strawberry flavors, Glenora's Meritage is unabashedly juicy, but balanced with nervy acidity and a flurry of soft, fine-grained tannins. Dry and full bodied, it finishes long with a hint of dried herbs and spice.
Fleshy and smelling of berry skins, this is a large Malbec. Everything tastes dark and fruity, with heavy flavors of spice and toast that powerfully linger on the finish. Texturally, this is tannic, ripe and syrupy.
Fleshy and unctuous in flavor yet tautly structured, this neatly balanced Merlot offers loads of bright cherry and raspberry flavors layered into wisps of toast, spice and cedar. Its brisk puckery style makes it an ideal dinner wine. Fine-grained but persistent tannins on the finish suggest ageability well into the 2020s.
Fleshy apple and peach aromas lead to a medium-bodied palate. Standard flavors of stone fruits are nice but simple, while this blend of Viura and Malvasia finishes with light notes of apple and nectarine.
Fleshy aromas of melon and apple fold in a few crumbs of vanilla cookie. This Viura feels healthy and balanced, with white-fruit flavors accented by tropical notes and green herbs. On the finish, lettuce and lime flavors hold steady. Drink now.
Fleshy aromas of melon and passion fruit introduce a rock solid palate that's pithy and round. Flavors of citrus pith lend bitterness to core grapefruit and passion fruit flavors, while the finish is briny and tastes of citrus and green fruits. Drink this Verdejo right away.
Fleshy aromas of melon and peach are leesy and soft. This is more angular and acidic on the palate, which fails to fan out. Nectarine and salty briny flavors finish with papaya and peach notes.
Fleshy aromas of papaya are more oaky than fruity. This is plump and mild in feel, with moderate acidity. Flavors of barrel spice and resin match wits with papaya and melony notes, while the finish tastes briny and nutty.
Fleshy berry aromas are lush, inviting and surrounded by notes of shoe polish and violet petal. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led multigrape blend that's chunky on the palate. Bombastic plum, cherry and wild-berry flavors finish wide, with patented Chilean notes of olive and spicy oak. Drink through 2020.
Fleshy black-plum and cherry flavors are cloaked in layers of dark toast, smoke and spice in this boldly structured red. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it neatly balances Merlot's softness with crisp refreshingly herbal expressions of Cabernet. The finish is marked by bramble and elegant fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2022.
Fleshy black-plum, cherry and blackberry notes lead this medium-weight wine, with a light dusting of cocoa powder. Dark but vibrant in the mouth, with a good amount of pepper and licorice on the finish. Drink now.
Fleshy black plum and berry aromas open the bouquet of this vibrant wine, and follow straight through to the juicy palate. Hints of tobacco and sweet yet peppery spice add nuance to the medium-weight mouth, while the structured tannins keep the ripe fruit flavors grounded. Drink  now–2016.
Fleshy black plum and cherry flavors are offset by leafy, green layers of herb and stem in this luscious but balanced red blend. Its intense fruitiness makes it approachable and juicy but crisp acidity and fine penetrating tannins keep things in check. Drink now through 2021.
Fleshy black plums accented with nuts, vanilla and popcorn scent this voluptuously textured red. It's ruddy and ripe, but tinged by a hint of green on the midpalate. Bright red-currant acidity and fine slightly tacky tannins frame the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Fleshy black plums and berries burst from nose to palate of this juicy lip-smacking Long Island Shiraz. It's approachably plush and round with a pleasantly clingy mouthfeel. A backdrop of sweet spice and fine, feather-tipped tannins extend the finish.
Fleshy blueberries are met with soft vanilla notes on this full-fruited yet light-footed red. On the palate the bursting blueberry notes are even more appetizing and joined by pleasant pepper with just a hint of tobacco. There is something rather seductive about these fruit-driven reds that deliver more than simple fruit. Utterly delicious, very elegant and dangerously drinkable.
Fleshy cherry and a broad palate characterize this wine. There is palpable warmth and easy fruit, but they're underneath a tight and sound structure. Understated, but true Pinot-pleasure is in the glass.
Fleshy cherry and lightly green, herbal aromas lead to a crisp, tight palate. This tastes a little leafy and herbal, with raspberry notes. The finish is fresh, dry, and composed, but not overly intense or focused.
Fleshy cherry defines this wine's nose and palate. It's easy-drinking, juicy and bouncy, with a light body, a little heat on the finish and more of that fleshy cherry fruit.
Fleshy cherry fruit becomes immediately apparent, while on the palate the fruit acquires a spicy edge of appetizing white pepper. This is lip-smackingly fresh, even tart, but in a very appetizing, bracing way that will mellow with another year or two in bottle. The fruit is crunchy and juicy, the tannins are ripe and fine and wood smoke hovers deliciously.
Fleshy fig and creamy, rounded layers of vanilla provide a complete experience marked by zesty, mellowed acidity. Then a long finish of lemon peel and melon takes over and persists nicely on the palate.
Fleshy fruit tones of cherry, plum, blackberry and raspberry all abound on the nose of this G-S-M blend, alongside secondary hints of black pepper and cured meat. There's a nice evolution to the medium-weight palate, which starts off with fruity dominance but then transitions to spice, followed by sweet smoke and finally ends of a decadent mocha flavor. It's firmly textured with gripping tannins and a long finish.
Fleshy fruits of white peach and guava and fragrant white flowers trend tropical on the nose of this bottling, but are cut by green apple and citrus skin flavors. The palate is broad with guava cream, apple blossoms, mango and lime chiffon flavors. Quite tasty, but very tropical.
Fleshy honeydew and berry notes verge on overripe in this medium-sweet Riesling. Its delicate body and easygoing tangerine-inflected palate are pleasant. It finishes on a slightly sour note. Drink now.
Fleshy in cantaloupe and pear, this subtle, low-impact white has a touch of acidity that keeps it fresh and refreshing. While the backbone is light bodied, it finishes clean and lean.
Fleshy in pineapple and papaya, with a pinch of Sémillon blended within, this wine displays itself in a fuller-bodied style, quite ripe and robust, with strong, lingering flavors of dried apricot and vanilla.
Fleshy melony aromas are devoid of any sharpness. This feels chunky but balanced, with peach-pit flavors and citric undertones. A clean short finish seems right for this basic white.
Fleshy oily aromas of orange peel and white flowers lead to a chunky, citric palate that's more full and blocky than elegant. Briny orange and tart nectarine flavors finish plump.
Fleshy peach and melon aromas comme off as chunky and soft. The palate is just as soft as the nose, with melon and banana flavors. A simple finish is friendly but lacks spine, so drink this Chardonnay before it loses steam.
Fleshy peach, melon and papaya aromas set up a round, pulpy, full-bodied palate housing a creamy weight. Grapefruit, lime, melon and guava flavors finish a bit herbal, with shades of tarragon.
Fleshy peach, spice and citrus lead on this fresh, fun white from Cyprus, which displays good balance of refreshing summer fruit and minerals with an underpinning of honeyed softness. Versatile and easygoing, this will pair well with grilled fish and poultry.
Fleshy pear and applesauce aromas are dusty but not substantive. The palate feels grabby and cidery, with lemony acidity. Odd flavors of stale passion fruit and grapefruit finish yeasty and broken.
Fleshy plum and bramble aromas meet crushed riverstone and dust notes on the nose of this appellation blend. Cooked berry, black plum and soil touches arise on the palate, making for a good weekday quaffer.
Fleshy plum notes rich with cinnamon set the tone on nose and lead to a big, bold and dense palate full of plum and black cherry fruit. Ripe tannins provide quite some grip but a vein of acidity keeps this fresh and counters the richness. Cinnamon and pepper linger.
Fleshy pumpkin and squash aromas are mature and lightly oxidized but in good form. A round, full palate offers vitality and balance. Earthy flavors of acorn squash and baked apple finish long and peppery. Drink through 2019.
Fleshy red cherry fruit bursts from the glass. The palate has corralled the abundant fruit into an easy, fresh and appetizing package, with a medium body and smooth texture.
Fleshy red cherry notes dominate this wine's nose and palate. An edge of smoke adds aroamtic complexity to the fluid and fresh flavors. It's juicy and generous with a welcome counterpoint of supple tannins that lend structure to all the cherry fruit.
Fleshy red currant on the nose turns into denser, less focused red fruit on the palate. This is simple, medium-boded and fruit driven. Drink now for its freshness.
Fleshy red plum and alpine strawberry fruit shows alongside vanilla and baking spice on the nose of this well-priced bottling from the Center of Effort team. The palate will please many, thanks to buoyant acidity and bright red cherry, raspberry and garrigue flavors.
Fleshy red plum and cassis notes are ripe and luscious in this Hudson Valley Cab Franc. Full bodied and lush on the palate, it's framed with soft, delicate tannins and a spray of pretty violet tones.
Fleshy stone-fruit aromas announce a fuller-bodied wine made from Garnacha. Straightforward citrus and nectarine flavors are fresh and clean, continuing to a pithy, slightly briny-tasting finish.
Fleshy stone fruit and waxy orange rind aromas introduce a dry, intensely minerally palate that rippples with lemon-lime acidity. Flavors of tart pineapple, citrus and fennel frond linger on the finish.
Fleshy strawberry notes vie with Golden Delicious apple flavors. The palate continues with this competition and throws in lemon freshness. This is easy, dry, fleshy and joyful. Drink soon.
Fleshy tropical aromas are mature and not that lively or kicking. In the mouth, this single-vineyard wine feels tight and acidic but also oily and full in body. Salty citrus and stone-fruit flavors are braced by core acidity, while this offers another helping of salty nectarine flavors on a full, dense finish. Drink now.
Fleshy vegetal aromas of squash and pumpkin lead to a flat palate. This tastes like zucchini and squash, with bitterness and wheaty flavors on a dull finish.
Fleshy, almost overripe notes of cherry are prominent on the nose. The palate counters this with freshness but cannot contain the full, juicy and ripe impact of all of that ripe cherry fruit. Drink soon.
Fleshy, bold and well concentrated, this Primitivo di Manduria delivers sweet fruit flavors of blackberry pie, prune and raspberry jelly. The wine is soft and chewy, with a bright note of fruity sweetness on the finish.
Fleshy, dark-skinned berry, cooking spice and crushed herb scents lead the nose of this straightforward wine. The medium-bodied, accessible palate offers juicy black cherry, clove and cinnamon hints framed by solid, rounded tannins. It's rather evolved so enjoy sooner than later. Drink through 2022.
Fleshy, dense and bright with cassis and vanilla notes, this 100% varietal estate wine is lovely and elegantly restrained, showing compact oak and firm tannin. Raspberry, tobacco and cedar round out the nuanced flavors that open over time.
Fleshy, easy and ripe notes of plum and black cherry appear immediately. The easygoing palate showcases the same fruit, delivering uncomplicated juiciness. This would also be good chilled.
Fleshy, full bodied and concentrated, this holds rich flavors of wild vanilla, pear and peach. Needing time to unravel, it shows its oak and power without regret.
Fleshy, generous black cherry fruit swishes across nose and palate. A core of freshness and spice brings a little order into all this fleshiness. This may benefit from being chilled as a full-fruited if medium-bodied summer red.
Fleshy, herbal black-fruit aromas include mild leafy notes. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ancellotta and Caladoc is intense in feel, with chewy depth and mild tannins. Meaty, baked flavors of boysenberry and blackberry finish solid, with creaminess and herbal notes. Drink through 2020.
Fleshy, intensely ripened pineapple, melon and tangerine flavors seem glazed with honey and spice. It's a decadent deeply concentrated Spätlese spiked with sunny acidity and a lingering trail of honey on the finish. Enjoy now through 2022.
Fleshy, melony and tropical smelling, with a bit of warm radiator dust. The palate is plump but maintains a level of freshness, zest and clarity. Tastes citrusy up front and then shows a softer, more melony side. Quite good for under $10.
Fleshy, melony aromas cuddle some fresh oak. The palate has decent acidity so there's freshness along with weight, resiny oak flavors, lemon and green apple. Zesty and citrusy on the finish, with a dash of vanilla.
Fleshy, melony scents kick it off. That set of aromas is followed by an acidic, lively palate with generic, slightly mealy flavors of peach, citrus and light oak. Long but a little bitter on the finish, but with good acid-driven zest.
Fleshy, opulent and exotic, this offers tropical notes reminiscent of apricot and mango that finish rich and warm, with odd spice notes.
Fleshy, oxidized aromas hint at complexity but fall more toward wheat, wax and waywardness. Round in body, with vital acidity, this tastes of creamy oak, peach, dried apricot and lemon. This French-owned Chilean operation has been striving for years to make Chablis-style Chardonnay in the Andes; so far the results haven't been convincing.
Fleshy, plump aromas of baked apple, melon and barrel smoke set up a honeyed, flat palate. This Viura is melony and mealy tasting, with notes of mushroom, papaya and bitterness on the finish. Overall this is short on flavor and feels creamy and heavy.
Fleshy, powdery aromas of melon and raspberry are not really crisp. This feels basic, with wiry acidity. Briny citrus flavors carry onto a finish that's highly regular but gets the job done.
Fleshy, primary notes of juicy, luscious plum have little shimmers of white pepper here and there. The palate is soft but not without structure, and the nature of this spells playfulness and fruity fun.
Fleshy, ripe black cherry fruit pervades nose and palate, there are some palpable tannins framing all that fruit and of course the telltale notes of Zweigelt pepper. An uncomplicated red for every day. Drink soon.
Fleshy, ripe notes of yellow pear lead to a yeasty palate that fizzes with citric lift. Lively and fresh, light-footed, concentrated and energetic, this is a sip of Austrian life. The extra dollop of fresh acidity brightens the entire wine and makes for very appetizing, spicy drinking with a zesty finish.
Fleshy, ripe plum fruit is immediately apparent on the nose. The palate echoes similar flavors, albeit in a more dilute form. This is full of easy fruit with a slightly smoky edge. An uncomplicated, juicy wine for drinking while the flavors are still fresh.
Fleshy, ripe red and black cherry fruit streams from the glass. This smooth, easy red shows all the ripeness of the 2015 vintage and just enough freshness to balance it. The finish is juicy and full-fruited.
Fleshy, slightly overripe aromas of yellow peach and nectarine extend from nose to finish on this semi-sweet Riesling. It's crisp and refreshing with tangerine acidity, but a dusty, pollen note distracts on the finish.
Fleshy, soft and bright, this pretty Dolcetto offers a smooth quality of dark fruit, tobacco and spice backed by enough acidity to keep your palate refreshed. Pair it with cheesy pasta dishes.
Fleshy, soft and honeyed on the nose, with spiced pear aromas. Feels sort of flabby, with soft acids and meaty, mustardy flavors of white fruits that finish blowsy. Flowery and fluffy now, but it seems to be fading.
Fleshy, sun-kissed black plums and cherries abound in this supple, velvet-textured Merlot. It's mouthfilling and rich, but brisk cranberry acidity lends firm structure. The palate is subtly nuanced, marked by soft tannins and layers of brambly wood, cedar and baking spice. Aged 19 months with a large proportion of new French oak, it drinks well now but should meld beautifully from 2020–2028.
Fleshy, sun-ripened black plum and currant flavors are rounded and rich in this elegant, slightly Old World Cabernet Sauvignon. It's squarely concentrated in fruit flavor but veins of crushed mineral and dried herb add gravitas. It's brisk in body with a cool, cutting finish. Drink now through 2021.
Fleshy, sweet, ripe, jammy fruit tastes like spicy strawberry preserves. This is a big, briary, vanilla-laced Zin, with firm acids and a fat finish. Best Buy.
Fleshy, tropical aromas with a touch of varietal snap set up a green palate with sweet lime and scallion flavors. The finish shows ripeness and tropical notes before turning heavy. Drink this well chilled.
Fleshy, unfocused aromas of apple and peach are a touch oxidized. This Chardonnay feels bland. Flavors of melon and peach lack tension and character, while there's not much flavor to the finish other than mild apple and some bitterness.
Flighty and delicate on the palate, this refreshingly mineral semi-sweet wine is juicy with sweet apple flavor accented with brisk lime acidity. Hints of honey  and white flowers linger softly on the finish.
Flint and flower aromatics introduce this wine, which follows with delicate (for the vintage) flavors of apple and mineral. It was aged 12 months in a concrete egg, and finished in stainless steel.
Flint and smoke aromas show strongly on this bottling, alongside hints of lemon balm and a rustic apple cider vinegar savory kick. Tangy smoked tangerine flavors show on the energized sip, where a unique sandalwood smoky quality plays with more cider-like tang.
Flint and yeast vie with each other to give the first impression of this rich wine. The palate backs this up with concentration and a fluid, soft but defined texture. There is a streamline of lemon freshness at the core. This is like a powerful beast that has barely flexed its muscle. Let it come towards you.
Flint, orange blossom and Mediterranean herb aromas take center stage. The palate offers grapefruit, lemon-lime, nectarine, peach and mineral alongside crisp acidity. It finishes bright and clean.
Flint, ripe peaches and golden apricots with the merest hint of vanilla suggest the finest Viennese pastries. This well-judged and super-mellow wine is just rich enough, also giving hints of almond paste and lime peel. There is no heaviness, just velvety mouthfeel and sumptuous length.
Flint, smoke and dried hayflowers lead off the aromas. The phenolic midpalate provides focus and a little heft, striking a natural, clean balance.
Flinty and austere in tone, this reserve-tier wine is lemony and tart, with grapefruit flavors heartily enveloped in oak.
Flinty and austere, this is an elegant white wine crafted from 100% Musque clone, dancing in pear and grapefruit. The layered texture impressively stands out, riding the wave between creamy and lemony crisp with precision, opening the door for the wine to finish refreshingly.
Flinty and sweaty upfront, with even a hint of onion or garlic. Once past that, things smooth out, with a light to medium weight on the palate and some pleasant melon and citrus notes that linger on the finish.
Flinty at first, then becoming more perfumed, with hints of herbs and berries. This lovely rosé is round and ample in the mouth, delivering a blend of fruit, herb and mineral flavors. Nicely balanced spice notes mark the finish. Drink now.
Flinty elderberry and crushed blackberry are the dark-fruited aromatics that pervade the nose and palate of this wine. There is a smoky smudge to the velvet tannins, making this intriguing and elegant. The tannic structure frames this medium-bodied charmer, and its superb balance and aromatic layers make you come back for more. Ready from 2016.
Flinty highlights join lemon zest freshness on a thrillingly pure and streamlined palate bursting with lemon and tangerine zest. This is taut and slender but packs a citrus punch. This is destined for hot days; it is lovely now but will also last. Some spritz enlivens the finish. Drink Now till 2020.
Flinty lemon and caramel are flouted around rich layers of caramel and baked quince in this blend of two vineyard sites, both planted to Wente selection Chardonnay. The richness of the vineyards speaks loudly enough to call for only neutral oak to be used in aging. The finish brings a spark of pineapple and mango custard.
Flinty notes are met with yeasty, herbal spice: watercress and arugula pervade nose and palate. The body is slender but has a ripe core that makes this slip down easily, always with a peppery, savory accent that makes this very alluring.
Flinty notes of reduction are top aromas, then citrus-fuelled pepperiness ensues. This is lively, lithe and brisk with lip-smacking freshness and a total refreshment factor. It has the tension of a high-wire. These are Riesling acrobatics in a glass. Bravo.
Flinty notes of smoke with glints of ripe yellow stone fruit and mandarin peel make for an appetizing opening. The palate is rounder and fleshier but toned by citric freshness and enticing spice. An unusual Sauvignon Blanc that enriches the varietal genre.
Flinty notions of (good) reduction still grace the closed nose and bring memories of Burgundian cellars. The palate has a masterfully light touch. The fruit is tart and red, hinting at red currant and crushed cranberries with a pleasant, inviting tartness that exudes aroma and focuses the palate with its preserving freshness. Yet there are notions of fragrant and ripe raspberries. This is a silky babe in arms, so wait for the wine to unfold fully from 2017 to 2020.
Flinty overtones of yeast reveal how very young this wine is. The verve that springs from the glass is undeniable. While the focus is on grapefruit and lemon zest in a tightly pulled focus, there are glimpses of honeycomb, popcorn, treacle, pollen and hints of tropicality, with a touch of pineapple. Hold this wine for a while longer and it will unfold itself graciously. Drink 2016–2020.
Flinty overtones signal the freshness of the wine which has yet to show its true colors. But the tight, taught, focused and zesty palate promises lots of refreshment. There is a generosity here between zest and pepper, with concentrated pear and citrus. Superclean finish.
Flinty reduction hovers on the nose before the palate brings lemony freshness to the fore. While stony notes persist, lemon brightness and a fine, creamy mousse make for a superfresh and elegant body. The finish is dry and long. This wine is lovely now but will reward cellaring. Drink 2017–2022.
Flinty reduction still dominates the nose but this is only a sign of youth in this nuanced wine. It discloses tentative pear blossom and fruit, plus notions of wet earth and candied lime. Above all, a zesty spine of acidity and freshness directs all the attention to a profound, stony core. There is life force here and you know this will continue to evolve.
Flinty, mineral-like aromas and flavors lend a complex personality to this compelling, medium-bodied wine. The palate is crisp, dry and citrus-driven, inviting another sip and begging for some fresh-shucked oysters.
Flinty, peppery overtones yield to a more fruity opening with a little air, the palate further reveals savory yeast undertones and lively citrus zestiness. This is very slender, light-bodied and crisp. A simple summer wine offering far more than fruit.
Flinty, with dense citrus rind phenolics, and great length. There are subtle traces of honey, lingering threads that suggest everything from apples to papaya.
Flirtatious on the nose with heady white blossoms, peach and sweet citrus scents, this medium-bodied Feteasca Regala is crisp and vivacious on the palate with an abundance of white peach and apricot flavors balanced by lime zest and a fresh, zippy acidity.
Flirtatious on the nose with whiffs of tropical fruit, honey and a touch of lanolin, this bright golden icewine seems to vacillate between the playful and the elegant. It's rich on the tongue with honey-coated mango and papaya flavors, but retreats beautifully with a bracing lemon-lime acidity and black tea flavors that carry through a long, clean finish.
Flirts with being too Porty, with superripe currant flavors that are almost raisiny. But it's dry, and the tannins are soft and yielding. Drink now.
Flirts with Portiness, but stops just short to provide a rich, exotic Zinfandel experience. The blackberry, currant, wild mountain berry, cola, tangerine zest and pepper flavors have an edge of raisins. Creative cooks will use the above descriptors as a recipe for a salsa to top a perfectly grilled burger or steak.
Flirty and floral, this sunny off-dry Pinot Noir rosé (blended with a touch of Dornfelder) offers forward fruitiness in an elegant frame. With a kiss of strawberry and cherry flavors, it's an accessible, yet satisfying quaffer.
Floral-based aromas of violet and blueberry announce this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot that also smells of hickory and campfire. A choppy, drawn-in palate is herbal and savory, with blatant oak accenting earthy berry flavors. A roasted finish with hard tannins calls for more aging or decanting. Drink through 2023.
Floral-smelling up front, this lightweight, cool-climate Pinot offers tutti-frutti raspberry aromas in front of a crisp, lean palate. Dry, spicy, oaky flavors dominate a beam of modest red currant and cherry notes, while the finish is light and hollows out quickly.
Floral and a bit mineral, but also a tiny bit hot and rough. The palate is sweet, solid and slightly sharp in feel, with dark, baked-fruit flavors of plum and berry. A robust finish with a touch of burn closes things out.
Floral and a tad vegetative, this Cab is decent at first, but quickly turns disjointed and donut-y.
Floral and accented in papaya, this is a crisp, balanced and easy-to-love wine, from a vineyard farmed organically and biodynamically planted to three different clones. Fig, pear and vanilla all make an appearance amidst a medium-bodied texture and crisp, appealing finish.
Floral and almond aromas lead to rich, ripe fruit flavors and spicy, floral accents on the palate. This unique wine is dry and full bodied despite its low alcohol due to an attractively viscous texture that rounds it out and carries the finish.
Floral and aromatic, this has a hint of prickle to go with the citrus, green apple and white peach flavors. There is an attractive mineral character—the wine dancing and fragrant.
Floral and aromatic, this is a ripe wine with delicious, intense acidity as well as a touch of honey. Rich peach and pear come through strongly. It's a refreshing, juicy wine that is developing quickly. Drink from 2016.
Floral and aromatic, this wine is the opposite of the typical tannic Nuits-St.-Georges. It is lively, with vibrant red fruits, great rich black cherry flavors, with a light layer of tannin providing structure.
Floral and black fruit aromas are punctuated by spicy notes on the nose of this wine. The delicious palate delivers juicy black-cherry, white pepper, mint and sage along with big but ripe tannins and edgy acidity. Give it a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2015–2020.
Floral and brimming in baked-bread aromas, this full-bodied, full-flavored wine is simply layered, with muted characteristics of brambly berry, sage and leather.
Floral and butter-candy aromas and flavors make this not exactly sweet but rather light, soft and airy. A dreamy confection, it feels light to medium bodied and smooth in texture.
Floral and citric, with clean, juicy aromas that conjure memories of orange blossoms and fresh lime. The palate is light and mildly citric, with melon and papaya flavors bringing a tropical edge. Ready to drink now.
Floral and citrusy smelling, with a lightness of being. Feels equally lean and light in the mouth, with fresh, floral flavors revolving around lychee and lime. Tropical and basic on the finish, with an easygoing way about it.
Floral and clean on the nose, with good red fruit and cherry flavors. By no means is this a fat-styled, extracted Malbec. Instead it's fresh and crisp, but tasty and pretty well balanced, especially if there's some food along for the ride. Imported by USA Wine Imports.
Floral and different than most, with an earthy calm to the nose. Seems wide and grapey in the mouth, with thick black fruit flavors, sweetness and chocolate. Softens and turns chunky on the finish, where there's oak and some heat. Full-bodied and weighty.
Floral and dusty on the nose, this Chardonnay is racy, fruity and fairly full in body. Melon and citrus flavors are big but clean, and not much differs on the finish. Overall, this is juicy, bright and full of fruit.
Floral and earthy in tone, this vineyard-designated wine has an undercurrent of spice to it that complements its baked plum, orange and cranberry fruit. Medium bodied, ripe and concentrated, it offers breadth and softness of texture.
Floral and exotic fruit aromas are followed by an elegant balance of white peach and citrus fruit flavors in this layered white. The wine is complex but lifted with refreshing acidity. The finish is a combination of lush fruit and spice.
Floral and exotic, the tingling acidity in this wine is the standout, but it's equally buoyed by a mouth-filling texture adorned by a sensation of fresh-squeezed lime and grapefruit. Balanced, this lovely Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc should convince one and all of the variety's regional merit.
Floral and exotic, this smells like a bowl of rose petals and orange blossoms marinating in lime juice. It feels loose, soft and medium bodied, with a discernible sweetness that offsets a hint of bitterness.
Floral and fleshy, this is a big-boned, concentrated wine. A ripe rendering of apple, pear and peach is spiked in intriguing seasonings of lemongrass and nutmeg.
Floral and flirty aromas of rose and melon lead this rounded and rich white with a peppery finish. Great with fresh fish, poultry, and a good everyday patio pour.
Floral and fragrant, this lively Rosso offers blue flower, leather and perfumed berry aromas over crunchy dark cherry, vanilla and cinnamon flavors. Straightforward and enjoyable, it's balanced with crisp acidity and supple tannins.
Floral and fragrant, this lovely lighthearted sparkling wine is sublime and lemony in texture, with a bushy frothy mousse. Green apple shines brightest, with additional accents of strawberry and peach that punctuate the palate.
Floral and fragrant, this opens with aromas of rose, blue flower, forest floor and woodland berries. The palate offers crushed black cherry, wild raspberry, orange zest and clove alongside firm tannins and bright acidity. It's savory and tannic; enjoy through 2017.
Floral and fresh from notes of crisp apple and lemon, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc is piercingly brisk with tight, nervy effervescence. A hint of roasted nuts lingers on the medium-long finish.
Floral and fresh, but there's more to it than just a simple quaff. Watermelon and berry flavors are carried by a plump, medium-bodied palate, slightly oily texture and a long, mouthwatering finish.
Floral and fresh, this deliciously fragrant wine bursts with apricots and pineapple as well as lemon zest. Crisp and just plain attractive, it can be drunk now.
Floral and fresh, this light-bodied wine bursts with snappy grapefruit aromas that are followed by bright lemon and raspberry flavors. It's superbly balanced, crisp and appetizing—an elegant version of pink lemonade, without all the sugar.
Floral and fresh, with a supercharged personality and plenty of sugary sweetness. On the plus side, it's racy and lithe, and that's despite being as candied as it is. But ask yourself, what's not to like about lemon-lime and apple? And when there's smoothness and palate feel thrown in, you wind up with a warm-weather winner.
Floral and fruit fragrances suggest lemon blossom, stone fruit and citrus. The fresh palate offers juicy peach, creamy apple and lemon zest accompanied by firm acidity. It closes fresh and clean.
Floral and fruit scents recall acacia flower, broom, dried apricot, beeswax and tropical fruit. Made from 100-year-old Garganega vines, this wine has an elegant, varied palate offering flavors such as juicy yellow peach, mature pear, clove and energizing mineral alongside fresh acidity. Impeccably balanced and delicious, this will continue to develop for years. Drink through 2027.
Floral and fruity on the nose, this turns wiry and racy in the mouth. It doesn't have a lot of body or weight, offering angular, lean berry and plum flavors, with a tight, peppery, acidic finish.
Floral and fruity smelling, this also has notes of dry earth and asphalt. It feels tangy and tomatoey, with saucy flavors of red cherry, tomato and herbs. The finish is herbal, with flavors of oregano and rosemary amplified by zingy acidity.
Floral and fruity up front with sweet lychee, stonefruit and jasmine flower notes, this is a refreshing wine with zesty acidity and a clean, grassy midpalate that's just a bit short on concentration.
Floral and fruity, this opens with aromas of yellow wild flower and orchard fruit. The bright rounded palate offers mature yellow apple, yellow pear and a hint of candied lemon drop alongside fresh acidity.
Floral and fruity, this opens with aromas of yellow wild flower and ripe orchard fruit. The bright rounded palate offers mature yellow apple, yellow pear and a hint of candied lemon drop alongside fresh acidity.
Floral and fruity, with abundantly ripe peach and melon flavors, this semidry Riesling is juicy and sweet without being cloying. Penetrating fruit flavors ease off on the midpalate on the way to a dainty, sugar-laced finish.
Floral and fruity, with clean aromas. In the mouth, it's saturated and intense as if offers up a meaty set of dense fruit flavors. Doesn't show as much complexity, layering and variety as we might like to see, but it's pretty flashy and good for a 2007, a vintage that was problematic in this region.
Floral and fruity, with hints of peach, muskmelon and quince, this concentrated Sauvignon Blanc bursts with fruity sweetness on the attack, becoming refreshingly dry and minerally on the midpalate. Lime-like acidity brightens the long, white-peach-flavored finish.
Floral and funky, this combines 47% Syrah, 42% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc and 1% Viognier. Medium-strength, it's a rustic, dusty wine with notes of blackberry, blueberry and a touch of dried herb.
Floral and herbaceous on the nose, there's an abundant freshness to the red plum and pomegranate flavors on this elegant Saperavi. Dry in style, with brisk acidity, it balances a crisp, fruity profile with a backbone of coarse tannins.
Floral and herbal from the get-go, this medium-bodied white from a great vineyard offers a lot to like. Stainless-steel fermentation gives it a lean underbelly, rounded out by sharp Meyer lemon and tangerine, buoyed by mouthwatering acidity. Green apple and an accent of honey peak on the finish.
Floral and honey aromas are touched with earthy hints of saffron and pollen on this bold, lushly textured Riesling. The palate is quite full bodied, with intense flavors of stone fruits, poached pears and spice, but finishes long and elegant.
Floral and honeyed on the nose, this voluptuously full-bodied and intensely caramelized wine is salty and bold in tropical flavor. A lilt of salty lime accents its honeysuckle and pear notes.
Floral and in balance, this estate-grown wine is bright and light in cherry and raspberry, layered and velvety on the palate. It finishes in a fist of leather and black pepper.
Floral and inviting in vanilla and caramel, this wine tastes bigger and richer than it is, offering more in the way of ripeness and texture than acidity. It finishes full bodied.
Floral and inviting, this features 24% Chardonnay in an otherwise Pinot Noir-based sparkler. The two combine for an inviting nose of fresh wild strawberry jam amidst a smooth, silky texture and creamy mousse. The acidity is sharp and generous.
Floral and juicy, this well-made wine is bold and soft, with firmly structured tannins. Flavors of blueberry, cherry and raspberry mingle, along with a slight trace of leather and tobacco.
Floral and lightly earthy on the nose, with a touch of latex. Feels fresh and pure, with fine acidity pressing bright flavors of red cherry and raspberry. Gets toastier and darker on the finish, ending with spice and clarity.
Floral and lightly soapy, this is clean and simple, with bare bones varietal character. Drink it chilled within the first couple of years after release.
Floral and lightly tropical on the nose, and totally pleasant. The palate is pure and lively, with elegance and some spritz. Flavors of nectarine, peach and melon are fresh, and the wine finishes easy and smooth. Very nice; just short of excellent but still it's 100% quaffable.
Floral and lush, this majority Cabernet Sauvignon contains 10% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, combining for a structured, layered wine accented in black cherry, cedar and dried herb. From vineyards strewn across the Napa Valley, including mountainside sites, it offers power and finesse and should sit well in cellar through 2022.
Floral and melony up front, with a round, soft palate, this ready-to-drink wine offers apple and mango flavors backed by peachy notes. Drink now.
Floral and mineral aromas tell you this isn't run of the mill, and seeing that it's from the emerging Elqui Valley in northern Chile, it's not. Aromas of violet petals and slate rise above the norm, while the palate is rich, slick and tastes of truffle, licorice, pepper and blackberry. Fairly stylish and ready to drink now. Good complexity for a value-priced wine.
Floral and mineral tones blend nicely to create a fragrant yet polished nose. This luminous Prosecco sparkler made by vintner Maurizio Favrel delivers clean intensity and focused crispness. The mouthfeel is lean and tonic and the wine closes with a blast of citric zest.
Floral and mineral tones emerge from the nose of this white wine from Sicily. Executed in an easy and fresh style, this crisp—and slightly sweet—wine would pair with tuna salad and fried calamari.
Floral and pretty on the nose, this coastal Pinot offers soft layers of wild strawberry and tangy acidity while pushing the boundaries of lower ripeness. Lean, it finishes with a suggestion of earthy mushroom and savory tea.
Floral and refined, this opens with alluring scents of violet, iris, perfumed berry, earth and a whiff of pressed powder. The savory, elegant palate offers up juicy wild cherry, raspberry, truffle, anise and white pepper framed in a network of silky tannins. It's already extremely accessible and will offer fine drinking pleasure for the near and mid-term.
Floral and round, this pushes its red berry flavors forward. It's so elegant and perfumed, with an attractive structure and acidity. Ready to drink in a few months.
Floral and seductive on the nose, this vineyard designate from the well-loved site sizzles with acidity and dark cherry and blueberry goodness. Substantial tannins integrate well into its ripe body and fleshy texture, with dried herb and lavender accents.
Floral and slightly earthy aromas lead to flavors that are lightly fruity and tangy. While light bodied, this wine's texture is rich enough to add an extra dimension that seems to bring out more flavor with each sip, and the finish has a lingering vanilla note. It was made from half Albariño and half Verdelho grapes.
Floral and soft, this is an enjoyable well-crafted varietal wine, spicy in plum and cherry. Full bodied, the midpalate is relaxed and integrated in nuanced oak.
Floral and soft, with a substantial foundation of leather and black licorice, this is a tremendously seductive wine, layered and complex, with years to go in terms of structure. Already it offers velvety tannins and dreams of blackberry patches gone by, finishing with succulence and a taste of pure dark chocolate. Cellar through 2022.
Floral and spicy aromas like lychee and rose petal give an exotic twist to this unusual light-bodied wine made from Sauvignon Blanc. It tastes quite dry, with a fine-beaded texture as well as ample acidity to buoy the wine's fruity and floral characteristics.
Floral and stony in minerality, this is a delightful affordable quaff that's waxy in peach and apricot. Fleshy and lushly soft, it should please a wide range of palates in its easygoing approachability.
Floral and surprisingly bright, this wine is driven by sharply etched acidity and citrus—its flavors balanced and complementary. Red cherry and raspberry find companionship in seasonings of cinnamon and clove, the texture slightly leathery and bold.
Floral and sweet on the front side of the nose and more dark, grilled and coffee-like on the back end. The palate is more juicy and snappy than some, with no shortage of acidity. Tastes of live-wire cherry and plum, with a long, driving finish. Needs time to settle; drink in late 2010.
Floral and tropical aromas are wan. This feels O.K., while slightly bitter flavors of green melon rapidly disappear on a mild finish. Everything about this amounts to basic.
Floral and tropical aromas include a note of lemon blossom. This wine feels friendly, with enough acidity to create raciness. Slightly oily tropical fruit flavors hold steady on the finish. Drink now.
Floral and wet-stone aromas are followed by tangy kiwi and jicama flavors keeping to a nicely dry profile. This distinctive wine from extremely consistent Saracina has bracing acidity and good concentration but remains on the subtle side.
Floral and yeasty on the nose, but not fruity or interesting, this wine is on the fade. The mouthfeel is heavy and flat, while peachy, melony flavors finish bready.
Floral aromas and a bowl full of spiced fruit flavors bring a lot of enjoyment to this rich and generous tasting, full-bodied wine. It has touches of spicy oak, rose petal, citrus and ripe peach.
Floral aromas and flavors mingle in a sweet, slightly soapy midpalate. The fruit is nondescript; what is most noticeable are the brown, sweet spices.
Floral aromas and tight raspberry fruit flavors are the first impression. Next come notes of wild game, with blood, herb and a bit of liver pâté. Unique, deep and yet somehow delicate, this has impressive complexity for a vineyard's first release.
Floral aromas and tropical scents are a touch heavy and oily. This blend of Viura and Chardonnay is citrusy in the mouth, with little variation on that theme. Tangerine, orange and tart nectarine flavors finish bright and juicy.
Floral aromas are airy and fun. This is lean, bright and high in acid. Flavors of stony lime and white pineapple finish minerally and fresh, with a light, long, acid-driven finish.
Floral aromas are bright and plummy. The palate is fairly creamy and sweet, with milk chocolate, vanilla and other oak-influenced flavors. Dries out and firms up on the finish. A wine for casual imbibing.
Floral aromas are layered with notes of ripe black cherry, crushed blackberry, baking spices and a whiff of resin. Despite its full-bodied structure, this is one of the more elegant 2011 Amarones out there, delivering ripe black plum, cocoa and exotic spice. It's already accessible thanks to polished tannins. Drink through 2021.
Floral aromas are light and more suggestive of Pinot Noir than Syrah, with a hint of latex and mulch thrown in. A flat, sticky mouthfeel and a combination of sweet and green flavors finish with rubbery notes of latex and bitterness.
Floral aromas are reminiscent of peach blossom and wisteria. The palate delivers green apple, Bartlett pear, passion fruit and a light vein of mineral alongside soft acidity.
Floral aromas are suggestive of gardenia flowers, and overall this is very much in the Moscato d'Asti vein. The palate is crisp, light and citrusy while the flavors are pure lemon-lime and flowers. Finishes fresh and light, with no funk or excess weight.
Floral aromas lead into a rich, not quite dry wine that is beautifully ripe and perfumed. It is rounded and opulent while preserving the steely, mineral texture. Still young, it demands aging. Drink from 2017.
Floral aromas like lilac and lavender, then dry and substantial flavors like blueberry and boysenberry give this full-bodied wine an interesting personality. It tastes well structured with acidity and tannins, so it's well balanced and has an appetizing sense of reserve that will be great at the table.
Floral aromas like rose and lilac give this lush and fruity wine a unique character. It has very ripe, exotic fruit flavors that resemble blueberries, macerated cherries and boysenberries. Subtle oak nuances form a lightly spicy background, while firm tannins add grip to complete a nicely balanced and high-intensity package.
Floral aromas mixed with citrus notes are appealing. This wine feels round but solidified by bright core acidity. Ripe flavors include pineapple, mango and peach. On the finish, lime and tropical notes are good but short.
Floral aromas of acacia and Spanish broom mingle with yellow stone fruit and toasted nut. On the medium-bodied palate, a note of bitter almond underscores ripe apricot and tangerine zest. Fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors.
Floral aromas of blue flower and bright berry take center stage in this pretty blend of 85% Montepulciano and 15% Syrah. The palate delivers juicy raspberry and cherry flavors, alongside soft, supple tannins. This is round and extremely accessible now so enjoy soon.
Floral aromas of blueberries blend with funky notes of coffee grounds on this unusual rendering of Cabernet Sauvignon. A hard palate hammers down with tannins, tasting of burnt coffee, green herbs, spiced plum and black currant. A minty flavors rises up on a finish that pulls up short.
Floral aromas of buttercup and peach blossom are true to the variety. This is also correct in its full, round, peach-driven palate. Apricot and mango flavors creep toward an astringent and salty finish.
Floral aromas of cassis and plum are open, spicy and complex, with a balsamic accent. This feels solid as a rock, with firm tannins and a lively flavor profile that includes blackberry, baked notes, spice and cocoa powder. On the finish, oak is reflected through flavors of vanilla and mocha. Drink from 2014–2022.
Floral aromas of gardenia and honeysuckle include lychee and a hint of green pepper. The palate on this textbook Torrontés is oily but fresh. Flavors of lychee and melon finish with light notes of salt and bitterness.
Floral aromas of gardenia meet with crystalline peach notes and roasted macadamia nut pastry on the nose of this excellent bottling. The entry to the palate is soft, with rounded flavors of caramelized nectarine, vanilla and caramel, culiminating in a mouthwatering sea salt finish.
Floral aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine take center stage on this polished off-dry sparkler. On the silky palate, fresh acidity enlivens rich flavors of creamy white peach, candied citrus drop and ripe yellow apple while a refined bead lends elegance.
Floral aromas of jasmine and hawthorne take center stage. The palate offers mature Bartlett pear, juicy exotic fruit and sage alongside notes of candied ginger and bitter almond.
Floral aromas of lychee are indicative of basic Moscatel. This feels soft, with no angles or aggressiveness. Pithy, green-leaning flavors of lychee and lettuce finish with lychee notes and lasting sweetness.
Floral aromas of orange peel, rose petal and violet blend with more typical scents of tar and char. This Malbec blend is linear in feel but full, without an ounce of flab. Lightly spiced berry, red plum and chocolaty oak flavors finish toasty and tight, but with give. Drink 2017–2023.
Floral aromas of peach and orange blossom are offset by an oily note of citrus extract. This feels good, albeit soft, with mild acidity and chunky weight. Flavors of honey, exotic spices, burnt banana and candied mango lose steam on a friendly, soft finish. Drink through 2018.
Floral aromas of rose hips and scents of plum and spiced tomato comprise the nose of this light-bodied Rioja. Floral raspberry and exotic spice flavors finish airy juicy and light. Drink this easygoer with a light chill.
Floral aromas of violet and black fruits include an oak-driven scent of plastic. In the mouth, this PV is plump and widespread, maybe even a bit flabby. Flavors of salty, leafy, spicy berry and black cherry are dry, meaty and toasty on the finish, with subtle tannins. Drink through 2016.
Floral aromas of violet, carnation and rose water open the bouquet of this wine, framing the core of muddled black berries and cherries. The texture is tighter and more restrained than anticipated, with astringent tannins and prominent acidity lending a young, firm impression to the palate. Notes of leather and bramble carry the medium-length finish. Try after 2016.
Floral aromas of violet, lemon peel, Graham cracker, plum and boysenberry stray from normal. This Cabernet-led blend feels wide, jammy and little soft in the center. Herbal blueberry flavors are slightly unfocused, while this is lush and jammy but lacks spine on the finish.
Floral aromas of white spring flowers partner hints of pear and stone fruit. The juicy palate offers white peach, apple and green melon alongside a mineral note and fresh acidity.
Floral aromas of wild flowers, wisteria and a whiff of white tree fruit float out of the glass. The vibrant, refined palate delivers crisp apple, succulent pear and a note of citrus zest alongside bright acidity and an elegant perlage. A light mineral touch marks the finish.
Floral aromas of wisteria and jasmine mingle with ripe orchard fruit. On the palate, bright acidity lifts white peach, ripe pear and candied lemon drop. A silky mousse adds softness.
Floral aromas of wisteria and lychee are tropical and musky. In the mouth, this unoaked Chardonnay feels oily but also citrusy. Flavors of lychee and lime finish similarly, conveying tropical overtones.
Floral aromas recall jasmine and other spring flowers along with a whiff of graphite. The linear palate offers yellow peach, golden apples, citrus and a mineral note. White almond marks the finish.
Floral aromas reminiscent of citrus blossom, tuberose and black locust flower lift out of the glass. The bright, straightforward palate offers Bosc pear, lemon drop and toasted hazelnut alongside soft but fresh enough acidity.
Floral aromas suggest rose hips, while lemony oak scents provide framing for earthy berry and cherry notes. This is reaching maturity; it's fresh and plush on the palate. Flavors of cherry, blackberry and coffee finish smooth and quick, with a touch of residual juicy acidity. Drink through 2020.
Floral aromas suggest yellow spring flowers and whiffs of tropical fruit. The juicy fruit palate offers apples, pineapple, peach, citrus and almond notes brightened by crisp acidity.
Floral aromas, berry scents, wet cement and saucy notes drive the nose on this viscous, almost sticky Malbec. Baked berry flavors don't show much follow through on the finish, which offers more minty oak than fruit.
Floral aromas, white peach and mineral tones make for a harmonious and elegant sparkler with a pretty, vibrant appearance in the glass. Fruity, nutty flavors add sophistication and elegance in the mouth.
Floral berry and plum aromas are also saucy and oaky, and thus discordant. A wobbly tannic palate with green herbal oaky blueberry flavors tastes grassy on the finish. If you know Casarena's wines, this fits the mold.
Floral berry and plum aromas are direct and pure, emphasizing fruit over oak. A punchy palate follows the nose, while bright plum and berry flavors complete the package. This captures the essence of Malbec while not going overboard.
Floral berry and plum aromas are lightly woody. This feels full and edgy, with fairly hard tannins. Black-fruit flavors are certainly ripe, while this finishes bold and intense, with scratchy tannins. The blend is Monastrell, Tempranillo and Cab Sauvignon.
Floral berry and plum aromas are touched up by notes of thyme and cardamom. Fresh grippy acidity keeps this lively, while flavors of berry and plum are spicy and suggestive of tomato sauce. Saucy, herbal flavors rise up on a high-acid finish.
Floral berry aromas are drowned out by heavy scents of licorice and clove. A jumpy, fresh palate is raw but high in energy. Herbal, minty currant flavors are dry, oaky and toasty on the finish. This blend is made from six grapes, Syrah and Cab Sauvignon among them.
Floral berry aromas are fresh and carry only the slightest grassy, green element. The wine feels crisp and tight, with nice red plum and raspberry flavors. Mild, focused and not very hefty or thick on the finish.
Floral berry, olive and spice aromas make for a rustic nose with polish. This wine feels lively and a bit jumpy, with woody plum and berry flavors that are braced and framed by crisp Patagonian acidity. A lightly herbal, salty finish is powerful but steady. Drink through 2020.
Floral black-fruit aromas share space on the nose with olive and rubber notes. This Tempranillo feels rubbery and a touch collapsed, however its baked plum and jammy berry flavors are pleasing. Drink this easygoing wine now.
Floral blackberry aromas are concentrated. The saturated palate is somewhat narrow in breadth, while boysenberry and minty oak flavors rank as dark. A wiry but juicy finish is lasting and offers a note of chocolaty oak.
Floral blue-fruit aromas suggest juniper and moss. This feels heavy and low on acidity. Crazy, unique flavors of tea, prune, pepper and hoisin sauce finish minty, mossy and herbal, while the lasting feel is grapy.
Floral blueberry and boysenberry aromas are forward and slightly exotic, with notes of leather and dried cheese. This is chunky, heavy and a touch flat, with grabbing, cheek-scrubbing tannins. Ripe berry flavors are earthy and show a touch of chocolate, while the finish is baked, ripe, jammy and tannic. Drink through 2018.
Floral blueberry and inky aromas make for a concentrated, demanding bouquet. This four-grape blend is grabby and raw in feel, with pinching tannins. Briny, medicinal plum and berry flavors finish with a note of latex as well as heat.
Floral blueberry and plum aromas are not normal for Mendoza Malbec but are instead exotic, with notes of cumin and cardamom. This is punchy on the palate, with crisp, almost sharp acidity. Plum and berry flavors are peppery and racy, then tight as a drum on the finish. Drink this alert Malbec from Tupungato through 2022.
Floral blueberry aromas are candied, artificial smelling and sweet, and the palate is supremely rich, sweet, candied and unctuous. About as thick and ripe as you get in a value Malbec, but also over the top with baked fruit and candy. Needs to be dialed back a notch.
Floral blueberry aromas work alongside baking-spice notes on an inviting nose. This feels fresh and jumpy, with live-wire acidity. Leafy plum and lightly herbal flavors finish fresh and snappy, with juicy acidity and no overt oak. Drink through 2019.
Floral cedary aromas and big berry-soaked flavors come together on a smooth but appropriately tannic texture as this full-bodied wine drenches the palate with blackberry and boysenberry richness. It combines power with complexity and has the grippy texture needed to carry all that ripeness. It was blended with 11% Petite Sirah and 5% Barbera.
Floral cherry and plum aromas are inviting. This Carignan is fleshy and wide in body, with high acidity. Plum and berry flavors are clean and presentable, while this hits with a shock of acidity on the finish before quieting down.
Floral cherry and raspberry scents are moderately earthy. This has an edgy, tannic feel along with good plum and cherry flavors that don't falter or break up on a choppy, lightly candied-tasting finish.
Floral cherry aromas are spunky and light, with nothing aggressive. Juicy in the mouth, this Garnatxa delivers some pop but isn't heavy. Cherry, plum and raspberry flavors end minerally and clean, with a drawing feel.
Floral cherry, raspberry and aged wood aromas are elegant and mature. This Rioja is in regal condition, with smooth tannins and integrated acidity. Dried cherry, red plum, herbs and vanilla create a classic Rioja flavor profile. A supple, long finish puts this in perfect drinking shape, which doesn't mean it can't last another through 2025 or so.
Floral currant and plum aromas fall squarely into the red-fruit spectrum. While not overly deep or dense, this has some weight to go with flavors of cassis, berry and chocolaty oak. It finishes mildly, with soft oak and a light herbal note.
Floral fragrances are backed by fresh fruit and mineral tones to shape a refreshing, tonic wine with a smooth texture and good crispness. The wine has a light, easy consistency and spicy finish.
Floral fruit aromas are neither heavy nor concentrated, but they are a touch medicinal and chocolaty. Flavors of clove, cherry, plum and oak are racy, while the finish is a bit resiny and weighted down by vanilla. Good wine for the price.
Floral fruit gives this powerful wine a great lift, bringing out the tannins, the black fruits and acidity. Its structure is still young and packed with dark tannins, suggesting that this complex, rich wine needs further aging. Drink from 2019.
Floral highlights accent the nose, leading into a crisp and textural wine with pear skin and citrus dominating. This falls on the steely side of Chardonnay styles, offering texture and accents of mineral for added interest.
Floral hints of acacia blossom play with ripe pear notes on the nose. The palate offers pleasant spritz and a real twist of that white pepper desired in Grüner Veltliner—ideal for summer days and immediate drinking.
Floral hints on the nose give way on the palate to a deep, concentrated core of forest fruit: there is the tartness of wild cranberry, the alluring aroma of wild raspberry and darker overtones of bilberry, all framed by brooding aspects of oak. Fruit and oak are in some kind of chiaroscuro dialogue that intrigues. Best to wait a little longer since real pleasure and elegance awaits.
Floral hints, latex, vanilla, oak and ripe berry aromas all show up on a fine bouquet. Ripe and creamy in feel, it holds dark, hard-pushing flavors of licorice, anise, coffee and blackberry. There's agility, elegance and complexity to this Malbec. Drink through 2017.
Floral in aroma, this Mendocino Cabernet is soft and structured with a nice balance of acidity against its medium weight. Made by Penny Gadd Coster whose tenure as Albertina's winemaker began with this vintage.
Floral in aroma, this was aged in one-third new French oak and left unfined and unfiltered. It offers tart cherry and wild strawberry notes in a light-toned, ripe package, the secondary characteristics herbal and earthy.
Floral in aromas and yet darkly savory in cherry and clove, this full-bodied wine holds layered acidity and balanced oak at its core. It hails from one block of the vineyard and spent time in entirely new French oak. Baked raspberry tart finds a happy companion in the richness of maple and velvety tannin. Drink now through 2024.
Floral in bouquet, this wine is flat on the palate, offering a curious mix of mint and earth without much structure or flavor.
Floral in jasmine and apple blossom, this wine offers a solid foundation of baked apple and sizable oak, still youthfully wound up in concentrated richness. Moderate acidity helps keep things in check, as lengthy complexity comes to bear on the finish.
Floral in jasmine and orange blossom, this is a sultry, full-bodied after-dinner sipper, lilting in honey goodness yet light in stone fruit and layered acidity. It is enjoyable on its own but would be fabulous alongside a peach pie or apricot tart.
Floral in lemon blossom, this tastes of lemon peel, grapefruit and spicy gingerbread, its acidity persistent and uplifting. A bite of texture gives it heft without too much ripeness, finishing lean and crisp.
Floral in rose petal, this mouthwatering wine is awash in light beams of watermelon and grapefruit—its soul infinitely crisp. Refreshingly memorable, it sparks in orange and cherry on the finish.
Floral intensity along with stone fruit, citrus blossoms and honeydew melon describe the fruity nose of this pale golden sparkler. The quality of the foaming is soft and generous in the mouth and the wine offers cheerful sweetness on the close.
Floral jasmine and apple blossom notes are inviting in this wine, which offers a seamless palate of lush apple, pear and stone fruit flavors. The fruity midpalate evolves into a smooth finish of nutmeg spice.
Floral jasmine opens this wine aromatically, followed by a bite of sweet, softly layered vanilla custard and honey. Restrained in sweetness, the layers go increasingly soft, ending smooth and creamy,
Floral lavender sets the mood on the entry into this wine, followed by soft layers of red cherry and herb. The big oak imprint in this wine gives it weight, concentration and a bittersweet tone, especially on the finish.
Floral lead scents come with lychee and citrus aromas. Feels crisp, citrusy and tangy, with full acidity and lemony flavors of orange and lychee. Long, solid, driving and fresh on the finish. Drink as soon as possible.
Floral like a bouquet of roses, this pretty wine is lined in a tight structure of sinewy earthiness. Orange, cranberry and rhubarb define a crisp, tart profile, while oak makes a sneak, welcome appearance that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Floral lilac and plum aromas greet you, followed by a chunky, frothy palate with crisp core acidity and toasty flavors of baked cherry and caramel. Finishes smooth and long, with peppery notes and dryness.
Floral lime aromas are fresh, while this wine feels tight, and light. Bright citrus and tropical-fruit flavors are winners, and this is steady and fresh on a tasty finish.
Floral melon and peach aromas are mellow. This feels round, with citrusy acidity cutting into the body. Basic grapefruit and apricot flavors are friendly, while this is a touch foamy on the finish.
Floral notes enhance the pear flavors and lend playfulness to the rounded but light body that also offers edges of spicy white pepper.
Floral notes of chamomile and lavender overwhelm the bouquet, with secondary notes of black plum, berry and currant taking second stage. Cured meat and sweet smoke flavors unfold in the mouth and stay into the spice-driven finish.
Floral notes of crushed violet and iris are partnered with fruity scents of boysenberry, black berry and cherry on the nose of this blend, made from 49% Merlot, 30% Malbec and 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit continues on to the medium-weight palate, alongside spicy accents of pepper and licorice. The texture is full and the tannins mouthcoating yet fleeting on the finish. Drink now–2018.
Floral notes of elderflower, dried daisy and lemon blossom precede flavors of passion fruit and gooseberry in this medium-bodied wine. The finish is long with pleasant crisp acidity.
Floral notes of honeysuckle and acacia lead the nose. On the racy palate, brisk acidity and vigorous bubbles offset ripe white peach, candied citrus and green apple.
Floral notes of honeysuckle and acacia ride on the heels of peach and nectarine. This is a simple white wine with good freshness and a lean, watery feel in the mouth.
Floral notes play about the tart berry fruit of this harmonious and generously fruited fizz. The palate is exuberant with lively red-berry fruit while creamy notes of biscuit and oatmeal provide a wonderful balance. This is fresh and frothy, creamy and utterly irresistible. The lasting finish is wonderfully dry.
Floral notes play above the aromatic woodruff and fig-leaf aromas which make this incredibly enticing. The palate is slender, tight and totally concentrated. This is nervy, high-octane stuff, for now boasting lemon and pink grapefruit, without a single ounce of fat—and yet this is not ungenerous.
Floral notes, as well as hints of lemon, pear and pineapple introduce this high-acid white. It's full-bodied on the palate, and intense and well integrated, with a finish that's delightfully spicy with ginger.
Floral on the nose, this is a light, pretty Chardonnay steeped in straightforward citrus and apple. It has been aged partially in new French oak but doesn't come off as oaky.
Floral overtones join ripe pear notes on the nose. The palate comes in with even more generous, juicy pear fruit, the rounded flavors boosted by a little residual sweetness that makes the wine finish off dry.
Floral plum and berry aromas mingle with a sweet rubber note. In the mouth, this is crisp, staunch and a touch choppy, with flavors of oak, vanilla and berry fruits. A firm finish is earthy and slightly muddled in flavor.
Floral plum and black cherry aromas are nice and fruity. A bright, juicy, simple palate holds flavors of plum, blackberry and chocolate. While nothing sticks out on the finish, this Garnacha ends nicely and overdelivers.
Floral plum and horsey aromas comprise the nose on this multigrape blend led by Bobal. A grabby palate exhibits raw, tough tannins, while plum and berry flavors finish rugged.
Floral raspberry aromas are jammy and funky, like many Cafayate Malbecs are prone to be. This feels juicy but high in acidity, so it's pointy on the palate. Exotic plum and raspberry flavors follow the nose, while the finish is fresh, high in acidity and low on cushion.
Floral raspberry aromas carry a jammy scent. The palate on this Cabernet is grabby, with scouring tannins sitting in front of oaky berry and cassis flavors. On the finish, there's sweet blueberry, mint and pasty oak. This is good but oaky and a bit gummy.
Floral red-berry and cassis aromas are steady and fresh. In the mouth, this wine turns raw and jagged. Cranberry, currant and red-plum flavors show very little oak before a lean, powerful finish. This cool-vintage wine will last for years but probably not improve.
Floral red-berry aromas come with a note of bath soap. A heavy palate feels buttery, while woody blackberry and plum flavors finish solid but a touch bitter, with an echo of floral black cherry.
Floral red-berry aromas come with a note of wet clay and also a dusting of dried herbs. Wide on the palate, this rubs up against your cheeks. Herbal plum, blueberry and peppery flavors finish with ripeness and freshness. Drink through 2019.
Floral red-berry aromas show well. This is zesty and energetic on the tongue, with oaky flavors of raspberry and cherry. This is from a warm year, so it has some sweetness to go with fuel-worthy acidity. Just 160 cases made.
Floral red-fruit aromas are modest but clean. The palate is a bit chunky but overall it's in good shape. Flavors of berry and cassis are ordinary, but the flavor profile is perfectly good. A touch of chocolate and oak rise up on the finish.
Floral red-fruit aromas are slightly medicinal and suggestive of cherry cough drop. A healthy, chewy mouthfeel and flavors of plum and raspberry end with textural solidity and modest refinement. This is an interesting mix of 55% Petit Verdot with Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, and a dash of Malbec.
Floral red-fruit aromas become more jammy and sweet with airing. This feels fresh despite being chunky in weight, with citrusy acidity. Flavors of red plum, apple skins and blueberry finish with a green hint, raciness and red-fruit acidity.
Floral red-fruit aromas fold in herb and spice accents. This is a crisp, dry Rioja with plenty of oak character on the palate. Flavors of vanilla, wood spice, tomato and tobacco are authentic, while the finish is mellow, juicy and peppery, with a vanilla note.
Floral red-fruit aromas get heavier with airing. Feels thick and full, with soft tannins and mild acidity. Tastes oaky but not overoaked, with caramel, vanilla and standard red-berry and plum flavors. A touch stewy on the finish, with a resiny oak flavor hanging in there.
Floral red-fruit aromas show a touch of wild animal. The tight and choppy palate holds racy flavors of cherry and plum. A long, fruity finish rolls out little by little, with a lasting feel of grape skins.
Floral red-plum aromas come with a welcome note of wild herbs. A punchy, stout palate is juicy and possesses short, bold plum and boysenberry flavors. This bright Garnacha doesn't fall off on the finish; it's a good choice for burgers or tacos.
Floral red fruit aromas carry a hint of minerality and garrigue. The palate is lively, with good overall balance. Tastes of ripe red plum, raspberry and vanilla, while the finish is light in weight and quick, but satisfying.
Floral red fruit aromas settle on raspberry and plum, and there's not much obvious oak or darkness. Round and juicy on the palate, with spicy and sweet blackberry along with clove. Integrated and solid, with a lightly toasted, chocolaty finish.
Floral scents float above a chunky, cherry-fruited, single-vineyard wine. It's quite refreshing, with appealing texture and underlying minerality that compensates for the overall impression of palate lightness. Drink now through 2018, while the freshness remains at its peak.
Floral scents greet you at first, a beguiling mix of clover and apple blossom. Pineapple, tangerine and nectarine fruit flavors follow, big and full, finishing with an interesting whiff of almond.
Floral scents of carnation, baby's breath and garrigue abound on the nose of this bright rosé. Notes of small red cherry and berry ground the herbal character, while pure, citrusy acidity enlivens the palate. Drink this direct but attractive gem now.
Floral scents of honeysuckle and citrus blossom mingle with white stone fruit aromas. The lively weightless palate doles out white peach and green apple framed in bright acidity and a polished perlage. It has a clean, refreshing finish.
Floral scents of honeysuckle meld with fruity aromas of white stone fruit and citrus. Mirroring the nose, the vibrant palate evokes green apple, candied lemon drop and a hint of almond alongside a persistent perlage. Bright acidity gives the flavors a nice lift.
Floral scents of iris and rose meld together with wild berry, chopped mint and a balsamic note. The elegantly structured, full-bodied palate presents juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and licorice alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2018–2025.
Floral scents of peach blossom, broom and a whiff of pear mingle in the glass. On the bright palate, toasted almond and aromatic herb give interest to the core of Golden Delicious apple and citrus. It's refreshing and balanced with vibrant acidity.
Floral scents of rose and violet also convey red berry, Mediterranean scrub and peppermint camphor. The palate is still tightly wound but reveals crunchy red cherry, cinnamon, white pepper and anise alongside bracing tannins. Drink after 2018.
Floral scents of rose, acacia and a whiff of white tree fruit lead the way. On the palate, bright acidity lifts up white peach, green apple and lemon drop while a creamy mousse adds softness. It closes on a note of candied citrus zest.
Floral scents of violet and iris lead the nose on this informal red. The straightforward palate offers raw black cherry, cranberry and white pepper alongside firm, drying tannins that leave a raspy finish.
Floral scents of white and yellow field flowers meld together with aromas of ripe orchard fruit. The juicy palate doles out ripe yellow apple, creamy pear, candied lemon drop and a savory hint of saline. A light mineral note lifts the finish.
Floral scents of wisteria and hawthorn mingle with white stone-fruit aromas. On the creamy, rather sweet palate, bright acidity lifts green apple, white peach and candied lemon peel while a confectionery note wraps around the finish. It's polished, with a silky mousse.
Floral scents spring from the glass, followed by a graceful mix of flavors: rose petals, pomegranate and red berries. This elegant wine seduces as it winds through a long finish, with a creamy lick of caramel to finish up.
Floral scents strike the nose with ferocity in this blend of 70% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, 6% Carignane and 4% Counoise, meeting richer aromas of blackberry, candied grape and asphalt. Concord grape flavors carry into the palate, with candied violet and a light bit of sweet tobacco.
Floral scents, lemon zest, orange and pineapple swirl together, leading into a fruit-powered palate which reaches across the citrus spectrum and into papaya. Flavors are penetrating and the finish tight, so give it extra time to breathe.
Floral sensations of acacia flower, jasmine and herbs meld with tropical fruit, citrus and sage. The medium-bodied palate also offers a flinty mineral note and a whiff of smoke, while bright acidity leaves the palate refreshed.
Floral soap, plum and red-berry aromas bring a pinch of spice to the nose. This is lively and a bit of a grinder on the palate, with zingy acidity and some grit. Plum, berry and ripe tomato flavors finish short and simple.
Floral soupy plum aromas come with notes of road tar, violet, lavender and grass. This has a jammy, saturated, chunky mouthfeel to go with plum and spiced-berry flavors. Exotic notes of cardamom and clove are key to a spicy finish. This is a blend of Monastrell, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Floral strawberry notes subtly perfume the nose on this taut and creamily fizzy sparkling brut. The slender, light-footed palate is enriched with some of that broader Pinot-structure and slips down rather easily. This makes for a classy, grown-up apéritif—its dryness lets the fruit and structure speak, offering an echo of beautiful floral overtones.
Floral streaks of orange blossom open this wine, followed by vibrant bursts of lemon. Estate grown, produced and bottled, this fresh, balanced wine picks up weight on the finish, ending with a ripeness of voluptuous apple and oak.
Floral tones and aromas of ripe peach emerge from the nose of this luminous Pinot Grigio. This easy wine washes clean over the palate and leaves a fresh trail of citrus and passion fruit.
Floral tones of peony, honeysuckle and verbena are upfront on the nose of this pretty white wine, with core fruit tones of pink apple and sweet citrus. The palate is bright and clean, with easygoing fruit flavors and superb acidic lift that cumulates in an immensely refreshing close. Drink now.
Floral tropical-fruit aromas start out strong but break up and turn a bit oily upon airing. Solid on the palate, this tastes of lychee, mango and white pineapple. Good acidity preserves the finish.
Floral white-flower aromas settle on buttercup and lees notes, while in the mouth this is creamy but low on structure. Yeasty peach and apple flavors finish chunky, and overall low acidity is an issue.
Floral white-fruit aromas are yeasty and lack intensity. This feels mildly citric, with basic lime and green-apple flavors. A tangy easy simple finish sends this quaffable SB on its way.
Floral white-fruit aromas come with a pyrazinic scent of sweat. This feels solid, with modest acidity. Candied flavors of mango, lychee and melon blend with pyrazine-driven notes of grape skins and bitterness.
Floral wine, enticingly perfumed. It is dry, nutty, layered with acidity. White fruits and pineapple go with the intense lime. Worth aging for at least a year, maybe more.
Floral with a touch of leather and black licorice, this light-bodied, cool-climate wine shows damson plum, fig and a sanguine, prosciutto-like character. White pepper notes garnish the palate, which is tense with minerality.
Floral with notes of jasmine, this Clarksburg Moscato shows the appellation can do more than just Chenin Blanc. It's balanced on the palate with flavors of pear, peach and lime that meld sweetly.
Floral, alert and nice on the nose, with tight lime, lychee and melon aromas. Feels good, lifted and layered, with lychee, citrus and tarragon flavors. Shows mild bitterness on the finish, but not too much. Nice Torrontés.
Floral, aromatic and light in texture, this has attractive prickle on the palate, with sweetness on the finish. A fine summer quaffer.
Floral, citrus aromas, honeylike flavors and an unctuous texture make this white Rhône-style blend almost a dessert in a glass—without being sweet. The wine is full bodied, mouthfilling, complex and gushing with great pastry-like flavors.
Floral, crisp, this wine hints at spice, showing green and yellow fruit acidity, cut grass aromas, and dried apricot sweetness. It is relatively full, but this doesn't detract from the apéritif-like freshness.
Floral, dusty aromas are encouraging, but this is overly citric and aggressive on the palate. Lemon, underripe stone fruit and minerally flavors turn tart and pithy on the finish.
Floral, exciting and chocolaty, this is a dense, rich, well-crafted beauty. Yummy is one of the best ways to describe it. It has full but friendly tannins, all the length you could ask for, and in the final analysis it leaves an impression of heft and significance.
Floral, exotic blueberry aromas come with baking-spice notes. A palate lifted by integrated acidity offers layered blueberry, cardamom and chocolate flavors. The full spicy blue-fruit finish is warm and lasting. If you know Achaval-Ferrer's wines, this will be familiar and fitting.
Floral, fragrant and fruity, this has a lively character, with notes of apples and pears, and a great sweep of acidity. It shows freshness, crispness and richness at the same time.
Floral, fresh and delicate fruit aromas are followed by rich citrus, white fruit and flower flavors. This is full bodied yet elegant, with a feminine edge. Pair it with Indian or Thai dishes.
Floral, fresh and just big enough to make it worth a go. There's a bit of everything to this nice-priced Cab, including leafiness, red fruit, toast, chocolate and cassis. There's also a bit of heat and burn to the finish, but with food that won't be noticeable.
Floral, fruity aromas, pistachio and peach flavors, and a frothy, sparkling texture create a sweet, fun and light wine.
Floral, fruity wine, very herbaceous in a New Zealand intense style. Grapefruit and melon give the wine great freshness. It's ready to drink.
Floral, grapefruity aromas and sweet honey and peach flavors make this a very effusive and fruity wine. Though rich with flavor it's not cloying and is light bodied.
Floral, grapy aromas are exotic and herbal. High acidity creates energy but also a shearing sense. Currant, red plum and spice flavors end with a blast of blazing acidity and notes of baking spices, cocoa and herbs.
Floral, leafy raspberry and cherry aromas lead to a creamy palate with just enough acidic cut. Rooty flavors of cola, mocha and licorice don't offer much fruit, and the finish is sweet and candied, with a brown sugar note.
Floral, leafy, citrusy aromas lead to a fresh, light-bodied palate. Dry, peppery red-fruit flavors finish short but clean, with textural ease.
Floral, lightly herbal red-fruit aromas introduce a concentrated palate with firm but not overpowering tannins and plenty of depth. Flavors of earthy, roasted berry and plum finish spicy, with notes of chocolate and olive. This is a six-grape blend led by Syrah and Carmenère, and it's fully Chilean in its nose and flavor profile. Drink through 2019.
Floral, oily aromas are not typical of Chardonnay. A plump, melony mouthfeel is chunky, while this wine tastes both tropical and bitter, with a bath-soap character.
Floral, oily aromas are offset by the scents of lychee and lime. The palate is tropical and tasty, with peach, lychee and persistent freshness. It's getting a little heavy and lazy at this point in its development, but it's an honest reflection of northern Argentinean Torrontés.
Floral, pretty and light, this wine was made for porch sitting and all-around relaxing. It never gives up on fruit and complexity, offering a medium body and vibrant acidity around the rose-petaled texture. This is a lovely sipper.
Floral, reedy aromas of red berry fruits and plum lead to a ripe, saturated palate with earthy, stewed flavors of prune and blackberry. The prune continues on the finish, which brings saltiness and a chocolaty nuance.
Floral, ripe and fragrant, this is a stand-out from a new entrant on the vintage Port scene. The forward blackberry flavor is full of sweet tannins. At the same time, the structure, with its core of dense dryness, does promise good aging. This is concentrated and full of potential.
Floral, soapy aromas of tomato, cherry and currant are light and lack commitment. This Tempranillo-blend feels rocky despite being light in body, while candied plum, red currant and rose hip flavors hollow out quickly and finish with scratchy tannins.
Floral, spicy and sweet on the nose, and with a straightforward, refreshing blend of typical Riesling flavors, this wine is dependable and pretty, and will pair well with spicy Asian and Indian cuisine. A touch sweet but clean.
Floral, spicy plum aromas come with notes of lemon and chili pepper. This Tempranillo is rudimentary, with a creamy, pasty palate. Baked cherry and berry flavors end with almost syrupy thickness and a touch of chocolate flavor.
Floral, spicy, semi-oaky aromas precede a tangy, fresh, higher-acid palate with snappy raspberry and red cherry flavors. There's an abundance of pop and snap to this medium-bodied wine, and then drying woody notes to the finish.
Floral, sweet and not the least bit complicated or strained. This is easygoing red wine for easy times. It's a bit candied and baked, but that's Garnacha from Central Spain. Decently balanced and sturdy, especially given the price tag.
Floral, this crisp white starts out in quiet contemplation, offering an abundance of fresh-squeezed citrus and minerality. It remains light and complex on the palate, teeter-tottering between fruit and acidity, with a solid backbone of structure and girth on the finish.
Floral, this medium-bodied white is creamy and touched by richer notions of pear, pineapple and vanilla, reflective of its warmer appellation in a warm year. French oak (40% of it new) aged the wine for under a year. With a touch of honeysuckle and nutmeg, the minerality is subtle.
Floral, tropical-fruit aromas suggest orange and mango. This is juicy and under control on the palate, with dry yeasty white-fruit and citrus flavors. On the finish, this is showing ample freshness. Drink now.
Floral, whitefruit aromas are mild on the nose. Citrus, melon and tropical fruit flavors ride on a balanced palate showing brightness without being sharp or scouring. The weighty finish of this Verdejo, Viura, and Sauvignon Blanc blend shows presence but isn't too heavy.
Floral, with berry aromas, it's also quite charred and oaky, with mocha. It feels weighty despite displaying prickly acidity, and there's a resiny feel to the palate as well. The flavors of baking spice, chocolate and blackberry run aside barrel-driven flavors. This is a big, oaky Garnacha.
Floral, young and jumpy smelling, with gumball aromas that leave you with the impression that the wine's clarity, balance and purity may be tenuous. The palate is raw but fresh, with simple but snappy wild berry flavors. Not a lot of structure or depth here.
Florally pungent, with sweet peach and apricot notes, this smells great. It's richly textured and balanced.
Floreado is a lovely Sauvignon Blanc from northern Italy with pristine and intense aromas of passion fruit, kiwi, acacia flower and honeydew melon. Unlike other expressions of this grape, there is more pulp and substance to the mouthfeel and the wine ends on a playfully sweet note.
Flors di Uis is a gorgeous white blend of Malvasia Istriana, Friulano and Riesling Renano that opens with a complex bouquet of yellow flower, stone fruit and spice. The mouthfeel is generous and thick with long-lasting floral nuances spread over the finish.
Flourescent pink in color, like Day-Glo paint. It smells of sweet plum and berry; the palate is crisply acidic, with citrus and tart red-fruit flavors. The finish is crisp and cleansing but regular.
Flower and hay aromas lead to simple pear and spice flavors in this basic white. Mild woody notes show on the finish. Drink now.
Flower petal, mineral and blackberry aromas solidify the bouquet on this excellent Tempranillo. The palate is big and chewy, with fine balance and driving flavors of cherry, plum, vanilla and oak resin. With a finish that's bone dry and focused, this Ribera wine is ready to drink but can last another 5–8 years in a good cellar.
Flowers, melon and stone fruit inform the aromas and flavors of this unctuous, weighty and viscous wine, smooth with a lingering taste of ripe peach on the finish. Tiny percentages of Riesling and Gewürztraminer figure into the mix, too.
Flowers, tangerine peel, peach and herb aromas are followed by medium-sweet blood orange flavors. It provides interest but the concentration doesn't seem all there.
Flowery and balanced in crisp, dry flavors of lemon and pear, this wine takes its designation from the French word for fog, a nod to its cool-climate environs. Supple tannins and refined acidity round out the deal.
Flowery and easygoing on the bouquet, this is taught, lemony and wiry on the palate. Flavors of gooseberry, lime and apple feature cleansing acids and a persistent, citrusy tang. A blend of 80% Xarel-lo and 20% Riesling.
Flowery and electric in high-toned grapefruit and peach, this is a crisp, clean white from a consistent producer. Medium-bodied, it holds small percentages of Sémillon and Muscat. The finely hewed texture benefits from 10% of the wine having been aged in neutral oak.
Flowery and fresh, this is a classic cool-climate white. Fragrant acidity is balanced by the citrus and pear flavors. Fruity and crisp, it is ready to drink.
Flowery and smoky aromas introduce a perfumed, ripe wine. Gentle at first, the tannins gradually show through, part of a solid texture that gives density. Fruit goes from damsons through black cherries and a layer of wild strawberry. For long-term aging.
Flowery and sweet through and through, this lighthearted dessert wine could also serve as apéritif as it's perfectly sippable, or as a pairing with something packed with spice, like enchiladas or red curry.
Flowery and sweet, with apricot, buttercup and banana flavors in a soft texture.
Flowery and textural, this is both concentrated and airy at the same time. It floats across the palate gracefully, the pretty fruit flavors of spiced pear and hints of honeydew are set up nicely by crisp, leesy acids. Good length and a fine, clean finish.
Flowery aromas suggest air freshener. This feels plump, round and oily. Salty orange flavors are just ripe enough to be good, while this pushes the limits of brininess on a finish that offers a taste of the ocean.
Flowery in aroma, this dry, balanced wine offers ripe flavors of melon and a touch of barrel.The finishis fleshy but abbreviated.
Flowery in the nose, with hints of grass, green melon and mustard seed. The tangy, crystal-clean palate is loaded with orange, tangerine, nectarine and apricots. The long, flavorful finish features citrus pith, lime and minerals. If you want a combination of complexity and forwardness, this is your wine.
Flowery lime and vanilla cookie aromas are varietally on target. A fresh, citric, medium-bodied palate and flavors of tropical fruits and citrus finish with weight and acidity. Drink now.
Flowery lime, kiwi and mountain stream aromas reflect the wine's clean personality. The mouthfeel is fresh and lightly wavy, with lychee, kiwi, lime and green apple flavors. Clear throughout, with good balance and weight to the finish. Very nice for a tangy, zesty, lean sort of white.
Flowery, musky aromas are true to the grape. This is crisp and focused at first, but also wild and foamy. The flavors are a cloud of melon, sweet tropical fruits and grapefruit, while the finish is musky like the nose.
Flowery, tropical aromas are pure Torrontés, although this one turns to applesauce the longer it breathes. A healthy-feeling but generic palate deals flavors of Thompson seedless white grapes and honeydew. It has a fresh but faint finish.
Flowery, tropical aromas might have you thinking this is Torrontés. The palate is flimsy and dilute, with lychee and pyrazine-driven flavors that tail off in bitter fashion.
Fluffy, almost cloud-like in mouthfeel, this finely textured late-release Riesling already shows clues of just a few years of bottle-age magic. Savory notes of white mushroom and spice lend umami to slicks of sweet marmalade, grapefruit and honey. It's an enticing wine at a surprisingly gentle price.
Fluffy, sweet aromas of peach, pear and vanilla are as good as it gets. Tastes of powdered sugar and the most forced oak you can imagine. Not at all surprising that it's resiny on the finish.
Flush aromas of raisin, blackberry and cassis are ripe through and through. This wine feels tight, with tannic scrape. Spicy, reedy flavors of red plum and berry fruits are textbook for Carignan, while mixed black fruits and fig show on a chocolaty finish. Best from 2020–2025.
Flush on the nose, this huge, modern Rioja is loaded with cassis, blackberry and cola aromas. The palate is bold, tannic and flush, with fierceness playing off against lushness. Savory blackberry, hickory and controlled saltiness drive the flavor profile toward a roasted, spicy, blackened finish that's rugged and suggests a long life for this wine. Drink 2016–2024.
Flush, jammy, spicy, peppery aromas are good and fruity. This is full and tight on the palate, with hard tannins. Flavors of plum, berry, vanilla and wood resin finish with a pinched, rubbery feel. This needs food in order to soften the texture.
Foaming and fresh, this lively dessert wine doles out aromas and flavors of ripe yellow peach, juicy apricot, candied lemon drop and a hint of aromatic herb. A soft perlage and fresh acidity lift the creamy flavors.
Foamy bubbles and lively aromas of citrus, peach and Golden Delicious apple mark this sparkler. It's “frizzante,” which means the effervescence is soft and creamy.
Foamy mousse and soft, fizzy perlage characterize this delicate offering. It could pair with fruit salad or cream-based desserts, thanks to its delicate citrus and peach flavors.
Foamy, creamy and rich, this sweet sparkler opens with easy aromas of tangerine skin, jasmine and dried ginger. Fruit is sourced in Puglia, southern Italy and there is in fact a warm, ripe quality to the intense sweetness.
Foamy, fresh and rather soft, this mouthfilling wine smells subtly like raspberries and cherries. It tastes attractively fruity and has a smooth texture.
Focus and elegance are the hallmarks of this wine, and it offers the fruit purity that characterizes virtually all of Maison Bleue's white wines. From the first sniff to the last, resonating swallow, this smells and tastes like a bowl full of peaches, pineapples and mixed stone fruits. It's tight and defined, and it doesn't have new oak influence.
Focus and precision describe this wine. Subtle aromas of grilled herbs and wood smoke precede dark flavors of just-ripe black cherries and blueberries. A sleek texture of firm tannins and refreshing acidity gives a lot of personality. It is medium to full bodied, and will only get better with time. Best after 2020.
Focused and bright, this northern Italian Pinot Bianco shows intense aromas of stone fruit and white rose. The mouthfeel, however, is what sets it apart thanks to the beautiful balance between its crisp acidity and that touch of sweet softness at the back.
Focused and dense, this intense wine captures the essence of ripe raspberries. Aged in 50% new French oak, it's got a strong vein of coffee and mocha. The flavors broaden out and penetrate, finishing with highlights of cedar, cinnamon and dark chocolate. Drink now through the 2020s, but decant if you want the full expression.
Focused and elegant, this aromatic wine rewards your sniff test with highlights of pine needle and resin, along with beet root and a slight impression of wax. It's a bit stiff and tight, and should be decanted if you are drinking it any time before 2020.
Focused and fragrant, this beautiful expression of the vintage opens with scents of violet, rose, perfumed berry and a hint of cake spice. The silky, linear palate doles out juicy red cherry, chopped aromatic herb, cinnamon and star anise alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced and approachable, it will provide sheer drinking pleasure over the next several years or more. Drink 2017–2024.
Focused and fresh, this wine starts with aromas of snappy lemon and slate, followed by sea salt, tropical fruit and citrus on the palate. The acid-fruit interplay offers an expressive but lively choice for pairing with salads, ethnic cuisine and fruit dishes.
Focused and salinic, offering mild white-flower and peach aromas, this feels full, round, fleshy and balanced, with pithy citrus, peach and almond flavors that lead nicely to a smooth, melony finish. This is about as complex as Albariño gets.
Focused and sprightly flavors of savory leaves are shot through with lemony freshness and zing, but the freshness is beautifully cushioned by a yeasty midpalate spice. Concentrated yet light.
Focused apple, pear, lime and grass notes are punctuated by some refreshing minerality here. The wine's elegant in the mouth, with some earthy tones. If only the lovely fruit flavors on the finish hung around just a bit longer. Try with fresh goat cheese, sooner rather than later.
Focused aromas of blackberry, elderberry and black currant show on the nose of this blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah and 4% Cabernet Franc, which also offers hints of leather, nettle and caramel on the nose. It's lively on the palate, with black raspberry, rose petals and violets, framed by a vibrant acidity and worthy structure.
Focused aromas of tar, asphalt, wild berries and blue flowers open the nose of this bright and lively Barbaresco. The wine offers aromatic nuances that peel back slowly and seductively to reveal red fruit and spice. In the mouth, it delivers firm, drying tannins and bitter cherry.
Focused berry aromas are cool and smell slightly rubbery. A medium-bodied, good-quality palate features generic but pleasant plum and berry flavors, while the finish holds steady, with a dash of spice and complexity.
Focused blackberry aromas meet with graphite shavings, a touch of new leather and chipped oak on the nose of this Bordeaux blend. The medium-bodied palate offers dark purple-fruit flavors, cocoa dust and anise, lifted by strong acidity. It finishes with a vanilla-toast element.
Focused crisp aromas of white fruits reflect a cool vintage. This is roughly one-quarter each Macabeo, Parellada, Xarello and Chardonnay, and it feels tight, fresh and focused. Dry stone-fruit flavors include a hint of lime, while this is clean on the finish.
Focused flavors of mint and black currant come together in this distinctive Cabernet. There's a touch of oak too that adds spice, and the overall character is elegant. The wine will benefit from some aging to further integrate its parts.
Focused in the mouth with just a touch of creaminess, the Logan offers pear and nutmeg flavors, and a hint of green apple on the finish. It's not a mouthfilling, overly flashy wine, but this could be a good thing if you're pouring it with dinner. Try it with your first-course seafood dish.
Focused on the more delicate aspects of the grape, this wine comes from a vineyard recently leased long-term by this Kathyrn Hall-owned brand. It shows rose petals, anise, baked plum, mulberry and alpine strawberry on the nose. The palate combines cola, pencil lead, dark cranberry and black pepper.
Focused, deep and rich, this lovely vineyard designate is dotted with notes of charcoal, caramel and mocha. It offers both power and finesse, a rare combination, with persistent flavors, anchored on a substantial core of raspberry and cherry fruit. Drink now through 2026.
Fog Crest's Chardonnays have been getting sweeter and oakier, it seems, and this is their most desserty-sweet yet. It's like a vanilla cream cocktail, infused with pineapple liqueur, with a slice of tangerine.
Fogarty's basic '05 Chard shows an exciting crispness and minerality that, good as it is, makes you long for the single-vineyard bottlings to come. There's an elegant angularity to the wine despite the succulent pineapples, kiwis and new oak, and a brisk acidity that makes it finish vibrantly clean.
Fogarty's basic Pinot Noir is very good, although it's not a wine for aging. With its soft dryness and rich tannins, it shows polished flavors of cherries, cola, herbs, cinnamon spice and subtle oak.
Fogarty continues its streak of great, Chablis-style Chardonnays with this single-vineyard bottling. True afficionados will love the dryness, acidity and minerality, which give it such great structure. The severity is relieved by flavors of citrus zest and white peach, and the creamy sourdough richness imparted by lees aging. Try aging it for at least six years.
Fogarty has a good track record with this bottling. The '04 certainly is ripe and soft, with rich, jammy cherry, red currant, raspberry, licorice and mocha flavors. With very high (15.5%) alcohol, it could have a firmer structure, but it's lip-smackingly good.
Foglio 38 (a pure expression of Cabernet Franc) offers loads of black fruit intensity and lingering spice. There are green characteristics here of caper, herbs and black olive as well as fruity tones of blackberry and plum. In the mouth, the wine shows firm, gripping tannins that will soften with a few more years in the bottle.
Foja Tonda, also known as “Casetta,” is an extremely rare grape variety found in the Trentino area of northern Italy that shows ripe fruit and plum aromas with soft, mellow tannins. It provides enough density and concentration to pair with winter meat dishes.
Foley's Chardonnays always manage to be both extremely tense yet flavorful—a combination that will please many palates. This bottling recalls grapefruit, mandarin pith and Asian pear on the nose, its nervy, mineral-driven palate awash with chalk and wet slate notes. It all finishes on a pleasing twist of lime.
Foliage and cocoa integrate with the dark cherry and plum aromas of this Merlot-dominant blend. Well structured and firm but not closed with medium, approachable tannins. Cigar box, spice and milk chocolate enliven the close. Drink now.
Folks who enjoy herbal complexities in their Cabernet shouldn't pass this wine up. Aromas of roasted peppers, eucalyptus and cassis verge on vegetal, but the flavors are more refined, layering rich chocolaty notes over cassis and hints of green pepper. It's only medium-bodied, but still packs in plenty of intensity, evidenced on the long, silky finish. Drink now–2020.
Folks who like their white wines on the sugary side will appreciate this soft Viognier. It's tremendously rich in pineapple, pear, vanilla and marzipan flavors, almost like a dessert confection.
Folle Noire is another name for the Négrette, the signature grape of Fronton. This wine comes from a clay and ironstone vineyard that has produced an intensely perfumed wine. It balances a smooth structure and vivid black fruits. The tannins are light and rounded. It's a wine to drink soon, from 2017.
Following a Bordeaux model, this is the second wine of Romaneira. Named after the bell that hangs at the entrance to the quinta, it is a ripe, lightly structured wine that is ready to mature quickly. Berry fruits and acidity give the wine its main character. Drink from 2017.
Following a rather neutral nose, the freshness and texture of grapefruit peel fizzes away on the palate. There is concentration, briskness and texture while the finish is lip-smackingly lemony. Drink soon.
Following an unfortunate Chanson white wine style, this wine is totally dominated by new, high toast wood. It shows freshness, but the acidity comes from the wood, leaving the structured fruit way behind.
Following in the footsteps of the Evolution White, this nonvintage blend is labeled by edition, as the mix of grapes does change from release to release. Here the base wine is Syrah, amended with a paintbox of both red and white grapes. It's aromatic and unique, silky smooth and loaded with pretty plum and cherry fruit. The mouthfeel is luscious, the flavors beautifully blended, and the overall quality superb.
Following in the footsteps of this estate's successful Rosso di Montalcino (from the same vintage), this Brunello opens with soft tones of cherry and chocolate with slightly offbeat aromas of cookie dough or almond paste. The mouthfeel is vibrant and fresh.
Following in the wake of the marvelously ripe 2009 Tendril, this does not carry the same weight and authority. It's well made and accurately reflects the cooler, difficult vintage. Strawberry fruit is lightly coated in chocolaty tannins; the wine remains firm and compact, with medium body and balance throughout.
Following on from the great 2002 vintage of this wine, the 2004 is equally memorable. It is a magnificent wine, structured and beautifully balanced between the ripe white fruits and the tight texture that will allow it to age many years. While drinkable now, it is still young at 11 years, still with great potential. Drink now, until 2024, and probably beyond.
Following the current fashion in Portugal for single-varietal wines, this is a rich, structured take on what has become the country's national grape. Powerful and with a dense structure, it retains some of the perfumed elegance that is one of Touriga Nacional's hallmarks. The tannins will age further and the fruit will come out more strongly. Drink from 2018.
Following the elegant Deutz tradition, this wine has a character that is light as a feather, but still anchored into vivid red fruits and tight acidity, leavened by a softness. The final taste is soft, but well integrated.
Following the fashion of bone-dry Champagnes, this is extremely crisp and taut. Acidity cuts the citrus and apple flavors to produce a steely feel, with concentrated fruit juice and a textured character. It's worth aging the wine for a few more months.
Following the latest Provence fashion in having a glass-stoppered bottle, this wine is the top of the range for this producer. It is soft and ripe to start but deliciously balanced and crisp at the end. Named after Madeleine or Mado, an imaginary Provencal lady, the wine is ready to drink.
Following the traditional Champagne method of aging in neutral wood, this wine has a riper, more rounded character that one aged in stainless steel. It also is slightly oxidized, which adds complexity and richness. Yeast and baked apple enhance the final flavors.
Following up on a bouquet that's lightly herbal and lactic, the palate feels hard and tannic, with oak-based resin sticking out. Flavors of black pepper, licorice and oak push away the wine's black-fruit component, leaving a minty finish that's oak-dominant and mildly artificial tasting.
Fondillón represents the pinnacle of red Spanish dessert wines, and the 1999 vintage just might make your jaw drop. Subtle but expansive on the nose, with a blend of baked dark-fruit and cinnamon aromas, it is liquid heaven in the mouth, with excellent balance and flavors of roasted plums, black cherry, nutmeg and chocolate. This is pure, structured and outstanding from start to finish. Drink now or hold in a proper cellar for another 10 or 20 years. 100 cases made.
Fondo Antico's entry-level Nero d'Avola offers a clean portrait of the Sicilian indigenous grape, with tones of red cherry, blackberry, red rose and lightly toasted almond. The tannins are soft and silky.
Fondo Antico offers a clean and pretty Nero d'Avola without those messy, charred aromas you sometimes find in cheap versions of this indigenous grape. The nose is well put together, with elements of cherry, spice, almond and fresh citrus zest.
Fondo Filara is a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, two important indigenous grapes. This expression offers tangy spice, bright fruit and a fresh, lean mouthfeel.
Fondo Filara offers an authentic taste of Etna winemaking at a reasonable low price. Delicate tones of wild berry, cassis and almond paste characterize the bouquet. The mouthfeel, on the other hand, shows power, length, tightness and firm structure.
Fonréaud's vineyard is on the highest point in the Médoc (all of 120 feet), at the southern end of the Listrac appellation. This wine, as often with this property, has started out rugged and solid with firm dry tannins. The fruit though is all there and will show with increasing intensity over the next few years. Drink this powerful wine from 2018.
Fonréaud's vineyard is on the highest point of the Médoc (all of 120 feet). This vintage shows a smooth, ripe wine full of juicy black fruits. It's not dense, and the fruitiness will let it age relatively quickly. Drink this attractive wine from 2018.
Fonseca uses its Guimaraens brand in years when there is no general vintage declaration. Even so, the wine has all the broad, ripe and generous character that is so typical of Fonseca. It is packed with rich black fruits that are enveloped by the structured tannins and never-too-sweet character. It obviously needs to age; drink from 2025.
Fontalloro is a classic super Tuscan. The wine is ripe with gorgeous mineral tones, oak shavings, root beer and forest berry. It's a clear, pristine wine with a delicate embroidery of fruity flavors on the finish that would pair beautifully with classic Italian recipes.
Fontanabianca is a microboutique, family-run winery that pulls out jaw-dropping gorgeous wines year after year. A hard work ethic and lucky vineyard locations shape this opulent, deeply layered Barbaresco and its steady array of spice, dark fruit, plum, cola, licorice and dark asphalt-like aromas.
Fontanafredda's Moscato d'Asti is a cut above its competitors, with intense orange, grape and pear aromas that lead into a palate of white grapes and ground cherries. The medium finish is intensely sweet but an underlying freshness saves it from being cloying. Drink with a plate of mixed fruit.
Fontanafredda is a landmark estate for the entire winemaking area and this vintage of its lovely base Barolo is particularly delicious. The aromas are broad and intense and combine hickory notes with coffee, black fruit and spice. It's a modern, succulent wine executed in a bold and food- friendly style. Drink after 2015.
Food friendly and simple, this possesses a uniquely firm structure, with tonic perlage and spicy notes of white pepper and field flower. It's bright, fresh and very dry on the close.
Food friendly, informal and bright, this easy-drinking Pinot Grigio opens with bright citrus, stone fruit and melon. There's a touch of white almond paste on the close that recalls the warm Tuscan sunshine.
Food friendly, this has soft tones of peach and melon. There's a touch of fresh acidity that helps to smooth out the naturally rich perlage.
Foot treading during fermentation, plus aging in French oak or large vats for four years makes this a special sort of Ruby. It is in a dry style, with a good balance between the wood and the juicy red-berry fruits. The wine is ready to drink.
Foot trodden in traditional open granite lagars, this is an elegant wine. Ripe black plum jelly flavors are balanced by firm tannins and a fresher edge. It's a wine that will develop over a long time, although with its fruit it's almost ready to drink now. Ideally, though, keep it until 2025.
For $10 this is a serious, powerful Garnacha with concentration and purity. The palate feels both crisp and lifted as well as dense and concentrated. There's quality to the flavor profile, which offers rubbery, dense blueberry along with blackberry. Rarely does a value-priced wine show this much weight and texture.
For $12 or less you get a fruity, clean wine, with berry, cherry and spice flavors. It's easy to drink with pizza, burgers and similar fare.
For $15 or less, you can't expect a great Pinot Noir, but you can expect a good everyday one, which is what this is. It's dry, silky and smooth, with cherry pie and white pepper flavors.
For $15, this is a good value wine with a solid structure and nice balance. Black currant flavors steal the show in the mouth, with supporting notes of whole star anise, cigar tobacco and cedary spice on the finish.
For $20, this bargain basement Tokaji is pretty unbelievable. Abundantly floral and honeyed on the nose, it's deeply concentrated on the palate, with layers of luscious figs and peaches, accented by lanolin and beeswax. Creamy and unctuous on the tongue, yet clean and fresh on the finish, with orange-inflected acidity that lingers.
For $20, you could do a lot worse than to sample this wine, which boasts plenty of varietal character and ample quality. Cedar, tobacco, cassis and dark chocolate suggest a fully ripe wine, while the the structure remains fine and linear, with gentle, cocoa-powder-textured tannins that line the finish. Drink now–2025.
For $9 a nice wine in a nice package, made from old-vine Zinfandel from Lodi. The red fruit on the nose pops out pleasantly followed by smooth tannins and a fruity, chocolaty mix of flavors.
For $9, one can be satisfied with the value, but this wine does smell a bit sour and herbal, while the feel is angular and acidic. In the mouth, flavors match suit: punchy red fruits with an herbal twinge.
For 10 bucks you get a decent, 10 buck wine. Nothing fancy, just fruity, off-dry and crisply drinkable.
For 2014, the Weber is the star of a very fine Winderlea lineup. Dark and deeply concentrated, it's jammed with black cherry fruit, annotated with anise and showing a hint of gunmetal. The tannins are ripe and taste of clean earth. This is a fine candidate for aging. Drink now through 2030.
For 40 bucks, this is a sumptuous, lush young wine that offers all the fancy fruit and oak you expect from an upscale Napa Cab.
For a $12 Chardonnay, one can do far worse than this juicy, fruity number. Opening aromas of vanilla, melon and saline water transition to flavors of tropical fruits and green table grapes. The finish is simple but full and ripe, with a touch of heat and burn.
For a $12 wine, this blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha is clean on the bouquet, with cherry and raspberry aromas leading the way. The feel is vibrant and bouncy, while flavors of red berry, plum and light oak set up a chocolaty finish with dry spice and mild buttery flavors.
For a $15 Washington Merlot, this offers fair value. Despite the earthy, slightly stemmy tannins, the wine has substantial fruit flavors of cranberry and pie cherry, and the acids give it some extra lift. This will go well with fatty meats and grilled steaks.
For a $5 wine, it offers pretty good red berry aromas along with a decent mouthfeel and proper acidity. The palate pops with red plum and raspberry flavors along with mild stalky, brambly notes that are more in the background than up front. Not overwhelming but doesn't disappoint.
For a (relatively) mass production Oregon Pinot, this offers excellent flavors and comparatively good value. A seductive nose leads into a plush palate mixing berries, cola, clean earth and rock. It's textural and balanced, with enough complexity to keep you coming back to the glass.
For a 100% Chardonnay, this is remarkably complex. It shows orange, lime, vanilla, toast and sourdough flavors, brightened with crisp acidity. The mousse is very refined, giving it a mouthfeel of pure silk. Try giving it 5–6 years in the cellar.
For a 2008, this seems to be developing rather quickly, showing toasty notes that emerge on the nose, expand on the palate and jump out on the finish, largely overshadowing the admirable citrus and crushed-stone elements. Drink now.
For a 2009, this has wonderfully vibrant and racy acidity, which balances its slight sense of sweetness perfectly. Scents of petrol and damp moss give way to tart apple, pineapple and citrus flavors, which finish long and crisp.
For a 2011, the wine has surprising maturity that makes it ready to drink now. Rounded berry fruits merge into the soft tannins, leaving an attractive, juicy aftertaste. Drink until 2018.
For a 60,000-case Toro, this is very good and well recommended. It smells full, leathery and slightly cheesy, with baked berry aromas. The palate is smooth, with minty, spicy, black fruit flavors. A hint of young oak rises up on the finish.
For a Barossa Chardonnay, this is surprisingly understated, with pear, pineapple and toasted cereal notes giving an elegant impression. Drink now, as it fades a bit on the finish.
For a basic Chardonnay, this fits the bill. Citrus and peach aromas are standard and clean. The palate is tight and juicy, with no overt oak feel. Flavors of melon and pear have light spice and vanilla accents, while the finish is crisp.
For a basic Spanish white, this rises above the norm. Lightly candied white-fruit aromas and a medium-bodied palate help this Macabeo (Viura) and Chardonnay blend get going. Flavors of green banana and pithy lime end with tropical overtones and controlled pyrazine-based pepper notes.
For a basic Tempranillo from Rueda, there's nothing not to like about this wine. It's snappy and fresh, maybe a bit sharp, but not spiky. The flavors are of berry and cherry, and the feel is tight but solid, with some juicy depth. Drink it like you might Beaujolais.
For a Beerenauslese this is more rich than sweet. It is very spicy and dry at the core with peppered pear flavors. It's powerful and concentrated, needing aging. Drink from 2017.
For a big-production wine (33,000 cases) with just 12 months of barrel aging, this is impressive. Sweet but balanced dark fruit and cola aromas are nice, while the palate is forward and tastes of blackberry and cola. Complex and slightly gritty and tannic on the finish, which indicates that it has the structure to age. Drink now through 2013.
For a big brand, Alamos knows how to deliver quality at a fair price. This vintage is exemplary for its sweet black plum and graham cracker bouquet and lush, deep palate. The fruit is tasty, balanced, dark in nature and just a little bit spicy. For a basic-priced Malbec it more than gets the job done.
For a big, simple style of Pinot Noir, this gets the job done. It's dark and mulled on the nose, with boistrous plum and cherry flavors that darken up and turn peppery on the finish. This emphasizes freshness and size more than finesse.
For a Bordeaux rosé, this is an unusual blend with 80% Cabernet Franc. That gives the wine its fine perfumed character and light touch of tannin. It makes for a fresh attractive wine that is drinkable now.
For a Bordeaux rosé, this is fresh and delicious in a light, fruity style, and immediately appealing. Not for aging, of course, but with a good touch of acidity as well as vanilla. Screwcap.
For a Cabernet Sauvignon, this is pleasantly fruit forward and supple. Hints of smoke and dried spices frame bright fruit flavors reminiscent of pomegranate and red currant, then finish with a burst of crisp acidity. Drink now–2020.
For a Cahors, this is a surprisingly light and gently fruity wine. It is dry, with some tannic character, but it is much more about youthful black fruit flavors than it is about structure. It is ready to drink now
For a change of pace, this almost electric wine instantly energizes the taste buds. Aromas recall kiwi fruit and fresh-cut pears. The texture is lively, fresh and pure, with good acid balance and a lingering, tangy finish. Pair it with simple preparations of fish and shellfish.
For a Chardonnay, the aromas of slate and petrol are a bit odd, but nonetheless idiosyncratic. Touches of white flower and wood smoke add further dimension. The palate feels glossy, and the acidity demonstrates a crescendo-like effect. It finishes bright, ending on a repeated note of smoky wood.
For a cool-climate Pinot Noir, this is ripe, rich and round. Its ample weight delivers broad, complex flavors of clove, cinnamon, black cherry, plum and cola, but its oaky overcoat may dissuade purists. Although the fruit comes from Tasmania, the wine was made on the mainland at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. Drink now–2023.
For a Coteaux de Varois, this shows a good amount of minerality, usually associated with cool appellations. This medium-bodied rosé features hints of red apples, currants and citrus that finish long and stony.
For a crianza with eight years of age, this is still fresh and tight as a drum. The bouquet deals earthy, roasted berry aromas while the palate is earthy and toasty, with chocolate and loads of berry flavor. The finish is woody, smoky, firm and focused; drink now through 2016.
For a different breed of cat, take a look at this blend of Merenzao (Trousseau), Mencía and Garnacha from Valdeorras in Galicia. An elegant, schisty nose displays gamy, savory plum and currant aromas similar to Pinot Noir. A choppy, astringent palate makes this wine less than smooth. Herbal plum and spicy oak flavors are bolstered by racy acidity and finish long and almost citrusy in flavor. Drink through 2022.
For a Dolcetto, the Pio Cesare is a strong, fairly extracted wine. The fruit is here, but the wine is marked more by its power than its friendliness.
For a few dollars more than the regular CSM Cabernet, the Indian Wells delivers extra density and complexity. It holds firm, dark fruits and is slightly grainy, but well-ripened tannins carry the wine, and it's less dependent upon oak treatments and flavors of vanilla and cream. Persistent and substantial, it's offers good value, and often sells for less than the listed price.
For a few years running we've been singing the praises of Abadal, a label from Catalonia that has been producing hit upon hit. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the excellent 2001 vintage is in super form; the wine has a ripe, integrated nose of cocoa, dark fruit and chocolate, while the palate is bold and loaded with vivacious cherry and blackberry flavors. From front to center to back, this wine has it all going in the right direction. Good now through 2012.
For a first effort from Casablanca, Viu Manent has hit a home run. This wine is a classic New World Chard, meaning it's liberally oaked, vibrant, ripe and full of tropical fruit. But along with the obvious there are also notes of cinnamon, mineral, exotic apple and butterscotch. Imported by Baystate Wine Co.
For a fortified wine with a light amber hue, this is wonderfully fresh and citrusy, with aromas and flavors of marmalade and bergamot. Honeyed, toffee-like notes add depth, with the richness of the wine brought home by the slightly viscous finish.
For a fresh and fruity wine that tastes real and of the place, we recommend this Tempranillo-Cabernet blend. It is floral and just the slightest bit touched by oak. The palate is sweet, ripe and creamy, with strawberry and raspberry flavors holding on until the last drop. Good value from Campo de Borja, Spain.
For a fresh, lighter-bodied style of Ribera del Duero, this is pretty good. The nose is herbal and suggests tomato, thyme and dry cherry. The mouth is tight and drawing, with dry raspberry, herb and vanilla flavors that end mildly. Drink this fresh, modest wine now.
For a fruity sparkling wine, there's nothing wrong with this. Aromas of ripe apple and lychee precede a palate with weight. Residual sugar causes lychee, lime and apple flavors to come across as sweet, while the finish is steady and avoids being cloying.
For a Gevrey, this wine emphasizes softness rather than structure. It does have good depth of flavor and is full of acidity and red berry fruits. The wine offers pleasure now, while having medium-term aging potential.
For a Gewürz, this is restrained, a soft, open and attractively easy wine, lightly hinting at lychee and pear juice. Drink now.
For a Grand Cru from Vosne-Romanée, this is a wine on the light side, its tannins soft and dominated by new-wood flavors. That said, it is still a fine wine, packed with ripe fruit and fresh acidity. The structure floats over the fruit; a few months and it may fatten out.
For a Grenache-dominated (70%) blend, this shows outstanding structure. the firm tannins are slightly drying right now, but should smooth out nicely by 2012 and the wine should continue to drink well through at least 2020. Ripe cherry and cassis notes are framed by subtle cedary oak, imparting a sophisticated elegance to the long finish.
For a higher-priced wine, this has some issues. The nose is heavy and murky, with leathery, baked aromas. In the mouth, it's somewhat choppy and acidic, thus punctuating the cherry tomato portion of the earth-and-leather flavor profile. Lingering oak accents the finish, which is zesty and leans toward sour.
For a huge-volume wine, it's what we'd expect. Controlled oak results in aromas of coffee, vanilla, marshmallow and resin in addition to cassis and cherry, while the palate offers generic fruit flavors as well as vanilla and herbal notes. A bit puckery and scratchy, but keep in mind that annual production tops 1.3 million cases.
For a Lalande de Pomerol this wine has a high proportion (30%) of Cabernet Franc, giving a structure that shapes the ripe Merlot. It's juicy with black plums and has a core of dry tannins. Drink from 2018.
For a large-production sparkler made from an almost 50-50 split of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a dollop of Pinot Meunier blended in, this is impressive, dry and refreshing in acidity. Flavors of stone fruit, apple and almond linger on the palate, balanced by a distinct layering of fresh-squeezed citrus, from orange to lime.
For a large-production wine (47,000 cases made), this is nice and easy to drink. Tropical fruit aromas are lightly citric. In the mouth, this is fresh and easy, with nectarine and tangerine flavors. Freshness and simplicity are this wine's calling card.
For a large-production wine meant to be widely distributed and enjoyed, this brawler hits it out of the park in savory leather and juicy tannin. Just the right dusting of cinnamon appears atop the full-bodied black fruit.
For a large-scale offering at this price, this wine hits it out of the park. It honors the winery's early days with the variety and shows off a great vintage. Grapefruit, peach and tangerine spark atop a subtle minerality and crisp mouthfeel.
For a late-release 2002, this is still very youthful, packing layers of rich cassis and blackberry fruit into a soft jacket of vanilla, cedar and toasted coconut. It's full-bodied, lush and velvety—a simply terrific Cabernet that should prove to have excellent aging potential as well. Drink now–2020.
For a lighter-bodied Cabernet, this is good for its fresh, clean outlook and mild oak. Cherry and berry aromas set the stage for a juicy wine with mild cherry and raspberry flavors that come before a spunky, quick finish.
For a Listrac, this is soft and open, a generous wine that has weight while showing ripe Merlot character. Full black plum skin flavors go with spice, licorice and touches of wood. It's ready to drink now.
For a lower-priced bottling, this is a fantastic wine, showing elderberry, black peppercorns and incense on a classic nose. Touches of asphalt, lavender, thyme and sagebrush show on the palate, spicing a core of elderberry and black cassis. Hints of white pepper complete the experience.
For a mature, high-end taste of the Levante, this blend of 70% Cabernet with 15% each of Merlot and Syrah is at the top of the heap. It smells exotic and smooth, like sandalwood, baked berries and brandied plums. On the palate it feels firm and secure, with juicy, deep flavors of cassis and slow-cooked black cherry. This is a bullish red to drink now.
For a Meursault, this wine has a defined, important backbone of minerality. The spice and ripeness do come through, but they were with the structure to give a wine that is both full and well textured. The pear flavors add to the weight of the wine.
For a modestly priced Oregon Pinot, this is a punchy, pleasing wine, centered on brambly purple berry fruit flavors, framed in toasty, spicy tannins. The persistence is impressive.
For a Morgon, this is relatively light, showing more fruit than structure, with freshness that's tempered by a firm edge and minerality. Keep for a year, or drink now.
For a Nouveau, this has surprisingly structured fruit, with some firm tannins. It has a juicy cherry flavor and ripe acidity, with a tangy, textured finish.
For a Pauly Bergweiler wine, this is atypically minerally, as its wines have tended toward the lush, fruity side of the spectrum over recent years. Petrol and slate aromas lead into a wine that's round in the mouth but relatively dry in style, with good length and minerality on the finish.
For a Petit-Chablis, this has plenty of firm, tight structure. While the fruit is light, it is based on a texture of sweet caramel and plums, freshened with acidity. The finish is rich and soft.
For a Petit Chablis, this is serious and complex, with delicious ripe green and yellow fruits; there is a touch of caramel with toast just at the edge.
For a pink sparkler, there's not a lot of fruit on the nose, which is carried by crisp yeastiness instead. There are lovely bubbles on the palate, full of crisp red apple and lemon citrus flavors that enliven all of the senses. This is a perfect apéritif wine.
For a plump, medium- to full-bodied wine, this is pungent and citrusy, with lemon and boxwood notes that give the impression of underripeness, despite the labeled alcohol. It's 25% each Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, 20% Marsanne and 5% Bourboulenc.
For a Pommard clone wine, this feels rather light on the palate. It's got pretty cherry fruit, adorned with cola and a touch of earthy tomato leaf. Just two barrels were produced, one new and one neutral.
For a Premier Cru, this is surprisingly open and ready. It has a light structure, offering delicious, forward, juicy fruit that has been rounded out by wood aging. With its ripe character, it will be ready to drink in a year.
For a Provence rosé, this is dark in color, with a rich salmon-pink appearance. It is full, with a caramel flavor that gives a sweet edge to the crisp red fruits. The Castel family of Bordeaux owns this property.
For a red wine from the Vinho Verde region, this is impressive. Serious wood aging hasn't dampened the red fruits and firm tannins. The wine is dry, solid and with final acidity. It should be drunk now.
For a reserve from what is generally acclaimed as a stellar vintage in the Willamette Valley, this wine seems thin and watery. Watermelon and raspberry fruit leads into an acidic, one-dimensional finish.
For a reserve wine, this seems rather light. Peppery red fruit fills out a broad midpalate, with streaks of bark, smoke and espresso adding interest. It's well balanced, with plenty of acidity.
For a Riesling, the Julius is no lightweight. It's medium-weight, with pretty flavors of yellow fruit, resin, honeysuckle, even olive oil. Petrol and minerally notes play on the nose. A very good wine, and one with enough range of flavor to keep you guessing.
For a rosé Champagne, the deep pink color is extraordinary. So is the palate, definitely more a red wine than a Champagne, tasting of spice, wood from fermentation and very ripe red berries, with  a tannic texture. The wine was made by getting color from the skins, rather than by the usual rosé Champagne method of adding still red wine.
For a rosé that was bottled more than two years ago, this is showing well. Citrus and bath soap aromas announce briny flavors of orange and tangerine. A tart, monotone finish holds steady. Drink immediately.
For a rosé, this wine is hefty and bold, with strawberry and plum flavors, with a dash of earthiness. One reviewer found it too creamy; another found lots to like about its spicy, fresh-herb finish. With such diverse evaluations, this is a wine to try for yourself.
For a rosado cava, this offers nice fruit, balance and complexity. The nose is pure cherry and raspberry, but in subdued doses. Meanwhile, it's zesty, foamy and fresh in the mouth, with nectarine, plum, strawberry and prickle. Perfectly nice for everyday quaffing.
For a Roter Veltliner, this is a full style of wine, perhaps missing the racy acidity common to the variety. What it has, though, is an attractive perfume and plenty of spice, lychee and cotton candy flavors.
For a Savigny, this is surprisingly firm and tannic, the wine's structure an impressive edifice of dry tannins and firm cranberry and plum skin flavors. It is certainly ripe, the fruit promising attractive richness in 3–5 years, followed by good aging potential.
For a simple Beaujolais, this has richness and fruit density. It's as fruity as the wine should be, but it also has firm tannins. The finish has a minerally texture along with black-currant-like acidity.
For a simple Beaujolais, this is an intensely rich wine with toast spice coming through the black cherry fruit. The tannins give a ripe structure. All the time, the wine remains true to its fruity origins.
For a simple, fresh quaffer, one can do far worse than this easygoer. Aromas of pear, melon and citrus are basic but fruity. A round palate with some acidity delivers melon and generic green flavors that finish with white pepper and citrus pith.
For a sort of kitchen sink blend composed of Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino and Chasan, this wine is surprisingly pleasing and easy to drink with flavors of lively melon, stone fruit and accents of lime citrus. Versatile for food pairing, easy to drink and a terrific value.
For a spätlese, this is on the drier, racier side of things, with lime-like notes providing vibrance to the wine's stony, slate-like core. It's light to medium in body, with a crisp, refreshing finish. Try as an apéritif, or alongside certain Asian dishes.
For a spring or summer sipper, this fits the bill. The nose is neutral except for light apple, pear and lime aromas. In the mouth, it's zesty and linear, with acidic cut. Flavors of white pepper powder, fresh yellow pepper and citrus lead to a crisp, clean finish.
For a superripe and full-bodied wine this also has good, firm tannins to beef up the texture and balance all the sweet ripe berry and cherry flavors. There are touches of clove and anise in the aroma, and a cocoa-like flavor on the finish.
For a sweet bubbly priced at $9, you can't go wrong with Carta Nevada Semi Dry. This is smooth from nose to body to finish. Aromas of pear and banana are easy, while the palate keeps its poise and feel while dealing pear, mango and banana flavors. For a sugary sparkler this more than gets the job done.
For a sweet wine, it's clean, light and airy, with pear and powdered sugar on the nose. The flavors are definitely sweet but the feel isn't particularly sticky, and the finishing flavors of candied fruit, vanilla and honeydew are good. Made from late-harvest Viura and Malvasia.
For a Syrah, this is soft, offering more of the smooth tannins than any bigger structure. It does have weight, with a dusty character and some juicy sweet plums and raisins, leavened by acidity.
For a tight, snappy rendition of Rioja, this answers the call. Herbal plum and tomato aromas are earthy and a touch horsey. Tomato, plum and herbal flavors amount to a saucy whole, while this is fresh, herbal and brothy tasting on a crisp finish.
For a traditionally rather burly grape variety, this Mourvèdre is surprisingly silky in texture. That tender thread runs from start to finish, cosseted by hints of boysenberry, plum and vanilla and ending on notes of mocha and roasted meat. Drink now–2020.
For a Vacqueyras, this is rather charming and supple, with slightly jammy black-cherry notes balanced by mouth-watering acidity. Hints of leather and anise add a welcome note of complexity. Drink it over the next few years.
For a Valencia D.O. wine, this is darn appealing. The nose is warm, rooty and smells of cola nut, fresh raisins and cassis, while the driving palate offers roasted black fruit flavors along with sweet tomato and herbs. Drying and tannic on the finish, but balanced. Neither cooked nor overweight. Drink now through 2011.
For a value-priced wine (especially considering its large-format bottling), this unassuming Riesling offers a bounty of juicy, fruity enjoyment calibrated with hints of minerality and revitalizing freshness. Its semidry tangerine and apricot flavors are easygoing yet zesty, slicked in honey and a touch of graphite. The finish is brisk but clean. Drink now.
For a value-priced wine this scores well. The nose offers a nice mix of earth, warmth and berry fruit, while the palate is juicy, fresh and tastes of zesty berry. Composed on the finish, which is also fresh and lively. Perfect for by-the-glass or casual consumption.
For a variety that's typically plush and jammy, this is a very savory spin. Charred fruit aromas interweave with oregano, leather and maduro cigar on the nose. Sandalwood, coffee and roast beef flavors arise on the palate, where a core of blueberry fruit is wrapped in polished tannins.
For a Vinho Verde, this is rich and full-bodied, showing delicious acidity, crisp apples and a touch of tropical fruit. There's the typical prickle on the tongue that brings out freshness, but in fact this wine could age for a year.
For a Vinho Verde, this is smooth. With the a creamy texture along with bread fruit and lime flavors, the wine is soft. There is acidity to give a lift perfectly judged to keep this attractively crisp at the end. Drink now.
For a Volnay, this is a very structured wine. It has huge richness laced with firm tannins and dark fruits. It is the firmness that dominates, suggesting some extra extraction, although the acidity does push right through to the finish.
For a whiff, feel and taste of real Chile, this Carmenère-led blend is the ticket. The nose is prickly and intense, with aromas of juniper, leather and spicy black fruit. It's acidic and lively, with firm but smooth tannins and huge flavors of cassis, plum, green herbs, olive and chocolate. On the finish, it delivers structure and length, but also a final wave of herbal, Carmenère-based flavors. Drink now–2018.
For a white Bordeaux, this is hugely rich and ripe. With its spice and toast, the wood-aging of the Muscadelle has added extra complexity. The alcohol gives the wine a peppery character that is less attractive while also removing freshness. Consider this wine a curiosity.
For a wine at seven years of age, this is remarkably undeveloped. Hints of celery leaf and apple accent tart citrus fruit, still mouthwateringly crisp. There's some richness on the palate, but hold through at least 2020 if you prefer mature notes of honey, marmalade and toast.
For a wine at this price, this is an impressive performance. It is rich, finely structured, the juicy blackberry flavors filling the mouth. It may lack complexity, but the spice, tobacco and berry flavors are enjoyably drinkable.
For a wine from a sometimes rough-edged variety, this is especially smooth, sculpted and drinkable. That's not to deny that it's intense in color, full bodied and firm textured. But the tannins feel polished so the texture is smooth, letting ripe blackberry and boysenberry flavors come out.
For a wine from the 2011 vintage, this ripe wine has plenty of weight. It's in the fruity, fresh spectrum but this is sustained by a young, solid and tannic core. Full of red fruits and sweet final acidity, it's for medium-term aging.
For a wine from this appellation, this is soft, bringing out ripe fruit rather than structure. It means the wine will develop quickly and with charm as well as richness. The red fruits are already showing well, as is crisp acidity. Drink from 2018.
For a wine from this appellation, this is surprisingly soft. It has black fruits and tannins that are already softening. Spice and berry fruits are lifted by acidity. This fruity wine will be ready to drink from late 2017.
For a wine labeled merely Zweigelt, this is anything but simple. It has plenty of fruit, which is counterbalanced by complex tannins and dark texture. A spice note and acidity add to this wine, which should be aged for another year. Screwcap.
For a wine made from young-vine fruit, this is reasonably concentrated and structured. Ample tannins support black-cherry and mocha flavors, then finish long and dusty in texture.
For a wine meant to be consumed now, this is almost too tannic. It has bright fruit and a flavor of black currant skin, plus a dry, tannic core.
For a wine that's 100% Mourvèdre, this has pretty tame tannins, the suppleness and creamy texture helping to balance some of the crisp acids and tart red berry notes. Varietal cola and tree bark aromas and flavors add complexity to this structured but approachable red that should drink well for at least the next 5–8 years.
For a wine that's been made with a soft touch but still has some weight and finesse, this is a great value. It opens with aromas of ripe peach fuzz and crisp apple, a nice intermingling of flavors. Lemon and grapefruit rind flavors shine on the finish.
For a wine that can often be found for less than its $15 asking price, this is a very solid sipper. Ripe raspberry, red cherry and crushed slate show on the nose, while the light palate offers easy flavors of fruit punch and an herbal depth.
For a wine that didn't go through malolactic fermentation, this is thickly textured, almost pulpy, lacking a bit of vibrance. The pineapple fruit is weighty, but one-dimensional.
For a wine that is not a Dão appellation to be made by the cooperative union that under the old Fascist regime controlled all of Dão's wine production, this is possibly an irreverent wine. Otherwise it is a fine, accessible blend of all the Dão red grapes in a mélange that is full of blackberry fruits and acidity. Drink from 2017.
For a wine with high-end designs, this has a few issues, namely a pinched, leathery bouquet and then an herbal essence to both the palate and finish. But seeing that it's 55% Carmenère and 45% Syrah, that makes sense. What's best about Vertice is the solid mouthfeel and the way it avoids being jammy or overly sweet and candied.
For a wine with only 9% alcohol, this is surprisingly full bodied, with plenty of weight and richness. A bit of kerosene marks the nose, alongside scents of spice and bergamot, while the flavors run toward apple and citrus. It's a bit sweet (29 g/l residual sugar), but balanced by decent acidity, and it ends in a long, mouthcoating finish. Drink now–2015, possibly longer.
For a wine with such a dainty footprint, complexity and impact abound here. Ripe, almost tropical melon, mango and citrus flavors are grounded by a savory backdrop of earth, dried leaves and black tea. It's bright and brisk but deeply concentrated through a long finish.
For a wine with such a large volume (over half a million cases were imported to the U.S.), the quality is admirable. Passion fruit and grapefruit elements dominate, while some grassier notes emerge as the wine sits in the glass, resulting in a pleasant blend of tropical and herbal notes. It's plump on the midpalate, then gains focus on the lengthy, mouthwatering finish.
For a wine without a reputation for aging, this is surprisingly good. It's very lush and honeyed, with a viscous texture and a long, sweet finish. Try it with desserts rather than as an apéritif.
For a winemaking family from the Loire, it must be a delight to work in Marlborough's almost unfailing sunshine. This is a medium-bodied, silky Pinot with scents of compost. Add that gentle earthiness to black cherry fruit, hints of herb and cola and the result is a winning combination. Drink 2018–2025.
For a young Sauvignon Blanc, this is surprisingly rich. A concentrated character supports the yellow fruits and light vanilla flavor. Drink now and until 2018.
For affordable amontillado, this is downright excellent. Smells nutty and oily, maybe a touch sharp, but well within normal parameters. Feels fresh, round and comfortable, with lots of core fruit flavor, nuttiness, sweet toffee and caramel. Finishes with toasted pecan flavors and peanut butter notes. Semidry in style.
For affordable, everyday Pinot Noir, this fresh, tasty number does the job. Tomato and herbal aromas complement lighter red-fruit scents, while the palate feels airy and easy. The flavor profile is snappy, with notes of red plum and raspberry backed by oak-based caramel and milk chocolate.
For aged Ribera del Duero, this is right on target. An elegant, lightly leafy nose with lemony oak and tobacco notes along with dried berry and plum aromas is spot on and classy. The palate feels plump and honest, with moderate tannins. Flavors of earthy plum and berry, tobacco and a pantry's worth of spice finish full and chunky. Drink through 2022.
For all intents and purposes, this is a red wine. It's 90% red in color, and the nose and palate are chunky and wide. Flavors of red licorice and candied berry lack snap, and the finish tastes bitter and feels flat.
For all of this wine's 14.5% alcohol, it's not that rich, instead presenting a medium-bodied, elegant palate feel. Hints of violets and cracked pepper are attractive on the nose, easily marrying with the wine's flavors of black olive, meat, sour plum and slightly pruny notes. Tasted twice, with consistent results.
For all the richness, and there's plenty of it in the pineapple, Meyer lemondrop and vanilla notes, this Chard has a gunmetal minerality that grounds it. The “Nu” designation indicates that it's unoaked.
For an '04 reserva, this wine is more edgy, grabby and high in acid than expected. The nose shows old world leather, spearmint and smoked meat more than vibrant fruit, yet the palate is tangy, citric and tastes of red raspberry and plum. Slightly more creamy on the finish, but still it remains scratchy.
For an '07, this shows nice fruit and a direct, honest approach. The nose offers up spice and berry aromas along with some buttery oak, and that creamy woodiness carries onto the palate and blends well with juicy, crisp red fruit flavors that are representative of the vintage and region. Drink now–2014.
For an affordable, everyday red, this is a pretty good investment. It's dry and full-bodied, with berry, earth, mocha and spice flavors.
For an affordable, ready-to-drink bottling, this twist-top wine, which gets a touch of Sémillon, shows ripe nectarine, Pink Lady apple, lime water and grapefruit pith on the nose. The palate offers baking soda and lemon-lime flavors, along with tart apple skins and grassy notes.
For an aged, value-priced Cabernet, this is steps ahead of the competition. The nose on this ready-to-go wine is earthy and deep, with cherry and raisin notes. The palate is rich, solidly built and full of cherry, cassis and tobacco flavors. On the finish, it's compact and sturdy, with herbal berry flavors.
For an Alentejo wine, this is surprisingly light, fresh and poised. Yes, there is rich raisiny fruit. but it is easily balanced by a thread of acidity that winds through. The tannins are soft, the fruit juicy.
For an Aligoté, this is a soft wine without that crisp acidity. It is smooth, lightly tangy and with an easy spicy character. It is ready to drink, fruity and bright.
For an amazing price you get a dry, silky and elegant Pinot, with deeply satisfying flavors of raspberry, red currant and pomegranate. Thankfully, this should be easy to find, with nearly 17,000 cases produced.
For an appellation blend, this is a nicely complex bottling. The nose offers toasted almonds, lemon twist, lime pith, browned butter, light pineapple and the slightest touch of dairy. The sip starts off slightly sour, framed with sizzling acidity and a savory salty character, conveying flavors of lime peels, wet slate and just enough melted butter on the finish.
For an aromatic variety the nose is rather subdued—pleasantly so—but hints at ample ripe peachiness. The palate brings this to the fore in an off-dry but balanced manner: silky and glistening with the ripeness of plump, sun-ripened peach. The finish is warm and soft, with wonderful understatement.
For an Australian Cabernet, this is surprisingly delicate on the nose and medium bodied on the palate. Herbal notes intertwine with cassis and licorice, ending with finely ground baking spices. Drink now.
For an Australian Grenache, this has an invitingly cool, herbal bouquet, hinting at dried flowers and black tea. But it's unapologetically full-bodied and rich on the palate, adding black cherries and dark chocolate to the mix. It's warm, velvety and almost fudge-like on the finish yet not raisiny at all. Drink it over ?the next few years.
For an Awatere wine, this isn't overly herbal. Instead, it delivers passion fruit and citrus aromas and flavors. It's plump, with a slightly creamy midpalate and medium body, making it an easy drink.
For an entry-level bottling, this is a little stern at first. Hints of char and licorice issue forth after lengthy swirling, followed by vaguely berry-like flavors and mocha notes. Finally, dark fruit and spice emerge on the finish. Worth splashing in a decanter to wake it up prior to serving.
For an entry-level wine, Rosso dei Notri is a sophisticated and compelling red. A blend of Sangiovese (60%), Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet, it boasts dense extraction and a chewy, chunky mouthfeel. Aromas include bursting blueberry, talc powder and smoked bacon. Bright acidity appears on the finish.
For an entry level wine, this is impressive, offering hints of grapefruit pith, bergamot and smoke on the nose and following those up with some meaty-mushroomy notes on the palate. It's not typical, but boasts a silky texture and a unqieu combination of citrus and umami that lingers nicely on the finish.
For an ice wine, this is relatively rich. But it certainly doesn't take away from the pure acidity that lifts the sweet fruit, giving the ripe peach and dried apricot flavors a great frame. It is ready to drink now, but another year and it will be even better focused.
For an icewine, this is ultra-sweet. 2003 was a tough year for icewine, because there was not enough autumn mist, but the fruit was very ripe. This shows in the intense honey and burnt toffee flavors here, the acidity a mere hint.
For an inaugural effort, this coastal Pinot Noir is on the money. Dark and slightly charred-smelling on the nose, the wine is not shy. Full, oaky and moderately tannic, it shows roasted plum, char and toasty flavors in front of a brawny, oaky finish. Best from late 2015 through 2017.
For an inexpensive Oregon Pinot Noir, this has a lovely, expansive aroma that mingles rose petals, strawberry, white chocolate and cola. This is elegant, supple and entirely approachable, with none of the hard, earthy, vegetal or bitter character that can often characterize inexpensive Pinots. Think of a really good village Burgundy from a ripe vintage such as 2005, but at a much better price.
For an inexpensive wine, this offers plenty of wood spice, vanilla, char and toast on the nose. The palate smacks hard with drawing tannins, while flavors of medicinal plum and raspberry carry a charred aftertaste. Good as a whole, with oak dominating the finish.
For an off vintage, this is a nice wine. It has a touch of leafiness on the nose but also dark fruit, shoe polish and style. Gets better as it airs out, and thus the raspberry and plum flavors take on a forward, easygoing likability. Textured on the finish, and definitely not dilute or choppy like so many others from 2002.
For an under-$15 red blend, Corte has it going on. It's rich and full, almost syrupy on the nose, with lots of oak, ink and vanilla. Shows power and packs a punch, with dark berry, chocolate and spicy flavors. A little tannic and scratchy, but with structure and framework to spare. Malbec (80%), with Bonarda and Petit Verdot.
For any serious fan of Rivesaltes, this is a must-have example. Aromas of dried apricot, toasted hazelnut, fig, ginger, sweet spice and candied orange rind fill the bouquet, while the mouth is silky and balanced—sweet and heady without being cloying. All of the aromas transition onto the palate alongside accents of walnut skins and shiitake mushroom. Soft salinity makes the long finish even more mouthwatering. Drink now, or continue to age. There are 869 bottles produced.
For anybody looking for classic Bordeaux, this is the bottle to seek. “Classic” here means a wine with a tannic structure that also relies on a black currant flavor, with acidity providing freshness but not losing any concentration or aging potential. Keep for many years.
For anyone who wants to walk the walk of low-alcohol wines, this is a place to start, a 12.5% alcohol blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Muscat Canelli, Gewürztraminer and Orange Muscat all grown in the Livermore Valley. This wine has inviting notes of toffee, vanilla and caramel and will make a welcome companion at any backyard barbecue or casual dinner party.
For Argentina, this is about as fresh and clean as Chardonnay gets. The nose is pure but basic, with mineral and apple aromas. The palate feels good and correct, while flavors of banana, apple, melon and vanilla are solid but not overly powerful.
For Argentina, this is as varietally correct as you're going to find for Sauvignon Blanc. The bouquet is loaded with pungent nectarine, citrus and peach pit aromas. Those are backed by a citrusy, angular, spritzy palate with lime and orange flavors. Tang is the operative word as the wine fades out with tangerine and grapefruit flavors.
For Argentine PG it's attractive. The nose is clean but simple, while the palate is fresh and easy, with driving pineapple and lemon flavors being pushed along by good acidity. Juicy and wet on the finish, and overall it ranks as a nice, fruity wash.
For Argentinean Chardonnay this has chops. The nose is fleshy and ripe, with pineapple, candy corn and peach scents. In the mouth, there's verve and balance to support apple, pear, cantaloupe and green-herb flavors. In a purely New World way it manages to blend fleshy fruit and drying white tannins into a pleasurable whole.
For as long as Chile has been taken seriously for its SBs, Veramonte has been a value leader. This wine is a bit softer and less pungent than previous efforts, but it's still tangy and shows good green apple and melony flavors. Finishes more flat and fleshy than in the past, so drink right away.
For basic Chardonnay, this fits the bill as a good quaffer. Pithy citrus aromas lead to a zesty, citrusy palate with flavors of green fruits, lemongrass and green herbs. It's lasting on the finish and a touch ripe.
For being a goldkap, this is not especially lush or botrytized. Instead, it features a fine balance of acidity, which enlivens the green apple and citrus flavors and gives them extra poignancy. This is crisply balanced and mouthwatering on the finish.
For being one of the more widely available Chardonnays around, this vintage performs strongly against more expensive wines. Pineapple, vanilla and light caramel aromas lead the nose, while vibrant acidity kicks off the palate. Pear, Gala apple and pineapple flavors make it a reliable weeknight sipper.
For big-red lovers, this is a darn classy option. Savory, smokey, meaty notes are woven together with black pepper, raspberry and red cherry. The palate is plush and powerful, but the tannins are well structured and balanced, with a long, savory finish. Drink now–2025.
For Bordeaux, this is a plump, cushioned wine that brings out rich fruit, chocolate sauce and ample spice. The structure is there, with tannins and a dry core, but it's the soft, generous fruit that is more prominent.
For Brut Nature, this has body and weight to it. The nose delivers dry apple and pear aromas, while the palate is fairly full and round for the style, with apple and lime flavors. A finish with roundness and density confirms this Cava's good quality.
For Cab Franc, this is super ripe, with floral, perfumed, earthy aromas of cassis and wild berries blended with pastry and vanilla. In the mouth, it's big but balanced, with loamy, slightly salty flavors of baked black fruits. A lasting ripe-fruit character carries onto the finish.
For Calera's least expensive Pinot, this is pretty darned nice stuff. It's packed with true varietal character, from the pale color to the spicy, fruity, tomato-infused flavors to the silky tannins and crisp acids. It's what people want in a delicate yet assertive wine, and defines Central Coast Pinot in a general sense.
For Central Otago Chardonnay, this is rather rich and chunky on the palate, delivering hints of grilled sweet corn and ripe melon. It falls off a bit on the finish, so drink up over the next several months.
For Chilean Sauvignon Blanc with character, style and panache, Kingston Family's Cariblanco is a perennial pace-setter. There's mineral, sea air and tropical fruit aromas to get it going. Next in line is a flush palate of passion fruit and green apple. Finishes long and stylish, with elegance.
For classic Rioja, Monte Real is always a good bet. This offering delivers textbook aromas of dried raspberry and cherry offset by fallen leaves and a pinch of seashell. The palate is still quite fresh, while black cherry, raisin, spice and cocoa flavors finish smooth and long, with a touch of oxidation and a Sherry note for added complexity. Drink through 2022.
For cool-climate Casablanca Valley Malbec, this is dark, meaty and ripe. The bouquet is chunky and beefy, with a touch of leafy green. A meaty feeling palate is home to herbal, savory flavors of black fruits and salt, while the muscular finish continues with the salty theme.
For drinking now, this red dessert wine satisfies for its soft, luxuriant texture, sweetness and depth of flavor. Offers blackberry jam, cherry marmalade, melted milk chocolate and smoky vanilla flavors accented with cinnamon, anise and pepper.
For eight bucks you get a decent Merlot. It's dry and medium-bodied, with jammy blackberry and cherry flavors. Fine to drink with burgers, tacos, pizza.
For everyday consumption, this is good Cabernet with rousing fruit, body and pulse. The nose has smoke, rubber, pepper and cured meat to go with berry and cassis aromas, and the palate is very fruity, driving and loaded with flavorful cherry, raspberry and plum fruit. Not refined but good and honest.
For everyday drinking, one can't go wrong with this bright, fruity Tempranillo that's defined by unadulterated cherry, raspberry and plum aromas and flavors. This is a mild, fruit-filled wine that's clean and defines good value.
For fans of mineral, slate-driven Rieslings, this should be a hit. The aromas are of dusty slate, while the wine's flavors add petrol notes to the impression of liquid slate. Unlike many Mosel wines, there's not much in the way of fruitiness, despite the wine's plumpness. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC.
For fans of Pinot Grigio, this copper-hued wine—the natural color yielded by Pinot Grigio grapes—is a must try. It delivers juicy pear and apple flavors, along with spice and mineral notes and crisp, quenching acidity.
For fans of the variety, this is a consistently blockbuster wine, well made and remarkably fruity and floral. Violet aromas ride quietly over rounded flavors of cherry pie as the body takes on full-figured dimension. Richly voluptuous, there's balance here within the firm robust tannin structure and heady licorice-laden end.
For fifteen bucks you get a nice, silky Pinot Noir with some pretty good fruit and crisp, palate-stimulating coastal acidity. The flavors of cherries, currants and cola will play well with a beef taco.
For food lovers, there's nothing better than a quality Barbera to pair with cheesy pasta or oven-roasted lasagna. This is a thicker, more extracted expression than Arbiola's Carlotta with elaborate oak renderings and ripe, juicy berry and cherry flavors. This is one big and bold Barbera.
For fruity, red-cherry-flavored Beaujolais, look no further. This Gamay wine has it all: soft tannins, intensely juicy red fruits and crisp, tangy acidity at the end. Drink now.
For full-bodied, true Cabernet at a reasonable price, Santa Alicia's 2003 Gran Reserva is a winner. The plum and berry flavors are clean and supported by proper creamy oak, and the tannins are pliable and add backbone. Drink now.
For its alcohol, this is a surprisingly light and fruity wine. It does have tannins although they are subservient to the red berry fruitiness and freshness of the wine. It's balanced and aromatic, and could age further. Drink from 2017.
For its bold footprint (and the amount of wood aging it went through) this rich Zinfandel offers a depth of pleasant berry flavor and a measured texture, with a savory edge on the finish.
For its small size, Morey Saint-Denis is blessed with four Grand Cru vineyards, of which this is arguably the finest. The wine's spice and wood flavors are still evident, although these will get well integrated into the rich red-fruit flavor. It is certainly still young and should not be drunk before 2022.
For its youth, this is a rich, smooth wine. The tannins, even from the Malbec in the blend, are full, rounded and already integrated. Acidity and an attractive smokiness give this wine its already-drinkable character. Drink from the end of 2015.
For less than $20, this delivers plenty of Pinot Noir character. Cherry, cranberry and beet root aromas and flavors pick up a hint of cola on the crisp finish of this silky-textured, medium-weight wine. Drink it over the rest of 2017.
For lovers of lush, buttery Chardonnay, this is the one to seek out. Generously toasty barrel flavors complement spicy pineapple fruit. It's forward, full-bodied and ready to drink now.
For lovers of red sparkling wine with its attendant tannins, this is a fine example. It has a definite Pinot Noir farmyard character along with tannins, a touch of smokiness, and a definite need for food.
For lovers of sophisticated Italian wine, Schidione (a hearty blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot) shows personality, elegance and impressive intensity. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich. An excellent addition to a cellar collection.
For lovers of the big California Chardonnays, this wine delivers. Bold aromas of buttery spice lead into full flavors of cream, butter and spice. The wine offers complexity and unfolds nicely on the palate. A white that can handle rich dishes and can age.
For lovers of the bone-dry Riesling style, this exceptional effort could become the poster child. Astringent and crisply defined, with elegant focus, this grapefruit- and citrus-scented wine boasts powerful minerality, estate-grown definition and a resonant, lingering finish.
For lovers of the rich and ripe Paso Robles style, this is a high-value wine. Aromas of candied black cherry and vanilla pudding meet with roasted game and crushed gravel on the nose. Vanilla holds strong into the palate, where it blends with blueberry syrup and blackened caramel. Well-measured acidity and chalky tannins complete the experience.
For many consumers, Guigal remains a reference point for Rhône wines. This Saint-Joseph is a fine example, showcasing black-cherry fruit, earth and leather notes. It's firmly structured, with crisp acids as well, and should drink well for up to a decade or more.
For many years, Red Willow Cabernet was exclusively produced at Columbia Winery in a style that emphasized rather green, stemmy flavors. This is the polar opposite. It's roasted, earthy and tannic, with a mix of prune, fig and compote, along with a highlight of cinnamon spice. The finish turns lighter, with a leafy component typical of fruit from this vineyard.
For maximum enjoyment, drink this almost all-Merlot blend now. It shows ripe, lush black-cherry, red currant, plum and bacon flavors that finish spicy and sweet tasting. The tannins are thick but smooth.
For Navarra, this is a fairly ripe Cab. The nose shows baked black fruits, cola, herbs and maturity, while the palate is definitely racy and juicy as the acidity is what's keeping this baby plowing ahead. For New World Cab fans this will seem thin and tart; but given its domain and age, we like it as an Old World throwback.
For now, flinty reduction rules the nose. The palate is threaded with freshness and ease. Mellow hints of oak echo in the lemony brightness and convey the sunny but cool climate of Styria perfectly. This is elegant, light and thankfully not overdone. The finish is pure apple.
For now, funky yeast dominates the nose. The palate, however, abounds with friendly yellow Mirabelle plum and mandarin notes, all pulled into beautiful focus by lemon freshness. There is concentration and drive, energy and verve. This is beautiful, impressive and yet friendly and gentle. Lovely balance and aromatic length.
For now, the full, smoky hit of new oak fills nose and palate, while fresh citrus manages to get through here and there. The palate reveals a creamy saltiness but is currently dominated by the wood flavors and still needs to integrate and combine, wait for at least a year.
For now, very restrained oak dominates the nose. Wafts of soft smokiness create the impression of a cloud within which red fruit slumbers. This is youthful and comes with a smoky backbone of a structure—a beautiful faultline of fresh acidity. To appropriate a well-used metaphor, this is like a firm handshake from a hand gloved in vermilion velvet. With some time, tender notes of morello cherry tantalizingly appear. This should come with an addiction warning for lovers of elegant Pinots. Drink 2017–2025.
For now, wood smoke dominates nose and palate, enveloping generous fruit with a mellow, sonorous and even tannic coat. The dense, starched-velvet texture owes as much to ripe but fresh fruit as to new oak. This is big, bold and young. This will become much friendlier with time in bottle. Drink 2018–2025.
For Odfjell, which normally puts out ripe, quality wines, this green, herbal Syrah is both surprising and disappointing. Our first sample was brutally corked and the second was green on the nose and then short, chocolaty and limited on the palate.
For once, I wasn't able to pick this wine out as a Tardieu-Laurent. The oak is reined in, leaving the focus on plummy yet savory notes of coffee and black olive, mint, clove, licorice and chocolate liqueur. It's full-bodied, firm and intense, with a long finish framed by dusty but ripe tannins. Drink now–2025+.
For one of Jansz's top sparklers, this particular vintage is a little off the mark. Starting on the vegetal side, with notes of wet grass, pear and bruised apple, the palate is rich but mealy, finishing on the same bruised apple and vegetal characters as the nose.
For one of the larger white wine bottlings in the world, this wine stays clean, crisp and compelling, which is quite a feat. A slight effervescence in the glass gives way to aromas of melon, lemon soda, mango, plumeria and cold steel. The palate is quite tight at first then opens toward guava, Anjou pear and pineapple.
For one of the region's pioneers, this medium-bodied wine is somewhat underwhelming. The core grapefruit flavors suffer from pervasive hints of green onion that seemingly grow in influence from nose to palate to finish.
For one of their lower-priced bottlings, this blend of 55% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault is a great deal. The nose shows exuberant black raspberry, scarlet rose petals and fresh lilacs against a backdrop of dewy thyme and oregano. That herbal component carries strongly to the palate, giving nuance to tangy plum fruits. The savory touch would pair with everything from pasta to Asian-spiced beef.
For only $5, this wine offers lemonade-style refreshment with a kick. It's simple, fruity and direct, with apple and citrus notes that provide a sweet and sour contrast to each other. Drink now.
For only 11% alcohol and virtually no residual sugar, this is surprisingly weighty, with ample richness and depth. There's a strong petrochemical side to the aroma, but the flavors are fruitier, evoking baked apple and dried spices. Turns citrusy on the finish.
For Perrier-Jouët the symbols of the Belle Epoque are the house calling card. This prestige cuvée, in its stylish flowered bottle, has been released with good maturity, offering toast as well as fruit and a crisp, tight and mineral backdrop. There is an elegant style to the wine, fresh and with poise. Drink now.
For price and quality, Le Dix 2010 takes things to a high level. The nose on this Cabernet-led blend is full of violet, lilac, cassis and mild oak. The palate is multilayered and has a complex feel to it, while flavors of baked berry, cassis, coffee and marzipan finish with size and length. This is one of the most balanced and complete versions of Le Dix to date. Drink from 2014–2022.
For Roussanne, this is surprisingly neutral on the nose. It's marginally more expressive on the palate, where it offers hints of paraffin and toasted marshmallow. Still, it's plump and mouthfilling, with an attractive hint of ginger on the long finish.
For several vintages running Broquel has nudged the border between very good and excellent, but as in years past the '06 is a touch tangy and racy, with black cherry, plum and berry flavors. It's bold, zippy and quite high-toned, but still it's very competent and held together.
For sheer deliciousness, it's hard to beat this Syrah. It shows intensely concentrated blackberry, cherry and liqueur flavors, with rich, smoky oak complexities, and the mouthfeel is pure velvet. For all the richness, the wine finishes dry and elegant. Compellingly good, and a worthy alternative to a great Napa Valley Cabernet.
For sheer palate seduction, you can't beat this rich wine. It used to be that Diamond Mountain Cabs weren't drinkable for years because of the tannins. Not so with this beauty. It shows pure, classic Cabernet flavors of blackberries, black currants, cherry-pie filling, violets and sweet, smoky sandalwood, with a distinct minerality. Although it's beautiful now, it should develop in the bottle for a decade.
For sheer voluptuous pleasure, this is one of Williams Sel-yem's best 2010s. It just floods the mouth with flavors of raspberry and cherry Pop-Tarts, with the most wonderful array of spices and a tender use of oak. Hard to keep from drinking it now, but it should age well over the next 8–10 years.
For simple Chablis, this is impressive, rich, fruity, with wood as well as lively, fresh acidity. Nosings find toast and butter, with a hint of light honey.
For six bucks you get a dry, rich, creamy Chardonnay with nice flavors of pineapples, pears, apples and smoky vanilla. This is a great price for a wine of this polished appeal.
For six generations, the Ferreira family has owned this estate, a parcel of which boasts 100-year-old vines planted as a traditional field blend. It yields an impressive, serious and ageworthy wine, with dense tannins, powerful ripe black-plum and damson fruit and a tight character recalling schist soil. Drink from 2023.
For some reason, Fritz held this wine back eight months later than their very fine 2009 Reserve Pinot. It's a solid wine, silky and pure, but it's a little too sweet in raspberries and cherries, like a granola candy bar.
For some reason, the budget-priced Two Vines Chardonnay lags its pricier siblings by a vintage or two. It's beginning to flatten out as a result, the freshness fading, though the fruit is still there and it is a pleasant effort, with some buttered apple flavors dominant.
For some reason, the winery held the '06 back later than the 2007. Maybe because it was so tannic. Still is, with a biting, palate-shutting astringency made harder by the wine's extreme dryness. But there's a place for tannic, dry Syrahs, and this is a very good one, with precisely measured oak framing deep, impressive blackberry, leather and black pepper flavors.
For some tasters this will seem too ripe, with its liquorous aromatics and burn in the back of the throat. That said, it's loaded with dense fruit flavors of peach and pear, and buoyed with sufficient acidty to keep from feeling at all flabby or fat.
For some tasters, this will seem a bit earthy; for others there is a note of animal. The fruit is thin, the finish chalky and astringent.
For South American dessert wine, this is at the top of the class. The nose is light and offers nectarine, tangerine and peach aromas, while the mouthfeel is honeyed and plump, with orange marmalade, cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. The finish is long and complex, and a touch soft in feel.
For Spanish Chardonnay, this is perfectly good and clean. The nose brings your basic set of white-fruit, mineral and fresh herb flavors, while the palate is lively despite some dry, resiny oak flavor. Even with banana, vanilla and creamy flavors, the wine is decidedly not cloying.
For such a competitively priced offering, this delivers a lot of complexity. Dried herbs, anise, chocolate and coffee notes add nuance to the raspberry fruit. It's medium bodied and supple, with a lush, lingering finish. Drink now–2020.
For such a deep-colored wine, it's the lighter red fruits and minerality that comprise the aromas in this GSM with Petite Sirah. Cranberry and crushed slate rise up most prominently, but the blackberry dominance on the palate better corresponds to the color, and the caramelized finish is a nice touch.
For such a large-production wine, this is admirably complex, featuring delicate herbal shadings accenting hints of nectarine and citrus. The texture is a bit oily, but that's balanced by a long, mouthwatering finish.
For such a large production Chard, this one gives a lot of concentrated varietal purity. It's dry and crisp, brimming with ripe pineapple, green apple, Key lime pie, pear, date and smoky vanilla flavors that finish with real sophistication and class.
For such a small price, this off-dry Riesling offers surprising refreshment and enjoyment. It's straightforward and fruity, bursting with white-peach and pear flavors, yet remarkably pristine in style. Zesty lemon-lime acidity showers the midpalate and leads a long rejuvenating finish.
For such a young wine, this is surprisingly mature. Its tannins have softened and rounded, becoming well integrated with the black currant flavor and bright acidity. It's an attractive choice to drink now or over the next few years, but not for long-term aging.
For such a young wine, this seems surprisingly developed—or maybe it's just riper than usual. It may lack in bracing lemon-lime department, but hints of apple blossoms and tropical fruit turn spicy and a bit apricot-like on the long finish.
For sun-drenched Bolgheri this wine demonstrates excellent elegance and finesse with aromas of red cherry, exotic spice, nutmeg and milk chocolate. It has a vibrant and vertical delivery thanks to the wine's natural acidity and its wild berry flavors. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese.
For ten bucks, this is an attractive and crowd-pleasing Chenin that boasts forward notes of baked apple, melon, sweet orange and a hint of savory herb. The balanced acidity ensures that the ripe flavors don't feel too heavy on the close.
For ten bucks, you get a good, everyday Chardonnay. It has creamy, fruity flavors and a clean finish.
For ten bucks, you really can't go wrong with this Grenache-dominated blend. Purple florals and garrigue spice flood the nose, while fruity flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and blueberry keep things rich and juicy in the mouth. Well-balanced with dusty but supporting tannins and an integrated, oak-infused sweetness on the finish.
For the 2011 vintage, Winemaker Charles Thomas blended Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from the winery's 280-acre biodynamic and organically farmed estate in the heart of Rutherford. The effect is memorable, the wine pungent in red plum and cherry. Light, layered and elegantly smooth on the palate, it has a backdrop of black pepper and clove. Cellar through 2025.
For the drinker who likes their fortified wines on the earthy side, this one is for you. Dried leaf aromas recall a crisp autumn day, while fig and date tones give ample dried-fruit depth to the nose. Full and luscious on the palate, rich sultana meets grilled apricot while roasted mixed nuts linger on the finish.
For the fan of big, bold flavor, this Rutherford red is robust in tannin and oak, as well as full, ripe waves of blueberry, black cherry and chocolate. Interspersed among the enjoyable proceedings are dessert-like elements of caramel and cinnamon.
For the first release of this wine, the oak unfortunately is almost completely overwhelming. Vanilla, green wood, mocha and mint overpower almost any sense of varietal aroma and flavor.
For the first time these excellent grapes are being shown in a single-vineyard cuvée. It's a big, tannic, high-octane wine, with smooth, ripe and generous purple fruits. There is plenty of supporting acid, along with rather astringent tannins that carry a leafy note through the finish. Drink now–2019.
For the first time this reserve-level Gamache Cabernet includes grapes from the Ciel du Cheval vineyard as well as both the Champoux and estate vineyards. It's 100% varietal, drawing upon equal portions of fruit from all three, and it's a magnificent combination. Powerful, sleek, dense and textural, the wine explodes from the glass, muscular and thick with black fruits and ripe tannins. Highlights of black tea, espresso and smoke add layers of interest to a lengthy finish.
For the first time, all the fruit for this Cabernet is sourced from Red Mountain vineyards. It's well on the way to secondary fruit aromas and flavors; soft and instantly approachable. It's not a challenging wine, but it fits like a comfortable old shirt. Strawberry, cherry and plum mingle gracefully, with super-smooth tannins.
For the first time, this release of Buty's Rediviva, from estate vineyards in the Rocks region of Walla Walla, includes a bit of Mourvèdre. The pretty fruit flavors of strawberry preserves, blueberry and black cherry carry both a mineral underpinning and a whiff of the barnyard in the nose. The aging in mostly neutral puncheons and barrels adds just a hint of baking spices.
For the modest tariff, this is really good. Aromas of crushed stone and dried flowers lead the way, followed by ample berry flavors and a medium-bodied, silky feel. Drink now.
For the moment, the tannins are still firm and the generous red fruits have not yet penetrated the surface. The acidity is present, like a line of brightness that cuts through this richly tannic wine. This is a potentially opulent wine.
For the moment, this is rather hard and tight, with notes of black pepper around tangy berry fruit. There are interesting streaks of iron and graphite, and a balanced structure that suggests extended cellaring may be an option. This blend is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec.
For the most part this is smooth, ripe red wine. At 50% Cabernet and 50% Merlot the flavors and style should be familiar, but still this wine has its own Catalonian personality. It's concentrated and ripe but not all that heavy. Overall it's very Mediterranean/mountainous and not very New World at all. A fine match for good food.
For the most part, this is your typical clean, simple, easygoing quaffer. The nose isn't specific but it is pure and welcoming. The palate is good and fresh, with flavors of apple, citrus and a drop of pickle brine. Nothing hair-raising or life-changing, but it's perfect for affordable aperitifs and tapas.
For the past several years, Monticello has been quietly producing deliciously drinkable Syrahs. The '05 is rich in cassis, cherry, mocha, violet, leather and spicy flavors, wrapped into a smooth, velvety texture.
For the price this is a nice party wine. It's sweet, offering ripe citrus and vanilla flavors. Production was 5,400 cases.
For the price you can't go wrong with a wine like this. It's flowery and fruity, and beyond that it doesn't pretend to be more than it is. There's a natural creaminess to the feel and full melon and white fruit flavors. Proof that some Chardonnays do better without oak.
For the price, a pretty good Chardonnay. It's dryish to sweet, with pineapple, orange, buttered toast and vanilla flavors.
For the price, this blend of five varieties is a pretty good value. It's oaky and full-bodied in blackberries and cherries, although a streak of green unripeness runs right down the middle.
For the price, this Chardonnay will do nicely, tasting of very ripe mango and Nilla wafer, an all-around crisp, medium-bodied white with good balance between fruit, and acidity and light alcohol. Will pair deliciously with crab.
For the price, this is a commendable effort, with scents of toast and vanilla layered over modest cherry fruit. The wine is medium bodied and marked by the a fine, soft texture, then finishes on a tart note.
For the price, this is a good deal in a rich California Chardonnay from a major producer. The wine is dry and crisp, with rich flavors of citrus fruits, peaches, mangoes and honeysuckle, and the minerally edge that a Calera Chardonnay usually shows.
For the price, this is a good investment in an everyday red wine. It's medium-bodied and dry, with cherry, tobacco and cedar flavors.
For the price, this is a good value in California Chardonnay. It shows ripe flavors of citrus and tropic fruits, with a creamy, oaky mouthfeel that finishes with a clean scour of acidity.
For the price, this is a good, sound Sauvignon Blanc for everyday purposes. It's dry and crisp in acidity, with somewhat watery lemon, lime, grapefruit and vanilla flavors.
For the price, this is a great wine for a party or an everyday dinner. It's soft, easy to drink and rich enough in cherry, berry and oak flavors to satisfy Cabernet lovers. And it's easy to find, with 10,000 cases produced.
For the price, this is a pretty good Merlot for drinking now. It's soft and approachable with cherry, blueberry, red currant and oak flavors, along with a sightly sweet finish.
For the price, this is a remarkable achievement. It's a varietally correct, properly lightweight Pinot Noir imbued with attractive black cherry fruit. There's a charred-stave character that adds vanilla and a tinge of mocha as well. Drink now.
For the price, this is a solid Chardonnay, offering up just you might expect. Hints of toasty oak, a suggestion of custardy textural richness and intense citrus fruit come together in a medium-bodied wine that should prove versatile at the table through the end of 2016.
For the price, this is an excellent Rioja to drink now or lay away for a few more years. Earthy cherry, plum and cola aromas set up a fresh and focused palate that's typical for the region. Flavors of mild oak, tobacco and dried raspberry end with clarity and elegance. Drink now–2019.
For the price, this is an impressively detailed and complex wine. Floral notes reminiscent of lavender or rosemary mark the nose and impart interest to the palate, which deftly marries herbs, baking spices and dark fruit. Crisp acids combine with soft tannins on the silky finish. Drink now–2022.
For the price, this is not a good effort. It's overoaked and horsey smelling, with a heavy, overripe palate that tastes herbal and like hickory-infused blackberry. Flat and stewy on the finish.
For the price, this is one of the best Cab values in the market. It shows fine varietal character, with blackberry and cherry flavors wrapped into firm tannins and a spicy finish.
For the price, this is pretty decent. It shows ample volume in the mouth and features lightly stewed fruit notes of mixed berries balanced by a touch of wood.
For the price, this is remarkably concentrated, with ample weight and intense flavors. It's more subdued on the nose, offering just hints of stuck flint and grapefruit, but the citrusy flavors surge forward, culminating in a long, grapefruity finish.
For the price, this Merlot packs a delicious punch, offering soft, persistent layers of chocolate, tar and leather, the tannins present yet well-managed. Red fruit and smoke intermingle on the palate, playing well together.
For the price, this offers much more depth and structure than expected. Dark berry fruit, vanilla and cedar mark the nose, while there's plenty of weight and richness on the palate. Drink now–2025.
For the price, you get a Cabernet that shows some pretty good Napa character. It's ripe and forward with black currants with tough tannins and a hit of sweet oak. Lots going on, and could even age for a few years. If you drink it now, give it a couple hours of airing.
For the price, you get a fair deal with this dry, clean wine. It has flavors of cherries and oak and spice, and goes down nice and easy.
For the price, you get a lot to like with this dry, silky and delicate Pinot Noir. It has some good raspberry, cherry and pomegranate fruit flavors, with a rich, spicy finish.
For the price, you get a very nice expression of California Pinot Noir. The wine is dry, silky and spicy, and surprisingly rich, with flavors of raspberry and cherry pie filling
For the price, you get just what you pay for with this Chard. It's honeyd and soft, with flavors of buttered toast and apricot-orange jam.
For the second vintage in a row, Vall Llach's signature red blend is out on its own. The bouquet is round and deep, with alluring cola, mint and blackberry aromas. The palate is alive but still quite dark, with huge black plum and blackberry flavors. Super long on the finish, with a subtle streak of vanilla and coconut. Delicious but also deft. 450 cases produced.
For the second year in a row, Decoy has released one of the best values in Zinfandel of the vintage. This year, Sonoma County is source to the grapes, and the wine shows classic wild berry, cola, anise, pepper and sandalwood flavors. Most remarkable is the tannic structure, which is smooth and distinguished. Easy to find, with 15,000 cases produced.
For the second year running, this bottling is a superb Zinfandel. It's as rich and ripe as they get, bursting with fresh raspberries, cherries and mocha, and that briary, brambly quality of wild forest nettles. Yet it's thoroughly dry, with thick, refined tannins. Beautiful now for its effusive fruit, the wine should slowly slide over the next six years.
For the suggested price of $12, this delivers plenty of richness and flavor. Plum and briary blackberry aromas lead the way, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, slightly creamy palate that offers dark fruit tinged with a hint of brown sugar. Drink now–2017.
For the vintage, this is a particularly rich wine. It is structured and firm with opulent black-plum fruit that gives the wine a ripe character. Dense with supporting tannins, the wine is going to develop well over the medium term. Drink from 2022
For the vintage, this is a rich wine. It has spice, an herbal edge and a touch of pepper. Its red fruits are superripe with a bitter bite that masks the acidity. Let this settle for a few months and drink from 2018.
For the vintage, this is a ripe, bold wine. Layers of delicious black fruits are supported by firm tannins and the right amount of wood aging. Balanced and dense, it will age well. Drink from 2017.
For the vintage, this is a surprisingly lean wine. Some juicy fruit is still struggling out of the very dry tannic shell. Acidity is a dominant character of this firm, dry wine.
For the vintage, this is a surprisingly soft wine. It's already juicy, full of fresh strawberries and soft tannins. That makes for a delicious wine, rounded with a touch of wood. It's not likely to age much beyond 2017,  but is certainly attractive now.
For the vintage, this is an austere style of wine, emphasising tannins over fruit. The fruit is certainly rich, and the tannins are dusty rather than dry, but it is a wine which is developing more slowly, suggesting it is also a wine for long-term aging.
For the vintage, which generally provided rather ripe fruit, this is a bit tight and stiffly tannic. The cherry cobbler aromas and flavors are certainly pleasurable, but finish crisp and firm. Give it a few years in the cellar, and drink 2017–2023.
For the wine and its fruit, there is too much firm extract here. It brings out very dry tannins and licorice flavors that cover the fruit. It's going to be a difficult wine to soften.
For the winery's lower-priced offering, this is a stunner. Baked black cherry, vanilla, raspberry, rose petals and a touch of licorice light up the nose. The lightly poised but intensely focused sip reveals a wild combo of fruit and spice, with sage, bay leaf, thyme and fennel laced through black cherry. It's like walking through the Central Coast scrubland.
For the year, this is a big wine, a success. New wood flavors and tannins blend well with the weight of fruit, depth of flavor and concentration. The wine has freshness to give with the structure, solid and intense. Certainly for aging—five years and more.
For this appellation, this is a soft wine, full of bright cherry flavors and attractive acidity. A jammy character brings out rich fruitiness that will allow the wine to be ready from 2018.
For this classic, restrained Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Petit Verdot, the grapes were grown in Rutherford, Yountville and St. Helena. The wine is juicy in soft red cherry and cassis. Seamless on the palate, it offers a nice progression from explosive fruit to measured acidity and low oak, the finish balanced between all three.
For this critic, this blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay isn't working. For starters, it's severely oaked, such that the palate feels creamy, sticky and heavy. Flavors of oak resin and mushy melon end flat, sticky and cloying.
For this excellent blend, 25% new French oak was employed. It retains its vivid apple-flavored intensity, while bringing in pretty spice and a bit of buttered toast. The barrel aging helped to soften it up a bit. As young as it is, it drinks quite well and should hold until 2020.
For this medium-sweet wine, the Grassa family has chosen one of the Southwest's great grape varieties. The Gros Manseng easily makes this style: fruity and with a fine balance between sweetness and crisp acidity. This is a young wine, named after the singing thrush (grive) in the vines. It's still developing and will be better from 2018.
For this new offering from the winery, fruit comes from top vineyards Dineen, StoneTree, Klipsun, Pepper Bridge, Discovery and Kiona. It displays strong aromas of burnt coffee, woodspice and cherry. Flavors are medium bodied with blocky tannins and mouthwatering acids.
For this sparkler, fermentation occurs inside of the bottle instead of large pressurized tanks like the majority of Prosecco. This is simple and fresh, with a bright, almost sour, citrus-driven finish.
For this sweet and jammy wine, the fruit is sourced from what is reputed to be the second-oldest planting of Syrah in Washington State. Hints of lilac lead into concentrated flavors of blueberry and boysenberry, along with lush barrel accents of mocha and chocolate. Tannins are smooth and silky, and the wine has the grip and substance to cellar well through at least 2024.
For this well-made, robust wine, the producer taps into multiple vineyard sources, including William Hill and Monte Rosso. Hung around a focused structure, it offers classic elements of dried herb, clove and graphite, with significant tannin that persists through a lengthy finish of toasty oak.
For this wine's modest reported alcohol level (8%), it doesn't come across as being overly sweet, but boasts a broad, fullish mouthfeel. Tropical fruit—mango—marries easily with peach and lime flavors and a touch of honey. Turns tart on the finish, adding more lime to the flavorful mix.
For this wine, grapes are sourced from cooler sites within the valley, as well as from a high-elevation site on Mount Veeder. Together, they provide a juicy, fleshy core of apple and pear girded by mineral-laden texture and tension. The finish is marked by oak-derived toast and brioche notes.
For those looking for a leaner, earthier but still-stylish Cabernet, this is the ticket. It's very dry, with soft Alexander Valley tannins and flavors of blackberries, cherries and herbs. This elegant young wine could easily develop fascinating bottle complexities over the next 8–10 years.
For those who enjoy substantial flavors of toasty oak with their Chardonnays, this is a good choice. Full-bodied and instantly appealing, it's got ripe fruit flavors of peach, banana and apricot, underscored with green apple acidity. The toastiness comes through in the finish, with a lick of salted caramel tickling the back of the throat.
For those who like a tangy lip-smacking style of Sauvignon Blanc, this is spot-on. Green melon, lemon, lime, grapefruit and green apple are all in play. It dances close to sourness, yet remains lively and refreshing, with terrific persistence. It's a classic palate-cleansing food wine.
For those who like a very dry wine with lots of yeasty, baked-bread aromas, this one’s for you. In addition to those aromas are notes of lime and raspberry, although they’re understated. The flavors are modulated, too, just suggesting strawberries, but the emphasis here is on texture and acidity.
For those who like an old-school, oxidized style of white Rioja (think López de Heredia), Murrieta's Capellanía is up your alley. The nose is almost like Sherry in its creamy, maderized state, while the palate is low in power, with coconut and lemon flavors. Finishes soft, with vanilla. A unique, identifiable white wine that's not for everyone. Drink now.
For those who like the acquired taste of red sparkling wine, this is an enjoyable example. It balances its acidity with taut black-currant flavors, along with a firm core of tannins.
For those who like their Cabernets in a drier style. An elegant wine of considerable finesse, with modest alcohol framing berry, currant, cocoa and herb flavors. Grows more attractive and complex as it breathes in the glass.
For those who like their non-vintage with some bottle age, this is a fine wine. While it has lost its early freshness, it certainly has gained in complexity, offering ripe, soft, toasty flavors to add to the green plum fruits and acidity.
For those who like their Pinot oaky, this may be just the ticket. It starts out with caramel, coffee and chocolate aromas skillfully matched with sour cherries and a bouquet garni of green herbs. It then turns ever oakier on the palate, with a near-syrupy mouthfeel. Finishes with toasty oak-driven spice notes and an herbaceous edge.
For those who like their sparkling wines a little sweet. This Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blend has the highest dose of residual sugar of all Iron Horse's bubblies, and it shows in the jellied flavors of raspberries, strawberries and limes. Very crisp acidity provides needed balance and elegance.
For those who like their white wines distinctly sweet, this tastes like apricot and orange jam, with the stimulating heat of alcohol.
For those who like their Zins on the sweet side, this one's rich in raspberry and cherry jam flavor, with the sweet, honeyed taste of glycerine from high alcohol.
For those who love a big, oaky Chardonnay, this is for you. It's raw, blocky and rough, but there is plenty of fresh oak flavor, and time should integrate the wood into the clean and straightforward green apple flavor.
For those who value a totally natural, biodynamic, unfiltered wine, this is it. The neck of the bottle is lined with purple sediment that is almost psychedelic it's so intense. The wine is fermented with native yeasts, and it's a scrapey, authentic beast of a Grenache, with 15% Syrah in the blend, and it takes no prisoners. Grapey, full-throttle, deep and concentrated, with blueberries and plums, boysenberries and kirsch, it invites both contemplation and hedonistic pleasure.
For those who want a little funk in their Syrah, this conjures up flavors reminiscent of wines from the Rocks District in Walla Walla. Credit the rocky soil of this Similkameen Valley vineyard, which delivers dense, well-knit flavors of red and purple fruits, smoke, tanned leather, tobacco and licorice. Concentrated flavors of raspberry purée hold down the core.
For those who want classically grassy and energetic Sauv Blanc flavors, this widely available bottling is perfect. Aromas of both boisterously tropical fruit and funky cut grass lead into a zingy palate of white pepper, bell pepper, cement and lime.
For those with a classical bent, Clos Teddi is named after Thetis, sea goddess and mother of Achilles. This rosé, appropriately, summons up lunch by the ocean, with its crisp, fresh, dry strawberry and pink grapefruit flavors, just touched by caramel.
For those wondering what minerality means in a red wine, this bottling is the answer. Against the black cherry and dark strawberry on the nose rise powerful crushed slate and smashed graphite aromas. The palate starts with cranberry and pomegranate, but the slate and rocky-soil flavors swing back in, giving backbone to the hints of bay leaf and herbs.
For Toro, this is earthy and slightly herbal as opposed to ripe and jammy. Aromas of mulch, leather and herbal berry lead into a firm, rocky palate with rooty flavors of burnt leaves, black fruits and oregano. A tight, compact finish with moderate flavors is a bit closed and hard.
For Torrontés, this is a juicy, solid example. Smells of orange blossom and lychee, which is backed up by a thorough palate with lime, lemon and tangerine flavors. Shows balance, verve, modest depth and clarity. Drink now.
For twenty bucks, you get a a cool-climate Pinot that's eminently drinkable. It's bone dry, crisp in acidity and delicately structured, with cola, raspberry and persimmon flavors. It won't age, but is a fine example of Central Coast Pinot Noir. With production of 140,000 cases, it's easy to find.
For two years running this Torrontes is White Pearl's most praiseworthy wine. It is true and tasty, with flowery aromas leading to flavors of lychee, papaya, melon and grass. Decent body and length give it credibility as a 1.5L Best Buy.
For under $10, this wine delivers an admirable blend of cherry fruit and savory underpinnings. Hints of asphalt and black olive finish on a mouthwatering note, joined by the suggestion of caramelized fruit. Drink now.
For unknown reasons, Chuck Reininger holds back his Merlots; but Reininger makes real Merlot—96% pure—and it works. It's silky and smooth, chocolaty and showing pleasing nuances of herb and grass. The fruit is light, pretty and perfectly ripe, tasting of strawberry, cherry and pomegranate.
For value-priced Pinot, give this its props for being fair and consistent with past vintages. On the nose, this smells a bit furry and spicy, with meaty plum and tea notes. A medium-bodied palate feels a touch resiny, while this tastes of spice, wood and ripe red fruits.
For Washington whites 2013 was a challenging vintage, but you would never notice on this blend of Celilo (70%) and Woodward Canyon Estate vineyards. It's immediately attractive, with notes of mineral, lemon curd, spice, toast and pear. The style is creamy yet reserved, showing good depth of flavors and pleasing subtleties with the finish lingering.
For what's supposed to be an upper-level wine, this is prickly and clipped. The nose is herbal and spicy, with limited red-fruit notes. The palate is driven by racy acids and peppery, herbal flavors on top of tart red plum. Overall there's not much fruit to this crisp sizzler.
For what is essentially a second wine, generally blended from the estate's younger vines, this is a solid effort in a not-so-easy vintage. Vanilla and cinnamon from barrel-aging play a role hedre, but there's also plenty of juicy, plum-tinged fruit. There's ample body and texture, capped off by supple tannins and a lingering finish. Drink now–2022.
For whatever reason, Keating's 2010 Zin represents a vast improvement over the '09. It's a pretty, polished Zinfandel, the kind called claret-style to distinguish its elegance and balance. Classic Dry Creek Valley, with wild berry, cola, sweet tobacco and spice flavors and briary tannins.
For whatever reason, the Coddington lacks the extra dimension of the other 2011 Kumeu River Chardonnays. It's still an excellent wine, just linear and crisp, with subtle toast framing citrusy fruit.
For whatever reason, this wine consistently fails to impress. Once again, it's vegetal and pickled, with forced flavors of candy and too much residual sugar. Forget it if you only drink dry rosé.
For whatever the reason, this winery's Bordeaux reds, including Merlot, have shown tremendous improvement over the last few years. This Merlot is soft, sensual and lovely, with cherry pie, red currant, violet, mocha and new French oak flavors. Easy to drink now with robust grilled meats or stews.
For wine drinkers who don't mind briny aromas, here is a wine with a funky-oyster quality on the nose. This adequate wine tastes of orange, brine, asparagus and pickled beans. It's juicy and plump on the tail end.
For years Chateau Potelle has been turning out tremendous, bracing Chardonnays. The '06 VGS is an awesomely powerful wine, focused like a laser with well-oaked pineapple, passionfruit, tangerine and apricot flavors that are balanced with crisp acids. Notable for purity and strength, this Chardonnay will drink well over the next 6 years.
For years, Foxen has been producing one of the best Chenin Blancs in California, and with this 2009, they have outdone themselves. It's so rich in orange, honeydew and pineapple flavors, it might almost be Chardonnay, except it's drier and more minerally, and there's a wonderful note of dried herbs. Although production was only 575 cases, this wine is worth a special search, especially for sommeliers.
For years, Gisborne was known as the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand, so it's nice to see that region's product being given some overdue international recognition via this label. In the glass, the wine is subtly toasty and mealy, yet loaded with peach and citrus fruit, carried by plenty of weight and a full, rich, velvety texture. Drink now.
Force Majeure and Ciel du Cheval are the sources for this pure, compelling Red Mountain Syrah. The complex aromatics shoot up a smorgasbord of cured meat, truffle and umami notes, leading into a crisp, racy palate with lovely blueberry-dominated fruit flavors. Aging in 500-liter puncheons smoothes it out while contributing just a hint of new toast.
Forced oak and grassy core aromas make for a challenging, slightly green and resiny bouquet. This feels thick and heavy, with oaky, stewy flavors of ripe raspberry and black plum.
Forced oak and modest red-fruit aromas are good enough to draw you in. This feels snappy, with cheek-puckering acidity. Tart red-fruit flavors of plum and currant are woody but honest, while the wine's initial forced oak character settles down on the finish.
Forced oak is the lead aroma on this clampy, tannic Rioja from a marginal vintage. Pasty oak covers up dried plum and currant flavors. A raw, rubbery, scouring finish tastes dry and woody.
Forced together and not happily married is the only way to describe this dysfunctional coupling of sweet, tropical Torrontes and heavy, cloying Chardonnay. Too sweet for most palates, with a heavy dosage of melon, lychee and table sugar.
Forced woody aromas and flavors are a persistent theme on this Uco Valley Malbec, which smells a bit horsey and stewed. Dense black-fruit flavors are roasted and peppery, while wood and related resin notes rise up on the back palate. Rustic power and fiery heat are loud elements on a fully oaked finish.
Forced, candied aromas of chocolaty oak and herbal, slightly weedy berry fruits feed into a chunky, blocky, creamy palate with saucy berry flavors combined with minty, top-heavy oak. The finish tastes minty, lactic and oaky, with heat.
Forced, heavy oak aromas lie around as this smells like lacquer, mint and horse hide. Thick, chewy and tannic, this tates mostly of resiny, heavy oak. On the finish, it's so woody that you're left with an artificial aftertaste.
Forceful and fully oaked, with dark, rubbery, minty black fruit flavors. The palate is a bit rugged but solid as granite. Tastes toasty and roasted, with black fruit and licorice flavors front and center. Rolls along well on the finish, showing lemon zest and clove notes. Drink now through 2014.
Forceful aromas of pie crust and heavy berry fruits are clumsy but generous. There's elastic tightness to the palate along with herbal berry flavors. The finish loses fruit while cranking up the toasty afterburners.
Forceful from the opening, with floral notes, dark oak, shoe polish and char vying with black fruit aromas. Feels both lush and tough, with hard tannins poking through. Tastes of black fruits, cola and heavily toasted oak. Bittersweet on the finish; lusty and black but neither elegant nor light on its feet.
Forceful oak creates aromas of creosote, shoe polish, raw wood grain and leathery berry. This is high in acid, and hence rather sharp. Tart, snappy plum and pie cherry flavors finish fresh and tangy, but angular.
Forceful on the nose, with herbal, saucy, rubbery aromas. It's weighty in the mouth, with blackberry, herbal tomato and dry spice flavors. Feels pretty good on the finish, which comes with a lasting herbal accent. A little grating but solid enough.
Forceful, edgy aromas of cherry and drugstore perfume precede a cloppy, choppy palate with red plum and red berry flavors. Scouring and with friction on the back side, but with lots of racy red flavors.
Forceful, meaty and a little herbal on the nose, but still pretty solid for $9 Merlot. The palate is full and sizable, with plum, berry and herbal flavors creating Chilean typicity. Falls off on the finish, turning more herbal, but overall it's a good value wine.
Forest-floor aromas of mushroom and herbal berry and plum open this Peruvian Malbec that's tight and drawing on the palate. Baked plum, chocolate and pounding oak flavors finish heavy, with notes of prune and carob.
Forest and pine give this wine an edgy, earthy and ethereal core that's dotted in notions of baked strawberry. Sizable oak and tannin structure add weight and power from a concentrated year.
Forest berries, perfumed violets and pine needles entertain the nose on this widely available bottling. The palate shows dried herbs, tar and smashed blackberries.
Forest berry and white cherry aromas are followed by slightly green notes of chopped sage or rosemary. This simple wine sports a lean mouthfeel, with a crisp but short finish.
Forest berry, new leather, camphor and crushed herb aromas lead into the radiant structured palate along with cherry, cranberry, clove and white pepper. This is still tightly knit with a youthfully tannic core but it's on track to bloom into a stunner. Drink 2028–2043.
Forest floor and fresh-dug earth form a core around this wine's crisp, clear hit of red cherry. Buoyant acidity keeps it light and bright, with unfettered oak and tannin.
Forest floor, aromatic herb, dark spice and eucalyptus aromas come together with a floral twist. Bright and elegant, the palate shows succulent wild cherry, white pepper, star anise and chopped mint flavors. With its taut, fine-grained tannins and firm acidity, it needs time to unwind and fully develop. Drink 2022–2032.
Forest floor, aromatic herb, moist soil and blue flower aromas take the lead. The simple, light-bodied palate starts off with juicy sour cherry, a hint of clove and a green note of sage, but it falls apart quickly, leaving brisk acidity fleeting tannins.
Forest floor, black plum, menthol and a whiff of exotic spice unfold on this elegantly structured wine. The precise palate offers mature black cherry, ground pepper, licorice and hint of chewing tobacco framed in firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2019.
Forest floor, bramble, green spice and candied fruit characterize this hearty expression of Brunello di Montalcino. The wine tastes raw and edgy in the mouth due to the prickly nature of its tannins.
Forest floor, chopped herb, iris and red berry aromas lead the nose on this medium-bodied red. On the smooth silky palate, notes of star anise and white pepper accent juicy red berry alongside supple tannins and bright acidity.
Forest floor, dark-skinned berry, clove and sage aromas emerge in the glass. The juicy straightforward palate offers wild cherry extract, anise and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside chewy tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Forest floor, dark-skinned berry, leather and tilled earth aromas unfold in the glass. The full-bodied, elegant palate offers mature black cherry, black raspberry, ground pepper, anise and chopped mint framed in ripe, tightly packed tannins. It's young and assertive, but also balanced, with real aging potential. Drink 2020–2035.
Forest floor, dark cooking spice, chopped mint, coconut and baked plum aromas lead the way on this full-bodied red. The robust juicy palate doles out black cherry, raisin, espresso, clove and anise while firm fine-grained tannins provide plenty of structure. An espresso note closes the tight finish. Drink after 2020.
Forest floor, dried aromatic herb, sunbaked soil, new leather, raspberry jam and licorice aromas carry over to the full-bodied palate along with dried cherry and clove. Fine-grained tannins give it a polished texture and firm finish. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Forest floor, dried dark-skinned fruit, cedar and smoky aromas come together in the glass. The firm, full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherry, baked plum, ground pepper and clove alongside solid but fine-grained tannins.
Forest floor, exotic spice, new leather and a balsamic note of menthol lead the nose. The palate is still youthfully shy and extremely tight, but it eventually reveals suggestions of raw cherry, tart cranberry, espresso and dark spice. Close-grained tannins give the finish a firm squeeze.
Forest floor, flint, Alpine herb, sandalwood, leather and pressed rose are some of the scents you'll discover on this mountain Nebbiolo. The precise, radiant palate delivers dried red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, anise and tobacco. It's well balanced with firm refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2018–2026.
Forest floor, grilled porcini, charred earth and a whiff of leather lead the nose. The ripe palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry, clove, licorice and tobacco alongside chewy tannins. You'll also detect the warmth of alcohol on the close.
Forest floor, hay, grilled porcini mushroom and stewed plum aromas lead the nose and follow through to the palate. It's closed but eventually reveals green notes of powdered herb and astringent tannins but there's little fruit.
Forest floor, iris, menthol, mature blackberry and leather aromas unfold on this firmly structured red. On the palate, ground pepper, licorice and a green note of powdered sage accent a core of mature black cherry. An assertive tannic backbone provides support but leaves a somewhat gritty, astringent finish.
Forest floor, leather, fennel and woodland berry aromas lead the nose. The vibrant palate delivers crunchy red cherry-berry, eucalyptus, sage and a balsamic note alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink 2017–2025.
Forest floor, leather, pressed violet and balsamic notes meld together in the glass. The palate is firm and linear, offering dried cherry, tart cranberry, crushed herb and licorice notes, set against youthfully assertive, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.
Forest floor, leather, tilled soil, ripe berry and balsam are some of the aromas you'll find in this delicious red. The smooth, dense palate delivers blackberry jam, espresso, licorice and ground pepper flavors, blanketed with soft, silky tannins. Tobacco and graphite notes linger on the finish. Drink through 2020.
Forest floor, leather, tobacco and menthol aromas take shape in the glass. The palate is tense and vibrant, offering raspberry, pomegranate, licorice and espresso notes, bolstered by tightly wound tannins. Drink after 2020.
Forest floor, mature berry, scorched soil and a whiff of new leather lead the nose. The palate shows dried black cherry, mocha, cinnamon and clove alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. A licorice note closes the finish.
Forest floor, mature berry, wild herb, clove, smoke and pressed flower aromas come together on this bright red. The taut palate delivers ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper set against firm, polished tannins.
Forest floor, menthol, espresso, cranberry and pressed violet aromas take shape in the glass. The lean linear palate shows dried sour cherry, licorice and coffee bean alongside assertive close-grained tannins. Even though the tannins are still firm, drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Forest floor, mushroom and dried red cherry lead the bouquet, with a lift of eucalyptus in the background. Fresh cherry and raspberry flavors unfold on the palate, with bright acidity in the finale.
Forest floor, new leather, menthol and wild berry aromas take shape in the glass. The structured palate delivers dried black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco alongside youthfully firm tannins. A mineral note closes the lingering finish. This is one of the few 2012s that show serious aging potential. Drink 2022–2032.
Forest floor, new leather, pressed violet, ripe berry, Mediterranean herb and eucalyptus aromas lead the way on this robust red. The densely concentrated palate shows raisin, vanilla, prune and espresso alongside the warmth of evident alcohol. Chewy tannins provide support while a hint of licorice wraps up the finish. Give it a few years to unwind, then drink to capture the remaining fruit richness.
Forest floor, new leather, ripe, dark-skinned berry and hint of blue flower are some of the scents you'll discover on this structured, polished red. The smooth, delicious palate offers layers of fleshy black cherry, baking spice and dried Mediterranean herb while firm, refined tannins provide the framework.
Forest floor, new leather, tobacco and crushed herb aromas emerge in the glass. It's youthfully austere and a bit lean, with sour cherry, pomegranate, sage and white pepper framed in vibrant acidity and assertive fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023–2035.
Forest floor, porcini mushroom, violet and a whiff of chopped herbs lead the nose on this simple red. The straightforward palate is on the thin side, offering red cherry, a suggestion of clove and a hint of game alongside relaxed, loose-knit tannins.
Forest floor, resin, exotic spice, steeped plum and a balsamic note lead the way on this robust red. The firmly structured palate offers raisin, dried cherry, licorice and coffee framed in tightly wound, close-grained tannins.
Forest floor, resin, spiced plum and incense aromas lead the nose on this robust red. The chewy brawny palate delivers black cherry marinated in spirits, licorice, nutmeg and pipe tobacco while firm, velvety tannins provide the framework. Drink 2017 through 2026.
Forest floor, ripe berry and cake spice aromas emerge in the glass. The structured palate doles out dried black cherry, blackberry, licorice, ground pepper and tobacco alongside assertive tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2017–2021.
Forest floor, ripe black fruit, truffle, leather and balsamic aromas open this bold, concentrated wine. The delicious palate offers layers of blackberry, spicy plum, black pepper, cassis and savory herb alongside big, velvety tannins. It has balance and depth but it's still young and needs time to develop complexity. Drink 2018–2030.
Forest floor, rosemary, ripe berry, new leather and a whiff of earth are just some of the aromas in this structured red. The full-bodied, chewy palate flexes muscle and restraint, offering ripe black cherry, licorice, clove and dried aromatic herb while firm, ripe tannins provide the framework. While it won't need many years to become accessible, it also has some staying power. Drink 2019–2026.
Forest floor, scorched earth, dark-skinned fruit, menthol and ground clove aromas come together in the glass. On the structured palate, youthfully assertive close-grained tannins support wild cherry, black pepper, licorice and espresso. This is still austere and needs to unwind to show its true potential. Drink 2020–2031.
Forest floor, spiced blueberry, prune, resin and a mocha note lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The smooth palate offers dried black cherry, nutmeg, cinnamon and anise alongside fine-grained tannins.
Forest floor, sun-baked soil, mature plum and new oak aromas lead the nose. The assertive, structured palate shows star anise, espresso and dried black cherry flavors, braced by medium-grained tannins that carry the finish.
Forest floor, tilled earth, truffle, ripe berry, thyme and a whiff of game are some of the aromas you'll find on this full-bodied red. The concentrated palate delivers fleshy black cherry, raspberry jam, cinnamon, clove and a hint of anise. Densely packed, velvety tannins leave a firm, polished finish. Drink 2019–2026.
Forest floor, tilled soil, mature berry and a whiff of new leather combine on this. The ripe palate offers fleshy black cherry, dried aromatic herb and tobacco, while fine-grained tannins give the finish some grip. Drink 2018–2023.
Forest floor, tilled soil, ripe berry and a balsamic note of menthol slowly unfold on this smooth, savory wine. The dense, chewy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, mocha, anise and vanilla alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity. It's smooth, easy drinking and delicious. Drink from 2017 to 2022.
Forest floor, truffle, baked plum, eucalyptus and baking spice unfold on this structured red. The linear, elegant palate offers dried black cherry, clove, ground pepper and tobacco framed in polished, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2020.
Forest floor, truffle, espresso and dark-skinned berry aromas take center stage. On the palate, coffee, toast and a hint of star anise accent a core of red cherry while polished tannins and zesty acidity provide the easy-drinking framework.
Forest floor, truffle, new leather and woodland berry scents mingle in the glass. The palate is linear, taut and austere, offering sour cherry, licorice and sage notes, framed by firm acidity and assertive, close-grained tannins that grip the finish. Drink after 2019.
Forest floor, truffle, new leather, ripe berry and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find in this delicious red. The fresh, chewy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, chopped mint and white pepper notes, while big, round tannins provide structure. It's already enjoyable but will offer years of fine drinking. Enjoy 2018–2024.
Forest floor, truffle, wild berry and a whiff of grilled herb unfold on this full-bodied red. The savory, structured palate displays ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, clove and a hint of chewing tobacco alongside a firm, tannic backbone. Drink 2019–2031.
Forest floor, wild berry, new leather and balsam are some of the aromas you'll find in this bright, linear red. On the palate, firm, polished tannins support ripe red cherry, white pepper, andcrushed mint notes with a hint of black tea. It's still young and tightly wound but already boasts stunning elegance. Drink 2020–2032.
Forest floor, woodland berry and spice aromas emerge in the glass. The tight palate offers sour cherry, white pepper, grilled herb and a whiff of tobacco alongside close-grained tannins and racy acidity. An anisette note closes the finish.
Forest floor, woodland berry, grilled herb and a hint of cured meat lead the nose. On the ripe palate, firm, velvety tannins lace together red cherry, crushed raspberry, anise and sage. This is already accessible and will provide short and near-term pleasure. Drink 2016–2020.
Forest fruit and pepper aromas lead into flavors of blackberry, cedar and spice. Elegant and exotic, this wine is balanced with good acidity and luscious fruit.
Forest fruits and warming spices lead this elegant red blend. The palate offers cherry and red currant flavors mingling with black pepper, cinnamon and clove. The wine has a brisk mineral edge that keeps it balanced and great for food. A wine with poise that will age.
Forest pine and sap are further accentuated by this wine's grip of smoky oak, partially offset by the ripeness of full-bodied baked cherry pie at its heart.
Forest, cola and grilled mushroom flavors punctuate the experience of this light-bodied wine that's subdued in structure and soft on the palate. Blueberry and white pepper notes close out the finish.
Forest, mint and campfire scents are complemented by brambly black cherry in this explosively complex wine. Soft and subtle, it has juicy layers of cranberry, orange and maraschino, with a roundness and firmness to the strong tannin. The finish is all about coffee, cardamom and five spice.
Forest, Yatir's top-of-the-line offering, is always a dense and powerful wine that can age. Right now, the wine smells young and a bit closed, hiding some of its beauty and nuance behind the upfront black plum, cassis and cherry fruit aromas. Hints of fruitcake spice, bramble, cigar box and leather occasionally flicker in the background, revealing what time has in store for this dark beauty of a wine. Big and rich right now, with a full structure and gripping tannins. Drink 2016–2022.
Foresty and dark on the bouquet, with aromas of licorice, prune, forest and foxiness. The palate is full and tannic, while flavors run sweet, creamy and slightly syrupy, with chocolate and spiced fig notes. Finishes rich and rough, with dry herbs and true Chilean Cab flavors of olive and oregano.
Foresty berry and plum aromas turn more stalky as this breathes. Dense, chewy and a bit heavy, with rubbery tannins, this Cabernet-Carmenère blend tastes of stewed plum, spiced berry and fig. A mellow, herbal finish with mild acidity is full in body and flavor. Drink through 2018.
Foresty berry aromas are backed up by baking spice, cola and toasty oak notes on the nose of this chewy, dense, fairly tannic Malbec. Plum and blackberry flavors come with an exotic note of cardamom along with coffee and dry oak. On the finish, this feels resiny and tastes a bit herbal. Drink through 2020.
Foresty berry aromas are warm and chunky. This feels plump and full in body, with grabby tannins and edgy acidity. Salty spicy plum and berry flavors come with loud oak notes, while this finishes full and stout, with toast and mint-like residuals.
Foresty berry aromas come with a whack of charred wood. In the mouth, this wine is rugged and loaded with intensity and acidity. Spicy oak and high-toned red-fruit flavors finish dry, juicy and with the structure to last years. Drink 2019–2035.
Foresty blackberry aromas come with a cola note and a dash of char. This feels full and rich, with wall-to-wall tannins. A mix of baked berry fruits and soy sauce flavors finishes with mild leather and lasting savory notes. Drink through 2022.
Foresty blackberry aromas come with a whiff of mint and herbs. This has a lively, moderately tannic palate that's home to raspberry, plum and vanilla flavors. It's a basic, steady, satisfying blend of Cab Franc, Syrah and Merlot.
Foresty earth notes wrap spiced plum, vanilla and toast flavors. The light weight and refreshing acids lead to the clean, toasty finish. More depth would contribute to a higher score.
Foresty earthy aromas of raisin, tobacco and dried leaves are particular to this San Rafael wine. In the mouth, this shows gaps and holes. A flavor profile driven by oak and tobacco doesn't allow for much fruit. Spice, cocoa and earthy notes control the finish.
Foresty plum and berry aromas are spunky and more high toned than dense. This Malbec is fresh with smacking tannins. Lightly herbal berry flavors convey an Old World sense, while this finishes with developed spice and oaky maple notes. Drink through 2024.
Foresty whiffs of pine needles meld with ripe yellow peach and cherry notes on the nose of this powerful, dry Riesling. It's full-bodied in style, with a rich, textured creaminess that's honed by a steely minerality that shines on the finish.
Foresty, earthy aromas are dark and dusty, and the palate is mammoth and doesn't hold much back. The flavors of blackberry and black currant are deep and rich, and the fruit plays out long and chocolaty on the finish. Simple and steady red wine with plenty of bulk, body and flavor.
Foresty, earthy aromas of leather and black fruits are rugged and a touch rustic. In the mouth, this is voluminous and chewy, with fresh acidity. Flavors of licorice, herbs, pepper, plum and blackberry finish with light herbal notes and bright acidity that will ensure a fairly long lifespan. Drink through 2024.
Foresty, rubbery and brash, this has toasty, woody, cheesy and berry-driven aromas. It feels creamy and heavy, with herbal and salty flavors that finish with a roasted, meaty taste. Warm, heavy and ponderous.
Foresty, smoky, rooty berry aromas lead to a hard-driving, somewhat lean palate. Flavors of plum and currant are moderately oaky and spicy, while this is similarly spicy on the finish, which shows a dry red-fruit aftertaste.
Forget about Sherry styles, Matusalem operates in its own zone with its own rules. An intense, smoky nose shows charred barrel notes and prune aromas. A rich but snappy palate is not the least bit sticky, while deep flavors of chocolate, coffee, vanilla and molasses finish with grace.
Forget about the fine crystal glass, and don't worry about food pairings. Just gulp this country wine down with whatever. It's dry and robust, with a tease of blackberries and raisins.
Forget Pinot Grigio and try this wonderful white wine from central Italy. Passerina, a little-known native grape, offers crisp sassiness and bright aromas of kiwi, citrus and passion fruit. There's loads of fresh personality here.
Forget the high price on this Tempranillo Blanco. Looking at the wine alone, it's briny and stalky on the nose, with wiry lemon-like acids that push sour orange flavors. Overall it's monotone, briny and citrusy.
Forgoing wood aging, this wine is attractively fruity and crisp. Ripe apple and pear flavors fill out its frame of lemon fruit and bright acidity. Pineapple and white peach notes complete the picture. Drink now.
Foris consistently produces a meticulously crafted, value lineup of Alsatian-inspired white wines. As with its siblings, this is crisp, detailed and balanced. Apple and pear fruit is lined with citrus rind. Give it a light chill and it will delight.
Foris wines reveal a winemaker with a deft touch on both white wines and Pinot Noir. Nuanced scents and accents of berry, herb, earth and stem come together in this subtle, balanced, and honest wine. There is no fakery or blending trickery to boost the color or tannins.
Form one block of the vineyard, this wine offers a substantial cradling of oak, pushing the envelope on tart, savory aspects of flavor, from pine to cranberry, orange and rhubarb. With a gravelly texture, it has weight and depth.
Formely known as Winemaker's Selection, this base-level Malbec is ultra purple and dark, with gritty, grapey aromas that are big but not all that well formed. The palate is heavy and tannic, with juicy, semi-green flavors of blackberry and boysenberry. Has power, color and size but not all the parts fit.
Former Cloudy Bay boss Kevin Judd scores big in this challenging vintage. The wine is round, ripe and amply concentrated, with grassy, herbal shadings and pineapple and stone fruit notes that linger on the lush finish.
Former Cloudy Bay winemaker Kevin Judd has produced a moderately full-bodied, lush Pinot Noir under his own label. Intense cherry-berry fruit is framed by smoky, spicy oak that ends on notes of clove and hickory. Drink it over the next several years.
Former Harlan Estate cellarmaster Adam Henkel presents aromas of tart Bing cherry, bright red berry, black slate and dried black cherry on this wine. The palate shows initial flavors of oregano, thyme and dill then pops with blackberries and black cherries, all flecked by ample coffee and cola seasonings.
Former L.A. Laker Sasha Vujacic presents aromas of cooked black plums, mission figs, black currants, uncrushed peppercorns and leather on this reserve bottling. It spent 30 months in the barrel, six more than the estate bottling. The palate offers more plums and tarter plum skin along with bay leaf, oregano and thyme.
Former longtime Edmeades winemaker Van Williamson is offering the world his take on cool-climate Mendocino Pinot Noir with this and his Cerise Vineyard bottlings. This one is light in color but weighty on the palate with rich, spicy notes of raspberry-vanilla wafers and earth.
Former Wild Horse proprietor Ken Volk is back with his own personal brand after selling the winery. He's sourced his fruit from this very famous old vineyard. It's a good start, a deep golden wine showing ripe apricot, pear and sweet smoky oak flavors.
Formerly called Le Sillage, this second white wine from Château Malartic-Lagravière is a worthy partner to the top wine. It has a finely rich and balanced character, yellow fruits topped with a light citrus touch and spice from new wood. It should be ready to drink this summer, but will certainly benefit from a few more months' aging.
Formerly doing business as “Shiraz,” this Syrah from Bisquertt offers a huge purple tint, roasted aromas of blackberry and campfire, and a ripe, grapey palate that brims with simple, racy black cherry, pepper and other driving flavors. Not timid by any means but also nothing out of the ordinary.
Formerly known as Cannubi Boschis, this impressive wine boasts alluring aromas of crushed raspberry, baking spice, chopped mint, violet and woodland berry. The savory elegant palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, strawberry compote, cinnamon, licorice and a hint of coffee. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide polished support and great balance. Drink 2023–2038.
Formerly known as Familia Schroeder, this Patagonian Malbec features racy acidity and a medium body. The nose is a bit stalky in smell, while oak, herbal shadings, mint and pepper support blackberry and cherry flavors through the finish.
Formerly known as Vendimia Seleccionada, this old-vines Tempranillo is strutting its stuff. Savory, rooty, baked aromas of black fruits come with a hint of grit and leather. The mouthfeel is powerful and deep, while flavors of toasty oak, chocolate, coconut, tobacco and vanilla accent spicy blackberry and cassis notes that finish long and strong. Drink through 2024.
Formerly labeled simply as a Roussanne-Viognier blend, this is now the companion wine to Tranche's Slice of Pape Red. Here is a wine with power, balance and concentration. It's a polished, focused, utterly seductive blend, dominated by the Roussanne, but with the Viognier contributing brightness and a floral top note. There's a riot of fruit flavors, from citrus to tangerine to Macintosh apple and spiced pear, with a slightly saline finish.
Formerly the deLancellotti vineyard, Silice brings fresh, supple flavors of bright raspberry and cherry fruit. A distinctive ashy stone note forms the bassline, holding the finish firm. It should benefit from another year of bottle age. Or give it a long decant to enjoy now.
Formerly the Goldschmidt vineyard, Winderlea is under new ownership, and has been replanted. This is a light vintage, but beautifully rendered here, with sweet cherry fruit, bracing acidity and a lively mouthfeel that invites further sipping. The underlying minerality carries a hint of toasted cracker.
Formerly the JV bottling, this is a fresh and textural Pinot Noir, with flavors of raspberry and cola intermingled. The mouthfeel is lively and clean, and the finish lightly spiced with cinnamon highlights.
Formerly the popular Three Vineyards bottling, this has been re-named, but remains the same friendly Merlot-dominated Bordeaux blend, with just a bit of Syrah adding spice. Smooth and silky in the mouth, it mixes red and blue fruits, with a ripe, round midpalate and light chocolate and toasted nuts to finish.
Formidable acidity gives this lovely wine a freshness around complementary layers of rose petal and strawberry-pomegranate. Made from a blend of two Chardonnay clones, it adds additional notes of tangerine and lemon-lime on the lengthy, complex finish.
Formigar is a gorgeous and opulent Chardonnay with lavish aromas of mature fruit, apricot, honeysuckle and toasted almond. It's super smooth and creamy in the mouth and those cool-climate, passion fruit flavors really pop on the finish.
Fortified dessert wines made from Malbec follow a tradition going back to the Middle Ages. This has a tawny-Port like quality, but is more structured and concentrated with a palate full of raisins and black-fruit flavors.
Fortified Tannat certainly has tannins, but it lends itself well to this sweet style. It's rich, obviously ageworthy with ripe black fruits and concentrated sweetness that's balanced by acidity. It should be aged until 2018.
Fortified Tannat makes for a rich while also tannic wine. Its sweet, jammy fruit and the opulence that comes from the addition of spirit are tempered by firm tannins. It should be aged for another year or two and will be best from 2019.
Fortress's Sauvignon Blanc, based on the Musque clone, is seriously good at a fair price, and now they've blended it with some Sémillon to produce this slightly sweet dessert wine. With residual sugar of 5.3%, it shows crisp acidity and wonderfully pure flavors of ripe pears, peaches and vanilla.
Forward and a bit on the chunky side, with fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry, this ready-to-drink wine shows the more open and fruit-driven aspect of the vintage. Tasty highlights suggest chocolate-coated orange peels.
Forward and accessible, this wine has broadly displayed flavors of berry and milk chocolate, along with more subtle details of cayenne and herb. The nuances sneak up on you, but make for a fascinating ride. Drink now or give it another 3–4 years.
Forward and already packed with subtle details, this bursts forth with red plum and cherry fruit, backed with juicy acidity. The acids carry a bit of orange flavor into a balanced, extended finish with a lick of milk chocolate. Delicious now and crafted for enjoyment through 2020 or more.
Forward and bright, with spicy berry fruit, this carries plenty of citrus and a hint of pepper as well. It's done in an easy-going, quaffable style. Give it a slight chill to compensate for the somewhat dull earthy finish.
Forward and delicious, this offers waves of blackberries, cherries, currants, anise and cedar that are wrapped in firm yet supple tannins. Drink now–2016.
Forward and direct up front, this has a yeasty but fresh apple aroma. It feels clean and ready, with lemon-lime and kiwi flavors that lead to a fresh finish. This is textbook Cava with some sweetness.
Forward and easy in cherry, currant, raspberry, tangerine zest, cola and peppery spice flavors, this Zin has a gentle texture. There's also a wealth of firm, dusty tannins that could help the wine age for a few years.
Forward and flavorful, this brings together five different grapes from eight different vineyards, though it is mostly (70%) Wahluke Slope Cabernet Sauvignon. I found a hint of funk, cooked raisin, and lots of baking spices. Penetrating, unusual flavors, but overall not quite together.
Forward and fruity yet balanced and composed, this bold red blend is made from a kitchen's sink blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Luscious black-cherry and plum flavors are ripe but keep a shade short of jammy and are highlighted by a bright vein of acidity. Bold, dense tannins on the finish should meld nicely by 2020.
Forward and fruity, this allies fresh, upfront apple and citrus fruits with acidity. Light, bright and crisp, it offers pleasurable drinkability.
Forward and fruity, this bold, mouth-filling sparkling wine bursts of fleshy red cherries and raspberries. It's a cheerful blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir showcasing a blossomy, perfumed style and vibrant structure.
Forward and fruity, this has California-style fruit and sweet, strawberry candy. The difference is that it fills out the middle with some leafy, herbal flavors, nothing too rough, but enough to add some flavor interest. The finish is fat and buttery, showing the influence of oak aging.
Forward and fruity, this is a solid, drink any time Chardonnay. It's built in a blocky chunky mode, but some sleek lime flavors put a polished edge on the underlying acids.
Forward and fruity, this is a tight, tart wine with a jumble of berry and bramble flavors. It's peppery, spicy, but don't look for too much complexity. Gulp it down for the enjoyable quaffer that it's meant to be.
Forward and fruity, this is already developing its black plum fruit. The wine has a ripe, juicy and seemingly sweet character. With its supporting tannins, this should be ready to drink in 1–2 years.
Forward and fruity, this medium-bodied wine shows good balance and varietal spice—white pepper and roasted coffee—along with delicious cherry/berry fruit. —P.G.
Forward and fruity, this offers flavors of berry and plum. It feels a little flat on the palate, with some peppery tannins and a quick fade.
Forward and fruity, with loads of sweet cherry flavor, this tasty Cabernet Franc boasts shades of briar, cracked pepper and savory dried herbs that add subtlety and depth. Ripe and full in body, it's balanced by puckery acidity and soft, rippling tannins.
Forward and full-bodied, this opens with aromas of mature dark fruit, grilled herb, toast, spirits and a balsamic note. On the warm palate, oak and licorice provide the backdrop to black cherry marinated in spirits alongside firm tannins. The heat of alcohol closes the finish.
Forward and immediately delicious, this has a mix of peach, pear, apple and the more expected red fruits; it's a wild panoply of fruit flavor, with balancing acids and tannins. Round, forward, full bodied and textural, it is a uniquely flavorful wine with distinctive fruit-laden profile.
Forward and lightly spicy, this is a good, all-purpose white wine, with bright flavors of apple and pear. It's not a big wine in any way, but perfectly quaffable and right for a wide variety of noodle dishes.
Forward and nicely rounded off, this brings spicy cherry and cranberry fruit front and center. There are well-integrated streaks of herb, a dash of stem, and a dusting of white pepper. Give it an hour or two to breathe, or better yet, decant before drinking.
Forward and open, this has chocolaty, brambly raspberry fruit, along with pleasant hints of tobacco, vanilla and caramel. It glides through the palate smoothly, finishing with an elegant touch of stem, from 15% whole cluster fermentation.
Forward and pleasant, with a balanced attack of berry and peppery herb, this saw 20 months in one-fifth new French oak. The resulting toasty, lightly-chocolaty finish is pleasing, though it tends to override the subtle fruit. Drink soon.
Forward and quite light (the vintage was a cool one), this offers fruit flavors of pomegranate and tart berry. There is a generous swath of chocolate wrapping it, creating a rather silky yet simple, straightforward wine best enjoyed in the near term.
Forward and rich, with flavors of luscious red cherries spiked with cola and purple flowers, this is an easy-drinking yet undeniably tasty blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Big, chunky tannins and a spray of sour-cherry acidity add depth and verve to the midpalate.
Forward and ripe, with flavors of tangerine, lemongrass and light herb. The elegant, nicely textured midpalate is extended and still a bit tight. There is a delicacy to this fruit that rewards those who prize nuance. Lightly touched with cinnamon and sweet spice, flavors linger pleasantly with hints of wet stone.
Forward and savory, with crisp acidity giving a balancing bite to the green apple, pineapple, honey, fig, smoky vanilla and peppery spice flavors. Easy to find, with more than 12,000 cases produced.
Forward and simple, with red fruit and citrus on the nose. The palate is lean and light bodied, with tangy, dry red fruit flavors, orange and sour sucking candy. Quite tangy on the finish, and overall it achieves only a certain level of weight and prominence. No oak.
Forward and spicy on the nose, but with control. In fact, this is one reserved reserva through and through. It shows lively, narrow cherry, plum and raspberry flavors and then toast and spice take over on the back end. A little sharp and tart; could benefit from further aging.
Forward and spicy, this puts some muscle into the Merlot with earthy, tongue-gripping tannins. The fruit has a sweet tomato flavor, with a streak of cherry candy. Though not entirely knit together, it's a pleasant drink best enjoyed young.
Forward aromas and flavors of vanilla and melted butter give a lot of richness to this medium-bodied wine. It has a candy-like quality and a creamy sweet-seeming finish.
Forward aromas and flavors of yellow apple, peach flesh and orange rind lead this wine, with secondary highlights of oaky spice and toast that add depth to the palate. The mouthfeel is round and filling, with fresh acidity and a medium-length finish.
Forward aromas of game and earthy spice notes are upfront on the bouquet, with notes of mulled berries, red plum and fig providing a concentrated, fruity backdrop. Earthy tones continue to dominate the medium-weight mouth, as flavors of tree bark and baking spice flood the palate and linger long into the finish. Fine tannins lend a satiny, smooth texture to the mouthfeel.
Forward aromas of menthol, bay, lavender and pink flowers dominate the nose of this pretty rosé, with soft notes of orange, melon and underripe peach underneath. The medium-weight palate shows some roundness, though it's lifted by ample acidity and a pithy astringency that graces the finish.
Forward aromas of ripe cherries and deep vanillin oak meld nicely. Black plum, sweet cherry and coffee flavors, with cedar accents. The very full, supple mouthfeel is captivating. Shows fine length, spicy dry tannins and the stuffing to last. Hold four or more years, as it will keep for ages.
Forward aromas of savory herbs and fynbos add character to the black cherry and berry core of this wine. It's well balanced, with medium tannins, ample acidity and a crushed-satin texture. Soft hints of toasted oak and mocha unfold on the medium-length close.
Forward aromas of sweet spice and baked apple lead the nose, while secondary hints of cobbler and vanilla cream follow. The palate is lush and ripe, but it's kept in check by a streak of acidity that braces up the nutty finish. Rich, balanced and accessible.
Forward berry and plum aromas are pleasant on the nose. On the palate, high acid drives flavors of plum and red berry fruit to a short and clean finish.
Forward berry aromas are more clean and fresh than complex. On the palate, this is similar, with bold, freshening acidity. Flavorwise, this leans into the black-fruit spectrum, while mint, spice and peppery flavors grace the finish.
Forward berry aromas are regular but solid. The palate has a ripe but choppy mouthfeel and juicy, firm flavors of blackberry and dark toast. Burns a bit on the finish, with extended toasty flavors and peppery accents.
Forward but fresh, this elegant Pinot Blanc juxtaposes rich peach and mango flavors with a zesty acidic spine. The finish is sleek and a bit steely. Ready now but should drink well through 2020.
Forward but structured, it delivers underbrush, leather and dark fruit aromas punctuated with hints of orange rind and spice. The palate offers fleshy black raspberry and red cherry sprinkled with white pepper, licorice and a note of mocha alongside firm but round tannins. Drink now–2017.
Forward cherry and plum aromas are fresh and lively. A blocky, full-bodied palate offers tasty plum and berry flavors in front of a firm finish with chocolaty notes and length. This is basic but done well.
Forward fruit and oak flavors mark this clean, swift Chardonnay. The palate boasts apricot, papaya and buttered toast flavors, balanced with crisp acidity.
Forward fruit flavors of blackberry and plum slide quickly through the mid-palate and on into a soft finish. A faint wash of leather and earth wraps it up.
Forward in blackberry and cherry fruit, with a strong oak overlay, this is a flashy Cabernet. Flavor is what it's all about, at the expense of complexity. Drink now.
Forward in jammy raspberry and cherry fruit, this Pinot's ripeness is balanced with crisp acidity. It's a flashy wine, quite typical of the vineyard, for drinking now and over the next six years.
Forward notes of black fruit and cherry are followed by touches of white almond and rum cake. This oak-aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Teroldego and Syrah is tangy and fresh.
Forward notes of menthol add depth to the black berry and plum backbone of this wine. Supporting but not overly grippy tannins lend a nice structure to the mouth, and the finish is long with a nice herbal streak.
Forward on the nose, with standard apple and white peach aromas. The palate is a bit clipped and short, with green-leaning flavors of scallion matched with grapefruit. Finishes citrusy.
Forward red fruits give a good beginning to this light and fruity blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is crisp with red currant flavors and layers of acidity. Drink now.
Forward scents of white raspberry, muddled cherry, pressed pink flowers and white chocolate suggest this is a ripe and rich rosé. The round palate is surprisingly juxtaposed by a sharp astringency that dominates through the finish.
Forward with pretty raspberry and cherry fruit, this delightful, easy-drinking wine has a pleasantly earthy underpinning. It's young and tart, immediately enjoyable but can cellar through 2021.
Forward, fruity and clean, with a jokey label showing a moose, an elk and a sheep playing pool. This wine would make a great house Zin if the price were just a tad lower.
Forward, fruity and crisp, this is an attractive wine. It's red berry flavor and bright acidity is layered with smoky tannins. Not for aging, so drink over the next 2-3 years.
Forward, fruity and flavorful, this is a quite pretty compendium of raspberry and cherry fruit, accented with a touch of orange peel. As with J. Christopher's pricier cuvées, it spent 18 months in one-quarter new French oak. Though labeled simply Willamette Valley, the fruit was sourced principally from the prestigious Dundee Hills AVA.
Forward, fruity aromas of black cherry, raspberry and cassis set up a high-acid palate that's energetic. Lightly herbal, rooty flavors of black cherry and blackberry linger on a juicy, clean finish.
Forward, fruity swathes of peach and apple verge on overrripe in this off-dry, slightly fleshy Riesling. Vibrant lemon acidity balances the palate out neatly on the finish. Drink now.
Forward, rather jammy in blackberry, black raspberry, cherry, cola and cedar, with a dessert pastry richness suggesting macaroons and oatmeal raisin cookies. Incongruous as it sounds, there's also a complementary dusting of dried rosemary, lavender and thyme, like the garrigue scent of a southern Rhône wine. Drinks delicious and smooth, although lacking a touch of the refinement of St. Eden.
Forward, rich and set in a base of herb, coffee grounds and pencil lead, this wine immediately displays both power and complexity. The fruit is moving along a fast-track aging curve, but drinking beautifully right now, with acids and tannins in proportion. Black cherry cola and highlights of fresh thyme make for an interesting palate.
Forward, ripe and full bodied, this most pleasurable Pinot Gris is drinking quite well, with fresh fruit flavors of pear and melon. Moderate acidity is just sufficient to keep the fruit from becoming too flabby. The wine was vinted and bottled by Lujon.
Forward, sappy and fruity, this has excellent structure and plenty of ripe berry flavor. It has supporting acids that lend a touch of citrus, plus a streak of vanilla that runs through the finish.
Fosco comes in beautiful packaging complete with a big red wax seal on the front of the bottle. The wine shows rich concentration and aromas of red fruit and a touch of natural rubber or tar. In the mouth, it shows tart, crisp and simple characteristics.
Fossacolle's Brunello is distinguished by a chewy texture that is backed by dark concentration and plump berry fruit. The cherry and blackberry layers are thick and soft, but don't let them fool you; Sangiovese's characteristic acidity keeps the palate polished and pristine.
Foster's should be a happy new owner of this property. Here there's a concentrated bouquet of smoky, toasty oak and full red fruit backed up by tobacco, bitter chocolate and buttery oak. If you are a fan of heavily wooded wines you'll love this. It finishes extremely smooth and long.
Found almost exclusively in Gaillac and Limoux, the Mauzac grape is made into sparkling wines as well as still wines such as this. This apple crisp wine is lightly oxidative (none the worse for that) with a bright pepper and tangy lemon character. It is ready to drink.
Found more often (although still rarely) in the Douro, the Viosinho is distinguished by its high acidity. In the coastal climate of Lisboa, that steely character is still there. It should calm down a little over the next few months and fill out with the apple fruit flavors that are just hints at present. Drink from late 2016.
Founded by a well-heeled group of wine afficionadoes, Barons has seen a change of ownership and a change in winemaking direction. For the first time, French oak has begun to supplant American oak as the barrels of choice. The wine is aromatic, detailed and inviting, with the lower alcohol prevalent in 2011. A rich mix of berry and cassis dives deeply into the palate, with dark chocolate highlights. The tannins are silky and polished, and the wine seems a sure bet to cellar well until the mid-2020's.
Founded in 1909, the historic Luigi Righetti estate offers a wine with much of the intensity and personality of more expensive Amarone wines. It opens with dark concentration and deep aromas of candied fruit, blackberry and spice.
Founded in 1914, Giavi delivers a dry, crisp Prosecco Superiore Brut, with bright lemon-lime flavors and background notes of flint and talcum powder. Pair this with bite-sized, cheesy quiche appetizers.
Founded in 1915, Donelli produces some of central Italy's finest Lambrusco bottlings. This dry, red sparkler has enough acidity and fizzy effervescence to cut through local cuisine, such as tortellini with cheese or butter. The bouquet shows red berry, strawberry and blackberry. Made with 90% Lambrusco di Sorbara grapes.
Founded in 1918 by one of the grandfathers and custodians of Barolo tradition, this historic estate is now run by Bartolo's energetic daughter Maria Teresa. She continues in a tradition of excellence, which highlights integrity of fruit and intensity of flavors. There's beautiful purity here in the form of cassis fruit, cherry cola and smoked Spanish cedar. Drink after 2017.
Founded in 1930 by Ferruccio Grimaldi, this family-run estate is now showing some very exciting results. The La Coste Barolo is a tight and focused wine that promises to age beautifully over many more years. The tannins and acidity are perfectly integrated and the nose boasts bright and intense layers of forest fruit, exotic spice, mesquite and black licorice.
Founded in 1986, Tenuta Rocca is a hilltop property in Monforte d'Alba that overlooks some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Langhe. This wonderful Barolo opens with sweet smells of candle wax, nutmeg, ginger, chocolate and bright red fruit. The wine imparts a squeaky clean, polished feel in the mouth.
Four-plus years haven't helped to soften or sweeten this tough, herbal Cab. It's bone dry and lean, even austere in flavor, leaving the alcohol and powerful tannins to dominate.
Four appellations across the county contributed to this easygoing white. It's dark gold in color with a taste of peach skin, pineapple, vanilla and oak, which has a succulent sweetness to it but never becomes cloying.
Four clones comprise this vineyard blend, which opens into a moderately soft, well-rounded palate with sweet spice, pumpkin bread, a dash of Dr Pepper and plenty of strawberry and cherry fruit. It's already quite accessible and drinking deliciously. Pop this while waiting for some of the other 2013 Adelsheims to develop further in bottle.
Four clones, aged in 50% new French oak, constitute the heart and soul of this outstanding reserve. Redolent with a fertile mix of moist earth, compost, tobacco and floral highlights, it fills the mouth with a rich and seamless mix of plums, baked cherries and barrel notes. It leaves a tantalizing trail of mocha, toasted hazelnuts and caramel as it winds dreamily through a lingering finish.
Four decades of experience shine on this Josh Jensen bottling, which mixes luxuriously ripe wild berries, raspberries and cola with the sharper spice of sweet clove and dried violet. It's bright with acidity, picking up licorice in the midpalate and finishing on a tart, slightly bitter note of crushed cranberry. This will sip well for a few years but is amazing now.
Four months in oak has given this wine a decidedly soft, creamy texture that meshes nicely with the flavors of ripe peaches and green apples. Yet there's also a crisp, lime-driven finish so the wine doesn't seem heavy. Best Buy.
Four out of five of the Bordeaux red varieties are represented here, as well as Petite Sirah. The mix is juicy in cherry and cranberry, supported by a soft, tannic backbone that's somewhat dull on the finish, accented along the way by oak and leather.
Four parcels in the Clos du Roi Premier Cru go into this wine. It is structured and firm—a wine for aging. It has a strongly mineral character, concentrated tannins as well as black-cherry fruit and freshening acidity. Drink the wine from 2018.
Four qualities distinguish this Barbera. It's bone dry, high in acidity, rigidly tannic and rich in cherries. By itself, it's rustic and old-fashioned. But it's the kind of wine the oldtimers drank with the cheese, meat, bread and sauce, and so should you. Like any respectable Barbera, it will age for decades, softening and sweetening without necessarily gaining complexity.
Four vineyards – Ribbon Ridge, Momtazi, Maresh and Shea – are included here. Soft and seductive, this wine caresses the palate with silky fruit. Aromatically it weaves together red fruits, truffles and clean, earthy scents. It reaches just over 13% alcohol; truly Burgundian yet with an Oregon flair to the fruit flavors. It puts the lie to any notion that this was a poor vintage. Challenging to be sure, but great wines were made in 2007, and this is one of them.
Four vineyards provided the fruit, one third of which was fermented in whole clusters, creating a round, full-bodied wine with lush cherry fruit, streaked with vanilla. Nice spice notes from barrel aging, and a pleasing earthy character underscores the tannins.
Four years in a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak lend a prominent spice and tobacco savoriness to this full-bodied red. A blend of traditional Bordeaux grapes with a splash of Syrah, it's densely berried and luscious in texture, but maintains elegant composure. The finish is long, marked by penetrating,fine-grained tannins.
Four years of aging on the lees gives this particularly late-release Merlot a delightfully tactile mouthfeel. It's silky to the touch, yet voluminous on the palate, filling the mouth with flavors of ripe red cherry and cranberry accented by bramble, earth and potpourri. Sprightly in acidity yet rich in body, it lingers with intensity and persistence.
Four years running this wine has scored 87 and been a Best Buy. The bouquet is scratchy but nicely aromatic, including hints of spice to go with ripe berry scents. The palate is jammy and home to rooty berry, mild spice and very light oak flavors. The finish is a bit hot and fiery, which food will tame.
Fournier's top Sancerre wine is released with just that extra bit of maturity, giving it extra depth and richness, and turning the initial fruitiness into something more serious. At three years old, the wine is ripe, still with plenty of fruit while also developing a smoky, flinty character. Drink now.
Foursight's 2011 Pinot, from a very cool vintage, is savory, with mushroom and herb alongside a streak of red cherry. Light in color and texture, it's subtle yet expansive on the palate, with a peppery, juicy finish. It's a wine that can be enjoyed now, but put some away for a couple of years and the seams will come together even better.
Foursquare, almost chunky, the tannins dominate black fruits, dark chocolate and spice flavors. There is considerable concentration here, along with initial high acidity. Straight from bottling, the fruit is subdued. The weight of the wine, though, confirms that this is going to be a powerhouse.
Foursquare, solid wine, its tannins tight and severe. There is good weight, with red berry fruits under the formidable exterior. To watch as it softens and opens.
Fox Run's  Geology Series is a remarkable study of Finger Lakes terroir and winemaking, and the 11 Riesling is a particularly fantastic result. Inoculated using the pied de cuve method, this semisweet Riesling shows apple and floral notes. A lush, textured palate is brimming with apricot and peach flavors. It's a complex wine layered with minerality, fruit and floral tones, and has an exceptionally long finish.
Fox Run's Geology Series is a rare opportunity to taste wine sourced from a single vineyard site but vinified three ways. The Riesling 12, inoculated with commercial yeast, is extravagantly musky and floral with an intoxicating spice note that penetrates throughout. Semi sweet in style, it dances on the palate with concentrated flavors of peach and apricot, along with a piercing lemon acidity.
Foxen's UU Block from the famed Bien Nacido Vinbeard fights it out every year with the estate Tinaquaic Chardonnay for top honors. In this cool vintage, the former wins out by a hair. Dry, steely and crisp in acidity, it shows vast tropical fruit, orange, vanilla, honey and buttered toast flavors that are delicious and refined. The richness and elegance strongly suggest pairing it with lobster.
Foxen's UU bottling is practically an insurance policy for great Chardonnay in any vintage. With 2012, the winery was granted a balanced, even harvest, with the resulting wine showing brisk acidity and subtle fruit and mineral flavors, touched with sweet oak. It defines a cool-climate style of Chardonnay in a most delicious way.
Foxy and jumpy on the nose, with candied red-berry and cherry aromas. Feels resiny, but there's enough acid to keep it moving forward. Flavors of plum and berry come with a lot of oak and barrel influence. Finishes resiny, with hints of vanilla and a burnt quality.
Foxy and jumpy smelling at first, with brambly raspberry aromas. The palate feels heavy and baked, with grabby tannins in support of herbal, mildly weedy berry fruit flavors. Finishes saucy, with a hint of tomato. Not pure and focused like the La Flor Malbec.
Foxy aromas come with notes of rubber, creamy milk chocolate and vanilla. It's hot and fiery in the mouth, with herbal plum and cassis flavors. Functional as a fruity, red berry wine but there's not much going on beyond the basics.
Foxy aromas of plum and berry come with a dusting of spice and earthy accents. This feels sticky and a bit heavy, while blueberry and boysenberry flavors carry and herbal streak as well as minty notes and heat on the finish.
Foxy aromas of wet dog and plum and berry feed into a raw tannic palate. This tastes herbal, with a green note added to its core red-fruit flavors. A choppy, hard-tannin finish is rugged and abrasive.
Foxy berry and currant flavors carry a note of wet dog fur. This is clampy and saucy feeling on the palate, with herbal flavors of plum, berry and tomato sauce. A hollow finish tastes slightly green.
Foxy berry aromas are the lead scent, and they're followed by notes of wet dog and raspberry. This is full bodied and round as a ball, with earthy, lightly herbal flavors of red berries, thyme and rosemary. A warm, loamy finish brings oaky flavors and closing weight. Drink this blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon through 2016.
Foxy blackberry and cassis aromas are young and untamed, with a note of wet animal fur. This Mencía is grapy and rich, with a dense, saturated palate. Chocolaty black-fruit flavors finish with hard tannins, lots of residual fruit and a structure that suggests that this wine is here to stay for a while. Drink 2019–2025.
Foxy blueberry and jumpy aromas hint at volatility and are a bit alarming. But give this normally excellent wine some time and it comes around. In the mouth, this is textured, tannic and a bit lactic. For flavors, look for lightly herbal blueberry and cassis. The 2010 vintage was cold by Chilean standards, and that is evident in this wine.
Foxy candied plum and raspberry aromas come with a strong whiff of wet dog. Choppy in feel on the palate, with weedy foxy berry flavors, this fails to show much of an upside.
Foxy cherry and cough drop aromas are not convincing. Feels astringent and tastes tart, with sharp but candied cherry, faux oak and milk chocolate flavors. Blends sour notes with sweet oak, all to little avail.
Foxy plum and other jumpy aromas set up a raw, choppy palate. This Merlot tastes of salty, herbal plum and cherry, while the finish is lasting, which might not be a benefit.
Foxy red-berry aromas suggest animal hide and wet fur. This feels raw, wiry and scratchy due to sharp acidity and rough tannins. Foxy herbal plum and currant flavors finish with an abrasive scour, mild heat and salty notes.
Foxy, candied red-fruit aromas settle on raspberry. The palate is pushy and fiery, with medicinal berry flavors that taste sweet. Bright acidity makes the finish choppy.
Foxy, floral berry and plum aromas include notes of green herbs. A palate with big, rubbery tannins and herbal flavors of spiced berry fruits and cinnamon finishes with abrasive, drying tannins. This blend holds Garnacha Tintorera, Bobal and Tempranillo.
Foxy, lightly green aromas of cherry and tomato are racy and raw. This Malbec has a grating feel, while herbal, oaky red-berry and plum flavors are foxy. A choppy, aggressive finish is led by herbal berry flavors.
Foxy, spicy berry aromas settle on briny plum and currant. This is dry, grabby and mildly abrasive in feel. Herbal plum flavors seem a bit roasted. It's scratchy and tannic on the finish, with controlled bitterness.
Frédéric Borderie brings his winemaking experience from Australia and Napa Valley back to the family property and this crisp and perfumed wine. It has great spiciness balanced by crisp green and white stone fruits. The wine could do with a few more months, so drink from late 2017.
Fragances of wild berries, bramble and honeysuckle pave the way for flavors of cherry cola, toffee and tangerine zest. This is soft and round in the mouth, with tannins that are almost imperceptible at first yet last through the finish, hand-in-hand with remarkably bright acidity.
Fragrances are reminiscent of stone fruit, flint and dried hay. The subtle palate offers raw yellow peach, honeydew melon and tropical fruit alongside racy acidity.
Fragrances of black cherry, bell pepper and spice set the stage for flavors of black cherry, strawberry, smoke and black tea. There is a pleasing aura of brightness overlaid on soft tannins, with a surprising note of apricot on the finish.
Fragrances of cherry cola and mocha yield to flavors of eucalyptus, mocha, black cherry and strawberry. This wine is bright on entry before being joined by strong tannins. Acidity ultimately wins out, leading to a smooth, lasting finish.
Fragrances of cherry, caramel and violet show brightly on the nose. Tart cherry, cranberry and coffee flavors are overpowered by strong tannins.
Fragrances of exotic fruit, tomato vine and dried hay come with a hint of balsamic herbs. The savory palate delivers apricot, honeydew melon, and yellow bell pepper accented with notes of sage, mint and thyme. Pair this with asparagus risotto.
Fragrances of moist earth, blue flowers, black plum and spice lead the nose of this structured wine. The palate delivers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, espresso, mocha, white pepper, grilled herb and anise alongside assertive but fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Hold for additional complexity; drink 2016–2022.
Fragrances of peach and grapefruit set the scene for flavors of white peach and lemon peel with soft touches of menthol and a tangerine rind finish. This wine is smooth on the palate with a nice combination of creaminess and lemon-fresh acidity.
Fragrances of Spanish broom and orange blossom come with a hint of beeswax. The juicy palate offers grapefruit, nectarine and tropical fruit alongside a mineral note and crisp acidity.
Fragrances recall acacia flower, chamomile, stone fruit and a whiff of dried hay. The savory palate offers intense white peach, Bartlett pear and yellow apple accented with mineral and almond notes alongside crisp acidity. It's well balanced with a long, lingering finish.
Fragrances recall acacia, white spring flowers, honey, bread dough and beeswax. The concentrated palate delivers mature yellow apple, toasted walnut, clove, vanilla and pie crust alongside vivacious, persistent effervescence.
Fragrances recall honeysuckle, jasmine and citrus zest. The juicy palate offers creamy green apple, Bartlett pear and nectarine alongside zesty acidity. A note of white almond signals the close.
Fragrances recall underbrush, espresso, tilled soil, red berry and dried sage. The monolithic palate delivers coffee bean, vanilla, licorice and toast alongside astringent wood tannins.
Fragrances recall wet leaves, underbrush, forest berries and baking spices with a touch of espresso. The palate reveals black cherry accented with black pepper and espresso alongside bracing, tongue-drying tannins. This is a big wine, but the fruit isn't quite rich enough to support the evident alcohol.
Fragrances recall white flowers, stone fruit, Barlett pear, flint and lemon pie. The rich palate delivers layers of white and yellow peach, mineral, ginger, white pepper and pink grapefruit. The creamy texture is brightened by crisp acidity.
Fragrances suggest blue flower, licorice, spice and woodland berries. The straightforward palate offers up crushed black cherry along with notes of vanilla and espresso. Drink now.
Fragrances suggest exotic fruit, almond and slate. The focused palate delivers juicy citrus, nectarine and pink grapefruit accented with energizing mineral. It's already delicious, but hold until 2016 for more complexity.
Fragrances suggest hay, crushed tomato vine and exotic fruit. The bright but structured palate delivers peach, papaya, cantaloupe and energizing mineral notes alongside fresh acidity. It's nicely balanced with good length,
Fragrances suggest ripe apple, Bartlett pear and a whiff of alpine wildflower. The medium-bodied, linear palate offers tart Granny Smith apple and juicy citrus alongside crisp acidity that gives it a bright, clean finish.
Fragrances suggest white and yellow flowers, stone fruit, pear and a whiff of brioche. Displaying its 100% Chardonnay pedigree, the palate delivers Golden Delicious apple, white pear, citrus peel and notes of Mediterranean herb alongside bright acidity and a soft mousse.
Fragrances suggest white spring flower and green melon. The light, straightforward palate offers Granny Smith apple and green pear alongside bright acidity.
Fragrances suggest wild berry layered with notes of forest floor, red rose, leather, clove and balsam. On the palate, sage, thyme and espresso back up sensations of ripe Morello cherry alongside tightly woven and assertive tannins that need time to unwind. Drink 2016–2023.
Fragrant and aromatic with soapy, floral intensity and notes of mango and papaya, this is a vibrant Traminer that would pair well with spicy, exotic foods. It has a lean feel and ends with bright fruit flavors.
Fragrant and crisp, this has delicate aromas of yellow stone fruit, grapefruit, crushed stone and a whiff of aromatic herb. The vibrant palate doles out yellow peach, Meyer lemon, mineral and a hint of sage alongside racy acidity.
Fragrant and crisp, this is a lively blend in which the Aligoté gives a great cut of acidity. The wine does have some weight as well, rounded at the end with the bright aftertaste.
Fragrant and delicately fruity, this is a lively, bright wine. It shows elegance, apple acidity and a stylish structure of zesty lemon and orange. It's delicious to drink now, but also keep a few bottles until 2019. Screwcap.
Fragrant and delicious, this elegant wine offers enticing scents of green apple, ripe pear and Mediterranean herb. The aromas carry over to the radiant palate along with creamy pear and a stony mineral note. Crisp acidity gives it a clean, racy finish.
Fragrant and dense, this sends up a lush, intriguing mix of aromas—black fruits, lead pencil, rock and green tea. It's a textural, earthy wine that never stops coming at you. The barrel aging brings in smoke and bacon fat also; this is full-bodied and complex, with substantial tannins and a strong, intense finish.
Fragrant and detailed, this pure Cabernet Franc mixes dried berries and herbs, hints of tar and tobacco, along with well-managed tannins. Everything resolves in a long and lissome finish.
Fragrant and elegant, this vibrant wine has aromas of crushed violet and spice. The creamy palate doles out juicy wild strawberry, raspberry and cake spice alongside zesty acidity.
Fragrant and elegantly structured, this beautiful wine opens with scents of perfumed berry, rose petal and dark berry. The full-bodied palate delivers layers of ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and baking spice alongside a backbone of firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity. It's still young so give it time to reach its full potential. Drink 2019–2026.
Fragrant and elegantly structured, this blend of Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino opens with lovely aromas of pressed violet, iris, perfumed berry and baking spice. On the palate, notes of white pepper, toast, espresso and anise accent the black cherry core. Tightly knit but polished tannins give it a firm finish. Drink 2016–2022.
Fragrant and elegantly structured, this poised Sangiovese opens with aromas of pressed violet, wild berry and a whiff of dark baking spice. The palate delivers black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and clove alongside polished tannins.
Fragrant and elegantly structured, this radiant red offers scents fragrant blue flower, aromatic herb and wild berry. The structured palate offers ripe red cherry, orange peel, cake spice and star anise alongside a backbone of assertive but polished tannins. Drink 2022–2032.
Fragrant and enjoyable, this offers aromas of ripe berry, Mediterranean herb, pressed violet and a whiff of pine forest. On the round easygoing palate, savory notes of brown cooking spice accent a core of red cherry and black raspberry. Enjoy through 2017.
Fragrant and expressive, it's got a wonderful lift to the plummy fruit which is spiced up with clove and gamy scents of smoked and cured meats. This is not your typical jammy, fruit-driven Syrah; it's much tighter and more Rhône-like, with fine natural acids and aging potential of up to a decade.
Fragrant and firmly structured, this offers enticing scents of ripe berry, baking spice, tobacco, leather and a balsamic note. The solid palate doles out sour cherry, crushed raspberry, strawberry, cinnamon, clove and anise. A tannic backbone and bright acidity lend structure and balance. It boasts a surprisingly age-worthy structure given the heat of the vintage. Drink 2019–2031.
Fragrant and floral on the nose, this 100% Sangiovese rosé shows interesting notes of rose water and pink grapefruit on the nose. Tart peach and watermelon are bright on the deftly textured palate and linger toward a fuzzy tannin finish.
Fragrant and floral with exotic figueroa, orange and peach scents, this wine is a feast for the senses, playing out on the palate with high-toned acidity, anise flavor and oak.
Fragrant and floral, this 60-40 blend of Pinot Bianco and a little-known grape called Tai makes for an easy and informal wine that does not lack in character or definition. It could pair with white meat, vegetables or a salad lunch.
Fragrant and floral, this blend of 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Nero and 15% Pinot Bianco offers aromas of lemon blossom, white flowers and toasted almond. The palate shows an impressive depth of flavors, including yellow apple, lemon cream pie and peach alongside an elegant mousse. The creamy flavors are brightened by lively acidity.
Fragrant and floral, this bright wine would pair well with fried seafood or baked Mediterranean fish. Honey and peach blossom notes lead to a crisp, easy mouthfeel.
Fragrant and floral, this is a deliciously easy wine, a blend of the local Gascon Colombard grape with Ugni Blanc. There are flavors of grapefruit, white fruits and a light, crisp green aftertaste. Screwcap.
Fragrant and floral, this mix of 85% Chenin Blanc and 15% Viognier is soft and light, in alcohol (12.5%) and texture. With flavors of white peach and a subtle tropical streak, with good minerality, it's a nice sipping wine or a good find with Asian food.
Fragrant and floral, this Riesling shines with lively notes of honeydew melon, peach flesh, clementine oil and a hint of petrol. Light weight and well balanced, with brisk acidity that lends a juicy, mouthwatering nature to the close.
Fragrant and floral, this white blend of Trebbiano, Pecorino and Passerina from the Marche offers stone fruit, green melon and honeysuckle. The wine has a clean and refreshing quality that promises an easy pairing with spicy Asian foods.
Fragrant and floral, with a bright golden color, this expression of Insolia shows a rich, creamy mouthfeel, with orange blossom and candied lemon flavors.
Fragrant and foaming, this opens with delicate aromas of wisteria, hawthorn and orchard fruit. The luminous palate offers green apple, pear and candied lemon drop supported by racy acidity and small, vivacious bubbles.
Fragrant and foamy, this soft and plush Moscato d'Asti opens with orange blossom, honeysuckle and peach cobbler aromas. It's smooth and sweet, with creamy mousse on the finish.
Fragrant and fresh, this charming wine opens with enticing aromas of hawthorn, peach blossom and orchard fruit. The elegant, linear palate offers green apple, tangerine zest and mineral alongside tangy acidity. It closes crisp and clean.
Fragrant and fresh, this easy-drinking red has alluring scents of woodland berry, violet and a whiff of freshly tilled soil. The taut, luminous palate offers sour cherry and star anise accompanied by polished tannins and racy acidity.
Fragrant and fresh, this Grillo opens with alluring scents of acacia flower, beeswax and white stone fruit. The succulent palate offers creamy white peach, juicy nectarine, almond and mineral framed in tangy acidity. A note of chopped herb closes the lingering finish.
Fragrant and fresh, this is a luminous and creamy sparkler with frothy foam and persistent perlage. The wine is flatter and broader in the mouth than most and has a smooth but thick texture.
Fragrant and fresh, this offers intensely floral aromas of peach blossom and acacia with whiffs of Bartlett pear, honey and hazelnut. The off-dry palate delivers pastry cream, lemon zest, and ginger alongside brisk bubbles and lively acidity.
Fragrant and fresh, this offers scents of blue flowers, wild berry, moist earth, chopped herbs and a hint of baking spice. The vibrant, supple palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and star anise alongside fresh acidity. It's made to be enjoyed young so drink through 2016.
Fragrant and fresh, this opens with aromas of violets, perfumed berries and black spices. The juicy palate delivers dark cherry, crushed raspberry and cinnamon alongside supple tannins. Its easygoing nature makes it perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Fragrant and fresh, this opens with aromas of yellow field flowers, peaches, pineapple and citrus zest. The vibrant palate offers pear, lemon drop and lime alongside lively acidity. The clean, lingering finish closes on a white almond note.
Fragrant and fresh, this rare white is fuller bodied in style despite its time in stainless steel only. Fleshy, it's both crisp and creamy, with undulating waves of citrus and green apple ending in a flurry of lemon zest. The producer was the first to make this variety commercially in California, tapping into its Austrian roots. Enjoy its freshness now.
Fragrant and fresh, this savory rosato has alluring scents of wild rose and ripe red berry. The crisp juicy palate doles out crushed raspberry, strawberry, Mediterranean herb and a hint of citrus zest. Bright acidity gives it a tangy, mouthwatering finish.
Fragrant and fresh, this sleek red offers scents of wild berry and just-picked violet. The smooth palate provides juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of spice alongside bright acidity and supple tannins. Enjoy now.
Fragrant and fresh, this structured wine offers aromas of baking spice, woodland berry and a balsamic note. The aromas follow through to the palate, along with sour cherry, raspberry, cinnamon and clove. Solid tannins and fresh acidity provide the backbone.
Fragrant and fresh, this vibrant wine offers alluring scents field flower and white stone fruit scents. The creamy palate delivers white peach, honeydew melon and citrus flavors, brightened with crisp acidity.
Fragrant and fruity, this is a bright, crisp and clean wine that's totally ready to drink. Lively, with a cool feeling like the nearby ocean's breezes, it finishes with light acidity.
Fragrant and fruity, this very fresh wine has a strong mineral texture. The freshness gives way to a deeper, rich sense that brings out a more creamy character. It's ripe and rich at the end.
Fragrant and full bodied, this textbook Barolo opens with quintessential Nebbiolo aromas of red cherry, rose petal, new leather, dark spice and a balsamic note of menthol. It's still young and taut but already shows great breeding and class, offering Marasca cherry, cranberry, licorice and clove set against a backbone of assertive but refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2025–2043.
Fragrant and generously fruity, this is a bowl of raspberries and cherries, with just the right acidity to keep it lively and fresh. Light suggestions of cola and nutmeg add further interest.
Fragrant and inviting in dark cherry, raspberry and cola spice, this medium-weight Pinot Noir is lush and meaty. Bright flavors veer from dark cherry to raspberry, with a pronounced lift of earth and herb. The wine is layered, beautifully textured and long in the finish.
Fragrant and linear, this has delicate scents of white spring flower and green apple while the bright palate offers white peach, pear and lemon peel. A light mineral note adds interest while zesty acidity gives it a tangy finish.
Fragrant and linear, this luminous wine is perfumed with woodland berry, black tea, wild violet and a hint of spice. On the sleek, polished palate, silky tannins and fresh acidity support bright red cherry, raspberry and white pepper. Drink through 2018.
Fragrant and liquorous, this opens with scents of berry and cherry and spice, lightly lifted with floral accents. The wine is a pretty ruby color, and it walks the line between open and closed, poised right on the fence. There is a sharp spicy streak, which wraps into the graphite and mineral character of the vineyard.
Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this boasts enticing blue flower, wild berry and cake spice scents. The fresh, elegant palate evokes strawberry, raspberry, candied nectarine and ginger, the flavors framed by vibrant acidity. It finishes crisp and dry.
Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this opens with aromas of wild berry, blue flower, new leather, aromatic herb and a whiff of exotic spice. The structured, elegant palate delivers layers of red cherry, strawberry, flinty mineral, orange zest, star anise and clove framed in firm, polished tannins and bright acidity. It's still young and will develop even more complexity. Drink 2019–2029.
Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this opens with scents of blue flower, rose, perfumed berry and a hint of dark spice. The bright palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon alongside tightly wound but remarkably refined tannins. Drink 2017–2022.
Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this opens with scents of violet, perfumed berry, crushed herb and a whiff of tilled earth. The bright elegant palate conveys raspberry, cherry, licorice and cinnamon framed in firm, refined tannins. Drink 2019–2026.
Fragrant and luminous, this vibrant wine opens with aromas of stone fruit and freshly chopped mint. The linear palate offers citrus zest, aromatic herb and bitter almond while mouthwatering acidity provides balance. It boasts a clean, crisp finish.
Fragrant and lush with floral/citrus aromas, this stainless-fermented Chardonnay is inviting and seductive. Brilliant, bright fruit anchors a wine that is tense and dense and vividly thrilling. The acids are natural and flavors seamlessly run from lemon/lime to pineapple to orange, and keep on keeping on, with fresh, water-washed rock in the finish.
Fragrant and nicely detailed, this sends up clover and apple blossom scents. Apple-infused flavors follow, with touches of peach and spice.
Fragrant and perfumed, this has a smoky character and crisp fruit, while remaining attractively ripe. The tannins are soft, and the acidity on the finish is fruity.
Fragrant and perfumed, this is a delicious wine. While the perfumes shine, it has a more subtle citrus fruit and honey character that gives the wine elegance as well as immediate attraction.
Fragrant and perfumed, this wine is the epitome of great Cabernet Sauvignon. It is fruity, juicy yet with serious concentrated tannins. There is spice from the wood aging along with a dash of pepper, all the while just bringing out the beautiful black-currant flavors. Drink this wine from 2024
Fragrant and plush aromas of cassis, blueberry and black cherry mix with strong notes of licorice and black olive. Silky, detailed, supple and beautifully proportioned, this is a terrific value.
Fragrant and polished, this offers enticing aromas of red berry, rose, eucalyptus and a hint of anise. On the radiant palate, notes of white pepper and grilled herb accent juicy sour cherry and crushed raspberry. Glossy tannins provide the silky framework. Drink through 2022.
Fragrant and polished, this offers enticing aromas of spiced plum, rose, aromatic herb and menthol. The elegant, linear palate doles out red cherry, crushed raspberry, anise, pipe tobacco and mineral set against firm, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2018 through 2028.
Fragrant and polished, this opens with enticing scents of blue flower, red berry, baking spice and an earthy whiff of underbrush. The luminous linear palate offers crunchy red cherry, strawberry, white pepper and orange zest framed in vibrant acidity and silky tannins. Drink through 2019.
Fragrant and polished, this radiant wine offers enticing scents of elderflower, yellow peach and aromatic herb. The elegantly structured palate delivers apricot, nectarine zest and a hint of white pepper, all framed in vibrant acidity.
Fragrant and refined, this elegant sparkler offers enticing scents of hawthorn, wild flower and sliced pear. The vibrant balanced palate doles out citrus, crisp apple and a hint of ginger set against firm acidity and a soft, foaming mousse. It has clean dry finish.
Fragrant and refined, this elegant wine offers aromas of ripe berry, crushed flower and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate doles out wild cherry, black raspberry, clove and a graphite. It's well balanced, with fresh acidity and silky tannins. Drink through 2016.
Fragrant and refined, this has classic Nebbiolo aromas of woodland berry, rose petal, tilled soil and a balsamic note of eucalyptus. It's vibrant, elegant and balanced, boasting juicy cherry, crushed strawberry, white pepper and a hint of licorice framed in bright acidity and taut, polished tannins. Drink 2019–2026.
Fragrant and refined, this offers aromas of Mediterranean brush, rosemary, violet, woodland berry and a whiff of dark spice. The juicy savory palate gives layers of succulent wild cherry, black raspberry, clove and star anise while polished tannins provide a lithe framework. Drink through 2022.
Fragrant and refined, this offers scents of white spring flowers, citrus peel, yellow orchard fruit and a whiff of bread crust. The creamy palate doles out candied lemon drop, ripe golden apple and toasted almond alongside an elegant perlage.
Fragrant and refined, this opens with aromas of rose, violet, dark berry, cake spice and a balsamic whiff of menthol. The full-bodied, approachable palate delivers crushed Morello cherry, cinnamon, star anise and clove alongside velvety tannins that give it polish and structure. Drink 2017–2022.
Fragrant and refined, this opens with aromas of spring flowers and Bartlett pear. The luminous palate doles out green apple, white peach and citrus alongside bright acidity and a soft mousse.
Fragrant and refined, this opens with aromas of white orchard fruit, fragrant spring flowers and a whiff of cinnamon. The foaming palate delivers yellow apple, lime and sage accompanied by a frothy mousse.
Fragrant and refined, this opens with intense floral aromas and wafts of perfumed berry. The elegant, structured palate delivers layers of red cherry, juicy raspberry, cinnamon and a mineral note alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
Fragrant and refined, this opens with scents of white spring flowers and just picked orchard fruit. The bright, creamy palate doles out green apple, pear, white peach and a hint of chopped herbs. Bright acidity lifts the juicy flavors while a soft mousse lends elegance. It closes on an almond note.
Fragrant and refined, this polished red opens with enticing scents of woodland berry, menthol, pressed violet and a whiff of dried herb. The creamy, luminous palate delivers strawberry, raspberry and cake spice alongside fresh acidity and refined tannins.
Fragrant and refined, this shows enticing aromas of wild herb, rose petal, dark spice, red berry and a whiff of camphor. Luminous and elegant, the vibrant palate has juicy Marasca cherry, cranberry, star anise and white pepper while bright acidity and taut polished tannins provide the framework. It's still young but already possesses terrific poise. Drink 2021–2033.
Fragrant and refined, this vibrant red boasts enticing scents of violet, wild berry, tilled soil and a whiff of new leather. The bright palate delivers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of dark baking spice alongside zesty acidity and polished tannins.
Fragrant and refreshing, this opens with heady scents of white spring flower, white stone fruit and a whiff of crushed herb. The bright palate doles out ripe yellow apple, acacia and a hint of almond alongside fresh acidity.
Fragrant and refreshing, this savory white opens with delicate scents of white spring flower, orchard fruit and a whisper of crushed herb. The tangy palate delivers white peach, yellow pear and a hint of nectarine that linger on the crisp finish.
Fragrant and rich, but also with acidity and a tight, nervy texture, this concentrated wine has good potential. A single-vineyard wine, it contrasts richness and spice with a fresher character. Drink from 2016.
Fragrant and savory, this opens with attractive aromas of crushed violet, iris, perfumed berry and a whiff of tilled soil. The bright, linear palate doles out black cherry, ripe plum, white pepper and clove while polished tannins and fresh acidity provide the lithe, easy-drinking framework. There's not much complexity but it will makes fine drinking over the next few years.
Fragrant and sleek, this opens with scents of blue flower, pressed powder, perfumed berry and chopped herb. The balanced, full-bodied palate delivers licorice, ripe black cherry, clove and tobacco while firm, velvety tannins lend structure and finesse.
Fragrant and soft, this has a touch of spice that adds interest to the fresh lemon and bright apple fruitiness. With a gentle texture, it is ready to drink.
Fragrant and soft, this nicely oaked Pinot Noir offers cherry, cola, mocha and toast flavors. If there is a critique to be made, it is that the finish, though clean and pure, feels just a little flat in the mouth, not as lively as the entry promises.
Fragrant and soft, this sends up a chocolaty mix of strawberry and raspberry fruit scents and flavors. It's a barrel selection from a variety of vineyards, and is young enough to show a stiff, somewhat herbal edge to the tannins. Give it an hour or two in a decanter for best drinking.
Fragrant and soft, this wine carries a gentle floral fragrance—crushed roses—into a midpalate of bright raspberry and cherry. It turns a little leathery in the mouth, astringent but with the cherry flavors persisting, suggesting that further bottle age will soften it and add more textural complexity.
Fragrant and spicy, this opens with green pepper notes and boatloads of prickly/brambly raspberry/strawberry fruit. From a cool vintage, the blend includes 15% Syrah. It's nicely handled, with great penetration and a dancer's precision.
Fragrant and structured, this classically crafted Barolo opens with a Nebbiolo aromas of red rose, red berry, underbrush, leather and balsamic notes. The palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, savory herb and ground black pepper alongside elegant tannins. Drink through 2015–2020.
Fragrant and structured, this offers enticing scents of rose, violet, menthol, underbrush and a whiff of leather. The juicy palate offers layers of crushed raspberry, fleshy black cherry, cinnamon, clove, tobacco and a hint of anise alongside velvety tannins. It's already accessible. Drink through 2022.
Fragrant and structured, this opens with aromas of perfumed berry, rose petal and spice. The tightly woven palate offers ripe red cherry, crushed strawberry and grilled herb alongside tightly packed tannins and brisk acidity.
Fragrant and structured, this opens with aromas of wild berry, menthol, leather, tilled soil and aromatic herbs. The palate doles out wild cherry, fleshy black raspberry, cinnamon, white pepper and anise. Bracing tannins and racy acidity give it an ageworthy structure, but don't attempt this until after 2020.
Fragrant and tight with a pretty aromatic ensemble of peach, honey and flowers, this is a perfect match to fruit tarts and ice cream. The wine is soft and creamy in the mouth with delicate effervescence and lingering sweetness.
Fragrant and young, this Cab bursts with juicy berry fruit flavors. Brambly raspberry, a whiff of mint, plenty of cassis and a dusting of spice all combine in a well-structured wine ready for the table. Firm and supported with mineral-soaked acids, this has the texture, tannins and push-through to age gracefully, though it's perfectly ready right now.
Fragrant apple blossom and vanilla custard notes are delightful on this luxurious and balanced Chardonnay. Sweet butter and cream notes on the midpalate add weight, but are offset by brisk acidity and a spray of saline on the finish.
Fragrant aromas of Anjou pear and green apple skins make for a fresh and fruit nose on this wine that is cut with lime-peel bitterness. It's delicate at first on the palate, with a slightly sour yellow grapefruit-peel flavor that leaves an energetic zing in the mouth.
Fragrant aromas of apple blossoms swirl with a buttery croissant yeastiness on this bottling from Paso's Eastside. The palate tastes of green banana, with dried apples and apricots as well as ripe cantaloupe and a slightly buttery finish.
Fragrant aromas of green pear and apple mix with a riper peach note on the nose. With 10% aged in French oak, this Chardonnay trends toward the unoaked style—light bodied, crisp and fruit-forward. The streamlined, citrusy palate takes on a crunchy pear flavor, lightly dusted with talc.
Fragrant aromas of mortared herbs, violets and red fruit lead to velvety soft red and blue-fruit flavors. It's a very pretty wine that shows a fine sense of precision.
Fragrant berry, blue flower, rose petal, baking spice and a balsamic note lead the nose on this sleek, structured wine. The palate doles out crunchy red-cherry, juicy strawberry, clove, cinnamon and savory herb shadings alongside firm yet polished tannins and surprisingly fresh acidity for a hot vintage. It's loaded with finesse and already accessible. Drink through 2019.
Fragrant blue flower and wild red berry aromas lift out of the glass on this straightforward red. The fresh, easygoing palate delivers crushed Morello cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside supple tannins and bright acidity.
Fragrant blue flower, baking spice and wild berry aromas lead the nose. Zesty acidity and taut tannins frame fresh sour cherry, star anise and chopped herb flavors.
Fragrant blue flower, black plum, eucalyptus and a whiff of exotic spice lead the nose. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, pomegranate, vanilla and mocha alongside austere, fine-grained tannins that give the finish grip.
Fragrant blue flower, dark spice, crushed herb and wild berry aromas are front and center on this impressive, structured red. The lively, energetic palate offers cranberry, red cherry, licorice and ground clove flavors set against youthful, noble tannins and firm acidity. A tobacco note lingers on the finish. It's still young and tightly wound but will blossom into a beauty over the next decade. Drink 2023–2045.
Fragrant blue flower, menthol and a hint of exotic spice aromas come together on this firmly structured wine. The elegant palate still needs to fully open up but already reveals ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of orange peel alongside firm, polished tannins. Drink after 2018–2023.
Fragrant blue flower, perfumed berry, leather, cake spice and a balsamic note are some of the scents you'll find on this gorgeous, forward Barolo. The delicious palate offers raspberry, wild cherry, cinnamon, white pepper clove and tobacco. Ripe, polished tannins make this already accessible but it will also age well for a decade or more. Enjoy 2016–2023.
Fragrant blue flower, plum and a whiff of mocha slowly emanate from the glass. The taut, savory palate presents Morello cherry, black raspberry, licorice and clove, while polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and structure. Drink through 2022.
Fragrant blue flower, plum, cake spice and a whiff of leather are some of the aromas you'll find on this stunning wine. Made with organically farmed Sangiovese, the juicy, delicious palate doles out ripe black cherry, fleshy blackberry, white pepper, licorice and grilled herb. It's open and well balanced, with firm, polished tannins. Drink through 2020.
Fragrant blue flower, red berry and balsamic notes set the tone for this delicious red. The elegantly structured palate delivers wild cherry, crushed raspberry and chopped mint flavors, a potpourri of dark spice lingering through the finish. It's enjoyable now but promises fine drinking over the next several years. Drink through 2022.
Fragrant blue flower, ripe berry, scorched earth and a whiff of new leather unfold in the glass. The big, chewy palate offers juicy black cherry, ground pepper, clove, star anise and a hint of game framed in youthfully austere, teeth coating tannins. Drink after 2021.
Fragrant blue flower, ripe wild berry, a whiff of exotic spice and a whisper of French oak come together in the glass. On the firm palate, notes of baking spice and pipe tobacco accent a core of dried black cherry. Close-grained tannins provide the polished framework. It's already rather accessible but will offer fine drinking for several years or more.
Fragrant blue flower, rose, new leather, cake spice and wild berry aromas set the tone on this classic Barolo. On the full-bodied, savory palate, solid tannins wrap around a juicy cherry-raspberry core while notes of cinnamon and clove add depth. Drink 2019–2028.
Fragrant blue flower, spiced plum, new leather and Mediterranean herb aromas meld together. The elegant almost ethereal palate offers succulent red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and a hint of nutmeg framed in supple polished tannins. Drink through 2022.
Fragrant blue flower, tilled soil and wild berry aromas lead the nose. The light-bodied, accessible palate offers tart cherry and a hint of chopped herb. It's fresh and easy drinking, with loose-knit tannins.
Fragrant blue flower, wild berry and spiced plum aromas come together in the glass. The vibrant palate offers fleshy black cherry, ground pepper, coffee and grilled herb while firm, fine-grained tannins back up the juicy flavors.
Fragrant blue flower, woodland berry, dark spice and pine forest aromas lead the way. It's racy, focused and loaded with chiseled finesse, delivering juicy red cherry, crushed cranberry, cinnamon and star anise. Tightly knit, refined tannins and firm acidity provide the backbone. Drink 2023–2033.
Fragrant blue flower, woodland berry, underbrush, scorched earth and grilled herb are just some of the aromas that float out of the glass. The dense, succulent palate doles out ripe raspberry, black cherry, chopped mint, clove and cinnamon framed in velvety tannins that lend structure and finesse.
Fragrant citrus zest sets the tone: lemon and grapefruit govern nose and delicious, refreshing and zippy palate. Exquisite freshness and very ripe lemon make for streamlined lightness that leaves a very mineral and long impression. Riper fruit, like Mirabelle plum, hides underneath and is poised to come to the fore any moment.
Fragrant Conference pears, lemon zest and an edge of white pepper deliver on nose and palate. Light, crisp and totally invigorating.
Fragrant currant aromas drive this concentrated and rich wine forward. The old vines give a great depth of flavor and ripeness while keeping the fine herbaceous citrus touch. It's that rare Sancerre for aging, over 3–4 years.
Fragrant floral tones and drying mineral notes characterize this luminous Prosecco Brut. The sparkling wine delivers frothy peach, herbal accents and a steady dose of citrus zest.
Fragrant floral tones will remind you of orange and almond blossoms. This perky Prosecco delivers sweet fruit flavors of stone fruit and citrus backed by cooling acidity and subtle sweetness. Le Colture is one of the best producers in Valdobbiadene.
Fragrant hints of bergamot and Seville orange play enticingly on the nose of this beguiling wine. The palate amplifies those juicy, tart and lively flavors, sending them dancing into the finish. It's fresh, fruit-driven, dry and utterly moreish.
Fragrant hints of white summer blossom also hold a riper, fruitier, almost tropical promise. The light palate is poised with lemony freshness and more of those enticing aromatic overtones. A perfect, light and utterly appetizing summer wine.
Fragrant honeysuckle and white rose build in intensity as the wine's bouquet opens in the glass. This is an interesting expression of the grape with slightly more heft and fullness that other versions of Gewürztraminer found in the far north of Italy.
Fragrant in floral jasmine and tropical aromas, this light, lean Sauvignon Blanc stays fresh in the glass.
Fragrant in fruity melon, fig and lime, La Folia's done a nice job with this Pinot Grigio, producing something that's crisp yet full, integrated, round and lush yet zippy in acidity. Pair with pasta, salads and veggies of all kinds.
Fragrant in game, lavender, herb and red berry fruit, Terre Rouge's only California appellation Syrah is dusty, savory and reasonably light, approachable from beginning to end. On the finish, enjoy handfuls of peppery spice.
Fragrant in leather, lavender and licorice, this full-bodied Amador blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre and is fine, tannic and clearly born of mountain air. The finish tastes of very ripe fruit.
Fragrant in raspberry with an achingly light texture, this Tempranillo has notes of tobacco, rose water and pepper and a quick, dry finish.
Fragrant in sugarplum and cherry-vanilla, this summery wine uses Grenache, Merlot and Petit Verdot to string together a dry, likable quaff high in acidity and light-bodied from start to finish.
Fragrant layers of cinnamon, toast and vanilla adorn this intensely ripe, fleshy red wine. Blackberry and plum flavors are ruddy on the palate, but brightened by a zip of acidity and fine, chalky tannins on the finish.
Fragrant lemon-lime and exotic bath soap aromas lead this wine. A round, oily feeling palate is full for the variety, with flavors of mixed citrus fruits, honey and lychee. Potent acidity creates some burn on the finish.
Fragrant lemon blossom, citrus, beeswax and almond aromas carry over to the bright palate along with juicy lime, nectarine zest and dried herb. It finishes on a tangy saline note.
Fragrant lilacs and plump mulberries mix with black clove, allspice, pine needles and dark earth tones on this bottling by Josh Jensen from this 4.8-acre vineyard. The palate presents hearty sagebrush spice and an easily enjoyable character of black cherry that lead into the more complex pine sap, bay leaf, wild thyme and euclalytpus components.
Fragrant Malvasia tones of honey and white jasmine open the bouquet of this easy-going sparkling wine. The bubbling is light and delicate and the wine ends on a sweet note of Golden Delicious apple.
Fragrant notes of both green zingy fresh apples and more mellow baked apple fill the nose. The palate follows this with yeasty autolysis reminiscent of sourdough bread, dark honey and more refreshing green apple. The palate is lithe, dry and elegant with fine mousse and makes for a mouth-watering finish and a classy apéritif.
Fragrant notes of candied pear and lifted hints of orange blossom are tempered by exuberant lemon freshness. The palate is of tender, enveloping but not overbearing sweetness, carrying aloft an exquisite, honeyed tableau of pear and quince, mirabelle plum and apricot, balanced by pure lemon freshness. The finish is soft, moreish and mellow.
Fragrant notes of cut grass, kiwi and white flower open the bouquet of this Vermentino from sunny, coastal Tuscany. The wine is crisp and tight with pretty nuances of lemon and lime on the close.
Fragrant notes of spiced plum, cherry and milk chocolate are met with toast and herbs on the palate. The acidity is a façade to smooth, sheer tannins and the finish is layered in oak and cocoa.
Fragrant notes of tangerine and yuzu peel abound on this citrusy dry Riesling. The palate is cutting and fresh, full of juicy white grapefruit and lime flavors. Light bodied yet satisfyingly thirst quenching, it finishes long with invigorating minerality.
Fragrant notes of white blossom and peach waft from this juicy off-dry Riesling. Creamy and luscious in texture, it offers concentrated tangerine and stone-fruit flavors balanced briskly with acidity. It's an uncomplicated but lip-smacking sip to enjoy now through 2018.
Fragrant notions of orange peel accompany the red apple freshness. This has ample apple and orange fruit at the core, along with a pure, lemony zestiness that pulls everything taut and into focus. Full of life and tension, the wine makes you want to sip and sip again.
Fragrant oak spice invites you to contemplate a mix of autumnal, ripe red fruit: plums perhaps, in a compote with strawberry. Mellow tannins come with echoes of clove and cinnamon. This friendly and soft red also works without food.
Fragrant of baked apple and vanilla spice, this Bulgarian Sauvignon Blanc is just a shade off dry. It offers straightforward but easy-drinking apple and flower flavors, and the bright acidity lends a clean, brisk finish.
Fragrant of freshly cut grass, honeydew melon and orange blossoms, this dry, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc from Slovenia has pleasant grapefruit and lemon flavors and a racy, zippy acidity that tingles on the tongue. It's a simple but refreshing wine with a lime zest and smoke finish.
Fragrant of spiced apples and yellow florals, this dry, medium- bodied Gewürztraminer is sunny and bright on the palate with high-toned apple and honey flavors.
Fragrant of violets, berries and plums, this perfumed, pretty blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier braces on the palate with it's piercing acidity and lean, elegant profile. It's mousse is aggressively foamy and mouth filling, but finishes cleanly.
Fragrant on the nose with aromas of fresh apples accented with herbs and spice, this dry, full-bodied wine bristles on the palate with lemon and lime acidity. Ripe yellow peach and nectarine flavors fill out the midpalate and linger on the finish. It's straightforward in style yet deliciously quaffable.
Fragrant on the nose with fresh orange, lemon and honeysuckle aromas, this full-bodied Chard is deliciously quaffable with a concentrated apple palate and just a hint of buttered toast. Another well-made Romanian at an unbeatable bargain price.
Fragrant on the nose, with delicate violet notes accenting black cherry and savory herbs, this is a ripe, densely structured Cabernet Franc that's easy to enjoy now. The palate is intensely juicy, with tart red-cherry flavor and soft, feathery tannins that extend through the finish.
Fragrant on the nose, with hints of black cherry and graham cracker, this is a ripe, rich, velvety Cabernet Franc with cassis flavor marked with just a hint of green stem. Velvety tannins and bright, brisk acidity extend long on the finish.
Fragrant opening notes of fennel, tobacco and lime introduce a well-crafted Cabernet sourced from the Pepper Bridge vineyard. The fruit flavors are quite dry, slightly attenuated, and hinting at herbs throughout.
Fragrant overtones of acacia honey play alongside lemony notes on the nose, adding a touch of restrained, exotic decadence. A hint of chalk contributes grounding dimension. All combine to make a fragrant nose. These themes play out again on the slender but expressive palate. Pure lemon freshness brightens the notions of honey and chalk, while tiny bubbles provide endless explosions of deep, sustained flavor. This wine seems still young and taut, but the energy suggests great future development. Lemon purity on the finish appeals with its clean and invigorating nature. Drink 2017–2027.
Fragrant purple flower aromas, with red berry and vanilla lead the nose of this round, succulent wine. Notes of mocha, white pepper and aniseed accent the juicy black cherry core while chewy tannins provide the framework.
Fragrant purple flower, aromatic herb, wild berry and Asian spice aromas take center stage. The racy palate offers sour cherry, cranberry and sage accompanied by brisk acidity. Firm, close-grained tannins leave a drying finish.
Fragrant purple flower, dark-skinned berry, eucalyptus and aromatic herb aromas lead the way. The bright, no-frills palate offers sour cherry, chopped mint and a hint of clove while lithe tannins add polish. Drink through 2017.
Fragrant purple flower, red berry, exotic spice, crushed herb and new leather scents set the tone in this wine. The firm palate shows cranberry, star anise and clove flavors framed by fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2028.
Fragrant purple flower, red berry, Mediterranean brush and a hint of resin come together on this enjoyable red. The lively palate offers juicy morello cherry, crushed raspberry and a savory sprinkling of dark spice alongside rounded tannins and firm acidity.
Fragrant purple flower, ripe black-skinned fruit and dark spice aromas slowly emerge on this savory blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese. Full bodied and succulent, the smooth structured palate delivers crushed raspberry, black currant, star anise and chopped mint alongside a backbone of firm polished tannins. Drink 2018–2024.
Fragrant purple flowers, dark berries and a whiff of baking spices lead the nose of this medium-bodied red. The round, soft palate offers black cherry, vanilla, milk chocolate and cinnamon alongside smooth, polished tannins. A confectionary note signals the close.
Fragrant purple flowers, iris, dark berry and tilled soil aromas come together in the glass along with a balsamic note. The elegantly structured palate offers wild cherry, aniseed, white pepper and aromatic herb. It's nicely balanced, with fresh acidity and still austere but refined tannins that need to loosen up. Drink 2017–2025.
Fragrant raspberries are the attraction of this ripe medium-sweet and fruity wine. It has acidity and a crisp edge to balance the sugary fruitiness. Drink now.
Fragrant red and black currant aromas pervade on the nose of this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A lively palate of tart berries and worn leather is supported by chalky tannins and vibrant acidity.
Fragrant ripe apricot, edged with notions of citrus foliage streams from the glass. The same intriguing flavor combo of ripeness and freshness, aroma and full fruit, makes up the precise and clean palate. The finish is lip-smacking and still veers and shimmers between full-on fruit ripeness and tart zesty citrus.
Fragrant ripe red apples mingle with the more mellow notes of baked apples. Above it all, faint floral notes play beautifully. The palate brings out fresher apple flavors of ripe Braeburn and Reinette. Clean and wonderfully invigorating freshness pervades everything and makes for that wonderful Riesling rollercoaster of ripeness and tartness. Lovely and ready now but will be drinking well until 2020, with a lovely baked apple finish.
Fragrant scents of spring blossom, wild flower and orchard fruit escape from the glass. Silky and elegant, the tangy palate doles out white peach, green apple and lemon drop alongside a refined perlage and refreshing acidity.
Fragrant spring blossoms are dusted with pollen on the nose of this delicate dry Riesling. It's intensely mineral, meshing dusty earth tones against crisp apple and lime flavors. Racy and lithe, it finishes briskly.
Fragrant spring flower, citrus blossom and orchard fruit aromas leap from the glass. The slightly off-dry tangy palate presents ripe green apple, white peach and a juicy note of candied lemon drop offset by crisp acidity and a lively perlage.
Fragrant spring flower, white stone fruit, citrus and baked bread aromas lift out of the glass. Creamy and crisp, the vibrant palate delivers juicy Bartlett pear, Gala apple, vanilla and pastry cream. It's all framed in an elegant continuous perlage.
Fragrant tangerine skins are glazed by an earthen streak of wax on the nose of this brisk, light-footed Riesling. Zesty and dry, the palate balances refreshing lime and lemon flavors against more savory elements of pollen and earth. Finishes crisp and clean.
Fragrant tones of melon, mango and blossom introduce this lush, richly textured Chardonnay. On the palate, delicate swirls of cream juxtapose pristine lemon, apple and pear flavors. It's an elegant, neatly balanced dry white that should drink well now through 2016.
Fragrant white florals and concentrated flavors of juicy pink pomelo are effortlessly decadent on this semidry Riesling. While soft and supple on entry, there's a nervy edge of Meyer lemon pith accentuated by a long, mineral-laced finish.
Fragrant white flower and white stone fruit aromas leap out of the glass. On the creamy palate, a hint of crushed herb adds depth to white peach and golden apple. Fresh acidity and a foamy mousse set off the rich flavors while a suggestion of lemon drop marks the close.
Fragrant white flower, honeydew melon, tomato vine and hay aromas all come together in the glass. The vibrant palate shows pink grapefruit and tangerine alongside a vein of mineral.
Fragrant white flower, orchard fruit and a touch of flint lead the nose. The linear, lively palate shows mature apple, nectarine zest and mineral alongside vibrant acidity. The flavors follow through to the tangy finish.
Fragrant white flower, yellow stone fruit and dried herb aromas open. The vibrant, elegant palate offers mature yellow apple, creamy white peach and mineral alongside bright acidity. A white almond note closes the lingering finish.
Fragrant wild flower, yellow stone fruit, citrus and chopped herb aromas lead the nose on this vibrant blend of 90% Carricante and 10% Riesling. The racy palate doles out fresh apricot, crisp green apple and energizing mineral framed in tangy acidity. A note of aromatic herb accents the succulent finish.
Fragrant wine, attractively perfumed, crisply fresh. It is full of ripe apples, layered with intense acidity and balanced with a warmer peach flavor. Ready to drink.
Fragrant wine, ripely perfumed, its tannins bringing out red berry fruits and a shapely structure. It also has a fresh feel to it from the intense acidity at the end. Age for a year, but drink now.
Fragrant with a mix of sweet grass and dusty blossom, this pleasant Sauvignon Blanc makes you wonder why the grape is so rare in Oregon. Here in the Umpqua Valley it finds a sweet spot, fresh and varietal, round and tart, with the added complexity of the flowery aromatics.
Fragrant with cranberry and strawberry fruit, this forward and appealing wine looks and drinks like a cru Beaujolais. The tasty fruit is delineated with a chocolate lining, and the tannins carry a whiff of fresh earth.
Fragrant with cut grass, peavine and sweet hay, leading into light fruit flavors of apple and pear. There are suggestions of sliced orange, and the creamy, textural mouthfeel derived from nine months of aging on the lees.
Fragrant with floral notes, lemony fruit and hints of apricot, this is a tangy, textural take on Pinot Gris. Fermented in stainless steel and released young, it retains a bright and stylish profile right through a lingering finish, with a touch of sweetness.
Fragrant with lime, stone, apricot and flowers, this Gewürztraminer is deliciously dry and slightly crisp yet full bodied. A slight spiciness marks the finish, with a note of lime salt. It should pair well with a roast chicken and spicy stuffing.
Fragrant with notes of grapefruit, apple and lemon, this dry, delicately-framed Chardonnay is crisp with lemony acidity and an elegant citrus-rind flavor. It's refreshing and easy drinking, but could use a boost of intensity in the mid palate.
Fragrant with notes of honeysuckle and lemon accenting aromas of pressed apple and pear, this off-dry wine benefits from juicy ripe apple flavors that lend roundness and richness to the palate. It's almost creamy in mouthfeel, but ends briskly with puckering lime and lemon acidity.
Fragrant with orange blossom and tart, tangerine-based fruit. The barely-perceptible residual sugar is listed at 0.53%. Solid winemaking by Lynn Penner-Ash, as usual.
Fragrant with peach aromas and wet-stone minerality, this dry Riesling is well integrated, smooth and refreshing. It is delicious on its own as an apéritif or will make a mellow partner to all manner of appetizers, especially those with seafood and a twist of heat or chili spice.
Fragrant with pretty berry scents, this compact wine rewards some hours of breathing time. The tangy fruit is complemented by streaks of herb, mineral and citrus peel, all woven together into a gently fading finish that adds a lick of dark chocolate.
Fragrant with scents of citrus rind, this brings a dense core of lemon, lime and grapefruit, just bordering hints of peach. It's quite dry, very fruity and substantial. It was sourced entirely from the DuBrul vineyard.
Fragrant with smoky red fruits, this tight, young, pure Cabernet Sauvignon brings a generous mix of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry fruit into play. The firm and supple tannins are folded in seamlessly, with hints of iron, coffee and chocolate.
Fragrant yellow and purple flowers on the nose and palate of this medium-sweet Riesling add a subtle perfume to all of the ripe, luscious white-peach and nectarine flavors. Hints of wet stone and lime-like acidity lend a crisp, tonic tone to the midpalate, extending onto the long, lingering finish.
Fragrant yellow blossoms and orange peels perfume this sprightly Riesling. It's unabashedly fruity, full of sweet peach and tangerine flavors yet offset by a racy backbone of acidity. The finish is refreshingly tart.
Fragrant yellow flower and mature orchard fruit aromas lead the nose along with a whiff of aromatic herb. Made with organic grapes, the wine has a delineated palate that displays crisp yellow apple, juicy citrus zest, sage and a hint of ginger alongside mouthwatering acidity. Almond marks the close.
Fragrant yellow flower, crushed thyme, Bartlett pear and citrus aromas carry over to the dry vibrant palate together with green apple and crisp acidity. Small, continuous bubbles lend finesse.
Fragrant, aromatic, grassy aromas give way to fresh, crisp, green fruit and gooseberry flavors. Finishes lively and vibrant.
Fragrant, clean and tropical, with slate-driven minerality. The palate is just fleshy enough but mostly it's tight and crisp, with flavors of green apple, fresh green herbs and a drip of honey. Holds it together from front to back; just right for salads and seafood-based tapas.
Fragrant, complex aromas of rose petals and grapefruit lead to bold, fresh grapefruit and papaya flavors in this medium-bodied, dry wine. Anderson Valley is a great spot for Alsace varietals and this is a prime example.
Fragrant, floral and pretty in every way, this wine is also meaty in intense texture and beauty, with a bold beguiling entry that mellows on the midpalate. Balanced acidity supports notes of honey, honeysuckle and pear, with a bite of green apple on the finish.
Fragrant, floral Sangiovese and plush Merlot are combined in equal parts to produce one of Italy's most appealing wines with rich extraction and gorgeous, long-lasting fruit flavors. This rich and modern blend never lets the 2003 heat get the upper hand.
Fragrant, fresh and floral, this textbook Rosso di Montalcino offers lovely aromas of wild berries, violets, pressed powder and cake spices. The delicious palate doles out juicy red cherry and crushed raspberry accented with notes of cinnamon, all wrapped up in an elegant, silky-smooth texture. Enjoy over the next few years.
Fragrant, fresh and frothy, this vibrant wine opens with heady aromas of jasmine, tropical fruit and lime. Made by letting the wine finish fermentation in the bottle on its lees, it doles out tangy lemon zest, candied nectarine, green apple and a saline note alongside brisk acidity.
Fragrant, fresh and fruity, this light and bright wine offers an herbal character to go with its citrus and green apple fruits. It is lively and crisp—a fine apéritif. Screwcap.
Fragrant, fresh and loaded with finesse, this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot opens with scents of fragrant blue flowers, perfumed berry and a whiff of pine forest. The bright, silky palate delivers crunchy red currants, juicy raspberries and white pepper. It's nicely balanced, with firm, polished tannins and lively acidity. Drink 2016–2022.
Fragrant, fresh scents of perfumed berry, blue flower, crushed stone and a hint of exotic spice meld together on this. The elegant palate delivers bright red cherry, white pepper, flinty mineral and a sprinkling of clove alongside bright acidity and silky, polished tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Fragrant, fresh, young and zippy, this is a simple, fruity summer rosé. The nose expresses only citrus but the mild palate shows some of the cherry-ish roundness of Zweigelt. Its light body and full fruit make it the ideal light refreshment. Drink as soon as possible.
Fragrant, refreshing, spritzy, citrusy—this wine is like a dictionary of descriptive Grüner terms. It even provides an edge of that much-loved pepperiness.
Fragrant, smoky and juicy, this is a structured wine that also allows plenty of room for the fruit. With firm tannins as a background, its fruitiness is already shining out. The blackberry juiciness and acidity are balanced. Drink from 2018.
Fragrant, smoky, oaky and seductive, this toasty wine is immediately appealing, and has been given the all-star treatment. The young vineyard offers promising fruit; its flavors light and clean, tasting of raspberries and pie cherries. Lots of oak gives it a very chocolaty finish.
Fragrant, soft and fruity, this has weight and firm tannins, which meld with the juicy blackberry flavor. The result is a forward and ready-to-drink wine.
Fragrant, tender notes of ripe Conference pear on the nose are met with fresh grapefruit zest on the palate ,which also conveys scented citrus foliage. It's a balanced, elegant Riesling with a dry finish.
Fragrant, with a floral lift in the nose, this is loaded with rich fruit flavors of pineapple, peach and citrus. A whiff of toast and just-sawn wood leads into a lengthy, beautifully balanced, tongue-coating finish.
Fragrant, with a grapy appeal, this pure Gamay Noir comes on like a fresh Beaujolais. The cherry candy flavor is fruity and fun, but the wine thins out rapidly onto a quick finish.
Fragrant, with aromas of pear, pink grapefruit and wet stones. Similar flavors carry onto the palate, which also tosses out some banana and melon. The finish is thinner than might be expected given the fact that this has a soft, big body.
Fragrant, with notes of ripe cherry and strawberry, this brisk, bright Pinot Noir is delicately framed, but juicy with nervy sour-cherry and cranberry flavors. Drying tannins make this an elegant food wine to pair with even robust poultry or pork dishes.
Fragrant, with scents and flavors of pears and orange blossoms. This wine has 1.8% residual sugar, which qualifies it as off-dry, but it is still quite suitable for a wide range of foods, especially spicy Asian dishes. Full, fleshy and well-made, it delivers plenty of fresh fruit flavor with enough spice and acid to give a lift to the finish.
Fragrant; dusty plum and rose aromas are followed on the palate by very fruity flavors of cherries and apple skins. The fine bead and rich mousse result in a creamy mouthfeel. It’s all a bit obvious and simple, but undeniably good.
Fragrantly floral, it offers ripe red fruit in delicate balance, its tannins softened and the oak imprint kept at a minimum. The vines are thought to be more than 25 years old, the clone and rootstock unknown. An elegant, tightly woven Syrah.
Fragrantly floral, this stunner offers delightful bursts of lemon, grapefruit and pomelo, as well as succulent raspberry. The acidity is persistent and tangy. Light-bodied and yet complex, it's easy to love and enjoy being just right for the table, beach blanket or kayak.
Fragrantly viscous and deeply golden in color, this has coatings of honey and apricot amid its full body and texture.
Framed beautifully with scents and flavors of toasted hazelnut (the property was orginally a walnut, hazelnut and plum orchard), this builds its substantial core around deep black cherry fruit. The density and length are impressive, and though delicious already, it will surely gain in complexity with further aging. Drink now through 2025.
Framingham is one of New Zealand's top Riesling producers, so it's good to see this bottling again here in the States. It opens with hints of wet stone and moss, then proves more generous on the palate, adding notes of apple, citrus and honey. For a wine that's described as “off dry,” it tastes pretty dry on the lingering finish.
Francesco Bolla's Poggio Verrano is an interesting estate worth keeping an eye on. The wines show consistent quality and the red blend Chance is the latest in a varied portfolio of products that show the best of southern Tuscany. The wine opens with ripe fruit aromas, cured meat and leather.
Francesco Galliano is a creamy and opulent Chardonnay-based sparkler that opens with a deep golden color, yeasty notes followed by butter and toasted almond. The wine shows loads of ripe and sticky fruit that almost bring it over the top.
Francesco Spadafora makes one of the best Syrahs in Sicily and Italy. This offers beautiful aromas of dark fruit and chocolate, followed by spice, leather and tobacco accents. These aromas are well integrated, resulting in a silky, creamy mouthfeel, with long persistency.
Francis Coppola's wine sings in an intensity of baked apple and caramel, buoyed by high acidity and a stony quality. Layered and creamy, it satisfies fans of a richer mouthfeel while offering a lightness on the finish.
Francis Mahoney has crafted a young, expressive Pinot Noir, and while it's not particularly complex, it shows real Carneros terroir. Dry and balanced, the wine has cherry, mushroom and earthy flavors, balanced with rich acids and a dusting of tannins. Drink now.
Franciscan helped pioneer the use of wild or indigenous yeasts years ago, hence the name, and whether that technique makes better wines is debatable. Still, the level of Cuvée Sauvage has been generally high. The '05 reflects the cool balance of the vintage, with ripe peach, pear, mango and oaky-butterscotch flavors accompanied by crisp balancing acidity.
Franco Adami adds just 5% Chardonnay to his Brut Prosecco Superiore to give the wine a broader, bolder mouthfeel. The addition works nicely on the bouquet, lending a pretty tone of exotic fruit and a drying touch of flinty mineral.
Franco Adami makes some of the best Prosecco around and this special selection from the Cartizze cru showcases his deft winemaking hand. The sparkler is soft and supple in the mouth yet shows lively buoyancy thanks to the delicate nature of its peachy cream flavors.
Franco Pacenti's brooding Brunello offers coffee, prune, ripe fruit and a thick, brownish color that all point to a ripe vintage. You'll get a distinctly sweet aroma of vanilla or maple syrup and the wine offers medium length on the finish.
Franco Pacenti's enticing Brunello opens with a sudden blast of cinnamon stick and nutmeg that slowly evolves to include tones of cherry, Indian spice, smoke and even a touch of dried green herb. The penetrating finish offers more clove and sweet spice flavor.
Franco Pacenti makes excellent use of wood, resulting in a Brunello that shows fine balance between fruit and spice. The wine exhibits a slightly brownish hue but brings bright freshness and acidity to the table. Pair it with pasta or cheese risotto.
Frank Cornelissen doesn't like Malvasia, nor does he like Inzolia. Therefore he added 20% Nerello Mascalese and decided to make a rosé instead. Copper-colored Susucaru offers aromas of butterscotch and ripe melon over resin and maple syrup. In the mouth, you'll feel slight tannic firmness. Only 900 bottles are made.
Frank Cornelissen is one of the rising stars of Italy's natural wine movement. Munjebel 7 (he does editions, instead of vintages) shows a bright ruby appearance with suspended particles that give it a slightly cloudy appearance. The aromas are fine, delicate and complex with wild berry, crushed granite and dusty earth. His wines are aged in large clay amphorae.
Frank Family is one of those wineries that Cab lovers should know more about. This, their basic Napa Cab, is a solid hit, tannic, dry and balanced. It shows classic flavors of black currants, with contributing notes of chocolate, anise and cedar.
Frank Family, far better known for Cabernet Sauvignon, joins the sparkling wine sweepstakes with this drily crisp, Champagne-like brut. It has subtle flavors of raspberries, strawberries, limes and brioche pastry, with a complex finish. Quite good.
Frank rarely misses a mark and this wine is another example of the poised flavors one expects from this winery. The aromas are fresh but subtle, with a delicate spin of toasted oak. The wine offers a restrained and sophisticated profile that balances depth with a clean, measured use of oak.
Frankly delicious, a wine with the most decadent profile. Just erupts with only-in-California black currant, cassis, black cherry, chocolate, red plum jam and smoky cedar flavors that testify to the finest viticulture. For all that, the wine is quite soft and sweet. Give it greater structure, and the score would soar.
Frankly delicious, offering wave after wave of black cherry jam, red currant, licorice, mocha, vanilla and buttered cinnamon toast flavors, wrapped into soft, smooth tannins.
Frankly sweet and almost flabby, with plenty of sugar, petrolly minerality and ripe pear flavors, but this wine lacks the buoyant citrusy zest needed for balance and length.
Frankly sweet, and somewhat oily in texture, this is low in alcohol (7.5%) but high in sugar and ripeness, bringing tropical fruits like mango and papaya to mind.
Frankly sweet, like sugared orange, pineapple and mango juice. Fine and clean in acidity, but it's not really a dry table wine.
Frankly sweet, this Riesling, made only from cool coastal grapes, benefits from crisp acidity. The tartness balances the sugary peach, citrus and honeysuckle flavors.
Frankly sweet, with 36 g/l of residual sugar, this Marlborough Riesling shows plenty of guava and citrus fruit alongside hints of tar and petrol. The sugar, combined with tart acids, gives the finish a crisp, lipsmacking quality.
Frankly sweet, with overripe raisin, blackberry jam and chocolate flavors, wrapped into heavy tannins. High alcohol gives it a hot, prickly finish.
Frankly sweet, with sugary raspberry and cherry jam flavors. That sweetness may be the result of excessively high alcohol, residual sugar or, more likely, both. Either way, it's not a dry table wine, but it is a good wine that lots of Zin people will like.
Frappato and Syrah make perfect blending partners. The first grape shows light, feminine characteristics, with bright berry and cola nuances. The second delivers color, dark fruit, density and savory spice.
Frappato is a light and fruit-forward Sicilian grape that makes a crisp and refreshing red wine that is often served slightly chilled with pasta or fish. Paolo Calì shows deep expertise with the variety and offers an extremely food-friendly expression with bright berry nuances.
Frappato is a wonderfully light and fruity red wine for all seasons, even hot summer months. This expression sees some oak aging that adds extra density and spice.
Frappato is usually made as a dry red wine and Terre di Giurfo is probably the first to release a sweet expression of the grape. This ruby-colored dessert wine offers jammy aromas of strawberry and cassis and could pair with almond or pistachio cookies.
Fratelli Bortolin is one of the historic estates of the Valdobbiadene (Prosecco) area and consistently produces a high quality sparkling wine. This Brut expression delivers subtle aromas of white mineral, stone fruit and acacia flower.
Fred and Melody Burbank are producing a varied line of wines in the El Pomar district. This wine delivers aromas of ripe plum and nose-tickling spices that range from wet clove to marjoram to black tea. It is rich and ripe with purple fruit on the palate, but the initial pep dissipates quickly.
Fred Brander and winemaker Fabian Bravo study Sauvignon Blanc through several bottlings each year, but this Santa Ynez Valley appellation cuvee is an early favorite for 2013. Delicate flinty notes on the nose are bolstered with honey dew and apple. The palate leads with a lot of zing that evolves into flavors of kiwi and pear, with a slightly buttery, almost vanilla finish.
Free of restrictive appellation contrôlée regulations, Chapoutier's Australian team blends 85% Viognier and 15% Marsanne in this intense, concentrated white. Yellow plums and grilled pineapple notes aren't exceeding complex, but offer plenty of enjoyment, finishing ripe, rich and long. Drink now.
Freedom Hill is one of the most-admired vineyards in the Willamette Valley, and this elegant wine does it full justice. A beguiling mix of roses, chocolate, berry and sandalwood, it tickles the nose and tongue with its precision and deceptive depth of flavor.
Freeman's Ryo-fu Chardonnay always is a tasty, delicious wine. This wine shows a purity of tropical and citrus fruits, with subtle mineral, roasted nut and dried apple complexities, brightened by crisp, lemony acidity. Drink now–2017, but not too cold.
Freesia and tangerine rind scent this bright, aromatic wine. It's dry in style, yet luscious and ripe, streaked with tones of honey tangerines and peach. Bristling lime acidity lends cut and vibe to the finish.
Freixenet's signature Cava is consistent and pure as usual, with aromas of white fruit and white pepper and an overall freshness on the nose. It feels crisp and focused, with a foamy palate that brings apple, lime, peach and spice flavors. The finish is smooth.
French actor Gérard Depardieu, who has a vineyard in the Loire, has lent his name to this barrel-aged sparkling wine. It has great richness, and its fruits married with a more rounded, mature underlay and subtle acidity.
French and Hungarian oak cradle the dusty juice of old vines in this soft, integrated wine, brawny in strawberry, orange zest and cheese rind. Black pepper and a note of leather close out the lengthy, spicy finish.
French oak-aging has resulted in a wine that's both smooth and fruity. With summer blossom aromas, attractive acidity and a toasty edge, it's stylish, elegant and ready to drink now.
French oak aging has given this still-young wine a firmly structured character, with dark tannins and a firm texture. It's still very dry, structured and dark and needs a good few years to age and round out. For now, the ripe fruit and acidity are both showing great promise. Drink from 2018.
French oak fermentation and sur lie aging give this wine just a hint of toast and softness in the mouth. It is just at 14% alcohol, which keeps it from getting either too bitter or too hot in the finish. It's downright elegant, with a refreshing light touch that is all too often missing from Viognier.
French oak, a whiff of exotic spice and a buttery note lead the nose. The oak-driven aromas follow through to the tannic palate together with licorice, roasted coffee bean and dried cherry.
French oak, coconut and roasted coffee bean aromas dominate the nose. The bracing palate offers oak extract, raw cherry, sour cranberry, a green note of powdered sage and oak-driven spice. It lacks the fruit richness needed to stand up to the oak while raspy tannins leave an extremely astringent finish and dry out the tongue.
French oak, coconut and spice aromas follow through to the lean palate, where they're joined by sour cherry and vanilla flavors. Grainy, fleeting tannins give it an abrupt finish.
French oak, coconut and spiced plum aromas carry over to the palate, where sour cherry fruit is accented by oak spice and sage. It's lean and austere, with a raspy finish.
French oak, coconut, cassis, menthol and coffee aromas lead the nose of this structured red. Made entirely from Merlot, it's densely concentrated, offering mature plum, black currant, dried sage, anise and espresso flavors. Firm, close-grained tannins give the finish grip. Drink 2018–2025.
French oak, coconut, underbrush and a balsamic aroma follow through to the full-bodied palate along with licorice, espresso, dried cherry and raw cranberry. Raspy tannins provide the assertive frame work and clench the finish. Give the tannins a few years to relax then drink to capture the remaining fruit.
French oak, dark berry, underbrush and espresso aromas open with a whiff of coconut. The firm palate offers roasted coffee bean, sour cherry, cranberry and a hint of vanilla alongside vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins that leave an assertive finish.
French oak, menthol and plum aromas waft out of the glass. The taut, rather light-bodied palate offers tart red cherry, star anise and coffee bean alongside grainy tannins that leave a grippy, astringent finish.
French oak, toast, espresso and menthol aromas lift out of the glass. The lean, taut palate offers dried black cherry and oak-driven spice alongside raspy tannins that leave an astringent finish. The fruit richness is starting to dry up so drink sooner rather later.
French oak, tobacco and exotic spice aromas emerge in the glass. The firm, full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherry, raspberry compote, vanilla and licorice flavors, framed by assertive but fine-grained tannins. Drink 2020–2027.
French oak, vanilla, coconut, menthol and berry aromas lead the nose and carry over to the bracing palate along with close-grained tannins that leave a rather astringent finish.
French philosopher and writer Charles-Louis de Montesquieu once lived at the moated Château de la Brède, hence the name of this wine. It is a ripe, finely perfumed wine, with new wood and eucalyptus aromas, rich red fruits and a soft, open series of tannins. It is almost ready to drink, but the chocolate edge suggests it should be kept until 2017.
French speakers will note that père (meaning “father”) is misspelled on the label. The intent is to honor the winemaker's father, who planted the estate vineyard 30 years ago. It's a sturdy, honest wine, chewy and unafraid to show the slightly bitter, herbal side of the grape. Drink this with a hearty lamb stew.
Frescobaldi's Castelgiocondo is a protagonist in the Brunello school that prioritizes bold, modern expressions of the Sangiovese Grosso grape. This vintage shows pulpy fruit, soft spice and chocolate backed by dark concentration. The mouthfeel is generous and full with a thick, velvety texture.
Fresh-crushed red currant aromas mix with dried purple flowers and mocha on the nose of this bottling. The flavors are very evenly presented, ripe and round with black plum fruit and a touch of fig-laced balsamic vinegar.
Fresh-cut flowers and gooseberries lend characteristically green, grassy notes to this light-bodied, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. It's delicate in concentration but finishes elegantly on a chalky, mineral note.
Fresh-cut grass and gooseberry dominate on the nose of this wine, a style that's not for everyone. From there, bristling sparks of lemon and lime dominate, giving the wine a refreshing edge. Unoaked, the finish is a tad severe in its austerity.
Fresh-cut grass and green-floral notes lend vibe to heady apricot aromas on this ripe, rich, lusciously textured Riesling. Dry in style yet bold in body and alcohol, it's kept in balance by a streak of nervy acidity. Finishes with a flair of potpourri and floral perfume.
Fresh-faced Sauvignon Blanc, with distinct citric character and a green herbal edge. A lightweight wine that has a great zesty finish.
Fresh-flowing blood, dried Italian herbs and cured cuts of meat greet the nose on this annual Bonny Doon treat, a blend of 28% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 17% Cinsault, 17% Mourvèdre and 16% Carignane. The flavors are dominated by purple fruits, trending toward blackberry and blueberry, with violet florals and rustic dust.
Fresh-fruited and well balanced, this has firm tannins that are already well integrated into the black currant flavors and acidity. Solid and structured, it will develop well. The aftertaste brings out the acidity.
Fresh-picked Bing cherry delights on the initial entry into this silky Pinot, sourced from a long-famous site in the heart of the Russian River. Medium-bodied and nicely structured, it offers ample concentration around a core of elegance, with a lingering finish of vibrant cherry. Enjoy through 2022.
Fresh-pressed alpine strawberries and blackberries are lifted by touches of cola and fresh lilac on this wine by retired baseball pros Rich Aurilia and Dave Roberts, today the Dodgers' manager. Turned earth, juniper, pine needle, thyme and bay leaf form a very earthy core to the sip, where dark-red and even purple fruit carry the ripeness torch.
Fresh-pressed blackberries and graphite comprise the aromatic entry to this bottling from a vineyard about 2,000 feet high in the hills west of Paso Robles. It features plenty of wild thyme, black licorice and other garrigue-like herbals on the nose as well. The palate is minty, with a strong tannic tension and rising acidity.
Fresh-pressed blackberry and boysenberry are lifted by white pepper and anise on the nose of this bottling by Steve Martell. The palate is dark in flavor, with black plum, charcoal, black pepper, prune, dried wisteria and other purple flowers, all presented on a very soft mouthfeel.
Fresh-pressed blackberry and strawberry meld into vanilla, milk chocolate, minty herb and gravel on the nose of this lavish blend of 57% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Tannat and 1% Viognier. Flavors are well rounded, with blueberry-cream sauce, dark plum, fig and touches of mint and sweet basil.
Fresh-pressed blackberry aromas leap out of the glass of this wine, along with asphalt and a touch of purple flowers. The palate is a study of density and thickness, with black plums, coffee and espresso showing most out of the deep, black flavors.
Fresh-pressed blackberry juice meets with thyme and pencil lead on the nose of this very decent wine for the price. The blend of 44% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot offers flavors of herb-laced berries and a touch of roasted coffee, proving light, fresh and complex if a tad thin.
Fresh-pressed blackberry, cedar, dark-chocolate shavings, charcoal and espresso grounds show on this slightly wound up, extremely dark wine. Coffee flavors come through strongly on the thick and sticky palate, where powerful acidity unleashes blueberries and dried herbs. It's a mouthful for certain.
Fresh-pressed boysenberries and blueberries meet with lilacs, Vietnamese coffee and a touch of cedar on the ripe, showy nose of this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The thick, coffee-laden palate is full of deep blueberry fruit, sure to be an attention-grabber yet serious enough with bitter espresso and sour-plum skins.
Fresh-pressed boysenberries give zest to dusty aromas of tobacco and strong shoe leather on the nose of this bottling. Tobacco shows powerfully on the palate, as do dill, marjoram and black pepper. Dark fruit, from blackcurrant to elderberry, provides the base.
Fresh-pressed boysenberry and olallie-berry aromas are lifted by tons of inviting violet florality, garrigue-like potpourri and oak forest underbrush on the nose of this blend of 44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Counoise and 8% Mourvèdre. Mulberry and black-plum flavors are fruit-forward, enhanced by toasted vanilla bean. A lavender lift carries deep into the finish.
Fresh-pressed boysenberry is lifted by lavender, white pepper, roasted pork and milk chocolate on the rich, lavish nose of this stylish bottling. There are many layers of complexity to the palate, where blueberry pie, fudge, smoked beef and espresso cream drip off of a firm but welcoming tannic structure.
Fresh-pressed boysenberry scents meet lava rock and slate minerality on the nose of this appellation blend from Fred Brander. There's a flinty earthiness to the palate, with pressed plum flavors and a strong graphite streak. It's relatively light in body, making it a perfect food wine.
Fresh-pressed boysenberry, black plum and lavender show on the nose of this bottling by Adam Lee of Siduri, who recently sold both brands to Jackson Family Wines yet remains intimately involved. Framed by a silky structure, the palate conveys blackberry, soy and black-pepper flavors.
Fresh-pressed boysenberry, darker blueberry and a subtle white sage lift gives lots of complexity to the nose on this equal parts blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. It's relatively light in body, yet throws off lots of verve with purple fruit, pencil shavings and herbal spice.
Fresh-pressed raspberry, plums, dried sagebrush, wild thyme and a touch of mustard plant show on the nose of this wine, recalling a hike through the chaparral. Light but ripe cranberry fruit shows on the easygoing sip, alongside oregano, vanilla and rhubarb.
Fresh-pressed strawberry, sugar beet, lavender and rose petal aromas show in this botting, which is a complex take on Tempranillo. Black plum and mulberry flavors are delicately presented, leading the intriguing and buoyant palate, which is light in body but full of elegant flavor.
Fresh-pressed wild berries, cedar, purple flowers, and Jolly Rancher grape candy notes show on the nose of this blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignane and Counoise. More grape candy shows on the palate, along with vibrant lilacs, black pepper, rose petals and a touch of espresso.
Fresh-roasted coffee notes emerge on the nose of this thick, concentrated mountain wine, with a dark dose of toasty oak. Extracted flavors of black, smoky fruit give it heft and full-bodied richness.
Fresh-sliced Anjou and Asian pears aromas meet with sharper lemon oil and honeydew-melon notes on the nose of this bottling. Seared lime rinds, green pears and graphite combine on the sour and tart palate.
Fresh-smelling and generous in flavors, this full-bodied wine tastes like plums and black cherries with hints of dried herbs. A savory, almost meaty quality makes it rather serious and complex in a good way.
Fresh-squeezed apple juice, grapefruit spritzer and nearly sweet cherry aromas sit atop minerality on the nose of this blend of 46% Viognier, 19% Verdelho, 19% Vermentino and 16% Sauvignon Blanc. There's a lot of tart acidity, with a lingering apple flavor.
Fresh-squeezed blueberry, warm saddle leather and pitch-black chewing tobacco aromas introduce an awesome Cab Franc experience from an unirrigated vineyard planted in 1985. The cedar and even tannin flavors mesh elegantly with the blue and purple fruit.
Fresh-squeezed citrus marks the majority of this wine's profile on the palate, a lingering, lifted and accentuated expression of acidity that keeps it buzzing in freshness and a high tone of freshness, unfettered much by oak.
Fresh-squeezed grapefruit, pomelo, Key lime, lemongrass, green papaya and Anjou pear combine for a very green, fruit-driven nose on this bottling from a vineyard just behind Pismo Beach. The palate is a tad ripe but shows apple soda, lime juice, cherimoya and apple-custard flavors.
Fresh-squeezed lemon and jalapeño open the bouquet of this wine, kosher-made in Berkeley by Covenant. With the right pairing, it'll sing, offering medium texture and a lengthy finish, the acidity balanced and in keeping with the fresh elements of tropical fruit and citrus.
Fresh-squeezed olallieberries, concentrated lilacs, plum skin and a light pepper aroma show on this wine's dense nose. The palate is lighter in flavor yet dense in texture, with strong tannins framing the fresh boysenberry fruit.
Fresh-squeezed yellow grapefruit and pear juice trend toward white flowers and a tropical style in this widely available, stylishly labeled and crowd-pleasing bottling from the pioneering Niven family. Apple juice and apple blossoms combine on the palate, where flavors lean slowly into banana and ripe pears.
Fresh acidity and a dry style make this a great food rosé. It has crisp red berry and currant fruits,  vibrant acidity and a lively aftertaste.
Fresh acidity and satisfying, full fruit flavors make this a winner all around. A lighter pink color and bright grapefruit and peach aromas are followed by tangy raspberry and cherry flavors. The balance is outstanding and will make it very versatile with food.
Fresh and apparently unoaked, this offers an appealing floral aroma, with a slight buttery accent over the crisp apple flavors. It is light to medium-bodied, soft in texture, showing no apparent oak flavors but instead straightforward fruit character.
Fresh and appealing, this unusual blend of 80% Barbera and 20% Sangiovese really works. It's crisp and delicate, with obvious vanilla and mocha notes from 10 months aging in oak barrels and a medium, very berry finish. Try with grilled meat.
Fresh and appley, but restrained overall, with just a whisper of smoke and nuts, this semidry Riesling is refreshingly quaffable. A honeyed sweetness that lingers on the finish.
Fresh and approachable but lean and focused on the nose, this wine shows chalk, wet slate, iodine and mandarin orange oil aromas. It's extremely limey and quinine-driven on the tangy palate, with the judicious acidity of squeezed lime and tangerine juice.
Fresh and approachable, this is a light, flowery expression of the variety, sourced from the Russian River no less, that's dry and flavored in fennel, apricot and apple. Medium in terms of weight and body, it finishes refreshingly.
Fresh and baked apple counter each other attractively. The palate is fresh and clean, with an earthy, textured edge. Brisk lemon notes provide freshness.
Fresh and balanced, this bright savory sparkler delivers mouthfuls of green apple, white peach and lemon peel. Crisp acidity keeps it refreshing while a soft mousse gives it plenty of finesse. It has a dry juicy finish.
Fresh and balanced, this offers aromas of Spanish Broom, pear and a whiff of flint. The elegant, linear palate delivers crisp apple, nectarine zest and a mineral note alongside bracing acidity.
Fresh and blossomy, this elegant medium-bodied rosé offers loads of raspberry fruitiness, but also a deeply mineral spine of chalk and sea breeze. Made predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it holds smaller proportions of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay that lend complexity and nuance.
Fresh and breezy, brimming with zesty lemons and apple blossoms, this light-bodied Riesling is refreshing and tart. Just a touch off dry, it's straightforward in style and thirst-quenchingly enjoyable.
Fresh and bright aromas of blackberry pastry and black-cherry fruit show on the nose of this wine from a longtime Paso producer. There are tart tannins on the palate, with red-cherry flavors enhanced by turned black earth, dried mint and dill.
Fresh and bright, dominated by its citrus and almond flavors. It has a soft, creamy texture, with highlights of orange zest, green plums and a great burst of acidity.
Fresh and bright, the nose of this wine is filled with bramble fruit, lavender and violet candy. The palate is racy, with red cherry, pomegranate, lavender and violet. Smooth tannins lead to a silky finish.
Fresh and bright, this has bold aromas of stone fruit, tangerine, white flower and honeysuckle. A drying mineral note at the back adds backbone.
Fresh and bright, this has lasting aromas of stone fruit, lime and white flower. The mouthfeel is creamy and soft thanks to the foamy quality of bubbles.
Fresh and bright, this is a light, fruity and easy rosé. It is aromatic, soft and ready to drink. Screwcap.
Fresh and bright, this wine is rich with wild berries, cassis and white cherry aromas that would pair perfectly with home-cooked pasta and meat dishes. It's natural acidity will cut through the rich consistency of those foods.
Fresh and bright, with notes of orange peel and lemon, this dry, intensely mineral Riesling is effortlessly quaffable. While delicate in body, the palate is concentrated with apple and lime flavors, and finishes with a slick of beeswax and honey.
Fresh and brightly crisp, this is a light and fruity wine. Full of acidity, juicy apples and with a lemon zest texture, it is ready to drink.
Fresh and broad aromas of strawberry syrup meet with eucalyptus oil and wild mint on the clean if simple nose of this bottling. It grows more tart on the sip, with roasted red plum, cranberry and pomegranate, but the fascinating parts are the curious hints of cannabis and hops, which give herbal depth to the fruit.
Fresh and buoyant, this has bright aromas of cherry cough drop, cola, rosemary oil and ginger. It is ethereal and clean with a very lively and polished mouthfeel.
Fresh and citrus-driven on the nose, this bottling—comprised of 88% Los Alamos estate fruit and 12% from Goodchild in the Santa Maria Valley—offers grapefruit, lemongrass, and key lime on the nose. On the palate, it's sour at first with pink grapefruit tones, opening up into riper orange and tangerine flavors.
Fresh and citrus crisp, this is a Sauvignon-dominated herbaceous wine. It has a light structure and a texture that brings out vivid lemon zest. Not for aging, drink now.
Fresh and citrusy in notes of lime zest and tangerine, this is a juicy, concentrated off-dry Riesling. On the palate, apples and pears are tinged with honey, spice and a bracing lemon-lime acidity. Luscious in mouthfeel yet irresistibly quaffable.
Fresh and citrusy, this is heavy on tangerine and grapefruit aromas. It offers steady, foamy perlage that gives the wine softness and richness on the finish.
Fresh and clean are two words that describe this Roero Arneis but the wine also imparts a very distinctive drying sensation in the mouth thanks to its aromas of white stone and talc powder. The mineral component could taste good with salty foods such as basil and pine nut pesto or appetizers with melted Parmigiano cheese.
Fresh and clean aromas of raspberry and a wild array of red fruit flavors characterize this wine from regional pioneer Pierre Lafond and winemaker Bruce McGuire. A minerally, slate-driven palate that's steel-like in its sharpness contributes backbone. This wine will age well.
Fresh and clean for the most part, with light raspberry and strawberry aromas. It's a little cloying on the palate, but the flavors of citrus and melon, while briney, are lasting and move in the right direction. A good buy made from the obscure Bobal variety and Tempranillo.
Fresh and clean notes of pear and lemon rise immediately. They also play on the featherlight, easy and juicy palate, enlivened by some lively spritz. Dry and refreshing, this is made for a summer party or picnic.
Fresh and clean with a personality largely driven by citrus, stone fruit and toasted bread or yeast, this Italian sparkling wine shows background tones of talc powder and almond skin. There's a touch of sour fruit on the close.
Fresh and clean, this Vermentino offers ripe aromas of apricot and peach, with background tones of citrus and pear. It's extra smooth and silky on the close.
Fresh and clean, with light, lemony aromas in addition to tropical fruit. The palate is textured and full, with fairly pure apple and pineapple flavors and some nuttiness. Everything works here, including the smooth, lengthy finish.  Best Buy.
Fresh and clean, with scents and flavors of ripe apples and a beery, leesy note. This blend of 58% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay boasts an aggressive bead that gives it a brash, in-your-face quality ideal for casual summer sipping, less so for elegant, formal occasions.
Fresh and clean, with very tart and herbal flavors, and lighter suggestions of pear and lime fruit. The zippy acidity defines the wine; it's clean and bracing.
Fresh and colorful, with black cherry, cassis, sweet oak and coffee aromas. Feels big and grabby, with big tannins supporting blackberry and olive flavors. Sort of a rough ride but generous with the baked flavors and fruit content.
Fresh and composed, with aromas of asparagus, mineral and citrus. The palate is mild and balanced, with green-infused flavors that hint at bell pepper, green apple and garden-fresh herbs. Slightly pithy and peppery on the tail end, but honest as Casablanca SBs go. Good for quaffing.
Fresh and creamily fruity, this well-made, balanced wine features a touch of honey and almonds as well as bright, crisp acidity. The 100% Chardonnay in the wine gives a ripe and round aftertaste.
Fresh and creamy, this is a smooth, rich wine. It has citrus and baked apple flavors that meld easily and fully into a fruity texture. With some weight, it also has a bright, crisp aftertaste.
Fresh and creamy, this spent time in 80% neutral oak, which smoothed out the flavors. Pear and banana fruit flavors are textural and wrapped in lemony acidity. The creaminess is impressive.
Fresh and crisp on the nose, this lively and laser-sharp wine shows grapefruit skin and pith, Gala apple and cut grass scents on the nose. That grassy element grows more prevalent on the sip, accenting tarter lime peel flavors.
Fresh and crisp with a very bright pink color and measured aromas of raspberry, strawberry and rose petal, this is a perky wine that aspires to informal summer sipping. The wine delivers power and intensity and a crisp feel that would pair beautifully with Thai curry shrimp.
Fresh and crisp with sliced apple fruits, this is a light lively wine. It is dry although there is a touch of sweetness from the ripe pear flavor. Ready to drink, it is fruity and refreshing.
Fresh and crisp, classic dry Vinho Verde, a blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura, with citrus flavors and a tight texture. Lively and fresh.
Fresh and crisp, this citrusy wine is bright with lemon and young green fruit flavors. The palate is light with a hint of spice. Wait until mid-2015 to let the extreme youth mature.
Fresh and crisp, this is a blend of perfumed Musaketeller, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc and spicy Welschriesling. It is light, very fruity and has an attractive lemon-zest character. Screwcap.
Fresh and crisp, this is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Auxerrois. It has a bright aromatic character, citrus and apple flavors and a fruity aftertaste.
Fresh and crisp, this is a wine that has little flavor and only the thinest palate. It is bright to drink now.
Fresh and crisp, this is bright with acidity as well as warmer fruitiness. It brings out the dry Laurent-Perrier style, balanced by soft creamed apples and fragrant acidity. Light and fruity at the end, it is ready to drink.
Fresh and crisp, this light-bodied wine has fragrant pine, floral and citrus aromas, vivid lemon-lime flavors and a nice, tight balance that wakes up the taste buds.
Fresh and crisply fruity, this is a balanced, lively wine. A touch of caramel adds to the tannic edge, giving the wine a good structure along with ripe strawberry fruits. The wine is ready to drink.
Fresh and delicate with floral and citrus overtones, this wine has an elegant character. Its dry, spicy flavors are subtle and refreshing, giving the wine food pairing flexibility. Ideally, though, think of spicy cuisine like Indian, Thai or Indonesian.
Fresh and delicately scented, this offers aromas of white spring flower, orchard fruit and citrus. The vibrant palate shows crisp apple, white peach and lemon zest balanced by firm acidity.
Fresh and easy aromas of raspberry, plum candy, dark rose petals, boysenberry and allspice show on the nose of this clonal study. The palate blends big, joyous purple fruit and grippy tannic tension, also presenting lavender and Sichuan peppercorn tones.
Fresh and easy drinking, this has aromas of violet, wild berry and a whiff of earth. The luminous palate offers tart cherry, clove and a hint of aromatic herb alongside firm acidity and relaxed tannins.
Fresh and easy drinking, this informal wine opens with aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and a whiff of clove that carry over to the straightforward palate. It's straightforward but well made.
Fresh and easy drinking, this light-bodied fragrant red has aromas wild red berry, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice. The brisk simple palate offers tart cherry, orange peel and clove. Bracing acidity dominates the finish.
Fresh and easy drinking, this opens with aromas of Spanish broom, exotic fruit and a heady whiff of Mediterranean brush. The sunny palate doles out green apple, aromatic herb, nectarine and a mineral note alongside tangy acidity.
Fresh and easy going, this offers generous fullness and intense notes of apricot, honeydew and Golden Delicious apple.
Fresh and easy to like. Smells clean and open, with peach and other white fruit aromas. You name the white or citrus fruit, and it's here: pineapple, grapefruit, mango and lime. Hits both the sweet and citrusy bases.
Fresh and easy, this bright Vermentino would pair well with vegetable egg rolls or easy Spanish tapas. The wine's crisp acidity is followed by peach, citrus and pear flavors.
Fresh and easy, this delivers fruity aromas of Golden Delicious apple, apricot, honey and yellow flower. A drying mineral note renders a clean, polished finish.
Fresh and easy, this shows bright berry aromas, with subtle touches of forest floor and bramble. This should pair well with barbecued pork or grilled hamburgers.
Fresh and easy, with bright acidity and steady effervescence, this Chardonnay-based sparkler would pair well with fried finger foods or appetizers. The wine is easygoing and refreshing.
Fresh and easygoing, this bright red opens with subdued aromas of red berry and a whiff of cooking spice. The lively, informal palate offers black cherry, ground pepper and a hint of anise alongside brisk acidity.
Fresh and easygoing, this fruity red has juicy raspberry and black cherry flavors. Hints of clove and pepper add interest while round tannins and bright acidity give it an easy-drinking character.
Fresh and easygoing, this opens with scents of berry, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice. The light-bodied simple palate offers tart cherry, black currant and a hint of espresso alongside soft, not very persistent tannins.
Fresh and easygoing, this opens with scents of berry, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice. The light-bodied, simple palate offers tart cherry, black currant and a hint of espresso alongside soft, not very persistent tannins.
Fresh and easygoing, with accents of honey and stone fruit and a touch of butterscotch, this would pair with almond biscotti or cantucci. The mouthfeel is rich and very foamy.
Fresh and elegant, this opens with lovely scents of elderberry flower, hay, tomato vine and citrus. The subtle, refined palate shows grapefruit, sage and lemon drop framed in crisp acidity. Energizing mineral backs up the finish.
Fresh and elegantly structured, this opens with aromas of Spanish broom, acacia flower, citrus peel and a whiff of hazelnut. The vibrant, full-bodied palate offers citrus zest, beeswax, almond and a honeyed note alongside bright acidity. A mineral accent gives it a clean, focused finish. Hold for even more complexity. Drink 2018 through 2023.
Fresh and enjoyable, this has aromas of underbrush, grilled herb, espresso and wild berry. The medium-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, licorice and clove alongside fine-grained and bright acidity.
Fresh and enticing aromas of blackberry, raspberry, cedar and green olive are abundant in this Bordeaux-style blend. The palate is bursting with jammy berries, molasses, cedar and vanilla. The tannins are supple but smooth and are a matched well for the rich body. The finish is long and full of depth.
Fresh and exotic aromas of lychee and orange-blossom water tighten up on the nose, with a more mineral-driven strain of rain on cement. It's restrained and light on the mouth-watering palate, with flavors of squeezed lemons over apples, pears, wet stone and a bit of white pepper.
Fresh and fairly perky smelling, this has aromas of lettuce, white flower and peach. It feels smooth but not soft, with pear, melon and apple flavors that feed nicely into the healthy finish that seems to bear some residual sweetness. Very nice for simple sipping.
Fresh and firm, with juicy primary fruits that meld together flavors of tropical and stone fruits—a riot of papaya, peach, pineapple, candied lemon and more. The butterscotch barrel notes glide into the mid-palate and coat the back of the throat, resonating long after the wine is swallowed. Based on previous vintages, this is a surefire six to eight year wine for cellaring.
Fresh and floral on the nose and palate, this has loads of white flower and Meyer lemon tones. Dry in style, it builds in intensity on the palate, with hints of honey, wax and saline-like minerality that linger on the finish.
Fresh and floral, it's invigorating on the nose and palate. While full bodied in structure with rich, round touches of waxy lemon peel, it's dry in style with crisp citrus acidity that lingers on the finish.
Fresh and floral, this has scents of green herb, honeysuckle and apple blossom. On the palate, this medium-sweet late-harvest offering is rich and fruity, with concentrated notes of sweet pear and lemon. The finish is long but wraps up elegantly and dry with a kiss of lime peel and pith.
Fresh and floral, this informal wine delivers red berry flavors lightly accented with notes of white pepper. Zesty acidity and supple tannins make it very accessible. Pair it with your favorite pizza or pasta topped with tomato sauce.
Fresh and floral, this is a soft and ripe wine. With lemon and lime flavors tempered by apricots and pears, it offers a delicious fruit salad of flavors. The aftertaste is rich and juicy.
Fresh and floral, this is abundantly fragrant with notes of sweet cherry blossom and freshly cut herb. The palate is crisp and dry, with zesty hints of underripe stone fruit and lemon. Brisk and clean on the finish.
Fresh and floral, this offers creamy foam and a simple bouquet of stone fruit and citrus. It also delivers a plush, semisweet sensation on the palate.
Fresh and flowery, with a seductive aromatic profile of gardenia, freesia and honeysuckle that lead to a very likeable, berryish palate. Light-bodied and off-dry, this is a good choice to serve on its own before a meal. Drink now to 2011.
Fresh and food friendly, this has light aromas of citrus, peach and caramel. The wine is immediate and direct thanks to its natural freshness.
Fresh and forward flavors mix rhubarb, ripe strawberries and sweet Bing cherries. This vibrant wine finishes with a refreshing snap of acidity, making it a pleasure to drink.
Fresh and forward, with aromas of pine, lemon and pear. The mouth is rather lush, but hardly fat. There's clean flavors of pineapple and banana, and then comes a sharp, tangy finish. This is proof that Chile can produce good Sauvignon Blanc for immediate consumption. –M.S.
Fresh and forward. The nose is pure, ripe and rubbery, with a deep level of black fruit. The mouthfeel shows zippy acidity and total ripeness of the grapes. The grippy finish is long and rock solid. The tannins make it a touch hard, but with food you can't really fail.
Fresh and fragrant like a thicket of raspberries on a summer day, this is a luxuriously fruity, yet impeccably balanced Pinot Noir. The palate is deeply concentrated with cassis and red berry flavors, along with streaks of cranberry acidity and granite that lend elegance and style. Layers of soft, finely grained tannins characterize the long finish.
Fresh and fragrant of blossoms, tart yellow peach and apricot, this off-dry Riesling maintains a crystalline fruit purity that persists throughout Fritz Haag's wines. It's invigorating and irresistably quaffable. The long, melon-rind finish is lip smacking.
Fresh and fragrant, oozing with jasmine, honey and stone fruit notes, this shows the best of Sardinian white winemaking. There's a touch of sweetness that is well balanced and not too heavy.
Fresh and fragrant, this apple-scented Riesling offers loads of brisk lemon-lime flavors augmented by a subtle vein of smoke. Dry in style, it's delicately textured with a lean, slightly cutting demeanor. Drink now through 2020.
Fresh and fragrant, this cheerful Moscato d'Asti offers sweet tones of peach, lemon mousse and white flower backed by soft foam on the finish. It's an easy dessert wine with loads of aromatic intensity.
Fresh and fragrant, this delivers aromas of ripe orchard fruits and nuts, with a whiff of yellow wild flowers. The linear palate offers crisp pear, apple and lightly toasted almond alongside brisk acidity and a firm, refined perlage. It closes on a note of fresh peach and chopped herbs.
Fresh and fragrant, this foaming dessert wine opens with aromas of orange blossom, chopped herb and ripe orchard fruit. The bright, generous palate doles out juicy yellow peach, apricot, Bartlett pear and lemon drop alongside fresh acidity and a hint of mineral. A sage note closes the finish.
Fresh and fragrant, this is a lively, bright and tangy wine. With crisp acidity and raspberry fruit that is twisted with orange peel it is ready to drink.
Fresh and fragrant, this luscious Chardonnay bursts with flavors of pink grapefruit, lemon and apple. It's ripe and yielding in texture but pertly balanced in acidity, finishing on a lingering bite of astringency. Drink now through 2020.
Fresh and fragrant, this offers aromas of pressed rose, violet and just picked grapes. Made entirely with the Sorbara grape, the bright, frothy palate doles out red cherry, crushed strawberry and a spicy ginger note alongside bracing acidity.
Fresh and fragrant, this offers aromas of rose and violet with a whiff of woodland berry. The elegant palate delivers bright red cherry, crushed strawberry, clove and peppercorn alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2020.
Fresh and fragrant, this offers notes of apple, vanilla spice and lemon rind on the nose and palate. The palate of this Croatian white feels surprisingly voluptuous. Dry in style, with penetrating fruit flavors, this has lavish minerality on the midpalate that lends the finish a brisk, crisp feel.
Fresh and fragrant, this opens with lovely scents of woodland berry, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice. The smooth, juicy palate delivers succulent black cherry, star anise, chopped herb and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside firm acidity and polished tannins.
Fresh and fragrant, this straightforward wine has aromas and flavors of wild cherry, strawberry and a hint of cake spice. It's bright and easygoing, with vibrant acidity that gives it clean, quenching finish.
Fresh and fragrant, with scents and flavors of apple and pear, this moderately fleshy wine has ample acidity to carry it through to a palate-cleansing finish. Hints of minerality add interest.
Fresh and friendly, this medium-bodied, no-frills red delivers layers of blackberry, black currant, ground black pepper and a note of dried sage. It's easy drinking, with bright acidity and round, chewy tannins.
Fresh and fruit-forward, there's a nice overall vibrancy to this wine that makes it an ideal choice for lightly-stewed chicken dishes or pizza. Strawberry and red cherry flavors flood the palate, while a hint of bittersweet chocolate remains after swallow.
Fresh and fruit forward, this is a fine value in a most enjoyable style. Bananas, pears, apples and more are in play, with a mouthfilling, generous midpalate.
Fresh and fruity aromas and flavors make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy. It has an earthy smell at first, but that blows off quickly. The mouthfeel is smooth, almost sweet. .
Fresh and fruity on the nose, and inviting for what it is: a basic Garnacha with color, spirit and lots of blackberry and plum flavors. The palate is tight and rubbery, but overall this is a fine value despite its short, simple finish.
Fresh and fruity on the nose, this bottling by Joey Tensley and Alex Guarachi shows strawberries and olallieberries as well as crushed black rocks, wet slate and char aromas. Those same fruits power a zesty palate enhanced by lavender and black-tea flavors.
Fresh and fruity rosé, full of wild strawberry flavors cut through with acidity. There is a light touch of tannin to give an extra texture.
Fresh and fruity with a crisp mineral and textured character, this is a lively wine that's ready to drink. Acidity and a citrus zestiness give a refreshing lightness at the end.
Fresh and fruity with a strong lemon flavor, this is full, crisp and totally bone-dry. It does have some weight and a lemon zest sharpness as well as a ripe texture from aging on the lees. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity with creamy green and white fruits, this is a soft, ready to drink Chardonnay. Attractively fruity, the acidity finely cuts through the wine.
Fresh and fruity with dominating notes of green apple, young white peach, chamomile and sweet grass. Lime citrus appears in the mouth and on the finish, livening up the moderate weight and medium-length finish.
Fresh and fruity without overdoing it, this medium-bodied wine has light notes of apple, banana, peach and cherry in the aromas and the flavors, and a good snappy texture to balance them out. Perfect for the cocktail hour.
Fresh and fruity, a wine with no wood but plenty of ripe lemon and apple flavors to go with the fine acidity. The texture has a richly vibrant tang, ready to drink.
Fresh and fruity, it has aromas of red currant, cranberry, plum and orange peel. These are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors with cranberry-like acidity.
Fresh and fruity, it has ripe blackberries, soft tannins and a fresh aftertaste. It presents an attractive smoky character along with vanilla and a rich aftertaste.
Fresh and fruity, it offers a touch of citrus as well as acidity with pear and red apple flavors. The lightest hint of wood rounds the wine out. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity, it shows crispness as well as white fruits, orange zest and a lively lemon aftertaste. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity, Jacques Chardat's wine is packed with red-berry fruit along with a dry core. The tannins and acidity will develop well as the wine ages to produce a ripe, fruity wine. Drink from 2018.
Fresh and fruity, laced with citrus, crisp apricot and a delicious layer of lime juice. Drink now, but the wine will age a year.
Fresh and fruity, light and fragrant, a wine with citrus flavors over red currants, spoilt by a metallic aftertaste.
Fresh and fruity, Saracina's offers tart citrus, white peach and a long-lasting, oaky backbone, with textured mouthfeel and a level of concentration that calls out for food.
Fresh and fruity, the wine is attractive, citrus-driven and light. It has a zesty character that zings through the palate. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity, the wine is ripe, soft and with attractive red berry fruits over acidity. Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon make a happy blend of fruit and gentle structure. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity, the wine layers acidity, crisp lemons and ripe pears in a fruit salad of flavors. The structure gives the wine tangy, nervy aftertaste. Drink from 2016.
Fresh and fruity, this already-attractive wine offers bright acidity, a lightly herbal edge and a tangy citrus texture. It is ready to drink. The estate is owned by the Perrin family of Château Carbonnieux.
Fresh and fruity, this balances ripe red fruits with a touch of caramel and light, crisp acidity. It is fragrant and perfumed, and would make an excellent apéritif.
Fresh and fruity, this brings out the strawberry and bright fruits of the Zweigelt. A touch of tannin gives the wine shape and structure, while it finishes with juicy, fruity acidity.
Fresh and fruity, this crisp wine comes from a region near Chablis. Good acidity, lively citrus and a cool feel all work well together.
Fresh and fruity, this easy-drinking red delivers aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, black pepper and a hint of anise. Thanks to bright acidity, it can be paired with almost any dish.
Fresh and fruity, this elegant Cab is supported by smaller percentages of Malbec and Petit Verdot. Firm tannins and a low imprint of oak allow the cinnamon-dusted black cherry and cassis to speak, girded by a fine structure and peppery finish.
Fresh and fruity, this has a ripe apricot character that contrasts the mineral acidity and bright fruit character. The wine dances lightly and is now ready to drink.
Fresh and fruity, this is a blend of local white grapes with Sauvignon Blanc is light-bodied and crisp. Full of citrus and herbal flavors, this is an easy wine to enjoy. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity, this is a bright wine, full of almost shocking acidity and red-currant fruits. Its tannins are there, although more of an afterthought to the fruit. Drink this light fresh wine from 2017.
Fresh and fruity, this is a classic Pinot Blanc, rounded, soft and ripe. It has just a touch of spiced pear along with red apples, and a fine, fragrant layer of acidity.
Fresh and fruity, this is a crisply made, drink-it-now rosé. With freshly crushed raspberries and light acidity, it's perfect for an apéritif.
Fresh and fruity, this is a red-berry flavored wine with as much acidity as fruit. It is lightly textured and crisp with red currant flavors. Drink from 2017. Enologist Jacques Chardat bought the property in 1991. Eric Delacroix is the consulting enologist.
Fresh and fruity, this is a refreshing, lively rosé. It is dry with strawberry flavors and a crisp acidity on the finish. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity, this is a ripe, cherry-flavored wine (hence the name Griottes, a type of cherry). It is light with a straight line of acidity that cuts through the attractive fruitiness. Drink immediately.
Fresh and fruity, this is a wine that's all about juicy textures, ripe fruit, touched by dry tannins. Flavors of tomatoes, red plums and a lively acidity.
Fresh and fruity, this is already an attractive wine. It shows concentrated tannins, although they are balanced by the rich black plum and damson fruits. There is a fresh streak to the wine that gives a juicy aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Fresh and fruity, this is already very drinkable. Tannins could soften further, but the bright red fruits and acidity are juicy enough already. The mineral texture and fragrant aftertaste form a balanced combination. This cuvée is selected from plots on the Beynat property.
Fresh and fruity, this is also a wine with some depth and concentration. Ripe, bright cherry fruits are layered with some firmer tannins as well as acidity. It's drinkable now although it will be better from 2016.
Fresh and fruity, this is full of red cherry flavors and crisp acidity. It has some age, hinting at a more toasty future. For the moment, it's at its best after eight years aging on the lees in the bottle.
Fresh and fruity, this is perfumed, herbaceous and crisp. A strong citrus character is balanced by hints of peach and pineapple. The wine is ready to drink.
Fresh and fruity, this lively white offers aromas and flavors of green Anjou pear, Granny Smith apple and white peach. Zesty acidity gives it a crisp, tangy finish.
Fresh and fruity, this medium-bodied Cabernet Franc offers forward red berry and plum flavors framed by soft, easy tannins. It's a plush, juicy sip, with pleasant hints of bell pepper, sage and fresh cranberry acidity. Drink now through 2019.
Fresh and fruity, this offers well-defined flavors of apple, white peach, apricot and papaya. It tightens up through the finish with some phenolic bite.
Fresh and fruity, this ruby-colored Lambrusco delivers thick red foam and aromas of forest berry and blueberry. The wine has good structure and some tannins that would work well with chocolate cake.
Fresh and fruity, this simple Chardonnay shows crispness as well as white fruits, orange zest and a lively lemon aftertaste. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity, this simple red doles out wild cherry, crushed raspberry and strawberry alongside tang acidity and smooth tannins. This would match well with pizza or light pasta dishes. Drink now.
Fresh and fruity, this simple, easy-drinking red doles out black cherry, blackberry, white pepper and clove. Racy acidity brightens the juicy fruit flavors.
Fresh and fruity, this straightforward red offers aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, licorice and leather. The soft, juicy palate doles out dried blackberry and spiced blueberry alongside round, smooth tannins.
Fresh and fruity, this wine has a crisp, mineral character that gives an intense texture. It is balanced, ripe while still taut and crisp. The background to this is riper yellow fruits and a full, generous aftertaste. Drink from 2016.
Fresh and fruity, this wine is all about red-currant fruitiness. It has only light tannins and plenty of juicy acidity. Drink from 2018.
Fresh and fruity, this wine is already developing attractively. The wood aging gives some toasty character although the black currant fruitiness makes the wine accessible and bright. Drink from late 2015.
Fresh and fruity, this wine is also lightly herbal and shows touches of wood. It is crisp, tangy with its yellow-fruit flavors mingling with the citrus acidity. The wine will be ready to drink from late 2016.
Fresh and fruity, this wine is full of black currants and acidity that is structured by a core of dark tannins. While it is firm at the moment it's likely to fill out, with the fresh fruitiness emerging. Drink from 2017.
Fresh and fruity, this wine is full of generous red berry fruits. It is soft, open and ripe. With both Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, it does have some structure, just there to support the fruitiness of the wine. Drink now.
Fresh and full-bodied, this offers aromas of black-skinned fruit, underbrush and dark cooking spice. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, plum jam and black pepper alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity.
Fresh and full of finesse, this radiant red offers rose, forest floor, woodland berry, new leather and pipe tobacco scents. The palate delivers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, wild herb and white pepper notes, finishing on star anise. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity give it intensity, lift and balance. Give it time to develop to its full potential. Drink 2020–2032.
Fresh and full of lime on the nose, and overall this is simple, smooth and gives you little reason to worry or fuss. The palate is smooth, creamy and a little low on acids, thus the lemon-lime and melon flavors have a fullness that's sweet and good.
Fresh and full, with a deep berry nose, drying tannins and ample but not overdone oak. In the mouth, it's pretty solid, and the cherry and black-plum fruit is clean and tasty. It's on the stout side, with youthful acidity and a good deal of warmth to the smoky finish. From Poliziano.
Fresh and fun with a nose of rhubarb and spice. On the palate, strawberry and spice is delicate with a touch of tartness. A great go-to summer sip that will pair nicely with salmon, grilled meats.
Fresh and green-fruited, with mildly sweet, talcum powder aromas. Turns more stark in the mouth, and toward sour apple and grapefruit. Fairly acidic, and thus more zesty than substantive. Lemony and sharp on the finish.
Fresh and herbaceous, but concentrated with youthful apple and pear flavors, this elegantly balanced, full-bodied wine offers wide appeal. Refreshing and quaffable, it finishes briskly with a stream of lemony acidity.
Fresh and herbaceous, this is a light, attractively fruity wine. It has bright acidity, green fruit and citrus flavors and is totally ready to drink.
Fresh and herbal, this young, textured wine shows green fruits and crisp acidity right up front, making it immediately attractive. Drink it now for this fruit or wait until later in 2017 for it to soften.
Fresh and immediately appealing for its silky texture and forward flavors of cherries, cotton candy, vanilla and sweet, smoky oak. But this is no mere taste treat. It's a serious, layered Pinot Noir, whose vital balance will help it evolve over the next six years.
Fresh and informal, this lean, easygoing red offers aromas and flavors of crunchy sour cherry, ground pepper and a hint of star anise. Brisk acidity gives it a racy feel.
Fresh and informal, this opens with tangerine aromas, followed by notes of passion fruit, citrus and white flower. It's easy and fresh, with tonic bubbling on the close.
Fresh and inviting aromas of fynbos, gooseberry and lime leaf leap from the glass of this value-priced Savvy. The palate is light and crisp, with a lemon-lime note that finishes brisk and refreshing. Easy to drink and immensely accessible; drink now.
Fresh and inviting in a strawberry aroma, the palate brings ripe red-fruit and vanilla flavors to the mix. This is a medium-bodied, softly textured wine.
Fresh and inviting notes of pineapple and tropical fruit are balanced by orange oil citrus and medium acidity in the mouth. The palate is round with a nice weight and a medium-length finish.
Fresh and inviting on the nose, this bottling from the Estrella and San Miguel subdistricts shows black cherry pie, clove, vanilla and buttered rum aromas. It's incredibly rich on the palate, with caramelized black fruit, vanilla and cola flavors, bolstered by a minerally backbone and iodine touches.
Fresh and inviting on the nose, this bottling shows sweet white flowers, Asian pear, yellow-grapefruit rind and lemon blossoms on the nose. Acidity explodes onto the palate, where a grassy, grapefruit-pith-driven tension rides into a rounded midpalate full of pear, nectarine and honeydew flavors.
Fresh and inviting on the nose, this wine is redolent with strawberries and hibiscus as well as cinnamon candy, fennel and chaparral. A sip grips the palate with polished tannins, offering baked black cherries in licorice sauce, rhubarb, smoke and earthy flavors.
Fresh and inviting with assertive notes of pineapple and sweet citrus backed by fleshy pear and melon accents on the nose and mouth. The palate offers zippy acidity with a clean lift to the finish. Drink now.
Fresh and jammy in raspberries, cherries and blackberries, this wine trades complexity for sheer fruity power and lusciousness. Drink now.
Fresh and juicy this has the potential to be an attractive wine, with black-currant crispness as well as supporting tannins. The balance is developing and the wine will be ready to drink from 2019. The property is owned by Bernard Thomassin; his son Arnaud restructured vineyards for higher quality. A fire in 2011 resulted in construction of a new winery.
Fresh and juicy, this balances well between fruit stalkiness and smooth wood aging. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it has black currant flavors that are given extra weight by ripe Petit Verdot. Drink from 2017.
Fresh and juicy, this easy-drinking blend provides simple mint and cassis aromas and flavors at a reasonable price, with just enough structure to stand up to burgers and the like. Drink now–2013.
Fresh and juicy, this full-bodied while structured wine comes from the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region, which gives the fruitiness and blackberry fruit flavors. It will develop quickly and can be drunk from 2016.
Fresh and juicy, this is a soft and rounded wine. It has gentle tannins, along with stylish acidity and red fruit flavors. Already, it is becoming drinkable, so don't expect the wine to age over the long term. Drink from 2016.
Fresh and juicy, this is a spicy lightly tannic wine. It has a rich ripe character that boost the red-berry fruits and acidity. The structure is still a little young, so wait until 2017.
Fresh and juicy, this is a wine where the fruit is already well in balance with the tannic core. It is structured and firm while allowing plenty of room for the red fruits and acidity. Drink from 2018.
Fresh and juicy, this opens with alluring aromas of ripe plum, violet, sunbaked soil and dark spice. The bright, silky palate offers crushed blackberry, succulent cherry, clove and star anise alongside supple tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Fresh and juicy, this wine delivers round, ripe strawberry flavors. Solid tannins don't lose sight of the freshness of the year and balance the rich, jammy aftertaste. The wine, with its attractive fruits, will develop quickly. Drink from 2019.
Fresh and juicy, with bright acidity and some solid tannins. Flavors of spice accompany an edge of green fruit. The aftertaste is tannins and wood.
Fresh and lean as a sea breeze and tautly wrought in tense acidity, this memorable wine is bright and crisp. The palate shows earthy flavors met by subtle notes of black cherry and strawberry.
Fresh and lean, with mineral notes of brimstone and crushed granite, this blend of Caricante and Catarratto shows its volcanic origins. The finish is characterized by dried hay and herb notes.
Fresh and leesy, this stainless steel-fermented Pinot Gris spent six months on the lees, giving it extra freshness and texture. Sweet grass and fresh herbs spread nicely across the palate, and the 15% alcohol does not register as such. In fact, if anything, this seems to fall on the lighter side of Oregon Pinot Gris, without the thick and heavy fresh cut pear character that many of them bring. Pair this with chanterelles in a light cream sauce.
Fresh and lemony, this medium- to full-bodied wine starts out crisp and citrus-driven, growing a rounder and more substantial with each sip. The vibrant flavors and zingy acidity keep it lively through the finish.
Fresh and light aromas of lemongrass, Pink Lady apples, guava soda and a hint of pineapple make for a slightly tropical but clean approach to this bottling. It's fresh on the sip with spritzy acidity and more tropical flavors of guava, mango, pineapple and tuberose.
Fresh and light in aroma, crisp and delicate in flavor, this wine is light-bodied, well-balanced and attractively restrained in character. Because of all that it will be extremely versatile with food—everything from shucked oysters to Thai food to smoked salmon.
Fresh and light in character, this fruity, crisp wine is up front with its bright character. Tight, fragrant and ready to drink, it is a simple wine that will be good as an apéritif.
Fresh and light on the nose, this rare bottling of a sparkling Albariño shows crème fraiche, wet stone and the slight tang of green-apple skin on the nose. The bubbles are moderate on the sip, where green tomato, lime rinds and Granny Smith apple combine to make a fascinating and rather pleasing sip.
Fresh and light with crisp aromas of lime, grapefruit and peach, this wine is a perfect companion to light lunches and salads. The mouthfeel is clean and fresh.
Fresh and light with ripe fruit notes of red apple and apricot spiced with hints of white florals and lime zest. The medium weight mouth is juicy and clean, the ripe stone fruit flavors carrying through to the close. Drink now.
Fresh and light, this Champagne shows lots of lemon and lime nuances, with slight green-apple and herb notes. It may deepen and improve with age; right now it’s probably best as an aperitif.
Fresh and light, this metodo classico sparkler offers clean aromas of citrus and stone fruit, followed by pear and white almond. The perlage is persistent and tonic.
Fresh and lightly fruity, it's crisp and fragrant. With great acidity and a touch of herbaceousness, it's ready to drink.
Fresh and lightly fruity, this is a crisp and fragrant wine. With great acidity and a touch of herbaceousness, it's ready to drink.
Fresh and lightly sparkling, this is a crisp, citrus-driven wine. Its acidity is just right, fruity while well integrated. Some sweetness at the end makes it fine for apéritif drinking.
Fresh and linear, this offers spring wild flower and white stone fruit aromas while the luminous palate offers Bosc pear, citrus and a hint of white almond. It has a bright, slightly tangy finish.
Fresh and linear, this opens with delicate aromas of lemon and stone fruit that all carry on to the palate along with nectarine and pear. It's simple and crisp with a nutty finish.
Fresh and linear, this opens with fragrant purple flower, red berry and new leather scents. The firm, youthfully austere palate is loaded with finesse, offering crunchy red cherry, fresh strawberry and licorice notes with taut, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Give it time to unwind and fully develop. Drink 2019–2028.
Fresh and lively in green grass, melon and pear, this well-made wine is restrained in ripeness and body, opting to highlight its stony minerality and a touch of gravel on the texture. It finishes light and breezy.
Fresh and lively in the nose, with proper toasty accents. Fairly full and complex flavors of honey, bread and minerals. Yeasty on the tail end, with lemon notes keeping it going. As a whole, it’s a nice, well-made quality Champagne.
Fresh and lively light clove notes meet with smashed strawberry, baked cherry and vanilla cookie on the nose of this exuberant, delicious Zin. There is lots of character and depth to the palate, with jammy fruit and brown spice similar to the nose, picking up additional allspice, gingerbread and deep strawberry flavors.
Fresh and lively like a cherry soda, this medium-bodied wine has light, spicy, oaky aromas, lots of cherry and strawberry flavors and an easy-drinking texture.
Fresh and lively with apple, almond and orange flavors, this light-bodied wine is well balanced, crisp in mouthfeel yet rich enough to be satisfying.
Fresh and lively with flavors of strawberry, cherry, raspberry and red plum pulp. The acidity subdues the stronger fruit flavors on the palate, balancing everything out nicely. Moderate weight with a full texture and a zingy, lingering finish.
Fresh and lively, this Cabernet Sauvignon (blended with 10% Merlot) opens with aromas of forest berry, cherry, light spice and almond. It feels streamlined and crisp, and it would pair well with cheesy pasta or lasagna.
Fresh and lively, this opens with aromas of jasmine, tropical fruit and a whiff of flint. The vibrant palate offers crunchy Granny Smith and candied lemon alongside brisk acidity. A mineral note energizes the crisp finish.
Fresh and lively, this opens with aromas of tropical fruit and fragrant white flower. The bright palate doles out juicy pineapple, ripe apricot and citrus zest alongside tangy acidity that lends a mouthwatering finish.
Fresh and lively, this opens with vibrant scents of crisp green apple, white melon and lime. The palate offers riper flavors of pear, guava and nectarine, while brisk acidity keeps the mouthfeel bright and the finish mouthwatering. Drink now.
Fresh and lively, this works the green side of the fruit spectrum, from gooseberry to grapefruit, with a dollop of wet stone. It's a good, all-purpose Sauvignon Blanc, not especially tart, with a welcome bit of barrel-induced roundness.
Fresh and lively, with bright berry fruit accented by hints of chocolate and cedar. This is a medium-bodied, elegantly proportioned Shiraz, with a smooth mouthfeel and a crisp, tart-berry finish. Drink now–2015.
Fresh and minerally on the nose, this bottling shows the expected aromas of orange blossom, Key-lime pith, crushed soda and a touch of petrol. It's very light on the palate, disclosing lime zest, light nectarine juice and lemon-sorbet flavors.
Fresh and minerally, melon and peach aromas introduce the medium-bodied palate. Flavors of peach, melon and passion fruit finish clean and modest.
Fresh and not too oaky on the bouquet, with apple comprising the fruit element. Feels full and a bit rich, with plump, sweet flavors of apple touched up by spice. Turns stickier and more sweet on the finish, but overall this is a very solid Chard for the money.
Fresh and packed with red fruits, this wine comes from the Faiveley domaine. With raspberry flavors and plenty of acidity, the wine is forward and going to develop quickly. Drink from 2018.
Fresh and peppery in a more classic style, this bottling by Gary Robinson shows just-tanned leather, green peppercorn and herbaceous elements that border on bell pepper. Peppery zest on the palate spices up the tart red fruit and crushed thyme herbs. Chill it a tad and enjoy on a warm day.
Fresh and perfumed, this wine has fine acidity along with bright berry flavors. The freshness suggests it is still young and needs to broaden out with its juicy, black currant aftertaste. In style it is dry, balance by a bright final acidity.
Fresh and perfumed, this wine offers great citric flavors, a lively crispness rare in white wines from central Portugal. Pear and some yellow fruits give roundness.
Fresh and polished, this opens with scents of wild berry, crushed aromatic herb and a whiff of violet. The bright linear palate offers wild cherry, anise and baking spice alongside fresh acidity and lithe tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Fresh and pretty, this has a bright, refreshing palate that offers flavors of cranberry and raspberry. It's smooth and fruit forward, with medium aging potential.
Fresh and really juicy, this blend of Tinta Roriz and Castelão has black currant flavors that are underlined by good wood aging. The acidity is a balanced component of this easy, ready-to-drink wine. Great fruitiness shows at the end.
Fresh and reasonably fruity on the nose, but it's also slightly gritty and tough. Shows medium weight and intensity in the mouth, with a medicinal red-berry flavor accented by spice and herb notes. It finishes dry and mildly oaky.
Fresh and refined, this delightful, easy-drinking wine opens with scents of rose, woodland berry and a whiff of dark cooking spice. The vibrant, savory palate offers juicy red cherry, raspberry and white pepper alongside bright acidity and polished tannins. Drink through 2018.
Fresh and refined, this has aromas of small red berry, yellow wild flower, tangerine and baking spice. The creamy, quenching palate doles out strawberry, red cherry and orange zest framed in crisp acidity and a lively, elegant perlage.
Fresh and refined, this offers aromas of tropical fruit and white spring flower. The round palate boasts juicy yellow peach, pineapple, apricot and a hint of almond.
Fresh and ripe, packed with red berry fruits, this is a young and fruity wine that is perfect to drink right away. It's light, bright and refreshing.
Fresh and ripe, this also has a strong steely character. Mineral and densely textured, it's a powerful wine, showing ripe yellow fruit, spice from wood and considerable concentration. Moreau makes just three barrels of this wine. Drink from 2019.
Fresh and satisfying, with flavors of apples and pears, brioche and vanilla cream. What stands out is the full, round midpalate, and the way the wine keeps resonating through an extended finish.
Fresh and savory, this delivers crushed strawberry, red cherry, graphite and cinnamon flavors alongside brisk acidity and supple tannins. Bright and delicate, it offers easy-drinking enjoyment now through 2016.
Fresh and savory, this medium-bodied white offers an alluring fragrance of pressed hawthorne petal, citronella and a whiff of citrus peel. The zesty palate doles out candied nectarine, mature apple and a note of Mediterranean herb. Racy acidity provides the framework and creates a clean, quenching finish.
Fresh and savory, this vibrant red offers classic Sangiovese sensations of violet, red berry, black cherry, tilled soil and dark spice. It's medium bodied and balanced, with bright acidity and refined tannins. An aniseed note marks the close.
Fresh and simple, this lean white has subdued flavors suggesting yellow apple and citrus while bright acidity gives it a crisp if short finish. Pour at informal gatherings or drink as a breezy aperitivo.
Fresh and simple, this opens with aromas that recall blackberry and dark spice. The aromas carry over to the easy palate along with a note of orange zest offset by firm acidity and loose knit tannins.
Fresh and simple, this slightly fizzy wine offers suggestions of yellow apple and citrus. It's dry, lean and brisk, with firm acidity.
Fresh and sliced stonefruit aromas meet with the lightest touch of grass, a slightly reductive tar aroma and a bitter kumquat element on the nose of this wine. The palate is very light with lime peel, Gala apple and nectarine flavors.
Fresh and soft initially, this wine takes a while to reveal some mineral structure. But then, deliciously friendly white fruits surround this taut structure. The acidity is crisp, fresh, leaving orange zest and green fruits for the finish.
Fresh and soft, with bright strawberry flavors and a delicious texture of red currants. Lively acidity gives the wine a great send-off.
Fresh and spicy form the first impression: ripe pear and moss, stone fruit and yeast combine to create an inviting, rounded and rich sensation. The palate adds the requisite freshness and surprises with wonderful concentration. Yellow plum and juicy pear shimmer, always edged with savory yeast. Tons of character and great length are present, and yet demonstrate no heaviness at all. What a lovely but honest wine!
Fresh and spicy, this opens with bright aromas of stone fruit and citrus. It offers an easy mouthfeel, with a refreshing touch of zesty acidity.
Fresh and spicy, this tart young Chard has a streak of wintergreen mint. Aged in a mix of stainless steel and neutral French oak, it's an excellent seafood wine.
Fresh and stalky, this is a wine that brings out the smokiness of Cabernet Franc and puts it along with crisp red-berry fruits and acidity. A wine to be drunk young, although with enough concentration to age, it will be ready in late 2016.
Fresh and stony on the nose, this bottling from one of the region's leading properties shows crisp lime and grapefruit pith aromas. The palate is edged with tart yellow grapefruit yet also offers warmer tones of nectarine-like fruit. Refreshing acidity and chalky grip carry deep into the finish.
Fresh and straightforward on the nose, with tropical fruit aromas. The palate is pulpy but good, with flavors of fruit punch and melon. Turns a little sweet and pithy on the finish, but holds it together. Perfectly good for the price.
Fresh and straightforward, this stainless steel-fermented Pinot Gris has simple, pleasant pear fruit flavors, and just a suggestion of caramel running through it. Perfectly suited for every day quaffing.
Fresh and structured, this offers aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, mature plum, violet, coffee and baking spice. On the smooth palate, notes of chocolate, chopped mint and clove accent the black cherry core. Bright acidity and fine-grained tannins provide balance and structure.
Fresh and subdued , this offers a delicate bouquet that is colored by all kinds of minute aromatic details, like cured meat, tobacco, crème de cassis and black licorice. There's also a very pretty blast of natural freshness on the close.
Fresh and tangy with aromas of white flower and tomato leaf, this lively Sauvignon would pair with fried calamari or spicy shrimp cocktail. The mouthfeel is streamlined and tight.
Fresh and tangy, with little or no oak influence, this refreshing, crisp white wine will be very versatile with or without food. It has citrus aromas, green apple flavors and a nicely tart finish.
Fresh and tart in acidity, this is a clean, savory evocation of a variety that few Californians manage to produce this well. It's rich in apple, citrus, peach and floral flavors, with a lychee, spicy complexity that makes it a natural for Asian fare.
Fresh and tart wild cherry and crushed cranberry meet with intriguing touches of fennel frond, mustard, rose hips, potpourri and tons of garrigue on the nose of this bottling. The palate packs vibrancy into each sip, redolent with flavors of tomato leaf, cherry tomato, kalamata olive, underripe raspberry, anise, bay leaf and even earthy mugwort. It conveys an extreme sense of place.
Fresh and tart, with refreshing notes of herb and cranberry, this medium-bodied Lemberger is an elegant and subtle, while fruity, pick. Fine, soft tannins and a granite tone linger on the finish.
Fresh and tempting, this has a hot-pink color and flavors like watermelon and cherry. With medium body and even a light touch of tannin, it's more meaty than many rosés, so you can serve it with the meal as well as for an apéritif.
Fresh and textural, with a leesy, mineral-soaked base, this pretty young wine showcases raspberry and cherry fruit, backed with supporting, refreshing acidity. The tannins are light, perfectly ripe, and nicely balanced against the juicy fruit flavors.
Fresh and tight aromas of lemon-lime, baking soda, wet cement and Gala apple show on the nose of this crisp and nervy bottling. Grippy, mineral-driven tension frames the palate, with flavors of wet slate, green apple and Key-lime rind. The crisp and intriguing texture is the star here.
Fresh and tight, this Morellino offers loads of cherry and blueberry flavors, followed by distant tones of leather and moist earth. There's a simple but genuine quality to the wine.
Fresh and toasty, spicy and focused, this matches crisp fruit flavors of apple, citrus and pineapple to barrel-fermented grace notes. The overall length and definition are excellent, and the wine should drink well now through 2020.
Fresh and versatile, this Cabernet-Merlot blend offers a balanced interplay of spice, pepper and red fruit notes. The cherry, raspberry, leather and cedar flavors will pair well with tomato-based dishes, grilled meats and stews.
Fresh and very crisp, this is a distinctive, fragrant wine. It has concentration, tight acidity, with apples and minerality. At the end, the wine is more floral, open and ripe. Drink after 2016.
Fresh and vibrant aromas of dark cherry and purple flowers get serious weight from a touch of tar on this very balanced, tighter Cabernet. Dark red fruits, sweet plums (and their more tart skins) and even blueberry show on the palate, which is equally acidic and tannic. It's neither lean nor lush, but right down the middle.
Fresh and vibrant, this Cinsault bottling is completely oak-free, which means that the juicy, fruit-forward nature of the varietal is front and center. Ultraripe blueberry and raspberry notes mingle with specks of black pepper on the soft and mildly grippy palate. The is light bodied and easily quaffable.
Fresh and vibrant, this has bright aromas of raspberry and wild strawberry. The aromas are simple and so is the mouthfeel, offering a crisp berry nuance followed by a candy-like sweetness and a creamy, frothy finish.
Fresh and vibrant, this offers lively notes of green gooseberry as well as lime pith and leaf that continue on to the light, zippy palate. It's clean, bright and easy to drink, with a saline accent on the close. Drink now.
Fresh and vibrant, with ripe cherry, red currant, cola and cedar flavors wrapped into a silky texture. A bit rough and acidic, though. Could develop in the bottle for a few years.
Fresh and vibrantly floral on the nose and palate, this lovely white from the musqué clone imparts full-bodied, voluptuous layers of pineapple and grapefruit rind, lingering long on the finish.
Fresh and with a herbaceous background, this is a tight, taut and mineral wine. It presents a definite tang of lemon zest, steeliness and a crisp aftertaste. It can be drunk now, although it will be better from 2016.
Fresh and young, this offers scents of violets, plummy fruit and a wash of root beer. Lively in the mouth, it has a leesy minerality that underscores rather light, pretty, but simple fruit. Drink up while it retains its freshness.
Fresh and youthful, this opens with cherry and blackberry scents. It shows firm tannins and good structure on the finish. The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Fresh and zesty for a Rheingau trocken, with petrol and slate aromas and lime and green apple flavors that could come straight out of the Mosel. It's a refreshing, lightweight quaffer.
Fresh and zesty in acidity, this Chardonnay has forward flavors of ripe green apples, peaches, oranges and vanilla cream, with a little bit of smoky oak. It's an easy wine to like, and grows better as it warms in the glass.
Fresh and zesty notes of strawberry, bright raspberry, white pepper and herbal touches of fennel show on the nose of this wine from an iconic vineyard. The herbal influence goes big on the sip, where, thyme, oregano, bay leaf and fennel decorate the light raspberry and cranberry fruit, with vanilla on the finish. It presents a lighter take than usual from this site.
Fresh and zesty on the nose, this bottling offers lemongrass, lime peel and kiwi scents, with floral jasmine undertones. The palate delivers loads of zing—an almost effervescent energy and verve—with Bosc pear, apple and honeysuckle flavors.
Fresh and zesty on the nose, this bottling shows dried elderberry fruit laced with oregano, thyme, dill, eucalyptus and black pepper. A strong tobacco flavor shows once sipped, with black-cherry fruit, cedary cigar box and sticky tannins contributing to a leathery mouthfeel.
Fresh and zesty, this opens with aromas suggesting white spring flower, pear and exotic fruit. The tangy palate offers white peach, citrus and pineapple while a mineral note accents the finish.
Fresh and zesty, with slightly confected, bubble-gum-like aromas balanced by bright lime notes and even a bit of chalk-dust minerality to add grip and interest on the finish. Drink now.
Fresh and zesty, with wet stones and talcum powder upfront, followed by apple and gardenia in the mouth. It's light-bodied and slightly off-dry with a short-to-medium finish redolent of white flowers. Drink now.
Fresh and zippy Grüner bursting with white pepper, arugula and lime zest on its very slender, crisp palate. This is easy but super fresh and almost has a cleansing effect.
Fresh and zippy, this is loaded with lime and passion fruit flavors, tinged with just enough herbal character to give it that distinctive Marlborough tang.
Fresh Anjou pear mixes with candied banana on the nose of this straight-forward Pinot Grigio. Light and zippy, the palate is green-apple focused, finishing on a creamy lemon note.
Fresh apple-cider aromas meet with tangerine rinds, gardenia and wet stone on the very intriguing and enjoyable nose of this single vineyard expression by the Duckhorn family of wines. There is great energy to the sip, carrying flavors of salt, browned butter, marmalade and ripe nectarines.
Fresh apple and honey aromas give this fruity wine a great start. With its acidity, spice, touch of honey and crisp white fruit, it's delicious, perfumed and ripe. A full-bodied wine that's a pleasure to drink now, with food.
Fresh apple and lemon aromas and fruity but not showy flavors create a very tasty, crisp-textured and well-balanced wine. More nuances come out with each sip, like bits of apricot and lime, and the mouthfeel stays bright and nicely acidic through the finish. An unoaked wine, this includes 4% Viognier.
Fresh apple and lemon aromas are subtly accented with hints of saffron on this spicy-sweet Riesling full of ripe yellow-cherry and nectarine flavors. Piercing lemon-lime acidity lends a nervous, dancing quality to the palate. It finishes with a murmur of jasmine-tea astringency.
Fresh apple and lemon on the palate of this Lake Erie Riesling are pleasant, but overwhelmed by oddly perfumed lemon-pine and floral notes. Simple and a bit savory. Drink now.
Fresh apple and lime aromas are pure as can be. This is chiseled, crisp and crystalline in the mouth, with lime, grapefruit and other citrus flavors. A long, firm, flavorful finish brings a slight hint of citrus  pith the longer it runs out.
Fresh apple and nectarine aromas are clean and appealing. This is round, lifted and correct in terms of mouthfeel. Fleshy nectarine and apple flavors finish minerally, a touch briny and long. Drink now.
Fresh apple and pear aromas are accented with notes of white flowers on this delicate Pinot Grigio. It's bristling with lemon-lime acidity, but pleasantly concentrated citrus flavors, and just a hint of reeds on the finish.
Fresh apple and pear aromas are lifted with hints of white flowers and honeydew on this full-bodied, elegantly balanced wine. The palate is slick with a drizzle of cream adding richness to flavors of apple and lemon, but balanced with bright acidity and a brisk saline finish.
Fresh apple and pear flavored wine, very creamy, toasty almost, with only just a pinch of pepper to go with the richness of the fruit. A warm, rounded wine, easily finished with acidity. Screwcap.
Fresh apple and pear flavors are swathed in fresh herbs and citrus peels in this bristling medium-sweet wine. It's lusciously honeyed but finishes long with honed steely precision.
Fresh apple and white floral aromas are dusted with caramelized sugar and smoke on this dry, mineral-tinged wine. Edgy and lean on the palate but supple in grapefruit flavor, it's a honed, steely white with polish and elegance.
Fresh apple and white floral notes meld effortlessly into an elegant vanilla note on the nose and palate of this dry, full-bodied Chard. Nicely concentrated, yet brisk with acidity, it's an excellent food pairing companion.
Fresh apple aromas and lively citrus flavors make a good combination in this light-bodied, tangy-textured wine. It tastes slightly rounded with sweetness, but comes off clean, crisp and appetizing. The two main components are Sémillon and Chardonnay, with dashes of Sauvignon Blanc and Orange Muscat.
Fresh apple blossom and pear aromas are pristine on the nose of this delicate Pinot Blanc. The palate is lemony and crisp but softened by hints of honey and a mouthwatering silkiness. Ready to consume now but should drink well through 2020.
Fresh apple blossoms, lemon-lime soda and fragrant key lime pie aromas waft off of this bottling from the hillside vineyard that was one of the first in California to offer this grape. Similar key lime flavors show on the palate as does freshly squeezed pear juice, which offers a ripe, rounded character.
Fresh apple blossoms, lemongrass, Meyer lemon, kiwi and intriguing exotic citrus notes work well together on the nose of this bottling. The palate packs Key-lime pith with slightly warmer green papaya notes as well as brisk wet cement, kumquat rinds and green tangerine.
Fresh apple flavors and a crisp vein of acidity make this medium-bodied wine lively and refreshing, while still delivering delicious Pippin apple and white peach flavors. It feels balanced, clean and easy to enjoy.
Fresh apple notes on the nose of this off-dry sparkling are pretty, but hindered by whiffs of dust and green stems. Softly pétillant with a creamy, mouth-filling froth, it finishes with a pleasantly sweet note. An unusual blend of Pinot Franc, Chardonnay, Aligote and Riesling.
Fresh apple rinds, squeezed Mexican lime and a touch of guava show on the nose of this crisp yet tropical-tinged bottling. The flavors also start light with citrus and then delve into more guava-led tropicality, approaching ripe tuberose-flower pungency.
Fresh apple, green grass, dandelion and a touch of soft smoke emanate from the glass, transitioning to flavors of gingered peach and spicy orange on the palate. Medium weight and well structured with nice complexity and evolution. Drink now.
Fresh apple, lemon and crushed mineral tones are demure on the nose but gain power and concentration on the palate of this bold, richly textured Chardonnay. Denser and more muscular in mouthfeel than its regular-label bottling, it's accented by just a whiff of spice and vanilla cream. Drink now through 2023.
Fresh apple, lemon and peach notes are shaded by darker tones of dusty mineral and struck flint in this medium-bodied Pinot Grigio. It's a bit closed in profile, but refreshing and dry with an invigorating lime finish.
Fresh apple, lemon and pear flavors are accented by a hint of smoked nuts in this bold, full-bodied Pinot Gris. Rich and a bit creamy in mouthfeel yet balanced briskly, it's a satisfying white with wide pairing appeal. Drink now through 2019.
Fresh apple, lime and minerally aromas come with leesy complexity and bread notes. This feels layered and classy, with yeasty flavors of baked apple and vanilla. Bready, toasty finishing notes are centered by a dusting of white pepper.
Fresh apple, peach and generous flavors of vanilla and coconut rest on a pillowy texture. The wine is fruity and light, without noticeable acidity.
Fresh apple, pear and lemon-skin notes mark this pleasantly perfumed dry Silvaner. It's dry and lushly textured, with delicate flavors of green apple, lemon and lime along, with a distinctly dusty minerality that lingers on the finish.
Fresh apple, pear and lemon flavors have a crystalline edge in this just-off-dry example of Elbling, an unusual white variety grown in the Mosel. It's zesty and spry, finishing with a delicious murmur of lime-pith bitterness. Drink now.
Fresh apple, pear and tangerine flavors revitalize the palate in this crisp, approachable Sauvignon Blanc. It's uncomplicated yet elegant, finishing on a penetrating streak of lemon-lime acidity.
Fresh apples and cream aromas with a tight citrus and mineral edge. The fruit is fresh but, with the attractive ripeness of white currants. Very full in the mouth, very much a wine, suggesting an ability to go with food.
Fresh apples and pears seem dusted in a fine mineral powder in this brisk, semisweet Riesling. It's featherlight in texture, darting and dancing alongside a lemon-lime vein of acidity that pierces through the finish.
Fresh apples and ripe pears give this wine its fruity character. The acidity behind this fruit is already in balance. It's a young Chardonnay that needs a while to fill out. Drink from 2016.
Fresh apples with hints of butterscotch, toast and smoke perfume this lovely Chardonnay. While a tad short in concentration, this medium-bodied wine is wonderfully fresh and clean on the palate, with beautifully balanced oak and bright acidity on the finish.
Fresh apples, grapefruit and sweeter apricots all hang together well in this elegant Chardonnay. It's an apéritif style, its crispness giving a light character, the fruit floating over the acidity. There are lively green fruit flavors to finish.
Fresh apricot and peach juxtapose more savory tones of bramble and hay in this light-bodied dry Riesling. The palate is briskly concentrated, finishing on a bright streak of sunny tangerine acidity.
Fresh apricot, melon and grapefruit abound from nose to finish in this brisk yet delectably fruity Riesling. It's dry and lithe in body yet penetrating and juicy. Zesty lime acidity lingers brightly on the finish.
Fresh aromas of blueberry brioche and blackberry jam on toast meet with a touch of baking spice, lavender, and crushed gravel on the nose of this 61% Syrah and 39% Grenache blend. The palate is more tightly honed, with dried violets, dried blueberry and a strong black-pepper character.
Fresh aromas of carnation, framboise, cherry cola and blooming rose petals show on the nose of this bottling by Coby Parker-Garcia. Bright flavors of hibiscus tea, pomegranate and raspberry ride a clean line of crushed thyme and peppercorn dust on the lively palate.
Fresh aromas of citrus, white flowers and exotic fruit are followed by ripe and round flavors of pineapple and preserved lemon. The wine is balanced by good acidity and a clean finish. A dependable everyday wine.
Fresh aromas of dark violets, sweet lavender, elderberry and a light teriyaki glaze show on the nose of this extra barrel-aged bottling. It's medium bodied on the palate, where dark fruits meet with elderflower and more purple flowers. It's still a bit reserved.
Fresh aromas of gooseberry and fig are followed by a flinty, fresh combination of flavors in Cederburg's Sauvignon Blanc. Balanced and robust, the wine has a snappy, citrus finish.
Fresh aromas of honeysuckle lead to a palate where honey and vanilla come together atop ripe peach. Medium bodied, the texture is unctuous before finishing lean and light.
Fresh aromas of just-picked roses, fragrant blue flowers, fresh berries and a menthol note lead the way. The juicy palate presents red cherries, cake spices cinnamon and sweet pipe tobacco. Bright acidity and firm tannins provide balance.
Fresh aromas of plum, vanilla, flowers and spice lead to an off-dry palate full of blue-fruit flavors.
Fresh aromas of raspberry and cherry are slightly earthy. This shows purity and balance on the palate, while flavors of strawberry, raspberry and red plum come with chocolaty oak and mild spice. A dry finish tastes of oak-driven chocolate and crushed black pepper.
Fresh aromas of red berry, violet and aromatic herb lead the nose of this blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The vibrant palate delivers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of coffee alongside bright acidity and silky tannins. Drink through 2017.
Fresh aromas of red cherry and light berry fruit precede a palate that runs a little racy, with borderline tart plum and pie cherry flavors. A solid mouthfeel and mild, chalky tannins give it presence, and for sure it's a clean, sturdy wine. But that's really as far as it goes.
Fresh aromas of red fruits are immediately attractive, but the wine also has weight, with some rich, smoky fruits, edges of tobacco and dried fruits. The tannins give a definite firm structure, but are well padded by wood and ripe fruits.
Fresh aromas of salty lemon cream, wet slate and riverstones, as well as a touch of slightly sour yogurt, show on the nose of this bottling from the vineyard named after Fess Parker's daughter, who now runs much of the company. The lively palate combines squeezes of citrus with a creamy mouthfeel that offers hints of nuts and orangesicle. It's a very cohesive wine.
Fresh aromas of stony minerals, white grapefruit and passion fruit are a proper opening for a zesty, cutting palate that's loaded to the brink with citric acidity. Flavors of wet stones, lime, lemon and green apple finish long, zesty and without a stumble.
Fresh aromas of strawberry and lemon are followed in flavor on the palate of this poised and balanced rosé. A touch of oak adds spice and dimension. Overall, it's delicate and delicious with good acidity. A very pretty wine at a good price.
Fresh aromas of white gumdrop, quince and peach precede a peachy, citrusy palate. Dry citrus flavors persist on a clean finish. This is a fresh Chardonnay where less is more.
Fresh aromas, vivid citrus flavors, elegance and poise make this an attractive wine. It has a balance that is easy to enjoy and keeps calling for more sips, with pleasant notes of citrus and green fruit throughout.
Fresh as a daisy, with green grass, lemon, lime and peach flavors that taste like they were just picked under the summer sun. Juicy acidity gets the mouth watering. The alcohol is modest, giving the wine a light delicacy.
Fresh as well as ripe, with layers of toast, creamy pear and red apple flavors. Attractively spicy, ready to drink.
Fresh asparagus, green bean, lime and mineral make for a textbook coastal Chilean SB nose. The palate is fresh, crisp, clear and lean, with zesty lemon-lime, lettuce, asparagus and tangerine flavors. Long and lasting on the finish, with a spot of sweetness at the end.
Fresh bell pepper and passion fruit aromas are a bit underripe in character. The palate feels juicy and bright, with zesty acidity. Nectarine and green-herb flavors hint at vegetal undertones, while the finish is short but fresh. Drink now.
Fresh berry-salad aromas suggest tart, just-ripe summer fruits in this medium-bodied Shiraz filled with crunchy fruit. It's forward and smashable in the best sense, even if it's not profound.
Fresh berry and cherry aromas come with a pinch of lemon and also a rose note. It has a tangy, fresh feel and snappy, semitart flavors of red plum and raspberry. Limited and short on the finish, but zesty all the way through.
Fresh berry and grapy aromas include hints of violet, Graham Cracker and crème de cassis liqueur. In the mouth, this Malbec from the southern reaches of the Uco Valley feels scratchy, with drying tannins. Lightly herbal, floral blueberry and plum flavors are not what you find every day with Malbec, while the finish is grapy but also shows juicy, wiry acidity. Drink through 2021.
Fresh berry aromas are clean and lead into a pointed, zesty palate with standard but friendly berry and cherry flavors. There's plenty of bracing acidity to this Rioja and just enough body to make it a complete, well-made wine.
Fresh berry aromas carry some spice notes, while the palate is rugged and a little hot. Juicy berry flavors are forward but not overly evolved or complex, and the the finish is tight and aggressive. Spunky and clean, with honest flavors.
Fresh berry fruits, light tannins and stalky black currants, sustained by tannins. It is juicy, the wood a mist in the bright fruit flavors. There is some aging potential, maybe 4–5 years.
Fresh berry nuances come on the heels of spice, chocolate and smoke. The wild berry presence is nicely defined and gives this Vino Nobile a fresh and youthful disposition. In the mouth, however, it shows the natural sophistication and complexity of this celebrated category of Tuscan wine.
Fresh berry, mint, cola and herb aromas make for a classic Maipo bouquet. Feels fresh and good, with plying tannins and bright acidity. Tastes earthy, mossy and herbal, with ample berry fruit. Licorice and prune flavors carry the finish. Syrah with Cabernet, Carmenère and Petit Verdot.
Fresh black cherries and a bit of licorice are laced through the nose of this appellation blend by single-vineyard star Brian Loring. The palate is all about exotic spice, from ginger and black sage to anise seeds and cola, also showing some umami flavors reminiscent of shiitake mushrooms.
Fresh black cherry and plum aromas are pristine and primary, accentuating flavors of spiced cherry pie in this approachable wine. Juicy and ripe on the palate, it's also elegant with soft, finely-grained tannins that linger on the finish.
Fresh black currant fruit gives this wine all the vivacity of the 2006 vintage. It is a beautiful, elegantly crafted wine, as you would expect from the same team as Château Ausone, and it has a lovely lightness of touch, with its final note one of delicious juiciness.
Fresh black fruits give this wine a bright start in life. It is rich with some tannins and dark spice. Dominant berry-fruit flavors are balanced with acidity and a dry, firm aftertaste. Drink from the end of 2015.
Fresh blackberries, wild mint, anise and dried purple flowers make for an appealing nose on this appellation blend from one of the region's pioneering and esteemed producers. There is a pleasantly thick yet lively weight to the palate, with flavors of licorice, coffee, violets, lavender extract, dark purple fruits and a hint of asphalt.
Fresh blackberry and cherry aromas are cloaked in exotic shades of cocoa powder, soil and spice on the nose of this Cabernet Franc. The palate is a bit more reserved, suggesting crisp black-fruit flavors bolstered by fine tannins and a zesty acidic backbone. The finish is brisk but clean.
Fresh blackberry and cherry character is packed into this concentrated but rather soft and sweet wine. It has that signature wild berry aroma of the variety, then flavors are rich, the texture broad and the body full.
Fresh blackberry fruit is lifted by thyme, fennel and tobacco on the nose of this fruity, herbal bottling, further accented by cedar, black olive and peppercorn notes. Its blackberry-rich palate is balanced by dry tannins and coffee and gamy flavors.
Fresh blackberry fruits give a smooth wine, rich and with an immediately attractive fresh acidity. It does have the density of fruit along with relatively soft tannins. At the back there is a more chocolate character.
Fresh blueberry and blackberry juice aromas meet with pepper and pressed lavender on the nose of this sleek bottling by Michael Larner, one of the Ballard Canyon appellation's loudest proponents. Black plum and dried black raspberry flavors show on the palate, which is layered with cracked pepper, cigar box and a minty lift on the lengthy sip.
Fresh blueberry and earthy plum aromas make for an honest Malbec bouquet. This is fresh and direct on the palate, with a mix of blackberry and light chocolate flavors. A lasting but mild finish provides a good conclusion to a well-made wine.
Fresh blueberry and grape aromas meet with black plum, asphalt and turned earth on the nose of this bottling by Steve Dooley of Stephen Ross Cellars. Fresh blackberry juice, black pepper and dill show on the palate that is coated with decent acidity and a good tannic structure.
Fresh blueberry and plum play on nose and palate. Lively freshness permeates the glass, accentuating the wine's tart, precise fruitiness. It's medium bodied with moderate grip, lots of verve and a nervy, fresh and totally appetizing finish.
Fresh blueberry, burned caramel, black licorice and sage scents show on the nose of this bottling of a variety that doesn't often get its own stage. The tannins are light but ever-present, framing black plum, elderberry, thyme and peppercorn flavors. It's not as rich or dense as similar wines but is nevertheless a nice sipper.
Fresh boysenberries and a blueberry sorbet character mix with notes of minty tarragon, dill and hot gravel on the nose of this wine, from an area between Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Peppercorns are prominent on the relatively light palate, along with tobacco, espresso and boysenberry.
Fresh boysenberry aromas and Concord grape scents are lifted by cracked peppercorn on the nose of this bottling. There is a touch of dill to the palate, where black cherry and chocolate flavors also arise on the lighter, simple yet tasty bottling.
Fresh boysenberry aromas are lifted by dried dill, black pepper and black olive on the spice-driven nose of this bottling. Tangy plum and underrripe berry flavors pop on the tense palate, where anise, oregano and marjoram round out the experience.
Fresh boysenberry juice aromas meet with licorice, iron, smoke, cinnamon, rooibos tea and dried lilacs on the nose of this blend of 65% Barbera and 35% Sangiovese. It's soft on the sip and then quite tart, with blackberry fruit cut by tangy plum skins that are lifted by rustic tobacco and leather notes.
Fresh but basic apple and pear aromas lead to a direct palate with citric acidity. Dry, simple peach and nectarine flavors are replaced by a mild briny character on the finish.
Fresh but concentrated all at once with rich aromas of honey-drizzled baked apple, apricot, orange oil and ripe lychee. The full but balanced mouth offers similar flavors along with a tang of apple cider crispness and a spiced honey finish.
Fresh but creamy notes of ripe Conference pear on the nose mute into a peppery, herbal, yeast-savory palate with verve and freshness of utter typicity. This is textbook Grüner that offers the full and perfect package of spice, freshness and fruit on a light but concentrated body. The finish is both long and clean.
Fresh but earthy aromas of apple, fig and pepper give this intriguing wine extra draw. On the palate, a robust herbal character backed by an appealing slatey spin and balanced acids offer elegance and personality. Ends with a clean, lingering finish.
Fresh but faint aromas of hay, candlewax and grass open this honest but simple effort. The palate lacks intensity but displays a bit of a mineral streak. Disappointingly short on the finish. Imported by Nelwood Wines.
Fresh but full with ripe flavors of kiwi and Key lime citrus accented by savory herbs on the palate. Balanced, with bracing acidity and a lingering finish accented by notes of white peach. A nice choice for poached halibut. 300 cases imported.
Fresh but not overly racy, with apple and pear aromas. There's ample snap and pop to the palate, but not a whole lot of body or specificity of flavors. That said, the tastes of lemon and green apple are clean albeit shallow, and the finish is more of the same. Drink now.
Fresh but rich, this young wine has structured edges, great purity of green currant fruits as well as fine concentration. The roundness of the palate is matched by its delicious acidity. Glass stopper.
Fresh but ripe cherry notes shine on nose and palate of this wine. The body is fluid and has a pleasant weight: neither light nor heavy, with just enough density and freshness to fill the palate with its exuberant cherry fruit.
Fresh but ripe citrus and both green and yellow apple make for a refreshing nose. The palate has an equally bracing, juicy and utterly refreshing aspect. The finish is dry and lip-smacking, rounded with fine fizz, and echoing with mellow apple notes.
Fresh cantaloupe aromas shift to savory pressed apple and pear on the palate of this juicy, easygoing Riesling. Semidry in style, it's pleasantly slick and sweet, accented by spice and honey notes. Drink now.
Fresh cantaloupe aromas, mouth-filling pear and peach flavors and a generous texture make this an extroverted wine that could make a great pairing with salty cheeses. It is full bodied, very smooth-textured and long on the finish, where honey and vanilla flavors echo.
Fresh Chardonnay, lightly warm but also tinged with acidity, citrus and pear flavors. Soft, creamy and friendly. Drink now.
Fresh cherry and berry aromas are easy to process and appealing. This has a full body that doesn't require much thought, while a lightly candied, peachy flavor profile ends in friendly, healthy fashion.
Fresh cherry and plum aromas are a bit scratchy but alert. This feels firm, with bright acidity creating a raw sense on the palate. Plum, berry and a pinch of saltiness make for an authentic flavor profile, while this finishes long and steady. Drink through 2018.
Fresh cherry and plum aromas are basic and easy, with a medicinal side note. This Garnacha-Carignan-Cabernet blend is grabby and pulling. Plum, raspberry and tomato flavors finish with a reprise of rubbery tannins.
Fresh cherry and spice aromas start this cheerful Agiorgitko. Easy red fruit, vanilla and spice are in balance, with medium tannins. A good everyday choice for red meat, pork or robust cheese.
Fresh cherry blossoms and cranberries breathe zest into luscious notes of preserved black cherry, sweet beets and earth in this ruddy, ripe and yet complex Pinot Noir. Dense on the palate and framed in baby-soft tannins, it's enjoyable now.
Fresh citrus and green-apple aromas lead to a healthy palate with just enough bracing acidity. Flavors of tangerine, passion fruit and grapefruit are bold and typical of Casablanca SB, while this tastes of lime, green herbs and scallion on a fit finish.
Fresh citrus and green apple have a leafy touch and something that is reminiscent of wet stone. That taut slenderness is apparent throughout the light dry palate where lemony freshness plays the central role. The fizz is fine and creamy and leaves the mouth filled with freshness. This is vivid, has lots of verve and a clean dry finish.
Fresh citrus and pear flavors are highlighted by racy streaks of lime and tart pineapple in this unusually zippy Grauburgunder, or Pinot Gris. It's light in body yet creamy in texture with a long, lingering finish marked by crushed stones and salty minerality.
Fresh citrus and pear notes govern the nose and palate of this light-bodied, zippy and refreshing wine. It's peppery and zesty at its core, with a lip-smacking and very invigorating finish.
Fresh citrus and stone fruit give this Soave Classico a very bright and lively feel. It's an easy, food-freindly wine produced in the informal but cheerful style that characterizes this white wine region in northern Italy.
Fresh citrus and tangy orange give this perfumed wine both fruitiness and a tight, mineral texture. It has enough structure to age; drink from 2018. This bottling is a blend of second-level white grapes from two Domaine Dillon properties: Château Haut-Brion and Château La Mission Haut-Brion, both in Pessac-Léognan.
Fresh citrus aromas follow through to the crisp, lemon and grapefruit flavors of this wine. To balance, a tangy texture, red currant fruits and intense acidity give this tasty wine all its poised presence. This blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mouvédre is from certified organic vineyards.
Fresh citrus has a tang of green apple on the nose. The palate colors this with an equally zesty dollop of grapefruit, but something riper, richer, almost of dried fruit, also swings in there. This is intriguing and fresh, zesty and taut, lip-smacking and moreish. I feel that this will give up its secrets with a little more bottle age, but it already is delicious now.
Fresh citrus notes make this beautiful rosé smell like a zesty white wine. The palate, however, adds the fresh delight of ripe strawberry fruit. This adds up to a refreshing, superdry and elegant but fruitful pink summer wine.
Fresh citrus, apple and white-blossom notes are balanced neatly against layers of dusty mineral and earth in this nuanced Sauvignon Blanc. It's crisp and concentrated, rippling with tart pineapple and grapefruit flavors. On the palate, its silken texture expands and flows lavishly. It's a lovely wine already with a lingering lime-pith finish, but should hold well through at least 2022.
Fresh compost scents rise from the surface of this soft, medium-bodied wine that's more savory than fruit-forward. Mild hints of blueberry, coffee and black licorice are met by a flat texture.
Fresh Conference pear notes abound on the nose of this wine. The palate is sprightly and fresh, with a zestier core of lime and pear peel. Slender in frame, it dances on the palate, displaying seriousness and levity at the same time. The finish is totally refreshing.
Fresh cracked peppercorn, dense black and purple fruit and a cedar tone carry through the nose of this lavish yet nuanced bottling from a South Coast winery that practices extended aging before release. The elderberry fruit is hung on a strong tannic structure, bolstered by woody cigar box, incense, juniper and espresso flavors.
Fresh cranberries and mulberries meet with crushed thyme, peppercorn and chaparral on the elegant and subtle nose of this bottling, from a vineyard on the southwestern edge of the appellation. The palate is dry and redolent of wild mint, sage and bay leaf, spiced by black and white pepper, which all lead into the black plum-flavored finish.
Fresh cranberry and black raspberry show on the nose of this bottling that also offers black-pepper sauce, savory soy and a touch of iodine. There's a tarry tension to the palate, but with tart dark cranberry and richer dark cherry flavors as well, mixing up the savory smoke with dense fruit.
Fresh crushed strawberries combine with a ripe and sweet texture to give a delicious, glowing rosé. It is full in the mouth, with a touch of sweeter fruits, although acidity does give the wine a final lift.
Fresh cut pear drizzled with lemon juice is given warmth by hints of mango and oak on the nose of this Paso white. It's soft and rich on the palate, with tropical elements of banana cream pie cut by apple skin bitterness and citrus pith acidity.
Fresh cut pear fruit flavors carry this wine. It's crisp and clean, with fresh fruit balanced against natural acidity. Drink it now while the freshness is paramount.
Fresh dill, dewy herbs and a seared lemon-syrup scent makes for a dense but not treacly nose on this wine by a producer on the fringes of Gilroy. A chive accent holds attention once sipped, with a chalky minerality and a white-pepper finish, altogether proving brisk and elegant.
Fresh doughy aromas, crisp citrus and apple flavors, and a light blanket of buttery nutty nuances make this a delicious and complex wine. It's light to medium in body, has a smooth texture and vivid fruit.
Fresh earth and gloriously ripe stone fruit make for a convincing opening on the nose. The palate swings with this sonorous, earthy edge and frames rich, ripe and rounded pear and yellow plum fruit. Overall, there is zesty fresh citrus that gathers everything together and presents a concentrated wine with drive and personality. The finish is long, clean and convincing. Drink 2020–2040.
Fresh earthy notes join the subtle peach fruit on the nose. The palate counters with slightly bitter notes that seem slightly out of joint. Drink this while aromas are fresh.
Fresh easy notes of pear drop rise from the glass. The very slender palate has lemony freshness but also residual sweetness and a pithy phenolic edge. This is fresh, off dry and just balanced. Drink soon.
Fresh flavors of herb, gooseberry, lime and pear comingle. This is the first release of a new sister brand to Elk Cove. All Willamette Valley fruit, including some estate grown grapes, it's done in a clean and refreshing style. This is a perfect mid-week, food friendly white wine.
Fresh flavors of white peach, nectarine and apricot flow through this perfumed, light and delicate wine. Its fruity, uncomplicated, freshened with crisp acidity. Screwcap.
Fresh floral and apple notes are showered with zesty lime and lemon on the nose of this bright, invigorating wine. Dry and medium-bodied in style, the palate boasts hints of freshly cut grass and green apples that lend an herbaceous touch to concentrated grapefruit flavors.
Fresh floral and peach-like aromas emerge from the nose of this pristine expression of Pinot Grigio from sunny Sicily. You'll get aromas of chopped herb, lemon and yellow rose. The mouthfeel is zesty and bright. Highly recommended at this low price.
Fresh floral and stone-fruit aromas take a swirl into butter and crème brûlée on the nose of this elegant Chardonnay. It's a straightforward wine, yet delectably composed with rich, silky texture and a zippy, fresh finish.
Fresh floral tones persist from nose to finish on this sharp, spry wine that's refreshing, with a delicate, dancing mouthfeel. It finishes briskly on a cutting lemon-lime edge.
Fresh for the summer season is this tutti-frutti Navarran Garnacha. Pink in color and pumped up, this tastes of pink grapefruit, nectarine and citrus pith. It's all about freshness and drinkability.
Fresh fruit and lively raspberry juice flavors are totally up to the minute. The attractive orange-pink color emphasizes the ripe character of the wine's fruitiness.
Fresh fruit aromas are a delicious part of this crisp, fruity wine. It is well balanced, with lively acidity sharing the stage with the ripe pear and pineapple flavors. It's ready to drink now.
Fresh fruit aromas, dominated by black cherry, expand on the substantial palate. This wine is a rich, robust and ripely built expression of a dark-horse grape in these parts. Black licorice dots a jammy concentration of fruit and of the rich texture, rewarding those who like their wines powerfully packed.
Fresh fruit flavors of red apple and raspberry carry the wine into a light, fairly brief finish. The tannins are thin, almost stripped feeling, and there isn't enough weight to make a strong varietal statement.
Fresh fruit flavors suggest a bowl full of berries and cherries. Crisp acids help to focus the wine, with spot-on varietal flavors and balance. Both elegant and complex, it's a lovely bottle from an under-the-radar producer.
Fresh fruit flavors weave through a soft, smooth texture in this well-polished and satisfying wine. It has earthy touches in the aroma, a good center of ripe cherry and raspberry flavors, full body and a lingering, rich finish.
Fresh fruit with apple acidity gives this wine a ready-to-drink character. It has an attractive lift of citrus and a light, crisp and fresh aftertaste.
Fresh fruit, peach, vanilla and melon leads this likeable blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Roditis. Good, racy freshness and citrus and a touch of slate give the wine a perky character. Delicious with seafood, fresh cheeses and fruit.
Fresh fruitiness makes this an appealing medium-bodied wine. It has aromas like cucumber and white pepper and flavors like a mixed fruit salad. The texture is on the soft, almost sweet side.
Fresh fruits dominate here. The wine is full of red cherry and bright acidity. The core of tannins is discreet, giving a soft, juicy character, offering easy, early drinking.
Fresh fruits, flavors of bright red berries, with juicy plums and a wild acidity. This is a wine for drinking now, approachable with a sweet, soft aftertaste.
Fresh gooseberry, lemon and apple skin dominate the nose here, carrying over to the medium-weight palate. Although the acid seems a bit apart from the rest of the wine, this Barossa Riesling is pleasantly crisp, with nice spice and candied apple notes. Drink now to 2012.
Fresh Granny Smith apple and lemon notes are announced on the nose. On the palate they become fully fledged and weave their refreshing, uncompromisingly dry way across a slender dry body. This is very refreshing and totally invigorating: light yet full of flavor. The finish is long and dry.
Fresh grapefruit, lime and lemon collide in this invigorating waterfall of citrus flavors. Off dry in style and breathlessly light in texture, it hits the palate with an electric edge of acidity that reverberates through a long finish. Drink now through 2024.
Fresh grapey, berry-like aromas and rich, ripe flavors make this medium-bodied wine easy to drink. It's smoothly textured and almost sweet, with generous fruit elements filling out the palate and persisting through the finish.
Fresh grass, gooseberry, lime leaf and a touch of melon rind appear on the nose and mouth of this straightforward wine. It's lightweight and easygoing, with brisk acidity and a crisp, refreshing finish. Drink now.
Fresh grass, green plum and lime rind notes characterize this easygoing white. There's a lifting prickly sensation to the palate followed by a short but cleansing finish.
Fresh grass, honeydew rind, green plum and orange rind unfold on the nose of this bright and refreshing white. The light-weight, slightly prickly palate boasts great verve and freshness, lending vibrancy to the green fruit flavors and medium-length finish.
Fresh grass, vibrant citrus and tart gooseberry fill the nose and mouth, making this an approachable and clean white perfect for pairing with lighter chicken and fish dishes. 70% Chenin Blanc and 30% Sauvignon Blanc; drink now.
Fresh grassiness, interwoven with a mineral note and aromas of apple and pear make for an elegant opening. The rather dilute palate shows a surprising level of spritz but also some burnt orange flavors while the short finish betrays a hint of sweetness.
Fresh green-apple aromas and some ripe, mango flavors, this is well rounded, showing some acidity, but more of open, fresh fruits. This is a wine that will be perfect to drink over the next few months.
Fresh green-pear notes appear everywhere and round out the slender palate. Lemon and lime freshness provide extra structure. Drink soon.
Fresh green apple and grapefruit aromas are bolstered on the palate of this dry, elegantly balanced Riesling. It's light bodied yet delightfully creamy. A kiss of tangerine zest marks its moderately long finish.
Fresh green apple and herb notes flit and dance throughout the nose and palate of this delicate off-dry Riesling. It's rich with sweet peach and nectarine flavor, but also layered and complex with notes of minerals, blossoms and vibrant lime acidity.
Fresh green apple and riper Cox's Orange Pippin present an aromatic nose that reveals a more citric verve on the palate. This is suave and slender, with a very light but deceptive touch: apple and stone fruit, now wound tightly in citrus lie in wait, ready to burst forth when their moment comes. As floating as a breeze, as lasting as a stone. Drink 2017–2023.
Fresh green apple, lemon and gooseberry notes abound in this gorgeously fruity and juicy Sauvignon Blanc. It's surprisingly bold on the palate: full bodied and supple yet balanced. Flavors of ripe white grapefruit and quince are concentrated yet brisk. A hint of musky spray marks the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Fresh green floral and lime zest lend vibe to this fine-footed, almost feather-textured kabinett. It's spry but surprisingly powerful, amplified by soaring grapefruit acidity and penetrating green-apple and pear flavors. Finishes long with a delicately honeyed touch. Drink now through 2021.
Fresh green floral and white peach aromas lend a fresh-linen perfume to this dry Riesling. The palate is a joyful array of mango and pink grapefruit flavors, braced with steely minerality and penetrating acidity. Finishes long, with a sensation of lime-pith astringency.
Fresh green florals and melon rind lend a breathlessly cool tone to this elegantly composed dry Riesling. Forward flush yellow plum and gooseberry flavors are offset by lime zest, fresh sage and bristling acidity. It finishes with persistence and length. Drinks well now but should improve through 2020.
Fresh green herb and dusty mineral tones contrast ripe, luscious apple and pear flavors in this dry Riesling. Crisp lime and lemon notes lend a nervy, cutting feel to the midpalate. Drink now through 2020.
Fresh green herbs and granite notes add a lean, angular elegance to the concentrated black-cherry flavor in this wine. It's bold in structure with penetrating tannins that linger on the finish.
Fresh green herbs and lime zest lend vibrance to this lighter-bodied bottling from Wiemer's 2015 vintage. White grapefruit and citrus are piercing and spry, finishing with a delightful edge of salt and crushed-stone. Drinks beautifully now but should develop well through 2028.
Fresh green herbs and tart stone-fruit aromas waft delicately from this dry, remarkably juicy wine. The palate bursts with ripe white peach and nectarine flavor accented with bright, zesty lime acidity.
Fresh green herbs on the nose accumulate fruit and floral notes on the palate of this pretty but robust rosé. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, it offers intense red berry and watermelon fruitiness along with a pleasantly clingy, silken mouthfeel.
Fresh green pear and hints of ivy on nose and palate create a light-bodied, friendly, easy-drinking summer white. Zippiness and fruitiness are the hallmarks. Drink as soon as possible while fruit flavors are at their peak.
Fresh green pear, lemon and lime notes pervade the nose and palate of this light-footed, zesty wine. It's slender in body and easy-drinking, with a fruity, dry and refreshing finish.
Fresh green plum, apricot and pears freshen this light, soft wine, clean, crisp and finishing with lime juice.
Fresh green plum, peach and honeydew flavors taste crisp and sweet in this refreshing semi-sweet spätlese. It's concentrated with fruit yet deft and dancing on the palate, accented by hints of dusty pollen and fennel. High-toned acidity leads a long, squeaky-clean finish.
Fresh green sage and tarragon notes lend an herbaceous freshness to this elegant off-dry Riesling. It's dancingly delicate on the palate, but sunny yellow cherry and tangerine flavors are bright and concentrated.
Fresh greens and white grapefruit aromas come together in this medium-bodied wine. A silky texture carries celery leaf and citrus flavors through the slightly bitter finish.
Fresh herb and black currant aromas lead to ripe black-cherry flavors. It's fruit-forward and provides a lot of easy-drinking appeal.
Fresh herb and dusty mineral tones lend an austere elegance to this lime-inflected dry Riesling. It's nimble on its feet but there's a lushness on the palate that offsets zingy lemon-lime acidity.
Fresh herb and green floral aromas lend a breezy, invigorating character to sweet yellow peach and honey flavors in this medium-sweet Riesling. Rich and fruity, yet bristling with tart tangerine acidity, it's a deeply satisfying sipper.
Fresh herb and green flower flavors mingle with notes of chocolate and sun-dried hay on this bold but impeccably balanced Cabernet. Intensly concentrated on the palate, it has a ripe cassis flavor and soft, silky tannins that linger.
Fresh herb and leaf notes lend a peppery green edge to this savory smoky Cabernet Sauvignon. Crisp red-cherry and raspberry flavors are tart and cool, marked by a slightly gamy meaty note that would pair especially well with pizza or pasta Bolognese.
Fresh herb and lime notes brighten this smoky, intensely mineral Riesling. While dry and quite sprightly in style, it has a lush, silky mouthfeel that adds a perception of weight and expansiveness. Drink now through 2018.
Fresh herbal tones of thyme and fynbos welcome you into the nose of this wine alongside fruity notes of lemon and white peach. The vibrant palate offers zippy, mouthwatering acidity, while a slightly bitter, pithy astringency lingers softly on the finish. Drink now–2018.
Fresh herbs and green florals are fresh and fragrant on the nose of this semidry Riesling. Subtly sweet flavors of hibiscus nectar and peach gain complexity with whiffs of freshly ground white pepper and an elegant dusting of chalk on the finish.
Fresh hibiscus, black plum and smashed olallieberry meet with vibrant florality and wide range of dark spice on the nose of this blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. A pepper-laced structure releases flavors of black cherry, cola and a touch of charcoal on the well-hewn palate.
Fresh in mouthwatering minerality, this is positively bright, balanced and layered in lingering notes of lemon curd, green apple and just-picked vanilla bean. It is a gloriously delicate wine that's named for one of Marimar's beloved Springer Spaniels, made from one block planted to a selection of the See clone.
Fresh in style, especially for the hot, dry 2007 vintage, reflecting the slightly higher elevation of the Massif d'Uchaux, this medium-bodied wine offers oodles of cherry-berry fruit. It's nothing too serious or complex, just good, quaffable pleasure to consume over the next 2–3 years.
Fresh in tart strawberry, this Brice Jones' release hails from a vineyard 950 feet above the town of Annapolis, which is very near the coast. Its profile reflects its provenance, an earthy spiciness buoyed by tingling acidity and lengthy, leathery finish.
Fresh in terms of acidity and soft in terms of fruity sweetness, this pretty sparkler delivers the best qualities. Pair this with lightly fried vegetable tempura.
Fresh in zingy, ripe blackberry flavor, this well-made Zin has firm tannins and a dollop of peppery spice on the finish.
Fresh jasmine flowers and orange blossoms give way to a tropical-leaning, guava-inflected nose on this bottling, boosted by a citrus twist. Once sipped, the tropical touch shows again, but it's fairly restrained, with light apple and mandarin-orange flavors prominent.
Fresh juice aromas and caramelized blackberry scents combine with dark chocolate and a little lavender in this blend of 44% Petite Sirah, 38% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 8% Grenache. Soft, thick and sticky on the palate, it shows tangy plum skin and tart boysenberry flavors, with sharp and strong acidity.
Fresh juicy Conference pear dominates nose and palate. The body is light and flavors are off dry, giving an extra boost to the ripe pear notes. The finish has a fresh pithy edge and is moreish. Drink soon while aromas are at their peak.
Fresh juicy pear has a touch of bergamot zest on the nose that lends a heady enticing note. That same aromatic zesty touch pervades the entire palate, perfuming the rich ripe pear fruit and providing a wonderfully bright firm structure. There is a warm energetic core to this wine and quite some warmth, but this is beautifully countered by the citrus freshness. Right now all the notions are primary and delicious but this will evolve and develop. The concentration certainly is there. Drink 2017–2035.
Fresh key lime aromas meet sweeter tangerine and floral scents on the nose of this single vineyard bottling. The acidity is punchy on the palate, with tangy green fruit flavors that recall Anjou pear and lime skins.
Fresh lemon-peel and lanolin notes add complexity to this bright, intensely fruity Riesling. Crisp with acidity, it's refreshingly easy on the palate, with a delicate, lacy sugar note that lingers long on the finish.
Fresh lemon and banana aromas lead this curvy white from Greece. Pineapple and citrus flavors are balanced by a touch of spice. Overall the wine is a commercial, friendly-style Chardonnay for fans of easy-drinking whites.
Fresh lemon and crushed mineral tones ride over restrained aromas of tart peach and apple skin. The palate shows underripe pear and sour lemon, with a finish reminiscent of Pixy Stix.
Fresh lemon and gooseberry flavors lend an herbaceous edge to this fruity but tightly textured wine. It has richness and density, but it's a wine that is both refreshing and serious. Keep for a year before drinking.
Fresh lemon and lime and a spray of minerals and sea salt gives this wine a slightly lean, austere character. Clean and bright and not overly complicated, it will pair well with shellfish and grilled seafood.
Fresh lemon and lime flavors are juxtaposed by dusty bramble and herb notes in this savory off-dry Riesling. Finishes briskly with a touch of green herb. Drink now through 2018.
Fresh lemon and lime on the nose amass luscious tones of peach and apricot on the palate of this gossamer-light Riesling. It's penetrating and juicy yet anchored firmly by darts of laser acidity and dusty mineral complexities. Sweet honey tones linger long through the finish.
Fresh lemon and orange blossom aromas make for an inviting entry to this impressively fragrant wine. Surprisingly light on the palate, despite the concentration and power, this is a focused, subtle expression of the variety, with layers of ripe apple, pear and peach, unimpeded by the supportive oak.
Fresh lemon and red-apple flavors are bright and clean in this medium-bodied dry white. While brisk in texture and approachably fresh, the finish is marked by a bite of astringency.
Fresh lemon and tangerine brighten slightly savory, pressed apple and pear flavors in this full-bodied Chardonnay. Zesty acidity and sharp tangy wood notes lend angularity to the midpalate and drive a brisk finish.
Fresh lemon flesh and an edge of white pepper play on the nose. The palate has the same spicy freshness; the body is slender, fresh, dry and light. Glimpses of spicy white pepper appear time and again amid ripe notions of yellow Mirabelle plum.
Fresh lemon juice on cut Conference pear constitutes the main flavor on this tight, light and slender white. It displays focus, a precise edge of minerality and lovely phenolic texture.
Fresh lemon notes are tinged with smoke and earth on this easy, balanced and dryish Pinot Gris. Ample fruit at the core and an easygoing light touch engender enjoyment.
Fresh lemon perfume juxtaposes delicate toast and spice notes on this briskly balanced yet full-bodied Chardonnay. It's not deeply penetrating, but crisp apple and pear flavors brighten the palate. The finish lingers on a silken vanilla tone. Drink now through 2021.
Fresh lemon, grapefruit and green apple build in ripeness and sweetness on the palate of this light-bodied Riesling. It's a juicy, uncomplicated white but offers loads of pristine fruit without feeling candied or confected. Drink now through 2019.
Fresh lemon, sea salt and grapefruit aromas lead this buoyant pour from Crete. On the palate, appealing flavors of ripe lemon, tropical fruit and spice give it weight enough to pair with heartier dishes. That said, it finishes clean with a peppery finish.
Fresh lemon, tangerine and apricot notes abound in this juicy, easy-going Chardonnay. Lack of oak aging highlights its youthful, primary character. Racy lemon acidity and zesty lemon-skin reverberate on the finish.
Fresh lemony notes are signalled on the nose and fizz on the simple, fruit-driven palate. There is an element of creaminess but the frothing mouthfeel is all about refreshment and easy fruit.
Fresh like a peach on the nose, with a bit of warm radiator dust. Flavors of lemon and green apple are narrow, and the mouthfeel is limited and indicates that the lifespan of the wine may be short. Citric on the finish, and overall there's just not a lot going on here.
Fresh lime and ivy hits you first, followed by a leesy hint and some pear on the nose. The palate comes in with salty savoriness that suggests yeasty miso, chervil and lovage, with lots of white pepper accented by a little spritz. Brightened by fresh lemon notes, this makes for a spicy, elegant and slender wine with a light touch and real depth.
Fresh lime and lemon acidity abounds in this cool, steely wine. Delicately sweet, it offers sweet and tart tangerine flavors, augmented by edges of steel and crushed minerality.
Fresh lime and lemon aromas lead into a soft and creamy wine, with just a hint of spice and lychee. Final grapefruit acidity renders the wine as crisp as possible. Drink now. Screwcap.
Fresh lime and lemon aromas light up this crisp and tangy wine. The flavors are bright, the texture tight at first but it smooths out on the finish.
Fresh lime and lemongrass juxtapose earthier notes of pollen and bees wax in this zingy, light-footed Grüner Veltliner. It's a straightforward yet revitalizing sip to enjoy now through 2019.
Fresh lime juice brightens savory tones of apple and pear in this brisk off-dry Riesling. It's racy and lithe on the palate, finishing on a puckering sour lemon-candy note.
Fresh lime peel and kumquat aromas meet with lemongrass and a slightly yeasty touch on this bottling. Flavors are very tight and crisp, with citrus peel and wet riverstone. It's not an overly complex wine, but its freshness is compelling and lasts long once opened.
Fresh meets floral in this elegant blend. On the nose, there's perky citrus and delicate flowers. The flavors are an excellent balance of minerality and fruit, with a rich, round but delicate overall character that's intriguing and unfolds on the tongue. The finish is clean and cool. A versatile, sophisticated white.
Fresh melon and fragrant apple blossoms make for a ripe nose on this white grae that's rarely used in California, but there is also a pomelo pith character that keeps it grounded. The flavors are also broad at first and ripe with green and yellow fruits, yet a slow sizzling acidity provides tight freshness.
Fresh melon and stone-fruit aromas are laced with a mineral streak. This feels smooth, with good body weight. Flavors of orange, lemon and passion fruit finish long and stony. As a whole, this is super tasty, balanced and done just right.
Fresh minerality and dancing floral notes make the nose on this reserve Riesling enticing. On the palate, typical Riesling flavors of spice and flowers are slightly slowed by a viscous, heavier mouthfeel, but overall, the wine is harmonious. Great with a spicy Indian dish like Vindaloo—it could hold its own.
Fresh mint and cracked pepper accent dark plummy fruit on the nose, picking up hints of dark chocolate and black olive on the palate. It's full bodied, creamy in feel and loaded with supple tannins, which make the wine approachable now, but should sustain it through at least 2025.
Fresh mint and menthol notes lend a herbaceous tone to this dry, slightly grassy Riesling. Lemon and lime flavors are brisk and clean on the palate.
Fresh mint and mentholated cassis aromas lift the ripe black plum and berry notes on the nose of this wine. The palate is soft and lush, with a slight creaminess that harmonizes with the ripe flavors of black fruit preserves and milk chocolate. A subtle peppery kick lends a spicy character to the finish. Drink now.
Fresh nectarine, wet stone, cider apple and cut grass notes show on the nose of this bottling. The flavors are rounded, with Anjou pear, Granny Smith apple and citrus touches, upright tannins and prominent malic acids.
Fresh notes of citrus, lime and kiwi open this bright and tonic sparkler made from the popular Prosecco grape. This wine in particular offers an extremely fresh mouthfeel and you can taste peach and lemon flavors over its crisp, slightly sweet finish.
Fresh notes of crisp apple, with grassy hints, on the nose turn to rounded and mellow red-apple notes on the palate. The tiny bubbles make for a creamy mouthfeel while some biscuity notes provide substance. It makes an elegant and dry apéritif.
Fresh notes of crunchy red cherry have a spicy edge of pepper. The body of this slender Pinot Noir is very light, totally peppery and very appetizing. The structure is soft and very refreshing. This could also be chilled and is a fabulously light-bodied but sprightly lunch red. The finish is perfectly dry and very enlivening.
Fresh notes of green Conference pear are edged with citrus freshness. The palate shows the same restrained fruit and has a lovely bitter edge that lends texture and shape. Freshness pervades. The finish is just about still dry.
Fresh notes of juicy orange are the chief charm of this dry, fresh wine. The palate has an earthy aspect but comes with lip-smacking freshness. The finish is clean and dry.
Fresh notes of nettle, lemon and green pear appear on the nose. These crisp, fresh flavors are even more present on the light but textured palate that offers substance despite the slenderness. Friendly notes of lemon throughout make this restrained Sauvignon Blanc hugely appetizing.
Fresh notes of ripe lemon zest are suffused with hay flower and earth notes. The palate majors on zesty, lively and aromatic citrus: tangerine and Amalfi lemon above all. This is dry and bright, slender and precise, yet never lets go of its earthy touch. The finish is expansive and clean.
Fresh notes of ripe red and black cherry abound on nose and palate. This wine is juicy and bright, drawing on ample fruit that dances on the palate. The tannins are fine and have only the slightest grip, giving backbone to all this exuberance. Freshness brightens the flavors and gives tension to the sleek body. This juicy, utterly cherry-ish red will also work slightly chilled.
Fresh notes of ripe red apple and juicy pear rise from the glass and also swish freely across the palate. The body is slender, pervaded by a friendly invigorating zestiness that stays right through the dry finish.
Fresh on the bouquet, this has tomato leaf, plum, raspberry and spice aromas that are similar to those found in simple Bordeaux. The palate is snappy and fresh due to its acidity, while flavors of cherry pie filling and red plum lead to a spunky, lightly oaked finish.
Fresh on the front end, this offers lean, citrusy aromas suggestive of grapefruit and lime. A citric, cutting palate brings lime, green apple and pickled mango flavors in front of a zesty but basic finish. Drink now.
Fresh on the nose with black plum, dried tarragon, hot asphalt, potpourri and a touch of Earl Grey tea, this is a well-priced wine with great versatility for all sorts of foods. The palate is vibrant and bursting with energy, juicy enough for a summer day but made serious with firm tannins. It could hold up to steak as well as complementing roasted fish.
Fresh on the nose, this blend of Carmenère and Merlot is also a bit green and scratchy. In the mouth, this is more crisp than heavy, with choppy acidity and tannins. Flavors of leafy berry fruits are herbal, but there's a vanilla and olive offset that keeps things level.
Fresh on the nose, with red cherry and apple skin aromas. This feels rather sharp and acidic, with flavors of tart cherry pie and red plum.
Fresh orange blossoms and jasmine spring from a chalky backbone on the nose of this clean and crisp semisweet bottling that also shows tangerine pith, lemon-lime soda and a touch of quinine. Though a bit sweet on the sip, it is far from cloying and remains refreshing throughout.
Fresh orange peel and mineral aromas mark this dry, zesty Pinot Blanc. It's deeply concentrated, with juicy orange and lemon flavors and a lingering mineral, blossomy finish.
Fresh orange peels lend a zesty vibe to summer melon and peach flavors in this decadent, sun-kissed Riesling. It's so delicate in texture, it's as if gossamer layers of acid and sweetness could dance on the palate, but the finish lingers long with a streak of honey, wax and lanolin. Delicious now, but it's components should meld gorgeously from 2017 and on.
Fresh peach and apple aromas are rounded out by white jasmine notes. Silky on the palate, with well-integrated acids, peach and melon flavors focus around a lemon backbone.
Fresh peach and light floral aromas lead to ripe, grapey flavors and a soft, soothing texture in this medium-bodied wine. It is smooth and low in acid, with a charming flowery element that helps it stand out.
Fresh peach and nectarine dominate the nose on this semisweet blend of Viura and Malvasia. The flavors are mostly melon and citrus, while the finishing touch is that of fruit cocktail. It's a touch sticky in the long run, but at least it isn't cloying or cooked.
Fresh peach and pear mark the nose and palate. The intensity is bright yet fleeting on the midpalate. Overall this is quite enjoyable, with balanced acidity, making it a quite enjoyable every-day white.
Fresh pear and jasmine rise on the nose of this wine, a fulsome, full-bodied version of the variety that's creamy in vanilla and caramel undertones. Rewarding with food, it finishes fresh and fruity.
Fresh pear and lemon aromas are brightened with hints of white florals on this brisk, medium-bodied wine. Off dry in style, it's juicy on the palate with concentrated white peach flavors accented with honey and tea notes. It's an elegant yet easy quaffer at a very reasonable price.
Fresh pear and lively yeast, peppery watercress and fresh citrus create a lively, appetizing nose. The palate bristles with wonderfully tingling citrus freshness that highlights all the aromatic aspects in turn: the fruitiness, the ripeness, the savory backdrop of yeast and the light-footed but concentrated core. This is still very young but so ready and utterly irresistible, yet with the mileage to age. Don't drink too quickly—you'll miss the chance of savoring the peppery aftertaste.
Fresh pear notes and a touch of white blossom appear on the nose. The palate is rounded with fruit and a touch of flavor-boosting residual sweetness. This is easy but generous, full of ripe pear fruit.
Fresh pear notes mix with creamy hints of white flowers, there's a little pear drop, too. The palate is zesty and fresh, light and comes with the slightest, refreshing fizziness. This is light, easy and fun.
Fresh pear peel and citrus shimmer on the nose. The palate delivers zesty freshness, gentle texture with a little spritz and enticing arugula and white pepper spice in a rounded body.
Fresh pear peel, ripe pear fruit and a touch of citrus make for an inviting, appetizing nose. The palate takes all this fruit as a backdrop on which to display both herb and spice: white pepper, chervil, miso and salt. This interplay of spice and fruit is savory, slender and vivid, giving a moreish, totally balanced wine.
Fresh pear, apple and tangerine notes are accented by smoke and earth tones on this delicate off-dry Riesling. Widely distributed at a fantastic bargain price, it's a juicy and fruity quaffer, with a delicate hint of bergamot on the finish.
Fresh peel of Russet pear appears on the nose with its implication of pleasant bitterness and juicy fruit. The palate is slender and bone dry, showing the purity of the fruit even more. While this is powerful and concentrated, the finish echoes with gentle delicate pears and lemony freshness.
Fresh pineapple, peach and blossom notes contrast spicy dashes of saffron, fennel and pollen throughout this Grauburgunder, or Pinot Gris. Cutting lemon-lime notes lend a razor's edge to palate that's supple and rich. It's an elegantly composed wine with a curious, yet intriguing personality.
Fresh plum and berry aromas are cut from a common mold. This is a good but typical juicy Rioja with clean fruit, crisp acidity and nice cherry and raspberry flavors. A touch of bitterness comes up at the tail end of the finish.
Fresh plum and berry aromas are the greeting, with loamy earth and dried cheese accents making an appearance on the nose. This is a bright, healthy, fruity red with plum, wild berry and a touch of oaky vanilla on the flavor profile. A chunky, chewy, plump finish with a toasty note closes it out. Drink through 2018.
Fresh plum, blackberry, loamy earth and tobacco leaf elements shine on the nose of this bottling from the Uvas Canyon area between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. It's straightforward on the palate with decent acidity and a light body presenting plum paste, anise and cedar flavors.
Fresh plum, tomato and spice aromas are integrated. On the palate, this wine is ripe and saturated but not heavy. Generous flavors of caramel, vanilla, plum and berry fruits are smooth and chocolaty across the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Fresh pomegranate, smoked green olives and pencil shavings make for an intriguing nose on this county blend from Ernst Storm. Tart raspberry fruit and fresh sage show on the palate, but it's quite retrained and mineral driven, proving a bit bitter.
Fresh pressed blackberry and boysenberry scents meet wet clay and gravel on the nose of this bottling from one of Paso Robles' cooler corners. Vibrant acidity shows on the palate, with light tannins that frame its plump berry and graphite flavors.
Fresh primary red cherries and berries are nuanced with complexities of soil, smoke and tobacco in this lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Cutting cranberry acidity and fine persistent tannins lend four-square structure. The finish lingers on subtle touches of smoked nut and cedar.
Fresh purple flowers and pressed boysenberry fruit meet with hints of smoke, herbs and white pepper on the complete-package nose of this bottling. The palate offers a strong sense of pepper, purple flowers and plummy fruits, finishing with a lifting character of juniper and dried mint.
Fresh raspberries, red cherries and even blackberries arise on the juicy nose of this wine from Adam Lee, but it's lifted by wild mint, hummingbird sage and damp coyote scrub. The palate is very herbally spiced, with thyme, marjoram, black cardamom and charred pine, laid across dried strawberries, cranberries and sour cherries, all tied together by serious grip. Drink 2019–2025.
Fresh raspberry-flavored sparkling wine, with vivid acidity but also some softness. It has a bright, crisp texture, lively and refreshing. The wine comes from a small parcel next to the Hospices de Saumur.
Fresh raspberry and Bing cherry juice meet with wet black slate, rain on cement and toasted sagebrush scents on the nose of this block-selection expression. The palate opens with ripe red berry, then tightens on slightly sour cranberries, with singing acidity down the middle and a warmer anise tinge to the edges.
Fresh raspberry and blackberry flavors liven up this juicy wine. A strong note of sweet maple syrup comes out in the aroma and the flavors. It feels soft in texture and medium-bodied, but a sheen of tannin makes the finish dry.
Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas are bright and fresh on this dry, dusty-pink rosé. It's crisp with acidity and juicy with tart, red-fruit flavor, but there's an earthy, savory tone that lingers throughout.
Fresh raspberry and cranberry flavors match the bright acidity and firm tannins in this lively, medium-bodied, dry red. With this vibrant texture it will pair with the richest osso buco, risotto or juicy steak.
Fresh raspberry and peach perfume collide into a zesty crush of minerality on the nose and palate of this invigorating dry rosé. It's feather light on the palate but zippy and bright in acidity. The finish is marked by a lingering but delicate bite of astringency. A rosé worth seeking out far beyond the summer months.
Fresh raspberry and plum aromas are minty but get the job done. This feels raw but not scouring, with prodding acidity and herbal berry, vanilla and paste flavors. Minty, herbal finishing notes touch up against herbaceous.
Fresh raspberry and plum aromas lead to a crisp, zesty palate, with a touch of oaky weight. Red plum, pie cherry and raspberry flavors are not overly defined but they are clean and moderately elegant.
Fresh raspberry flavors highlight this fruity, softly creamy wine that has a fresh, clean and bright aftertaste. It's a fine apéritif style of wine.
Fresh raspberry sorbet aromas meet with an herbal edge of pine oil, eucalyptus leaf, green peppercorn and dark sandalwood on the very compelling nose of this bottling by Edgar Torres. It's extremely lively on the palate, light in body but heavy in acid and tannic structure, with wild thyme, mint and sage decorating the mellow red-fruit flavors.
Fresh red-berry aromas offer a clean opening. This blend of Bobal, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon is snappy and crisp in feel, with flavors of fresh tomato, raspberry, red plum and vanilla. The finish is fresh and friendly, with a hint of scour.
Fresh red-cherry and strawberry flavors are vibrant on this dry, mouth-quenching Romanian rosé. It is elegantly structured, with a splash of lemon-lime acidity and a hint of herbaceous green on the finish.
Fresh red apple and tangy mandarin flavors unite in a fruity and fun combo. The palate is equally fruit-driven and refreshing, with bright but ripe acidity. This is a light-footed summer apéritif and very moreish.
Fresh red apple flavors are accented by hints of nuts and spice in this brisk, lemony Chardonnay. Medium bodied in style, it's supple on the palate, finishing on a lingering, slightly leesy touch.
Fresh red apples and juicy, ripe pears beckon on the nose at first, then peachiness shines through. On the palate it's even riper with a satisfying heart of fresh and baked apples and a rounded, almost bouncy structure that has some thing celebratory and joyous about it, with lots of lively freshness, zip and length.
Fresh red apples waft from nose to palate on this semidry Riesling. It's vivaciously tart but concentrated in fresh lemon, lime and tangerine flavors. The finish is moderately long but delightfully honeyed.
Fresh red berry flavors and crisp acidity give this light and almost dry wine an attractive crisp quality. A squeeze of lemon adds to the freshness.
Fresh red berry fruit and caramel aromas create a wine that is all sweet strawberry, highly aromatic and just touched by acidity. There's a definite softness, almost sweetness in the aftertaste.
Fresh red cherries, strawberries and cranberry greet the nose on this widely available wine that also shows mocha and charred chaparral. The palate is lively and also boasts some decent tannins, offering flavors of plum and pomegranate juice, crushed marjoram and licorice.
Fresh red cherry and plump red currants are spiced up by Dr Pepper, cola, rose petals, mace and dried fennel on the nose of this bottling by Sabrine Rodems. Tea and Asian five-spice notes arise once sipped, backed by raspberries and pink peppercorns, altogether fairly light and lithe in body.
Fresh red cherry aromas and crisp black cherry flavors carry this light-bodied, moderately tannic wine. Good acidity and those bright flavors will make it an easy pairing with different meat, fowl and pasta dishes.
Fresh red fruit flavors are framed with interesting and lifting notes of savory herbs, whole tobacco leaf and a touch of milk chocolate. It's juicy and lively with fine tannins and a mouthwatering finish.
Fresh red fruits are smoothed out with caramel and spice flavors that give a ripe feel to this wine. It's light and ready to drink.
Fresh red rose, blue flower, bright red berry and baking spices lead the nose on this structured wine. The palate delivers juicy red cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside notes of mint and balsamic herbs. It's a bit austere with bracing tannins that need time to soften. Drink after 2017.
Fresh redcurrant flavors peek through subtle French oak tones, all balanced nicely by bright acidity. Lighter-bodied and toned, this will be perfect for starters or light lunches.
Fresh ripe black currant fruits are the delicious hallmark of this wine. It is full, rich, juicy, its core of tannins and oak a foil to the freshness and mouthfilling character of the fruit.
Fresh roses and pomegranate juice shape the nose of this tonic, crisp rosé from Sicily (made with Nerello Mascalese grapes). The wine boasts a dark pink, almost blueish hue and offers a clean and refreshing feel in the mouth.
Fresh sage and tarragon notes lend a lovely green, herbal tone to this just off-dry wine. The palate is refreshing with lemony acidity and straightforward apple and pear flavors.
Fresh scents of cranberry and raspberry mingle with charred oak on the nose. Flavors of jammy plum, cassis, pipe tobacco and cedar are luscious, but are framed by smooth tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is long, dry and toasty, with a burst of spice at the end.
Fresh scents of just-picked rose, bright red berry, baking spice, leather and an earthy hint of game unfold on this stunning wine. The full-bodied palate offers juicy mature cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, carob, chopped wild mint and clove alongside firm, velvety tannins and bright acidity. Gorgeous!
Fresh scents of orange zest and tangerine are tinged with smoke on this dry, piercingly lemony Riesling. The palate feels lean and steely, but is brightened by tart green apple and citrus notes on the midpalate. Finishes nervy and brisk.
Fresh scents of rose petal, iris, aromatic herb and woodland berry float out of the glass. The palate offers raw red cherry, anise and dried sage alongside bracing tannins and nervous acidity. Drink 2018–2028.
Fresh smells of blue raspberry and black licorice characterize the nose. On the palate, it's heavily tannic, beginning with some cherry before becoming distractingly grippy. Hold until 2017.
Fresh smoke from your grandpa's pipe swirls with aromas of cherry pie and cinnamon-vanilla cream on this wine named after the year Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was founded. Flavors range from Earl Grey tea to crushed violets and frothy blackberry sorbet. Only 22 barrels made.
Fresh squeezed boysenberry and raspberry make for a lively fruit entry to the nose of this bottling by one of the area's more respected vineyard managers, who also packs some thyme, sagebrush and pine into the nose as well. Similar flavors pop on the fruity yet herbal palate, where snappy berry flavors meet with tarragon and mint.
Fresh squeezed lime, apple cider and wet stone aromas meet with a touch of mulling spice on the nose of this appellation blend, which is excellently priced. The palate is clean and crisp, with pear and lime flavors as well as a touch of salt.
Fresh stone fruit and apple notes have an earthy undertone in this light-bodied, dry wine. It's a bit thin in concentration but finishes refreshingly. Drink now.
Fresh stony apple and citrus aromas are composed. Following that lead, this feels focused and fresh. Flavors of stone fruits, citrus fruits and white pepper finish crisp but not real long or deep.
Fresh strawberries laced with geraniums and talcum powder mark the aromas of this Aglianico-Montepulciano blend. Tart red-currant and herbal bramble-berry flavors show bitter undertones, with gritty tannins giving support to the medium-bodied palate.
Fresh strawberry and red-cheeked apple unite on the appetizing nose of this pretty pink fizz. The same, rich, rounded and fruity flavors play on the creamy palate. There is a bit of body here, pulled into focus by bright, lemony freshness.
Fresh strawberry and zesty lemon, redoubled on the taut, light palate, give this the ultimate refreshment factor. Oodles of fruit makes this go down far too easily. It's a true summer wine. Drink soon.
Fresh strawberry flavors fizz lightly and easily on a fruit-driven, dry and light-bodied palate. This is a fruity haze of fizzy, pale-pink fun, ideal for parties and light-hearted gatherings.
Fresh strawberry flavors, followed by some vanilla and sweet acidity characterize this wine from the Lagrezette winery. With its blend of Malbec, Syrah and white Viognier, this has softness, ripeness and, despite its acidity, a definite sweet finish.
Fresh strawberry fruit with a bit of spice makes this an easy choice for warm-weather sipping. Tart, with lemony acidity, it's young and lively. Good as it is on its own, it would make an awesome punch.
Fresh strawberry, raspberry, sweet pea, orange blossom and honeysuckle abound in the bouquet of this pretty, pale rosé. It has a bright and clean but not overly simple character, with hints of garrigue and peach pit that add interest to the palate. Enjoy this refreshing sip now.
Fresh tangerine and lemon aromas turn a shade riper on the palate of this approachable but elegant dry Riesling. It's luscious and mouthfilling, brightened by tart lime and grapefruit acidity that extends through a long finish.
Fresh tangerine and orange blossom notes mingle with slightly yeasty, leesy aromas on this otherwise refreshing wine. It's dry in style with bright lime acidity and a lively finish.
Fresh tangerine skins scent this zesty dry Riesling. Restrained on the palate with flavors of pressed apple and pear, it's not a deeply concentrated wine but refreshing and brisk.
Fresh tangerine, apple and pear notes extend from nose to finish on this unoaked Chardonnay. Medium bodied and crisp with acidity, it's refreshing and balanced, but there's a touch of ramp and earth that lingers mysteriously.
Fresh tangerine, green melon and lime abound in this fruit-forward dry white. This shows light-footed refreshment without a lot of complication. The finish is brisk and pristinely citrusy.
Fresh tart apples provide the chief flavor on nose and palate. This is light bodied and crisp, refreshing and dry. The bubbles are frothy and provide lively, easy refreshment and a clean finish.
Fresh toast, wooded spice  on the nose is friendly and appealing. On the palate, it works too, with its playful balance of layered spice oak and fresh acidity. The wine will appeal to fans of both oaked and unoaked Chardonnay, and will make a nice addition to the table.
Fresh tomato, plum, herb and spice aromas are authentic. A medium bodied palate is lifted and elegant. Flavors of woody spice, light herb, raspberry and red plum finish racy, with hints of cocoa and white pepper. Among Chilean Pinot Noirs, this is at the top of its field.
Fresh tropical aromas of lychee, mango, honeydew and orange blossom show on the nose. These notes carry to the palate and mix with an herbaceous quality. Soft and round in mouthfeel, this Vidal ends on a savory note.
Fresh tropical fruit, peach and apricot flavors star in this flashy young wine. Oak also plays a prominent role, giving buttered toast and caramel notes. And the texture is creamy and smooth. The overall impression is very rich and powerful, but the wine could have more finesse. Drink now.
Fresh wheat finds its way on the nose of this nicely made wine, followed by a depth of lemon and quince. Medium-bodied and weighty, it's also bright in acidity and succulent, with another dose of floral beauty on the finish.
Fresh whiffs of strawberry and blossom go hand-in-hand with more evolved complexities of mushroom and yeast in this invigorating rosé sparkling. While delicately moussed, it's Pinot-Noir heavy blend lends a satisfyingly voluminous feel to the palate.
Fresh while also ripe and jammy, this is a strawberry-flavored wine with attractive acidity at the back. It is soft, lightly structured with lifted, perfumed fruitiness. Drink now.
Fresh white-fruit aromas are pure in their set up of a citric, racy palate. Salty orange leads to a briny finish with salty apple and citrus flavors.
Fresh white grapefruit and peach flavors abound from nose to finish in this elegantly balanced Chardonnay. It's juicy and quaffable with a rich, expansive mouthfeel, yet nuanced by subtle hints of mineral and toast. Enjoy now through 2020.
Fresh white grapefruit and tea leaves perfume this gorgeously honeyed kabinett. The palate is just delicately sweet, glazed by honey and sweet-tart tangerine flavors. Juicy in concentration yet finely filigreed on the tongue, it's an elegant yet approachable wine with wide appeal. Drink now through 2020.
Fresh white peach and green melon flavors shine in this zesty, spry wine. Just a shade off dry, it's a refreshing everyday wine with invigorating acidity. Drink now.
Fresh white peach and orange blossom aromas waft from start to finish on this richly concentrated wine. The palate is packed with unctuous peach and apricot flavors, but a streak of lime acidity and zesty citrus pith jolts the finish.
Fresh wild-strawberry flavor dominates this bright and youthful wine. It is dry and crisp, yet has a mouthfilling weight. Definitely a food Champagne and one that benefits from a few minutes aeration.
Fresh wild berry and Concord grape aromas meet with dark lavender, black tea and crushed slate on the nose of this blend of 51% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Boysenberry syrup meets with pencil shavings on the palate.
Fresh wildflower and pear aromas, with just a hint of yeastiness, introduce a bold, textured palate that's full of flower and stone fruit flavors. Striking acidity drives the long, penetrating finish.
Fresh wine, touched by late harvest richness. Apples, spice and orange zest make for a vividly aromatic series of delicious flavors.
Fresh with apple and citrus, this is a perfumed, immediately attractive wine. It has bright acidity, a lightly mineral texture and a tangy, zesty aftertaste. It's young and will age although it is delicious now.
Fresh with fine acidity, this is a crisp wine. Red-currant fruit flavors are the dominant character, supported by some firm tannins. It is juicy and perfumed. Drink this Michel Boyer wine from 2018.
Fresh yellow apple aromas broaden out into notes of ripe, baked apple. The palate is creamy and beautifully textured by autolysis and shows off rounded flavors of freshly baked shortcrust and pastry. The overall effect is one of poised freshness and harmonious balance. This is dry and taut but generous with ample substance that highlights both fruit and structure—all achieved without dosage and addition of sulfur dioxide.
Fresh yellow peach, apricot and melon aromas are bolstered by swathes of white blossom on this deeply fruity, floral wine. The palate is delicately sweet, succulent and sunny, offering generous layers of tropical mango and pineapple flavors. It's straightforward fruitiness with a lip smacking honey finish.
Fresh yellow peaches seem to be layered in honey and pollen throughout this lusciously sweet, lip-smacking Riesling. The midpalate bristles with acidity, but it's harmoniously balanced, bursting of fresh apples and lemons. The finish is elegant and long, laced in soft tea tannins.
Fresh yellow pear, yellow grapefruit and wet river-stone aromas leap from the glass on this fresh and crisp bottling from a winery led by longtime grape grower Bill Kesselring. It's very textural on the tingling palate, where the vibrant mix of acid and tannins reveal sweet then tangy apple flavors before settling into a lime and lemon-rind groove.
Fresh yet focused aromas of pressed boysenberries, white pepper, beef jerky, teriyaki and wet stone greet the nose on this bottling by winemaker Fintan du Fresne. Asphalt-laden flavors of black cherries, dill and dried mint decorate a medium-bodied palate that will appeal to fans of both cool and warmer-climate Syrah.
Fresh yet rich, this sparkler boasts great balance between the red-apple and orange fruit notes and the toasty, sweet spice accents. Tart but full on the palate, the creamy moussse is countered by bright acidity, followed by a long finish reminiscent of wood-grilled apples.
Fresh young cherry-berry aromas, with a kiss of oak, lead to extracted, jammy, full-bodied flavors that explode in the mouth. Soft, luscious and round, there's lots of immediate pleasure here.
Fresh, alluring aromas of wild berry, pressed violet, dark baking spice and a whiff of new leather all come together in the glass. The firm full-bodied palate offers ripe black cherry, mature plum, cinnamon, licorice and a hint of tobacco. Chewy tannins and bright acidity provide support and balance. Drink 2019–2027.
Fresh, almost minerally berry aromas avoid any sense of weight, oak or heaviness. The blend of Garnacha, Carignan and Mourvèdre is uncommon in Chile, and it comes across with a sinewy, fresh mouthfeel and lightly herbal flavors of plum and cassis along with modest oak. Spice, tobacco, coffee and chocolate flavors carry the finish on this complex Maule Valley blend. Drink through 2020.
Fresh, and easy, this is the perfect easy-drinking wine to enjoy with weeknight dinners. It offers blueberry, cherry and white almond aromas.
Fresh, angular aromas of jalapeño, bell pepper, beach breeze and citrus fruits are elegant, chiseled and potent. This tingles with acidity and tastes minerally, with orange, tangerine and lime flavors. A stony, bright, pure finish confirms its high quality.
Fresh, apple-flavored wine, full of white fruits and a tangy, bright acidity. The wine is deliciously fresh, with stone fruit acidity on the finish.
Fresh, appley and floral with a touch of tangy yogurt cream, this is an approachable yet elegant Virginia pick. Delicate apple and pear flavors shine through on this full-bodied wine with fresh acidity, supple texture and balanced alcohol.
Fresh, aromatic and fruity, it has ripe citrus and pear flavors layered with a more mineral, salty texture. It's tangy, full bodied and cut with tight acidity at the end.
Fresh, bright and subtly floral in flavor, this dry and medium-bodied wine combines richness with good acidity for beautiful balance and a refreshing personality. It's not too fruity, not too thin, but just right.
Fresh, bright and super lively on the palate, this very attractive Prosecco Superiore would pair with bite-sized quiche with cheese and ham or mini-pizza appetizers. Citrus and green melon are backed by acidity and tight, steely perlage.
Fresh, bright aromas including raspberry and strawberry tag rich baking spices, and oak-induced maple syrup flavors for an appealing, jammy personality.
Fresh, bright pear on the nose gives way to far more focused, even linear lemon on an extremely streamlined palate. This is racy, ripe but laser-sharp. A wine of great precision and purity with immense impact and mileage.
Fresh, bright wine that feels light in texture and weight. That makes it suited for shellfish rather than more intense dishes. Attractive, ready to drink.
Fresh, brilliant and crisp, this is a wonderful wine to pair with seafood or tuna salad. Vermentino delivers green aromas of lime, kiwi and cut grass backed by creamy peach and a touch of bitter almond.
Fresh, clean and crisp on the palate, this easy white wine from Piedmont would pair with seafood appetizers, crab cakes or fried calamari. The bouquet shows passion fruit and citrus but the finish is sharp and zesty.
Fresh, clean and easy with ripe aromas of red apple flesh and hard nectarine on the nose and a solid lime-driven citrus core that livens up the palate and the finish. Drink now.
Fresh, clean and easy, this would taste great at an outdoor pool party or during a sunny lunch outdoors. It delivers fresh crispness, with lingering tones of green apple and passion fruit.
Fresh, clean and elegant aromas of citrus and flowers start this classic Assyrtiko. On the palate, balanced flavors of lemon, sea salt and white fruits offer food-friendly, quaffable character. A fantastic house wine.
Fresh, clean and pristine, this is an up-and-coming indigenous grape from central Italy. It shows a light, lean mouthfeel with citrus highlights that would pair with barbecued shrimp or calamari.
Fresh, clean and rather soft in balance, this shows easy-to-like aromas of pear and apple, slightly sweet flavors of honey and pear juice, and an almost syrupy, soft mouthfeel. It's agreeable and sweet.
Fresh, clean and upfront, this easy Italian white from beautiful Orvieto in Central Italy offers aromas of stone fruit, citrus and white flower. Pair this wine with tuna salad or fried calamari rings.
Fresh, clean and varietal, this pushes fleshy pear flavors with a light hint of grapefruit. The presence in the mouth is full and satisfying, with a touch of honeysuckle, and the juicy finish lingers deliciously.
Fresh, clean apple and white-peach aromas are good but not overly expressive or complex. This feels fresh and lifted, with minerally, stony flavors of apple and lime. A clean, pointed finish feels nice and tastes like lettuce and bitter greens.
Fresh, clean aromas of lime chiffon, just-sliced nectarine, light jasmine and honeysuckle greet the nose on this bottling from the longtime producer. Limestone and chalky minerality mark the palate, with slightly sour green pear peels and more white flowers.
Fresh, composed aromas suggest a stick of fruit-flavored chewing gum. This wine has a pulpy palate and a hint of spritz that makes it tastes soda-like, with red-apple flavors and a touch of peppery bitterness.
Fresh, cool, crisp and packed tight with aromas of citrus, exotic fruit and fragrant flowers, this is a wonderful Sauvignon from northeast Italy. Pair it with leek quiche or lightly fried zucchini flowers to maximize the wine's natural acidity.
Fresh, creamy and tightly packed with stone fruit and melon, this lively Pinot Grigio would pair with appetizers or seafood. It boasts a soft, smooth finish with a touch of citrus acidity at the end.
Fresh, crisp and clean with a grassy note of dried hay at the back, this easy Prosecco gains momentum thanks to background tones of citrus and peach. There's a touch of honey sweetness on the close.
Fresh, crisp and fruity, this is a citrus and apple-flavored medium-dry wine. With plenty of acidity, bright and packed with easy fruitiness, the wine is ready to drink.
Fresh, crisp and fruity, this is a raspberry- and red currant-flavored wine that is featherlight and refreshing. It's a great summer wine.
Fresh, crisp and fruity, this is an immediately drinkable wine. It has great freshness, lively acidity and perfumed apple fruitiness. The acidity cuts through brightly and leaves a vibrant, textured aftertaste.
Fresh, crisp and minerally on the nose, this has green apple and melon aromas. It feels fresh, juicy, light and refreshing, with high-toned white-fruit flavors as well as notes of grapefruit, herb and lime. Clean on the finish.
Fresh, crisp and more neutral and competent than exciting is how to best describe this racy but lightweight Viura. A citric palate issues short, tangy lime flavors, while the finish is juicy, lean and tight.
Fresh, crisp and uncomplicated, this offers aromas of honey and sliced peaches, with a lively texture and good balance. Medium-bodied, it makes a great wine for a picnic, before dinner or with seafood.
Fresh, crisp and with a very attractive price tag, Trebì is the kind of wine you'll want to serve with appetizers or at barbecues. Aromas include citrus, stone fruit and pineapple.
Fresh, crisp apple and pear are touched with delicate swathes of cream and oyster shell on this elegant, impeccably balanced Chardonnay. The palate is brisk with lemon and lime acidity, but builds in richness and texture on the finish. A remarkable value at $13.
Fresh, crisp Arinto gives a fine lemon and sliced apple character to this light soft wine. With its bright fruit, crisp acidity and tangy texture, it is totally ready to drink.
Fresh, crisp currant and melon flavors, with lively acidity and intense, fresh fruit. This is a delicious fruit salad of tastes, light and vibrant.
Fresh, crisp white peach and apple aromas are bright and breezy on this refreshing unoaked Chardonnay. It's not robustly concentrated, but zesty acidity keeps it quaffable and brisk.
Fresh, crisp, citrus and floral flavors make a light, easy Grüner Veltliner, a great summer drink of light white fruits and green berries. Screwcap.
Fresh, crisp, lightly grassy flavors make this wine instantly refreshing. There are touches of apricots and green plums, and a center which is ripe and full.
Fresh, crunchy black and red cherries and aromatic blueberries seem to be dusted with white pepper and cinnamon: how very appetizing. The same freshness appears on the palate where the fruit is subsumed into a textured core. Oak just lends a little spice and structure but lets the fruit and its very own freshness pervade everything. At every turn, more cherry breaks through the supple tannic frame. Joyful , refreshing and balanced abundance sets the tone while spicy pepper echoes all the way.
Fresh, crunchy red cherries are overcast by darker notions of iron oxide, peony petals and aromatic cinnamon. This makes for a brooding but fresh, intriguing but crunchy experience. This scintillates between light and dark and shimmers with a softly tannic grip. This is fresh, has backbone and immense purity. It elevates Zweigelt to a higher plane.
Fresh, cutting cassis and cranberry acidity lend vitality to this bright, perky Spätburgunder. The palate boasts crisp, primary black chery and berry flavors marked by a pleasant touch of nuttiness. Fine-grained tannins are easy and approachable on the finish. Drink now through 2021.
Fresh, cutting gooseberry and grapefruit flavors persist from nose to finish in this exquisitely light bodied Riesling. The palate is off-dry in style, suggesting sweet-tart tangerine and apricot accented by shades of green herb and bramble. The finish is brisk but clean. Drink now through 2020.
Fresh, dark strawberry aromas mix with allspice, cinnamon strudel and cherry blossom scents on this wine from a renowned Los Gatos vineyard. The palate is more restrained, quite tight and wound up at first, with cranberry and iron flavors that open to darker red fruits with lots of oregano and garden spices. Drink 2018–2025.
Fresh, despite the dense tannin, this is a ripe, juicy wine, full of black currant flavors and vibrant acidity. Wood treatment shows more cassis just at the end to round the wine out.
Fresh, dry red-fruit aromas lead the charge on this tasty but simple Rioja that feels crisp, healthy and balanced. Flavors of plum, raspberry and herbs finish mild.
Fresh, easy and a bit watery overall, this Pinot Grigio offers simple aromas of citrus, grapefruit with subtle shadings of crushed white stone. It ends on a simple, dry note.
Fresh, easy and bright, this no-fuss red would be great with pepperoni pizza or grilled sausage. There's a sharp note of acidity to cut through the fat in those foods, followed by bright berry and cola flavors.
Fresh, easy and bright, this opens with layers of citrus, stone fruit, green melon and pear. The mouthfeel is sharp and informal with a touch of zesty acidity.
Fresh, easy and crisp, this textbook Pinot Grigio offers all the fun, easy-drinking qualities you should expect from a cool-climate Italian white. Pair it with fish or tuna salad.
Fresh, elegant and well structured, this gorgeous white offers heady aromas of spring wild flower, white stone fruit, citrus and an inviting whiff of toasted nut. It's bright and savory, delivering yellow apple, nectarine drop and almond while a saline note wraps around the lingering finish.
Fresh, enticing fruit aromas and a smooth yet firm texture make this full-bodied wine hard to resist. Toasted oak, ripe berries and cherries gush from the glass, and light tannins add grip to the generous mouthfeel.
Fresh, enticing notes of grass and nettle meet with freshly cut slices of green pear. This zippy Chardonnay, called Morillon in Styria, is full of the characteristic 2014 freshness and slenderness and is strikingly scented. Drink soon.
Fresh, even vigorous pear and lemon zest notes make a promising opening. The palate is light but has a concentrated, almost fizzing core of peppery, citrussy freshness and delivers lots of verve. This is a collaborative effort between a German star chef and an Austrian winemaker to celebrate this variety's endless versatility with imaginative cooking. I think they've done themselves justice.
Fresh, firm and fragrant, this offers aromas of ripe berry, blue flower, chopped herb and a whiff of dark cooking spice. The round, savory palate delivers juicy black cherry, raspberry, clove and anise backed up by fresh acidity and smooth, polished tannins.
Fresh, floral and lively, this bright wine offers tones of wild berry, pink grapefruit and crisp green apple. There's enough acidity to balance fried appetizers or cheese-topped pastas.
Fresh, floral and not overbearing on the nose, this has red berry and cassis aromas, with no interference from oak or too much extraction. It feels pure and elegant, with wild berry and cherry flavors that end on a ripe, slightly sweet-tasting finish. Good for near-term drinking.
Fresh, floral aromas lead the way on this wine, backed by flavors of berries and spice. The moderate alcohol level and balance of sweetness and acidity make this easy to drink.
Fresh, floral raspberry and currant aromas are woody and spicy as they lead to a racy, balanced palate with good acidity but also a sense of oak resin. Raspberry, red currant and wood spice flavors see oak outlast fruit on the finish.
Fresh, floral, citrusy aromas precede a well-balanced palate. Sleek, dry raspberry and plum flavors are fresh and forward, while the finish on this sparkling Mourvèdre is salty, genuine, elegant and stylish.
Fresh, focused and tight on the nose, with an undertone of mild oak and earth, this gets going with ease. A fresh, fruity palate is just rugged enough, while flavors of black plum, cherry, licorice and herbs finish toasty, spicy and firm.
Fresh, forward and fruity, this brings light strawberry fruit and streaks of root beer. It's tasty and quaffable, though done in a lighter style.
Fresh, fragrant and aromatic, this is a clean, clear, limpid wine. Its white fruit flavors are refreshingly crisp, offering delicious acidity. Finishes with a lively citrus aftertaste. Screwcap.
Fresh, fragrant honeysuckle and apricots abound in this slightly off-dry Tocai Friulano. It's unabashedly forward, but surprisingly nuanced, accented by shards of minerality. It finishes with a touch of white tea astringency.
Fresh, fragrant orange peels and rose petal notes perfume this dry-style Riesling. The palate has a ripe yet slightly muted tone of marmalade and dried citrus-peel. Racy, lemon-edged acidity brightens the finish.
Fresh, fragrant peaches are dusted with minerals on this deeply aromatic, intensely floral wine. Off dry in style and opulent in mouthfeel, it's balanced by a honed, steely minerality. It makes an impressive buy for a diminutive price.
Fresh, friendly green pear notes glide all the way from nose to palate and make for easy, inviting summer drinking. The clean finish smacks of lemon. Drink soon.
Fresh, friendly, straightforward red cherry fruit on the nose and palate, extend with pleasing concentration and a supple, balanced body. Peppery spice lurks in the background against a tightly-knit, but soft tannic structure providing additional interest and making this a versatile, fruitful and refreshing wine.
Fresh, fruity and acidic, this young Pinot Noir wants some time in the cellar. It's brilliantly structured, with a core of black cherries, cola, rhubarbs, pomegranates, mushrooms and spices, with rich notes of smoke, cocoa and cedar. Silky and complex, and should age through 2013.
Fresh, fruity and charming, this rosé offers full-bodied flavors of strawberry and spice that are balanced and complex. A step above the typical flirty rosé, the wine gives style and substance and will handle heartier dishes—think Moroccan tagine or grilled, spiced fish.
Fresh, fruity and crisp, this is an attractive, refreshing wood aged wine. It has citrus and crisp apple and riper apricot flavors, bright with acidity and needing a few more months to age. Drink from late 2016.
Fresh, fruity and flirty, this white offers vanilla, fresh fruit and minerals on the nose and on the palate, a lovely balance of citrus, spice and flowers. Vibrant and layered, with a minerally, cheerful finish.
Fresh, fruity and forward, this wine is full of bright apple, peach and pineapple flavors. Dry in style with soft lemon acidity, it's quaffable and brisk, but finishes a tad short and simple.
Fresh, fruity and fragrant, this wine has a pure line of acidity and crisp citrus alongside its tangy texture. The tightness shows its aging potential; drink from 2020. Founded in the 13th century by Benedictine monks, Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest estates in the Bordeaux region. In 1956, Marc Perrin purchased the château and began vineyard and winery renovations that were continued by son Antony. The property is now run by grandsons Eric and Philibert.
Fresh, fruity and juicy, this is a bright expression of Zweigelt. It is packed with red cherry and currant flavors, lively balanced acidity and a delicious warm finish. Screwcap.
Fresh, fruity and juicy, this is a red cherry flavored wine that has brought out the best of the light 2013 vintage. It is soft with only the lightest of tannins and refreshing acidity at the end. Two of the inventors of the cinema, the Lumière brothers, lived in this castle which dates from the 19th century.
Fresh, fruity and light bodied, this lean wine has apple skin and raspberry flavors, good fruit acidity, a crisp texture and clean, snappy finish. What else could you ask for in a rosé?
Fresh, fruity and light, this bright wine misses out on any flavor depth. What it does have is attractive acidity and berry fruits. It's the acidity that shows most strongly at the end.
Fresh, fruity and with a complex structure, this blends equal proportions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. It is a ripe wine, with a rounded, full-bodied character. Full of yellow and crisp green fruits and with a touch of toast, it deliciously combines fruitiness and texture.
Fresh, fruity and with a tight texture, this attractive wine has crisp acidity, lemon and lime flavors, and a juicy aftertaste. Drink now.
Fresh, fruity aromas center around red apple and cherry. This pink-colored rosé is fairly full in body, with ample acidity. Slightly salty but fruity plum flavors end steady and level.
Fresh, fruity cherry, citrus and rose aromas are light and airy. This feels a bit raw and scratchy, while currant, red plum and brown sugar flavors finish juicy, snappy and uncushioned. This has all the requirements of a good picnic Pinot Noir.
Fresh, fruity cranberry and raspberry flavors penetrate through this vivaciously brisk blend of Cabernet Franc and Lemberger. It's fairly straightforward in style, but hints of herb and bramble lend a savory complexity to the midpalate. The finish is moderately long, marked by a spray of fine tannins.
Fresh, fruity flavors of sun-ripened blackberries contrast with savory notes of smoked nut and granite in this elegant wine. Nervy acidity and a clean, mineral edge makes it refreshing and quaffable through the summer, but it's also substantial enough to enjoy with food well into autumn.
Fresh, fruity, relatively lightweight, this offers immediately pleasurable drinking. Tannins give a counterpoint, but only play a minor role. For drinking over the next 2–3 years.
Fresh, full bodied and juicy, this has flavors of dusty, dark plum and chocolate. It was aged in both French and American oak, which has added a background note of tobacco and vanilla on the palate, particularly on the finish.
Fresh, fun and informal, this bright offering opens with easy aromas of citrus, green apple and peach. The bubbling is steady and tonic, followed by fresh acidity.
Fresh, green fruit is topped by a creamy texture. It is apples and cream, with a touch of cinnamon—just like mom used to bake. And at the same time, there is minerality and lively acidity.
Fresh, green herbal notes and stony minerality add freshness to sweet stonefruit and yellow flowers on this crisp, dainty Kabinett. Bristling with acidity, the finish extends long on  a lusciously ripe citrus note.
Fresh, gushing fruit flavors such as raspberry, red cherry and boysenberry fill out this expressive and well-balanced wine. It is sweetly fruity in aroma, full-flavored, full-bodied, firm and dry in texture but not heavy. It craves ribs or wood-fired pizza.
Fresh, herb and miso-tinged yeast for now is the chief flavor on this zesty, fresh and punchy yet slender little number. There is pepper and pear, but also soy and salt, with a lovely hint of both fizz and peach framed by super-zesty lemon freshness. You simply want to drink more.
Fresh, herbaceous notes on the nose and palate lend elegance to this rich, round Riesling, full of sweet canteloupe and peach flavors. It's delicately structured, with a zingy strike of citrus acidity and hints of spice that carry long on the finish.
Fresh, honest fruitiness that's tasty but not sweet, a tangy texture and medium body add up to very refreshing, mouth-cleansing sort of wine. The flavors resemble canteloupe and honeydew melons, but there's a good crisp feeling like Granny Smith apples, too.
Fresh, informal and fun (in a screwcap bottle), this organically farmed Pinot Grigio delivers bright aromas of cut grass, exotic fruit and citrus. It's an easy wine with a carefree attitude.
Fresh, inviting raspberry, strawberry and tempered vanilla aromas set up a snappy, equally fresh palate of cherry and raspberry. There's no excess heft, beef, extract or color to this wine; it's restrained but not miserly. And it finishes crisp and flashy. Well made and likely good with food.
Fresh, jammy boysenberry, mulberry, raspberry and cherry fruits mark this vibrant, young Zinfandel. It's also bright in acidity, which gives it a clean, zingy mouthfeel. You might want to give it 2–3 years in the cellar to allow it to soften and mellow.
Fresh, jammy raspberry and currant aromas are simple but attractive. This offers a chunky, full mouthfeel along with lightly herbal berry, loam and modest spice flavors. The finish is good but standard in feel, length and complexity.
Fresh, jammy strawberry aromas, followed by a soft, balanced wine, with tannins and wood in fine harmony. It's ripe, packed with berry fruits, edged with dry tannins. The strawberry gives a fresh aftertaste.
Fresh, juicy and fruity with a light tannic structure, this is pure blackberry juice, with just some of that cranberry tannin and dryness, finished with licorice. Ready to drink.
Fresh, juicy black berry fruits and a dominant layer of acidity cover the wood spice and toast in this wine. It is fruity more than hugely structured, despite its dry tannins. The acidity continues right through, leaving a vivid, mouthwatering aftertaste.
Fresh, juicy wine, with a smoky wood character, light black currant flavors and soft tannins. It is bright, just a little green, ready to drink.
Fresh, juicy wine, with soft tannins and taut red cherry fruit. The tannins provide a discreet backbone. Age for 2–3 years.
Fresh, juicy, tart but ripe apple fruit characterizes nose and palate. This is dry and utterly appetizing, racy and fresh, yet full of that apple juiciness, made all the more lively by lemon zest notes and a hint of spicy honey. A wine that is alive through and through and still very primary. This is dry and slender and will develop. Drink 2016–2025.
Fresh, layered aromas of black fruits and licorice are appealing. The palate is full and offers kick, while flavors of berry and plum are fairly rich, spicy and honest for $9 Cabernet. A bit sticky and it falls off on the finish, but overall it's a nice value red.
Fresh, leafy herbs and lemon zest perfume this slightly grapey, somewhat “foxy” if you will, wine. It's crisp and cutting in mouthfeel, finishing on a juicy white grapefruit note.
Fresh, light and clean, this pretty Lambrusco offers aromas of wild berries and a touch of chopped herb. In the mouth, the wine is thin and pristine with balanced acidity.
Fresh, light and fruity this is attractive young Chablis. It is soft, dwelling on the fruit rather than any texture. Crisp and with citrus and green apple flavors, it will be ready to drink easily by mid-2016.
Fresh, light and fruity, it has ripe strawberry flavors, bright acidity and just a touch of caramel. It is full in the mouth, with a rounded feel and a soft texture at the end.
Fresh, light and zesty on the nose, this bottling by South African winemaker Ernst Storm shows crushed raspberries, wild thyme and a touch of smoke on the nose. A tantalizingly vibrant energy excites the tongue once sipped, with flavors of tangy red fruit, smoked oregano and shaved pork roast showing on the palate.
Fresh, light aromas of raspberry and milk chocolate give the wine legitimacy, but for the most part it's simply a lean, sassy Pinot with racy red-fruit flavors, warmth and a touch of sweet oak. Rudimentary but varietally correct with few flaws or virtues. Good but wholly basic.
Fresh, light, and deliciously refreshing, this summertime Grüner Veltliner is full of light, playful acidity and green currant fruits. It's crisp, easy to drink. Glass stopper.
Fresh, light, creamy Chardonnay, just a touch of vanilla with crisp, clean green fruits. There is an attractive touch of spice to round the wine off.
Fresh, lightly pétillant, and scented with hints of clover and spice, this elegant dry Riesling offers light fruit flavors of pear, citrus, stone and herb. It loses momentum and fades rather quickly in the mouth.
Fresh, lively and brimming over with fruit flavor, from lemon to lime to peach. The appearance is light gold, the aromas are very immediate and effusive, the texture tangy and the finish light with a hint of sweetness.
Fresh, minerally lime aromas set up a zesty palate with lemon-lime, pineapple and apple flavors. There's nothing complicated about this snappy white, which finishes with some bitterness and lasting acidity.
Fresh, minerally red-fruit aromas set up a light but good palate. Modest oak and red fruit flavors are earthy and a bit warm, while the finish is easy, clean and fresh. For $7, there's almost nothing to take issue with.
Fresh, minerally red-fruit aromas suggest raspberry and plum. This is juicy, crisp and nicely cut for under-$10 wine. A firm grip delivers both tannic bite and finesse, while pure red-fruit flavors suggest freshness.
Fresh, perky, sweaty and citric on the nose, which all creates a textbook bouquet. The palate is slightly spritzy, with flavors of passionfruit, pineapple and sweet white grapefruit. Fresh yet a little fleshy, with a long, zesty finish. Drink as soon as possible to capture the essence of a fine vintage.
Fresh, pliable, slightly pear and apple scented and dry—what's not to like? This does not make any demands on you and is a marvel of versatility, also implying lots of fun and freshness. Easy-drinking, dry Grüner with a wonderfully appley finish.
Fresh, primary blackberry and cherry flavors are streaked by a fresh herbal tinge in this especially food friendly Pinot Noir. Soft tannins and a rounded mouthfeel make it approachable now through 2020.
Fresh, primary flavors of black cherries and plums are layered delicately with swathes of toast, granite and soil in this keenly balanced Merlot. It's refreshingly moderate in alcohol and the finish is long and persistent, extended by a streak of bristling sour-cherry acidity.
Fresh, primary red-cherry and raspberry flavors get a kick of cherry-cola spice and vanilla here. It's an approachably plummy, juicy red with soft, feathery tannins, but puckering cranberry acidity keeps it fresh. Drink now through 2020.
Fresh, primary red cherry and raspberry flavors are punchy and bright on this easygoing Pinot Noir for everyday enjoyment. It's not a complex wine but pristinely fruity, balanced neatly by a crush of cranberry acidity. The finish lingers elegantly marked by fine, feathery tannins.
Fresh, punchy aromas of cherry and berry are like a fruit punch or Kool-Aid. This feels zesty, acidic, tannic and rubbery, while flavors of boysenberry and plum are juicy and aggressive, with a clean but jumpy finish.
Fresh, pure berry aromas don't mess around. This fruit-forward Crianza is mouth-filling and borders on lush. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, pepper and spice finish solid as a rock, with length and a confirming sense of quality.
Fresh, pure notes of Conference pear peel entice the nose. The palate has a richer, rounder aspect and runs the gamut of pear notes, from fresh and green to juicy and yellow. Midpalate texture and gentle vanilla spice are added bonuses.
Fresh, ripe and fruity, this has bright acidity and a tangy, lemon and orange zest texture. Attractive strawberry flavors come along with a touch of vanilla. Drink now.
Fresh, ripe and fruity, this is a rich wine, produced from vines to the west of Reims. It has perfumed wild strawberry flavors and acidity. Attractively crisp at the end, it's a ready-to-drink wine that will be just right as an apéritif.
Fresh, ripe notes of yellow peach are joined by creamy richness. On the palate a streak of lemony freshness pulls the broad palate into focus. It's a wine of full-blown, peachy abundance. Drink soon.
Fresh, ripe, green grapes and white summer blossom promise refreshment that the palate promptly delivers, a streamlined, concentrated but still rich wine with a layered, textured midpalate and notions of green apple, Amalfi lemon peel and green walnuts: simply delicious.
Fresh, ripe, inviting and 180° opposite of this producer's white cavas, which seem bubbly and fizzy compared to this balanced, subtle, even smoky offering. In the mouth, it's tasty and dry, with cherry nuances going stride for stride with pink grapefruit and raspberry. A refined rosé Cava that's sure to light your fire.
Fresh, savory herb and barrel-spice aromas intertwine, with dark fruit lurking in the background. The black-fruit flavors are supple and show a sense of polish.
Fresh, simple fruits, with plum skin texture and acidity. There is a fine layer of soft tannins. A wine to drink over the next two years.
Fresh, simple, apple-flavored wine, with an edge of citrus and soft vanilla flavors. The wine is attractive and clean with elegance coupled to ripe fruit.
Fresh, simple, raspberry-flavored wine, this is very soft, candied and fruity. There is just enough tannin to give the wine some structure, but the crispness of 2007 shows right through.
Fresh, slender and easy—these are the virtues of this light wine that would be a great solution for a party.
Fresh, soft and fruity, this is brightened by a jammy red-fruit flavor and light acidity. It has a juicy character, with underlying attractive, gentle tannins.
Fresh, spicy and crisp, this deft Malbec shines with pretty raspberry fruit and sharp acidity. Focused and clean, it's a big step forward for this winery.
Fresh, spicy cherry aromas are nice and clean. The palate is racy and staunch, with good acidity and tasty plum and berry flavors. Solid and medium-long on the finish, with a touch of minty herb flavor. Juicy and moderately oaky for a $10 value wine.
Fresh, superripe as well as candied pineapple combine to give utter opulence to this rich and viscous wine. The longer you taste, the more intense—almost heady—these tropical flavors become. What is more, as an ice wine untainted by any botrytis, this shines with purity and drive, and has astonishing acidity that keeps this just on the right side of paradise.
Fresh, tangy and citruslike from the aroma through the finish, this light- to medium-bodied wine has crisp acidity and light fruit flavors. It's very appealing for occasions when the wine doesn't have to be a show-off.
Fresh, tangy and medium bodied, this wine has crisp apple and peach flavors and a mouthcleansing texture.
Fresh, tart and crisp, this balances its natural acidity against sun-ripened aromas of peach and honeydew.
Fresh, totally dry, very fruity, this is a great quaffing white wine. Enjoy the flavors of white peach, citrus, bright and vivid acidity. Drink now. Screwcap.
Fresh, vibrant and tangy, this is a great example of a dry light-bodied but very appetizing wine. Canteloupe and peach aromas lead to citrus and raspberry flavors that are lean but tasty. It's one of the best California Sangiovese rosés.
Fresh, with an attractive line of acidity that complements the spice and rich texture. It's dry on the finish, remaining crisp and ripe. This is a real food wine.
Fresh, with considerable acidity, this is as crisp as it gets. Apple and lemon juice dominate the flavors, with just a light touch of softness to calm the acidity.
Fresh, with the attractive cool feel that's typical of the Loire, this is a red currant and raspberry flavored wine. It is fruity, just lightly structured and with a fine tang of citrus to finish.
Fresh, youthful and redolent of bright berry fruit, this Sicilian Syrah would pair perfectly with pizza, home-cooked pasta or light meat dishes. Blueberry and raspberry fruits dominate the bouquet and lend a soft, chewy feel in the mouth.
Fresh, zesty and clean, this luminous Sauvignon would pair with light, vegetable-based foods or appetizers. The wine's simple flavors include citrus, kiwi, fresh pineapple and green apple.
Fresh, zesty and on the dry side, with notes of wet stone and citrus and a finish hinting at green apples. Shows some heft, weighing in at 13% abv.
Fresh, zesty lime notes mingle with aromas of ripe peach and honeysuckle on this lean, revitalizing dry Riesling. Steely, rather than overtly fruity, the palate has a honed minerality accentuated by streaks of lemon-lime acidity.
Fresh, zippy and vibrant in the mouth, Bucci's cheerful Verdicchio proves to be an informal, no-fuss white with a good balance between fruit and acidity. The aromas recall citrus, fresh flowers and white stone.
Freshly-pressed apples and pears are accented by hints of bramble and earth in this slightly savory dry Riesling. Zesty lemon-lime acidity adds brightness to a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2019.
Freshly acidic and jammy in blackberry, cherry and raspberry flavors, this is one of the fruitier Napa Cabs available. It's at its best now, so drink up with a nice steak.
Freshly aromatic, this is a Portuguese equivalent of a Gewürztraminer. It has all the lychees and spice as well as a thick, almost viscous texture. Good acidity helps the balance. Delicious, as an apéritif or with Asian food.
Freshly baked bread, toasted hazelnut, yellow apple, ginger, subtle oak and vanilla are some of the sensations conveyed by this sophisticated sparkler. Made from 100% Chardonnay, it boasts a remarkably refined mousse and bright acidity. It also has great length and a crisp, dry finish.
Freshly brewed coffee, green herbs, graphite and dark fruit aromas leap up from this blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. The flavors are sweet, with a soft, lush feel.
Freshly burnt, dark-brown Demerara sugar is a first, intriguing whiff, followed by more conventional notes of yellow plum and fresh lemon. The lemon also dominates the dry, sprightly palate and the moderate finish.
Freshly buttered toast with a thin coating of marmalade comes to mind when sniffing this wine that also shows a touch of cinnamon and Meyer-lemon juice on the nose. The riper, rounded palate offers yellow apples dipped in caramel, sea salt and cinnamon, which pops again on the back end.
Freshly crushed grape and blackberry aromas lead this wine's nose, along with a whiff of crushed herb. The aromas carry over to the light, rounded palate, along with dusty tannins and a light perlage.
Freshly cut Anjou pear, crisp apple, hints of honeydew and lime skin show on the nose of this vibrant bottling by Greg Brewer. There is bouncy acidity and a fine-grained, chalky grip to the sip, delivering chilled green-melon and lime-sorbet flavors. It's tangy yet laced with stony minerality and intriguing texture.
Freshly cut apple peel and apple fruit create a very welcoming and lively palate. The fruit is clean and very invigorating, while the dry finish provides cool refreshment.
Freshly cut Conference pear peel notes abound. The palate has a slightly phenolic, pleasantly bitter edge that will come into its own with food. The beautiful pear and aloe vera notes last long after the last sip. This deserves a whole evening of your attention—the flavors here unfold slowly.
Freshly cut Conference pear turns fleshy on the palate, juicy and full of life and fruit. Despite the juiciness the wine is just off dry and toothsome with structure, poise and a lastingly satisfying pear finish.
Freshly cut Granny Smith vies with Golden Delicious on the fruit-driven nose and palate. The palate has a tart edge but the flavors are fresh, citric and clean—autolysis is barely perceptible while the fizz is rather frothy yet easily dissipates. If you don't like aggressive mousse, this is a softer choice.
Freshly cut green and red apples vie for attention. Burgeoning fruit on the nose leads to an ultracrisp, lip-smacking palate of lemon peel flavours. This is a wine to provide refreshment on a hot summer day—mouthwatering and light-footed as it is. The textured palate offers a backbone and is an ideal canvas for all manner of food.
Freshly cut green apple with a touch of lemon signals great refreshment on the nose. The palate has a touch more roundness, giving more flesh to the apple fruit. It still plays a brisk, dry Riesling game, characterized by lemon on a dry, slender palate.
Freshly cut green pear aromatically leads on to that white pepper spice so often looked for in Grüner. Here it shows in abundance, in duet with ripe but refreshing lemon acidity.
Freshly cut green pear mingles with ripe white currant in a restrained but fresh and focused body that also reveals numerous shades of pear fruit. In Styria, the local name for Chardonnay is Morillon.
Freshly cut green pears and crunchy, ripe apples have immediate appeal. This fruity freshness continues on the sleek and super-clean palate, which leads to a refreshing, long finish.
Freshly cut lemon and an earthy dimension make for an interesting nose. They lead to a poised, lemony-pure palate with an almost gentle touch, despite all the lemony freshness. Intriguing in its concentrated lightness.
Freshly cut pear and tropical aromas lead to medium-bodied flavors. The style is clean and well made, with the concentration dipping a bit at times.
Freshly cut pear peel and Egremont Russet apples give a textured, pleasantly bitter edge to the opulent and plump pear on the palate. There is balance and earthiness, too, and brightening acidity on the medium-sweet finish.
Freshly cut pear peel and savory, almost nutty herbs announce a richer style with plump notions of yellow pear and plum. Savory nuttiness is foremost, playing on the rounded and beautifully textured palate. A lasting notion of white pepper makes for an intriguing finish. This has “food wine” written all over it, and will shine on the table.
Freshly cut pear, ivy leaf and spice mark the nose of this wine. The palate is slender but juicy, full of citrus-fresh fruit. It's all about joy and drinkability, feeling more structured and serious on the clean finish.
Freshly cut pear, some peardrop candy and a wonderfully zippy lemon freshness combine on a light, slender body into a very refreshing, even exciting palate that also has very slight echoes of yellow miso and fresh lovage. There is focus and precision—but this may need a little bottle age before unfolding completely. Drink 2017–2022.
Freshly cut peel of tart but ripe red apple entices on the nose. The palate embraces all this with the subtle, creamy richness of autolysis: Think shortcake and soft sponge. A luminous core of fresh, brisk acidity brightens everything, lifting up flavors of red apple, strawberry and tart red currant on the palate. This harmonious rosé leaves a lasting impression and is appetizing with its lightning streak of freshness.
Freshly cut peel of yellow apples is the chief marker on nose and palate. The easy-drinking, crisp body has an edge of alcoholic heat but trumps with light, easy fruit.
Freshly cut quince, guava, lemongrass and key lime aromas combine with a stony quality on the nose of this vibrant, zesty wine. Its acidity is almost effervescent, infusing the palate with boundless energy, while its chalky grip carries sharp green apple notes alongside warmer touches of pineapple and guava. Those vivid flavors linger for a full minute.
Freshly cut red apples on the nose are very appetizing. The palate adds an strawberry note with frothy, refreshing and lively bubbles. This is an exquisite summer wine, spelling ease, joy and refreshment, with a just off-dry finish. It virtually calls for a picnic basket.
Freshly cut red, yellow and green apples make both nose and palate very fruity. The dry palate with its lemony freshness and open aspect lets all the apple flavors shine and inflects them here and there with baked and dried apple, too. Wonderfully fruity and pure.
Freshly cut yellow plum and juicy yellow pears represent the chief flavors. They are boosted on the juicy palate by a generous dosage. This is all about easy, exuberant and frothy fruit which is totally encompassing and lasting.
Freshly fruity, full of red fruit flavors, with acidity layered with spicy wood. This is all there, all up front, hiding nothing. No need to age. Screwcap.
Freshly ground black pepper and dark cherries scent this Hungarian Kékfrankos. It is medium bodied, presenting flavors of pomegranate and sour cherry with a slightly tart finish.
Freshly ground white pepper and big, chewy, structured tannins speak loudly in this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ample plum, cherry and rich, oaky spice follow. Bright acidity keeps it fresh and lively. A slow burner but well worth waiting for; ready after 2016.
Freshly milled white pepper and lemon zest are inviting on the nose. Spice and lemony freshness continue on the palate where they are joined by riper fruit notes of yellow and red apples, always keeping that refreshing and lively zing.
Freshly peeled green pear with top notes of fig leaf and aloe vera dominate nose and palate. This is slender but buffered, creamy but not fat. A balanced wine with friendly glints of fruit and freshness.
Freshly picked roses, violets and woodland berry aromas come together on the nose. The tense palate delivers wild cherry, black raspberry, licorice, ground pepper and tobacco alongside a firm backbone of tightly woven, ultrafine tannins. It's a gorgeous combination of finesse and structure but at the moment it's still tightly tannic and needs time to unwind. Drink 2018–2027.
Freshly pressed apple and pear are brightened by squirts of lemon and lime in this refreshing dry Riesling. Zesty and spry, it's a thirst-quenching wine for everyday drinking now through 2018.
Freshly pressed apples and lemon notes are accented with just a hint of floral notes. It's texture is rich and full in body, adding opulence to the midpalate. Zesty acidity lends an edge towards the finish.
Freshly pressed apples and pears are touched with honey on this juicy medium-sweet Riesling. Brisk, brash lemony acidity jolts the midpalate, extending to a sweet kiss of peach on the finish. Refreshing and quaffable.
Freshly roasted coffee, allspice and charred mixed berries shine on the nose of this Cabernet Franc which saw 24 months in Appalachian oak barrels. Silky and generous on the palate, Bing cherry and red plum meet additional warm spice and toasted oak characters.
Freshly scented of apple and yellow peaches, this fairly dry Riesling gains softness from a sweet white grapefruit juice note. Brisk with a lemon pith astringency and notes of slate and chalk that linger through a clean, minerally finish.
Freshly sliced apple aromas make a refreshing start for this crisp, mineral and citrus-laden wine. Its acidity is upfront, calling for food. It has a zesty texture and a further kick of acidity at the end.
Freshly sliced green and yellow apples are the aromatic markers of this dry, softly fizzing crémant. There is substance and body from yeasty autolysis that comes across as the golden crust of wheat bread, with the apples always peeping through. An elegant apéritif without dosage and all the purity of ripe, delicious fruit.
Freshly sliced yellow plum, ripe yellow pear and creamy hints of aloe vera make for an inviting nose and a very mellow, soft palate with that delicious edge of finely ground white pepper. Quintessential Grüner with verve and concentration.
Freshly smashed plum and wild berries show strongly on the nose of this blend of 71% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 7% Mourvèdre, along with dried lilacs and an array of garden and wild herbs, from thyme to oregano. The herbs take center stage on the sip, with wild mint, dried sage and fennel covering the dried plum fruits.
Freshly snipped thyme and bramble notes are prominent, yet unobtrusive against a backdrop of honey-kissed lemon and lime in this brisk off-dry Riesling. It's a zesty sprightly wine to drink young.
Freshly squeezed lemons, lime and pretty white florals perfume this dry, medium-bodied Pinot Grigio. The palate is clean with juicy white grapefruit flavors and some interesting minerality, but it's a bit lacking in concentration.
Freshly squeezed Oro Blanco grapefruit juice shows on the nose of this bottling, along with touches of tangerine and lemon-lime soda. The grapefruit character extends to the clean, bright and pithy palate, making for a very refreshing experience.
Freshly squeezed red currants, rose petals, sweet sagebrush and potpourri-like perfume arise on the nose of this bottling. Those florals extend to the palate, where it meshes with rhubarb and pressed-strawberry flavors.
Freshness abounds in this invigorating mineral spätlese. It's judiciously sweet, showcasing delicate peach and honey flavors balanced by bracing acidity and complexities of saffron and earth. The finish undulates impressively.
Freshness and a bit of tannic bite lend some character to this well-behaved, attractively fruity red wine. That touch of tannin—very typical and welcome in Cabernet Sauvignon—lends some grip in the texture to help this wine wash down your food. The wine conveys a balanced taste impression overall.
Freshness and approachability, with lovely, full-fruited red cherry, are the hallmarks of this very balanced, soft and friendly wine. There is more to it than the forward fruit suggests: luscious depth, supple body and a lasting finish.
Freshness and deep floral fragrances emerge from the foamy and creamy nose of this well-made Moscato d'Asti. It delivers a soft, plush feel in the mouth and would pair with dried biscuits or sponge cake.
Freshness and lively acidity balance out the ripe apple and pear flavors in this medium-bodied, well-rounded wine from Mendocino County's cool, coastal Anderson Valley. It's a breath of fresh air compared to many overly sweet, buttery oak bombs.
Freshness and purity are limited in this Pinot from Chile's deep south. Murky and muddled on the nose, this is cidery and fairly weak in constitution. Dilute flavors of currant and raspberry finish with an herbal accent.
Freshness and refreshment are the strong points of this well-balanced, tangy, medium-bodied wine. It is light in fruit aroma and subtle in flavor, offering some crisp apple inspiration on the palate and finish.
Freshness characterizes the nose: green pear, ivy leaves and citrus notes play on nose and palate. This is light footed, easy drinking and charming. Drink soon while flavors are fresh.
Freshness dominates this bright, fruity wine. There are apple, pear and apricot flavors with just the lightest touch of vanilla. At the end, the wine shows a great tangy character, full of lemon and grapefruit zest.
Freshness is the calling card here. This wine is so crystalline-clear with palate-cleansing minerality that it's irresistible. Green apples and light citrus flavors combine in a stylish effort made for near-term enjoyment.
Freshness is the hallmark of this attractively crisp, apple-flavored wine. The lightness of texture manages to retain some good green plum skin, apricot and lively acidity. The finish is pure, clean, slightly honeyed.
Fried banana, struck match, smoked mozzarella and seared lemon show on the nose of this bottling from a winery along the mountaintop road that cuts through the appellation. Citrus, apple and smoked stone-fruit flavors trend toward vanilla on the long finish.
Friendly and animating notes of ripe Amalfi lemon, ripe pear and fresh greenery come together in this immensely appetizing white. Focused citric softness makes this a serious pleasure to drink. The peppery aftertaste lingers dangerously long.
Friendly and flavorful, this offers bright butter and fruit aromas, opulent pear and baking spice flavors and a lingering, vanilla-like finish. The texture is plush and the balance leans toward ripe and rich.
Friendly appetizing hints of Golden Delicious apple and pear make for an inviting but subtle nose. The palate is fresh and balanced, with a backbone of gentle but firm texture. The finish is clean and aromatic on this very successful blend of Riesling and Pinot Gris.
Friendly apple fruit sits easily on nose and palate before a refreshing, clean finish. This is an easy, fruit-driven white ideal for a party.
Friendly aromas of apple and stone fruits are inviting and clean. This is cutting on the palate, but not overly so, with a good feel and cleansing acids. Apple and lime flavors finish bright and uncomplicated.
Friendly aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, pastry and vanilla are clean and welcoming. This is pure, racy and fresh in style, with a bright plum flavor. An honest wine with quality fruit and balance.
Friendly aromas of kirsch and black cherry form the opening. The palate feels plump and flush, with good density and overall balance. In the mouth, nothing is complicated; the wine tastes of pure berry and plum fruits with some chocolaty oak on the finish.
Friendly but standard aromas of berry fruits and creamy oak set up a mature, earthy feeling plate, with berry and coffee flavors. A soft, aged, mature finish is earthy in character and ultimately a bit hollow.
Friendly familiar aromas of lees, seashell, lemon, melon and apple set up a shearing pointed palate. Flavors of lemon-lime, green apple and gooseberry are propelled by minerally acidity, while the finish is fresh and well cut.
Friendly inviting notes of ripe juicy pear appear immediately on the nose and are also amply present on the palate. The body is concentrated and has warmth and texture that are amply countered by zesty citrus freshness. The finish is clean, medium sweet and lasting.
Friendly notes of red and yellow apple dominate nose and palate. On the mouth a little bitterness creeps in, but overall the palate remains balanced, clean and fresh.
Friendly, appealing flavors fo pear, lychee, apple and spice give this Riesling a fun character. Fresh with a touch of sweetness, the wine is balanced by its acid and offers a pretty, lingering finish.
Friendly, appetizing and alluring notes of green Conference pear are most inviting. This plays on fresh fruit but duly acknowledges the peppery element of Grüner in the background. With a little time, this shows some muscle and depth—but remains refreshing, charming and fruity throughout. The pepper lingers smoothly and pleasantly.
Friendly, crisp, fresh Conference pear flavors pervade nose and palate for a hit of crisp, green, refreshing fruitiness. The palate is smooth and balanced, light but fluid, mellow but fresh. The pear fruit lingers beautifully, rather languid for such a fresh wine.
Friendly, earthy scents of buttercups and dandelions make appearances here. The palate follows with brisk, clean freshness and zingy, lemony appeal. It finishes dry, shot through with zesty freshness.
Friendly, easy-going and irresistibly cheerful, this light and luminous Asti delivers delicately fragrant tones of white flower, peach flower and honeysuckle. The mouthfeel is characterized by creamy foam and there's a nice touch of piquant white pepper on the close.
Friendly, fresh ripe apples beckon on the nose. The pure and fruit-driven palate follows suit, presenting flavors of juicy, ripe apples. A smidgen of residual sugar boosts these delicious fruit flavors and turns up the volume on ease and joy but Riesling's vibrant freshness counters this masterfully so the finish is just off dry. This is lovely, bouncy and full of joy. Drink 2017–2022.
Friendly, juicy notes of peach on the nose are intensified on the off-dry palate, where the full juiciness of the fruit becomes apparent. The rather warm base is punctuated by hints of zesty, pithy freshness. Drink soon.
Friendly, lemony freshness plays on the nose and palate, where it's joined by spicy grapefruit peel notes. That zestiness pervades the taut, straight-lined and utterly refreshing palate. This is concentrated, clean and full of citrusy verve.
Friendly, pure notes of freshly cut yellow apples have a minty, fresh aspect that enlivens nose and palate. This is fresh but comes with softened, slightly rounded, creamy edges. A very friendly, clean-cut light-footed but full-fruited Chardonnay showing some lovely midpalate texture and lots of freshness.
Friendly, ripe green and yellow apple notes appear on both the nose and palate of this wine. Ripe but fresh acidity enlivens its easy, juicy, textured midpalate. Its clean, sunny and fruity finish makes it a pleasure to sip.
Friendly, ripe pears and stone fruits seem to smile from the glass with this wine. Zingy citrus freshness provides zip on the dry palate that has a fruitful, rounded body and a perfume akin to pine and spruce. It's an appetizing, refreshing composition!
Friendly, sunny and fresh fruit notes of yellow pear, Mirabelle plum and red apple shine on nose and palate. This is easy but chock-full of fruit. There is something intangibly smiley about this wine, which has something of spring sunshine and happiness on its slender, fresh body.
Fritz has made tremendous progress with Cab over the years, and their '05 represents an exciting new step. It's true to the variety, a smoothly dry, tannic wine that brims with currants, cherries and cocoa. Yet it showcases the brambly, briary, peppery notes you find in the best Dry Creek Valley Cabs.
Fritz Wieninger's blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zweigelt is a perennial favorite. With its soft tannins and ripe, juicy full-bodied fruit, it is an elegant, stylish, drink-now wine. Screw cap.
Friulano grapes see a touch of air-drying to increase their overall intensity and concentration. The results are fantastic and this white wine from northeast Italy does show beautiful apricot, honey and almond-like nuances.
Friulano is a wonderful grape variety that makes for a perfect marriage with white meat, pasta and spicy dishes from the Far East. It offers a smooth, silky mouthfeel and subdued melon and pear aromas.
Friulano is a wonderfully unique indigenous grape from northern Italy that deserves more attention among those searching for a food-friendly white wine with personality, persistency and staying power. This expression offers a lighthearted interpretation with aromas of yellow rose, almond skin, stone fruit and melon.
Friulano shows its best results in its native home—northeast Italy—where the wine expresses creamy richness followed by aromas of white peach, pear and honey. Pair it with shellfish or vegetable risotto.
Friuli in northeast Italy has the unique soils and climatic conditions for full bodied and sophisticated white wines. This Pinot Grigio offers the easy, approachable qualities we associate with the grape with that added dimension or creaminess that is so characteristic of the region.
Frizzante is the perfect term to describe this nervy, invigorating sparkling wine made from an unusual blend of Pinot Noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Exotically perfumed from nose to finish with touches of orange blossom and spice, it's a delicately pétillant wine with juicy peach and yellow-cherry flavors.
Frizzy and fun, this red semi-sparkler offers aromas of red beet, moist earth, black fruit and cherry cola. There's an earthy quality to the wine followed by bright acidity.
Frog's Leap's Chards always have a softly herbal earthiness, even though there's plenty of pineapple, green apple, apricot and vanilla oaky flavor. That herbaceousness keeps the wine from soaring.
Frog's Leap strove for elegance above power in this modulated, ageworthy wine. Tasted against bigger, riper Cabs, it's almost lean, with herb-infused red cherry, violet and mineral flavors, wrapped into complex tannins. The alcohol is a refreshingly low 13.6%. This is a connoisseur's wine, and it should develop for 10–15 years in a proper cellar.
From 10-year-old vines at a vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Mountains east of town, this is a lush and loamy Syrah, smelling and tasting of moist earth, game and blood. There are some roasted tomato flavors along with light red fruits, but this is no wimpy wine; in fact, it gathers strength and concentration as it sits in the mouth, suggesting that it needs more years in the bottle to fully emerge from its shell.
From 100-plus-year-old Carignane vines, with splashes of Grenache, too, this is a refreshing wine for spring and summer. Stony in grapefruit and peach, it's balanced, light and dry with a fruity kick.
From 100% Azal grapes, this is a rich style of Vinho Verde, ripe and citric, touched by minerality. Yeasty aromas go through the palate but don't detract from the ripe final fruit.
From 100% Charbono, this offers hints of raspberry, cherry and orange on the nose, amid dense cherry and strawberry flavors that are concentrated and yet doesn't overwhelm the acidity. Medium body and weight make it a nice option for sipping and at the table.
From 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grown in the heart of the Stags Leap District, this earthy red offers black tea and coffee aromas and flavors, suggestions of wild sage and black pepper enveloping the nose. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and well-composed, the tannins are soft and structured, the wine able to age, drinking well now through 2020.
From 100% estate-grown Calistoga fruit, this tiny-production wine is well-composed in compost, grilled mushroom and meaty undertones, the sturdy structure and ripe body robust and integrated. Cinnamon and clove dot the lengthy finish. This wine will benefit from more time in bottle; drink best 2019–2024.
From 100% estate-grown fruit, it spent more than a year in 100% French oak and is dense in baked strawberry, black cherry and a richness of herb. The grip of fruit is balanced by moderate acidity. The grapes are organically certified.
From 100% estate-grown fruit, this 100% varietal wine is dusty and dark with elements of pencil shavings, cedar and cassis. With that herbal and earthy intensity giving it defined character, it remains medium bodied and textured on the palate, with a saltiness to the finish.
From 100% estate-grown fruit, this lemony wine is tart on the palate while also offering a strong taste of cinnamon, akin to Red Hots. That heat lingers atop a medium-bodied experience imprinted in toasted oak.
From 100% estate-grown grapes, and possessing 6.8 g/L of residual sugar, this wine is lovely in peach, pear and lemon, and quite voluptuous in texture, with a hint of spice. Pretty floral aromas of jasmine provide additional flourish and invitation, with the finish dry.
From 100% grand cru Chardonnay vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, this is a rich but almost bone-dry wine. It has a great mineral character that offers freshness, apple skins and a flinty edge. The disgorgement date is indicated on the bottle. Impressive, this would benefit from six months' aging.
From 100% Pinot Noir, here is a delicious, crisp, wild raspberry- and mulberry-flavored wine. The acidity shines through the fruit skin texture, giving a mouthtingling feel.
From 100% Pommard clone grapes, this ripe and luscious wine is packed with razor-sharp, brambly-berry fruit. Lively minerality underscores the ample acidity, keeping the wine fresh and focused. The extended finish is pleasantly peppery.
From 12-acre vineyard in Pauillac, a wine that is relatively affordable. It has fine Cabernet Sauvignon juicy black currant fruits, along with tannins that, in 2009, are so well integrated into the fruit already. The dusty texture promises good aging.
From 130-year-old vines, this is a densely layered, bigtime Zin. The flavor concentration is just tremendous, a critical mass of briary, wild blackberries, black currants, dark chocolate, licorice and fabulous Asian spice. True, the alcohol is on the high side, but the wine finishes balanced and dry. Will take up to 10 years of cellaring.
From 1800-foot vineyards, this is a crisp, cool, simply fruity wine that has great citrus and lemon character. Very aromatic, with green herb and fresh grapefruit zest over apple juice.
From 1995, the vecchia annata (old vintage) referred to in the wine's name, this Sangiovese-based wine shows dried fruit aromas of prune and dried currant backed by licorice, tar and cola. The wine shows nicely aged aromas with some sour cherry and fine, polished tannins on the close.
From 2,800 feet in one of the newer American appellations, this high-desert bottling offers plush and ripe lemon cream, pineapple and guava notes on the nose, with a slight chamomile complexity in the background. The flavors are intriguing, with Rainbow Stripe bubblegum, cotton candy and apple-strudel elements.
From 20-year-old vines grown on old stone terraces, this wine is structured and concentrated, yet balanced, with fine red fruits that are layered by tannins and acidity. The wine has a dense texture that gives it depth and ageability. With its structure and rich still-developing fruits, it will be best after 2018.
From 20-year-old vines, this bottling shows strong cedar, crushed graphite and charred wood on the nose, with a hint of blackened pasilla chile. Pencil shavings play strong on the palate, spicing up the elderberry and black-currant fruit, with pinches of oregano adding depth. The tightly wound tannins are quite sticky.
From 20-year-old vines, this spent 10 months in French oak, 20% new. It's finished with a screwcap and tastes a bit reductive, so give it plenty of breathing time. It's well-muscled with tangy cranberry and purple fruit. Drink now through 2020.
From 24 different varieties of old vines, this wine is rich, bold and ripe. Without any wood aging, it is solid with tannins and dense structure. There is a juicy background coming from the blackberry and damson fruits. Drink this serious, ageworthy wine from 2019.
From 29-year-old Pinot Nero vines, Pinéro is an elegant and fine still red wine produced by one of Italy's most celebrated sparkling wine houses. Polished and finessed down to the smallest detail (those tiny berry aromas come forth so clearly), this wine shows the potential of the Burgundian variety in Italy.
From 30-year-old vines, this is beautifully built and already showing the complexity that predicts a long life ahead. The old-vine grapes create a skeleton of mineral and acid upon which just-ripe fruit flavors of mulberry, plum and blueberry are placed. Drink now with pleasure, or put a few bottles away to enjoy through 2027 or longer.
From 30-year-old vines, this is one of the finest examples of this variety to come out of the state in recent vintages. It delivers citrus, candlewax, lees, apple and pear aromas, the palate sleekly styled with a blast of acidity that makes it a versatile pour for the dinner table.
From 30-year-old vines, this lively and thoroughly delightful wine pushes a swath of honey down the core. It's smooth and supple, with bright candied-citrus flavors. You'll find a lick of butterscotch also, as the wine has terrific penetration and length. It's perfect for solo sipping, slightly chilled.
From 35-year-old dry farmed wines (the oldest in Corralitos) and 30% whole cluster/wild yeast fermentation comes aromas of pine pitch and blackberry jelly. The flavors are driven by sagebrush against a backdrop of deep purple fruit, with distinctive notes of juniper and eucalyptus powering the flavors from front to back.
From 40-plus-year-old vines in the heart of Carneros, this white was aged entirely in Hungarian oak by a producer based on Treasure Island in San Francisco. Fresh-squeezed lemon and tangerine illuminate the palate, along with a salty austerity.
From 40-plus-year-old vines planted on old rootstock, this wine is tangy in pomegranate, rhubarb and kirsch, but marked most by an irresistible depth of earthy truffle and black tea. Fine, dusty tannins add to the complexity of the mouthfeel and finish, with a hint of cinnamon at the end.
From 40-year-old vines in a single vineyard, this rich wine is dense, aromatic and packed with concentrated fruit. Its citrus and crisp texture is balanced by the ripe green-plum and apple flavors. Drink this fine wine now.
From 40-year-old vines in the Geelong GI, this is a huge step up in quality from the winery's Jindalee label. Nutty aromas of toasted cereal grain and grilled peaches set the table for this full-bodied, lushly textured Chardonnay. It's rich and ripe, yet reasonably balanced by acid, finishing long and ever so slightly warm. Drink now.
From 40-year-old vines, this Brunello opens with French oak, coconut, spiced plum and balsamic eucalyptus notes. Those aromas carry over to the palate, which is assertive and chewy with licorice and espresso flavor. A backbone of close-grained tannins provides support.
From 40-year-old vines, this is quite tart and puckery, but ultrafresh and clean. A lemony Riesling that seems like a match made in heaven for Pacific coast oysters.
From 40–70-year-old vines planted on red slate, this is a deeply mineral, almost earthy Riesling, loaded with smoke, diesel and slate aromas and just tinged with apple and citrus. The mouthfeel is slightly creamy, the flavors almost totally dry, the finish finely balanced.
From 41-year-old vines on just over five estate acres, this is resiny and briny on the nose. A honey-laced creaminess at the core is tensely accentuated by vibrant acidity. Balanced and elegant, with a sunny bite of ripeness, it revels in nuances of fresh and dried apricot while lighter notes of lemon, lime and grapefruit play backup.
From 45-year-old Gamay vines, Stéphane Aviron created an open, fruity wine that has fresh cherry flavors cut with acidity and a dry edge of tannin. A smoky as well as juicy character adds interest and spice.
From 45-year-old vines, this is a deliciously ripe wine, its firm tannins cushioned by intense berry flavors and acidity. It has all the brilliant fruit of the vintage, needing a little time to calm down and integrate with its structure. Drink from 2020.
From 50-year old vines, a big, jammy wine stuffed with all sorts of berry and tree-fruit flavors. It's Lifesaver candy, a burst of spicy fruit, but thankfully bone dry, balanced, crisp and in its own way authoritative. Soft tannins make it immediately drinkable, and probably not an ager.
From 50 year old vines, this fruity wine is both crisp and clean and also full of warmer flavors. Citrus, pear and apricot notes all mingle in this delicious, concentrated wine. Drink now.
From 53-year-old organic and biodynamically farmed Grenache vines, this elegant wine could easily age for 10 years but is drinkable now. Bursting with red cherries, strawberries, herbs, vanilla and violets, the palate's ultrafine tannins are backed by juicy fruit and a long, herbal, cranberry finish.
From 60-year-old bush vines, this is rich, spicy and with a soft texture. Black fruits give a ripe character and a smooth texture that is beginning to bring in some secondary, earthy flavors. Drink this mature wine now.
From 62-year-old, dry-farmed vines, the Esola Zinfandel is leathery, full of tobacco and dust surrounded by spicy red fruit. With great structure and savoriness, it's soft with a light, lingering finish and will develop further with grace another 5–7 years.
From 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Zin, this is a deceptively elegant wine wrapped in a full-bodied, richly layered package. Juicy, extracted and generous, its tannins are firm and the oak integrated, with savory characteristics of currant, cedar and pencil shavings showing before a finish of berry pie.
From 7.5 acres of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a rich wine, very perfumed and with layers of ripe fruit. It is lightly structured, full of red berries with a firm tannic character in the background. Under winemaker Olivier Dauga, the wine needs to age but has all the fruit potential there. Drink from 2018.
From 70-year-old bush vines, this is excellent Maule Carignan. It has a brightness of fruit that puts the spotlight on cherry and raspberry, and while the color is a brilliant ruby it isn't overly dense, deep or heavy. There's a lightness of being to it, but also structure and acidity. Ageable for up to 5–8 years.
From 70-year-old vines on the Crasto estate, this is an impressive wine, with its superripe fruit layered with acidity and the sweetest of berry flavors. Wood aging gives roundness to go with the tight mineral complexity.
From 70-year-old vines, this cedar-tinged wine reflects its maturation in one-third new oak. Brown sugar, cracked pepper and plum notes mingle easily into a pleasant, silky Cornas that should have broad appeal. Drink now–2025.
From 70-year-old vines, with a low yield of tiny berries, this is a very textured, concentrated wine with a tight and mineral character. Melon and pear are shot through with intense citrus and wood flavors. It's a wine with structure, needing to age. Drink from 2017.
From 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, the tirage on this sparkling brut took place in 2008, the late-disgorgement in October 2013. The time in bottle has given it a honey-baked edge, sensibly dry, with highlights of baked apple and dried apricot.
From 80-year-old vines, this wine is named after current winemaker Fabien Moreau's grandfather. It's a concentrated, dense wine that is very well structured. Tight, almost shocking acidity is supported by the strong fruit character as well as the fragrant, perfumed aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
From 86% Syrah and 14% Zinfandel grapes, this is a dark wine, burgundy-orange in color and equally dense at first on the palate. It picks up freshness as it opens, disrobing flavors of wild strawberry and grapefruit, along with an intensity of blackberry. Bright, it finishes dry.
From 90% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel, this is a fairly dark-colored wine, aged in stainless steel. It shows moderate acidity and highlights of wild strawberry, watermelon and jam, finishing with a tease of sweetness.
From 98% Roussanne and 2% Viognier, Venus delights in honey, jasmine and lemon zest, given time in both stainless steel and neutral oak. Crisp and light, it also offers complex herbal undertones, the fruit coming from relatively cool sites in Bennett Valley and the Russian River.
From a 1,000-foot-elevation site, this wine traffics in juicy red cherry, plum and blackberry, its body robust and full-bodied. Red licorice adds to the power and brightness of acidity, the wine finding its balance between concentration and peppery spice.
From a 1,350-acre family estate divided among five chateaus, this crisp wine is packed with red fruits cut with citrus acidity. Refreshing and mineral textured, it will make a fine apéritif.
From a 1,400-foot-high site, this wine combines 86% Zinfandel with 14% Petite Sirah, which deliciously exude blackberry, blueberry, kirsch and leather. Smooth, soft and juicy, it adds nutmeg, chocolate and oak as it goes, finishing with structure and length. Drink now through 2021.
From a 10-acre site called Scopus farmed by Ulises Valdez, this wine is rich and golden in color, given time to barrel-ferment and develop layers of fulsome complexity. Oaky, it has weight and depth, veering into ripe tropical notes and vanilla as it develops in the glass.
From a 100-acre estate formerly the home of the Counts of Provence, this wine has a great fruity character allied to a more mineral texture. With richness and vanilla flavors it is both packed with raspberry fruits and showing structure. Keep until the end of 2014.
From a 15-acre vineyard owned by Georges Duboeuf. It is a big, bold, ripe wine backed by light wood flavors, and juicy red plum fruits. It is vivid, colorful and solid.
From a 16-acre vineyard, this 100% Malbec wine is properly dark in color, with dense tannins as well as ripe black plum fruits. There is a strong mineral character from the chalk in the soil, giving a powerful texture as well as structure that will allow the wine to age. This rich wine should be drunk from 2020.
From a 16-acre, dry-farmed vineyard near the producer's Carneros winery, this opens with a yeasty aroma, followed by black cherry and pomegranate. Soft, high in acidity and well-integrated in terms of oak, its finish is lingering in cinnamon and dried herb.
From a 16-year-old vineyard 2,200 feet up on the eastside of the Salinas Valley, this bottling offers fresh raspberry juice along with touches of bay leaf, pine and incense, like a morning walk through the forest. There is sizzling acidity at the start of the sip, which carries light, bright and tangy strawberry flavors along with more forest floor touches. The structure is upright but light.
From a 17-acre Merlot-dominated vineyard, this is a dry wine, where the tannins dominate the fruit. The wine has a bitter edge from too much extraction. The hints of fruit are not quite enough.
From a 2,100-foot-elevation site, this wine is given 18 months in French oak. Earthy and wooded, it's a sizable mountain of a wine, reflective of its provenance, with big, dry tannins and a taste of tobacco. Age through 2020.
From a 2,400-foot elevation vineyard, this wine is unexpectedly elegant and definitively age-worthy. Floral and unusual, the palate brings integrated tannins wrapped around a core of ripe blackberry and cassis. Structured, it has plenty of body and length, bringing an old world sensibility to new world fruit. Drink now through 2022.
From a 2,500-foot elevation site, this Cab Franc is intriguingly peppery, light in oak and resplendent in raspberry liqueur aromas and a trace of pine forest. Moderate in tannins and silky in texture it's ready to be enjoyed now with cheese and charcuterie.
From a 2.4-acre vineyard with vines that are 60 years old, this is a tight, mineral wine, very pure and with a line of acidity and crisp apple flavors. Very perfumed, it is fresh but also densely textured, finishing with tannins and concentration as well as liveliness. Drink from 2018.
From a 22-acre site in the middle of the appellation, this is an impressive wine, softened by the addition of 6% Merlot. It boasts crushed rock, black currant and licorice flavors, with an attractive sanguine note. Pencil shavings, black pepper and cigar accents are present throughout.
From a 24-acre vineyard with vines aged from five to 65 years, this is an attractively fruity wine. Ripe apple flavors gain even greater liveliness from the twist of citrus zest. It is ready to drink with all its freshness.
From a 25-acre site on the western flank of Rutherford, this wine includes 2% Malbec. With sanguine cassis, cranberry and cinnamon touches, it's a soft, round and velvety expression of the hearty variety, finishing with notes of coffee and dark chocolate.
From a 250-acre vineyard on the slopes of the Entre-deux-Mers above the Garonne river, this wine is silky smooth, attractively balanced with wood and soft but dry tannins. Flavors of dark chocolate, black plums and spice from the wood all blend together well. To finish, there is good acidity.
From a 29-acre property separate from the estate, this wine, made by the Saint-Maur team, benefits from the cool, 1,200-foot elevation that bestows a crisp, elegant character. It comes in an overweight statement bottle, four inches across at the base. Fortunately the wine is delicious, lightly perfumed and full of tantalizing white-peach flavors with a mineral structure that comes from schist soil. Age for a few more months and drink from late 2016.
From a 3.5-acre block planted in 1978, which makes it Santa Barbara County's first Syrah, this bottling shows an intriguing density of flowers on the nose along with a funky compost note, elderberry fruit, pine needles and fresh mint. Cracked peppercorn, dried thyme and rosemary combine for strong herbal intrigue on the palate, spicing up the black plum and blackberry fruit.
From a 30-acre property next to Château Chasse-Spleen, this 2010 is solid, dark and rich, typical of the vintage. There is a veneer of smooth new wood that opens to reveal firm, solid tannins. This is big, structured and ready for long-term aging.
From a 30-year-old vineyard in the heart of the Dundee Hills, this toasty and forward wine shows excellent definition throughout. Tight cranberry/raspberry fruit flavors expand with airing, adding citrus and cherry components and a juicy underpinning of fresh acids.
From a 30-year-old vineyard planted to historic cuttings of the grape, this wine has an inviting nose that shows fresh strawberry-hibiscus juice mixed with marjoram, mint and light cedar. The palate packs in all that's wondrous about Cab Franc, highlighting oregano, thyme, bay leaf, leather and peppercorn against a backdrop of boysenberry and elderberry fruit.
From a 300-acre estate, this is a ripe and juicy wine. It shows fruitiness and only soft tannins despite the presence of Malbec in the blend. With red berry fruits, touches of vanilla and final acidity, it will develop quickly. Drink from 2015.
From a 300-acre property in Castellina in Chianti, Trasolo (100% Merlot) is a top-shelf wine with rich opulence and sophistication. Deep layers of cherry, blackberry, spice and leather are folded tight together and the wine is smooth and enduring on the close.
From a 34-acre property that has vines both in Blaye and Bourg, this is concentrated, showing the ripe, generous fruit of the vintage. Still youthful, its blackberry juiciness lies behind its wood-aging flavors. Drink from 2020.
From a 34-acre vineyard on the high plateau above the Douro river, this wine is delicious, fruity and creamy. It has a crisp, fresh feel, light and bright while also full of ripe white fruits, apples and pears. Drink now.
From a 40-plus-year-old vineyard, this peppery wine is dry, fruity and bold. It combines peach, apple and orange fruit flavors with a lusciously full-bodied mouthfeel that's also layered and well structured. Drink now and over the next decade.
From a 50-year-old vineyard, this blend of mostly Douro white grapes has serious wood-aged aromas, layers of toast and spice along with lightly oxidized white-stone fruits. The wine is ripe, full in the mouth and ready to drink.
From a 90-year-old vineyard, this begins with a lean blackberry nose and other pointed dark-red to deep-purple fruits, all nicely laced with minerality and herbs. The flavors are dynamic, slipping from cranberry to pomegranate to cherry juice. A black tea finish framed by strong tannins ensures long cellar life. Drink 2018–2022.
From a barrel selection of the Quintus block, planted to the 828 clone of Pinot Noir, this wine offers a bigger mouthfeel and heartier vinous experience, awash in darker cherry fruit and more substantial tannin. Floral in rose and violet on the nose, those floral highlights return on the palate, giving the wine a nice tension and balance.
From a Barsac-based producer who prefers to use the Sauternes appellation, this rich, intense wine has weight, opulence and layers of honey and botrytis flavors. While still young, it shows impressive apricot and liquorous flavors. Drink from 2022.
From a base of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon this robust red adds Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec to concoct a soft, smooth and juicy red wine that's brooding in personality. The tannins are tar-like and sizable.
From a beautiful site overlooking the Petaluma Gap, this wine opens in pretty honeysuckle aromas before unfurling clean, focused flavors of green-apple slices, lemon meringue and a touch of anise. Bright acidity is left to shine without the intrusion of oak, and yet the texture doesn't suffer, offering plenty of velvety smoothness.
From a beautiful vintage on the relatively cooler end of the valley, this wine combines 89% Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Cedar, herb and savory sage open into a strong element of forest floor and rose garden. Tight firm tannin wrap around a robust ripeness that finds balance in accompanying acidity. Enjoy from 2024–2034.
From a beautifully cool coastal spot dotted in redwoods, this medium-bodied wine shows struggle in its tight layering of acidity and vibrantly fresh blueberry and black tea, Chewy in texture, still-resolving tannin and oak give way to a succulence that's just beginning to be revealed.
From a beautifully exposed southwest facing vineyard with views of the Pyrenees, this is a serious and impressive wine. There is no holding back on the powerful structure and rich fruit or the dense texture and the layers of spice from the 16 months of wood aging. Balanced and generous, it will age for many years, and will best be drunk from 2022.
From a beloved vineyard source in the heart of the appellation, this classic Zin-Petite Sirah is perfumed from the start, aromatically memorable in dried cranberry and ripe plum. Elegant in style, it offers soft, integrated tannins around a juicy core of brambly blackberry and brown sugar.
From a benchland vineyard, this Zin is riper than almost anything out there. Higher in alcohol, too, with an astounding 16.8%. That's almost Port—exactly what it tastes like, with caramelized blackberry berry, dark chocolate, and vanilla flavors.
From a biodynamic-certified vineyard, this is wildly spicy wine, taut in acidity and sizable tannin. It shows a dark funkiness of baked plum, clove and leather wrapped in more vibrant hits of cherry and orange.
From a biodynamic vineyard in the heart of Sancerre, this wine is tight, mineral-driven and very young, well balanced between herbal and citrus flavors. These are lifted and filled out with the ripe Rocha pear flavors that give an extra juicy element. The wine will age well and will be better after 2018.
From a biodynamic vineyard, this vivid wine reveals great character. The fruit is ripe, smooth, soft, illuminated by flashes of currants, green plums, a wonderful swathe of creaminess. It feels very complete, not intense, but open and ready to drink.
From a biodynamically-farmed vineyard, this frames its cola and black cherry flavors with gravelly minerality The dark, earthy components come up through the finish, and the tannins have a slightly herbal edge from 10% whole-cluster fermentation.
From a bleed of Pinot Noir that is fermented in stainless steel and then aged in both neutral French oak and stainless steel, this dry wine tastes of cherry, plum and crisp apple. Meaty in weight and body, it makes a nice companion for the table.
From a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot comes this earthy wine with aromas of underbrush, tobacco, leather and meat juices. The palate offers juicy black cherry and plum layered with chocolate and coffee alongside somewhat astringent tannins.
From a blend of grapes sourced from three vineyard sites, including Keefer, one of the producer's vineyard designates, this wine displays a light red color. It has a noticeably supple texture, a soft expression of cranberry and red cherry accented by black tea.
From a blend of grapes that includes Touriga Nacional, this wine is serious and dense. It has a solid texture along with concentrated dark-plum flavors. It's a powerhouse of firm tannins, juicy fruits and a fine layer of spice from wood aging. Drink after 2015.
From a blending of two barrels—one new and one neutral—this is a snappy, sappy, tangy wine with ripe, forward red and purple fruits. These notes are framed with pretty barrel toast, and the tannins are firm, ripe and balanced. Drink now with pleasure or tuck it away until 2020.
From a block of the mighty vineyard known to coax robust acidity and pretty aromatics from the grapes, this red completely delivers on both fronts, opening with an array of rose garden and cranberry-orange highlights. Full bodied and generously structured, it develops complexity in the glass, showing a depth of savory cardamom that's incredibly appealing.
From a block planted in 1890 interspersed with dozens of field blend varieties, this wine is ripely sweet with baked cherry fruit, a smoky undercurrent and a soft, moderately balanced structure. Coffee, cinnamon and nutmeg power the finish.
From a block planted in 1910 consisting of hearty portions of mixed blacks, this wine is abundantly floral in rose petals, with a plummy core dusted in smoky oak. The tannin structure is sizable, while the wine is full of leather, cigar box and black pepper accents that weave within the ripe fruit.
From a block planted in 1979, this clonal selection has sharp edges, bright cranberry fruit, black pepper and chocolate highlights. The old vines seem to add length and texture, with finishing touches of mineral and breakfast tea.
From a bottling that has some toasty maturity, this is a rounded wine. Almond and apple flavors balance each other to produce a ripe and smoothly soft selection. It has notes of toast and mushroom, as well as ripe, lime-driven acidity on the finish.
From a boutique producer that shows great promise for the future, this fresh Falanghina opens with bright notes of green grass, kiwi, lemon and white flower. It's an easy, crisp wine that keeps the palate crystal clean.
From a boutique producer, this offers a soft, floral bouquet reminiscent of rose petals and face powder. That delicate entry belies a wine with grip and tannin, as well as some spicy, herbal toughness.
From a bubbly specialist comes this fancy wine, a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. Has very forward fruity aromas that are a combo of both varietals. It’s a bit rough, as though the bubbles aren’t fine enough, but that’s comparing it to the best French vintage Champagne, which costs a whole lot more.
From a certified biodynamic vineyard planted by Bob and Louisa Lindquist, this bottling offers vivid red cherry fruit, black pepper and tons of clove spice on the nose. The palate is soft with more red fruit, but loaded with ample amounts of star anise and other baking spices. Zesty on all fronts.
From a certified biodynamic vineyard, this Syrah is big red wine, tannic with black fruit and game in taste and smell.
From a certified organic, dry-farmed vineyard, this wine exudes an overabundance of rustic earth without finding a rightful companion in fruit, with just the merest hint of allspice underplayed on the finish.
From a château that has vineyards in both Blaye and Bourg, this wine is redolent of black currant, both on the nose and on the palate. The wood and tannins lend support, giving plenty of space for the ripe fruitiness and juicy acidity. Drink from 2020.
From a Chablis producer, this rosé is cool, crisp and fresh. It has plenty of red fruits and a tight mineral texture. A smooth caramel flavor balanced by juicy acidity keeps the wine deliciously refreshing.
From a challenging Napa Valley vintage, this red is made in what the winemaker calls a “Right Bank” style, blending 56% Cabernet Franc with 42% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards such as Hyde in Carneros. The wine is brimming in dark plum and severe chocolate and cherry, with a reasonable amount of grip.
From a Charlie Chenoweth-farmed site, this wine is vividly marked by earth and mushroom with bolts of cherry and cranberry. Bright acidity complements a firmness of tannin and texture that flirts with being leathery, the finish all about cola spice.
From a classic Champagne vintage year, this wine is just hinting at maturity. It is poised between freshness and richness, with layers of toast under the almonds and ripe sliced apples. Stylish and elegant, it delivers a brilliant fresh aftertaste.
From a coastal vineyard in the southwest corner of the Russian River Valley, this is earthy and brambly on the nose, inviting in its sense of wild abandon. Concentrated yet vibrant in acidity, the flavors lean toward cranberry and tart cherry, completely enveloped in intriguing cardamom spice. Elegant and balanced.
From a cold vintage, this coastal Malbec offerssnappy cherry and boysenberry aromas along with woody spice notes. The palate is wiry and fresh, with zesty acidity. Tart plum and berry flavors end with raw oak and bitterness as the wine's modest fruit content fades out.
From a consistently top-notch estate, this single vineyard Pinot offers lifted red fruits, florals, as well as cinnamon and star anise thanks to the use of some whole bunch fermentation in the winemaking process. The lightness and brightness carries through onto the palate, with an added earthy core, well balanced acidity, and silky tannins. Drink now.
From a cool-climate pocket within the larger Russian River Valley where even sparkling wine grapes thrive, this Pinot is muted somewhat, its flavors darker and oakier than expected, earthy yet shy in spice
From a cool-climate site farmed by the Dutton family, Manzana is beguilingly floral in dried rose petals. Soft, sublime and tangy, the palate conveys orange and cranberry. Light in color, this wine offers plenty of body and weight, with fresh blackberry compote on the finish. The wine will age well; drink now through 2023.
From a cool-weather region, this tangy, slightly sharp Chardonnay aims at a Chablis style and almost pulls it off. Smells ripe, with pear and guava notes, but the palate is less so—grapefruit and lima-bean flavors prevail.
From a cool and fog-steeped pocket of the appellation, this wine is defined by its vibrant acidity and grippy structure. The densely packed palate features dried apricot, lime peel and nutmeg spice within a medium-bodied frame, those flavors lingering long into the finish.
From a cool appellation, a wine that smells bright and clean, like the scent you get when slicing into a fresh peach. There's also a lot of young, toasty oak riding on top of the fruit. Long in the mouth and in the finish, this delicious wine has crisp, supporting acids.
From a cool climate region, this brings crisp raspberry fruit with underlying minerality. Aging in one-third new French oak adds in notes of dusty coffee grounds and a hint of milk chocolate. The wine starts out tight, then fans out through the finish.
From a cool Forestville vineyard once devoted to apples, Appian Way is rich in Goldridge soils, providing a happy home to these grapes that offer a core of pomegranate and cranberry, laced in black tea. Light bodied without being wimpy, the wine is complex and velvety, finishing in nutmeg and ginger.
From a cool part of the valley, this wine is marked by fresh acids that give it a grapey jamminess. It's very rich in black cherries, black raspberries and toast, and very dry. Feels sharp and angular now. Give it through 2010 to calm down.
From a cool section of the appellation, this wine delivers bursts of white pepper and violets on the nose. Dark in color and fierce in aromatics, it continues with a lovely balance of cherry and leather on the palate, alongside juicy, high-toned acidity. Enjoy now or for years to come.
From a cool site high above the coastal town of Jenner, this 100% varietal wine is made in small amounts and given almost two years in French oak, only a quarter of it new. Intense, it exudes baked and dried fruit flavors, along with chewy, meaty layers of texture and concentration.
From a cool site in the Sebastopol Hills greatly influenced by the cooling fog and winds of the Petaluma Gap, this wine is velvety in texture, with a gritty tannic backbone. Cedar, eucalyptus and savory tea complement an array of juicy red fruit and blueberry, with structure and balance at the wine's core.
From a cool site near the town of Graton, this is a highly concentrated, slightly cloudy wine with strong Gravenstein apple and lemon-lime aromas. Wild anise flavors season the rich, bold palate, but the finish seems diluted.
From a cool site overlooking the ocean in Occidental, this is a feral, earthy wine, with a nose of garden patch, black tea and orange. Juicy at its core, it's structured in smooth tannin. Hints of new oak provide pleasant accents without overburdening the herbal and fruity core.
From a cool site, The Narrows is rich in ripe, dark cherry and a touch of herb, offering concentrated and intense flavors, with plenty of acidity to pair alongside a dish like roast pork tenderloin with rosemary or Quiche Lorraine.
From a cool site, this is a viscous, oily white. Crisp in pear and almond, it drinks light and yet has enough heft on the mouthfeel to stay interesting and compatible with food. If Roussanne is a varietal of interest, this wine (made in small amounts) should be on the list of those to try.
From a cool spot planted within classic Goldridge soils, this wine opens with smoky graham cracker and soft red and blue berry fruit. Black tea and clove speak to its site, providing intriguingly exotic and savory undertones that meld well with the fruit and oak. Still young, the wine needs to open for full effect.
From a cool vintage, this blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon is still tight, offering an elegance of rose, dried cranberry and herb around sizable but not puckering tannins. Flavors of cherry and strawberry shyly reveal themselves in the glass, but the wine should develop further in the cellar, through 2021.
From a cool vintage, this wine shows aromas of bell pepper, fresh and dried herbs, and raspberries. The fruit and savory flavors are light and tart, with cranberry-like acidity and a tight core of tannins that needs time to unwind.
From a cool, inland section of Mendocino County, this Viognier opens with gorgeous aromatics—heavenly honeysuckle and grapefruit—and offers up crisp, dry, borderline bracing acidity that pulls back just at the right moment. Nicely textured, the finish lingers.
From a cool, well-known site in the new appellation, this wine offers a complexity of coconut macaroon, clove and cinnamon. Well-formed flavors and aromas accent a moderate level of acidity and tannin, providing elegant balance.
From a cooler region than its Bin 28 stablemate, Penfolds' 2007 Bin 128 is a medium-bodied Shiraz that features touches of peppery spice, raspberry-cherry fruit and a darker edge of chocolate and coffee. The tannins are supple without being soft, giving this a drinking window that should extend through 2017 or so.
From a cooler section of the Napa Valley, this Chardonnay offers simple, crisp and creamy aromas and flavors of apple and pear, toasty oak and vanilla.
From a couple of pioneers of the style, this barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc shows aggressive fumé-style aromas of smoky struck flint. Grilled melon and fig flavors take hold of the silky midpalate, followed by lingering grapefruit on the finish. True to its usual impressive standard.
From a dark bottle, this salmon-colored rosé is medium-bodied and made in a bigger style than many others. Fully textured, it discloses flavorful touches of crunchy pear and cranberry. It would go well with a goat cheese salad adorned in dried cranberries and cherries.
From a decades-old site that's steeply planted, this is a brawny wine, smoky in leather and black pepper. Bold ripe blackberry flavors match a fierce tannin profile and lingering specks of cinnamon spice.
From a demanding vintage, this offers tart cranberry and rhubarb flavors, with a forceful herbal component. It's well-structured, offering citrusy acids and good length to the finish.
From a dependable producer and a fine vintage comes a problematic wine. The fruit is nicely ripe and suggestive of apples and peaches, and it's balanced and dry. Acidity is adequate. The only jarring note is a strongly toasted character, almost like charcoal, which you can both smell it and taste. Even the finish is marred by this burnt flavor.
From a different block of the same vineyard as the “Whale label” Memorista, this is drinking much better at the moment. It's smooth and supple—a pretty wine with honeyed minerality around fruit flavors of citrus and peaches.
From a domaine located in Gigondas, this is a profound Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Yes, there's some toasty oak on the nose, but underneath is a big, sturdy core of dark cherries, bay leaf and garrigue. This is a structured wine that's built for the cellar. Drink 2018–2030.
From a dry-farmed patch of land inaccessible to irrigation, this bottling offers rounded blackberry pie, chocolate, sun-baked rock and burnt caramel aromas. It's quite rich and thick on the palate, with baked boysenberry and clove dust flavors, proving a touch sweet.
From a dry-farmed vineyard and treated to wild yeast and minimal new French oak, this Petite is chewy in leathery tannins, a definite crowd pleaser for Petite fans. Blackberries, coffee and pepper commingle impressively.
From a dry-farmed vineyard planted more than 50 years ago, this 100% varietal wine is highlighted in compost, leather and graphite. Well structured, with firm, strong tannins, it offers a tartness of pomegranate and black cherry along with a complexity of savory tobacco leaf.
From a dynamic grappa and Prosecco producer based in northern Italy, this Rosso di Montalcino fill out the portfolio with an easy-drinking option that would pair with meat, chicken or pasta. The wine is easy, bright and informal.
From a dynamic, family-run wine estate in northern Italy, this light Pinot Grigio offers aromas of lemon soda, peach and tangerine skin.
From a estate in the Marmet family since 1990, the wine has ripe Merlot flavors that give a generous character. Big, bold fruitiness dominates this wine whose structure is firm while smooth. Drink starting from 2019.
From a famed old site planted to 75% Zinfandel and 25% mixed black-skinned varieties, this wine conveys a minty-eucalyptus quality that tunes the acidity high against a medium-weight body. Austere at first on the palate, it expands as it goes, offering robust, dry tannins and layers of cardamom and coffee with time and air.
From a famed vineyard in the warm enclave of northern Napa Valley, this wine has soft tannins and a focus of blackberry, black licorice and tar, its fruit becoming more explosive on the palate as it goes. The finish offers additional length and weight.
From a family-owned cru vineyard. Stéphane Aviron has produced an impressive, ripe and dense wine. It has great swathes of black fruit and generous acidity. The tannins, still young, are a background to this delicious fruitiness. Drink from 2020.
From a family-run, boutique winery, this well-aged expression of Valpolicella (from the excellent 2004 vintage) delivers tertiary aromas of soft spice, leather and dried tobacco. The fruit nuances are still there in the form of dried prunes and plums.
From a famous vineyard, this is an interesting, even eccentric Zin. The aromas are claret-like, with currant and blackberry and a strong gamy note, like bacon. The fruit is very ripe, even overripe, and the tannins and acidity are ample. Fans of big, old-style Zins will love it.
From a fantastic vineyard site in the heart of Yountville, this 100% varietal wine is from Block 2, Clone 2, which is why the label refers to it as C2B2. Brick, tar and smoke take the lead before restrained and concentrated red fruit enters the frame. Generous tannin suggests cellaring, through 2022.
From a field blend interplanted with Viognier, which accounts for 2% of the wine, this dense, thick expression of this burly variety exudes velvety blueberry and blackberry around almost impenetrable tannins, the leathery roughness still being sorted out. Cellar through 2020 to coax out its finer flavors of mocha and meat.
From a field blend of old vines, this is a beautifully ripe, rounded, wood-aged wine that still preserves an internal structure. With its stone-fruit and mineral character, it is both fruity and textured. It's a wine for aging over 4–5 years.
From a field blend of Zinfandel, Alicante Bouschet and Petite Sirah, this wine is brick-red and earthy, inviting in dark, brambly fruit and just-right spice. With soft tannins and a long finish, it's classic Sonoma County Zin, fruity and in balance.
From a fine house, this bubbly has classic aromas of yeast and lime, with a hint of vanilla and coconut. In the mouth, it's rich and full-bodied, with delicate citrus flavors and good acidity, but very dry. It's mostly notable for balance and harmony. An elegant, smooth wine with a good deal of complexity and finesse.
From a fine site farmed by Steve Matthiasson, this crisp, delightfully compelling white is tart and tangy in orange and lime. Tight and youthful, it shows complexity and concentration while a steely elegance weighs in, ultimately allowing the wine to show an elegance of site and style.
From a fine vineyard site, this wine impresses in voluptuous texture and its lovely layers of lemon and apple. Floral on the nose in apple blossom and jasmine, it offers a slight twist of more spiced citrus, like an orange dotted in clove. It spent nine months in French oak, 40% of it new, which adds complexity and notes of toasted oak.
From a fine vintage for sweet wines in Bordeaux, this is fruity and ready to drink. Good acidity is the key here, balancing the apricot and bitter orange sweetness. Drink now.
From a fine vintage, this is a rich, generous and impressive wine. It has structure, spice and a creamy texture from the 14 months in wood. Great acidity gives just the right amount of freshness to the black currant and black-cherry fruits. It's well worth aging and drinking from 2017.
From a five-acre vineyard, the wine has some clean steeliness layered with ripe citrus and white fruits. Acidity brings out apple and crisp pear skin flavors. Drink this immaculate wine from 2015.
From a former Gravenstein apple orchard, this Pinot is intense in white pepper and cherry pit, and not unlike the skin of an apple. The zesty acidity sizzles on the palate.
From a former Kosta Browne winemaker comes this very dark Syrah, which shows still-wound-up aromas of elderberry, black coffee, white pepper and a touch of game. There are rich soy and beef notes once sipped, packaged by dense tannins and zesty acidity, with more elderberry, beef char and crushed slate emerging with time. Still young.
From a four-acre mostly Sauvignon Blanc vineyard, Jean-Francois Meynard has produced a light, bright and fruity wine. Crisp and mineral driven, it comes with a touch of spice and almonds that adds interest and complexity to this already-complete wine. Drink now.
From a fourth-generation farming family, this wine is sourced from the Niebaum-Tonella and Morisoli-Borges vineyards along the Rutherford Bench. It opens with a bouquet of sweetly ripened mango, peach and pear, which continue on the palate. Fierce acidity and a drop of anise form the backdrop of the wine, which finishes somewhat tropical.
From a fourth-generation winemaking and grape-growing family, this Cab with 5% Merlot conveys peppercorn, cedar and dried herb, a slice of pencil lead on the periphery. Cranberry, cherry and rhubarb dance around its smooth, substantial edges, with dense tannins and vanilla surging on the lengthy, spicy finish.
From a Freestone-based vineyard, this wine offers an earthy funkiness on the nose, veering into forest floor, that then evolves into dark cherry and vanilla. A deep imprint of oak is felt on the palate, along with a tart rhubarb-like finish accented by a touch of black pepper.
From a Freestone-based vineyard, Zephyr Farms is pungently earthy with a streak of mint, somewhat reduced in a cauldron of sour cherry and black tea. A swath of leather adds to the pungency of forest and concentrated spice.
From a good vintage like 2009, this modest Tinta de Toro has a lot to offer. It smells slightly rustic but full of fruit. The palate has a tannic but balanced feel, with dark, sweet flavors of cassis and blackberry. It's peppery and lightly herbal on the finish.
From a good vintage, this wine with its blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay has a pale gold color and attractive maturity. The initial fruitiness has given way to a mineral-textured wine with a touch of almonds, spice and a rich character. It is ready to drink.
From a good vintage, this wine, dominated by Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, is textured, mineral-driven and full of nervous energy. It is stylish, hinting at toast as well as floral citrus. The wine is now mature, although it will age at least until 2024, developing a more toasty character as it goes.
From a Grand Cru estate, this second wine shows the same rich fruit and generous structure as the winery's first wine. It's just softer with an approachable character and generous black fruits that will enable it to mature relatively quickly. Drink from 2020.
From a granitic section of the appellation, this wine features bacony notes layered over black cherries and cedar. Hints of black olive, brown sugar and baking spices add nuance. The wine is medium to full in body, with supple tannins that finish on a dry, dusty note. Drink now–2025.
From a grape rarely used alone in the United States, this bottling from Rodney's Vineyard shows tart red fruit, carnation and iron aromas on the subtle and fresh nose. Its ripe red fruit flavors are presented in a light-bodied frame, with vivid energy and clean mouthfeel.
From a grape that's rarely planted in the Central Coast, this bottling shows loads of earthy aromas, from wet soil to crushed gravel, as well as tight blackberry, dried dill and white pepper notes. There's a touch of ripeness to the palate, with tobacco-laced red cherry and blueberry fruit, gravelly minerality and a firm, tannic structure.
From a great Champagne vintage year, this mature rosé is at once stylish with its toasty character, and full of life, with red fruits and bright acidity still evident. This combination makes now the perfect moment to drink this rich, dry and elegant wine.
From a great Champagne vintage, this rich, full-bodied wine is just beginning to develop secondary flavors, toast and walnuts. The red fruits are fading into the background, while keeping the acidity in place. It is ripe, well balanced and has a delicious, long aftertaste. It is ready to drink.
From a great dessert wine year, this is packed with botrytis, unctuous in texture, rich and liquor-like. It is not for aging, but is delicious now.
From a great Douro vintage, this is a ripe wine, packed with generous fruit and concentrated tannins. Berry flavors and juicy acidity dominate a wine that has plenty of power while keeping elegance and stylishness. Drink now.
From a great Sierra Foothills vineyard comes this crisp, stainless steel-fermented white with muted floral aromatics and a taste of bright citrus and textured apple. Fresh and enjoyable, it has enough meat on its bones to pair with shellfish and appetizers, leaving a peppery finish on the tongue.
From a great site in this cool appellation, this wine shines with a powerful grip of ripe cherry and strawberry fruit and earthy undertones of dried herb and cardamom cola. Layered and dense, it has a seductively smooth texture and bite of minerality.
From a great sweet wine vintage, this beautifully balanced wine walks easily between ripe, honeyed botrytis flavors and delicious crisp apricot and bitter orange fruit. While it's still young and will age well, it's tempting to drink now for its delicious balance. Best from 2019.
From a great vineyard site, this wine does justice to its mountain fruit and coastal acidity, capturing both with ease. Juicy pear, apple, pineapple and a gritty minerality surround big shoulders of body and weight, as aromas of flowers puncture the fruit.
From a great vineyard under the precise care of grower extraordinaire Ulises Valdez, this wine offers layers of spicy red cherry and berry fruit around lovely waves of soft, supple tannins. The finish continues the theme, balanced in acidity, a freshness of fruit and lingering cola spice.
From a great vineyard, this Pinot is earthy and fairly robust in style, dry and balanced in acidity with a thick texture. Cherry and cranberry dominate in flavor and aroma, the wine aged 16 months in French oak, 25% new.
From a great vintage in the Douro, this is a dark, closed, brooding wine. It has the richest texture, full of dark layers of black plums, chocolate, leather and followed by concentrated acidity. These elements are still combining to create a potentially serious, very ageworthy wine. Give it seven years and more.
From a great year for vintage Champagne, this is a fine wine, bringing out minerality, green stone fruits and mouthwatering acidity. It is a wine for aging, so give this impressive Champagne 3–4 years.
From a great year in the Douro, this is a complex, impressive wine. It has elegance rather than brute power, pushed forward by smooth yet dry tannins and ripe black fruits. A touch of spice, balanced acidity and a great potential for aging. Drink from 2016.
From a Green Valley vineyard high on a ridge, this is an exceptional and softly layered wine, with cola, plum and black cherry notes. Offering length and breadth with moderate acidity and oak, it's dark and brooding in all the best ways.
From a group of estates that has properties in the Douro, Lisboa and Beira, this wine is finely structured and richly textured. It has layers of tannins supporting its dense berry fruit. With its juicy acidity and black currant flavor, it's likely to age further. Drink from 2018.
From a half-acre parcel, this is a delicately structured wine. Delicious, forward red-cherry fruits are juicy and provide lift to the the firm tannins. The combination and balance of the fruit and the texture result in a wine that will age well. Drink from 2018.
From a handful of Napa Valley vineyards, this Cab is blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, producing a classically elegant wine dotted in cassis, cedar and white peppercorn. Chalky and buoyant in acidity, it drinks lean and supple, the finish darker in smoky, coffee tones.
From a handful of vineyards, this wine showcases good blending skills in its ability to offer crisp grapefruit, apricot and green apple atop a creamy texture and neutral oak structure. It's light, bright and ready for the table.
From a hard-edged vintage, this Bordeaux blend is just beginning to open up, but has a firm structure and a steely spine. The aromas are strongly varietal, with a mix of fresh herbs and sharp tannins. The fruit is subtle, black cherry and cassis, threaded with smoke.
From a head-trained, dry-farmed vineyard, this very delicate and rather light bottling shows minerally lava rock and riverstone aromas, tart red-cherry fruit and a touch of chaparral. The palate's light structure offers rust and red cherry flavors.
From a heritage site planted originally in 1859, this wine was made by Nils Venge and contains mostly Cabernet, with a small handful of Merlot and an even smaller pinch of Petit Verdot. Soft yet structured, it's layered in leathery dark-chocolate and black-fig tones, with juicy components of blackberry and cassis. It should age through 2022.
From a high-altitude vineyard in the heart of the Douro, this is a fruity while well textured wine. With a strong mineral character that comes from the lees stirring during fermentation, it has both bright citrus fruits with acidity and a more tropical character. Drink now.
From a high-elevation site farmed by the producer, Goat Trek is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Zinfandel, an unusual comingling of different personalities that manage to get along. A succulence of red currant, raspberry and dried herb complements a crispness of acidity that surprises. Big-bodied, it's also refined and graceful.
From a high-elevation site near the outpost of Annapolis, close to the Mendocino border, this is a briny, salty and soft wine, complex and bristling in acidity, yet possessed of subtle power and finesse. Enjoy now or over time, cellaring through 2018.
From a high-elevation vineyard on the eastern edge of Lake County, this Cabernet offers sensuously juicy, brambly fruit and a dusty backbone. Rich and chewy, it conveys intense cranberry, black cherry and woodsy cedar.
From a high-elevation, steeply sloped site, this lovely, balanced wine offers a wealth of white pepper, garrigue and blueberry aromas, hitting all the marks of cool-climate character. Dense and smooth, it reveals smoke and game elements as it unwinds toward the spicy finish.
From a high altitude estate in the Vaucluse, this blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Cinsault is pale and coppery in hue, yet shows ample richness and weight on the palate. Notes of wet stone, berry and citrus linger on the mouthwatering finish.
From a high desert vineyard in the Cuyama Valley area, this bottling impresses with structure and earthy minerality. Aromas of black rocks, loamy soils and beef crust meet with shreds of elderberry and black plum on the nose. The palate's sticky tannins are persistent but pleasant, carrying flavors of dried blueberry, savory charred meats and a touch of lilac and rose petal.
From a high perch on Howell Mountain, this producer has blended 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 8% Petit Verdot—making for a darkly colored, robust wine. Thick, chalky tannins envelop plum, cassis and dark chocolate. Drink now through 2020.
From a higher elevation—and hence cooler—region of Australia, this is a light to medium-bodied Cabernet that avoids excessive leanness, offering up a mélange of plump cassis, leather and tobacco. It's not the most powerful Cab, but offers elegance and length at an affordable price.
From a highly sought-after source of Cabernet, this is classically oaky and dusty, a sophisticated take on the grape, dense and soft in waves of black cherry. With medium weight that picks up steam on the milk-chocolate finish, it's an impressive sipper or worthy companion to steak and potatoes.
From a highly sought-after vineyard site, this wine is intense in tannin and weight, making the fruit work to express itself. Red berry and cherry are given additional richness by a taste of coconut macaroon, with a mellowed finish.
From a hillside spot pummeled by coastal influences, this lovely, light wine opens with a confectionary nose of meringue. Lemony acidity provides a lift of bright, focused tension balanced in concentrated stone fruit and spice with a strong oak backbone.
From a hillside spot, this blends in 21% Zinfandel for further fruitiness, showing aromas and a taste of dried plum, the tannins upfront and generous. Structured and medium bodied, it aged almost two years in French oak that provides additional spiciness and grace.
From a hillside vineyard near Moon Mountain overlooking the Sonoma Valley, this wine was blended with 5% Petite Sirah. While not as high in alcohol as some of the producer's other wines, it has a concentrated character on the palate, akin to blueberry syrup, with soft, moderate tannins and a dusty texture. Red and black cherry provide additional fruit flavor.
From a hilltop location near the ocean-influenced town of Freestone, this wine is silky in plum and dark cherry, a hint of mushroomed earth doing its best to come out. Robust on the palate, juicy berry fruit satisfies, finishing thick and rich.
From a hilltop spot in an appellation increasingly adept at growing the variety in a restrained way, this wine is voluptuous on the palate while also offering complex layers of smoky meat, truffle earth and black licorice. The finish completes the experience with a healthy dose of black pepper.
From a historic producer who has done much work to promote Verdicchio and the Marche region around the world, San Sisto is among the most sophisticated expressions of the variety. Matured in barrel, the deeply golden colored and saturated wine is redolent of vanilla, nut, mature melon and chewy caramel.
From a historic site planted in 1903, Hayne is perfumed in cherry and raspberry, full-bodied no doubt, yet subtle and nuanced in its plushy complexity and soft structure. Strong on the palate, with a tiny sprinkling of black pepper, it offers length and breadth that suggests further aging. Drink now through 2023.
From a historic vineyard in a region that rarely grows this grape, this wine features a nose with tangy red-fruit punch, concentrated pomegranate, crushed violets and a slightly sour shred of menthol. The palate shows lots of eucalyptus and dried mint along with cranberry fruit.
From a historic vineyard in the heart of the Napa Valley, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon develops in the glass, evolving from muted aromas of earth and cinnamon spice to subtle cherry, cassis and oak. Balanced and lovely, the spice stays on the tongue throughout the long finish. It can easily be enjoyed now, but has the structure to age well through 2022.
From a historic vineyard planted in 1971, this bottling show savory and dark notes of strawberry, raspberry, licorice, slate, sage and a touch of oak smoke. The palate boasts earthy structure and vibrant acidity, with flavors of slightly bitter cherry fruit, beet juice and bay leaf.
From a historic vineyard property that has gone through recent restoration and some replanting, Old Kraft lies in the heart of the warm appellation, on its western edge below the Mayacamas Mountains. Mouthwatering red fruit takes on a brandy-like velvety hint of molasses as sturdy tannin rides shotgun with softly integrated oak. Cinnamon stick shines through on the finish.
From a hot year with an early harvest, this Sauvignon smells green and ashy, like asparagus mixed with green tobacco. In the mouth, spunky acidity suggests sharpness, while tangy flavors of nectarine and nettle finish with touches of bell pepper and tarragon.
From a hot, sandy site in the heart of the Wahluke Slope, this was barrel fermented in neutral oak. The aromas are an inviting mélange of spice, clove, lime and light tropical fruits, and the wine has natural poise and balance. Green apple, lime and peach come into play, along with streaks of butterscotch.
From a knoll in Carneros, oft thought of as chilly for Cabernet, this wine exhibits cooler aspects of the variety, from pencil lead and cedar to dried herb. It is complemented by fruitier characteristics of cassis and plum, finishing in dusty, structured tannins. Cellar through 2017–2020.
From a label owned by former L.A. Laker Sasha Vujacic, this Merlot-dominant wine delivers aromas of bricks, dust, black cherries, dried oregano and cedar, the sense of ripe but serious fruit lingering in the background. The energetic, grippy palate is reminiscent of Vietnamese coffee—creamy yet properly bitter, rich and flavorful—with blueberry and tart blackberry fruit proving lush and welcoming.
From a label owned by William Grant & Sons, this rich Napa Cab meets expectations with its fine tannic structure and ripe, oak-influenced flavors of blackberries, currants, chocolate and spice. As sweet as the wine is in the mouth, it actually finishes thoroughly dry.
From a large 177-acre estate in the southern Graves, this wine shows plenty of stalky, black currant fruits, fresh acidity and spice from wood. It has just the right characters for a food Bordeaux, dry core of tannins and vivid fruit around.
From a larger portion of viticulturist Anne Moller-Racke's home vineyard, this wine needs time to unravel itself out of a compact and concentrated funk of cedar and mint. The tannin weight is present and powerful. Roses and wild raspberries form a pact of flavor and beguiling aromatic invitation.
From a leading small domaine, this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah is sure to make virtually any lover of Rhône wines smile. Crushed thyme accents ripe cherry fruit in this full-bodied, moderately rich wine that ends with a dusting of velvety tannins. Drink now–2018.
From a limestone-laden vineyard 25 miles east of the cool Monterey Bay comes a solid wine redolent with notes of black cherry, toasted sage, cedar and cinnamon. It's big and tannic on the palate, with flavors of blackberry syrup, black licorice and espresso.
From a little-known producer outside the Classico zone, here is a pretty wine with notes of cherry, chocolate, spice and subtle shadings of vanilla. In the mouth, it delivers soft tannins and good persistency of spice and fruit flavors.
From a little-known region of Western Australia, this is a restrained, structured example of Chardonnay that may drink well for 5–6 years. Subtle vanilla and bacon shadings upfront add nuance to the melon and pear aromas. Flavors are of soft, fully ripe tree fruit and melon, but held in check by citrusy notes and crisp acids.
From a little-seen village of the Middle Mosel, this is a solid effort. It's light in weight and linear in structure, without the mouthcoating ripeness seen in many 2006s, but imbued with petrol and mineral notes that highlight green apple and citrus flavors.
From a little-used San Luis Obispo County appellation, a simple wine with little to recommend it beyond cleanliness and some berry flavors. Fully dry, it has silky tannins and some firm acids.
From a Loire Valley-based producer, this wine is crisp and cool. It has herbal touches and lively, citrusy acidity. Drink now.
From a Lompoc-based producer comes this Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, pungent in rich, ripe pear puree. Softly textured it goes down easy and is a nice, small-production find.
From a longstanding source of primo grapes, this Olivet Lane Pinot sings in floral rose and violet while offering damp earth, subtle hints of black raspberry and striking acidity. With well-integrated oak and softly layered tannins, it's on the lighter side of the producer's line-up of wines, building up steam as it goes.
From a longtime value producer, an immensely rich wine with significantly ripe, big fruit. Has layers of flavors ranging from blackberries and plums to chocolate, and is very dry. But the tannins are great, plush and thick and easy. Might benefit from a year or so in the bottle.
From a longtime vineyard source, this wine opens with dried herb and menthol aromas. It's exotic on the palate too, with seductive, silky-smooth texture and a tightness of acidity. Black cherry meets black tea and pomegranate, with just the slightest remembrance of cola. Drink now through 2023.
From a Lovall Valley location, this light white is intense in pear and peach, with a nuttiness to the strong, viscous foundation of oak. It finishes crisply like a twist of lime.
From a lovely site in the Sebastopol Hills, this wine is tart and tangy with pomegranate and dark cherry flavors, deepened with spicy earth and cardamom accents. It offers length, breadth and a full-bodied expression of the grape and place.
From a low-yielding vineyard full of galets, or stones, comes an excellent and dark wine, with aromas of cherry pie in a mint-speckled crust along with graphite and blueberry. The palate is a swirl of cola, rooibos tea and blackberry juice, with sharper eucalyptus notes coming through on the finish.
From a marquee grand-cru-like site famous for the variety, this version enhances its reputation, offering a twist of green martini olive, zesty lemon rind and wild anise. Lingering in freshness, the acidity is remarkable and memorable, supporting a full-bodied concentration of great flavor.
From a mediocre vintage, it seems as though the winery poured on the fully toasted oak to cover up marginal fruit. This smells like burnt meat and rubber, tastes charred and baked, and finishes blackened and overly toasty, with a choppy feel and hard tannins.
From a Mendocino producer who defends this appellation as Bordeaux country, a rather rough wine, compared to its southerly neighbors from Napa and Sonoma. Blackberry fruit barely ripened, and there are green, stalky flavors in this dry, fairly tannic wine.
From a Merlot-dominated, 24-acre vineyard this is a strongly mineral wine, with young, dark tannins and a powerful structure. A more juicy, fruity side brings out black currants and berries. Together the structure and the fruit promise good aging. Drink from 2017.
From a meticulously farmed site, this robust wine is intense and powerful, with a baked fruit component that makes it compelling and delicious. Forest floor, sage and rhubarb jam notes enwrap its concentrated weight and texture, with an underlying acidity that tingles the tongue.
From a mix of Columbia Valley vineyards, the Bona Vita is mostly Malbec, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot contributing to the blend. Pretty strawberry fruit is somewhat overtaken by aggressively smoky barrel aging, or so it would seem. Charcoal and smoke components lend a slightly burnt edge to the tannins.
From a mix of Milbrandt vineyard sites, this outstanding blend includes small amounts of Cabernet, Syrah, Malbec and Barbera. The blend was so well done that each component adds a vital piece to the whole—smooth berry and cherry fruits, spice, tobacco, licorice and smoke, folding into a lush and chocolaty finish.
From a mix of purchased grapes and the Laroche domaine, here is a ripe wine with swathes of yellow fruit, very approachable and warm. Rich and full in the mouth, it has a dense texture that supports the generous fruits. Drink from 2017.
From a mix of southern Oregon vineyards, this vintage was harvested at pretty low sugar levels (22.7º brix). It is light, and elegantly designed—definitely a wine for every day drinking. Along with spare berry fruit is a hint of nougat from a tiny percentage of new oak.
From a mix of vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains, this is a pleasant but simple wine with a mix of green apple and tart pear fruit flavors. It will benefit from chilling, which will bring out more of the peppery highlights and crisp acids.
From a mix of vineyards within the vast Sonoma Coast, this wine offers dark color, tannic proportions, sizable oak and a touch of black pepper and anise, bringing out rich, bold, full-bodied flavor. Concentrated and dense in wild strawberry compote, it finishes in dried herb.
From a mix of Walla Walla and Willamette fruit (hence W3,), this limited-production wine is firmly rooted in a base of apples and acid. Grace notes of spice and butter (from barrel fermentation and aging in French oak) give it added body and length, and it glides into a finish of cinnamon toast and apple butter.
From a mountainous vineyard known for its grit and brawn, this wine presents exactly that—a powerful, grippy experience of generous fruit and tannin that's nonetheless complex in a mix of leather, chocolate and coffee. The acidity provides a high-toned undercurrent that makes it enjoyable and ponderous.
From a multi-aspected, redwood-surrounded site with peeks of the Pacific Ocean, Stuller traffics in aromas of baked bread and strawberry preserves, its acidity high-toned and full of freshness. Still young and looking for further development in the glass, it's savory and soft, aged in once-to-four-times used French oak.
From a multiplicity of vineyards, this wine works and is a tremendous value for the price. It mixes hot mulled-cider spices, cinnamon, clove and pine forest, conveying surprising depth. Plum, dark cherry and more clove lead to a powerful, leathery finish.
From a multitude of vintages, blending 59% Pinot Noir and 41% Chardonnay, this is a dry, high-acid wine mixing earthy flavors of cranberry, grapefruit and forest atop a thick mousse and long finish.
From a myriad of wonderful vineyards, this vibrant wine offers an incredible deal at the price, with a lively bouquet of fennel, apple and pear. Chalky in texture with delicious acidity, it has baking spices popping up on balanced finish.
From a new producer, this Chiles Valley-grown white crackles in waxy apple and lemon-zest aromas. It was aged in mostly stainless steel, with a small addition of neutral oak. Peach fuzz dominates atop the creamy texture, providing brightness in an otherwise full-bodied, though balanced, wine.
From a new winery that's bottle-aging its wines prior to release, this is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Because the vineyards straddle multiple appellations, it carries a modest Vin de Pays de Vaucluse label, but this is serious stuff. It's dense and creamy in texture, with a long, velvety finish and flavors of chocolate, black olive and dark plum. Drink now–2020.
From a new, small producer devoted to 100% Zinfandel, this soft, grippy wine offers a hint of menthol on the nose and muted aromatics. The finish is ripe though tempered by good acidity.
From a new, small producer, this vibrantly peppery wine captures the power and grace the variety is capable of when grown on the far reaches of the coast. That peppery quality follows through on the palate, buoyed by juicy acidity and smoothly layered blackberry, tobacco and tea flavors. Exquisitely made and worth seeking out.
From a newer planting of the Durell Vineyard called the Ranch House Block, this Pinot is rocking in deep, delicious baked strawberry and raspberry fruit, fruity, lush and spicy yet balanced and tempting. The texture is satisfyingly velvety and complete.
From a newer vineyard located up Gypsy Canyon off of Highway 246, this wine shows light apple aromas along with lemon blossoms. Ripe yellow pears and apples show through a stony tightness that frames the midpalate, offering a Key-lime pith element and good saline quality.
From a newish appellation in El Dorado County, this is a copper-colored wine with richly sweet strawberry flavors and a peppery streak that lasts into the finish. It's dry enough for the dinner table. Try with cioppino. —S.H.
From a newish, small producer that's worth keeping an eye on, this wine is earthy and slightly cloudy, balanced in nature. Wild strawberry and cranberry are pitted smoothly against firm, medium-bodied tannins and oak. The finish is crisp and juicy.
From a noble Italian family that has been making wine since the 13th century, this oak-aged Tuscan red displays a crisp, clean, linear style. It's a straightforward wine with immediate aromas of red berry, leather and spice.
From a notoriously tannic grape variety comes this well-polished yet massively concentrated wine. Gorgeous, softly ripe berry and black-fig flavors demand attention from the first whiff to the lingering finish. Delicious to drink now with meat or game, it will age well through at least 2020.
From a notoriously tough vintage for the region, this wine shows gravel, turned earth, black olive, char and a bit of blackberry ripeness. It's lean on the palate, with flavors of tobacco, rustic elderberry and charred meats, exhibiting tannins that still need some chilling out.
From a number of old-vine parcels, designated in the past as L-O and only produced in the best years, this wine is beautifully ripe with great layers of rich apple and pear fruits. They are cut with zesty acidity and a more mineral aspect. The wine still needs to age further, so drink from 2019.
From a number of Premier Cru vineyards, the wine is solid and dark. Firm, dry tannins still dominate and give promise for aging. At the same time, black plum fruit flavors show a riper side and add richness to the mix. Drink from 2016.
From a p of Sonoma Mountain exposed to the Petaluma Gap, this wine is spicy in cinnamon and cola, its oak profile reduced and intense. Roses and cherries provide the floral and the fruit around deeper, darker tendencies into Asian spice and black tea. Drink now through 2021.
From a parcel in the Osterberg Grand Cru vineyard, this is a blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. The spice dominates although it is cut through by Riesling acidity. It's not quite integrated, showing youthful exuberance that needs to settle down. Drink from 2016.
From a parcel of 25-year-old vines, this is a concentrated, firm wine that needs to age. It has good potential with its tight, steely character and smoky edge. The fruitiness comes from the organic and biodynamic grapes that give richness as well as a final fresh, crisp aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
From a parcel of Malbec that is planted at 6,666 plants to the hectare (about 2.5 acres), this is such a concentrated wine. With powerful and brooding tannins, it is structured and richly endowed with black fruits. The natural acidity of the Malbec is enhanced by the mineral character coming from the stony soil. Drink this young wine from 2019.
From a parcel of the Fourchaume premier cru vineyard that is on the same slope as the Grand Crus, this is a ripe, full-bodied wine, packed with fruit while still firmly structured. Tropical and yellow fruits, hints of pineapple and apricots give richness, set against a mineral, textured aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
From a parcel of vines at Château de l'Aulnaye in the Château-Thébaud area, this is now a mature, ripe and smooth wine, It has a flinty edge along with richer yellow fruits and mint. This concentrated wine is ready to drink.
From a parcel of vines in the Meursault village appellation, this attractive, soft wine has ripe grapefruit and pear flavors to go with the crisp acidity and the lightest touch of wood. Drink from 2015.
From a parcel of vines in the Saint-Julien property of Château Lagrange, this wine is a fine, classically balanced white Bordeaux, with its herbaceous character tamed by a light touch of wood, and the edge of earthiness that seems characteristic of whites from the Médoc. The wine ends with vivid acidity and green fruits.
From a parcel of vines planted on schist and close to the Lake of Grandlieu, this is a smooth, still-young wine. It has the freshest acidity, laced with citrus and green pear. Lightly textured and bright at the end, it's ready to drink.
From a parcel on this 12-acre estate, the wine is structured and rich. It has layers of firm tannins under the black fruits. Acidity and a crisp mineral texture mix with the solid structure and concentration. The aftertaste shows the generous future of this fine cru wine. Drink from 2018.
From a parcel that is outside the Premier Cru of Les Damodes, this is a structured, steely and mineral-textured wine. Firm tannins go with attractive perfumes and the potential of ripe, jammy fruit. The end has great acidity as well as a smoky character from wood aging. Drink from 2016.
From a parcel within the Kirchberg de Barr Grand Cru, this is a structured, serious Gewuztraminer. It has weight as well as sweetness, but it's the potential and ageability that is so impressive. Spice and gingerbread notes, as well as fine acidity, lend complexity to the honeyed, yellow fruits. Drink from 2016.
From a particular block of an estate vineyard, this is a high-strung, high-acid Pinot that's earthy and piquant on the tongue. The aromas offer a mix of spearmint and dried herb.
From a particular block of the Los Chamizal Vineyard that is indeed rocky, this brambly, fruity wine shows off layers of blackberry and vanilla, swaddled in cinnamon toast. Somewhat thin on the palate despite the power of its ripeness, it devolves on the sour finish.
From a particular block with limestone soils, this is indeed a light, steely and minerally white wine, given nine months in French oak, only 17% of it new. It takes on that oak with subtle concentration, offering a touch of baked pineapple, peach and vanilla, ending in a bittersweet bite of Meyer lemon.
From a Pinot Noir specialist in the heart of the Russian River Valley, this white is equal parts floral and fruity, shy and dry, with a succulent layering of lime, grapefruit and fig. A medium level of acidity wraps itself around a viscous core, keeping the wine fresh on the palate. It's the right kind of weighty, finishing with ginger and honey.
From a pocket of Sonoma County becoming known for quality Syrah, this wine is dense in jammy strawberry and blackberry flavors, with powerful espresso and compost notes—a celebration that's equal parts fruit and earth. Its expansive tannins suggest it will benefit from cellaring; enjoy 2020–2024.
From a popular vineyard in the mountains north of the Santa Maria Valley, this bottling shows strong blackberry-pie notes as well as tighter scents of black-plum skins. Purple fruits and flowers of lavender and violet pop on the palate, where zesty acidity carries the sip into an ever-so-slightly caramel finish.
From a popular vineyard on the eastern edge of the appellation, this wine offers aromas of cherry, cola, slate, orange rind and cinnamon stick. The palate is light but bursting with herbal character and sizzling acidity. It shows fresh oregano and thyme alongside tart pomegranate fruit in the midpalate. A eucalyptus quality extends into the finish.
From a Port shipper started in 1829 and that almost disappeared, this is a light old gold in color, a smooth and sweet aged white Port. It has strong connections with its wood aging, with spice and smokiness combining with dried apricots and dates. Drink now.
From a portion of Esporão's Douro vineyard, this is a smooth, ripe and very accessible wine. Rich, dark plum and berry flavors are given a structure by the wood aging and the firm, mineral tannins. Age this for a year and drink from 2016.
From a powerful vineyard comes this powerful wine, beautifully aromatic and succulent in coconut flakes and raspberry liqueur. With a crispness from the acidity, it remains balanced on the palate despite its size, finishing in spicy black pepper and leathery tobacco.
From a prime site planted in 1910 and brought back to life in recent years, this is a juicy, rustic wine that's lengthy and boldly crafted—a hint of mushroomy earthiness providing an intriguing additional layer of flavor to the fruity raspberry and strawberry. There's black pepper and cinnamon spice lurking in the background, waiting to exhale. Drink now through 2023.
From a prime site relatively high in elevation for the appellation, this wine shows beautiful, crisp acidity, as robust layers of mountain raspberry, blackberry and coffee flavor vie for attention. Full bodied and densely structured, it unfurls in wisps of black licorice and clove on the lengthy finish.
From a producer better known for its red wines, this is a notable white—although there is a slight coppery tinge to the wine's hue. Melon and herbal notes are true to the variety, as is the broad mouthfeel and faint tactile dustiness on the finish. Drink now.
From a producer in the Layon valley, this is an off-dry wine with considerable acidity as well as red-fruit flavors. It is light with the yeasty character of a young, fruity wine. Drink now.
From a producer in the same family since 1834, this rosé is crisp and poised. Attractive red fruits are sharpened by orange zest and filled out with an edge of tannin from the addition of red wine to give color. The wine is young, fruity and ready to drink.
From a producer of famed whites comes a beautiful Cabernet with an elegant, poised character. Mint, clove and deep berry on the nose are followed on the palate, where balanced tannins and spice offer serious flavor. The overall character is rich but softer, making it a lovely food wine.
From a producer that knows its way around the variety, this Reserve-tier wine shows off its burly pedigree in leather and tobacco, strapped around huge tannins. Crisper, high-toned red fruit makes itself felt midway through on the palate, finishing in handfuls of distinct black pepper.
From a producer to watch in underrated Lodi, this intense, black cherry, bacon-fat and white peppery Syrah has an almost peat-like, whisky aroma at first, very inviting, which then leads into more bacon and pepper that carries through on the palate, balanced by extremely smooth tannins and an unexpected elegance. A really cool Syrah to try on its own that'll go very nicely with meaty, wintery foods.
From a producer with a generally good track record for off-dry Riesling comes this delightfully crisp, fruity wine. With a touch of white sugar in the background, it shows brisk flavors of limes, peaches, green apples and vanilla.
From a producer with a proven track record for Rhône wines comes this powerful, dramatically structured 100% Grenache. Shows the variety's lush cherry flavors, with complex layers of grilled meat, dark chocolate, black licorice, violets and peppery spice. A bit hard and closed in tannins, it should be given a good decanting.
From a promising new project, the nose of this wine is linear and focused, with black raspberry, black licorice, cola, wet sagebrush and rain-on-slate scents. The tactile acidity once sipped creates a fascinating soft buzz on the tongue, with flavors of dried mint, brisk raspberry and cherry tomato. Camphor and eucalyptus add intrigue on the finish.
From a promising winery in the Morgan Hill area south of San Jose, this blend of 48% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 2% Carignane and 2% Petite Sirah shows deep, dark but not juicy black plum, condensed coffee and game aromas. There's firm structure to the palate, which is dense yet dry with elderberry, dark chocolate and violet flavors.
From a property owned by Château Mongravey in Margaux, this firmly structured wine is solid with dark tannins and blackberry fruits. It has the stalky texture typical of the vintage, although this will soften to leave a firm while ripe wine. Drink from 2018.
From a property owned by the Bignon-Cordier family of Château Talbot in Saint-Julien in Bordeaux, this wine is packed with red fruit. Smooth and full bodied, it offers a touch of spice as well as perfumed raspberry acidity. A rich wine, it is ready to drink.
From a property that is just below the Montée de Tonnerre Premier Cru vineyard, the 30-year-old vines give a round, easygoing wine. The tight texture is really lost in the fresh pear and apple flavors and general ripeness. Drink now.
From a Provence estate bearing the name of the family that has owned it for 17 generations, this wine is crisp, fruity and bright. It has a light touch of acidity, as well as red currant and spice flavors. The wine, with its lively aftertaste, is in a fine apéritif style.
From a quartet of cool, coastal vineyard sites, including Platt, a single-vineyard designate for the producer, this is a crisp expression of honeycomb and green apple that bristles in acidity and nuanced oak. Fresh and alive, it has plenty of celebratory fruit flavor while remaining savory and elegant.
From a quinta close to Pinhão in the heart of the Douro, this Port, of course still young, is big and ripe. At this stage is packed with ripe and sweet black plums and dried raisins that are dominating the potential of the firm structure underneath. Drink anytime after 2025.
From a ranch planted many decades ago, this wine includes mixed blacks such as Grand Noir and Carignane, adding juicy red and black fruit to the mix. Smoke, cinnamon and leather highlights are kept firm by an integrated tannic structure.
From a ranch planted originally in 1926 this is a knockout wine, exotically spiced and nuanced in pepper, cinnamon and a distinction of sandalwood. High-toned fruit provides a lift to the lushness that wants to dominate, but never does, allowing the tangy orange and blackberry to speak quietly and clearly.
From a range of vineyards including Cole and Rodgers Creek, this blend is thick and soft, highlighted in charcuterie, black licorice and tar aromas. Birch and leather add more savory personality, as the nose continues to suggest the aromatic landscape of an Italian deli. It's cofermented with a small percentage of Viognier.
From a rare vineyard growing the variety in Carneros, this wine has a pleasing rustic nature, with characteristics of leather and salty black olive knotted around juicy blackberry and blueberry. Remaining vibrant on the palate rather than heavy, the acidity balanced, it shows bacon and oak on the finish.
From a rare white grape in the region, this bottling shows ripe apple and pear flesh on the nose as well as tangerine juice, lime rinds and chalk. The palate is both dainty and candied, with Jolly Rancher sour-apple flavors woven into grapefruit-pith grip.
From a recently planted site on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, this combines tangy, raspberry fruit concentration with elegance. Spicy and vertically stacked with flavors, it moves from brambly, peppery fruits into a long finish with highlights of cinnamon and spice. The vine cuttings are from Lonnie Wright's original (1893) planting.
From a region and producer more widely known for Chenin Blanc comes this very drinkable Petite Sirah with chewy blue fruit, coffee, toasty coconut and oak. There's enough structure and girth to age a while, so pair it in a few years with roasted or braised meats, a giant slab of steak or any other suitably hearty meal.
From a region not known for Cabernet comes a rich, tantalizing, luscious wine, with lots of cigar box/tobacco aromas and plenty of vibrant black fruit: currants and plums. Proper acidity drives the finish, leaving the mouth fairly refreshed. Has all the structure and balance one could ask for.
From a region on the rise, this is nice Tempranillo, made in a lighter, food-friendly style. Which doesn't mean it's weak. On the contrary, the wine has good concentration and purity to go with fresh acids and an approachable texture. The flavors are of plum, cherry and licorice, while the finish is tight and comes in a couple of layers. Well made and easy to drink.
From a region well-known for its sparkling wines, this is a fruity wine with soft acidity and a ripe apple character. It has a light mousse, creamy rather than crisp. Drink now.
From a relatively cool growing region near Canberra, this shows its origins in its smoke, herb and green-peppercorn aromas. Cherry fruit grounds the palate, which offers a smooth feel and medium body. The slightly herbal note lingers on the finish.
From a relatively cool hillside site within the Oak Knoll District, this wine dances in lemon and green apple, completely crisp atop a fuller-bodied style embraced in oak. Luxurious on the palate, it finishes with a bite of salty brine.
From a relatively cool site for the variety, this white shows an abundance of green olive and Meyer lemon. Moderate body and acidity allow for a touch of lemongrass spiciness and black licorice amid the textured mouthfeel and length.
From a relatively warm site within the burgeoning Petaluma Gap, this wine offers lush, velvety layers of blackberry, mint and dried herb, employing some whole-cluster fermentation to add to the weight and concentration. Perfumed in spice, it retains plenty of structure; it would be a good one to cellar, through 2023.
From a relatively young vineyard (planted in 2000), this is a nicely complex effort, showing hints of rose pollen, cherries and herbal tea. It's round in the mouth, yet virtually weightless, showing off a wonderfully silky texture that persists through the finish. Without any real track record, opt for drinking this one on the young side (now–2012).
From a reliable Clare Valley producer, Pikes 2006 Dry Riesling appears to be an ageworthy effort, boasting plenty of crisp intensity. Lime, grapefruit and green apple notes are classic Riesling markers, ending long and mouthwatering. Drink now–2016, possibly beyond. Imported by USA Wine West.
From a reliable, established winery in the Sierra region, this wine was made from Syrah Barbera, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Smoky, peppery aromas lead to ripe spicy fruit flavors and a firm but polished mouthfeel. The wine is moderately tannic and nicely dry.
From a remote vineyard, this generous, well-made wine offers subtle black-cherry aromas, a velvety texture and blackberry flavors. Just moderately tannic, it's softer than some, yet has enough grip in the texture to be great with an indulgent meal.
From a remote Western Australia region, this is a fine value. Ripe mulberries and cracked pepper mingle easily on the nose, picking up a hint of mint on the palate. It's medium to full in body, with a supple, creamy texture and a long silky finish.
From a replanted block of the vineyard, this wine is zesty, savory and high in acidity. With a backbone of stony texture and a deep core of licorice and strawberry flavors, it's bold in tannins and intensity, yet finishes bright.
From a replanted single vineyard, single clone site, the first vintage since that replanting in 2009, there's a youthful awkwardness still at play here, though the wine is quite juicy in black cherry and a lingering suggestion of soy. The oak and tannin are fairly firm and pronounced.
From a ripe and picture-perfect growing season, this wine has luscious and concentrated waves of fig, melon and vanilla, rounded out by an inviting, floral edge of orange blossom. Oaky toast and nutmeg highlight the midpalate, before the wine finishes in a sea of minerality.
From a ripe vintage, this soft, generous wine has a good balance between its acidity and its smooth, creamy character. The wine is crisp now and could probably do with some bottle age to bring out its inherent richness. Wait until 2018.
From a section of the producer's Quail Hill Vineyard, this wine sings with smoky sage and forest floor notes, its tingling acidity emphasizing freshness. Its backbone of thick tannins offers strength and power, contrasting more delicate layers of blueberry flavor.
From a section of the rocky vineyard planted to the Martini clone, a thick-skinned grape, Deer Camp is full bodied, densely concentrated and marked by a streak of spiciness throughout. It's perfumed with roses and forest floor, while it presents a texture that is seductively velvety and smooth.
From a section of the vineyard planted to only one clone, Paige's is luscious and velvety, smoothly decadent in sanguine, tangy fruit. Full bodied and in balance, it suggests a wild note of mint or bay leaf, something savory as one would find in a cassoulet or beef stew, two things with which it would pair well.
From a selected parcel of vines at Brumont's Château Montus, this wine is obviously dense and powerful. Its alcohol does give it too much weight and a peppery character, although the wine is also impressively fresh. It has concentrated black-plum and damson fruits, strong tannins and a dry chocolaty aftertaste. Drink from 2020.
From a selection of bunches that were left on the vines to gather noble rot, this wine is rich and wonderfully concentrated and with layers of botrytis and ripe fruits. Apricots and honey are balanced by the drier edge of the noble rot. It's a young wine still and will be even better from 2019.
From a selection of clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam soils, this is a dark and savory Pinot Noir. Ripe and oaked, it presents a balanced combination of cherry fruit flavor and soda spice.
From a selection of different parcels near the Torto and Pinhão rivers, this is a beautifully ripe and fruity wine. With some firm tannins and a tight texture it shows plenty of the schist terroir of the Douro. Over that there are layers of rich dark fruits that are balanced with acidity. Drink the wine now.
From a selection of its best vineyards across the county, this producer showcases a majority of the variety with 16% Petite Sirah, all aged in French oak, 25% of it new. Black olive, spicy leather and cinnamon make for a bold, dry and boisterous wine that's entirely enjoyable, integrated in terms of both tannin and oak.
From a selection of old vines in four parcels, the wine has rich fruits, concentrated blackberry flavors and fully integrated tannins. It is ripe, juicy with fine acidity and a good potential. Drink this fine and fruity wine from 2018.
From a selection of old vines, this grand wine is rich and firmly structured. With dark tannins and powerful black plum fruit flavors, it is concentrated and with considerable aging potential. The wine is still young, packed with tannins and will not be ready to drink until 2019.
From a selection of parcels, this cuvée is, for the vintage, concentrated and rich. Firm and tough tannins do show, although the dominant character is sweet fruit.
From a selection of parcels, this is a ripe and fruity wine. Vines aged on average 55 years have produced a ripe concentrated wine with opulent yellow fruits that are balanced by citrus acidity. The wine is ready to drink.
From a selection of sites within the appellation, this approachable wine is dusty and grippy, with strong flavors of chocolate, plum and blackberry. Firm rounded tannins make for an enjoyable experience. The finish just slightly smoky and seasoned in black pepper.
From a selection of the original vines at this heritage vineyard, which was planted in the early 1970s, this is densely layered with strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit. Details are well-integrated, bringing light notes of toasted coconut and caramel. The texture and mouthfeel express the little extras that old vines, when handled properly, can deliver.
From a selection of vines, this is a powerful, complex wine that boasts ripe tannins, sweet acidity and a juicy black currant character. It has structure and density that certainly indicate aging, so keep the wine for at least five years.
From a selection of vineyard-designated sites, including Durell, Campbell Ranch and several Sangiacomo sites, this well-crafted blend is buzzing in minerality, a wet-stone character that overlays a depth of silky richness. Approachable now and yet structured for aging, its medium-level weight is awash in ripe apple and pear, finishing lean.
From a selection of vineyard sites and clones, this wine offers juicy acidity behind a wave of plummy red and black cherry, an earthy foundation keeping things real. Oak and tannins are well integrated, and plenty of clove flavor make for a spicy finish. This gets extra attention for the awesome label.
From a selection of vineyards across the Napa Valley, including Brown Ranch in Carneros, this is a woody, herbal wine, full bodied on the midpalate, with flavors of peach and vanilla. It has aged in both French oak and stainless steel to keep the oak in check, and finishes with fresh Meyer lemon.
From a selection of vineyards influenced heavily by fog, this wine shines in fleshy, expansive stone fruit and brightly integrated flavors of apple and pear. With a focused, velvety and juicy texture, it retains plenty of balance against a backdrop of elegant richness.
From a selection of vineyards, most predominantly Stiling, this wine offers tart acidity and a low oak profile upfront, allowing the fruit to build richness and density as it opens. Baked apple and mango flavors are spiced with nutmeg and caramel, finishing with steely minerality.
From a separate parcel of old vines, this rich wine is structured and dense. Citrus and herbal flavors meld easily with the mineral texture and ripe green-plum fruits. It's a wine to age, so drink from 2018.
From a series of single-clone, single-block bottlings, this is a sharp-toned, slightly volatile wine with bright, tight, cherry fruit flavors. It's a good starting point for a blend, but feels incomplete on its own.
From a series of single variety wines from Vilacetinho, this Loureiro shows the aromatic character that has made this an increasingly popular variety for local producers. It has a delicate perfume, great acidity, and crispness and a very direct apple quality that is deliciously cool.
From a seven-acre parcel on the estate and produced from 35-year-old vines, this is a tannin-dominated wine. It is firm, with concentration that is just beginning to show the rich black-cherry fruits. Still developing, it needs to age, Drink from 2018.
From a seven-acre section of the vineyard, this offers plenty of saddle leather and cedar amidst spicy cardamom layers, a soft, juicy core and tingling acidity. The structure and weight suggest the ability to cellar comfortably through 2020.
From a simpatico, family-run winery comes this benchmark Barolo. La Serra speaks highly of the Langhe territory and of winemaking innovation. Aromas here include cherry cola, vanilla bean, leather and crushed granite stone. The wine is determined and direct with a savory note of cured meat on the long finish. Drink after 2017.
From a single-vineyard, estate-grown and bottled, this is an intense 100% Cabernet, generous in roasted plum, cedar and coffee. With supple tannins it's easy to enjoy, concentrated and dark, a good match for roasted meats and savory pies.
From a single-walled vineyard, this is a ripe, generous and still structured cru wine. It has layers of delicious black-plum fruits and a jammy ripe texture that cushions the tannins. The vineyard is wholly owned by Edouard Labruyère, making it a monopole. Drink from 2018.
From a single block at Temperance Hill, this aromatic wine neatly captures the terroir without pushing too hard. There are herbal nuances. a hint of hazelnut, some earth and wet stone, all nicely blended into a wine that is robust but accessible. Good balance and well-managed tannins.
From a single parcel in Chorey-lès-Beaune, this fruity wine has crisp red berry flavors and light tannins. It's ripe and will develop easily and quickly into a soft, rounded wine. Drink from 2018.
From a single parcel in Meursault, this is a tight and structured wine. It has strong minerality as well as spice and vanilla from wood aging. The zesty white and citrus fruits are still developing, giving a wine that will age well. Drink from 2019.
From a single parcel in the estate, this is a full and rich wine with impressive intensity and concentration. It has spice, pepper and warm black cherry fruits, with a layer of tannins. Ripe and full in the mouth, this can be enjoyed now.
From a single parcel in this estate, this wine is a rich Merlot-dominated wine. It has dark tannins and plenty of juicy blackberry fruits that are deeply spiced by the wood aging. It is a full wine, ripe although with a fine streak of finishing acidity. Drink from 2019.
From a single parcel of old vines, this melon and kiwi-flavored wine has both a round texture and a line of crisp acidity. It is full of ripe fruit, concentrated and brimming with tangy orange acidity at the end. Drink this rich wine from 2018.
From a single parcel of organically grown Pinot Blanc, this was partially vinified in wood. It is dry, although the fruitiness of the grapes balances that dryness. The result is a rich wine, full of fruitiness and with a toasty edge that adds complexity. Drink now.
From a single parcel of Pinot Meunier this wine is crisp and textured. It has a ripe juicy apple character cut with acidity and minerality. At the same time the natural softness of the grape variety comes through to round out the wine leaving a gentle aftertaste. Drink now.
From a single parcel on the Vrignaud domaine, the wine has 30% wood aging. That gives a ripe full character which emphasizes the rich vintage. Toast mingles with rich apples and touches of citrus. Drink this refreshing wine from 2017.
From a single parcel that is above the emblematic windmill of Moulin-à-Vent, this wine shows its 16 months of wood aging in its smooth and perfumed character. Cherries and freshly ground spice mix with some firm tannins to give structure while leaving room for the fruit. Drink from 2017.
From a single sustainably farmed vineyard in Lodi comes this super bang for your buck. It's earthy Cab that's perfumed inside and out, with wafts of cedar burning on an open fire, as well as brick, black cherry and clove. It's balanced and structured to boot.
From a single vineyard's old vines, here is a full, very rich wine, packed with flavors of almonds and ripe nuts. Layers of wood give it a toasty character, but never one that dominates the quality fruit.
From a single vineyard in Estremoz, this structured and dense wine houses notes of bitter chocolate and tart berry. It's full of tannins and needs time to soften. Drink from 2016.
From a single vineyard in the Vinho Verde sub-region of Monção and Melgaço, the heartland of Alvarinho, the wine is rich and smoothly textured. It has a fine creamy character that is filled with ripe pear and apricot fruits. The more citrus acidity is just right to balance this richness. Drink now.
From a single vineyard just behind the line of Grand Cru vineyards, this is superior Chablis, wood aging bringing an attractive toasty character. It has green plum fruits to give balancing freshness. Ready to drink.
From a single vineyard of old vines, this is a deeply structured wine. The rare Jaen (in Spain the Mencia grape of the northwest) dominates and here gives a dark and dense wine. It has power, of course, but also style and elegance from the fruit and tannin balance. The strong mineral aftertaste promises further aging, so drink from 2016.
From a single vineyard on flinty silex soil, this is a taut and concentrated wine. Its intensity is enhanced by the tense texture and powerful youthful acidity. At this stage, it is still young, still with its exuberant fruit. So wait to drink this wine until 2018.
From a single vineyard on Snipes Mountain, this is a forceful, dark and liquorous version of Harrison Hill, which often carries more herbal accents. Here it's fruity and floral, with scents of rose petals and concentrated raspberry and cassis. Still young and showing its alcohol, it needs some hours of decanting.
From a single vineyard planted in 1908, this Semillon is just entering its window of drinkability, where it should remain for at least another 10 years. Scents of fresh lime juice and grilled toast lead the way, backed by flavors of limes and mandarin oranges. It's medium in body, plump yet tightly focused, with a lengthy finish full of toast and citrus zest.
From a single vineyard site in the appellation, this is a structured, even slightly austere wine, juicy yet enclosed in sturdy tannin. Clove, leather and tobacco drive the flavor, with a shot of black pepper on the finish.
From a single vineyard source, this wine offers sinewy blackberry and black currant, as well as a pleasant note of soy, across a fine-grained background and integrated use of French oak. Clove and black pepper star between the layers of fruit, finishing harmoniously.
From a single vineyard, this blend of Gros Manseng and Colombard is crisp, lightly herbal and also honeyed. It has apricot fruits that are sliced through with citrus acidity and tangy lemon zest. The wine is still fresh, ready to drink, although it could age until 2020.
From a single vineyard, this exemplary Soave has great intensity and concentration, with flavors of peppers and ripe, green fruits. The wine's long fermentation wine gives it structure and great extraction of flavor.
From a single vineyard, this wine has structure and dense tannins. It is still young and the lean stalky character needs time to open up. Look for the black currant fruit to become richer over the next year and drink from 2017.
From a single, high-elevation block of the Alden-Ellis Vineyard, this is somewhat muted aromatically, preferring to present itself in waves of oak and cigar box. Big tannins and weight surround a soft, approachable palate that's ready to enjoy now.
From a site adjacent to the Pines vineyard, this rare Oregon Zinfandel deftly melds toast, sweet spice, buttered nut, espresso and black cherry flavors. It's big, bold, dark and delicious, with more lift than its high alcohol might suggest.
From a site at 2,400 feet elevation, this wine's aroma suggests pencil lead, cedar, clove and mountain sage. With its juicy midpalate of black cherry and cassis, it unleashes firm, grippy tannins on its long finish, showing structure but also grace.
From a site composed of sandy Goldridge soil, this white is tremendously floral, showing off the Gewürztraminer-like flamboyance of the musqué clone. It's equally exotic on the palate, its dense, gravelly texture offset by vibrant acidity, needing a swirl or two in the glass to resolve.
From a site farmed by organic vineyard guru Phil Coturri, this full-bodied, expansive red is robust and leathery, dotted in soft layers of black currant and black pepper.
From a site farmed by the great Ulises Valdez, this barrel-aged white is remarkably subtle on the oak, allowing bright, rich flavors of lemon, lime and mango to shine through, along with more complex aspects of green apple and anise.
From a site in Calistoga, this wine delivers juicy tobacco, char and black fruit flavors, with a concentrated structure and new French and American oak. Savory leather and black pepper notes close out the long finish.
From a site in Green Valley, this crisp, light-bodied offering has a dusty rose aroma and a meaty consistency the provides body without weight. Cranberry and cherry notes form its fruit core, accompanied by a tease of grapefruit.
From a site near Annapolis, this wine shows a preponderance of dark grape and cherry flavor interwoven with cinnamon and black peppercorn. Light-bodied and ethereally layered, it has touches of rustic earthiness and leather.
From a site on the edges of Santa Rosa, this vineyard-designate shows a wealth of baked strawberry and is noteworthy for its vibrantly fruity aromatics. Ripe, velvety and lush on the palate, it delivers sensually and deliciously, with a lasting imprint of cola spice on the finish.
From a site on the western edge of Green Valley, this wine rocks in its light-bodied wrestling of white pepper and floral violet intrigue, so inviting on the nose. It opens slowly to unravel high-toned acidity and aspects of wild berry that are irresistible in their succulence and depth.
From a site on Westside Road, this vineyard-designate boasts a rich experience aromatically and flavor-wise, revealing graham cracker, peach, lime and green apple alongside salty acidity. The oak (34% of it new French) plays a pleasant, supportive role, adding a note of brioche.
From a site planted by Steve MacRostie in 1998, this white sings in complexity and tension, providing tart jolts of lemon verbena, ginger and nutmeg. Complex and elegant, especially in its floral perfume, it drinks voluptuously, full of come-hither ripeness.
From a site planted in 2002, 100% varietal and given time in 50% new French oak, this steal of a deal offers dusty minerality around a thickness of vanilla and cherry pie, finding a way to rein in its concentrated richness before going too far. This is a likable and impressive wine well worth seeking.
From a site situated at 1,800-feet in elevation, this is an incredibly elegant expression of this grape, blended with 15% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel. Tar, ginger, leather and oak complement blueberry and blackberry succulence around a rich, round, soft and substantial core of structure and flavor.
From a site that reaches up to 1,800 feet and dates back grape-growing wise to before the Civil War, this wine is bold and beautiful. It's a study in dusty leather, black pepper and cigar, allowing sauvage, savory aspects to speak louder than fruit. Full bodied and robustly structured, it offers a memorable Tahitian-vanilla note on the finish.
From a site tucked within the eastern hills of the appellation, this is a 100% varietal expression, dark hay in color, sparkling in minerality and sporting a gravelly edge. Stainless steel and one neutral French oak barrel helped ferment and age. Flinty, it shines in lime, peach and pear.
From a site with elevation rising as high as 2,200 feet, this wine delivers tremendous complexity and minerality, the grapes from volcanic soils. Meaty, with a wisp of smoky char, it's ripe and full bodied in cherry and cassis, nuances of bay leaf and rocky tannin.
From a six-acre site further inland than many of the producer's other sources, this wine shines in classic coastal expression nonetheless. It presents a mix of earthy, stemmy forest and black tea, with a touch of reduction and lightness of oak and power. Delicately textured, it delivers a refined style.
From a sloped vineyard in Green Valley, this impressive wine is spicy in cardamom with plenty of forest floor character, a tanginess dominant on the full-bodied palate. Orange zest and cranberry accent fine-tuned tannin and subtle oak.
From a sloping flinty vineyard, this is an impressive wine. It is powered by its tight tense texture to give a concentrated essence of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine, with its green and citrus fruits, is tangy, steely and needing to age. Drink from 2019.
From a small 19-acre estate, this is a fruity and juicy blend of Braucol and the still rare Prunelard. It has a tannic stalky edge that suggests the wine can still develop. This serious concentrated wine was made in egg-shaped cement tanks and is from organic grapes. Drink from 2019.
From a small appellation in the north of the Mâconnais, producing reds as well as whites, this is initially a mineral, citric wine, which broadens out with toast, fresh acidity and a good weight, with lychee and yellow fruits.
From a small appellation near Bonny Doon that this family has farmed for half a century comes this zesty wine, with aromas of seared lemons, caramelized nectarine, browned butter and hard apple candy. The palate shows warm apples, roasted almonds and a shred of iodine, finishing with dried apricot and pressed white flowers.
From a small appellation north of the Pouilly-Fumé region, this wine is lightly fruity. It has creamy acidity and a perfumed character that comes from the lemon and honey fruitiness. Drink now.
From a small cave cooperative in Laudun, this is a solid Rhône white blend of 55% Grenache Blanc, 40% Bourboulenc and 5% Clairette. It's a full-bodied, slightly oily wine, delivering pear, melon and pineapple flavors tinged with cinnamon and brown sugar. Drink now.
From a small dry-farmed vineyard comes this rich and layered wine that shows black olives, ripe cranberries, buttered cherries and red rose petals on the complicated nose. Very savory fruits emerge once sipped, with smoked black plums, mission figs, red cherries and raspberries alongside balsamic vinegar, licorice candy and a Tootsie Roll chocolate element.
From a small estate of only 10 acres, this wine with its 60% Merlot is fruity with just the right amount of tannins. It has red fruit and crisp acidity along with a dry edge. The wine is likely to age quickly, so drink from 2019.
From a small estate, this big, ripe and fruity wine has swathes of black fruits to go with the dark, brooding tannins. Very broad and fruity, the wine is always likely to be structured. Drink from 2017.
From a small family-run operation that is 100% estate, this Cab is thick in blueberry and blackberry, almost syrupy rich. With a big juicy backbone, it offers a full-figured body and leathery texture, ending explosively with notes of black licorice and toffee. Cellar through 2020.
From a small family estate named for the fireflies that live around the vineyard, this is crisp, with enough fruitiness to balance the acidity. It's light, refreshing and ready for warm-weather enjoyment.
From a small family vineyard along the appellation's highest slopes, this is a powerfully concentrated, mountain-driven wine, leathery, grippy and dusty in tannin. Black licorice, raspberry and blackberry jam flavors provide weight and expansion on the palate, with a touch of heat on the finish.
From a small Lisboa vineyard owned by Rocim's Catarina Vieira, this wine is a rich blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. It offers concentrated tannins and solid texture. At the same time, the black-currant fruit adds a great lift of juiciness and acidity. Drink the wine now.
From a small north-east facing vineyard in the Vallée de la Marne, this ripe, soft, generous wine also has great intensity. It is full and concentrated, with pear and apple fruits allied to touches of bitter almonds, wood and fruit. It's a vintage that could age, although it is just right to drink now.
From a small parcel at the base of the hill of Beaune, this is a delicious wine with a touch of vanilla. It is rounded, smooth and rich, bringing out both fruit and toasty wood flavors that are integrated well. Drink from 2016.
From a small parcel called Les Mazières Basses, this is a rare Village wine in an area packed with Premier and Grand Crus. It has power and richness as well as a smooth texture that is already velvety. It's ripe and concentrated, with juicy black currant and berry fruits, finishing dry and firm. Drink from 2018.
From a small parcel in the Lamothe-Vincent vineyard, this rich, structured wine shows a strong relationship with terroir and minerality. It has power and intensity, while still preserving enough freshness. Drink from 2016.
From a small parcel of 19th-century vines planted on the hill of Saint-Mont, this is a finely structured rich wine. It has dark tannins and dense black fruits that are balanced by acidity. Rich, spicy and full, it still has tannins that will begin to soften shortly. Drink from 2018 until 2024.
From a small parcel of chalky soil in the Fourcas Dupré estate, this ripe, wood-aged wine offers toast and herbal flavors along with ripe apricot and quince fruitiness. The acidity and the mineral edge of the wine promise aging, so drink from 2018.
From a small parcel of land that is not designated as classed growth (rare in Pauillac), this is a richly satisfying wine. It is full of complex tannins as well as juicy red-berry fruits. There is also structure to give it the chance to age. Drink this wine with its delicious potential from 2022.
From a small parcel of vines in the Gaudou vineyard, this impressive wine is rich and still very young. Matured in egg-shaped tanks, it is dense with fruit as much as tannin, poducing a spicy wine full of black fruits and a dry core that is already well integrated. Drink from 2019.
From a small parcel of vines, this wine is rich, peppery and weighty. With its tannic edge and tight texture, it needs some aging. Give this structured wine until late 2016.
From a small portion of the Fonréaud vineyard, this blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc with Sémillon and Muscadelle is delicately wood aged to give a ripe fruity wine with added spice. It is perfumed and aromatic with a smooth creamy texture. With its intense acidity, it is a delicious and refreshing wine. Drink now.
From a small producer in the heart of the appellation, this 100% varietal wine impresses in its plush, lush red fruit along with clove, nutmeg and gentle layering of vanilla. Full bodied and sturdy in tannin, it has enough softness over time to become food-friendly and approachable.
From a small property next to Jean-Luc Baldès's Clos Triguedina, Labrande produces a firm while accessible Malbec. It has richness, solid tannins, dark coffee and blueberry flavors. The end shows density and medium-term aging potential.
From a small region just north of Pouilly Fumé, this is light and fruity. It's soft, just herbaceous and full of green apple and grapefruit flavors that give a fresh, lively character. It's completely ready to drink.
From a small single parcel in Gigondas, this shows remarkably pure cola and plum fruit, pointed up by plenty of richness on the palate. Compared to Montirius's 2006 Terre des Aînés, its tannins are chewier and softer at the same time, making it approachable now, yet capable of lasting at least through 2020.
From a small sub-region of Lisboa, this stylish, structured wine is firm and tannic. It has plenty of ripe berry fruit to balance the tannins as well as acidity that cuts through the richness of the wine. It is ready to drink.
From a small village in the Côte Chalonnaise that specializes in Aligoté, this is a bright wine with delicious acidity and refreshing lightness. It's made to be drunk young and is ready now.
From a small vineyard in Los Olivos, this wine offers boysenberry, lavender, rosemary and a touch of oak on the nose. Intriguing pine tar, bay leaf and eucalyptus resin show on the palate, which gives depth to the deep black fruit.
From a small vineyard in St. Helena comes this ripe young wine, a Cab Franc-based Bordeaux blend. It's soft and forward, with cherry, red currant, licorice, chocolate and cedar flavors that show Napa tannins at their smooth, ripe best. It's a little tight now, so give it a few years.
From a small vineyard in the hills of the Lisbon region, this is a deliciously fresh and fruity wine. It has great acidity from the local Arinto grapes that are blended with Antão Vaz and Viosinho. Grapefruit and a crisp, zesty texture are refreshing and lively. Drink now.
From a small vineyard in the north of the Côte de Nuits, this is a rare white wine in a red-wine region. Lightly toasty, it has spice, pear flavors and perfumed acidity. It's bright and crisp, ending with lively acidity.
From a small vineyard near the coast at Hyères, this wine has the freshest red-berry fruits and lively, bright acidity. Its freshness and lightness make it a fine apéritif style, delicious to drink immediately.
From a small, 15-acre property, this wine is ripe, rich and full of yellow fruits along with crisp apples, with a tight texture that needs to develop. It is crisply structured, zesty and mineral in character. Give this juicy, delicious wine until 2017 before drinking.
From a small, new appellation in the north of Beaujolais, this wine is fresh and fruity. It has a cool feel to it—mineral and with stalky, crisp red currant fruit flavors. It's a style of wine that will benefit from serving chilled.
From a small, single-vineyard plot of 3.5 acres, this shows intense fruit, very aromatic in character. Its concentration is immense, dark black fruits vying with spice, tar and sweet plum pudding flavors. The Cabernet Franc shows through well here, giving a perfumed finish.
From a Snipes Mountain vineyard, this dense and rich take on Viognier has sharp edges around spicy lemon and pineapple fruit. The phenolic “bite” (from skin contact?) powers the finish, slightly bitter but defining and expressive.
From a somewhat difficult vintage, Stephen and Prue Henschke have turned out a wonderful Cab. Eucalyptus, tobacco and cherry aromas lead the way, followed by flavors that add a deep undercurrent of cassis. It's a big, thickly textured wine, with a long, berry-inflected finish. Not that tannic, it should nevertheless drink well through at least 2015.
From a somewhat maligned vintage, this is a commendable effort. It's not as textural as the wine can be in better years, but it shows enough richness to easily carry the attractive leather, mocha and spice flavors. Drink now–2025.
From a south-facing hillside site on the edge of the Petaluma Gap at Dutton Ranch Cherry Ridge Vineyard, this fruity and complex wine shows white pepper and earthy notes, taking time to open in the glass. Varietal in its pepper, leather and violet aromas, it's sleek and tart—a cool-climate rendition of the grape.
From a south-facing steep slope, this wine is ripe while beautifully balanced between crisp acidity, apples and pears. The steely texture and mineral edge give the wine added complexity. It's a fine wine, best after another six months in early 2018.
From a steep hillside vineyard that is estate owned and farmed, this wine is pungent in dark fruit and black tea. Elusive at first, it takes time to open and reveal classic Sebastopol Hills elements of earth and black cherry, finishing awash in cardamon.
From a steep vineyard above the village of Straden, this has wonderful tropical fruit aromas, the fruit beautifully ripe. Ripe, smooth, rounded, the acidity giving just the right final burst of herbal freshness.
From a steep, densely planted estate vineyard, this is a lilting regional example of well-integrated oak in support of black raspberry, licorice and chalky clove. Silky tannins mark it most, providing a balance to the fruit and a pronounced, entirely delectable bite of black pepper on the finish.
From a steeply sloped site also planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this thick, leathery wine shows undeniable power and intensity although it is still tannic and young. Heady bouts of lavender, red cherry and black licorice compete for attention on the palate amid intriguing floral, rose-like aromatics.
From a storied site, this wine opens in aromas of syrupy kirsch and baking spices, inviting and full bodied, with a marked intensity. On the palate it delves into richer notes of wild strawberry, cinnamon and rose petal, along with a strong reminder of pine and forest floor. It remains soft through the finish.
From a superb vintage, it delivers a big dose of earthy berry, cassis and spice aromas. The palate is bouncy and linear, with lifting acidity. Flavors of boysenberry are snappy and lively at first, then more loamy as the wine's acidity settles. Drink this bright, fruity wine through 2017.
From a superb year, this wine saw all French oak, but an ongoing reduction in exposure to new barrels brought the percentage down to 60%. Young and muscular, the blend of black fruits, sweet oak and toasty spice is focused and compelling. Pure fruit flavors include black cherry and plum, smooth and concentrated, with a smoky kick in the lingering finish.
From a superior block at the Red Willow vineyard, this pure Syrah was aged in 100% new French oak. It's concentrated and tangy, with wild berry fruit streaked with oolong tea, licorice, dark chocolate and coffee liqueur.
From a terrific, old-vine site in the heart of the southern-lying appellation, this is a mild-mannered, juicy wine, structured and balanced despite the abundance of ripe red fruit. Cinnamon and pepper complement the restrained nature of the brambly cherry.
From a three-acre block of a fantastic vineyard known for powerful finesse, this offers characteristic intensity, a fleshy, tropical pineapple and guava sensibility that makes the wine rich and thick. A buoyant acidity maintains freshness and focus, and a well-built structure should provide ageability. Cellar through 2021.
From a three-acre block of the Valley View Vineyard just east of Solvang, this clonal selection shows cedar, black olive, black pepper and elderberry fruit on the tightly wound nose. Tart but ripe boysenberry fruit shows on the palate, spiced with peppercorn, more cedar and a slate-like minerality. Sticky tannins carry those flavors into the finish.
From a three-acre block planted to one clone of the grape—the highest-elevation parcel on the site—this wine is coolly coastal in its exploration of black fruit and smoky oak. Full bodied and concentrated, it offers complex notes of licorice, citrus and dark chocolate.
From a three-acre spot known to get a hearty dose of fog, this wine speaks to cool-climate character, unveiling crisp floral layers of dried sage and white pepper from the get-go. Those aspects are joined by rose, lavender and cranberry-rhubarb on the palate, finishing with subtle offerings of mushroom and forest floor.
From a three-acre vineyard once home to two gold mines, this wine is spicy and brawny in tannin weight, yet also soft and refined. Bright raspberry plays off juicy flavors of brown sugar and vanilla, finishing in a hint of black pepper. The substantive nature of the wine suggests further time in bottle, through 2020.
From a three-acre vineyard, this wine accented in 2% Petit Verdot offers a sense of gravel underneath the dark, syrupy plum and leathery tannin structure. Midway through, it exhibits cherry, raspberry and vanilla, showing a juicy underbelly that should develop further over time. Drink now through 2022.
From a tiny coastal vineyard, this wine appears light-bodied and delicate at first, building its power slowly in the glass. Sous bois, earthy spice and savory tea give it an edginess unfettered by fruit, while a healthy tannic structure keeps it grounded.
From a tiny hillside block in Rutherford, this 100% Cab is soft in clove, black currant and olive, juicy yet restrained. It spent almost two years in 90% new French oak, but the presence of oak is subtle and the tannins well-managed, making the wine both enjoyable now and worth cellaring through 2020.
From a tiny patch in the tiny Guenoc Valley, where the Langtry winery lies, this Sauvignon Blanc is partially barrel fermented, and it shows in the texture. In taste, expect Mandarin orange and melon, along with acidity that's high and mighty.
From a tiny spot near the town of Forestville, this vineyard-designate does justice to the special site, planted in Goldridge dirt to a variety of suitcase clones. Earth, sage and a persistence of exotic spice mark it first, inviting one in for further exploration of raspberry, cherry and a firmness of tannin. Concentrated, it's enjoyable now and yet should have years more to go in the bottle. Drink now through 2024.
From a tiny winery in Lake County, over Mount St. Helena from Napa Valley, comes this mouthfilling, bold and fruit-packed red blend. It tastes rich and ripe, with deep plum and boysenberry and light herbal flavors. Medium to full-bodied and smooth-textured, it is structured with enough tannin for good balance. Winemaker Pietro Buttita says he didn't fine or filter it.
From a tiny, organically farmed vineyard outside of Occidental, this wine is dense in earth, with a brambly nose of wild cherry and cranberry. Salty and herbal, it retains plenty of acidity on the light-bodied palate, offering a mix of cinnamon and tangerine on the finish.
From a tiny, seven-acre property in Saint-Estèphe, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine with black currant fruit and good, firm fruit tannins. There is a smoky wood element to balance the lively, youthful acidity.
From a tiny, three-acre vineyard, this wine is soft, seamless and delightfully floral, offering lithe layers of red cherry, tea and oak, barely able to rein in its savory underbrush of black earth. Crisp, the acidity is pronounced and lengthy and the rose aromatics irresistibly persistent.
From a top site, this is a big, full-bodied dry Riesling that features aromas of honey, mint and Golden Delicious apple. Those ripe apple notes continue on the palate, picking up citrus and herbal notes on the extended finish.
From a top subsection of McLaren Vale, this well-crafted Shiraz features a nice balance of sweet and savory notes. Ripe blackberry and plum flavors are matched by nuances of cedar, spice and meat. This creamy-textured Shiraz seems to be already approaching maturity; drink it now through 2012.
From a top vintage year, this LBV has a fine richness and dry core to its blackberry-jelly and spice flavors. Despite being softened by wood aging, it could withstand a few more years in bottle.
From a tough vintage, this has friendly flavors of chocolate-chip cookie dough and walnuts. The chocolaty character, which is far more noticeable than the fruit, helps to mitigate the tough, chewy tannins. Drink soon.
From a traditional vineyard with old vines, this is a dense and structured wine. It has minerality, dark black fruits, a tense texture and a dry, tannic core. Drink from 2014.
From a tremendous site sourced by the producer for multiple vintages, this wine shows a charismatic match of winemaker and grapes, beginning with a lean, bright entry that's smooth and rounded on the palate. A medium body doesn't skimp on complexity or richness though, the wine a tribute to balance and elegance in fennel-dusted ripeness.
From a tremendous site, Crossfire displays bold, brawny and extracted black fruit, from blackberry to black currant. Polished tannins still need time to mellow, suggesting further time in the cellar, through 2023. A strong streak of brushy sage, cedar and menthol rises midway on the wine, peaking on the finish.
From a tremendous vineyard location known for its meticulous farming, this wine was made in small quantities. It exemplifies balance, pitting creamy, voluptuous texture against crisp apple and guava, the acidity never ceding entirely to the oak.
From a trio of vineyards the winery otherwise vineyard-designates, including Spring Hill, Saltonstall and Nobles, this Pinot is rustic in truffled earth and dried herb, the earthiness of the Pommard clone grapes out in full force.
From a two-acre block planted to the variety within this stately place, more famous for Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is herbal in dried sage, girded in big tannin and exhibiting plenty of density. Leathery black fruit, especially currant, and black pepper provoke the palate.
From a two-acre block within the amazing Maple Vineyard planted in 1910, this wine also contains 10% Petite Sirah and 10% mixed blacks. Baked berry pie comes to mind first, conjuring up all things good and right in the world, topped in bourbon whipped cream and nutmeg. Good acidity buoys the proceedings. Drink now through 2021.
From a two-acre parcel of vines planted in 1950, this is a finely perfumed, rich wine. It has generous red fruits and an equally opulent ripe character. The tannins are there—a dry layer that is supporting the spice—as is a firm solid texture. Drink this wine (which is still developing) from 2019.
From a two-acre site at 1,110-feet elevation only five miles from the Pacific Ocean, this wine opens as if it were a lovely, expansive rose garden, so fragrant and intensely earthy. Built with sizable tannic structure and toasty oak, it features burly waves of spicy acidity and warm baking spices, exhibiting both tension and grace. Drink now through 2023.
From a Ulises Valdez-farmed vineyard, along the same fence line as Valdez's Silver Eagle, this smoky, succulent wine has a reductive quality that will benefit from more time in bottle. Blackberry, strawberry and earth provide a fleshy aspect of intrigue. Cellar through 2023.
From a unique vineyard site high above the Santa Maria Valley comes this bottling by the Fess Parker family that shows white pepper, tart elderberry, a touch of tar and dried herbs on the somewhat restrained nose. There is decent herbal lift to the black cassis and blackberry fruit, with hints of lavender and dried tarragon.
From a usually reliable producer and a top vineyard site, this is a bit of a disappointment. Some floral, apple-y notes grace the predominantly crushed-stone aromas, while the impression on the palate is broad and slightly unfocused.
From a valley-floor site off of the Silverado Trail just north of St. Helena, this Cab is a departure for the producer, based atop Spring Mountain. The flavors are ripe and jammy in raspberry and blackberry, almost liqueur-like, before finding balance in tangerine-tart acidity. With firm, chalky tannins providing backbone, the finish is sprinkled in black cherry and caramel.
From a valley-floor site, this blend of 70% Zinfandel and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon delights in a depth of blackberry and cedar, reflecting well on both varieties. Firm tannin and restrained oak provide room for a touch of gun smoke and pencil lead, with a lengthy finish.
From a variety of coastal vineyard locations, this wine, an inaugural offering from the producer, opens in zesty lemon and tangerine, before developing into a fuller-bodied, unctuous experience on the palate. It offers tamped-down acidity and briny back note on the finish.
From a very cool vintage, this wine takes full advantage of the flavors the year delivered. Bracing and fresh, with a lively mix of lime and citrus fruits, its vivid acidity and a wash of wet rock, give it life and length across the palate. Complex and textural, this is a lovely wine.
From a very fine Port vineyard, this is an attractive wine from what is not a great Port vintage. It has perfumed fruits and gentle tannins that give a red fruit character to the wine. The wine is in a style that can almost be drunk young for its fruit, red plums and dried raisins spiced with acidity and a easy structure. Drink now, although for the true vintage Port experience, wait until 2025.
From a very fine Port vintage, this is ripe and fruity, and also packs a dark punch of tannins. It is on the dry side of Port, structured and compact and still obviously very young. Rich black fruits and the dense tannins promise the right sort of aging, so drink from 2022
From a very fine vintage, this structured, tight while also fruity Champagne is poised and stylish. A creamy mousse balances the crisp texture and beautiful acidity. Red fruits and blood orange come through well at the end. It is ready to drink.
From a very good if not great Champagne vintage, this mature wine is delicious and beautifully ripe. It still has plenty of crisp acidity, allowing the fruit to shine. At the same time, a yeasty, toasty character indicates its gentle aging. After eight years in the cellar before disgorging, it is ready to drink.
From a very high altitude vineyard, this solidly built Syrah is soft and saturated with dark fruits. It has an earthy base and a broad midpalate, that lasts well but could use just a bit more focus. This is the first Syrah from this young vineyard, and it's definitely headed in the right direction.
From a very hot and difficult vintage, this Chianti Classico has unusual aromas of dill, thyme and toasted oak that carry over to the palate. It's already evolved with a short finish.
From a very reliable series of well-priced wines, this one shows a clean nose of slate, rose petals and a hint of lilac. The light and airy flavors are reminiscent of rose water, with olallieberry and hibiscus elements spicing up the palate.
From a very warm site in pear country comes this Cabernet/Merlot blend. It shows ripe fruit, dense tannin, and some dark, toasted-coffee notes. The forward fruit is appealing, but the wine falls off in the middle and finishes quickly.
From a veteran Marlborough producer, this is an interesting mix of sweetness, tartness and herbaceousness. A honeyed note doesn't quite mesh with the leafy, herbal overtones, while crisp acids come on strong on the finish.
From a vineyard 1,500 feet above the valley floor in Soda Canyon, blended with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from Morisoli Vineyard, this is a beautiful beast of a wine, concentrated in red cherry and plum as well as mocha. Nicely weighted with soft tannin and length, it's well made and should age. Drink now through 2020.
From a vineyard 1,700 feet above the small town of Corralitos comes this tasty wine that begins with aromas of smoked apple, lemon zest, honeysuckle and sea salt, as well as a struck-match element. The palate shows flavors of fresh apple, chamomile and a dusting of crushed vanilla, all set against a chalky grip.
From a vineyard above Santa Paula, this bottling shows black plum, underripe berry and cedar touches on the nose. Tart black fruit marks the palate, lifted by dried lilac elements and lava rock minerality, all held together by upright tannins. Persistent acidity leaves the mouth zinging.
From a vineyard adjacent to the Santa Lucia Highlands, this wine's wondrous nose of dense black currants, blueberries and fresh-cracked black pepper is made even more complex by black olive, gamy roasted meats and chaparral notes. Black pepper thrives on the palate in this cool-climate study, with touches of asphalt, elderberry fruit, charred meat and licorice all playing supportive roles.
From a vineyard and winery founded in 1996 by Judy Aron (one of the first women vintners in the region), this blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot shows fresh aromas of black plum, blueberry, violet, lava rocks and wet cement. The tannins are polished and soft, but provide a stiff-enough backbone to hold up black-currrant flavors that are enhanced with flashes of caramel.
From a vineyard at 1,100 feet elevation in the southern part of the appellation, this bottling shows light and lively raspberry, plum, white pepper, fennel and damp herb aromas. The palate abounds with red fruit, well-woven acidity and layers of herbs. A raspberry jam note pops on the finish.
From a vineyard at 1,400 to 1,800 feet in elevation in the rocky mountains above Malibu, this bottling offers loads of citrus pith on the nose, with a nutty warmth and touches of lemongrass and chilled apple flesh. It's full and rounded on the palate, finishing on Macadamia nut, white peach, sea salt and pecan notes.
From a vineyard at one of the highest points in the Cahors vineyard (nearly 1,000 feet), this is a smoothly perfumed, wood-aged wine that shows light elegance, acidity as well as dark currant fruits and a touch of mint.
From a vineyard at the base of Sonoma Mountain, this rich red has a strong streak of cedar as well as spearmint, bolstering an herbal taste that complements red cherry and cassis. Firm tannin and integrated oak make for a complete experience.
From a vineyard at the peak of the Sarmassa hill, this shows ripe berry and balsamic aromas and a hint of orange peel. The palate delivers juicy cherry flavors, mint and licorice notes, and has a firm tannic backbone. It also shows the warmth of the vintage, so it's best to drink in 5–10 years.
From a vineyard at the western end of the Côtes de Provence, this is a smooth, caramel and spice-flavored wine. It has a tangy herbal character that brings a contrast to the bright red fruits. Drink now.
From a vineyard atop Pritchard Hill, this wine delivers big, bold flavors and structure. Integrated tannins form around flavors of cloves, baking spices and dried herbs. Blackberry and black cherry pop in between a flinty, earthy side. Drink through 2022.
From a vineyard atop the Cuesta Grade, this atypical yet awesome blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Sirah, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec shows blackberries, beef char, pencil lead, coffee beans and a touch of dried dill on the nose. Though flavors are still unfolding, there's plenty of blueberry, violet, lavender, soy, dried strawberry and night jasmine on the palate.
From a vineyard block full of little stones, this bottling shows cherry cola, sagebrush, rose petals, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla on the nose. The texture is extremely smooth on the sip, where flavors of cherry, cranberry and chalk are compelling, if a bit less complex than the winery's other top-end bottlings.
From a vineyard block planted in 1990, this wine is distinguished by an earthy forest-floor characteristic, along with smoky oak and bacon, especially on the entry. Ripe dark cherry and spice entice on the finish, which is tingling in acidity and firm tannins.
From a vineyard called Sweetwater, this Riesling itself is sweet in peach, pineapple and wildflower honey flavors. Brisk Monterey acidity balances, with a tart, prickly mouthfeel.
From a vineyard east of Napa first planted in 1905, Moore is densely structured and deceptively elegant, all while maintaining an intensity of tart cherry and wild blackberry. Spicy in black pepper and a dusting of cinnamon, it remains vibrant on the palate from start to lengthy finish, a knockout among the producer's consistently high-achieving Zinfandels that should stand the test of time. Cellar through 2023.
From a vineyard farmed by Ted Klopp of Klopp Ranch, this is a light, spicy vineyard-designate, silky smooth in crisp red cherry and berry. A streak of fresh-picked herb overlays the soft wine, which finishes with a taste of wet stone-like minerality.
From a vineyard high up in the appellation, this is the strongest wine in Sweetzer's current lineup. Earthy mulberry, wild mint, sun-baked soil and dark chocolate scents show on the nose. Lively dark red fruit, bay leaf and earthy garrigue qualities arise on the hearty, spicy and lovely palate.
From a vineyard holding in the midst of prime Pinot Noir country, Maffei intrigues in ripe, hearty plum, black cherry and kir aromas and flavors. The tannins are soft and nicely managed, accented by notes of nutmeg and black pepper.
From a vineyard in Nipomo at the southern end of the county, this fresh bottling show strawberries, ripe lavender, exotic rose petals, cinnamon and lots of red-spice notes. The palate is peppy, with tangy cranberry and pomegranate fruit as well as deeper notes of sandalwood, flint and gravel.
From a vineyard in Northern Tokaj this dry Furmint has aromas of citrus pith and freshly cut pineapple. In the mouth, there are delightful flavors of grapefruit juice and white peach before the pleasantly acidic finish.
From a vineyard in Philo comes this full-bodied rosé. Made by combining finished Pinot Noir wine with stainless steel-fermented free run juice, it has tart flavors of cherry skin, cherry juice and minerals.
From a vineyard in southern Oregon that is actually its own, self-contained AVA (Red Hill Douglas County), this is a well-structured Pinot Noir with grip and authority. There is a noticeable smokiness to both nose and palate, not unpleasant, and the fruit is tight and supple. Black cherry and blackberry flavors are set in charred wood tannins, but everything is in proportion and nicely developed.
From a vineyard in southern Oregon that is actually its own, self-contained AVA (Red Hill Douglas County), this wine is approaching full maturity at 5+ years of age. Soft, round and rather delicate, it has the light color and pleasant charm of a simple Bourgogne. Rhubarb, pomegranate, cherry, white pepper and a splash of root beer capture your interest; there is more going on than you'd suspect at first sip.
From a vineyard in St. Helena, a source for this producer since 2004, this shows a generosity of extracted fruit built around burly bursts of black pepper, leather, black currant and cedar. It manages to be bright and refreshing on the lengthy finish.
From a vineyard in the Atlas Peak foothills, this wine offers plummy black cherry fruit accented with clove, pepper and leather. Soft and well integrated on the palate, it shows a boldness of flavor that's powerful and earthy.
From a vineyard in the Douro Superior region, this intensely perfumed wine is rich in sweet black fruits. The tannins are buried in the generous fruit character which is packed with ripe plum and prune flavors and just lit at the end by acidity. Drink from 2025.
From a vineyard in the Fort Ross-Seaview appellation, this is clearly one of the best wines of the vintage. The mouthfeel is light and silky, with refined tannins that give it a slight astringency. The flavors are vast and complex with raspberries, cherries and cola, but also forest notes of mushrooms, balsam and herbs. The acidity is fresh and appealing. It's gorgeous now, and should evolve over the next 15 years.
From a vineyard in the Green Valley, it has ripe flavors of apricots, tangerines, peaches, pears and Meyer lemons, with lots of smoky, honeyed notes of new French oak. Not very subtle, it will appeal to fans of oaky, ripe Chardonnay.
From a vineyard in the heart of the appellation comes this bottling that's redolent with hibiscus, Earl Grey tea, orange rind, black cherry, spiced plum and fennel bulb on the nose. The palate plays a bit lighter, with brisk cranberry, more hibiscus and lots of cola, proving quite light and easy to sip though well structured as well.
From a vineyard in the hills overlooking the Santa Clara Valley, this bottling shows baked strawberry, cinnamon cream, Red Hots and black-plum juice, proving quite pretty if a tad candied on the nose. A light cinnamon-clove meringue flavor proves very inviting on the palate, where lush black cherry is leveled by a tart plum-skin grip.
From a vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a young, jammy wine bursting with candied flavors of raspberries and cherries. It drinks very concentrated and intense. There's a caramelly note that may come from well-charred barrels in this dry, full-bodied wine.
From a vineyard in the western hills of the appellation, this wine shows lovely cool-climate characteristics without skimping on body or ripeness, expressing balance and grace. Tightly wound, it leans savory and firm, with clove, tobacco, black licorice and tomato leaf flavors and big tannins that call for further ageing. Enjoy 2023–2033.
From a vineyard in Yountville, this wine has a voluptuous entry of baked peach and vanilla, with a back beat of tart key lime. Layered and lengthy, it offers flavor and body in abundance, ending fleshy and full.
From a vineyard just 4.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean comes this inky wine, heady in aromas of freshly turned black dirt, sagebrush, menthol and boysenberry. On the palate, there is black pepper spice, dark chocolate and Earl Grey tea. Since it's so multi-layered and powerful, it needs some time to breathe before diving in. Decant for sure.
From a vineyard just at the edge of the Bandol appellation, this fresh and fruity wine has a lively, light touch that contrasts with its richer texture. The aftertaste, packed with acidity and orange freshness, is delicious.
From a vineyard just behind the beach at Pampelonne, this wine has 20% Tibouren, a rare grape in Provence rosé. That adds to the spiciness as well as the crisp acidity. It is a light and lively wine, fresh and full of lime as well as red berries. Drink now.
From a vineyard just below Mt. Madonna, this bottling offers deep blackberry and black-pepper spice, with herbal oregano, thyme and touches of pasilla chile on the nose. It's quite herbaceous in that typical mountain style, with bay leaf and dried basil set against dry elderberry fruit.
From a vineyard just to the north of the line of Meursault premier crus, this is a fresh, crisp wine, very citrusy, with a strong element of spice and grapefruit. The fruitiness is tamed by some wood aging.
From a vineyard known for producing powerfully ripe, dense fruit with wet-stone minerality, this wine delivers on many of those points. It offers intense, rich tastes of baked apple, graham-cracker crust and crème brûlée. Soft and layered, it ends in a statement of big fruit.
From a vineyard located 580 meters above sea level, Il Solatio delivers cool aromas of wild berry, cola, white mineral and crushed stone. The wine is lean and compact in the mouth, but it definitely bears the mark of its origins.
From a vineyard located at 1,700 feet with a western exposure, this single-vineyard expression offers candied red plum, clove, lilac, wet slate and dust on the nose. The palate is very tart, with cranberry and raspberry fruit lifted by fennel spice.
From a vineyard located close to the coast of Aptos, this bottling shows dewy chaparral aromas on the nose, as well as light cinnamon, nutmeg and smashed graphite, with a dense pomegranate-hibiscus core. It is tightly wound on the sip, with cranberry, raspberry, rose petal and rose-hip flavors. The texture and tension are impressive, and will unleash continued intrigue from 2018 to 2033.
From a vineyard named for the oceanic deposits found there, this bottling offers blackberry syrup, vanilla, clove and black tea aromas. Like the nose, the palate offers a minty lift to its boysenberry and blackberry fruit. It's framed by strong acidity and soft tannins that build after several sips.
From a vineyard near Carneros, this inky, dark wine bursts with blackberry, clove and smoke aromas. Fantastic concentration of fruit; deep, plush and opulent. The depth of flavor is enormous, yet it's so supple and balanced. Very fine now. Try it with game.
From a vineyard near Laurel Glen's, which is fairly low in elevation on Sonoma Mountain, this Cab blends in 3% Cabernet Franc to nice effect. It offers the puckering tannic structure expected from mountain fruit alongside dense black currant and herb.
From a vineyard north of St. Helena comes this 100% varietal wine. If you like your Cabs soft, superextracted and direct, you'll love it. The blackberry and cherry flavors are so ripe and sweet, they taste like pie filling. Best now and for a couple years.
From a vineyard of 100-year-old vines discovered during building works in the city of Almeirim, this beautiful wine is ripe with tropical mango and pineapple fruits and an intense rich character. The concentration is balanced with pear and apple acidity, giving a fine wine that is now ready to drink.
From a vineyard off of Lakeville Highway in the heart of the Petaluma Gap, drilled by winds, this is a concentrated, thick-skinned wine, dark and oaky. A fistful of earthy mushroom, herb and forest surrounds a foundation of blueberry compote and cola, the acidity high and well mannered. Drink now through 2023.
From a vineyard on Howell Mountain, the wine shows not only that area's hard tannins, but also the Duckhorn style of tough young Merlots. The wine is vastly rich in black and red currants, violets, anise and lavishly toasted new French oak. Start drinking it in 2017, and it should be going strong for an additional decade.
From a vineyard on Rutherford's cooler, western bench comes this dry, spicy, firmly tannic young 100% Cabernet. It's aggressive and muscular now, with a hard, dusty astringency. But the rich core of red currants, black cherries, mocha, violets and cedar strongly suggests ageability. Better after 2011.
From a vineyard on the eastern side of the Silverado Trail in Oakville, this is rich and robust with a depth of dark berry flavor, tobacco and earth. Lush on the palate it's a special-occasion kind of wine, gorgeous and generous and a fine example of winemaking and viticulture coming together in a magical way.
From a vineyard on the southern end of the Silverado Trail that's rich in iron and decomposed granite, this 100% varietal red is nicely crafted, displaying elegance and power in equal parts. Silky and inviting on the nose, it's exuberant and expansive on the palate, with cranberry and red currant fruit, the finish soft and intense.
From a vineyard on the western edge of the cool climate appellation comes this great wine, with touches of butter, almond, white flower buds and lime pith on the nose. The palate is high and tight, structured by Meyer lemon pith, made savory by sea salt and warmed up with savory melted butter on the finish.
From a vineyard once planted to Golden Delicious apples, this 100% varietal wine is herbal and a touch green, thin with chalky tannins and a taste of dried cranberries.
From a vineyard originally planted in 1922 to what is thought to be 100% Zinfandel, this wine brims with notes of yeasty baked bread, leather and high-toned raspberry and boysenberry. Layered and supported by oak, the medium-bodied weight supports a long finish.
From a vineyard owned by Talley but shared in equal parts with two other wineries, this bottling is snappy on the nose with black raspberry, graphite, sweet juniper and rose hip aromas. On the palate, it's light in body and lively with acidic energy, offering raspberry, tart plum skin and sour cherry, inflected with anise spice. There is significant length to the mouthwatering finish.
From a vineyard owned by veterans John and Helen Falcone in the Creston district, this expertly integrated bottling combines blackberry jam, thyme and white pepper on the elegant nose. Juicy black and purple fruits arise once sipped, riding a long line of zesty acidity and cracked black-pepper spice, alongside soy, plum sauce and roasted-beef tips.
From a vineyard perched 1,700 feet above the Monterey Bay, this wine by brewer-turned-vintner John Benedetti is both very light yet incredibly flavorful. Rusty raspberry and strawberry aromas meet with dill, thyme and white pepper on the nose, while the palate offers soft red cherry and gently sprinkled herbs throughout.
From a vineyard perched above the coastal town of Carpinteria comes this rich and spicy wine, with aromas of red currant, elderberry, crushed thyme, ginger and rose petals. The spicy character carries to the distinctive palate, where rosemary, thyme and lamb-meat savoriness meets with enough red cherry fruit to stay rich.
From a vineyard planted 50 years ago, this effort comes across as forced. Unfined and unfiltered, its hands-off style of winemaking does not do the old vine flavors any favors. Its partial new oak aging also masks its textural details with butter and coconut notes. Unique for sure, but somewhat fraught.
From a vineyard planted above the town of Sonoma and named for its address, this small-production wine offers blueberry pie, chocolate and smoky oak aromas. Big and burly on the palate with sizable tannins, it integrates black cherry and burnt orange into the mix, finishing balanced and elegant.
From a vineyard planted in 1924 in the northern reaches of the Napa Valley, Falleri is a tiny-production wine that's soft, supple and generously juicy and fruity. Boysenberry, blackberry and a trace of crisp red fruit combine around a core of earth, dotted by a floral bouquet. The finish is long and leathery.
From a vineyard planted in 1927 and tended to by the producer, this is a bright, lushly crisp wine from a field blend—soft, luxurious and smooth on the palate. The highlights are many, from a seductive leap of raspberry coulis to perfumed lavender and surprisingly nuanced tannins despite the full-bodied ripeness, accentuated by the vintage, and the structured power behind the scenes. Drink now through 2023.
From a vineyard planted in 1981 above Cupertino comes this cellar-ready bottling that shows tobacco, cigar box, loamy earth, dried plums, leather deep black cherry and blueberry on the nose. Zesty acidity and chalky tannins frame the complete and powerful palate, where flavors of cedar, tobacco and woody berries converge. Drink 2020 through 2033.
From a vineyard planted in 1981 in the hills above what became Silicon Valley, this shows soy sauce, sesame, black olive, dill, beef jerky and the darkest of black fruits on the nose. The palate continues the Asian flavor theme, with teriyaki, Chinese five spice and hoisin sauce as well as blueberry paste, dusty leather and crushed rocks, framed by strong structure and bright acidity. Drink 2017–2027.
From a vineyard planted in 1982 at 1,200 feet above the Carmel Valley, this wine offers a nose that is nothing short of fascinating. Oak smoke, yellow cake and cinnamon stick are followed by sharper, dill-like herbs, then the scents of the shoreline. The palate sprinkles toasted wood atop lemon peels and apple skins, proving sour, bitter and elegantly restrained yet flavorful.
From a vineyard planted in 1988, this bottling offers aromas of lavender and sweet incense, with a woody spice uplifting the exotic plum and mulberry fruits. Ripe wild berries meet with elderflower and lilac on the very perfumed palate.
From a vineyard planted in rocky red soil, this wine shows a depth of concentrated and intense cranberry and black tea. It's currently youthful in feel, with structured tannins and full, rich chocolate and coffee flavors. It will benefit from time in the cellar, so enjoy 2020–2024.
From a vineyard planted ni 1909, this is a soft, dusty Carignane swirling in acidity, bright red fruit and spice, among McCay Cellars' first forays into Rhône-inspired wines. Lightly textured and restrained in alcohol, it's wonderfully elegant.
From a vineyard planted on the edge of Freestone by James MacPhail of MacPhail Family Wines and respected grower Jim Pratt, this wine opens with a splash of white pepper that persists on the soft, silky palate. Roses and black tea provide savory flavor, with an intensity of forest floor.
From a vineyard poised along Eastside Road, this wine is juicy in flavor and dense in color and on the palate upon entry. Marked by great, well-defined acidity, it's gorgeously floral in fresh rose petal and orange peel with just a touch of reduction, with an additional weight of black tea and cranberry.
From a vineyard possessing light, sandy-pebbly soil, this is a light-bodied Riesling. It's very fresh and delicate in style, with hints of lime and rain-water minerality.
From a vineyard run on biodynamic principles, this wine boasts good, fresh fruit, with great green, crisp acidity and green plum intensity. It's very lively and fresh, but full-bodied.
From a vineyard selection, this is a powerful wine, very rich and opulent. With a year's age, it shows concentrated spice and ginger mixed in with orange peel, red apple and lime flavors.
From a vineyard site at the southern end of Oakville, where it touches Yountville, this is a gloriously dusty, smooth and age-worthy wine, bright in crisp red cherry and cranberry while offering deeper, darker elements of licorice and toffee. Concentrated, it's substantial and yet balanced, with something to say on the long finish.
From a vineyard site close to the Pacific Ocean, this bombastically rich wine is hard to resist, with its supple rose and lavender notes that grow more powerful on the palate. It leads with fleshy strawberry flavors, augmenting its ripeness with cardamom and chocolate touches.
From a vineyard site farmed by the Duttons called Matthew's Station, this is a gentle wine, medium in weight, with nuances of green apple and fresh-squeezed lemon. Balanced, it offers a twist of toffee and oak beneath its crisper notes, finishing warm in nutmeg and ginger spice.
From a vineyard site in Cloverdale, this red is crisp with red currant, cranberry and clove flavors and a simple, straightforward structure.
From a vineyard site long tapped by both this producer and others, this beautifully crafted white is rich in a swirl of apple pie, fig and anise aromas and offers a voluptuous texture and mouthfeel. That concentration is complemented by crisp acidity, allowing for both balance and complexity.
From a vineyard sited near the winery, this is the most supple, balanced and evenly detailed of the 2007 red wines from Fidélitas. The lightly muscled, compact fruit flavors bring black cherry, cassis, and plum together, with a strong minerality providing subtext. A suggestion of smoke suffuses the finish.
From a vineyard situated in a forested area of northern Tejo comes this is a structured version of Merlot. It is ripe and rich with black fruits, as well as dark tannins and firm concentration. It could benefit from further aging, so drink from 2018.
From a vineyard six miles off the coast, this wine is soft and smoky, a full-on rendering of berry pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Malleable in body, it has a richness that persists on the palate.
From a vineyard smack in the middle of the Rutherford Bench, this delights in spicy clove, black plum and blackberry. Buoyant in acidity, the wine lifts its dusty tannins to a softness that tastes velvety. Chocolate and raspberry form an alliance on the lengthy finish.
From a vineyard surrounded by the region's iconic estates, this study of Pommard and 667 clones used 60% whole cluster and 20% new oak to produce black raspberry, alpine strawberry, chipped slate, dewy bay leaf and vanilla aromas. Bright cranberry and pomegranate juice shows on the palate, which is lifted by a potpourri of eucalyptus and thyme, proving lively and refreshing.
From a vineyard that's 40 years old, this smartly priced bottling shows vanilla, clove, hickory smoke and black cherry on the hearty nose. The palate is soft upon entry, showing more of that clove against a baked black-plum background.
From a vineyard that's actually west of the already coastal Sta. Rita Hills, this wine offers rounded red fruits of strawberry, plum and even watermelon on the nose, along with cinnamon and graphite touches. The palate combines cherries, hibiscus, rose petals and tangy cranberry, sailing through herbal touches into a dried mint flavor that carries deep into the finish.
From a vineyard that's bisected by a seasonal creek comes another excellent showing from this vintage, with black slate, lightly smoked blackberries and bloody iron on the nose. The palate is quite lush, with more smoke, brambly berries and roasted fennel, all clinging to a strong graphite core.
From a vineyard that's less than one acre in size, this special bottling is tiny but mighty, juicy in blue and red fruit. Robust in spice, it unleashes a velvety texture with ease, allowing room for focused tannin to be supportive rather than distracting. The finish retains a welcome freshness.
From a vineyard that's northwest of the already very coastal Sta. Rita Hills, this racy and unique bottling shows clean precise lines of grapefruit pith, almond and key lime pie on the nose. There's a vibrant coil of acidity driving through the palate, with flavors of lime, lemongrass and lime skins, wrapped in a chalky crisp texture. It will age with grace or pair perfectly with sushi today.
From a vineyard that's supplied popular Paso producers for decades comes this Cab, which is boosted by 13% Malbec and 9% Petit Verdot and shows blackberry, mocha and purple-flower aromas. Blueberry and black cherry appear on the palate alongside dark espresso notes and herbal components that are still wound up in chewy tannins but will further release with cellaring.
From a vineyard that is shaped like a butterly (Papillon), this is a ripe, rich and dry wine. It has honey, almonds and fresh pear, with a taut mineral structure to hold it all together. Although delicious, the wine is still too young, so wait until 2017 for it to begin to shine.
From a vineyard that is split between Pomerol and Lalande de Pomerol, this wine is still firm and tannic—typical of the vintage. It seems more structure than fruit and will probably remain somewhat tough. It is ready to drink.
From a vineyard that Josh Jensen planted in 1975 comes this bottling that shows sultry black plum, minty herbs, tarragon, black slate, smashed mulberry and a touch of pork fat. A wondrous array of baked red and black fruit meet with clove, nutmeg, more tarragon and minty flavors on the palate too, producing delicious, dynamic flavor. It's like an expertly cooked stew of fruit, spice and herb.
From a vineyard that lies just beneath the Grand Cru vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin, this is a well-structured wine. It has a smoky character from the wood aging, giving complexity to the red fruits and dense texture. The acidity of the vintage shows strongly, giving a fruity aftertaste. Drink from 2020.
From a vineyard that once belonged to the charitable Hospices de Chablis, this is a superrich wine for a Chablis, powered both by acidity and by beautiful ripe fruits. It is bright and tight in character, although it is the richness and the density of the wine that shows most strongly. Drink this powerful wine from 2020.
From a vineyard that overlooks the wild Marin Coast, with plenty of Pacific Ocean fog, this is an earthy, cool-climate and beguiling wine, speckled in clove, cinnamon and a brightness of wild cherry, raspberry and orange peel. Light and refined, its finish is dusted in pine leaves.
From a vineyard tucked into the heart of the appellation, this bottling is hearty but not overripe, offering brawny black cherry, gingersnap, clove and crushed graphite scents on the nose. Subtle eucalyptus flavor leads the palate, crescendoing into warmer red cherry and baked cranberry notes, followed by licorice and thyme, and culminating in a vanilla -laced finish.
From a vineyard within the Oak Knoll District, this Bluetooth is musky and chewy in all the right ways, complex and feral in crisp red fruit and red licorice. The majority Cabernet Sauvignon is softened somewhat by the addition of 5% Merlot, providing a juicy undercurrent beneath firm, generous tannins. Cellar through 2022.
From a vineyard within the Santa Rosa Plains, this wine opens in pretty, floral aromas of violet and gentle rose. Seductive, it follows with bursts of blood orange and wild strawberry that remain faint and delicate on the palate, light and clear in color, and elegant in intensity. Still, there's enough backbone to the wine to keep it fresh and alive through the long finish.
From a vineyard within what locals call the Petaluma Gap, a cool area duly influenced by Pacific Ocean fog, this wine is intense in berry and bright, lush, spicy layers indicative of its cooler leanings. Pleasing, with clove and black tea between the fruit, it's approachable and impressive.
From a vintage known for its readily-approachable wines, this grand cru Saint-Emilion shows surprising structure. Some toasty oak frames delicate black-cherry fruit. Black tea notes on the finish carry more tannins than the fruit can handle in the long run, so catch this one soon before it heads south.
From a vintage not known for its supersweet selections, this wine is a revelation. Honey and bergamot notes mingle easily on the nose, while the palate unfolds to reveal layers of honey, dried apricots and orange marmalade. It's rich, viscous and concentrated without any heaviness, with a finish that's sweet and lingering. This should age through 2040 easily.
From a vintage that frankly hasn’t impressed us much, this is a pleasant surprise. Full and toasty, with some yeast and butter, there are also youthful citrus elements of lemon and lime. A creamy texture and a long, smooth finish complete the package.
From a vintage that pushes the fruit out in front, this is loaded with tart, tangy blackberry, boysenberry and huckleberry flavors. At first stiff and compact, it blooms open to reveal streaks of sandalwood, sassafras, iron filings and clean earth. It's a high-wire wine with aging potential at least until 2030.
From a walled vineyard once owned by the local bishop, this wine is structured and firm while also having great red cherry and berry fruit. It's one of a number of Premier Crus from this producer—and certainly the most expressive with its generous fruit and balanced tannins. Drink from 2018.
From a warm-climate zone in a cool vintage, this wine is fascinatingly savory. Black and white pepper, game meat, crushed graphite and espresso aromas promise an awesome sip. It delivers with black peppercorn, green olive, black plum skin and elderberry flavors.
From a warm appellation, a rugged, earthy wine with some distinctly raisiny notes. It's very soft and round, with a low-acid, velvety mouthfeel and outsized fruit. The finish is a bit sweet and Port-like.
From a warm Eastside vineyard, this wine has pretty aromas of plums, pepper, white chocolate and smoke; well-knit and pure. Big in terms of fruit, but well balanced and elegant. The acids and tannins are soft and user-friendly.
From a warm site in a warm year and entirely varietal, there's much to impress in this wine, from its full-bodied, bold structure to its velvety texture. In between cranberry and pomegranate offer a freshness of flavor, bringing out further acidity before cocoa powder, tar and black cherry take over.
From a warm site in the heart of St. Helena's valley floor, this is a restrained, elegant version of a powerfully built wine, thick in tannin and yet nonetheless able to speak its mind. Mushroom aromas give it a Pinot Noir-esque personality at first, before layers of red and black berry provide sultry, juicy texture and flavor. The finish is chewy, asking for more time. Cellar through 2023.
From a warm site on the valley floor, this wine is soft and velvety, approachable and sophisticated. An additional 8% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot provide complexity and further softness, the wine buoyant in juicy blueberry, currant and fig.
From a warm site, this shows warm, ripe round flavors of lush strawberry and cherry. It plays out broadly across the palate, retaining its focus in a medium-long follow-through. It's perfect for near-term drinking.
From a warm vineyard site in a cool year, this Cab intrigues in sage and chewy black cherry, possessed of a powerful, buoyant minerality. Dark chocolate, tobacco and black tea frame the generous ripeness and velvety nature of the wine, which can withstand time in the cellar to commingle more, through 2021.
From a warm vineyard, it has super-ripe aromas of baked cherry pie, with smoky vanilla. Made in a rustic style, with berry flavors and soft acidity.
From a warm vintage, this aromatic offering has notes of candy corn, corn silk, pear and tropical fruit. It's full bodied with sweet fruit flavors that have a creamy feel and lead to a lingering finish.
From a warm vintage, this blend is ripe yet still balanced, with aromas of prune, blackberry, tree bark and leather. The palate is saturated and broad, boasting flavors of dark, baked, black fruit accented by pepper and chocolate on the finish. Drink now.
From a warm vintage, this Syrah is raisiny and jammy up front but more staunch and structured as it opens. Aromas of baked fruits arrive at a big, saturated palate full of blackberry, vanilla and coconut flavors. Cherry, chocolate and graphite work the finish on this ripe, warm wine. Drink through 2016.
From a warm year, this smells toasty and oaky more than anything. In the mouth, core acidity is driving and creates a sharp, racy feel, while woody flavors of tropical fruits and melon finish with oak-based cinnamon and spice as well as a resiny texture.
From a warm, inland region, this is nevertheless a fine value. It's rich and full-bodied without being over the top, offering spice-accented notes of peach, apricot and pineapple. Drink now.
From a warm, ripe vintage, this reflects those characteristics with fruit-driven flavors of plum, berry and apricot. Round and full-bodied, it finishes with a lick of orange liqueur.
From a warm, south-facing vineyard, this is a sunny wine. Ripe red fruits are lifted by acidity. The background has a pepper and spice character that leaves the wine dry, almost structured. Drink now.
From a warmer region about 27 miles inland from Monterey Bay, this bottling shows crushed black rocks, black cherry, light vanilla and the slightest bit of char on the nose. It's relatively demure on the palate, with touches of milk chocolate, red cherry, gravel and graphite.
From a well-farmed site, this wine is invitingly floral in apple-blossom notes, followed by fully developed flavors of peach and meringue. Earthy and complete, it offers concentration and balance.
From a well-known vineyard in the heart of the appellation, this full-bodied, fulsome wine opens in a blur of buttercream and butter, before allowing for concentrated seasonings of ginger, nutmeg and preserved lemon to appear. Let it open for the full effect.
From a well-loved, well-revered vineyard, this full-bodied, generously lush and plush wine was aged in French oak, a good proportion of it new, for 21 months. Licorice, lavender and exotically subtle spice—half-clove and half-white pepper—give it intrigue and delectability.
From a well-regarded site in the Horse Heaven Hills, this pure Malbec is clean and well-proportioned, but a bit on the simple side. Plain red fruit flavors, accented with light barrel notes, quickly fade on the delicate finish.
From a well-regarded vineyard that's source to several Pinots comes this fine '06. It's silky and dry and crisp and young, with raspberry and cherry jam flavors complexed with smoky oak, green tea and peppery spice. Should age well for the next six years.
From a Westside Road-adjacent vineyard in the heart of the northern Middle Reach, Flax is rocky and the vines a decade old. Expect luxurious power and a velvety mouthfeel from this wine, its black tea, pomegranate and rhubarb flavors brushed with allspice, sage and cola.
From a winery and region where big and chewy reign, this is a rather approachable and pretty take on the grape, with woody aromas of blackberry, elderberry, black gravel and plum skins. The palate shows blueberry and Concord grape fruit as well as licorice shavings and dried herbs. The structure is strong but smooth, so it's serious but easy to put down with a smile.
From a winery atop Summit Road between Santa Cruz and San Jose comes this wine with a hefty, rich nose of fresh-pressed raspberry, black plum and strawberry notes, boosted by Dr Pepper and light licorice spice. Notes of nutmeg and allspice mix with juniper, dried plum and boysenberry on the lush palate.
From a winery focused on Alsatian wines since starting in 1983, this tremendous Gewürztraminer is redolent with grilled lemon peels, lilac and a chalky minerality. On the elegant and tasty palate, there are white rocks, roasted nectarines, yellow apples and noticeable salinity.
From a winery founded 137 years ago, this Grillo-based Sicilian white offers fresh aromas of citrus, honey, exotic fruit and Granny Smith apple. The finish is pure, simple and clean.
From a winery located below Bernal Heights in San Francisco, this wine offers rich aromas of thick, chewy Meyer lemon pith, lightly toasted sourdough bread, toasted almonds, struck match and the slightest hint of browned butter. The palate is intriguingly tart, oily in texture and quite powerful, with cooked lemon rinds, lemon creme brûlée and marcona almond oil flavors.
From a winery named after a summit train stop between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz comes aromas of red cherry, rhubarb and clove spice. Flavors of vanilla cookies, dried strawberries, black cherries and a spicy dollop of licorice power the tasty palate.
From a winery started in 1973, this is an excellent Chardonnay. Vibrant almond and macadamia nut mesh with guava, peach and melon notes on the nose. A clean line of citrusy acidity dissects the palate, cutting into ripe stone fruit and touches of smoke and oak to yield a mouthwatering finish.
From a winery that holds back its few hundred-case production each year comes a very promising Old World-styled wine grown in the rocky terroir of the Malibu Coast. Amidst its dark blueberry and crushed graphite scents are dried pasilla chile, nettle and pine hints. The palate shows similar savory and herbal touches, with green peppercorn accenting ripe red cherry and clove, all framed by firm tannins.
From a winery that only started operations in 2001, one of the new wave in the Alentejo. This Reserva is in a modern, smooth style, big and powerful. But there's one welcome wrinkle in all this smooth fruit, and that is a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon which gives just the right amount of tannins and interestingly fresh acidity.
From a winery that specializes in this rare variety, this single varietal Papaskarasi has a nose of cherry, strawberry and freesia. It is bright on entry, and then smooth tannins and a sense of coolness take over the palate among flavors of cherry, menthol, cranberry and juniper berry.
From a winery whose Cabernets have struggled over the years comes this release from Napa's Howell Mountain. It's dry and tannic and very fruity in blackberries and black currants, but not particularly subtle right now. Feels somewhat common despite its pedigreed appellation. Try the cellar.
From a year in which only single quinta vintage Ports were produced, this is a hugely concentrated toffee and dried fruit wine. It is rich with sweetness and a dense texture that is balancing complex flavors against the drier wood-aging flavors. It has been bottled just at the right stage of its development, rich and dense. Drink this beautiful wine now.
From a young block of Cab Franc at the legendary Champoux vineyard, this captures the grape's earthy, herbal elements, bringing the classic green coffee bean streaks to the tannins, and keeping the fruit tight and muscular. Cassis and purple plum flavors are wrapped in tough, chewy tannins. This one needs more time to show its strength.
From Aegerter's own vineyards, this firm wine is packed with tannins as well as concentrated fruits. It shows solid structure and dark fruits, with a juicy, ripe aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
From Aegerter's own vineyards, this is an initially soft wine. It's only when the background tannins kick in that it becomes firmer, giving a dry, still-young core to this ripe wine. Red fruits dominate, balanced by acidity and a stylish, while firm, aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
From all-estate fruit, this dives into experimentation with 85% whole cluster fermentation and native yeast. The results are mixed, giving herbal and white pepper accents to the bright red-berry flavors, but putting a bitter edge on the tannins. A couple more years of bottle age would be a good idea. It's too young to show its best at the moment.
From almost 92% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay, this is a dry, elegant, fairly priced sparkling wine tasting of ripe stone fruit. The finish ends sweet, begging for spicy food to complement.
From an 850-foot-elevation site four miles from the ocean, this offers a depth of dark cherry and Asian spice, lightly bodied and textured. It delivers a hit of bittersweet chocolate on the tangy finish, with an intriguing streak of charcuterie that's hard to shake.
From an 88-acre vineyard in the heart of the Bourg appellation, this is a bold, spicy wine. Its wood aging tends to dominate the fruit and the touch of pepper from the alcohol gives the wine a bite on the palate. Some of this character will soften over time, so wait until 2018.
From an almost centenarian vineyard planted to mixed varieties, this has juicy core of cherry and blackberry fruit. An undercurrent of Asian spice and white pepper shows through, finishing on a minty chocolate note.
From an amazing vineyard set at 1,200 feet with ocean views across the Carmel Valley, this bottling shows soft plum and strawberry fruit along with wild thyme, wet slate, a touch of smoke and purple-flower essence. A lively mouthfeel presents flavors of red plum, wild forest berries, chipped slate and sandalwood on a medium-light body.
From an appellation better known for Zin, this blend of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 21% Malbec, 8% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot works well—a study in chocolate-covered blackberry and blueberry with a powerful firmness balanced by moderate acidity.
From an appellation that thrived in this vintage comes a wine with aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg and licorice shavings atop fresh hibiscus and pomegranate flavors. There's bountiful energy on the palate, with flavors of dried-cherry and a densely packed array of chopped dill, roasted fennel and dried mint.
From an aptly named vineyard, this whopper of a wine blends 37% Zinfandel, 32% Syrah, 16% Grenache and 15% Mourvèdre with 24% new oak and 20% whole-cluster fermentation. The result is a perfume that's both tart with boysenberry and rich with caramel, oak and cola. Black plum, gravel and bay leaf flavors surround its meaty core, persisting deep into the finish.
From an area better known for red wines, this bottling by Paso Robles-based Jeremy Weintraub shows the strong white wine potential of this new Santa Barbara County appellation. Aromas of peach, cherimoya and white truffle cream lead into a waxy, restrained palate that shows golden flesh fruit, beeswax, a bit of yogurt and a minerally snap.
From an eight-acre block of the producer's iconic estate, this is a velvety smooth, darkly colored wine, luxuriously structured to age yet deliciously appealing now. Chocolate, blackberry, currant and a leathery, smoky edge combine forcefully on the palate with length and breadth. Drink now through 2023.
From an eight-acre vineyard, this is produced by the same team as Château Paloumey. Powerful and concentrated, it is also elegant, balancing its structure with good berry fruits and acidity. The tannins are still considerable, so drink from 2017.
From an emerging Mendocino appellation, an engaging, dry wine. Its mouth-cleansing acidity is fresh and clean, highlighting pretty flavors of lime and honeydew, and leads to a tart finish.
From an emerging region above the Los Angeles basin, this bottling offers a familiar nose of candied blackberry and gamy lamb. The palate is bursting with acidity and shows tart black fruits.
From an especially cool vintage that favored acidity and citrus, this Poet's Leap is a pretty wine, vibrant and full across the palate, with a mix of apple and peach flavors. Clean and balanced, it adds nuances of tea and finally a hint of honey in the extended finish.
From an estate-farmed property in the Russian River, this otherwise Carneros-based producer shows it can handle different conditions with aplomb, taking its foot off the pedal a touch in terms of power and concentration in this wine. Floral, soft and silky, it remains complex in red and black berry, with handfuls of truffled earth.
From an estate-farmed vineyard, this medium-bodied wine is earthy and aromatic in baked bread, with soft, moderate acidity. With length and breadth, it shows a tartness of black tea and stems, finishing in oak.
From an estate-grown vineyard and blended with 18% Malbec, in addition to smaller percentages of Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine is crisp and edgy in red cherry and berry, with a layering of earthy fennel. Layered in fine-grained tannins, it finishes dense and seasoned in clove and cinnamon.
From an estate-grown, valley-floor vineyard on the southern edges of the winery property, this wine is complex and nuanced in berry pie and a satchel of dried herb. Sizable tannins—which show promise to be tamed with time—form the integrated structure, supporting a lengthy, mocha-chocolate finish. Cellar through 2020.
From an estate block planted to a mysterious suitcase clone, this is an insanely memorable and indelible Pinot. High in acidity, it discloses a touch of cedar on the back palate, richly luxurious and just aching for wild Sonoma duck adorned in a cherry reduction sauce. Cherry pit, berry, lavender and violet play on the nose and tongue, infusing the wine with a playfulness balanced by power.
From an estate close to Saint-Tropez, this wine brings plenty of sun and richness to an attractive tangy texture. It has a crisp peppery edge as well as bright acidity and a smooth, ripe aftertaste. It is ready to drink now.
From an estate enveloping a magnificent medieval castle, this is a lightly structured cru wine with red cherry and berry flavors. It has a backdrop of tannins and acidity that give it structure. The wine is ripe and fruity at the end and ready to drink.
From an estate in Rutherford that can't be named, this delightfully balanced Cab offers succulent plum, black olive, raspberry and cinnamon to great effect, melding the myriad sides of its personality well. Integrated oak and a medium-weight body allow the wine to breathe and expand on the palate, finishing in dust.
From an estate in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, this wine is firm and concentrated, packed with ripe tannins and juicy blackberry fruit. Dense, with dusty tannins, it is smooth and polished in texture.
From an estate in the far west of the Cima Corgo region, close to Regua, this wine is structured and deliciously ripe in black fruits. It has a solid base of tannins that is allied to perfumed acidity and a hint of wood aging. Drink from 2017.
From an estate in the hills above Saint-Tropez, this wine is soft, aromatic and gently fruity. It is as light as a breath of wind, but crisp at the end, with hints of red berry fruitiness.
From an estate in the south of the Alentejo, this is a rich, hot-country wine. It is firm, densely structured and with solid, dark tannins. There is a juicy black fruit background to this dense wine that gives a lift. Still young, this dark and very concentrated wine will be better from 2018.
From an estate just northwest of the already rather western Sta. Rita Hills appellation, this mashes up raspberry, oak tree roots, black tea and vanilla on the nose. The flavors are crisp and clean with red fruit, brown spice and just enough tannins and acidity.
From an estate just to the west of Saint-Estèphe, this wine is structured and firm. A dry core of solid tannins balances the black-currant fruitiness. The wine is firm now although it will develop quickly, so drink from 2017.
From an estate property, this is among the winery's top bottlings every year. In this stellar vintage it shows well in a mix of cranberry and dense earth. Tightly wound and still a touch chewy in tannin weight, the oak is present yet integrated, allowing the ripe fruit to shine.
From an estate site, this wine offers power and concentration. Creamy in texture, the generosity of fruit is balanced by notes of stone, toasted oak and French butter, making for a wonderfully complete experience on the palate.
From an estate that claims to date back to Roman times and has been revived by the current owners, this attractive wine features dusty tannins and ripe, juicy blackberry-flavored Merlot. A touch of perfume and plenty of acidity at the end keep it fresh. Drink from 2017.
From an estate to the east of the town of Saint-Émilion, this rich wine shows its alcohol in the pepper edge that cuts through the fruit. It tastes firm still and has extracted bitter flavors. The acidity does give the wine a lift and lets the black currant fruit come through. Drink from 2018.
From an estate vineyard and given very little oak, this white sings in Key-lime pie and orange blossom, a heady, floral liquid invitation that gives way to unctuous texture and medium weight. Chalky somewhat on the finish, it should continue to integrate over time.
From an estate vineyard high atop Mount Veeder, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and inky, concentrated in color and flavor, a brambly intensity at the center of it all. Peppercorns and clove accent its larger smoky, espresso side, the body full and velvety.
From an estate vineyard high atop the appellation and blended with 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec, this is a bold, balanced wine made by Julien Fayard. Juicy blackberry and blueberry layer along soft, fine-grain tannins, making an impression on the palate. A creamy richness lingers on the finish, accented by black licorice. Cellar through 2022.
From an estate vineyard located in the heart of Rutherford that was purchased by the producer in 2006, this vineyard-designate is the star of the show, a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 9% Cabernet Franc. Thick, dense and robust in tannin and oak, it offers structured red and black fruit, dried herb, pencil lead, cedar and cigar, combining ripeness with cooler-climate characteristics. It should cellar well through 2021.
From an estate vineyard off Olivet Lane in the heart of the Santa Rosa Plain, this wine is comparatively intense and meaty compared to some of its counterparts from the cooler Sebastopol Hills. Earthy mushroom and a tart, tangy note of orange give it a lift, along with a light layering of fresh-cut rose, before finishing in richer, dark chocolate.
From an estate vineyard on the Silverado Trail, an exuberantly ripe, jammy Zin with enough fruit to launch the space shuttle. Raspberry and cherry dominate, with tannins as soft as silk. In fact, there’s something almost Beaujolais-like about this likable wine, except that the intense spices are a dead giveaway.
From an estate vineyard only six miles from the ocean, this wine is steeped in coolness, from its sharply tuned pomegranate and tart cranberry to its mushroomy, damp earth tones and savory spice. Refined and light to medium bodied, it picks up a tight-grained, oaky, leathery intrigue on the finish.
From an estate vineyard planted high atop the Sebastopol Hills near Freestone, this wine impresses from start to finish. It shows unique white pepper and floral aromas, while a seamless texture supports its succulent cranberry and cherry flavors, a long, lingering accent of nutmeg spice rounding out the finish.
From an estate vineyard planted partially to the Robert Young clone, this full-bodied wine opens with doughy biscuit and oak aromas, building towards richer notes of apple and honey. Dark in color despite its youth, it shows high-toned stony notes of minerality on the palate.
From an estate vineyard site run by one of the region's finest farmers, this Pinot is intense and vibrant in juicy red cherry and raspberry, with earthiness at its core. Exuberant and robust on the palate, it puts its time in oak on full display, and finishes light and bright.
From an estate vineyard, this impressive wine is earthy with tobacco leaf and juicy cherry and cassis notes. Soft, supple and lengthy, it lingers on the palate as a well-integrated, balanced and beautifully crafted expression of the grape.
From an estate vineyard, this is an impressive wine, fruity in plum and cherry with a plush juiciness and firm tannin structure. With aromas of baked bread along the way, it finishes as old vines should, full of leather and black pepper.
From an estate vineyard, this wine combines 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Malbec and 20% Petit Verdot. Brick tar, blackberry and smoked meat show first, followed by leather and black pepper. Medium acidity and body weight make way for firm, integrated tannin. If you allow the wine to open over a couple of hours in the glass, it'll share further flavors of chocolate and vanilla.
From an estate vineyard, this wine is robust, full-bodied and viscous, with an underlying hint of petrol and plenty of oak. There's a tartness behind its flavors that gives it a lift as it finds its way to the finish.
From an estate vineyard, this wine is somewhat unformed and quite feral, largely tannic, with a rough-hewn texture. The oak is overwhelming and needs time to settle, to better reveal the abundance of strawberry and cherry fruit.
From an excellent vintage, this bright Rosso offers creamy aromas of espresso mousse and milk chocolate, with steady pulses of cherry and blackberry at the back. The wine's fresh acidity pairs well with cheesy pasta or pizza.
From an exceptional vintage, this white is deeply floral, with a burst of honeysuckle and honeycomb that is entirely inviting on the nose. From there, lemon, mango and peach are playful on the palate, creating a wine that's big in flavor but measured in oak, with a candied peach finish.
From an extreme-coastal vineyard near Cambria, this shows lots of low-alcohol, low-ripeness qualities on the nose: Kalamata olive, sautéed brown mushrooms, wet asphalt and just the slightest hint of raspberry and cranberry. There is tons of tingly acidity on the palate, along with flavors of tobacco, marjoram, dewy oregano and barely ripe cherry tomato. Drink 2020–2030.
From an extreme coastal site, this earthy wine from Ryan Carr offers root beer, cola, red roses, sage, and hibiscus on the nose as well as pomegranate and stewed strawberries. Tangy red cherry fruit shows on the acid-laced palate, with warmer cinnamon, cappuccino and lavender florality.
From an extreme coastal vineyard three miles north of Cambria comes this exciting wine. Green and Kalamata olives show on the nose, along with crystallized cherry, juniper, fig, unripe strawberry and Mediterranean spice. It explodes with acidic life on the palate, where underripe cherry and tart strawberry flavors mix with green peppercorns, forest underbrush, wet gravel and thyme.
From an extreme coastal vineyard three miles north of Cambria, this bottling kicks off with peppery spice on the nose along with strong black olive, bay leaf, dill and a black-raspberry element on the edges. Lively underripe fruit tones power the palate, as does Kalamata olive, North African spice, coriander and tomato leaf.
From an extreme, cool-climate estate vineyard, this Chardonnay is remarkably complex, golden in color and semi-rich in lemon chiffon and intense caramel. Yet it holds back ever so slightly on the lusciousness by offering crisp, tingling acidity. Orange blossom delights in terms of aroma and flavor, with an accent of fennel, too.
From an extremely coastal 13-acre vineyard in Bonny Doon that was replanted in 2005, this wine shows black-cherry jelly candies on the nose alongside wild mint, white sage and black olive. The palate is more asphalt and tar-laden, but with blueberry, violet and uncrushed peppercorn flavors that make it quite tasty.
From an extremely rare grape variety for the state, this delivers citrus rind and flower blossom scents and sleek fruit flavors backed by mouth-puckering acidity. It screams for shellfish.
From an historic block of the famous vineyard long known as Robert's Block, this white is incredibly complex and concentrated, with richly woven layers of pear, Key lime and peach. A handful of Sémillon is blended in, adding extra oomph and flavor, the finish balanced in acidity and marked by freshness.
From an historic site replanted and restored to new heights, this wine has good grip and high-octane fruit that plays on the palate, veering from jammy to juicy and back again. Anise and black pepper linger on the lengthy finish, with a touch of smoky oak and toffee.
From an inland region of Victoria, this is a mature wine. The tannins are plentiful but soft, wrapped around a core of dried cherries and plums. Hints of cedar and brown sugar add the impression of sweetness, while notes of mint and cracked pepper bring freshness.
From an interior subregion of Hawke's Bay, this shows classic oak-aged Pinot aromas of cherries, brown sugar and baking spices. It's medium in weight, with a suede-like texture and a savory, mocha-tinged finish. This is already showing a hint of bricking at the rim, so drink it over the next few years.
From an ocean-view vineyard with consistently exceptional fruit, this wine represents its provenance with class and elegance, delivering crisp cranberry and cherry around an ethereal earthiness and deft seasoning of herb. Aged in barrels previously used for Chardonnay from the same vineyard, it offers restrained oak that still provides structure.
From an oceanview vineyard west of the Sta. Rita Hills comes this project led by David Yates of Jaffurs Winery. The bottling shows earthy smashed cherry, mulberry, bloody meat and brawny clove notes on the nose. Sagebrush and iron play loudly on the palate, with tart cranberry and herbal nuance. It finishes smooth and clean after a long tang.
From an old block of vines, producing a field blend of many different varieties, Vinha Maria Teresa is a major wine. Its low yields, firm tannins and dense wood aging give it great staying power. Black plum surge through the chocolate flavors and are given point by acidity. Age this fine wine until 2018.
From an old clone yielding smaller berries and having a longer hang time, this is even more minerally than Müller's regular Kirchenstück spätlese, showing a briny aspect to the minerality and bringing in more intensity, including passion fruit and a sweetness reminiscent of roasted root vegetables. Ends on lingering notes of honey and lime.
From an old vineyard on chalky soil, this wine has some concentration as well as a tight mineral texture. This is warm and ripe as well as fruity and crisp. It is a rich wine that has also retained crispness and great acidity. Drink from the end of 2017 or even early 2018.
From an older block of estate vineyard, planted to budwood originally sourced from Martha's Vineyard, this 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Malbec is not for the faint of heart or palate. Burly and expansive, its aromatics star, inviting in cedar, mocha and vanilla before black pepper and cherry take over. The tannins are velvety.
From an older vintage, this edition of Libatio shows some tertiary aromas of licorice and mineral backed by chocolate fudge and dusty hazelnut. Drink now.
From an Olivet Lane-situated site, where Pinot Noir is its likely neighbor, this head-trained vineyard is planted to a heritage selection put in the ground in the 1920s. It sings in black licorice and juicy black cherry, showing a tightness of texture and medium build, buoyant in acidity. This is a likable, complex wine with traces of dried herb that linger.
From an organic parcel of vines, this floral and honey-flavored wine is superbly rich. The 12 months in wood adds spice and a touch of toast as well as giving the wine a delicious oxidative edge. It is an opulent wine, hinting at honey, with ripe melon and quince flavors. Drink this impressive wine from 2021.
From an organic, dry farmed vineyard, this wine is as feral as the forest—a study in wild boar, wildflowers and dried herbs. Bright acidity buoys that meaty quality in the form of tart rhubarb and strawberry tea flavors. Floral on the nose and palate, it's spicy too, with bold seasonings of clove and pepper.
From an organically-farmed hillside vineyard planted to the Old Wente clone, this white is expressive in oak and intense aromas and flavors of delicate pear, peach and lime. Made in a fuller, creamy style, it's balanced in acidity with a crispness to the finish.
From an organically farmed block planted entirely to the Pommard clone, this wine offers strawberry, earth and black tea, diluted slightly by a tannic underbite that competes with the fruit. Softly structured, it grips further on the finish.
From an organically farmed estate vineyard in Chiles Valley operated by the same family for more than 40 years, this 87% Cabernet Sauvignon-13% Merlot has soul and structure, as well a stony minerality that compels. Menthol and tobacco weave between thick layers of dark cherry and plum, complemented on the palate by exotic cardamom and clove. This is one worth cellaring through 2022 or giving an hour or two to open.
From an organically farmed vineyard, this rich, full-bodied wine offers flavors of baked plum, cherry and chocolate cake, taking on an edgy flirtation with toasted oak. It finishes with a sprinkling of black pepper and nutmeg, ready for a giant steak.
From an organically grown, seven-acre vineyard that was planted nearly 40 years ago comes this savory, cooler-climate-styled Syrah. It's redolent with cracked black pepper, soy, charcoal and tar on the nose, plus an underlying lavender and black-currant sweetness. The palate is very tarry and peppery, with flavors of dried elderberry and roasted lamb with a rosemary touch.
From an outstanding vintage in the Willamette Valley, here's a beautifully blended Pinot with impressive concentration and detail. Spicy berry and red plum fruit is speckled with chocolate drops, coffee beans and a whiff of clean straw. Drink any time; it's ready to go.
From an small estate that also has vines in Chénas and Saint-Amour, this is a firmly tannic wine that also has attractive juicy red-berry fruits. The wine, still young, will repay aging allowing it to broaden out with rich fruit and a soft texture. Drink this cru from late 2017.
From an Umpqua Valley vineyard, this solid and fruit-driven Pinot Gris needs a little more bottle age to come together. The pear fruit flavor is there in abundance, but some off-notes creep in, damping the finish.
From an up-and-coming estate in Umbria, this blended white (Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto) opens with generous aromas of ripe fruit, apricot, caramel and honey. The mouthfeel is thick and creamy.
From another of Andy Beckstoffer's sites in Oakville, Missouri Hopper is a mix of cassis, kirsch and leather, its full-bodied structure marked in generous toasty oak. Tea and leather provide a savory edge, balancing the richness of the red fruit. Drink now through 2023.
From another of the grower's impressive, coveted sites, this wine imparts soft, dusty cherry, cassis and pomegranate notes, with a luxurious tease of vanilla and coconut macaroon. Full-bodied and robustly built, it's 100% varietal and barrel-fermented and finishes on a compelling streak of cedar, herb and graphite.
From another of the producer's coastal estate sites, this wine is juicy, spicy and leathery—a celebration of fresh wild strawberries and buzzy acidity. Earth, rose and white pepper flavors add welcome complexity within a tightly woven frame of structure and length.
From another section of the Los Chamizal Vineyard, Morning Sun is taut in red cherry and raspberry, a citrusy component giving it lightness and zest. Leather and black pepper come to life on the finish.
From another vintage of Billy Wathen home runs comes this bottling from friend Rick Longoria's vineyard. It shows bramble berries, elderberries, sagebrush juniper and roasting herbs on the nose. Layers of thyme and dried oregano decorate the raspberry juice and pencil-lead palate.
From Antinori's Castello della Sala estate, this landmark white helped to shine the spotlight on Umbria's untapped enological potential. A blend of Chardonnay and Grechetto, this is smooth, creamy, complex and long lasting. It offers a beautiful bouquet of vanilla, apricot, exotic fruit and honey, with a subtle touch of exotic spice.
From architect José Perdgão's small quinta—only 17 acres on typically high-altitude merciless soil—this classic Dão blend including Alfrocheiro and Jaen is ripe, still firmly tannic and mineral. It has weight and density, extra rich from the wood aging, and packed with solid tannins and balanced black fruits and acidity. The wine will be ready to drink from 2020.
From arguably the finest white wine vineyard in Burgundy, this is a powerful wine that shows great weight, but balances that with intense, elegant structure, style and freshness. The flavors are endless and complex, richness combining with the lively character of the vintage. Age for many years.
From Atlas Peak sites, this is a dark, brooding wine rich in earthy loam, pomegranate, cranberry and cherry that carries a fistful of weight and power. The oaky finish could use more time to resolve. Drink now through 2020.
From Bacio Divino, this Sangiovese-based blend is curiously soft. While it has forward cherry, cocoa and spice flavors, it simply lacks structural integrity.The alcohol is evident on the warm, dry finish.
From Bandol producer Sorin, this is a rich wine with just a light saltiness from the vineyard's proximity to the sea. It has pure fruit, an attractive citrus tang and lively line of final acidity.
From Barton & Guestier's own chateau, the wine is a well-balanced spice- and berry fruit-flavored wine. Its tannins fit with the fresh 2008 acidity and lively, fruity character. Age for 2–3 years.
From basalt rock soil, this is a tightly coiled wine. The wine brings out strong minerality, a firm texture and ripe fruit. A touch of pepper adds spice and a dense character. The wine needs to age; drink from 2017.
From biodynamic producer Marcel Lapierre, this is probably as good as it got in 2007. It's a rich wine, concentrated, although the crisp fruits of the year tend to dominate. There are raspberry flavors, very pure, very fresh, but with some good depth of flavor.
From biodynamically grown grapes, this is a concentrated wine with mint and spice flavors as well as tight red fruits. It comes from vines situated in the Moulin-à-Vent appellation, giving the typical mineral character from the granite soil as well as the structure. The wine will be ready to drink from 2017.
From Block 29 of the acclaimed vineyard, this wine is delightfully juicy and flirty in black cherry, leather, black pepper and tobacco. Full bodied and ripe, it never gets heavy, rather trafficking in enough acidity and sense of place to stay grounded on the palate.
From blocks of old Wente vines planted in the 1970s, this producer and site continue to find beautiful synergy together. This wine shows high-toned floral notes around full-bodied richness and flavors of crème brûlée and anise. A salty accent begs for attention as a kick of citrus finishes with grace and freshness.
From Bolgheri, what's fast becoming the Tuscan Gold Coast, this Cabernet Sauvignon (with 15% Sangiovese) offers complex aromas of bacon, rose hip and vanilla. The palate is more basic than one might expect, given the exclusive neighborhood it comes from. There's round plummy fruit and creamy oak. The chewy, weighty finish is filled with residual plum and cherry flavors.
From both  Pommard and Calera clones, this Pinot offers a generously earthy nose of forest floor and wild mushrooms before delving into subtle black and red cherry  fruit. Weighty on the palate, the tannins are soft, yet the wine finishes lean.
From both hillside sites and valley floor, this entry-level wine is impressively made and ready to be enjoyed. A mix of rose petals and raspberry preserves surround a good grip of tannin and savory tease of clove, before a lengthy finish adds to the experience. It's made with 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.
From both Muscat Canelli (65%) and Muscat Giallo (35%), this fragrant and inviting wine is exactly what it proclaims to be, slightly sweet in honeysuckle, citrus and crisp texture. It offers lightness and lingering acidity in a moderate-alcohol package.
From both Sun Chase and Gap's Crown vineyards, two stellar sites that neighbor one another, this is a medium-bodied expression of high-toned pomegranate and cherry. It unleashes big, soft waves of intense flavor and texture expansively and with panache.
From Bouchard's home vineyard, this is one of their signature wines. In 2005, it has produced a luscious, fruity wine whose richness is only a part of its wonderful floating character. The ripeness of the wine is matched by its structure, which promises considerable aging.
From Cabernet maestro Nick Goldschmidt, this Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend is eminently drinkable now. It's soft and dry, with gentle tannins framing jammy raspberry and cherry flavors.
From Canoe Ridge Vineyard, this delivers raspberry, herb, tire rubber and spice aromas and medium-bodied dark fruit flavors. The tannins are a bit dry and pasty.
From Cantina di Soave's highest line of white wine, Rocca Sveva Soave Classico is a bright and luminous expression with vibrant tones of citrus, pear and dried sage.
From cellars in the heart of the village of Pouilly-sur-Loire, the seventh generation of the Masson family produces this classic Pouilly Fumé, structured and full of ripe fruits. It is a wine for aging, with its tense minerality and tight texture that parallel the fruitiness. Wait until 2016.
From century-old grapevines found on Santa Cruz Island, this bottling offers concentrated raspberry and a touch of strawberry, lifted by eucalyptus and lavender notes. The palate is enlivening, with tight cranberry fruit, elderflower and pencil-lead flavors.
From century-old vines, this is a high-octane, smooth, juicy and soft wine, medium- to full-bodied with flavors of dark cherry-berry baked pie and cola spice.
From century-old vines, this wine is potent and focused, with powerful, ripe fruit flavors and a texture that feels polished and precise. The aromas favor black cherry and black pepper, the flavors are fresh and mouth-filling, and the wine has firm acidity and tannins that make the texture appetizing.
From certified biodynamic fruit, 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Zinfandel, this vineyard-designate needs swirling, its tannins tightly wound and thickly conceived. Cedar, clove, sawdust and cranberry provide an elegant austerity of classic components, accented by a fragrance of violets. It gets better in the glass.
From certified organic grapes, this light-styled wine is bittersweet in tobacco leaf, leather and black pepper, subdued in its approach to fruit. Toasted oak plays a subtle counterpart, integrated and very much in the background.
From Château des Landes' old vines, this is a concentrated, solid wine. Dark tannins have dark chocolate and licorice flavors, with a structure that dominates the fruit and needs to soften. New wood aging was perhaps excessive, but give the wine time. Drink from 2017.
From chalk soil, this wine is textured with tight tannins lying over the red cherry and berry fruits. Not rich, it's more a gentle excursion into Pinot Noir giving freshness as well as that light structure. It offers perfumed acidity at the end.
From chalk soil, this wine is touched with minerality, crisp acidity and a texture that promises an ability to age. It has green plum and sliced apple flavors, fresh while also tangy. A complex wine, it will be better from late 2017.
From Chanson's five-acre parcel of the Beaune Grèves vineyard, this is a ripe, softly tannic wine, more dominated by strawberry flavors, rich and deliciously sweet. Not for long-term aging, but worth 2–3 years' waiting.
From Chardonnay grown on the Montagne de Reims, this is a rich and full-bodied wine. Red apple and sweet grapefruit flavors are balanced against the steely texture and zingy minerality.
From Charlie Chenoweth's own vineyard site comes this tiny-production white, thickly textured in caramelized apple and pear with an oaky imprint at first. Dense and intense, it takes time to unwind in the glass to show more nuanced aspects of corn mash and clove.
From Chilean winemaker, Aurelio Montes, this 100% Cabernet shows massively concentrated flavors of ripe blackberries and cassis, with richer notes of dark chocolate, anise, spices and smoky cedar. What an amazing tannin structure, intricate, fine and complex. A wine to drink now for sheer opulence or to age for at least a dozen years.
From Chiles Valley, a heady wine with 15.3% alcohol that will appeal to fans of superripe Zin. The plummy flavors veer into Port-like notes of raisins and sweet chocolate, although the wine is fully fermented to dryness.  —S.H.
From Chiles Valley, this blend of 71% Semillon and 29% Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best wines of its type of the vintage. Cofermented and barrel aged in 15% new French oak, it shows extraordinary richness, and savory flavors of green and yellow tree fruits, green tea, cashew, Asian spices and gingery vanilla. It even has some dusty tannins that make for grip and structure. The finish is absolutely dry.
From Cissac in the north of the Haut-Médoc, this firm and structured wine has dark berry fruits along with solid tannins and a dry structure. It promises aging as well as the possibility of drinking sooner, so try from 2016.
From Clare Ranch Vineyard in the Templeton Gap, this bottling by Ryan Render shows rounded notes of boysenberry and cooked blackberry on the nose alongside strong licorice and mocha aromas. Blackberry and boysenberry also arise on the sip, with olive, pepper and pretty violet floral flavors, all framed by a solidly dry structure.
From clay and limestone soil, this wine is full bodied. It has both spice and a tight, nervy, mineral texture. Rich with a full mouthful of raspberry and red-currant fruits, it has a refreshing aftertaste.
From clay and silex soil at the foot of the hill behind the Baudry house, this solid, richly fruity wine brings out both concentrated tannins and opulent, red berry flavors. Showing the great potential structure from old vines, this is a wine for aging over at least six years.
From coastal counties between Mendocino and Santa Barbara, a nice, supple wine that has plenty of Pinot character. Don't expect depth or ageability, but this black raspberry-flavored wine has soft, silky tannins and a spicy finish.
From coastal hills near Jenner, this is true Sonoma Coast fruit, and it shows in its cool-climate embrace of red fruit and white pepper. Leather saddle marks the personality of the texture and soft acidity keeps it full-bodied and relatively dense.
From cool-climate Leyda along the coastline, this SB is fairly grassy and green. The nose shows hints of green bean and peas, while the flavor profile rotates around a mix of honeydew melon and pea pod. Good mouthfeel and finishing persistence are positives; but in the final analysis it seems a little vegetal.
From cool Green Valley in this cool vintage comes this translucently colored young Pinot Noir. It's silky and light in the mouth, but enormously complex, with spicy cherry, raspberry, cola, licorice, datenut, fig and soy sauce flavors that are heightened and brightened by crisp acidity. Thoroughly enjoyable now, and should develop for up to six years.
From cool, coastal sites, this wine impresses in full-bodied layers of lavender, smoke and forest floor, the fruit distinctly plum. Generous tannic structure gives it strength and power that's countered by bright, integrated acidity.
From cool, high-altitude vines, this Riesling is aromatic and crisp with a hint of steel and plenty of freshness. Acidity cuts through this already delicious, very fruity wine that is about to move to maturity. Drink now.
From Crasto's new vineyards in the eastern Douro Superior, this is a hot country wine resulting in superrich, full-bodied character with a surprising richness. It is soft, the tannins comfortably embedded in the cushion of ample fruit
From Crete, this wine offers deep fruit character and an exotic spin on Assyrtiko. Limestone, lemon and white fruits abound, with a slightly sweet and lush finish. Very pretty and balanced.
From dark granite soil, this wine is structured and concentrated. It has ripe black-cherry fruit and spice that add to the mineral texture and firm tannins in the background. Drink this cru wine from late 2017.
From decades' old vines in the heart of the appellation, this wine conveys dusty milk chocolate and baked plum. It's 100% varietal, aged almost two years in 60-gallon French oak barrels. Softly layered, and full bodied, it's approachable now, linear in its acidity.
From decades-old, dry-farmed vines, the wine then 100% barrel fermented, this vintage the grapes were picked particularly early and were still quite rich and full, prompting this experimentation. Lemony bright, floral aromas and flavors meet a lean, refreshing body of apricot and green apple, a pleasant experience from start to finish.
From delicate grapefruit to lychee and guava, fruit flavors gain concentration from nose to palate in this rich almost tropical Gewürztraminer. Bold and lusciously textured, it's slightly warming on the palate yet balanced, finishing with sizzles of spice and lemon-lime acidity. Drink now through 2020.
From Dominio de la Vega, this dark Bobal has a rubbery, chunky, dark-fruited nose. The full-bodied palate is round and lusty, with extracted plum, berry and chocolate flavors. The finish is long, with drying tannins.
From Don Sebastiani & Sons, a dramatically ripe, concentrated Cabernet, with fine, firm tannins framing blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavors. Really easy to drink now, and the price is quite good for the quality.
From Draper clone vines planted in 1965, this bright gold-hued wine brings myriad details to its apple, jicama, white peach and nut oil flavors. A whiff of smoke carries throughout, and its sheer complexity strains the vocabulary. Stay with it as more subtle layers unfold. Though seductive now, it should mature well through 2030.
From dry-farmed 40-year-old vines perched along the Rutherford Bench, this impressive offering is sanguine and elegantly balanced, a showcase of cranberry, raspberry and milk chocolate. Refined acidity contributes to an overall lightness, with dried herb and dust lingering on the finish.
From dry-farmed estate vines, this savory, classically styled red offers nuances of cedar, dried herb and peppercorn. It's aromatically reminiscent of the forest that surrounds the estate, delivering a balanced landscape of subtle, elegant flavor and length.
From dry-farmed, own-rooted vines planted in 1965 by Charles Coury, this selection is remarkably fresh and forward. Lush strawberry and black cherry flavors comingle, with chocolaty tannins and exceptional texture, detail and length. It spent 14 months in 30% new French oak. Beginning with the 2015 vintage, it will have national distribution.
From dry-grown vines planted in 1973, this is classic Yarra Yering Shiraz, boasting hints of cracked pepper, earthy notes of root vegetables and hints of brown-sugar oak. It's medium bodied and crisp, with peppery, plummy, cigarbox flavors and a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2025.
From Duckhorn, a very serious producer, but this is their fun wine. Not to say this blend of Zin, Cab, Merlot and Cab Franc isn't a heavyweight red. It is, with massive berry, cherry, chocolate and peppery spice flavors. But it seems designed for easier fare, such as barbecue. At its best over the next 5 years.
From Dwelley vineyard grapes, this barrel-fermented Viognier offers appealing toasty fruit coated in buttered nut goodness. Meyer lemon and stone fruits, dusted with cinnamon, give it a French pastry sort of finish, though it is completely dry.
From elegant white producer Paul Cluver, this wine starts with a beautiful nose of fragrant peach, honey and apricot, then unfolds into an enticing balance of lush peach, pineapple and apricot flavors. Elegant but fresh, the complex flavors mingle perfectly with a bright, zinging acidity. The lingering finish offers a touch of orange peel and dried apricot. Delicate but full of character.
From entirely estate-grown fruit and blended with 5% Cabernet Franc, this is a soft, full and well-structured wine, sanguine in currant, cassis and a dusting of brambly raspberry. Inviting, it finishes in a pleasing note of mocha.
From entirely estate-grown Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%), this dry sparkling is vivacious and fun, crisp in apple, pear and raspberry. Lively, lemony acidity lifts the palate. Complementing the freshness is the rounded plushness of ripe fruit and an earthy accent.
From estate-grown fruit dotted around the appellation, this wine shines in a fresh approach to tannin and savory-laced black cherry, seasoning it with clove, earth and black tea. Its length impresses, with the finish vibrantly spiked with cardamom and cola spice.
From estate-grown fruit, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is dark in mocha and generous dry tannins, softened on the midpalate by vanilla, caramel and candied cherry.
From estate-grown fruit, this adds Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah to the Cab. The net result is a diffuse wine with no varietal character. Tannins are hard and bitter, and the fruit seems to be hiding.
From estate-grown fruit, this fresh, lightly frizzante, insanely crisp white wine brings all the tang and salt of the real deal from Spain. What marks it as New World is the fruit concentration, a dense thicket of midpalate citrus—lemon, lime and lots of grapefruit.
From estate-grown grapes, this impressive bottling is moderately spicy, showing a floral flair on the nose. Medium bodied and soft on the palate, it shines in a depth of plum, leather and black pepper.
From estate-grown grapes, this is a fulsome, generously expansive wine, rich in honeyed vanilla, caramel and toffee, and intense in oak. Peach and hazelnut figure into the mix, as does a taste of nutmeg, making for a warm, lengthy finish.
From estate-grown grapes, this opens with sizable, grippy tannins and strong barrel-heavy aromas. It then settles down into layers of blackberry and blueberry, sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon. This wine will benefit from a decant or a few more years in bottle.
From estate-grown Merlot (78%), Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is shy on the nose and full bodied in flavor, offering ripe, fleshy blackberry, tar and espresso.
From estate-grown Pommard clone fruit, this wine shows earthy forest notes against moderate acidity and mellow oak. Medium-bodied, it plays well on the palate with a balance of cranberry and clove flavors.
From estate fruit, this Chardonnay falls a bit flat in the mouth. The fruit is light and simple, and there is a hint of bitterness that leave a chemical aftertaste.
From estate grapes aged nine months in 100% new French oak, this features toasted wood that speaks in hushed undertones beneath a wealth of tangy stone fruit, baked pear and pineapple. Enjoyable now, it has a voluptuous richness on the midpalate that meets more nuanced acidity as it washes down.
From estate vineyards and winemaker Celia Welch Masyczek, a gorgeous Cabernet with the kind of tannin structure you expect from a great vintage in Napa Valley. Deep, impressive flavors of blackcurrants, but it's pretty tannic now and requires up to a decade to soften. At today's prices, this one is a relative bargain.
From Etna's beautiful Guardiola cru, this unoaked Chardonnay delivers fantastically fresh aromas of mountain herbs, tomato leaf, citrus and peach. It's a sophisticated and intriguing wine thanks to the mineral and brimstone notes that appear on the tail end.
From every angle this wine is sharp, raspy and brambly. The mouthfeel is scratchy, while the flavors waver between being burnt and stalky to being shrill and sour. Char and compost elements bring down the finish.
From ex-Penfolds winemaker John Duval and made in part from vines over 150 years old, this Grenache offers a complexity and depth. This favors dark fruit on the nose and is chock full of intriguing aromas of cumin, clove, chocolate, sandalwood and mint. The palate offers more of the same multifariousness, with added minerality reminiscent of hot stones and graphite. Drink now–2027.
From exacting winemaker Andrew Barns, this rich, distinctive Cabernet starts with aromas of blackberry, black currant, mocha and mint, leading into approachable flavors of cherry, peppers, clove and spice. Fruity but balanced, and ready to drink now.
From Familia Bressia, this Brut Nature smells like a cross between a frosted doughnut and dried tropical fruits. In the mouth, this is citric in feel, with tart, almost sour flavors of orange along with the peel. A tangy citric finish ends with lingering grapefruit and orange notes.
From far-away 2003, this elegant Barolo shows a beautiful evolution in the glass. The wine warms up with pressed rose petal and dried raspberry aromas and segues to cedar, cola, mineral and light shadings of spice. A bright close and acidic note hold the hot vintage very nicely. Drink now.
From fashion designer Roberto Cavalli's wine estate (run by his son Tommaso), this elegant super Tuscan blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Alicante Bouschet opens with compelling intensity and pristine aromas of ripe blackberry, spice, leather and dark chocolate.
From Feudi di San Gregorio's Bolgheri estate, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah boasts heady aromas of chopped Mediterranean herb and wild berry. Elegant and expressive, the palate doles out juicy morello cherry, raspberry and a savory hint of ground pepper.
From first sniff this exquisite wine grabs you and won't let go. Brambly berries, redolent with rich umami notes of spice and pine needle cascade into a wine densely packed with fruit and herbs. It lingers, opens and becomes more and more expressive, with soil-generated flavors of forest floor.
From flint and clay soil, this full, ripe wine is tangy, packed with fruit and still young. It is elegant, with the tight mineral structure giving a bright edge to the rounded fruit. Drink this intense and generous wine from 2017.
From flinty soil, this wine shows a strongly mineral character and even a smoky edge. It is structured and tight, ripe with yellow fruits as well as citrus. A complex wine, it's impressive and ready to age a few months. Drink from 2017.
From four acclaimed Mendocino County vineyards, Winemaker Jon Grant's Straight Line Pinot is heftier than his single-vineyard bottlings from sister label Couloir. A dense style of Pinot, this has smoke and oak to it, plenty of strawberry and plum, its tannins not resolved, yet it still exhibits a lush fullness and well-rounded elegance.
From four acres at the crest of a knoll onsite, this wine is indelibly crisp in cranberry and orange. It's structured and classy, with a zesty acidity that belies the darker, deeper elements of toasted oak and Asian spice. The tannins are there, but subtle and supportive, resulting in a pretty yet substantive selection.
From four estate vineyards with an average vine age of 33 years, this sparkles in creamy texture and sophisticated, yummy flavors of tangerine, grapefruit and pear. Stony minerality plays on the palate throughout, buoying complex components of jasmine and a lingering, more concentrated finish of honey. With plenty of structure and stuffing, it'll only get better over time, through about 2018.
From four estate vineyards, this wine appears to be low in oak and extra crisp in mouthfeel, offering austere apple and citrus elements with a slight metallic edge.
From four of the producer's vineyards, this is a sublimely layered and intriguing wine, pretty and floral on the nose in citrus peel and jasmine. Weighty and plush on the palate, it traffics in caramel and honey, settling into harmony on the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2021.
From four vineyard sites across the appellation, this coastal wine shows an intriguing note of rose petal and turned earth before unleashing full-bodied waves of chewy, cool-climate tannin. Its rhubarb and red cherry fruit has a savory edge; acidity carries it long into the finish.
From Frank Family, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend was grown in Rutherford. It's marked by intense flavors of blackberry, black cherry and currant, wrapped into firm, ripe tannins, and aged in 75% new French oak barrels. A perfect wine for drinking now with a great steak.
From Freixenet, this is perfectly good yet familiar, which for $15 is about as good as we can expect. The palate is juicy and also smooth, with red berry, tomato and herbal flavors. There's good depth and balance throughout, and the finish rounds into form and closes things out in a tasty, subdued fashion.
From Frescobaldi's gorgeous Nipozzano estate, this Riserva Sangiovese (with small percentages of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet and Merlot for extra density and intensity) opens with impressive generosity and personality. It offers lingering flavors of cherry, chocolate and dark spice.
From fruit grown in Avize and Aÿ, this pure Chardonnay is mineral textured while also full of ripe fruit. Ripe apples contrast with zingy acidity that gives a good lift at the end. This is a delicious wine to drink now.
From fruit grown in Carneros, 74% of it Chardonnay and 26% Pinot Noir, this includes grapes from both Hudson and Hyde vineyards. Gorgeously full bodied and elegant, it's dry on the palate with vibrant acidity to balance the tangy flavors of cherry, pomegranate and cranberry.
From Gallo's Central Coast brand, a lean, tart and minerally Chardonnay marked by flavors of flint and lime just veering into tart green apple. Extremely well made, and not without interest, but if big, blowsy Chards are your thing, look elsewhere.
From Gallo, a two-county blend with some real elegance and style. The Cab is dry, soft and full-bodied, with lingering blackberry, currant, licorice and spice flavors. Drink now.
From giant Brown-Forman, it's a lip-smackingly fruity Chard, bigtime in pineapple, vanilla and smoky caramel flavors, with a sweet, honeyed finish.
From Glenrose Vineyard, this blend of 31% Mourvèdre, 23% Tannat, 16% Syrah, 16% Counoise and 14% Grenache is very earthy and mineral-driven, with crushed black rocks, asphalt, incense, dark-purple flowers and a touch of blackberry on the nose. It's relatively lightweight on the palate with grippy tannins, showing tart berry and bay leaf flavors.
From Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, this fresh and fruity wine is now at its peak of crispness and minerality. It has concentration and a lively texture with white fruits, citrus and a bright, tight aftertaste. It could age after purchase, although there is no need.
From granite soil at the Quinta do Vale Meão, this is a single parcel wine, hugely structured and very dense. It has weight and power, plus an impenetrable tannic character at this still-young stage. Very impressive and needing many years to age. Drink from 2018.
From granite soil, this rounded wine has a firm core of structure. Pineapple and peach fruit flavors surround this center, making it full in the mouth, rich and charming. Acidity at the end and the firm texture promise some aging. Drink from 2015.
From grapes close to Volnay, this is a ripe, strawberry jam and red-plum-flavored wine. It has soft tannins, juicy acidity and an attractive, perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.
From grapes grown at Kick Ranch, including the additional 7% Syrah, this bold red wine shines in tropical coconut and vanilla flavors, flirting with violet floral aromas. Somewhat thin in texture, it shows bright red fruit beneath the other flourishes.
From grapes grown at some of the Willamette Valley's highest elevations, this is a pungent mix of citrus oil, grapefruit, metal shavings and stone. The flavors persist along that path, crafting a sleek and distinctive wine that in many ways is the antithesis of the fleshy, jammy, fruit-forward style of many domestic Pinots.
From grapes grown at the Ramal Arad vineyard located 500 meters above sea level. Pale straw in color, this is loaded with bright lime and pineapple notes with flavor accents of fresh cut grass and pear. Closes with an appropriately crisp and clean finish. Only 600 cases produced.
From grapes grown at this estate and vinified by the Tutiac cooperative in Blaye on the north bank of the Gironde Estuary, this wine is easy, soft and fruity. With black-currant fruit and acidity, it reflects the fruitiness of the vintage and is likely to be ready to drink soon. Drink from late 2017.
From grapes grown in Coombsville, this blends in tiny additions of Petit Verdot and Merlot. Earthy in leather and fresh compost, it remains light-bodied and dry, despite a large tannin presence, the finish marked by pencil shavings and herbs.
From grapes grown in Pope Valley, the eastern part of the Napa Valley, this is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with 2% Petit Verdot. Smoky bacon and thick, concentrated waves of blackberry mark the wine, which is made by Ted Osborne of Olabisi. The finish is dark and chocolaty, with more of that smoke.
From grapes grown in the cool Oak Knoll District, this wine was given time in neutral oak for less than a year, providing a soft lushness on the palate. Tropical and just slightly grassy, it offers a long finish marked with sizzling acidity.
From grapes grown in the cooler, southern reaches of the Napa Valley, this dry white exudes the time it spent in oak cask and barrel, providing a woody, sweet vanilla touch to the nose and palate. Fig and lemon rind come to the fore on the finish, accenting a medium body and length.
From grapes grown in the Douro Superior region, this is an open delicious fruity and ripe wine that is ready to drink. Its black currant and red berry tastes are balanced by spice, wood aged flavors and a core of tannins. The aftertaste introduces fresh juicy acidity.
From grapes grown in the high altitude Castel Ringberg vineyard, Elena Walch delivers a vibrant, balanced wine that shows structure and finesse. It's loaded with sensations of Granny Smith apple, lemon zest, banana peel and an underlying mineral note that carries to the crisp finish.
From grapes grown near the town of Los Alamos comes this wine from a San Diego-based family. Complex aromas suggest red cherry, blackberry, shiitake mushroom and black peppercorn. The palate is tighter, with cranberry, tart yet dark raspberry, iodine and sanguine flavors.
From grapes grown on a higher spot on the estate vineyard with Altamont soils, where the dirt is thin and the vines struggle, this wine delivers a depth of structure and incredible flavor. It finds a way to coax sage and wild forested earth from a robustness of cranberry and bright, citrusy acidity.
From grapes grown predominantly in Oak Knoll, and blended with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this Cab offers a richness of oak and coffee on the nose before a juicy midpalate delivers red currant and red cherry. It finishes dry in pronounced tannins.
From grapes in the Russian River and Dry Creek valleys, this Zin, which has a fine, complex tannic structure, shows a raisiny, sweet edge that was a result of the searing vintage. Overripe fruit gives a taste of sugared blackberry juice.
From grapes picked in February 2012, this light, delicate wine is still young, still finding its balanced acidity and fruit. It has a soft, almost gentle fruit and honey character that hides the intense acidity. It needs several years' aging.
From grapes predominantly grown in the Oak Knoll District, this has a dusty herbaceousness. It was given plenty of time in French oak, a sensation that is pronounced on the palate and somewhat distracting.
From grapes that were just touched by noble rot, this dry wine is a beautiful, golden wine in color and flavor. It feels full, with mature yellow fruits, the merest hint of honey, but always rich rather than showing any sweetness. A very fine, unusual wine.
From great farmers and a great site, this wine somehow never comes fully to life, offering a muted taste of cherry and strawberry around minty dollops of earth and dried herb.
From Green Valley, the coolest part of the appellation, a wine with the most wonderful opening scents of ripe pears and the smoky perfume of oak. Perfectly delicious in the mouth, with pronounced pear flavors and a sleek note of minerality. A touch of lees adds a creamy texture but doesn't overwhelm. As opulent and lush as this wine is, it's delicate and elegant. Editors' Choice.
From Guenoc a blend of Bordeaux varieties (43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Petite Verdot, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc) that veers into the overly tannic side of Cab without quite the right balance of fruit. Not much on the nose or finish.
From half an acre of vines within the Blanchot Grand Cru, this is a smooth, rounded wine. It has weight from intensely ripe fruits, along with structure. Beautifully sun-exposed vineyards add a warmth to the wine, but there's also a mineral texture, nervy acidity and tart apple-skin and green-plum flavors. While concentrated, it's still a young wine, so drink from 2017.
From Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon worked, this small house has produced this ripe, fruity and well-balanced wine. Some bottle age gives a taste of yeast and toasted bagels as well as fruity apples and crisp pears. The bottle is ready to drink.
From head-trained vines interspersed with Alicante Bouschet and Petite Sirah, this is a bright, likable wine, teased in bacon, cola and brown sugar that finds a fresh streak of red currant and juicy strawberry as it opens, the acidity in full view. A bite of chocolate dots the finish.
From head to toe, creamy, candied oak is the driver of this resiny Merlot. Aromas of vanilla and sweet plastic are front and center on the nose, while flavors of clove, vanilla and maple syrup carry onto the finish without mellowing.
From Heidi Barrett's estate vineyard in Calistoga, this Syrah is very rich and appealing. What it lacks in complex subtlety it makes up for in immediate chocolate-inspired blackberry jam and mushu plum flavors. Firmly tannic, it might age for a while, but will show best now through 2012.
From heritage clones of Wente and Mt. Eden, this top-end Chardonnay from the Foley family offers salted peaches, hazelnuts and crushed sea shells on a nose that recalls a steady sea breeze. It's light and brisk on the palate, with yellow pear, nectarine and lemon salt, all wrapped by a grippy texture. Excellent by itself, it would pair with foods from shellfish to roasted chicken.
From high-altitude vineyards, this is a crisp wine with fine acidity and white fruits. Light, bright and deliciously fruity it has a tangy, very drinkable aftertaste.
From high-elevation blocks once devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, this exceptionally crafted wine reveals a worthwhile trade-off, flavors celebratory in pear and peach. Fragrant and floral, it offers zesty acidity in Meyer-lemon form, finishing in lasting waves of more lemon.
From high-elevation vineyards in both Knights Valley and Sonoma Mountain, this is a well-crafted, integrated and deal of a wine, the grapes grown in volcanic, rocky soils. Crisp red currant confronts a tension of firm tannin and medium-body, remaining bright and seamless on the palate. Stock up for regular consumption.
From high-elevation vineyards, this is a lean, dusty wine driven by dried herb, blueberry and savory tobacco, with a floral flirtation on the bouquet. Integrated tannins are still sizable and structured, the midpalate touched by a gamy, meaty suggestion akin to charcuterie.
From high atop the hills above Freestone, this Pinot Noir saw 10% stem inclusion during fermentation and was aged in 20% new oak for just over a year to achieve enviable structure and bite amid an intensity of raspberry and strawberry kirsch flavor. This gorgeous wine will open up even more if held in bottle until 2017–2019. But it's so good now you'll find it hard to wait.
From hills above the river, a lovely wine, with black-cherry and white-pepper aromas and flavors and sweet vanilla and oak. Rich and spicy in the mouth, with pronounced blackberry and cherry fruit, jammy and sweet. Very balanced, all the way to the long, richly satisfying finish.
From hillside vineyards on just one acre of the producer's estate, this lovely wine is pungently earthy in violet and fresh compost, its profile bright and lean. Cherry, orange and pomegranate make for a compelling expression of the variety, complemented by a meaty, gamy tease on the finish.
From hillside vineyards, here's a concentrated, intense wine with some tongue-sticking tannins. Blackberry, espresso and white-pepper aromas lead to a round, full-bodied and very dry wine that will benefit from a year or so of cellaring.
From his base above Cornas, Jean-Luc Colombo has reached toward the Mediterranean to blend this crisp, refreshing blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise. There's a touch of strawberry, but more citrus, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
From his Saint-Émilion base, Bertrand Ravache has created two brands: Leo (for Comte Léo de Malet Roquefort) and Les Hauts. This wine is all fruit, ripe and with a mineral edge. It has lots of acidity, lively fruitiness and hints of spice. Drink this fruity wine now.
From husband-and-wife team in California redwood country, comes this interesting Syrah, sourced from dry-farmed estate vines. Smelling of cedar pine and red fruit, it's very savory, full of pepper and leather, dark coffee and espresso. Lay it down another year or so to tame its wild soul.
From it's musky, perfumed to nose to it's intensely honeyed, dried-peach- and apricot-flavored palate, everything about this wine is mysterious and ethereal. Crafted by monks in an ancient Georgian monastery, this amber-hued wine is made from white grapes that were fermented and aged in clay vessels (qvevri) and that underwent extended skin contact, which resulted in a wine with puckering tannins and a richly textural mouthfeel.
From Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and his family (vintners in Tuscany for 130 years) comes this bright, cheerful sparkler. It shows crisp acidity, ease, tonic effervescence and overall harmony.
From its base in the Marne Valley, Blin has access to the best Pinot Meunier. This rare Champagne—100% Pinot Meunier—has a richness and open fruitiness that impart ripe character, but with a tight, dry edge. The lightest pink color, it's not quite a rosé, although it certainly has some raspberry flavors as well as orange zest and a tangy texture. Drink from 2016.
From its bright floral nose to its soft, sweet finish, there's a gorgeous femininity to this outstanding Riesling. Dry in style but accented by notes of pink grapefruit and lychee, Magdalena's daintiness is kept in check with a bracing acidity and elegant white tea astringency.
From its cellar in Aÿ, this small négociant buys grapes from a range of villages. This signature wine is soft with a crisp background and delicate acidity. Rounded and full of white fruit on the finish, it's ready to drink.
From its floral, lime-driven aromas to its citrus and baked-apple flavors, this is a textbook Riesling. It's plump and friendly, offering a mouthfilling texture and easy-drinking appeal at a bargain price. Drink now.
From its inky black color, you can tell that this is a big wine, and one sip confirms that impression. This is dry, full bodied and tannic, with explosive blackberry and raisin flavors as well as an edge of crisped beef. It's a little rustic, and the sweet fruit suggests pairing it with barbecue and roasted meat.
From its origin in 1789, the Barthe family vineyards were in the hands of sons. In 1991, Véronique Barthe took over and is now developing sustainable vineyards. This vintage is perfumed with touches of fruit candies that will probably integrate better as the wine settles down. Behind this confected front, there is good fruit, crisp acidity and a lively, bright aftertaste. Wait until late 2016 to drink.
From its origins in the Middle Ages, this estate has always been a vineyard. This latest vintage released is fruity with wood aging still obvious in the toastiness and spice. But there is plenty of rich berry fruit to give this wine a good short-term potential. Drink from late 2018.
From its own estate, this Louis Latour wine is a ripe, strawberry- and juicy plum-flavored wine, sustained by a well- judged dry layer of tannins. It is sweet, the acidity showing through in the red fruits.
From its privileged position right next to the grand cru of La Tâche, Aux Malconsorts has produced a heady, perfumed wine, relatively delicate, relying on its succulent red fruits to give body. It is on the sweet side of Pinot Noir, jammy with red berry flavors, and already delicious.
From its situation on the plain outside Beaune, Chorey is often overlooked. A wine like this, ripe and smooth, full of red fruit, offers a deliciously juicy drink and represents a great value in red Burgundy. Drink now, or keep for two years.
From its slight tinge of copper this wine appears to have had some skin contact, and perhaps that can account for it's almost Pinot Noir-like aromas of strawberries and sous bois. Stone fruit and citrus flavors are round on the palate, then finish fresh and vibrant, underscored by crisp acidity. Drink now.
From its youth, this is obviously an ageworthy wine. The tannins, firm black-fruit flavors and intense acidity all point to this wine's longevity. It shows great balance, with its fruit melding into its dry structure. A beautifully polished wine.
From Jaboulet's own holdings, this is a broad, mouthcoating expression of Condrieu, with pineapple, apricot and honey notes that blossom slowly given enough time in the glass. Drink now–2015.
From Jack's Vineyard (formerly Lefore), this was planted in 1997, with cuttings from Leonetti. It has some of the leafy, crunchy character of Brunello, along with high acidity and a pretty mix of strawberry and red plum flavors.
From Joey Tensley's home vineyard near Los Olivos, this bottling shows very dark and tarry aromas at first but then opens up into cassis, blueberry, black pepper and wild herbs, making for a beautiful and cohesive nose. The tannins are a bit firm and could use a little more patience to soften, but the flavors of tangy black plum, leather, game and pepper are ready to rock.
From Josh Jensen's 4.4-acre vineyard, this bottling offers black plum and mulberry aromas laced with crushed gravel and lavender notes. There is a powerful minty character to the palate, which helps enliven the hearty ripe cranberry and hibiscus elements. A thought-provoking and earthy wine.
From Kimmel's cool Potter Valley vineyards, this 2010 Chardonnay has a lot to offer— refreshing lemon and grapefruit flavor, and a hint of orange peel amid its high-toned acidity. Lean and inviting with a richness on the finish, Kimmel is a name to watch in Mendocino Chardonnay.
From Klipsun and Hedges fruit, this muscular, aromatic Merlot begins with pretty berry scents, then develops flavors of currant and cherry. It's a wine with meat and muscle, still packed tight, but dense with potential. Give it plenty of decanting, or cellar it for five years.
From La Moussière vineyard, this Pinot Noir-based wine is refreshingly crisp with red fruits and tight lemon and orange-zest acidity. It is lightly textured, with a minerality that comes from the chalk soil of the vineyard. Drink now.
From La Pointe, a small parcel of old vines, this is a full ripe wine. It has apricot and mango fruits and is vinified using natural yeasts, making it rich and generous. The wine is ready to drink.
From La Rioja, this Torrontés is quiet and neutral. It offers a little tangerine on the nose, and then acceptable but unexciting banana and pear flavors. Overall it's decent but bland.
From Laguna Ridge Vineyard, which surrounds the producer's winery, this bottling begs to be explored. It's beguiling from the beginning, with unexpected shots of soy, corn nuts and gamy charcuterie. Big, structured tannins support juicy flavors of black cherry and raspberry, resulting in a complex, velvety mouthfeel. Flourishes of dark chocolate and cardamom tease on the finish.
From leading Vino Nobile di Montepulciano producer Poliziano, this opens with aromas of black currant, bell pepper and tobacco. On the palate, juicy black cherry makes up the core while notes of licorice and ground pepper offer backup. It's smooth and easy drinking, with plush tannins.
From limestone and clay soils, this elegant Aglianico opens with a smooth and silky feel backed by power. Aromas of dark fruit, licorice and spice would match leg of lamb or pork roast.
From limestone and granite soils, this is a structured, mineral, textured wine. It already has a fine balance between berry fruits and their acidity and a dense, dry tannic core that gives the wine a solid character and considerable potential. Drink from 2018.
From limestone soil at the foot of Mount Sainte-Victoire, this wine is fruity and deliciously crisp and dry. With its red-currant flavors and intense acidity it is definitely made to be drunk with food. Drink from the end of 2017.
From Livermore-based Fenestra, this blend includes Verdelho, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sémillon and Pinot Gris, swirling them into a medium-boded, balanced wine resplendent in peach and pear. With some heft on the finish, it ends satisfyingly clean.
From Long Shadows, a rare, barrel-fermented Riesling. Sappy, tart, juicy and stylish, this is loaded with pear, grapefruit and Meyer lemon. The acidity is generous but softened up a bit by the extra oxygen from the fuder.
From longtime Catena winemakers Mariano de Paola and Pepe Galante, this is a deep, black-fruited Malbec with a cushioned bouquet, violet notes and delightful blackberry character. The palate is deep, juicy, healthy and balanced, and the finish is smooth and offers a whiff of coconut. Solid, serious and good now through 2013.
From Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, this wine shows richness, white fruits and some herbaceousness. Currently, there is an earthy edge to the wine, slightly coarse, likely to benefit from two years' aging. It is definitely for food.
From mainly clay soil, this is a rich and rounded wine. It starts soft and generous; the structure, intense fruits and acidity only slowly come through. It's smooth, rich and concentrated, ready to drink from 2016.
From Mallorca, this is a blend of indigenous, unheard-of grapes aged 12 months in French oak. The result includes aromas of milk chocolate and mocha in front of baked fruit, fudge and licorice. It's unlike most anything else on the planet, with good but tenuous balance and burnt brown sugar on the finish.
From Marchese Lodovico Antinori's beautiful wine estate in Bibbona, this boasts the heritage of the great super Tuscan family to which it belongs. The blend is Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, and the overall effect is simply gorgeous. Richness, generosity and persistence characterize the mouthfeel, and the bouquet is driven by aromas of red cherry, chocolate and spice. Drink after 2015.
From Margaret River in Western Australia, this is a full-bodied, impressively endowed Shiraz at a reasonable price. Superripe aromas of blackberries and licorice mark the nose, while the palate features similar flavors, supple tanins and a creamy-textured finish. Good to go now, with enough concentration to hold until 2015.
From Markham, this medium-weight effort adds a touch of mint and a creamy, lactic note to blackberry and blueberry fruit. The finish is long, highlighting waves of supersoft tannins and juicy berries. —J.C.
From master winemaker Dick Arrowood, and pretty good for a regional-based wine. A politically correct Cabernet with cassis flavors, good oak, very dry, stylish tannins and low acidity. There's not a lot going on below the surface but it gets the job done.
From Michael Mondavi's portfolio, this affordable Cabernet is concentrated in red berry and savory leather, a nod to the small amounts of Syrah and Petite Sirah that are included in the blend. French oak provides a hint of vanilla and cardamom, while the medium-bodied palate and attractive finish is washed in coffee.
From midway between Bordeaux and Toulouse, the small area of Buzet produces wines in the likeness of Bordeaux. This blend has the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon prominent in the mix, giving the wine structure and density. Drink the wine from 2018.
From mighty Kanzler comes this ripe, densely tannic wine, plush like candy, it's a celebration of black cherry, dried herbs and vanilla oak, rewarding in its nod to hedonism in balance. The minerality is pronounced and persistent, allowing the wine to breathe. Drink now through 2023.
From Miguel Angel de Gregorio of Finca Allende, this is a nice, thorough, creamy white with aromas of white fruits, vanilla and straw. The palate has spiced peach, apple and pear flavors, and the finish is exceedingly creamy and deep. Shows elegance and adequate power, but needs to be drunk soon.
From Minick Family estate vineyards, this intense and thrilling Riesling has a Germanic 8.5% alcohol and 5.5% residual sugar balance, yet with acids so vivid and juicy that its sweetness is completely counterbalanced. Loaded with spicy pear and tart tangerine fruit flavors, it's a penetrating, dense and highly refreshing wine that explores a style that is both complex and user friendly.
From Montalcino's most famous vineyard site, this opens with aromas of cured meat, grilled herb and a whiff of mature olive. The palate offers red cherry, licorice, savory herb and a mineral note alongside youthfully assertive but fine-grained tannins that need time to unwind. Drink after 2018.
From Montalcino's most historic estate, this pretty Rosso opens with a bright, ruby color and aromas of spice and forest fruit. It delivers bright acidity and silky tannins in the mouth.
From Montemaggiore Vineyard on the western hills of the appellation, and containing 5% Viognier, this is a well-made wine, nicely rustic in a dirty, rowdy mix of black pepper and earth. Dense, thick layers of cocoa play with floral notes of lavender and rose, finishing softly. This will age well through 2023.
From Mount Veeder comes this blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Cherry and vanilla dominate atop a thickness of oak and soft, smoky tannins. Juicy on the finish, it may need more time to come around, the grapes 100% estate grown.
From Mt. Eden and Wente clones grown at 1,700 feet, this under-$30 bottling shows key lime and pomelo pith freshness on the nose, backed by chalk, crushed sea shell and tangerine blossom aromas. There is a fine-grained texture to the tannins on the palate, where bright citrus fruit meets with marcona almond touches. It's simultaneously refreshing and savory.
From multiple vineyard sites in the appellation, this wine is a tremendous value, offering vibrancy and complexity in an approachable way. The entry is marked by candied raspberry and strawberry, with hits of cinnamon and earth. Soft and easygoing, it ends in a rustic knot of tight tannin that resolves in the glass.
From Napa and Sonoma in equal measure, this wine is herbal, slightly green, while also dense, syrupy and mouth-coating in tannins.
From near Olivet Lane and Pellegrini Vineyard—some of the longest planted sites in the appellation—this red is densely packed with spicy, wild black and red fruit, with a soft underbelly of structure. Earthy mushroom and forest pine give it a savory dimension, through soft, silky waves of texture.
From near the Tuscan coast comes this Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc. It's a little rusty in color, with aromas of molasses and plums. The balance is classic, and there's a hint of Médoc earthiness to it, maybe from the Cab Franc. With softer tannins than many, it's already drinkable.
From nearly 30-year-old vines planted at 1,700 feet, this very balanced wine begins with an excellent nose of citrus blossoms, lime rinds, salted cream and a touch of popcorn. The sharply focused palate rides a racy line of lime zest with flashes of tangerine and lemon and a creamy character on the edge, mouthwatering throughout the sip.
From negociant Nicolas Potel's own vines, this wine is dense and smoky. It has spice and hints of licorice as well as rich red-cherry fruit. The tannins and the structure of the wine promise aging, so drink this concentrated wine from 2020.
From northeast-facing vineyards that catch morning sun at 1,200 feet, this is micro-terroir grapegrowing at its most extreme. Cool weather has yielded crisp acidity and fruit that runs the razor's edge between raspberry ripeness and mint-and-tomato earthiness. Very fine barrels add smoke, spice, vanilla and oak-modulated roundness. It seems to lack depth, but then so do certain Burgundies in their youth. —S.H.
From Northridge (Milbrandt) vineyard, the highest vineyard on the hill east of Matawa, up into stony soils, with straight south exposure. This has a gorgeous color and bright, fresh aromas of berry and cherry, bigger than the Cinsault, with some grip to the tannins.
From Northridge Vineyard grapes, this mix of four clones spent more than two years in barrel. Tremendous depth and complexity are apparent on the nose, and there is no let-down on the palate. It's a seriously powerful wine, with muscle and magic. It opens generously into beautifully integrated layers of ripe fruit, confection, candied rind, cacao and a finishing touch of minerality.
From nose to finish, there's a distinctly floral tone to this vibrant, delicately framed Riesling. Dry in style, it offsets fresh, cutting grapefruit and tangerine flavors against perfumed notes of potpourri and talcum powder. Drink now through 2019.
From nose to palate, smoke and dusty mineral notes extend a savory, regal tone to this dry, full-bodied Riesling. It's richly textured, almost oily, on the palate, but refreshed by spine-tingling streaks of pineapple, lemon and tangerine flavors. The finish is long and penetrating. Drink now through 2020.
From old-vine blocks planted in 1934, this vineyard-designate also contains 4% Carignane. Full bodied and richly concentrated, it has pillowy tannins, and aromas and flavors defined by mint, dill, black licorice and leather. Layers of deep, dark blackberry and black cherry give it a pleasing fruitiness as well.
From old Alvarinho vines, this wine was fermented in wood to round it out and give extra richness. The wine certainly is full-bodied, intensely fruity, packed with apricot as well as citrus flavors. The toast element is as much a presence as a taste, giving the wine the possibility of aging. It's too fresh now; drink from 2016.
From old Cabernet vines, this rich and full-bodied wine was made from a magnificent vintage. It has rich, ripe and powerful fruits that burst with energy and structure. It was bottled without added sulfur.
From old dry-farmed vineyards in the southern Itata Valley, this amphorae-fermented wine is one of Chile's most unusual reds. It's muscular and medicinal on the nose, with earthy, rubbery scents. Flavors of mushroom and dusty berry lack pointed freshness, while the finish is lively and earthy, with a plum character. This is unique but the final product has its faults. Tasted twice.
From old head-trained vines, Contention is McCay's top-of-the-line Westside Lodi Zin, a study in tight, dusty tannins and earthy acidity backed by a substantial layering of baking spices. Let this wine open a while to express itself fully.
From old Lodi vines, V. Sattui's annual heartland Zin is minty and herbal, high-toned and tannic, able to find a nice equilibrium between opposing personalities. Leathery and akin to pipe tobacco, it offers a more savory side of Zin, and is worthy of cellaring until 2019 or so.
From old vines and aged in wood for nine months, this rich blend that is dominated by the local Negrette grape is balanced and packed with fruit. There are touches of violet and exotic spices as well as berry fruits. The wine is still young and should age. It's a shame about the unnecessarily heavy bottle. Drink from 2019.
From old vines and dominated by Touriga Nacional, this is a powerful and dense wine. While smooth in character, tannins do offer a firmer core. The oak aging has added to the richness of this dark, impressive wine. Drink now and until 2022.
From old vines and only produced in the best years, this is a wine that is mature while preserving a crisp, tight character. It has some toastiness as well as melon and apple fruits. Concentrated and with fine acidity, it is ready to drink.
From old vines and only produced in top vintages, this ripe perfumed wine is impressive. Rich with tropical fruits, layers of vanilla and acidity, it is full, up-front and packed with concentrated flavors and textures. Like many wines from this appellation, it can age and will be better from 2019.
From old vines and with 17 months' wood aging, this is a smoothly ripe wine, the structure softened out, giving dusty tannins, great ripe black plum fruits and balancing acidity. It could be drunk now, but for the super-ripe fruit to meld even better, give it a year.
From old vines dating to 1865, this is a hugely fragrant mountainous Zinfandel, with an abundance of raspberry and blackberry flavors. A wine with a huge presence and soft, rounded tannins, it's extremely yummy with a ton of peppery spice on the long finish.
From old vines grown on two different types of chalk soil, this wine is intense and rich. It has ripe apple and pear fruitiness which is balanced by the tangy acidity. The natural concentration from low-yield old vines adds to the density of the wine. Drink from 2018.
From old vines in a tree-enclosed vineyard on the third terrace above the River Lot, this wine forms part of a range of wines featuring the soils and terraces of the Cahors vineyard. Named in homage to Marguerite de Massaut, a 16th-century owner of the estate, the wine is aged in new wood that gives it a minty character. That is balanced by the rich black-plum and truffle flavor and the intense acidity. The wine needs to age, so drink from 2021.
From old vines in selected vineyards, this wine is richly endowed with dense black fruits and dusty tannins. Full bodied and intense with a ripe, jammy character, its fruit concentration is bolstered by wood aging. Drink from 2018.
From old vines near the river that runs through the Vale Dona Maria vineyards, this is a superbly intense wine. It has a great structure, dark plum fruits and already a fine balance. Big and bold, its power is balanced with elegance, some freshness and a great potential. Drink from 2017.
From old vines planted in 1955, this dense, impressive wine offers both perfume apple and pear fruits and a creamy texture. Behind this generous front, the wine is tight, steely and needs to age. Give it until 2018.
From old vines planted in 1975, this is one of the last of the Lemberger plantings from the early days of Washington viticulture. Nice blackberry fruit is washed in tannins and lightly oaked; a simple, satisfying pizza wine.
From old vines planted in a single vineyard, this is a spectacular red. It has the crisp acidity of the cool-climate Sancerre, but it also has the weight and ripeness of a fine Burgundy. The wood aging has left a spicy toasty edge to the beautiful cherry fruits and acidity. It could age for another year to be at its best. Drink from 2019.
From old vines planted on the Mayacamas Mountains, this Gewurz is pungent in lychee and grapefruit, a trace of pepper, ginger and clove hiding beneath the surface. Medium-bodied and dry, it offers a rich interplay between herb and spice plus freshness on the finish.
From old vines planted on the sandy soils of Tejo, this is a fresh, while also concentrated wine. It has a sense of structure, with a nutmeg character along with the fresh yellow fruits. Touches of the wood-aging give an extra richness. Drink from 2016.
From old vines that offer more texture, steely minerality and nuance than young vines can deliver. You might find less fullness to the fruit, but this more than compensates with its robust depth. Lemon polish, Key lime, a bit of grapefruit and much more.
From old vines trained on high trellises, this fruity wine is bright with citrusy acidity and lemon zest-like texture. Its creamier side emerges as the wine develops in the glass. Best to wait until 2018.
From old vines within the Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard in the heart of the appellation, this is a rare bottling of a variety more commonly found in the Jura, but acquiring new fans in California, especially made at this high level. Creamy and round, it remains fresh on the palate in a lemon-swirled minerality that provides a savory edge of ginger.
From old vines, as are most of the wines from this producer, this is a dense and powerful wine. New wood aging has given the wine a strongly toasty character balanced with creamy apple and yellow fruits. The wine is concentrated and obviously needs to age. Drink from 2022.
From old vines, at least 50 years old, this shows good concentration, giving a dense, ripe, rounded wine full of green apple fruits, hints of vanilla and streaks of minerality.
From old vines, this a wonderfully perfumed, oak-aged wine. Almond and ethereal juicy acidity complement its richness and fine ripeness, with an intense acidity on the finish. Delicious now, but can age for another 6–8 years.
From old vines, this concentrated and ripe Chablis has rich red apple and pear flavors that are gently cut with a citrus element. Dense texture gives this wine great quality and structure. Drink from 2015.
From old vines, this is a concentrated wine that's full of dense red-berry fruits and an intense caramel and spice character. It has an apple skin texture, with an herbal aftertaste.
From old vines, this is a densely concentrated wine that rejoices in its ripe fruit but keeps freshness and fine, dry tannins. The dark plum flavors go well with the smooth, herbal finish, and the lift of acidity. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines.
From old vines, this is a wine of great structure and depth. Serious tannins and dark fruits give a dense, brooding character. This solid, powerful and mineral-driven wine is still young, still coming together. Drink from 2018.
From old vines, this is the estate wine of Carvalhas. Black in color, it is hugely rich, dense and brooding. The wine is still young, pushed forward by tannins as much as fruit and packed with a concentrated structure. Spice at the end and a dry aftertaste need time to soften. Drink from 2018.
From old vines, this now-mature wine shows almonds, touches of toast and gentle acidity. It has a creamy texture that only hints at the original minerality and crispness. Now, it is a smooth wine with only a light connection to the Melon grape, offering concentration and a rich aftertaste. Drink now.
From old vines, this powerful wine is the epitome of a great Douro red. Its ripe, plum and prune fruits, layered with bitter chocolate, are tinged with acidity. Spice and pepper add to the complexity of this ageworthy wine.
From old vines, this rich and concentrated wine is dominated by ripe apple and pear flavors. They combine with the well-judged toastiness from wood aging to give a full, dense wine will age well. Drink from 2018.
From old vines, this wine has weight and the potential for rich black fruits. For the moment, the wood aging is too much, although this should go on to bring out the fruit. It is a wine that needs to develop, so wait until 2018.
From old vines, up to 45-years-old, the wine is attractively off dry, retaining plenty of acidity as well as gaining touches of honey and creamed apples. The wine is light while deliciously fruity. Drink from mid 2018.
From Old Wente clones grown on the famous vineyard, this full-bodied, textured wine shows ripe elements of golden honey, Gravenstein apple and toasted vanilla oak. Along the way, it flirts nicely with pear and marzipan, finishing in balanced minerality.
From old, head-trained vines near St. Helena comes this dense, intense young wine. It's all Napa in the claret-like structure that's built upon firm, refined tannins. Shows waves of blackberries, black  currants, dark chocolate and peppery spices.
From old, mixed planting vineyards in the Quinta do Vallado, this is an impressively complex blend of flavors, from rich spice, smooth tannins, the richest plum juice and a gorgeous, opulent texture. It is ripe, drinkable now, but likely to benefit from several years aging.
From older vines comes this very dry, tannic young wine. It has a distinguished minerality anchoring the black cherry, cola and spice flavors. Almost old fashioned in style, with some ruggedness to the texture. Give it until after 2014.
From older vines on the producer's estate, this wine has a depth of richness to the nose and is intensely powerful in gingerbread and Meyer lemon on the medium-bodied palate. Lemony acidity rounds out the finish, flecked in butter.
From older vines planted on the producer's estate Quail Hill Vineyard, this wine is thickly concentrated, with a generosity of oak. Creamy, intense and well made, it features complex layers of golden apple, butter and lemon bar.
From Olsen vineyard grapes, this is brawny, ripe, dark and oaky—what else would you expect? It's a take-no-prisoners red that is loaded with spicy blackberry fruit. Tannins are ripe and in proportion, and the fruit has that notable lift from vivid acidity that sets Washington reds apart.
From one block of the estate vineyard planted exclusively to Dijon clone 667, Paige's is deep and dark in color, intense in oak and earthiness, almost a quarter of it undergoing whole cluster fermentation. As intense on the palate as it is darkly hued, it offers brambly blackberry and dark cherry around a core of wild Tahitian vanilla and cinnamon-cardamom spice.
From one of a group of chateaus owned by the Guyon family of Rolland de By, this is an intensely fruity wine. It has finely balanced tannins and acidity along with smoky flavors and layers of delicious black currant fruit. Drink from 2019.
From one of a group of chateaus owned by the Sumeire family, Coussin's second wine is tangy, textured and with lively acidity. The texture is as important as the fruit, giving a mineral edge to the acidity. The red fruits finish with an attractive lift.
From one of a pair of châteaux, both with Braude in the name and both owned by Château Mongravey in Margaux, this perfumed and fruity wine has ripe fruits that are now becoming mature. Soft tannins and juicy berry fruits are still fresh. Drink now and until 2020.
From one of Amarone's most esteemed producers, this shows lots of oak on the nose, along with ripe blackberry aromas. The palate is dominated by oak and vanilla, but it also has black cherry notes and ample acidity. It finishes on a note of drying wood tannins.
From one of Amarone's premier producers, this delicious Amarone delivers generous black cherry flavors, with hints of raisin, white pepper, nutmeg and chocolate. It's soft and round, with smooth, velvety tannins and compelling intensity.
From one of Barbaresco's most celebrated vineyard crus, this ruby-colored wine exhibits loads of intensity and power in the form of cherry, cassis, leather, tar and cola. The wine's compact, tonic mouthfeel would make a great companion to rich, sophisticated cuisine.
From one of Barbaresco's most respected houses, this Gallina bottling shows class and breeding in its aromas of forest floor, porcini mushroom and tobacco. The palate is delicious, offering bright berry, licorice and spice and a hint of orange peel. This is structured and refined but needs time to fully develop.
From one of California’s coolest growing regions, the grapes nonetheless achieved the ripeness of white peaches, lending those notes to the aromas and flavors. It’s very clean and refreshing. There’s a nice toastiness that carries through to the finish, which is slightly sweet and bitter. To be released Spring 2001.
From one of Champagne's less ageworthy vintages, this is already deliciously drinkable. It has fine acidity that cuts through the mineral texture, shaping the rounded fruitiness. It's dry and crisp at the end. Drink now and over the next 4–5 years.
From one of Franciacorta's leading producers, Gran Cuvée Pas Operé offers an enticing fragrance of acacia flower, white flowers and beeswax. The creamy palate delivers apple, nut, spice, thyme and sage along with fine, persistent effervescence.
From one of Germany's few biodynamic producers, this combines struck flint and honeyed ripeness on the nose, then offers apple, citrus and fennel-like flavors. Despite the medium body, the acids are bracing and almost sharp on the finish.
From one of Italy's most important showcase designer wineries, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot lives up to its super Tuscan celebrity. It is gently redolent of dark chocolate, ripe fruit, leather, tobacco and crushed black pepper—the bouquet's elegant moderation is one of its strongest points. The mouthfeel is rich, creamy and long. Drink after 2018.
From one of La Morra's top producers and top vineyard sites, this Barolo demonstrates the difficulty of the vintage in this village. It lacks fruit richness and is dominated by oak-driven sensations of coffee, vanilla and chocolate. It also lacks freshness and finishes short, with drying wood tannins.
From one of Lazio's most promising wineries, this white blend of indigenous grapes delivers a fragrant bouquet of peach blossom, citrus, pear and apple. The mouthfeel is smooth and silky, with a touch of crisp freshness on the finish.
From one of Livermore's oldest producers, a small-production Petite Sirah, one of their specialties, all from an estate vineyard planted 40 years ago, this wine is super dark purple in color, very earthy, with nice chocolate and delicate fruit interspersed among the dusty tannins. Pretty and interesting.
From one of Marin's coolest and best-farmed vineyard sites, this offering is intoxicatingly pretty in violets and herbs, and fleshy in the mouth with gorgeous texture. Layered, structured and dancing in acidity, this is a Marin Pinot not to miss.
From one of Marlborough's top producers, Framingham's 2015 Pinot offers a heady concoction of dark berry fruit, cola, meat, black olive and earthy forrest floor. The palate is equally multi-faceted, focused on dark fruit, savory, and earthy characters, with a lingering acidity and long, savory finish. Drink now–2020.
From one of Montalcino's cult producers, this wine leads with earthy aromas of underbrush, truffle, stewed plums and prune. The palate offers overripe black cherries, baked plums, licorice and black spices. It's fast approaching its ideal drinking window so enjoy soon.
From one of Montalcino's historic estates, Camigliano's Brunello opens with attractive darkness and a smooth texture. Dark fruit, tobacco and espresso aromas emerge from the nose and the wine feels bright, polished and silky overall.
From one of Sicily's most beautiful and promising vineyards, Baccante is a blend of Grillo and Chardonnay with bright clean acidity and fragrant yellow fruit. The only setback here is a matchstick aroma (not present in past years) that prevents this vintage from scoring higher.
From one of Sicily's most powerful wine co-ops, this blend of Syrah and Nero d'Avola offers pretty fruit intensity, with layers of red cherry and blackberry. Subtle tones of spice, leather and bitter almond fill in the back.
From one of Soave's leading estates, this bubbly is made with Trebbiano di Soave grapes and without added sulfites or dosage. Crisp and clean, it delivers flavors of tart green apple, citrus, roasted almond and a hint of pastry cream alongside refined effervescence and brisk acidity.
From one of Sonoma County's newer mountain appellations, this wine is expressive, with juicy black licorice and blackberry flavors, grippy tannins and a slight reductive note. Leather accents adorn the full-bodied palate, softening as it approaches its long, spicy finish.
From one of South Africa's top Chenin Blanc producers, this Chenin is pretty and accessible, with waves of lemon, orange and citrus on the nose and fresh fruit flavors of pineapple and apple on the palate. Clean but balanced, it's both elegant and embraceable.
From one of southern Italy's leading producers, this hearty Aglianico offers earthy aromas of just-turned soil and blackberry. The delicious palate has a ripe core of black cherry accented with white pepper and balsamic notes. It's polished, round and very enjoyable now so drink soon.
From one of Steven Kent's favorite Livermore Valley vineyards, Ghielmetti, this vintage of Lola is 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, the SB picked first off the vineyard; the Sémillon last of the whites. Whole-cluster pressed, it is briny, with a marine-like influence of savory and steely characteristics. Rich, but not too rich, it's freshened by notes of lemon and lime.
From one of Taurasi's rising stars, this gorgeous wine opens with enticing scents of underbrush, just-picked violet, dark berry and a whiff of cake spice. The balanced, full-bodied palate delivers layers of mature black cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, carob and cocoa while firm but refined tannins and fresh acidity provide an elegant, age-worthy structure. It's already tempting but hold for more complexity. Drink 2018–2033.
From one of the appellation's marquee vineyards, this white shines in a petrol-y barrel essence, which should integrate well and add complexity over time. Yellow apple skin, anise and honey paint the rest of the picture, around a medium-strength body and texture, finishing off in sizzling minerality. Cellar through 2018.
From one of the Benziger family's coolest-climate vineyards, and one that is Demeter-certified Biodynamic, there's a richness of cherry amid subtle aromatics of rose and cinnamon spice. A delicate wine that's light in texture, it offers earthiness and a long, balanced finish.
From one of the best-known sites for the variety in the Napa Valley, this wine shows classic Merlot-structure, with an almost dusty quality to the well-integrated and resolved tannins. It discloses a density of red fruit that remains in balance with its more rugged minerality, remaining soft on the palate throughout. Drink now through 2025.
From one of the best Champagne vintages, this wine offers a tight texture and layers of intense acidity. It is still young, showing citrus and crisp apple fruit, while the depth and concentration of minerality promise long aging. Drink from 2019. Gonet uses this label for the American market.
From one of the best producers in the little-traveled region of Molise on Italy's Adriatic flank, this wine shows the far reaches of the Aglianico grape in southern Italy. This expression shows bright fruit tones of blackberry and cherry, backed by velvety tannins.
From one of the best vineyard sites in the Barbaresco-making village of Neive, this offers aromas of raspberry, tilled soil, tobacco and chopped herbs. The chewy, delicious palate doles out juicy black cherry, crushed blackberry and baking spice alongside enveloping, velvety tannins and fresh acidity. It's a superb Barbera.
From one of the best vintages in the last 15 years, this classic Barolo needs to be opened a couple of hours ahead of time to breathe. It's a bit shy on aromas but the palate delivers dried cherry, fig, tobacco, white pepper and black tea flavors. Youthful acidity accompanies silky tannins in this wine that is just starting to develop complexity. Drink through 2024.
From one of the best Zinfandel producers in Napa Valley comes this likeable, balanced bottling. It's rich and spicy and succulent, yet complex and authoritative, and should develop over several years. Shows Zin's briary, crushed wild berry and anise character, with impeccable balance and finesse.
From one of the classed growths of Provence, this wine is intense with ripe fruits. Red plum, red currant and berry fruit flavors go with a steely, nervy texture that needs to age. Drink from the end of 2014.
From one of the cooler climate vineyards for Sauvignon Blanc on the Central Coast comes this intriguing wine. Aromas of petrol, tar and crushed sea shells are set alongside a background of green apple and pear. There is nice zing on the palate, with the petrol elements continuing with roasted bell pepper and crisp apple.
From one of the cooler sites sourced by the producer, this wine is remarkably rich and foreboding, sultry in chalky tannin and lingering blueberry and blackberry notes. Deeply satisfying and complex, it's structured and firm, with a sizable presence of toasty oak and a jolt of dark-roast coffee at the end.
From one of the denomination's leading producers, this wine has a lovely floral and fruit fragrance of violets, iris, and woodland berries punctuated with a note of exotic spices. The straightforward palate offers juicy black cherry, black pepper and clove alongside elegant tannins.
From one of the emblematic estates of Cahors, this entry-level wine is all fruit. It shows the tannic character of Malbec, contrasted with juicy black currant flavors and attractive acidity. The wine can be drunk now.
From one of the estate's west-sloping blocks, this wine sizzles in acidity, with seductive layers of kirsch, maraschino cherry and raspberry, counterbalanced by Carneros earth and spice. Lengthy and full bodied, it's luxurious and beautiful, integrated in oak, with a lengthy end note of orange peel spiked in cloves.
From one of the estates belonging to the Lapalu family, this wine is structured with dusty tannins and a dry core. There is fruit, fresh with black-currant acidity and spice. It needs time to lose the edge of toasty wood-aging. Drink from 2018.
From one of the estates owned by the Pagès family in the northern Médoc, the wine is spicy and rich with tannins and blackberry fruit. As a contrast, it is shot through with attractive acidity that is a character of the year. The wine will be ready to drink from 2019.
From one of the estates that Duboeuf bottles separately, the wine is fruity and soft. It has attractive red fruits and light, well-integrated tannins. A touch of cherry pepper character gives it a lift. Drink now.
From one of the few Chardonnay vineyards in Dizy, this is a tight wine, with a steely character, very crisp and citric. Even at nine years age, it tastes young, structured, demanding aging.
From one of the few estate properties in this new appellation comes anise-flecked aromas of blackberry puff pastry, mixing up ripe fruit with buttery oak. This is a very approachable Syrah, with dark fruits and pepper spice that will appeal widely, showing why Ballard Canyon may be the variety's best hope for popular acceptance.
From one of the few estates in Saint-Julien that is not a classified growth, this wine represents a bargain. The wine is rich, perfumed and beautifully structured. It has a velvety consistency with its ripe black currants and generous tannins. The estate is named after the mill belonging to Abbot Bridane in the Middle Ages. Drink from 2022.
From one of the few Napa Valley wineries to showcase Malbec, this wine is a testament to the virtues of that devotion. It offers rich, dreamy flavors of blueberry cobbler, blackberry and licorice, lifted acidity and plush, soft tannins, all gorgeously finished in spicy chocolate and vanilla.
From one of the few Pinot Noir plantings in Paso, this wine is hearty on the nose, with black cherry, black plum, bay leaf, forest berry, balsamic reduction and a rugged earthiness. It's thick on the palate, where strong licorice spice meets with flavors of caramelized beef in a black-plum sauce.
From one of the few producers to grow and make this variety in the appellation, this was fermented in both neutral oak and stainless steel. It's focused and viscous, with a tropical opening of Tahitian vanilla built around white peach, lemony acidity and a fresh, crisp texture.
From one of the few producers to have estate-grown Syrah in the appellation, this wine comes from vines planted in Goldridge soils. It offers robust notions of tangy red fruit, leathery pepper and wild game, a worthy representative of the variety that could stand more time in bottle. Drink now through 2020.
From one of the few Saint-Julien properties that are not cru classé, this nevertheless shows all the class of the appellation. It has ripe black-currant and berry flavors, laced with acidity and dry, dense tannins. Its richness  is still developing. This has considerable aging potential.
From one of the few vineyards in Santa Barbara County to grow this grape, this bottling plays to the savory side. White pepper and raw beef show alongside tight and tart boysenberry fruit. Wild-berry flavors on the sip meet with dried sagebrush, thyme and potpourri elements.
From one of the fine estates on the Pez plateau at the heart of Saint-Estèphe, this firm and structured wine seems at this stage to have absorbed too much wood flavor, which gives toughness. However, plenty of fruit is currently being masked, so the wine should develop well. Drink from 2018.
From one of the four Pinot Noir vineyards that this producer controls as monopoles, this dark-hued bottling shows blackberry, black plum, clove and star anise aromas. Tart cranberry, sour cherry and strawberry fruit marks the palate, rounded with rose petal and sage elements.
From one of the four properties bought by great-grandparents of the present owner, this wine is light, bright and totally up-to-the-minute in its crisp freshness. Red fruits and touches of citrus dominate along with the lightest touch of tannin. It will make a great apéritif.
From one of the good value communes at the northern end of the Côte de Beaune, this Chorey is soft, juicy with strawberry flavors and framed by tannins. The acidity is there, but the effect is of a ripe, easy wine, ready to drink now.
From one of the grandest premiers crus, this wine is dense and rich. With great fruit tones and finely integrated wood, it is complex, beautifully balanced and shows great intensity. The juicy red fruits are shot through by firm tannins that will soften as it matures. Drink from 2025.
From one of the great Douro estates, this dense, intensely perfumed wine is just setting out on a long journey. Tannins and a complex structure give an initial impression of dryness. They are followed by the richest of black fruits, dark cherries and a balance between sweetness and acidity. Drink this long-lived wine from 2025.
From one of the great grand crus of Gevrey-Chambertin, this is a firm, tannic wine with great life ahead of it. Powered and dense, it's packed with black fruit that's slowly developing. It will mature evenly over many years and will be best from 2026.
From one of the great names of Port, this LBV is a richly sweet wine, full of dried fruits, balanced acidity and a soft, smooth texture. It is a generous, very accessible wine.
From one of the high-quality Premier Crus that have much of the reflected glory of the Vosne-Romanée grand crus, the beautiful wine is ripe and packed with great red fruits. Its wood aging is a rich support to this opulent wine with considerable potential. Drink from 2025.
From one of the high vineyards on the slopes of the Schrattenthal, this complex Riesling has a fine initial raciness, then opens into perfumed white fruits touched by spice, apricots and a layer of tense minerality. Age for 2–3 years. Screwcap.
From one of the highest of the Mercurey premier crus, this wine has a crisp edge to its otherwise ripe red fruits. It has a fine line of wood as well as the juicy fruitiness and acidity. The wine is already balanced, likely to develop easily and quickly. Drink this from 2019.
From one of the highest premier cru vineyards comes a wine that has a cool edge, generous fruit and firm tannins. Those elements come together with black cherry flavors and a dry core, promising a serious future. Drink from 2023.
From one of the highest vineyards in Cahors, this mineral, textured wine brings out the firmest tannins at this young stage. It is complex, powerful, full of structured, very dry. Underneath, there is a great weight of black fruit waiting to come out. Drink from 2016.
From one of the hottest vintages in recent years, this wine delivers layers of succulent wild cherry, crushed raspberry and cinnamon. It's balanced with firm but refined tannins and surprising freshness for the vintage. Drink through 2022.
From one of the larger estates in the Edna Valley, this wine has sweet-smelling plum, cherry candy and grenadine aromas. The palate is front-loaded with sagebrush, thyme, dried lavender and rosemary notes, while a hibiscus flavor unfolds in the background.
From one of the larger of the great grands crus of Vosne-Romanée and Flagey-Echézeaux, this is a dark, structured wine. It has power and juicy acidity that drive its black plum and berry fruit flavors. A dry core of tannins promises many years of maturing. Drink from 2026.
From one of the largest private vineyards in France (2,300 acres), this wine epitomizes the light and fresh style that comes from Gascony in the hidden southwest of France. It is fruity, citrus-crisp with a touch of honey from the Gros Manseng in the blend. Drink now.
From one of the largets premier crus from the left bank of Chablis, this is ripe and full in the mouth, although with a cooler nervy texture that gives attractive fresh acidity. It has a bright and fruity character, just hinting at a touch of toast from the 10% wood aging. Drink from 2016.
From one of the leading estates in Listrac, this is a ripe structured wine. It has firm tannins and a dark core of dry wood aging. Balanced with that is the blackberry fruit and generous superripe Merlot. The wine needs time, so don't drink before 2019.
From one of the leading estates in this cru appellation, the wine is structured and firm and likely to age well. With black cherry and red-currant fruits it is crisp although with its solid texture it should broaden out. Drink this wine from 2018.
From one of the leading producers in this small appellation in the central Loire Valley, the wine is lightly herbal, perfumed and with a fine balance between its crisp texture, citrus fruit and the riper touch of apricots. Drink now.
From one of the Leflaive family vineyards close to Puligny-Montrachet, this is as rich as Aligoté can get. Even so, the texture is crisp, with fresh kiwi and herbs, finishing with intense acidity.
From one of the longest established producers in Montefalco, this gorgeous wine shows the real potential of Sagrantino. It has an alluring fragrance of rose, violet, berry, spice and leather while the palate delivers lush black cherry, blackberry, licorice and white pepper. It has powerful but ripe tannins alongside vibrant acidity, and will develop beautifully. Drink 2015–2029.
From one of the major estates in Pessac-Léognan, this is a fine, stylish and tightly structured wine. It has spice and intense acidity to balance the dark tannins and black-currant fruit. It is going to need several years to really mature. The estate is owned by André Lurton who was influential in creating the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Drink from 2024.
From one of the many cru estates that are run by Beaujolais merchant Georges Duboeuf, this wine is smooth, generous and juicy. It has red-cherry fruit that is surrounded by some firm tannins as well as juicy acidity. Drink from late 2017.
From one of the many recent exceptional years in Sauternes, this ripe, unctuous wine has balanced the rich honeyed fruit and the drier edge of botrytis. It's full in the mouth, with Seville orange and a light touch of ginger. Drink from 2019.
From one of the more exciting and westernmost vineyards in the region, this bottling shows earthy, gamey aromas alongside ripe red and purple fruits, pairing plum and black cherry with minty, musky herbs. The palate shows dried olive, tart orange peels, red plums, baked figs and pine needles, proving deliciously savory and intense.
From one of the more popular vineyards in the appellation, this bottling shows strawberry fruit, allspice, black pepper, candied cherry and cinnamon on the nose. A strong sizzle of acidity marks the sip, with intriguingly deep raspberry, tangy cranberry, white pepper and crushed-slate flavors. Though light in body, it is heavy in flavors.
From one of the most acclaimed up-and-coming wineries in Italy, this wine delivers pure Sangiovese nuances of red fruit, blue flower and wet earth. It shows beautiful density and richness, and the finish offers loads of blackberry flavor.
From one of the most beautiful vineyards in the Prosecco Superiore area, this uses fruit sourced from romantically gnarled and twisted old vines. It has crystalline aromas of stone fruit, citrus, almond and crushed white mineral.
From one of the most beautiful vineyards in Valdobbiadene with decades-old vines that show their twisted and contorted trunks, this pretty Prosecco Superiore delivers feminine notes of freshly chopped sage and yellow rose.
From one of the most beautiful wine properties in Tuscany (owned by artist Sandro Chia and managed by his son Filippo), this gorgeous Brunello shows elegance, pedigree and quality fruit. Blackberry and bright cherry are backed by warmer tones of tobacco and cigar box. There's ageworthy structure and freshness too.
From one of the most celebrated vineyards in the entire Barolo denomination, this gorgeous wine boasts captivating aromas of new leather, underbrush, ripe berry, tobacco, a whiff of tilled soil and a balsamic note. Seamlessly combining elegance and structure, the long, compelling palate delivers layers of juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, licorice and clove alongside a backbone of noble tannins. It's already a fantastic showing and will age wonderfully for decades. Drink 2021–2046.
From one of the most coveted vineyards in the Central Coast, this is a well-balanced whopper of a wine, starting on aromas of fresh raspberry, black plum, forest floor, violets and dark chocolate. The palate is rich upfront, showing strawberry and other dark berries, and then gains complexity in notes of sandalwood and myrrh. Thanks to deep acidity and tannic framing, the wine is simultaneously bold and balanced.
From one of the most creative. quality-minded estates in Montacino, this beautiful Brunello opens with beautiful intensity and elegant aromas of cassis, espresso bean, licorice and cola. The fruit is organically farmed and there is a touch of cherry sweetness on the finish that distinguishes it.
From one of the most dramatic vineyards in the entire state comes a bottling almost as impressive. Refreshing Key lime and mandarin zest mesh with sea shells, chalk and honeysuckle on the precise, steely nose. A chalky tension binds the palate around flavors of lemon-lime, grapefruit flesh, nectarine and a touch of vanilla.
From one of the most esteemed vineyards in the denomination, this features aromas of oak, toast, black berry and a whiff of rubber. The palate offers plum, black cherry, roasted coffee bean, spearmint and vanilla alongside bracing tannins.
From one of the most familiar brands of Franciacorta, this opens with aromas of red apple skin, lemon zest and candied nectarine slices. The palate offers Golden Delicious apple and hints of liqueur alongside zesty acidity and tight, persistent bubbles that leave a crisp finish.
From one of the most familiar of the Meursault Premier Crus, this wine is crisp and mineral in character. It has tight acidity with apple and green-plum fruit that is laced by a light amount of wood aging. The wine is still young and will be better from 2018.
From one of the most famous Pinot blocks in Marlborough, this wine delivers slightly more fruit intensity and textural richness than Giesen's The Brothers bottling. It still shows mossy, mushroomy complexity allied to cherry fruit, then finishes crisply, with mouthwatering acids. Drink now–2018.
From one of the most famous vineyard slopes in Sancerre, the wine is tight, structured and still young. It has great potential with rich citrus, herbs and green fruit flavors. Along with the tense, mineral texture, the wine has both concentration and aging ability. Drink from 2019.
From one of the most impressive vineyards located at the region's far-western edge, this bottling offers rounded and ripe red-cherry aromas with sharper pomegranate elements, dried fennel, mint, light tobacco, sesame and thyme on the nose. The palate combines wild sagebrush and a minty eucalyptus flavor with candied cherries, leaning more toward herbal depth than ripe fruit.
From one of the most ocean-adjacent vineyards in the state, this is a swarthy and powerful bottling, showing black plum, violet, olive and coffee touches on the concentrated nose. There is a bracing acidity and upright structure to the palate, while the flavors remain power-driven: stewed plum and hoisin sauce, with an espresso-like finish.
From one of the most talented winemakers in the Rogue Valley comes this red blend, which could be labeled Malbec, as that is 88% of the blend (the rest is Cabernet Franc). The varietal character comes through nicely, wrapped in toasty oak, with lovely spice highlights around raspberry and Bing cherry fruit. Lively and textural, with a hint of funk.
From one of the Napa Valley's most historically famous sites, this Cab delivers a testament to gamy blackberry and blueberry alongside complex cassis, clove and black licorice. Full bodied and richly concentrated, it's also soft and well integrated, entirely pleasurable now, with years to go in terms of structure and body. Cellar through 2027 and possibly beyond.
From one of the Nelson region's pioneering winemakers, this is as good a wine as I can remember the Seifried family producing. The combination of subtle snow-pea and bold passion-fruit flavors is spot on, and the wine's ample weight, slightly creamy texture and long, grapefruity finish work together to create a harmonious whole.
From one of the new sub-AVAs in the big Lodi appellation comes this Tempranillo. It's soft in both acids and tannins and rather sweet, with cherry jam, cola, violet flower and vanilla flavors.
From one of the old Alsace merchant houses, this is a simple, bland wine. It has a spice note and a heavy, soft feeling. Drink now.
From one of the old Provence estates, this is a concentrated herbal wine. It has plenty of spice as well as full red fruits and balanced acidity. This is a fine wine, packed with taste. Drink now.
From one of the older organic properties in the state, this bottling offers blackberries, blueberries and a rocky element on the nose, along with smoked beef, condensed violets and a touch of leathery tobacco. The palate is relatively light in density, but medium in tannins, with complex flavors of pencil lead, purple fruit, roasted coffee and oregano.
From one of the older Pinot Noir vineyards in the valley. There's nothing shy about the aromas or flavors. It's got tomato, coffee, mushroom, black- and red-raspberry and peppery-spicy notes that last into the finish. Silky tannins and mild acids make it immediately drinkable.
From one of the oldest estates in Blaye, this smooth wine is rich and packed with blackberry fruits. It has a mint character as well as spice. It is a juicy, powerful wine that will need to age. Drink from 2019.
From one of the oldest estates in Montalcino, this pretty Brunello opens with inky dark fruit and plump cherry backed by touches of leather and spice. But like many of the wines from the 2008 vintage, it shows austere and sharp acidity as well.
From one of the oldest estates in Pouilly Fumé, this is an herbal and freshly grassy wine. Delicious apple is textured with minerality, salty character and intense, still-young acidity. It's ready to drink although it will be better from 2017.
From one of the oldest estates in the region, this full-bodied wine has floral aromas and ripe apple and pear flavors along with a distinctly mineral character. It's ready for drinking now.
From one of the oldest vineyards on Diamond Mountain, this Bordeaux blend is impressively powerful and balanced. Based on Cabernet, with small quantities of Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, it has oak-influenced black and red currant, cassis, cherry, spicy plum pudding and sweet, smoky vanilla flavors, with a cedar, pencil-lead note reminiscent of a fine Pauillac. Lush now, it should develop well through 2015.
From one of the parcels that make up the larger Corton Grand Cru, this is a powerful wine with a proper sense of its dignity. It is stylish as well as rich—an elegant blending of ripe red fruits, tannins and acidity. The wine of course has great potential and will not be ready to drink until 2025.
From one of the preeminent Chardonnay producers in the country comes their least expensive yet perhaps most stunning bottling, showing strong lemon rind, sea salt, Gravenstein apple and a floral touch of honeysuckle on the nose. The wondrously zippy and saline palate is framed by a grippy, grapefruit-rind-led tension, but opens just enough to allow the slightest hints of lemon curd and delicate marzipan warmth.
From one of the producer's coolest sites, this wine has a nose of wet gravel and lime peel, enveloped in oaky caramel and toast with Meyer lemon jam. A mouthwatering structure of spicy acidity underlies it all. It has ages to go in the bottle; drink now through 2023.
From one of the producer's older vineyard sites, fully mature and steady, this wine shines in cranberry, rhubarb and strawberry before finding richer, riper streaks of blueberry and blackberry. Generous tannin is seasoned by layers of piquant cinnamon and vanilla. It's lush and bold.
From one of the properties controlled by Marie-Laure Lurton, this is a finely made wine. It revels in its structure, while around that there are ripe, soft red berry fruits, spice and an intensely juicy acidity. Full of charm, ready to age.
From one of the properties followed by the Marmande cooperative at the northern end of the Southwest region, this wine has black currant fruits that are filled out with some firm tannins. After five years, it is obvious that the tannins will remain, leaving a wine that is dry and stalky in character.
From one of the properties owned by Bernard Magrez, this wine exhibits the opulent character he seems to like. Rich and full of black-plum flavors, it offers all the fruit of the vintage with the right amount of tannins to support it. Drink from 2018.
From one of the properties owned by the Chanfreau family of neighboring Château Fonréaud, Chemin-Royal is dominated by new wood flavors that give the wine a toasty edge. At this stage, it is difficult to taste the fruit, but the wine has weight, which should develop through the tannins.
From one of the properties where Duboeuf does vinification and bottling at the estate, this is a dense and structured wine. While it does have intense, young acidity, it also offers ripe berry fruits that are bold and rich. Drink from 2016.
From one of the rare Chardonnay vineyards in Nuits-St-Georges comes this delicious, fruity, perfumed wine. Apples, quince and hints of yellow fruits are all present, along with a tighter texture and balanced acidity. Keep for a few years and drink from 2016.
From one of the rare organic vineyards of the Médoc, this is a firm wine whose tannins are a fine sheen over the ripe fruits. Balancing Cabernet and Merlot, the wine has structure and juicy blackberry flavors, laced with acidity. It's a wine to age for some years, so drink from 2018.
From one of the rare south-facing vineyards in Beaune, this warm, rich and ripe wine is generous with its spice, smokiness and rounded red fruits. Acidity cuts through, bringing raspberry in its wake. The sense of structure really gives this wine its power and density. Drink from 2020.
From one of the region's leading producers and biodynamic rockstars, this wine stands out from the crowd. It offers apple tart, lemon rind and wild mint, with some floral soap notes. The acidity is present but not overpowering, balanced by some textural weight and an attractive citrus and spice finish.
From one of the region's more renowned vineyards, this blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre takes a extra time to open up, so decanting is recommended. But once it does, black plum and dried purple flowers arise on the nose, and then a strong tannic structure slowly reveals flavors of pepper and boysenberry on the palate.
From one of the region's most dramatically perched vineyards, this bottling shows baked red cherry, thyme, chipped slate and the slightest touch of game on the nose. Tangy acidity and a grippy texture frame the sip, where cranberry, black loam and wet clay minerality lead into a long sizzling finish.
From one of the region's pioneering producers, this is an entry-level bottling that manages to provide a glimpse into the Martinborough style. It favors leafy, savory elements over overt fruitiness, offering hints of sun-baked brick, bracken and cracked pepper that are layered over modest cherry fruit. Although silky in texture, it lacks length. Drink now.
From one of the Riboli family's new estate vineyards, this bottling is a clean but quite ripe style of Viognier, with blousy aromas of tuberose, coconut and guava. It's tighter on the palate, with honeydew, key lime and guava sorbet flavors.
From one of the rising stars in Beaujolais, this ripe wine has both a tense minerality and rich black fruits from vines that average 60 years. It is balanced between the very fresh acidity and a dry edge that will allow it to age. Drink from 2016. The vineyards are certified organic.
From one of the Russian River's premier Sauvignon Blanc producers, although recent vintages have slipped in quality. The '09 is a good wine, dry and crisp, with citrus, gooseberry and spice flavors. But it's missing the richness of earlier vintages.
From one of the small outliers in the Loire valley, this crisp wine made from Pineau d'Aunis is bright and lively. It has fresh acidity, red currant flavors and a light, tight aftertaste. Drink now.
From one of the small wine areas close to Chablis, this delicious, steely, crisp wine has fine acidity and a tight texture. It's cool, fresh and refreshing with a light, dancing aftertaste.
From one of the state's most esteemed vineyards, this shows prominent toast, vanilla, coffee and marionberry aromas. The palate is considerably more restrained, bringing a sense of lightness. Alone, each delivers, but the two seem out of sync.
From one of the state's most highly regarded vineyards, this boasts beguiling aromas of milk chocolate, plum, barrel spice, vanilla, herb and coffee. Lightly smoky, sensuous fruit and barrel flavors follow, showing more elegance than this often brawny appellation is known for.
From one of the Sumeire family estates, this ripe, red-fruited wine is cleanly balanced with the purest fruit flavors. There is just a touch of lemon and exhilarating acidity.
From one of the top Beaune premier-cru vineyards, this wine is dark and dense with hints of wood as well as chocolate. To balance this, the ripe berry fruit is right there, deliciously fresh and with a tight line of acidity. A wine with a future, it is not ready to drink before 2020.
From one of the top Beaune premier crus, this wine is structured and dense with tannins and with wood aging. At the same time, it has the rich fruitiness of the year, broad red berries and plums. They provide the delicious potential of this fine wine. Drink from 2022.
From one of the top estates in Cahors, this complex, dense wine is both structured and packed with great fruit. At the moment, the tannins are in charge, big, bold and dense. Over the next few years the opulent black fruits will come out strongly, bringing richness along with impressive concentration. Drink from 2019.
From one of the top estates in Provence, this is a rich wine, packed with fruits. It has a layer of spice and caramel, and an edge of fennel and herbs. For food.
From one of the top estates in the Matelica denomination and made from organically farmed grapes, this stunning wine offers a beautiful bouquet of acacia flowers, beeswax and stone fruit. The palate delivers flavors of creamy white peach, apricot and pear, all accented by aromatic herbs and mineral tones. Delicious now, with crisp acidity, this will develop complexity over the next few years.
From one of the top of the new generation of Vouvray estates, this wine is a delicious medley of fruit flavors. With a touch of honey to go with the apple, and citrus to give extra freshness, this is a beautiful wine. It is very drinkable although still so young. Drink now if you can't wait, but it's better to hold on until 2021.
From one of the top Premier Cru vineyards in Beaune, this structured wine shows concentration and richness. Packed with tannins in its center, it is cushioned by the generous red berry and cherry fruits. The wine has a finely perfumed aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
From one of the top vineyard areas in Morgon, the wine is dense and full of red-berry fruits. It has concentration and a firm background of tannins. The cru wine needs to age further, so drink from 2018.
From one of the top vineyard areas in Pouilly Fumé, this wine is rich, concentrated and with a great aging potential. Structured and with yellow fruits superimposed over the crisper, citrus flavors, it's still young and tight. Give this impressive wine until 2019 before drinking.
From one of the top vineyard sectors of Pouilly-Fumé, the wine is rich, full and complex. Spice and vanilla are contrasted with the intense acidity and steely white-fruit and citrus flavors. It is still young with its fruitiness bursting out of the glass. Wait until 2018.
From one of the top vineyard sites in Sancerre, this fine wine is ripe, herby and intense. It has concentrated white fruits, citrus and green herbs. There is a distinct tangy minerality that will soften over the next few months. Drink from early 2018.
From one of the two properties owned by the Mulliez family of Château Belle-Vue, this wine is full of dense tannins as well as black currants. It is likely to develop into a rich although always firm wine. Drink from 2020.
From one of the Valpolicella's best producers, this vineyard-designate Amarone is amazingly soft and velvety, with aromas of softly worn leather, moist chewing tobacco, ripe black cherry and barbecue smoke. It's an elegant but modern rendition, showing power, intensity and impressive length. Best yet, the fruit is young enough to promise more years of graceful aging.
From one of the Veneto's leading producers, this is made with native Turbiana grape. Creamy flavors of lemon pastry, Bartlett pear and yellow apple are brightened by refreshing acidity and a fine perlage. It finishes on an almond note.
From one of the villages that lies behind the primary Chardonnay vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, this is already smooth, fruity and perfumed. It has attractive acidity and a rich, baked apple character that is pointed up by the layer of toastiness. Drink now, although the wine will be better from 2017.
From one of the warmest sites in the grower's stable, this barrel-fermented, 100% varietal wine is beguiling in its complete embrace of ripe, supple sunshine. A grip of oak tannin helps support the exuberant, juicy, dark blue fruit, further defined by its soft texture and underlying, focused acidity.
From one of the westernmost vineyards in the county, just a few miles from the chilly Pacific, comes this dark, intense Pinot. Tasted in 2007, it was too tightly wound and too young to appreciate fully, with grapy, primary fruit flavors of blackberries, cherries and cola. It should be mellower now, however.
From one of the winery's two estate vineyards, Harper's is dense and oaky, with bittersweet chocolate, dark cherry and black tea twisted around a layer of thick, dense tannins. Dried herbs and a subtle squeeze of tangerine provide savory and exotic character, while the finish is velvety and sublime.
From one of the young appellation's newer vineyards comes this blend of 74% Roussanne and 26% Viognier. Made in a slightly reductive style, it has sour aromas of orange rind, citrus pith and a touch of quinine. Lime skins and yogurt elements show on the palate, which is lifted by jasmine flowers and dried nectarine.
From one of those rare properties in Pauillac that are not classified growths, this wine is ripe, dark, still smoky and very structured. It has some of the weight of the vintage although in a restrained way, giving juicy black currant fruits behind the tannic structure. Drink from 2017.
From one of three estate-farmed vineyards belonging to the producer, Bone Ash is dry-farmed and planted to old vines in volcanic soils, the minerality of which is divinely present in this wine. High-toned, balanced in acidity and softly structured, it offers a range of fruit, from sharp cranberry to jammy blackberry, changing in the glass over time. Complex and layered, it will cellar well through 2022.
From one of three estates owned by the Moreaud family in one contiguous 61-acre property, this smooth and ripe wine is all about rich black fruits. Supported by just the right amount of tannin and acidity, it is already delicious and fruity. Drink now, but better to wait until the end of 2016.
From one of Trento's leading wineries, this salmon-colored wine made from Pinot Nero and Chardonnay opens with aromas of rose, red berry and a whiff of nut paste. The palate displays more Pinot Nero, with wild cherry, strawberry and graphite flavors alongside a vibrant perlage and brisk acidity.
From one of Tuscany's most celebrated wine areas, this luscious wine is soft, beautifully textured and plush. It shows ripe red fruit, plus leather, tobacco, sweet cinnamon and marzipan on the bouquet.
From one of Tuscany's most charismatic producers, Roccato has shown a steady evolution in quality and intensity that culminates with this beautiful vintage. A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine delivers Rocca's signature juicy softness with background notes of spice and almond.
From one of two properties in Listrac owned by the Thomas family (the other is Reverdi), this is seriously dark and tannic, with flavors of bitter chocolate extract and wood. It doesn't feel as if it will really soften enough.
From one parcel of vines, this Chablis is warm, ripe, full of yellow fruits and the softest texture. It's very fruity with tangy lemon zest acidity and a light, crisp aftertaste. Drink now, but it will be better at the end of 2014. Screwcap.
From one sniff, you know this is Gewürz, its rose-petal and lychee aromas erupting out of the glass. But the flavors are less expansive, picking up notes of peppery spice on the finish.
From one vineyard site, this 100% varietal wine is boldly aromatic in peppery clove, raspberry and a hint of vanilla, showing structure and elegance amidst a ripe, full-bodied foundation. The tannins are integrated and appropriately dusty, providing a chalkiness to the texture.
From organic and biodynamic vineyards, this wine is full of ripe berry fruits backed up by firm tannins, this is a wine that is full of potential. It has structure, a fine form of rich fruit and acidity. With its dense texture this is a wine to age. So just wait until 2019.
From organic grapes and bottled without added sulfur, this is a fruity juicy wine with a strangely perfumed, geranium character. It has soft tannins, and hints of red fruits behind the perfume. The aftertaste is the only firm part of this fresh wine, which can be drunk young.
From organic grapes in a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is rich and ripe. Generous red fruits are cut with light acidity and broadened by the smooth, creamy texture. The fruit lasts right through to the end.
From organic grapes, this blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot shows roasted coffee, chocolate, peppercorn and beef char on the savory nose. Rustic red cherry and tart cranberry show on the sip, which is dominated by a woody spice and hints of thyme, tarragon and leather.
From organic grapes, this fresh, slightly sweet Chenin Blanc marries lemongrass, pear and citrus skin flavors with a hint of butterscotch. Very nice through the midpalate, then a quick fade.
From organic grapes, this is a soft, red-fruited wine. The tang of acidity is well balanced by the full fruit character. It's ripe and attractively structured.
From organically-grown and certified Biodemeter-grown grapes, this rosé blends 70% Grenache with 15% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah to produce a dry, robust wine aromatic in peach skin and tangerine. Orange blossom and candied orange peel on the palate add to the freshness and lively acidity.
From organically farmed fruit, this dry Moscato Giallo opens with citrus tones of pink grapefruit and tangerine blossom backed by medium texture and nice freshness. This is a perfect pairing wine for spicy shrimp cocktail.
From organically grown estate grapes, all of them Hanzell clone, this Pinot is light, earthy and elegant in its herbal composition and soft body. While approachable now, it has enough structure to last through 2018.
From organically grown fruit, this is a soft, lemon- and pear-flavored wine. It has plenty of fresh acidity as well as a warm, full-in-the-mouth character. The aftertaste brings out touches of vanilla as well as the acidity.
From organically grown grapes from the H4 Vineyard. It was fermented in both stainless steel and mature French oak. Well balanced and smooth in texture, with an underlying richness, it brightens in melon and peach.
From organically grown grapes, this firmly structured red wine is stalky while also rich with potential. It is young, dense with tannins as well as black-currant fruit. The wine will need to age, so drink from 2019.
From organically grown grapes, this is a ripe, full wine. Excellent acidity binds the apple and grapefruit flavors. With a crisp texture allied to the ripe fruitiness, it is already balanced and very refreshing.
From organically grown grapes, this rich wine has a smooth texture and balanced acidity. The producer specializes in Rhône-style wines and this rich blend, that includes Viognier and Marsanne, has fine yellow fruits as well as ripe plum and citrus flavors. Drink from 2018.
From organically grown grapes, this unfiltered wine is ripe with red-cherry flavors and freshened by acidity. It has a tang of tannin that adds a dry core to this attractive wine.
From organically grown grapes, this wine is barrel-fermented in French oak. On the palate, it reflects that time in barrel, conveying a mix of spicy oak, exotic Asian pear and nutmeg. Well-integrated and light, it offers lilting minerality.
From organically grown vineyards, this is a medium-bodied blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah, with crisply defined fruit notes of black cherries and hints of coffee, sage and baking spices. Drink it over the next 9–12 months.
From organically grown, estate vineyard grapes, this light, subtle wine has a strong acid underpinning. Citrus fruits and a suggestion of fresh pear are streaked with vanilla wafer.
From outlying vineyards in the Côte d'Or, the heartland of Burgundy, this wood-aged wine is full of red currants and attractive, easy acidity. With a touch of spice and a juicy aftertaste, it is ready to drink.
From owner Jean-Pierre Palatin's vineyards at the highest elevation in this appellation, this mostly Merlot wine is soft and fruity, ripe but with little sense of structure. It is juicy and with some acidity. Light and perfumed, it is ready to drink. The winemaker is Thomas Guibert who also handles Ferrand, Palatin's Saint-Émilion grand cru.
From parcels around the village of Maimbray, this wine is structured and tight. It has attractive fruit potential with plenty of lively acidity, surrounded by a strong mineral texture. The wine will be best from 2017.
From parcels in the southern portion of Clos Vougeot, Bichot produces a ripe, relatively soft style of wine. It is, of course, also rich and powerful, but the tannins are sweet, subdued into ripe red plum and raspberry fruits, the acidity giving the wine a fresh, lively character to finish.
From parcels of old vines in the Côte des Blancs, this limited-edition wine is a beautiful Chardonnay. It is finely woven, tightly textured and crisp in apple skin and lemon notes. Concentration from the low-yielding vines gives great depth and the potential to still age well. Drink this exceptional wine from 2017.
From parcels of old vines, a smooth, wood- influenced wine. Flavors of ripe yellow fruits emerge from the vanilla toast character. It is rich, velvet textured, feeling opulent.
From Paso's blending vanguards, this mix of 62% Syrah, 19% Petite Sirah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Malbec offers an intriguing nose of sesame, soy, cracked pepper, fresh blackberry and raw beef. There is cedar and toasted pine on the palate as well as smoked meats, black pepper, teriyaki and an elderberry-blackberry base.
From Paso Robles's warmer eastside, this wine begins with an elegant nose of raspberry, deep red rose and lavender. It's immediately delicious once sipped, with lush plum and sour cherry fruit, followed by a long-lingering finish of violets, rose and dried lavender.
From Passadouro's old vines, this is serious, complex wine. Its fruit is an integral part of the dark tannic structure, adding to the gentle power. It has spice as well as juicy fruit, wood and, on the finish, sweet fruit flavors.
From Paul O'Brien, a producer with multiple versions of Tempranillo, comes this budget offering. It spent 18 months in 30% new French oak, which suggests that these were declassified barrels originally meant for the pricier wines. Dried fruits, especially fig, a scent of leather, and strong highlights of cherry tobacco and coffee all support the notion that this got the fancy wine treatment.
From perhaps the best known of Mercurey's premier crus, this is a firm solid wine, dense with tannins and concentrated berry fruits. It has a ripe character that is still embedded in the tannins. That means aging and this wine should not be drunk before 2023.
From Pierre André's Château Corton-André, they can look up at the hill of Corton and the Corton-Charlemagne vineyard. That gives them a neighborly interest. This is reflected in this rich, powerful, muscular wine, full of yellow fruit, ripe wood and tense acidity. It should age for 4–5 years.
From Pinot Noir grown on clay and limestone soils, this aromatic, fresh wine offers a delicious balance between the red fruits and acidity. A ripe wine, it shows a distinctly fruity character, and is ready to drink now.
From pop music star Fergie, this wine shows dainty aromas of lemon-lime soda, red apple and honey. The palate is bright, with lemon custard and poached pears, proving sweet and sour notes simultaneously.
From premier cru vineyards on the Montagne de Reims, this finely balanced wine is tight and crisp with fine acidity. Its white fruits and lively feel are allied to a creamy texture to produce a Champagne that is ready to drink now.
From premier cru vineyards, this wine reflects the dry style that is the hallmark of Lombard Champagnes. It is well balanced, the red fruits and citrus blending stylishly with the acidity and crisp aftertaste. It is ready to drink.
From Pride's estate 2,100 feet up in the Mayacamas, another in a string of impressive Viogniers. Follows the pattern of tempering the varietal's over the top character with barrel fermentation and lees aging. The result is a wine with the density of a big Chardonnay, but with Viognier's rich, yummy array of fruity flavors.
From primo Zin country comes this pretty red wine. Starts out with jammy, youthful aromas of wild berries and turns soft and fruity in the mouth. Although the flavors are nice, it’s a bit watery, although the spicy finish will leave your palate tingling.
From producer Guglielmo Bortolomiol, this Brut sparkling wine shows simple lines of dry mineral, white flower and crisp lime. Pair this informal Italian sparker with grilled shrimp encrusted with sweet sesame seeds.
From producers Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari, Baia al Vento (90% Merlot with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) shows ripe fruit, plum, blackberry preserves and cherry backed by cured meat, tobacco and dried rosemary. The wine is round and soft with bright points of acidity that keeps it balanced.
From Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard, this blend of clones 115, 667 and 777 shows deep pomegranate, dried violets, roiboos tea, baked plum and sarsaparilla notes on the nose. Cooked plum fruit also shows on the sip, which is dusted with clove, nutmeg, dried roses and earthy tannins. This plush wine is a mouthful.
From Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard, this blend of three clones shows plump red-plum and hibiscus aromas on the nose as well as sharp cinnamon, cola and sumac spices. That tangy sumac character extends to the sip, where tart raspberry makes the eyes water. Also present are fine-grained tannins and a slight touch of Early Grey tea.
From R.H. Phillips, itÕs a shade oakier and more refined than their regular bottling. The peach flavors are more concentrated, and sappier, but it comes at the cost of crispness. The wine sags in the mouth, like a Dali melted watch. But it tastes good.
From red slate vineyards in Erden and Ürzig, this is a medium-bodied dry Riesling that delivers bold pineapple, apple and citrus notes accented by hints of dry spices. The zesty acids impart a tongue-tingling quality to the long finish. Drink now–2013.
From Rhône-possessed Paso Robles, an adventurous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel. The aroma is subdued now, closed and brooding. On the palate is an explosion of cassis, briar, chocolate and coffee. Sweet, ripe tannins make for a dusty mouthfeel. Needs a minimum of a year in the cellar.
From Rhône producer, M. Chapoutier, this is a new venture. The style is elegant while also powerful and complex. It brings out strong minerality, black currant fruit and tense acidity, resulting in a wine for aging. Drink from 2016.
From Rick Longoria's own vineyard comes this high-toned, focused bottling showing Asian pear juice, hot toast and apple blossom on the stonefruit-driven nose. There is steel structure on the sip, which fresh with more fruity pear elements, but also bound to a chipped-slate minerality.
From right at the northern end of the sweep of Corton Grand Cru vineyards, this rich and complex wine is dense with smoky flavors as well as ripe blackberry fruit. It is solid, densely structured and powered minerality from the chalk in the soil. This is going to be a fine wine, so drink from 2019.
From ripe fruits, in the Pinson style, this is a rich, generous and concentrated wine. There is great fruitiness from the ripe apricot and pear flavors, cut with acidity to give an edge of freshness. Spice and fragrant acidity mark the finish.
From Robert Mondavi and Eduardo Chadwick, a Chilean producer (Errázuriz), this wine is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Carmenère. The color is inky dark, and it smells young and intense, almost fiery—there's a suggestion of charcoal and embers. Massive fruit explodes in the mouth, but it's not a fruit bomb; it's much too sophisticated for that. Oak is fancy but not pronounced. Its aging timeline should be similar to that of a great Bordeaux.
From rocky estate soils, Terre Rouge's Viognier opens with delicious aromas of honeysuckle, mango and guava, lightly put together with a jolt of wet stone. Rich in mouthfeel, the finish is woodsy, like the finest herb garden.
From Ruffino, this Brunello is ripe yet earthy, with a touch of forest and moss to the nose. It may be softer and riper than many, but it's definitely balanced. Meanwhile, fine black cherry and plum fruit steals the palate, which also dishes hints of chocolate and fennel. Good tannins and grip ensure its longevity.
From Rusack's estate vineyard, this is a very fine, young Syrah. It shows rich blackberry, red currant, licorice, cocoa, smoked meat and sandalwood flavors, but is also quite tannic, and some of those tannins come from new oak. If you drink it now, give it a good decant. Should hold in the bottle for at least six years.
From sand and granite soil, this firmly structured wine has dark tannins as well as the more familiar red-cherry flavors of Beaujolais. As it develops, it will become rich and fruity, juicy with good acidity. Drink from 2019.
From sandy soil above the banks of the Cher river, this wine has crisp citrus and clean, bright white berry and lime flavors. There's a refreshing herbal aftertaste. Drink now.
From sandy soil full of iron oxide, this blend of a range of Southwest grapes comes from a vineyard close to the Atlantic coast. It is a delicious fruity wine with lively acidity, green-fruit and citrus flavors plus a juicy zesty aftertaste. Drink this refreshing wine now.
From Santa Barbara County's first commercial vineyard, this bottling offers a clean line of lemon butter, toast and oak on the nose. A strong burst of acidity kicks off the sip, where warm brioche and fresh lemon-spray flavors ride a chalky texture.
From Santa Carolina, this Malbec is what you'd call meaty but a little raisiny. It shows signs of mild reduction, which pushes the flavors to marmalade. Pepper and a little coffee-like bitterness on the finish close the show. Drink now. Imported by Carolina Wine Brands USA.
From Sardinia, this is a delightful rosé made with native grapes. It offers strawberry, crushed cherry and myrtle berry aromas that carry over to the palate along with a slightly sweet finish.
From Sauvignon Blanc grown in the vineyards of the Mateus palace, this is a classic, herbaceous wine with attractive fresh and grassy acidity. The high altitude fruit is bright and crisp.
From schist soil, this tight and mineral-driven wine has crisp acidity enmeshed in the taut texture. This complex, young-tasting wine, with its structure, needs to age. Drink from 2016.
From Schug Estate, Wildcat Mountain and other nearby vineyards, this wine is made in larger quantities and intended for casual consumption with its soft, juicy personality bursting in tropical mango and pear. A touch of clove and nutmeg shine through a persistence of oak.
From Sebastiani, proof that Pinot Noir has been overplanted in California. This has some pleasant Pinot character in the cherry, spice and earth flavors and light, silky tannins, but it's a simple, one-dimensional wine.
From select barrels, this “no name” reserve takes the signature elements of the winery's Pinots—notably forward, plush berry fruits and a strong whiff of tobacco—and punches them up to the next level. Big, solid, almost chunky with packed flavor, it touches lightly on lifted aromatics, and frames its tannins in dark chocolate.
From selected grapes, this concentrated wine is dense and still needs aging. It has layers of wood over dark, brooding black fruits and a powerful structure of smoky toast and tannins. Big, rich and with great potential, it should be drunk from 2016.
From selected grapes, this is a powerful, complex wine. It has huge richness, tasting of the Alentejo sun. At the same time, the fruit is firm and structured, slowly revealing its fresher berry character to balance the density. The delicious juicy aftertaste promises a fine future for this wine. Drink from 2016.
From selected grapes, this partially wood-aged wine is a rich take on Vinho Verde. It has weight and a fine creamy texture. The acidity and the orange zest flavors are filled out with ripe apples and green plums with just a hint of toast. Drink from late 2017.
From selected parcels at Sainte-Roseline, this is a concentrated and serious rosé. It has weight and rich strawberry fruit, balanced by attractive acidity. The aftertaste brings in ripe fruit and a touch of spice.
From selected parcels of Château Bélingard, this is a great success for the cool 2007 vintage. There is black berry richness to balance the severe tannins, while the element of freshness is well integrated into the final stalky acidity. Age for 3–4 years.
From selected parcels of the Bélingard vineyard, this is a firm and rich wine, with excellent concentration. The tannins are firm, dusty, broken by ripe plums and sweet acidity. The 18 months of wood aging shows in the polish of the wine. Age for another year.
From selected parcels of the Ollières estate, this wine is impressive. It has weight but that is balanced by the acidity and the generous black fruits and acidity. This is certainly a wine that has been well aged, although it would pay to wait another year before drinking. So drink this very fine wine from 2018.
From selected parcels on this estate, this wine is rich and with great intensity. It has a flinty character that will allow it to age. Its apple and citrus fruits are balanced by the concentrated taut texture and finished with acidity. Drink this wine from 2018.
From selected parcels, this solid and dark wine has extracted chocolate flavors from an over-enthusiastic use of wood. It's tough, and hard to see how it can really soften sufficiently to allow the fruit to surface.
From selected vineyards, this is a rich, tropical fruit-flavored wine. It has peach and ripe plum fruits laced with citrus. Smooth and fruity. Drink now.
From selected, sunny parcels of vines, it's powered by its citrus and pear fruits along with an intensely mineral texture and supreme concentration. It's a Sancerre to keep, still young and gawky, best drunk from 2016.
From Serralunga, this has a classic fragrance of wild cherry, rose petal, truffle, leather and hints of menthol. The palate delivers a juicy core of black cherry, mint and spice. It has a warm midpalate and big but ripe tannins, but it's a bit shy on acidity—typical for the vintage.
From several blocks planted to a mix of clones, this wine is defined almost entirely by its earthy, stemmy core of compost and tobacco, with a slight reductive quality on the palate. Smoky, toasted oak rounds out the richness.
From several of the producer's estate vineyards, this wine traffics in spicy, leathery texture and robust full-bodied power, layering in more tart savory characteristics of rhubarb, dark cherry and orange. The tannins are firm and supportive, taking on a velvety sheen.
From several vineyard sites, this lot selection is tropical and rich on the nose, as well as honeyed and thick on the palate, showing its youthful vigor and the density of the vintage. Fig and papaya meet orange and lemon before a toasted note of coconut oak rises on the finish.
From Shauna Rosenblum, the daughter of Rosenblum Winery's founder, comes this pyrazine-forward bottling, which may wow sommeliers but could confuse the public. The nose is both grape-y and peppery with garden herbs, and then the palate is tart and tangy, which is odd for a Cab. Yet the high-acid approach makes for a bright, stylish and savory wine, worth seeking out a sip.
From Silva Spoon Vineyards in Lodi, this uncommon California bottling of a common Portuguese white grape offers candied apple, mango, peach and papaya aromas on the lush and tropical nose. The palate, however, is crisp and dry, its honeydew melon and bubblegum flavors proving rather pleasant.
From single vineyard specialist Testarossa, this has fresh aromas of raspberry and a bit of eucalyptus. The flavors are very straightforward and pleasant, with cherry dominating. Dill, oregano and thyme provide herbal backbone.
From six vineyards across the Central Coast, Josh Jensen's annual cuvée shows black cherry, cola and nutmeg on the straight-ahead nose. Solid herbal backbone shows on the sip, with juniper, bay leaf and pine needles giving tang to the sour cranberry fruit. A menthol character carries in to the finish.
From slate and limestone vineyards, this is an intense wine, full of tropical fruit flavors, spice, toast and hints of ginger. The wine rolls richly around the mouth, a gorgeous, opulent texture.
From slopes above the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, this densely tannic wine has a powerful structure that brings out the wood and adds licorice flavors to the bitter cherry fruits. At the end, the year's signature freshness shows more strongly.
From small-batch, handcraft producer Stark-Condé, this unfiltered Cab offers personality and elegance. Berry, herbs, fennel and spice on the nose lead into a red that's extremely pretty in the mouth. Good integration of tannins and fruit, and a light minerality throughout give the wine a soft, balanced appeal. Though it will pair well with spiced meat and bolder dishes, the wine is great on its own.
From Sogrape's newly launched venture in Alentejo, this is a ripe, tannic wine. It has a strongly perfumed character from the Syrah and Touriga Nacional in the blend. In the background, dry tannins offer aging potential. Drink this finely balanced wine from 2017.
From some of the property's oldest vines, this wine conveys a nostalgic component that's hard to resist, an approachability that meets length and breadth. Baked bread, cherry, vanilla and black tea give way to zesty acidity and a note of forest floor, but nothing competes with the allure of rose petals and orange blossoms that beckon around every corner.
From some of this appellation's best vineyards, an interesting wine that captures your imagination. Has broad flavors of cherry, earth, sautéed mushroom, cola and toast, and is very dry. Uplifting acids and soft but complex tannins make for terrific structure. A winery to watch. Editors' Choice.
From Southern Oregon, this new vintage of the winery's Pinot Blanc has been given the all-star treatment—100% barrel fermented sur lie. It's hot, big, sharp and bold, but perhaps stretched a bit too far for the delicate, elegant flavors of the Pinot Blanc grape. The fruit carries no weight and the barrels therefore take over, with bitter phenolics and too much oak.
From southern, coastal Tuscany comes this opulent, richly textured Chardonnay that competes with the best of France and California. Thick layers of yellow rose, vanilla and apricot drive a creamy, long-lasting mouthfeel. The wine delivers sophistication, class and personality.
From Spain's broiling Extremadura region, this Merlot-based rosé has a funky nose and mushy, leafy flavors. The finish lacks zest.
From specific rows of the Te Awa estate farmed to Dry River's exacting specifications, this is a concentrated Merlot that offers black cherry, mocha and leather notes. The acids are crisp, the tannins firm, so give it a few years in the cellar to soften.
From start to finish, there's so much going on with Lamoreaux Landing's Yellow Dog. Honey and orange blossom aromas are laced with a whisper of musk. The bright lemon-lime sweetness is balanced elegantly with a distinct minerality evocative of smoke, slate and stone, and a bracing acidity that drives a lingering finish.
From start to finish, this top quality vintage follows a straight line. It starts with freshness and explodes into richness. The initial very tight structure soon opens out with white pears and green plums, soft and ripe. The fruit is supported by the structure which offers orange zest. Like many 1999s, this is almost ready to drink.
From Stillwater Creek vineyard, this 80/20 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon simply tastes young. The fruit is ripe enough, but superficial, with a lot of barrel flavors providing the weight and filling in with smoke, toast and coffee. Malbec has a very promising future in Washington State, and it's good to see young and talented wineries such as Tildio doing the exploration. Right now, this is just a pleasant table wine.
From Stonetree vineyard, this tightly styled Syrah offers white pepper laced into plummy fruit. There's a pretty floral/violet streak, and also darker notes of tar and smoke, suggesting some coiled power behind the rather light front end.
From stunningly set vines overlooking the Carmel Valley that in this vintage produced only 1.25 tons an acre (or 1.12 pounds per plant) comes this stellar wine, redolent on the nose with black plum, mulberry, turned earth, wet mud, woody sagebrush, incense and sandalwood. There is great energy on the palate, with mulberry and elderberry flavors enhanced by light coffee, soil and fennel bulbs.
From Tasmania, this is a fine example of that island's aromatic whites. Crisp acidity imparts a tense, mineral-like quality to the melon and fennel aromas, and while there's enough flesh in the mouth to satisfy, there's also mouthwatering focus and purity. Drink now–2010.
From Temecula-based producer Fazeli, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon features a lofty nose that's quite herbal, drifting into eucalyptus land—and tasting of cranberry. Velvety tannins.
From the 1,400-elevation Van der Kamp Vineyard, this wine conveys roses and black tea, along with a woodsy, truffle-like character. While powerfully round and soft, it offers elegance in abundance, alongside a swatch of fresh-dug earth and a thick finish of forest floor. Drink now through 2022.
From the 1904 planting at Puccioni Ranch, this impressive wine packs tons of flavor in a soft, peppery, integrated package of red fruit and baking spice. Though weighty and robust, it has an underlying acidity to lend freshness and vibrancy.
From the 2003 vintage, this sweet red wine shows well evolved aromas of candied fruit, prune, black raisin, exotic spice and barbecue wood. The wine sports tight, gritty tannins and soft, jammy sweetness on the close.
From the 2004 vintage, this Cuvée sparkling wine (80-20 Chardonnay and Pinot Nero) offers sophisticated aromas of baked bread, butterscotch and molasses. The color boasts a deep golden hue and the mouthfeel shows both impressive density and staying power.
From the 2004 vintage, this is a thin and slightly sour Valpolicella that would pair with cheesy pizza or ravioli filled with ricotta. The natural freshness and brightness of the fruit will cut through fatty dishes.
From the acclaimed Champoux vineyard, this puts the purple fruit in a wrap of pretty baking spices. Barrel aging adds cocoa and coffee, while the acidity is sufficient to keep the wine from feeling too tannic. Another couple of years of bottle age—or brisk decanting—should put it at its peak.
From the acclaimed Nysa vineyard, this elegant wine offers sniffs of fresh tobacco plus plum and cherry fruit. There's a touch of espresso and some of the minerality typical of the vineyard. In previous vintages this same wine was labeled as Les Gourmandises or (in 2011) The Long Run.
From the Adriatic side of the Italian peninsula comes this fresh Pinot Grigio that would wash down seafood, vegetables or light appetizers. The wine is crisp, clean and redolent of citrus and green apple.
From the Aegerter domaine, this wine is full of spicy red fruits. It comes from a vineyard in the hills above Nuits Saint-Georges, and the cooler elevation shows in the acidity and fresh fruitiness. The wine is ready to drink.
From the Alban “Powerblock” clone, this estate bottling shows elegant if still somewhat restrained aromas of black currant and violet on the nose. The palate is extremely well integrated and seamless, with dense black fruits lifted by kicks of purple flowers. Quite beautiful but nothing too flashy in any one direction.
From the Alcamo area of western Sicily, this organically-farmed Nero d'Avola opens with slightly raw, vinous notes of cherry and fresh plum. The wine presents a bright, ruby color and offers flavors of toasted pistachio and spice on the close.
From the almost-extinct Pallagrello grape, this luminous white wine really holds its own in terms of personality and uniqueness. There are pretty mineral tones here but thanks to the wine's age (from the 2006 vintage), you'll also get more complex notes of butterscotch, caramel and apricot. You can feel the high alcohol on the close.
From the Antinori family estate in Montalcino, this new riserva shows a concentrated mouthfeel brimming with dark fruit followed by cherry, tobacco, leather, cigar box and pressed red-rose petals. The acidity is perfectly balanced and the wine feels soft and lush on the palate.
From the Apalta Vineyard in Colchagua, this robust, fruity Merlot is rich and sweet, and offers a fine mesh of blueberry and black raspberry fruit. The wine is warm and friendly, and overall it's quite easy to drink. The structure is there and so is the flavor and foundation. And it improves with airing, always a good sign of quality.
From the appellation that is at a summit of Loire sweet wines, this golden wine balances intense acidity with intense botrytis and honey flavors. Ripe peaches and pineapples dominate the fruit profile of this concentrated, beautiful wine. It is just approaching its peak, so wait a little longer, until 2018.
From the area known as Pierres Dorées because of the gold-colored stone used in buildings, this wine is soft and fruity. It carries a touch of tannin along with red-cherry crispness. The wine is ready to drink.
From the area of La Morra in the Langhe, this elegant Barolo delivers a tight, traditional style with sharp aromas of blueberry, spice, teriyaki sauce and root beer. There's very nice depth and density here with a bright, menthol-driven finish.
From the Armagnac region of south-west France, this is herbaceous, cool and crisp, a great aperitif white. It has green fruits, bright texture and lively acidity.
From the aroma, this seems heavily wooded, but on the palate the wood spice is becoming well integrated with the dark berry fruits and mineral texture. It is certainly young. Already, though, the fruit is showing its potential richness. Give it 3–4 years.
From the Aube region in the south of Champagne, this is a rich and soft wine, on the sweet side for a Brut. It has a warm feeling to it, ripe and with apricot and apple fruit flavors. Rounded and full in the mouth, it is ready to drink.
From the Awatere subsection of Marlborough, this wine is all about balance and tang. The nose offers cantaloupe, white peach and a welcome hint of green pepper. Tangerine and melon fruit mix on the palate, which is defined by its stony feel. The finish is ample and quite citrusy, and overall this wine features a bright, likable disposition.
From the Barton family's estate vineyard, this is a very dark Syrah with aromas of blackberry, balsamic, lavender and thyme flowers. There's a rich blueberry flavor at the core of the palate, where cocoa shavings, tense tannins and a lilac florals combine for a multi-layered wine.
From the Basarin vineyard area in the village of Neive, this shows power and finesse in its typical Nebbiolo sensations of underbrush, floral notes and truffle. The palate has creamy dark-cherry fruit layered with spices and balsamic herbs and a long finish. It will develop fully over the next few years and should age well.
From the beautiful Calderara Sottana cru, this elegant wine packs a powerful aromatic punch of Spanish cedar, black fruit and volcanic smoke. There's harmony here: a tight, gritty texture and long-lasting intensity on the close.
From the beautiful Menfi area of southern Sicily comes this clean and genuine expression of Nero d'Avola featuring bright berry aromas and silky tannins. Pair this wine with roast pork.
From the beautiful, historic site planted to some of the oldest vines of the variety in Northern California, this delicious white explodes in juicy green apple and an intensity of fresh-squeezed lemon. That succulence lingers atop a lengthy, salty texture wrapped in subtle, supportive oak.
From the Beckstoffer Georges III vineyard in the heart of the appellation, this 100% varietal wine is immense in lushness, plush and alive in cinnamon, red and black berry and smoke. Soft tannins provide a lift and an enjoyable evolution to the finish, with a bite of heft on the last sip. This should cellar well through 2020–2022.
From the beginning this '08 seems as though it has turned; the nose is mildly oxidized and corny, and there's a shortage of freshness. The palate is dull and narrow, with limited apple and sour lime flavors. Acceptable but not at its peak anymore.
From the beginning, this crianza from a very good vintage is lacking. The nose is mulchy and cheesy, with almost no fruit character. The palate is edgy in feel, while leafy, stalky red-fruit flavors are salty and taste of vanilla and caramel.
From the beguiling aromatics to the thrilling palate that's saturated with flavors of citrus flesh and rind, tangerine and green apple, this Viognier offers superb focus. The length and detail are noteworthy, but the taste is simply delicious.
From the best parcels at Haute-Serre, this prestige cuvée is big, powerful and certainly full of the ripest fruit. Strong wood aging and chocolate flavors show the firm extraction of this very concentrated wine. It needs considerable time to soften and open up. Drink from 2017.
From the biodynamic block at Wallula, this is truly a bone-dry style, with intense concentration. It's fruity and complex, with grapefruit and lemon rind flavors that are backed with astonishing minerality. The acidity is high but natural and perfectly integrated. The dry extract gives texture to an amazingly-long finish.
From the biodynamically farmed Momtazi vineyard, this adds layers of herb, pine, compost and forest floor components. Fruit is in the mix but is less prominent, giving way to those complex, earth-driven flavors, with a touch of citrus. It seems to give you more the more you give it your full attention.
From the Bokisch family's splendid Lodi vineyard comes this Sonoma-made Albariño, lemony with a touch of peach that's austere in texture and body, but rich in acidity, spicy herb and pepper.
From the border of the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions of Northern Italy, this organic white wine shows warm aromas of peach, apricot, caramel and melon backed by touches of toasted almond and yellow rose. The mouthfeel is chewy and thick.
From the Bouyssou family estate, this structured wine is perfumed, ripe with black fruits and firmly based on serious tannins. It has weight and richness with spice and concentration. At the end, the acidity is crisp and juicy. Drink from 2019.
From the Bowral region, one hour south of Sydney, this is a slightly herbal and green-tinged Pinot Noir, but one with considerable cherry intensity and a woody overlay. It's a good, medium-bodied effort, but could use a touch more richness and complexity overall.
From the BudBreak Vineyard, this lengthy and complex wine is bold and fresh—an exploration of cranberry and orange flavors complemented by spicy acidity. It continues to unveil itself in the glass, revealing additional components of toasted oak and forest mushroom.
From the Côte des Bar in the southern Aube region of Champagne, this ripe rosé is all fruit. Layers of raspberry, red plum and wild strawberry are tied together with a light tannic texture and plenty of acidity. The aftertaste is as fresh and crisp as possible.
From the Côtes de Provence, this is a lightweight sparkling rosé wine that boasts tasty strawberry and sour-apple flavors. A hint of chocolate creeps in on the finish.
From the Caldwell Vineyard in Carneros, this 100% varietal, Rhône-inspired wine is smoky, like a great outdoor barbecue, with dense elements of black pepper and gunpowder. Balanced, weighty and dense, it peaks in pomegranate, providing a tartness to the proceedings, particularly the finish. Drink now through 2020.
From the Canadian Okanagan, this stylish, well-balanced wine offers a focused mix of flavors—cola, cherry, tobacco and wet stone in particular. It's a fresh and lively palate, with the sort of crisp elegance found in some European Pinots.
From the Carneros-based producer with its roots in Spain, this succeeds in its velvety smooth texture, juicy fruit and supportive acidity. Black licorice and spiced plum are given additional richness by a jolt of dark chocolate.
From the Carneros vineyard, this is a balanced, crisp Pinot Noir, with rich raspberry, cherry, red licorice and cola flavors, finished with sweet, caramelized oak and dusty spices. It's a savory, elegant young wine for drinking now.
From the Castel del Monte wine zone in northern Puglia, Bolonero is a blend of 70% Nero di Troia and 30% Aglianico aged in stainless steel. The first grape renders bright fruit tones of cherry and blackberry, and the second delivers power and structure.
From the Castello di Argiano property, Sesti's delicious Rosso has bright aromas of small berry, dried rosemary, dark chocolate and toasted almond.
From the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone of Montalcino, this bright super Tuscan blend delivers ripe notes of mature cherry, coffee grounds, dried tobacco leaf and cassis syrup. There's a sweet tone of cherry and vanilla in the mouth and the wine's texture is thick and chewy.
From the cave cooperative located in nearby Vacqueyras, this is a full-bodied, plushly textured wine that manages to avoid being too soft. Black cherry and garrigue notes are joined by hints of licorice and mocha on the long, layered finish. Drink now–2020.
From the Cazottes family's estate, this wine is soft, although with just a touch of tannin to give it shape. A typical Gaillac blend of Duras and Braucol, it has plenty of fruit while being bone dry and finished with delicious acidity. Drink now.
From the celebrated 2004 vintage, this expression of Barbera offers solid and correct aromas of ripe fruit, raspberries, wet earth and leather. The wine is bright and incredibly generous in terms of intensity and purity of the fruit flavors.
From the celebrated Bernardot Cru, this dark and austere Barbaresco opens with elegant tones of dried fruit, exotic spice, toasted hazelnut and tar. Thanks to its natural structure and acidity, this shows all of the characteristics of ageability.
From the celebrated Cartizze cru, this delicate sparkling wine shows delicate tones of talc powder and honey backed by citrus and stone fruit. What sets the wine apart is the elegance and soft perlage it shows overall.
From the celebrated Montefico vineyard site, this opens with a floral fragrance of rose petal, blue flower and perfumed red berry. The delicious palate delivers layers of ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside firm tannins. Drink after 2017.
From the celebrated Ravera cru, Elvio Cogno delivers a classic and elegant expression of Nebbiolo with tight tannins, long aging potential and nuanced aromas of small berry fruit, cola, leather, licorice and smoky cedar tones. Save this wine in your cellar 10 years or more.
From the Cerise and Ridley vineyards, this wine explores two sites within the Anderson Valley. In taste it offers intense sour cherry, a flavor that finds its balance mid-palate, blossoming into smooth, spicy, full-bodied, oak-kissed goodness.
From the Château d'Aulnaye vineyard that is part of the Thébaud estate, this wine is still tight and textured, with a strong mineral element as well as crisp green fruits. It is rich with a touch of vanilla smoothing things out. Drink now.
From the Circeo appellation in Lazio (Central Italy), this blend of Trebbiano (50%), Malvasia and Chardonnay opens with sticky aromas of honey, ripe peach and candied apricot. The wine feels heavy and waxy in the mouth and could use an extra boost of acidity.
From the classic sand and flint soil that makes up much of the Sancerre vineyard, this complex wine has both fruit and intense minerality. The touches of toast and almonds round out the still young wine, contrasting with the more steely core. Drink from 2017.
From the coastal plain of the Beiras, this cool and structured blend of Baga and Touriga Nacional has a fine poise between acidity and sweet berry fruits. It's a complex, textured wine. Fresh and fruity on the one hand and dark and brooding on the other, it needs time, so drink from 2017.
From the coastal region around Bandol, this is a crisp, salty wine. It has the brightest lemon fruits and some herbaceousness. The tangy texture needs to soften, so wait until the end of 2014 to drink.
From the coastal Tuscan estate of Lodovico Antinori (brother of Piero), here comes a gorgeous blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and a small percentage of Petit Verdot. Soft chocolate and black cherry opens the nose and segues to enormous richness and length. The wine is excellent but the jury is out on whether it becomes one of the great cult classics of Italy. Hold 10–20 years.
From the Cognac region, this fresh and fruity wine is light and bright with herbal flavors, crisp citrus and intense acidity. It's ready to drink.
From the Cognac region, this ripe, totally fruity wine has no suggestion of wood aging. Attractive apple and light citrus flavors are ripe and right up front. Acidity adds freshness to the end. Drink now.
From the color, it could be a white wine. To taste, though, it is certainly rosé. It has an attractive crisp character with plenty of bright fruit and acidity. The aftertaste continues the dry fruity theme. Drink now.
From the color— unusually dark for Pinot Noir—to the deeply fruity, earthy aromas, you expect something big, massive and ageworthy, and the first sip confirms this impression. This is serious Pinot. It comes across deep and powerful in the mouth, suggesting plums, sweet blackberries and a hint of sun-warmed tomato, and finishes with a blast of complex oak and spice. Complex now, it calls for complex dishes—the best game birds you can find—and will probably be even better with some time in the cellar.
From the Columbia Valley AVA in Oregon, this is quite different from Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. It's a warmer, drier climate, and the wine has tighter flavors, with sharp tannins. There's cherry fruit and chocolate from barrel aging, with a hard, slightly bitter finish.
From the Conca vineyard in La Morra, this Barolo shows the uneven ripening that plagued much of this village in 2009. It shows predominantly wood aromas of chocolate and toast, and the palate is also dominated by oak sensations. The fruit appears to have dried up, leaving only aggressive, astringent tannins.
From the Conti family, one of the best-known producers in Bergerac, this wine is a ripe blend of organic Merlot and Malbec. It is succulent with red berry fruits and acidity that are lightly spiced with some wood aging. The wine is fresh at the end yet still needs to age. Drink from 2017.
From the cool-climate Beckstoffer Lake Carneros vineyard site, this wine opens in a thickness of blue and red berries, the tannins soft and integrated yet weighted by a puckering persistence to the palate. Dried herb and cedar round out the highly full-bodied, ripe finish.
From the cool-climate north of Italy, this fresh Riesling offers fragrant tones of lemon zest, kiwi, exotic fruit and a touch of dried basil. The mouth is silky, smooth and crisp on the finish.
From the cool-climate region of Elgon, the Cluver Pinot offers sweet berries and violet on the nose and an unfolding palate of red berry, coffee and chocolate. Restrained and ageable, the wine's acidity gives it food-oriented character; pair with game or wild fish.
From the cool 2010 vintage, this the blend of 80% Roussanne and 20% Viognier comes across as slender and yeasty, simple and tart.
From the cool 2011 vintage, this wine brings notes of black tea, dark raspberries and herbs. It's tangy with lip-smacking plum and cranberry flavors backed by firm tannins.
From the cooler climes of Carneros, long a good match for the variety, this wine offers sanguine notes of cranberry on the nose, before developing a soft, flavorful core of dusty cinnamon and baked plum.
From the cooler Oak Knoll region of southern Napa, a wine with berry-cherry flavors and silky tannins. Yet it feels coarse and heavy, with a density and dullness Pinot Noir should not have. Suggests once again the unsuitability of Napa Valley for Pinot Noir.
From the cooler reaches of the Napa Valley, this Coombsville wine is herbal and leathery, with a taste of bittersweet chocolate at its core. Integrated oak plays a background role behind baked plum and intense, ripe fruit, finishing in tobacco. Drink now through 2020.
From the cooler reaches of the Petaluma Gap, a sub-area of the larger Sonoma Coast that is awaiting its own appellation status, this Pinot was made with 25% whole-cluster berries, giving it a rough-hewn, earthy edginess that's appealing in the glass. Tightly wound cherry and cranberry complete the picture, with a taste of dried herb and black tea on the lengthy finish.
From the coolest corner of the estate, a tough young wine that shows some aging possibilities. Currently, it is drinkable for its silky, easy tannins and gentle mouthfeel. But the flavors are stubbornly herbal. Seems a victim of the vintage, but could soften and develop in a few years.
From the coolest of the Premier Cru vineyards, this is a crisp wine, packed with minerality as well as tight green fruits. The aftertaste with its flinty edge is spicy as well as deliciously fruity. Drink from 2018.
From the coolest, westernmost vineyard in the appellation comes this deliciously balanced wine. It's off-dry, with residual sugar of 1%, but the considerable acidity gives a clean structure to the flavors of peaches, green apples, honey and spices.
From the coolish appellation of Coombsville, this wine offers industrial-strength tannin around herbal cedar, tar and currant, the finish strongly ripe and full bodied.
From the cooperative in Ville sur Arce, this attractive, immediately drinkable wine is light and fresh with citrus and green apple fruits. A refreshing line of bright acidity cuts right through and gives a crisp aftertaste.
From the Cortona area of eastern Tuscany, here is a simple, bright and crisp expression of Sangiovese that would pair with grilled meat or sausage.
From the county right across the Golden Gate from San Francisco comes this dry, elegant Pinot Noir. It has a great structure, with fine acidity, smooth tannins and oak that's been nicely integrated with the fruit. The cherry, black raspberry, orange and cola flavors are tasty.
From the creative mind of Eben Sadie, the Sequillo red blend is a quiet wine with character. The nose offers raspberry, red berry and spice, and on the palate, integrated flavors of red cherry and dark fruit, spice and minerality give the wine an elegant spin. Good acidity and balance, and a fresh overall character add to the interest.
From the cru village of Boudes, this wine is now mature with its soft red fruits and juicy acidity creating a fruity refreshing wine. The wine, produced on the edge of France's central mountains comes from vineyards that are just a couple of mountain ranges away from Beaujolais in a direct line to the east.
From the cru village of Château Thébaud, this wine with its five years of aging has reached a happy peak maturity. Perfumed and rounded, its fruit has changed into almonds and spice while keeping a strongly mineral texture. It is a fine wine that is ready to drink now.
From the dark color, plummy aroma and heavy mouthfeel, you know this is a big, ponderous Pinot Noir. Nothing light or silky about it. Packs a punch with red berry, mushroom, red currant and smoked meat flavors, with the tannic pack of a Syrah, and finishes very dry. Aging is a gamble.
From the Del Rio and Abacela Vineyards, A to Z's 2004 Night & Day is mostly Merlot, Cabs Franc and Sauvignon, with smaller percentages of Syrah, Dolcetto, Petit Verdot, Nebbiolo and Tempranillo. Unlike many such mutt wines, this has a definite structure, a focused mix of black fruits annotated with pepper, slate, iron, cocoa and pencil shavings. It was 100% barrel-aged with a small percentage of new wood.
From the distant 1994 vintage, this Vin Santo blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia has been aged an astonishing 15 years in small oak barrel. You can detect some of that evolution on the bouquet thanks to aromas of dried apricot, marron glacé, maple syrup and candied fruit with cinnamon spice. It's a sweet, thick wine with great intensity and the potential to age many more years to come.
From the Dom Martinho vineyard at Quinta do Carmo, this is a fresh wine, with an earthy, rustic character. Black fruits, juicy acidity and a leathery edge give it a mix of fruitiness and dryness. Age for a few more months before drinking.
From the dreamy Mediterranean paradise known as Sardinia comes this opulent dessert blend of Nasco and Malvasia Bianca. The syrupy wine exhibits a dark amber-copper color with aromas of toasted almond, butterscotch, caramel, dried apricot and candied fruit. It shows density and grit, and yes, there's even a touch of piquant spice on the close.
From the earthquake-plagued harvest, which was also very cool by Chilean standards, this has notes of iodine, candied berry, and bramble. The feel is pointed and snappy, with earthy, funky red-berry flavors. It's zesty on the finish.
From the east of the Bordeaux region, this light and juicy wine has attractive, forward acidity and the gentlest of tannins. Fresh and fruity, it is ready to drink.
From the eastern-reaching Chiles Valley appellation, the vines planted in 1975, this is a soft, juicy and well-made wine, blended with 3% Merlot. Red and black berry star, complemented by a treasure trove of clove. Grippy on the finish, it should cellar well, a robust, full-bodied wine that finishes with a taste of coffee.
From the eastern side of Calistoga, under the gorgeous geological formation for which the vineyard is named, this wine shows complex, moderately ripe aspects of pencil, leather and youthful, lifted acidity. Grippy still, the Burgundian oak used for aging was 30% new. Elegantly refined, it'll do well with further time in the cellar; enjoy best 2024 through 2034.
From the eastern side of the Napa Valley, this combines 84% Grenache with 16% Mourvèdre, harvesting the best clusters of the grapes specifically for this light, dry wine. The juice is left to ferment and rest in concrete egg and neutral French oak. Light-copper in color, it's perfumed in jasmine, with accents of white peach, lime and strawberry, light and ethereal with a backbone of focused acidity.
From the eastern slopes of the hill of Brouilly, this attractive, open and fruity selection shows a fine red-fruit character that's laced with fresh acidity. It has a firm structure, which creates a solid base for the fruitiness. Drink now.
From the eastern vineyards of the Douro, in Douro Superior, this estate wine is heavily structured while showing rich fruit and impressive tannins. The texture is strongly mineral, complex and hinting at the concentration from fruit grown in this hot, dry climate. Drink from 2016.
From the elegant and bright 2006 vintage, this shows aromas of spice, red fruit, leather, cola and cedar. The palate is attractive, showing tight, polished tannins and lively fruit.
From the Elyse Winery family, this blends a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carmenere, all from a vineyard next door to its winery that it planted to these varieties. An intrigue of orange blossom and jasmine leads to soft, velvety waves of black currant, savory dried herb and juicy acidity.
From the Erice area of Sicily (in the southwest, near Trapani), Barone di Serramarrocco is made with Pignatello (also known by the name Perricone) and small percentages of other indigenous varieties. This oak-aged red shows dark concentration and toasted notes of almond and dried fruit.
From the Erice area of Sicily in the southwest corner of the island, this bright Insolia offers crisp aromas of citrus, cut grass and white almond. It's a simple, genuine wine that is put together nicely.
From the estate's Alfio Moriconi Selection range, this 90-10 blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo opens with strange aromas of tar, resin and molten asphalt that appear behind the cherry fruit.
From the estate's oldest vines this offers lively berry nuances backed by measured spice, leather and smoke. There's a good quality of berry fruit here and although the wine is simple and straightforward, it would match a long list of pasta and easy meat dishes.
From the estate's oldest vines, this Castelão brings flavors from the Setúbal peninsula further south. With its warm tannins and juicy red fruit, it's open and only lightly structured. Drink now.
From the estate's original vines planted in 1978, this exceptional wine envelops the palate with layers of richness not often found in Pinot Gris. It's lush and seductive, with hints of honeycomb, brown butter, toasted peanut and dried apricot. The flavors persist, and lovely details keep it interesting through the finish.
From the estate's Tenuta di Budonetto property, this warm-climate Sauvignon Blanc shows intense aromas of peppermint, chopped basil and medicinal herb. It won't be loved by everyone, but this wine is distinctive.
From the estate Main Ranch and given 10 months in French oak, less than half of it new, this has a high-acidity backbone that lifts and balances out the wine's richer tendencies. Lemon crème brûlée provides the weight and intensity.
From the estate that saved the Pecorino grape from extinction, this focused and refined wine intrigues from the start, with its floral aromas of jasmine and acacia, layered with whiffs of balsamic herbs. The palate demonstrates lovely energy and elegance, with peach and tropical fruit flavors accented by mineral and almond.
From the estate vines, this toasty wine will please those who love a soft and buttery style of Chardonnay. Buttered popcorn, toasted walnuts, soft and ripe tropical fruits all come into play; Bonair's definable house style.
From the estate vineyard of a winery founded in 1994 by Silicon Valley mogul TJ Rodgers of Cypress Semiconductor, the grapes must be picked by a special tractor-on-wires because they are so steeply planted. Like the other 2009s, this Pinot Noir is characterized by strong tannins, meaning that it will last. Unlike the others, this one boats a more mushroom-driven nose between shiitake and porcini, with a touch of mocha. The palate reveals caramelized raspberry, graphite and silty flavors.
From the estate vineyard on Spring Mountain comes this dense, powerful Syrah. It's a big wine, packed with black currants and chocolate and sturdy tannins that are a bit astringent right now. Yet the long finish, which turns up complex spices and olive tapenade and black pepper, suggests this wine has nowhere to go but up. Best after 2009.
From the estate vineyard, located in the cobblestone-rich area known as The Rocks, this cellar-worthy effort is complex and riveting. Berries and citrus, juicy and tart, cling to the palate and pull through to a lingering finish. Pure and deep all the way through.
From the estate vineyard, this classy, Merlot-driven blend has a good mix of berry, cherry, compost, green tea and tobacco scents and flavors. The acids are in good proportion to the fruit and tannins, and the wine keeps its focus and power into a lingering finish.
From the estate vineyard, this crisp white opens with ripe, slightly tropical aromas of cantaloupe, guava and papaya, with a darker, riper undertone of honey on the palate. Although fleshy and full on the palate, it's also bright in acidity and offers attractive floral aromas throughout.
From the estate vineyard, this delicate effort offers tart, racy, pie cherry fruit flavor, wrapped in substantial acids. There's a kiss of light chocolate, and the overall balance is just right.
From the estate vineyard, this is a blend of three-quarters Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest evenly divided among Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Lovely aromatics introduce a sleek, tightly wound wine with crisply defined berry fruit, good tannins, and hints of clean earth. It was aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
From the estate vineyard, this is thick with spicy flavors of fresh-cut pear. There's a hint of butter and a slightly minty aspect. All in all it's complex, rich and inviting, with penetrating acidity.
From the estate, in the Pritchard Hill area of St. Helena which is worthy of its own appellation, comes this densely structured, impressive but young wine. It's massive in fruity extract and new oak, flooding the mouth with soft, ultrarich flavors of blackberries and dark chocolate and a leathery, peppery, grilled meat quality. This is the kind of wine even a non-red wine drinker will be dazzled by, and connoisseurs will appreciate its power and finesse. Ready now for sheer opulence, and should develop through 2012, at least.
From the esteemed grower behind many a famous Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, this estate wine is golden colored and intoxicatingly inviting in layers of baked apple, lemon verbena and orange blossom. A toasty subnote gives the impression of voluptuousness in this otherwise lean and lovely wine.
From the ever-emerging Asolo subregion of Prosecco Superiore, this is a fresh, tonic Prosecco, with a subdued nose of white flower and crushed stone. The sparkling wine is on the drier side of extra dry—a style that usually shows some sweetness.
From the Evergreen Vineyard, in the Ancient Lakes region north of the Wahluke Slope, this is surprisingly high-powered, at 13.9% alcohol, with a big smack of oak in the nose. That oak is wrapped around green banana and green apple fruit, with a little vanilla on the side. As young as it is, it seems likely to knit together and improve over the next year or two.
From the excellent 2001 vintage, this opulent and intense Vin Santo (a traditional dessert wine from Tuscany) reveals layers of honey, almond paste, dried apricot and butterscotch. There's great complexity and elegance here and the wine would pair with an assortment of aged cheeses.
From the excellent 2007 vintage, Monte Antico (a blend of 85% Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) offers easy spice aromas of clove and cinnamon followed by a fresh dose of cherry fruit.
From the excellent 2008 vintage, this is a very complete, ripe wine. It is rich, packed with crisp white fruits that are developing into a structured, concentrated wine with a great future. The balance between acidity and dosage is just right. Drink ideally from 2018.
From the excellent Evergreen vineyard comes a complex wine with appealing minerality. The firm stone fruit/white peach flavors, though slightly underripe, are balanced and crisp. There's a slightly bitter edge to the finish.
From the extraordinary Punggl vineyard cru south of the town of Magrè at an altitude of 790 feet above sea level, this rich, luscious and refined Merlot is simply gorgeous. The mouthfeel is soft, silky and rich and the high altitude has helped to shape aromatic brightness and overall intensity. Beautiful.
From the extreme wilds near Annapolis, this vineyard-designate is rapaciously earthy in all the right ways, a taste of its environs, sauvage and demanding. Dark cherry and blueberry exude on the nose and follow through on the palate, in between jolts of baking spice and dried herb. Medium bodied, the wine is on the money right now, but should also do well in the bottle for years to come.
From the Fairbarn Vineyard, this bottling shows fresh-pressed blackberry, violet and lilac aromas, with the slightest wafts of smoke and tar. Although the tannins are quite firm on the sip, this wine is still young and should age well, allowing the bright acidity to continue showing flavors of beef and tart berries in years to come.
From the famed slope of the Côtes de Py, this wine sums up both the great terroir and a great vintage. It has structure, with dry tannins permeating the ripe, rounded fruit. Its potential is considerable, anchored in great fruitiness and finishing acidity. Drink from 2019.
From the famed vineyard in Oakville comes this dramatic wine. It will benefit from a few years in the cellar to let the tannins mellow, although it's so good now, you can open it right away and give it a decant. Drinks sweet and lush in blackberries and black currants, with a rich overlay of smoky cedar.
From the famed vineyard named for the colorful author, this wine remains a standout for the producer, and a tremendous deal for the quality. It exudes notes of eucalyptus on the nose, before unveiling big-boned but balanced tannins, with leather and cranberry notes meeting a tensile line of minerality. It finishes with a taste of mocha.
From the family's own premier cru vines, this is a Chardonnay-dominated wine. That gives it a distinctive chalky texture and a steely edge despite the relatively high dosage. Ripe with white and citrus fruits and acidity, it is ready to drink.
From the family's Roberts Road Vineyard below Gap's Crown, this earthy, foresty, plummy and gamy wine offers a luscious mouthfeel and silky tannins. Structured, it's built for pairing. A tangy red cherry and citrus twist on the palate provides a refreshing sensibility, before ending bright and light.
From the family's westernmost vineyard, this bottling is fabulously complex. It shows dense dried fruit and turned earth aromas, along with chaparral, smoke, clove and nutmeg. Those wild elements figure strongly on the sip, which shows thyme, rosemary and sagebrush accents around a core of plum, pomegranate and hibiscus flavors. A vanilla flair graces the finish.
From the family-owned J. Dumangin, this is a full, fruity, ripe wine that's full of sweet apple and lime flavors, with a bright orange-zest texture. It's also more serious than this fruitiness suggests, with dense flavor and concentration that promises to age.
From the family behind Bosquet des Papes in Châteauneuf, this is a solid Côtes du Rhône, with modest tannins but decent structure and typical notes of leather, dried cherries, chocolate and cinnamon. Drink it over the next few years.
From the family estate of Bordeaux wine gurus Denis and Florence Dubourdieu, this is a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend that appeals immediately. Bright acidity, freshly squeezed lemon and a herbal, green edge all make for a wine that is drinkable now as an apéritif as well as with food.
From the family firm that resurrected native grape Greco, this structured, elegant wine offers rich peach, apple and citrus flavors accented with intense mineral, spice and aromatic herbs. Crisp acidity beautifully balances the rich flavors. Drink 2017–2022.
From the family that has made the variety from a three-acre block on Pritchard Hill since the 1960s, missing a few years to replant, this is such a lovely, well-composed and deliciously enjoyable wine it might induce tears of happiness, that's how good it is. Apricot, vanilla and cream surround a rounded, smooth lushness spiked in spicy nutmeg and tea.
From the famous Chablis Grand Cru, this wine lives up to the vineyard's reputation. Steely in character, packed with a firm structure and tightly textured, it shows a citrus side that will be refreshing and attractive as the wine ages. But it does need time, so wait to enjoy until 2017.
From the famous class of ‘99 Cabs, a softly rich, voluptuous wine, brimming with cassis and blackcurrant flavors generously framed in oak. Lacks a bit of stuffing and complexity, but on the surface, tasty stuff.
From the famous maker of Cristal comes a truly lovely, ripe bottle of bubbly, bursting with buttered, roasted nuts and lemony fruit. The Brut Premier spends a little extra time in bottle before being released. It makes for a forward, lush and just plain delicious style of Champagne rather than one that is especially complex or elegant. If anything, this bottle will put you in a boisterous mood and keep any party hardy.
From the famous Morgon hillside of Côte de Py, this is a firm and structured wine. It shows the aging possibility of a Beaujolais, rich and full of firm tannins that come straight from the granite soil. The wine will develop well, packed with dark plum fruit that has a great shot of acidity. Drink from 2017.
From the famous vineyard site along Westside Road, equally known for its Chardonnay, this big, bold red is not for the faint of heart. It delivers a powerful punch of voluptuously jammy blueberry around soft, earthy wisps of forest and black tea.
From the famous Westside Road-adjacent vineyard, this Chardonnay shows a proclivity toward lush roundness of texture and tropical flourish in flavor. Vanilla nuttiness is complemented by pineapple, green apple and caramel, lasting long into the finish.
From the fantastic mountain site and blended with 3% Malbec, this wine has a cherry-vanilla nose that leads to a meaty, substantial palate of black pepper, leather and clove flavors. Full-bodied, robust and intense, it's well worth cellaring, to be enjoyed between 2024 and 2034.
From the far away 2002 vintage, this aged Amarone delivers tertiary aromas of polished mineral, ash, dried fruit, soy sauce and ginger chips. There's a pungent point of dried apple skin at the end. Drink now.
From the far east of the Bordeaux vineyards, this is a soft wine that is already drinkable. It has red berry fruits, fresh acidity and a lightly tannic structure. Drink now and until 2016.
From the far eastern edge of Bordeaux, this wine offers delicious, fresh fruits structured by light tannins. Its black currant flavors are right up front, pleasure without complications.
From the far north of the Vinho Verde region, the rich and creamy wine balances acidity, green plum and crisp minerality. Aromatic, elegant, fresh.
From the far western vineyards of the Wachau, this crisp, light and fruity wine is a delicious expression of Grüner's pepper and apple notes. With great freshness under the spice, it has refreshing crispness. Drink from 2014. Screwcap.
From the farthest reaches of the upper Douro, Quinta da Ervamoira has produced this sun-drenched wine, with great raisin flavors that vie with a fruity red-berry character. Both sweet from the dried fruits and dry from the intense acidity, with a light cocoa aftertaste, it is a balanced wine that can be drunk now.
From the fashion line of Feudi del Pisciotto's portfolio, Carolina Marenga is an oak-aged expression of Frappato that shows easy, fresh berry nuances backed by bitter almond and mild spice.
From the Ferraud family's estate in Vaux en Beaujolais, this wine is ripe and full bodied. It has a touch of pepper as well as raspberry and red-currant flavors. Lively and full of fruitiness, it is ready to drink.
From the Ferrington and Monument Tree Vineyards, the latter now owned by Twomey, this delicate Pinot has an aura of baked bread on the nose followed by just-ripe Bing cherry. With firm tannins and a subtle texture, it is a delight to drink and to pair. You couldn't go wrong with a pork roast swaddled in mushrooms.
From the fine Spring Mountain appellation, this has sweet-and-sour flavors of apricots, pineapples and brown sugar.
From the firm whose iconic founder was the first to vinify and bottle 100% Grillo, this structured wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged in French oak barrels of varying size. It delivers intense sensations of lemon drop, apricot, honey and mineral and will develop more complexity over the next few years; drink now–2018.
From the first sniff to the last sip, this sensational effort seduces, with deep, rich, slightly roasted flavors of dense black fruits. The black cherry core is so intense it veers into cassis, with veins of espresso, Kahlúa and cacao. It's a powerful wine, perfectly framed and balanced by ripe tannins. It's ready to drink now, but certainly a wine you may confidently cellar for at least another decade.
From the first sniff, this crosses the line into the vegetal realm via aromas of canned green beans. A plump round palate is friendly in feel, while flavors of salted beans and canned peas finish fully green.
From the first whiff of cherry, cranberry and caramel you know you are in for a treat. Flavors of clove, marzipan and grilled peach add nuance to the red fruit driven palate. The smooth tannins persist without overpowering the bright fruit and spice tones.
From the first whiff—laden with tangy notes of herb, leaf and spicy cranberry fruit—this announces itself as classic Oregon Pinot Noir. At 14+% it's ripe enough to build a core of sweet cherry fruit; but it is not shy about expressing the herbal side of the grape, and does so to good effect. It's a vivacious, expressive wine that offers a rich range of flavors, well beyond the basic fruit and barrel approach of too many wineries.
From the flagship Médoc estate of Bordeaux negociant Dourthe, this wine is impressive, ripe and ready to age well. The wood aging still shows slightly but that is already compensated for by the ripe black-currant fruits from the 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and the generous texture. Drink this wine from 2023.
From the folks at Merryvale, this is a blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Big, dense and juicy, with a dusty tannic underbite, it's bold, brambly and exuberantly delicious.
From the folks behind Roederer Estate, its premier producer of sparkling wine, is this gorgeous still Chardonnay, clean, complex and crisp with a heady perfume of luscious pear and honey. Decadent and yet restrained, the mouthfeel is mellow, a touch decadent, with just the suggestion of its time in barrel.
From the folks who invented white Zinfandel, a freshly fruity, soft, slightly sweet wine with high enough acidity to keep it from palling. The color is pale pink, and the aromas recall red raspberries and peaches.
From the foothills of the Alps to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this northern Italian transplant is ripe for the drinking. Mocha java coffee, raspberry and strawberry round out the aromas and flavors, while grippy tannins offer support.
From the foothills of the Provence Alps, this is a soft, fruity wine with easygoing apple and red currant flavors. Light and gently textured, it has acidity and spice to balance the natural fruitiness.
From the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains comes this perfumed, wood-aged wine. It has orange peel, toast and Earl Grey tea flavors, very textured and fresh. The wine brings great acidity to balance the more exotic fruit elements. Ideally age for 2–3 years.
From the former Ashley's Vineyard, one of the best-known in the AVA, comes this very ripe, extracted Pinot Noir. Tastes like it had a long hangtime, getting ripe to the point of baked pie-filling cherries and puréed, smoky, almost raisined blackberries. The tradeoff for all this richness is softness and a resulting one-dimensionality.
From the former Ashley's Vineyard, which the Parker family sold a few years ago, comes this tough, acidic young wine. It shows a maritime influence in the dry tartness and bitter cherryskin flavors. Could be a sleeper.
From the former castle of the Counts of Provence, this is an intensely fruity wine, full of strawberry, orange zest and light spice. It is fragrant, fresh wine, lifted attractively at the end  with bright acidity.
From the Frediani Vineyard, this is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Perfumed in lavender and a grip of blackberry jam, it also imparts characteristics of plum and clove, allowing both varieties to speak. Smooth on the finish, it's robustly full bodied and fleshy to the end.
From the Frescobaldi's wine venture in northeast Italy, Cicinis is a rich and sophisticated blend of white grapes (Sauvignon, Friulano and Pinot Bianco) that delivers toasted almond, apricot, pineapple and freshly baked piecrust. This luscious, oak-driven white would pair with risotto, chicken or lobster.
From the Frutos Villar bodega comes this friendly if a bit lean reserva with cherry, leather, and rubber aromas and a snappy, clean palate of cherry and raspberry fruit. The finish is lightweight and pure, and slightly warming, while overall it comes across fresh and solid, with just enough oak to give it heft and substance.
From the full bouquet with its dark-cherry and black-pepper notes, this wine makes its presence felt. There’s very good depth of fruit, with a characteristic brambly quality. Some complexity can be found here via earth and white-pepper elements that accent the fruit.
From the Gainey family's Sta. Rita Hills ranch, this begins with aromas of buttered popcorn, vanilla, pineapple and crushed rocks. Once sipped, golden apple flavors integrate superbly with a lime pith tartness and a slight brioche character on the midpalate and finish.
From the Gavi area of northern Italy, this light sparkler opens with dry aromas of pressed flower and citrus, with slightly softer tones of peach and melon to follow on the palate.
From the Georges III Vineyard in the heart of the appellation, this 100% clonal-specific wine is juicy and generously seasoned in blackberry, tobacco and black pepper. With a huge presence on the palate, it finishes with dried herb and anise. Cellar through 2023.
From the get-go it's a big, full grapefruit-driven wine that's laced with smoke and vanilla. Citrus, mostly lemon, is the taste profile, while good lively acids power the tight, lemony finish. Serve chilled alongside a platter of tasty appetizers.
From the get-go this is a serious Rioja with a lot of oak. Aromas of vanilla and rubbery berry fruits come in front of a high-acid, spiky palate. Flavors of tobacco, licorice, berry and cedar are shrill but run long, with lasting acidity. Drink through 2024.
From the good-value Fixin appellation, this full wine offers minerality but, more noticeably, a ripe, red-fruited feel, with acidity to give freshness. Hints of licorice show the wood aging. Drink from 2016.
From the good winds (Bons Ventos) estate, this balanced wine has good acidity as well as black-currant fruit. Tannins give the wine its dry core and structure. Nine months in wood have added spice and the smooth texture. Drink from 2018.
From the gorgeous, mighty Pagani, planted in 1895, comes this powerfully rich and refined wine, a study in woodsy rusticity and layers of fig, blackberry and a stick of cinnamon. Full bodied and luxurious on the palate, a lithe jolt of acidity rears its head just before the finish, trying to compete with the licorice and leather. Drink now through 2020.
From the grand cru village of Cramant, this 100% Chardonnay is Mumm's signature Champagne. This latest bottling is tight, taut and beautifully textured. Crisp apples, squeezed lemon and layers of acidity give a wine that is delicate, dry and well balanced. Aged for six years before disgorgement, the wine is ready to drink.
From the grandest of Burgundy's white vineyards, this Le Montrachet sums up the 2006 white vintage. Its structure, freshness and richness rolls the wine around the mouth, offering citrus, bitter orange and yellow fruit flavors. Toast flavors round the wine, leaving a hugely satisfying aftertaste.
From the grandest of the Grand Cru vineyards, this wine is powerful and structured. Its intense white and yellow fruit gains extra richness from subtle wood aging. It's juicy, ripe and full in the mouth. Drink from 2021.
From the grandson of the inventor of Brunello, this iconic bottling opens with a classic bouquet of rose, violet, berry and spice. The vibrant palate delivers bright wild cherry, white pepper and energizing mineral notes along with impeccable balance and finesse. It's very elegant, with firm but supple tannins and still-nervous acidity. Give it time to unwind and develop complexity. Drink 2016–2038.
From the granite soil of the northern area of Vinho Verde, this rich, structured and dense bottling is far from the conventional view of Vinho Verde. It is a powerful, ripe, apricot and peach flavored wine that is strongly mineral and concentrated. Drink now, but the wine will improve for several years.
From the grape-growing family known for old-vine Zinfandel, this wine comes from the eastern foothills of the appellation, the vines settled into well-draining, rocky soils. Floral on the nose, it enters into a gaminess on the palate, dusted in pencil lead, blackberry and herb.
From the gravel soils of northeast Italy, this pure expression of Chardonnay offers bright aromas of papaya, banana, exotic fruit and white peach. There's a touch of spice and almond on the close.
From the great 2002 vintage, this is a beautifully structured wine, packed with a fine texture of red berries, intense acidity as well as richness. Intense, complex wine that could well age.
From the great site in Occidental, this white shines in pear, peach and pineapple flavors, while an inviting floral aroma of honeysuckle permeates the nose. Integrated oak and a creamy palate make for a fulsome, voluptuous experience, balanced and complemented by the wine's crushed-gravel minerality.
From the Hahn family of wines comes this solid representation of the appellation, with dark cherry, wet slate and soft mint on the nose. The mouthfeel is soft and comforting, with tight raspberry fruit and a clove-like spice note carrying through the entire sip, culminating in a mouthwatering black-pepper finish.
From the Happy Canyon-based team behind the ultra luxury Crown Point project comes this bottling, offering a taste of the high life for a slightly more affordable price. Pressed blueberry, black cherry and sour plum aromas mesh with dried oregano, bay leaf, black pepper and pencil shavings on the nose. There's lots of depth to the palate, with dark olallieberry, eucalyptus oil and pine needle flavors leading into a hazelnut, caramel, coffee and vanilla finish.
From the head-trained, dry-farmed Martinelli Vineyard, this wine is like a lens into history. It's mighty flavorful, too, with jubilant cinnamon, rose water and wisteria aromas and a rounded and juicy palate of plum and boysenberry fruit. Asssertive baking spice notes and chalky tannins complete the picture.
From the heart of Chianti Classico, this Riserva Sangiovese opens with enticing aromas of sweet vanilla, bright cherry, leather, tar and moist tobacco. The mouthfeel is particularly smooth, silky and long.
From the heart of Oakville, this 100% varietal wine is luxurious, silky and velvety on the palate, a masterful study of texture. Lengthy and balanced, despite its powerful fruit, it suggests dark plum and cassis, with just a tiny note of cherry, the tannins refined and chalky. Cellar through 2022.
From the heart of Oakville, this is a velvety thick wine, supple in tannin and integrated oak that offers a ying-yang of rich mocha notes and herbal sage.
From the heart of Pinot Noir country, this iconic vineyard, originally planted in the 1970s, yields concentrated flavors of black cherry, root beer, incense and peppermint. Tart, juicy and quite young, this finishes with leaf and herb-infused tannins.
From the heart of the Beaujolais Villages area south of the cru villages, this wine has a fresh feel to it. It is crisp with red cherry and lively acidity. The soft tannins just buoy up the wine and give it an attractive shape. Ready to drink now.
From the heart of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, this vineyard-designate delights in rhubarb and strawberry, hugely pleasing in fresh fruitiness. Complexity builds in its salty undertones and bright, sharp teases of blood orange and lemon, while the backbone is strong in floral-driven minerality.
From the heart of the Marne Valley, this 100% Pinot Meunier bottling is ripe and yeasty. It has a rich, soft character and hints of toast from the 30% reserve wine in the blend. Balanced dosage gives a soft, smooth aftertaste. Drink now.
From the heart of the Napa Valley, this estate white is dry in floral lemon and lime, in addition to more voluptuous helpings of apricot and peach. Stainless-steel fermented, it offers crisp acidity before taking on complexity on the finish, more weighty than on the palate.
From the heart of the Napa Valley, this opens in wafts of baked bread, cedar and herb, additionally exhibiting classical varietal notes like currant and pencil. Full bodied, round and ripe, it lingers in jolts of black pepper.
From the heart of the Rutherford Bench, this estate-grown wine is a classic version of restraint and elegance, structured in dusty tannin with bursts of cedar, tomato leaf and cassis. Cabernet Franc makes up 8% of the blend, with 3% Merlot. This will benefit from time in the cellar; drink 2020–2023.
From the heart of this large estate, this wine is powerful, structured and firm, with dense black plum and damson fruit. With the perfume of Aragonez and the structure of Alicante Bouschet, this fine wine still needs time to develop. Drink from 2019.
From the Heideboden vineyard, this mineral, structured wine has serious, dark fruits and an initial austerity. Spice, firm tannins and a dark character offer the potential for aging over a good few years–give it at least 4. Screwcap.
From the Heideboden Vineyard, this rich and fruity effort combines an intense black-plum flavor with solid tannins. It has a dark character that shows the severe side of Zweigelt. Age for 2–3 years. Glass stopper.
From the Heintz Vineyard, well-known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, comes this compelling Syrah. A burst of toasted oak and dry tannins upon entry develops slowly into a taste of ripe, black fruit, black olives and tar. Surrounded by a soft palate the wine is also marked by a starkness of black pepper and hint of lavender.
From the high-elevation site long prized by this producer, this wine opens with a sturdy tannic grip that takes time to resolve in the glass. As it does, ripe and robust layers of blackberry, currant and wild sage flavors emerge, bolstered by leather and bittersweet chocolate notes.
From the highest-elevation spot within the producer's Conn Creek vineyard, this wine is sticky and grippy in coffee, red cherry and billowing tannins that reach a soft, round approachability. The finish is part chocolate, part vanilla, both in proportion and in balance, the wine ultimately full of grace.
From the highest (at 1,000 feet) of the Kunde's vineyards, it's lavishly oaked, with aromas of butterscotch, spice and custard; also nutty and creamy notes. Marked by intense tropical fruit aromas and oriental spices, it also tastes very rich. It's the best of a very good trio of limited-production Chardonnay wines.
From the highest point in the Meursault vineyards, this wine is crisp and cool. It has a tight, bright character that is driven by the steely, mineral texture. The grapefruit flavors go with the riper apple and pear roundness to give a wine that will take a little time to develop. Drink from 2018.
From the highest point of the Herdade da Boavista Vineyard in Alentejo, this is complex, mineral driven and structured. It combines great fruitiness with spice, intense acidity and dark smokiness. Best aged for at least three years.
From the highly sought-after vineyard high atop the Mayacama Mountain Range, this burly red traffics in smoky leather and big, ripe, juicy black fruit, providing touches of spice and smoke along the way.
From the hills around Vienna, this Riesling is a rich style, emphasizing fruity lemon and apricot flavors as well as steely acidity. It's a fine combination with a tightly perfumed aftertaste. Screw cap.
From the hills of the Dordogne region, this is a fruity wine. It has a rustic, barnyard edge to it that spoils what is otherwise a fresh, crisp wine. Drink now.
From the hills to the west of Nuits-St.-Georges, this is a crisp, red berry-flavored wine. It has light tannins and juicy, perfumed fruit—all in balance and ready to drink soon, from 2018.
From the hillsides of Westside Road, a goldmine of goodness, this estate-driven wine is packed with cinnamon, black-cherry clafouti and crushed rose petals. Soft and seductively silky on the palate, it's bright and deceptively light, a symphony of pomegranate, cardamon and blood orange that lingers on the finish.
From the historic family-owned vineyard down a ways on Westside Road, this Bacigalupi wine is richer and more layered than some of the producer's other vineyard-designates, providing a meatier, more tropical edge of fleshy butter and nuttiness. The aromatics balance things out, sharing whispers of orange blossom and caramel.
From the historic Herdade do Mouchão in northern Alentejo, this is a powerful wine, full of dense tannins and impressively ripe, juicy black fruits. Syrah and Alicante Bouschet bring southern richness to Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional. Drink this wine now.
From the historic Uvas Creek area between Gilroy and Morgan Hill comes this solid bottling that shows black cherry, leather, dust and a slightly green element of oregano and green peppercorns on the nose. The palate is restrained and herbaceous, with elderberry fruit and woody sagebrush flavors.
From the historic vineyard site planted to old Wente, this wine offers a silky-smooth character on the palate, which is generous in its aromatics of apple blossom and peach, with just the right sizzle of tangy lemon-driven acidity. The full-bodied finish features waxy apple, vanilla and toasted oak.
From the historic vineyard site surrounded by Pinot Noir, this wine makes the case for variety and heritage, coaxing bright acidity and floral aromatics out of the grapes. Full bodied, its flavors combine plum, raisin cake, dried cranberry and dust into a leathery whole, finishing in chocolate cinnamon.
From the home estate of wine academic and guru Denis Dubourdieu, this tight, nervy wine has a mineral character rounded by wild-strawberry flavors. An attractive citrus tang gives it good bite at the end. Drink now.
From the home of Touriga Nacional, this is a seriously structured wine. Packed with tannins as well as initially austere fruit, it is still young. It will develop its perfumed black fruits and acidity as it ages to fill out the dense texture. Drink from 2018.
From the home village of Pierre André's Château Corton-André, this is a solid, chunky wine, its tannins very prevalent at this stage. It promises to be a smoother, wood-aged sip with blackberry and spice as well as a tasty juiciness.
From the home vineyards of the Saget family, this a warm and generous wine. While endowed with many green Sauvignon Blanc characteristics, the tropical fruit style makes it feel rich. As it ages, it will offer even more complex flavors. Drink from 2015.
From the homeland of Alvarinho in the Monção region in the north of Vinho Verde, the wine is rich and mineral with touches of wood fermentation adding spice. It is textured, full of juicy fruit at the end. Drink now.
From the hot 2003 vintage, this vineyard-designate Riserva Chianti (Sangiovese with small components of Canaiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon) is thin and marked by tertiary aromas of dried fruit and butterscotch. Drink now.
From the hot year of 2009, this is a ripe, mature, sun-kissed wine. It has smooth yellow fruit and mango flavors along with a soft and rounded texture. It's naturally rich, full in the mouth and totally ready to drink.
From the In The Rocks vineyard, this Rhône white is two thirds Marsanne and one third Viognier, whole cluster fermented in neutral barrels, with no fining or filtering. It's richly textural, aromatic, scented and flavored with lemon verbena, peach, caramel and marzipan. Big and luscious in every way, this is a wine to enjoy while it's in the bloom of youth.
From the intensely steep Monts Damnés vineyard, this wine is rich and full of ripe tropical and citrus fruits, with a tight line in steely minerality. It's still too structured and firm, so drink from 2016.
From the island of Hvar, this wine has aromas of Chinese tea and cranberry juice. There's also a pleasant feral note in the complex bouquet. It has flavors of cranberry juice and black cherry tart with grippy tannins and a persistent finish.
From the Kellerberg vineyard, this is a powerfully rich wine, with its cream and nutmeg flavors complemented by creamed baked apples. There is strong pepper and spice character here.
From the kosher winery in Oxnard comes this bottling. Black rocks, dust, black cherry and tart plum skin aromas show on the nose. Flavors are primary and lean once sipped, with Concord grape and grapeseed elements as well as woody elderberry, pencil lead and balanced acid and tannins.
From the Laguna Ridge neighborhood of the larger appellation, this is a subtle, fuller-bodied wine that's silky and refined in dark cherry, anise and rich earth. Pomegranate and cassis play in the background, the flavors nuanced and complex, with a tangy, citrus-tinged finish.
From the land of the old vine Zinfandel grapes comes Bacio, a Port-in-color dessert Zinfandel that's got some nice baked fruit flavors and a taste of dust; its sweetness lingers and a little goes a long way.
From the large Beaulieu estate near Aix-en-Provence, this wine shows great fruitiness as well as a mineral texture and good depth. Ripe raspberry and red currant fruits are laced with acidity. It's very much a food rosé.
From the larger Antinori group in Tuscany, this opens with a pretty pink color and bright aromas of raspberry, wild cherry and white almond. Pair it with summer appetizers.
From the largest Grand Cru in Vosne-Romanée, this wine has plenty of the structure as well as the fruit that shines in this vintage. It is rich and smoky with black fruits and red-berry flavors. The wine is still young, drink from 2026.
From the last remaining block of a vineyard planted in 1968 by Oregon pioneer Dick Erath that's yielding less than 1.5 tons per acre, this is loaded with rose petal and cherry blossom aromas. Delicate and graceful, it offers subtle raspberry, blackberry and cherry fruit. The finish is exceptional, long and complex, with hints of coffee and caramel. Give this wine your full attention and enjoy how long it lingers.
From the Layon Valley with its ability to produce botrytised grapes from the morning mists in the autumn, this wine is rich, sweet with orange marmalade and honey flavors. The contrast with the acidity is what makes this wine so light, perfumed and poised. It needs to age, so drink from 2019.
From the least-known of the Beaujolais cru villages, this wine is soft and supple in character with ripe, firm tannins to support the fruitiness. Red berries and acidity give the wine its bright aspect while still retaining a good sense of structure. Drink now, although the wine will be better from 2016.
From the legendary 1996 vintage, this is a bottling that only received its dosage in 2012. It is very dry, intensely crisp and packed with acidity and minerality. Still young and fruity, it's an impressive wine that will certainly improve with age. Drink through 2022.
From the legendary Hyde, a source since 1996, this vintage continues the greatness of the prior years, showing depths of fresh dirt and spice. Stewy damson plum, blackberry and black cherry provide succulent complex, ripe flavors accented in vanilla and cinnamon. The acidity is mouthwatering.
From the lesser-quality 2006 vintage, this is a gentle and tangy selection. It has lemon zest and steely acidity, with light touches of grapefruit and crisp apple. Not for aging, this is an attractive wine to drink now.
From the light 2012 vintage, this is a bright and fruity wine with red cherries and soft tannins. Intense acidity gives the wine a fresh, crisp character. Drink now.
From the lightly nutty almond-skin aroma, to the creamy palate and savory finish, it's apparent that the winemaker enjoys experimenting with lees contact to help broaden the midpalate. While this application might seem a little aggressive to some, there's a lovely balance of juicy red apple and streamlined, focused quince to appeal to a broader audience.
From the little-known region of Padthaway, this Cabernet starts off with some very promising, perfumed aromas of mint and cassis, but then shows touches of chocolate and raisined fruit on the palate. It's soft and mouthfilling—an easy-drinking Cab to consume on the young side.
From the Loazzolo subzone of Piedmont, this beautiful dessert wine presents generous aromas of fresh flower, apricot, honey, baked pear and Golden Delicious apple. The mouthfeel is rich, long and smooth.
From the local Italian word for “to work the soil,” Runcaris represents an easy, fresh expression of Soave Classico with lingering aromas of citrus, yellow rose, honey, jasmine and dried herbs.
From the Loire Valley's Bourgeois family, this is a firmly built wine from a region known more for its open-knit accessibility. Sturdy beet and black cherry notes seem destined to last, framed by firm tannins. Drink 2015–2020.
From the Lonesome Spring Ranch Vineyard, in the eastern Yakima valley, this pure varietal offering starts sharp and then quickly softens up, with creamy apple and peach fruit flavors. It turns a little hot on the finish, but overall it's a smooth, easy-drinking style.
From the long ago 2005 vintage, this riserva offers simple aromas of cassis and plum backed by pressed violets, cola and tar. The close is acidic and somewhat bitter.
From the Los Alamos Valley, an oaky, mushroomy Pinot Noir, with blackberry, raspberry and cherry pie filling flavors as well as earthy notes of mushrooms and cola. Voluptuous and silky, it's lovely for drinking now.
From the Louis Latour domaine, this rich wine is lightly touched with wood. It has red-plum flavors and ripe acidity, with the structure embedded in the fruits. Drink from 2019.
From the Lovall Valley section of the Napa Valley quite near Sonoma, this lovely wine is awash in tropical mango, with lilts of pear and vanilla. Creamy, it's made in a fuller-bodied style but never gets ridiculous, instead offering balance and elegance, finishing with a squeeze of grapefruit.
From the Mâcon appellation that is dominated by the formidable rock of Solutré, this is a ripe, full-bodied wine. It offers juicy acidity, fresh sliced apple flavors and a touch of spice. The wine is ready, although it will be better from late 2016.
From the major Loire producer, this fresh and fruity wine shows the light touch of the region. With red-currant fruit sliced right through with acidity, the wine is lightly textured and ready to drink.
From the makers of Italy's legendary Sassicaia, this 70-30 Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend delivers sweet cherry aromas backed by vanilla and tobacco. This wine has shown a great improvement over the years it has been produced.
From the makers of one of Italy's most popular grappas, this vintage-dated Prosecco offers soothing aromas of peach, lime, white peach and spring flowers.
From the Malibu-based producer, this bottling has a striking label design that matches with the youthful, vivacious pink wine. The punchy nose blends cherry, lime blossom and pink rose petals with yeasty, sourdough-like aromas, while the palate offers iron, maraschino cherry and lime-wedge flavors.
From the Marcarini Cru, this dark and brooding expression of Nebbiolo opens with intense aromas of dried raspberry, currant and crème de cassis. Wet earth, dried flower and chopped herb also appear on the palate, adding to the sensation of softness and richness.
From the Marche region on the eastern flank of Italy, Tiamo offers a simple, easy-drinking value wine. What it lacks in intensity, it makes up for with fresh crispness.
From the Marchesi d'Orsi di Villanoca winemaking family, this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Ancellotta offers tones of raw cherry and raspberry that give the wine a clean bouquet. The fresh, easy mouthfeel would pair well with pasta dishes.
From the Maremma (southern Tuscany) estate of the Corsini family, this darkly extracted red wine shows dark red fruit, spice, leather and espresso coffee. It's nicely evolved with tones of cola, cassis and wet river stone. Although the finish shows medium intensity, it does evoke bright fresh fruit.
From the Marne Valley, close to Epernay, this Champagne has had some good bottle aging. That has softened and broadened the crisp texture and minerality of this Chardonnay-based wine. It is full, rich and creamy, finishing with a fine burst of acidity.
From the marquee vineyard just down the road, known better for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this ZInfandel has 5% Petite Sirah blended in. Combined, they offer earthy and floral elements on the nose before a juicy palate of red fruit enters. A touch of olive plays off the bittersweet finish.
From the Messina area in northern Sicily, this is a 50-50 blend of Nero d'Avola and Nerello Mascalese that bursts with bright berry freshness. The finish is clean, bright and tight.
From the mica soil of Goulaine, this single-parcel wine is rich and full in the mouth. Aged for three years in tank, the wine is now mature, ripe and rounded with yellow fruits as well as a strong citrus element. Drink now.
From the mighty Hyde in Carneros, this medium-bodied white blossoms with tropical fruit and briny minerality, a forceful combination that gives this wine both power and elegance. Textured in candied Meyer lemon, it finishes crisply and the right kind of sour.
From the mighty mountainous site, this 100% varietal wine is densely compact and thick, with a lift of acidity that keeps it fresh despite its power. Black currant, black cherry, graphite and sage combine effortlessly to provide fruit and complexity.
From the mighty site, this is a mountainous wine, generous and layered with bold big flavor. Plum candy, cinnamon, nutmeg, licorice and raspberry swirl in the glass with tension and grace, finishing in a wrapping of firm oak and tannin.
From the mighty site, this is aged in both French and American oak, half of it new. Rich, robust layers of Dr Pepper, vanilla and chocolate rise on the smoothly textured palate, impressing in power and density.
From the Moncão region, heartland of Alvarinho, at the north of Vinho Verde, this is a delicious wine, its green flavors bursting out of the glass. It is fresh, very crisp, edged with yeastiness but then boosted by its tight acidity.
From the Monforte d'Alba area of Barolo production, this lovely wine shows wonderful intensity and a bold, chewy feel. There are ripe fruit aromas, meaty notes of beef jerky and ethereal tones of licorice and cola. The wine is full and generous in the mouth with a spicy finish.
From the Monforte d'Alba area of Barolo, this deeply concentrated and rich wine is etched by sharp aromas of licorice, black pepper, red cherry, chocolate, leather and cigar box. The mouthfeel, with its soft, velvety tannins, is particularly pleasurable. Drink after 2015.
From the Montenetto di Brescia wine region of Lombardy, this easy expression of Marzemino presents a nicely saturated brick color and opens with ripe aromas of black fruit, cherry, plum, tobacco and exotic spice. This easygoing wine closes with a tight, bitter note.
From the most famous sector in Morgon, this wine reveals the intense flavor from the steeply sloped, well-exposed vineyard. The wine, with concentration from old vines, has black-fruit-skin and blackberry flavors. Packed with tannins and acidity, it will age. Drink from 2020.
From the most northerly of the Beaujolais cru, this light wine has both fresh stone fruits and crisp acidity. Its red plum and cherry tastes make it instantly drinkable. The aftertaste is bright and fruity.
From the most northern of the Beaujolais cru villages, this wine is rich and dense. It has a firm structure as well as black-currant fruits that bring out acidity as well as richness. There is a fine juicy aftertaste that is balanced with the final concentration.
From the most southerly of the Grand Cru vineyards, this wine is firm and tightly structured. Its wood aging shows in its toasty, spicy character that will integrate as the wine ages. Its rich yellow fruit and taut acidity suggest it will taste best from from 2021.
From the mountainous far east of Portugal, the dense, granite feel of this wine is palpable and potent. It has weight, balanced by intense acidity, stalky black currant fruits and a core of dark, firm tannins. Age this concentrated wine for at least 3–4 years.
From the mountainous far north of Italy, this smooth Pinot Bianco is rounded out by aromas of melon, stone fruit and honey. It presents a creamy mouthfeel with a fresh, palate-cleansing finish.
From the mountainous terrain of Stagecoach Vineyard, this wild, concentrated wine is more like Cabernet in many ways. Red licorice, bitter tannin and whiffs of leather saddle commingle against brambly blackberry and clove, finishing with a tease of coconut.
From the mountains above Lake Sonoma, this rocky, robust and ultimately rewarding wine is spicy in cinnamon and clove lined in savory layers of black pepper and leather. Brambly blackberry lies in wait to untangle in the glass, adding to the overall satisfaction of this full-bodied beauty.
From the mountains above the winery, this blends 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, 24% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. The result is a harmonious palate of dried herb, cedar and pungent violet flavors. Full-bodied concentration makes it rugged, accented with toasted oak.
From the Murgia Tarantina high plains of the Salento in the deep south of Italy, this thinly-composed Fiano-based sparkling wine opens with oddly matched aromas of lemon curd, yeast and toasted hazelnut.
From the Muscat Canelli grape; it’s a very sweet (10.8% residual sugar) wine balanced by quite high acidity. Aromas and flavors are distinctly apricot and buttercream. Pretty texture, creamy smooth and velvety. Not especially complex, but delicious, clean and well made. Try with vanilla ice cream, pound cake, a sweet fruit soufflé or the ripest fruits.
From the Napa side of Carneros, this beautiful wine begins with very forward aromas of cola, black raspberry, black cherry, tomato, mushroom, earth, vanilla, spice and smoky oak. Very fruity and lush in the mouth, with soft tannins. It’s rich and opulent, offering wave after wave of different sensations that are endlessly fascinating. The finish is fruity and long. Fabulous wine; enjoy it now, or age it.
From the Napa side of Carneros, this Merlot is blended with 1% Petit Verdot, which presumably has added a smidgen of weight and color to the mix. Supersoft, the wine is well-rounded in ripe cherry and blueberry notes, with ample acidity, textured tannins and a strong finish that's awash in mocha flavor.
From the Napa side of Carneros, this small-production Pinot is concentrated and oaky, layered throughout in spicy black cherry tart. The strong flavors lead to a strong, emphatic finish.
From the Nervo Cru, this dark Barbaresco shows a slight edge in terms of concentration and aromatic intensity. Notes of dark fruit, hazelnut and roasted espresso bean compose the bouquet, and the wine delivers smooth softness on the finish. Those characteristics suggest that this may be ready to drink earlier than others.
From the new estate run by Giovanni and Paolo Bulgari (of fashion and jewelry fame), this pure expression of Sangiovese shows very interesting aromas of bright red cherry, perfumed blue flower and a touch of sweet spice. The wine is focused, compact and crisp on the close.
From the new Happy Canyon appellation, this wine is so close to being so good. It's dry and rich in acidity, and complex in blackberry, cherry and currant flavors that finish long and sweet. This new 7200 line from Foxen is worth watching over future vintages.
From the new Summit View vineyard, this tart, racy Roussanne is done in a steely style, with accents of mineral and citrus rind. Don't look for the usual lushness of the grape; but there is plenty of flavor nonetheless. Pepper and rind, orange  peel and hints of apple are nicely integrated.
From the new, négociant side of Domaine Jessiaume, now owned by Scottish businessman Sir David Murray. The wine hints at the grandeur possible from Clos de Vougeot without quite achieving it. The power is there, but without the black richness. Instead, there are fine tannins, firm dark fruit skins and elegance. Age for 3–4 years.
From the newly created Vittoria appellation in Sicily, this bright white wine opens with citrus, crushed almond, peach and exotic fruit. The mouthfeel is fresh, compact and tight.
From the north of the Haut-Médoc, just outside Saint-Estèphe, this wine has a predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon. That yields black-currant fruit and tight tannins. The spice from wood aging will integrate as it matures to give a rich juicy wine. Drink from 2020.
From the north of the Margaux appellation, this is a wine that has tense, acidic, black berry fruits, soft tannins and a light, juicy character. Not for long-term aging.
From the northern-most, mountainous region of Italy, this cool-climate Pinot Grigio delivers pristine aromas of citrus, stone fruit, kiwi and white flower. It shows lively, zesty tones in the mouth with a touch of crisp acidity on the close.
From the northern edge of Margaux appellation, Grand Tayac is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. It has elegance, light wood flavors and generous black currant fruits. The tannins just give support, bringing out the style of the wine. Drink from 2017.
From the northern end of the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation, this wine is ripe, floral and supple in texture. It has crisp red fruit and vibrant acidity, underpinned by ripe tannins. Developing quickly, it will be ready to drink from 2019.
From the northern end of the Haut-Médoc region, close to Saint-Estèphe, this dark-hued wine is still very structured. Smoky wood-aging flavors give complexity that balances the ripe black currant fruitiness. It's still developing, so don't drink before 2018.
From the northern part of Vinho Verde, this wine is produced from old vines that have been trained on traditional high trellises. It is full of citrus, ripe lemon and lime along with a crisp mineral texture. Its acidity is both tense and refreshing, allowing the wine a chance to age. Drink from 2018.
From the northern Portuguese heartland of Alvarinho, this beautifully ripe and rich wine is packed with intense perfumes of white peach and green apple. Fresh fruit and crisp acidity give a lively, tangy aftertaste. Drink from late 2015.
From the northern Vinho Verde region of Melgaço which is the natural heartland of Alvarinho, this tangy, fruity wine bursts with acidity and creamed apple flavors. It is still young, a lively and fruity wine that will benefit from some calming down and broadening out. Drink from the end of 2015.
From the northern Vinho Verde region of Monçao and Melgaço, this finely textured wine is young, although already delicious. Its texture brings out the minerality from the granite soil, giving the wine a zesty character. The fruit bursts out of the glass: delicious citrus and sliced apples and a great burst of acidity. Drink from late 2017.
From the northernmost appellation of the Côte de Nuits, this firm and solidly tannic wine comes from one of the vineyards on the list to get Premier Cru approval in the near future. Its tannins are well balanced already with the red-berry fruit and bitter-cherry flavors that are shot through with acidity. Drink from 2018.
From the northernmost of the Beaujolais cru villages, this is a ripe and full wine. With rich cherry flavors and just enough acidity, the wine is lightly structured with some dry tannins. It is ready to drink.
From the northernmost of the Premier Crus on the left bank of the Serein river, this wine benefits from the early-ripening vines. It is rich, rounded and soft with a creamy texture. It also offers tangy acidity and lime flavor. Still young, it needs time, so drink from 2018.
From the northernmost vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a fantastically interesting wine. Complex and compelling, with brilliant fruit flavors spanning the range from apricots and limes to peaches and guava. All this juicy flavor is boosted by bright and beautiful acidity. Viognier 61%, Marsanne 39%.
From the Nunes Vineyard, this robust red is concentrated in black cherry, tar and cinnamon spice, full bodied from having been cradled in French oak, 20% of it new. The acidity and body are both medium level, while the ripeness is high.
From the Oak Knoll District and estate-grown fruit, this 100% varietal wine has a substantial amount of vanilla and cherry at its heart. Medium bodied, structured and soft, it retains fine-grained tannins that should mellow in the cellar, through 2022.
From the old fields of Oakley, this Zinfandel, made by Matt Cline, is big in black fruit and a touch of smoke, particularly vibrant on the finish.
From the old vineyard in back of Don Hartford's house, this 15.7% alcohol Zin is big—but it's no brute. It's full of dark, rich blackberries, layered with chocolate and black pepper. The velvety texture carries through the long finish, picking up hints of black licorice. Editors' Choice.
From the oldest block of the estate's Seven Hills Vineyard, this pure Cabernet opens with intense aromas of mountain fruit. Bramble, light herb, cement, black cherry and cassis combine in a polished, elegant wine that probes deeply into the palate. Flavors abound—cassis, coffee, licorice and more.
From the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the Dry Creek Valley, winemaker Leo Hansen crafts a dry, floral white with textured character and nuanced acidity that's garnished with layers of apple, herb and pear, and just a suggestion of tropical flourish on the finish.
From the oldest commercial vineyard in Santa Barbara County comes this heady bottling, showing aromas of deep black raspberry, vanilla bean, beef carpaccio, black pepper and sesame oil. Black and white pepper and bay leaf spice up the acid- and mineral-laced palate, where dark but sharply focused fruits of elderberry and boysenberry gain a savory touch from smoked pork.
From the oldest part of the estate, planted in 1992, this excellent effort seems to have entered the phase where more aromatic complexity appears. It has lovely delineation of both scents and flavors, a matrix of fruit, soil and Pommard clone. Strong streaks of tobacco and chocolate annotate the core of raspberry puree. The concentration and length are impressive.
From the oldest part of the estate, this subtle wine rewards your patience and full attention. Hints of rose petals adorn the floral accents, while the midpalate emphasizes flavors of raspberries and orange peel. At first a bit shy, this opens slowly and reveals hidden complexities and enduring length. Drink now through 2025.
From the oldest vines of the estate, this is a lush, luscious wine. Vanilla and cedar notes complement bold cherry fruit, while hints of cinnamon, clove and allspice lend nuance. It's not a highly structured wine, so there's no need to defer gratification.
From the oldest vines on the estate, this is a rich and full-bodied wine. It has plenty of the bright, full concentration that comes from old vines. At the same time it has attractive layers of ripe plum and blackberry fruits. Let this cru wine age a little and drink from 2018.
From the oldest vines owned by the producer, this wine is intense and concentrated. Packed with citrus and still-bright herbal flavors it has layers of minerality and perfumed acidity. It still has its freshness which is in the process of changing into a rich maturity. Drink now and until 2024.
From the oldest vines sourced by the producer, this reserve-tier wine delivers tart, briny apple and pear flavors with a high-toned squeeze of lemon. Aged in 30% new French oak, it balances richness with elegance and delicacy.
From the only estate in Sonoma County growing the variety, this full-bodied white was aged in a combination of neutral French oak and stainless steel. Sly on the nose, it opens slowly with a whiff of sour apple and a squeeze of lemon, an intensity of savory dill and white pepper at its core.
From the only producer to source Zin from this famous vineyard, this wine is abundant in a complexity of baked bread, blackberry jam and vanilla, with endless depth on the palate. Fresh and juicy, it balances its fruitiness with mountain-sized tannin strength and concentration.
From the only Riesling vines planted in the Walla Walla AVA, this Figgins wine club-only selection makes you wish for more. It has lovely layering of citrus pith and rind flavors, a mouth-cleansing minerality, and exceptional depth of flavor. Finished completely dry, it registers just 12% alcohol.
From the Orcia area of Tuscany, here's a blockbuster 70-30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot with deep concentration and thick density. Evident woodshop or carpentry tones come into play, leaving long-lasting flavaors of vanilla bean, chocolate and coffee. The wine has tart, plump tannins that need a few more years of bottle aging before they settle into place. Drink after 2015.
From the original Kiona vineyard planting in 1975, this big, lush Chardonnay fills the palate with ripe banana and stone fruit flavors. It was barrel fermented, then moved to stainless, and put through partial malolactic. Good definition, acidity, and a hint of minerality.
From the outer reaches of Annapolis, where the ocean likes to assert itself, this wine is cloudy and stemmy, with a lively, carbonic-like freshness. Roses and citrus play off each other in complex, complicated ways, allowing the firm, present tannins to relax. Black tea and anise complete the picture.
From the outset this is woody and artificial in style. Aromas of milk chocolate and clove are strange and forced. In the mouth, this feels wiry but also gummy, with clove-heavy oak and tannic bite. In general, this is overly woody, candied and seemingly not natural.
From the owner of Domaine du Pégau in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this is a négociant-style Côtes du Rhône. It's medium-bodied and crisp, with bright red fruit reminiscent of raspberries and cherries and a touch of herbes de Provence.
From the owners of another marquee vineyard nearby, Sun Chase, this wine is expressive and expansive on the palate, dark red-purple in color, thick and dense on the palate. Blackberry, black plum and black pepper rise to the fore, built along a continuum of earthy forest floor. Tannin and oak are interwoven well, before a soft finish.
From the owners of Château de Cérons, this wine is rich with tropical fruit flavors and toasty from wood-aging. It's warm and ripe, its smoothly textured Sémillon lifted by Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now.
From the owners of Huia, this is a short, lightweight offering that comes across as citrusy and simple, with just a hint of snow pea to add nuance.
From the pale straw color to the delicate citrus and honeyed aromas, this wine strives for elegance and finesse and largely achieves it. Light but suggesting strawberries and limes. Dry, with a rich, creamy texture. Really stands out for elegance and harmony, and finishes on a slightly bitter-almond note.
From the Palindrome Vineyard, this meaty red is perfumed and thick, velvety smooth in texture and substantial in approach. Garrigue, leather pouch and wild strawberry play well together as wafts of cigar filter in quietly. Brawny, this wine manages to also be balanced and delicious to drink.
From the Pellegrini Olivet Lane Vineyard on Olivet Road, this wine is impressive and memorable, a true star of winemaking and region. Beautiful in color, it begins with a touch of reductive oak and butter, with a squeeze of lemon foreshadowing things to come. Big-boned, it shines in pear, tangerine and a tangle of tangy acidity.
From the pitch-black color you can tell this is an enormously extracted wine. It shows the stuffing of this famous vineyard's Zins, with blackberries, loganberries, cherries, licorice, leather and cocoa-laced coffee, and is quite tannic. But it's diminished by what tastes like notable sugar in the finish, even though the alcohol is over 15%.
From the plateau that lies between the Loire and Vienne rivers, this is a firm, mineral structured wine. It has power and juicy red fruits that also show dark, dry tannins. It's a concentrated and dense wine for medium-term aging.
From the Poujeaux section of Moulis, Dutruch Grand Poujeaux is still family-owned and -inhabited. This is deliciously fruity and the juicy black-currant flavor is firmly balanced by ripe, generous tannins. A concentrated wine that will certainly age well.
From the Prail region of Alto Adige, this stunning, intense Sauvignon is full of grassy, herbaceous flavors. It is still young, needing time to lose its grapefruit character and ripen into a fine, aromatic wine.
From the Pratt Vineyard on Sexton Road, this impressive offering is bold and lush, smoothly textured even in its concentration of thick red cherry and forest. It exalts in a shock of white pepper that is beautiful to behold.
From the Predappio area of Romagna in central Italy, this Sangiovese offers rustic aromas of tar and licorice backed by black fruit and prune. There's a savory quality on the close with cured meat and tobacco.
From the prestigious Rutherford appellation comes this soft, smooth and mellow Cabernet, with delicious flavors of black cherry, cola and beef teriyaki. It shows just a trace of bitterness on the finish, so drink soon.
From the Preston Vineyard in Templeton Gap comes this blend of 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 21% Petit Verdot, 13% Merlot and 12% Malbec, which is full of violet, deeply red cherries and cranberries and charred meat on the nose. The palate starts with a somewhat sweet touch of red currant but then tightens on elegant graphite, potpourri, cigar box and white-pepper flavors, all framed by chalky tannins.
From the Pritchard Hill section of the vineyard, this wine consists of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache. A hearty, fruity and big-boned explosion of blueberry and strawberry, it's rimmed in coconut flake and black, leathery pepper. Dense and full bodied, the minerality should allow it to cellar and integrate through 2020.
From the privileged soil of St.-Julien, this is an opulently rich wine. The weight is obvious as is the sweet fruit. But there is complexity as well, spice and black currant fruit powerful and concentrated. For long-term aging.
From the producer's 1,400-foot-high estate vineyard atop the Petaluma Gap, this wine is richly layered in boysenberry, baked cherry and pine. Moderately structured, it has an underlying minerality of stony earth to keep it fresh and balanced despite its robust power and concentration.
From the producer's Annapolis vineyard, planted at 700 to 900 feet, this is a floral, spicy and high-toned wine. It shows pomegranate, plum and a noticeable streak of forest among its highlights, the tannins integrated and kept fresh and structured by the acidity.
From the producer's BCD Vineyard—where it also grows Pinot Noir—this bold, big-boned red is smooth, simple and soft, accented with raspberry, vanilla, lavender and mocha notes. Its acidity is subtle and supportive, providing underlying freshness from start to finish.
From the producer's beloved Atlas Peak planting, M is a powerhouse of brawny flavor and earthy minerality, a mix of chocolate, coffee and blackberry jam that's burly in size and scope. Spicy, it layers on savory elements of tar, leather and tobacco, complementing with ease the forceful fruit and supportive oak.
From the producer's best barrels and best blocks of grapes, this wine delivers goodness from start to finish. It leads with oak, honey and apple notes while its lush texture of balanced acidity and generous fruit brings along rocky minerality.
From the producer's dry-farmed estate vineyard, and supported by small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is elegant in sage and black cherry, silky on the palate in satisfying ways. Savory tea and an element of chocolate truffle give it additional complexity around a core of silky tannin.
From the producer's dry-farmed estate vineyard, this elegantly powerful wine opens in cracked black pepper, dried herb and cedar, continuing the peppery theme on the palate. Black cherry and high-toned blackberry combine with the more savory elements, with an overall softness of texture and lengthy finish.
From the producer's dry-farmed mountain vineyard, this wine is crafted from vines planted some 40 years ago. Peach, fig and pear wrap around this medium-weight wine's integrated oak and gravelly texture. The acidity is bright, uplifting and lush enough to find complete balance.
From the producer's estate at over 1,000 feet in elevation, this seamlessly textured wine grabs one's palate from the start and doesn't let go. Huckleberry and cedar notes meet bay leaf accents and grippy tannins, all enveloped in smoky oak. It finishes with bright, fresh blackberry.
From the producer's estate ranch, a coveted source of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this is a 100% stainless-steel wine, low in ripeness, that's enthusiastic in watermelon, cherry and strawberry, smelling like summer. Dark pink-red in color, it's crisp, light, tangy in acidity and everything you want in a quaffing wine.
From the producer's estate site, in homage to her Spanish heritage, this white sizzles in varietal typicity, showing bright, forward notions of green apple, peach and a compelling wet-stone minerality that provides a gravelly edge to the texture. It lingers in honeysuckle.
From the producer's estate vineyard on Mount Veeder, this 100% varietal vineyard designate is oaky, viscous and intensely flavored with green apple, melon and peach. Delicious honeysuckle and grapefruit peel aromas make it all the more compelling, balancing its voluptuous weight and ripeness.
From the producer's estate vineyard on the Vaca Mountain range, this wine offers soft, generous tannin around a juicy core of cassis, dried currant, leather and cigar. Full bodied and robustly crafted, it benefits from a balance of bright acidity. It will be enjoyed further with age; drink now through 2023.
From the producer's estate vineyard planted on the Olivet Bench, this sublimely textured white is perfumed, zesty and complex. It delights in voluptuous layers of pear and honey in equal measure, showing both sides of deliciousness, fresh and fruity.
From the producer's estate vineyard, adjacent to a successful dairy farm it also runs, this tiny offering comes from four specific blocks across the property, and is a seductive, juicy, well-composed wine. Lush and oaky, it conveys a density of forest floor, complemented by raspberry and strawberry, before finishing robustly in spice and mushroom.
From the producer's estate vineyard, the grapes planted on budwood from Napa Valley's famous Three Palms, this wine is bittersweet in tannin and flavor, a mix of blueberry, cedar, resin and clove. Full bodied in style, it maintains an elegance on the finish, marked irresistibly in dark chocolate.
From the producer's estate vineyard, this savory, sultry wine is sublime in peppery, wild game. Its textures are alive and bright in acidity, with piquant black and red berry providing inviting juiciness. Made in small quantities, it's an incredible value for the quality, a wine that will sing on the table, and become more complex in the glass.
From the producer's estate, this zesty wine is easygoing and softly tart, a mix of plum, strawberry and leathery texture that should shine next to a pizza pie.
From the producer's family estate site planted in 1982 on Eastside Road, this is a nuanced elegant expression of the variety, earthy and pungent in baked bread. Baked plum, strawberry and dried herb are accented by forest floor and a rich hit of maple.
From the producer's family estate, this reserve white is golden in color and appropriately rich in crème brûlée and butterscotch, yet balanced and firm. Creamy, it offers flavors and aromas of lush melon and orange, finishing with sumptuous vanilla.
From the producer's line of wines meant to showcase higher-elevation sites, this one is almost all varietal, with small percentages of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aged in both French and American oak, it impresses from the get-go, with intense notes of blackberry, black licorice and dark chocolate. It's dense yet balanced on the finish.
From the producer's main ranch and blended with 11% Malbec and 4% Merlot, this classically structured, crisp wine offers notes of thyme, blackberry and tar. Medium bodied on the palate, it finishes in juicy cassis and will stand up to cellaring. Drink now through 2020.
From the producer's monumental Atlas Peak vineyard, this is a tightly wound, solidly constructed mountain Cab, blended with a handful of Petit Verdot. Tobacco, black tea and a sliver of coconut intermingle around a medium-bodied whole that will benefit from cellaring, through 2021.
From the producer's Mount George Vineyard in the heart of the appellation, this has 12% Petit Verdot within, the vineyard first planted in 1868 in these volcanic mountain soils. Juicy, dusty red currant and cedar are girded by firm tannins that present as chalky and lengthy, the soil a consistent echo on the palate.
From the producer's mountain estate, and blended with 7% Malbec, this wine is chalky in blue fruit, with a hearty back-palate of tannin. The grit softens in the glass, revealing nuanced elegance and shades of nutmeg, cherry and blueberry brightness.
From the producer's Old Vineyard Block, and blended with 20% Petite Sirah and 5% Syrah, this wine has a rustic barnyardy quality. It offers a tightness of dried herb around broad, sweet tannins, strawberry jam and chocolate.
From the producer's oldest estate vineyard, planted in 1970, this is lovely in rose petals and baked fruit, offering a powerful density of full-bodied concentration and succulence on the palate. A velvety texture is complemented by a bite of oak and tannin that flirts with grip.
From the producer's oldest hillside vineyard, planted in 1967, comes this gem of a wine, a taste of cinnamon toast and black currant. Layered acidity forms a backbone against which concentrated flavors of graham cracker and dark chocolate lie, the finish long and deep. It's built to age, enjoy now through 2025.
From the producer's organic estate in Chiles Valley, Las Flores is a block named for the family who has long helped farm the land and that bursts in wild mustard every spring. In the glass, the wine offers grippy black pepper, black cherry and tobacco flavors—bold and juicy yet retentive in structure and graceful beauty.
From the producer's organically farmed estate, this light elegant red is Old World in approach and execution, offering delicate aromas of leather pouch and black pepper. Wraparound tannins provide structure within a graceful framework of plum and cedar, as the oak integrates to preserve a freshness of acidity and lively complexity.
From the producer's original, own-rooted 1965 plantings, this light, dry and lovely wine offers citrus and apple skin flavors, along with hints of leafy greens. The fruit skin flavors persist through its lingering finish.
From the producer's own dry-farmed estate, this is a concentrated, full-bodied expression of the grape at its best, dense in chocolate and blackberry, almost syrup-like in its heady, brambly style. Burly integrated tannin create a significant foundation of weight and length, that's completely ready to be enjoyed now, yet may take on further nuance through 2023.
From the producer's own Kivelstadt Vineyard, this compelling 100% varietal wine is sanguine and meaty. Black olive and black pepper flavors add to the larger savory landscape, bolstered by generous body, tannin and oak. It takes its time unraveling in the glass.
From the producer's own vineyards in the Douro, this is a rich wine with plenty of firm tannins and a strongly mineral character. It has juicy red fruits that are balanced by acidity. The structure and dense tannins promise aging. Drink from 2018.
From the producer's Sebastopol Hills hillside vineyard, this is a perfumy, elegant wine, a combination of lavender and roses with sizable tannins and a backbone of acidity. Dark black fruit and game swirl together with a complex addition of dried herb and violet. This is a lovely wine now, but will benefit from further cellaring through 2023.
From the producer's sloping vineyard at a 750-foot elevation in the eastern section of the appellation, this wine also contains 4% Malbec from the same site. Earthy in stewed mushrooms, grilled meat and bouillon, it's a bold, dense powerhouse of a wine, with a tobacco-laden finish.
From the producer's warmest vineyard site near the town of Cloverdale, with the addition of 2% Petit Verdot, this is a dark, brooding and intensely full-bodied wine, chocolaty and rich, with a luxurious texture and bittersweet notes.
From the producer's younger hillside blocks, this is comprised of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percents of Malbec and Merlot. Blackberry and cherry are warmly wrapped in a blanket of chocolate and clove, while easy acidity provides softness and approachability to the texture and body weight, which are voluptuous.
From the producer's Yountville estate, this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc offers thyme, stone and black pepper flavors within a leathery texture. Concentrated and structured, it further shines with black currant and tobacco notes that give it a distinct herbal edge.
From the producer's Yountville vineyard, as well as sites in Rutherford and Calistoga, this Cab-based blend is grippy and herbal, rustic in baked bread, cassis and cedar. Full bodied, it finishes in thick, leathery tannin.
From the producer best known for its own Anderson Valley estate wines, this Pinot is varietally rustic in pine needle, dark, baked plum and smoky oak, the oak stylistically reminiscent of many of its other wines. Mellowed acidity complements the burliness and ripeness of the fruit before a lengthy, Asian-spiced finish.
From the producers of Domaines Ott, this is an attempt at an entry-level rosé. It's plump in the mouth, delviering round, canteloupe and citrus flavors, but finishes a bit soft.
From the property of a longtime vineyard manager for the winery, this bottling is deliciously unique. The nose abounds with earth, dried cherry, anise, roasted meat and herb aromas. The structure is solid and somewhat gripping, presenting deep red-fruit flavors with dried herb accents, driven by balanced acidity.
From the proprietor's 30 acres of the variety, planted to three clones ideally suited for the coolness of the site, this is a relatively light-bodied wine. However it presents a richness and concentration of pineapple and green olive, the oak providing a baked, creamy sensation.
From the proprietor's sought-after vineyard site, on the southern side of Sonoma Mountain near Gap's Crown, up to 1,400-feet high, this wine is concentrated in cherry kirsch and orange peel, with a sultry hint of pine. Underlying flirtations with white pepper and cardamom provide further temptation, as the lengthy finish rambles on.
From the province of Siena in southern Tuscany, this is a simple, easy-drinking wine with bright fruit and crisp acidity.
From the Quinta da Aguieira, this serious, concentrated wine has the violet perfume typical of Touriga Nacional. It is a rich, dense and tannic wine, full of black fruit, dark chocolate and bright acidity. Drink this wine from late 2018.
From the Ranch House block of the famous vineyard, this fleshy, lushly layered wine made by Kenneth Juhasz, is robust with cardamom and strawberry flavors. It builds intensity as it opens, revealing a velvety texture.
From the range of single-varietal bottlings from Alorna, this wine is perfumed and crisp, with bright lemon and tangy citrus flavors. It is a delicious, young, fruity and ready to drink.
From the recent appellation at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, this is a light and very fruity wine with little discernible tannin or structure. Red cherries and fresh acidity dominate and the wine should be drunk young.
From the region of La Londe close to the sea, this wine is warm and ripe, with rich strawberry flavors that are almost jammy. A touch of pepper and spice calms down the freshness. Probably this wine will be better as an apéritif.
From the region renowned for producing regal whites, this Chardonnay impresses. A nose balancing poised fruit and crisp minerality unfolds into classic Chardonnay flavors of toasted oak, spice and creamy fruit. The texture is mouthfilling but not overly buttery. A very good choice for an elegant table.
From the relatively hot South Coast comes a big, powerful, chewy wine, with aromas of dried blackberries, light leather, some smoke and purple flowers. The real heft is on the palate, where sour tar is laced through stewed black plums, dark chocolate and herbs like dill and oregano. The tannins are a bit stiff.
From the renowned vineyard's F Block comes a wine with plump wild berries, pencil lead and juniper on a tightly woven nose. Certain to last for years and evolve steadily over that time, the palate now shows lavender, elderberry, elderflower, cranberry essence and a touch of black tea. Drink 2018–2028.
From the ripe 2015 vintage, this is a smooth opulent wine. With its citrus and pear fruits, rich acidity and tangy aftertaste, this concentrated wine is balanced and ready to drink.
From the Rive di Ogliano Cru, this offers impressive balance between its crisp acidic side and its succulent sweet side. In between are lovely layers of stone fruit and honey.
From the Rive di Refrontolo Cru, this shows clean aromas of citrus and peach, with a rich, foamy quality of bubbles.
From the Rocche dell'Annunziata subzone, this well-priced Barolo offers beautifully vibrant aromas of cherry cola, chopped mint, violets and light shadings of exotic spice. In the mouth, it sports a compact, polished texture.
From the rocky Stagecoach Vineyard atop Atlas Peak, this Cabernet is hearty in tannins and built to age through 2020, the dense black berry and cherry fruit flavors needing time to mature. For now, the wine's character is all savory and leathery, with tight tannins.
From the rocky, high-elevation appellation north of Dry Creek Valley, this Zin is rich in baked and velvety layers of brown sugar and blackberry compote, with a softness on the palate. Full bodied, it pushes on ripeness but reins in any excess by coaxing lively acidity from the fruit.
From the rocky, volcanic soils of Durell, this white is exuberant in salty rock and sea spray, showing plenty of influence from the Pacific Ocean to its west. Sturdy in structure and length, the fruit is twisted in pink grapefruit and crisp apple, its underbelly a richer, warmer expression of toffee and caramel.
From the rocky, volcanic soils of the mighty, high-elevation vineyard, this wine imparts generous layers of blood-red berry, smoke, vanilla and cranberry, a testament to terroir and unobtrusive winemaking. Powerfully built in tight, leathery structure, it conveys a distinct taste of that volcanic rock.
From the Rosso Orvietano appellation in Central Italy, this red blend opens with easy fruit tones of cherry and forest fruit followed by light spice shadings. It would make a great pairing next to grilled pork chops.
From the Roux family's own vines in Vougeot, this is an intense statement of dark tannins and firm fruit. The wine sits solidly in the glass, giving a dry core, surrounded by sweet plum juice flavors. In 5–6 years, it will have developed well.
From the same ownership as Larose Trintaudon, this wine is firm while also having juicy red-currant fruit and intense acidity. The two characteristics are still working it out in this young wine. Wait to drink until 2018.
From the Sancerre vineyard of this Pouilly-Fumé producer, this is a ripe wine. Packed with apple and rich peppered-pear flavors, it is spicy, shot through with acidity and lightly mineral at the end. The wine is ready to drink.
From the Sannio area of Campania, this is a thin and easy expression of Aglianico that offers a very frank and upfront interpretation of the grape variety. Aromas include dark berry, tobacco and spice followed by firm tannins at the rear.
From the Sardon de Duero region that borders Ribera del Duero, this wine is big, minty and raisiny on the nose, with chocolate and leather aromas. It feels grabby and saturated, with prune, raisin and licorice notes that end in a bowl of prune purée. Very chunky and full bodied, this is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Syrah.
From the Sebastopol Hills neighborhood, relatively cool and wind-affected, this wine has a compelling generosity, a full-bodied concentration that never gets bogged down. The hits of sandalwood, clove and pine provide a sultry edge.
From the second terrace level above the river Lot, this is a powerful as well as elegant single vineyard wine. It's touched by bitter fruits, along with great acidity and a depth of tannins.
From the Serralunga d'Alba area of Barolo production (an area known for thicker, denser, more structured wines) comes this bold and beautiful expression of Nebbiolo. The wine boasts huge intensity and luscious, soft roundness on the close.
From the Setúbal Peninsula, this 100% Periquita is bright and cherry-laden. Soft and velvety in texture, yet with sufficient acidity to accompany food. Be forewarned: There are some nasty bottle stinks that warrant decanting prior to serving. Best Buy.
From the seven-acre site surrounding the producer's farmhouse in the heart of the appellation, this wine is tart with red fruit and vibrant, spicy acidity. Perfumed rose petal notes fill the glass, revealing a silky texture as it opens.
From the Seven Deadly Zins folks, a sweet, oaky Chardonnay with honeysuckle, apricot and vanilla slathered all over its full body.
From the Seysses family of Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, this wine hails from east of Aix-en-Provence. It's crisp and fruity with red currant brightness. Acidity and tangy citrus give it a fresh feel. Drink now.
From the single vineyard Engelreich—which translates to the angel's kingdom—this is rich, with a concentration of perfumed fruit and intense layers of minerality. It has spice, kiwi and pink grapefruit flavors. This is a wine that needs to age for several years. Screwcap.
From the site made famous by Merry Edwards along the appellation's Laguna Ridge, this wine envelops dark cherry, strawberry and herb flavors along a brooding, softly velvet and voluptuously body, weighted slightly in toasted oak and firm tannin.
From the slopes high on the hillside above Beaune, this is a soft and ripe wine. Fruity and smoky, it has some richer berry flavors to broaden it out. Good acidity makes the wine fresh, fruity and ready to drink in 2015.
From the slopes of Côte de Py, this is a solid, powerful wine with dark tannins and a firm, still young structure. Cherry and plum fruits give weight. It's still developing, so don't drink before 2016.
From the small Champagne region around Sézanne, this is a rounded, mouthfilling Chardonnay. It has ripe citrus and orange fruit flavors with a touch of apricot. It's a classic apéritif style.
From the small Coteaux Varois, a hilly region in central Provence, this is a crisp mineral-textured wine. It has lively acidity, citrus zest and a touch of red currants. It's a real food rosé. Ready now.