"Chremisa," the ancient name of Krems, is commemorated in this wine that comes from Krems vineyards. It has tight, tangy apple-driven acidity, with a bright, light, citrusy character. Not for aging.
$10 for this very drinkable Cab? That's crazy. But Line 39 is exactly that, a concentrated, juicy and fruity Cab with plenty of classic Cab tannins that's an incredibly good value and probably pretty easy to find. Scoop it up when you find it, though note that two bottles were tasted here with some bottle variation.
$14 is a pretty good price for a Chardonnay that shows such ripe, succulent fruit. It's rich in oranges, pineapples, limes and mangoes, brightened with crisp acidity. Entirely unoaked, the finish is dry, pure and clean.
). Earth, cola and leather aromas are good, however the fruit portion of the bouquet is a bit damp and roasted. The palate is hard and rugged, with driving cherry and plum flavors. Earthy and herbal on the finish.
). Light and lemony on the nose. The palate has some baby fat and flab, but it's acidic enough to have kick. Flavors of sweet, tropical fruits are candied and a touch chunky, referencing pineapple and mango. Drink right away.
). Phillip Zull's offering in the light, fresh Grüner Veltliner stakes is as light and fresh as they come. It's a burst of fruitiness across the palate, starring bright citrus and green fruits, with bone-dry acidity. Screwcap.
). Rubiolo is a soft and lush Chianti Classico with ripe fruit aromas backed by easy leather and tobacco. The wine shows nice lines and supple spice.
). Savory on the nose with scents of pressed apple and honey comb, this fairly dry Riesling is surprisingly round and rich on the palate with a lush, floral profile balanced by hints of wax and lanolin and a tart lime juice acidity.
). Very good wine from a winery increasingly known for its red varieties, and one of the best Cabernets ever to hail from this appellation. It shows a dry, distinguished tannin structure and the concentration of flavors typical of this warm, low-yielding region, with black currant intensity. Give it a decant and drink over the next six years.
). Vineyard 7&8's Spring Mountain Estate Cabernets require aging to show their best, and so it is with this 2009. It's dry, tannic and unrewarding now due to its astringency and acidity. But it has a terrific heart of blackberries and minerals that's vast and rich—indicative of great growing conditions. It should begin to come into its own after 2015.
). You'll want to cellar this young 100% Cab because it's not showing its full potential yet. Dry and tannic, it's very rich in black currants and blackberry jam, but all of the wine's parts need more time to fully integrate; currently, the oak is forward, the acids are tart and citrusy, and the tannins are fierce. Should improve over the next 10 years, maybe even 20.
. A delightfully intriguing “White Burgundy” blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier, the last an unexpected surprise, the fruit sourced from both the Sangiacomo and Yountmill vineyards. The wine is light and yet lush, with an inviting nose of sweet apricot and apple pie, and a roundness to the mouthfeel. This would pair nicely with a buttery halibut but also stand well on its own as an apéritif.
. Is the fizziness supposed to be there, or is it a mistake? Either way, it's a low alcohol (only 4.5%), rather sweet but not super-sweet wine, with pleasant orange and vanilla honey flavors, like a fizzy soda.
. Its mouthfeel smacks hard with acidity, leaving a crisp expression of strawberry, raspberry and herb flavors. It turns warm, lactic and chocolaty on the finish.
. Nice drinking wine, dry and silky, with generous berry and herb flavors and a tasteful touch of fine oak. That said, it's fuller-bodied than you'd expect, given the league it plays in. Seems to lack the delicacy and transparency that cool-weather Pinot typically achieves. —S.H.
. Racy and strong, and comes down firmly on the grass, hay and grapefruit side, brimming with bright, tart fruit. A touch of sugar puts it just this side of sweet, with an intriguing taste of white chocolate on the finish. Gets the nod because it's so ultra-clean and zesty. —S.H.
. Recent vintages have left Bordeaux with an alcohol problem, as seen in this wine. The saving grace is the essential Cabernet Sauvignon structure and acidity that keeps the ripe Merlot in balance.
. The winery's above-the-fog vineyard has been kind to Merlot, nearly always producing an interesting wine. The '05, from such a cool vintage, has given crisp, firm tannins, but long hangtime allowed the grapes to develop luscious blackberry flavors, which smoky oak perfectly accents. A wine of charm and depth; should develop bottle complexity over the next 6 years.
. There's a compact, traditional characteristic here that gives this wine smooth, sophisticated appeal. Aromas include white cherry, dried raspberry, tar, licorice and root beer. Twenty percent Malvasia Nera is added to the blend.
. This excellent wine, which is made from the five classic Bordeaux varieties, shows the briary, tannic quality of Dry Creek Valley red wines. It's a lusty, complex sipper with quite a lot of character and personality, and should provide good drinking over the next six years or so.
. This rich and opulent blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot delivers an intense bouquet of chocolate, cherry, blackberry, spice, nutmeg and polished stone. The wine ends with firm, biting tannins and flavors of chocolate essence. Give it three to five years of bottle aging.
. Unfortunately, 1998 was not 1997, when this bottling was very good. This vintage is less ripe, and so the wine has some green aromas and flavors, in addition to  blackberry. That makes the tannins stick out more. There's nothing to contain them, but if you pair it with the right, rich foods, it will be just fine. —S.H.
100% barrel fermentation delivers instantly noticeable toasty accents, giving the wine a pleasant lift. The fruit is a mix of apple and melon, light and pleasant, with a gently fading finish.
100% barrel fermented in 50% new French oak, this wine is dominated by flavors of buttered toast, vanilla and butterscotch. Underneath all the oak is a wine that's quite brisk with acidity and a delicious pineapple-jam flavor.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon all coming from Alder Ridge Vineyard, it has notes of cherry and dried herbs. The tannins are dry with a cranberry filled finish.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a variety of vineyards across eastern Washington, it seems a bit muddled with light notes of cherry, chocolate, and oak spice but may improve with some additional time in bottle.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Kiona. Though a bit light for Red Mountain fruit, this is flavorful and shows some complexity. It marries tart red berries with streaks of tar, iodine and licorice, then moves into barrel flavors of mocha and butterscotch. The acids are sharp and feel adjusted, but may smooth out with a bit more bottle age.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Wallula Vineyard, this brooding wine screams of the Horse Heaven Hills with notes of dusty earth, black currant, and bittersweet chocolate. It's tightly coiled and largely about structure with its firm tannins supporting concentrated cherry flavors. Needs time to come into its own but has the stuffing to lay down for a decade or more.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of cassis, cedar, tobacco and dried Mediterranean herbs. The concentrated palate delivers licorice, black currants, dried plum, coffee, clove and chocolate alongside bracing but fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2016–2022.
100% Malbec, it's redolent with dark plums, wild blueberries and peppery spices. The soft, silky flavors are light but have good concentration with the oak (80% American) seeming quite dialed back.
100% Merlot from Hedges North Block on Red Mountain. It's light, spicy and simple, without the muscle and verve of the state's best Merlots. The fruit is forward, crisply defined, and tastes like fresh raspberries, with some sharp-edged tannins.
100% Mourvèdre from the Ciel du Cheval vineyard, this unusual wine has a distinctive, barky, herbal note. At first it seems to be missing something in the middle, but it's just the dryness of the tannins and the spicy, herbal nature of the raspberry and pomegranate flavored fruit. It actually extends beautifully through a very satisfying and lengthy finish.
100% Sangiovese, this pale pink wine has notes of bubblegum, wild strawberry and spice. It drinks dry with medium-bodied flavors that linger on the finish.
100% varietal from one of Washington's most esteemed vineyards, it's tightly wound and slow to reveal its charms. Notes of clove, woodspice, raspberry and cherry re supported by firm, slightly dry tannins that need time to soften.
100% varietal with all of the fruit coming from StoneTree Vineyard, it's barrel-forward, with notes of fresh brewed coffee, dark chocolate and cherry. It starts out lighter in style before fleshing out over time with a pleasing interplay between the oak and fruit flavors. Soft tannins and tart acidity provide the frame.
100% varietal with the majority of the fruit coming from Weinbau Vineyard, it brings notes of plum, whole green pepper and coffee. The palate lies on the lighter side of medium bodied, fleshing out with some time open, with a lovely texture but with some grit to the tannins. Perhaps some additional time in the bottle with smooth it out.
100% varietal, it's intriguing with notes of toast and cherry. Though the fruit concentration is good, the tannins are dry and bitter.
100% varietal, this is a directly appealing wine. It features a nice interplay between the barrel notes of fresh brewed coffee and sweet spices (40% new French with the balance seasoned American) and the fruit flavors of cherry and herb, with a supple feel bringing it all together.
100% varietal, this is a strict barrel selection from key vineyards – Les Collines, Seven Hills, Lewis and Portteus. It is tight, dense, deeply detailed, and built for long term aging. Right now it's showing a fair amount of herb and forest floor, but the structure is so perfect that it doesn't matter.
100% varietal, this is impressively deep in color, yet trips lightly across the palate. It tastes of pretty strawberries, with hints of creamy chocolate.
100% varietal, this wine displays an intriguing profile of savory herbs, nori, barrel spices and graphite with dark fruit lurking beneath the surface and a citrus twist. There's minimal excess alcoholic fat. It's all flavor, with lively acids, a supple, polished feel and good depth and intensity—especially impressive considering the youth of this site (2005 plantings).
100% varietal, this wine exhibits aromas of dried herb, cigar box, and cherry. The flavors are tart, light and elegant, harmonizing on the finish.
100% varietal, this wine is a blend of fruit from Ciel du Cheval and Force Majeure vineyards. The dark fruit, mineral, meat, white pepper, green herb and savory aromas are initially brooding but intriguing. The palate packs a big wallop of dark-fruit flavors, bringing a lot of hedonistic appeal. It's not for the faint of heart but it delivers.
100% varietal, this wine reveals aromas of dark coffee, pencil lead, dried herbs and dried dark fruit. The flavors are rich and focused, showing layers of depth and intensity and a long finish. It's a hedonistic display of the variety, though at times it seems to get a bit dried out.
100% Wallula Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, this first vintage from Den Hoed was held for almost a full nine years before its release. It shows its age with dried cherries and raisins accented by medicine cabinet notes. The palate is in full bloom with rich, rounded flavors and chalky tannins leading to a cranberry filled finish. For people interested in seeing what aged wine tastes like, they've done the work for you here.
15% Alicante Bouschet gives this wine its dark color and rich, plummy texture. It has weight, ripe, bold fruit and soft tannins and is ready to drink.
2 Jakes smells sweet and alcoholic at first, then veers left with cranberry aromas, veers right with a pinch of cola and finishes tannic. Keep the food fatty and simple and it'll go well.
20% whole-cluster fermented, this rich, brooding blend of Alder Ridge (86%) and Snipes Mountain Grenache brings notes of licorice, dark cherry, black pepper and mortared herbs. It's broad in feel, tart, fruit filled, and tightly wound, needing time in the cellar to unfurl.
2011 is another excellent vintage for this unique and aromatic blend from Brian Carter. The mix is 51% Viognier, 35% Roussanne and 14% Riesling, and it offers a riot of scents and flavors; a rotating Ferris wheel with lemon skin, beeswax, orange peel, tangerine, succulent lime and ripe pear. It's flat out luxurious, long and lissome.
2011 was a great year for Sauternes and this second wine of Rieussec shows great botrytis weight and richness as well as a floral and fruity character. Bitter orange marmalade and honey give this still-youthful wine its sweeter and fruitier side. Drink from 2016.
2012 marks only the second vintage for winemaker Nathan Kendall, but this dry, exceptionally stony Riesling suggests a promising start already. Fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeast, it's exquisitely spry but concentrated in lime, blossom and white grapefruit notes.
2014 proves another banner year for this delightful blend of Sémillon from Monte Rosso Vineyard, Muscadelle from Pagani Ranch and Palomino and Muscadelle from Saitone Ranch. High-toned in tart, refreshing acidity, it offers hints of vanilla biscuit with its lime, apple and melon flavors, lingering in memory for days.
2015's ripe red cherry fruit is presented here in a compact, taut, and concentrated package of freshness and verve. It has lovely pepper spice and ample freshness, giving focus to its lovely, crunchy, fresh cherry fruit.
50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it brings notes of brandy soaked cherry, licorice, herbs and barrel spices. The fruit flavors are plush in feel and tart with tightly wound, dry tannins.
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Grenache make this a flavorful and well structured Vin de Pays from the south of France. Fleshy in the mouth with ripe tannins, notes of black plum, blackberry, fennel and a hint of green pepper lead into the solid finish.
500 ml. Almost as intensely spicy as an Alsace Gewürztraminer, this is a rich wine that remains essentially dry. Ripe peach and lychee are right up front, giving a fine intensity. This wine would work well with blue cheese or a pâté.
55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot aged two years in new French oak, the wood notes are quite prominent along with mint, cherry, and chocolate. True to the vintage, it's lighter in style with tart fruit flavors, mouthwatering acids, and firm tannins that still need some time to come into their own.
73% Merlot, with Cabernet and Petite Verdot making up the difference, this is a finely crafted and delicious effort. Medium-bodied and creamy, the Merlot gives this wine a feminine feel, despite solid, soft tannins. Dark, extracted black fruits have some accents of forest and black olive, while leather adds to the cherry and cassis nose. Could use time to soften further, but very approachable now.
75% Syrah and 25% Cinsault from the oldest continually cultivated vinifera vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. The spicy, intensely aromatic nose mixes black cherry, concentrated cassis, coffee, bacon, leather and roasted nuts. It unfolds in layer upon layer of rich fruit, tannin, leather and smoke. Dense, deep and Rhône-like, it finishes with a montage of meaty, peppery, bacon-smoke flavors.
84-86 Barrel sample. Definitely in the earthy style of Listrac, very tannin dominated, the fruit way behind that dry structure. It seems to have been over-extracted.
84-86 Barrel sample. With its gentle tannins and juicy fruit, this is on the fresh side, the jelly and blackcurrant flavors a hint.
84-86 Tough, only with tannins. Very hard wine, firm.
84 Bridlewood 1999 Merlot (Central Coast); $22. Not a complete success due to notable vegetal notes suggesting those notorious South Coast asparagus. The acids and tannins are fine and so is the color. Most of the grapes came from Monterey, where the trick with Bordeaux varietals always is getting them ripe.
85-87 A dark wine, the fruit tasting a little over-ripe. It does have structure and acidity, but feels soft and flabby.
85-87 Barrel sample. High wood here, with spicy toast. The fruit is lean by comparison, hinting at freshness, but not giving much through the wood and tannin.
85-87 Barrel sample. Ripe, unfocussed fruit, simple blackberry jelly flavor, lacking the structure and the acidity.
85-87 Barrel sample. This is light, fresh, on the dilute side, with easy berry fruits and some juicy character. Not much depth here.
85-87 Pushing dryness, and tannins, the wine feels extracted, hard. The fruit doesn't catch up with the structure.
85-87 The wine seems too ripe, the fruit very rich, opulent. It has weight, a jammy character, the tannins out of balance
85–87. Barrel sample. This is a soft, simple wine. It has attractive, gentle fruits and some ripe tannins. Likely to age quickly.
86-88 A lean wine, with the over-ripe fruit battling with the tannins. It is hard and over extracted.
86-88 Barrel sample An aroma that is almost port-like in its sweetness. To taste, the structure is lost in a swathe of ripeness that covers the fruit.
86-88 Barrel sample. Densely structured wine, all rich plums and berry fruit flavors. There is a strong amount of wood, but it is the juicy, just green, character of the wine which is most prominent.
86-88 Barrel sample. Despite its initial edge of bitterness, this develops as a dense wine, packed with dark high toast and blackberry jelly flavors. The final bite of high extract spoils the finish.
86-88 Barrel sample. Firm, with a bitter, tight edge, this has high acidity, spice, and a tight layer of tannins. For a second wine, this is not that accessible.
86-88 Fine fruit, lovely black currant character, with fine acidity and great freshness. A delicious wine. There is some Carmenère in the blend.
86-88 Firmly tannic, stalky with black currant and an edge of extracted bitterness.
86-88 Intense wood aromas that are translated through to the palate. This is all smoky plank and structure.
86-88 Sweet, soft fruit, ripe and attractive, with some spice and fresh tannins. The wine is open, already developing.
86–88. Barrel sample. A hard-edged wine, the palate is very dry, and without the fruit to support it. It has edgy wood tannins, and only a hint of juiciness.
86–88. Barrel sample. On the dry, extracted side, this is a wine with some firm tannins and solid structure. The aftertaste is dark, mineral and austere.
86–88. Barrel sample. This is a very ripe wine, that's perhaps overripe in its soft, fruity character. It is very full in the mouth with gentle tannins.
87-89 A delicious spicy wine, keeping the freshness and acidity in a red fruit style. The spice from the wood is too defined.
87-89 A wine that is all structure, with very little fruit. It has a hard, metallic edge.
87-89 Barrel sample. A pleasurable, perfumed wine, with lovely fresh fruit and sweet flavors. It is relatively light, finishing freshly, with acidity and velvet tannins.
87-89 Barrel sample. Firm, ripe, densely structured, giving what is almost a meal in itself. The texture is dry, also rich, powerful.
87-89 Barrel sample. Initially closed, the wine is tight, mineral, with tannins that are hard and dense. The fruit is perhaps too light for all this weight of structure.
87-89 Barrel sample. Minty aromas give lifted smooth fruit, with an edge of caramel toast. That sweetness seems to cut through the fruit, leaving the fresh acidity behind.
87-89 Barrel sample. Ripe fruit certainly, but over a structure which is much more mineral and dark. Maybe without the power of some of the year's wines, but it will show well in a more delicate style.
87-89 Barrel sample. Smooth and chocolatey, the textures are extreme velvet. The fruit is ripe, very forward, easy and soft.
87-89 Barrel sample. With its lovely fresh fruit, gentle tannins, spice and acidity, this is an easy, open, gentle wine. The fruit is ripe and floral.
87-89 Firmly structured, dense tannins and wood, leaving the fruit behind. Extraction is a problem here.
87-89 Lacking richness, the wine has acidity, some sweetness, but misses definition and density.
87-89 Lovely weight and fruit with freshness and acidity. A very attractive wine with blackberry fruits, dusty tannins. Almost opulent.
87-89 Rich, though a wine that seems to lack an inner core. It is all beautiful fruit, super-ripe, laced with acidity, missing the structure.
87-89 Ripe and juicy, a forward fruity wine, with acidity and freshness. A wine for early drinking.
87-89 Ripe new wood and spice with blackberry juice flavors, very rich and concentrated. It has soft tannins, very juicy.
87-89 Smooth, poiished new wood along with sweet, soft tannins. A velvet textured, smoky wine.
87-89 Soft wine, its acidity light. Pineapple and green apple flavors, with hints of wood.
87-89 Solid, chunky wine, full of dense tannins, concentrated fruit. There is a powerful feel to it.
87-89 The wine is out of focus, with fruit lost in a structure that hasn't come together. It has weight and acidity, plum fruits showing slowly.
87-89 The wine seems hollow, all tannins, missing the weight of fruit. It's dark, certainly and concentrated, but one-dimensional.
87-89 The wine tastes light, with a hard edged mineral character, the richness still a distance away.
87-89 Very cassis in character, with fruit, some weight and totally juicy acidity.
87-89 With intense acidity, this is a structured, firm wine. The extract is considerable, leaving an edge of bitterness. At the same time, the freshness gives point to the wood tannins.
87–89. Barrel sample. Big, ripe and fruity, this wine has attractive acidity and a soft texture. The palate is full bodied with a lingering fruity aftertaste.
87–89. Barrel sample. Dry, firm, extracted tannins are alleviated by the fruity background on this wine. There's a bitter chocolate character along with black currant and brisk acidity on the finish.
87–89. Barrel sample. Jammy in character—perhaps attributable to the 26% of Petit Verdot in the blend—this wine is soft and smooth, but already developing well.
87–89. Barrel sample. Spicy wood comes through strongly, giving this wine a bitterness that's contrasted with intense acidity and tart black-currant flavors.
87–89. Barrel sample. This is a firm, extracted wine that's hard-edged and needing some signs of fruit. Very dry and austere, chocolate and bitter-coffee notes dominate.
87–89. Barrel sample. This is a fruity, lightweight wine that is very juicy and soft. It's attractively bright and fresh with an open character.
87–89. Barrel sample. This is a warm, open wine that's gently tannic, and likely to age quickly. It has some spice, ripe black plums, and aftertaste that reveals some of its dry structure.
87–89. Barrel sample. This wine is solid and dark with bitter tannins that offer a hard edge to the riper blackberry fruits. A dense wine that has a very dry core.
87–89. Barrel sample. With firm tannins along with acidity and freshness, this is a lively, smoky wine, finishing with intense juicy acidity.
87—89 Barrel sample. Even lesser Pomerol estates did well in 2006. The concentrated fruit of this wine is all about ripe Merlot, and the acidity gives a burst of life.
87—89 Barrel sample. Full of the vibrant Merlot which is a hallmark of 2006. The wine adds to the fruit solid tannins and a dense structure.
87—89 Barrel sample. In the herbaceous style, this wine is all about crisp grapefruit and lime. There's a stucture there, but it is lost in the crisp fruit.
87—89 Barrel sample. Plenty of  fresh blackcurrant flavors here, in a wine that is charming, with its ripe fruits and lively acidity. The fruit is open, dominating the tannins. An early developer.
87—89 Barrel sample. Soft fruit, followed by high acids, and a layer of dry tannins. This is a tense, dark wine, very dry, dominated by blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavors.
87—89 Barrel sample. There's plenty of botrytis here, giving a wine with a great fresh burst of acidity along with the sweetness.
87—89 Barrel sample. This is about acidity. The wine is fresh, with its sweetness layered around the fresh white pears and citrus acidity.
87—89 Barrel sample. Very soft, very fruity, but attractively spicy from new wood. The acidity to finish gives a real lift.
88-90 A definite mineral character here, with a wine that boasts a taut structure, pushing beyond the metallic edge of the fruit.
88-90 Acidity and fresh fruit are out of balance with smoky wood. The wine will need to integrate in the coming months, although all the elements are there.
88-90 Barrel sample. A dark hued wine, with its tense tannins giving a strong backbone to the dry, firm structure. The fruit hardly shows through all this dry, extracted character.
88-90 Barrel sample. A hugely extracted wine, very dark and tannic, solid, spicy wood.
88-90 Barrel sample. A light style, moving into delicate citrus and crisp fruits. It shows a lively palate, with a tight, dry core of botrytis.
88-90 Barrel sample. A ripe, fruity wine, showing delicious fresh berries, lively acidity over solid tannins. This is a wine on the charming side, maybe lacking intensity, but a pleasure to taste.
88-90 Barrel sample. A spicy new wood flavored wine, offering attractive jammy fruits. The wine is fresh, fruity, not particularly dense, but balancing well.
88-90 Barrel sample. An intensely spicy wine, full of exotic flavors, dried prunes, figs and a powerful layer of cinammon. The wine certainly has character.
88-90 Barrel sample. Caramel new wood aromas are followed by spice and toast flavors. The fruit seems thin by comparison, hard to feel under all that polished toast.
88-90 Barrel sample. Dark bitter chocolate coated wine, soft in texture, but with a good stalky chewy edge. Final flavors are of cedar, new wood and spice.
88-90 Barrel sample. Density with an important structure, this wine is concentrated, with fresh plum flavors. There is a slight edge of greenness, bringing out acidity.
88-90 Barrel sample. Dry firm tannins with a lively sweet layer of blackcurrant fruits. Both tannins and fruit are ripe.
88-90 Barrel sample. Finely structured, a wine that boasts great fresh fruits, firm tannins and berry fruits. The wine is structured with considerable acidity.
88-90 Barrel sample. Good, with dense tannins, a powerful wine that shows a rich structure. It has obvious acidity, but that fits into a fresh profile.
88-90 Barrel sample. Light, ripe, fresh with pleasant acidity and the freshest of blackcurrants.
88-90 Barrel sample. Lots of spiced wood, with sweet blackberry fruits. The wine is initially soft, but the tannins do kick in. The fruit finally has great freshness
88-90 Barrel sample. Packed, fruity wine, dominated by very fresh acidity. The wine is crisp as much as rich, maybe on the lean side.
88-90 Barrel sample. Perfumed, light, hinting at minerality, the wine has a smooth veneer over the dusty tannins. The final effect is rich and polished.
88-90 Barrel sample. Ripe and sweet, plush fruit, balanced sufficiently with acidity and some firm tannic character. The wine is chunky, but there is balance.
88-90 Barrel sample. Ripe, but firm wine, its blackcurrant freshness tucked into stark tannins. Black plum juice gives both acidity and sweetness. The final is a balanced wine, lifted by spice.
88-90 Barrel sample. Smooth and opulent, with great swatches of ripe blackberry frutis. There is some bitterness from the wood but the end is intense.
88-90 Barrel sample. Some spice here, from the rich Merlot. The wine has ripe blackberry, sweet fruits as well as concentrated tannins.
88-90 Barrel sample. Sweet vanilla aroma, fruit that is ripe, soft, fleshy. This seems to have suffered from super-mature, fruit, although a final juiciness does help.
88-90 Barrel sample. The first release of a wine from young vines. It is charming, juicy and fresh, the fruit bright and lively.
88-90 Barrel sample. The second wine of Château Palmer is light, fresh and fruity, with accessible blackcurrant fruits. There is a light touch of wood, with delicious, easy juicy acidity.
88-90 Barrel sample. The smoothest of ripe fruit with an exuberance of wood spice. The wine has generous tannins, but the finish feels a little rustic.
88-90 Barrel sample. The wood is the dominant character here, the fruit hinting at herbacousness, but forced behind all that toast.
88-90 Barrel sample. There is a high level of new wood, toast that dominates both the aroma and the flavors. It gives the wine a hard-edged feel at this stage.
88-90 Barrel sample. This is rich, with sweet fruits and delicious sweet plum flavors, good tannins, a lovely juicy character.
88-90 Barrel sample. Very apply wine, with light botrytis character, some spice and very fresh fruit. It is bright and almost crisp.
88-90 Barrel sample. Very ripe fruit aromas, the fruit ripe, full of sweetness, showing signs of super maturity.
88-90 Barrel sample. Very soft, rounded wine, the tannins a mere hint as the fruit rolls forward. Fine, juicy spice.
88-90 Barrel sample. Very sweet fruit, deliciously approachable. Chocolate and ripe black fruit. The layer of tannin is important to keep all this opulence together.
88-90 Barrel sample. With its minty aroma and high proportion of new wood, this is a wine which shows polish, a smooth, wood-laden texture offering a wine that will probably age quickly.
88-90 Big, extracted wine, with hard tannins, very firm, tough.
88-90 Dense and dry, a firmly structured wine, packed with tannins and a solid texture. The acidity powers through everything.
88-90 Great acidity runs through what is also a richly concentrated wine. It has weight, density, always with this bright acidity.
88-90 Smoky ripe fruit, big and bold fruit with some firm tannins. The wine is packed with ripe berry fruits.
88-90 Soft, ripe, smooth, with delicious acidity and berry fruits. Some good density.
88-90 Solid, chunky wine, firmly tannic and tough. The weight of fruit is there to give promise for the future.
88-90 Spicy, smoky character, with ripe fruit and good acidity. Black plums, and very rich. There is a touch of pepper from the alcohol.
88-90 Spicy, toasty fresh citrus wine. It's light, crisp, with bright final acidity.
88-90 The wine seems to have over-ripe fruit, giving it an unbalanced feel. It does have weight, the tannins offering some structure, while it's the acidity that really gives the wine shape.
88–90. Barrel sample. Green, herbal aromas are dominant here. The wine has a crisp character, showing Sauvignon strongly. Finishes with a very green aftertaste.
88–90. Barrel sample. Juicy and fruity, this wine has brisk acidity and fresh fruit flavors, along with a bitter edge of dark chocolate.
88–90. Barrel sample. Juicy and fruity, this wine is a classic example of the vintage. Along with a forward fruit character, there is a spicy element from new wood. The wine finishes with layered acidity.
88–90. Barrel sample. Juicy and ripe, this wine has rich fruitiness without the balancing structure. It profits from ripe Merlot flavors in the blend, yielding a fruity wine that will develop fast.
88–90. Barrel sample. Layered new-wood flavors dominate this ripe wine. It has a concentrated structure while also being full and fruity. There is a touch of bitter extraction at the end.
88–90. Barrel sample. Packed with dark tannins, this wine is concentrated and dry with considerable extraction, giving the palate a bitter coffee character. It could stay severe in style.
88–90. Barrel sample. Ripe, almost Porty in character, the wine boasts very black fruit that shines through the tannins. The palate has a dry edge to it, revealing dark concentration and a firm aftertaste.
88–90. Barrel sample. Signs of very ripe fruit are everywhere on this wine with soft tannins and a rich, sweet plum character. The palate is forward and likely to age fast.
88–90. Barrel sample. This dry wine is balanced by a dark concentration of juicy fruit. It has enough density of both black fruit and dry tannins to promise good aging.
88–90. Barrel sample. This is a ripe, full wine that's very soft in the tannin department. Its pleasure comes from the warm plum fruits and open, generous character.
88–90. Barrel sample. This is an herbaceous wine that's very crisp and citrusy. Pear and spice flavors add a warmer element, while the aftertaste has a mineral texture.
88—90 Barrel sample. A light, fresh wine, with some good blackcurrant flavors. This offers clean, ripe fruit, soft tannins. The hint of dryness to finish is a bonus, suggesting some ageability.
88—90 Barrel sample. A spicy, wood laden wine, kept afloat with ripe blackberries and fresh tannins. Excellent acidity to keep the wine buoyant.
88—90 Barrel sample. A wine with a high wood content, maybe too much – the question is over the fruit's ability to stand up to the blast of wood. The result is a wine that is super-spicy.
88—90 Barrel sample. Firm and dry, here is a wine that still offers plenty of ripe fruits. There are good blackcurrant flavors, along with the dry tannins that are as much wood as fruit driven.
88—90 Barrel sample. Great acidity here, which freshens up the ripe peach and apricot flavors, balanced with kiwi fruit crispness. Excellent, lively, perfumed wine.
88—90 Barrel sample. Soft, open, the wood giving roundness to a spicy, rich wine. It will develop quickly.
88—90 Barrel sample. Somewhat lean, more of solid tannin than fruit. But there is also some fresh acidity.
88—90 Barrel sample. Spicy, rich, concentrated, with sweet vanilla flavors over the blackberry fruits. Soft and ripe, a wine that is made to charm.
88—90 Barrel sample. Sweet, soft, ripe, full of very soft fruit flavors. The ripeness of the year seems to have overtaken the wine.
88—90 Barrel sample. The man who makes Dassault aeroplanes, also owns this property. It's improving, as witnessed by this dense, dark wine, very solid, dark chocolate.
88—90 Barrel sample. The second wine of Valandraud, a wine that goes more for tannins than its big brother. The fruit is less obvious, less attractive.
88—90 Barrel sample. Very sweet, ripe, rounded, with almost tropical richness, layered with lychees and spice.
89-91 A balanced and structured wine that shows fine acidity, berry fruits and dashing acidity. With the balance already there, it is developing well in barrel, promising a stylish wine down the road.
89-91 A balanced wine, the fruit shining through the tannins. The wine has power, not excessive, with a jammy character and a light touch of final acidity.
89-91 A firm wine, with tight tannins, very structured, showing a mineral edge.
89-91 A wine that is lighted by its acidity. It has weight, certainly, but the dominance is freshness. Extreme final smoky juiciness.
89-91 Attractively perfumed, with great acidity and delicious dusty tannins. It is fresh, hinting at wood, spice and blackberry flavors.
89-91 Balanced wine, its acidity marking the red berry fruits. It has a dry, tough core, while the fruit rolls easily through the structure.
89-91 Barrel sample. A big wine, with intense dark tannins and great concentration. This is a wine of power, somewhat rough around the edges. To finish, great juiciness.
89-91 Barrel sample. A definite burnt character on the nose, but the fruit has proper richness, the wood perhaps showing too much high toast. The freshness should be kept and not lost in the wood.
89-91 Barrel sample. A firm dry wine, its character dominated by its dense structure. The fruit is just one of the many elements in this concentrated wine.
89-91 Barrel sample. A full-bodied wine that lacks some definition. It has fatness, weight, but the freshness is not all there.
89-91 Barrel sample. A rich wine, with soft, juicy tannins, some spice, the tannins dry at the center. Good structure, touch of wood.
89-91 Barrel sample. A ripe, soft wine, showing the caramel flavors of new wood as well big, blackberry fruits. It is certainly a ripe wine, which shows through well in the fresh juicy aftertaste.
89-91 Barrel sample. A rounded wine, packed with rich fruits, feeling generous. The plum and damson juice flavors are dominant, ripe and powerful.
89-91 Barrel sample. A smooth wine, almost velvet, very polished. The fruits are ripe, sweet, very soft.
89-91 Barrel sample. A solid chunky sweet wine, with lots of ripe bright fruits, and vivid blackcurrants. With this structure it will age.
89-91 Barrel sample. A wine that has all the grace of Château Margaux, but just a hint of depth and power. The tannins stay soft, there are hints of spice and a distinct acidity.
89-91 Barrel sample. All fresh blackberry juice with sweetness and power. The wine has richness, along with considerable charming freshness.
89-91 Barrel sample. Caramel aromas, a wine that seems over-extracted, tough. The fruit has a juicy element, but misses out on elegance.
89-91 Barrel sample. Considerable freshness here, a wine that has ripe blackcurrant fruit, but very soft tannins.
89-91 Barrel sample. Dark, somewhat austere, a wine that masks the generosity of Saint-Julien. Everything is there, but in grey and white, rather than vivid color.
89-91 Barrel sample. Firm and dry, with powerful blackcurrant acids, a wine that has a strong mineral content, very concentrated and dark.
89-91 Barrel sample. Fresh and juicy, this wine exudes blackcurrant juice flavors, the wood a background hint. It is has an attractive light touch, with fine final berry tastes.
89-91 Barrel sample. Juicy, the fruit showing some awkward super-maturity. Power, but the structure is missing.
89-91 Barrel sample. Owned by Cos d'Estournel, this is made in a sumptuous style for a Médoc wine. It is plump, ripe, the fruit the sole event here. It is sweet black and rich. For early drinking.
89-91 Barrel sample. Owned by Jean-Luc Thunevin of Valandraud, this is an intense - maybe too intense - spicy wine, packed with new wood. There is a juicy character, but structure dominates.
89-91 Barrel sample. Powerful, but smooth, with ripe milk chocolate and sweetness. Very velvet in texture, with just enough acidity.
89-91 Barrel sample. Rich and sweet, with fresh tannins and solid fruit flavors. The wine is dark, but has vivid acidity.
89-91 Barrel sample. Solid, but still fresh wine, good acidity, some sweetness, but more pure blackcurrant and berry fruits.
89-91 Barrel sample. Solidly packed tannins, very firm and structured, a feeling of considerable extract as well as a high toast content.
89-91 Barrel sample. Spice and sweet fruits, a delicious wine, already soft and approachable. Only a hint of tough tannin suggests aging.
89-91 Barrel sample. Surprisingly lightweight wine, its freshness the dominant character. It shows bright black fruits and some toast, the tannins a sweet element.
89-91 Barrel sample. Sweet fruit, soft tannins, ripe wine. The structure takes a while to show with dusty, almost velvet tannins.
89-91 Barrel sample. The wine has a rustic edge, over very juicy fruit, very blackcurrant, and with a high acid content. It feels light.
89-91 Barrel sample. Very fresh. With just a light touch of wood spice, and a great burst of citrus, grapefruit, a little lychee from Muscadelle.
89-91 Barrel sample. Very Sauvignon aromas, lovely fresh herbaceous character. The wine has a fine freshness to it, light, with fruity grapefruit and lime flavors.
89-91 Barrel sample. Well balanced, the fruit fresh but ripe. There is an edge of dry tannins which slashes through the fruit, giving a firm, dry aftertaste.
89-91 Both freshness and richness are well combined in this elegant Sauternes. What it misses in weight, it gains in honey and apricot flavors.
89-91 Concentrated wood aromas, although on the palate fine, tannic black fruits show through the toast. Will be rich and juicy.
89-91 Elegant, with spice and ripe stalky fruit, acidity and firm tannins. Juicy black fruit to finish.
89-91 Fine tannins, with plenty of juicy fruit. The wine has wonderful sweetness to go with the acidity.
89-91 Firm and structured, plenty of bitter chocolate as well as sweet fruit. The wine is very dense, wearing its tannins on the surface. Power here, dark and firm.
89-91 Firmly structured, while also boosted with sweet, smoky fruits and ripe tannins. The wine has style more than power, and the juicy berry fruits give it acidity and a fresh aftertaste.
89-91 Herbaceous and fresh, the wine has a grassy character with a citrus edge, spice and grapefruit. It is lively and refreshing.
89-91 Rich and spicy, the wine has ripe balanced fruit, lots of juiciness. A very Merlot, jammy character.
89-91 Ripe, juicy fruit laced with wood and tannins. The fruit is so black currant jam in flavors that the wine is almost approachable now.
89-91 Ripe, soft fruit, the tannin right within the sweetness. It has density without weight, an opulent, ripe wine.
89-91 Smoky, firm tannins, with black currant fruits, firmly dark, dry and tannic, with a solid structure.
89-91 Smooth, opulent with tannins firmly buried in the sweet acidity. Black plum juice flavors go with the ripe fruits and just a touch of spice.
89-91 Smooth, ripe wine, its black plum fruits integrating well with acidity and an edge of dusty tannins. The wine has weight, density, good freshness.
89-91 Soft, open style of wine from one of the largest estates in the Médoc. The wine has fresh berry fruits, tingling acidity, very fresh.
89-91 Solid, chunky wine, with a fine juicy element showing through in the aftertaste. It has weight, structure, a dense texture, and balance.
89-91 The wine is all tannins, very severe feeling. The toughness masks the fruit, although there is just a hint of juiciness to finish.
89-91 This has weight, dark tannins, very taut and mineral. Spice comes from the wood.
89-91 Tought initially, although the weight of fruit is all there. The dry core spreads outwards, giving a rich, textured feel. Very firm aftertaste.
89-91 Very structured, the wood permeating the fruit, giving a toasty, spicy character. The fruit shows in the juicy under taste. Extraction might be a problem.
89-91. Barrel sample. Firm and dark, with tannins dominating the ripe fruit, this wine's wood aging shows strongly now; and the fruit weight is not yet there.
89-91. Barrel sample. Full-bodied and warm, this is a smooth wine. It's very accessible with blackberry fruit and delicious acidity. An attractive wine.
89-91. Barrel sample. Here is a warm, ripe wine with dark tannins. It's well spiced and fruity, showing crisp black currant fruits.
89-91. Barrel sample. The tannins are tough, although the fruit character is juicy in this wine. This makes for a well-structured, solid expression, with intense and crisp acidity at the end.
89-91. Barrel sample. There is a good balance here between the ripe blackberry fruits and the solid tannins. This wine shows new wood and a touch of green flavor.
89-91. Barrel sample. This has a taut and very herbaceous character, with a crisp green-apple flavors and creamy feel.
89-91. Barrel sample. This wine shows firm tannins, yet is also fruity. It feels light and fresh with attractive acidity and a crisp touch.
89-91. Barrel sample. While there is 100% new wood, the weight of fruit in this expression is sufficient to power through. It will be an impressive wine.
89–90. Barrel sample. This is a polished, new-wood flavored wine that has hints of mint as well as an herbal character. It's juicy and soft with black currant fruits lending an attractive aftertaste.
89–91. Barrel sample. Firmly tannic and dry, the wine has density, a dry core and complex structure. With a firm character, not yet hinting at fruit.
89–91. Barrel sample. From the northern Médoc vineyard of Goulée, this spicy, cool wine has a touch of green as well as fresh fruit. It's textured with a salty, herbaceous feel.
89–91. Barrel sample. In its ninth harvest as the Médoc bottling from Château Cos d'Estournel, Goulée is coming into its own as the vineyard matures. The palate is nicely concentrated with chocolate and black-currant fruits, followed by an herbal hint on the finish.
89–91. Barrel sample. Intense acidity and bright black-currant fruit makes this wine fresh and fruity. There's firm tannic structure at the core, but it's at the service of the fruit. This is a wine that's likely to age over the medium term.
89–91. Barrel sample. One of the largest vineyards in the Médoc, Larose Trintaudon has produced a reliable, attactively fruity wine with soft tannins, blackberry-juice flavors and a crisp acidity at the end.
89–91. Barrel sample. Structured and firm, this solid, dense wine is lightened by fresh acidity that is already well integrated into the tannins. A big and fruity finish gives the wine added attraction.
89–91. Barrel sample. There is a severe character to this wine, with its bold acidity and firm tannins. At the same time, the fruitiness is attractive, as is the final perfume.
89–91. Barrel sample. This chateau has been newly acquired by the Barton family of Léoville Barton. It's an attractive, fruity wine with warm tannins. The palate is fine and juicy, and finishes softly at the end.
89–91. Barrel sample. This is a concentrated wine that's very full in the mouth and shows its structure right up front. It has acidity and some juiciness, but the fruit is still very suppressed by the dryness.
89–91. Barrel sample. This is a delicious, spicy wine that glories in its peach and pear flavors. Opulent in style, the wine is ripe and rounded with just a twist of grapefruit acidity.
89–91. Barrel sample. This is a juicy wine with so much ripe fruit, it lends the palate a soft, easy character. The tannins are gentle and warm, with lively acidity on the finish giving a fresh aftertaste.
89–91. Barrel sample. This is a perfumed wine with new-wood aromas that lend a strongly woody character. The wood buries much of the fruit at the moment, resulting in a hard and dry aftertaste.
89–91. Barrel sample. This is a ripe and fruity wine with delicious, already-accessible black-currant fruit. Attractive and very forward.
89–91. Barrel sample. This juicy wine is attractively perfumed. It's a wine that will develop relatively quickly with lively acidity and balanced tannins.
89–91. Barrel sample. This wine is attractive with light tannins, black-currant fruits and lively acidity. It has a rustic edge, allowing the dominant Merlot flavors to shine through.
89–91. Barrel sample. This wine is marked by new-wood spice and strong structure that showcases a sense of weight and spicy ripeness. The palate is powerful, while also maintaining a bold, juicy character.
89–91. Barrel sample. Very open, ripe and soft, this wine has spice, fruity plum-juice flavors and just a touch of warm tannin.
89—91 Barrel sample. A dark, chocolatey wine, with coffee and mocha elements. It's very powerful, the fruit is juicy, generous.
89—91 Barrel sample. A single vineyard wine, from a small parcel right by the city of St-Emilion. This has blackberries, layers of bitter chocolate and dried currants. The fruit aftertaste is sweet.
89—91 Barrel sample. Owned by Hubert de Bouärd of Château Angélus, this is an example of what can be done in the lesser appellations if money is no object. It is smooth, ripe, with new wood but not too much, powered by top quality, densely dry tannins.
89—91 Barrel sample. The top wine produced by Jess Jackson in St-Emilion, Lassègue is soft, ripe, open, packed with dark plums, very opulent.
89—91 Barrel sample. Very rich fruit, very ripe, sweet wine tempered with botrytis dryness. Great full flavors of candied fruits and quince.
89—91 Barrel sample. Very spicy wood aromas, but to taste the wine is better balanced. The wood seems to be integrated with the fruit, leaving a sweet, softly rich wine.
90-92 A firmly tannic wine, solidly based on a dry texture, the black currant fruits a major element in its texture. It is dark, dry, guarding its freshness for the end.
90-92 A ripe wine, keeping great swathes of freshness and offering the most delicioys acidity. Such a fresh wine, full of great blackberry fruist, very fresh as well as dense.
90-92 A soft, juicy wine, swollen with black currants, having the freshest character in the aftertaste.
90-92 A wine that is smoky from the wood, while the tannins are firm and structured. It has a dark character, dominated by final new wood flavors.
90-92 A wine that shows acidity, a tension between fruit and richness, delicately structured, very aromatic. The texture shows potential richness.
90-92 All structure and tannin over the austere black fruits. The wine at this stage is powered by its texture rather than the fruit.
90-92 Attractive floral perfumes, a wine that is soft initially then shows a fine herbaceous edge. Crisp, textured with hints of wood.
90-92 Austere, with a dark character dominated by major tannins. These push the spice character of the wine, the sweet fruit following on behind.
90-92 Barrel sample. A bright, shiny wine, spiced with blackcurrants and sweet plums, very fruity, dancing with liveliness.
90-92 Barrel sample. A finely structured wine, its tannins firm but generous. It has some dark characters, black plums and a solid texture, but it is also fired with super-rich fruit.
90-92 Barrel sample. A very smoky character, with an attractive lightness. The fruit is bright, even though there is richness. The tannins give a dark, dry aftertaste.
90-92 Barrel sample. Along with the new wood flavors, the wine has rich fruit, spiced with dried figs, dark berries and a rounded, fruitcake character. There's a good touch of perfume to lift the finish.
90-92 Barrel sample. As often, Magdelaine is a wine that is on the austere side, emphasizing minerality, not showing much at this stage. The acidity is tight, opening slowly to blackcurrant flavors.
90-92 Barrel sample. Austere and mineral, this is a tight wine, held by bonds of tannin. The structure is based upon dark plum skins, as well as potentially rich fruit.
90-92 Barrel sample. Balanced, open wine, full of ripe blackcurrant fruits. It has a fine, rich density which shows well alongside the acidity of a young wine. It finishes with delicious black fruits.
90-92 Barrel sample. Big, ripe fruits, spiced with new wood, a big-hearted blackberry wine, sweet tannins, potentially generous.
90-92 Barrel sample. Dense tannins over delicious blackberry juicy fruit. A finely structured wine, good freshness and sweet aftertaste.
90-92 Barrel sample. Dense, smoky tannins over ripe fruit with layers of powerful structure. It is extracted but also well-made.
90-92 Barrel sample. Firm tannins, but also ripe, sweet fruits, with a fine balance. While the wine is on the light, fresh side, it does have a good, final structure.
90-92 Barrel sample. Firmly dry wine, solid with many firm, wood-derived tannins. It gives bitter coffee and cranberry juice flavors, but also manages to retain freshness.
90-92 Barrel sample. From a vineyard right on the edge of the city of Saint-Emilion, this is a rounded wine, packed with ripe and generous fruit, black cherries and velvet tannins. The finish is very juicy.
90-92 Barrel sample. Fruity, attractively balanced wine, the spice and caramel wood flavors fitting well into the sweet, berry fruits.
90-92 Barrel sample. Good balance between richness and great freshness. The acidity is almost sweet, giving a wine that is spicy, but with a great green aftertaste.
90-92 Barrel sample. Good ripe fruit, very dense with concentrated black chocolate and ripe fruits, but showing some alcohol burn.
90-92 Barrel sample. Great density here, this wine is big and powerful, but all held together by rich fruit. It is concentrated, the dry tannins a part of a richer whole.
90-92 Barrel sample. It takes a while for this wine to show. Then it has solid tannins, topped by ripe berry flavors, rich plums and an edge of juiciness.
90-92 Barrel sample. On the austere side initially, but then ripe fruit comes through, giving a wine that has potential power. There is a suspicion of super-ripe Merlot, a plump cushion. But the tannins will keep it together.
90-92 Barrel sample. Owned by Château Angélus, a soft and gentle wine, wearing its fruit on its sleeve, the tannins light, followed by a juicy texture.
90-92 Barrel sample. Packed with ripe fruits, caramel flavors, lots of wood, solid and well balanced. Good final acidity.
90-92 Barrel sample. Ripe, sweet fruit, lots of smooth tannins, caramel and toast. The fruit is rich, lightly structured with firm tannins showing through.
90-92 Barrel sample. Soft, fleshy and fruity, with tannins that are very ripe. The fruit has blackberry juice, sweet with an edge of licorice.
90-92 Barrel sample. The juicy blackcurrant flavors of the year show through here, the wine a firm balance between juicy fruit and the driest of tannins.
90-92 Barrel sample. The ripest fruit, with plenty of sweet flavors, packed with spice, the ripe wood giving structure.
90-92 Barrel sample. There is attractive spicy wood here, piled with acidity, great blackcurrant characters. The wine is balanced, fresh and fruity.
90-92 Barrel sample. This is almost a third wine of Château Valandraud, rich, sweetly fruity, very ripe and spice. Delicious fruit.
90-92 Barrel sample. Tight tannins set the scene for a wine that is firm, but with delicious blackcurrant fruit flavors. The tannins are dry under this freshness. Very vivid aftertaste.
90-92 Barrel sample. Tough tannins over juicy fruit. The wine has great ripeness as well as freshness. The intensity of the blackcurrant is considerable.
90-92 Barrel sample. Under new ownership after the sale by Alain Raynaud, this is now a lighter style of wine. But it does have great acidity, really fresh, with smoky tannins.
90-92 Barrel sample. Very jammy fruit, where the sweetness seems to dominate. It is accessible, the tannins open, opulent, with a ripe structure. It works though, as a rich wine.
90-92 Beautifully perfumed wine, the tannins relatively gentle. It has packed weight, as well as ripe berry fruits.
90-92 Concentrated, structure, a wine that pushes power and density. The year's acidity adds the necessary freshness. Impressive.
90-92 Delicious acidity, fresh in character, layering gentle tannins with black currant fruit and tight, nervy acidity. A juicy, fruity aftertaste. Well integrated.
90-92 Densely characterized wine, with its dark tannins, and powerful structure. Spice, juicy pepper, final acidity.
90-92 Densely tannic wine, with beautiful perfumes. It is ripe, concentrated, while retaining great charm
90-92 Dominated by its acidity, the tannins firm without being too dry, finely integrated into the rich structure. A fine finish of licorice and black plum skins.
90-92 Firm and tannic, while there are also sweet berry fruits and black currant flavors. The acidity is important.
90-92 Firm in character, with tannins that dominate. There is a good weight behind the tannins, with black fruits likely to come through well.
90-92 Firm, concentrated, dry wine. It seems to be all structure, until the sweet juicy plum fruits show through.
90-92 Firmly structured, tough in character, a wine that has big fruit and big tannins. Dense and potentially powerful.
90-92 Great structure, great acidity, with the ripe fruit pierced with acidity. The tannins are hugely powerful and dry.
90-92 Great swathes of sweet tannins and ripe berry fruits, the wine is delicious, ripe, concentrated and intense without losing charm.
90-92 New wood aromas, and a tight palate, very toasty in character. Blackberry juice is under the wood, with the relief of final acidity.
90-92 Packed with new wood that dominates the fruit. The style does have some elegance, while the new wood will need to calm down.
90-92 Packed with new wood, very polished wine, its tannins smooth and velvet. It has a delicious juicy red berry fruit character that shows a fine elegance.
90-92 Perfumed, juicy wine, fresh, with delicious acidity and blackberry fruits. A fruit bomb of a wine.
90-92 Rich and fruity, a real juice bomb of a wine that has black currant and spice fruit to go with its solid, well-integrated tannins.
90-92 Severe in character, the acidity driving dry tannins. A wine for aging, although the juicy aftertaste is delicious now.
90-92 So stylish, with its ripe, jammy berry fruits already a pleasure to appreciate. It does have structure to go with the new wood character. Probably not for the long-term.
90-92 Structured, ripe wine, full of tight botrytis character and acidity. The wine is spicy, complex, rich.
90-92 Structured, the second wine of Léoville las Cases, has solid tannins, chunky while melding into ripe black fruits. A fine second wine, ready to drink in 4-5 years.
90-92 The wine has rich citrus and pear flavors, with weight, an oily texture and balanced wood spice to finish. Well structured.
90-92 Toasty aromas on a wine that at this stage is dried by wood. The fruit is at a distance here, although the acidity is very present.
90-92. Barrel sample. A dense wine that's full of black plums and firm tannins. It has weight at the front and juicy freshness on the finish.
90-92. Barrel sample. A herbaceous, fruity wine, with its acidity well integrated into the ripe, bright fruits. The wine is light, fresh and crisp, with an attractive lemon-curd note.
90-92. Barrel sample. A juicy and forward wine, with attractive spice and sweet tannins. It's soft and gentle on the palate.
90-92. Barrel sample. A powerhouse of dark tannins, this wine is black in color and dark in taste. It has bitter chocolate flavors, with notes of new wood and intense spice.
90-92. Barrel sample. A rounded rich wine, showing the juicy fruit of the year along with rich tannins. It is spicy, lively and impressive.
90-92. Barrel sample. Aromas of new wood mark this wine. On the palate, the tannins are gentle, with flavors of ripe black plum, nutmeg and milk chocolate.
90-92. Barrel sample. Big and serious, with a well-balanced wood and spice character. The tense tannins provide a nervy, tight counterpoint.
90-92. Barrel sample. Dense and concentrated, this is a massive wine that's packed with tannins.
90-92. Barrel sample. Firm and complex, this wine is smoothed by some new wood, but dominated by flavors of ripe black plum and berry. It has weight, its tannic core surrounded by a rich, soft texture.
90-92. Barrel sample. Initially this seems soft, but with time the more powerful fruit character comes through. It has weight, with a dark chocolate and spice intensity.
90-92. Barrel sample. Powerful tannins and a distinct, solid core distinguish this very dark wine, showing sweet fruit notes with a blackberry juice flavor. It's very fruity at the end.
90-92. Barrel sample. Rich and ripe, the wine has delicious Cabernet flavors. It offers ripe and rounded fruits with juiciness rather than great density.
90-92. Barrel sample. Ripe, rich and soft, this wine has open, juicy fruit and attractive red plum flavors; it already shows its fruity character.
90-92. Barrel sample. Sweet new-wood flavors smooth this wine. It is rich and ripe, with juicy fruits surrounding the firm core of tannins.
90-92. Barrel sample. There are some reductive, meaty aromas on this barrel sample, but the palate still shows the fine potential of this wine. It has all the weight and richness of the vintage, with underlying crisp acidity.
90-92. Barrel sample. This has some weight and richness, with chunky fruit and sweet tannins. This wine is concentrated and very firm.
90-92. Barrel sample. This is a closed wine, dominated by dark, dry tannins and spice. The wine misses fruit with its solid core of dryness.
90-92. Barrel sample. This is a light and fruity wine, with prominent wood. It has a crisp texture that's very bright, with some weight showing on the finish.
90-92. Barrel sample. This is a wine that's likely to age relatively quickly. It shows sweet wood and black-currant flavors that combine with a spicy element.
90-92. Barrel sample. This is an impressively rich wine that's packed with forward fruit and spice flavors. It has power and dark tannins while retaining a fine sense of style.
90-92. Barrel sample. This wine is laden with tannins yet shows juicy, crisp red-berry flavors. It finishes with great structure.
90-92. Barrel sample. This wine is powered by its perfumed Cabernet Franc character. It's rich, with a well-integrated structure.
90-92. Barrel sample. While certainly powered by tannins, this wine does have a rich, fruity character as well. The finish brings juicy flavors that cut right through the tannins.
90-92. Barrel sample. With all the freshness of the year, the wine is ripe and soft. It has acidity and juicy black currant fruits. The wine is spiced; well integrated with ripe tannins.
90-92. Barrel sample. With all the freshness of the year, this wine is ripe and soft. It has acidity and juicy black-currant flavor. The wine is spiced, with its ripe tannins well integrated.
90–92. Barrel Sample. An herbaceous wine with lively acidity, green plum and grapefruit flavors. It's a Sauvignon Blanc driven wine, showing great freshness rounded out with a touch of tropical fruits.
90–92. Barrel sample. Dry, dusty tannins from ripe fruit dominate this concentrated wine. It's solid and chunky, with lush fruit showing through a dark structure.
90–92. Barrel sample. Firm and tannic, this is a structured wine that also supports delicious black fruits. It brings together both fruitiness and ripeness.
90–92. Barrel sample. Herbaceous as well as rich, this wine is spicy and ripe in feel as a result of wood ageing. The palate boasts lemon, pear and apricot flavors, with a fine texture at the end.
90–92. Barrel sample. Packed with new wood, blackberry fruits and soft tannins, this wine sums up the fruitiness of the vintage. Great swathes of juicy acidity linger at the end.
90–92. Barrel sample. Powerful and fruity, this finely situated chateau on the edge of the slopes of Saint-Émilion has produced a brightly fruity wine typical of the year. It's a wine that's ripe with berries, soft tannins and great juiciness.
90–92. Barrel sample. Richly textured and weighty, this dark, dense, black-plum flavored wine is accented by black-coffee notes along with fragrant acidity.
90–92. Barrel sample. Solid and structured, while also a fruity wine, this has weight, richness and generous black-fruit flavors. It's quite a success, and showcases the pleasurable side of the vintage.
90–92. Barrel sample. Spicy wood is the dominant character in this wine. At this stage, the palate is bold with new-wood aging, while the acidity and juiciness are in the background, but there's good potential for the future.
90–92. Barrel sample. There's a big amount of acidity that flows from the black-currant flavors on this wine. Brisk fruitiness contrasts with a dry, dense structure, while a richer center is missing.
90–92. Barrel sample. This concentrated wine brings out all the qualities of 2012 vintage—fruitiness, juicy black fruit and great swathes of fresh acidity. It's a finely balanced wine.
90–92. Barrel sample. This dense, structured and solidly tannic wine is balanced by dark black fruits that are juicy and ripe. The wine will always be dry, mineral and fairly severe in style.
90–92. Barrel sample. This firmly tannic wine is solid and potentially quite complex. The structure is paramount, exhibiting substantial weight, while still hinting at the juicy fruity acidity on the finish.
90–92. Barrel sample. This fruity wine is soft and open with flavors of ripe red-berry fruits and fresh acidity. It's expressive with immediately attractive tannins.
90–92. Barrel sample. This is a dark, extracted wine with coffee flavors and dense tannins. The palate has a bitter character to it, and a structure that's very firm and dry.
90–92. Barrel sample. This is a full and ripe wine that slowly reveals its rich, full-bodied character. On the mid palate, dry Saint-Estèphe tannins come through to show the immense concentration of the wine.
90–92. Barrel sample. This is a ripe and fruity wine with smooth tannins within a densely-textured palate. It's weighty in the mouth with richness, elegance and a purity of character. The acidity on the finish is already delicious.
90–92. Barrel sample. This is a ripe and spicy wine that showcases flavors of new wood and rich, sweet black fruits. The wine is attractive and fruity, but with enough structure to promise some good aging.
90–92. Barrel sample. This is a solid and dense wine with hints of bitter chocolate along with super-ripe blackberry fruits. The wine has concentration, richness and a fine ageing potential.
90–92. Barrel sample. This is an herbaceous, cool wine that shows fresh pear and lime flavor. It does have a sense of structure that gives density and texture on the finish.
90–92. Barrel sample. This rich, opulent wine is packed with ripe black fruits and red berries. It's a warm wine with a generous character that's balanced with a firm core of tannins.
90–92. Barrel sample. This ripe and chocolatey wine is soft and pleasantly characteristic of Merlot. Full-bodied and rich, the palate is touched by spice and topped with attractive acidity. There's a rich feel to it all around.
90–92. Barrel sample. This ripe and spicy wine is full of rich fruits. The palate is full bodied and dense, but edged with a fine texture. It finishes warm and opulent.
90–92. Barrel sample. This second white wine of Haut-Brion has herbaceous aromas, followed by spice, ginger and a touch of green fruits and orange zest.
90–92. Barrel sample. This very fresh wine is packed with juicy black currant flavors. It's ripe, soft tannins show a full and delicious character already.
90–92. Barrel sample. This wine has very dark, extracted tannins. It is densely structured, and at present tasting tough, although with plenty of wonderful ripe fruit, there's a refreshing acidity on the finish.
90–92. Barrel sample. This wine is made from property owned by the Bernard family of Domaine de Chevalier in Pessac-Léognan. It's a finely-made wine with great acidity and swathes of blackberry fruits. Well balanced and likely to age.
90–92. Barrel sample. This wine is very smoky with firm tannins typical of Saint-Estèphe. Layers of fruit surround the core of dryness in the heart of the wine. Floral and fragrant, the wine finishes with good acidity.
90–92. Barrel sample. Very dense, with tannins that are solid and dry, this is an austere wine that has a firm, mineral side. The wine will need time although it's likely to remain severe.
90—92 Barrel sample. Dry botrytis is the theme here, with richness rather than sweetness. Somewhere under all that dryness is acidity and flavors of sweet pears, but these are a long way off.
90—92 Barrel sample. Fresh, rich, with attractive acidity and crisp, green apple and cream flavors. Well balanced, this wine shows excellent botrytis and sweetness properly together.
90—92 Barrel sample. Go to this wine for freshness, crispness. It tastes like a Loire Sauvignon Blanc in its freshness, but adds to that with some toast.
90—92 Barrel sample. Named after the limestone, Astéries, which dominates this small vineyard. The wine is mineral, tannic, somewhat austere at this stage, with dry tannins.
90—92 Barrel sample. Vibrantly fruity wine that shows freshness. It has lift, fresh blackcurrants, layers of acidity, while the tannins hide in the background.
91-93 A fresh, while structured wine, full of sweet acidity, complex tannins and a rounded, ripe character. The fruit is tough, while also generous.
91-93 A powerful wine, its tannins very dark and dense. The wine has great spice, great concentration, a hugely dense character. There is a hard edge here, but the acidity gives a wonderful black currant aftertaste.
91-93 A powerful wine, very ripe and rounded. Finely concentrated, with dark plum skins and opulent tannins.
91-93 A very complete wine, packed with just the right level of tannins and with the sweet plum fruit pushing through to give richness to the acidity.
91-93 Attractive, fresh wine, with a delicious delicacy as well as the perfumed acidity. There is a tasty pear juice and spice combination to finish.
91-93 Barrel sample. A immensely smooth, polished wine. The complement to this are the acidity, great fruit, making a modern, sophisticated wine.
91-93 Barrel sample. Although the aromas are heavily of wood, the fruit has a fresh lift, giving some spices, with a core of tannin coming through to finish with some juiciness. A wine in the elegant style.
91-93 Barrel sample. Belair has been given a new name, after Christian Moueix's grandmother, in honor of its purchase by the Moueix family. The wine is ripe, with its dark tannins and perfumed fruit, lifted by a final smoky character.
91-93 Barrel sample. Big, ripe and juicy, spiced and fleshy. There is certainly concentration here, but also considerable spicy juiciness.
91-93 Barrel sample. Fat style, almost Burgundian in its creamy character, a full-bodied wine, with plenty of ripe, yellow fruit and mango flavors. Big, bold.
91-93 Barrel sample. Firm in character, but still there is plenty of juicy Merlot, pricked with toast and baked plums. The acidity is intense.
91-93 Barrel sample. Full, ripe fruit, showing pear jucie, some wood spice and ripeness. It feels fat, full-bodied.
91-93 Barrel sample. On the herbaceous side, the fruit crisp, green herbs, but still ripe. The apple skin texture gives a great tang.
91-93 Barrel sample. Power, dark tannins, black chocolate to go with the rich blackberry fruit flavors. The wine is solid, foursquare, very structured.
91-93 Barrel sample. Rich and smooth, with tannins that are ripe, some spice and also intense acidity. The blackcurrant character is dominant.
91-93 Barrel sample. Rich and spicy wine, with dark tannins, very black fruits and a solid structure. At the same, very approachable, rich and juicy.
91-93 Barrel sample. Smoothly polished wine, lovely blackberry jelly flavors and sweet fruit. Ripe, juicy with wood and a potentially good structure.
91-93 Barrel sample. Sweet, plummy wine, its tannins coming from spiced wood as much as fruit. There is a dry core, but the fruit is so opulent and ripe.
91-93 Barrel sample. The new second white wine of Haut-Brion, the fruit crisply bright, with attractive acidity, cut with delicious citrus and wood.
91-93 Barrel sample. There is a good structure to go with the rich fruit and intense ripeness. The acidity compensates for the slight burn of alcohol.
91-93 Barrel sample. Very dense, a beautiful wine, dark in character, built on solid fruit, structured with sweet tannins. You can sense the acidity, even if you can't taste it.
91-93 Barrel sample. Very ripe fruit aromas. The palate is almost velvet in texture, smooth and rich, fruits packed with black berries and sweet plums. A charming, delicious wine.
91-93 Barrel sample. Very soft wine, with ripe Merlot dominant. There is a rich character along with fresh tannins, very juicy, licorice and big, firm fruits.
91-93 Big, ripe and fruity, touched by wood with excellent acidity and spicy, lovely ripe fruit.
91-93 Delicious initial fruit is followed by dense swathes of tannin. Concentrated wine that has all the weight without any sign of bitterness. The aftertaste brings back the delicious opening.
91-93 Delicious, fruity wine, ripe fruits with just a hint of restraint. The wine is juicy, bursting with black fruits, the structure well integrated.
91-93 Deliciously fresh wine, the acidity striking to the core of the balanced tannins. The texture is dusty, firm, preserving elegance.
91-93 Densely tannic, although with the fruit weight to sustain the wine. It is packed with ripe flavors, very berry, very firm, finishing with juiciness.
91-93 Finely structured, richly juicy fruit, packed with ripe tannins and great swathes of rich blackberry. It is intense, as well as well integrated.
91-93 Firm and closed up, a structured wine that shows ripe tropical fruits, laced with pink grapefruit. Rich, concentrated, powerful.
91-93 Firm and tannic, very structured wine, while still savoring its rich fruit character. This feels very opulent and rich. There is a problem with alcohol showing through as a pepper edge.
91-93 Firm while also rounded, very rich Merlot spice and blackberry character. There are hugely dense, extracted tannins, with a final dark fruit character.
91-93 Fresh, bright in style, a spice cake of flavors while keeping taut fruit and final acidity. The texture, though, promises good ageing.
91-93 Fresh, citrus and spicy pear flavors, a wine laced with acidity, a crisp texture and elegant bright aftertaste.
91-93 Full-bodied wine, with toast and a strong citrus and herbaceous character. The wine is open, soft, generous, finishing with a very spicy character.
91-93 Immensely dark, structured, pure fruit and tannin, a wine that pushes its weight. It never goes too far, with a sense of restraint giving the wine elegance.
91-93 New, polished wood and mint aromas, a wine that shows big wood tannins. The fruit has the right weight to come through all the wood, with acidity already an important factor.
91-93 Powerful and concentrated, with wood dominant. It's hard to find the fruit through the planks, although the wine does have the weight to give it promise for the future.
91-93 Powerfully tannic wine, the dryness balanced with sumptuous fruit. The wine shows balance, although the tannins are a major element.
91-93 Rich fruit currants and berries, intensely juicy, packed with dark very ripe fruit. A powerhouse of berries.
91-93 Rich more than dry, the palate a very spicy character, the texture full, unctuous, but more than just sweet.
91-93 Rich, the structure all a part of the ripe blackberry fruits, very dark in style. The wine is very ripe, still retaining elegance
91-93 Ripe, soft fruit and tannins that come from fruit rather than wood. The acidity is a dominant factor, with great wafts of bright black currant fruits and final tannins.
91-93 Smoky acidity and juicy, very fresh fruit. The wine certainly has dry tannins, along with this delicious waft of black berry fruit juice.
91-93 Smooth, rich strong wine, with delicious acidity, pushed by ripe fruit and gorgeous tannins.
91-93 The wine feels full, ripe, weighty. More power than elegance, it shows ripe pear and grapefruit juice flavors. Very dense aftertaste.
91-93 The wine feels powerful, dense, tannins dominating. Hard and solid, foursquare wine packed with weighty fruit and power.
91-93 The wine is tight, densely textured, very firm in character. It has considerable weight to go with the sweet fruit, very powerful.
91-93 There is a certain toughness her. The dense and firm character gives a solid, textured wine, packed with acidity. Foursquare and chunky.
91-93 This feels very juicy, the fruit almost over-ripe. There is a generous new world feel to it, very opulent, super-rich. Open black plum and damson fruits push through the dark, perfumed tannins.
91-93 This has power, you can feel the alcohol from the Merlot in the blend. At the same time, the fruit drives through with great juiciness.
91-93 This is deceptively soft, with its tannins full of sweetness and acidity. Behind the opulent façade, the power and dry character are very evident.
91-93 This is no longer a second wine, but a wine with its own portion of Ducru-Beaucaillou's vineyard. It is juicy, rich, without being overpowering. The acidity at the end is both very ripe and very fresh.
91-93 Very powerful spicy wine with rounded fruit despite the dense tannins. It has juicy acidity, finishing with a dark, dry aftertaste.
91-93. Barrel sample. A beautifully-fresh wine, with its acidity cutting through the weight of its smooth fruit—like scissors cutting through velvet. Intense, with spice and acidity showing through on the finish.
91-93. Barrel sample. A bright, fruit-forward wine that already shows its delicious blackberry flavors. It is ripe and juicy, with a layer of finely integrated tannins.
91-93. Barrel sample. A delicious wine, with ripe plum and berry flavors. It pairs acidity and firm tannins with its fruit.
91-93. Barrel sample. A lively, bright wine that's not too weighty. It has notes of mineral and citrus, with attractive acidity and just the right amount of balancing weight.
91-93. Barrel sample. A smooth, rounded wine, this shows opulence with its rich blackberry fruit.
91-93. Barrel sample. A wine with weight and richness, there is considerable concentration, with citrus flavor and ripe fruit densely set in the background.
91-93. Barrel sample. Along with its Saint-Estèphe tannins, this wine proves to be richly fruity and complex, with notes of spice. The finish shows the acidity of the year.
91-93. Barrel sample. An attractive and fruity wine that offers soft, cushioned tannins, along with ripe, easy fruit.
91-93. Barrel sample. Big, bold and fruity, this shows plenty of rich blackberry-juice flavor and fine tannins. The fruit and tannins are well balanced, with a juicy character on the finish.
91-93. Barrel sample. Dry and dense, this wine has weight and a juicy character that slowly surfaces. A final burst of tannins marks the finish.
91-93. Barrel sample. Initially severe, this wine shows weight coupled with firm, dry tannins. Dense and complex black-currant flavors dominate.
91-93. Barrel sample. Initially this is just a seductive effort; but then its intensity and structure emerge, creating a wine of great complexity. Its botrytis character adds considerable weight.
91-93. Barrel sample. Lean and austere on the surface, this wine shows a bitter chocolate edge. It feels extracted, very dark and concentrated.
91-93. Barrel sample. Mouton Rothschild's second wine is showing increasing stature. This vintage shows spice, new wood and Mouton's signature acidity. It has a soft, rounded texture, with a plump, warm feel.
91-93. Barrel sample. Rich, spicy and dense, this wine shows a serious side. It has power and concentration, and the wood offers dryness as well as spice. Its fruit seems to be a separate layer at this stage.
91-93. Barrel sample. Ripe and spicy, with delicious open fruit, this wine is rounded yet has a straight line of pure acidity. It has a light touch while showing depth of flavor for the future.
91-93. Barrel sample. Showing the acidity and fresh fruit of the vintage, this wine has both structure and density. It's well-made, showing just the right amount of fruit and a judicious use of wood.
91-93. Barrel sample. This has an herbal character along with spice. It's juicy, with intense acidity.
91-93. Barrel sample. This is a big, concentrated wine that shows intensity of well-balanced tannins and juicy fruit. It's ripe, with obvious aging potential.
91-93. Barrel sample. This is big and solid wine, with firm tannins and juicy fruit. It shows spice and intense acidity followed by black-currant freshness.
91-93. Barrel sample. This wine's concentrated tannins match the sweet fruit and ripe acidity. It shows structure and density, with its blackberry flavor already showing well.
91-93. Barrel sample. This wine has firm, solid tannins, but enough rich dark fruit to sustain all of the dryness.
91-93. Barrel sample. This wine shows dense fruit and concentrated tannins. It has richness without great complexity; but it boasts spice, fresh fruit and tingling acidity.
91-93. Barrel sample. With great swathes of spice, this is a wine with fruit that's still emerging. It has weight and delicious intensity. With its layered structure of acidity and tannin, this is for long-term aging.
91–93. Barrel sample. A dark wine with rich, fruity blackberry flavors. It's very juicy in character with an opulent, soft texture, reflecting the ripeness of the grapes this vintage.
91–93. Barrel sample. A fine, dense, opulent wine with a great sense of structure. It's dark and solid with tannins that are dense, dusty and brooding. It's likely to age well.
91–93. Barrel sample. A finely tannic wine, this is the second vintage release since Château Haut-Brion's owner took over and renamed the estate. The wine is darkly textured, very firm and concentrated with great Merlot character. The finish reveals delicious blackberry flavors.
91–93. Barrel sample. A ripe and fruity wine with some chocolate extract as well as black-currant fruitiness. This is a soft wine with attractive final acidity.
91–93. Barrel sample. A ripe and fruity wine, this exhibits an well-structured balance of acidity and sweet tannins. It has weight, richness, and a fine fruitiness.
91–93. Barrel sample. A ripe and juicy wine that is very fruity, open and opulent. It's generous with a soft character, yet packed with jammy, Merlot-derived characteristics.
91–93. Barrel sample. Firm tannins guard the ripe blackberry flavors on this rich wine. Spice and sweet tannins add to the intensity.
91–93. Barrel sample. From the same stable as Léoville Poyferré in Saint-Julien, this is a finely structured, ripe and serious wine. It has dark tannins, big blackberry fruitiness and a generous while firm character.
91–93. Barrel sample. Owner Alain Moueix is a standard bearer for biodynamics in Bordeaux. This is a rich and opulent wine, boasting ripe black currants and fragrant fruits. A very pure and forward wine.
91–93. Barrel sample. Rich and soft, this wine has fine acidity and sweet black fruits. It has a good depth of rich flavor, and a palate that's rounded and smooth. The tannins show a velvet character.
91–93. Barrel sample. Rich blackberry fruits are surrounded by a dense structure on this wine. The palate is ripe, but balanced with acidity, juiciness and a solid concentrated character.
91–93. Barrel sample. Rich, smooth mint and polished tannins give this wine a ripe, opulent feel. It benefits from the fine Cabernet of Pauillac, which adds structure and juicy black currant acidity.
91–93. Barrel sample. Showing both a firm tannic structure and jammy black fruits, this is a finely ripe and full wine. It has spice, sweet fruits and a solid tannic core. A wine that is likely to age well.
91–93. Barrel sample. Surrounded by the city of Libourne, Quinault l'Enclos has produced a Merlot-dominated wine that's ripe and soft on the palate. There's a good sense of structure, balancing fresh black-currant flavors with delicious acidity.
91–93. Barrel sample. The second wine of Château Valandraud is richly powered by spice from new wood and delicate acidity. It's smooth—showing opulent tannins—and attractive freshness.
91–93. Barrel sample. The second wine of Cheval Blanc is surprisingly soft and ripe—full of blackberry fruits—with delicious acidity and a lingering black-currant aftertaste.
91–93. Barrel sample. There's a dry character to this wine. It's concentrated in tannins with a bitterness that leads to a new-wood and spice character. The fruit is still in the background here.
91–93. Barrel sample. There is a fine depth of flavor here, with solid tannins as well as ripe fruit. This second wine of Château Pichon Longueville is packed with the vintage's hallmark of perfumed black-currant fruit.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a big and fruity wine with solid tannins and dense structure. It's ripe and rich—packed with black plum—and yet modern and polished.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a complex wine that's dry at the heart and powered with dark tannins. Slowly the juicy fruit shows through on the mid palate, yielding a wine that offers the potential of solid fruits and excellent acidity.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a dense, complex wine that's full of dark tannins piled atop ripe black-plum fruits. The wine has richness as well as lively acidity.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a densely tannic wine with juiciness showing quite tardily through the tannins. The wine has a very dry, firm character with acidity that finishes on a bright, fresh note.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a full-bodied wine that shows signs of bitter extraction. It has weight, certainly, along with signs of dark-plum fruits to go with the firm tannins. A complex aftertaste promises well.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a rich and soft wine made predominantly from Merlot. The wine has good depth of flavor with fresh black currants and soft tannins.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a rich, ripe wine with soft tannins and a generous texture. The dry core gives a sense of shape to all the opulence on the palate.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a solid wine showing chunky richness that chimes with the black fruit of the vintage. It's full and ripe, but still shines with fresh fruit character.
91–93. Barrel sample. This is a very dense wine, balancing ripe fruits with dark tannins and solid structure. A powerful and ripe wine, it's still a bit firm and dense, but certainly has great aging potential.
91–93. Barrel sample. This solid wine is dark with tannins and a dense, extracted texture. The palate is weighty with an intensely dry core and a serious, mineral character. For long-term aging.
91–93. Barrel sample. This spicy wine, aged in new wood, is rich and full with blackberry flavors. It's opulent in texture with layers of new oak that reverberate through the wine.
91–93. Barrel sample. This wine is rich, with delicious fruitiness, as well as ripe black fruits. With all this opulence, however, there is also great freshness and crispness that comes from the Cabernet in the blend.
91–93. Barrel sample. This wine is the second wine of Ducru-Beaucaillou, sourced from a vineyard in the heart of Saint-Julien. It's rich and dense, with plenty of firm tannins. The fruit is already delicious and ripe with black currant and berries.
91–93. Barrel sample. Very structured with enough ripe fruit to yield a wine that is firm and balanced. This is a fine, complex wine with good aging character.
91–93. Barrel sample. While initially tough and almost too extracted, this firm, dark wine has intense density and spice from new wood. As it opens on the palate, slowly hints of juicy black-currant fruit and acidity comes through.
91—93 Barrel sample. Delicate wine, very restrained, showing great fruit, balanced botrytis and some spice. Elegant.
92-94 A closed up wine, although all the elements are there, promising great final balance, richness and power.
92-94 A gorgeous, opulently surfaced wine. The freshness cuts through the tannins to give the ripest of plum juice fruits. Powerful, while also deliciously juicy
92-94 A hugely fruity wine, very rich, concentrated and dense. It has great power and richness, the berry fruits racing with ripeness.
92-94 A luxurious wine, acidity and sweet plum fruits rolling together into a fine, beautiful structure. It has toughness, to be sure, while it is the glamorous surface that is immediately attractive.
92-94 A rich and firm wine, packed with dark tannins, wood flavors, very concentrated and dense. The sweet, smoky character comes through to give opulent black fruits.
92-94 A wonderful balance between freshness, acidity and dark tannins, giving the wine immense structure and delicious fruit. Powerful, but so elegant.
92-94 Barrel sample. A big, concentrated, powerful wine, yet also one restrained by elegant fresh fruits. There is plenty of style here, a complex mix of fruits, acidity and balanced tannins.
92-94 Barrel sample. A powerful, but velvet textured wine, the tannins dusty and sweet. There is great acidity here, the fruit soft, hiding its power. The aftertaste has lively acidity.
92-94 Barrel sample. A serious, but elegant wine. It has structure, but that is put in second place to the fresh black plum and dried fig fruits. Lively acidity to give the wine an extra freshness
92-94 Barrel sample. A shiny, ripe and fresh wine, its tannins neatly merged into the blackcurrant fruits. Delicious and fresh, but also sweet.
92-94 Barrel sample. A solid, wood and fruit balanced wine, foursquare and chunky. It has a firm backbone of tannins, and the dark plum and fig fruits match well with final lift of acidity.
92-94 Barrel sample. A wine obviously for aging, with its severe tannins and very mineral character. It is dark, brooding, solidly ripe and powerful, with a great waft of final juiciness.
92-94 Barrel sample. An impressive wine. It shows just the right balance of dry botrytis and sweet fruit, bringing a firm structure as well as ripe bitter orange marmalade flavors.
92-94 Barrel sample. Firm, but ripe, very sweet Merlot coming through a core of tense acidity. This is chunky, foursquare, remaining fruity while also tannic.
92-94 Barrel sample. Firm, richly structured, powered through with botrytis, a dried apricot and peach character, which is tight, the acidity compensating with a great vivid character.
92-94 Barrel sample. Impressively powerful wine, smothered in ripe fruit, with a velvet texture over solid tannins. Fine concentration along with great fruit.
92-94 Barrel sample. Like many of the Sauternes in 2008, this is dominated by huge, concentrated botrytis. The fruits are dried, with orange peel coming through as a final, fresh lift.
92-94 Barrel sample. Rich and smooth, with some juicy character, the fruit with black cherries, licorice and sweet jam. At the level of many top wines, this is the second wine Château Ausone.
92-94 Barrel sample. Rich rather than sweet, this is stuffed full of botrytis. The wine is powered through with this dusty texture, rolling richly but catching the dried fruit character.
92-94 Barrel sample. Smooth, the wood almost dominant but finally integrating well with the ripe yellow fruits. It is rich, creamy, with some toastiness, but well balanced.
92-94 Barrel sample. Soft, ripe, pineapple and mango flavors. An exotic wine, powerful, but with extreme freshness, touched by honey.
92-94 Barrel sample. Spiced pears in red wine, an exotic range of sweet berry fruits and nutmeg, along with a solid core of structure. Intriguing wine.
92-94 Barrel sample. The wine feels very soft, with sweet spice and light tannins. It is packed with blackberry fruits, although there is a sold, firm structure under the ripe fruit.
92-94 Barrel sample. This has fruit, with delicious black berry frutis, It cjharms with elegance and ripeness, at the same time as giving a core of tannin. Definitely on the fruity side.
92-94 Barrel sample. This is a dark, firm, strongly tannic but impressive wine, with a dry core of dark fruits. They open slowly to reveal a rich undertow of blackberry jelly fruit flavors.
92-94 Barrel sample. Very rich, dense, pushing great blackberry fruits and ripe tannins. As always on the level of a classed growth.
92-94 Barrel sample. Very rich, smooth tannins, super-ripe fruit dominate the wine. It has power, spice and sweetness, very ripe. Blackberry and dark chocolate
92-94 Barrel sample. With its big, almost dry core of botrytis, this is going to be an intense wine - many years from now. For the present, the acidity gives it some freshness, while it remains concentrated.
92-94 Barrel sample. With its gold color, this announces richness. The texture is rich, a wine that rounds in the mouth, giving sweetness, tropical flavors and big, ripe fruit. Only to finish, does the acidity arrive.
92-94 Barrel sample. Wood dominant, smooth tannins and a open, generous texture. This is ripe and full in the mouth.
92-94 Big and tannic, very firm and tough. Yet all the fruit is there, offering great potential. There is a ripe, juicy aftertaste. Under the same ownership as Château Léoville-Poyferré in Saint-Julien.
92-94 Big, firm, with dense tannins that underly the ripe, dark berry and plum skin fruit flavors. Very powerful, the almost shocking acidity a cutting edge of freshness. Hugely juicy aftertaste.
92-94 Concentrated tannins, very rich, very firm, very dry at this stage. There is a more juicy character underneath, offering the potential of rich berry fruits. There's a new wood, smoky aftertaste.
92-94 Dark tannins and structure go with the most powerful fruit. Full of ripe berries, this has all the structure and density. The acidity helps it on its way.
92-94 Dark, dry wine initially with austerity. Then the bright berry fruits come from behind the severe façade to give a structured, still luscious wine.
92-94 Dense and concentrated, a powerful wine packed with ripe berry fruits, hugely ripe and opulent.
92-94 Full of toasty flavors, this is a structured, wood and ripe fruit dominated wine. It has weight, while also feeling fresh. Great final spice and pear flavors.
92-94 Great acidity here, the wine has freshness as well as dried apricot and peach flavors, very honeyed. Excellent acidity to finish.
92-94 Great black currant flavors, with lovely fresh acidity, a lot of spice from new wood. There is lovely acidity here as well, a stylish wine.
92-94 Great dusty tannins, almost too powerful, very solid in character. The wine is chunky, allowing juicy fruits to show. It is a dry wine, certainly not hard.
92-94 Herbaceous style of wine, a Bordeaux white wine classic style, with crisp grassy Sauvignon Blanc flavors, elegant, not heavy.
92-94 Hugely aromatic, a wine that manages to combine freshness, lightness and density. It is deliciously fresh, then offering a fine, ripe dried fruit aftertaste.
92-94 Juicy black fruits, very ripe berries, powered by the darkest tannins. The wine has richness, weight and immense structure.
92-94 New, polished wood aromas lead to a wine that has a smooth balance between toast, sweet fruits and a velvet-textured acidity. Delicious.
92-94 Packed with tannins, new wood and a dense character, this is going to be a wine for the long-term. It has all the power, although with a softer side in the final fruitiness.
92-94 Powerful tannins here, spiced with a considerable amount of new wood. The wine has richness, black chocolate burnt toast flavors along with intense sweet plum fruits.
92-94 Powerful, very juicy in style, with toasty new wood flavors mingling with the the very ripe fruits. The wine has a bitter, extracted edge that will probably soften with further wood aging.
92-94 Rich and silky wine with the acidity of the vintage. The wine is soft, very ripe, opulent in character, with great Cabernet Franc perfumes.
92-94 Ripe blackcurrants, powerful fruit, with great acidity and enticing dusty tannins. The wine brings out juicy Merlot flavors, with a more concentrated element.
92-94 Ripe, juicy aromas, a wine that then offers sweet fruit, great flavors, a ripe wine with blackberry flavors and balanced tannins.
92-94 Smoky wine, dominated by its dry tannins, seemingly extracted. The wine certainly has weight and power, but the dryness is a major element at this stage. It will need serious aging time.
92-94 Spice and mint aromas with blackberry fruit, new wood and a polished character. The acidity is delicious, refreshing.
92-94 Spice, smoky fruit, with great acidity, a wine that offers richness, structure, powerful tannins and already some delicious blackberry fruits.
92-94 Sweet and juicy, a wine that has the potential to be delicious. The tannins are certainly prominent, although with good sweetness. Finally very structured.
92-94 Sweetly juicy wine, the new wood giving high toast to the black currant flavors. It is on the elegant side, although the new wood needs to be tamed to let the fruit come through.
92-94 There is power and richness here, the wine has weight, delicious ripe fruits and a smooth texture. Under that surface is the powerful, dense texture.
92-94 This is rounded, ripe, a densely tannic mineral wine, very intense. It is tense, structured, firm, promising long aging.
92-94 Very rich in character. The sweetness is there, but masked by the firm structure, the almost tannic texture. Great concentration.
92-94 Very structured wine, its fruit tannins dominant. It has power and extreme concentration. Dark and dense.
92-94 With huge tannins, very dark fruits, powerful and concentrated. The wine is ripe, juicy and firmly tannic.
92-94. Barrel sample. A big wine that's packed with ripe dark-plum flavors, smoky tannins and richness. It shows a powerful, balanced structure.
92-94. Barrel sample. A ripe and spicy wine, with crisp fruit. The wine has an attractive fruitiness, and its tannins are not aggressive. This shows great final acidity.
92-94. Barrel sample. A smooth and rich wine that also shows depth of flavor. Wrapped in its tight texture are notes of peach and mango, bitter orange and lemon zest. It's a fine wine that should age for many years.
92-94. Barrel sample. A smooth, mellifluous wine, with its intensity masked by tight acidity. It shows the weight of the vintage, and the power of the botrytis that's interspersed with flavors of orange zest and lime. It should age magnificently.
92-94. Barrel sample. A solid, chunky wine that feels powerful and dense. Its tannins overlay the ripe fruit, and the finish has a juicy character.
92-94. Barrel sample. A very firm and closed wine. It has intense tannins, with the fruit following slowly behind. The structure is impressive, while the black-currant flavors are still to show.
92-94. Barrel sample. DA dark, dry wine that shows its strong, firm tannins. The wine is well structured, with flavors of mint, new wood and a layer of blackberry fruit.
92-94. Barrel sample. Herbaceous aromas are followed by nutmeg and crisp fruit. This has the great ripe fruit of the year without the huge intensity; it's a wine that has subtlety as well as complexity.
92-94. Barrel sample. Mint and new wood aromas lead to a palate that has dark and concentrated tannins. The wine is bright and fresh, with juicy black-currant and plum flavors.
92-94. Barrel sample. Ripe and sweet tannins combine easily with this wine's juicy fruit and spice notes. All of the elements hang comfortably together.
92-94. Barrel sample. This is a dark wine that's dominated by firm and dry tannins. It has weight and power, with juicy plum flavors showing slowly under the tannins. Shows long-aging potential.
92-94. Barrel sample. This wine is based on tannins, yet it also has weight and a complex fruit structure. Its power lies in the density of its texture.
92-94. Barrel sample. This wine is powered with acidity, dark tannins and smoky wood. Concentrated and dense, it has weight along with the delicious, juicy fruits.
92-94. Barrel sample. This wine shows its crisp side immediately, followed by flavors of rich fruit. The wine has weight that lies underneath its deliciously fresh character, and there is a final note of spiced orange.
92-94. Barrel sample. Very dry, firm and hard, this is heavily dominated by new wood. It's only the underlying weight that suggests the black fruit potential.
92-94. Barrel sample. While the wine does have firm tannins, these are layered with open, ripe fruits. There are blackberry flavors, and the wine shows good acidity and a firm finish.
92–94. Barrel sample. A solid effort, this is a wine with great fruit and firm structure to support it. Ripe and full in the mouth, it's a firm and complex wine with a delicious juicy aftertaste.
92–94. Barrel sample. An austere wine that has distinct acidity and a black-currant character. The texture is tannic and dry, but it's fragrant with a light green note that comes through at the end.
92–94. Barrel sample. Big and densely ripe, this is an impressive wine. It has balanced weight, fine acidity and a sense of richness. Offering all the right elements, this is going to be a great wine.
92–94. Barrel sample. Black currant flavors resound on this juicy, deliciously fresh wine. It's a structured wine with a core of dry tannins and a palate that's firm and concentrated to the finish.
92–94. Barrel sample. Fruity and spicy, this is a fine, attractively fruity wine. While it doesn't have great weight, it has a core of dry tannins and a dark structure that suggests good aging for the future.
92–94. Barrel sample. Made from grapes grown in a specific parcel in the Léoville Las Cases vineyard, Clos du Marquis is a ripe wine that's also promises seriously good aging. Tannins and structure dominate the black fruits and acidity.
92–94. Barrel sample. Newly promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé in 2012, this is a fine, concentrated wine, showing great style. It has weight and a delicious juiciness that is sustained by firm, dry tannins. Already a beautiful wine.
92–94. Barrel sample. Solid and concentrated, this wine certainly shows great dryness as well as fruit. It has power and density, and a texture that balances new wood as well as the fruitiness.
92–94. Barrel sample. Solid, firm and tannic, this is a powerful success. It has equal weight of fruit and tannins and a palate that's intensely structured and complex. For long-term aging.
92–94. Barrel sample. The diminutive neighbor of Château Pavie, Pavie Decesse's wine has its own, more mineral, tight character. It is complex but fruity, with blackberries supported by wood, acidity and dense texture.
92–94. Barrel sample. The only Grand Cru Classé on the sandy plain of Saint-Emilion, Monbousquet is producing great wines thanks to huge investments by owner Gerard Perse. This Merlot-dominated blend is ripe, spicy, rich and open.
92–94. Barrel sample. There's great concentration here, on this powerful wine with very dry structure and dark character. The palate hints of a more perfumed character with fine fruitiness and lingering freshness on the finish.
92–94. Barrel sample. This concentrated wine is packed with new wood as well as dark chocolate flavors. The palate is dense with bitter, extracted coffee flavors, but balanced by lively, lingering acidity.
92–94. Barrel sample. This dense, extracted wine has dark coffee and bitter chocolate flavors that are followed by wood and tannins. The fruit is still obscured, and may need many years for its dark character to emerge.
92–94. Barrel sample. This is a fruity wine, dominated by delicious black currant flavors. It has a firm background of fine, complex tannins and a fragrant, lingering aftertaste.
92–94. Barrel sample. This is a full and opulent wine comprised of 76% Merlot. The palate has weight, and coffee and black-plum flavors that lend richness and a smoky, spicy character.
92–94. Barrel sample. This is a ripe and smoky wine with lively acidity. It also has dense black fruits and a firmly tannic character that demands aging. Solid in texture, it's touched by notes of licorice with a bitter edge.
92–94. Barrel sample. This is a spicy, fruity wine that has excellent acidity and a rounded, fruity character. It has some extraction, giving a bitter edge, while the final effect is a rich, juicy Merlot.
92–94. Barrel sample. This wine boasts big chocolate character along with ripe fruit. The palate is solid and generous with rounded Merlot flavor. It has remarkable weight with tannins surrounded by layers of delicious fruit.
92–94. Barrel sample. This wine has weight and tannins that offer good structure, but it's the ripe, rich fruit that dominates. It's powerful and complex, and likely to age well.
92–94. Barrel sample. This wine is heavily influenced by ample new-wood aging. It's deliciously juicy with black currant and plum fruits balanced by swathes of refreshing acidity at the end.
92–94. Barrel sample. Tight, firm and mineral in style, this wine is dark with expressive tannins cast over black fruits. As always, the wine is a complex expression of its fine terroir.
92–94. Barrel sample. Very dense and rich with fine, tarry tannins that float amidst the ripe blackberry flavors. The wine is structured but full in body with a rich, opulent feel.
92–94. Barrel sample. While initially severe with chocolate and dark coffee flavors, ripe fruitiness comes through on the mid palate. It's full bodied and dense in tannins, but a solid wine showing the continuing development of this property.
92–94. Barrel sample. With marked acidity as well as black fruits, this is a wine with weight and richness. It has a dark core of firm tannins, although the aftertaste maintains the juiciness.
92–94. Barrel sample. With so much spicy fruit, intensely ripe blackberry flavors and solid tannins, all the elements of excellence are here, and powered by a firm structure. This wine has weight and a fine Cabernet concentration.
92–94. Barrel sample. Wood and mint aromas yield a wine that is darkly tannic, with a distinct black-coffee flavor. It's a powerful, concentrated wine with fruit hiding behind the dense structure.
92—94 Barrel sample. A dark, meaty wine, very new world in its richness and opulence. It is concentrated, packed with black fruit.—R.V.
92—94 Barrel sample. A fat, full wine, this is rich, intense, concentrated. Great layers of botrytis and apricot flavors give it attraction and power.—R.V.
92—94 Barrel sample. Owned by the Bécot family of Beauséjour-Bécot, this is a single vineyard parcel, producing a rich wine, powered by blackberry fruits.
92—94 Barrel sample. There is big, and serious botrytis here. With its powerful structure, its dry botrytis, here's a wine that will certainly need aging. Very powerful, intense.
92—94 Barrel sample. Well balanced wine, with its rich dark fruits well in harmony with its freshness and its dry tannins. Very juicy aftertaste.
93-85 Barrel sample. Mint and eucalyptus aromas are the hallmark of this tensely tannic wine, which relies on finely polished new wood as well as blackcurrant flavors. It is very dry, with a hard edge, but the potential balance is there.
93-95 Barrel sample. A fine, fresh, berry flavored wine, delicious acidity, ripe final fruits. Great balance here, the year's freshness in firm focus.
93-95 Barrel sample. A firm wine, with great juiciness, ripeness, showing the freshness of the year as well as ripe fruits.
93-95 Barrel sample. A firm, complex wine, solidly based on ripe tannins, dark flavors. There is some spice and juiciness to fit with the dense tannins.
93-95 Barrel sample. A small property on one of the best sites in Saint-Emilion, newly released under its own name. It is powerful, dense compact, with dark tannins, an impressive richness. It is full, firm and solid.
93-95 Barrel sample. A solid, almost chunky wine, but well balanced, the tannins fine and tight. The overall effect is of a wine that is warm and ripe, but there is also a tension there.
93-95 Barrel sample. All the elements are there, piling the sweetness, intense richness on layers of botrytis and finishing a crisp top of acidity. Impressive.
93-95 Barrel sample. At this stage, the wood element is overpowering. You have to imagine the fruit, but the weight of the wine suggests it is there. Big, solid and chunky, it is the product of very ripe fruit.
93-95 Barrel sample. Balanced between ripe white fruits, with a hint of peach and a full texture of pear skins and. The wine is powerful, the structure solid, but the freshness is delicious.
93-95 Barrel sample. Big, spicy wood, packed with dense, wood and fruit tannins. But the wood is over a base of broad fruit, sweet blackberries and ripeness.
93-95 Barrel sample. Certainly on the dry side, the wine is very rich, hard edged in its spiciness, with quite a bite of ginger. The acidity, though, is very much in balance, offering a wonderful crispness at the core of all the sweetness.
93-95 Barrel sample. Compact wine, bringing in juicy fruits and tannins into a complete, firm whole. A good success.
93-95 Barrel sample. Dark, balanced, but concentrated, a powerhouse of fruit and ripe spices. The tannins are in the same league, a wave of solid structure, giving support to the freshness of the final acidity.
93-95 Barrel sample. Definite new wood aromas here, the wine impressively dense, structured. Then there is velvet, caramel wood layer that sneaks in to give a wine that has freshness, but great elegance.
93-95 Barrel sample. Finely balanced wine, just the right fresh, herbaceous fruit to go with the ripe, fat texture and a delicious squeeze of lemon. Ginger adds to the mix.
93-95 Barrel sample. Honeyed and spice, with lots of nutmeg, a wine that is packed with flavors, lychee in character, defiantly rich and spicy.
93-95 Barrel sample. Now in the mainstream of top Saint-Emilion wines, the former garage wine is packed with rich, juicy fruit. The acidity is a waft over the firm tannins. There is certainly plenty of new wood, but the opulent fruit balances well.
93-95 Barrel sample. Richly smooth wine, with great polished fruits and solid tannins. Power and juicy extract.
93-95 Barrel sample. Ripe fruit, but with great packed spicy wood, sweet tannins and black currant fruit flavors.
93-95 Barrel sample. Robust and rich wine, balancing well the rich fruits, flavors of plum juice and sweetness along with very firm, solid tannins.
93-95 Barrel sample. The ripe fruits go straight to the heart of this powerful, orange peel and citrus wine. There are yellow fruits, balanced with fresh acidity. The ensemble is rich, but balanced.
93-95 Barrel sample. Tight wine, the tannins firm, giving considerable dryness. With its dark texture, this is solid, but finishing with the freshest of blackcurrant juice.
93-95 Barrel sample. Very rich and dense, solid, chunky textured wine. The tannins are severe, very firm, suggesting a wine with considerable power.
93-95 Barrel sample. With an higher proportion of Merlot than is usual even at Palmer, this wine, goes for lovely fresh, soft fruits. There is a touch of spice, juicy red berries, finally getting to a depth of dusty, chewy tannins.
93-95. Barrel sample. A finely balanced wine, with a ripe mix of mango, apricot and pink grapefruit flavors. It has a fresh edge along with a rich, full character.
93-95. Barrel sample. A powerful wine—its concentrated tannins contrast its underlying juicy fruit. This is a flavorful medley of prunes, dark plums and blackberries; the finish is marked with juiciness.
93-95. Barrel sample. A ripe, balanced wine, with a structure that's well-integrated into its rich, sweet fruit. It has an edge of spice and bitter-orange flavors to go with the opulent front texture.
93-95. Barrel sample. A wine that shows rounded, opulent fruit. Its structure has a dark side that's melded into its rich fruits. Weight and juiciness combine on the finish.
93-95. Barrel sample. Big tannins, smoky wood notes and prominent fruit mark this wine, along with acidity and freshness. It's powerful, with the most gentle structure of concentrated dusty tannins and intensely-fresh blackberry-juice flavors.
93-95. Barrel sample. Dense and ripe, this wine boasts sweet tannins and flavors of ripe plums. With the vintage's tight, taut acidity, the aging potential is there.
93-95. Barrel sample. Ripe, fruity and powerful, this wine has intense Cabernet black-currant flavors, with plenty of richness and concentration. It shows the acidity and the bright fruit of the year.
93-95. Barrel sample. Spice and green apple flavors dominate the palate of this crisp yet creamy wine. It has a fine, dense texture, and the fruit comes through with great intensity. The wood is neatly in support.
93-95. Barrel sample. Spice from new wood and the superripe, botrytized fruit show strongly in this powerful, impressive wine. It has weight, structure and intensity. It will surely age for many years.
93-95. Barrel sample. The wine shows depth and richness while also being very structured, almost severe. Weight and density is followed by extreme juiciness and blackberry fruits.
93-95. Barrel sample. This is a crisp-textured wine, with a complex structure of rich, dense fruits, spice and wood. The wine is only just coming together, promising many years of aging ahead.
93-95. Barrel sample. This is powered by tannins while also keeping its fresh fruit intact. There is a mineral texture that's layered with a juicy fruit character on the finish.
93-95. Barrel sample. This wine has an intense herbaceous quality, with fruit and nutmeg flavors. It feels and tastes powerful, with alcoholic warmth and a taut and nervy character.
93-95. Barrel sample. This wine is powerful and concentrated, with its tannins showing. It is perfumed, ripe and offers density that's impressive for the year.
93-95. Barrel sample. Very rich in botrytis, this is a dense, opulent wine that's charged and hugely ripe. The acidity is there in the background.
93–95. Barrel sample. A complex and very successful wine, this shows rich tannins, dark fruits, a powerful texture of ripe blackberry fruits and spiced acidity. It will shine with some serious aging.
93–95. Barrel sample. Already a beautiful wine, this is showing fine, sweet fruits along with a solid structure. The palate is juicy and fruity with new wood flavors showing through. The aftertaste is full of the fresh aspect of the vintage.
93–95. Barrel sample. An exemplary wine, this is powerful, rich and full of ripe red fruits. The palate is dark, but brightened by acidity, red fruits and a beautiful line of freshness.
93–95. Barrel sample. Comprised of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a densely ripe wine, full of black fruits, smoky wood and generous tannins. Given its structure, the wine will obviously age well, even if it is drinkable in the medium term.
93–95. Barrel sample. Concentration is the name of the game with this dark and intense wine. It has power and a structure that is finely tannic and dusty, with bright fruits suspended within. The aftertaste shows fine, bright acidity.
93–95. Barrel sample. Full bodied and ripe, this wine is marked by smoky character, spiciness and full-throttle tannins. Blackberry fruits on the palate complement this serious structure. Obviously a long-term wine.
93–95. Barrel sample. Full of ripe Cabernet tannins, this is a structured wine that's chunky in character. It elegantly balances fruit and structure, resulting in a wine that's sure to be impressive.
93–95. Barrel sample. Lavish with chocolate, coffee aromas, this is a finely perfumed wine. The palate is packed with ripe fruits and generous tannins that yield a deliciously rich mouth feel. Spicy, wood laden and opulent.
93–95. Barrel sample. Powerful and concentrated, this is a firmly textured wine with a dark, solid, dense character. The palate balances fine acidity and fruit with a dark, brooding structure.
93–95. Barrel sample. The second wine of Château Ausone shows its 60% Cabernet Franc to great effect. It's perfumed and mineral, but with a dark intensity and acidity. A fine wine with a good future.
93–95. Barrel sample. The wine is very dry, layered tannins giving a major sense of structure. It will always have this dry, dense character, very firm, solid and powerful.
93–95. Barrel sample. This finely fruity wine is packed with black fruits accented by spice and wood flavors. Solid tannins and bright layers of acidity make this wine so typical of the vintage.
93–95. Barrel sample. This firm, dry wine is solidly rich and full in the mouth. With fine acidity and black currant fruit that show through the tannins, it is a wine with considerable potential.
93–95. Barrel sample. This is a big and complex, juicy Merlot with blackberry fruits and a mineral edge. Concentration on the palate highlights both spice and a dense texture. Bitter chocolate notes show through on the finish.
93–95. Barrel sample. This is a chocolate-inflected wine with a full mouth feel, and a very dark character. The palate is concentrated in tannins and a powerful, extracted feel. The aftertaste brings out more black-currant fruitiness.
93–95. Barrel sample. This is a finely balanced wine that's ripe and structured at the same time. It has richness and spice, with a powerful context of wood, juicy blackberry fruits and delicious acidity. With such concentration, this is a wine with excellent ageing potential.
93–95. Barrel sample. This is a powerful wine with solid fruits and structure. The palate is full of beautifully ripe fruit—packed with rich and juicy blackberries. It shows how the potential of this property is being realized.
93–95. Barrel sample. This is a smooth, rich wine that's intensely concentrated and packed with great black-currant fruits. The wine has weight and a sense of structure to support the great fruitiness.
93–95. Barrel sample. This is a solid effort that showcases both great blackberry fruit and sweet tannins right at the forefront. There is also fine acidity and a layer of wood that gives a dry, firm, age-worthy aftertaste.
93–95. Barrel sample. This is a very firm and concentrated wine with dark and smoky character. The palate is elegant and fine, but densely structured with dark tannins that give extra complexity.
93–95. Barrel sample. This powerful wine is dense with rich tannins and black fruits that are balanced. Full and concentrated, it's a wine with great potential.
93–95. Barrel sample. While fully ripe on the palate, this wine also boasts acidity and a black-currant freshness. It shows the quality of Cabernet from Pauillac in 2012.
93—95 Barrel sample. A beautiful wine, full of white fruits, citric character and concentrated structured fruit. Great green fruits give a freshness to the wine, which is fleshed out with spice from the wood.
93—95 Barrel sample. A very intense, ripe wine, packed with botrytis. It has great ripe flavors, plenty of apricots and dense, full fruit. At the top.
93—95 Barrel sample. Domaine de Chevalier's white has a reputation for long aging, and that's the case with 2006. It is the structure that does it, very firm, almost tannic. But the fruit is also a star, ripe, dense, with green plum flavors and touches of spice. Give this at least 10 years.
93—95 Barrel sample. What a fine wine, elegant, structured, impressively balanced, full of spice, blackcurrants, vibrant acidity. A great year at Trotanoy.
94-96 Barrel sample. A beautiful wine, with its fresh wood, lively blackcurrant juice flavors, and subtle tannins. It has a lift and liveliness to it, which sits easily over the firm structure.
94-96 Barrel sample. A dense wine, but without huge power. It goes for the elegant side of Margaux, soft, beautiful. The black cherry fruits are lively, juicy, with extra fresh acidity. Not big, but definitely elegant.
94-96 Barrel sample. A hugely rich wine, where the tannins seem initially lost in the overwhelming fruit. It has power and concentration, showing its alcohol a little. There is great intensity, but an edge of Portiness from the super-rich fruit.
94-96 Barrel sample. An immense wine, but one that is keeping all its elements in balance. Big, rich and ripe, apricots, peach juice and dry honeyed botrytis, along with a good element of freshness.
94-96 Barrel sample. Full of blackcurrant fruits, ripe and sweet tannins and forward fruit. The wine feels polished, ripe, smooth.
94-96 Barrel sample. Lots of new wood here, maybe too dominant. But it is a stage, because the fruit weight is also there to give a wine of considerable complexity, dry and solid.
94–96. Barrel sample. A rich and powerful wine with great fruits and solid tannins. This shows the power as well as elegance of Merlot in 2012—dark, ripe and fruity. Dark structure and acidity shine at the finish.
94–96. Barrel sample. A seriously rich, full, extracted wine, packed with dense tannins and complex fruits. The wine has weight, dark tannins and a solid character that will certainly age well.
94–96. Barrel sample. A surprisingly fresh Margaux considering that it's dominated by 87% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dense tannins, black fruits and tight acidity combine to present a wine that shows, for a Château Margaux, medium-term potential.
94–96. Barrel sample. A very fine, concentrated wine. Full of solid black fruits and tannins, it's seriously powerful, driven by its great fruits and intense mineral texture. For long-term aging.
94–96. Barrel sample. Big and rich with lots of chocolate and ripe black-plum fruits, this is a very structured wine, showing some extraction but also spice and sweet tannins. Powerful, but with a finish that is like a cool breeze.
94–96. Barrel sample. Big and ripe, this is a powerful wine with 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, giving the wine a solid, dusty structure but also delicious fruit. Finishes with a touch of chocolate at the end.
94–96. Barrel sample. Firmly tannic in character, this wine is dry and extracted. There's potential for this powerful, impressive wine to bear the wine's very dry character with the weight of its fruit.
94–96. Barrel sample. Intense black currant fruitiness makes this wine unabashedly forward. The palate bears weighty tannins behind that fruit, resulting in a wine that is already quite balanced and structured.
94–96. Barrel sample. Now incorporating the Magdelaine vineyard, Bélair-Monange is a fine, complex wine, dense and just austere. The wine is firmly in the tannic style—dark and brooding.
94–96. Barrel sample. Perfumed, elegant wine with an unusually high proportion of Merlot at the expense of Cabernet. Spicy, fruit cake and dried fruits go with a stylish blackberry character. Complex and set for a long aging.
94–96. Barrel sample. This is a beautifully crafted wine with red fruits, a touch of black currant, great acidity and dense structure. A blend of half-and-half Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows both weight and a great lift.
94–96. Barrel sample. This is a big, powerful, fruity wine that has restraint from its dense tannins. It's foursquare, chunky in character, already balanced, the tannins merging with the acidity. There is great aging potential.
94–96. Barrel sample. This is a glamorous wine with acidity and structure surrounded by a ripe fruit character. The palate is powerful, and already quite complex, with both great fruitiness and a solid feel.
94–96. Barrel sample. This is a powerful wine which exhibits a change in style towards elegance in recent years. The palate has delicious Merlot fruitiness along with black-currant acidity and a dense structure. Fine minerality at the end with juicy acidity.
94–96. Barrel sample. This is a ripe, wonderful wine that's full of spice, pineapple and apricot with a green tang of herbaceous character. It's simply beautiful, with great style and a deceptively simple use of wood.
94–96. Barrel sample. This very ripe, full-bodied wine is powered by sweet blackberries and solid tannins. It is a full, concentrated and complex wine that has a great future.
95-97 Barrel sample. A beautiful wine, great elegance, delicacy and charm. The balance is perfect, with the freshest black currant character. At the center are dry tannins and solid texture.
95-97 Barrel sample. Lovely, velvet textured wine, with acidity and some spicy wood. The texture is so ripe, the tannins voluptuous, smooth and textured, a light touch of chocolate. Magnificent rich wine.
95-97. Barrel sample. A powerful wine with dark and dry tannins. It has a great depth of fruit flavor, with immense and concentrated weight, and a structure that is for long-term aging.
95-97. Barrel sample. Showing new wood spice, this rich and full-bodied wine also has weighty fruit, with creamy and herbaceous qualities.
95   Massolino 2012 Parafada (Barolo). A textbook Barolo, this opens with scents of mature berry, leather, underbrush, tobacco and an elegant trace of fragrant blue flower. The well-structured palate delivers succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, licorice, clove and mineral alongside a backbone of firm yet refined tannins. Drink 2020–2030.
95–97. Barrel sample. An impressively dense wine with a serious structure. Dusty tannins go with a powerful structure and a wonderfully deep texture. Very solid and chunky.
95–97. Barrel sample. Dominated by Cabernet Franc, this is a firm, solid and beautifully perfumed wine, lighter than some wines from Ausone. The tannins are velvet although with a strong mineral character. It's fruity at the same time as being structured—a wine for long-term aging.
95–97. Barrel sample. Full and powerfully concentrated, this wine has dense acidity, sweet black fruits and very fine tannins. The concentration is enormous but it expresses itself through the prism of smooth, velvet-textured tannins.
95–97. Barrel sample. Promoted to Saint-Emilion's elite Premier Grand Cru Classé category, Valandraud's 2012 shows both a mineral character and intense acidity to go with the smooth and beautiful black currant fruits. Power and elegance.
95–97. Barrel sample. This is a very solid wine with tannins that are very firm and dense. There is power without excessive alcohol, lending a classic feel, and a pure line from fruit, acidity and tannin. The result is as much about fruit as structure.
96-98 Barrel sample. A powerful wine, packed with tannins from structured Cabernet fruits. It exudes muscularity, intensity and concentration. The wood element is present. Maybe the final freshness is missing.
96-98 Barrel sample. A powerful, complex wine, its layers of sweetness mixed with a total dryness from botrytis. The wine is impressively rich, considerably inspired by dried fruits and spice. Certainly for aging over decades.
96-98 Barrel sample. A wine that shows intense spice, with ginger and grated nutmeg. This lies over the top of the ripest yellow fruits, added to mango, sweet pears and a fresh, final character. Complex wine with an immense future.
96-98 Barrel sample. An impressive wine, a true return to form for Cheval Blanc. The fruit is enormous, packed with sweet black berry juice, and with a brilliant freshness. There is a lovely smoky character, topped by ripe figs.
96-98 Barrel sample. Concentrated and dense, this is a wine that fits well into the power of 2009. There is richness, but as well there is great elegance, a great structure of richness and sweetness, with the final bite of honey.
96-98 Barrel sample. Ripe, sweet but also intensely juicy, a delicious wine, full of sweetness and rich complexity. The new wood element is there, but just brings out the beauty of the fruit.
96-98 Barrel sample. Very dense, a muscular wine, very concentrated. It has a superb texture of velvet, while still keeping an abundance of dry tannins. There is power here, solid and dense structure, but there are also bright fruits. Vivid, concentrated.
96-98. Barrel sample. The fruit is very pure with a great depth of flavor. This wine has weight, and intense flavors of dark plum and sweet fruit. Impressive.
96–98. Barrel sample. A beautifully ripe wine that's very dense in its character. The wine is generous and rich, while also structured. It already has delicious black plum fruit and velvet tannins. A wonderful, opulent wine that's packed with full-throated Merlot.
96–98. Barrel sample. The first vintage from a newly-constructed cellar, this is a beautiful wine, with glorious Merlot flavors. It's full of spice and dense with velvet tannins. The wine has great opulence and its fruit is well integrated into the structure.
96–98. Barrel sample. This is a structured, ripe wine that also has a great sense of freshness—vibrant blackberry flavor and lively acidity. The finish retains the same delicious freshness and brightness of this vintage.
96–98. Barrel sample. This powerful, impressive wine is comprised of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's seriously structured, with loads of black currants and dark tannin, and revels on the finish with the juicy, fresh acidity of this vintage. A fine Mouton, this is the first vintage produced in the chateau's new cellar.
97-99 Barrel sample. A tasting from several barrels, because the chateau has not made the final blend, so the rating is provisional. But the wine is so rich, with an almost perfect balance of acidity and ripeness, allied to a complete purity of honeyed botrytis. However the final wine turns out, it will be magnificent.
97-99 Barrel sample. A wonderfully structured wine,it combines impressive purity of fruit with delicious, mouth-watering acidity, The dry structure holds this elegant structure perfectly in place. A great success.
98-100 Barrel sample. A superb wine, with the purest fruit, great freshness and ripeness. It is certainly structured with dry tannins, but the blackcurrant freshness is all there. The wine has a great limpid, flowing feel, lbut also power.
98-100 Barrel sample. Sumptuous, opulent, with gorgeous ripe fruit, and yet under 14 percent alcohol. The firm tannins are almost smothered by the delicious fruits. It is a great wine that expresses both the natural exuberance of Palmer and the rich fruit and balancing freshness of the vintage.
98-100 Barrel sample. The aromas are so rich and powerful, with great ripe apricots. There are honey, spice and beautiful sweet spiced pears. This is an extraordinary wine in an extraordinary year in Sauternes.
A-Mano delivers a no-fuss Pinot Grigio with a lean mouthfeel and crisp aromas of citrus, peach and grapefruit. Pair this wine with informal snacks or finger foods.
A $20 Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Yup, and it's pretty darn good, too. Thyme and clove notes accent the black cherry fruit, and meaty, savory flavors emerge on the palate. It's  appropriately full bodied and perhaps a bit rustic, but satisfying. Drink now and over the next few years.
A 10-year-old that tastes older than its indicated age. There is a strong wood-aged feel to it, the toast and vanilla from wood coming through well. It is also on the dry side, giving it spice rather than molasses. The finish is dense, concentrated.
A 10 month stint in oak has given this rich wine a seriously spicy character supported by dark chocolate and black fruit flavors. Syrah, Castelão and Cabernet Sauvignon give this young wine tannins and a dark texture that needs to soften. Drink after 2016.
A 100-percent Cab Franc aged in all new French oak, this wine opens with aromas of vanilla and coconut, before imparting a taste of soft cassis and raspberry jam. Tightly structured, let it open for an hour or so before enjoying with roast chicken or quiche Lorraine.
A 100%-organic Chardonnay, stainless steel fermented and poured into a handy-dandy, also certified-organic AstraPouch (1.5 liter). This easy-to-bring-on-a-picnic wine is clean, balanced and simply drinkable with a note of sweet grapefruit and pineapple.
A 100% Alvarinho wine grown outside its classic area in the north of Vinho Verde, this one earns the Minho regional designation. This wine is in a light style, fruity with green plums and tangy with orange peel. Drink now.
A 100% Barbera that invites with gorgeous aromas of cinnamon and baked cherry, this is a lovely wine from start to finish, with a silky texture and balanced acidity. Seamless, it's juicy on the finish, the perfect invitation to enjoy more. Have with spaghetti carbonara or a seriously gourmet pizza.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak, this wine has a brambly quality. Otherwise it's dusty and intense, offering high-impact swirls of cassis, pomegranate and dusty cocoa powder. From start to finish the wine is ripe yet juicy.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a number of hillside and valley floor vineyards, including Beckstoffer Georges III, this still-developing wine is delicately layered in soft-grained tannins, a dusty, graphite spark around the mellow red fruit and anise. With a lingering finish, it ends with a touch of dust. Cellar through 2020.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a prominent site, this wine boasts bright, juicy red cassis and pomegranate fruit supported by complex layers of dried herb, coconut and pencil shavings. Ready to enjoy now and through 2021, it finishes with a taste of bittersweet chocolate.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of the appellation, this wine expands on the palate, and is an all-around rich, round and ripe expression of health and vigor. Dried cherry and chalky, dusty tannins form the core of the palate, before a satisfying finish of dark, deep chocolate. Cellar through 2020.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the M5 block of Stagecoach Vineyard, the producer's own estate, this offers notes of pipe tobacco and tar, with shades of pencil lead and cedar bearing down on the palate. It's mouthfilling, with ample acidity showing through in the background followed by a long finish. Cellar through 2026.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon given two years in French oak, this sanguine, expertly structured and elegant wine offers plenty of bright cassis and blackberry flavor on the palate, seducing with complex layers of dried herb and black tea. Enjoyable now, this wine will also benefit from time; hold through 2022.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the vintner's estate, this wine is holding back some of its complexity now in lieu of aging potential. Smoky oak, bay leaf, ripe raspberry, cherry and cedar tones remain elusive and subtle on the palate. This is an elegant wine, vibrant in red fruit and light spice. Cellar it through 2022.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that offers cherry, plum and earthy spice, the tannins soft and supple. This is a wine to enjoy now, aged close to two years in French oak, 20% of it new.
A 100% Merlot aged 18 months in French oak, this hearty wine is rich in cinnamon toast, bittersweet chocolate and dark, black fruit. It's walled in tannins, so let it open a bit and it'll reveal subtle herbal tones.
A 100% Petit Verdot is a rare event. Here in Bairrada, close to the ocean, the grape produces a structured, dense wine with serious blackberry fruits and dark tannins. It is deeply colored, ripe with bold fruitiness as well as acidity. Drink the wine now.
A 100% Petite Sirah, this is inky, dark and thick, exuding tobacco, blackberry and an old-school rusticity true to its Mendocino roots.
A 100% Roussanne wine is rare in its normal origin, the Rhône Valley. Here, in the mountains, it has produced this intensely perfumed, tightly textured wine that is both unusual and delicious. Crisply textured and with spice and a dry edge, the wine could be aged for a few months. Drink from the end of 2016.
A 100% Sauvignon Blanc that was fermented in both stainless steel and neutral oak, this wine offers floral, nutty and deeply layered suggestions of structured oak. Medium to full-bodied, it's lengthy and impressive, with crispness to the finish.
A 100% single-vineyard Garganega from the home vineyards of Zonin, this has ripe, soft almond-flavored fruit with touches of vanilla and citrus.
A 100% Syrah aged for 18 months in two-thirds new French oak, this wine offers damp truffle earth aromas around burly layers of cigar box and spicy, gamy blackberry and plum. Potent, with a long finish, it's worth aging through 2022.
A 100% varietal and estate-grown wine, this has a puckering density to the palate amid a plushness and richness of body and weight. Dense in blackberry and plum, it offers additional elements of tar and crackling bacon.
A 100% varietal expression of the grape, this is soft and simple, medium bodied and quite tannic, with highlights of green herb and tomato leaf.
A 100% varietal Pinot, this wine has a faint bouquet of ripe black cherry and blackberry, exuding full flavor and body. Smooth, the oak is low impact, providing extra weight and sustenance while remaining balanced with the fruit.
A 100% varietal wine aged in entirely new French oak, this is a big-bodied, grippy wine. It's slightly syrupy with ripe red fruit and a complexity of dried herb and cedar which makes it a fine representative of the relatively cooler appellation from which it comes.
A 100% varietal wine aged more than two years in French oak, this is earthy and rustically unfussy, offering a structure of integrated tannin that shades shy fruit.
A 100% varietal wine blended from three vineyard sites, this has fantastic aromatics, floral and meaty in all the best ways. Sanguine, it flirts in black peppercorn, game and a density of black licorice, remaining sturdy and firm on the palate in leathery grace. Drinkable now, it has years to go, through 2022.
A 100% varietal wine coming from Block 14 of this up-and-coming vineyard, it has a lot of appeal with notes of dark-brewed coffee, chocolate, cherries and black raspberries. Aged 18 months in half new French oak, it's silky, soft, and supple, showing a lot of polish and restraint.
A 100% varietal wine entirely from the producer's Napa side of its property, this special cuvée is thick and rich in black and blue fruit, generously soft and silky on the palate with well-integrated oak. Complex and built to age, it finishes in a jolt of black pepper and licorice. Enjoy now through 2022.
A 100% varietal wine entirely from Yountville, this presents a touch of herb and cedar on the entry aromatically, followed by a thickness of tannin that softens in the glass. Big-boned, it finishes strong in tobacco and coffee.
A 100% varietal wine fermented in stainless steel, this is a bright, lively tangle of cherry and orange built around bristling acidity that practically sizzles on the palate. Light-bodied and plenty crisp, it mellows to show length and breadth on the finish.
A 100% varietal wine from a great appellation, this has a weightiness of tannin on the entry that softens in the glass, unveiling classical characteristics of blueberry and violet, the oak subtle and spicy on the finish.
A 100% varietal wine from a light-handed producer, this captures a sense of muted, yet juicy red cherry around structured tannins, making for an elegant experience. Integrated oak ensures a layered, medium-bodied wine, with a leathery, coffee-like finish. Cellar through 2020.
A 100% varietal wine from a prime Beckstoffer vineyard in the heart of the appellation, this aged in 100% new French oak. A robust, full-throttled wine, it's smoky in tar and baked fruit that could use some time in cellar to further develop the layers of cedar and blackberry.
A 100% varietal wine from a tiny site, this is dark yet approachable in its wild characteristics of raspberry and gravel. Expansive and juicy on the midpalate, it offers lengthy clove and dried herb tones between layers of blueberry and blackberry. The leathery texture is satisfying and complex.
A 100% varietal wine from a warm region in a warm year, this discloses a thick, rich and syrupy aspect to the layers of soft tannin and dense blackberry fruit. It calls for pairing with meaty dishes.
A 100% varietal wine from grapes sourced in Coombsville, this offers cranberry, currant and clove in equal measure. This tiny-production project features tight-grained tannin and a dusty texture built around moderate acidity and body.
A 100% varietal wine from near the town of Glen Ellen, this is a healthy marriage of power and grace. The wine is fiery in leathery tannin and full-bodied blackberry ripeness laced in cinnamon and black pepper. Aged in new French oak, it's structured and age-worthy, though quite enjoyable now.
A 100% varietal wine from one vineyard, this wine opens in cinnamon stick and blackberry jam, leading the way to chocolatey leather on the palate offset by tingling acidity. Currant, blueberry and cedar also make appearances atop a full-body and lengthy, concentrated finish.
A 100% varietal wine from the core of St. Helena, this vineyard-designate expands on the palate in juicy, leather waves, showcasing coconut macaroon, cassis and kirsch in equal measure. Full bodied and concentrated in the ripeness of the vintage, it caps off on the palate in black leather and tobacco.
A 100% varietal wine from the famed Ritchie Vineyard, this is a tremendous expression of elusively sublime lemon and lime, with a juiciness of grapefruit. Crisp and refreshing from start to finish, it offers complex, creamy Tahitian vanilla bean midway through, finishing with zest.
A 100% varietal wine from the hillsides of the appellation, this dances in crisp, upfront acidity and soft texture, showcasing a wealth of juicy blackberry, cranberry and mocha dust flavor. It's robust yet balanced, with a seam of firm tannins tht lends both structure and grace.
A 100% varietal wine from the mountain appellation, this bristles in spicy acidity sparked in black pepper and clove. Muscularly built, it offers generous tannin and blue fruit, alongside an element of scrubby sage and cocoa powder.
A 100% varietal wine from the Napa producer, this is sourced from the expansive appellation known as Sonoma Coast. The wine exhibits cooler-climate herbal tendencies against a smooth palate, subtle oak and red fruit. It finishes in sizable tannins.
A 100% varietal wine from the producer's estate, the grapes planted in rocky volcanic soils, this wine showcases a thicket of blueberry and smoky meat, with a high-toned backbone of acidity helping to keep it from becoming overbearing. Ripe, the tannins are soft and chewy.
A 100% varietal wine from the producer's estate, this is a greasy, meaty wine, exuberant in smoky barrel background and a thicket of black licorice. Brawny and broad on the palate in fleshy full-bodied waves, it tastes deliciously of blackberry jam and chocolate.
A 100% varietal wine from the wilds of the appellation, this wine shows a pretty range of violet and dusty sage. Concentrated in fruit and girth with a bright backbone of acidity, it finishes in earthy forest floor and chocolate.
A 100% varietal wine from the winery property, certified organic to boot, this is classic in cedar, currant and a freshness of blackberry. Vibrant acidity on the palate balances out the tightness of new oak. It captures the dustiness known to the appellation as well.
A 100% varietal wine made by Kirk Venge, this tiny-production offering is concentrated in leather and dark baked fruit. Rich and rewarding, it wears its voluptuousness well, showing the palate with firm chewy tannin and integrated oak.
A 100% varietal wine that's barrel fermented in neutral French oak, this wine is creamy and lightly tropical in guava and tangy mandarin orange. Balanced acidity and integrated oak provide buoyancy against a natural ripeness and power, finishing delightfully floral.
A 100% varietal wine that opens invitingly in wafts of baked bread and follows on the palate with juicy black currant and dried herb, this shows complexity and elegance in equal measure. Firm tannin girds substantial characteristics of black licorice and tobacco, with a succulent finish. Drink now through 2023.
A 100% varietal wine with layers of leather and bacon at the core, this full-bodied bottling is otherwise soft and juicy in red and black fruit. Overlaying it all is a smoky quality that overbears at times, but will pair well with the right foods.
A 100% varietal wine, and the producer's first vintage thereof, this is a juicy and leathery Cab Franc, soft and straightforward in plum and raspberry, with a layering of baking spice on the finish. Restrained, it's a nice one for the table.
A 100% varietal wine, grown in an area called the Lower Mountaintop, this offers a compelling candied cherry and raspberry element, supported by complex accents of vanilla and cured meat. With plenty of body to stay fresh and vibrant on the palate, it never gets bogged down, finishing in richer components of dark chocolate and oak.
A 100% varietal wine, on the nose this suggests a pungency of French bread, which doesn't open up for much else aromatically. On the medium-bodied palate, expect a mix of viscous honey and baked peach.
A 100% varietal wine, this Cab is subtle and elegant in crisp red fruit, bordering on a richness that remains at the cusp of the palate. Leather and tobacco leaf figure into the mix as well, along a well-integrated foundation of oak and tannin, finishing with a hint of brick.
A 100% varietal wine, this comes from a property formerly known as the Preston Ranch, with which the producer has worked for a long time. The wine coaxes silky-smooth, leathery tannins into a sinewy texture bounded by meat, cigar and decadent amounts of white pepper. Complex and layered, it'll sit well in the cellar, through 2023.
A 100% varietal wine, this features big oak and dry tannins around a rustic core of full-bodied black cherry and dried plum. Savory tobacco and tea provide a sultry edge to the proceedings, before tartness comes to bear on the finish. Enjoy now through 2018.
A 100% varietal wine, this has a biscuit-like, baked-bread quality to it, with a sweetness of tannin that threatens to overwhelm. The full body lacks in complexity and acidity.
A 100% varietal wine, this is a tense study in black cherry, blueberry, and dry chalky tannins, which need further time to resolve. Still puckering on the finish, it offers streaks of cedar, pencil lead and coconut that are still integrating. Drink now through 2023.
A 100% varietal wine, this is both soft and dense, herbal and restrained in cranberry and red currant. Dry and dusty, the body is medium to full bodied, and the finish medium-long. Enjoy now.
A 100% varietal wine, this is dry and in balance, made in a bigger fuller style that presents as lush and plush on the palate. Apricot and peach offer a ripe succulence of fruit as a touch of oak integrates well into the background.
A 100% varietal wine, this is dusty and dense, concentrated in a pillowy tannin structure that grips the palate with force. Toasted oak plays strongman to quieter aspects of currant and berry.
A 100% varietal wine, this offers a depth of earthy mushroom and forest, especially on the nose, before expansive waves of juicy raspberry and blackberry take over on the palate. Enjoyable now, it reveals a touch of dried herb and violet as it progresses in the glass.
A 100% varietal wine, this offers a juiciness of red fruit that's deliciously inviting, surrounded by plenty of cinnamon and black pepper. Grippy and full bodied, it reins in its ripeness well, remaining structured and complex through a mineral-driven finish.
A 100% varietal wine, this offers tremendous quality for the price, a well-crafted showcase for currant, cedar and bark that remains savory at its core. Grippy in tannin and contained oak, it's drinkable now but will benefit from time in the cellar, through 2021.
A 100% varietal wine, this offers upfront structure and gravelly texture, its tannins robust. The medium-bodied ripeness allows plenty of room for dried herb and cedar, accents to the bolder notions of black raspberry jam and coffee.
A 100% varietal wine, this opens in floral violet perfume, delicate notions that are soon overpowered by the chock-a-block blackberry and plum. The tannins are robust and still integrating, giving the wine a somewhat harsh feel.
A 100% varietal wine, this still has a puckering sense to the tannins, the power and weight of the wine generous and robust. Leather and banana figure into the bouquet, with the savory-laden flavors leaning toward black pepper and dark, ripe plum. This wine needs time; cellar through 2022.
A 100% varietal, single-vineyard estate wine, at the top of the producer's heap, this was given almost two years in French oak, half of it new, the other half once-filled. Juicy, it offers refined layers of herb, currant and clove, making for a soft, complex and lightly spicy experience. With sizable structure and depth, it can be enjoyed now through 2022.
A 100% varietal, single-vineyard wine, aged nearly two years in French oak, 65% new, this is expansive in chalky red fruit and rustic saddle leather notes, the tannins billowy and round. A rich cocoa-like undertone plays nicely on the palate.
A 100% varietal, site-specific wine from the heart of the appellation, this succeeds in a herbal persistence and lean nose. Red currant, cassis and anise wrap around thick tannins, with lingering notes of clove and cedar.
A 100% varietal, this generously proportioned wine offers gamy meat specked in black pepper, the texture smooth and soft. Black fruit and a twist of chocolate add weight and flavor to an already luxurious effort, with length and breadth on the finish.
A 100% varietal, this represents a tiny offering of this single-vineyard wine. Despite its youth it is silky and supple on the palate. Rich, dense black fruit and graphite marry well and find cohesion among the toasty oak.
A 100% Viognier that's heady in ripe pit fruit, mostly sweet peach, and accented in nutty, floral aromas. It's full-bodied and  robust, with tannins that are soft and juicy.
A 100% Zin from a warm site planted in 1893 and currently owned by the folks behind nearby Bella Winery, this is a broad, bombastic expression of the variety. Near-syrupy in plum and dusty blackberry, it has wafts of rose and anise that give a floral edge, keeping it from going too far. Soft and linear, it'a a wine to be enjoyed slowly, with meaty, hearty food.
A 24-acre vineyard at the southern end of the Graves region has produced a 2010 that is rich while still retaining an attractive light touch. There are firm tannins that are the background to the blackberry fruits and bold structure. Drink this wine from 2017.
A 25th anniversary special selection, this beautiful Brunello shows thick structure with rich flavors of earth, black fruit, natural rubber, black fruit, soy sauce, cola, pressed flowers and toasted nut. The overall effect is elegance and sophistication.
A 30-year-old tawny that shows great intensity and rich dried fruits and honey as well as the woody flavors from long aging in barrel. It's a very fine wine, dry in character with touches of bitter marmalade and finished with intense acidity. Like all tawnies, the wine is ready to drink.
A 40-30-30 blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah, this shows a touch of cola-like fizz that tickles the tongue. Its aromas include cherry, blueberry and a touch of natural rubber.
A 50-50 blend of Bombino Bianco and Chardonnay, this oak-aged white blend from southern Italy delivers bright acidity from the first grape variety and smooth vanilla, butterscotch and peach from the second.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine shows aromas of ripe blackberries, spicy raspberry and warm vanilla. The palate seems a bit dichotomous, with ripe fruit on entry leading to a toasted oak character on the finish.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this offers aromas of cedar, leafy underbrush, scorched earth, ripe dark fruit and ground black pepper. The palate delivers dried black currants, licorice, mint and tobacco alongside velvety tannins. Drink through 2019.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has produced this fruity, juicy while also structured wine. It has concentration with layers of wood aging to support and fill out the fruit. It is still developing— still a young wine. Give it until 2018.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Adèo delivers bright fruit tones of fresh raspberry and blueberry with loads of spice at the back. Here it is: a perfect pasta wine.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this offers aromas of underbrush, cedar, bluish-black fruit, spice and a whiff of scorched earth. On the palate, notes of licorice, tobacco, grilled herbs and menthol accent black currant and dried black cherry. Bracing, raspy tannins provide the framework.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of red currant, cooking spice and a lightly toasted note. The sleek, easy palate doles juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and mocha alongside supple tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy soon.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this smoky wine has a flavor of black currant juice and a lean, firmly tannic texture. It needs several years to mature.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine proves that not all Pays d'Oc are created equal. So deep and complex, you can discover a new aroma or flavor with each smell or sip. The fruit-forward core of dark black fruit is graced with accents of rosemary, violets and thyme, while the finish offers a rich, toasted oak character and spice that lingers masterfully.
A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, this has a subdued nose that doesn't give much away. The palate offers dried black cherries, blackberry extract, vanilla, licorice and new oak but the fruit is drying up quickly, leaving an abrupt, astringent finish.
A 50-50 blend of Catarratto and Chardonnay, this opens with aromas that recall Spanish broom and ripe orchard fruit. The bright, simple palate offers yellow apple and citrus alongside fresh acidity.
A 50-50 blend of Ciliegiolo and Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of blackberry extract, espresso, tilled soil and a balsamic note. The palate offers dried black cherries accented with mint, menthol and licorice alongside drying, woody tannins. Drink before 2018 to capture what remains of the fruit.
A 50-50 blend of Cinsault and Grenache, this is a medium-bodied, plump, succulent rosé, hinting at grapefruit and underripe peaches. It's nicely balanced, with a long, slightly minerally finish. Drink now.
A 50-50 blend of Insolia and Catarratto, this offers pretty aromas of white and yellow spring flowers. The fresh, informal palate delivers citrus peel and raw white peach alongside zesty acidity.
A 50-50 blend of Inzolia and Chardonnay, this has pleasant aromas of yellow flower and a whiff of tropical fruit. The fresh, simple palate shows white peach and citrus while bright acidity gives it a clean finish.
A 50-50 blend of Inzolia and Viognier, this feels slender and tight on the palate, with a drying note of talcum powder behind the flavors of citrus, honeysuckle and stone fruit.
A 50-50 blend of Merlot and Syrah, this easygoing wine opens with aromas of red currant, graphite and cracked peppercorn. The lively palate offers blackberries, blueberries and clove alongside tangy acidity and dusty tannins.
A 50-50 blend of Nero d'Avola and Nerello Mascalese, this boasts fruity and spicy aromas of wild berry, fennel and Mediterranean herb. The fresh, juicy palate offers crushed strawberry, wild cherry and a note of white pepper. A hint of tangerine and a saline note close the crisp finish.
A 50-50 blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah, this offers inviting aromas of ripe black plum, fragrant blue flower and allspice. Blackberry, dried cherry and black pepper take center stage on the palate, while soft tannins provide light support. It finishes on a smoky note.
A 50-50 blend of Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay, this offers enormous intensity both in terms of its aromas and its natural structure. It shows soft, enduring tones of stone fruit, honey and exotic fruit, and there's a bright touch of acidity on the close that pulls the wine nicely together.
A 50-50 blend of Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of peach, honey and white rose. The quality of the bubbly perlage is tonic and crisp, but both grape varieties provide the wine with medium structure.
A 50-50 blend of Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc that's crisp and ripe, and offers a touch of spice. A lovely, fresh, green wine.
A 50-50 blend of Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay from the Marne Valley gives this wood-aged wine richness, with good spice and flavor concentration. Dry and crisp, it benefits from the fine vintage to highlight ripe grapes with acidity and citrus flavors. The wine is ready to drink.
A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of cedar, violet, underbrush and dark berry. The elegantly structured palate delivers black cherries, red currants, black pepper and anise alongside smooth, integrated tannins. Drink through 2018.
A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of ripe plum, dark-skinned berry, cedar and purple flowers. The palate delivers prunes, dried black cherries, licorice and black pepper alongside raspy tannins that leave an astringent finish.
A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet, this wine is rich and opulent, without being at all heavy or exaggerated. The mouthfeel is smooth, soft but structured and there is a long fruit and spice flavored finish.
A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, Maurleo shows a fresh, crisp quality with red cherry and wild berries in the foreground. Dig deeper and you'll find spice, toast and nutty tones as well.
A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, this dense, extracted wine opens with aromas of vanilla, new oak, ripe black fruit, mocha and roasted coffee beans. The palate offers oak extract, coconut, toast, chocolate, fleshy plum and blackberries alongside velvety tannins. It's still resting heavily on its oak so give it a few years to integrate.
A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Syrah, this bright rosato opens with a rose aroma, backed by pink grapefruit and forest fruit notes. The mouthfeel has a bright, lean quality that makes it a pleasure to drink.
A 50-50 blend of Syrah and Nero d'Avola, this wine is soft and has enormous density, with lingering notes of leather, cherry and dark chocolate. The fruit layers are generous and plump.
A 50-50 blend of Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet, this is rich and smooth. Its tannins provide a backbone of structure to its ripe, concentrated blackberry fruit. Ready to drink.
A 50-50 blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia, this showcases aromas of maple syrup, dried stone fruit and walnut. The rich palate delivers dried apricot, chestnut honey and almond alongside fresh acidity.
A 50-50 Cabernet/Syrah blend, this is heavily tannic. The cherry-cola flavor is smothered in char, smoke and bitter espresso. This needs a big thick steak to cut through the tannins.
A 50-50 California Cab Franc-Oregon Pinot Noir blend, this works better than most attempts to blend Pinot Noir with anything. It's aromatically focused, scented with exotic incense that's soft, sultry and smooth. The fruit suggests cherry and plum, with streaks of stem, leaf and rather stiff tannins. It's the barrel flavors that help to pull it all together.
A 50-50 sparking blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes given more time in bottle, the DVX is light golden in color. Yeasty on the nose and dry on the palate, it offers a flurry of rich, full-bodied apple and wild berry layered atop a thick layer of minerality.
A 50-50 split of the two varieties, there's a lot to like in this wine, from its opening steely aromas to its surprisingly robust body of apricot and pineapple, with a crisp floral aspect keeping it balanced on the palate. A curious suggestion of marshmallow closes things out.
A 50-case release from Six Sigma, this Sauvignon Blanc is fleshy, dark and complex, complete with lime, lemon and guava tones. It'll stand up to creamy shellfish dishes or a platter of fresh oysters—an intense study in barrel-kissed Lake County Sauvignon Blanc.
A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this brings sweet cherry flavors to the forefront, albeit with some noticeable volatility. You can taste it in the slightly vinegary finish; but that said, it's a perfectly pleasant wine with enough fruit to carry it for a couple more years.
A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this shows big fruity flavors tempered with a dry core of tannins. There is a stalky element of black currant skins which adds to the sensation of dryness, but there is also a more mouthfilling character of black plum juice to give the wine a final roundness.
A 50/50 blend of Pommard and Dijon 777 grapes, this is the biggest, brightest and juiciest vintage to date for this cuvée. The concentrated raspberry fruit carries a touch of sweetness, set against refined, proportionate tannins. The mouthfeel is smooth and the finish chocolaty, with enough concentration to drink well into the mid-2020s.
A 50/50 blend of wood-aged Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from selected wines. It is wood-dominated at present, but the fruit feels rich enough to come through shortly, and then it will be an impressively ripe, structured wine. However, it's always going to be a dry, dark and firmly tannic.
A 50–50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this is a fruity wine that also has a strongly tangy zesty character. It comes from vines on the Montagne de Reims, a rich source of great fruit that shows strongly in this Champagne. The bottling is still young and will benefit from another few months aging, so drink from 2018.
A 53% Syrah-47% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, finished at a moderate 13.5% alcohol. There  are pretty aromas, floral and bready, with hints of darker fruits. A rather soft, medium-bodied, fruit-forward wine, with plum and cherry, and a bit of cocoa in the finish.
A 60-30-10 blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah, Carato is a vibrant, cheerful wine elegant aromas that recall the small berry fruit and blue flowers usually associated with Sangiovese. The wine has a clean and balanced delivery and ends with crisp acidity.
A 60-40 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Patrimonio opens with bright fruit tones of cherry and blueberry with background notes of spice and leather. Overall, it's easy and compact in style.
A 60-40 blend, this full-bodied, creamy textured, lush wine captures the sun of McLaren Vale without taking it too far. Vanilla, licorice and plum notes mark the nose, while the plummy flavors pick up mocha shadings before turning a bit fudge-like on the long, velvety finish. Drink now–2018.
A 60-40 split of two varieties, this wine brings aromas of soil, citrus peel and wood spice. The palate delivers a firm handshake of tannins and fruit flavors brightened by tart acidity.
A 60% majority of Zinfandel plays nicely with 40% Petite Sirah, blending into a happy union of big, ripe blackberry and thick tannins. Smooth on the palate, with a touch of vanilla, it highlights red and black fruit in complementary waves, staying juicy throughout.
A 60/40 Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend, done in the Bordeaux style. Fermented in neutral oak, aged sur lie, and left in the barrels for another half year, the wine is lightly toasty with steely fruit flavors and a firm, solid mouthfeel.
A 65-35 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is bold, opulent and elaborate. This expression has perfumed notes of incense and exotic spice, lavished over tones of ripe cherry and blackberry.
A 70-30 blend of Catarratto and Chardonnay, this wine offers enormous freshness in the form of citrus blossom, white almond, honey, lemon mousse and basil leaf notes. It feels silky, crisp and light.
A 70-30 blend of Corvina and Rondinella, this bright Amarone offers simple but genuine aromas of forest berry, toasted almond, cherry cola and vanilla bean. The wine is smooth, polished and crisp on the close.
A 70-30 blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah, this has a dark garnet color, with ripe aromas of blackberry and sour cherry. The wine's acidity gives the palate a lively pop.
A 70-30 blend, this wine shows loads of cherry fruit that's surprisingly tart given the wine's loose-knit nature. Finishes with a warm alcoholic glow and hints of damp earth, cinnamon, clove and eucalyptus. —J.C.
A 75-25 blend of Nero d'Avola and Tannat, Naisi is a plump, jammy red with aromas of blackberry, leather and cured meat. The finish is layered with sweet and sour elements.
A 75-25 blend that showcases the exotic lychee and pear aromas of Gewürz, while the Riesling asserts itself on the finish in a rush of bracing lime-like acidity. A unique blend that offers plenty of food-pairing versatility.
A 80-20 blend of Cabernet and Corvina (a native grape of northern Italy), this refreshing red wine opens with a lively ruby color and simple aromas of berry fruit and red rose petal. Pair this wine with picnic foods such as grilled sausage or hamburger.
A 80-20 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with a polished bouquet that's comprised of red fruit, spice and rubber notes, enhanced by leather, tobacco, dark cherry fruit and exotic spice accents. A hint of Band-Aid brings up the rear.
A 900-foot vineyard offers just the right cool conditions for great Pinot Noir. This is impressive, toast and raspberry fruit flavors vying with spice and acidity. It needs 3–4 years for the wood to integrate completely.
A a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino, this opens with a tangy bouquet that's redolent of wild berry, dried ginger, cola and licorice. Easy drinking and smooth, this has fresh acidity on the finish.
A “best-barrel blend” that's a 50-50 Pommard and Dijon clone mix. The black-cherry fruit is framed with a bit more barrel toast than the other Brick House Pinots, having been aged for 18 months in 40% new wood. As with all BH wines, it's impeccably clean, minimally handled and elegantly balanced. Biodynamic farming brings added textural details, lengthens the finish and surprises with its complexity.
A “kitchen sink” blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot, the Wild Z shows far more flavors of vanilla and black tea than fruit. A popular style to be sure, fine for everyday drinking.
A “layered” blend of five different varieties, this starts off a bit floral and lemony, then develops some earthier notes to go along with the modest citrus flavors. Finishes short. Sémillon (37%), Muscat (20.5%), Gewürztraminer (19.5%), Pinot Gris (19%) and Chardonnay (4%).
A “super Calabria” blend of Gaglioppo and Cabernet Sauvignon, Gravello delivers savory notes of leather, dried berry, spice and cured meat. There's a touch of sour cherry on the tasty, rich finish.
A “Wow!” wine on every level. This is a lovely, dark, smooth and rich expression that is packed tight with intensity and personality. The biggest, boldest wine by far from Montalcino's 2006 vintage, this bottle will age nicely and add value to your cellar collection.
A “wow” wine that hits high marks in terms of intensity, complexity and overall appeal. The bouquet is colored by shadings of berry fruit, cola, licorice, dry earth, spice, toasted nut and root beer. It's a bright and beautiful ensemble with a long aging future ahead.
A “wow” wine that will dazzle most Cabernet lovers. It's so rich in blackberries, blueberries, milk chocolate and oaky nougat, it's almost like a candy, except that for all the perceived sweetness, it's dry. The texture is soft enough to drink now.
A baked lemon, honeyed aspect of this wine makes it seem overripe in many ways, a lush, full-bodied characteristic that seems slightly overdone. From one of the farming family's Green Valley ranches, it's intense and creamy.
A baked, sweet, candied Malbec with a gritty, sugary mouthfeel and sweet, zappy cherry and plum flavors. Hot and breaks down on the finish. Rudimentary.
A balance of blueberry-chiffon ripeness and asphalt tightness is enhanced by spearmint and cola notes on the nose of this blend from eastern Santa Ynez Valley. The palate shows generous black fruit against a restrained tannic frame of tobacco and cedar.
A balanced and easy to drink Pinotage with notes of black plum and berries with accents of vanilla lingering on the finish. Soft, approachable tannins, vibrant acidity and a medium-weight mouth make this a very food-friendly selection.
A balanced and lilting 100% varietal white that touched no oak, it's sublime in white peach and garden herb notes, with memorable minerality on the finish. Crisp and refreshing, it's ideal for picnics, beach outings and pairing with light fare.
A balanced and straightforward wine boasting strong dark fruit flavors of black cherry and berry along with accents of milk chocolate and licorice. Medium weight with a soft structure, approachable tannins and a clean finish. Drink now.
A balanced and well-structured wine, this Merlot expresses attractive aromas of black plum, soft sweet licorice and delicate spice. The mouth is lush and round with soft tannins and a chocolaty finish. Drink now.
A balanced aromatic show of campfire smoke, purple fruit and violet-driven florals emerges on the nose of this affordable wine from Don Sebastiani & Sons. It's a little watery on the palate, but then shows a nice array of blackberry fruit, black pepper, graphite earthiness and a vanilla finish.
A balanced blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay gives a rich wine, with mineral, pear and layered wood flavors. There is some herbaceousness, but the wood and creamy Chardonnay give broadness and richness.
A balanced Malbec with red fruit aromas and just a touch of aged cheese on the nose. The palate is creamy and slightly candied, with layered black fruit, fig and chocolate flavors. Creamy and candied but lively on the finish, with enough integrity and structure to rank as a Best Buy.
A balanced wine that has both fresh red fruits and some tawny maturity. It has acidity, hints of wood aging and a spirit of freshness. The aftertaste is soft, smooth and toffee-like.
A balanced wine that showcases the ripe fruit while preserving freshness and layers of melon and spiced pear flavors. It has some concentration, leaving a final rich texture.
A balanced wine, not powerful although well concentrated with its red berry fruits and dusty tannins. It has beetroot flavor, acidity and a firm, dry finish.
A balanced wine, showing attractive fruitiness, ripe black currants and soft tannins. It's likely to be ready to drink soon.
A balanced wine, this shows both fresh, crisp fruit and the beginnings of toasty maturity. Its richness contrasts with a steely texture and tight, lemon-zest character that gives the wine a delicious tension.
A balanced wine, with softness that indicates a relatively high dosage. There is no complexity, but the wine is light, creamy, flavored with green plums and kiwi, just edged with bitterness.
A balanced, complex Syrah, a little lower in alcohol than many others, and as a result smoother and more elegant. At the same time, it has potent blackberry, currant, bacon and pepper flavors. Drink now–2015.
A balanced, ripe wine, this offers a good contrast between the dusty tannins and bright red-berry fruits. It's ready to drink with its fruitiness, although it will develop a richer, fuller character as it ages over the next year. Drink from 2017.
A balanced, well-structured wine, and a superb value. Cassis, black plum guts and anise are supported by soft sweet spice and leather fleshing out the nose and mouth, with lingering dusty tannins leaving you begging for more. Ready to drink now; pair with flank steak fajitas.
A balsamic nose of menthol and sage comes along with notes of exotic incense, black plum, cola and ginger. The palate offers muddled flavors of prune, black currants, fennel and grilled red peppers contrasted by sensations of sugar-sweetened espresso. It doesn't have enough fruit richness to support the very evident alcohol.
A balsamic note hits the nose first, with touches of wax and papaya seed in the background. It tastes sweet and sour, with confected raspberry and watermelon flavors that linger on the palate.
A balsamic note of menthol, dark culinary spice, crushed herb, new leather and wild berry aromas come together in the glass. Firmly structured but extraordinarily refined, the palate doles out red cherry, crushed strawberry, tobacco and cinnamon set against tightly woven refined tannins. Lively acidity lends balance and energy while a licorice note wraps around the lingering finish. Drink 2025–2043.
A banner vintage delivers a wine with nicely delineated layers of flavor, from fleshy tropical fruit into streaks of slightly bitter-skin flavors, herb and banana cream pie. It's long, lush and deliciously lively.
A Barbera offering dark plum and handfuls of meaty brawn, it has rounded tannins and plenty of intensity. Pair this with spicy sausage and risotto to help it mellow.
A Barcelona-based brand with this Bierzo label that's good, with generic red-fruit aromas and cheesy smelling oak. Feels light, snappy and feminine, with spicy, resiny flavors along with tart raspberry and tomato. Ends abruptly.
A barely-there glimpse of lemon bids you to step closer and take a sip. The palate unfolds in a still tightly contained bundle of lemon zest and juiciness. There is an undertow of riper texture, reminiscent of bitter orange zest and just as full of aromatic promise. This is wiry and slender but will mellow into seductive freshness and slick, almost cheeky tartness. With this concentration, it has all the makings of a flavor bomb and is something to really look forward to. Drink 2018–2030.
A barely ripe blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, this has strong scents and flavors that combine in a rather strange way. Perfume, breath mint and tanned leather elements pile on, without really melding or enhancing one another. Whatever it is, it's not dull.
A barnyard aroma and ripe black fruit are the hallmarks of this young wine. Bottled without sulfur, it's packed with blackberry flavors and soft tannins. It's all fruit and spice, with only light tannins. Drink now.
A barrel-aged Alvarinho, but one that is so delicately toasty that the fruit is what this ripe generous wine is all about. It is rich with citrus and pear flavors, zesty and tangy while also having room for a round ripe aftertaste. This is an impressive wine, ready to drink now.
A barrel-aged surprise. The nose is round and toasty but not overwooded. The palate is balanced and elegant, with full, round, integrated flavors of dry apple, cream and spice. Has the right texture to be considered elevated and classy; 70% Treixadura with five other white grapes.
A barrel-fermented Chardonnay with creamy texture, this opens with bright, prominent Meyer lemon notes before delving into softer flavors of pear and vanilla on the midpalate. The acidity holds through to the finish, accented by a touch of honey.
A barrel-fermented white Pinot Noir, this is bursting with broad, creamy flavors of ripe caramel-dipped apples and fresh pear. It might be mistaken for Chardonnay, except for the extra weight that carries through the lengthy finish. Though it's tempting to describe white Pinot Noirs as sparkling wines without the sparkle, this is much more interesting, and one of the rare examples that defines both a style and a standard for the rest.
A barrel-fermented white that offers complexity and nuance, this wine is steely and fleshy in texture, integrated and fully realized. Green apple, peach and vanilla combine effortlessly to reveal compelling flavor and length. This is a food-friendly wine that can also stand well on its own.
A barrel-fermented wine, this is richly perfumed both from the wood and from the nature of the Cercial grape. The wine has strong minerality, lime and lemon flavors, and layers of spice. Already mature, the wine is ready to drink.
A barrel-selection from multiple vineyard sources, this offers black cherry fruit highlighted by root beer and black licorice. Aging nine months in 25% new barrels adds pleasant toastiness to the finish.
A barrel-selection of Susanna's, this wine has grip and yet is also silky and elegant. Cranberry and plum star on the palate, bright and plush, the acidity tightly managed and brought to life. Medium bodied, this wine has depth and breadth, finishing in clove and cardamon-dusted orange peel.
A barrel-selection, top-of-the-line cuvée, this is intensely aromatic with black cherry, soft leather and baking spices in play. Flavors focus in the midpalate, leading into supple tannins and a smattering of cocoa powder. Overall it's a big wine, full flavored, balanced and already drinking very well.
A barrel by barrel selection results in this reserve-level cuvée. Round, forward, spicy and toasty, it's a solid, almost chunky style with bold black-cherry fruit. Barrel aging brings up highlights of coffee and toast. Think duck confit with this bottle, and enjoy it over the next few years.
A barrel fermented Chardonnay that is uncharacteristically soft and fruity. Aromas of bananas and bubble gum lead to slightly sweet, uncomplicated flavors. The texture and body are light.
A barrel selection aged in three-quarters new oak, this is nonetheless surprisingly light, as the oak does not intrude. Elements of the entire red-fruit spectrum, from rhubarb to cranberry to raspberry to red plum all come up, though the wine retains a rather delicate aspect that rewards your attention. The tannins are drying and lightly chocolatey.
A barrel selection from estate-grown grapes, this Pinot succeeds in rich red raspberry and an offering of strawberry-rhubarb pie, the texture velvety smooth. The oak builds through the finish, providing ample body and substance, yet the wine stays light and lilting on the palate, inviting one in for more.
A barrel selection from the 30-acre estate vineyard, this has a bit more muscle than its companion Amalie's Cuvée, with a more firm and full mid-palate. The fruit reaches into orange and plum and even hints at bourbon-soaked raisins, but within a context of a very cool vintage. Good balance and restraint, with the structure to age gracefully for up to a decade.
A barrel selection from the estate and Shaw vineyards, this spent a couple of years in new French oak. It shows good concentration and oak influence. Cassis fruit is underscored with vivid acidity, and the wine retains its balance through a long finish that offers highlights of smoke and char.
A barrel selection of Schindler fruit, this reserve notches up the color, density and alcohol without sacrificing the basic character and finesse of the vineyard. Here are the tight layers of bacon fat, stone, pepper and leaf, along with tart, lightly herbal red fruits. The core fruit is concentrated, fresh and primary, and promises excellent aging potential.
A barrel selection off Craggy Range's estate vineyard in the Te Muna Road area of Martinborough, this isn't a huge blockbuster style, but one that favors elegance. The aromas and flavors are ripe, oozing with hints of plum, black cherry, cola and licorice, but what makes the wine special are its subtle spice shadings and silky texture. Drink now–2025.
A barrel selection, principally from the estate's Lazy River vineyard, this is solid, forward and medium weight. It offers a mix of ripe black cherry, cola and a hint of sassafras, while settling comfortably into midpalate pleasureville before trailing out in a lively, mineral-touched finish.
A barrel selection, the Suzanne's Reserve is more concentrated than its less expensive sibling (the Cali's Cuvée) but does not have as interesting a flavor set. Here you'll find the tangy cherry fruit is accompanied by sharp acids and chewy tannins. Although it is a 2004 the wine still seems wrapped up and refuses to let go. Give it plenty of air before drinking.
A barrique-fermented blend of Verdicchio and Chardonnay, Le Busche is the kind of wine you'll want to serve with roast turkey or lasagna with crusty melted cheese. Its color is solid gold and notes of banana, vanilla, yellow apple and exotic spice create an ensemble that is steady enough to pair with hearty dishes.
A basic but clean stone-fruit nose opens this tight-feeling citrusy Godello from Bierzo. A briny mix of white-fruit and citrus flavors is tangy, salty and minerally on the finish.
A basic Merlot, this shows brisk, candied cherry, raspberry and brown sugar flavors.
A basic red Rhône blend, with a dash of Viognier for acidic brightness. Shows simple, thin flavors of raspberries and cherries, with a dash of sweet oak.
A basic red wine to sip at parties, this is dry and fruity, and it shows Zin's typical note of peppery spice.
A basic, light-bodied red, this has earthy and raspberrylike aromas, a firmly tart and slightly tannic texture and lean fruit flavors like cranberry. Its tangy and appetizing mouthfeel is the best attribute.
A basic, light, veggie-flavored wine, this smells like celery and onion and tastes like zucchini.
A basic, serviceable Pinot Noir, Vinterra's 2010 combines varietally correct notes of cherry, leather and earth. The medium-weight palate and supple tannins stay true to the variety as well.
A basket of tart red cherries, chipped asphalt, fresh-picked thyme and even a touch of rosemary show on the nose of this bottling by Josh Klapper from Riverbench Vineyard. Warmer flavors of cranberry, bay leaf and more thyme make the mouth water, boosted by a plum-skin-flavored acidity.
A beat or two off the pace of previous vintages, the '04 is a little soft and one-dimensional. Tastes like it was baked by the heat, with jammy white and yellow fruit flavors that have a trace of bitterness.
A beautiful 100% Viognier, showing the variety's exotic tropical fruit, wildflower and pear flavors wrapped into a texture of firm tannins and adequate acidity. Finishes with tiers of honey, apricot jam, tangerine-infused crême brûlée. Very nice, if high in alcohol.
A beautiful and compelling Sauvignon Blanc that gives the acidity and citrusy brightness you want in the variety, but contains extra layers of complexity. Offers waves of fresh green grass, Meyer lemon, sweet lime and mineral flavors that don't appear to have any oak. Brilliant with crab cakes, toasted sourdough bread with goat cheese, or on its own as a cocktail sipper.
A beautiful and interesting Sauvignon Blanc that's as dry as anything out there, with no trade of unripeness. Crisp acids frame pure, clean flavors of gooseberries, citrons, limes and grapefruits, wrapped into a creamy texture. Brilliant with ceviche or by itself.
A beautiful and lightly spicy nutmeg character lights up this full-bodied wine from the first sniff to the lingering finish. The texture feels very rich, the pear-tart flavors are generous and the spiciness is intriguing. Hints of tannin and tartness firm up the mouthfeel nicely.
A beautiful aroma like violets, cedar, light oak smoke and black cherry wafts from this deeply colored wine. It brings ripe fruit flavors and a hint of toasted oak to the palate, filling the mouth with juicy black cherry, cassis and blueberry. Touches of dark chocolate are bolstered by ample layers of fine-grained tannins. This is a full-bodied, lightly sweet and elegantly balanced wine to drink now through 2022.
A beautiful black currant character animates this classically-styled wine. It's fruity and generously spiced on the nose, with cinnamon and nutmeg scents from oak. Its flavors build on that black currant, with spice notes giving it a layered effect, supported by fine-grained tannins. While irrestible now, this will be best after 2019.
A beautiful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and Merlot, Pelago is a landmark wine for the Marche. It's soft and lushness, with an underlying firmness. Flavors of rich chocolate and black cherry ride long on the finish. This wine can age for 5–10 more years, or it can be consumed now.
A beautiful blend of Sangiovese and Syrah, this delivers structure and power wrapped within delicate notes of wild berry, bitter almond, dried blueberry and chopped herb. The close is thickly structured and fresh.
A beautiful blend of Vermentino, Malvasia and Chardonnay, this has sophisticated tones of exotic fruit, pineapple, peach and apricot. It offers a broad, creamy feel on the palate. These three grapes compliment each other nicely in terms of structure, aromas and texture.
A beautiful Cab Franc, by Kosher standards or not. The nose offers vegetal notes of bell pepper, licorice and ashy cigar box while the mouth provides more dark fruit flavors of plum and black cherry accented with spice. Medium mouthfeel with nicely integrated tannins and excellent balance. With 15 months spent in French oak, the finish is long and tinged with sweet cedar.
A beautiful Cab, ripe and lush, that defines the modern style of Oakville. With soft but complex tannins, its flavors are classic Cab, showing cassis and licorice, with a gorgeous overlay of smoky oak. Right up there with the best of them, the grapes were grown from a single vineyard at the Vine Hill Ranch.
A beautiful Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, albeit a very young one that would be a shame to drink too early. The score indicates its current drinkability, but that could heighten over the next 6–8 years. Shows a very firm tannic structure, with luscious black currant flavors that grow richer as the wine warms up in the glass.
A beautiful Cabernet for drinking now, this has softly luscious tannins framing flavors of ripe, elegant blackberry, cherry jam and mocha. There's an enticing herbal richness and the finish is sweetly oaky.
A beautiful Cabernet Franc, dry, soft and supple, with a silky texture that glides across the palate with such smoothness. It conveys pleasantly complex flavors of red cherry essence, with hints of nutmeg, anise and sweet sandalwood. Not an ager, but a fine wine to drink now—especially with steak.
A beautiful Cabernet from this old vineyard, famous in the 1980s for Merlot, which comprises a small amount of the blend. The wine shows the brisk tannins Three Palms is known for, but they're finely-grained, making the wine drinkable now. The flavors are ripe, ranging from blackberry jam and cherry pie to mocha. Drink now–2017.
A beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced and elegant. It's flashy in blackberries and currants, with an elaborate coating of oak, yet not over the top, withdrawing its fruit at the last minute to finish in a swirl of minerality and spice. Should develop over the next six years.
A beautiful Cabernet that gives a nod to Bordeaux in its earthy dryness and moderate alcohol. There are plenty of blackberries, cherries and currants, but also notes of violets, mushrooms and herbs that make it complex. Fresh acidity and thick tannins provide structure to this wine, which comes from the cooler districts of Oakville and Coombsville. Now–2014.
A beautiful Cabernet that shows the promise of this Lake County appellation. Coming off the very good 2006, it shows the same dry balance, but is richer, offering graceful flavors of black currants, anise and herbs. It's quite a tannic wine that needs a rich steak to balance it.
A beautiful Cabernet, delightful to drink now and ageable. It offers a peacock's tail of sweet blackberries, cassis and dark, bitter chocolate, with oaky complications. Balance is steadfastly maintained through a structural triad of low alcohol, soft tannins and a gentle scour of acidity. Now–2020.
A beautiful Cabernet, dry and rich, with wonderful tannins. They're firm, yet soft and sweet, an apparent contradiction the palate loves. Shows near perfect ripeness, an impressive range of blackberries, plums and cassis, and an earthy herbaceousness. May be a little too young for proper enjoyment, so give it a few years in the cellar.
A beautiful Cabernet, dry, smoothly tannic and impressive for its volume of flavor. Shows a complex range of blackberries, black currants, minerals and oak, with a long, spicy finish. Elegant and powerful at the same time, it should develop in the bottle over the next decade.
A beautiful Cabernet, made in an elegantly approachable way. Dry and smooth, it shows complex flavors of blackberries, currants and dried herbs, wrapped into rich, dusty tannins. The alcohol level is quite high, but balanced, in a California way.
A beautiful Cabernet, this has all the hallmarks of a fine wine. It's dry, rich in tannins and elegant, with long, deep flavors of blackberries, currants and dark chocolate. It's already throwing some sediment, so give it a careful decant.
A beautiful Cabernet, well structured, dry and rich. It feels soft and inviting in the mouth, with waves of ripe blackberries and cassis, and the fine tannins that accompany a good mountain red wine. Contains some Cabernet Franc, which adds cherry richness. Drink now for maximum freshness.
A beautiful Chardonnay at a great price compared to what's out there. Shows brilliantly ripe pineapple, pear and guava flavors, with crisp Central Coast acidity and a bracing minerality. Nice to drink by itself, with shellfish or even with a citrus fruit pastry for dessert.
A beautiful Chardonnay for drinking now. It's dry and crisp, with pineapple, peach and pear flavors accented with vanilla oak and creaminess from lees aging. Despite the richness, there's a firm minerality, a tang of steel that makes the wine bracing. The grapes are from a vineyard in the southerly, cool Coombsville area, an area that needs its own appellation.
A beautiful Chardonnay that shows ripe, long hangtime fruit flavors of pineapples, apricots, peaches and papayas, offset with clean acidity. Shows a touch of oak. Will satisfy Chard fans, and is super food-friendly with grilled salmon, shrimp, scallops.
A beautiful Chardonnay, creamy, dry and elegant. There's a tangy minerality underlying the rich tropical fruit, apple, pear and buttered toast flavors. This is an elegant and sophisticated wine from the Carneros region.
A beautiful Chardonnay, dry, crisp in acidity and complex in tropical and citrus fruit, peach, honey and oak flavors. The richness is balanced by a flavorful minerality, and the finish is dry. At this price, the wine can stand beside more expensive Chardonnays, which makes it a value.
A beautiful Chardonnay, dry, silky and modest in alcohol. It's rich in oak-inspired tropical fruit, peach and Meyer lemon fruit flavors, girded with a tangy minerality. Will be great with a mushroom risotto or something lobster based.
A beautiful Chardonnay, notable for its elegant structure. Perfect acidity and just a hint of tannins, much of it from oak barrels, provide the framework for the pineapple and kiwi fruit flavors, enriched with notes of cream and buttered toast.
A beautiful Chardonnay, rich and ripe in fruit, yet balanced with dryness and racy acidity and a fine minerality. The pineapple and orange flavors are accented with sweet, smoky oak. Drink this luxuriously elegant wine now.
A beautiful Chardonnay, solidly in the Gainey style of balance and integrity, but also showing the cool climate terroir of its origins as well as the excellence of the vintage. The result is this crisp, richly oaked but balanced young wine. It brims with tropical fruits and spices.
A beautiful color, sort of a peach blush orange-pink, suggesting richness. And there it is in the mouth, an explosion of raspberries, strawberries, limes and honey. Definitely on the sweet side, but balanced with clean sparkling acidity. Nice with sushi.
A beautiful combination of ripe, tropical fruits with flint, honey and smoke. There is a great steely backbone here, offering a linear character as well as elegant, ageworthy fruit.
A beautiful dark plum color and elegant aromas of cherry, allspice and pepper lead this Virginia Merlot. Rich and savory notes and a bright fruit character are appealing but need time to age and integrate. Overall, a solid red for the cellar.
A beautiful encounter of spice, citrus and earthy freshness. On the palate, citrus dominates but ripe, red apple and peach lie at the core. A lively slick of zesty freshness provides direction and flow. This is still subdued and takes time to blossom. Drink as of 2017.
A beautiful evocation of this up-and-coming variety. While it's dry and crisp in Monterey acidity, it shows tantalizing flavors of orange, honey, cream and vanilla. Birichino is leading the Malvasia comeback, which could and should rival Muscat.
A beautiful evocation of Washington fruit, it has concentration, balance and structure, and the clean berry/cherry fruit is amplified by polished tannins, bright acids and light splashes of peppery spice. This is one of the finest pure Washington Merlots to be released in many years.
A beautiful example of 100% Pinotage. Gorgeous aromas of cassis, black berry and plum abound from this deep red wine. Firmly structured but approachable with the potential to age gracefully another three to five years. Unsweetened cocoa and concentrated dark fruit linger through the lengthy finish.
A beautiful expression of Aglianico made from grapes that were sourced from the estate's Serpara Vineyard, this is darkly concentrated and powerful. It shows great aging potential, with dark fruit tones, natural structure and freshness.
A beautiful expression of Sangiovese, this shows delicate and elegant characteristics of wild berry and light spice. The finish is silky and crisp, and the wine would stand up nicely to breaded veal or roast chicken.
A beautiful fragrance of rose, iris, pressed powder, perfumed berry and baking spice wafts out of the glass. The approachable, luminous palate offers bright red cherry, fresh raspberry, cinnamon and a sprinkling of white pepper alongside soft, supple tannins.
A beautiful Gewürz that could get more people to drink this Alsatian variety. It's dry and crisp, with rich flavors of citrus and tropical fruits, honeysuckle flowers, lychee nuts, vanilla and Asian spices.
A beautiful Merlot, noble and classic. It doesn't have the stuffing for cellaring, but is absolutely lovely now, with fine, brisk tannins framing flavors of cherries, herbs and sweet oak, and a lingering finish. Easy to find, with 12,100 cases produced.
A beautiful Merlot, soft, ripe and complex, and front-loaded with cherry, plum, chocolate macaroon and sweet tobacco flavors. Shows rich, fine Alexander tannins that will let the wine age for up to a decade.
A beautiful nose full of classic garrigue-infused herbaceousness is supported by notes of raspberry-sage preserves and sweet spiced baked fruit. The mouth lacks a certain vibrancy, though, with a lighter than expected weight and acidity. The finish falls a little short, with a somewhat jarring sweet sharpness.
A beautiful nose greets you immediately, laden with allspice, plum and evocations of cola and cherry. This is a complex, varietal, nuanced Pinot Noir that brings together the classic Oregon mix of fruit, herb and earth flavors. The finish tires just a bit, leaving a residual impression of green tea tannins.
A beautiful nose of melon, pear and flowers starts this exemplary single vineyard Malagousia from the producer who helped put it on the modern map. Rich and juicy melon and pear ion the palate interplays with a snap of acidity, giving this wine complexity and a food-friendly boost.
A beautiful orange pink-colored wine. Young and fresh, it has great depth of raspberry and red fruit flavors as well as a delicious summer fruit brightness and liveliness. A beautiful Champagne, that will repay some bottle aging.
A beautiful pale-pink color, this rosé made from 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah offers a gorgeous mélange of upfront fruit aromas, including red cherry, strawberry, peach and underripe mango. Hints of sweet pea and garrigue mingle with the ripe fruit core on the medium-bodied palate. The lightly creamy mouthfeel is lifted by bright final acidity, finishing snappy and fresh.
A beautiful Petite Sirah that takes the variety's wild berry and spice flavors and big tannins and tames them down to elegance. It's dry and moderate in alcohol, which is always a consideration with Petite Sirah. A minor quibble is excessive softness. Drink now.
A beautiful Petite Sirah, and a serious player. Shows the classic balance and elegance of a fine red wine, with smooth tannins framing the variety's wildly exotic flavors of blackberries, blueberries, bacon, tobacco, grilled mushrooms, tamari, anise and lots of black pepper. Great now with BBQ, and should evolve in interesting ways for many years.
A beautiful Pinot Gris that defines the drier, more elegant style in California. This 2009 is entirely consistent with past vintages from Etude, which have been superior. Shows Meyer lemon, lime, vanilla and peppery spice flavors, with a long, distinguished finish. Etude hasn't raised the price in many years. Production was 3,319 cases.
A beautiful Pinot Gris that lifts this variety beyond workhorse into true elegance and style. Braced with brisk acidity and minerals, it features rich flavors of citrus and tropical fruits, wildflowers, honeysuckle flowers, vanilla and cinnamon spice.
A beautiful Pinot Noir for drinking now. It's delicate and elegant and refined in the mouth, but rich in flavors, offering raspberry tart, red cherry pie with the crust, and dusty Indian spices that finish dry and long, with a touch of funkiness.
A beautiful Pinot Noir notable for sheer lusciousness, which is partly due to high alcohol. The flavors are remarkably rich and ripe in cherries, currants and cola, with savory hints of mint and cocoa. Displays a great balance of acids, tannins and oak. Great now and for a decade.
A beautiful Pinot Noir that shows how well the variety does in these mountains, and it's sad that vineyard acreage is so low due to housing development. The wine is dry, silky and vastly interesting in cherries, raspberries, Dr. Pepper cola, red licorice, white pepper and sandalwood flavors. Compelling and complex now, it should age over the next six years.
A beautiful Pinot Noir, although it's a bit brusque in acidity. Still, it's enormously rich and dry, with long-lasting flavors of raspberry tart and cherry-cinnamon granola. Give it a brief decant, and drink with rich, umami-inspired fare, like teriaki salmon or cured meats.
A beautiful Pinot Noir, crisp and silky, for drinking now. It emphasizes ripe cherry, raspberry, cola and dusty exotic spice flavors that finish dry and fascinating.
A beautiful Pinot Noir, dry and firm, with an authoritative structure. A little modest in fruit, with earthy, dried sour cherry candy and spice flavors, uplifted by brisk acidity. What a nice restaurant wine.
A beautiful Pinot Noir, light and silky in the mouth, with brisk acidity and a lovely coat of sweet, smoky new oak. The flavors show the pedigree of the vineyard, suggesting ripe raspberries, cherries, cola and red currants, touched with exotic sandalwood. Drink now–2018.
A beautiful Pinot Noir, lilting, refined and utterly delicious. Testarossa stumbled with the '04, but otherwise their track record is great, and the '06 is right up there with the marvelous '05 and '03. The wine's cherry, licorice and smoky oak flavors are captured in a rewarding texture of silk and satin.
A beautiful Pinot Noir, showing off the variety's rich velvety, texture and the way it seduces the palate. Balancing in the tension between acids, tannins and oak, it shows deliciously ripe flavors of red and black currants, cherries and dusty spices.
A beautiful Pinot Noir. It's so light bodied, so silky in the mouth, that the richness comes as a surprise. Endless waves of raspberry and cherry purée, gingersnap cookie, buttered cinnamon toast, vanilla and sandalwood. Just a delight to drink, and should develop slowly over the next 6–8 years.
A beautiful Pinot that shows its coastal influence in the balance of ripe, long hangtime fruit and crisp acidity. Floods the mouth with cherry, cola, mocha, cinnamon toast, black pepper and vanilla flavors that are delicious. With its edge of tannins, it will hold for a few years of aging.
A beautiful Pinot to drink now, this is elegant and supple, with crisp acidity and a delightfully light texture. However, there's nothing light about the flavors, which suggest wild forest berry, softened cola, mushroom, dried pine and spice, enhanced with a subtle jacket of sandalwood.
A beautiful Pinot, authoritative and masculine, with firm tannins, hard acidity and a bone-dry finish. The core of black cherries, cola, spices and sweet oak is irresistibly good. Compelling now right out of the bottle, and should develop over the next six years.
A beautiful Pinot, silky, smooth and delicious. Although it has a tannic density that will permit aging, its lush black cherry, mocha and oak flavors permit it to be enjoyable now, especially with duck, lamb and steak.
A beautiful Pinotage with superb expression and balance. Intriguing aromas of spicy cured meat, pepper, raw vanilla bean and mulled boysenberry abound, while the lush mouth offers concentrated dark fruit flavors of plum preserves and berry pie filling. Enjoyable now thanks to a creamy texture and silk tannins, though this wine also shows the potential to cellar for another 3–5 years.
A beautiful red wine for drinking now. It's dry and smooth, with that herbal edge you sometimes find in a Sonoma Cabernet. There's a polished, complex stream of dried red and black currants and cola, with a pleasant touch of smoky oak.
A beautiful ripe, soft and fruity wine. The acidity is sweet, crisp pears and apricots giving a rich character. This is a vintage that is for drinking, not aging.
A beautiful rounded wine, full of juicy fruit, but sustained by a strong tannic structure. This dryness suggests good aging potential, as does the ripeness of the fruit and the acidity. Keep for at least 6 years.
A beautiful Sauvignon Blanc that does everything you want with this variety. It's basically dry and crisp in acidity, with polished flavors of lemongrass, pineapple tart, vanilla, buttered toast and steely minerals. Really nice wine at a great price.
A beautiful Sauvignon Blanc that shows why this warmish Santa Barbara County valley is such a natural home for the variety. With crisp acidity and a creamy texture, it's dry and minerally, with interestingly rich flavors of citrus fruits, melons and pears, and a touch of smoky oak.
A beautiful Sauvignon Blanc, dry and crisp and low in alcohol. With no oak to interfere, it shows vibrant citrus fruit, guava, lemongrass and mineral flavors, balanced with zesty acidity. A beautiful, racy wine.
A beautiful Sauvignon Blanc. Grown in the southern Salinas Valley, it shows enough pineapple and Meyer lemon ripeness to satisfy, yet preserves the fresh, acidic grassiness of Monterey's cool climate. Very balanced and elegant, and a good buy at this price.
A beautiful shade of dark pink and light mauve, this bottling offers aromas of raspberry Jolly Rancher and red licorice on the rather intense nose. There is compelling texture to the sip, and bright red fruit, rounded by slightly sour lime.
A beautiful shade of mauve, John Jensen's blend of grapes from Monterey and San Benito counties boasts complete aromas of dried rose petals, frozen grapes and raspberry shave ice. The palate is dominated by raspberry juice with lemon-lime elements, and is more tight than bountiful.
A beautiful sparkling wine that shows the Iron Horse signature of balanced elegance. The lime, raspberry, vanilla and brioche flavors are rich and intricate, but particularly lovely is the texture, which is soft and silky.
A beautiful sparkling wine, one of the best on the market at this price. It's marked by a very fine mousse, giving it a refined, elegant feeling on the palate. The flavors of citrus, vanilla and yeast are savory. Drink now.
A beautiful sparkling wine, rich and refined in the mouth, with creamy flavors that show ripe, sweet California strawberries and limes. This bottling gets better and better with each new release.
A beautiful style of elevated Sherry that's worth every cent if fine Sherry is to your liking. The nose is pure toffee, roasted nuts, apricot and mellow quince, while the key flavor is dried orange and the nuances hinted at by the aromas all reappear. Muscular but in perfect shape, with a finish as smooth as glass.
A beautiful Syrah perfect for drinking now. It's softly tannic and dry, but very fruity, with forward flavors of blackberries, cherries, raspberries and milk chocolate, and an earthier grounding of tobacco, anise and leather.
A beautiful Syrah, dry, full-bodied and tannic, that shows lots of class and elegance at this price. It has rich, complex flavors of blackberries, black cherries, red currants and oak, with earthy, leathery, bacon and licorice notes. Needs a few years to come around due to the tannins, or give it a good decant.
A beautiful Syrah, softly tannic, dry and full bodied. High alcohol gives some jalapeño pepper heat to the blackberries, licorice, bacon, dark chocolate and sandalwood flavors, but nothing that richly sauced barbecue can't handle. Drink up.
A beautiful Syrah. It's very dry and softly tannic, with complex blackberry, black cherry, cola and sandalwood flavors. Could be firmer in structure, but a lovely wine to drink now.
A beautiful trio of fruit flavors—red cherry, rhubarb and raspberry—provides harmony in this vivid and pure-tasting wine. The freshness and clarity of the fruit elements is well backed by lively acidity and moderate tannins to keep it clean and appetizing from first sip to last.
A beautiful Viognier that showcases the variety's rich, exotic side. Offers a mouthburst of ripe grilled peaches, pineapples, green apples, honeysuckle and vanilla wrapped into a creamy, buttery texture. Try as an offbeat alternative to Chardonnay.
A beautiful white blend, one of the best values on the market. Made from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer and Sémillon, it shows a near-perfect balance of crisp acidity, clean minerality, dryness and complex citrus fruit, peach, lychee, mineral and honeysuckle flavors. A compelling restaurant by-the-glass wine.
A beautiful white wine notable for its extreme dryness and fresh crispness of acidity. Really cleanses the mouth, letting it appreciate the unoaked flavors of tangerine, melon, peach and minerals. A brilliant wine to drink with almost anything, but especially shellfish.
A beautiful wine for drinking now, although it will take a few years in the cellar. Dry and soft, it offers appealing, complex flavors of blackberries, cherries, anise, mocha and sweet smoky oak, wrapped into firm but fine tannins. Gets more interesting as it airs and warms in the glass.
A beautiful wine from a classic vintage, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon offers harmony, intensity and elegance. Berry and dark fruit aromas are enhanced by smooth texture, fine tannins and balanced acidity.
A beautiful wine that asserts itself near the top of the pile of Carneros Chardonnay. Shows brisk acidity and a tangy minerality, with oak-inspired, superripe green apple, Meyer lemon and pear fruit flavors that are wrapped into a creamy texture. Drink now.
A beautiful wine that brims with rich varietal character and shows off how well Dry Creek Valley grows Zinfandel. Floods the mouth with soft, polished flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants, mocha and anise, but especially crushed black pepper. A worthy followup to the great 2005.
A beautiful wine that does just what you want in a Merlot. It's soft, velvety and luscious to drink now, but it's far from simple. Shows intricate cherry-berry, mocha, licorice, chocolate and oak flavors that go long on the finish. Drink now.
A beautiful wine that floats its minerality, white flower aromas and white currant fruits over a foundation of toast. Freshness dominates this crisp wine, with intensity to finish.
A beautiful wine that has plenty of weight and also a firm structure of minerality to go with the yellow fruits that are now evolving into more mature flavors. It is by no means at its peak yet. Give it 2–3 years.
A beautiful wine that has the character of a modern, ripe, cult-style wine, but maintains balance and elegance. The black currant and cedar flavors are enormously satisfying, while the wine is entirely dry.
A beautiful wine that is almost like nectar. It has extreme freshness, while the acidity is a wonderful contrast. Such concentrated orange flavors and a smooth texture while there is a great citrus edge.
A beautiful wine that needs to age, this Basarin cru selection shows thick layers of berry fruit, cedar wood, almond and dark licorice. The oak element is strong, but the wine is still young and all its many elements will surely come into focus in 10 years or more.
A beautiful wine that shows how Napa Valley is right up there with the best of California's Sauvignon Blancs. Dry and crisp, it was made in the interesting way of combining stainless steel and oak for textural complexity. The citrus, lemongrass, fig and pepper flavors have a touch of buttercream and smoke in the finish.
A beautiful wine that tastes much richer than you usually get for this price. Shows gorgeously ripe blackberry, cherry, currant, mocha, licorice, bacon and sandalwood flavors, wrapped into refined tannins and finishing long and spicy. A blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.
A beautiful wine that will redefine the way you view Lake County. Mostly Merlot, with a drop of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it's extraordinarily rich and refined in the mouth, a lovely wine to drink now. Shows new oak-inspired raspberry, cherry, red currant and Indian spice flavors that linger into a long finish.
A beautiful wine to pair with desserts based on white fruits or simple but delicious vanilla sponge cake. Made from late-harvested Chardonnay, it's very sweet in apricots, lemons, vanilla and buttered toast, with a brisk edge of acidity for balance.
A beautiful wine with unfolding aromas of orange peel, honey, vanilla and spice, with a viscous mélange of honey, spice and citrus on the palate. Elegant and flinty, with a luxurious finish.
A beautiful wine, a pure expression of ripe but steely Chardonnay. The wine floats onto the palate, with green plums and citrus leading. Then come toast, a mouthwatering acidity and a mineral structure. This wine's complexity just continues to impress.
A beautiful wine, crisp and elegant, filled with varietal complexity. Oak-inspired butterscotch and vanilla custard accent ripe fruit flavors of grilled pineapples and ripe kiwi, with a long, spicy finish. Beautiful now and for a year or two.
A beautiful wine, dry and classically structured, showing the elegant balance for aging. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it's long and deep in blackberries and cassis. Give it a brief decant if you open it now, but it should develop over the next six years, at least.
A beautiful wine, dry, complex and crisp, and easily one of the best white Rhône-style bottlings of the vintage. It shows brilliantly clean acidity that provides a brisk mouthfeel to the apricot, pineapple and pear flavors that rest on a firm ground of minerals. Great as a richer, more exotic alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.
A beautiful wine, from a winery that's piling up an impressive track record. Made from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, this 07 shows the balance of the vintage, with gorgeous tannins and focused characteristic of a mountain vineyard. The blackberry and black currant flavors have a firm minerality. Best now for its soft lusciousness, and should hold in the bottle for a good six years.
A beautiful wine, fully resolved in age, showing a classy, smooth mouthfeel. The citrus, bread dough, vanilla and spice flavors are subtle but delicious, while the bubbles have softened, making the wine creamy. Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a drop of Pinot Meunier, this delicious bubbly is made for drinking now.
A beautiful wine, in the Iron Horse style, with plenty of ripe fruit balanced with crisp acidity. The lime, strawberry and raspberry flavors have a pleasantly yeasty edge, with a slightly sweet finish.
A beautiful wine, it shows exquisite control at balancing green, minty notes with richer flavors of apricots, Meyer lemons, vanilla and toast. The finish is dry and tart.
A beautiful wine, rich, dry and crisp, offering waves of satisfying flavor. Raspberries, cherries, red licorice and cola flood the mouth, accented with sweet, smoky new French oak, and wrapped into firm, dusty tannins. Drink it over the next four years.
A beautiful wine, sharp and clean in acidity and savory, with ripe lemon, lime, pineapple and grapefruit citrus flavors. Finishes dry and honeyed, a paradox.
A beautiful wine, sleek, crisp and ultra-dry, with the most refined flavors of petrol, white peach, kaffir lime, apricot skin and minerals. The acidity is very high and palate-cleansing. The wine was half fermented in barrels, half in stainless steel. Sommeliers, buy this by the case, if you can find it.
A beautiful wine, smooth, polished, with rounded corners. Its intense fruit is balanced and harmonizes well with the sweet tannins, the layers of wood and the red berry flavors. Certainly powerful, it impresses equally with the pleasure it will give in 7–10 years.
A beautiful wine, this has fresh acidity, crisp fruits and zesty mineral texture. Apples, citrus and hints of apricots are all there along with an intense tangy character that bursts in the mouth. It's still so young and needs to age; drink from 2018 at the earliest. The Special Club is a group of growers who rate and taste each other's wines before release.
A beautiful wine, this is rich in citrus, tropical fruit and green apple flavors, with a smoky jacket of oak. The acids and tannins lift it above the ordinary, as does a stony minerality that tastes of the soil.
A beautiful wine, with the firmest tannins surrounded by perfumed fruit. It is dense, of course, but this density is balanced with great elegance, blackberry fruits, sweetness and final juicy acidity. The wine is structured, a powerhouse of concentration while preserving this complete style.
A beautiful wood-aged wine, its power and concentration feel smooth and stylish, with elegant tannins, and toast and ripe black-currant flavors. It's a wine with the potential to age for 3–4 years.
A beautiful yet rustic complexity always makes Bloomer Creek Rieslings stand out within a blind tasting of peers, and it's particularly prominent here. While bright and citrusy, it's also waxy and phenolic, touched with a hint of tannin and lingering earth tones. Dancing and delicate in texture, it's a fascinating wine to ponder.
A beautiful young Cab that continues Salvestrin's unbroken track record of the last several years. Dry and rich in tannins, it shows enormously concentrated fruit flavors of currants, blackberries, black cherries, mocha and spice. Gorgeous now, and should improve over the next decade.
A beautiful young Pinot Noir, gorgeously structured in acids and tannins, and intricately layered. Assaults the palate with grilled raspberries and cherries, with notes of mocha, anise and pepper. Just lovely with a great steak.
A beautiful young Pinot that illustrates the pedigree of the vineyard, as well as the excellence of Ojai's block. Dry and classically structured, it shows a slight herbality and crushed brown spiciness to the blackberry, cherry, pomegranate, rhubarb, cola, anise, date and vanilla flavors. The list of complex flavors could go on and on. Best now–2011.
A beautiful young wine, notable for two things, its balance and generosity. Feels wonderfully structured, with superb tannins and a fine dose of acidity framing massive blackberry, currant, bacon, black pepper, mineral and sandalwood flavors. Bone dry, it's a superior Syrah that should develop over the next 4–6 years.
A beautiful Zin, dry and complex, showcasing perfectly ripe fruit and sweet Napa tannins. Just delicious, offering waves of blackberries, cherries, mocha, pepper and spice, and that elusive, distinctly Zin note of briars and brambles.
A beautiful Zin, dry and spicy. Shows lush, intricate flavors of blackberries, black raspberries, anise, pepper, cola and cedar. A very fine interpretation of a dusty Sonoma Zinfandel.
A beautiful Zinfandel from a winery with lots of know-how. The wine is medium-bodied, with a graceful structure of finely ground tannins that makes it drinkable right away. The flavors are pure mountain Zin, intense in peppery currants, cocoa and licorice.
A beautiful Zinfandel, softly tannic and lush, and showing how Napa Valley dominates the variety when it comes to balance and elegance. The ultra-refined tannins frame flavors of berry jam, currants, mocha, licorice and pepper. This is really a superior Zinfandel.
A beautiful, bargain-priced blend of Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Alvarelhão. Violet and jasmine perfumed, this wine is so, so pretty with just a stunning nose. In taste, there's raspberry, strawberry and lilting layers of pepper and herbs. An intriguing wine well worth trying, made by Morgan Winery Winegrower Dan Lee.
A beautiful, brilliant but immature Cabernet. It's massively rich in blackberry and cherry pie filling, cassis, dark chocolate and fine, smoky oak flavors, wrapped into thick but fine, sweet tannins. Shows elegance and finesse despite the power, but needs time. Best after 2014.
A beautiful, classy Cab, marked by smoky new oak and very ripe blackberry and cassis flavors, with a streak of minerals. The vineyard is in the Vaca Mountains, in the valley's far east. You can taste the sunshine in the wonderful fruitiness, and the tannins are extraordinarily refined, but they're also aggressive. Fine now, with a long decant, but should develop bottle complexity over many years.
A beautiful, complex and upscale Cabernet to drink now, after a good decant. It's bone dry and a little soft, with intricately layered blackberry, black currant and oak flavors. Feels lush and important in the mouth, and the spicy finish lasts for a long time.
A beautiful, elegant and dramatic blend for drinking now and over the next 6–10 years. Based on Cabernet, and sourced from vineyards including Beckstoffer ToKalon and Showket, it's flashy in blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavors, with gorgeous, refined tannins. It's throwing some tannins, so you might want to give it a proper decant.
A beautiful, fancy Sauvignon Blanc, crisp and dry and complex. If you're looking for a California white to drink with a perfect roast chicken, it's a fine choice. Shows ripe, lush citrus, tropical fruit, peach, mineral and white flower flavors, finished with dusty cinnamon spices.
A beautiful, fine young Pinot Noir that shows off the WesMar style of crisp elegance at a lower price than their single-vineyard wines. Dry and silky, it feels fine in the mouth, offering rich flavors of cherries, cola and sweet, smoky oak. Now–2012.
A beautiful, fragrant wine that is fresh with apples and pears and lightly mineral in character. It has great fruitiness and lively acidity that continues strong to the end. Drink now.
A beautiful, fruity wine that also has good structure to balance its black plum fruits. The acidity is important, although the wine as a whole is on the dry side, with spice and dominant final tannins.
A beautiful, pure wine that  combines freshness and intense richness. It seems to float while still giving a huge mouthful of plums, coffee and sweet, juicy tannins. A straight line of pure flavor all the way to the finish.
A beautiful, racy Chardonnay, with a streamlined structure that could almost be a fine, barrel-aged Sauvignon Blanc. It's marked by mouthwatering acidity, with savory lemongrass, hay, vanilla and white pepper flavors. First class and elegant as a cocktail sipper.
A beautiful, ripe wine that shows the richness of 2006 in Chablis. The wine revels in its yellow fruit flavors, apricots, peaches even pineapple, underscored by new wood flavors. Then acidity comes through, a fresh lift that leaves the wine with a clean, smooth finish. And once these initial fruits soften, the secondary flavors promise some good aging. Screwcap.
A beautiful, smooth, rich, intense wine, the structure clothed in great ripe layers of fruit. Touches of paprika balance with lively acidity and fresh berry flavors.
A beautiful, soft and likeable Pinot Noir, with considerable complexity. Shows waves of black cherries, red currants, cola, mocha, bacon, licorice and sandalwood flavors that finish in a swirl of dusty spices. Dry and silky, this Pinot is drinking well now, and should hold over the next six years.
A beautiful, ultrafine Cabernet that shows rich blackberry, black currant, violet, cocoa and cedar flavors, and while it has tightly wound mountain tannins, it's entirely approachable now. A great, delicious success that's capable of aging for a good ten years, in a proper cellar. From the Davies family, of Schramsberg.
A beautiful, velvet-textured wine, with its dense fruit, enticing and attractive. But the wine, from the 5-acre parcel owned by actor Gérard Depardieu, is balanced, with a good layer of dry tannins, fresh acidity and subtle hints of the new wood used in the aging.
A beautiful, velvety smooth wine, unusually for Vieux Château Certan dominated by Merlot. It has tannin, to be sure, but these are conveyed through the ripe fruit and the sweetness of the blackberry flavors. It is opulent, although never too much, retaining its elegance. Age for many years.
A beautiful, young and firmly tannic Pinot Noir that should improve in the bottle. It's fully dry and fine in acidity, with expressive flavors of black and red cherries, cola, beef jerky, crushed pepper and sweet, smoky sandalwood. Very nice now with a good steak, and ought to show development over the next 5–7 years.
A beautifully accessible wine, polished, pretty and likeable now for its gentle texture and silky tannins. The sweet cherry and raspberry fruit is encircled with a coat of fancy smoked oak. Made from 100% Cabernet, the wine is balanced enough to gain bottle complexity for a decade.
A beautifully aged Blanc de Blancs, all toast and almonds in a mineral texture with crisp apple fruit. It is concentrated, deliciously ripe and now soft, ready to drink and likely to continue to age further over several years.
A beautifully balanced and nuanced wine. The aromas are heady and thick but still vibrant, displaying juicy notes of black cherry, black raspberry sauce and semidried fig laced with accents of bittersweet chocolate, tobacco and white pepper. The texture is like crushed satin, with well-integrated tannins and a creamy mouthfeel. Touches of licorice root and smoky cedar spice augment the dark fruit on the lengthy finish. Drink now–2014.
A beautifully balanced non-vintage, in the lighter style that is Ayala's hallmark. It is fresh, but shows a good amount of blend with older wines to give weight and complexity. The green fruit flavors are well balanced with secondary aromas of almonds, green berries and lively, but not dominant acidity.
A beautifully balanced wine that abounds in elegance and restrained richness, this wine offers enticing floral, almond and citrus aromas. The crisp, creamy palate brings nectarine zest, yellow apple, mineral notes and bread crust. Tight acidity and an intense, elegant perlage provide the framework. Drink now or hold for complexity.
A beautifully balanced wine that exudes elegance as well as richness. It is drier than previous vintages of Cristal Rosé, yielding a bright, crisp and layered wine. Red fruits are married with orange zest and tight acidity. It can be drunk now, but it is a young wine and will certainly age well through 2022.
A beautifully balanced wine, expressing a certain sweetness, this has a great line of acidity. It's full bodied, ripe and packed with spice and fruit, while remaining elegant and impressive.
A beautifully balanced wine, framed in plush, ripe, velvety tannins and backed by lush, black cherry, plum, blackberry, spice, herb and chocolate flavors. Gloriously complex, seamless in its elegance, the wine is packed with charm and personality; long on the finish.
A beautifully balanced wine, its acidity lacing through the smooth apricot and orange zest flavors and riper red fruits. It does show richness and weight, although always with great freshness.
A beautifully balanced wine, mixing an intense, nervy, crisp fruit character with light wood flavors and the most piercing acidity. This is a serious wine, for aging over 3–5 years while retaining impeccable fruit.
A beautifully balanced wine, the ripe, lightly sweet fruit blending well with fresh strawberry acidity, intense pear and an aftertaste that leaves an elegant weight in the mouth.
A beautifully balanced wine, with bitter cherries in a core of dry toast. It is already mature, its freshness transformed into a rich texture. Like many rosé Champagnes, this is made for food.
A beautifully balanced, elegant Pinot Noir from a great appellation that's ready to drink now. It's dry and firm in acidity, with complex flavors of cherries and raspberries, although to overemphasize the fruit gives the wrong impression. Also prominent are minerals, flowers and herbs.
A beautifully concentrated wine that balances flavors of baked apple and spicy pepper. It feels full in the mouth, with a tense texture and intense acidity. Drink now, but better to hold for two years. Screwcap.
A beautifully crafted blend that includes 19% Merlot and splashes of Syrah and Cab Franc, this melds black fruits, black olives, a pleasing array of fresh herbs and a hint of mint. The mix is full and seamless, with an easy roundness that carries into a pleasing finish.
A beautifully crafted wine that has both richness and sweetness. It brings together the fresh character of 2006 with more powerful elements, such as new wood and spice, enveloped plushly with ripe fruit. The tannins have a dark element, but fit well with the sweet fruit. All in all, a delicious wine that also has aging potential.
A beautifully crafted, elegant red wine with sharp acidity, violet aromas and dense and wild red fruits. Still compact and young, this vintage and cuvée will need a lot more time to evolve. Deep purple fruits and streaks of earth and licorice and coffee suggest a long life ahead for this baby.
A beautifully crisp wine produced by consultant Anselmo Mendes, this is as fresh as possible, bright with acidity and herbal hints. It's light and very bright, finishing with citrus and orange zest flavors.
A beautifully crisp wine, very mineral, with its citrus and green apple flavors given a fine texture of bright acidity. It is still so young, with just a hint of toast to show some maturity. The finish is shockingly fresh.
A beautifully deep shade of purple, this bottling shows tightly wound aromas of blueberry, black currant, violet and licorice on the nose. The palate's dark fruit flavors are lifted by touches of cocoa and espresso, framed by tannins that are very chalky but not obtrusive.
A beautifully dense wine, concentrated and ripe. With its opulent style, packed with sweetness, this is dominated by its smooth, velvet texture, the botrytis packed behind. An impressive wine that is good to drink now, but should age well.
A beautifully dense, ripe wine, its intense acidity balanced by an opulent structure and gorgeous fruits. The texture is smooth and velvety, while never losing sight of the powerful structure. This elegant and powerful wine will age for many years.
A beautifully drinkable Merlot. It's softly tannic and quite dry, with a polish of smoky oak that frames deep, ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants and exotic spices. Very nice now and for the next 3–4 years.
A beautifully drinkable rosé sparkling wine for opening now. It's soft and honeyed, with fine bubbles framing slightly sweet flavors of raspberries, cherries, brioche, vanilla and toast.
A beautifully dry Gewürz that shows the variety's exotic, spicy personality, and frames it in a crisp texture of acidity and minerality. Brims with stimulating flavors of lychee, peaches, mangos, apples, honeysuckle flower and just about every spice you can name. Right up there with the best.
A beautifully elegant, focused wine, full of racy, steely fruit, managing to combine fullness with lightness and an intensely dry aftertaste. Hirtzberger's 29-acre vineyard is in the western Wachau village of Spitz, where the Rieslings are aged in large acacia wood barrels.
A beautifully exuberant mountain Zin. There's nothing shy or reserved about its power blast of wild briary berries, currants, chocolate and peppery spice flavors. Deliciously complex and distinctly Zinny.
A beautifully fine, elegant wine, the acidity like a shaft of light through the tight apple and grapefruit flavors. The texture is taut, steely, with vivid tannins. It is still young, although showing brilliant fruit. Worth aging for 5–6 years.
A beautifully floral Viognier, its aromas tenderly inviting, with uplifting hints of apricot, pear and white fig. It's a deftly made white with lovely minerality and a fleshy mouthfeel all wrapped up in the end with a light touch of lemon.
A beautifully fragrant but not overpowering oak aroma wafts up from the glass. The same sort of sophisticated spicy element joins in the flavors along with vivid black cherry notes supported by firm acidity, moderate tannins and medium body. It's built like a classic, but it costs much less.
A beautifully fragrant Grillo, this has a flower aroma and an evident touch of zesty spice on the finish. The mouthfeel is lean and fresh.
A beautifully fragrant wine, with full berry fruits and a floral character. The wine is given backbone by the structure and deliciously pure acidity. It's a wine for serious aging, still very young. Drink from 2017.
A beautifully layered nose of buttered pears, dried apples and steaming brioche show on this Bob Lindquist bottling, which is bolstered by 25% Roussanne. Once sipped, brisk lemon peel and Asian pear flavors evolve into dried banana chip and slight petrol notes on the palate, which also offers plenty of oak influence.
A beautifully luminous wine that opens with unbelievable elegance and delicacy. You can just recognize aromas of fuzzy peach and white mushroom associated with the muffo, but they are backed by the complex presence of almond, honey, peach and slight shadings of exotic spice and cinnamon.
A beautifully made wine, it shows very intense aromas of apricot nectar and lime peel. While it has that wonderful easygoing personality of an Asti, it is more interesting and structured than most of them. A very fine example.
A beautifully pale rosé from the north slopes of the Montagne de Reims, this is fruity while also having a crisp texture. It's a raspberry, red currant flavored wine that is shot through with grapefruit acidity. Perfumed and ready to drink.
A beautifully perfumed wine from one of Volnay's top vineyards, this delights with its aromatic red fruits, ripe tannins and balancing acids. It is still settling down and will certainly round out over the next years when its more sumptuous side will come forward.
A beautifully perfumed wine is give shape by its great swathe of minerality, its intense acidity. The fruits range from citrus to white peach, a gallery of delicious flavor. Like any great Riesling, it needs years to mature.
A beautifully perfumed wine that comes from vines planted in the 1980s. Touches of the wood aging are apparent, along with the black plum and berry fruits. It's a dense while also elegant wine with acidity and fresh fruitiness alongside the complex structure. Drink this wine from 2019.
A beautifully perfumed wine that shows some of the structure of a Gevrey but combines this with dark rich fruits and sweet tannins. There is a smoky flavor that balances the ripe red fruits and final acidity.
A beautifully perfumed wine with red berries and a ripe and rich texture. Its fruitiness is a part of a complex structure of dusty tannins, layers of wood and intense acidity. The combination of the elements offers a wine that will age for several years.
A beautifully perfumed wine, all herbs and smokiness. The palate sings the same tune, a rich, sensuous one, laced with more somber notes of dark, dry tannins. At the end of the day, this is already a delicious wine, but one that will really improve over 5–10 years.
A beautifully perfumed wine, this is tight, nervy and steely in character while preserving great fruitiness. Focused and fragrant with white fruits, this is a delicious wine. Not yet ready to drink so keep for at least 6–12 months. Screwcap.
A beautifully perfumed wine, this is very mineral and steely with currant flavors, a splash of lime and complex acidity. Behind this, there is a more ripe character, with richness and a warmer feel. Great acidity and youthfulness promise several years' aging. Screwcap.
A beautifully perfumed wine, this offers a line of fine tannins and brilliant aromatic fruitiness. Cherries and strawberries show strongly against a backdrop of tannins and structure. The aftertaste, still with a hint of dryness, is round with great fragrant fruit. Drink from 2019.
A beautifully perfumed wine, with aromas of white flowers and white fruits. It's rich and full of complex ripe fruits, with a smooth texture. Intense acidity marks the finish. Screwcap.
A beautifully perfumed wine, with ripe flavors, soft and rounded, hints of tropical fruits as well as spice and honey. Intense and full-bodied.
A beautifully perfumed wine. It has a good edge of firm tannins, but the fruit is so sweet and ripe, packed with strawberry jam flavors. Very seductive, the wood spice gives an extra edge. Drink now, or age for 4–5 years.
A beautifully perfumed wine. It shows an elegant side to Cahors, offering intense and juicy blackberry fruit that override the dark tannins. The wine has weight and power and remains finely proportioned. Age for 4–5 years.
A beautifully perfumed, dark-colored wine, bursting with black plums and violet perfumes. It is, on the surface, delicious, but taste beneath that and it becomes complex and dark, with immense but velvet tannins, suggesting considerable potential.
A beautifully proportioned wine, from its rich yet mineral texture to its full grapefruit and gooseberry flavors. It gradually shows toast as well as wonderful acidity. For aging over 4–6 years.
A beautifully pure, linear but generous rendition of Riesling from the loess soils of Wagram: this has a softer aspect but still is beautifully slender and exquisitely balanced. All this needs are a few rays of sunshine to be enjoyed to the full.
A beautifully rendered, light and detailed Oregon Pinot Gris, this is redolent of spring flowers and citrus peel, flavored with an elegant blend of pineapple, Asian pear, jicama and white pepper. Very fresh and spicy.
A beautifully rich and rewarding expression of tropical fruit and creamy texture, this estate white spends nine months in large French oak casks and is selected from the best lots. Supporting acidity keeps it refreshing in waves of lime and grapefruit.
A beautifully rich, complex mountain wine that wants some time in the cellar. Dry and complex in tannin structure, it shows flamboyant blackberry, cherry, raspberry, chocolate, roasted almond and brown sugar flavors, as delicious as a succulent granola candy bar. Already throwing some sediment, it's fine now and should develop at least through 2015.
A beautifully ripe and rounded wood-aged wine. It brings out all the opulence of Meursault while keeping a tight, textured element as counterpoint. The wood flavors are beginning to blend into the lychee and peach flavors, promising an even richer experience in a few months.
A beautifully ripe wine with great black fruits that burst through the classic tannins. In its richness and in its structure, it combines the best of the vintage. Dark, complex, fruity and very rich, a magnificent wine for long-term aging.
A beautifully ripe wine, layering all the dense botrytis of the vintage with freshest acidity. It has weight, the texture of grainy honey, ripe yellow fruits, mango and orange zest. Impressive and certainly for aging.
A beautifully ripe wine, with the new wood just a hint in the background. The wine has rich red plums and black cherries, laced with the most intense acidity. It is a dense, firmly concentrated wine with a long ahead.
A beautifully shaped wine that exudes richness balanced with lively fresh fruits. There is a tautness and minerality that adds complexity to the pineapple and spice flavors. The wine opens well in the mouth, ripeness and full fruit flavors melding easily. Delicious.
A beautifully smooth wine, with a rich Port-like texture. The dry, firm tannins give the wine impressive structure, although it remains opulent, its dark fruit, cocoa and herbal flavors just breathing the concentration of the Douro.
A beautifully structured Bordeaux blend from one of Washington's great vineyards. This spent about 18 months in French oak, and another 9–10 months in bottle. It is sleek and somewhat austere at first, but sculpted and evocative, with subtle, mixed fruits and impressions of steel and gunpowder. As the fruit comes up it shows some pretty blackberry and black cherry character, nicely balanced and set to evolve over the next decade or more.
A beautifully structured wine, with its tannins layered between the ripest black plums, damsons and black currants. It is opulent while remaining dense, concentrated and very serious. Certainly a wine for long-term aging.
A beautifully structured, ripe wine that's full of juicy blackberry flavors, ripe tannins and a dense texture. The concentration from old vines is a particular character of this firm wine. Age for at least four years to get the full benefits.
A beautifully subtle scent of Williams pear makes for a soft opening. The palate is equally soft but totally driven by the ripeness of the juicy pear fruit streaked with lemon zest on the concentrated palate. Refreshment and enjoyment are programmed into this.
A beautifully sweet, honeyed dessert wine with savory flavors of apricots, green apples and pineapples, this sweety is balanced with crisp acidity. Easy to drink, with just 8% alcohol.
A beauty in every respect. The nose is perfectly toasted, with attractive apple and peach nuances. The palate feel and its full-fruit flavors build into a crescendo of Champagne style. It’s clean, lusty and just the right call for a celebratory evening. Mouthfuls of total harmony don’t come often and they don’t come cheap.
A beauty—soft, round, bursting with cherry and raspberry fruit, blood orange, bracing acids and satiny tannins. Succulent and mouthfilling, with following notes of light chocolate, coffee and a streak of gun metal.
A beefy wine, solid and structured. The tannins are dense, very dry, packed with the juiciest of black fruits, and promising a year or two's aging. There is a hint of perfume from wood and sweet fruits. A great wine for rich meats.
A beetroot character to this wine is off-putting. It masks the fruit and acidity that otherwise would show well.
A beguiling nose of honey and lemon leads on this lovely ice wine from Seneca Lake. Lush and mouthfilling, the wine's sweet, floral character is balanced by a crisp acidity and delicious spice. Elegant but expressive.
A beguiling wine with notes of green apple, slate and botrytis. It drinks off dry with tart, mouthwatering acidity. The concentration isn't all there throughout but there is still much to enjoy.
A benchmark Prosecco that leads the pack of quality Italian sparkling wine, Giustino B. is always released a few years after the harvest. This additional time in the bottle renders mature aromas of melon, apricot and yellow rose.
A benchmark style for Washington Riesling, this mixes stone and citrus fruits, adds highlights of wintergreen spice, hints of honeysuckle, lemon and tea, and finishes with some fruit sweetness, though the wine is essentially dry.
A berry aroma comes with cola and herb notes. The palate is tangy and racy, and it delivers raspberry and plum flavors, with a modest finish.
A best-of-barrels blend from the classic Bordeaux varieties, this wine is delicious. It's not hard for Napa to ripen fruit to blackberry and cherry perfection, or for the winemaker to age the wine in the best oak. What's difficult is to house all this richness in such smooth tannins, with such depth and such a pure finish. A spectacularly good wine to drink now, and it should develop for at least a decade.
A best-of-barrels selection from the winery's various vineyards, this is a lush, intricate Chardonnay made in the modern style. It's fantastically rich in pineapple tart flavors, with the sweet, smoky crust, and more acidic citrus notes of Meyer lemons and limes. Oak aging and lees add fortunate layers of buttered toast and cream. Very intricate, with Chablisian dryness and minerality. Now–2014.
A best-of blend from several of the producer's vineyard sites, this wine explodes in flavor and complexity as though celebrating each site's individual beauty and potential. Black pepper and crisp orange and pomegranate flavors show through its layered and focused texture—a savory package with a seemingly endless finish.
A better bottle than the Champoux Cab, this Red Mountain offering brings flavors of raspberry and strawberry preserves. The extra year or two in bottle has softened it up somewhat; though it still shows some signs of both reduction and volatile acidity. This needs to be drunk up; it is not likely to improve.
A better effort than in previous years. This vintage has a tangy personality and no tricks up its sleeve. The pineapple and citrus flavors are solid and the finish holds onto the Verdejo's citrusy profile. Steady and clean all the way through.
A big-boned Pinot, inexpensively priced, that offers smoke and oak without nuance or layers.
A big-boned wine with a juicy midpalate, this round, plush expression of the variety offers welcome layers of dark cherry, raspberry and plum nicely accentuated with clove and sage.
A big-boy Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend (50% Cab Sauv, 40% Merlot, 10% Zinfandel) from the South Coast of California, offering up tones of cranberry, cassis and even a hint of eucalyptus, that's stemmy and tannic with room to mellow with age.
A big-boy Syrah named for the producer's daughter, this is a jammy, juicy, brown sugar and maple syrup kind of Syrah, with a great peppery nose and a lot of bacon fat flavors intermingled among the soft tannins.
A big-hearted wine, displaying ripe red berries lifted by a lively acid undercurrent. It has gentle tannins and a full, juicy aftertaste. Drink now and enjoy with barbecue.
A big-hearted wine, packed with forward fruits, maybe dominated by the wood at this stage, but likely to become more rich as it ages. The flavors are bold, white fruits combining with lime zest acidity. For aging over the next three years.
A big-hearted wine, packed with intense fruits and sweet green plum flavors. There is acidity, but the wine shows a sunny character, with richness and some spice. The wine comes from the deep loess soil of the Grub vineyard, just north of the wine capital Langenlois.
A big-hearted, fruity wine. With its ripe tannins and red berry fruits, this red is certainly powerful, but it manages to keep its balance, finishing ripe and sweet. This is a wine that could be enjoyed now, but would certainly age over the next 4–5 years.
A big-production, medium-bodied effort, this has noticeable sweetness that softens the acidity. Sweet apple and pear fruit dominate an easy-drinking, approachable, simple but enjoyable Pinot Gris.
A big-shouldered red made predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon with a balance of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine offers bold, firm tannins and heaps of body. Blackberry, chocolate mocha and clove flavors meet crayon and graphite notes in a mashup of classic and ripe styles.
A big-time Priorato with tobacco, minerality and dark fruit aromas in front of a lush and smooth palate full of cola, blackberry and licorice flavors. There's all the power you could ask for but also complexity and layering that set up a minerally finish of mocha and coffee. Drink from 2011 through 2015.
A big (15.6% alcohol) wine, the 2006 Bella's Garden nevertheless comes across as balanced and drinkable in its youth, marrying a rich, creamy texture with mixed berry fruit and hints of mint and vanilla. Avoids any cooked character, finishing long and fresh. Drink now–2015.
A big and bold Sauvignon Blanc, packed with flavors of mango, nectarine and fresh herbs that come together beautifully on the nose and palate. Long on the finish. Drink now through mid-2011.
A big and bold Shiraz, dark fruit aromas and flavors of fig, black cherry and plum abound. Glimmers of sweet spice and smoke unfold softly, showing the promise of additional complexities and nuance that should continue to develop with time. Firmly structured tannins help to frame the lush, ripe palate, and prodive a gripping texture to the long close. Try after 2015 and beyond.
A big and bold wine, showing black plum fruits, an impressive structure and a solid, foursquare feel. It is obviously a wine for aging. Give it 2–3 years.
A big and dense wine, this is concentrated and mineral in character, reflecting the granite soils of the Côte de Py. It's concentrated with its black-cherry flavors cut by bright acidity and a tight texture. The fruit needs to assert itself more, so wait until 2018 before drinking.
A big and dense wine, with tannins that are well integrated into its core of solid black plum and cherry flavors, and a bitter chocolate note that comes from wood aging. With all of its concentration, this wine should age for five years.
A big and densely textured wine that shows great rich swathes of bitter chocolate, dark tannins and sweet acidity. The wine has power, dark aromas and an intense concentration.
A big and dusty wine from young vines. Ripe and fruity, packed with sweet damson flavors as well as a fine layer of acidity. Drink young and fresh.
A big and friendly wine, with plenty of forward fruit mingling flavors of citrus, apples and pears. There is a nice blast of vanilla too, the only obvious sign of new oak aging, but the impression overall is of crisp, clean elegance. Best Buy.
A big and heavy style of Cabernet, with earth, leather, oak, raisin and blackberry aromas. The palate is a touch flat and reduced, but the flavors are sweet and suggest black currant, black cherry, spice and herbs. No shortage of ripeness here; if anything, it's a bit overripe.
A big and intense Zin with a pucker that holds on, this Livermore red is heavy and a bit dull aromatically, opening up to show spice, black fruit and cedar but overall it finishes short.
A big and mauling version of Malbec. The nose is minty and dark, while the palate runs syrupy and full, with heavy black-fruit flavors darkened even more by a persistent peppery streak. Much less restrained and elegant than the Kaiken Ultra.
A big and oaky style, liquorous and full-flavored from the start. This is spot-on varietally, the fruit sourced from the Zerba Vineyards, and has a nice run through the midpalate with purple berry fruits and plenty of new oak. It turns a little chalky in the finish.
A big and powerful wine considering the lighter style found in many 2011s. It's concentrated and dark, with black plums enveloping full and ripe fruit. Weight, richness and perfume combine to ensure long-term aging over six years and more.
A big and powerful wine with a vibrant, rich texture. Dense black plum and ripe berry fruits push through the firm tannins. The wine is smooth and perfumed with a big spicy aftertaste. Drink now, or keep for 2–3 years.
A big and powerful wine, with tannins that are compact and dense. The dryness of the tannins go right to the core, surrounded by chocolate, sweet fruit and dark berry flavors. The wine is well structured, big and bold, with plenty of firmness promising aging.
A big and rich wine, packed with fine blackberry and red plum fruits, with bitter chocolate and toast flavors. The wine is full-bodied, fruity and also stylishly elegant. Worth aging for 2–3 years.
A big and ripe wine that has great fruit as well as a firm, dark structure. It's built strongly with black plums pushed by solid tannins, while also having great juicy acidity. Dominated by Touriga Nacional, it's spicy, perfumed and developing well. Drink from 2016.
A big blanket of oaky, chocolaty, minty aromas sits on top of herbal plum and cassis scents. No surprise that this is a big wine with loud plum, blackberry and spice flavors, but it's also a bit awkward in feel. On the finish, this spreads apart at the seams, leaving no cushion for scorching acidity and hard tannins. Drink through 2021.
A big blast of roasted berry, herb and spice hits hard on the composed bouquet. Feels stocky and lush, with full tannins, good extract and flavors of herb, black olive, earth, cola and toasty blackberry. Toasted on the finish, with bitter chocolate notes.
A big bottle of uber-sweet strawberry pie and blackberries right before they get mushy. The aromas are not terribly inviting from the outset. Fairly neutral in taste, then veers sweet.
A big bruiser of a wine that hits you with its big, rich fist of blackberry fruits and sweetness. Maybe it is not elegant, but there is no denying the force behind this wine, the spice to go with the velvet texture.
A big bruiser of a wine. It is easy to love the firm, complex structure allied with beautifully ripe, sweet fruit flavors. The wine is rich and powerful, but there are so many things going on here, from the intense tannins to the smoky black finish.
A big burly Syrah from this Temecula producer whose goal it is to become the premier winery of Southern California, the wine is loaded with plummy black fruit and a peppery mouthfeel, its oakiness derived from the almost three years it spent barrel-aging in new French oak. Not for the meek at 15.6% alcohol, it finishes a tad sweet.
A big burst of vanilla highlights the scents and flavors of this Rhône-inspired blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Unfortunately, all that vanilla obscures the fruit and blankets any subtleties. Residual flavors of stem and slightly green tannins fill in the finish.
A big but balanced Shiraz, Tatiarra's Cambrian Shiraz takes its name from the ancient rocks that underlie the vineyards. Black cherries, licorice and mineral notes finish long, picking up nuances of black olives. Drink now–2015, possibly longer.
A big but mild-mannered wine, this has subtle oak and butter aromas plus ripe pear, butterscotch and white-peach flavors. A nicely thick texture carries all the complexity through the finish.
A big but not-too-tannic Petit Verdot, this is juicy and structured with red fruit and a light layer of spice. Tending toward black licorice and dark chocolate, it could use a splash of something to brighten it up. But it's otherwise a bottle worth trying if you're curious to try a varietal Petit Verdot.
A big Cabernet, impenetrably dark in color and tannicly closed. It has ripe, juicy blackberry, cassis liqueur and dark chocolate flavors, with a jacket of sweet, toasted oak. It needs time for those tannins to resolve, so give it a good eight years in the bottle.
A big Cabernet, showing the dramatic mouthfeel that well-made Napa Cabernet always has. It's full bodied, dry and softly tannic, with classic blackberry and currant flavors. Should hold in the bottle for about six years.
A big disappointment, not up there with some previous vintages of this estate bottling. But the price has been lowered considerably on this simple wine. It's unbalanced, with some vegetal flavors. Ready now.
A big firmly structured wine with solid tannins and black-plum-skin texture, the wine is rich and dense. Its fruits are balanced by the concentrated tannins and by the sense of restrained power. Drink from 2023.
A big friendly wine that is rich and easygoing and just about ready to drink. The dominant aromas are of dark fruit mixed in with smoked meat and some earthiness. On the palate, it is rich, fat and easy to like, but it comes across as being a little simple.
A big fruity wine, full of black fruit flavors and laced with soft tannins and acidity. This is rich, dense and so delicious to drink now. You could age it for a year or two, but why wait?
A big improvement from the previous vintage, this pretty, salmon-hued wine is packed with subtle but flavorful fruit. Tart citrus and strawberry notes underscored with crisp, clean acidity make it refreshing and a real winner.
A big improvement over the '08 bottling, the winery's '09 is dry and tart in Central Coast acidity, with pure, clean flavors of tangerine, vanilla and buttered toast. It's a lovely Chardonnay; drink now.
A big improvement over the 2007, but still a rather simply constructed wine. It has pleasant berry, cherry, cola and spice flavors, and is easy to drink.
A big improvement over the 2007, Stephens' '08 is rich and ripe. It brims with pineapple, buttered toast, vanilla and cinnamon flavors, brightened with crisp acidity. Easy to drink, and delicious through the finish.
A big improvement over the winery's last release, this '09 Chardonnay is rich and oaky and crisp in acidity. It's just delicious, with ripe pineapple jam, buttered toast, créme brûlée and vanilla flavors. Made in a big, powerful style, but balanced. Drink now.
A big letdown after the 2009, this is a simple, rustic wine. It's dry and acidic, with thin berry, herb and spice flavors.
A big mouth-filling offering with lots of oak/cedar and coffee/mocha shadings. Sweet-and-sour stewed berry flavors and black-toast accents play on the fairly large-scaled palate. A tart chocolate note enters on the finish, which displays firm but fine tannins. It's the best Cabernet we've ever tasted from this Kosher winery, and it should improve over the next two to four years.
A big mouthful of ripe yellow peaches, apricots and spicy pears, creamy in texture, this is an opulent Champagne. It has plenty of weight but doesn't lose sight of Piper-Heidsieck's stylistic delicacy. It is a fine apéritif Champagne for those who want something softer.
A big oaky can't-miss blast of clove and wood spice is more dominating than secondary berry aromas. This is resiny and full in body, with ample acidity. Oak plays a lead role on the flavor profile, which includes toast, mint and herbal black plum. A peppery toasty finish benefits from moderate juicy acidity. Drink through 2021.
A big Pinot Noir, darkly colored and full-bodied in the mouth. The depth of fruit is impressive, packing a solid core of black cherries and plums. Might gain some bottle notes over the next 4–6 years.
A big Pinot Noir, extracted and thick in cherry and blueberry pie filling, red currant, sandalwood and dusty spice flavors. Delicious, but soft and atypical for a Pinot, lacking some life and charm. Drink now.
A big Pinot Noir, rich and extracted, and lacking delicacy at this time. It's as full-bodied as a Rhône blend, with jammy cherry, blueberry and spice flavors, enriched by lots of sweet new oak. Delicious, yes, if you care to drink it now. Try cellaring for four or five years to see if it mellows.
A big Pinot Noir; it's a little heavy for the variety, with the weight of a Rhône, but no denying the deliciousness factor. Floods the mouth with concentrated pie-filling black cherry, red currant, licorice and beef jerky flavors. Best opened soon for freshness.
A big rich wine from a warm year. Its powerful, dense structure is dominated by wood aging and fine blackberry and plum fruits. There is concentration along with swathes of delicious fruit. Age it for 4–5 years.
A big ripe wine, full of tropical fruits that are balanced by grapefruit and final acidity. There is just a hint of toast, very discreet, rounding out this beautifully structured wine. The finish offers a great range of complex flavors.
A big step down from the past two vintages. This Verdejo lacks fortitude and clarity; it's grassy and flat on the nose, then cloying on the palate. Flavors of bland citrus are disjointed and underwhelming. Finishes grassy and green.
A big step up from previous failures, this vintage shows tropical fruit aromas and some sea breeze. The flavors are of pineapple and tangerine, and the acidity is nice. On the finish, the fruit holds and the feel is right. Drink soon to capture the wine's perky freshness.
A big step up from the 2009, the 2010 L'Arzelle is nuanced and silky. Pepper, porcini and plum pudding scents grace the nose, while the palate delivers dark fruit, black olive and espresso flavors that ease into a long finish. Drink now–2018.
A big step up from the “regular” Chardonnay, this is riper, richer and longer. Buttered toast and tropical-fruit flavors, a rich, textured mouthfeel and a smooth, easy finish make this a very enjoyable drink.
A big step up from the disappointing 2006, this value-priced Pinot combines genuine Pinot Noir varietal character with a restrained elegance more typical of Burgundy than Oregon. Tart red fruits, orange peel, lots of acid and a buoyant, food-friendly balance keeps it lively through the finish. A lovely match for salmon, among many other choices.
A big step up from the first time we tried this wine in 2007. Aromas are pure and fruity, while the palate is ripe and acid-rich, with juicy but tight plum, herb and berry flavors. Shows chocolate on the tail, and overall it is on the money. A blend of five grapes led by Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère.
A big step up from the prior year; the bouquet is spicy, dry, minerally and offers attractive dried flower aromas. The mouthfeel is pure, easygoing and slightly creamy, while the flavors suggest dried raspberry, plum and vanilla for sweetness. Toasty and dry on the finish; elegant for Argentinean PN.
A big style that manages to avoid tasting rustic or heavy. Starts with baked pastry shell, black cherry and plum, then adds in hints of licorice and black pepper. Could use a touch more richness in the midpalate, but closes nicely, with fresh acidity that perks up the fruit flavors.
A big success, this a wine that manages to combine the ripeness of Merlot fruit from 2005 with impressive tannins and power and still have structure and acidity. This should age well over 10 years.
A big textured, smooth wine, sweet fruits with firm tannins finished with dark perfumes. It is a blockbuster, thankfully without high alcohol, balanced in its richness. A barbecue wine, ready to drink now.
A big wine bursting with the wildest of brambly berry flavors, and a peppery, herbal hint of earth and wood. The tannins are smooth and dusty. It's a nice bit of winemaking, but a little too big and uncontrolled for its britches. —S.H.
A big wine for Merlot, this high alcohol (14.6%) effort ramps up its black cherry fruit with volatile acidity and brings in chocolaty barrel flavors under an earthy, tannic finish. Another year or two in the bottle can only help; at this young age it seems a little blowsy and sharp.
A big wine in every sense, dark in color, the fruit supremely rich without being excessive. It is very structured within its opulent framework. Likely to age well, this is concentrated, dense.
A big wine in every sense—including its heavy bottle—this is as dense as Zweigelt gets. It retains some of the great bitter-cherry flavor characteristic of the grape, adding spice and wood notes, plus a dense, firm texture. As it develops, this will show impressive depth of flavor.
A big wine that handles its 15.3% abv. Smells of pastry, earth and soft berry fruit. Feels round but reticent, with no fire or heat but plenty of blackberry, molasses and coffee. Mellow, toasty and blackened on the finish, with an earthy feel and a baked aftertaste.
A big wine that is full-bodied, ripe, juicy with some green flavors and flashes of toast. Possibly over the top, it is still enjoyable in its broad way. It will be better in 2016.
A big wine with a nose defined by crushed coal and perfumed black fruit. The palate is plush and ripe, but also lively and pleasant. Tastewise, this is generous and defined by good berry, chocolate and herb flavors. Finishes with carob and cinnamon. Laudable New World Syrah, a k a Shiraz.
A big wine, but some persistent sulphur and earthiness on the nose results in aromas of leather, scrambled eggs and tobacco. Rugged on the palate, but that's to be expected for a big-boned Malbec like this. Flavors of blackberry and black cherry are supported by powerful oak, leather and an infusion of herbs. Drinkable now and best through 2010.
A big wine, in the Ledson style, whose power comes at the cost of some elegance. Its dominant note is fruit—ripe and jammy in blackberries and chocolate—as well as sweet oak. Impressive for sheer mass, but would benefit from some restraint.
A big wine, rather ponderous now in the size and forwardness of its fruit and the volume of mainly new French oak. The fruit is massive, suggesting black and red sour cherry candy, with oak influences of smoky char and pencil shavings, and complex notes of minerals and sweet violet flowers. But it all needs time to come together. Tasted in a large flight of 2007 Rutherford Cabernets and Bordeaux blends, this was easily the star. Really hard to exaggerate the wine's beauty and elegance. Best 2013–2019, at least.
A big wine, ripe and explosive in fruit. Maybe too fruity, almost a bomb. Raspberries and cherries, sweetened with oak, dominate. Could use greater subtlety and restraint, not to mention grounding earthiness.
A big wine, round and ripe with luscious flavors of peach, pineapple and citrus fruits, layered into plenty of toasty oak. It's smooth and seductive, and the finish, which tastes like a dessert of toasty hazelnuts and cream, is especially enticing. Just a bit of heat runs through it.
A big wine, saturated in color and tremendously extracted in fruity richness. Explodes in blackberries, cassis and sweet new oak, and the tannins are strong and refined. Not particularly drinkable now, because the parts are only clumsily melded, but seems like a serious cellar candidate. Should begin to blossom in 6–8 years and, given this wine's history, will be rocking by 2020.
A big wine, tannic and extracted in blackberry, blueberry and red currant flavors, with notes of bacon, mocha, black pepper and sandalwood. It shows plenty of class, but is still too young. Give until 2017 in the cellar.
A big wine, with structure and fruit. The mild tannins are a counterpoint to the harmonious red berries, acidity and dense texture. Boasts a delicious, sensuous finale. For medium-term aging.
A big Zin with juicy dark cherry and blackberry jammy-ness and a slight hint of cedar and clove. This wine is a chance to open but is a nice showpiece for Ruby Hill's love of and prowess with big, ripe Zins.
A big, balanced, bombastic Montsant made from one-third each of Mazuelo, Garnacha and Syrah. On the bouquet it's the fruit that endears but mocha and vanilla stick out. The flavor profile sees lemony oak, blackberry, blueberry and minerality. Spicy and long late with size and grip. Drink now through 2015.
A big, black-colored wine, impressively rich. Fermented in open stone lagars, it has an opulent ripe character, the black fruits sweet and generous. At the same time, the dense tannic structure promises good aging. Keep for 5–6 years or more.
A big, black bruiser of a wine that has black olive flavors and aromas and plenty beyond. Raspberry, mulberry, vanilla and spice all vie on the nose, while the palate is so dark it´s tough to discern the plum and leather flavors. Give it three years and reap the benefits.
A big, boisterous and concentrated wine, this has an aroma like smoke and rosemary and more rich, fruity flavors like plum and pomegranate juice.
A big, bold and beautiful Cabernet. Will appeal to those who like the California style, although Bordeauxphiles will find it too ripe and fruity. Brims with blackberries, black cherries, currants, licorice and sweet toasted oak, wrapped into firm, mountain tannins. Now–2014.
A big, bold and fruity wine that is full of ripe berry fruits, rich and generous. This is Beaujolais at its most exuberant, a celebration of delicious fruit. It could age, but is ready to drink.
A big, bold and rich Port that is smooth and very plush with a velvet feel. The style is ripe and rounded, a delicious medley of jammy fruits and soft tannins.
A big, bold and ripe wine, this is rich and packed with dark fruits. Firm tannins are well cushioned by the berry fruits and the acidity. It is a generous wine that comes from the region south of Lisbon. Aged in wood for 12 months, it is now ready to drink.
A big, bold expression of Gewürztraminer that opens with bright aromas of natural rubber, passion fruit and candied fruit. It shows huge intensity and a touch of silky sweetness on the close.
A big, bold red wine that has soaked up the sun in its warm tannins and ripe berry fruits. It has a generous structure and attractive juiciness. Give this wine a year for aging, although it is good to drink now.
A big, bold wine that also tastes precise and structured, it has deep, dense fruit flavors like black currant and black cherry, layers of fine tannins, hints of dark chocolate and espresso. This is a great wine to stash in the cellar, as it will taste best after 2020.
A big, bold wine that is full of dense fruit and sweet berry flavors. It has weight and richness, the structure stuffed with pure, ripe Malbec fruit that has not been in wood. Delicious and worth aging 2–3 years.
A big, bold wine with unbelievable power and concentration. Low yields and a dominance of Cabernet Franc have produced an immensely concentrated wine. Still very young, this magnificent wine holds the promise of great aging.
A big, bold Zin, with a kick of peppery spices. Really front-loaded with wild berry, currant, cherry pie and sweet tobacco flavors. Nothing subtle about this barbecue-friendly powerhouse.
A big, bold, black vintage Port, already enticingly perfumed, packed with as much rich fruit as tannin. It's in the sweet vintage Port arena, an immediately attractive wine, yet layered with enough structure to keep it maturing for many years. The final sense is all richness.
A big, bold, fruity wine, this has great tannins, ripe black-currant fruit and an attractive sense of structure. It has all the juiciness and freshness of 2010, but is a wine for aging over 3–4 years.
A big, bold, ripe wine. It is full-bodied and peppery, full of blueberry fruit. Soft tannins finish with a light dry edge. Ready to drink.
A big, bold, tannic Zinfandel, the kind that needs richly sauced barbecued and roasted meats to tame it into submission. It's peppery, with brooding black currant, licorice and teriyaki beef flavors.
A big, boldly powerful but elegant Zinfandel, full-bodied in the mouth and dry, offering waves of ripe fruits and spices. The cool 2007 vintage has kept the wine from being too ripe, resulting in balanced flavors of blackberries, currants, licorice, bacon, cocoa, black pepper and Asian spices. Just terrific. Drink over the next six years.
A big, brawny version of the variety, this is tight and tannic, steeped in leather pouch, black pepper and garrigue. Swirl around in the bottle or glass before sipping, or pair it with braised, leathery meats. A core of acidity helps lift the finish.
A big, brooding wine, the fruit ripe and dense. Richness surrounds structure, giving a sumptuous layer to the dusty tannins. Flavors of currants, spice and juicy berries flow through the wine, giving power and suavity. The freshness of 2006 shows on the finish of this important wine.
A big, bruising wine that is bursting with sweet tannins and juicy blackberry flavors. All of its acidity and attractive flavors of up-front fruit, spice and wood are clamoring for attention. Ready to drink with strong flavored food.
A big, burly proprietary red blend, Voluptous combines Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel , creating a rich, darkly fruited wine with dusty tannins. Well-structured despite its girth, it delivers layers of licorice and leather on the finish. Drink now.
A big, burly rich wine, dominated by Syrah and by wood tannins. It is fruity, full of black plums and boysenberries, low in acidity, but structured with some good tannins. It's a wine to drink now.
A big, burly wine that's loaded with power and fruit but is also tannic and drying. Tastes sort of raisiny and hot, with grating tannic scrub and fire in the hole. Pretty good but it doesn't have the purity, elegance and clean richness of the region's best wines.
A big, burly wine with attractive tannins and rich plum and dark chocolate flavors. The wine is very accessible, ready to drink, a good value.
A big, burly wine, powerful, concentrated and packed with fruit, the tannins a potential aging advantage underneath all this delicious fruit. Solid, but charming at the same time.
A big, burly, concentrated Grenache, Yangarra's High Sands bottling seems capable of evolving nicely over the next 3–5 years, although it is supple enough to drink now. Black cherry preserves gain structure on the finish in the form of finely dusty tannins.
A big, burly, hedonistic wine, this offers layers of pronounced baked apple, pear and caramel. The oak wraps itself around in cinnamon-toast waves, with sizable power on the palate. The joy ride ends with a balanced sense of wet stone, fresh and refined.
A big, burly, juicy wine, focusing on powerful red fruits and layers of acidity. The tannins are dense, but the fruit is more dominant. There are smoky flavors, spiked with licorice and blueberries. Caladoc is a cross between Malbec and Grenache, developed in France, rarely planted.
A big, chunky tannic wine, loaded with black-cherry fruit. The structure is there to age awhile, and 15 months in 50% new French oak has added notes of coffee and dark chocolate. There's a hint of tar, and overall an impression of bridled power. Drink now through 2025.
A big, chunky wine that begins with pleasant aromas of dark, lush fruit and rose petals, it cannot sustain its promise on the palate. It starts well enough, but by midpalate, most of the fruit has gone, and the finish is short and a little dour.
A big, chunky wine, wearing its tannins easily over the ripe fruit. The wine has black berry juice flavors, bright acidity and a suggestion of aging potential.
A big, complex wine from this continually improving property, this is now performing at its classed-growth level with concentrated ripe berry fruits and chocolate flavors. The wood aging is still showing through and needs time to integrate better, but as it does, this will be a great wine.
A big, dark, extracted Malbec with murky lead aromas of Graham cracker and sweet blueberry. The palate is jammy and chunky, with dark, earthy flavors of prune, blackberry and raisin. Finishes a bit pruny, but there's enough acidity to maintain a sense of balance. Drink now.
A big, dark, heavily oaked wine with caramel, resin and baked berry aromas. The palate has a thick, meaty feel, slightly abrasive tannins, and then sweet, sticky, woody black fruit flavors. Finishes with brown sugar and more wood flavor; strives for a higher level but gets bogged down with barrel influence.
A big, dark, rich wine with an impressively opulent structure allied to fresh, bright Merlot character. The flavors of black berry juice are followed by chocolate, bitter coffee and vibrant acidity, which gives freshness to the finish.
A big, deep, impressive wine that feels flashy from the first sniff to the last swallow. A Merlot-based Bordeaux blend, with a splash of Petite Sirah, it's enormously rich in berries, cherries and dark chocolate, with a pleasantly earthy note of olives and herbs. The finish is bone dry. This is a very fine value in a full-bodied red wine of such charm.
A big, deeply flavored, extraordinarily ripe Syrah, brimming with blackberries, black currants, chocolate, licorice and black pepper, all of it enhanced with the sweet-smoky taste of oak. Impresses not only for its size, but for balance and finesse. Just terrific now, and should age well for six years or so.
A big, dense, brooding wine, concentrated and powerful in blackberries, cherries and cassis. The tannins are sandpapery, giving the mouth a scoury feeling added to by the acids. An interesting, complex young wine that's well made and needs time to come around. Drink it over the next 6–8 years.
A big, dry wine rich in red fruit and sizable tannins, this 100% varietal, single-vineyard designated offering is buoyed by silky, fine-grained tannins that support its voluptuous nature. More savory than sweet in terms of ripeness, its flavors lean toward tobacco and black tea. Drink now through 2022.
A big, dry, immature wine, firm in acids and tannins, whose strong black pepper notes add to its tart pungency. Underneath all that are immaculate blackberry and roasted meat flavors. Impressive for the price, and should develop bottle complexity over the next six years.
A big, dry, tannicly astringent wine. It's somewhat awkward now and could develop softness in a year or two. Right now it's like Zinfandel, with brambly tannins and flavors of dark wild berries, leather and black pepper.
A big, earthy type of wine with a ton of ripeness and heft. Smells like pure black olive, earth and smoked meat. The palate is tight but friendly as it delivers big doses of herb, tea, chocolate and black fruit flavors. About as deep and long in the mouth as this variety gets; proof that Maipo can produce the occasional excellent Carmenère.
A big, extracted and, as currently constructed, somewhat ponderous wine that's not showing all that well. Could simply be immature, but it does seem to lack a certain vibrancy. Other than that, it's powerful in blackberry, black cherry and oak flavors, accompanied by strong tannins. Could surprise after, say, 2014.
A big, exuberant nose leads on this impressive Syrah. On the palate, it's a muscular red, with balance, strength and elegant tannins. Mouthfilling but minerally enough to maintain poise, it will age well or pair now with roasted meat.
A big, exuberant Zinfandel, this is full bodied and soft, with ripe, briary blackberry, currant, dark chocolate, grilled meat and spice flavors. Ready to drink now.
A big, fat and rich wine, with tropical fruit flavors. There is spice from the prominent wood with an edge of vanilla. It's a powerhouse of a Chardonnay, ripe and full, the acidity lending crispness to the finish.
A big, fat, luscious wine with plenty of toasty oak, dark jammy fruit and spices. The palate showed the same lushness; with the fruit front and center with surprising length.  A delicious, rather hefty effort short on finesse but long on flavor.
A big, fat, ripe, unctuous wine. Shows massive black cherry, chocolate and cedar flavors, with prickly spices through the finish, and firm tannins. Bold and impressive now with rich fare.
A big, fat, spicy wine flavored with white fruits and laced with crisp acidity. It is full and opulent, but not extravagantly so, the acidity cutting through richness, leaving yellow fruits and some toast.
A big, firm 100% Cab, rich in blackberry jam and black currant flavors, enriched with lots of sweet, smoky oak. It's made in the modern cult style of soft approachability. It might age, but seems best now for sheer luxury.
A big, flashy wine that's fabulously rich in flavors of pineapple, orange and lemon custard, and liberally accented with the crème brûlée and vanilla from it's time in new French oak. Fresh acidity, minerality from the soil and a dry finish bring an elegant touch to this ripe Chardonnay.
A big, fleshy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that serves up rich, chewy tannins supporting ripe plum, black-cherry, herb and toast flavors. Moderate and elegant on the finish.
A big, fruity bold wine, packed with the ripest fruit, concentrated and complex, with room for tight acidity. It has citrus and green plum crispness, and needs time to fully integrate with the wood and ripe yellow fruits.
A big, fruity Cabernet that hardly shows a day of age at nearly six years. It's still rich and ripe in blackberry, blueberry and cherry jam flavors. Drink up.
A big, fruity wine that starts richly and then becomes drier, more tannic and firmer. The fruit is all black, full of berries and fresh acidity. Finely balanced, with an herbal character to finish it off.
A big, full-bodied Cabernet, dry and smooth in tannins, with blackberry, blueberry and oak flavors. There's an earthiness that grounds this wine, making it less flamboyant than a Napa Cab, but food friendly and easy to drink.
A big, full-bodied Malbec with charm. The nose is toasty, with black fruit, chocolate and other stocky, earthy aromas. Saturated in the mouth, with concentrated black fruit flavors. Shows touches of mint and spice on the finish along with coffee, licorice and chocolate. Drink now through 2012.
A big, full yet nicely balanced old-vine Zin with the variety's spiciness front and center and fine notes of cherry and plum.
A big, generous wine that is full of rich berry and juicy black plum fruits. It has spice and solid tannins from both the fruit and wood aging, dense and with a good depth of flavor. The acidity and the tannins both promise aging. Drink from 2016.
A big, hard, dry Cabernet whose mountain tannins need quite some time to resolve. Right now they're tough as nails, although the blackberry fruit is so brilliant and intense, it punches right through. Give this dramatic wine at least six years, and it could well develop beyond the next decade.
A big, heavy rosé, this has an orange-pink color and slightly sweet flavors of jammy raspberry, vanilla and cream. A blend of Syrah and Grenache.
A big, heavy, full-bodied and ripe Zinfandel that needs rich, greasy meats and cheeses to tame it. The blackberry, currant and dry chocolate flavors are huge, and the tannins are even bigger, giving this extremely dry wine an astringent finish.
A big, impressive wine, smoky and juicy, the wood an important element in its youthful state. Blackberries, spice and black cherry flavors are there along with cocoa and broad tannins. It is a beautiful wine, for aging 4–5 years.
A big, in your face Zin, with concentrated blackberry jam, currant and espresso flavors along with some overripe raisin and prune notes. High alcohol gives a burn to the palate and the tannins are bitter. Drink now.
A big, intense Malbec with giant black fruit aromas that veer toward medicinal. The palate is sizable and sticky, with grabby tannins bulking up sweet, ripe blackberry flavors. Finishes with mocha and creamy vanilla flavors. Chewy, broad and on the money.
A big, juicy Pinot Noir, rich and opulent, with flavors ranging from cherry pie and bacon through Dr. Pepper cola to the most succulent, meaty heirloom tomato you ever had. Exotically spicy and complex, and the overall result is delicious. Fine now and for the next 4–6 years.
A big, juicy wine with balancing acidity and bright red fruit flavors. This is full of freshness and fruit flavors, with only soft tannins to hold the flavors together.
A big, juicy wine. Opens with young, almost jammy aromas of black cherry and black raspberry highlighted with earthier notes of tobacco. Turns long and persistent on the palate, as the fruity flavors are joined by those of grilled meat and tomato. Firm tannins hold it all together. This young, dense wine seems likely to improve for at least five years.
A big, juicy, fruit-bomb of a rosé, this Knight's Gambit from Erath mixes flavors of rosewater, watermelon, strawberries and cocoa in a big, broad, forward, palate-pleasing wine. The pretty pink color is from skin contact with the Pinot Gris—no red wine was added.
A big, juicy, well-heeled Malbec, it holds dark blackberry flavor and dusty tannins. Swirling among the smoothness of the palate are rugged tobacco, tropical coconut and vanilla notes. The wine is structured and generously robust in every way.
A big, lovable Pinot Noir that is quite ripe and full of exotic fruit flavors that go beyond cherry to boysenberry and blackberry. Full-bodied, with a rounded texture and firm tannins, it is mouthfilling, generous, bombastic and delicious.
A big, lush, exuberant Zinfandel, stuffed with sun-ripened fruit flavors of dark berries, coffee, chocolate and spice. Drink this dry, warming wine now.
A big, lusty Zin, it shows the tendency to overripeness that can mar the variety. While it's dry, it's rich in raisins and prunes, with a good tannin-acid structure that wants barbecued meat to play with.
A big, lusty, rich Zinfandel, packing wildly complex flavors of summer-ripe raspberries and cherries, anise, crushed pepper, dusty spices, sweet vanilla and smoky sandalwood. One of V. Sattui's best Zins of the vintage.
A big, modern-style contender with burly berry, lemon, coconut, dill and blackberry on the bouquet. Lush and cushioned in the mouth, with meaty, dark flavors of roasted blackberry, espresso and fudge. Chewy and dense on the finale, but not overly hard or tannic. Drink now through 2015.
A big, modern, lusty style with dark aromas of cola, chocolate, licorice and immense berry fruit. The palate hits with a wall of tannins, but there's also full-flavored blasts of blackberry, fudge, espresso and licorice. Finishes in form: it's blackened and toasty.
A big, mouth-filling Merlot, loaded with mocha, black cherries and dried herbs and picking up anise and vanilla notes on the finish. The mouthfeel is special, leaving a creamy coating of tannins behind as the flavors do a slow, delicate fade. Food pairing might be problematic in its youthful baby fat—it's probably best alone or with cheese now, or age it a few years and serve with herb-crusted roasts.
A big, oaky Chardonnay, obviously rich and dense, but somewhat immature. Just doesn't feel like all the parts are working in harmony quite yet. Yet there's lots going on under the dryness, lees and wood tannins. Huge flavors of citrus and tropical fruits, minerals and flowers. Flashy, a crowd-pleaser. Give it 2–3 years in a cool cellar.
A big, powerful and fruity Chardonnay, made in the classic style of this cool-climate vineyard. It's massive in pineapple, kumquat, buttered toast, vanilla cream and cinnamon spice flavors, brightened with crisp acidity. Should develop mineral, nut and dried fruit notes over the years, if you want to cellar it.
A big, powerful, fruity wine, this is laden with dry tannins as well as blackberry flavor. Dark and concentrated, it has a solid, dense feel with fruits layered with intense wood notes. It needs at least five years to soften and round out.
A big, rich chocolaty wine with delicious spice and ripe tannins. The fruit is sumptuously rich, blackberry juice flavors balancing the power and concentration of the texture. In all this richness, there is just enough freshness to lift the finish.
A big, rich Pinot, but one that for all its weight and intensity doesn't lack for elegance. Black cherry fruit and spice notes coat the mouth, lingering on the finish. Drink it now and over the next several years. Imported by Epic Wines.
A big, rich style of Sancerre, but one that doesn't forget its mineral, flinty roots. The acidity has an edge of sweetness, opened by delicious berry fruit flavors, tangy in its citrus freshness. It could age for another 1–2 years.
A big, rich wine, candy-sweet in fruit and toasted oak. Shows the blackberry, cherry, nougat, roasted almond and chocolate flavors of a delicious granola bar. The tannins are a work of art, soft, intricate and refined.
A big, rich wine, from a fine year in the Loire. The fruits are sweet, although the acidity and texture make this wine dry. Flavors of peach, pear and spice work well together here, giving a fine, ripe mouthful of creamy mousse.
A big, rich wine, this is bold with black fruits and some firm tannins. The concentration comes from vines planted in 1935, giving a great, dense texture. As it develops, the wine will become ripe, jammy, delicious and impressive. Drink from 2018.
A big, rich, exuberant Malbec, one of the better ones out there. It's firm in tannins, yet soft and luscious, with deep, dark plum, cassis, beef jerky and spice flavors. Grows even finer and elegant as it warms in the glass.
A big, rich, exuberant Pinot Noir. Floods the mouth with cherry pie, raspberry tart, vanilla and sweet oak flavors that are frankly delicious. It's a bit one-dimensional, but clean and crisp. Best now.
A big, rich, flashy Chardonnay that's designed to impress, and does. Almost too much of a good thing, with massive lemondrop candy, pineapple, lime and kiwi fruit flavors, as well as firm minerality and lots of toasty oak. Drink now with opulent fare, such as shellfish.
A big, rich, fruity Cabernet. It's a little one-dimensional, but there's no denying that the blackberries, cherries and raspberries are delicious. Drink now.
A big, rich, fruity, oaky Pinot Noir, offering waves of raspberry and cherry pie, currant, cola, baking spice and sandalwood flavors. Tastes delicious ripe, but finishes dry in a bracing swirl of acids and tannins. Drink now–2016.
A big, rich, full-bodied wine that's kind of like Syrah, but with different flavors. There's a warm, baked pie filling taste of black and red cherries, currants, coconut macaroons, licorice, chocolate and violets, and the finish is very long and richly spicy. At its best now and for a couple more years.
A big, rich, full-bodied wine, flashy and dramatic. Floods the mouth with cherry-berry flavors, yet somehow feels light and elegant despite the weight and tannins, which is a kind of magic. You'll find all kinds of raspberries, cherries, sandalwood and exotic spices, but the wine isn't really ready. Give it 3–4 years in the cellar.
A big, rich, softly jammy Petite Sirah that's packed with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, anise and pepper. It's tannic, so cellaring this puppy for a good six years is recommended—although, it will always be fairly rustic.
A big, rich, thick Zinfandel, jammy in raspberries, blackberries and cherries, with a bubblegum gassiness. Drink now with burgers, ribs, pasta marinara.
A big, rich, vital Cabernet with immediate attraction that is deceptive. Sure, you can enjoy it now, while it's brimming in cherry jam and red and black currants with a finish of rich, caramelized oak. But it will soften and mellow over the next eight years, and maybe even longer. This is Round Pond's best estate Cabernet in years.
A big, ripe and jammy wine made from old vines. There are black plum fruits but the wine is dominated by licorice, black coffee and wood. It is powerful and very solid. Drink from 2017.
A big, ripe and juicy wine packed with black fruit notes and laced with acidity. The tannins offer a contrast to the fruitiness, bringing balance and structure. This is an impressive wine, the smoky aftertaste bringing out the wood aging.
A big, ripe and juicy wine that has open, soft tannins and layers of black fruits. Bold and forward, it's ready for drinking now–2018.
A big, ripe and rich wine, whose tannins are so well integrated into the bold, black fruits. The wine has weight, concentration and dark plum flavors that are spiced from wood aging. It's a wine that is ready to drink but will age, so drink until 2019.
A big, ripe and smoky wine, it displays a fruity, juicy undertow. It is developing well, giving great black currant fruitiness, some dense tannins and final acidity. Drink from 2017.
A big, ripe and spicy wine that is full of red fruit notes and gentle tannins. It is open and accessible, its fruit juiciness already a pleasure to taste. There is fresh acidity on the finish. Drink now through 2019.
A big, ripe and spicy wine, this is packed with woody notes as well as powerful fruit. It has solid tannins and dark flavors of bitter chocolate and black cherries. It's rich and concentrated, with good aging potential. Drink from 2018.
A big, ripe chocolate-flavored wine with spice, new wood and a smooth, polished character. It is rich, with black currant jelly flavors, but this richness is balanced with a lively freshness and subtlety in its tannins. The finish is long, the flavors echoing the perfumes on the nose.
A big, ripe earthy wine, layered with tannins and dark black fruits. It has density and concentration, while keeping a sense of freshness and balance. A powerful and impressive wine that will age well.
A big, ripe powerful wine, rich with black berry and sweet plum flavors. The wine shows density and tight, dark tannins that promise some good aging. The balance is finished with sweet and sour acidity and a concentrated finish.
A big, ripe wine that also keeps an edgy character, typical of the year. It has a fine contrast between full apple and pear fruits and a zesty tang of acidity and texture. It does need a few months' aging.
A big, ripe wine that is full of tannins as well as rich black plum fruit flavors. It is dark with bitter chocolate, smoky bacon flavors as well as a concentrated structure that promises aging. This 100% Touriga Nacional is still so young, still tough, so drink from 2018.
A big, ripe wine with a nice personality, there is plenty to like about this wine, and is easygoing enough and versatile enough to be a perfect candidate for a restaurant wine.  The nose shows chocolate raspberry truffles, and a touch of oak. On the palate, the same attractive notes and a decent finish. An obvious but very attractive wine.
A big, ripe wine, full of berry and red plum flavors. This is almost sweet in its richness, the big, bold flavors balanced by some light acidity. Good, intense spice and wood flavors and a juicy aftertaste add extra interest.
A big, ripe wine, full of berry fruits and rhubarb, edged with tannins, spice and red plum skins. It has a juicy, rich quality, enhanced by acidity, and rounded with vanilla. Keep for a year. Screwcap.
A big, ripe wine, it shows richness from the superripe grapes. It is bold, full-bodied and packed with juicy black fruits. It's like a fruit bomb, but structure holds it together. Drink from 2015.
A big, ripe wine, with firm tannins, powerful with black plum flavors. It is aged in large barrels, adding an extra complexity, structured with some dryness in the aftertaste.
A big, ripe, fruity Pinot Noir, this is basically an orchard in a glass, with flavors of raspberries, cherries, persimmons and more. Beyond that, it's dry and soft. Drink now.
A big, ripe, opulent and oaky Pinot Noir, forward in fruit and needing a little time to knit together. It's massive in raspberry and cherry pie filling, milk chocolate, vanilla oak and smoky butter flavors, spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Absolutely delicious now, with a good decant, and should develop additional bottle complexities over the next 6–8 years.
A big, ripe, still very young wine with black fruits that are right up front. It's jammy and juicy, with almost as much fruit as tannin. There is some aging potential, with the underlying dryness of the structure, but the wine is mostly about ripe fruitiness. Drink from 2017.
A big, ripe, voluptuous Zinfandel, packed with flavor. The deliciousness factor of blackberries, cherries, anise and dark chocolate comes at the cost of high alcohol, which limits the wine's elegance but makes it super-drinkable with the richest barbecue imaginable.
A big, roasted and fiery nose is act one, while act two offers a raisiny palate with black cherry and cassis flavors. This is a saturated, rough, gritty wine that's defined by baked, dark flavors and then coffee and roasted fruit on the finish. A hot-climate wine with integrity but marginal balance.
A big, robust, brawny wine, proud of being Petite Sirah and making no apologies for its take-no-prisoners approach. Enters the mouth with a blast of wild berries, tobacco and spices, wrapped into big, tough tannins, and doesn't stop kicking through a long, spicy finish. Great now as a summer barbecue wine.
A big, round and fuller-styled white wine, this comes entirely from estate-grown grapes.It offers lemongrass tartness complemented by melon and a taste of tangerine cream, a ready companion for the table or picnic basket.
A big, round and soft wine, full of blackberry and plum fruits, rich and generous. It has warm tannins as well as touches of wood and a open, ripe aftertaste. The name is a pun on the dialect—nit'ana means “not one” referring to the fact the wine is a blend (as well as the family name, Nittnaus).
A big, rounded wine, its acidity a foil to the ripe fruit and dusty texture. The structure is chunky and corpulent, the fruit strawberry and red plum fruit packed tightly. It is still integrating, definitely promising some long-term aging.
A big, rubbery, gaseous nose is not clean, welcoming or lush. That said, this tannic, hard-bodied Tempranillo is pumping savory oak flavors as well as baked blackberry, baking spice and salty notes. A toasty, massive finish simmers away before spilling hard tannins and overt oak. Drink 2016–2022.
A big, savory Syrah from Mendocino's well-known Eaglepoint Ranch that's been aged in neutral oak but retains layers of tar and caramel on the finish. Let this wine open before pairing it with rich, meaty fare.
A big, smooth, ripe wine, with rich raspberry-jam flavors and just gently dry tannins. This blend of Merlot with some Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vineyards 1,500 feet in the Limoux hills, yet it has the richness of a wine from warmer climate. Wood and spices add interest and richness.
A big, soft and expressive wine, this will appeal to a wide range of palates with its fair price and easygoing tannins and integrated oak. Between the juicy blackberry and blueberry, hits of espresso take it to more luxurious places.
A big, soft red with lots of plush fruit flavors, this is soft in balance, definitely sweet rather than dry, smooth in texture and full of candied fruit accents.
A big, soft, juicy Petite Sirah filled with rich flavors of melted milk chocolate, blackberry jam, blueberries and peppery spices. Feels voluptuous in the mouth, almost like a liquid dessert, but it's nice and dry on the finish. Good value.
A big, soft, ultrarich style of Zinfandel. It has very high alcohol, with flamboyant flavors of milk chocolate, oozingly ripe blackberries and blueberries, anise liqueur and black pepper. The finish is totally dry. Lusty and heady.
A big, soulful wine, this has slightly funky, earthy aromas that include tilled soil, truffle, leather, underbrush and mature black fruit. The fleshy palate delivers ripe black cherry, juicy raspberry, white pepper, cinnamon, vanilla and a touch of mocha. It's structured, with tightly woven tannins that need time to soften. Drink after 2016.
A big, spicy wine, packed with new wood as well as ripe, soft fruit. It's smooth, polished and balanced. Fine tannins add to the structure.
A big, strong Chardonnay that's impressive for it's sheer power. This offers in-your-face flavors of pineapple and apricot jam and oak. It's rich and opulent, but lacks some delicacy and grace. Drink now.
A big, strong Chardonnay with prominent buttered toast, buttered popcorn, vanilla, and pineapple-orange jam flavors. Elaborate and flashy, but obviously made to appeal to the modern style. Drink up.
A big, strong Chardonnay, powerfully extracted with pineapple and orange jam flavors, with lots of zingy acidity that makes the mouth water. There's a touch of buttered toast from oak. A little brittle and hard now, so give it two to three years in the bottle to soften and mellow.
A big, strong, bold Petite Sirah, showing the variety's usual power, dryness and tannins. The warm-to-hot Rockpile appellation has ripened the wine to an incredible density of blackberries and roasted meats, yet the wine shows finesse despite its high alcohol. This will age for many years without developing additional interest, so drink now with lusty barbecue or beef and game stews.
A big, strong, spicy Zinfandel, packed with wild berry, currant, licorice, cola, clove and white pepper flavors that finish dry and tannic. Drink this potent wine with barbecued pork, chicken and beef, slathered in spicy sauce.
A big, structured wine, still young, with a dense, firm character. The wine is solid, with concentrated black fruits that power deep down into the texture, adding their richness to licorice, bitter chocolate and inspired acidity. Age for at least five years.
A big, sturdy auslese, nearly dry in style yet showing some botrytis and plenty of concentration. Hints of dried apricots and mushrooms lead the way, and there is some citrusy character, but this brooding wine is best served with cheeses or savory dishes.
A big, super-rich wine that concentrates on its vanilla and spice aspects, the fruit coming through as ripe quince and apricots flavored with pepper. The acidity is muted, appearing only at the end, to give a vibrant lift to this impressive wine. Glass stopper.
A big, sweet and mature wine. It has structure, dark tannins, and ripe and sweet fruit flavors, with notes of intense spice and wood. The acidity keeps the wine deliciously juicy, while its concentration offers a big, warm-hearted experience.
A big, sweet wine, heavy in the mouth, with fabulously ripe blackberry, cherry and chocolate flavors. Bring on the lasagna and cheeseburgers. The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
A big, sweet, fruity wine, with ripe tannins, mint and chocolate flavors from the wood aging. It is rounded, polished, full of black plums, spice and finishing with balanced acidity. Keep for 3–4 years.
A big, syrupy five-grape blend that delivers the full allotment of baked, ripe berry aromas followed by a firm, tannic palate housing serious flavors of blackberry, eucalyptus, olive and mineral. Very long and layered on the finish, with acidic zest to keep it pulsing. Drink now through 2015.
A big, thick, massive Cabernet, impressive for sheer volume. Yet it's very tannic and dry. Deep down inside is an intense core of concentrated blackberry essence, coated in smoky new oak. This feels dramatic and important, but nowhere near ready. Give it eight years in the cellar.
A big, thick, somewhat dull wine, with candied fruit and sweet cherry cough-medicine flavors.
A big, toasty wine, full of ripe, delicious fruit, veering toward opulence. There are open yellow fruits along with toast and butter tastes. This is almost ready to drink now; only the acidity promises some aging.
A big, vital and important Cabernet that deserves a place in the cellar. It hits the mouth with huge tannins that are tight and locked down, yet sweetly ripe. That contradiction persists throughout the fantastically complex blackberry, cherry, currant and mocha flavors. A very fine, superior wine that exemplifies the Stags Leap iron fist in a velvet glove. As delicious as it is, you should hold this Cabernet for a good six years, and it could easily develop for an additional decade.
A big, vital Cabernet, lush and ripe in blackberry, currant, cherry and smoky cedar wood. It's a little soft, but the tannins are quite strong, giving the wine astringency. Should easily negotiate the next 10 years.
A big, vital Syrah, massively packed with intense blackberry fruit, in the way of Mount Veeder reds. It's distinctly Syrah-esque, with pepper and bacon flavors, and the winemaker has added a deft layer of smoky oak. Very good, but young and sweetly immature. Needs time. Give it another three years, but if you pop the cork now, decant for several hours.
A big, vital wine, mouth-filling and dense, with plenty of weight and volume, and deep flavors of earth, chocolate, blackberry and sweet currant. The cool '09 vintage has resulted in this version of Cask 23 being lighter in alcohol and tighter than others like the 2008. It's not quite as fat or immediately accessible as those vintages, but it is very fine, and should reward at least 10 years in the cellar, although you can certainly drink it now after a few hours in the decanter.
A big, warm style of Chard. The nose is soft, toasty and loaded with butter, baked apple and vanilla aromas. Feels full, round and creamy, while oak sits at the forefront of the flavor profile, with toast, apple and vanilla lurking behind. Finishes sweet and smooth. 400 cases made.
A big, warm, baked wine made from Merlot, Garnacha, Syrah and Cab Sauvignon. It has baked aromas in front of a full, balanced palate that hits with dark fruit, molasses and warmth. Does a good job of blending ripe black fruit and chocolate with proper tannins and acidity. Drink now.
A big, woody, totally modern style of Syrah. There is a lot more coconut, mocha and big berry fruit than anything you might find from France. It's dark and layered on the palate, with coconut and resin supporting black fruit. Finishes smoky and oaky, but structured, tannic and serious enough to impress.
A big, young Pinot Noir that shows brilliant stuffing and complexity, but it's rather heavy and tannic now, and not a wine to open before, say, 2011 at the very least. In its youth it displays rich, jammy flavors of red cherries, raspberries, Dr. Pepper cola, beef jerky and smoky sandalwood, and is very dry. Should evolve slowly through 2015 or beyond.
A bigger wine at 14.5%, this offers the full allotment of leather, crude oil, violet petals and cassis. The palate is rich and relaxed, with blackberry, plum and lightly oaked vanilla flavors. It's integrated and smooth, with a touch of wood and caramel well woven into the wine's core fabric. Drink now.
A bistro style wine to drink with grilled meats and game birds. It's juicy and crisp, with flavors of cherries, licorice and spices, wrapped into a creamy texture. Really rocks.
A bit abrupt, with edgy tannins, but quite good for the price. Give it an hour or two in a decanter to let it mellow, and enjoy the blackberry, black currant and oak flavors.
A bit aggressive, with blackberry, cherry, cassis and sweet licorice flavors. It's a big, exuberant, fruity wine to drink now.
A bit aggressive, with handsoap and citrus aromas. The palate is lean and clean, with lemon juice, grapefruit and lime flavors. Any way you look at it, this is an apéritif wine. Expect more from what amounts to a basic Viura and you're asking too much.
A bit anonymous, but for a big-production négoce blend from a difficult vintage, you could do a lot worse. Plums and black cherries predominate, but tinges of cinnamon and earth peek through. Tannins are soft; drink now.
A bit austere, this is an undeniably crisp offering. Delicate herbal notes accent underripe pineapple and white grapefruit, then end on a dry, stony note.
A bit awkward now, tightly wound and brittle, with very ripe cherry and currant flavors as well as complex Asian spices. Bone dry and marked by acidity, it could be a sleeper. Needs at least through 2009 to wake up.
A bit briary and sharp smelling, and so it's no surprise that the palate has tang, bounce and zest to it. Flavors of berry and cherry are lightly herbal, while carob and pepper notes testify to the wine's oak. Finishes snappy.
A bit brittle for a Pinot from this fine vineyard at the southeastern end of the appellation. This is dry, with candied raspberry flavors and a scour of acidity. Might soften and fatten by the end of 2007.
A bit brittle, with big acidity and a tension of green fruit and cherries. Oak certainly helps, providing smoky vanilla and buttered cinnamon toast richness, but the stemmy flavors don't go away.
A bit broad on the palate, this wine offers ample melon and fig flavors but lacks that vibrant zesty character that so often sets Marlborough Sauvignon apart from the pack. Drink now.
A bit brusque and common in texture, with all kinds of edges. But the blackberry, cherry and mint flavors are rich and interesting. Drink now.
A bit burly in tannins, with a dry, sandpapery mouthfeel. But that doesn't stop the blackberry, black cherry and currant fruit from shining through, or put a damper on the sweet, toasty oak notes. Doesn't feel like an ager, so the tannins are here to stay, but a good steak will wrestle them into submission.
A bit burnt in grilled cherry fruit and tart in acidity, but otherwise it's a nice, silky Pinot Noir, with pleasant spice and sandalwood flavors. Drink now.
A bit cheesy and funky, with rhubarb and leather along with baked berry aromas. The palate feels fine, but the flavors are leathery and sort of salty, with touches of pepper and herbs as well. Not as ripe and appealing as what we're looking for from a Rioja reserva.
A bit chewy, this brings old-vine texture into play, with herbal highlights around fruit flavors of mountain berry and pie cherry. The snap and tang of tart, just-ripe fruit is much in evidence. Young and sassy, this should continue to improve with further bottle age.
A bit closed at first, then swirling, characteristic Riesling aromas of pears, golden delicious apples and superripe peaches appear. Thick and intense, it's almost overwhelming in its honeyed richness. Sweet enough to pair with many desserts, but try it with blue-veined cheeses for a special treat.
A bit cloudy and still tasting as if it came right out of the new French barrels in which it was fermented, this offers a rich and diverse texture and highlights of lemon oil, beeswax and Aplets & Cotlets. There's a lot going on here, in a blocky chunky, fruity style.
A bit coarse in texture, with delicate flavors of candied lemon and pink grapefruit. No oak, but sur lie aging gives it a nice creaminess.
A bit coarse in the mouth, with a sandpapery tartness through the finish. On the plus side, the wine is fully dry and well-flavored, with black cherries, currants, spicy teriyaki beef and cedar. Drink now.
A bit confected and rather sweet-tasting for a kabinett (38 g/l residual sugar), but there's no denying the prettiness of the fruit. Green apples are joined and rounded out by melon notes and finish on a drier, minerally note of crushed stone.
A bit Crozes-Hermitage-like, to tell the truth, with peppery, floral notes accenting crisp cherry-berry fruit, and slightly drying tannins on the finish. Not a typical Pinot Noir, but a nice drink nonetheless.
A bit crude in tannins and with some green flavors, but not bad for this price. Gives enough blackberry, licorice and cedar flavors to satisfy, and the finish is dry.
A bit developed already, with a round mouthfeel and some honey character accented by citrus and gingery-peppery spice. Pleasant to drink now, but seems to lack the vivacity for extended aging.
A bit difficult to approach now, this has tight tannins that lock down the wine with astringency. Blended with a little Petit Verdot and Malbec, it slowly reveals massive layers of blackberries, cassis liqueur and dark chocolate, remaining stubbornly tight throughout. Many people will drink it soon with beef, and that's fine, especially with a good decant, but it should reward even more with 8–10 years in a proper cellar.
A bit disappointing from veteran winemaker Alan McCorkindale, or maybe this is just sliding past its prime. The modest grapefruit notes, herbal overtones and tart finish are fine, but fail to excite. Drink up.
A bit disappointing this year, the Bin 51 shows good cream and lemon complexity on the nose but there's also an earthy undertone that distracts. Nonetheless, the concentration is evident and a pleasant pear note adds interest to the crisp finish. Drink now.
A bit disjointed, with acidity sticking out, and the fruit tending toward jammy blackberries, raspberries and nectarines, leading to sharpness in the finish. Could mellow and improve in a couple years.
A bit dull on the nose, this wine offers smoky, toasty blackberry and bacon around a soft body and short finish, making it fine for casual gatherings and barbecues.
A bit earthy and herbal, and soft, with cherry and cocoa fruit flavors. The acidity and tannin structure could be firmer.
A bit earthy. One hundred percent new oak dominates the jammy black cherry, violet and herb flavors. Feels somewhat tired, even though it's only three-plus years old.
A bit edgy in tannins and with some green flavors, but not a bad Cabernet for the price. Dry and robust, it shows blackberry and currant flavors, with a touch of smoky oak.
A bit exuberant in the nose, with luscious notes of cherry pie and sweet spice, this Merlot is surprisingly lean on the palate, with crisp red-fruit flavors balanced by fresh acidity and soft, delicate tannins. It's a juicy, easy-drinking wine that's nicely balanced.
A bit fiery on the nose, but it's also smoky and earthy. It feels clacky and zesty, with red plum, raspberry and spicy-oak flavors. Warm, toasty and regular on the finish, with crisp acidity all the way out the back door.
A bit firmer and more powerful than the producer's regular bottling, the Vintner's Select boasts a core of black cherry and cassis accented by shades of bramble and forest floor. Rich, rounded and full bodied, it's balanced by a streak of cranberry acidity and lingering notes of anise.
A bit fleshy and melony on the nose, and also flowery. The palate has a full feel despite present acids, and the apple and citrus palate is clean and slightly green. Shows all the basics on a sweet, soft frame.
A bit foxy and jumpy at first, and then familiar aromas of berry and plum settle in. The palate is jammy and tannic, while flavors of berries and currants seem roasted. Tobacco and olive notes are present on the chewy, weighty, textured finish.
A bit foxy and stemmy on the nose, with hints of orange that make things seem nervy and stretched. The palate is clumsy and a little tart in flavor, with herbs and zest leading to a wavy but unique finish. Walks to the beat of its own drummer; uncommon for Malbec.
A bit fuller-bodied compared to most Australian Sauvignons, but the lime and herbal-grassy notes remain refreshing on the finish. Melon and fig flavors plump up the midpalate.
A bit funky and gassy on the nose, and while the wine offers ripeness and sweetness on the palate, there's always a little something strange and sulfuric lingering. It has its plum and acidity, but the tannins and overall mouthfeel are grabby.
A bit funky, the nose shows notes that suggest animal, farmyard and leather along with aromas of overripe black berries. The fruit has already dried up on the palate however, leaving green coffee bean sensations and astringent tannins that generate a drying, bitter finish. The second bottle was exactly the same.
A bit grassy and green on the nose, probably due to the Carmenère portion in the blend. The palate is narrow but firm, with tight tannins creating some roughness. Flavors of red fruits and green herbs conflict a bit, while the finish is of carob and red sucking candy. Good but a little green.
A bit grassy and green, with good power, herbal black fruit aromas, spice and cola. The palate is very high in acidity, which at first creates a sheering sharpness and tart plum flavors. With more airing it grows rounder and more complex, but overall it's exacting, odd and funky.
A bit green and ashy, with aromas of green bean, green tobacco and bell pepper. It's not over-the-top vegetal, but it does deal plenty of green bean and celery in addition to tangerine. As a whole it's wet and easy on the palate, but it doesn't have the clarity of flavor and pure fruit that we're seeking from Leyda and Chile as a whole.
A bit green and minty, with a sharp mouthfeel that lacks elegance and richness. However, there are some good blackberry, cherry and chocolate flavors, elaborated with oak.
A bit green, with thin flavors of citrus and herbs. Although it's dry and crisp, this Roussanne lacks richness.
A bit hard and dark at first, yet despite rubbery, leathery aromas this evolves into a fine everyday Malbec. The palate hits with punch and pop; it's jumpy and packed with boysenberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors. A fruit bomb for sure, but one with balance and New World intensity that many people are looking for.
A bit hard and sharp on the nose, but on the plus side it's clean and direct. The palate follows suit; it's reasonably balanced, with forward strawberry, raspberry and mocha flavors. Dry and quick on the finish, with a mild resiny leftover oak character.
A bit hard in tannins and stinging in acidity, but the lush, ripe flavors make up for it. Offers waves of black and red cherries, cola, licorice and bacon flavors, accented with sweet, smoky oak. Good now, and should develop for a few years.
A bit harsh and bitter, with some unripe, green flavors alongside blackberries. Finishes dry and astringent.
A bit harsh and green in tannins, with menthol-infused blackberry and cherry flavors that finish in a scour of pepper. Drink now.
A bit harsh in acids and sharp tannins, this Merlot offers earthy, herbal cherry and currant flavors, rounded off with smoky oak influences. Drink now.
A bit harsh in the mouth and soft, which emphasizes the extracted fruit and makes the wine taste syrupy in blackberries and licorice.
A bit heavy and corny, with a strong influence of tortilla and corn chips on the nose. On the palate, it's crisp, with modest flavors of salt, baked apple and dried papaya. Dry, mellow and ultimately short on the finish.
A bit heavy and creamy, but there's something exotic about the oily, fat richness that suggests cashew nuts. With Meyer lemon flavors, it's an unctuous wine, and a very good value.
A bit heavy and full-bodied for a Pinot Noir, with jammy, pie filling cherry and cola flavors. Turns chocolaty on the finish, like pudding. Delicious, but the structure is off.
A bit heavy and full-bodied, without the elegant silkiness you want in a Pinot Noir. Tastes like a warm-climate Grenache, with low acidity and jammy flavors of cherries and currants. Drink now.
A bit heavy and granular on the nose, with oily aromas that raise question marks. Fortunately, the wine mostly tastes true, with apple-based lead flavors followed by some pithy bitterness. The finish registers as dull, yet there's still some grab to the wine. Seems to be fading.
A bit heavy and jammy-rich, with cherry pie filling, raspberry and red currant flavors. Oak adds the usual smoky, spicy notes. Drink now.
A bit heavy and jammy on the nose. The palate is more pointed and acidic, with flavors of roasted berry, herbal plum and spice. Turns more juicy and acid-driven as it opens, and then finishes herbal, spicy and grabby.
A bit heavy and rugged, with dry black currant and unsweetened chocolate flavors that veer into raisins. Not likely to improve, so drink now.
A bit heavy and soft, although it's nicely dry, with good tannins. The cherry flavors are mixed with herbs, with a touch of smoky oak.
A bit heavy and sweet, with big lemon-lime aromas followed by cloying pear and mango flavors. It's more creamy and sticky than desirable, but the core flavors are admirable and you can't take issue with its purity. Would be better if it were more agile.
A bit heavy for a Pinot Noir, lacking the lively zest the grape needs in California to balance the ripe fruit. Flavors range through blackberries and plums, with oak complications. Quite good, but doesn't seem like an ager.
A bit heavy for a rosé, without quite the liveliness you want. It's a very fruity wine, with forward raspberry, vanilla, cocoa and spice flavors.
A bit heavy for Pinot Grigio, with soft, fruit juice flavors of oranges, peaches and mangoes.
A bit heavy for Pinot Noir, this has extracted red-berry, cola and mocha flavors. It lacks finesse, but makes up for it in sheer deliciousness. There is a certain sylishness tannins and acids, courtesy of its Arroyo Grande origins. Drink now.
A bit heavy handed, with lots of tannins and acidity, and the jammy cherry-berry fruit is in your face. It's made in a big, bold style that will appeal to fruit-forward fans.
A bit heavy in body, and very extracted, this single-vineyard Pinot from Boonville has jammy flavors of cherries, raspberries and currants. Extensive new oak adds layers of caramelized meringue. Tasty, although a bit obvious, the wine should hold its own for 5 years.
A bit heavy now, with lots of unintegrated parts. The new oak sticks out from the tannins, and the blackberry, blueberry and cherry fruit is all primary and jammy. If you drink now, decant, but this 100% Cab should be better after 2010.
A bit heavy, soft and dull, it has dried herb, green pea, oak and tropical fruit flavors, without much complexity. It's all right for drinking now.
A bit heavy, with ripe flavors of apricots, pears and oranges. There's a hint of sweetness. It's a rustic wine, but serve it cold at big parties and don't worry.
A bit herbal and brambly, with baked, earthy red fruit aromas. Modest raspberry flavors are mostly what you get off the narrow palate, and the finish follows suit as it fades out with a tight, herbal character. Rudimentary Cabernet.
A bit herbal and earthy, with some green tannins, this 100% Cab was mostly grown in the Mayacamas Mountains overlooking Sonoma Valley. It's dry and soft, with suggestions of cherries, blackberries and currants.
A bit herbal, green and sharp, this Cab has modest flavors of blackberries and cherries, enriched with some new French oak.
A bit high in alcohol, this has blackberry and mocha flavors that are overripe, veering into sweet-prune territory. Drink now.
A bit hot and crusty on the nose, with black fruit and herbal notes of olive and bramble. The palate is full but hard as nails, with a tannic bite that is wicked like a shark. Flavors are full and drying due to the tannins, with herbal accents. Finishing flavors of coffee and spice cement its dark, muscular status.
A bit hot and heavy, lacking the freshness you want in a new-release Pinot Noir. The flavors are of cherries and blackberries baked into a pie that got a little overcooked.
A bit hot and heavy. Alcohol gives it a glyceriney sweetness, while the flavors themselves are very ripe in blackberry and cherry pie filling, with a superripe finish of prunes.
A bit hot and indelicate, but very ripe, with currant jam and blackberry pie-filling flavors richly layered with smoky, caramelized oak. Finishes with warm-climate sweetness. From the warm, eastern part of Santa Ynez Valley known as Happy Canyon.
A bit hot in high alcohol, with a chili pepper bite behind the enormously ripe raspberry and cherry jam, chocolate, beef jerky and pepper spice flavors. Drink now.
A bit inert, with muted aromas and a heavy, tannic mouthfeel. Feels hot and peppery in the mouth. The flavors of black currants give way to a sweet vanilla, tannic finish.
A bit jagged, but fully dry, with some nice sour-cherry candy, herb and spice flavors. A good wine for parties.
A bit jammy and simple, with fresh, primary flavors of blackberries and cherries that are almost sweet. Oak adds creamy, smoky notes. Drink now.
A bit jumbled and grassy on the nose, with tobacco and red-fruit aromas filling things in. The palate is correct and solid, with medium tannins, good balance and standard flavors of cassis, raspberry, tobacco and herbs. Some heat to the finish says it needs food. Includes 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Shiraz.
A bit leafy and earthy on first take, but this also smells of roasted meat, berry fruit and menthol. It feels layered and rich, with drying tannins and full-force plum and herb flavors. This is big, dark and herbal, finishing with hints of leather, tomato and oregano.
A bit lean and tannic, with an herbal tang to the tart cherry and cranberry fruit. This doesn't show much of the warmth of the vintage but remains a pleasant wine, best served alongside fatty foods like burgers.
A bit lean in fruit, in keeping with this problem vintage. Aromas of damp earth, cigar and thyme have just a hint of blackberry. The tannins are very finely ground, and soft acidity makes for a pleasant mouthfeel, but it's thin stuff.
A bit lemony and herbal on the nose, with scratchy, forward raspberry and red plum aromas. Feels a touch clacky due to blazing acidity, but there's good structure and definition to the palate. Tastes herbal, with peppery accents to cassis and berry flavors. Burns a bit on the finish, with choppy tannins.
A bit lemony and tight to start with; aromas of roasted berry, coffee, shoe polish and tar are hard and dark. In the mouth, it's fresh and tannic, with forward flavors of black fruit, herbs, dark chocolate and toast. Shows some heat and burn on the finish, but it's a concentrated, full-force wine.
A bit less inky than some of its Syrah counterparts from more northern regions, the violet, potting soil, pepper and vanilla aromas make for a solid sipping experience. It's very soft and pleasurable to the palate, with black pepper up front and on the finish.
A bit less intense aromatically than other Adam Lee bottlings, this shows sour plum, smoked meat and a touch of garden herbs on the nose. Those elements come alive on the palate, where peppercorns, oregano, thyme and pencil lead decorate dark cranberry fruits.
A bit light and tight on the nose, this shows condensed strawberries and dried beef aromas before diving into a palate of purple berries. It's an easy-drinking, well-made wine for everyday sipping, just not showing much extra pop.
A bit light in aromas, this appellation blend slowly shows dried cranberry, slight raspberry, juniper and wet earth. The clean but simple flavors surround iron, more dried cranberry and a pinch of dried herbs.
A bit light in body, but rich in raspberries, cherries, pomegranates, cola and spicy vanilla, with a smoky coating of oak. Excellent Central Coast acidity perks things up. Drink now with a nice steak.
A bit lighter and less complex than Gavin Chanin's other bottlings this vintage, this wine is still impressively fresh, vibrant and may age better than the others. Aromas of red cherry, red plum, vanilla bean, wet slate, rose hips and a touch of fennel pop on the nose. The palate shows underripe cherry that's spiced by white pepper, dill, bay leaf, peppercorns and eucalyptus oil.
A bit lighter in 2014 than in past vintages, this puts an accent on light raspberry fruit, with a strong flavor of caraway seeds running down the spine. There's ample acidity, and a hint of fresh-baked bread.
A bit lighter in color than other Rhône blends, certainly due to the 40% Counoise (and bolstered by 36% Mourvèdre and 24% Grenache), this offers a punchy red-currant, orange-rind and chaparral-scrub nose. Fresh cracked black pepper, cranberry-orange-plum juice and a rich earthy tone show on the palate.
A bit lighter in color than the producer's other 2012 bottling, this shows aromas of fresh-pressed raspberry juice, cola, white sage, graphite and a hint of wet asphalt. It's light and airy on the palate, with more raspberry and pomegranate fruit as well as sage, thyme and anise. It provides great balance between ripe juice and herbal seasonings.
A bit lighter that other Syrahs of this small appellation, this bottling from a Santa Cruz-based producer shows light cherry juice, cinnamon, clove and gingerbread on the nose. Cola, black cherry, cranberry, leather and tobacco arise on the sip, but it's the intriguing crushed-gravel minerality that sets it apart.
A bit more austere than some of Kilikanoon's other cuveés, Mort's Block is in it for the long haul. Still a baby, it currently shows lemon-lime characters, with kerosene and Barbie doll plastic. The palate is linear and supercitrusy. Drink 2018–2025.
A bit more lacy and less fleshy than the previous vintage, it augments its strawberry and raspberry fruit with barrel notes of baking spices and a hint of char. Give it plenty of breathing time and it pulls together nicely.
A bit more oxidized style of Riesling from Buellton-based winemaker John Wright, this delivers aromas of baking bread, roasted almonds and toast with marmalade. The rich yet lively wine relies more on tannins than tart acidity, with flavors of honey-laced brioche and seared marshmallow.
A bit more rustic than its Three Pines Syrah. Notes of bramble, wild forest berries, game and white pepper flood the nose and mouth. The mouthfeel is creamy and lush, with rich cherry flavors developing on the palate and playing into the cocoa-dusted finish.
A bit more than half Merlot, this Bordeaux-style blend is balanced and complex. Layers of flower, fruit and earth unfold gracefully. There are suggestions of clean mushroom as well, with a smooth, seamless mouthfeel and modest length.
A bit muddled aromatically at first, give this wine a few minutes in the glass to find its voice. Once it does, it delivers an easy, straightforward rendition of cherry, blueberry and toasted almond.
A bit mulchy and swampy for Manso, with earthy tobacco and generic berry fruit aromas. The palate is flush and a little heavy, with creamy flavors of vanilla, dill weed and cassis. Soft and sweet late, with chunkiness and a medium to basic structure. A very good wine but not great as in past years.
A bit murky, the herbal and spicy flavors of Malbec are softened into a smooth but diffuse wine, with a plastic note in the finish.
A bit muted and easy-drinking with soft notes of tart green apple and lemon peel throughout. It's brisk and prickly on the tongue with a fleeting finish; drink up.
A bit muted and shy on the nose, with faint accents of fresh grass, sweet citrus and just-ripe gooseberry. The palate offers a pithy-citrus flavor, adding a touch of bitterness to the clean close.
A bit muted and simple but easy to drink with a lightweight mouth and soft aromas and flavors of red plum, cherry and currant along with hints of spice on the finish.
A bit narrow and medicinal, but overall this Cab delivers reasonably good cherry and herbal berry aromas and flavors along with some oak, coconut, citric acid and earth. It's a touch muddled and all over the map, but for $10 it's a pretty good wine.
A bit obviously pungent and sweaty, this passion fruit-scented wine is direct and to the point, marrying medium body with a tangy, mouthwatering finish. If you enjoy slightly feral citrus notes, you may rate it higher.
A bit of a disappointment from this famed vineyard. The wine is uneven, with sweetly candied cherry flavors alongside unripe vegetal notes.
A bit of a disappointment from this normally reliable producer, this 2015 rosé is cisp, tart and mildly sour, with a cidercast to its strawberry and citrus flavors. Drink up.
A bit of a disappointment, given the excellence of the winery's 2010 vineyard designates. Tart cranberry fruit carries a whiff of saddle leather, and finishes with a fair amount of leafy herbal notes. It's sealed with screwcap, so decanting it would be a good idea if you plan to drink it soon.
A bit of a letdown after a string of riper, more successful vintages. Feels sharp and somewhat herbal, with a hay or dried wheat edge to the black cherry and rhubarb fruit. Could just be going through a tough period, and might emerge on the other side in 5–6 years.
A bit of a letdown coming from this producer, the Kidnapper's Vineyard Chardonnay seems to lack some richness and flesh in the midpalate. It's otherwise appealing for its pear, melon and graphite notes and crisp finish.
A bit of a muted nose on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Merlot (24%), Petit Verdot (22%), Cab Franc (11%) and Malbec (1%) out of the Livermore Valley. A good balance of fruit and tannic power here, but not a ton of depth. The finish drops off a bit, too.
A bit of aeration brings out depth to bright cherry, violet and rose petal notes in this perfumed Pinot. Scintillating acidity lends a brisk tone to fresh raspberry and sour cherry flavors on the palate. It's a crisp, exceptionally light-footed wine with a delicate, lingering tannic backbone.
A bit of an anomaly for this fine Ruwer estate, where being merely good is a disappointment. It starts off with attractive stone and ripe apple notes, but seems somewhat  acetic on the palate—there's an intrusive pickle-like note.
A bit of apple, a bit of citrus, a bit of toast—things are just hinted at in this frothy sparkler which would make an ideal, dry-finishing but lively party wine.
A bit of bottle age always makes for a more compelling Pinot Noir, in this case showing kirsch, clove, leather and turned earth on the nose. There is a richness to the palate, full of black cherry and fig flavors, as well as an earthy undercurrent of thyme, anise and eucalyptus that rises toward the finish.
A bit of bottle age has made this vintage quite fascinating, with cola, black tea, black plum and mulberry on this wine's deep and peppery nose. The flavor profile is hearty with star anise and dried spearmint as well as deeper dried red-fruit touches. The texture is mild but the overall experience is complete.
A bit of charred wood and black pepper in the aroma give way to lush berry and cherry flavors that spread across the palate and cling to the sides of the mouth. This wine is lightly oaky and has an attractive richness that lasts on the finish.
A bit of choppy wood announces a fully oaked wine, and yes, it's a touch hard-coated. But underneath the veneer of barrel there's lively red fruit and a natural brambly character. The palate is just acidic enough to be lively, and the finish is healthy and settles upon chocolate due to the wine's generous oaking. Very good mouthfeel and depth make this more than solid. Drink now–2011.
A bit of complexity dances across the bouquet: there's rubber, wood, anisette and mute red fruit; there's also some minty green aromas, too. The palate is properly round and buttery, with ample red-fruit flavors, while the finish is smooth and mostly satisfying. This is a basic Cabernet, but a good one.
A bit of dust and leather for openers, with short black-fruit flavors and a big wave of tannins on the palate. So expect some grab and choppiness. Despite moderate hardness, there's good dark fruit and limited herbal intrusion.
A bit of heat oozes off the bouquet, but it's mostly dense and sound, with blueberry, herb, tobacco and cola aromas. It feels tannic and rich, with baked berry, chocolate, prune and mint flavors. A five-grape Bordeaux blend that's jammy and New World in style, this is very ripe and a touch raisiny tasting on the finish.
A bit of leather and barnyard marks this Cabernet Sauvignon's nose, but it does not mask the plum and black cherry notes. The finish is layered with dark chocolate and espresso flavors.
A bit of moody musk precedes notes of lifted orange marmalade—bitter-sweet peel countered by juicy lusciousness. The botrytis is palpable here amongst the concentrated sweetness, so wonderfully shot through with lemony acid. A focused, refreshing BA, with swirls of citrus that go on and on.
A bit of oak has left behind hints of coffee and scorched sugar to frame the modest melon-like fruit. Drink this medium-bodied, chunky white over the next year or two.
A bit of serious minerality has been coaxed out of the frequently frivolous Gewürztraminer in this fairly crisp example. The medium finish shows appealing notes of fresh grapes. Drink up.
A bit of skin contact gives this Viognier some extra character and texture. Quite aromatic on the nose, peach and pineapple juice aromas are shot through with pink peppercorns and grapefruit spray. The rich palate shows good acidic verve, however it feels slightly hot. Notes of jasmine show up on the midpalate leading to a slight astringent bitterness. In the end, fruit tones prevail and linger on a moderate finish.
A bit of volatility and jamminess is acceptable here because overall the wine is good. The nose mixes graphite and cassis with leather and earth to give a sense of good things to come, while the palate is snappy and properly tannic, with nice black cherry, plum and chocolate flavors. Solid and sturdy; 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot.
A bit off course as Verdejo goes, with spritz to the palate and then mealy citrus and persimmon flavors. Lingers but doesn't do or say much on the finish. Not bad but it doesn't click.
A bit oily and fleshy on the bouquet, with toasty oak aromas. It feels good, with a proper meshing of acidity and body weight. Flavors of orange and apple come with oak-based cinnamon notes, while the finish is tropical, warm and long.
A bit oily on the bouquet, this has slightly acrid notes of burnt hay and matchstick, with notes of apple and nectarine. It feels full and not edgy, with good acidity and limited flavors of baked apple and peach. A standard Penedès wine made from 80% Xarello, with Malvasia and Macabeo.
A bit on the brawny side of Pinot Noir, with jagged tannins and plenty of full-bodied cherry fruit. Not a bad wine, but lacking the delicacy of the 2008 and 2009 vintages.
A bit on the dry, tannic side, this Syrah's astringency hides a rich core of blackberry and black cherry fruit. It's really too hard to enjoy now. Decant for hours, or try the cellar, although that's a gamble.
A bit on the green, feline side, but with enough lemon and lime and sweet oak influences to give it richness. The acidity is wonderful, like biting into a fresh Granny Smith apple.
A bit on the heavy and stewed side, but good in terms of fruit content. The feel is rich, rubbery and tannic, while the flavors run toward medicinal, syrupy berry fruit and then a warm, lightly baked sweetness on the finish. Ripe and rugged Chilean Cabernet.
A bit on the hot side, reflecting the extra warmth that the Pope Valley region of eastern Napa Valley gets during the summer. Made from 100% Cabernet, it's massively flavored, huge in jammy blackberries, cherries, cassis and dark chocolate. The tannins are considerable, the finish long and ripe. Best to open this wine by 2015 or so.
A bit on the lean side, with apple and citrus flavors, which are typical of the appellation. Acidity is also sharp and mouth-watering. This is not a big, fat Chardonnay but it is a well-structured, foodworthy wine, with oaky influences. This tight structure is very clean.
A bit on the light-bodied side, but nice and dry, with plenty of personality. The flavors are of briary, brambly wild blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, dusted with black pepper and cinnamon.
A bit on the light, herbal side, but elegant and balanced, showing tobacco and sage-infused blackberry and cherry flavors. Drink now.
A bit on the soft, easy side, with sweet, pie-filling flavors of cherries, red currants, licorice, vanilla and cinnamon spice. Ready now, with baked ham or fruit-glazed grilled pork or veal.
A bit on the soft, overripe side, with currant, licorice, cherry, cocoa and oak flavors. But it's dry, and the tannins are fancy. Drink it fresh out of the bottle with a grilled steak.
A bit on the sugary side, making it not truly dry, but adequate acidity provides balance to the very rich pineapple, pear, fig and honeysuckle flavors. Great with Vietnamese or Chinese fare.
A bit on the sugary sweet side, but otherwise this is a nice cocktail sipper. Shows good acidity coupled with pineapple, Meyer lemon, lime, green apple and spice flavors. Would score much higher if it were drier.
A bit on the sweet side, with flavors of lemonade, pineapple juice and vanilla. But it's balanced with crisp acidity. Fine with ham, fruit salad, Chinese food.
A bit on the sweet side, with lemonade, pineapple juice and vanilla flavors, but it's clean and crisply acidic. For those who like their Sauvignon Blancs in this fruit-forward style.
A bit on the sweet, fruity-oaky side, but saved by crisp acidity. Shows jammy pineapple, lemon, buttered popcorn and smoke flavors.
A bit on the sweet, soft side, with mashed raspberry, cherry and blackberry flavors seasoned with vanilla, but the peppery taste and firm tannins uplift this Zin and give it a frisson of pleasure.
A bit on the thin, simple side, but packs plenty of flavor in the form of ripe raspberries, cherries, milk chocolate and cola. The grapes come from both the Central Valley and the Arroyo Seco appellation.
A bit on the tough and chewy side, this is a decent effort in a difficult year. There is a minty, cherry candy core, with some rougher and earthier, leafier tannins surrounding.
A bit one-dimensional, with jammy red cherry pie filling flavors that taste sweet and glyceriney. Tasty, but cloys after a few sips. Ready now.
A bit over the top in fruity extraction, a bomb blast of sweet raspberry, cherry and blackberry jam. It's almost like a dessert wine. Yet there's a lot of tannins and acidity, and who knows? It could do interesting things. At this price, buy a bottle and stick it in the cellar for six years.
A bit over the top, thickly layered with dried apricots, honey and dried spices. This is one rich, sweet BA, with surprisingly apparent alcohol (9.5%). It finishes a bit low in acid, making it impressive but not classic. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC.
A bit overripe and hot in alcohol. That's the price of getting such rich fruit flavors. Dark chocolate, blackberry preserves, red currants, black raspberries and spicy satsuma flood the mouth, leading to a super-spicy finish.
A bit overripe, with a raisiny taste behind the black currants, and also quite dry and tannic, with a hard, mouth-locking, dusty astringency. The combination definitely strikes you as unbalanced, and not likely to age out.
A bit oxidative in its aromatics, this wine shows crushed Marcona almonds, seared lemon peels and walnut oil on the nose. The palate is tight down the middle, with a racy lime skin character as well as kumquat skin tension and a grippy texture.
A bit Porty, with raisiny flavors, but the finish is dry, and the tannins are nice and rich. Something about it brings to mind Cognac.
A bit pruney and reduced on the bouquet, with lively acidity pushing traditional Rioja flavors of roasted berry, vanilla and cocoa powder. Falls off a bit on the finish, leaving buttery oak and milk chocolate flavors.
A bit quick on the finish, but otherwise a nice everyday Chardonnay. Shows a soft, buttercream texture, with dry, subtle flavors of pineapples, pears and buttered toast.
A bit raw and acidic, lacking generosity, but you'll find some decent cherry flavors in this dry Pinot Noir.
A bit raw and hot on the nose, with wild berry aromas and some fiery horseradish before it rounds into form. The palate has a good, regular feel and crisp plum and red cherry flavors. Fruity and fresh, but limited.
A bit raw and rustic, with stalky flavors of black cherries, sage and black pepper. Okay with everyday fare.
A bit reduced when first opened, it throws off scents of burnt rubber, then slowly opens into a roundly fruity, lightly toasty Pinot with a firmly tannic base. Flavors of Dr. Pepper drift through the midpalate. Give it a good decanting and it's fine for near-term consumption.
A bit reserved on the nose at first, this stylishly labeled bottling offers aromas of bright red fruit, crushed graphite and light fennel. Flavors are a bit simple though completely pleasant, with sagebrush spicing up the darker cranberry fruit.
A bit resiny and hard at first, with apple and a lot of oak on a compact, somewhat neutral nose. It's a heavy wine in the mouth, with oak on top of lemon, apple and green banana flavors. Finishes resiny, with odd spice notes. Viura, Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca is the mix.
A bit restrained on the nose, still young, this wine expresses raspberry and strawberry notes curled around a soft, medium-bodied core. Subtle in oak, it builds aroma and flavor in the glass, suggesting that it's worth the time to open before enjoying.
A bit restrained—or might that be muted?—on the nose, following that up with pineapple and citrus flavors and a creamy, custardy texture. Clean, if somewhat lacking intensity, on the finish.
A bit reticent on the nose, showing hints of struck flint, lime and custard, but this tightly coiled Chard shows its true brilliance in the mouth, revealing complex fruit flavors of lime and lemon, but also slightly riper notes: apple and white peach come to mind. The bright core of acids shines on the long, refreshing finish. Should age comfortably through 2015, at least.
A bit reticent on the nose, this only stubbornly offers up aromas of underbrush and ripe cherries. Then, on the palate, the fruit seems to darken, taking on black cherry overtones and hints of mocha before finishing tart and crisp. Drink now.
A bit roasted and reedy smelling, with a hint of stem and grass mixed with berry and leather. The palate is full and feels creamy, with mildly roasted black fruit and leathery flavors. Good on the finish as the wine picks up steam and clarity with airing.
A bit rough and angular, with a jagged tannic structure that suggests not all the grapes were completely ripe. With blackberry, cherry and mint flavors, the wine is at its best now.
A bit rough and edgy, but for the price, you get a pretty nice glassful of wine. This dry Cab offers rich black currant, blackberry, mulberry and cedar flavors.
A bit rough and hot, this Syrah has very ripe blackberry, cherry, licorice and Asian spice flavors. Drink it with easy fare, like pizza or burgers.
A bit rough and rustic, but packs in plenty of sweet pear-nectar flavors dusted with dried spices.
A bit rough and scouring in texture, this tastes too sweet. Its orange and strawberry notes have a sugary edge. It's an easy bubbly to drink at parties.
A bit rough and scouring, this is also overtly sweet in raspberry jam flavor. Mostly composed of Pinot Noir, the 20% Chardonnay brings refreshing acidity, like a squeeze of lime.
A bit rough and scoury around the edges, but dry and crisp and elegantly constructed, with rich flavors of citrus fruits, yeasty baked dough and vanilla. Drink now.
A bit rough and scoury in texture, but otherwise this dry sparkling wine has rich, complex flavors of citrus fruits, strawberries, brioche and vanilla. Shows fine Mendocino acidity that makes it finish brisk and clean.
A bit rough and sharp, with earthy-jammy flavors and a peppery finish. It's a lightly structured wine with thin flavors and a bite of acidity, and dry. Calls for simple foods, the heartier the better. A Rhône blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
A bit rough at first, with aromas of burnt field, corn and haystack. It gets fruitier with time, and the palate is smooth despite offering a lot of citrus and pineapple flavors. Finishes both lively and a touch creamy, with tang and vitality.
A bit rough in texture and light in body, but offers a nice, silky texture and some ripe flavors of cherries, cola and spices.
A bit rough in texture, but otherwise pretty flavorful, with vanilla, lime, strawberry and yeast flavors. It's a great sparkling wine for everyday.
A bit rough on the palate, this is dryish and rich, with flavors of citrus, sourdough bread and spice that are wrapped into the creamy texture.
A bit rubbery and earthy at first but with time it develops, yielding syrupy berry aromas, woodsy oak notes and dried cheese. The palate feel is deep, lush and silky smooth, while it tastes of ripe berry, coconut and vanilla. Softer than some, with a lush texture that will allow for near-term drinking.
A bit rubbery at first, with dark tar and other hard-coated aromas. Airing reveals cherry, cassis and slightly herbal flavors, while the finish is all about wavy coffee and mocha notes. A wine that covers the bases, this has just enough kick to earn its stripes.
A bit rugged in texture, with some jagged tannins, but the blackberry and cherry fruit is just fine, and the finish is dry and complex. Decant this young wine for a few hours to take the edge off.
A bit rugged, with some unripeness, but otherwise a solid Cabernet, drily tannic and clean. The blackberry jam and oak flavors are pleasant.
A bit rustic and heavy, with extracted jammy fruit but lacking a certain vivacity and sharpness in the mouth. Good enough for the price. Production was 12,500 cases.
A bit rustic and loaded with tertiary aromas of dried fruit and spice, Julius is a wine that should be consumed sooner rather than later. It does exhibit careful balance and impressive intensity.
A bit rustic and rough around the edges, but for the price, not bad. Fruity and spicy, it's the kind of wine you drink with pizza, lasagna, barbecue or just bacon rinds, and who cares if it's not subtle.
A bit rustic and rowdy, in the way of Malbec, with big, edgy tannins and a scour of acidity. Whatever elegance it lacks, it makes up for in the sheer power of its blackberry and coffee fruit flavors. Will probably age forever, gradually mellowing and sweetening, without ever showing much complexity.
A bit rustic in style, it's got black currant, raisin and tobacco flavors and lots of peppery spiciness, and the finish is thoroughly dry. But there's a brusqueness to the tannins that makes it feel rough and edgy in the mouth.
A bit rustic in the mouth, with candy-sweet cherry and blackberry flavors. Drink now.
A bit rustic, with firm tannins and sweet currant and chocolate flavors side by side with greener, minty ones. Acidity is low, making the mouthfeel soft. Not going anywhere.
A bit scratchy up front, with some heat and rubber to the bouquet. Feels bold, grippy and alive, with lightly herbal flavors of roasted berry and leather. Herbal and blackened on the finish; ripe but basic in quality.
A bit scratchy, leathery and herbal on the bouquet, but there's also a stony character and raspberry aromas. It feels crisp and a bit sheering, with flavors of zesty red fruit, citrus and vanilla filling in the gaps. The finish is long and lightly oaky.
A bit sharp and green in tannins, this nevertheless provides plenty of cherry, blackberry, black pepper and baking spice flavors to pair with barbecue. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
A bit sharp and jammy, like it's fresh from the fermenter. In fact, almost with a nouveau quality. But the blackberry, mulberry and peppery chocolate flavors are savory.
A bit sharp and rubbery at first, with herbal, floral, berry aromas rising up in due time. The palate is a little rigid, with angular acidity and semitart raspberry and red currant flavors. Lightly toasted on the finish even if there's not much oak on this regular, competent CS.
A bit sharp and weedy, and very dry, but it's a good, clean wine that trades structure for richness. Strong acids and tannins frame herb-infused flavors of cherries and red currants, with a veneer of sweet oak. Drink now.
A bit sharp in acidity, with a bite right down the middle, but elegant and silky in mouthfeel and dry. Rich in flavor, too, offering waves of cherry, pomegranate, cola, persimmon and red plum fruit. Drink now.
A bit sharp in acids, with some green, minty flavors alongside riper cherries. Not going anywhere, so drink up.
A bit sharp in the mouth, with a cut of tartness that age is unlikely to soften. Otherwise, this blend of mostly Merlot, with 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, is polished and dry, with blackberry and black currant flavors.
A bit sharp, but polished and supple, with good varietal flavors of blackberries, currants, tobacco and a hint of heady crême de cassis liqueur. Seems at its best now, so drink up.
A bit shy on the nose now, showing herbal, vegetal notes, including tomato and beetroot, accompanied by flamboyant oak. It's unyielding on the palate, too, with some solid tannins to shed. Could blossom after 2003, so give it time in the cellar.
A bit shy on the nose, this appellation-blend bottling shows light cola, red cherry and wet slate aromas. The palate is tightly wound and very earthy, with turned loam, strong wet clay, oregano, sage, pomegranate and hibiscus elements all playing together nicely.
A bit shy on the nose, this eventually shows red currants and sour plum-skin aromas. The palate is also reluctant at first, with purple fruit and black-pepper flavors.
A bit shy or closed on first nose, this easy Soave opens slowly to reveal standard aromas of peach and citrus. There's a note of zesty acidity that gives the wine lively, food-friendly appeal.
A bit shy, but some air will help coax out aromas of vanilla and cherry jam. The palate has medium acid and the faintest whiff of tannins while some leather and horse notes come out on the short-to-medium finish. Well done in an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing style.
A bit simple and one-dimensional, with cherry tart, cola, licorice, bacon and sandalwood flavors. Nicely dry and silky, but probably at its best now.
A bit simple, but definitely not shy on flavor, bursting with melon and pear fruit. It's an attempt at an Alsatian style, full and weighty in the mouth, and showing a trace of heat on the finish.
A bit simple, but fruity and pleasant, with pineapple, vanilla, honeysuckle, peach, apricot and spice flavors. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer.
A bit smoky and savory in style, this slightly off-dry wine balances earthy mineral tones with flavors of pressed pear and apple. Sprightly acidity gives it a refreshing, easy-drinking quality.
A bit soft and heavy in structure, with cherry, cola and sandalwood flavors. Pretty good, but at this price, it needs greater vibrancy and depth. Drink now.
A bit soft and heavy, but useful, with a rustic, tannic mouthfeel, and nicely dry. You'll find classic Cabernet flavors of blackberries, black currants and cedar. Drink now.
A bit soft and jammy, with somewhat simple flavors of raspberries, cherries and even white chocolate. But those flavors are delicious. Makes you wonder if some of these Dijon clones are better for blending, instead of bottling on their own.
A bit soft and lacking in bright structure, which gives the complex blackberry, currant, dark chocolate, anise, herb and cedar flavors, good as they are, a collapsed mouthfeel. The softness seems likely to limit the wine's ageability.
A bit soft and sweet, with a candied taste reminiscent of a pineapple and hazelnut fruit and nougat bar. The '06 Reserve is far better, though at twice the price.
A bit softer, plusher and creamier than the Shiraz-Cabernet from this producer, this is still an impressive wine. Smoky cedar and mocha notes complement plums and blackberries, turning velvety on the finish. Drink now through 2025.
A bit soupy and soft on the nose, with mulch, oak and tobacco along with dark-fruit aromas. This marks the second vintage of Intriga, a new Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from MontGras, and it's full and chewy, with raspberry flavors and size. Shows a touch of syrupy thickness on the finish. Weighty and definitely ripe. Drink soon.
A bit soupy to begin with; the nose is herbal and a touch brambly, with a certain grittiness. In the mouth, it's grabby and tannic, with full black cherry and blackberry flavors. Dark, toasty and charred as well, with more size than elegance. A good wine but nothing out of the ordinary.
A bit spicier than the other R Wines Shirazes, the 2007 Boarding Pass features mainly McLaren Vale fruit, offering blackberry tinged with coffee and peppery spice. Turns tart, tangy, almost a bit citrusy on the finish.
A bit spicy and murky at first, but with airing some cranberry and pepper notes come up strong. The fruit flavor falls squarely into the cherry category, yet it's sweet and a bit simple. Roundness and a nice body work in the wine's favor; overall it's fairly chewy and substantive.
A bit stalky on the nose, with tropical aromas and lychee. The palate is a little broken down and heavy, with flat citrus and lychee flavors. Finishes wan, with dried apricot notes.
A bit stalky to begin with; there's tobacco, herbs and generic berry aromas that turn raisiny upon airing. The palate is definitely on the raisiny side, and thus it's sweet, a bit flat and ultimately tastes and feels slightly overripe.
A bit stemmy, also a little underripe, with some minty, vegetal notes marring otherwise fine raspberries and cherries. Drink now.
A bit stern and tannic, but this tightly wound mix of black olives and espresso should come around by 2012 or shortly thereafter. It's chewy in texture, but finishes with decent fruit, so give it the benefit of the doubt.
A bit strong in those infamous feline aromas and tastes, but okay in crisp, dry citrus and lemongrass flavors. Give it a good decant before serving.
A bit sweaty smelling, with pinched grapefruit aromas and distant citrus. The flavors say generic apple and lime, and there's a flatness to it. It's a little sugary as well. OK for a wine with pronounced low acidity.
A bit sweet and candied on the nose, palate and finish, but good if you like creamy, sweet, vanilla notes in your Cabernet. The feel is sort of soft and soupy, while flavors of candied, gummy red berry and prune maintain enough vitality to bring things home. A lot like a cherry-cola ice cream float.
A bit sweet and low in acidity, this is nevertheless a clean, well made Pinot Gris with straightforward apple and pear flavors. Imported by Pacific Wine Partners.
A bit sweet and rugged, with jammy blackberry, currant and pepper spice flavors wrapped into firm tannins. Shows Zin's briary, brambly character.
A bit tart in acidity, this polished Pinot needs rich beef or lamb to cut through. It's a lovely wine, fully dry and balanced, with rich flavors of cherries, cola and anise. Drink now.
A bit tart, with a bite that comes from irregular tannins and zesty acidity. Yet it's dry and elegantly silky, with good cherry, berry, cola and spice flavors. Give it a good decant.
A bit thick and raisiny on first take, but with airing and swirling it becomes fresher. The palate is rich and rooty, with cocoa, prune, earth notes and tea-like flavors. Ripe and smooth on the finish, with no tannic backlash or lazy oak. Ripe as can be but still lively; drink now through 2018.
A bit thin and acidic, but charming for its dryness and firm tannins, which call for rich, marbled beef. The pepper-inspired blackberry and cassis flavors are fine. Not an ager, but will benefit from a few hours of decanting.
A bit thin and astringent, yet with a powerful, clear focus that conjures up straight cranberry fruit flavors. Baking spices and a hint of cocoa penetrate through the hard shell of acid and tannin. Needs more time.
A bit thin and quite acidic, with a real bite, but otherwise it's pleasant enough, with cherry, raspberry, mocha and cinnamon flavors.
A bit thin and rugged, but gets the red wine job done, with cherry, plum and black pepper flavors that finish dry.
A bit thin in color, this wine shows boisterous red raspberries and a touch of smashed incense on the nose. It's juicy and easy to drink, with red cherry and strawberry fruit spiced by pine needles.
A bit thin in texture, with wan apple and citrus flavors.
A bit thin on the blackberry fruit, and showing some veggie notes. Also pretty tannic. Might have seen its better days a year or so ago.
A bit thin on the nose, this has buttery apple juice aromas. The acidity is a bit off, both tart and mixed with vanilla creaminess, and the flavors are slight with apple candy and tart lemon.
A bit thin, but dry and okay with simple fare, like fruit salad and ham sandwiches. Shows modest flavors of cherries, vanilla and spice.
A bit thinner aromatically than some other Cabs, this shows black cherry, tobacco ash, soft cedar and rose petals on the nose. The palate is also relatively light, but offers complex black pepper, thyme, red cherry, turned earth and dried-mint flavors.
A bit tight and dainty on the nose, with reserved apple custard and white-flower aromas, this top-level bottling shows lots of nerve and verve once sipped. It offers salt, lime juice and honeysuckle on the palate, with lots of tension that lasts long after the bottle has been opened. It's a well-structured white.
A bit tight and funky on the nose with damp mushrooms and juniper notes spicing up the black-cherry fruit, this clonal study by winemaker Blair Fox is a great eye-opener for wine geeks. The palate packs shiitake and porcini flavors with basil, bay leaf, oregano and black-pepper spice, laid across black-plum fruit and soy-sauce richness.
A bit tighter than some of the other wines, even showing some sulfur aromas that gradually ease up. Toasty wood notes accent pear and lime fruit, developing into dried spice nuances on the long, minerally finish.
A bit too brittle and tart to earn a higher score. Could be bottle shock, but it's hard to tell. Tasted in May, the wine showed mint-infused cherry flavors and turned sharp on the finish. Made from 100% Grenache.
A bit too hot for complete balance, the result of high alcohol. Other than that, it's rich, full bodied and delicious in berry, cassis and oak flavors.
A bit too much new American oak was thrown at this crianza, leaving minty, drying aromas that veer into the butter and dill range. The palate is largely fresh and balanced, with peppery red-fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry. A woody encore smothers the finish.
A bit too pungent and sweaty to score higher, with pronounced and aggressive nettley aromas and flavors. It's round in the mouth, finishing herbal and green. Some will no doubt praise it for these same qualities.
A bit too pungent for this reviewer, with layers of crushed tomato stalk and leaves holding the edge over more attractive passion-fruit notes. It's light in weight and clean on the finish, so does offer some refreshment value.
A bit too sharp and acidic to earn a higher score, with green mint flavors of cherries, anise and pepper.
A bit too soft and sweet for Zinfandel, but it sure is delicious in berry fruit, chocolate, pepper and herb flavors. Drink now with barbecue.
A bit too soft and sweet, with candied flavors of black cherries, chocolate and anise biscotti. Certainly offers lots of richness, but could use greater structure.
A bit too soft and thus lacks structure. Shows a good array of wild berry and briary, brambly flavors. Dry and spicy, and ready now.
A bit too soft for complete balance, but there's no denying the delicious Zinny flavors. Floods the mouth with peppery, spicy wild blackberries, red currants, licorice and beef jerky, all wrapped into firm, dry tannins. Drink now.
A bit too soft, which makes the exceptionally ripe blackberry and chocolate flavors stand alone and lack structure. Tasty and flashy, but the palate longs for more acids and tannins.
A bit too sweet for comfort. The tannins are soft and refined, and the blackberry, cocoa and spice flavors are just fine. But that sugary finish makes it unbalanced.
A bit too tart for drinking on its own, this is surely a food wine. Straightforward flavors of raspberry and cherry are framed by mature but gripping tannins. Drink with flavorful fish dishes or grilled pork.
A bit too vegetal, balancing asparagus notes with just enough grapefruit flavors to keep a modicum of balance. Tart on the finish.
A bit tough and gritty now, with a chewy texture, like bacon or beef jerky. That's in addition to the cherry, cola, anise and sandalwood flavors. Give this wine a good decant before serving.
A bit tough and gritty, with firm tannins and thick, heavy flavors of ripe cherries and cola. Lacks some grace and elegance in the texture. Drink now.
A bit tough and unyielding right now, Nalys's 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape displays adequate black cherry fruit and hints of horse stable and garrigue. It does dry out on the finish; drink it up over the next few years.
A bit tough in acidity, which seems to accentuate the ripe fruit, giving it a jammy, tart quality. The flavors are of blackberries, cherries, tangerines and sandalwood. Drink now.
A bit tough, with acidity and tannins giving a gritty mouthfeel to the black cherry, cola and cedar flavors. It's a good, dry wine, but not an ager, so drink now–2010.
A bit unbalanced, this Merlot has raisin, bitter chocolate, cherry and mint flavors. It's fully dry, but feels harsh and sharp, lacking the voluptuous texture you want in a Merlot.
A bit unbalanced, with some raisiny tastes side by side with green, unripe notes of mint. But it's dry and smooth and rich enough, at this price.
A bit unrefined, with candied pear, apricot jam and oak flavors and a soft texture. Feels heavy, instead of lively.
A bit unripe, with a slight vegetal intrusion into the blackberries and cherries. Teeter-totters just on the edge of ripeness, but falls short. Otherwise, the tannins are pretty, and the oak is deftly applied.
A bit unripe, with herb and mint flavors side by side with blackberry and cassis. Shows classic Napa mountain structure of tannins and acids, but the mint reprises on the sharp finish. Not an ager.
A bit unripe, with some vegetal flavors along with the blackberries. There's also a lot of sweet heat from high alcohol.
A bit unusual and confusing, but that's because it hails from the Rioja region. The nose is herbal and mustardy, with green aromas leading to a cidery palate of apples and spice. There's also a bit of lemon and creaminess to this cava. Hard to understand but not without its merits.
A bit unyielding on the nose, then the palate shows rather tight and citrusy flavors. Yet there's ample weight on the palate and a long, fresh finish tinged with hard peaches and pineapple. This seemingly contradictory wine just needs some time to develop; try after 2009.
A bit vegetal, and a bit sweet on the finish in pineapple candy. Not particularly successful.
A bit volatile, with a hint of fusil, light herb and cut grass flavors, and fruit that is just ripe enough. Green banana and green apple, with a soft mouthfeel and a gentle fade.
A bit voluptuous in style, this bold, round Chardonnay accents fresh apple and pear with slick tones of buttered popcorn and toast. It's rich and silky in mouthfeel with a lingering kiss of warmth on the finish.
A bit warm and baked on the nose, with aromas of fruit cake and pastry. The palate is full-bodied and chewy, with ripe, sweet black fruit flavors that finish with vanilla and chocolate.
A bit warm, leathery and muddled on the bouquet, but perky and solid in the mouth, with herbal red cherry and currant flavors. Earthy and slightly herbal on the finish. Good for $15 Pinot Noir.
A bit weak on the nose, this bottling gives off scents of charred toast and cold steel. The palate offers flavors of sour orange rind and tart apple flesh.
A bit weak on the nose, this bottling shows elderberry, raspberry and wet chaparral aromas. Sweet fruit shows blandly on the palate, with touches of sage and thyme.
A bit weak on the nose, this shows more cement and mineral notes than fruit, though peach and red apple do arise with patience. The light red-fruit character shows on the palate, as does orange rind, orange blossom and a decently chalky grip.
A bit weedy and thin in fruit, but not bad for the price. It's a dry, silky wine, with gentle flavors of cherries, mint, cola and sandalwood.
A bit weedy in the nose, with notes of pepper and salsa. The flavor profile runs sour, with rhubarb and pie cherries sticking out. The mouthfeel is where the wine suffers most; it's hard and aggressive, with piercing tannins and acids that combine forces to starch out your palate and cheeks.
A bite of spicy wild strawberry marks this wine in flavor and aroma, complementing the soft, lush layers that follow. A candied, marshmallow-like quality gives the wine a sense of ripeness that is probably more pronounced aromatically than otherwise. The sense of sweetness is offset by balanced acidity and a lengthy, spicy finish.
A bitter cherry flavor is balanced by the firm, tannic structure. With its appropriate weight and juicy, spicy acidity, it's attractive now but also has aging potential. Screwcap.
A bitter green element to this otherwise medium-sized wine detracts from any of its fruit.
A bitter herbal edge frames this young wine that remains tight and unexpressive, even after many hours. Aged in 28% new French oak for 16 months, it may be showing significant bottle shock at this time. The finish is short, hard and slightly bitter.
A bitter streak of herbal tea seasons a tight grip of tannin in this mountainous wine, structured and burly in wild sage and black cherry. A smoky undercurrent adds intrigue and savory, meaty notes that should be paired with appropriately hearty fare.
A bitter wine with tart apple and pear flavors, this has a hard edge. Drink now.
A bitter yeast flavor doesn't do this 100% Sémillon wine any favors. It is heavy and fat, and the citrus fruits are lost along the way.
A bitter, caramel-flavored wine, this is tight and peppery. A lean character leaves a sharp aftertaste.
A bittersweet apple element gives this wine an intellectual component, tempering its richer crème brûlée-like flavors. Medium-bodied, with crisp acidity, it shows off the estate vineyard site well, in a well-regarded vintage.
A bizarre blend of lime, unipe pineapple, banana and tropical fruit marks this clumsy, disjointed wine. It's not bad, but it's all elbows, with hard edges sticking out all over.
A bizarre interpretation of this vineyard, which usually produces magnificent wines. This Zin is soft and melted, lacking supportive structure, and it's as sweet as a raspberry and sugar confection.
A bizarre style of wine. The aromas are Port-like—old Port—with a caramelized, candy-sugar note verging on pie crust. There's also a streak of clove. In the mouth, it's earthy and dense, with tomato flavors and a dash of sweetness from oak.
A bizarre wine weird-aromas and flavors. Smells smoky-sweet, like cotton candy, with mint and peach puree, and has similar flavors. Hard to tell if it's dry or sweet.
A black-fruit aroma comes with accents of tobacco and prune but also a strong, almost vegetal green angle. It feels nice and full, with green-leaning flavors of spiced berry and juniper. Tobacco, bitter lettuce and green bean notes all make appearances on the finish. This is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
A black-fruit nose with cola notes and earthiness is about as easy as this high-acid Cabernet-Malbec blend gets. In the mouth, it's tartaric and screechy. Grapy berry flavors seem rough due to the high-acid content, and the finish is hard and edgy. All that said, it has good flavors and aromas, but falls down in the mouthfeel.
A black-fruited wine with a strong sense of structure and wood, it has spice and black-plum flavors that are held together by tannins. This can age for a few years.
A black-hued blend of Aragonez, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira, this is powerful, rich and firmly packed with tannins as well as dense plum and wood flavors. Accents of spice and mint add complexity. The wine will benefit from 2–3 years of aging to soften and round out, but it's drinkable now.
A black berry note and soft tannins, plus its just-off-dry character give this wine a juicy, jammy quality. It has a hint of spice while retaining its light, fruity touch.
A black cherry hue in the glass, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Grenache has a bouquet of ripe cherry, vanilla, toffee and chocolate. Smooth tannins are barely felt unless you linger a moment too long before the next sip. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, toffee, eucalyptus and sage power through the lasting finish.
A black color and baked ripe-fruit aromas are the greeting on this second wine to Clos Apalta. While this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Merlot and Petit Verdot feels soft along the edges, it's propped up by tartaric acidity. Blackened flavors of saturated blackberry and cassis maintain lush ripeness across the finish. Drink through 2020.
A black currant-dominated wine, with a stalky, herbal series of flavors along with a positive juicy, fruit-forward character. The tannins are firmly dry with some smoky spice at the end.
A black currant-flavored wine, it initially feels light and then broadens to give black currant and spice flavors. The tannins give a very dry character, leaving the fruit to struggle. Not for long-term aging; drink from 2016.
A black pepper and cardamom aroma starts this wine off spicy. The flavors continue the thread with even more pepper plus beefy, dark-fruit notes and full body to carry them along. The wine feels high-octane on the palate, but is moderate in alcohol.
A black wine with aromas of graphite, molten earth and black fruit. The palate is a pounder with strong tannins and blazing acidity, and that creates a mouthfeel with grating intensity and roasted black fruit flavors. Lively late, with herbal notes and a lasting tannic bite. At over 15% alcohol, there's a lot of fire and toughness, so hold for a few more years and hopefully the tannins will soften.
A black, solid wine, spiced heavily with wood but still showing blackberry flavors, textured with plum skins. The wine feels warm and ripe, finishing with black cherries and lingering softness.
A blackened wine, with piercing, dense aromas of shoe polish, charred oak, dark spice and black fruit. It feels solid and juicy, with black-tasting flavors that focus on espresso and dark spice. The finish is a bit short on fruit.
A Blanc de Blancs, from 100% Chardonnay, Deutz's top cuvée in its elegant long-necked bottle has been given enough bottle age from the vintage to bring out a whole raft of complex flavors that are structured finely but are also allowed to express their weight. There are almonds and quince, a texture that is rigorous, but also elegant.
A Blanc de Noirs from Malbec, this aromatic wine has just a hint of tannins from the grape skins along with attractive acidity. It's a surprisingly fresh and fruity wine in the context of Malbec. Drink now.
A Blanc de Noirs made exclusively from Pinot Noir always has a feeling of weight and richness. This is no exception, full-bodied in character, with rich pink grapefruit and green plum flavors. The bottling is still young and will benefit from bottle aging until 2016.
A Blanc de Noirs made from 100% Pinot Noir, this is already showing some maturity, with flavors of black truffles and mushrooms to go with the richness. There is a yeasty character that blends well with the almonds and currants. The finish is ripe and full.
A Blanc de Noirs uses only black grapes and can be powerful with a tannic edge. That's the case here, the wine full of citrus zest, an apple-skin texture and a tight and tannic feel. A real food Champagne.
A bland pickled nose announces a simple palate with just enough acidity to keep things upright. Mild flavors of orange and green herbs revert to pickled on the finish.
A blanket of oak sits atop apple aromas. This is healthy and fresh in feel, but regular overall. Salty, lean, lightly oaked white-fruit flavors are briny on a racy finish. This is Chardonnay with 11% Pinot Blanc and Pinot Grigio.
A blanket of sweet-seeming, oaky, baking-spice flavors wraps around ripe fruit in this medium-bodied, supple and relaxed wine. It will be a lot of fun for people who like the full-on new-oak style.
A blast of burnt wood and sawmill is the greeting on this heavily oaked Garnacha. Specific aromas of wood shavings, creosote and Bourbon barrel amount to a sundae's worth of oak notes. Flavors of char, coffee, chocolate and burnt wood dominate this overly oaked wine that is weak on core fruit.
A blast of clean, ripe citrus, peach and pear fruit greets you from this well-made, if simple, wine. There are vanilla and smoke elements from wood. It's a little soft, and a tad off-dry, but if you need a case of something white to quench the throats of party-goers who aren't real particular, this is the ticket.
A blast of fake-smelling clove is the dominant aroma on this sticky Pinot Noir. Clove returns as the singular flavor, while the finish is woody but not toasty or classy. This is uniquely one-dimensional, but in the wrong way.
A blast of hard spice and herbaceous aromas is the greeting on this blend of Cabernet and Carmenère. A sizable palate is fairly gritty and tough in feel, while oaky flavors of chocolate and pepper shadow fiery, burnt-tasting fruit. This screams herbs and oak on the finish.
A blast of passion fruit is accompanied by mango and lettuce scents on a lean nose. This wine is citric and lemony in the mouth, with tangerine and lemon-lime flavors boosted by scouring acidity. The wine is one-dimensionally lean and tangy throughout.
A blast of ripe stone fruit accompanies whiffs of saline and balsamic herbs. The juicy palate boasts yellow peach, pink grapefruit and pear with hints of sage and eucalyptus. Mineral marks the finish.
A blast of rubber is the aromatic greeting, followed by herbal notes and leather. A sharp, tight, acidic palate proves difficult to penetrate, while crisp, herbal red-plum flavors finish green.
A blast of spice, mint, bramble and pepper explodes from the glass. The wine is dense, dark, deep and mysterious; the flavors pungent, penetrating and persistent. Tannic, layered with herbs and spices, powered with big, punchy fruit. This is classic Cline.
A blend 80% Vermentino and 20% Chardonnay, this vibrant wine offers aromas and flavors of yellow apple, exotic fruit and yellow peach while an almond note provides backup. It's balanced with bright acidity.
A blend assembled from several vineyards, Kumeu River's 2010 Estate Chardonnay is a medium-bodied, plushly textured wine. Toast and citrus aromas lead the way, followed by flavors that hint at creamed corn and plenty of vibrant pineapple. Drink it over the next few years.
A blend based on Alicante Bouschet, this ripe and rich wine is appropriately dark in color. It is a firm wine, full of juicy black plum fruits and dense tannins. With weight and considerable richness, it is a complex wine that is developing slowly but surely. Drink from 2018.
A blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this is heavy, soft and fruity, delivering a blackberry flavor and a dry finish.
A blend based on Nerello Mascalese, with a tiny percentage of Nerello Cappuccio, this boasts a bold, compelling bouquet of wild berry, leather, tobacco and a light shading of crushed spice. The mouthfeel is characterized by elegance, power and determination.
A blend containing the major Bordeaux varieties, this has lots of acidity and tannins, plus flavors of sweet cherries, blackberries and pepper. Drink now with robust fare, like Santa Maria barbecue.
A blend created for Schröder & Schÿler, a Bordeaux wine merchant founded in 1739, this is soft, ripe with plenty of red berry fruits. It has some firm tannins still although these are rounded out with the juicy fruits and final acidity. It's an attractive wine to drink now.
A blend dominated by 80% Viosinho, this wine is cool. fresh and fruity. It has a light herbal character that contrasts with the apricot and pear flavors. The citrus acidity completes an attractive, balanced wine. Drink now.
A blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller additions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is a likable wine, rich in red berry, currant and vanilla. Firm, integrated tannins behave on the back of the palate, allowing for a softness amid the robust, full-bodied concentration.
A blend dominated by Malbec, this wine comes from one of the estates managed by the Marmande cooperative. It has fine tannins and attractively juicy black fruits. The wine is balanced with plenty of fruity acidity. Drink from 2019.
A blend dominated by Pinot Noir gives this ripe, pink rosé its rich character. It is soft with some sweetness from the high dosage that makes it immediately accessible and easy to drink. In its cheerful bottle, it is definitely a party wine.
A blend dominated by Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay produces a crisp, herbal wine that has the background of a more creamy texture. From 20-year-old vines planted on granite soil, it has a tight, mineral edge as well as concentrated apple, citrus and fresh melon fruits. Drink now.
A blend driven by Merlot, it also contains 33% Malbec and 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dense and dark, it offers flavors of black licorice around a persistence of tannins, ending thick in toasted oak and caramel.
A blend driven predominantly by Petit Verdot, with lesser percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is soft and spicy, with waves of blackberry flavor. Brightly balanced, it finishes in a mix of cola and clove, the tannins well under control.
A blend every year of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the 2010 is rich and spicy, rounded with soft tannins and prime red raspberry and cherry fruit. Well integrated, a layering of chocolate, coffee and clove finish the wine off nicely.
A blend Friulano (fermented in oak) and Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon (fermented in steel tanks), this has aromas of white fragrant flowers, subtle oak, toast and exotic fruit. The rich palate offers pear, apple, candied citrus, vanilla and butterscotch.
A blend from a number of premier cru vineyards, pulling together cooler and warmer sites in balance. It's fresh and light, showing elegance, green fruits and a floral character. Just a touch of minerality.
A blend from a wider area than just Côtes de Provence, the wine is lightly spicy, full of red fruits and citrus acidity. There is a typical touch of pepper that adds extra interest to what is a refreshing wine.
A blend from all the top vineyards owned by the Gimonnet family, with a high proportion of Grand Cru. It has power and concentration as well as great ripeness. Very full-bodied, with a low dosage, this is dry, the richness coming from the fruit.
A blend from different Grand Cru vineyards has resulted in this fresh and still-young wine. It has perfumed acidity, crisp acidity and a bone-dry character. Needing to age, it is packed with white fruits and flavored with summer flowers. Drink from 2016.
A blend from different parts of the Fleurie appellation, this wine is elegant and floral. Crisp red fruits are sustained by acidity and by a juicy character. As often with this appellation, it is a wine to age and will be better from 2018.
A blend from different Premier Cru vineyards across Chablis, this wine is the product of the wide choice of grapes available to this cooperative. It's soft and ripe yet shows the crisper edge typical of the vintage. Drink from 2018.
A blend from different vineyards of the Fleurie appellation, this wine is deliciously elegant and floral. Crisp red fruits are sustained by acidity and a juicy character. As often with this appellation, it is a wine to age and will be better from 2018.
A blend from five of the Mercurey Premier Crus, a rich full-bodied wine, with elegant ripe fruits, red cherry flavors and spice. The wine is fresh, perfumed as well as solidly constructed with firm final tannins. Drink from 2017.
A blend from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, this is tight and minerally in character. The texture is mitigated by the generous dosage that gives the wine its soft apple and pear notes. Drink now.
A blend from grand cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, this wine is beautifully rich, densely textured and with a balance of dosage and crisp white fruit that is satisfying. It is beginning to get hints mature toast that makes it even more attractive. Drink now.
A blend from grand cru vineyards in the top villages of the Côte des Blancs. This is Agrapart's base wine, but it is an impressive base, with its extreme minerality that demands food, its lime, kiwi and textured fruit skin flavors. It finishes with great depth and complexity.
A blend from Jim Clendenen's own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and the Bien Nacido Vineyard where his winery is located, this bottling shows candied red cherry, star anise, fennel and sagebrush on the earthy but fruity nose. The palate combines fresh thyme and other wild herbs with tart Montmorency cherry—bold flavors wrapped in a delicate package.
A blend from many parcels of the producer's vineyards, this bone-dry wine is crisp and almost tart. Green apple flavors dominate the palate, accented by tight acidity and intense minerality. Like many really dry Champagnes, it needs to be aged and will be best from 2018.
A blend from Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault, this is a soft rounded wine with white fruit acidity, almond flavors and a gentle lemon zest texture. Drink in the next two years.
A blend from several of the producer's finest vineyards, including Georganne, Flax, Olivet Lane and Klopp, this offers complex notes of smoky lavender and licorice. Velvety texture underlies mouth-coating flavors of blackberry jam, pomegranate and cardamom, finishing tartly in acidity.
A blend from several premier cru vineyards in Pommard, here is a wine that exhibits just the right firm but dusty tannins of the appellation. But because it is 2005, the natural exuberance of the fruit is also there, lively red berries under the dry structure. It needs some aging, but already the richness is there, along with a smoky aftertaste.
A blend from six vineyards in the Côtes des Blancs, this tight, steely, chalky-textured wine still tastes young despite five years aging. It is full of citrus, lime juice and pink-grapefruit flavors that are integrated with the crisp, complex texture.
A blend from the cooler Watch Hill Vineyard near Los Alamos and the warmer McGinley Vineyard in Happy Canyon, this wine from the veteran vintner shows dense red fruit and black cherry on the nose, along with fresh purple flowers and cracked pepper. Black-plum skins, beef char, black cherry, rosemary, thyme and black pepper pop on the palate.
A blend from the five different areas that are the source of Mumm's Champagnes, this wine is impressive. It has toastiness from bottle aging that has added richness to the crisp fruit. The wine, hinting at almonds as well as green apples is deliciously balanced and ready to drink.
A blend from two sites—one in the Sebastopol Hills and the other in the heart of the appellation—this is a high-toned expression of earthiness over fruit, brimming in cardamom and mushroom scents.
A blend from two vineyards, this wine is rich and full bodied, with fine tannins and a dark concentration. With its perfumed character and tight structure, it is impressive, full of black fruits with a strong mineral streak. Drink this still-young wine from 2019.
A blend from two well-regarded vineyards, this Chardonnay is ultrarich in pineapple, mango, pear and green apple fruit flavors that are liberally accented with sweet, caramelized oak. Crisp acidity and a steely minerality fortunately provide balance. Drink now.
A blend made of up a majority Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine also includes Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Licorice and red plum mingle on the palate, around a layering of cinnamon and black spice. Soft, the overall texture and body is substantial, finding a balance and trace of acidity on the finish.
A blend of 13 different grape varieties, some rare, this is a delicious, honeyed wine, with rich baked apple flavor and crisp acidity, topped with a creamed spice note. Its pure line of citrus provides a lively finish.
A blend of 13 vintages, beautifully ripe and round, even with some maturity. Fresh citric fruit cuts through the richness and flavors of pineapple. There is a tang in the texture, an almost chewy structure. Age this wine for a year or two.
A blend of 20 varieties from the Mediterranean and the Caucasus, the wine's aromas are muddled: There's a bit of blackberry, plum, horsehide, cow pasture, tar and old leather in here. But this primordial brew offers a fascinating glimpse at the roots of wine.
A blend of 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 80% Fer Servadou, this is the top cuvée from Domaine Laurens. It has a new wood richness and firm tannins, with an herbal character that blends into the blackberry fruit. Age for another year.
A blend of 26% Roussanne, 25% Chardonnay, 19% Grenache Blanc, 17% Chenin Blanc and 13% Viognier, this is a complex and layered wine. A soft flinty character lies atop a rich bouquet of yellow apple, ripe green melon, tangerine and honeycomb. The medium-weight palate offers both weight and refinement, with a smooth texture and ripe fruit flavors that are cut by ample acidity and lingering sweet-spice accents. Drink now–2019.
A blend of 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 27% Syrah and 16% Cabernet Franc, this is an accessible wine, with cherry, caramel, chocolate and toast flavors that comprise the heart of the palate. The best guess is to enjoy it now, as it is probably at or near its drinking peak.
A blend of 28% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 18% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot, this is a big, bold and powerful wine, with superb balance and a firm, concentrated structure that promises great long-term aging. Dense aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, cherry and fig are layered with notes of cocoa powder, roasted espresso bean and cigar tobacco. Ripe, rich and lush, but not overdone, hints of charred oak and black pepper linger on the finish. Drink 2018–2025.
A blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, this shows ripe black plum, toast and roasted coffee on the nose. The robust palate tastes of prune, graphite and espresso, dusted with tannin. An alcoholic heat is also evident. Enjoy soon to catch the remaining fruit.
A blend of 30% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, this opens with aromas of ripe blackberries, Mediterranean herbs and cedar. The firmly structured palate doles out layers of black currants, blackberries, white pepper and licorice alongside chewy tannins. Drink through 2022.
A blend of 30% Pinot Noir and 70% Gamay, this is a fruity wine with the softest tannins and red cherry flavor. Made to drink young, it's somewhat spoiled by a banana-like edge that comes from its vinification.
A blend of 33% Merlot (from the original, 1976 block), 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot and 13% Cab Franc, this shows Euro-style refinement from first sniff to last swallow. The alcohol has climbed up a bit without any sacrifice of detail. A mix of berries, cherries and cassis, the fruits are woven around tightly defined, perfectly ripened tannins, with an underlayer of acid and mineral.
A blend of 33% Petite Sirah, 16% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 12% Mourvèdre, 9% Graciano, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 4% Merlot this makes a great showcase for Shake Ridge Vineyard, where all these varieties and many more thrive. Plummy with a tight tannic taste of vanilla and cherry, the finish offers licorice and leather.
A blend of 34% Viognier, 27% Grenache Blanc, 22% Marsanne and 17% Roussanne, this bottling is clean and light on the nose, with dried white flowers, ripe apples, Asian pear and a wet river -tone touch. The palate is more about texture and acidity that strong flavors, proving quite tangy if not a tad sour.
A blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 30% Syrah, this has aromas of red currant, cedar and a whiff of white pepper. The straightforward, easy-drinking palate offers black cherry, clove, coffee and licorice alongside polished tannins. Drink now.
A blend of 37% Shiraz, 19% Gamay, 18% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache and 12% Cinsault, this soft rosé has an herbaceous kick that lends depth to the red currant and cherry fruit core. The palate is ripe and fruity, but not overdone, with supporting acidity and subtle hints of pepper and blackberry leaf on the finish. Drink now.
A blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah, 17% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this has aromas of French oak and black-skinned fruit. The dense palate delivers plum, toast and a hint of chocolate alongside rather abrasive tannins.
A blend of 40% barrel fermented Pinot Bianco, 40% Friulano and 20%, Ribolla Gialla fermented in steel, this opens with aromas suggesting dried exotic fruit, coconut and oak-driven spice. The aromas carry over to the rather lean palate alongside a confectionery note and firm acidity. A walnut taste gives it a bitter finish.
A blend of 40% Bourboulenc, 30% Grenache Blanc and 30% Vermentino, this is a bright and floral wine, offering upfront scents of orange rind, melon, apple flesh, green fig and garrigue herbs. Flavors of red apple and stone fruits continue on the medium-weight palate, with ample acidity to provide good cut and freshness to the finish. A toasted-walnut flavor whispers softly on the medium-length finish. Drink now–2016.
A blend of 40% Bourboulenc, 30% Roussanne, 20% Vermentino and 10% Viognier, this boasts a highly aromatic bouquet, with forward aromas of fresh rosemary, thyme, lemon verbena, pressed yellow flowers, pear and white melon that continue through to the lush, round palate. Hints of toasted oak and sweet spice add depth, lingering on the finish alongside touches of straw and orange peel. Complex and layered, it's approachable now but should evolve well through 2018.
A blend of 40% Cabernet Franc and 40% Malbec, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this appealing offering has aromas of vanilla, woodspice, raspberry and black tea. The cranberry and cherry flavors are restrained in feel, with tart acids that carry through the cranberry-filled finish.
A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese, this offers aromas of fragrant blue flower and sunbaked soil. The palate delivers ripe plum, French oak and tobacco alongside clenching tannins.
A blend of 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta, this opens with aromas of blackberry, raisin and toasted almond. The rich approachable palate offers concentrated black cherry, red plum and a touch of cinnamon alongside supple tannins. Enjoy through 2021.
A blend of 40% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% each Mourvèdre and Grenache, this wine is made from grapes that are dried for 50 days prior to fermentation. The finished wine is aged in barrel for 40 months prior to bottling, yet it is surprisingly soft in the mouth and equal parts smooth and bright. Aromas of raspberry, black plum and maple give way to flavors of strawberry, cranberry sauce, maple-cured meat and rose petal.
A blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre, all aged in neutral oak, this wine impresses with alluring aromas of ripe strawberry, clove, blueberry, coffee and spice. Flavors are rich and palate-coating while displaying balance and finesse, with a finish that lingers.
A blend of 40% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit and cooking spice. The firm savory palate doles out sour cherry, cinnamon and tobacco alongside smooth tannins. Drink through 2020.
A blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 10% Mourvèdre aged in French oak for 12 months, this wine exhibits great depth of flavors against a tight structure. Notes of garrigue herbs and peppery spice infuse the blackberry and rich plum fruit core. Sweet oak flavors linger on the long finish along with firm but fine tannins. Drink now–2016.
A blend of 41% Grenache, 37% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre, 4% Counoise and 4% Cinsault from seven vineyards, this longtime Margerum-fan favorite shows boisterous wild berries, allspice-laced brioche, juicy hibiscus and fresh watermelon notes on the fun, inviting nose. It's juicy, light and easy drinking, with hints of anise and dried mint that give character to the bright red fruit.
A blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot and 5% Petite Sirah, this is fruit forward, with abundant notes of dried dark cherry, cassis, Red Vines and barrel spices. The flavors are plump, painting around the edges initially before fleshing out with the Petit(e)s providing some grip to the tannins.
A blend of 43% Grenache, 41% Mourvédre and 16% Syrah from two vineyard sites, one warmer than the other, this plummy red is bright on the palate. Smoky and not overly oaked, it contributes gamy twinges of black currant and cardamom to the long finish.
A blend of 44% Cabernet Franc, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot, the curious name refers to Saint-Émilion, in Bordeaux. The wine is instantly likeable for the sheer richness of its cherry and mocha flavors. The tannins are pretty hard, suggesting a wine that will age until 2020, but you can certainly drink it now, especially with grilled steak.
A blend of 44% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 12% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, this is dressed with brown spices, tart cherries, dried rose petals and char aromas. Medium in body, it has polished acids and fine, muscular tannins that latch onto the finish.
A blend of 44% Syrah, 31% Grenache and 25 Mourvèdre, this wine is aromatically very pure, with plenty of red and blue fruit, speckled with bay leaf, herb and black-pepper accents. It possesses a thrilling plush mouthfeel, with olive and black-fruit flavors, showing a fine sense of purity.
A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of red currant, fragrant purple flower and exotic spice. The currant aroma carries over to the austere palate along with cranberry, chopped herb and French oak. With its backbone of firm acidity and assertive close-grained tannins, it already boasts finesse but will need years to soften and develop. Drink 2021–2028.
A blend of 45% Cannonau, 45% Carignano and 10% Bovale Sardo, this opens with aromas of cassis, red cherry and Mediterranean scrub. The round juicy palate offers black plum, ripe raspberry and white pepper set against pliant tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
A blend of 45% Cannonau, 45% Muristellu and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this laid-back red has delicate aromas suggesting ripe black cherry and Mediterranean underbrush. The straightforward accessible palate offers black plum, nutmeg and a bitter almond note alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
A blend of 45% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah, this is a beautifully expressive, well-balanced Corbières-Boutenac red. Initial aromas of dense red plum, raspberry, and strawberry give way to secondary scents of rose, lavender and thyme. The medium-weight palate shows more fresh fruit character, with fine yet structured tannins lending grip through the close.
A blend of 45% Malbec, 34% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, there are some upfront notes of game, leather and cured meat that add interest to the black plum and cherry core. The palate is plush and broad, but not flat, with soft, approachable tannins and pleasant dark berry and plum flavors that are lifted by ample acidity. Drink now–2020.
A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, this is supple and substantial, and it breathes lush notes of plum, cassis, black olive, raw wood and mineral, plus a dash of caramel.
A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Shiraz, 14% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, this clean, approachable red offers notes of black plum, cherry, cocoa and spice on the nose and mouth. A peppery heat on the tongue lingers through the medium finish, as do the dusty tannins.
A blend of 48% Chenin Blanc, 41% Chardonnay and 11% Viognier, this is an interesting white with slightly oxidized but rich notes of honeycomb, toasted hazelnut and baked apple thoughout. Medium weight with a touch of heat coming through on the long finish.
A blend of 48% Viognier, 41% Chenin Blanc and 11% Grenache Blanc, this medium-weight wine offers ripe fruit aromas and flavors of Anjou pear, peach and orange rind that are complemented by notes of fennel, mentholated fynbos and ginger. Medium acidity cuts through the rich mouthfeel, with a lasting kiss of toasted spice on the close. Drink now.
A blend of 50-50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is a rich wine from Grand Cru vineyards on the Montagne de Reims. It also structured, with a strongly mineral texture that is tight and concentrated. The wine, with its light tannins from the red wine in the blend, is ready to drink.
A blend of 50% Arinarnoa, 50% Tannat and 25% Malbec, this inky, garnet-colored wine has aromas of blackberry and brambles with a touch of green bell pepper. Flavors of cherry, blackberry, oregano, black olive and coffee make for a lively mix on the palate, backed by a core of chewy tannins. The fruit-laced finish has a savory kick of Kalamata olive and thyme.
A blend of 50% Bourboulenc, 30% Grenache, 10% Roussanne and 10% Marsanne, this boasts an enticing bouquet of field flowers, fresh fennel bulb, white peach and citrus zest. Unmistakable marine influences of mineral and saline notes shine throughout and become more pronounced with aging. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich, and while it is delightful now, it will mature and develop well through 2022.
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, The Norseman—named for a vintage airplane—mostly masks its fruit in a wash of earth, herb, stem and tannin.
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Grande Vidure, 20% Petite Syrah and 10% Merlot, it is as if you can clearly account for each varietal's contribution. Ripe cassis, cherry, plum, and spice flavors are buttressed by well-integrated oak.  Beautifully balanced, it has good acidity and mature tannins, and closes with a long, satisfying finish. Great wine for tonight's grilled T-bone, and worthy of mid-term cellaring .
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 30% Syrah, this opens with aromas of espresso, toasted oak, ground pepper, ripe black-skinned fruit and game. The extracted palate offers licorice, raisin, clove and tobacco alongside raspy tannins that leave an astringent finish. The fruit is starting to dry up so drink sooner rather than later.
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese, this offers aromas of black currant, caramel and mocha. The dense palate delivers toast, leather and cedar alongside teeth-coating tannins that grip the finish.
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this conveys aromas of vanilla, oak, red currant and cedar. The hearty palate displays mature plum, dried cherry, espresso and bell pepper alongside drying tannins. It finishes with the heat of alcohol.
A blend of 50% Cannonau, 15% Bovale, 15% Carignano, 10% Monica and 10% Malvasia, this generous, vibrant rosato delivers intense fruit aromas of red cherry and black raspberry along with a whiff of spice. The fruit sensations follow through to the juicy palate while notes of chopped herb and white pepper provide back up. Fresh acidity lifts up the finish.
A blend of 50% Friulano and 50% Chardonnay, this offers toasted oak, lemon zest, yellow apple and buttery sensations accompanied by zesty acidity. It has more oak-driven flavors than fruit richness and it ends on a note of bitter walnut.
A blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Cinsault from the 50-year-old Pointe de Diable vineyard, this is a soft and ripe wine. It has light acidity and rich red-berry fruits. It's a wine for apéritif drinking—gentle and fruity at the end (the road to the property is called “End of the World”). Drink now.
A blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 40% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache Gris, this medium-weight rosé offers aromas and flavors of cherry, nectarine and watermelon rind. The acidity keeps the palate fresh and the finish slightly tart and biting.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre, this offers strawberry/leaf flavors that glide softly into more concentrated, deep fruit flavors of cherry and plum. This is an elegant wine, graceful and fine, with intriguing length and a smooth finish. The tannins are a pleasing mix of light herb and moist earth, and there is a finishing kiss of chocolate wafer.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah, this is a refreshing and well-balanced rosé. Though young and still somewhat tight right now, it offers bright notes of red cherry, strawberry hull and plum skin that are framed by hints of orange blossom, citrus peel and sweet spice. Silky in texture, with a mineral streak and ample acidity that results in a bright finish.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this is full bodied and richly textured, redolent of wild thyme and lavender, black cherries and a hint of cocoa. Drink this charmer over the next couple of years.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 43% Syrah and 7% Cinsaut, this is very fresh and fruity--loaded with cherries--but also includes spice and earth complexities and a reasonable rich, creamy texture.
A blend of 50% Malbec with Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot that's lightly minty and full of tobacco, pepper and spicy aromas. Feels a bit clampy and tannic, with oaky, herbal flavors of plum and sweet berry. Shows a hint of green and drying tannins on the finish.
A blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc, this has an intriguing spicy accent that's reminiscent of fresh pine. It's front-loaded with generous blueberry fruit that's streaked with an anise note, flowing nicely into the polished tannins. This shows good focus and length.
A blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet, this delivers sassy aromas of leather and cinnamon, with ripe, pulpy fruit. There's a touch of cherry that gives the wine a soft, velvety finish.
A blend of 50% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, this offers aromas of ripe black currant, tilled earth and tobacco. The full-bodied palate doles out black cherry, cedar and mocha alongside ample velvety tannins. Drink 2017–2023.
A blend of 50% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this deep garnet-colored wine has aromas of blackberry, brambles and green pepper. Flavors of black raspberry, cranberry and tart cherry with touches of green pepper are enmeshed in heavy tannins that persist into the tart, chewy finish.
A blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of dark plum, tobacco, cooking spice and a balsamic note. The dense palate delivers black currant, licorice and clove set against round, polished tannins.
A blend of 50% Montepulciano, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, this densely packed wine is loaded with black fruit and new oak sensations. The ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors are layered with notes of espresso, spice and new oak. It's not very complex, but the fruit is attractive. Enjoy soon.
A blend of 50% Mourvèdre and 50% Syrah, this is a dark, earthy wine, featuring hints of black olive and espresso. Yet it's very lush and supple in the mouth, very forward and inviting, yet balanced by crisp acids on the finish. Drink now–2015.
A blend of 50% Nebbiolo, 30% Pinot Nero and 20% Chardonnay, this offers aromas of chamomile, lemon blossom, orchard fruit and lemon zest. The firm palate offers nectarine zest, ripe apple, toasted hazelnut and a note of bread crust alongside a vibrant perlage.
A blend of 50% Nero di Troia and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, Kebir is a plush and sweet-smelling wine with layers of black cherry, chocolate, espresso, candied berry and light exotic spice. There's a playful touch of almond bitterness on the close.
A blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this savory wine boasts structure and drinkability. Aromas of toast, chocolate and ripe plum carry over to the palate along with dark cherry, white pepper and smooth, velvety tannins. It's made for early drinking so enjoy soon.
A blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Montelpulciano, this offers berry and mocha aromas that come across round and ripe. Raspberry and sour cherry flavors are layered with chocolate and vanilla, ending quick and clean. Not for ageing; drink soon.
A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot and 10% Syrah, this simple red opens with aromas of fresh violets, red berries and a whiff of spice. The brisk palate offers black cherries, a note of white pepper and a hint of sage alongside tangy acidity and loose-knit tannins.
A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, this presents lovely fragrances of blue flower, incense and tilled soil. On the palate, velvety tannins provide a backbone for juicy blackberry, black cherry and Asian spice. Soft and elegant, this is ready to be enjoyed. Drink through 2017.
A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, this has a shy nose that slowly unleashes aromas of black-skinned fruit and cedar. The smooth accessible palate offers black cherry and cinnamon alongside round tannins.
A blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Roditis, this refreshing white starts with aromas of citrus and peach, followed by crisp flavors of lemon backed by a lively acidity. Rich but clean. Pair with shellfish, meaty white fish.
A blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Feteasca Alba (a native Romanian variety) and 10% Riesling Italico, this medium-straw colored wine has a bouquet of lemon skin with a hint of licorice. The flavor profile is dominated by lemon with soft spice notes.
A blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache, this is an attractive and enticing rosé, with delicate aromas of pressed pink flowers, white raspberry, melon rind and underripe guava. The light-plus body lends a slight opulence to the mouthfeel, with flavors of red raspberry and tangerine that end slightly pithy. Drink now.
A blend of 50/50 Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is a rich, spicy and perfumed wine. Layers of wood aging accompany ripe blackberry fruits and dark tannins. The texture is dense and dark, still developing. Drink from 2018.
A blend of 50/50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is balanced and firm. The solid, dry core is developing and integrating with the black currant fruits. It's concentrated and still young, with tannins that need to soften. Give this wine until 2017.
A blend of 50/50 Touriga Nacional an Castelão, this is a firm, structured wine. It has plenty of ripe blackberry fruits that are beginning to fill out and mature. It has a juicy character: ripe and full of sun. Drink now, although the wine will be better from 2017.
A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 14% Malbec and 9% Cabernet Franc, this opens with rich, decadent scents of brandied cherries, blackberries, plum and crème de cassis, all married to assertive notes of black pepper, licorice and tree bark. Structured yet fine-grain tannins result in an approachable palate and a texture like crushed satin, while the finish offers accents of cigar box and roasted cocoa nib. Drinkable now, but will hold well through 2020.
A blend of 51% Palomino and 49% Chenin Blanc, this is a pure and mineral-driven wine, with superb verve to the clean aromas and flavors of apple flesh, white peach, orange glossom, almond skin and minty fynbos. It's balanced and complex, with layered notes of roasted nuts, honeysuckle, toasted apple skin and sweet spice all mingling harmoniously. Delicious now, but will hold well through 2020.
A blend of 51% Sauvignon Blanc and 49% Sémillon, this is a beautifully balanced white. It opens with pretty floral aromas of lemon verbena, fynbos and sweet pea, with supporting fruit tones of citrus and crisp pear at the core. It's lightweight, but nuanced and layered, with waves of plum and lemon-lime citrus that are cut by bright acidity and a hint of toast on the close. Drink now–2021.
A blend of 51% Viognier and 49% Traminer, this wine is made with organic grapes. It has aromas of jasmine and guava flowers and lush tropical flavors of mango and freshly cut guava.
A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec, 19% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, spicy aromas of leather, black pepper, savory herbs, licorice and Mexican chocolate lead the nose. It's grounded by a solid fruit core of blackberry, boysenberry and mulberry fruit, lending a supporting spine to the toasted spice and earthy accents. Well balanced, with velvety tannins and a long, evolving finish, drink this lush, velvety red from 2018–2024.
A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cab Franc, 17% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the seventh edition of Mark Ryan's iconic Dead Horse is, as expected, a tannic, liquorous, sweet and ripe wine, loaded with flavors of black cherry, plenty of barrel toast and chocolaty tannins.
A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 3% each of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this wine tastes of charred wood and generic red juice, accented by a slight green character. Puckering tannins and a diluted finish complete the picture.
A blend of 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot, this wine is aromatically brooding with notes of coffee, mineral, flowers and cherry. The palate boasts abundant coffee and cherry flavors backed by firm tannins that need time in the cellar to stretch their legs. Best after 2021, with a long life ahead of it.
A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Malbec and 23% Syrah, this wine displays a strong tannic backbone, a burly strength of character and deep, dark black fruit. The Malbec shows in notes of dark chocolate and blueberry, while the Syrah peeks in with a touch of gaminess. All in all, there's elegance alongside the power.
A blend of 54% Malbec and 46% Petit Verdot, this lithe, medium-bodied wine makes an interesting contrast to Cullen's Mangan Vineyard Merlot-Malbec-Petit Verdot. It's a leaner wine, with modest cherry-berry fruit and ample accents of cinnamon, cedar and vanilla.
A blend of 54% Merlot with smaller percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon (28%) and Cabernet Franc (18%), this is a nicely structured red that's soft, accessible and juicy, with notes of cranberry and cassis liqueur coming to the fore.
A blend of 54% Mourvèdre, 27% Grenache and 19% Syrah from the vineyard's sunniest slope, this very dark wine shows tar, stewed black plum, boysenberry, dense peppercorn, dried lilac and roasted-lamb aromas. The still-young palate is all about density and depth, with asphalt, black pepper and elderberry-crusted beef-roast flavors.
A blend of 54% Petit Verdot, 42% Zinfandel and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon that doesn't hold back in ripeness or body, this offers brick, blackberry and chocolate in equal waves. The texture is lush, plush and softly layered, dusted in mocha and vanilla bean.
A blend of 54% Pinot Noir and 46% Chardonnay, this sings a strawberry-tinged note on the palate. It's enveloped by flowery aromas of rose perfume. It's round and easy to drink, and the finish is quick but satisfying.
A blend of 54% Roussanne, 29% Marsanne and 17% Viognier from the sought-after vineyard site Alder Springs, this is an estate wine made in small quantities, gorgeous in apricot and white peach aromatics. Completed by a mouth-coating texture and crisp acidity on the finish, it offers balance and effusive minerality.
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot, this reflects a pleasing mixture of each, with notes of blackberry, raspberry, plum and fresh herbs. Fruit flavors are plush and up front backed by chewy tannins.
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, this well-structured red offers ripe dark-skinned berry, underbrush and graphite aromas. The concentrated, savory palate delivers black currant, white pepper and soothing licorice flavors and fine tannins. Enjoy through 2023.
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Shiraz and 5% each of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this rich and approachable wine boasts lush aromas and flavors of brambly black berry, cherry and currant alongside notes of violet and chocolate fudge. The mouthfeel is like crushed velvet, with a creamy texture and a decadent finish reminiscent of chocolate-covered espresso beans.
A blend of 55% Chenin Blanc and 45% Viognier, with the Chenin strongly represented. This wine unveils caramel popcorn and oak-influenced pear-vanilla, its layers of texture workable with a wide range of food.
A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of cut grass, bell pepper and red currant. The easygoing, savory palate offers crushed black cherry, spiced plum and black pepper alongside lithe tannins.
A blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, this wine offers generous aromas of café au lait, butterscotch, blackberry, herb and barrel spice. Flavors are focused and rich, backed by lightly dry tannins. The finish lingers.
A blend of 55% Nerello Mascalese, 25% Nerello Cappuccio, 10% Nocera and 10% Nero d'Avola, this intriguing wine boasts earthy aromas of tilled soil, pressed blue flower, black-skinned fruit, black olive, nut and a touch of game. The velvety palate offers ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, cake spice and mineral while a saline note energizes the finish. Bright acidity and firm, refined tannins provide seamless support.
A blend of 55% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with raspberry, black plum, orange zest and cocoa aromas that follow through to the full-bodied palate. Polished tannins lend a smooth, creamy texture. Enjoy through 2021.
A blend of 57% Cabernet Franc, 26% Blaufränkish and 17% Merlot, this estate wine is overtly floral on the nose, with violet and earthy geranium on a bed of red berries. The palate is racy and lithe from pulsing acidity, yet flavors of juicy blueberry and red currant prevail and ultimately the grippy tannins balance it out.
A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this stunning, well-balanced wine will reward patience. Dark and dense, it's a powerful selection that boasts serious fruit concentration and a full, firm structure, with mouthcoating tannins. The black-fruit core is accented by notes of leather, fresh mint, pepper, char and bittersweet cocoa. Additional nuance and layers of complexity will develop with time; drink 2016-2020.
A blend of 57% Graciano and 43% Tempranillo, this rich, soft wine is layered with a tiny streak of hazelnut flavor intermingled among the spicy cherry and dense texture. A great wintertime wine, enjoy with meaty stews or game.
A blend of 57% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc all come from Alder Ridge Vineyard, shows notes of milk chocolate, cherry, herbs and tire rubber. It's lighter in style with a slightly gritty feel to the tannins.
A blend of 57% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Syrah, this opens with a sweetly spiced bouquet of red and purple fruits. The medium weight midpalate brings tart plum and cherry flavors, plentiful acidity and moderate, balanced tannins. Drink now through 2020.
A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, this boasts bright aromas of rich red cherry, currant, tobacco and char. Medium weight and well-balanced, with structured tannins and ample acidity. Spicy, black pepper and toasted oak flavors fuel the finish.
A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon with 21% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 3% Syrah, the Frog Prince offers juicy blackberry and cherry around dusty, softened tannins and oak. Approachable now, it finishes awash in dried herb.
A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot, this wine combines them all to herbaceous, slightly green and puckering effect, the oak overwhelmingly audacious.
A blend of 58% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 11% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, this harmonious and well-balanced wine is ready to be enjoyed now. Dark, lush fruit tones of blackberry, boysenberry and plum are laced with enticing hints of licorice, menthol and cocoa, while notes of cigar box and leather hang on through the long finish.
A blend of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay, this light copper-colored wine is über aromatic with notes of passion fruit, guava and strawberry. As sweet as the aromas smell, the palate drinks bone dry with abundant brioche flavors, exquisite balance, and a long, lingering finish. Sourced from Celilo Vineyard, this is a hugely impressive wine.
A blend of 58% Sauvignon Blanc and 42% Gewürztraminer, this wine was given no oak aging and has a slight percentage of residual sugar. Peach colored, it's also flavorful in peach and apricot, simple and easy to like, with a slight spritz to the end.
A blend of 58% Syrah, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Mourvèdre, this combinins power with a big yum factor. Potent and rich, with woody, spicy highlights, the juicy fruit flavors favor blackberry and black cherry. A whiff of smoke runs through the finish.
A blend of 59% Mourvèdre, 22% Cinsault and 19% Shiraz, this opens with faint aromas of peach, melon and lemon peel. The palate is soft and slightly warm, with pithy, bitter cherry-skin and melon-rind flavors that remain through the finish.
A blend of 60-40 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this beautifully textured wine offers white fruit, citrus and crisp apple flavors. These contrast with the yeast and cookie flavors that are developing after the long aging in the Lanson cellars. This impressive wine could still develop further. Drink now and until 2020.
A blend of 60% Barbera, 20% Pinot Nero, 10% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of black-skinned fruit and leafy underbrush. The firm palate delivers blackberry, nutmeg and cinnamon alongside fresh acidity and smooth tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
A blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot, this is a soft and lush red wine, with pretty aromas of cherry, blackberry, dried herb, spice and bitter chocolate. It has a smooth texture that's backed by firm, enduring structure.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a soft, red-fruited wine, with lively aromas and flavors of cherry, plum and currant, all laced with hints of tobacco leaf, toast and bittersweet chocolate. The mouthfeel is creamy and the tannins fine and fleeting.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine offers aromas of coffee, cherry and herbs. It's full bodied with sweet cranberry flavors backed by gritty tannins.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Malbec, this wine is fresh and fruit filled, with aromas and flavors of plum and black currant, sprinkled with light barrel spices and mocha tones. It shows a lovely sense of balance and poise that kicks it up a notch.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Syrah—this is a focused wine, with complex nuances of licorice, tar, mineral and lead pencil, but it is buttressed by the compact, concentrated red and black fruits. The dusty tannins are reminiscent of a Napa wine, with excellent length and polish.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and four other grapes, this toasty red will please anyone who likes a red wine with satiny, milk chocolate goodness. The fruit and mouth-coating barrel flavors are fine, though there is just a hint of a green edge to the tannins.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot and Sangiovese, this forward wine offers sweet black cherry, red currant, black pepper, toasted oak and espresso sensations. The ripe palate finishes on a note of drying tannins. Drink soon.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of red currant, clove and toast. The structured, elegant palate doles out plum, sage and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink 2017–2022.
A blend of 60% Cabernet, 20% Merlot, 18% Syrah and splashes of Malbec, Zinfandel and Tempranillo, this spicy and toasty red wine shows the care that went into the original barrels, which were never intended for this inexpensive tasting room red. The fruit is juicy and bursting with bright sweet berry flavors, and the generous oak adds cinnamon and butterscotch.
A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Nero, this delivers yellow apple, honeydew melon, passion fruit and citrus flavors. It's crisp and refreshing, with vibrant acidity and brisk bubbles.
A blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc and 10% Mauzac, this is a bright and lively white, with attractive aromas of white flower, clover, pear flesh and lightly grilled peach. The medium-weight palate is remarkably balanced, with ample acidity to lift the ripe apple, pear and citrus flavors, finishing with a kiss of sweet spice.
A blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Bianco and 10% Pinot Nero, this doesn't have a very expressive nose. The brisk palate offers easy-drinking appeal with citrus, apple and peach flavors alongside sharp acidity and vivacious bubbles.
A blend of 60% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 10% Corvinone and 10% Negrara, this offers delicate aromas suggesting black-skinned berry and cooking spice. The firm palate evokes blackberry jam, tobacco and green pepper alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy through 2021.
A blend of 60% Gaglioppo and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this polished red conveys aromas of underbrush, cassis, grilled herb and red currant. The juicy palate delivers crushed black cherry, ground pepper, licorice, clove and a coffee note alongside velvety tannins.
A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from vineyards near Laudun, this is a typical blend that isn't typical in flavor. Crisp, dusty notes of cinnamon, red peppercorn and pomegranate predominate, making this medium-bodied wine interesting, if not incredibly hedonistic.
A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, this is another example of the fine values coming out of the Costières de Nîmes. It's a medium-bodied wine with a velvety texture and a fine balance between herbs and raspberry fruit on the one hand and dark berries and earth on the other. Drink it over the next 2–3 years.
A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, this medium-bodied wine is slightly confected and bubble-gum-like at first. With a bit of air, it takes on simple, fruity and direct flavors of cherries and berries, but finishes clean and dry. Drink now.
A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Clairette and 20% Syrah, this wine represents a relative bargain in the rarified realm of Tavel. Notes of wet stone and citrus carry through from start to finish, joined on the midpalate by hints of white chocolate and raspberry. It's a relatively full-bodied rosé that can stand up to grilled meats.
A blend of 60% Mavrud and 40% Rubin, this ruby-colored wine has aromas of black berry, black plum and a touch of powdered cocoa. In the mouth, flavors recall black cherry, black raspberry and a hint of mocha and espresso. Tannins are soft and the finish is persistent.
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has enticing aromas of black-skinned fruit, fresh violet, espresso and a whiff of cake spice. Smooth and structured, the elegant palate delivers crushed raspberry, cassis, licorice and clove that follow through to the long finish. A backbone of polished fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity give it an age-worthy structure. Drink 2019–2033.
A blend of 60% Montepulciano and 40% Sangiovese, this is a grippy, leathery wine, the fruit sourced from two different sites in the appellation. Black leather, baked and dried plum, and cherry combine on the palate with breadth and length, finishing as if dusted in cocoa.
A blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato, this opens with scents of wild berry, rose and a light spice note. On the savory, easygoing palate, a touch of clove adds interest to crushed strawberry and Morello cherry. Fresh acidity brightens the juicy flavors.
A blend of 60% Nero d'Avola, 30% Sangiovese and 10% Corinto, this structured wine opens with fragrances of mature plum, resin and a balsamic note. The dense palate offers chewy tannins and delivers succulent flavors of black cherry and ripe black berry that are layered with black pepper, clove and mocha.
A blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon, it conveys aromas of oak, lemon drop and candied fruits. The round palate offers intense but fleeting sensations of Golden Delicous apples and butterscotch. This is already accessible so drink soon.
A blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon, this elegant wine opens with mature yellow apple, Bartlett pear and citrus that all continue on to the palate. The creamy flavors are brightened by crisp acidity.
A blend of 60% Pinot Nero and 40% Chardonnay, this pretty off-dry sparkler delivers floral aromas of jasmine and pink rose, with sweet notes of marzipan and honey at the back. The perlage is smooth and creamy.
A blend of 60% Pinot Nero and 40% Nero d'Avola, this offers aromas of mature dark-skinned berry, violet and a whiff of dark spice. The straightforward, linear palate shows dried black cherry, blackberry and a ground pepper note alongside polished tannins.
A blend of 60% Primitivo and 40% Negroamaro, this features aromas of spicy plum, ripe berry, vanilla and a balsamic note. The firm palate offers blackberry, black cherry, espresso and licorice alongside assertive tannins that leave an astringent finish.
A blend of 60% Prokupac and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon this Serbian wine smells of red cherry and blackberry. It is full bodied, while tasting of black cherry and blackberry. The finish is fruit filled with a touch of leather.
A blend of 60% Sémillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, this is barrel-fermented, with the Sémillon component being put through malolactic fermentation. The result is a medium-bodied white with a smoky, buttery bouquet and flavors of peach, passion fruit and grapefruit. Drink now.
A blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has aromas of leafy underbrush, bell pepper, dried herb and black currant. The palate is rather austere, offering dried cherry, leather, licorice and powdered sage alongside tightly wound, grainy tannins that grip the finish. Let the tannins unwind for another year or two, then drink up to catch the remaining fruit.
A blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has aromas of sunbaked earth, dried herb, dark berry and a whiff of underbrush. The soft straightforward palate offers juicy black cherry and a hint of spice framed in easygoing tannins. Drink soon.
A blend of 60% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this opens with delicate aromas of black cherry jam and baking spice. The round, accessible palate offers prune and a hint of vanilla alongside rather evolved tannins. Enjoy soon.
A blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Cinsault, this is a well-balanced and attractive wine. It offers up hints of black tea, bergamot and turned earth that grace the black plum and berry core. Medium tannins lend a framing structure to the ripe fruit flavors, finishing on whispers of pencil lead and toasted oak.
A blend of 60% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cinsault, 5% Grenache, 5% Viognier and 3% Mourvèdre, this is a plush, fruity and brambly wine. Attractive scents of forest berry and cherry lead the nose and carry through to the soft, fleshy and easy-drinking palate. Drink now.
A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a restrained nose of cranberry and toast. It has flavors of cherry, blueberry and toasted bread with a tart note of cranberry. It is easy drinking but falls flat on the finish.
A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, this wine offers both beefy and herbal notes among the more standard black raspberry and plum fruit flavors. Medium-full on the palate with a hint of sanguine character, this comes off a bit brighter and more balanced than one might anticipated from the bouquet.
A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Merlot, this wine is deep ruby to the eye, with aromas of blackberry, forest floor, river rock and thyme. At first sip, the tannins come on strong, immediately followed by vibrant flavors of cherry, pomegranate, orange zest, anisette and oregano. To some palates, the tannins could be overpowering, but ample acidity and bright fruit flavors make the whole package work.
A blend of 60% Syrah from Ambassador Vineyard and 40% estate-grown Petite Sirah, this brightly aromatic wine conveys raspberries, dark cherries and vanilla. It's fruit forward, richly flavored with red fruit that leads to a cranberry-filled finish.
A blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, this is oaky and lushly fruited upfront, with forward scents of coffee, chocolate-covered cherry and brambly berry preserves. The palate follows suit, with mouthfilling flavors of ripe berries that are framed by structured tannins and lingering tones of licorice and black pepper.
A blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 15% Carignan, meaty aromas are center-stage in the bouquet, with supporting tones of black currant and licorice. It's dense and dark on the palate, with plush flavors of cherry and Bakers chocolate that carry through to the medium-weight close.
A blend of 60% Syrah, 27% Merlot and a handful of other varieties added to the mix, this aromatically pops, with complex notes of plum, blueberry, smoke, chocolate and floral accents. It's silky smooth in feel, with abundant chocolaty flavors that help it go down far too easy.
A blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this inky garnet-colored wine offers aromas of cassis and elderberry. On the palate, there is a combination of cooked fruit and cool spice flavors yet there is no lack of accompanying acidity. Flavors of cassis, elderberry, anise, orange peel and vanilla are backed by silky tannins that stay smooth into the cooling finish.
A blend of 60% Touriga Nacional and 40% Cabernet Franc, this smells of peppered blackberries, compost, smoke and char. The palate is structured with sustaining acids and a medium load of chunky tannins. A dark berry flavor and a hint of dried flower add interest.
A blend of 60% Trebbiano Toscano and 40% Malvasia del Chianti, this opulent dessert wine opens with intense aromas of dry almond biscuit, dried apricot and a whiff of maple syrup that carry over to the rich palate along with cream caramel and candied nectarine. The intense flavors are balanced by fresh acidity and lingering finish.
A blend of 60% Vermentino and 40% Viognier, this presents a delicate fragrance of honeysuckle and stone fruit. The bright palate offers creamy white peach and tangerine, with a candied ginger note on the close.
A blend of 61% Cabernet Franc and 39% Merlot, this has scents of black fruit and green bell pepper that are characteristic of many Bordeaux-style blends, with underpinnings of savory spice and char. The full-bodied palate has a soft, chocolaty core, boasting medium-grained tannins and easy acids that lend enough lift.
A blend of 64% Merlot and 27% Cabernet Franc, with splashes of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this is built for the long haul. Raspberries, cherries and rich chocolate run through this fine-tuned, focused wine. It's deep, elegant and penetrating, with a show-stopping layer of pure mineral that is so powerful the fruit seems soaked in rock.
A blend of 64% Merlot and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, the resulting wine is complex, round and complete. Aromas and flavors of plum, leather, cured meat and spice are carried by plenty of weight, yet without seeming heavy. There's a lush, slightly creamy mouthfeel and a long, spicy finish. Delicious now, but should hold at least through 2015.
A blend of 64% Pinot Noir and 36% Chardonnay, this pale rosé is light and slightly searing, with high acidicy and faint notes of strawberry hull and firm peach on the nose and mouth.
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this is a landmark bottling because many years ago it demonstrated that great international-style wines could be made elsewhere in Italy—not only in Tuscany. A celebrated star of the Veneto, this oak-aged red offers enormous density and intensity, with soft, velvety layers and bright aromas of red fruit, spice and dried sage. The finish is characterized by savory, herbal notes that are fresh and tantalizing.
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese, this opens with a beautiful fragrance of violet, iris, exotic incense, cedar and black currants. The plush palate delivers a core of juicy black cherry and red currant accented with black pepper, clove and graphite alongside smooth, velvety tannins. Drink 2015–2025.
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah and 7% Petit Verdot, this wine saw 30 months in barrel. Aromas of blackberry, licorice, herb, dark coffee and earth are primary and lead to full-bodied flavors that persist on the finish.
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, this bold wine features aromas of spiced plum, blackcurrant, leather and a hint of coconut. On the palate, assertive tannins support the mature blackberry, espresso and licorice flavors.
A blend of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Nero, this copper-colored wine conveys subtle aromas of rose, passion fruit and red berry. The lively palate offers strawberry, ripe apple and a hint of bread crust alongside brisk acidity and persistent bubbles.
A blend of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Nero, this copper-colored wine features subtle aromas of rose, passion fruit and red berry. The lively palate offers strawberry, ripe apple and a hint of bread crust alongside brisk acidity and persistent bubbles.
A blend of 65% Chardonnay, 20% Nebbiolo and 15% Pinot Nero, this delivers ripe pear, golden apple, citrus and hazelnut aromas that carry on to the palate. It's sophisticated and elegant, with radiant acidity.
A blend of 65% Furmint and 35% Hárslevelu, this Hungarian white has aromas of apricot, peach and pear. In the mouth, there are flavors of canned peaches, fresh white peach and pear with a crisp finish.
A blend of 65% Furmint, 25% Hárslevelu and 10% Kabar, this Hungarian white has aromas of white peach and fresh apricot juice. There are flavors of yellow peach, green apple and crisp clean minerality in the mouth.
A blend of 65% Grillo and 35% Carricante, this offers subtle aromas of ripe orchard fruit, wild flower and a whiff of almond. The vibrant, savory palate boasts green apple, creamy white peach, citrus and aromatic herb alongside an energizing mineral vein. It finishes crisp and clean.
A blend of 65% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, this is slightly more open and accessible than the companion Cabernet Sauvignon, but it's clearly structured for cellaring. The plump, expressive midpalate opens generously and spreads fully across the tongue, offering notes of cherry, cassis, licorice and pepper.
A blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, this is a crisp fruity wine with attractive acidity and lemon flavors that have been given some time to soften out. It has a touch of barrel aging, but the wine is really all about fruitiness. Drink now.
A blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, this is opulent and full bodied, with toast and wood flavors. Rich and ripe, this beautiful wine is generous and still young, with just a touch of bitterness at the end.
A blend of 66% Syrah and 34% Caladoc, this pale blush-colored rosé has a nose of peach, grapefruit and freesia that lead to flavors of strawberry, tart cherry, almond blossom and nutmeg. There's a pleasing balance of creaminess and acidity.
A blend of 67% Sangiovese, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, this wine offers an intriguing assortment of raspberry jam, black licorice, vanilla and spice box. It's elegant, with a supple feel to the tangy fruit flavors backed by a firm squeeze of tannins.
A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, this offers aromas of high-toned red fruit, French-oak spice and herbs that lead to luxurious but still in-check dark-fruit flavors. Tart black-tea accents persist on the finish.
A blend of 68% Shiraz, 18% Grenache, 10% Cinsault and 4% Tinta Barocca, this is one of the finest reds coming out of South Africa today. It is powerful and concentrated, yet elegant and refined, with notes of lush red cherry, raspberry and plum that are complemented by notes of game, pepper and fynbos. Fine yet gripping tannins and tight fruit flavors lend a solid structure to the rich mouthfeel, while notes of peppered berries and mentholated herbs linger long on the finish. Drink 2020–2025.
A blend of 69% Cabernet and 31% Shiraz, Yalumba's 2004 The Reserve is still firm and dusty on the finish, suggesting at least another 2–3 years of cellaring are warranted. Cassis, caramel, earth and vanilla notes are all nicely integrated into a cohesive whole, with the result being a dark, chocolaty wine that's savory as much as it is fruity.
A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot, this carries aromas of fresh tar, blackberry and vanilla. The medium- to full-bodied palate demonstrates a judicious balance between its firm tannins and acids. The finish is seductive with its lingering notes of mocha and dark berry compote.
A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot, this is a dense and brooding wine, with dark notes of cassis, licorice, black plum, date and cigar-box spice on the nose and in the mouth. The palate is firmly structured, with medium tannins and balanced alcohol that lend the wine a crushed-velvet texture. Glimmers of charred oak and toasted spice linger long on the finish. Delicious now, but should develop more layer and nuance with time; drink through 2018.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, this feels a little light on flesh, providing little cushion to the high acids. A campfire smokiness underscores the rusty dark-fruit note, which ultimately finishes a bit short.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, this vibrant wine delivers aromas and flavors of tilled soil, underbrush, juicy red berry, leather, mint and mocha. It's elegant and balanced with fine-grained tannins.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Mavrud (an indigenous Bulgarian variety), this garnet-colored wine has a bouquet of blackberry, black plum and smoked meats. Soft tannins support the rich flavor of black plum, backed by a generous sprinkling of vanilla.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, this easygoing red offers aromas and flavors of red currant, black cherry, white pepper and a hint of clove. Smooth, rather fleeting tannins provide the easy-drinking framework.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, this wine features earthy aromas of leafy forest floor, tilled soil and dried black currant. The straightforward palate delivers juicy blackberry, raspberry and clove alongside smooth tannins. Drink through 2016.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, this elegantly structured wine opens with aromas of ripe black fruit, cedar, leather and a whiff of exotic spice. The firm palate delivers ripe black cherry, plum, coffee, grilled herb and ground clove alongside firm but polished tannins.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, this subdued red discloses aromas of mature, dark-skinned fruit, violet, espresso and allspice. The palate delivers dried black cherry and a tad of anise alongside smooth but fleeting tannins that generate a short finish. Already extremely accessible, it's starting to dry out so drink through 2016.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 8% Syrah, this offers aromas of cassis, cedar, leather, black pepper and grilled herb. On the palate, coffee, chocolate, toast and a hint of powdered sage accent the blackberry and dried cherry core. Polished tannins make this already accessible. Drink through 2019.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot, this offers bright red berry, menthol, cedar, espresso and savory herb aromas. On the palate, polished tannins support juicy dark cherry, blackberry, licorice, coffee and toasted notes. Enjoy through 2017.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, this wine offers a bouquet that is equal parts black plum and green pepper. Fruit holds sway over chalky tannins, with flavors of black cherry and raspberry that are joined by chocolate covered espresso bean and green pepper notes.
A blend of 70% Carricante, 15%, Catarratto and 15% Grillo this offers aromas of dried Spanish broom, candied lemon peel and a hint of butterscotch. The ripe palate offers mature apple, candied ginger and mineral, with a note of bitter almond on the close. Made without added sulfites.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Blanc, this was barrel fermented in 20% new oak, and aged sur lie for a full year. The deep green/gold hue, and the scents of toasted, oiled nuts, tip you off to the fact that this may already drinking at its prime. It's soft, oaky and slightly liquorous.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, this begins with aromas of chamomile, honey and acacia. The lively palate offers ripe yellow apple, candied citrus and walnut alongside a persistent perlage and bright acidity.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, this delivers sensations of ripe Golden Delicious apple, acacia flower, toasted nuts and honey. The creamy palate is brightened by soft acidity and a refined perlage.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, this elegant wine opens with an alluring fragrance of white flowers and stone fruit. Made with no dosage, the linear palate offers juicy yellow apple, citrus, toasted almond and a hint of spice. A refined perlage accentuates the mineral finish.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, this offers aromas of white stone fruit and toasted bread crust. The palate delivers mature Golden Delicious apple, hazelnut and a hint of candied tangerine. A refined perlage provides the backdrop.
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, this offers aromas that recall beeswax, pressed white flowers and peach. The palate offers ripe yellow apple, pineapple, citrus and a note of toasted walnut alongside bright acidity and firm, vivacious bubbles.
A blend of 70% Clairette, 15% Sémillon and 15% Rolle, this is a slightly nutty, almondy white with touches of honeyed richness and apricot. Turns a bit astringent on the finish.
A blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara, this has aromas of black-skinned berry, cooking spice and underbrush. The dense palate delivers blackberry jam, vanilla and clove alongside tightly wound tannins. Drink through 2021.
A blend of 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d'Avola, this boasts enticing scents of fragrant blue flower, rose and ripe dark-skinned berry. The succulent palate doles out tart red cherry, blackberry, star anise and ground pepper framed in supple tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note wraps up the finish.
A blend of 70% Friulano, 15% Ribolla Gialla and 15% Malvasia, this is perfumed with scents suggesting yellow flower, apple, citrus fruit and hazelnut. The vibrant palate is loaded with verve and finesse, offering peach, Golden Delicious apple, sage, fennel and a hint of candied tangerine zest. A note of bitter almond closes the tangy finish.
A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, this is an invitingly juicy and spicy rosé, packed with strawberry-mint and pomegranate flavors and a long, savory finish. It's a great introduction to this winery and its talent for creating Rhône-inspired wines.
A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, this is a full-bodied, plush example of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Cracked pepper, licorice and crushed stone fold gently into layers of plummy fruit, then finish with a lingering note of mocha. Drink now–2020 or so.
A blend of 70% Gros Manseng and 30% Petit Manseng, this is a serious, full-bodied wine that's rich and concentrated. It has weight, ripe quince and green plum flavors, and strong herb and honey elements. It is ready to drink, although it should last up to a year.
A blend of 70% Insolia and 30% Chardonnay, this easy-drinking wine has apple, peach, pear and citrus sensations. The round, juicy palate is one-dimensional but easy to enjoy.
A blend of 70% Inzolia and 30% Viognier, this bright wine offers aromas of yellow stone fruit and citrus. The straightforward palate shows peach, unripe apricot and lime alongside zesty acidity.
A blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne, this is unusually aromatic for a white Hermitage, with perfumed notes of pineapple and melon underscored by hints of graphite. It's plump on the midpalate and custardy-rich in texture, yet focused and long on the finish. Drink now, or sometime after 2017.
A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, this delightful Rosato unfolds with a pretty floral and berry fragrance. The bright, refreshing palate offers crunchy red cherry, strawberry and pink grapefruit accented with a light cinnamon note.
A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Syrah this garnet-colored wine has aromas of bright cherry, blackberry and dried oregano. In the mouth, there are flavors of cherry and dried Mediterranean herbs. The tannins are pleasantly astringent and the finish is persistent.
A blend of 70% Nebbiolo 20%, Croatina and 10% Vespolina, this fragrant wine opens with aromas of underbrush, crushed rock, allspice, violet, mint and red berry. The understated palate offers dried cherry, anise, a light herbal note and a hint of mineral alongside polished tannins. Enjoy through 2016.
A blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Frappato, this elegant wine opens with aromas of dark cherry, strawberry, blue flower and spice. The juicy fruit carries over to the soft, supple palate together with notes of toast and espresso. Drink through 2017.
A blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Nocera from the extreme tip of northeastern Sicily, this offers enticing scents of violet, red berry and Mediterranean brush. The bright, juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, chopped herb and a note of ground pepper alongside fresh acidity and round, polished tannins. Drink through 2019.
A blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Syrah, this straightforward, full-bodied wine opens with aromas of toast, dark spice, and ripe black-skinned fruit. The chewy palate doles out ripe blackberry, smoke, licorice and ground pepper framed in fine-grained tannins.
A blend of 70% Pinot Grigio and 30% Ribolla Gialla, this bright white opens with floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle, white pepper and stone fruit. The Ribolla Gialla element adds structure and notes of caramel and pineapple.
A blend of 70% Pinot Nero and 30% Chardonnay, this has aromas of ripe orchard fruit, citrus and a whiff of pastry dough. The bright palate delivers golden apple and toasted almond alongside small persistent bubbles and fresh acidity.
A blend of 70% Pinot Nero and 30% Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of toast, bread crust, ripe pear and a whiff of dried wild flower. The firm, elegant palate offers ripe Golden Delicious apple, tangerine zest, almond and a hint of ginger alongside a persistent perlage and fresh acidity.
A blend of 70% Pinot Nero and 30% Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of toast, roasted nuts, mature apple and pear. The palate offers rich apricot, citrus, bread crust and vanilla alongside a fine, persistent perlage.
A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from grand cru vineyards, this is a clean, precisely made wine that almost seems engineered—it's that crisply defined. It shows perfect, streaming, tiny bubbles, a tight, yeasty entry and a steely, concise finish.
A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot, this simple, informal red presents violet, berry and herbaceous aromas. The easy-drinking palate doles out blackberry and wild cherry with soft acidity.
A blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot, this bold wine conveys earthy aromas of blackberry, leather, tilled soil and a balsamic note. The ripe, creamy palate delivers juicy black plum, cassis, savory herb and baking spice balanced by smooth, velvety tannins. The lingering finish closes on a note of ground black pepper.
A blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot, this opens with aromas of blue flower, plum cake, raisin, mocha and a whiff of resin. The dense palate offers blackberry, plum, vanilla, roasted coffee bean and sage alongside tightly compacted tannins that need to unwind.
A blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of underbrush, scorched earth and espresso. The evolved palate offers coffee, toast and dried black cherry set against mouth-puckering tannins that grip the finish.
A blend of 70% Sauvignon and 30% Chardonnay that's fermented and aged in barriques, this opens with wood-driven aromas of toast, oak and butterscotch. Oak also takes center stage on the palate, with apricot and lemon zest in the background.
A blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, Plantagenet's Hazard Hill white is fresh and grapefruity, with hints of melon to help round it out. Crisp acids and modest weight make it refreshing--it would be fine as an apéritif or with seafood. Drink now.
A blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache, this robust red opens with aromas of ripe, black-skinned fruit, cedar and ground pepper. The concentrated palate doles out fleshy black cherries and black currants accented by licorice and allspice. Velvety tannins and the heat of evident alcohol provide the framework. It will definitely appeal to fans of bold, muscular wines, but it's shy on freshness so drink now.
A blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 10% Carignan, this opens with skin-driven, black-fruit aromas and accents of savory herbs and forest floor. The medium-weight mouth offers gripping yet fine tannins and a decadent richness to the black cherry core.
A blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, this wine is quite perfumed, with intense aromas of spiced black cherry, forest berry and licorice. The medium-weight palate is plush and mouthfilling, with velvety tannins lending structure to the ripe black-fruit flavors, alongside a touch of graphite. The enduring finish beams with notes of licorice and black pepper.
A blend of 70% Teroldego and 30% Lagrein, this opens with aromas of forest floor, crushed blackberry, toasted oak and vanilla. The simple, straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, espresso and a mocha note alongside dusty tannins.
A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, black plum and saddle leather. It is fruit forward on the palate, with flavors of cherry and cherry cola joined by notes of baking spice that continue into the soft but persistent finish.
A blend of 73% Petite Sirah with 17% Zinfandel, this is a black, inky wine, as to be expected, from Spring Mountain's longstanding York Creek Vineyard. Dusty, earthy and mouthfilling, it is out and out savory. Tastes of black pepper and gamy oak lead to a lingering finish marked by more peppery spice.
A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 2% Malbec and 2% Merlot, this wine offers velvety blackberry jam and chocolate in undulating waves. Dusty, soft tannins complete the likable package, while the finish is akin to enjoying baked plums in a cigar bar.
A blend of 74% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 6% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre and 4% Cinsault, this is an elegant and harmonious wine. It showcases a masterful balance between lush, ripe black berry fruits and earthy, toasty spice. With its crushed-velvet texture, bold fruit flavors and lingering spice accents, the wine is easy to appreciate and enjoy now, yet structured enough to age well for another 6–10 years.
A blend of 75% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, this features scorched herb, tar, leather and dark cherry aromas. It's a graceful, medium-weight wine, endowed with polished tannins and pliant acids.
A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc from a sweet vineyard spot near Dalle Valle, this is a lovely, softly textured wine. Shy on the nose yet powerful on the palate, it offers a burst of tightly wound tannin and leather at the fore. Chocolate and dried herb with a layering of black licorice give it a dark complexion and build. Be sure to mellow it in the cellar, through 2022.
A blend of 75% Merlot with 25% Cabernet Franc, the wine has richness. It also has the firm dry tannins that are typical of the vintage. It is dry and solid with its black-currant fruits still developing. It needs to age further, so wait until 2018.
A blend of 75% Pinot Nero and 25% Chardonnay, this offers aromas of white spring flowers, citrus zest, walnut and a whiff of exotic spice. The racy palate delivers ripe apple, pastry, hazelnut, vanilla and a note of candied ginger alongside bright acidity and a vibrant mousse.
A blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, this conveys a subtle fragrance of rose, apple and a whiff of toasted hazelnut. The savory palate offers Marasca cherry and strawberry alongside a note of pastry cream backed up by crisp acidity and a lively perlage. It's a great deal at this price point.
A blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, this is the top wine from Vollereaux. It is dry and crisp, although with ripe fruits in the background. Just becoming mature, this is a wine to hold for another couple of years and drink from 2018.
A blend of 75% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 10% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino, this easygoing red opens with subtle black-skinned fruit and tilled soil scents. Smooth tannins frame the straightforward palate, which delivers ripe black cherry and leather notes. Drink through 2019.
A blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon, this definitely reflects the cool 2011 vintage in its steely tension. The clean green-fruit flavors are well defined and highlighted with notes of grassy herbs and saline minerality.
A blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is somewhat unformed, with notions of black olive and garrigue suggested but never quite committed to. The finish is lean and diluted.
A blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese, this easygoing red has aromas of toast, espresso, chopped mint and a whiff of brown baking spice. The straightforward palate shows black currant, licorice and clove alongside fine-grained tannins.
A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest Merlot, there is a sweet, cinnamon note that punches through, giving accents of spice and candy to the forward red-fruit flavor. This is easy drinking and very tasty—drink up.
A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot and 5% Malbec, this is a tight, focused selection, with excellent precision to the black plum, blackberry, dried raspberry and cassis fruit core. Well-integrated accents of leather, cigar box and pine resin add depth and complexity. The medium-weight palate is structured yet elegant, with fine-grain, lingering tannins. Drink now through 2020.
A blend of 8 prime vineyards scattered across the appellation, this is a delicately light, but savory, Pinot Noir, the kind that supports food rather than overshadowing it. The cherry, tea, cola, herb and subtle oak flavors are restrained, leading to a dry, balanced finish.
A blend of 80% Cabernet and 20% Syrah, this easygoing wine offers blackberry and red currant sensations accented with notes of cracked black pepper. Round tannins make this extremely accessible so enjoy soon.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot coming from the cool 2011 vintage, this wine leans into the savory with notes of leafy herbs, cherry, raspberries and woodspice. The supple, textured, dazzling mouthfeel is the star of this show, with elegance and deftness leading to an exceptionally long finish.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, 10% Cabernet from Sonoma County's Monte Rosso Vineyard and 10% Petit Verdot from Napa, this wine reflects the cool vintage. It offers herb, cedar and peppercorn on the nose along with plenty of acidity and structure. The fruit tends red in cassis and cranberry, finishing juicy.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot, this offering is defined in light, ethereal layers of soft, floral red fruit. The mix of pomegranate, cassis and cranberry is buoyed by natural acidity and a streak of black pepper.
A blend of 80% Carricante and 20% Catarratto, this offers heady aromas of Spanish Broom, linden blossom and white stone fruit. The bright palate offers yellow apple, unripe peach, lemon zest and mineral alongside refreshing acidity.
A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Bianco, this has sensations of yellow apples, beeswax, citrus and mineral. It's simple but well made and would work well with lightly seasoned fish or pasta dishes topped with vegetable sauces.
A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Nero, this opens with aromas of white flower, dried apricot, vanilla and toasted hazlenut. The palate offers tart apple, lemon zest and note of brioche alongside crisp acidity.
A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, this straightforward sparkler conveys aromas of red berry, mature apple and toasted nut. The palate offers cherry, strawberry and roasted almond notes alongside sharp acidity.
A blend of 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella and 10% Oseleta, this elegantly structured wine has a fragrance of black-skinned berry, cinnamon and underbrush. The earthy palate delivers ripe black plum, blackberry jam, cocoa and a hint of truffle while velvety tannins lend finesse. Enjoy through 2022.
A blend of 80% Grillo and 20% Viognier, this conveys heady aromas of fragrant white flowers, exotic fruit and apricot. The palate delivers rich yellow peach, mango and citrus with a hint of sweet vanilla.
A blend of 80% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cab Franc and 4% Syrah, this offers notes of blackberry and baked cherry, tobacco and Indian spice. Medium to full in body, this has a juicy core, which is framed by sturdy tannins. A note of maraschino reverberates on the dry finish.
A blend of 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in barriques, this opens with aromas of bell pepper, cedar and red currant. The palate delivers dried black cherries, coffee, mocha and grilled herbs alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
A blend of 80% Nebbiolo, 10% Vespolina and 10% Croatina, this opens with enticing aromas of red woodland berry and a whiff of a vineyard in bloom. The fresh savory palate doles out crunchy sour cherry, pomegranate and a hint of tangerine zest while a mineral vein wraps up the finish.
A blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, this conveys aromas of pressed blue flower, mature plum and toast. The palate offers blackberry extract, espresso, clove and a confectionary note alongside dusty tannins. It finishes on a bitter note.
A blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, this has aromas that recall weedy underbrush, black plum, resin, nutmeg and toasted oak. The dense palate offers mature blackberry, dried black cherry, fig and clove alongside angular tannins. It's reached its ideal drinking window so enjoy soon.
A blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, this straightforward, savory wine leads with aromas of spicy plum, black cherry and freshly ground pepper that carry over to the palate. Fresh acidity and polished tannins balance the juicy fruit flavors.
A blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio, this medium-bodied red has aromas of wild berry, mocha, cake spice and a whiff of toast. The straightforward, easygoing palate offers wild cherry and star anise alongside fine-grained, rather fleeting tannins. Drink through 2018.
A blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Petit Verdot, this offers aromas of toast, mature black-skinned berry, scorched earth, espresso and clove. The evolved palate delivers dried black currant, licorice, roasted coffee bean and tobacco alongside close grained tannins.
A blend of 80% Nero d'Avola and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this delivers ripe blackberry, black cherry, red currant and vanilla flavors with a hint of mocha. Firm, round tannins balance the juicy palate.
A blend of 80% of the two red Pinot grapes and 20% Chardonnay, this is lightly tannic and structured. At the same time, the red-berry fruits shine through to produce a wine that is dry, crisp and attractively fruity. Ready to drink now.
A blend of 80% Pinot Nero and 20% Chardonnay, this vibrant sparkler offers delicate, appealing aromas of apple, mature pear, toast and bread crust that carry over to the expressive palate along with a note of citrus zest. An elegant continuous perlage accompanies the creamy flavors while a note of toasted hazelnut wraps up the finish.
A blend of 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, this rosé sparkles in well-hewn acidity, a dry mix of white peach that's fruity and decadent in creamy waves of soft texture and yeasty bubbles. It finishes with length and breadth, an ideal match for the table.
A blend of 80% Primitivo and 20% Aglianico, this dense wine opens with aromas of toasted oak, spearmint and spice alongside ripe black fruit and prune. The one-dimensional palate serves up mature—almost overripe—blackberry layered with hints of vanilla extract, bitter prune and sugared coffee.
A blend of 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, both grown in Chiles Valley, this wine was 100% stainless-steel fermented. Jasmine and a sweetness of fresh-picked corn show off on the nose, while a wet stone minerality peeks through on the palate. Light and velvety, the wine offers body and complexity, and should age interestingly. Drink now through 2018.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this informal red has subdued aromas suggesting of dark-berry, violet and a hint of kitchen spice. The light-bodied simple palate shows black cherry, dried plum and a hint of toast alongside soft, rather fleeting tannins.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo, this discloses aromas of red berries, wet leaves and balsamic herbs. The smooth palate offers sour cherry and black raspberry accented with notes of white pepper and clove. Enjoy now through 2016.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo and Colorino, this has aromas of black plum and baking spice. On the brisk palate, racy acidity and rounded tannins support sour cherry, clove and herb. Enjoy soon.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia and Merlot, it has aromas of underbrush and tobacco leaf alongside notes of espresso and spice. The linear palate offers black cherry accented by notes of nutmeg and black pepper, with firm but rather fleeting tannins.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, this opens with aromas of sun-baked earth, ripe plum, blue flower and a whiff of oak-driven spice. The firm palate delivers dried black cherry, anise, coconut, mocha and grilled sage alongside dusty tannins that leave a slightly astringent finish.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, this robust wine shows the heat of the vintage. It opens with aromas that recall scorched earth, espresso, French oak, dark spice and a balsamic note while the warm palate offers dried black cherry, raisin, licorice and menthol framed in bracing tannins. The finish is dominated by evident alcohol that throws it somewhat off-balance.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Montepulciano, this opens with savory aromas of tobacco, leather, cola, cherry cola and white licorice. The mouthfeel is fresh, light and slightly tart on the finish.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese with the remaining made up of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of black-skinned fruit and espresso. The straightforward palate offers black plum and clove alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with delicate blackberry and violet aromas. The palate delivers wild cherry, cedar and star anise flavors, braced by firm tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this starts with aromas of red berry, blue flower and spice. The juicy palate serves up black cherry and cinnamon-spice along with notes of espresso. It's soft and one-dimensional but delicious none the less.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 10% Colorino, this simple, fruity wine opens with discreet aromas of violet, red berries and black plum. The palate is rather lean, but you can detect black cherry and a hint of pepper. It finishes on a drying, tannic note.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas that recall mature plum, violet, oak and a whiff of exotic spice. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, star anise and a whiff of grilled herb alongside firm, refined tannins that give the finish grip.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 10% Syrah, this was our favorite of the Montemassi wines. Spice and meat accents plum and chocolate flavors, while the mouthfeel is full and velvety smooth. Drink now–2015.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Syrah, this concentrated wine opens with aromas of ripe black-skinned berry, exotic spice, vanilla and French oak. The rich palate offers mature black cherry, red currant, cedar and mocha alongside fine-grained tannins. It will definitely appeal to fans of French influenced Tuscan bottlings.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this wine begins with aromas of oak, vanilla, toast and espresso. The palate offers up ripe black cherry, black currant and coffee sweetened with vanilla. It finishes on a note of drying wood tannins.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah, this robust but easy-drinking wine opens with aromas that recall blue flower, tilled soil, underbrush and ripe berries. The juicy palate delivers wild cherry, raspberry, white pepper and a hint of espresso along side soft tannins.
A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, this boasts assertive aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry, raspberry, bramble and licorice root, with accents of black pepper and cocoa powder. The velvety tannins frame the dark fruit core on the palate, with lingering notes of dried fig and charred pepper on the close.
A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, this seductive wine opens with rich aromas of chocolate covered cherry, raspberry, mocha and black licorice. High acidity lifts the rich black-fruit flavors on the palate, while fine tannins lend a subtly gripping texture. Drink now.
A blend of 80% Trebbiano and 20% Malvasia partially fermented in barriques, this has subtle aromas of orchard fruit and a hint of pressed flower. The bright medium-bodied palate offers suggestions of ripe Golden Delicious apple, lemon peel and a hint of oak-driven spice.
A blend of 80% Verdicchio, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, this has a delicate floral fragrance of white flowers and beeswax. The palate offers lemon-lime, pear and citrus flavors, along with sharp acidity.
A blend of 80% Vidal Blanc and 20% Riesling, this has scents of caramelized white orchard fruit, baguette and button-mushroom cap. The pliable, medium-bodied palate tastes off dry, and it's detailed with a quince-paste note that adds extra appeal.
A blend of 81% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. An unusually tight Pedestal, this absolutely must be decanted. It opens well, with black fruits, toasted grain, and firm tannins, then hits a wall and stops short. However, with a lot of breathing time and/or aerating, it broadens out a bit and shows more length and finesse.
A blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, this robust red is juicy and smoky, offering tastes of blackberry, cassis and mocha. Dusty tannins give a heaviness, accented by black licorice on the finish.
A blend of 83% Syrah with 17% Petite Sirah, this is a juicy wine, bursting in black plum, blackberry and gamy smoke. Low in oak imprint, it's medium bodied, approachable and easy to like, plenty tannic but not over the top.
A blend of 85% Aglianico and 15% Merlot, this has inviting aromas of blackberry and new leather. The dense palate delivers blackberry jam, licorice and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside chewy tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot, this descriptively named wine has a nose of raspberry, bell pepper and leather. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry, eucalyptus, anisette and clove coalesce on the palate among chewy tannins. The refined finish is enlivened by a burst of crystalline acidity.
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, this has aromas of red currant, green bell pepper and clove. The bright palate delivers cassis, cedar and espresso framed in polished tannins.
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot, this was built to be approachable young. Grapes are sourced from an estate, organically farmed vineyard as well as two neighboring properties, Pickberry and Murray Ranch. Tobacco forms around a juiciness of blackberry and raspberry, giving it a sultry edge, while maintaing soft tannins throughout.
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of mature blackberries, blueberries, cedar, aromatic dried herbs and black pepper. On the smooth palate, notes of exotic spice, licorice, menthol and espresso accent the core of dried black cherry. It's well balanced, with velvety tannins and surprising freshness for what was a torrid vintage.
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Zinfandel and 5% Petit Verdot, a block and barrel selection of the producer's best lots, this is a well-made, impressive wine. Leather saddle and robust tannin is accented by dried herb, espresso and smoke, making for a burly explosion of blackberry and cherry.
A blend of 85% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero and 5% Pinot Bianco, this opens with pretty aromas of yellow flower, candied citrus and peach. The creamy palate doles out zesty lemon peel, mature yellow apple and ginger while vibrant acidity generates a clean finish.
A blend of 85% Chenin Blanc and 15% Viognier, this white is part sweet and part sour, with honey and peach coming through a murky cloud of wood. Still, enjoy it with Asian food slathered in spice or as the first sip on a hot day.
A blend of 85% Melnik, 10% Grenache Noir and 5% Petit Verdot, this wine has aromas of saddle leather, cassis and dark chocolate. In the mouth there are flavors of cherry, chocolate and dried blueberry. It has good balance with a soft tannic finish.
A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has an oxidative aroma that overrides the scents of cassis, blackberry, spiced mocha and vanilla. The medium-bodied palate feels soft and malleable, and it comes with a raisin-like edge. Finishes a bit short.
A blend of 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Uva Rara, this fragrant red boasts alluring scents of pressed rose, moist earth, aromatic herb and whiff of exotic spice. The racy straightforward palate doles out tart red cherry, star anise and a hint of clove alongside fine-grained tannins and firm acidity.
A blend of 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina, this opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, leather, game and perfumed berry. The gamey notes carry over to the palate along with dried cherry, baking spice, mint, rosemary and mineral. Polished tannins balance out the rustic sensations. Drink through 2022.
A blend of 85% Nerello Mascalese and 15% international varieties, this opens with aromas of toasted oak, mocha, vanilla and grilled bell pepper. The aromas carry through to the palate, along with cassis, cedar and graphite.
A blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot, this is a mouthful of intense, smoky blueberry and leather. Licorice and tar intermingle on the midpalate with the finish decisively earthy in graphite.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this offers aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, underbrush and black pepper. The palate offers dried black cherry, blackberry, clove, anise and espresso alongside assertive tannins. A slightly bitter note of dried sage marks the finish.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has aromas of blueberry and blue flower. The palate offers sour cherry and prune accented with hints of white pepper and green bell pepper alongside bitter tannins. Overall this feels lean and lacks freshness. It's not an ager so drink soon.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has subdued aromas suggesting scorched earth, coffee bean and a whiff of dark spice. The round palate offers dried black cherry, espresso and a hint of cake spice framed in pliant tannins. Drink soon to capture the remaining freshness.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Malvasia, this pretty wine discloses a fruit aroma of bright red berries along with a touch of iris and spice. The soft palate offers ripe dark cherry, cinnamon and a hint of chocolate alongside round, friendly tannins. Not an ager so enjoy soon.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Alicante and 5% Ciliegiolo, this wine has earthy aromas that recall wet soil, leather and pressed blue flower petals. The juicy palate delivers fleshy black cherry and raspberry. Notes of black pepper, espresso and Mediterranean herbs add interest.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Canaiolo, it opens with aromas of violet, raspberry and spice. The juicy, forward palate delivers black cherry accented with notes of white pepper and espresso.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino, this offers delicate ripe black-skinned fruit and cooking spice aromas. On the palate, ripe black cherry, espresso and clove flavors are framed by firm tannins. Drink through 2019.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino, this opens with aromas of ripe berry, grilled herb and toasted oak. The juicy, straightforward palate offers up dried black cherry, espresso and clove framed in polished tannins. Drink through 2018.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo and 5% Malvasia, this serves up earthy aromas of wet soil, blue flower and overripe black plum. The overripeness continues on the palate with mature black cherry and raisin as well as bitter walnut, coffee and espresso notes. It concludes on a drying note of astringent wood tannins.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo and 5% Syrah, this offers subtle aromas of black fruit and spice. The fresh palate delivers sour cherry, raspberry, blueberry and hints of black pepper notes alongside drying tannins. There's not much complexity but it's enjoyable.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino and 5% Canaiolo, this offers pretty aromas of pressed rose, violet, berry, menthol and a whiff of ground cooking spice. The linear palate offers mature black cherry, orange zest, clove, white pepper, licorice and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino and 5% Pugnitello, this savory red offers dark berry and blue flower aromas with a whiff of cooking spice. The bright palate displays juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry and a note of ground white pepper alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon to capture the fresh fruit flavors.
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this conveys aromas of wood shop, mature plum, mint, crushed violet and scorched earth. The palate offers dried black cherry, sensations of cured meat and roasted coffee bean alongside raspy, drying tannins. This is already quite evolved.
A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec, this wine is more about elegance and detail than outright power, though it brings plenty of that as well. The blackberry, dark coffee and herb flavors are alternately light but rich, showing plenty of nuance and precision as well as great length.
A blend of 86% Chardonnay and 14% Pinot Noir, this is a subtle and delicate méthode cap classique. Notes of pear flesh, red apple and orange rind unfold on the nose and mouth. The palate is fresh and lively, thanks to medium acidity and brisk carbonation, while a hint of toast graces the finish.
A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Syrah that's perfectly serviceable and incredibly herbaceous with green pepper and olive tapenade against soft oak.
A blend of 87% Sangiovese, 10% Foglia Tonda and Merlot, this delicious red offers aromas of blue flower, wild berry, new leather and forest floor. The round enveloping palate doles out raspberry jam, fleshy black cherry, chopped herb and star anise alongside velvety tannins. It closes on a zesty, orange-peel note. Drink through 2019.
A blend of 88% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Chardonnay, this is bright and expressive, with forward aromas of white peach, yellow florals, fresh grass and sweet-orange citrus. Those notes carry through to the lively palate, with prickly acidity that keeps the finish crisp and clean.
A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, this wine has subtle baking spice and a velvety texture of soft, red fruit. With the barest minimum of grip on the back palate, it's ready to drink now.
A blend of 89% Sangiovese, 11% Merlot and Alicante, this wine offers fruity, earthy aromas of wet soil, tobacco leaf and hints of truffle. The structured palate delivers plum and black cherry layered with notes of espresso, oak and chocolate. It's fresh with youthful tannins. Drink through 2020.
A blend of 90% Barbera and 10% Viognier made into a white wine, this bottling is mired in candy apple and white grapy flavors. It's round and otherwise simple.
A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 6% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, this high-end Coppola offering is like liquid chocolate on the nose.t\Thick and dense on the front of the palate, it settles into a mix of cherry, strawberry and clove.
A blend of 90% Carignano and 10% Syrah, this offers aromas of steeped plum, scorched soil, peppercorn and eucalyptus. The bold, full-bodied palate delivers black cherry marinated in spirits, fig, ground pepper and licorice alongside tightly laced, fine-grained tannins.
A blend of 90% Carignano and 10% Syrah, this vibrant, spicy rosato delivers juicy strawberry, wild cherry, orange zest, anise and white pepper. Crisp acidity gives it a clean, quenching finish.
A blend of 90% Chardonnay with 10% Pinot Blanc makes this a Blanc de Blancs (not indicated on the label). The wine itself is fruity, soft and with creamed-apple acidity to give it a lift. The light mousse gives a gentle aftertaste. Drink now.
A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah from the Armada Vineyard, this expresses its characteristic mix of superripe fruit and organic funk. Cracker, berry, spice and earth components all seem to compete a bit in the mouth and need more bottle time to fully meld together.
A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Carmenère, this opens with aromas that recall red currant, toast and a balsamic note. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, leather, game, truffle and a cedar note alongside supple tannins.
A blend of 90% Picolit, 5% Sauvignon and 5% Friulano, this opens with aromas that recall dried yellow peach, candied ginger and a hint of exotic spice. Made with dried grapes, the rich creamy palate delivers apricot jam, baked pear and hint of acacia honey.
A blend of 90% Pinot Nero and 10% Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of citrus zest, ripe orchard fruit, toast and a whiff of acacia flower. The creamy palate offers mature yellow apple, honey and tangerine zest set against bright acidity and a refined perlage.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has enticing scents of fragrant blue flower, wild berry, anise and a whiff of exotic spice. The palate boasts structure and finesse, offering black cherry, cinnamon, white pepper and a hint of tobacco backed up by lithe tannins and bright acidity.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of oak, rubber and unusual sensations that recall petrol. There's more oak than fruit on the palate, delivering toasted oak, espresso, vanilla and coffee alongside hints of black cherry. It closes on an astringent, tannic note.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this forward wine opens with aromas that recall scorched earth, blue flowers and baked plum. The evolved, rather rustic palate offers black cherry, cured meat and game alongside fleeting tannins.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with aromas of violet, mature plum, espresso and a whiff of forest floor. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper, toast and clove while packed, fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink through 2020.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with delicate ripe black plum and Mediterranean herb aromas. It's firm and straightforward on the palate, delivering black cherry and black tea flavors. Drink through 2019.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with scents that suggest dark berry, sunbaked earth and cooking spice. The medium-bodied palate offers mature Marasca cherry, raspberry, toast and a sprinkling of clove alongside dusty tannins.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, this informal red has subdued aromas suggesting of dark-berry, violet and a hint of kitchen spice. The light-bodied simple palate shows black cherry, dried plum alongside soft tannins.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Mammolo, this offers classic varietal scents of underbrush, wild berry, blue flower and a whiff of leather. The firm palate delivers dried black cherry, raspberry, white pepper and anise framed in tightly packed but mature tannins. Drink through 2020.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this discloses weedy, leafy aromas. The one-dimensional palate offers toast, coffee, sweet chocolate and dark berry. It's not an an ager so enjoy soon.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this easygoing red has aromas of underbrush, truffle, black plum and a whiff of toast. The soft round palate is already rather evolved, offering dried black cherry, clove and a hint of raisin alongside soft, supple tannins. It's extremely approachable, so enjoy soon.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this lively, structured wine opens with aromas of underbrush, violet, woodland berries and peppery notes. The succulent palate delivers a core of vibrant red cherry accented with white pepper, cinnamon and a hint of vanilla alongside solid but refined tannins. Delicious now but hold a few years for complexity. Drink 2015–2010. Votto Vines Importing, Slocum & Sons, Genesis Marketing Concepts.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this wine commences with aromas of blueberry jam, black currants and spice. The structured, fruity palate delivers rich black cherry, blackberry and vanilla layered with chocolate and nutmeg alongside firm but fine tannins.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Montepulciano, this opens with aromas of violet, toast and spiced plum. The ripe palate offers dried black cherry, licorice and espresso. It's balanced with round, hearty tannins.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 10% Caniaolo and Merlot, it offers big, ripe black cherry flavors accented with notes of black pepper and cinnamon-spice. The juicy fruit flavors are supported by a solid tannic backbone. It has a forward nature so enjoy soon.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this opens with aromas of red currant, cedar and exotic spice. The medium-bodied palate delivers black cherry, peppermint, black pepper and grilled herb alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this opens with bright aromas of woodland berry, blue flower and dark cooking spice. The soft, easy-drinking palate offers juicy wild cherry, cinnamon and a hint of clove alongside glossy tannins. Drink soon to capture freshness.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this opens with earthy aromas of truffle, scorched earth, violet and a touch of dark spice. The palate offers dried black cherry and ground pepper alongside fine-grained tannins. It also shows the heat of the vintage, so drink soon.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, this opens with violet and baking spice aromas. The dense palate delivers ripe black cherry, clove and cocoa flavors, with grippy tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino, this opens with aromas that recall charred earth, blackberry, blue flowers and a whiff of game. The taut palate offers dried black cherry, mint and brown baking spices alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.
A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 8% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino, this has earthy aromas of truffle, sunbaked soil, leather and a balsamic note. Round and savory, the smooth, polished palate tastes of raspberry jam, ripe black cherry, licorice and a hint of pipe tobacco. Velvety enveloping tannins provide the framework while a dried herb note accents the finish. Enjoy through 2022.
A blend of 90% Vermentino and 10% Viognier, this shows the grassy, citrusy characteristics of the former variety with floral highlights coming from the latter. The mouthfeel is fresh and easy.
A blend of 92% Chardonnay and 8% Pinot Noir, this is elegant in weight, offering a brioche note that adds character to the subdued pomaceous flavors.
A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, this soft, approachable wine from a storied producer is meant to enjoy young and yet exudes plenty of complexity. Luscious aromas of graham cracker and blueberry jam belie a classically balanced measure of integrated tannins and dark chocolate. Drink now through 2020.
A blend of 95% Carignano 5% Bovale Sardo, this savory wine offers aromas of black currant, coffee, cooking spice and chopped herb. The firm palate delivers blackberry, baking spice and a hint of licorice alongside velvety tannins.
A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot, this wine speaks to power, offering juicy, velvety texture around brawny components of leather, coffee and black plum. Concentrated and intense, it needs time to open in the glass before pairing with thick cuts of meat.
A blend of about 50% Petit Verdot mixed with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine shows ample breadth and concentration on the nose and palate. Aromas and flavors of ripe forest berries give way to dried hay and streaks of graphite. Silky upon entry, the midplalate is supported by sandy, soft tannins and a driving acid backbone.
A blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso, Falerno is one of civilization's oldest wines (its history spans back to ancient Rome). This expression delivers mature aromas of blackberry jam and exotic spice. There's a creamy fullness to the mouthfeel that is capped by tannic firmness.
A blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso, this savory, hearty wine opens with earthy aromas of underbrush and dark spices. The dense palate delivers ripe black-cherry flavor that's layered with black pepper, clove and cinnamon. A mineral note closes the juicy finish, alongside firm but silky tannins.
A blend of all five Bordeaux red varieties, this dry, complex young wine has plenty of elegance. The blackberry, currant, tobacco and cedar flavors have a nice balance of dried herbs. Very nice now.
A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties (61% Cab Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, 7% Cab Franc and 7% Malbec), mostly from the Del Arroyo Vineyard, Supremacy is young winemaker Collin Cranor's showcase of what the right fruit and the right winemaking in Livermore Valley can do with the right vision. Juicy, full and fruity, the wine has considerable length and texture, great cherry-berry flavors, the whole package decently balanced.
A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties with Cabernet (70%) and Merlot (18%) taking the lead, this wine offers aromas of vanilla, leather, Red Vines, dried fruit and cherry cordial, with barrel influences out front. The red and black-fruit flavors are tart and generous, with a steely spine of tannins backing them up. It's in a sweet spot. Drink up.
A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties, this wine is dry and a bit rustic. It shows pepper and thyme-infused flavors of blackberries and currants, finished with some astringent tannins. Drink soon.
A blend of all five Bordeaux varieties, this wine shows the ripe, sweet softness of Paso Robles in a hot vintage. It's forward in blackberry and cherry jam, milk chocolate and peppery spice flavors, with firm tannins.
A blend of all five red Bordeaux varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon making up the majority, this wine is simple in structure and softly layered with cherry, vanilla and cola waves.
A blend of all five red Bordeaux varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon the largest percentage, this is a soft, approachable and juicy wine. The cassis and herbal components are pleasantly in balance and restrained on the palate.
A blend of almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller handfuls of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this estate-grown wine is sanguine in smoky leather and tobacco. Rich, with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, it has a lengthy finish that is balanced and elegant on the palate.
A blend of almost equal parts Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by smaller percentages of Merlot, Malbec, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, this is a sizable wine. A tight fist of dry wood tannins and tobacco carries a gamy, leathery touch to the finish.
A blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura from vineyards in the far north of the Vinho Verde region. The wine is rich, aromatic, creamy. It has the right prickle in the mouth, with a final lemon peel character.
A blend of Alvarinho and Trajadura, this combines a creamy texture with bright green fruit acidity. There is weight as well as freshness, the aftertaste rich while also crisp.
A blend of Antão Vaz and Arinto, this is a deliciously fresh wine, lighted by acidity and with a tight texture. Drink now for summer pleasure.
A blend of approximately 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Malbec, Syrah and Petit Verdot making up the remainder, this barbecue-ready wine is scented with dried herb and forest floor components. Brambly berry fruit and tart acids work to balance out the earthy tannins.
A blend of Aragon and Trincadeira, this is a fresh wine that hones on in crisp black-currant and red-berry fruits. The acidity is present, giving a vibrant, juicy character to the finish. Drink now.
A blend of Aragonez and Syrah, this ripe wine offers red fruits and a soft texture, with just enough acidity to keep it crisp at the end. It is ready to drink.
A blend of Aragonez and Trincadeira, produced by a group of cooperatives in the Alentejo region. It is a simple wine, but has good red fruits, soft, velvet structure and a finishing edge of acidity. Good barbecue wine.
A blend of Aragonez, Syrah and Touriga Nacional, this is a crisp wine, full of raspberry fruits and a soft texture. It is attractive with its balance of acidity and fruit, and is very ready to drink.
A blend of Arinto and Alvarinho, this is a fresh and crisp wine that also has a richer side to it. Produced in the same region as Vinho Verde, it is bone dry, full of apple and kiwi fruit flavors within a tight, tangy texture. Drink now.
A blend of Arinto and Antão Vaz, the wine is light, bright and attractively perfumed. It has juicy, tangy character, enhanced by the lemon zest and made richer with the melon fruits. Drink now.
A blend of Arinto and Antão Vaz, this is an impressively structured and concentrated wine. Ripe and flowery, with flavors of mango and yellow fruit. The smooth yet tangy structure gives pleasure now, but also promises aging. Drink until 2019.
A blend of Arinto and Antão Vaz, this is refreshingly fruity. It has pineapple as well as citrus flavors, an attractive blend of freshness and crispness. The aftertaste is bright, full of lively acidity.
A blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires gives a citrus-flavored wine that is fruity and ready to drink. There's an attractive texture of orange zest as well as pepper and spice.
A blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires, this is a citrus flavored wine. With bright lemon acidity and a soft texture, it also has tropical pineapple fruit flavors that give the wine a soft, fruity aftertaste. Drink now.
A blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires, this is light and crisply refreshing. There are some yellow fruit flavors that contrast with the lime acidity. It is ready to drink now.
A blend of Arinto and Fernão Pires, this is very aromatic, full of citrus flavors, crisp and clean. Light, refreshing, quaffing wine. Screwcap.
A blend of Arinto and perfumed Verdelho, the wine is ripe with yellow fruits and pear. It has spice and a clean, clear texture that is immediately attractive and drinkable. The wine is ready to drink.
A blend of Arinto and Tamarez, this wine is light and fruity, with attractive acidity and flavors of apricots sprayed with lemons. It has a light texture and a fresh, lively aftertaste. Drink now.
A blend of Austrian red varieties, this is soft, light and fruity. It has flavors of red fruit and spice from wood aging. With its attractive acidity, this is ready to drink. Screwcap.
A blend of Baga and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a powerful wine. Densely tannic and firmly dry, it is also rich and structured. The acidity from the black currant fruitiness shows strongly. It is not a shy wine, all guns blazing. It is a shame about the heavy bottle. Drink from 2018.
A blend of Baga and Touriga Nacional produces a wine that certainly has structure and the possibility of aging. It also has fresh, crisp red currant and blackberry fruits that refresh the tannins. There is a cool, tight feel to it from the proximity of the ocean that will let it age well for several years. Drink from 2017.
A blend of bio-dynamically grown Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this opens with aromas of ripe black fruit, blue flowers, espresso, grilled herbs and baking spice. The bright palate delivers blackberry extract, spiced blueberry, tobacco, coffee, sage and licorice. Firm tannins provide the framework. Drink 2016–2022.
A blend of Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, created as a fusion of international and Austrian varieties, this dry-textured, firm wine is rich and full-bodied with plum skins and concentration. Age for 3–4 years.
A blend of blocks and clones from this impressive property, this Pinot delivers pretty raspberry and cherry fruit, dusted with baking spices. From the opening aromas of fruit and flower, on through to the bigger barrel flavors of clove and cinnamon, this is a lovely wine, drinking well, but certainly fit for cellaring through 2020–2022.
A blend of Bordeaux-based grapes, Terra di Monteverro shows youthful aromas of cherry, blackberry and cassis, backed by savory layers of spice, leather and tobacco. This is rich, smooth and powerful, and it will age for 10 years or more.
A blend of Bordeaux varieties, this is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Moderate in acidity and body, it has a ripeness to the fruit. Blueberry, chocolate and chalky, dusty tannin dominate, with a chill of violet perfume.
A blend of Braucol and Merlot, this exotic wine features ripe juiciness and tannins. It is full in the mouth, with intense acidity running alongside the fruit and strong herb flavors. It has firm structure and concentration that promise good aging.
A blend of Braucol and Tannat, this a dark-colored blockbuster, with firm tannins that are mitigated by the smooth, rich blackberry flavor. It has power, immense concentration and great density. Age for 3–4 years.
A blend of bready aromas along with crisp apple and pear scents leads to a citrusy palate of lime and green melon. The lasting finish is a good way for things to conclude.
A blend of Cab and Syrah grown on one of the winery's mountain vineyards, this first-rate wine demands time in the cellar. Bone dry, it shows dramatic layers of blackberries, currants, plums, dark chocolate, herbs and spices, wrapped in a firmly tannic, complex structure. Has that inimitable feeling of importance, but it would be a shame to pop the cork before late in 2008. Should come into its own 2009–2012.
A blend of Cabernet (70%) and Merlot, it offers aromas of dried herbs and rasinated dark fruit along with a kiss of vanilla. The fruit flavors are plump in feel with a sweet finish.
A blend of Cabernet and Merlot, this has red fruit notes, a light structure and plenty of final acidity. It finishes with caramel as well as freshness.
A blend of Cabernet and Syrah, the wine is dry and bitter, with a grapeskin astringency to the currant, blackberry and tangerine flavors. It wisely holds back on the alcohol and excessive fruitiness that can mar Paso Robles reds. But that astringency lowers the score.
A blend of Cabernet Franc (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (18%) with the rest equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine offers brooding notes of herbs, black currant, mineral and flowers. The lighter color belies its rich structure of firm tannins and tart, lively acids that merit time in the cellar to be fully appreciated. Best after 2018 but will be well worth the wait.
A blend of Cabernet Franc (60%) and Merlot, this wine offers high-toned aromas of dried herbs, milk chocolate and cherry, along with an undertone of green pepper. The chocolate and cherry flavors are silky and linger long after the last sip.
A blend of Cabernet Franc (80%) and Petit Verdot, this is a perfumed wine with high-toned aromas of violets, herbs, baking spices, pencil eraser, barrel notes and plum. The flavors are broad in feel, with bright acidity that stitches it all together nicely.
A blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Adam & Eve has red cherry and cranberry flavors going on in spades, with a soft note of vanilla. The alcohol heats up quickly, especially on the finish.
A blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, this tannic, dry wine has flavors of cherries, vanilla and smoky oak. It may develop some additional complexities over time.
A blend of Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, this pale pink rosé has really fresh acidity and crisp apple fruits. There are just hints of red-berry fruits and a touch of tannin that gives the wine an edge of dryness. The aftertaste, with the creamy mousse, is fresh and lively.
A blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat, this is spicy, smoky and herbal. It is dense, with a green, stalky edge that comes from the acidity and black tannins. Age for two years.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot and Barbera, this simple, bright red blend offers simple layers of cherry and blackberry, with background tones of black olive and cheese rind.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this wine shows a mild concentration of ripe raspberry and bramble berry on the nose. The medium-weight palate is soft in feel, with juicy raspberry and red cherry showing a slight undercurrent of green peppercorns. A toasted praline note marks the close.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Côt (aka Malbec), this smooth, dense and barrel-aged wine has impressive richness. Spice along with acidity and red berry fruits give a fresh aspect. The light tannins are dry and offer a balanced structure. It's ready to drink.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Alicante and Syrah, this juicy wine opens with aromas of ripe plum, baking spice and a balsamic note. The concentrated palate doles out ripe black cherry, clove and licorice alongside fine-grained tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of blackberry, ripe plum, menthol, spice and a balsamic note. The dense, full-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherries, spiced blueberries, clove and licorice alongside chewy but fine-grained tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this has strong notes of barnyard that take over the wine, with the flavor concentration not able to stand up to it. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, it's ripe and succulent with notes of cherry, vanilla and sweet spices supported by tart acids and tightly wound tannins.
A blend of Cabernet from Grand Ciel (31%), Ciel du Cheval (30%), Upchurch (28%) and Klipsun (11%) vineyards, wood spice aromas start out up front. The cherry flavors are light and elegant, with the tannins bringing some grip.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), Merlot (28%), Petit Verdot (22%) and Cabernet Franc, this cool-vintage wine offers aromas of savory herbs, cedar, black tea, woodspice, red fruit and flowers. The cherry flavors are full bodied, with firm tannins and a finish that lingers.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (30%) and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers aromas of green savory herbs and green olives leaning hard into the savory. The flavors are perfumed and lively, with the tannins showing some grit.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (35%), Syrah (22%) and Carmenère, this offers aromas of green tea, sawdust, blueberry and barnyard. The flavors are tangy and elegant in style.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Syrah (24%), Merlot (19%) and Malbec, this appealing single-vineyard wine suggests vanilla, freshly ground coffee, dark fruit and spices. It's sweet and richly flavored, with a firm squeeze of tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (36%) and Petit Verdot from the Seven Hills and Loess vineyards, aromas of dried high-toned herb, cocoa and barrel spice intermingle on a wine that has yet to fully reveal its charms. The palate offers cranberry and dark-cherry flavors that create an exquisite sense of freshness and balance.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (39%) and Petit Verdot, this wine offers aromas of café au lait, dried herbs, butterscotch, woodspice and cherry. The barrel flavors provide much of the appeal, along with a silky feel.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Merlot (25%) and Cabernet Franc, the aromas of spice, graphite, vanilla, and dried and fresh herbs are all high toned, with the fruit seeming subdued. The flavors are pitch-black, displaying the warmth of the vintage while keeping its heat in check.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (32%) and Cabernet Franc, this wine is moderately aromatic with notes of coffee, vanilla, cherry and freshly hewn wood. The fruit flavors are tart with some grit to the tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (25%) and Cabernet Franc from Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, and Upchurch vineyards, this wine offers brooding notes of bittersweet chocolate, assorted red and black fruit, licorice, mineral and high-toned dried herbs. Reserved in style, it's full of coffee and cherry flavors, with mouthwatering acids and enough structure to go the distance.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Syrah, brooding aromas of ground stone, herb, brown stem and black fruit give way to dense layered blackberry flavors. It shows great focus, poise, texture and exquisite length. Best from 2021 to 2027.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, The Wanted is sourced from the Stillwater Creek and Stonetree vineyards. This textural, Cab-on-Cab creation is loaded with fig, plum, cherry and cassis fruit, highlights of cedar and tobacco, and supple, rich, ripe tannins. The wine is showing beautifully, but can only get even better with more age.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the wine boasts mineral elements that are backed by dried herbs, spice, meaty black fruit and coffee bean. The Cabernet Sauvignon component is obvious, and a bit too green, but not out of balance.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this has a rather subdued nose that reveals underbrush, tobacco leaf and black berries. The palate offers blackberry, black currants and cedar notes. It's already extremely accessible so drink soon.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this opens with ripe dark berry and baking spice scents. The dense palate delivers black currant, tobacco and mocha flavors, fleshed out by round tannins. Drink through 2020.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has produced a fruity wine, full of red fruits and with a touch of caramel. It is stylish, crisp and with fine bright acidity. Drink now.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of ripe plum, black-skinned berry and a whiff of cedar. The palate delivers spiced blueberries, dried blackberries, mocha, clove and crushed herbs alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2019.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with black cherry and cinnamon aromas that carry over to the straightforward, balsamic-seeming palate. Polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2020.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Montepulciano from Castagneto Carducci in coastal Tuscany, this opens with hearty, extracted fruit and masculine aromas of smoked bacon, cassis, blackberry and exotic spice. A touch of sour fruit marks the finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d'Avola, this offers notes of rich chocolate fudge, cherry, blackberry, spice and tobacco. It offers firm but velvety tannins, with a long, fresh endnote of ripe berry fruit.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, this offers aromas of dark-skinned fruit, exotic spice, French oak and a whiff of underbrush. Smooth and firmly structured, the elegant palate delivers cassis, black cherry and star anise alongside polished, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2018–2028.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this offers dainty aromas of peony, nectarine and white strawberry. Fresh and bright, this has a lively mouthfeel and a zippy finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this wine is soft and tannic, with a puckery mouthfeel. The cherry-berry flavors are jammy. Ready now.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this wine offers intense aromas of raspberry, cherry and almond paste. The mouthfeel's density would pair with baccalà or white meat.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tinta Roriz, this wine has a good sense of structure, with  vibrant acidity and black-currant fruits. Touches of oak give a spicy edge to this juicy, fruity wine. Drink now.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional, this combination brings out the elegance of the Cabernet, with its juicy black currant fruit flavors. The tannins are a touch green, leaving bell pepper flavors on a wine that finishes tight.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this opens with bold, opulent tones of black fruit, ripe cherry, espresso bean and plum. The wine's delicate acidity and ample extraction are followed by flavors of leather, spice and dark chocolate.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot farmed at super high density for extra concentration and power, Carmione is a rich and supple wine packed tight with black fruit, cured meat, black pepper and tobacco. It ends with a playful touch of bitterness.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this opens earthy aromas of game, ripe black-skinned fruit and scorched earth. The mature palate displays dried black cherry, prune and leather alongside grippy tannins that leave a firm finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine's fruit is sourced entirely from the Conner Lee Vineyard. The superjuicy black-cherry flavor is balanced by generous acidity. Vibrant and full, long and fresh, this could age gracefully for a decade or more.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine opens with reserved aromas of herbs and assorted barrel spices, with blackberry lurking in the background. The plimp black-fruit flavors have depth and immediate appeal.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, Carpoli has aromas of cedar, black berries and tobacco leaf. The palate delivers black currant along with green and black peppercorns layered with espresso notes. Pair this with spicy marinated steaks.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Raboso grapes, this enjoyable wine opens with aromas of red berry, dried hay and cooking spice. Fermented and aged in clay amphora, the lively juicy palate delivers strawberry, red currant and a hint of baking yeast alongside supple tannins. Drink soon.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, this wine exudes complex aromas of leafy herbs, pencil lead, black licorice, citrus peel and dark cherries. On the palate, the blue and red fruit flavors are front and center, well framed by lively acidity and lick of tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this robust wine opens with aromas of leafy underbrush, mature plum, toast and roasted coffee bean. The palate offers prune, dried cherry, black pepper, graphite and espresso alongside dusty tannins, with the heat of alcohol on the midpalate.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah, this opens with delicate aromas suggesting black-skinned fruit and a whiff of cooking spice. The easygoing palate delivers black currant and leather alongside round tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Rara Neagra, Shiraz and Malbec, this Moldovan wine has aromas of sweet cherry juice and vanilla. It has flavors of dried figs, fresh black plum and dried red plums. The finish is persistent with grippy tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot, this is a gorgeous wine. Tasted in a flight of more expensive wines, it performed well, due to its class and deliciousness. It's concentrated in black currant, cassis liqueur, dark chocolate and anise, accented with toasty oak. The tannins are thick and refined. You'll want to cellar this wine until 2018 or beyond.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Caberent Franc, this shows pungent green tones of rosemary, bay leaf and dried herb, followed by flavors of cherry, blackberry and nutmeg. The tannins are firm and polished, and the finish is bright and fresh.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this has a polished, elegant side, and it offers bold fruit tones that are followed by barbecue sauce and stone accents. It feels zesty and perky on the finish thanks to the boldness of the fruit.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this offers aromas of grilled bell pepper, hay, dill and red currant that carry over to palate, along with notes of dried black cherry. It's still tightly knit and tannic. Drink 2015–2020.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this offers aromas of raisinated cherries, herbs, bittersweet chocolate and a whiff of barnyard. Medicinal flavors are backed by chalky tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this opulent wine opens with aromas of black currant, graphite and baking spice. The juicy concentrated palate delivers black cherry, blackberry, tobacco and licorice framed in bold polished tannins. Drink now through 2023.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers aromas of pencil lead, blackberry and incense, with mint and other herbs in the background. The flavors are rich yet demonstrate restraint, with the tannins showing exceptional polish. It wins on finesse rather than power.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers subtle, beguiling aromas of coffee, herbs, barrel spice, pencil lead and cherry. The cranberry and cherry flavors are tart and focused, putting a focus on elegance.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this delivers soft, concentrated flavors of chocolate fudge, cherry and cinnamon spice. It's an irresistible, opulent wine that promises to impress.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this is plush and round, with bright notes of black fruit, spice, leather and blackberry. There's a touch of spice on the finish, and the texture is soft and rich.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this offers a beautiful bouquet that's redolent of sweet cherry, candied fruit, Christmas spice and potpourri. The palate shows a soft richness that's balanced and lively without being cloying or heavy.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese, Poggio alla Guardia is bright, clean and enjoyable, and it exudes notes of cherry, blackberry and spice. It would pair seamlessly with red meat, chicken or pasta.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, it conveys aromas of red and black currants, black pepper and cedar. The straightforward palate delivers juicy blackberry accented with notes of white pepper, mocha and graphite alongside round tannins. It's ready so enjoy soon.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this shows savory spice, smoked meat and tobacco notes, followed by black-berry, dark cherry and cola. The palate is fresh and clean, but it has enough heft to be paired with grilled meat.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this vibrant wine conveys aromas of black currant, red berry and cooking spice. The savory palate offers black cherry and ground pepper alongside relaxed tannins. Drink through 2016.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this well-made wine offers aromas of campfire and cedar, plus a taste of black currant and leather. With tightly wound tannins, it's rich and full, with a long-lingering finish. It will stand well against burly meat dishes.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this wine conveys bright aromas of red currants, cedar wood and white pepper. The soft palate offers black cherry, blackberries and black pepper, with smooth, round tannins. Enjoy soon.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and—surprise!—Zinfandel, this brings a swirl of red fruits into play, and wraps them in a skin of bark and slightly bitter earth. Peppery tannins and more forest floor flavors kick in at the finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine brings reserved notes of cherry and blackberry cordial, medicine cabinet, black licorice, dried herbs and smoke. The fruit flavors are lighter in style, backed by firm tannins. It finishes tart.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese, this pleasant red has aromas of dark-skinned fruit, toast and a whiff of espresso. The light-bodied, straightforward palate offers cherry, red currant and a hint of light spice alongside zesty acidity and polished tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Barbera and Nebbiolo (in decreasing amounts), this opens with green aromas of dried herb and olive, followed by hints of black fruit and tobacco. It also shows bright acidity and good structure on the finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah, this offers high-toned aromas, with notes of green herb, cocoa and green pepper. The palate is chalky in feel, with the tannins seeming bunched up and dry. Cocoa notes linger on the finish. The greenness on the aromas is hard to get around.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah, this wine offers aromas of dark plums, blackberry, dark chocolate and asphalt, with floral and spice top notes. The fruit flavors are sweet and approachable, backed by lightly chalky tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, this is a bold, concentrated and flavorful wine that will mature well over the next 10 years. Aromas of espresso, crème de cassis, spiced blackberry, boysenberry preserves, tobacco and woodspice abound and carry through to the robust, gripping palate. It's firmly structured, but harmonious in it's overall strength, with final notes of campfire, char and cocoa on the long finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers light aromas of cherry, coffee, raspberry, flowers, citrus and tobacco. It's tightly wound with abundant cherry flavors backed by dry tannins. Best after 2018, with a long life in front of it.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, this conveys tire rubber, smoke, green herbs and chocolate. The palate is off dry with blackberry and cherry flavors.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, this nonvintage wine displays aromas of vanilla, green pepper, woodspice and herbs. The sweet chocolate and cherry flavors are accented by light meaty notes.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot, this is generous in terms of its aromatic intensity and persistence. The wine opens with tones of espresso, dark berry, sweet spice and chocolate. The mouthfeel is smooth, rich and opulent.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Montepulciano, Sangiovese and a drop of Petit Verdot, this has aromas of pressed blue flower, dark-skinned berry and toast. The firm, straightforward palate offers black currant, clove and a hint of tobacco. Fine-grained tannins proved the frame work.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is aromatically brooding, with notes of pencil lead, barrel spice, herb, medicine cabinet and cherry. The flavors are rich and full bodied, showing concentration and depth.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot (with small percentages of other varieties mixed in), this extracted wine delivers mature fruit, dried rose petal and dark chocolate. The wine is fresh but gritty and thickly textured as well.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah, this opens with aromas of black currant, pencil shavings, toast and a whiff of pine. Notes of mocha, graphite and anise add depth to the black cherry core alongside chewy but astringent tannins that leave a drying finish. Drink 2016–2018.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec from high-elevation vines, this wine is medium in weight and texture, and bright in light, red fruit. The tannins are subtle upon entry, building softness and power in the glass, taking on weight amid gamy layers of black pepper and blueberry on the finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, this is soft and sublime. The Cab and Syrah influences charge through the dense, substantial tannins and meatier notes of leather, cigar box and oak.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Sirah, this has firm tannins and ripe, forward flavors of blackberries, currants and oak. Already throwing some sediment, it will continue to soften and mellow over the next 5–6 years.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Regent, this garnet-colored wine has aromas of cherry vanilla, eucalyptus and tobacco leaf. Flavors of mocha and blackberry lead to a balanced finish.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine suggests smoke, cocoa, dry chocolate, dark fruit and barrel spices. The flavors are chocolaty and candy-bar sweet backed by a firm grip of tannins.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, with 10% Syrah added in, this is an appealing and forward wine, with a strong streak of barrel spice. Powdered sugar, cooked cherry, cassis and dark chocolate are the highlights. It showcases the lush, forward, spicy, barrel-influenced style of all the DiStefano reds.
A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Limnio, this is a Bordeaux-like blend offering aromas of clove, mint and blueberry, and black fruit flavors. An elegant and integrated balance of fruit, wooded spice and acid gives the medium-bodied sip ageability. Paired with game or more complex red meat dishes, this blend is a classy alternative from an exotic locale.
A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, this is a powerful red for the Gascony region. Ripe berry fruits and layers of firm tannins gain extra richness from the wood-aging flavors and juicy acidity. It could age another year, so drink from 2016.
A blend of Cabernet, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah, this has aromas of French oak, vanilla and espresso. The palate is rather austere, delivering black currant and clove alongside bracing, close-grained tannins.
A blend of Carignano (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Barrua is the so-called Sassicaia of Sardinia. (In fact, it represents a partnership between the island's most prestigious co-op, Cantina di Santadi and the makers of Tuscany's Sassicaia.) This beautiful vintage shows wild sage, black currant and loads of soft spice.
A blend of Carricante and Catarratto (two of Sicily's most expressive indigenous varieties), this Etna white would pair well with seafood or vegetarian dishes. It boasts focused tones of citrus and Granny Smith apple.
A blend of Carricante and Catarratto from vineyards plated 600 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Etna, Quota 600 is among Sicily's best white wines. Compact, tonic and streamlined, it does a beautiful job of presenting delicate floral and peach fruit aromas against an austere backdrop of crushed stone and talcum powder.
A blend of Carricante and Catarratto planted in high-altitude vineyards, this linear vibrant white offers delicate but enticing scents of Spanish broom, jasmine and orchard fruit. The bright delicious palate doles out creamy yellow apple, green pear and chopped mint while a mineral note underscores the finish. It's loaded with finesse.
A blend of Carricante and Catarratto, this straightforward wine conveys delicate aromas of Spanish broom and acacia flower. The bright palate offers yellow apple, chamomile and a mineral note alongside brisk acidity. Enjoy soon.
A blend of Castelão and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a soft and smooth wine. Red berry fruits are balanced by spice and tannins from a short time in oak. The wine is ready to drink, although waiting until late 2016 would make it even more enjoyable.
A blend of Cataratto and Grillo, Cariddi is a fresh and easy white wine with mild tones of citrus, stone fruit and pear. Pair it with raw fish or smoked salmon.
A blend of Champoux (62%), Sagemoor (26%) and Woodward Canyon (12%) estate vineyards, this wine is aromatically brooding at present, with notes of coffee, toffee and vanilla bean alongside high-toned cherries, dried herbs and flowers. The palate is supremely rich, dense and layered, with milk chocolate, coffee and cherry flavors. Tannins are expertly managed and the wine brings plenty of textural appeal, combining richness and elegance. The barrel notes are primary now, so give them time to integrate. Best from 2025 to 2035.
A blend of Chardonnay (60%) and Viognier, this is lightly reductive out of the gate, along with aromas of Band Aid and apple. It drinks a hair off dry, with melon and apple flavors.
A blend of Chardonnay (70%) and Manzoni, this creamy white wine is redolent of yellow rose, stone fruit and vanilla cream. Pair it with spicy chicken curry or shellfish in butter sauce.
A blend of Chardonnay (80%), Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero, this Brut Franciacorta offers peachy, floral aromas and excellent density and richness on the palate. A hint of dried sage and almond on the close gives it extra appeal.
A blend of Chardonnay and Arinto, this wood-aged wine is rich and packed with both toast and fruit flavors. Vanilla and apple and citrus acidity are generously pulled together by the mineral texture and ripe structure. The wine will be best from 2017.
A blend of Chardonnay and Maria Gomes, here is a ripe wood- and apricot-flavored wine. It is full, spicy, livened by crispness from a red apple skin texture. The vanilla from the wood adds a delicious richness to this impressive wine.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, this has a delicate fragrance of white flower and orchard fruit. The vibrant palate offers yellow apple, citrus and a touch of mineral while crisp acidity provides the framework.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this softly rich wine has fine, ripe fruit, flavors of cinnamon and almonds, as well as the structured edge of apple skins and lime. It's still young, needing time for the structure to soften, but already impressively complex.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this wine has great fruit and a soft texture. The flavors of ripe bitter orange and apples are now moving towards maturity, with the toastiness coming through. Drink now.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero and made without dosage, this opens with a delicate but alluring fragrance of white flower, citrus, stone fruit and pastry notes. The smooth, silky palate delivers lemon zest, ripe red apple, candied ginger and a yeasty note of baked bread alongside a soft, persistent mousse.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, this begins with a fragrance of white flower, green apple and a yeasty note of bread crust. The vibrant palate offers juicy white peach, lemon peel, and almond cookie notes alongside brisk acidity.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, this offers fruity aromas of apple, peach and a note of wild flower. The bone-dry palate displays mature red apple, apricot, lime and toasted walnut alongside a refined perlage.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, this opens with aromas of red berry, baking spice and a pastry note. The bright palate shows strawberry, cherry, cinnamon and bread crust framed in a silky mousse.
A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, this opens with subtle aromas of toasted bread crust, mature pear and a note of wild herb. The elegant palate—which is made without dosage—offers ripe Golden Delicious apple, sour lemon drop and hazelnut alongside a refined perlage.
A blend of Chardonnay and Touriga Nacional, this is a ripe, mature wine that shows a great balance between acidity and rich flavors of almond and toast. It has weight but still hints at freshness. This is a food sparkling wine.
A blend of Chardonnay with Arinto and Vital, this is a simple, fruity and fragrant wine. It has lively acidity, a crisp, mineral texture and a ripe, full feel at the end. Drink through 2015.
A blend of Chardonnay, Garganega and Sauvignon, this has aromas of peach and golden apple. The simple palate offers pineapple and banana alongside bright acidity. Enjoy soon.
A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero, this savory sparkler opens with an inviting fragrance of baked bread, tangerine and red berry. The creamy palate delivers crunchy strawberry, baking spices, toasted almond and cookie dough alongside crisp acidity and an elegant perlage.
A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon, this aromatic white opens with a deeply-floral bouquet of rose, honeysuckle, salvia and white peach. Crisp acidity helps pull it together in the mouth.
A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, this ripe, well-balanced wine has some toast that adds complexity and richness to the apple and lemon fruit, indicating a mature bottling. The wine in a gold-foil bottle is one of five made by the Cattier house for rapper and entrepreneur Jay Z's Armand de Brignac Empire brand with the “Ace of Spades” logo.
A blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Garganega, this presents a distinctive and interesting aromatic profile. Notes of flower and herb combine with touches of citrus, stone fruit and dried hay.
A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier (to add some southern spice), this is a soft, fruity wine with rich white fruits and attractive acidity. It's a wine that can be drunk soon, although it should age several years.
A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Picolit, this stunning wine offers enticing scents of wildflower, citrus and ripe orchard fruit. The radiant palate delivers white peach, lemon zest, yellow apple and mineral while bright acidity provides impeccable balance. Drink through 2020.
A blend of charred oak and violets lead the bouquet, which also offers some floral berry. The palate is lifted, medium-weight and juicy, with boysenberry and cherry flavors. Very nice if you like a floral Malbec with bright berry fruit as opposed to something dark, meaty and oaky.
A blend of Chenin Blanc (75%), Chardonnay (20%) and Viognier barrel-fermented in French oak and acacia, this wine brings notes of dried apple and flowers, drinking off dry.
A blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine exemplifies the finesse of a fine Santa Ynez white wine. It's ripe with orange and peach jam flavors, but there's no oak, so what you get is pure fruit.
A blend of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, this is a round, mouthfilling sparkling wine with ripe apple flavors layered with grapefruit acidity and a tight, final texture that is crisp and mineral.
A blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc fields a full-bodied wine, with a touch of bitter almonds, citrus fruit and soft, floral aftertaste. It is a dry wine, with an attractive apple skin texture and crisp acidity at the end.
A blend of Ciel du Cheval and Force Majeure vineyards, this wine brings a mix of pomegranate, dark raspberry, dried tobacco, crushed rock and peppery spices. It explodes on the palate with rich, dense, cranberry and spice flavors that linger.
A blend of Cinsault, Counoise and Grenache, this very pretty salmon-colored wine offers aromas of strawberry, melon, soda water and spice. It drinks dry but the fruit flavors are sweet, with tart acids finishing it off.
A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, this salmon-colored rosé from Lebanon is dominated both on the nose and palate by a green, herbaceous oak character. It's a dry, medium-bodied wine with faint and dusty strawberry and raspberry flavors in the backdrop, but overall, a disjointed, clumsy sip.
A blend of classic Douro white grapes, this is a perfumed, textured wine. Still young, it shows green fruits, sliced apples and a lemon-zest aftertaste. With all its acidity, the wine needs to calm down a little, so drink from late 2017.
A blend of co-fermented Syrah (60%) and Viognier, this wine is a very pretty pale copper color with just a tinge of salmon. It offers nuanced aromas of pear, strawberry and white flowers. The palate is dry and fresh, sleek but with depth and texture to the fruit flavors.
A blend of Colombard and Chardonnay, this wine is crisp and fruity. It has attractive bright acidity with lemon fruitiness and a mineral texture. The wine is ready to drink.
A blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc, this crisp, light wine is as fresh as a daisy. Fruity and aromatic, it offers citrus and melon flavors. The fruit explodes in the mouth, leaving a light, bright aftertaste.
A blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc, this is crisp and lively. It has a wonderfully fruity tang, and is packed with flavors of citrus fruit and green apple juice. Screwcap.
A blend of Conner Lee and Stillwater Creek vineyard fruit, this carries tart, wild berry flavors on a sea of bright acidity. Streaks of anise and a touch of floral aromatics add zest and interest.
A blend of Corvina (85%) with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this red blend from near Verona in northern Italy offers cooked fruit, blackberry, cola, barbecue smoke and cured beef aromas. There's a finely aged quality to the bouquet and mouthfeel.
A blend of Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes, this savory rosato offers red cherry, white pepper and nutmeg flavors alongside tangy acidity. A saline note energizes the tangy finish. It's straightforward but savory, with a hint of fennel on the close.
A blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Merlot, this has aromas reminiscent of black-skinned berry, wild cherry and white pepper. The supple, vibrant palate delivers black currant, clove and a touch of pomegranate alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
A blend of dark fruits, savory nuances and black pepper give this dry, full-bodied wine a unique personality. It tastes and feels big on the palate, finishing with warmth.
A blend of different parcels in Puligny-Montrachet, this creamy wine shows a medley of ripe fruit flavors, both yellow and tropical, and subtle toast from wood aging. Juicy acidity cuts through its richness, leading into a full aftertaste. Drink from 2018.
A blend of Dolcetto grapes from different prized vineyard sites in Dogliani, this has a definite note of sophistication that comes across as spice, ripe fruit and tobacco. On the finish, the wine is smooth, textured and long lasting.
A blend of dominant Merlot with Grenache, this is a light, caramel flavored wine. It is full in the mouth with spice and red fruits cut by lemon acidity.
A blend of Dugger Creek, Summit View and Watermill fruit, this wine shows pleasing aromas of herb, flowers and dried tobacco. The flavors are silky and palate coating, showing a very pretty sense of precision.
A blend of Duras and Braucol, grapes local to Gaillac, this wine is named after the spirit (Ame) of wine. Showing the potential of red Gaillac, this is a beautifully balanced and concentrated wine, with tannins that are already well integrated into the wood and sweet fruits. Age for 4–6 years, but can be drunk sooner.
A blend of eight different Syrah clones and a splash of Grenache, this is dark and sappy, with dense veins of citrus oil, licorice, coffee liqueur and black tea that are anchored by a solid black-cherry flavor. This should drink well for a decade or longer.
A blend of Encruzado and Gouveio, this is a soft, creamy and fruity wine. It has no wood aging, emphasizing the ripe apricot and pear fruits. The aftertaste is crisp and bright.
A blend of Encruzado and Gouveio, this soft, young and fruity wine will be fine and ripe by 2016. The palate integrates a mineral texture and fresh citrus flavors that are tight and need to round out. It's a finely structured wine that finishes with a fresh, crisp aftertaste. Drink from the end of 2016.
A blend of equal Chardonnay and Pinot Noir exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. It is a rich wine, tightly textured with citrus and tangy acidity. There is a tense core of crispness, with intense fruit and a dry aftertaste. This is a fine bottling that should age further, so drink from 2018.
A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, with smaller dollops of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Malbec, this is a dark, inky wine, brawny in leather, clove and meat. Big-bodied and oaky, it finishes in a sea of brambly blackberry and wild game.
A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese, this shows an impressive jump forward in terms of its intensity and complexity. This wine is generous, full and round, and it offers flavors of cherry, leather and chocolate.
A blend of equal parts Grillo, Chardonnay, Inzolia and Catarratto, this has delicate scents of spring wild flower and orchard fruit. The tangy palate offers nectarine, lemon, apple and mineral alongside bright acidity.
A blend of equal parts Marzemino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Refosco, this opens with jammy aromas of blackberry, Indian spice and sun-ripened cherry. There is a nice touch of freshness on the finish, with a subtle accent of bitter almond.
A blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of ripe red berries and toasted oak. The palate offers notes of black cherry, espresso and cocoa, alongside smooth tannins. It's soft and made to be enjoyed young.
A blend of equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot, this offers aromas of underbrush, toast, baked plum, nutmeg and mocha. The smooth palate offers dried blackberries, raisins, cocoa, tobacco and ground black pepper. Velvety tannins hold the flavors together. This has reached its ideal drinking window so enjoy soon.
A blend of equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of French oak, blueberry and chopped Mediterranean herb. The soft, medium-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, cassis, coffee and a hint of mint alongside round, polished tannins.
A blend of equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese, Piastraia opens with tangy green hints of rosemary and curry leaf, followed by notes of ripe strawberry, cherry liqueur and blackberry jam. Touches of leather and tobacco surface on the palate, and the tannins are firm and richly textured.
A blend of equal parts of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, this opens with mature blackberry, cedar and underbrush aromas. The juicy, creamy palate delivers black cherry, black currant, mint and tobacco flavors, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Enjoy through 2028.
A blend of equal parts Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this opens with aromas of mature plum, blackberry, mint, spice and underbrush. The palate delivers espresso, mocha, toasted oak, licorice and dried blackberry alongside firm tannins.
A blend of equal parts Vermentino, Fiano and Chardonnay, Le Zere offers thick aromas of honey, yellow fruit and butterscotch. A sour, spicy flavor moves the wine forward over the palate.
A blend of estate-grown Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a juicy, liquorous wine wrapped up tightly around sweet and tangy blackberry and cherry fruits. The tannins are svelte and the finish long, while the barrel aging brings on substantial flavors of cedar, Bourbon and vanilla.
A blend of Evergreen vineyard fruit and old-vine Riesling sourced from a pair of Yakima Valley vineyards, this feels drier than its 1.8% residual sugar. Citrus and citrus rind flavors make for a tart, grapefruity style with some bite to the finish. It has the heft to take on a range of spicy foods.
A blend of Falanghina and Coda di Volpe, this offers aromas that recall pineapple, banana and jasmine. The juicy, simple palate offers pear, white peach and a hint of flint alongside fresh acidity.
A blend of Fernão Pires and Arinto, this fruity wine is deliciously refreshing and crisp, with great acidity. It is bright with lemon acidity finished with pink grapefruit. Drink now.
A blend of Fernão Pires and Arinto, this is totally crisp and refreshingly fruity. It is perfumed, smooth while also cut with acidity. The acidity comes from both citrus and pineapple flavors. Drink now.
A blend of Fernão Pires and Moscatel, this is fresh, crisp and perfumed. It's an apéritif-like wine, with light acidity and a creamy, smooth texture.
A blend of five diverse red grapes, this lightly fruity quaffer is almost invisible as far as flavor is concerned. It hits the tongue and vanishes.
A blend of five grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc, this is a crisp, kiwi- and grapefruit-flavored wine. It is bright, fruity and tangy, and it has a soft, cantaloupe-tasting finish. Ready to drink.
A blend of five grapes, this is a firm, tannic and age-worthy wine. Even the high alcohol doesn't show on the rich, well-balanced palate. It's full of plum and black currant flavors, and wood-derived flavors show on the finish.
A blend of five traditional Port varieties, this is a sweet (10% residual sugar), very rich wine of substance and harmony. It has massive flavors of berries with sweet overlays of caramel, chocolate and mint, and the sugars are nicely balanced by crisp acidity, although the texture is soft and velvety. This tasty wine achieves the complexity and provides the satisfaction of a good late bottled vintage Port. Drink it now with rich chocolate-based desserts.
A blend of five vineyards, some of which go into single-vineyard designates, this is a well made, structured wine, offering layers of black cherry and subtle earth around soft, velvety tannins. The finish highlights black pepper spice with dark chocolate chaser.
A blend of four classic Douro grapes, this is structured and firm. It has a mineral texture that gives the wine depth and concentration. Ripe red berries and balanced acidity are now mature and the wine is ready to drink.
A blend of four grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, the white Chaminé has a full feel to it. An open oily texture also preserves herbaceous crispness and a final burst of acidity.
A blend of four grapes, this structured wine shows big black fruitiness along with fresh acidity. It's still young, bright with acidity and needs time to round out. Drink from 2017.
A blend of four native grapes, Nero d'Avola, Perricone, Frappato and Nerello Cappuccio, this opens with aromas of oak, espresso, dried herb, mature blackberry and dark spice. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, prune, licorice and ground pepper alongside tightly knit, close-grained tannins.
A blend of four of the best parcels from the Saget estate, this is a rich and structured wine. Its apple, citrus and yellow fruit flavors are just beginning to integrate with the tight, steely texture. Drink this wine from 2018.
A blend of four of the major Bordeaux varieties, this wine is soft and rustic. It has dry, earthy cherry, currant and tobacco flavors that taste a little sweet and sour.
A blend of four traditional Portuguese grape varietals, this unusual offering begins with a distinctly pruney nose, and seems soft and slightly oxidized. But as it breathes it adds interesting flavors of dried herbs and forest floor, rustic and complex.
A blend of four varieties, this is a full-bodied, plush-textured wine with easy-to-like fruit and spice flavors and a lingering finish.
A blend of four vineyards, this is an extremely impressive Merlot. It dazzles with rich, ripe black currant, cherry liqueur, raspberry, milk chocolate, smoky oak and spice flavors that are complex and go on and on through the finish. Beyond that is the texture, so refined and elegant, combining power and subtle elegance. Just a gorgeous, sensual Merlot. Drink now–2010.
A blend of four Vinho Verde grapes, this dry wine is crisp and spicy, with an herbal character. It has bright fruitiness, plenty of acidity and a crisp, tight, mineral aftertaste.
A blend of Friulano and Verduzzo, this delivers aromas of candied fruit, yellow rose, butterscotch, spice and apricot. It opens a clear window onto the natural characteristics of both grape varieties.
A blend of Friulano, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, this is a rich and sophisticated white wine, with aromas of vanilla, toast, stone fruit, melon and grapefruit. The wine is structured and rich and should pair with mild chicken curry.
A blend of Friulano, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, this opens with aromas evoking toast, butterscotch, aromatic herb and graphite. The rounded palate offers dried yellow apple, crushed thyme, lemon peel and a hint of salty mineral. It closes on a pleasantly bitter almond note.
A blend of Friulano, Malvasia, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Ribolla Gialla, it has aromas of hawthorne, stone fruit, pear and almond. The palate offers green apple, yellow peach, bitter almond and a hint of menthol alongside bright acidity.
A blend of fruit drawn from the Awatere and Brancott subregions, this is a lively, fresh example of Marlborough Pinot Noir. Judiciously applied notes of vanilla and cinnamon accent flavors of cherry and herb that finish long, while the medium- to full-bodied wine's tannins are ripe and impart a creamy texture. Drink now and over the next couple of years.
A blend of fruit from across the southwest yields a very fresh wine. It is crisp, textured, full of white fruit with an herbal edge. Drink now.
A blend of fruit from Ambassador (Red Mountain) and Dineen (Rattlesnake Hills) vineyards, the aromas start off high toned, with notes of violets, talc and purple fruit. The flavors are big, dark and bold, packing a mouthful of fruit but not sacrificing on balance.
A blend of fruit from Arianses, StoneTree and Heart of the Hill vineyards, this wine, which includes healthy dollops of Mourvèdre and Grenache, displays aromas of cocoa, tar, blackberry, vanilla and barrel spices. The flavors are medium-plus bodied backed by tart acids.
A blend of fruit from Boushey (70%) and Olsen vineyards, this wine offers subdued aromas of red fruit, coffee, herb and iron. The flavors are generous and full, coating the palate from end to end, with a velvety texture heightening the appeal.
A blend of fruit from Boushey, Ciel du Cheval and Seven Hills vineyards, this wine opens with aromas of plum, Asian spices, licorice, dark fruit and light barrel spices. The palate is rich, full bodied and velvety, with abundant coffee flavors and a mesmerizing sense of texture.
A blend of fruit from Boushey, Red Willow and Alder Ridge vineyards, this has aromas that seem unsettled. The cranberry flavors are tart with grippy, compact tannins.
A blend of fruit from Boushey, Rosebud Ranch and Lonesome Springs Ranch, this wine was aged in concrete and seasoned French oak. Aromas of fig, apricot, orange peel and lees are followed by creamy flavors that have a light, elegant style.
A blend of fruit from Dineen, Meek and Sheridan vineyards, this wine delivers aromas of black cherry, orange peel, sweet spices and fresh herbs. The black cherry flavors convey polish and depth.
A blend of fruit from DuBrul and Meek vineyards, this wine brings light aromas of herb, vanilla, raspberry, orange peel and black licorice. The palate offers a mouthful of tart fruit flavors that are simultaneously sleek and generous.
A blend of fruit from Elephant Mountain, Dionysus, Red Haven, Alder Ridge and Seven Hills vineyards, this fruit-forward wine offers aromas of cocoa, vanilla, anise, raspberry jam and fruit leather. The cranberry and raspberry flavors are sweet, rich and concentrated, backed by lightly grainy tannins. It seems a bit advanced for its age but brings a delicious factor that is hard to ignore. Drink now.
A blend of fruit from esteemed Boushey and Red Willow vineyards, this was aged in a mixture of concrete and French oak (10% new). The herb, lemon verbana and citrus flavors are light on their feet with a creamy texture and a tart zing of mouthwatering acidity that stitches it all together.
A blend of fruit from Gunkel and Elephant Mountain vineyards, this wine offers light aromas of cherry and toasty barrel spice. The flavors are elegant, tart and juicy, with cocoa flavors lingering on the finish.
A blend of fruit from Idaho, Washington and Oregon, this wine offers high toned, barrel-forward aromas of cedar box, woodspice and orange peel. The palate brings smooth, soft, elegantly styled fruit and barrel flavors that linger on the finish.
A blend of fruit from Klipsun, Slide Mountain, Elephant Mountain and Ciel du Cheval vineyards, this wine offers generous aromas of raspberries, chocolate and spice. The palate is packed to the brim with fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
A blend of fruit from Les Collines, Seven Hills and Morrison Lane vineyards, this wine offers aromas of violets along with generous amounts of herb and blue and purple fruit. The palate retains a light, elegant touch.
A blend of fruit from Lewis Vineyard, Les Collines and Stoney Vine, this wine offers aromas of cherry, blackberry, earth, licorice, smoked meat, violets and herb. The flavors are dense are pure, bringing a pleasing mouthfeel and a long cherry-filled finish.
A blend of fruit from Loess and Echo Ridge vineyards, the aromas of herbs, smoke and berry provide intrigue, with smoked meat notes lurking in the background. The blueberry flavors are full and palate staining, bringing a real sense of presence and balance.
A blend of fruit from Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Leonetti Old Block, this standout wine opens with alluring aromas of dark chocolate, raspberries, blueberries, sandalwood and assorted spices. The palate is plush and fruit-filled but with well-balanced acidity and impressive length.
A blend of fruit from near equal parts Ciel du Cheval, Grand Ciel and Boushey vineyards, this wine is aromatically brooding at present with notes of coffee, mineral, boysenberry and clove. The palate is more generous, with fruit and barrel flavors that walk hand in hand through the finish.
A blend of fruit from Northridge Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and Powerline Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, this pale colored wine delivers vibrant, complex aromas of strawberry, brown stems, fresh flowers, green olive, smoked meat and moist earth. The cranberry and smoked meat flavors are soft and sumptuous, leading to an extended fruit and savory note finish. It's all about elegance but the purity is dazzling.
A blend of fruit from Olsen, Elephant Mountain and Boushey vineyards, this wine is expressive, with aromas of smoke, high-toned herb, dark raspberry, blue fruit and mineral. The flavors are fresh and focused, putting a premium on elegance with a finish that sails.
A blend of fruit from Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills vineyards, this wine opens with aromas of vanilla, wood spice, cream, red apple and fruit. The palate brings elegantly styled, tart fruit flavors that linger on the finish. The balance is impeccable.
A blend of fruit from Schmitt, Evergreen and Oasis vineyards, this opens with appealing aromas of toast, candy corn, almond and pear. The pear and melon flavors are crisp and rounded, with a lightly creamy feel heightening the interest.
A blend of fruit from Sea Shell and Shoemaker vineyards on Paso's Eastside, this blends black cherry aromas with pungent cigar box and toasted sage. It's lively on the palate, with acidic flare and a nice tannic structure. The red fruit and dark spice flavors culminate in an uplifting, anise-flecked finish.
A blend of fruit from Seven Hills (75%), Octave (21%) and Pepper Bridge vineyards, this wine shows intriguing aromas of anise, cassis, herb and woodspice. It still seems to be in its shell. The flavors are dense and supple, rich but restrained with the tannins combed to a fine sheen.
A blend of fruit from the McGinley and Grassini vineyards, this wine is fermented in oak barrels, yielding a nose that's an approachable buffet of nectarine, wet cement, chopped lemongrass and wet hay. The oak also gives the palate more weight to deliver flavors of green-apple slices, kumquat, lime zest and cut lawn.
A blend of fruit from three different sites, united by their green farming practices, this is clean, fruity and forward. A mouth-pleasing Pinot with generously juicy and pretty cherry flavors.
A blend of fruit from three Rogue Valley sites, this is a fine example of the style of Pinot made in Southern Oregon. The estate vineyard sits at 2,100 feet on a steep, east-facing slope, with densely planted vines. It's a big, blocky, full-bodied wine, loaded with flavors of black cherry, black coffee and barrel toast. Tannins are substantial, but the flavors are full and forward. What it lacks in elegance it makes up for in immediate likeability.
A blend of fruit from top sites Boushey (60%) and Red Willow, the aromas are light, with notes of straw, lemon pith and grapefruit. The flavors show an elegant styling, framed by a tart zing of acidity that stretches out the finish. It's all about nuance.
A blend of fruit from up-and-coming Red Heaven and Scooteney Flats vineyards, this wine brings aromas of game, medicine cabinet and cherry. The fruit flavors are soft in feel, seeming somewhat dried out.
A blend of fruit from Watermill, Funk, Lewis and Anna Marie vineyards, the aromas bring vibrant notes of flowers, ham hock, berry, tapenade, herb and ember. The palate is plush yet elegant and silky in feel, showing an exquisite mix of fruit and savory flavors along with outrageous hang time on the finish. It shows a lot of subtlety.
A blend of fruit from Weinbau, Ciel du Cheval, Lady Hawk, Champoux and Obelisco vineyards, this is clearly Cabernet with its aromas of milk chocolate, herbs, vanilla, dark coffee and cherry. Flavors are rich yet supple, with a finish that lingers.
A blend of fruit from Williamson, Bitner and Hells Canyon vineyards, this wine offers aromas of woodspice, mulberry, vanilla and mesquite. There's texture to the flavors along with some astringency to the tannins.
A blend of fruit from Woodward Canyon and Celilo vineyards, subtle aromas of pear, apple and toast lead to elegant well-balanced fruit flavors, brightened by tart acidity. The balance is exquisite. Apple flavors persist on the finish.
A blend of fruit sources used for the winery's three single-vineyard wines, this bottling saw no new oak and is light golden in color with reserved notes of mineral, almond, pineapple and lees. Full bodied, rich and layered with a creamy feel, it's appealing now but should have a long life ahead.
A blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir, this wine has qualities from both grapes. It has the bright cherry flavors of the Gamay and the rich, red-berry fruits of the Pinot Noir. They are finely integrated into this soft ripe wine that is ready to drink.
A blend of Garganega (80%) with 20% Trebbiano, this fruit-forward Soave Classico is aged in large oak casks for extra density and personality. Indeed, it shows a sophisticated style with yellow rose and stone fruit followed by vanilla and almond nut.
A blend of Garganega and Sauvignon, this has delicate aromas of citrus blossom and stone fruit. The aromas carry over to the savory palate along with yellow peach and papaya.
A blend of Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, this presents a bouquet of melon and grapefruit. Bold spice flavors, in particular clove, anise and spearmint, are nicely contrasted against flavors of lemon and lime. It offers a harmonious balance of baking spices and citrus notes backed by a strong vein of acidity.
A blend of Gouveio and Verdelho, this is a spicy, perfumed wine that has fine, lively acidity to go with its honey, lemon and pear flavors. To drink now, although the mineral edge suggests aging potential.
A blend of grand and premier cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, this lightly mineral-textured wine is focused on ripe apples and delicate citrus flavors. Still all about fruit, this bottling (disgorged in December 2015) will benefit from aging. Keep until 2017.
A blend of grapes from Cumières in the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs, this is a rich, well-balanced and very young brut rosé. It is ripe, while keeping an almost austere texture and acidity that will soften and broaden out as it ages. Drink now for the lively red fruits, but better to wait until 2019.
A blend of grapes from different growers, this is a structured, firm wine. It has a core of drying tannins as well as the bright fruitiness of the vintage. As it develops, that fruit will grow richer and fuller yet always maintaining a crisp edge. Drink from 2019.
A blend of grapes from different regions of the Douro, this is a ripe, concentrated wine. Perfumed black fruits and plenty of acidity give it a crisp while smooth texture. The wine is well in balance, hinting at minerality and is ready to drink starting from 2017.
A blend of grapes from North Canyon and Fiddlestix vineyards, this bottling shows hickory smoke, cherry pie and floral aromas on the nose. The palate offers tart blackberry, cranberry, clove and vanilla flavors, with a smoky, roasted pork touch.
A blend of grapes from seven well-known vineyards, this Pinot is made in a widely appealing style. Delicately silky but crisp with acidity, it has flavors of raspberry and cherry jam, cola and mooshu plum sauce, along with some sweet new oak.
A blend of grapes from several vineyards, this is named for a famous jazz tune. The blending both softens and expands the mid-palate, and seems to have boosted the aging curve. It's ready to drink, with strawberry fruit, a dusting of cocoa, a hint of wet cement, and a finish with cola and sassafras.
A blend of grapes from St. Helena and Coombsville, this is a balanced combination of warm, ripe fruit and cool-climate acidity. The flavors are ripe with black currants and new French oak. It's already throwing sediment, but it should reward additional time in the cellar. Give it until at least 2017, although it could still be rocking and rolling in 2025.
A blend of grapes from the north of the Vinho Verde region, this is tangy and crisp. It is bright and dry with attractive acidity and a lemon zest texture. Drink now.
A blend of grapes from three vineyard sites, this is an interesting contrast to its single-vineyard siblings. It's dry in style yet rich on the palate, with a distinctly creamy texture, offsetting a juicy fruit flavor with savory tones of herb, fennel and lanolin.
A blend of grapes from Washington and Oregon, this includes 25% Semillon also. As you might suspect, it's an unusual wine, opening soft and spicy, with a lightly honeyed character. Fruit flavors emphasize lemon curd and key lime, and there's a refreshing ginger ale flavor running through the fruit core.
A blend of grapes including traditional Corvina and Rondinella undergoes air-drying for extra-rich concentration and intensity. That, with careful oak aging, has shaped a richly textured, dense wine that would pair with game meat or bean soup with smoked bacon. It shows raw, slightly chewy tannins on the close.
A blend of grapes mainly from the Beaujolais region, this is soft, with cherry fruit and bright acidity. It has an attractive, easy character that makes it ready to drink now.
A blend of grapes, so maybe it is not surprising that the aromas and flavors are a blend: melons, pears and limes, all presented with great freshness and verve alongside a rich texture. Editors' Choice.
A blend of Grecanico and Insolia and fermented with wild yeasts in concrete tanks, this unusual white offers intriguing aromas of dried Mediterranean herb, sea breeze, candied citrus zest and wild flower. The savory, mineral-driven palate offers nectarine, dried apricot, saline, sage and baking spice while a honey note wraps around the finish.
A blend of Grecanico and Inzolia, this bright white wine opens with intense aromas of honey, exotic fruit and butterscotch. It's an easy-drinking, informal wine with a crisp close.
A blend of Grecanico, Chardonnay, Viognier and Fiano, this opens with a fragrance of honeysuckle, stone fruit and citrus. The juicy palate offers lemon zest, nectarine and white pear alongside bright acidity.
A blend of Grechetto and Pinot Nero, this conveys aromas of toasted walnut, apple and citrus. The palate is a bit disjointed, offering bitter apple skin and almond skin alongside candied lemon drops and a confectionary note.
A blend of Grenache (40%), Syrah (40%) and Mourvèdre, this conveys notes of pepper, barrel spices, vanilla, potpourri and red fruit. It has tart fruit flavors with a slightly astringent feel.
A blend of Grenache (50%) and Cinsault (20%) along with equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah, this wine draws you into the glass with notes of smoked meat, bark, raspberry, blue fruit and peppery spices. It brings a rich, mouthful of generous fruit flavors that hit the delicious gong and then linger to hear it resonate.
A blend of Grenache (65%), Mourvèdre (25%) and Syrah, this suggests peppery spices, stewed raspberries, game and high-toned spices. The palate is the star, full bodied, textured and richly flavored. An orange peel accent leads to a warm finish.
A blend of Grenache and Cinsault, this is as light as its color, with refreshing red-berry fruits and a touch of pepper. The wine dances elegantly and leaves a crisp, bright aftertaste.
A blend of Grenache and Cinsault, this wine comes from old vines in an estate revived in 1997 by Gilles Pons and Pascale Massenot. It's all about aromatic fruit, with grapefruit, pineapple and red currants playing in the flavors. A rich element contrasts pleasurably with the tight, crisp acidity. The wine will benefit from a few more months aging, so wait until the end of 2016.
A blend of Grenache and Rolle, this easy-drinking rosé features peach and canteloupe aromas, simple ripe strawberry and grapefruit flavors and a fruit-driven finish.
A blend of Grenache and Syrah, this is slightly minty upfront, followed by bright cherry flavors. It's on the light side for a Côtes du Rhône, but fresh and silky in texture, with just a hint of chocolaty richness on the finish.
A blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier, this is attractive, fruity and perfumed. Touches of apricot balance with the green fruits and herbal edge. It's an easy wine to drink, best as an apéritif.
A blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, the aromas of wheat and almond are quite light. The flavors are elegant and offer promise but lack the concentration to deliver it.
A blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, this white wine has sugary orange and apricot flavors. Brisk acidity fortunately provides some balance, but It's almost as sweet as a dessert wine.
A blend of Grenache from Angiolina Farm and Upland vineyards along with 22% StoneTree Mourvèdre, this wine offers aromas of violets, raspberry, plum and assorted herbs. The plum and dark raspberry flavors are pure, ripe and full while retaining a pleasing sense of balance. The complexity only increases with some additional time open.
A blend of Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre, this is a driven by its bright black cherry flavors, although there are enough spicy, savory notes to add complexity. It's medium-bodied, with crisp acids and firm tannins, making it a candidate to match with rare beef or lamb.
A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, this offering is very citrusy upfront, filled with grapefruit aromas. It's light to medium in weight, with flavors reminiscent of tangerines and hints of strawberries and something vaguely vegetal on the finish.
A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, this wine is bright, light and totally ready to drink. A touch of caramel gives extra richness. Acidity at the end brings everything back to freshness.
A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah all aged in neutral oak, it's jazzy and appealing with notes of blue fruit, raspberry, smoked meat and peppery spices showing good purity and richness. It's nowhere near as weighty as the labeled alcohol level might suggest.
A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, this is right up there with the best of Maison Bleue for a southern-Rhône-style blend from Washington. Lovely aromatics introduce a forward, fruit-powered wine loaded with scents and flavors of ripe cherries and plums. The red fruits are enhanced with hints of tobacco and mineral, but the lollipop fruit core is what captivates through a long finish.
A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, this red is soft and fairly tannic. It has jammy blackberry, cherry and mulberry flavors, finished with all sorts of peppery spices, and is entirely dry. Drink now.
A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Counoise, this wine brings an intriguing assortment of red and blue jammy fruit, herbs, cranberry and peppery spices. Reflective of the warm vintage it comes from, it's ripe, full bodied and in a sweet spot. Drink now.
A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, this is much more firmly tannic and structured than most such Australian blends. Grilled meat, red plum, black tea and rose hip notes are crisp and firm on the palate. Drink 2015–2023, and possibly beyond that.
A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Malbec, this lightly colored wine offers aromas of wild strawberries, coffee, tobacco and incense, showing pleasing purity and nuance. It's light yet palate coating, possessing a mesmerizing texture along with an assortment of fruit and savory flavors.
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Counoise, this is bone dry and brisk in acidity, with complex flavors of mineral, herb, sour cherry candy, red currant and white pepper. Although production was only 2,000 cases, this wine is worth the search.
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine offers earthy cedar and meager fruit, providing instead a wealth of leathery, rustic texture and light body.
A blend of Grillo, Cataratto and Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of tropical fruit and apricot. The rich palate is loaded with golden apple and yellow peach flavors that are accented by notes of vanilla and lemon drop.
A blend of Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia, this vibrant wine opens with delicate aromas of white flower, tropical fruit and a hint of beeswax. On the palate, creamy white peach is energized by nectarine zest and crisp acidity.
A blend of Grillo, Inzolia and Grecanico, this simple white opens with subdued aromas of spring flower, beeswax and a whiff of acacia honey. The lean palate is already evolved, showing yellow-apple skin, bitter almond and a hint of citrus zest alongside bracing acidity.
A blend of Gros Manseng and Camarelet, this fruity effort is packed with flavors of apricot and peach, plus a rich, exotic mango twist. Delicious to drink now.
A blend of half-and-half Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a solid wine. The tannins are still quite dominant although they are ripe and will integrate well into the red and black berry fruits. Acidity at the end keeps the wine fresh and fruity. Drink from 2017.
A blend of half and half Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a rounded, full wine. It has plenty of red-berry fruits along with spice, a tight texture and a crisp aftertaste. The wine offers a good reflection of the fruitiness of the year.
A blend of half and half Chardonnay and Aligoté, this is a mineral textured wine that is shot through with acidity and green fruits. It is crisp, light and bright, and refreshingly ready to drink.
A blend of half Chardonnay, half Pinot Noir, the organically-certified grapes for this sparkler hail from the 2010 vintage. This is a light, barely aromatic wine that's refreshingly high in acidity. It tastes remarkably like a Gravenstein apple, but could also be mistaken for a delicious hard cider.
A blend of half old-vine Sémillon from Monte Rosso Vineyard and a remainder of Sauvignon Blanc, a percentage of it from the Musque clone, this is a delightful and complex white wine, lean in apple and lime with a light build and creamy texture. The floral aromatics and evolving flavors in the glass provide complexity, while a lift of acidity rises on the finish.
A blend of half Sémillon and half Chardonnay, this is an aromatic, fully fleshed-out wine that veers into richness without going too far. Swirling in layers of concentrated pear and lemon, it provides a long, substantial finish, ending in balanced acidity.
A blend of Insolia and Chardonnay, this opens with a light golden color and fragrant aromas of honeysuckle, white almond and stone fruit. It shows a thick, creamy consistency on the palate.
A blend of Insolia and Chardonnay, this wine opens with subdued aromas of yellow spring flowers and pear. The round, straightforward palate offers golden apple, white peach and lemon zest alongside fresh acidity.
A blend of international grapes—Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot (hence its name, Wide World)—this is a big, rich wine. The fruit ripeness balances with the prominent toasty wood flavors, giving a style that is smooth and polished. Black fruits dominate, the fruit tannins melding well with the wood. It's worth aging, though, over 3–4 years. Screwcap.
A blend of Inzolia and Catarratto, this has a slender mouthfeel, followed by a bright citrus note at the finish. It's an easy wine to enjoy with appetizers or finger foods.
A blend of Inzolia, Catarratto and Grillo, this opens with delicate aromas of Spanish broom and citrus. The vibrant, easy-drinking palate offers nectarine, lime and a saline note alongside zesty acidity for a refreshing finish.
A blend of just over one-third Riesling, Atwater's Riewürz boasts a steely precision that cuts through all of Gewürztraminer's ebullient floral and juicy fruit characteristics. Semidry on the palate, with deliciously concentrated pomelo flavors, it finishes on a zesty, candied orange-peel note.
A blend of just over two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon along with Merlot (26%) and Petit Verdot (7%), this wine beguiles with its brooding aromas of spice, toffee, dark fruit and scorched earth. The flavors are layered, bringing a real sense of gravitas along with a compelling mouthfeel and sense of balance. The black-fruit flavors linger. It's all about finesse.
A blend of Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval vineyards aged in 50% new French oak, this wine brings brooding notes of blackberry bramble, blueberry, mineral, herbs and potpourri. The palate-coating blue-fruit flavors are exceptionally dense, rich and sweet and lead to a hyper-extended finish.
A blend of Klipsun and Obelisco vineyards, this Cabernet Sauvignon leads with aromas of blackberry jam, espresso, fresh herbs and toasty barrel spices (60% new French). The black fruit flavors are rich, ripe and sweet, with the oak playing a prominent part in the show.
A blend of local Alentejo grapes has produced a structured while also opulent wine. Layers of dark fruits and solid tannins give dense character. Red fruits burst out of the structure, adding acidity and a perfumed aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
A blend of local grapes (Zierfandler and Rotgipfler) this is impressive. Rich, perfumed, its fragrant fruits a medley of mulberry, pear and spiced apple. The acidity cuts right through, giving a wine that is both very ripe, balanced and finely textured. Screwcap.
A blend of local grapes with Syrah, this fruity wine enfolds a core of tannins. Stalky, smoky flavors balance with a red plum-skin texture and crisp acidity. It is young, the fruit still developing, so drink from 2017.
A blend of Loess Vineyard and Leonetti Old Block, this wine is 100% varietal. The aromas are bright and pure, with notes of raspberry, cherry, plum, anise and spice. The flavors deliver, with a sense of understated appeal.
A blend of Loin de l'Oeil and Sauvignon Blanc has produced a ripe and soft but balanced wine from a vineyard owned by the Wine Museum of Paris. It has refreshing melon and white-plum fruits, and an aromatic character that is rich and full bodied. Drink now.
A blend of Loin de l'Oeil, Mauzac and Sauvignon Blanc, this needs the shot of acidity from the Sauvignon—it gives a real lift to the ripe apricot fruits. The wine is structured, quite tight with apple skin flavors, creating an appetizing, juicy finish.
A blend of lots from the cooler Los Alamos Vineyard and warmer Valley View Vineyard near Solvang, this bottling offers kaffir lime, jasmine and steeliness on the light and easy nose. Crisp lime flavors make for a tangy sip in this simple but quite pleasant wine.
A blend of lots left over from Calera's three prime vineyards, it's an intriguing combination of delicacy and power. The color is pale, the aroma is cola-like and it's light on the palate. But the depth of fruit is great, and so is the complexity. This wine will age well.
A blend of lots that didn't make it into the single-vineyard Chardonnays, the Sonoma Coast bottling offers a representative introduction to the Hartford Chardonnay style. Oily-textured melons and peaches are framed by toasty, nutty, buttery accents.
A blend of Loureiro, Arinto and Avesso, this light and fruity wine has an edge of prickle along with great acidity and citrus flavors. It is a great summer food wine. Drink now.
A blend of mainly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of other traditional Bordeaux varieties, this treads perilously close to being too ripe. It shows a hint of raisin, but not enough to interfere with the beauty of the blackberry jam and sweet oak flavors. The tannins are exquisite, in the way of a top Napa Cab. Doesn't seem to be a longterm ager, so drink now–2015.
A blend of mainly Syrah, with Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Opens with brilliant, beautiful aromas of berries and fruit, chocolate, violets, herbs and spices, and smoky oak. In the mouth, there's fabulous complexity and an opulent, velvety smooth texture. Very dry and elegant, and the sweet, spicy finish goes on forever.
A blend of mainly Zinfandel with Petite Sirah, this red shows softly ripe, warm climate flavors of sweet, sugary raspberries, cherries, red currants and chocolate.
A blend of Malbec and Merlot, this is a rich, fruity wine. It has a tannic firmness and a stalky black currant juiciness, along with intense acidity. There is a rough, rustic aftertaste that spoils the general fruitiness.
A blend of Malbec, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with lightly herbal red fruit aromas that come across reedy and foxy. Lively and a little scratchy in the mouth, with raspberry and buttery plum flavors. Shows more than adequate freshness and pulse, but breaks apart when held up to higher scrutiny.
A blend of Malvasia Fina and the great local grape Encruzado, this rich, wood-aged wine is perfumed and offers great fruitiness. Citrus and green plum fruits mingle with pineapple. The texture and the light toast give weight and add another dimension. The wine can be drunk now, but will be better from 2015.
A blend of Malvasia Istriana, Friulano and Riesling Renano, this delineated white delivers tangerine zest, yellow peach, green pear and ginger drop sensations. Lively acidity gives it a crisp, refreshing finish.
A blend of Malvasia, Greco and Grechetto, this fresh white delivers zesty acidity and lively notes of bitter almond, white flower, citrus and crushed mineral. It would pair beautifully with a heaping plate of spaghetti con le vongole.
A blend of Malvasia, Riesling and Tocai Friulano, the name of the wine means flowers of the grapes. It is a deliciously aromatic wine, spicy, perfumed, with flavors of honey and citrus. Light acidity at the end stops it being too over the top.
A blend of Marsanne and Grenache Blanc, with a dribble of Roussanne, this offers fruit that falls on the cool side of tropical. It has fine balance and length.
A blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, slightly oxidized but still drinking nicely, this is bone dry and scented with lightly toasted grain. Ripe apple fruit and a whiff of honeysuckle add interest. Drink soon.
A blend of Mauzac and Loin de l'Oeil, commonly found in Gaillac, this bright, fruity and herbaceous wine is crisp and citrus-driven. A strong mineral edge to the texture adds bite to the aftertaste. Drink from 2015.
A blend of McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley and Beechworth fruit went into this bottling, and the components have knit together well. The wine is sappy and floral on the nose, and silky-textured on the palate, loaded with raspberry and blueberry fruit and ample peppery spice. Drink now through 2020+.
A blend of Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (33%) and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers aromas of cocoa, spice, flowers, herb and red and black fruit. The flavors show concentration and depth, along with a lovely sense of texture that keeps the interest high. The tannins give a light squeeze.
A blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), this aromatic wine brings aromas of funk, earth, truffle, fire pit, dried peat, herb and cherry. The flavors are soft, silky and refined, showing a sense of grace—a very pretty expression of a Bordeaux-style blend.
A blend of Merlot (56%) and Cabernet Franc, this wine opens with aromas of flowers, huckleberry, cardamom and green herbs, along with light barrel accents. The flavors are dense and rich but far from over the top, supported by chewy tannins and a fruit-filled finish that sails into the distance. Best after 2020.
A blend of Merlot (58%), Syrah (35%), Petite Sirah (5%) and Primitivo, this hedonistic wine offers appealing suggestions of coffee, vanilla and cherry. Ripe, silky soft milk chocolate flavors finish warm.
A blend of Merlot (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Cabernet Franc, this wine brings aromas of dried leaves, coffee, green pepper and black cherry. The blackberry and licorice flavors are full bodied, showing depth and lingering on the warm finish.
A blend of Merlot (62%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%), Malbec (6%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot, this wine opens with aromas of cocoa powder, spice, dark cherries, savory herbs and flowers, displaying pleasing complexities. The palate is full of exquisitely balanced red and black-fruit flavors that sail off into the distance on the finish.
A blend of Merlot (73%), Cabernet Franc (24%) and Petit Verdot, it rises from the glass with aromas of cedar, flowers and red and black fruit. The black-fruit flavors are dense but deft, with firm tannins backing them up.
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine brings disjointed lightly volatile aromas of wood spice, vanilla and cherry. The plump cherry flavors are rounded out by woody barrel notes.
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is soft, rich and delicious. Although it's completely dry, it's enormously sweet in cherries, red currants, dark chocolate, anise and cedar. The tannins are furry and firm, making you wonder if it's worth cellaring. The best guess is that it's best now, with decanting, and over the next four years.
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that comes from the small region of Buzet in the north of Gascony. This wine has tannins that are already well integrated with the black currant fruits and acidity. It is going to develop further into a rich, smooth wine. Drink from 2018.
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Fox Run's Meritage highlights Merlot's rich, ripe black cherry flavor with Cabernet's taut acidity and herbaceous flair. It's rigidly tannic still, but should mature elegantly over the next 3–5 years.
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this has bright cherry fruit, with light touches of spice and toasted almond. The simple, but velvety mouthfeel will work with curry chicken or spicy beef.
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet, Orchidea (with a pretty silkscreened -label) displays a black, inky color and syrupy aromas of cherry liqueur, savory spice, brown sugar and molasses. It's thick and succulent, with a dense, raw mouthfeel.
A blend of Merlot and Duras, the red grape of Gaillac. The combination creates a meaty and chewy wine, with pepper and red-currant flavors. While the Merlot supplies the warmth, the Duras offers acidity and fruitiness. Drink now.
A blend of Merlot and Malbec, this is firm and still tannic, with a rich backdrop of broad fruits. Black currant and black cherry flavors are cut with acidity to give a tight texture. The aftertaste is smoky and ripe. The wine has good aging potential, so drink from 2017.
A blend of Merlot and Raboso (a native grape of Northern Italy), this compact wine offers tight aromas of blackberry, forest floor and a slight herbal hint at the back. It is supple and slightly sweet in the mouth, and although it doesn't offer huge complexity, it is a very pleasant drink all-round.
A blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, this offers aromas of black plum, dried herb, violet and a whiff of baking spice. The vibrant palate doles out juicy black cherry, licorice and a hint of espresso alongside fine-grained, polished tannins and zesty acidity. Drink through 2019.
A blend of Merlot and Syrah, the aromas of smoke, matchstick, high-toned dried herb, spice and purple fruit give way to quite sweet-seeming dark-fruit flavors. Lightly grainy tannins provide support. The sweetness seems distracting.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this rosé carries notes of unripe strawberry, basil and cracked pepper.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, this wine is very rich and extracted in pie-filling fruit flavors. The grapes certainly had no trouble getting ripe. It's a little heavy and soft in the mouth, and not likely to age, so drink now.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this deep violet-red wine has a nose of black cherry, crème brulée and black pepper. Cool and fruity notes play well together on the palate, shored up by flavors of black cherry, orange zest, menthol, clove and a touch of seawater. Mevushal.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this opens with aromas of red currant, plum, cedar, bell pepper and toasted oak. The palate offers dried black cherry, grilled herb, espresso and vanilla alongside ripe but rather fleeting tannins.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this opens with rich, concentrated aromas of black fruit and milk chocolate. There are savory notes of dark pipe tobacco, clove and cardamom. The palate is masculine and powerful, with firm tannins.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers aromas of dried herbs, milk chocolate and raspberries. It's silky in feel with polished tannins and a spice-filled finish.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this opens with drying mineral tones of granite and campfire, and it has austere, dusty tannins. The fruit is bold, pulled together by notes of cherry, cassis, leather and spice.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sagrantino, this offering from Umbria opens with an unusual fragrance of meat juice, olive, berry and spice. A round and ready-to-drink wine, the palate delivers blackberry and licorice flavors alongside accents of sage and thyme.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this structured wine opens with aromas of plum, dark-skinned berry and a whiff of clove. The smooth, savory palate doles out black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside firm, polished tannins.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bogazkere and Syrah, this wine has aromas of eucalyptus, blackberry, tobacco and clove. Flavors of mixed berry pie, eucalyptus and tobacco leaf are encased in a web of powerful tannins. The smooth finish keeps on going, with just the right touch of acidity on the palate.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of bluish-black fruit, exotic spice and a balsamic note. The firmly structured palate doles out blackberry, spiced blueberry, coffee and black pepper accompanied by assertive but fine-grained tannins.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this wine all comes from Stillwater Creek Vineyard. The aromas of vanilla, dried herb, plum and black cherry are brooding. It's palate coating and velvety in feel, showing richness and elegance to the sensuous plum and coffee flavors.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the aromas offer notes of herb, cherry, caramel and raspberry preserve. The palate brings ample fruit flavors that provide appeal.
A blend of Merlot, Corvina and Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of dark berry and a hint of cooking spice. The straightforward palate presents crushed black plum and clove alongside round tannins. Enjoy soon.
A blend of Merlot, Malbec and Caberent Franc, this opens with enormous fruit purity, backed by luscious tones of oak spice and tobacco. The wine's two sensations—sweet and savory—are well integrated. Fresh acidity and firm structure complete the mouthfeel.
A blend of Merlot, Nero d'Avola and Alicante Bouschet, this opens with aromas of cherry soda, smoked meat and plump red fruit. The wine's overall personality is simple and informal, with a raw, chewy mouthfeel.
A blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah, Damis is a plump, jammy wine with bold aromas of strawberry and blackberry preserves, spice and toasted nut. It's an easy-drinking wine with a fresh, almost sour note on the close.
A blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is indeed a sturdy red table wine. The tannins are dense and chewy, the fruit submerged beneath barrel flavors of toast, caramel and nougat. It spent 20 months in 50% new French oak.
A blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers aromas of herb, red apple, and cherry. The palate brings sweet but light fruit flavors that show elegance.
A blend of Minnick and Ash Hollow grapes, this is a punchy, high-toned take on Syrah. Particularly attractive are the bright raspberry flavors, peppered with, well, pepper! It's got the kind of verve that you find in a simple Grenache, and finishes light and tangy.
A blend of modest floral and mustard aromas makes for a quiet bouquet. Chalky and acidic in feel, this Malvasia-Viura blend tastes of tart peach, lemon and mustard. A stony feeling, borderline sour finish is angular and grabby.
A blend of Monastrell, Tempranillo and Syrah that's ripe and raisiny but still fresh enough to earn its stripes. The nose is powerful and intense, with a sweet, baked character, while the palate tastes naturally rich but restrained, with blackberry and jammy finishing notes.
A blend of Montepulciano, Merlot and Cabernet, this offers savory aromas of leather, tobacco, spice and dark fruit. There's a tangy note of cured meat and teriyaki on the close.
A blend of Moscatel and Arinto, this is light and thin with only the vaguest hint of citrus fruit acidity. It should be drunk now.
A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this opaque wine is light bodied and lean, expressive in clove and toasty oak.
A blend of mostly Chardonnay, with some Pinot Nero and Nebbiolo, this radiant sparkler delivers aromas and flavors of citrus, McIntosh apple, Bartlett pear and bread crust. Vibrant acidity brightens the creamy flavors while small, continuous bubbles lend elegance.
A blend of mostly Chenin Blanc, with 9% Chardonnay and 5% Viognier, this is a charming white with alluring notes of orange blossom and peony that mingle with the white peach and mango fruit. There's a nice vibrancy on the palate, with fresh tropical-fruit flavors that hang on to the finish.
A blend of mostly Grenache, with smaller amounts of Tempranillo and Syrah, this is smooth and polished, with dried fruit flavors. It bears a leaf note and a whiff of mint, with a muscular, tannic finish that adds complexity.
A blend of mostly Sangiovese, with a touch of Merlot, this delivers a fresh flower tone and a tangy forest-berry flavor. It feels creamy, with medium density, and it has crisp acidity that keeps the palate refreshed.
A blend of Mount Barker and Margaret River fruit, this is lavishly oaked, chocolaty and rich, as decadent a bottle of Cabernet you'll find in Australia. Baking spices accent mocha and cassis in this full-bodied wine, which features a velvety texture and long finish. Drink 2020–2030, and possibly beyond.
A blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah and Viognier, this brings to mind tight red and black berries spread over freshly tilled earth. A mild peppery spice shows up on the midpalate, with soft tannins supporting throughout.
A blend of native grapes Durello (90%) and Garganega (10%) and made with no dosage, this opens with aromas of roasted hazelnut, lemon zest and yellow apple peel that carry over to the tangy, bone-dry palate. It has crisp acidity and finishes on a note of toasted walnut.
A blend of near-equal parts Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot topped off with a pinch of Petit Verdot, this wine exhibits aromas of barrel spices, dried herbs and cherry, showing whiffs of volatility. The flavors are soft and pure, lingering on the finish.
A blend of near-equal parts Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine brings aromas of overripe pear and apple and toasted grapenuts that lead to dry, lightly fruit flavors. It's a straightforward quaffer.
A blend of nearly two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it brings notes of herbs, vanilla extract, cherry and chocolate. The wood plays a big part in the show, at times getting out in front of the fruit.
A blend of Nebbiolo and Pinot Nero, this vibrant sparkler has aromas of small red berry, grapefruit and chopped herb. The racy palate offers strawberry, raspberry, nectarine zest and a hint of fennel alongside tangy acidity. It finishes clean and crisp.
A blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is deeply concentrated, offering pretty aromas of cherry, spice and cola. The 40% Nebbiolo is definitely noticeable—thanks to the wine's delicate bouquet. The 30% Barbera adds to the soft finish.
A blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina, this boasts delicate floral and fruit aromas of white rose and wild berry. Juicy red cherry and fleshy strawberry drive the vibrant palate while hints of baking spice provide the backdrop.
A blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina, this opens with a medley of aromas that include ripe berry, underbrush, truffle, menthol, leather and spice. The firm palate delivers crushed black cherry, game, grilled herb, ground pepper and a balsamic note. It still has youthfully assertive tannins that need to unwind and soften. Drink 2016–2026.
A blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina, this opens with aromas of aromatic herb, wild berry, menthol and a floral note. The firm, vibrant palate offers tar, sour cherry, licorice and white pepper alongside youthfully austere, fine-grained tannins. This needs time to soften up and fully develop. Drink 2019–2027.
A blend of Negroamaro and 15% Malvasia Nera, this opens with aromas of dark berry and toast. The palate offers ripe blackberry, black cherry, mocha and allspice alongside firm tannins. It ends on a note of bitter almond.
A blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera, this opens with aromas of underbrush, violet, clove and spicy plum. The straightforward palate delivers mature blackberry and allspice alongside brawny tannins.
A blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera, this savory wine offers aromas of blue flower, spiced plum, nutmeg and a whiff of game. The fresh, easy palate delivers juicy blackberry, crushed raspberry and cranberry alongside ground pepper and a licorice note. Velvety tannins give it a smooth texture.
A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, this opens with aromas of black fruit, toasted oak and espresso. The palate offers dried black cherry, ground pepper and roasted coffee bean alongside polished tannins.
A blend of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Nocera and Nero d'Avola, this polished wine conveys earthy aromas including violet, ripe berry, leather, game and baking spice. The savory palate doles out juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, licorice, cinnamon and clove alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2016–2020.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon, Sigillo shows soft fruit and blackberry aromas backed by a touch of the greenness—bell pepper or crushed clove—usually associated with Cabernet. There's heft and structure in the mouth.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers ripe, plump layers of black fruit, chocolate and spice. The palate is soft, luscious and velvety.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, Fiore is a sharp, tonic red wine that would pair with fried dough or cheese melts. Bramble, berry, cola and bitter almond appear on the close.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, this easygoing Cerasuolo di Vittoria offers a nice mix of freshness, informality and richness. Layers of raspberry, cherry and almond build on the close.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, this opens with heady aromas of cut rose, red berry and dark spice. The round, simple palate doles out juicy Maresca cherry, crushed raspberry and a note of white pepper alongside silky, smooth tannins. There's no complexity but it is easy drinking and delicious.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Nerello Cappuccio, this delivers a tangy, spicy feel, plus polished aromas of blackberry, almond and cured meat. Pair this easygoing selection with pepperoni pizza.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Nerello Mascalese, this delivers forest berry and cola, with blue flower and dusty mineral accents. The palate is easy, bright and lean.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and other Sicilian grapes, this features fruity aromas of dark berry and a whiff of graphite. The savory, straightforward palate offers up ripe black cherry and juicy blackberry, with notes of ground white pepper in the background. Soft tannins provide easy-drinking texture.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah, this conveys aromas of scorched earth, crushed flower, dark berry and a whiff of cooking spice. The palate offers ripe cherry, graphite, ground black pepper and a smoky note alongside velvety tannins.
A blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah, this opens with plush tones of blackberry and cherry, backed by savory accents of spice, smoke and black pepper. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety.
A blend of Nero d'Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this is bright and fresh, with an easy-drinking approach. Cherry, blackberry and spice give it a full and lively personality.
A blend of Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 vintage of Noà shows excellent concentration and intensity with lingering tones of ripe blackberry, cinnamon, wet earth and Graham cracker. It's a bold red wine, but the distinctive Nero d'Avola personality comes through nicely, linking the wine to its territory.
A blend of Nero d'Avola, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this easy-drinking wine opens with aromas of ripe black fruit, blue flower, graphite and whiffs of exotic spice. The round, juicy palate delivers black cherry, blackberry, ground black pepper and charred notes alongside light tannins and soft acidity. Drink through 2016.
A blend of Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (in equal measure), this is soft and ripe, with black cherry, cassis, chocolate and toasted espresso-bean notes. The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, with a touch of berry-like sweetness.
A blend of Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Campobello's entry-level red is slightly muddled, but it does a good job of offering genuine fruit flavors and overall freshness.
A blend of Nero di Troia and Cabernet Sauvignon, this conveys aromas of scorched earth, cedar, black currant, leather and game. The palate is showing some age, offering dried plum, mature blackberry, graphite, roasted coffee bean and licorice but not much fruit richness. It finishes on an astringent note.
A blend of Nero di Troia and Negroamaro, this simple wine has delicate aromas suggesting red berry, wild flower and a whiff of sea breeze. Bright and informal, the rather diluted palate offers hints of raspberry and strawberry alongside fresh acidity.
A blend of northern and southern Portuguese grapes, this is a seriously firm wine that's structured and dense. Spiced black plums are layered with big, drying tannins and acidity, which promise long aging for this impressive wine. Drink from 2017.
A blend of northern Barossa and Eden Valley fruit, this is a firm, full-bodied wine. American oak-derived notes of vanilla and cedar frame crisp plum and blackberry fruit, then add dusty notes on the long finish. Drink 2018–2030.
A blend of old-vine Cariñena (60%), Syrah (25%) and Merlot (15%). The color is impressively dark and so is the fruit—mainly plums and blackberries. Toast and dried spices from new oak give an additional impression of opulence. But even more impressive is the balance. This is no low-acid, fruit-and-oak wonder; the natural acidity of the Carignane shines through, giving lift and definition to the flavors. Easy to drink now, but should easily hold a few years.
A blend of old vine wines from the 2005 and 2007 vintages, this brings out a surprisingly mature sophistication in what is normally a simpler fruity grape. It has a smooth, rich character, buoyed by acidity, while offering spice and a light touch of wood.
A blend of Olsen Estates and Stillwater Creek vineyards, this wine pops with heaping amounts of black pepper and raw meat aromas along with dried herb grace notes. It's full of fruit and savory flavors, with firm tannins backing it all up. An impressive wine, this should have a long life ahead of it.
A blend of Olsen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and Clifton Hill on the Wahluke Slope, the aromas are generous, with notes of dark plum, smoke and baking spice. The palate is weighty and full, with palate-coating purple-fruit flavors that show pleasing depth, density and length.
A blend of organically cultivated Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone, this has enticing aromas of red berry and fragrant blue flower. The juicy palate offers red cherry, red currant and a hint of green pepper alongside smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy soon.
A blend of organically cultivated Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera and Sangiovese, this fun rosato offers aromas of red berry and an earthy note. Mirroring the fruity nose, the tangy palate offers Marasca cherry, crushed strawberry and raspberry. It closes crisp and clean.
A blend of organically farmed Chardonnay and Incrocio Manzoni, partly fermented and aged in terra-cotta amphora, this unusual but intriguing wine opens with aromas of Bartlett pear, pressed white flower and tangerine zest. The aromas carry over to the lively cloudy palate together with a touch of ginger and a hint of sea salt. Bright acidity lends balance.
A blend of organically farmed Sangiovese and 5% Malvasia Nera, this opens with aromas of scorched earth, underbrush and roasted coffee bean. Reflecting the hot vintage, the palate is evolved, offering raisin and dark spice alongside firm tannins. The fruit richness is already drying up so drink sooner rather than later.
A blend of Peachy Canyon Estate (67%) and Mustang Springs Ranch (33%) fruit. In this vintage the Peachy Zins seem to lack intensity, but this is a well-balanced effort that shows the best of what is there. Clean, forward fruit, with lots of blueberry and a light, toasty framework. Good wine, but pricey.
A blend of Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills vineyard fruit cofermented with Viognier, this wine opens with aromas of mountain blueberries, wild flowers, orange peel and pomegranate. The flavors are perfumed and polished, with floral and blue-fruit notes lingering on the finish. It brings a lovely sense of texture.
A blend of Perricone and Nerello Mascalese, this juicy red opens with aromas that recall ripe berry, Mediterranean spice and an earthy whiff of tilled soil. The firm but accessible palate offers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry and baking spice. Velvety tannins provide the framework.
A blend of Petit Manseng and Muscat, this wine is overtly floral and fruity. Sweet lily and white rose aromas pervade an exotic palate of lychee and orange oil. While easy to enjoy on its own, this would make a fun pairing with Thai curries.
A blend of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this structured wine opens with aromas of dried blue flower, leather, game, graphite, mature black fruit and baking spice. On the palate, velvety tannins support ripe blueberry, spicy plum and licorice. Drink through 2023.
A blend of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, this is a clumsy wine. It's soft and overripe, and the oaky overlay doesn't do anything to improve the situation.
A blend of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, Vezer's Jake's has a good, dark earthy personality, with a depth of spice around its big shoulders and dusty Petite Sirah finish.
A blend of Petite Syrah, Petit Verdot and Shiraz, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry and black pepper with a touch of green bell pepper. It is well balanced and has good mouthfeel, with flavors of black cherry, chocolate, thyme and oregano. Smooth tannins coat the palate into the slightly minty finish.
A blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Picolit, this offers muted scents of wildflower, toasted oak and orchard fruit. The palate offers oak-driven vanilla, butterscotch, candied nectarine and yellow apple skin.
A blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, this offers aromas of dried apricot, bread crust, toasted nut and a hint of butterscotch. The rich, round palate offers candied nectarine zest, toasted walnut, ripe yellow apple skin and pastry cream alongside a refined, persistent perlage.
A blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, this northern Italian white opens with crisp, tangy fruit and long tones of stone fruit, mineral, pineapple and pear. Those fruity notes help support the wine's medium structure and build.
A blend of Pinot Bianco, Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, this structured wine discloses aromas of white fragrant flowers and exotic fruit. The round palate offers yellow apple, pear, almond and vanilla with  a hint of toast.
A blend of Pinot Bianco, Friulano, Sauvignon and Ribolla Gialla, this structured but elegant wine offers Golden apple, dried apricot, citrus and subtle oak along with a hint of butterscotch.
A blend of Pinot Blanc and four other white grapes, this pleasant and fruity wine offers simple enjoyment. Peach, pink-grapefruit, straw and cracker flavors show on the palate and lead to a dry finish.
A blend of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay with splashes of Gewürztraminer and Viognier, this has notes of apple, pear and melon. It drinks close to dry with fresh, clean fruit flavors and well-balanced acidity.
A blend of Pinot Grigio with a small percentage of Pinot Bianco that was aged in wood. The result is a full wine with aromas of white flowers, opulent and spicy on the palate, and leaving crisp acidity in the mouth.
A blend of Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, it's vibrantly aromatic with notes of spice, white grapefruit, and lychee. The concrete tank aging provides a sense of freshness while Celilo Vineyard's electric acidity beautifully balances out the residual sugar (16.3 g/L).
A blend of Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, this is crisp while also rounded. Fresh, tight acidity under a creamy texture brings out the sliced apple and Rocha pear flavors. There's no need to age this bottling; it's ready to drink.
A blend of Pinot Nero and Chardonnay, this stunning sparkler shows its Piedmont pedigree, boasting structure and finesse. Dosed with the firm's own 1967 Barolo, it opens with delicate scents of perfumed red cherry, juicy strawberry, rose, cake spice and a whiff of baked bread that follow over to the vibrant palate. A blast of tangerine zest closes the crisp finish. Delicious!
A blend of Pinot Nero, Chardonnay and a small amount of Pinot Meunier, this opens with aromas of bread crust, hazelnut and Golden Delicious apple. The ripe palate offers candied nectarine zest, toast and slightly-bitter roasted walnut alongside a refined, persistent perlage.
A blend of Pinot Noir (75%) and Chardonnay, this Brut Rosé sparkler opens with a pale pink color and pleasing aromas of baguette bread, white almond and blue flower or pressed violets. Pair it with salmon canapés.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with some years of bottle aging has produced a sophisticated wine, pushing acidity and citrus flavors and a dancing sparkling character. Aromatic and very crisp.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay from a small region just north of Sancerre, this bright-pink wine is fresh, fruity and light. A touch of tannin gives structure and brings out the dry core of this otherwise crisp wine.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this is a rich Champagne. It has layers of red currant fruits and intense acidity. There is some toast coming through as this wine has aged.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Touriga Nacional, crisply flavored with raspberries and fresh acidity. A dry rosé, which finishes with a bright lift.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Touriga Nacional, this is a smoothly ripe wine. Its cherry and spice flavors are given just a hint of structure built by a tannic edge. This soft juicy wine is ready to drink.
A blend of Pommard and Wadenswill clones, this was aged in large, neutral puncheons. It's smooth, light and well balanced, showing fruit flavors of watermelon and strawberry. The vintage was challenging, and flavors of leaf and herb are also in the mix.
A blend of Portuguese grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon, this is attractive and softly fruity. Its black fruit and gentle tannins make it completely ready to drink.
A blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, this opens with black-skinned berry, scorched earth and cooking spice aromas. The concentrated palate delivers black currant, mocha and licorice flavors with a hint of black pepper, all set against a backdrop of fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2021.
A blend of predominantly Merlot and Syrah, this wine offers aromas of raspberries, herbs, plum and vanilla. The flavors are sweet, plump and juicy, delivering a lot of bang for the buck.
A blend of Primitivo (70%) and Syrah, this opens with sweet aromas of raspberry candy and bitter almond. The finish is characterized by a fresh blueberry flavor.
A blend of Primitivo and Syrah, this shows bright aromas of cherry and blackberry, with a light touch of exotic spice. The soft, easy, velvety mouthfeel would pair well with roast pork or grilled sausage.
A blend of Primitivo, Piedirosso and other native grapes and made with no added sulfites, this dense wine offers mint, eucalyptus, oak, fig and cinnamon spice sensations. It could use more fruity richness, and astringent tannins mark the close.
A blend of red fruit and dark spice shows on the nose of this wine, with dried strawberry and red cherry running into licorice, purple flowers and black slate. The flavors are broad with cherry candy notes, boosted by a boisterous pepper spice, and settling into a decently tart finish.
A blend of Red Willow Merlot (61%) and Angela's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers savory aromas of herbs, nori and peanut shells. The palate shows good concentration to the sweet coffee and cherry flavors that display a supple feel and are backed by lightly chewy tannins.
A blend of Red Willow, Mercer, DuBrul, Outlook and Elerding vineyards and aged in just 35% new French oak, this wine is still quite locked up with notes of herbs, plum, high-toned barrel spices and pencil lead. It brings soft, lively blue fruit flavors with the tannins combed to a fine sheen.
A blend of revered Sagemoor and Conner Lee vineyards, this barrel-fermented wine has aromas of caramel, poached pear, lees and peach. The stone fruit flavors are light yet creamy in feel, trailing toward the finish.
A blend of Riesling and Gewürztraminer has produced a perfumed, generously sweet wine. Made from grapes that were left late on the vine, it has a high sugar concentration and an attractive touch of orange jam. Drink this wine from 2018.
A blend of Riesling and Muscat with a pinch of Gewürztraminer, this wine offers vibrant aromas of orange peel, fresh flowers, spice and jasmine that don't entirely meld. It drinks dry with light concentration and a slightly bitter finish.
A blend of Riesling, Muscat and Viognier, this wine offers aromas of white flowers, orange peel and citrus. It drinks off dry, with abundant mandarin flavors that linger.
A blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Muscat, this is a wine that fascinates. Both fresh and rich, this wine combines strongly perfumed notes with a pure, steely texture. It is drinkable now, although it will be better in three years' time. Glass stopper
A blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, this light-straw-colored wine has aromas of peach and freesia. It is very soft on the palate, with refreshing flavors of melon, clementine and passion fruit. The citrus finish offers a surprising touch of white chocolate.
A blend of roughly equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah, this does not offer much in the way of fruit; there's an emptiness to the midpalate. It's a difficult wine to get a handle on, even after breathing time. Perhaps more bottle age will open it up.
A blend of Roupeiro and Alvarinho (the two varieties in the name of the wine), this is a smooth wine, ripe with bright fruit and acidity. It has a crisp flavor that balances the warm fruitiness. Ready to drink, although it will be better from 2017.
A blend of Roupeiro, Perrum and Antão Vaz, this is a wine that shows how crisp and fresh (and light) whites from the hot Alentejo can be. There's simple, fresh, crisp fruit, with green plum and tropical fruit flavors, just great for chilling and drinking.
A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, this was made in the passito style—grapes were dried to concentrate sugars, then pressed and fermented. The result is a terrific and unusual dessert wine, with candied fruits mixing papaya, guava, banana, Meyer lemon and more. The center is simply lush and fruity; the finish tails off gently with a honeyed kiss.
A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, this wine offers restrained aromas of spice, almond and flowers. The palate shows a good sense of texture and tension as well as length.
A blend of Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Marsanne, this wine brings reserved aromas of apple skin, pear, almond and lemon verbena. The palate brings a sense of freshness and vibrancy, with a citric kick and an impressively long finish.
A blend of Sémillon and Cabernet Franc, this is a smooth, soft wine. It has soft fruitiness, some fresh acidity and a light but clean aftertaste.
A blend of Sémillon, Ugni Blanc and Rolle, this cool white is deliciously fruity already. It's soft, rounded, full of lemon and pear flavors, with a fine tang of acidity. Drink now or keep a few months.
A blend of Sangiovese (38%), Merlot (31%) and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine displays each in turn with aromas and flavors of dried herbs, coffee, tobacco and cherry. The style is reserved, with plenty of fruit and acid but subtle oak—perfect for the dinner table.
A blend of Sangiovese (42%), Merlot (32%), and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is one of the first wines coming off the estate vineyard located next to the winery. A full five years old, it's starting to show a touch of age aromatically, with notes of bittersweet chocolate, dried cherry and dried herb along with sliced green pepper. The palate shows the brightness of acidity that this region of the valley is known for, heightening the fruit flavors and stretching out the finish.
A blend of Sangiovese (53%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Merlot, this wine is aromatically locked up with notes of wet copper penny, cherry and herbs. The flavors are soft in feel with the oak seemingly dialed back. With time, the aromas and flavors may join together better.
A blend of Sangiovese (66%), Cabernet Sauvignon (22%) and Merlot, this wine offers hints of dark raspberries, black currant, vanilla and herbs. It's broad and flavorful with somewhat astringent tannins that hopefully will mellow with some additional time in bottle.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this structured wine opens with aromas of underbrush, toasted oak, crushed flower and plum. The palate offers dried black cherry, grilled sage, espresso and clove alongside firm tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this easy-drinking red opens with aromas of sunbaked soil, ripe blackberry and a whiff of herb. The soft, simple palate offers dried black cherry and a hint of baking spice alongside round, fleeting tannins. Drink soon.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with aromas of underbrush, red berry, blue flowers and a whiff of tilled soil. The juicy palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and clove alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2018.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Ciliegiolo, this wine has a fruit and spice aroma of crushed red berries, white pepper and clove with a whiff of coffee. The tightly woven palate delivers black cherry, black raspberry, chocolate, mocha and black pepper alongside assertive, tongue-drying tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, this opens with aromas of red berry, fragrant flower, oak and a whiff of menthol. The firm palate delivers red cherry, raspberry, espresso, toasted oak and dried sage alongside tightly knit tannins that end on an astringent note. Give it time to unwind. Drink 2017–2022.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this opens with aromas of black plum, tilled soil and a hint of underbrush. The palate offers dark berry, tobacco and a hint of espresso alongside firm tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% other grapes, this opens with aromas of toast, red berries and underbrush. The straightforward palate doles out sugary black plum, dark cherries and chocolate lightly accented with black pepper.
A blend of Sangiovese and 10% Pugnitello, this has rustic aromas of game, overripe black-skinned fruit and barnyard. The funky aromas carry over to the palate but the fruit has dried up. Grainy, almost gritty tannins leave a raspy finish.
A blend of Sangiovese and 15% Canaiolo, this chewy wine offers enticing aromas of violet, ripe berry, underbrush and baking spice. The fresh, savory palate doles out fleshy black cherry, licorice, black pepper, clove and tobacco alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy 2016–2020.
A blend of Sangiovese and 15% Merlot, this opens with aromas that recall red currant, cedar and rose petal. The savory palate doles out wild cherry, white pepper, cinnamon and aniseed alongside polished tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese and 15% Merlot, this round, medium-bodied wine offers aromas of dark berry, blue flowers and a whiff of cedar. The friendly, accessible palate delivers juicy black cherry, tobacco and a hint of licorice alongside soft tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2017.
A blend of Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo, it conveys spicy aromas of black pepper, spearmint and toast. The palate delivers black berry and cherry alongside bright acidity. Simple but well-made, it would pair well with hearty pasta dishes.
A blend of Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo, this opens with aromas of baked plum, dark berry, mocha and vanilla. The palate offers dried black cherry, sweet baking spice and a confectionary note alongside smooth but rather fleeting tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese and 20% Ciliegiolo, this opens with aromas that recall fragrant purple flower, new leather, aromatic herb and red berry. The ripe palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, chopped mint and a hint of star anise alongside fine-grained tannins that leave a firm, polished finish. Drink through 2019.
A blend of Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, this offers aromas of red currant, espresso, aromatic herb and French oak. The taut palate shows tart red cherry, coffee, toast, star anise and powdered sage while close-grained tannins leave an astringent, mouth-puckering finish.
A blend of Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this fragrant wine opens with aromas of purple flowers, ripe plum, sage and sweet baking spice. The juicy palate offers fleshy black cherry, blackberry, licorice and clove accompanied by velvety tannins. It's already open and generous but will age well for a few more years. Drink through 2018.
A blend of Sangiovese and 7% Canaiolo, this bright red opens with pretty aromas of violet, woodland berry and a whiff of baking spice. The vibrant palate offers tart cherry, black raspberry and anise alongside sleek tannins and fresh acidity.
A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tavola Rosso is a wine that seems to be in search of a distinct identity. Tannic, drying and vanilla soaked, it has a red fruit flavor that vanishes all too quickly.
A blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with cherry cola, sweet fruit, spice and dried rosemary aromas. It is easy-drinking and bright, with a touch of fruity sweetness on the finish.
A blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo, this is a richly concentrated red that would pair with pork, lamb or hearty lasagna with beef sauce. An easy dinner wine to share with friends, it is redolent of blackberry, spice and cured meat.
A blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia, this wine conveys aromas of espresso, roasted coffee bean, black fruit and mint. The palate offers oak, vanilla, toast, coffee, black cherry, black pepper and grilled balsamic herbs. It's soft and already accessible. Drink now through 2019.
A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot in equal parts, this concentrated wine opens with aromas of vanilla, ripe black-skinned fruit and mocha. The supple palate offers coconut, toast and black plum alongside velvety tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, this delightful red has fruity aromas of wild berry and plum. The easy-drinking palate offers black cherry and a spicy note of clove alongside polished tannins. It's made to be drunk young, so enjoy soon.
A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, this shows great balance and loads of food-friendly nuances of cherry, spice and chocolate. Bright acidity keeps the palate refreshed.
A blend of Sangiovese and Syrah, this opens with aromas of toasted oak, roasted coffee beans, wood-driven spice and a whiff of barnyard. The palate shows dried black fruit, black pepper and a gamy note. The bracing tannins are still tightly wound but it's shy on freshness and fruit richness so drink sooner rather than later.
A blend of Sangiovese topped up with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of ripe plum, baked earth, pressed blue flower and brown spice. The firm palate delivers dried black cherry, mocha, anise and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese with 10% Canaiolo, this opens with a fruity fragrance of fresh red berry, Mediterranean brush and a whiff of iris. The savory palate doles out juicy black cherry, black raspberry, clove and white pepper alongside fine-grained tannins. An anise note signals the finish. Drink 2016–2020.
A blend of Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this offers aromas recalling red currant, blue flower, espresso and a whiff of baking spice. On the soft, accessible palate, notes of sage and toast accent a core of dried cherry. Drink through 2016.
A blend of Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this offers aromas that recall ripe plum, sun-baked earth and black pepper. The round, ripe palate doles out fleshy black cherry, cinnamon, mocha and a confectionary note alongside lithe tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 5% Mammolo, this has earthy aromas of truffle, tilled soil, iris and ripe dark-skinned fruit. The chewy palate doles out juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry, black pepper, clove and a hint of mocha alongside solid tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Colorino, this opens with subtle aromas of red currant, brown cooking spice and a whiff of sun-baked earth. The straightforward, accessible palate offers wild cherry, coffee, toasted oak and black pepper. Drink through 2018.
A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo, this evokes dark-skinned berry and baking spice aromas. The firm savory palate delivers black plum, tobacco and vanilla alongside round tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the 2003 Rovaio is surprisingly light and delicate considering the hot vintage that shaped it. Aromas include Amaretto, root beer, blueberries and blue flowers. The wine is lean and fresh in the mouth, with very good persistence.
A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a compelling and exciting expression of territory. The Tassinaia hill produces a balanced wine with black fruit and some herbal notes backed by spice, toast and a long satisfying finish.
A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas that recall green bell pepper, mature plum and soy sauce. The palate offers dried cherry, fig and a hint of baking spice alongside evolved, fleeting tannins. It's already extremely accessible so drink soon.
A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this shows bright, balanced aromas of berry, spice and almond. Touches of forest floor, bramble and crisp fruit bring up the rear.
A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this brings out the best of each of them with beguiling aromas of barrel spice, cranberry, raspberry and herb. The fruit flavors are rich and full bodied.
A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this vibrant red has alluring aromas of plum, blackberry, purple flower, espresso and a whiff of exotic spice. The elegant, structured palate delivers black cherry, black currant, pipe tobacco, vanilla and licorice alongside fresh acidity while firm, fine grained tannins lend a polished texture. Drink 2018–2028.
A blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas suggesting mature dark-skinned fruit, toast, sunbaked earth and cooking spice. On the polished, straightforward palate, hints of clove, orange peel and anise back up a core of dried black cherry while close-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink through 2018.
A blend of Sangiovese, Cinsault, Zinfandel and Syrah, this dry Rosé is dark pinkish-red. Otherwise it is light and straightforward, finishing quick.
A blend of Sangiovese, Colorino and Mammolo, this straightforward wine opens with aromas that recall plum cake, ripe black fruit and a hint of balsam. The juicy palate offers crushed black cherry accented with cinnamon. Drink now to capture the succulent fruit and freshness.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet aged in barriques, this opens with aromas that recall perfumed berry, wild violet and a balsamic note. The dense, ripe palate doles out ripe black plum, crushed wild cherry, toast and roasted coffee bean alongside soft acidity and chewy tannins. Drink through 2016.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Barberani's modern Villa Monticelli is a pleasing wine with noticeable oak shadings behind its natural cherry fruit. These elements are well-integrated, giving rise to more delicate aromas of cola, balsam notes, berry and almond. It offers pretty brilliance and clarity of flavors with thick spice and red fruit flavors.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of charred earth, game and a funky whiff of barnyard. The evolved palate offers dried black cherries, prune, coffee, clove, oak and licorice alongside fleeting but astringent tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this supple, delicious wine opens with aromas of blackberry, tilled soil, leather, vanilla and tobacco. The juicy palate doles out black cherry, fleshy plum, well-integrated oak and graphite. It's balanced with firm but fine-grained tannins and modest acidity. Drink through 2019.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet, this shows weight on the palate, and it offers velvety tannins and bright fruit and spicy flavors. The aromatic delivery is immediate and clean.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah, this has fruity aromas of dark-skinned berry along with a whiff of all spice. The fresh easygoing palate shows blackberry, black cherry and a hint of ground pepper accompanied by soft tannins. Enjoy soon.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah, this highlights aromas of underbrush, toasted notes and dark berry. The firm palate offers dried cherry, blackberry and a hint of truffle alongside chewy tannins.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah, this opens with plush layers of black fruit, tobacco, chocolate and crushed black pepper. Full, ripe and modern, this has lingering notes of exotic spice and toasted nut on the finish.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this shows sun-ripened fruit aromas of cherry, prune, blackberry and plum. Spicy toasted notes appear on the finish, giving the wine richness and softness.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah and other grapes, this features aromas of bright berry, spice and violet. The vibrant, easy-drinking palate offers black cherry, red currant and black pepper alongside supple tannins and fresh acidity.
A blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Sagrantino, this boasts ripe raspberry, cherry and coffee bean sensations, lifted up by notes of white pepper, mint and sage. You'll also detect a green, astringent woody accent on the close.
A blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Sagrantino, this is a rich, chewy red with savory aromas of cured meat and spice. There's a touch of ripe fruit and even a note on the finish that resembles cinnamon or ground nutmeg.
A blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Merlot and Cabernet, this offers aromas of cherry-berry and dessert spices that carry over to the palate, along with a licorice note. It's ripe and round but also a bit tired, with a drying, tannic finish.
A blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this is a wine that imparts great intensity and a wide range of aromas including red fruit, dried mint leaf, root beer and white truffle. It boasts a beautiful color, firm tannins and smoky flavors in the mouth.
A blend of Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with tones of fruit, mild tobacco and spice. The wine's measured intensity and bright acidity make it a good choice for cheesy pasta dishes.
A blend of Sangiovese, with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this offers aromas of ripe blackberry, baking spice, toasted oak and a balsamic note. The round, savory palate offers black cherry, ground pepper, anise, espresso and tobacco alongside polished tannins.
A blend of Sauvignon and Chardonnay, this has subdued aromas of toast and orchard fruit. The linear palate is on the lean side, offering yellow apple skin, oak and a hint of citrus. It closes on a bitter-almond note.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (61%) and Sémillon, with the latter a new addition to this typically varietally designated wine, it opens with aromas of herbs, lemon verbana, white flowers, nut oil and yellow apple. The palate is lean in style, with a lightly creamy feel backed by racy acidity that leads to a white grapefruit, kiwi and pineapple-filled finish.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, this richly honeyed, still very young wine has all the weight and richness of sweet wines from the southern end of Lake Neusiedl. It is packed with ripe yellow fruits, layered with intense honey and has just an edge of dryness from the noble rot. It's worth aging over 4–6 years.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Fernão Pires where the blend produces a wine that is soft and gently fruity. It has attractive acidity as well as a touch of spice and intense citrus at the end. Drink now.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Fernão Pires, this crisp, lightly herbaceous wine has a soft texture and attractive, creamy acidity. Hints of yellow fruits come through deliciously at the end.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Loin de l'Oeil, this is ripe, fruity and perfumed. It has an attractive floral character, with flavors of toast and hedgerow. It's ready to drink, but it could age.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, this wine features an intriguing nose of lemon grass. Flavors of pineapple and Golden Delicious apple mingle on the round palate.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sämling, this gold straw colored wine is about freshness and acidity as much as about sweetness. That gives this ageworthy wine a great delicacy and poise, balanced and fresh, the honey botrytis texture attractively layered through this delicious wine.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Sémillon, it tastes like green apples sprinkled with herbs and white pepper, on a smooth texture with fairly full body. An appealing intensity lingers on the finish.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Rolle and Ugni Blanc, this creamy wine packs a delicious fresh layer of crisp citrus and a soft underbelly of avocado smoothness. There is some green fruit skin structure, and a lively herbal element.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Musqué, this wine delights for its supple apricot and nectarine flavors. It's floral on the nose, with grapefruit and fennel scents, unfolding slowly to reveal a rich texture and fresh acidity.
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, with one-quarter Sémillon, this white blend was aged on the lees in oak barrels. It shows the balanced elegance this bottling by Brander usually displays. Entirely dry, with a crisp burst of acidity, its flavors are of citrus fruits, white flowers, vanilla, minerals and a touch of tart, New Zealand-style gooseberry. Great with roast pork or, if you can get it, wild boar.
A blend of Scooteney Flats and Kiona vineyards, this 100% varietal wine initially brings barrel-forward aromas of vanillin, clove and spice. This evolves over time to reveal dark plum and pepper. The fruit flavors are fleshy yet still show restraint. If the barrel notes integrate, it could move up a notch.
A blend of Sean Thackrey's four Pinot clones, all grown in one block of the Wentzel Vineyard, this wine is a baby still, soft and lush and ready to develop further. Interesting to taste now, with hints of each of its clonal brethren. Give this wine another 3–5 years and see which has taken front row.
A blend of seven different varieties, this wine is aromatic and fruit forward, recalling blueberry pie and cocoa with a citrus top note. It's plush but still deft in feel with soft tannins and abundant blue-fruit flavors.
A blend of seven different vineyards, the name is French for spoon. This is a softer, less tannic wine than most of the other Torii Mor 2005s, but is not quite what you would call silky. Mixed red fruits, light scents suggesting flower as well as berry, and a feminine elegance characterize this Pinot. It's been carefully crafted to emphasize the subtle herbs and spices, without hiding behind the more obvious flavors of new oak.
A blend of seven grapes (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Alicante), this elegantly structured wine opens with aromas of toast, coffee, black pepper and dark-skinned fruit. The polished palate offers black cherries, espresso, mocha and oak-driven spice alongside firm but refined tannins.
A blend of seven vineyards scattered across the valley, this is a full-bodied, ripe Pinot Noir whose tannins suggest cellaring. Thoroughly dry, it shows deep notes of blackberries, black cherries, clove and pepper spice and smoky, vanilla-scented sandalwood. Feels elegant. Give it until 2013, at least.
A blend of several vineyard sites, including Riddle and Pratt, this is a knockout, a testament to fine winemaking in its soft, velvety texture and buoyant acidity and structure. Orange and strawberry provide a tangy ripeness complemented in earth and clove. This is one worth stocking up on.
A blend of several vineyards in the famous Middle Reach stretch of the warmer, northwestern arm of the Russian River Valley, this is a beautiful wine to drink now. It's dry and silky, with perfectly ripened raspberry, cherry, strawberry and cola flavors, brightened by crisp acidity. It will hold in the bottle through 2020.
A blend of several vineyards, including Kanzler, Quail Hill and Umino, with some Freestone also in the bottle, this wine was given an almost 50% whole-cluster fermentation. Crisp cherry, strawberry and an inviting squeeze of citrus sit atop darker notes of cinnamon toast, the whole awash in a floral flourish of orange blossom.
A blend of several vineyards, this Chardonnay captures the exquisite ripeness and tart acidity of the valley. It's lush in apricots, oranges, pineapples and honey, with the buttered toast and vanilla of French oak barrels. Sure is tasty for drinking now.
A blend of several vineyards, this was aged for 17 months in French oak. The barrel influence is subtle, but the time in wood has helped to round out the tannins. The strawberry and raspberry fruit still has sharp edges and an herbal streak, bumping up against a smooth, chocolaty finish.
A blend of Shaw and Boushey vineyards, this 100% varietal wine displays aromas of bittersweet chocolate, savory herbs, an earthy funk, sawdust and woodspice. It's supple in feel, with sweet cherry and chocolate flavors that linger.
A blend of Shiraz and Touriga Nacional, this pink-colored selection is bright, crisp and full of red fruit flavors. It is soft and a touch sweet, though it finishes with crisp acidity. Screwcap.
A blend of Shiraz from Eden Valley and the valley floor, this is both amply endowed and impressively complex. The creamy purée of raspberries is dusted with peppery spice and cocoa, leaving a savory impression on the lasting finish. Drink now–2015.
A blend of Shiraz from Eden Valley and the valley floor, this is both amply endowed and impressively complex. The creamy purée of raspberries is dusted with peppery spice and cocoa, leaving a savory impression on the lasting finish. Drink now—2015.
A blend of simple stone-fruit and citrus aromas exhibits a touch of vegetal green. This feels balanced but highly regular, while briny citrus and persimmon flavors hang around on the finish.
A blend of six different varieties with Chardonnay (35%) and Marsanne (19%) taking the lead, this medium-sweet wine suggests tangerine, sweet corn and crème fraîche, with some of the aromas and flavors seeming to tussle.
A blend of six different varieties with Merlot and Syrah taking the lead, this wine brings aromas of toast, matchstick and cherry. The flavors are luscious and full, backed by lightly tacky tannins.
A blend of six different varieties with Syrah (61%) taking the lead, this pink-colored wine offers aromas of bubblegum, spice and herb. The off-dry cherry flavors seem a bit watery, winnowing toward the finish.
A blend of six different varieties with Syrah (72%) in the lead, this pale cherry-color wine pops with aromas of bubble gum, wild strawberry and orange peel. The concentration is a bit light with the tart finish that pulls it together.
A blend of six varietals including Cabernet Franc and Syrah, this wine is utterly distinctive. The raspberry liqueur aroma has a meaty edge complemented with things like ground coffee, violets and white chocolate. All these flavors mingle in the mouth, and yet the wine is dry. The supple, silky texture is notable. Best Buy. —S.H.
A blend of six varieties, but it's not a simple wine made from the leftovers that some wineries use for blends. Instead, it's crisp and fruity, not as dry as Tangent's varietal wines, but rich in Muscat orange, Riesling flowers, Pinot Gris citrus, Viognier tropical fruit and Pinot Blanc peach. One percent Albariño seems to add to the acidity.
A blend of six varieties, this is a perfumed wine, with flavors of wood aging to go with the yellow fruits. and a soft, rounded mouthfeel.
A blend of St. Laurent and Pinot Noir, this is a full, round wine. It has a soft, juicy texture that comes with a touch of barnyard as well as warm strawberry fruit. The finish is rich, and the wine is ready to drink.
A blend of Stillwater Creek and Conner Lee Vineyard fruit, this wine brings aromas of dried cherry and cranberry. The flavors are restrained but still show depth, seeming a bit dried out.
A blend of Stillwater Creek and Dineen vineyard fruit, aromas of assorted dried herbs, coffee and barrel spices intermingle. The dark-fruit flavors are elegant, polished and reserved, supported by lightly grainy tannins.
A blend of Syrah (40%), Merlot (30%), Malbec (16) and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is dark in color, with aromas of plum, chocolate, orange peel and peppery spices. Flavors are soft and full, bringing appeal at a seldom-seen in this appellation.
A blend of Syrah (52%), Grenache (35%) and Mourvèdre, this brings notes of vanilla, white pepper and cherry. It's tart and medium bodied with chocolaty flavors, but the concentration doesn't seem entirely there.
A blend of Syrah (59%) and Cabernet Sauvignon from mostly Upchurch and Ciel du Cheval vineyards, this wine offers reticent aromas of herbs, woodspice, mineral and dark fruit. The blackberry and black cherry flavors are plump and show a sense of balance, with slightly dry tannins providing some heft.
A blend of Syrah (60%), Grenache (17%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Mourvèdre (10%), Cinsault (2%) and Counoise, this wine is very pale yellow-pink in color. It offers appealing aromas of orange rind, citrus and strawberry. The palate is dry and quite tart, loaded with citrus flavors. It brings a lot of enjoyment.
A blend of Syrah (62%), Petite Sirah (25%) and Mourvèdre, this no-holds-barred wine offers aromas of potpourri, orange peel, peppery spices and dark fruit. It's ripe and full bodied with a finish that lingers.
A blend of Syrah (68%), Grenache (29%) and Viognier, this wine brings pungent, directly appealing aromas of smoked meat, blue fruit, black olive, orange peel and high-toned flowers. The blue and black-fruit and smoked-meat flavors are silky and well constructed with a finish that lingers.
A blend of Syrah (70%), Grenache (25%) and Mourvèdre, this tantalizing wine offers a near endless list of aromatic descriptors, from white pepper to smoked meat, currant, mineral, licorice, coffee and dried herbs, seeming to evolve with each swirl. The palate is layered and rich with plum, pomegranate and lingering dark fruit flavors. It drinks best at a cool 62 degrees.
A blend of Syrah (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%) and Mourvèdre, this opens with aromas of wet gravel, herb, smoke, funk, nori and black olive that are followed by plentiful, soft, generous savory flavors that bring a lot of intensity and appeal. The finish lingers.
A blend of Syrah and 7% Viognier, this has a tremendous perfume on the nose. Mouth-filling and savory, it is adorned with flavors of mushroom, earth and black raspberry. Cellar this for a while, or enjoy it now with roasted game served in a mushroom ragout.
A blend of Syrah and Alicante, this opens with aromas of underbrush, toasted wood, espresso and a whiff of exotic spice. On the palate, the fruit is almost completely dried up, leaving prune and oak-driven sensations of coffee and licorice alongside drying tannins.
A blend of Syrah and Braucol from the slopes above Gaillac, this fruity, friendly wine has notes of spice and red berry. It's attractively juicy, with soft tannins, and it's ready to drink now.
A blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine shows tones of red currant juice and geranium. Light in body and tannin, this is mild and approachable.
A blend of Syrah and Carignan, this wine definitely has an unmistakable Languedoc herbaceousness to it amid the bright cherry and red plum flavors. Tightly structured with somewhat bracing acidity and a peppery finish. Drink now.
A blend of Syrah and Cinsault gives this wine that has some structure as well plenty of perfumed fruit. Lively and fruity, it revels in its crisp, open red-currant flavors. The wine will make a fine apéritif.
A blend of Syrah and Grenache from organic vineyards gives a herbal, very southern taste to this ripe wine. It is still young and showing both acidity and a firm structure. As it develops further, it will get a rich, full and plummy character. Drink from 2017.
A blend of Syrah and Grenache, still hard and tannic. The flavors of earth, coffee and dark toast conceal whatever the fruit might have to say, leaving a trail of bitterness in the finish.
A blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre, this is a lovely, polished and serious red wine. It impresses not just for the well-ripened cassis, cherry, cocoa and cedar flavors, but for the overall balance, and the smoothness of the texture.
A blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah, this has a primary scent of warm blackberry jam spread over toast, with leather and cigar box nuances that lend it savory edge. The palate is full-bodied, round and boldly flavored, with notes of spice, potpourri, and sun-baked plum that linger on the finish.
A blend of Syrah and Sangiovese, this salmon-colored wine opens with aromas of peach blossom and honeysuckle. The palate doles out juicy red cherry, nectarine, pink grapefruit and a hint of Mediterranean herb alongside zesty acidity.
A blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional , this has a vivid pink color, and a soft, aromatic character. It is ripe and crisp, packed with strawberry juice fruit.
A blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional, this is a dry wine that is just crisp, light fruit. Dominant red berry flavors are smooth, without any tannins and only the lightest texture. From its pale color to its soft fruit, this is a delicious modern rosé.
A blend of Syrah and Zinfandel, this is a sharp, Porty wine with flavors of raisins and caramelized blackberries. It's semisweet and sharp on the finish.
A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and a dollop of Petit Verdot, this has subtle aromas of ground pepper, toast, French oak and espresso. The aromas follow over to the rather lean, straightforward palate along with a note of fresh cherry set against loose-knit, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy over the next few years.
A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Grenache and Merlot, this delicious red is juicy in blackberry and vanilla swirls of flavor. Tar, sage and tobacco add savory touches that work within its soft rounded frame.
A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier and Petite Sirah, this is dry, brisk and straightforward, with red currant and pepper flavors. Drink it now with roasted or grilled meats and stews.
A blend of Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Grenache, all in even proportion, this is a lush and dense selection that offers upfront notes of wild blackberry, boysenberry, licorice and sweet spice. The palate is lush and the texture creamy, with medium tannins and lovely chocolate and toasted-oak accents that linger long on the finish.
A blend of Syrah, Castelão and Aragonez, this is a ripe, full wine that has fine soft fruit. The tannins give just the right edge to the red fruits and final acidity. Drink now.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, this unwooded red features warm, spicy aromas and flavors of dark fruit, cinnamon, clove and hints of black pepper. Dry and savory on the finish.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, this medium- to full-bodied red features bright aromas of cherry, herb, chocolate and espresso, but turns dry and dusty-textured on the finish. Drink now.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, this offers chocolate and graphite aromas, which lead to notes of leaf litter and exotic spice. Although the wine boasts 14.8% alcohol, it maintains a medium body. Composed tannins and acids lend support to the cherry and pomegranate-molasses flavors.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, it's an immediately appealing wine with notes of coffee, black olive, blueberry and smoked meat. There's a pleasing texture and richness running from head to tail with coffee and chocolate flavors that linger on the finish.
A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre, this is a full-bodied, smoothly fruity wine for drinking now. It has rich blackberry and cherry flavors, with a hit of sweet, smoky oak.
A blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers a powerful and rich opening that exudes enduring tones of black spice, dark fruit, leather and tobacco. The palate has a round, chewy consistency, with polished tannins and loads of concentrated fruit.
A blend of Syrah, Merlot and Malbec, this wine has aromas of berry, cocoa and vanilla. The cranberry and cherry flavors are tart and full flavored with a velvety feel.
A blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache, this has a chocolate mint edge to the sugary sweet LifeSaver candy blackberries and cherries. The tannins and acids are good, though, and the wine would score higher if it were drier.
A blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Malbec and Petite Sirah from Brassfield's Volcano Ridge Vineyard, this intensely bold wine has an herbal streak and generous layers of blueberry and leathery, mountain-tight tannin. On the finish expect tar and espresso.
A blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre and other varieties, this is a standard-issue red wine, soft and a little sweet, with pie-filling flavors of cherries and raspberries. It's light and spicy on the finish.
A blend of Syrah, Zin and several other Rhône varieties, this is a soft, lusty wine, likeable for its array of ripe, forward fruit flavors. Cherries, blackberries, raspberries and licorice flood the mouth, finishing with a peacock's tail of dusty Asian spices.
A blend of Tannat, Pinenc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a ripe, earthy wine. It has rich black fruits that show concentrated tannins while also promising a smoother ride in a few years.
A blend of Tempranillo, Tannat, Touriga and Souzao, this gentle wine appeals for its raspberry and spice flavors. It's also quite crisp, making it a good partner for roasted meats.
A blend of Tempranillo, the seldom seen (in Washington) Graciano and Grenache, this wine is direct and fruity with notes of raspberry, char and barrel spices. It's light in style with elegant fruit flavors and grainy tannins with the oak approaching too intrusive.
A blend of Teroldego, Lagrein and Merlot, this deeply colored, informal red doles out crushed blackberry and mature black cherry flavors backed up by notes of ground pepper and espresso. Round tannins and tangy acidity provide support.
A blend of Teroldego, Lagrein and Merlot, this well-priced Italian opens with inky, dark concentration and loads of ripe fruit, blackberry and cinnamon. Nicely balanced, it's not too bold or overextracted.
A blend of the best grapes from the vintage, this is a powerful, oak-aged wine. Concentrated, rich and still showing signs of vanilla from the wood, it slowly reveals its great black fruits and acidity. With firm tannins at the end, the wine will need more time. Drink from 2019.
A blend of the favorite grapes of winemaker Edgar Torres (60% Grenache) and his wife, Erika (40% Syrah) from Kimsey Vineyard, this bottling shows bright and elegant aromas of boysenberry and elderberry with olive, wet river stone and pine forest. The chalky tannins still need time to evolve, but the black pepper, dark fruit, incense and myrrh flavors are well balanced.
A blend of the five major Bordeaux varieties, this is a deliciously soft wine. So easy to like for its rich blackberry, cherry, raspberry and smoky oak flavors, courtesy of 40% new barrels. Shows lots of class for the price.
A blend of the local Niellucciu and Sciaccarello grapes, this is a robust wine, with rustic tannins, blackberry acidity and a firm dry core. A great barbecue wine, finishing very fresh with a layer of wood.
A blend of the rare Caladoc, a specialty of DFJ Vinhos, and Tinta Roriz, this is a soft, juicy, fruity and forward wine. It has bright red-berry fruit and light tannins, along with just a hint of wood aging. It's very ready to drink. Screwcap.
A blend of the Tablas Creek and Alban clones, this Grenache is from the Stolpman Vineyard. Made using whole clusters in the fermentation, it's densely textured and brooding in tannins. But there's an enormous core of cherry fruit and spice. Should blossom in 2009 and hold for several more years.
A blend of the three Champagne grapes in roughly equal proportions has produced this balanced, soft and creamy wine. With a ripe dosage and a smooth texture, it is an easy wine. White fruits and light acidity make it attractive to drink now.
A blend of the two Cabernets and Merlot, the '04 Trilogy shows the wine's traditional elegance. The flavors are extremely ripe, suggesting blackberries, cherries and cocoa, with a sugared finish. Fully drinkable now due to the softness of the tannins.
A blend of the two major grapes of the region, Alvarinho and Loureiro, and grown at the home estate of the producer, this is delicious Vinho Verde. It is dry, crisp, light and piercingly bright, perfect either as an apéritif or with seafood. Drink now.
A blend of the two Pinots used in Champagne—Noir and Meunier—this rich yet soft wine from a lesser vintage is rounded, smooth and ripe. It is well balanced, crisp, rich and full of attractive red-currant and orange zest fruitiness.
A blend of the winemakers' two favorite vats, this is intended to give the best impression of the vintage. It's bold, ripe and full of dark fruit and big tannins. With nine months of barrel age, it has filled out and will be ready to drink from 2019.
A blend of the winery's Whistling Hills and Riviere Galets vineyards, this wine brings aromas of funk, coffee, tire rubber, blue fruit and smoke. The cranberry and cherry notes are sweet and full flavored, hanging on the finish.
A blend of three-quarters Malbec and one-quarter Cabernet Sauvignon, berry aromas are up front, along with notes of raspberry torte, dark chocolate and spice. The palate is flavorful and supremely smooth, sweetening on the warm and lingering finish. It offers a hedonistic sense of appeal.
A blend of three-quarters Syrah along with 17% Mourvèdre and 8% Cinsault, this wine brings aromas of vanilla, herb, coffee and cherry. The blackberry flavors are lush and full, showing precision, with oak notes speckled throughout.
A blend of three estate-farmed vineyards, this is a velvety-smooth expression of the variety. It conveys a touch more richness and concentration than some of the producer's other wines, at least at the beginning of the glass, when almond and hazelnut rule the day. But then it takes on a lightness toward the lengthy finish, ending in a mix of lemon zest and apple.
A blend of three estate vineyards, this is all-stainless fermented, tart and tasting more of skin than flesh. Citrus flavors of lemon and grapefruit, firm acidity and a wash of minerality keep it clean and refreshing.
A blend of three grapes, this unusual ice wine merges bright fruit and floral components of Vidal Blanc and Muscat with the smoky, gamy tones of the hybrid grape Marechal Foch. It's intense with honey and apple flavor, but spiked with distinct whiffs of smoke and potpourri. Balanced with bright, orange acidity, it finishes with a hint of lemon-pith astringency.
A blend of three native grapes (Trebbiano, Pecorino and Passerina), this refreshing wine is redolent of mature fruit, almond, honey and finely chopped garden herbs. It boasts a smooth, silky quality in the mouth and ends on a tart, crisp note.
A blend of three new Syrah clones that were fermented separately, then blended into a satisfying, though still young and somewhat jagged wine that will benefit from more bottle age. It comes out toasty and gamy, with undertones of cured meat, stiff tannins and moist earth. The classic Boushey vineyard flavors of herb, green tea and cured meats are here in abundance.
A blend of three vineyard sites, this fragrant wine offers subtle scents of truffle and earth along with pomegranate and raspberry. The fruit flavors have a dusty character, and there is a strong mineral streak that washes through the midpalate. Give this plenty of breathing time.
A blend of three vineyards, all estate, this is a sublime, viscous and somewhat briny wine that exhibits some oak on the nose. With a balance of weight and creaminess, it starts in ginger and nutmeg spiciness on the nose, building on the palate into fresh-cut apple and pear.
A blend of three vineyards, located between Corralitos and the Summit area, this bottling conveys rusty, earthy cranberries, cherries and Earl Grey tea on the nose. The earthy character also shows on the sip, where animal hide, sour cranberry, red plum, rose petal and pine-forest flavors converge.
A blend of three vineyards, this Zin is slightly lighter in color and shows ripe elderberry, Asian plum and exotic cherry as well as chaparral on the nose. Pepper spice hits the palate alongside soy, light coffee and wild raspberry. It's a compelling sipper.
A blend of three vintages, this impressive wine from the southern Champagne vineyards of the Aube has both crisp fruit and maturity from bottle aging. It's ripe with sliced apple fruit and plenty of citrus. Drink now.
A blend of Tibouren, Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, this is exactly the kind of authoritatively flavored yet nicely balanced rosé that Provence is famous for. Peach, cherry and melon scents all mingle easily, finishing with clean, minerally accents that invite another sip.
A blend of Tinta Roriz and the local Jaen, this wine has both fresh fruits and dry tannins. The fruits are going to prevail, giving red berry fruit flavors with fresh, cool acidity. The tannins will be there to sustain the fruit. Drink from late 2016.
A blend of Tintore and Per'e Palummo (a grape native to the Island of Ischia), there is a thorny, raw quality to this wine that is backed by Asian spice, incense, spice, tobacco and mature black fruit. The wine has a thin, almost metallic taste, with spicy fruit tones on the close.
A blend of Tocai Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon and Malvasia, this crisp, fresh wine has elegant, refreshing acidity, flavors of white currants and lychees and a soft, ripe aftertaste.
A blend of top sites Celilo and Conner Lee, this appealing wine displays aromas of candy corn, corn silk and chamomile. The stone-fruit flavors are elegantly styled, showing a sense of restraint and balance that carries through the lingering finish.
A blend of top vineyards Ciel du Cheval (28%), Upchurch (26%), Grand Ciel (25%) and Klipsun, this 100% varietal wine is aromatically reserved with notes of café au lait, black currant, dusty chocolate and fresh herbs. Fruit flavors are concentrated and rich with firm tannins that will benefit from additional time in the bottle. Best after 2017.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet with Syrah, this is a finely structured wine. It is spicy, packed with black-currant fruits and with ripe tannins. The fruits and the dusty texture are just coming together, although the wine will be better from 2017.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez, this is a soft wine, fruity with ripe red and white fruit flavors. It is a light wine with only a hint of tannin, much more in the way of gentle fruitiness.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a firm, tannic wine, with juicy fruit and black-currant-like acidity that lends freshness. Wood influence shows subtly through the forward fruitiness. Age this three years or more.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Castelão, this is a dense and rich wine. It has spice, soft tannins that are already well integrated, and ripe juicy black fruits. Drink this generous wine from 2016.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah, this is a delicate, bright and intensely fruity wine. It is tangy and textured, with fruit zest and crisp acidity. It is ready to drink.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah, this rosé gives ripe red fruits that are cut with lively acidity. There is a jammy, caramel-flavored backdrop to this wine that makes it heavy rather than fresh. Drink now.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, this dark-colored, serious wine is concentrated and structured. It offers black fruits, giving a brooding character that's full of power. The aftertaste with its acidity and juicy fruit is elevated and leaves with a lift.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira named after Pingo, the winemaker's dog. It's fruity, juicy and fresh with fine acidity and the right balance of spicy tannins. It is ready to drink now.
A blend of Touriga Nacional with a more local grape, Jaen, gives a juicy, light and fragrant wine. There's a tannic structure, but the wine is more to do with red fruits and acidity. Drink in 2015.
A blend of Touriga Nacional, Aragon and Syrah, the wine is open, generous and almost ready to drink. It has some firm tannins along with lifted acidity. The black currant fruits are fresh, right up front and give the wine its delicious fruitiness. Drink from late 2016.
A blend of Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Aragonez, this is open, generous and easy. It has attractive red fruits that are balanced by acidity and a soft tannic backbone. Ready to drink. Screwcap.
A blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao and Souzao, finished at 19% alcohol. With sensational concentration and fruit power, this rich and delicious wine is amplified with a sweet array of baking spices, vanilla, coconut and white chocolate.
A blend of Trebbiano and Pecorino, Tenutarossa offers impressive thickness and staying power, backed by bright aromas of apricot and honey. Pair this cheese and ham quiche or fried artichokes.
A blend of Trebbiano with a small percent of a little-known grape called Cococciola, this has a fresh bouquet with lemon zest, honey and exotic fruit. The wine's easy mouthfeel makes it perfect for toasted crostini appetizers.
A blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto, Donna Patrizia is a well-price, informal wine that could pair with grilled eggplant purée and fried pita wedges. Aromas include pineapple, melon and grapefruit.
A blend of Trebbiano, Passerina and Chardonnay, this offers aromas of cut grass, citrus, lemon zest, creamy vanilla and peach. The fresh acidity makes this a perfect match for crab legs and butter sauce.
A blend of Trebbiano, Sangiovese and Malvasia, this holds aromas of maple syrup, walnut and dried stone fruit. The syrupy, low-acid palate doles out acacia honey and pastry crust.
A blend of two-thirds Chardonnay and one-third Pinot Noir, this emits an inviting whiff of caramel apple. On the palate, the frothy mousse is dry and balanced.
A blend of two-thirds Grenache, the rest a mix of Mourvèdre and Syrah, this demonstrates the spicy cherry appeal of the main grape. Apple and plum flavors come into play as well, keeping the wine fruity, forward, spicy and flavorful.
A blend of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced both from the Livermore and Napa valleys, PIcazo's 2008 vintage is full bodied in cran-raspberry, leather and herb flavors, piqued with acidity, structure and length.
A blend of two-thirds Shiraz, one-third Grenache, Kilikanoon's entry-level blend is a soft, easygoing combination of blackberries, cola, brown sugar and cinnamon. Drink it over the next year or two.
A blend of two ancient white varieties—Assyrtiko and Asproudi—this wine offers clean, crisp aromas and flavors with a soft, fragrant roundness. Deep aromas and an unfolding, slightly sweet balance of flavors gives the wine a more opulent edge than many of its Greek white counterparts. Feminine and elegant.
A blend of two clones (MV6 and 114), this is a floral wine that blends ripe cherries with more savory notes of mushroom and smoke. The oak is wonderfully understated, which allows the fruit complexity to shine and leaves the fruit tannins to glide easily across the palate. Drink now–2025.
A blend of two different vineyards, this ripe wine is now very mature. It has lost its primary fruitiness and developed toasty spice as well as a more funky, earthy character.
A blend of two grapes native to Georgia, this wine offers aromas of blueberry, clove and anisette. Its subtle sweetness provides a palate for flavors of blackberry, licorice, blueberry, cinnamon and nutmeg. Tannins seem soft from first sip to finish, yet a sense of chalkiness remains on the post palate, even outlasting closing notes of mint and tart cherry.
A blend of two indigenous Georgian grapes, this wine offers aromas of citrus zest and rose petal. It is soft in the mouth, with flavors of apple, white peach, lemon and rose, capped by a smooth apricot finish.
A blend of two local grapes, Maria Gomes and Bical, this soft, resiny wine has an intensely dry character. Apples as well as raisins give an intriguing set of flavors. Drink from 2015.
A blend of two local grapes, Niellucciu and Sciaccerellu, this wine is pale—almost white in color. It has delicious crisp acidity, a light texture and a fine, perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.
A blend of two local grapes, Síria and Fonte Cal, this is crisp, herbal and lightly textured. Lemon and grapefruit dominate the final acidity. Drink now.
A blend of two of Vinho Verde's richer grapes results in this concentrated full-bodied wine. It is smooth and rich with fruit flavors ranging from citrus to apricot. The acidity is cushioned by the ripe texture. Drink this serious from late 2017.
A blend of two parcels of vines in Meursault, this is an impressive wine that's equal in quality to a Premier Cru. Full and ripe, the palate boasts flavors of apples, peaches and green plums, but maintains an elegant character throughout. Age this fine wine and drink from 2016.
A blend of two really local grapes, Síria and Fonte Cal, this is a fresh, mineral and citrus driven wine. It is so light and crisp with acidity that shoots though the wine. From high altitude vineyards, it has a refreshing, cool aftertaste. Drink now.
A blend of two white grapes, Bical and Cerceal, Duet is a warm, yeasty wine, its freshness given an earthy quality along with star fruit flavors and a steely aftertaste.
A blend of typical Alentejo grapes, this is a firm effort, with the fruit laced inbetween the complex tannic structure. The acidity gives the wine a final lift.
A blend of typical Gascon grapes gives a lemon and citrus wine, very fresh, tangy. There is plenty of acidity and an attractive lightness. Screwcap.
A blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard from Gascony, the wine has crisp herbaceous flavors and a tight zesty texture. It is light, refreshing and ready to drink.
A blend of undisclosed varieties from the Central Valley, and a great bargain. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the lush red fruit, spice, mocha and anise flavors, and how easy this wine is to like.
A blend of up to five different vintages go into this ripe, full and fruity Champagne. It has a touch of maturity, vibrant acidity and crisp lemon-like fruit. It's fresh and ready to drink.
A blend of various estates from the Paso Robles region, this wine shows roasted pork with blackberry hoisin sauce, black rocks and a touch of dill on the nose. Notable tannins provide lasting structure, with flavors of black olive, tobacco ash, peppercorns, dark chocolate and deep black fruit that will need a tad more time to unravel.
A blend of various varieties, this red has a rustic feeling in the gritty tannins and briary flavors of wild berries and Asian spices. But it's not a simple wine. It's actually quite satisying in the way it floods the mouth with flavor, then finishes in a dry way that welcomes grilled meats, hard cheeses, olive oil and tomato sauce.
A blend of various vineyards from the far or “true” Sonoma Coast, and also Hartford Court's highest-production Pinot Noir. Always beautiful and balanced, the '07 in particular is remarkable for its silky tannins and overall seamless quality. Really excites for the complexity of currant, cola, licorice and cedar flavors. Now through 2013.
A blend of various vineyards, this is a seamless Cabernet, impossible to find any fault with. It's just perfect in structural integrity and sweet, oak-accented blackberry, cherry and cassis fruit. So delicious, you'll want to drink it now, and that's just fine.
A blend of Vermentino, Viognier and Petit Manseng, this charming white opens with aromas of Spanish broom, Mediterranean brush, beeswax and apricot. The palate delivers lychee, mature yellow peach and candied nectarine while a ginger note adds a bit of depth.
A blend of Vignoles and Vidal Blanc, this wine is mildly aromatic, with white peach, apple and orange tones. Light bodied and semisweet in style, the palate brings juicy red apple and pear into the mix, balanced by a tropical-citrus twang.
A blend of vines from different soils, this rich, dense wine has concentration as well as steely, tangy fruits. It is still young and nervy, needing time to open out. Drink this wine from 2018.
A blend of vines grown on granite and richer gabbro soils, this is a full wine, with creamy white fruits and acidity that is fully integrated into the smooth texture. Crispness comes through at the end to give a bright aftertaste with plenty of acidity.
A blend of vineyards including the winery's Mill Station site, this white shines in steely acidity and layers of lemon, lime and grapefruit flavor. Tart and tangy with a light-handed approach to ripeness, it doesn't hold back on complexity, offering subtle vanilla tones on the finish.
A blend of Viognier (60%), Marsanne (25%) and Roussanne, this wine displays fragrant aromas of white flowers, orange peel, almond and citrus. The palate shows an elegant styling along with absolutely impeccable balance that keeps the interest high. Orange peel notes linger on the finish.
A blend of Viognier (60%), Roussanne (25%) and Marsanne, this wine is moderately aromatic with notes of pear, melon, apricot and flowers. It's medium bodied with abundant stone fruit flavors, quite reserved considering the warmth of the vintage.
A blend of Viognier and Arinto, this wine is given another dimension from wood aging. A smoky character adds complexity to ripe apricot and crisp quince flavors. This is juicy and rich while having a refreshing aftertaste.
A blend of Viognier and Roussanne, this humbly-labeled white is a revelation. On the palate, it has the style and sleekness of fine Burgundy, with flavors running through a spectrum of herb, citrus and tree fruits. This is polished and seductive.
A blend of Viognier and Roussanne, this warm-vintage wine offers aromas of toast, ripe peach, pineapple, almond and barrel spices. It's full bodied with rich, sweet fruit flavors that stick around on the finish.
A blend of Viognier and Roussanne, this wine is way too sweet. Tastes like a sugared orange and pineapple fruit juice drink. Smoky, caramelized oak makes it even sweeter and cloying.
A blend of Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marasanne and Roussanne, this is very generous, offering orange, pear, honeysuckle and vanilla flavors. However, the oak seems a little heavy-handed.
A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sémillon, this leads with bright aromas of fresh red apple, peach, tangerine and beeswax. Round and lush, the palate feels opulent and attractive, but with ample acidity to balance. Notes of ripe quince, baking spice and toast linger on the finish.
A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, this unoaked wine has complex citrus fruit, vanilla bean, wildflower and spice flavors, brightened by a brisk scour of acidity. It's actually better than many Lodi whites made from the individual varieties, showing the importance of the art of blending.
A blend of Viosinho and Verdelho, this a soft and ripe wine that has attractive pear, melon and gentle acidity. A light perfume from the Verdelho adds to the attractiveness of this fruity wine. It is ready to drink.
A blend of white Bordeaux and local Gers grapes, this is a smooth, medium sweet wine. With three years of aging, it has become mature, rich in smoky flavors as well as dried apricot and bitter oranges. Acidity keeps everything in line. It's ready to drink.
A blend of white grapes indigenous to Sicily, this bright wine opens with citrus and stone fruit notes, plus drying aromas of talcum powder and crushed mineral. It is an easygoing wine with fresh acidity that would pair with trout or poached salmon.
A blend of white grapes Vermentino and Colombana, this opens with aromas yellow flower, stone fruit, and a whiff of citrus. The fresh palate offers yellow peach and tangerine that lead to a clean finish.
A blend of wine from four Côte des Blancs villages, this is crisp, very dry in the Lombard style while also smooth from the short wood aging. Mineral and tangy, it is a bottling (disgorgement January 2016) that could age a bit longer. Drink from 2017.
A blend of wine that has been aged in tank and in wood, this is structured although with a great layer of juicy red fruits. The combination preserves the natural fruitiness of the wine while giving it the tannins to age. Drink from late 2017.
A blend of wines from a number of Chambolle's premier cru vineyards, this is a rich and generous wine, with spice and red berry flavors, plus sweet tannins and a firm feel on the finish.
A blend of wines from caillottes stony soil and Kimmeridgian marl, this is an amalgam of ripe fruit and tense mineral texture. Together these two styles give a complex, impressive wine that has great concentration as well as aging potential. Drink from 2018.
A blend of wines from different Premier Cru vineyards, this is firm, as befits a Pommard, but has such great ripe fruit that it feels almost opulent. Lovely rich raspberry fruits are touched wit red currants and supported by solid tannins  at the end. Drink from 2017.
A blend of wines from different vineyards in Pouilly, this powerful wine is concentrated, with tight minerality that demands further aging. Rich and packed with apples and green plums, it is a beautiful wine that will age well. Drink from 2018 at the earliest.
A blend of wines from eight Grand and Premier cru villages, this is mature, ripe and delicious. Toast and yeast flavors mingle with spice, dried fruits and intense acidity from the low dosage. Wood aging after fermentation gives the wine a generous richness and a creamy character. Drink now.
A blend of Xinomavro and the native grapes Krasato and Stavroto, this is an elegant wine showcasing aromas and flavors of plum, cherry, tobacco and violet. Mineral and coffee notes add to the poised character.
A blend of young vines fruit gives a very soft, gently rounded wine with only the lightest of depth. The fruit is full, the flavors show some spice, while yellow fruit tastes roll around underneath. Drink now.
A blend of Zinfandel (41%), Sangiovese (34%), Lemberger (9%), Malbec (11%) and Merlot, this appealing wine suggests plum, currant and red fruit. It's supple in feel with cranberry and raspberry flavors backed by tart acidity.
A blend of Zinfandel and Syrah, this wine is exceptionally ripe in jammy berry, cocoa and spice flavors. With gentle tannins and a slightly sweet finish, it's an easy sipper.
A blend of Zinfandel and Syrah, this wine is softly rich and jammy, with very ripe, forward black and red currant, chocolate, licorice and black pepper flavors. Fundamentally dry, though it leaves behind the impression of glyceriney sweetness.
A blend of Zinfandel with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Merlot, this wine takes on a heady mix of herbal cedar, tobacco leaf, tar and subdued blackberry within a context of charred oak and dense body.
A blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane, this wine is dry and rigid in tannins. It's briary and brambly with berry flavors accented with tobacco, currant and spice. There's a raw power to this wine that would suit barbecue or a hearty beef stew.
A blend of Zweigelt and Bordeaux grapes, this is rich and spicy with black plum fruit and soft tannins. Acidity cuts through the opulent feel. It is juicy, ripe and ready to drink now.
A blend of Zweigelt and the more tannic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The wine is powerful, darkly tannic with solid chocolate and black berry fruit characters. The acidity is layered into the sweet flavors, adding to the complex texture.
A blend of Zweigelt, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, hints of white pepper and bay leaf frame the just-ripe, crunchy damson-plum aroma. Tight, finely-knit tight tannins make for a lasting structure that can mature, while the acidity keeps this classy and fresh. The dark, brooding plum flavor plays in the background and culminates in a spicy, peppery finish.
A blend of Zweigelt, Syrah and Blaufränkisch, this is rounded and ripe, with a dark plum flavor, rich tannins and a smooth texture. It's solid and impressive, though not for aging. Screwcap.
A blend relying on 70% Cabernet Franc with the remainder an equal split of Malbec and Merlot, this offers a lot of raspberry tart and caramel, along with a tropical element of coconut. Softened tannins and mellow oak combine to good effect, before an abbreviated finish of vanilla.
A blend sourced from the Steinhauer, Bancroft Ranch and St. Helena Home vineyards, among others, this is a full-bodied and ageworthy wine. Leathery black pepper and blackberry notes form the backbone, with a length of currant, raspberry and dark cherry fruit, accented with minty tobacco. Cellar through 2033.
A blend that aromatically is dominated by herbal Sauvignon Blanc, this is a crisp wine that is fruity, easy and accessible. Its acidity and citrus flavors are bright, lively and ready to drink.
A blend that brings together French and Austrian varietals into a smooth, rich wine. Licorice, sweet fruit jelly and spice go with toast and polished acidity to give a wine with an international feel.
A blend that includes Aligoté along with the traditional Champagne grapes, this is lively and bright. Fresh apples and a soft aftertaste make for an easy to drink wine that is lit with final acidity.
A blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Portuguese grapes, this is mineral, with a leathery texture. The red berry fruits are restrained, juicy, laced with light tannins. Ready to drink.
A blend that includes Grand Cru vineyards gives a ripe, full-throated Chardonnay. While there is crispness and the freshest apple juiciness, this wine is also rounded, generous and with a hint of maturity in its toasty edge. It is ready to drink.
A blend that includes Gros Manseng along with Colombard and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is light as a feather—crisp and with just an edge of honey. It is lively with a herbal character that is refreshing and lightly perfumed.
A blend that includes Merlot, this wine is ripe while also structured. The tannins go along with the black fruits and acidity. It has a crisp, juicy finish that makes it ready to drink now.
A blend that includes Syrah and Tannat as well as Bordeaux grapes, this is a wood-aged, ripe and rich wine. A tense streak of acidity heightens the effect of the black currant fruits. Spice at the end comes from the wood. Drink from 2016.
A blend that includes three ancient Champagne varieties—Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Blanc Vrai—along with Chardonnay. The mix gives a full, perfumed and rich wine, with intense acidity as well as the crispest apple flavor. It is without question a wine for food.
A blend that includes Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro, this is a well-structured wine. Tannins and black fruits are seamlessly integrated to give weight and richness. The acidity, the mineral texture and the density all contribute to a wine that will be ready to drink from 2018.
A blend that is 50-50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has produced a ripe, juicy and fruity wine, typical of the vintage. There is a crisp edge as well as firmer tannins and signs of the wood aging that will integrate as the wine matures. Drink this attractive wine from 2019.
A blend that is dominated by Arinto, this is crisp and lemon flavored with hints of riper yellow fruits. It has a lively, bright aftertaste. Drink now.
A blend that is dominated by Chenin Blanc has produced a beautiful lightly honeyed wine. Its apple fruitiness and brilliant acidity give it great crispness along with an added touch of spice. Drink this delicious wine now.
A blend that is half Cabernet Sauvignon and half the local Toulouse grape Negrette. It gives a light, fruity, juicy, bright wine, its freshness and flavors of ripe red plums underlined by a soft tannic element. Easy and fresh, to drink now.
A blend with 5% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot, this wine is squarely focused on pitch black minerality; freshly turned soil and crushed graphite notes overwhelm the fruit. The palate's chipped slate and crushed lava rock flavors also contribute to its dark presence, its dusty tannins shyly revealing hints of blueberry and blackberry.
A blend with 67% Cabernet Sauvignon produces this black currant and crisply fruity wine. The wood aging and the fruit tannins are integrating well, giving a wine that is bright, packed with fruit and likely to age well over the medium term. Drink from 2020.
A blend with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a wine that has juicy fruit, red-berry flavors and only the lightest tannin. It is rounded, soft and generous. The wine is ready to drink.
A blend with 85% Gamay, this wine comes from the Beaujolais region. It has delicious red-cherry fruit and attractive acidity. The wine with its layer of tannins is ready to drink— fruity and bright.
A blend with mainly Rolle and some Clairette, this is light, bright and crisp. Floral aromas lead to sliced apple and lime juice flavors that offer lively acidity and a tangy, zesty aftertaste. The wine is ready to drink.
A blended red from Sparkman, sharp and tannic, with good concentration. Tart, spicy and herbal, with hints of tomato and wild berry. It rolls into an astringent finish, with a dark chocolate note.
A blended style of Madeira, this is rich, soft, without the ineffable bite of a wine made from the classic varieties, but certainly with acidity and wood as well as a full, caramel-flavored aftertaste.
A blended white, but predominantly-you guessed it-Chardonnay.  The soft, sweet pear aromas and flavors are simple and clean, making this a decent quaffer on a hot summer day.
A blended white, but predominantly—you guessed it—Chardonnay. The soft, sweet pear aromas and flavors are simple and clean, making this a decent quaffer on a hot summer day.
A blending of one-third Pinot Noir gives body and raspberry-strawberry flavors to this rosé, while the balance of Chardonnay brings elegance, bright acidity and tantalizing notes of oranges and limes. It's a lovely wine to drink now.
A blending of recent good vintages, this young-tasting Champagne is at the delicious fruit stage. It is crisp, citrus-flavored and bright with fruitiness. As it develops, the more mineral texture will come through, giving a richer, impressive wine that retains a zesty character. Ideally wait a few months after purchase before drinking.
A block-designated wine, this shows both purpose and focus, offering a linear expression of stony minerality, crisp lemon and peach. To complement that vibrant freshness, there is a fullness of mouthfeel and a nuanced gravelly texture.
A block-designated, 100% whole cluster-fermented wine, this shows a slightly carbonic mouthfeel and vibrant acidity. The flavors lean toward wild strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry, with a depth of forest compost lurking underneath.
A block of vines set literally near a grove of Redwood trees, the 2010 Redwood's Edge is structured and slightly austere and elusive, a concentrated rendering of deep, dark red fruit, lavender and woody undertones that's incredibly delicious.
A block selection from Frediani Vineyard, this offers smoky soy flavors around a thick concentration of chocolate and blackberry tart, the texture generously ripe. There's a bitterness of clove and black currant on the finish.
A block selection from the producer's expertly farmed estate in Carneros, this is a robust, ripe white that's velvety rich on the palate and laced with apple and melon flavors. A tart, salty note laps at its edges.
A block selection off the estate vineyard. Shows a lovely, firm minerality and leesy note, with rich citron, Asian pear, pineapple, baked apple, peach pie and spice flavors. An elaborate wine, amazingly rich and layered, yet so light and silky in the mouth.
A block selection, barrel-fermented and aged in French oak, this brings rich scents of spice, toast and white pepper, and tight, compact tree fruits. As it airs, flavors of buttered nuts come up, leading to a long and delicious finish. Drink 2018–2028.
A block selection, this most rare offering from DDO has rippingly good aromatics, intense and complex, with dusty, dreamy spices wrapped around a seamless mix of berry, earth and herbal components. The somewhat gritty texture gives it muscle and length, and the overall complexity suggests it can age for up to a quarter century. Drink now through 2035.
A blockbuster of a wine, very dense, packed with medicinal flavors and notes imparted by wood aging. It shows the solid structure of the 2008 vintage, and certainly needs aging.
A blockbuster style of Zin from three vineyard sites, all relatively old vine, this is zesty on the palate, a mix of berry compote and cinnamon and black pepper spice. Not too dense, it is hearty and big-shouldered.
A blockbuster wine with finely tuned renderings of coffee, tobacco, spice and leather, Oreno requires a rare steak cooked on a mesquite grill or something similarly big and bold. In the mouth, this Sangiovese-Merlot-Cabernet blend delivers loads of spice that leaves a lasting impression thanks its firm tannins. Drink after 2010.
A blocky, toasty, chewy wine with a flavor mix of herb and earth and berries. The tannins are rough and leave a slightly bitter impression.
A blossomy, perfumed edge lends lift and vibe to earthier notes of pressed apple and pear in this light-footed medium-sweet Riesling. It's racy and sharp in mouthfeel with a finish that's brisk and bright.
A blueberry-balsamic reduction sauce scent kicks off this rich and opulent wine from the legendary Hearst family. It also shows smoked beef, uncracked peppercorns, black spices, vanilla bean and black coffee on the nose. The palate is lush and layered with blueberry paste, dark-chocolate fudge and Ethiopian espresso bean.
A boisterous, easy-drinking red wine that gushes ripe fruit and sweet oak aromas. It tastes almost sweet, like blackberry jam, and seems soft-textured in spite of its full body.
A bold and brawny wine from a relatively cool appellation, this red satisfies with its commingling of violet, meat and leathery black pepper aromas. Despite its brambly depth and concentration, it allows for a satisfying twist of freshness on the finish.
A bold and chunky customer with multiple personalities. The nose has big black fruit, smoke, leather, barrel char and even some wet dog smells, while the palate is easygoing and full, with herbal, roasted fruit and spice. Long and mostly true on the finish. Uncomplicated but solid.
A bold and modern expression of Nebbiolo, this shows bright, pulpy fruit and pretty aromas of blackberry, crushed clove and earthy, rusty tones. There's a touch of bitter almond on the finish and loads of elegant fruit.
A bold and ripe wine, it's full of black currant fruits accompanied by wood and acidity. It's obviously young and will soften and calm into a smooth and rich wine. The finish brings out a dry character. Drink from 2017.
A bold aroma of warm salted butter melds with notes of undergrowth, dark cherry and raspberry. Malleable at first, the palate becomes jolted by elevated acids, making the wine feel edgy on the finish.
A bold blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, this opens with soft and luscious fruit tones of cherry and blackberry jam. Leather and tobacco add a savory, masculine quality, and there's a tart red-fruit flavor that adds a touch of refreshing acidity.
A bold Chardonnay that embraces new oak barrels and has the flavor profile to show for it. Hovey fermented it in 50% new oak barrels, matured it on the lees and bottled it a few months after harvest. The scent and flavor of toasted oak comes through from the first sniff to the finish. But enough fruit, butter and almond flavors lie beneath the toasty overlay to make us come back for another sip.
A bold pink color suggests the richness of this vanilla-flavored wine that misses out on a truly refreshing character. It is full and soft, with a touch of bitter acidity at the end.
A bold pink color, this Cab-based rosé starts off with juicy aromas of red cherry, plum and muddled strawberry. It's fruit forward in every sense, with similarly intense red-fruit flavors that abound on the fleshy palate. Ample acidity keeps it all fresh, while pleasant hints of plum skin and currant unfold on the finish. Drink now.
A bold red, this offers aromas of ripe plum, crushed blueberry, espresso and vanilla. The brawny, one-dimensional palate doles out mature blackberry, white chocolate and a hint of mocha.
A bold ripe wine that is full of dark fruits and tannins. It is warm, rounded with spice as well as fine acidity and blackberry flavors. The wine is now fully developed, ready to drink.
A bold Sauvignon with aromas of crushed tomato vine, exotic fruit and cantaloupe. The forward, one-dimensional palate delivers ripe peach, apricot and honeydew melon.
A bold statement of dark Malbec, it's very rich and very concentrated. The wine has considerable tannins to go with the weight of its fruit. With excellent potential, this wine, made from old-vine grapes, should age for at least seven years
A bold take on a tough grape, this bottling, which also features 20% Roussanne and 3% Grenache Blanc, offers creamy and elegant lemon curd and the slightest touch of marshmallow on the nose, which is then cut by chalky minerality. The palate is oily yet sharp, with dried apple peel and walnut flavors.
A bold white wine, it smells and tastes like grapefruit, canteloupe and very crisp apples. It has a fresh, acidic texture that cleans the palate and makes the mouth water, but wraps in enough richness for good balance.
A bold wine, loaded with bright acidity but balanced with plenty of good body. It's redolent of grapefruit, gooseberry, fig, melon, fresh cut hay, lemon and mandarine orange. Long and fresh on the finish.
A bold wine, this is full of ripe tannins and black-plum fruits. The local Baga grape dominates the blend, giving its special style of firm tannins that are integrated into the rich fruits. The wine will be best from 2018.
A bold, aggressive wine that lacks a bit of elegance, the 2008 Galvo Garage is a big mouthful of cassis and cedar. In another few years it may settle down, but for now the overall impression is of a rather rough customer that's best suited to be poured alongside grilled steak.
A bold, assertive Pinot Noir, with a lattice of briary, herbal complexity layered over a base of ripe black cherries. Together, they make a fascinating intertwined contrast that lingers on the crisp finish.
A bold, candy cherry pink shade, this carries crisp apple flavors into a bone dry, rather tart middle. It's young and still pulling itself together, but chill it down and it should liven up a mid-summer deck party.
A bold, chewy expression of the variety, Summit exhibits its 15% whole-cluster fermentation. It also is given more oak, a chance to tame its wild black cherry and lush cola spice. Black tea and a trace of red fruit play into the personality of the wine, adding a brightness to what is otherwise a decadent, full-throttle wine, barely tamed at that. Drink now through 2023.
A bold, flavorful Chardonnay with a long track record of excellence, Pegasus Bay's 2006 is smoky and toasty, with orange and pineapple fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
A bold, fruit-driven style of Sauvignon Blanc, with ripe flavors of passion fruit and nectarine. Shows plenty of weight and length, yet remains dry and easy to drink.
A bold, fruity and juicy wine that is softly ripe. The tannins are well integrated into the black fruits and acidity. It's not a wine that needs to age.
A bold, inky-black style that is slightly overdone and a touch overripe. Despite aromas of blackberry preserves, prune and rum cake, this is a strongly masculine wine that puts its savory side first. The close is packed tight with smoked bacon and cured beef aromas. Textured tannins create some astringency on the finish.
A bold, juicy and fruit-forward wine that is ready to drink young. The tannins are already well integrated into the black fruits and acidity. Drink from early 2016.
A bold, leathery and savory wine, this offers dark chocolate and black pepper within a soft layering of full-bodied approachability and ripe, red berry and currant.
A bold, muscular, striking wine with nerves of steel, this offers a dense, demanding array of black fruit threaded with veins of espresso, smoke, tar, tobacco and iron. As it bursts with exotic barrel flavor, the fruit seems a bit buried, but time after time these wines unfold over the course of decades into glorious maturity. These are arguably the most long-lived and cellarworthy wines in Washington—if not in the entire country.
A bold, plush pleasure bomb with thick layers of bright cherry and chocolate. Loads of tobacco, spice and new leather. Huge intensity and bold aromas. Fresh oak notes of vanilla and cinnamon show first signs of integration. A bold, modern Brunello with some tannic astringency.
A bold, powerful wine, showing smooth, mature black-fruit flavors and rich tannins. It is soft, solid and powerfully built. Wood aging has given extra roundness and a touch of spice to the palate. Drink this wine now and until 2018.
A bold, pure nose of strawberries and cherries is bright and lively, spiced with a faint green-herb note. A bit soft and even sweet-tasting, but that only adds to its easy-drinking charm.
A bold, rich wine fringed with tannins, at a young age it already shows a solid structure of ripe and juicy berry tones. With well-balanced oak aging, slightly toasty notes show restraint on this dark and complex wine that has potential to age. Drink after 2016.
A bold, rich wine with yellow fruits, toast and spice. At the same time, there is a crisp, tight edge of acidity and minerality that gives a sense of the cool character of the chalk soil of Chablis. A fine wine, lively, ripe, but totally fresh.
A bold, ripe wine that is rich and ready to drink. The tannins, the dry core that just supports the black fruits and the attractive acidity are all balanced. This is an immediately attractive, rounded wine. Drink now.
A bold, ripe, perfumed wine with Baga tannins and acidity, this is not a wine for easy drinking—demanding rich, oily or fatty foods instead. It's a great example of this notoriously fickle grape and is packed with spicy fruit. Drink from 2018.
A boldly flavored wine that doesn't hold back, packed with sweet pears, powdered cinnamon and clove. Smooth and supple in the mouth and leaves tangy, lingering flavors of lime on the finish.
A boldy flavored, tropical-fruit-laden wine that brings back memories of the late '80s Chards that helped put Australia on America's wine map, for style and price. Amply textured, with mouthwatering peach and mango notes. Drink now.
A bombastic blend of 44% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Mourvèdre and 9% Petite Sirah, this wine offers blueberry ice cream, chocolate-chip cookies, crushed berries and hot gingerbread on the luxurious nose. The palate packs a similarly vast array of flavors that range from tobacco and dried mint to pine forest and pencil shavings, as well as black currant, black loam and baking spice.
A bone-dry Chardonnay for drinking now. This shows great structure, with a keen cut of acidity that brightens the mineral-driven orange and pineapple flavors.
A bone-dry style, with very bright fruits and a crisp, tense mineral character. A crisp, classic, deliciously aromatic Riesling.
A bone-dry, low-alcohol wine that's not only easy to drink, but tremendously versatile at the table. It offers crisp acidity and pleasant flavors of lemongrass, tangerines, kumquats and spice.
A bone-dry, refreshing rosé, with tight acidity and crisp red berry and apple flavors. Classic summertime wine. Screwcap.
A bone-dry, slightly green Sauvignon Blanc, with lemongrass and gooseberry flavors, boosted with vibrant acidity. Feels elegant and sleek, but won't appeal to everyone. The grapes for this unoaked wine came from Sonoma and Lake counties.
A bone dry wine that's rich in steely minerals and wonderful acidity. It offers the elegance and complexity of a great premier cru, with tantalizing traces of sweet Meyer lemons, limes and exotic spices. The oak is subtle, lending aromas and flavors of buttered toast, while its time spent on the lees contributes notes of sour cream. A fabulous success for this or any vintage.
A booming but expertly balanced wine, this blend of 54% Syrah, 18% Petite Sirah, 18% Zinfandel and 10% Grenache shows aromas of black currant, black olive, black cherry, sweet woody spice and powdered hot cocoa. Elegant mocha and cappuccino notes thrive on the palate, which is brightened by penetrating acidity. It boasts perfectly polished tannins and ripe fig flavors, with a flash of dark chocolate on the finish.
A Bordeaux-inspired blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a tightly woven wine with buoyant minerality and a baseline of complexity, dry and balanced in cranberry, graphite, herb and tobacco leaf. It is composed and layered, enjoyable now and over time, through 2022.
A Bordeaux-style blend from the iconic Red Mountain site, this is precisely structured with black fruits, zippy acidity and a tight focus. The pinpoint construction suggests that this is cellarable until 2024 at least, and will continue to improve for years before settling into maturity.
A Bordeaux-style blend made from 50% Cab Sauv, 30% Merlot and 20% Cab Franc and aged in new French oak for 24 months, this ripe and lush wine is ready for drinking now with easygoing black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas and flavors laced with notes of pepper, licorice root, tobacco leaf and soft leather. The creamy mouthfeel is given structure with medium tannins and balanced acidity.
A Bordeaux-style blend made primarily from Merlot, plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, this is layered with waves of blackberries, blueberries, currants, dark chocolate and oak flavors. The tannins are pure and refined. Production is 2,000 cases.
A Bordeaux-style blend of 56% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, the Z is typically more immediately approachable than the Fusion V. The structure is still firm and supported by medium tannins, but the black-fruit core is the star all around, with lush notes of boysenberry, crème de cassis, blackberry, fig and damson plum throughout. Hints of cigar-box spice and leather add depth and intrigue.
A Bordeaux-style blend of all five classic red varieties (the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing nearly equal roles) this wine is tart in blackberry, cranberry, dark cherry and cassis, with firm, youthful tannins supporting the fruit. Softly intense, it offers balanced acidity and integrated oak.
A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this has a nose that erupts with scents of ripe, macerated strawberries, red currant preserves and briny black olives. Medium to full bodied, it feels loose and agile upon entrance before the tannic structure gains footing on the midpalate. Hints of graphite and cedar shade in the finish.
A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this also holds small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Sourced from the Conner Lee and Stonetree vineyards, it's supple, smooth and textural, with elegant, perfectly ripened fruit and a judicious application of two-thirds new French oak. It captures the elegance, restraint and overall structure of the challenging (and rewarding) 2011 vintage.
A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is rich, rounded and full of fruit and balanced tannins. It has weight, although that is lifted by juicy acidity. This wine has completed its aging and it is ready to drink.
A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot, this remains quite youthful, with its flavors of barrel aging still prominent. Substantial, brambly berry fruit is bolstered by stiff tannins, streaked with notes  of loam, graphite and smoke. The structure, depth and balance are all in place, it just needs more time to consolidate.
A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet, Malbec and Merlot, this bright and grapy effort pleasingly integrates slightly rougher notes of earth, leaf and stem. It all works here, adding texture and detail to the tart berry fruits. Drink in the next 3–5 years.
A Bordeaux-style blend that's based mainly on Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this is all about sweet fruit. It has flavors of cherry, red licorice, red currant jam and sweet oak, wrapped into a softly tannic mouthfeel. Drink now.
A Bordeaux-style blend that is a barrel selection from estate fruit. The tannins are substantial in all the Cave B reds, but particularly so here––thick and astringent to the point of chalky. There is interesting depth and some high-toned red fruits.
A Bordeaux-style blend that spent three years in barrel, this is showing a dried blood/brick edge and has lost its primary fruit flavors. Plum and prune fruit, somewhat dried out, finishes with stiff tannins.
A Bordeaux-style blend with Cabernet Sauvignon (49%) taking the lead, this wine opens with aromas of sugared plum, mesquite and herbs. It's soft in feel with a smoky finish.
A Bordeaux-style blend, it's half Merlot, the rest split between the Cabs. Suggestions of sweaty, funky aromas lead into a core of sweet candied fruit. It's a bit disjointed, fine for glugging, not for keeping.
A Bordeaux-style blend, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, from vineyards throughout the Napa Valley. This red is made in a more robust style, the tannins still a tad dry, the fruit earthy in sage and cedar with black cherry and chocolaty spice at the fore.
A Bordeaux-style blend, tart and fruity, with an unusual fruit flavor mix that starts with citrus and orange and runs into bright berries. Two things keep the score down—a chalky edge to the tannins, and some noticeable volatility (a whiff of nail polish)on the nose.
A Bordeaux-style blend, this begins with concentrated strawberry and cherry flavors, rich and liquorous. A majority of the oak was Hungarian, and a strong vanilla streak runs through the middle and on into the finish. For some palates the fruit and the oak will seem a bit mismatched, but for others this will be right on the mark.
A Bordeaux blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon, and quite a good one. Shows classic Rutherford character, with black and red sour cherry, violets, anise and sandalwood flavors, framed in firm, dusty tannins. A lovely bottle that should get better with time. Now through 2013.
A Bordeaux blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, the Miscela starts strong with a complex bouquet of black fruits, toast, smoke, coffee grounds and pencil shavings. The alcohol, listed at 15.4%, does not intrude, yet somehow it seems to mute the complexity. As a result, the finish turns astringent, drying, with a layer of ash drifting over the fruit.
A Bordeaux blend from Newton's mountain estate, this lovely wine starts out with a fat, fleshy appeal. It offers elaborate waves of sweetly smoked oak that conjoin nicely with cherry preserves, red licorice and dark chocolate. A bit inelegant now due to firm, fierce tannins, but so balanced, it should easily negotiate the years. Better after 2012.
A Bordeaux blend made from this high plateau between Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Tastes rugged and immature, with bright blackberry, currant and cedar flavors wrapped into tough tannins. Too powerful now. Try after 2010.
A Bordeaux blend of five grapes, this melds blackberry and black cherry fruit with plenty of toasty oak and ground coffee. It's a nice mix of fruit and barrel, dark and smoky, but not too heavy at 14.2% alcohol.
A Bordeaux blend with a little Syrah, this red wine is dry and rich in currant and cedar flavors. But it's a little sharp and green in tannins, with a tart mouthfeel. A good steak will help, but it's not really an ager, so drink up.
A Bordeaux blend with a Right Bank inclination, this offers forward fruit aromas and flavors of bright, candied cherry. A puckery, peppery finish comes up quickly. Some 2007 Washington reds seem to be entering a dumb phase; this may need some extra bottle age to open up again.
A Bordeaux blend with all the usual suspects (except Malbec), Six Sigma's Cuvee has a huge Cabernet Sauvignon nose, all dark berry and plum with a hint of lavender. It has a huge brick wall of structure, with dusty tannins that finish long and meaty, and a slight blip of just-ripe blackberry.
A Bordeaux blend with some Tannat thrown into the mix, this is a juicy, very fruity wine. It has fresh berry flavors, a touch of spice and soft tannins. Drink now.
A Bordeaux saved from its high alcohol by its acidity. There is power and superripe fruit yet parallel to these is the black currant acidity that cuts right through. Age for 1–2 years.
A Bordeaux style blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, this is a terrific value for easy entertaining that is sure to please most palates. Moderately intense with prominent black plum, cherry, blackberry and mocha characteristics. Juicy in the mouth with nice balance, a gripping texture and structured tannins.
A both heady and leafy swirl of passion fruit adds a tropical touch to the nose. The palate brims with sweetness and zesty passion fruit and grapefruit spice. The flavors are intense and the palate is medium sweet, aptly countered by lemon and passion fruit. This strikes a lovely balance and gives tons and tons of fruit and flavor.
A botrytized wine that definitely shows honey and ripe fruit, along with the ethereal acidity. The wine is sweet and fresh, the richness only hinted at in the mouth. A library wine that is only produced in years when there is botrytis.
A bottling celebrating the winery's 30th anniversary, this offers roasted coffee, nutmeg, star anise, vanilla bean and cinnamon spice atop the pure black-cherry fruit on the nose. There is a tremendous and delicious density of black-currant fruit once sipped, leveled by graphite, espresso foam, cola, cream soda and vanilla-bean flavors, held in place by chewy tannins.
A bottling commemorating the winery's 10th anniversary, this Merlot and Cabernet-dominant blend offers aromas of barrel spices, dried herbs and Red Vines. The red-fruit flavors are supple in feel with a reserved styling.
A bouquet of black cherry, tart cranberry and clove opens into flavors of cherry, anisette, espresso bean and mint, with a hint of tart cranberry. The minty notes can almost seem overly strong for a moment, but tart tones bring the fruit flavors back to the foreground. The pleasantly gripping tannins will mellow with a few more years of aging.
A bouquet of black cherry, toffee and violet sets the stage for flavors of black cherry, coffee, caramel and soft notes of mint. Acidity and tannins are well balanced, and the appealing finish features bright notes of lightly caramelized fruit and soft touches of mint.
A bouquet of blackberry and juniper sets the scene for flavors of black cherry, red plum, anise, spearmint and pepper. Smooth on entry, bright and cool flavors fill the entire mouth, with tannins that make their presence known on the midpalate and then recede into a soft cool finish.
A bouquet of blackberry, black plum, anise and white chocolate sets the scene for flavors of black plum, strawberry, cocoa powder and licorice with a burst of pomegranate. This wine is soft on entry, with a nice interplay of tannins and acidity that persists into the subdued finish.
A bouquet of blackberry, violet and subtle rose petal is the precursor to rich flavors of cherry, blackberry, strawberry, clove and mint. A blend of Syrah and Merlot, this offers a chewy texture and refreshing astringency that carries through to the velvety finish.
A bouquet of blueberry, pomegranate and juniper berry braces the palate for flavors of blueberry, raspberry, anise, juniper berry and eucalyptus that sit in a plexus of comforting tannins. Fruity and cool flavors battle it out for dominance, with fruit remaining victorious on the bright and juicy finish.
A bouquet of cherry, blueberry and vanilla prepares the tastebuds for flavors of blueberry, strawberry, fennel bulb and white chocolate. There is a nice play on the palate between bright acidity and chewy tannins, and the delightful finish is like a mouthful of blueberry pie with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.
A bouquet of cherry, white chocolate and juniper berry sets the stage for flavors of raspberry, blackberry, blueberry pie and baking spices. It is smooth in the mouth, with a sense of soft sweetness that is neither overpowering nor cloying, bolstered by a pervasive backbone of acidity.
A bouquet of dark red fruits and heavy cedar accents opens this even, well-balanced offering. Looks and tastes mature; the dry, cherry-chocolate flavors are forward, and it closes with handsome tobacco and cedar notes. Appealing and ready to go. Drink now to 2004.
A bouquet of floral cherry and plum aromas mixed with savory spice, fine oak and earth notes spans the full spectrum of Ribera del Duero. This has a jammy, wide, tannic mouthfeel and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and chocolate. A wide, tannic finish with light herbal notes is rock solid. Drink through 2019.
A bouquet of golden apple and honeydew melon sets the scene for flavors of melon, lilac, and barely ripe golden apple. It is smooth on the palate, with fruit and floral notes playing off each other. The lengthy, sophisticated finish wraps up on a nice bright note.
A bouquet of grassy peach greets the nose happily in this fruity, refreshing white, followed by thirst-quenching layers of lime. A pretty wine, it hits all marks in terms of balance and deliciousness.
A bouquet of jasmine, honeysuckle and green apple entice you in to sip of this refined Traminer. There are balanced flavors of ginger, passion fruit and apricot and a clean, acidic finish.
A bouquet of lemon rind, white flowers and peach prepares the palate for crisp, clean flavors of white peach and apricot. This wine is lean in the mouth, with a pleasantly astringent finish.
A bouquet of melon, peach and lemon zest sets the stage for flavors of pink grapefruit, lemon-lime sorbet and lemon curd. It is bright and refreshing on the palate, and the finish is surprisingly cool for an otherwise zippy wine.
A bouquet of peach, melon and freesia sets the scene for flavors of white peach, apricot, watermelon and rose petal with a touch of spearmint. It is bright on entry and soft in the mouth, and the spearmint note holds strong into the bright finish.
A bouquet of raspberry, Mediterranean herbs and black pepper pave the way for flavors of blackberry, dark plum, anise and tarragon. Lasting tannins impart a light sense of chalkiness on the tongue that dissipates in a burst of fruit on the bright cherry finish.
A bouquet of spicy black pepper intoxicates on the opening of this wine, followed by captivating waves of savory blackberry, leather and dust. The grapes are sourced from one of the producer's coolest sites, With well-integrated, unobtrusive oak, the wine is soft and delicious now, offering plenty of meaty undertones, but will intrigue further over time, through 2022.
A bouquet of spicy cinnamon and clove opens up this tightly woven wine, with perceptible tannins and rustic leather-bound elements to the nose and palate. With noticeable acidity and a crispness of cranberry, it develops an intensity on the finish, along with a taste of dried cherry.
A bouquet of stalky white fruits is decent but hardly exciting. This feels round, regular and just acidic enough, with minerally flavors of saline water, green banana, white nectarine and grapefruit. A stony feel and additional saline flavors control the finish.
A bouquet of strawberry, pomegranate, green pepper and a whiff of petrol sets the stage for flavors of black cherry, caramel, flint and herbes du Provence. Soft tannins offer a backdrop for an amiable give-and-take between fruit flavors and spice notes that linger on the palate into the bright pomegranate finish.
A bouquet of summer desserts—strawberry soup, apricot pie and lemon meringue pie—pull you into the glass. Although not quite as nuanced, the palate delivers enticing apricot and wet stone notes. The unctuous palate and noticeable residual sugar will partner well with fish in an Asian-fusion preparation.
A bouquet of white flowers kissed with honey and stonefruit, this ebullient ice wine bounds from the glass with its sunny, sweet pleasures. It's delicately textured, but penetrating with pristine tropical fruit flavors that linger.
A bouquet of white peach, honeysuckle and rose petal with a whiff of freshly mowed grass yields to flavors of cantaloupe, Turkish delight and nutmeg joined by a touch of salinity. Soft mouthfeel and well-integrated flavors make way for a bright floral splash on the finish.
A bouquet with tomato leaf, spice, dust and saucy berry aromas sets the stage for a basic feeling palate. Saucy red plum flavors are offset by sweet, oaky molasses notes, while a touch of nutmeg and oak character rise up late.
A bowl full of complex aromas and flavors are bundled together in this full-bodied, lush-textured wine. The aroma resembles wet earth for a moment, then transitions to buttery, bakery spices. Ripe and honeyed pear flavors come out on the palate and the mouthfeel is nicely viscous.
A boxed wine, this blend of Pinot Noir and Merlot is exceedingly simple and one-dimensional but could be served at an outdoor baseball game. The mouthfeel is watery and thin.
A bracing, mouth-cleansing style, 100% varietal. Ultracrisp fruit mixes apple, melon and cucumber, then fills out in the middle with pretty herb and grass. The wine resonates, refreshing and textural, begging for food, or at least another glass.
A bracing, tart Riesling, quite dry and still under 13% alcohol, this mixes green apples, fresh citrus, pineapple and unusual suggestions of clove and spice. It's a fine follow-up to the winery's excellent 2007 bottling, though perhaps not quite as concentrated.
A bramble patch of aromas and flavors comes to mind in this blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot: spicy raspberry, blackberry and green stems are prominent. The palate is silky and round in feel, with soft tannins melding against a veil of vanilla and butter.
A brambly and intense vineyard-designate rich in blackberry and brown sugar, this proffers just intense enough to provoke, but never gets extreme. Soft on the palate, it has a lively undercurrent of dark cherry grenadine and black pepper. This is one to remember, with a cool label to boot.
A brambly note of forest floor or exotic spice emerges first from the nose of this ruby-colored Rosso and is followed by floral notes of violets and dried lavender. The wine is fresh, thin and offers easy informality overall.
A brand-new offering from this producer that usually traffics in Anderson Valley Pinot Noir from its own estate, this initial attempt at a white wine is stunning, a well-honed marriage between site and winemaker. Thick and expansive on the palate, it's a complex study in succulent apple and ginger, with a mineral-laden finish.
A brand created by Pierre Ferraud in 1986, this is a ripe wine. It has red-cherry fruit that is rich and full of piquant flavor. The acidity goes through the fruitiness bringing a fresh aftertaste of red berries. Drink now.
A brand new product from the folks at Rotari, AlpeRegis is a fresh and vibrant sparkling wine that offers easy-drinking appeal with subtle hints of elegance and sophistication that set it apart. Baked bread, apricot and citrus notes flavor the finish.
A brand new vineyard designation for the winery, Bedrock dates to the 1800s and is being made famous by proprietor Joel Peterson of Ravenswood and his son, Morgan Twain Peterson. This wine does the site justice, a smooth concoction of cherry pit and allspice, elegant and yet plenty generous in fruit and structure, measured by natural acidity.
A branded Bordeaux, this shows the structure of the vintage while also being accessible and ready to drink now. It is dominated by Merlot which gives ripe berry fruits and a full, soft structure. Drink now and until 2018. Screwcap.
A brassy color and generous fruit flavors define this rich, dry and sophisticated bubbly. It has vivid cherry and white peach flavors, a smooth effervescence, crisp acidity and a lingering finish.
A brawny bottling from one of the state's most historic vineyards, this wine offers wild berries, turned earth, shiitake mushrooms and a light cinnamon glaze on the hearty nose. Rich cherry and plum fruit shows on the tip of the sip followed by rising waves of anise, eucalyptus and white sage. The mouthfeel is soft but with aggressive acidity.
A brawny wine, it leads with ripe berry, underbrush, toast and leather aromas. The juicy palate offers sweet wild cherry and black raspberry accented with notes of mint, thyme, black pepper and hint of coffee alongside bracing tannins. Drink 2015–2021.
A brawny yet refined expression of oak and coffee, this is an intense red wine crafted from mostly Syrah grapes, with smaller amounts of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Alicante Bouschet and Mourvèdre. Well-made it is balanced and age-worthy, the proper pour for a slab of grilled meat slathered in spicy sauce.
A brawny, cherry flavored Zinfandel, big shouldered all around with dense, leathery spicy aromas and flavors, with hints of licorice and bittersweet chocolate. Estate bottled and grown in Napa's Chiles Valley.
A brawny, dusty Petite with ripe flavors of plum and black fruit enveloped by sticky tannins.
A brawny, hearty and inviting nose of macerated bramble and lush cherry are enhanced by sarsaparilla, leather and turned loam on this bottling from a vineyard planted in 1922. Nutmeg and kola-nut spice enliven the brightly acidic cherry, plum and strawberry fruit. Lilacs and gravel minerality ensue as well, and it all finishes tartly on plum skins.
A brawny, super-sized blend of 40% Syrah, 35% Petit Verdot and 25% Cabernet Franc, this comes from Atlas Peak's Stagecoach Vineyard. Dense black fruit, tar, brick and bacon define this wine, which is full bodied and leathery on the palate.
A bready, yeasty bouquet is less than exact. In the mouth, this hits with a mellow mousse and not much kick. Flavors of spent lees, white bread and modest white fruits finish yeasty and dull.
A breezy zingy nose of lemon makes for a very refreshing proposition. The palate does not disappoint and continues in the same tart-but-ripe citrus fashion. The sharp freshness on the dry palate makes the citrus notes shine even more. This is utterly refreshing and totally moreish.
A brick-like tint and dry dusty spicy aromas of dried red fruits and tomato form the opening of this Tannat-Cab Franc blend. Despite medium acidity, this comes across as creamy. Flavors of caramel and saucy red fruits finish soft and a touch flat. Drink through 2019.
A brick color on the rim agrees with very tasty and mature flavors to indicate this wine should be enjoyed now. It smells like dried leaves on the forest floor, and tastes rather beefy and savory in flavor with hints of Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar. It is medium to full bodied and smooth in texture.
A brick red in color, this bottling of an usually blended variety is quite compelling and delicious, starting with the intriguing nose of pine needle and smashed red plum. The palate picks up Mourvèdre's leathery hallmark, which gives rustic elegance to the red cherry and pine needle spice.
A brief period of wood aging delivers soft tannins and juicy blackberry fruits to this ripe wine. A streak of acidity gives the powerful wine a crisp edge. Drink now.
A bright and crisp wine with its red currant and raspberry flavors that are lifted by the delicious acidity. It is lively, and ready to drink.
A bright and crisp wine, with overtones of lime, cut grass, dried hay and white flower. This is fresh and tangy on the palate.
A bright and direct Brunello with aromatic intensity in the form of small berry, almond skin, toasted espresso and nut notes. There's a charred, toasted element to the wine that at this young stage adds some astringency to the mouthfeel. Finishes firm and crisp.
A bright and easy blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this would taste great with grilled sausage or barbecued chicken. A vein of fresh acidity is followed by notes of black cherry, dried raspberry and mild spice.
A bright and elegant red wine with a crisp, silky mouthfeel. The bouquet is redolent of wild berry, white almond, chopped mint and spice. This should pair with honey roasted ham or wild turkey.
A bright and fruity wine that is herbal in character although with a riper apricot and green plum character running alongside. It is an easy-drinking wine, lightly tangy, and crisp with acidity at the end.
A bright and fruity wine, this is packed with red cherry flavor and fragrant acidity. Fresh and open, this is ready to drink.
A bright and fruity wine, with tannins restrained by red-berry fruits and acidity. It's a great food wine, cutting through rich, fatty foods with its texture and dry core. Drink now or enjoy over the next 4–5 years.
A bright and juicy wine from this often easygoing appellation. The red-cherry fruitiness and attractive acidity make for a wine that is rounded and ripe. It is ready to drink, crisp and fruity at the end.
A bright and juicy wine, this has good potential. Its red-berry fruits are right up front along with some light tannins. Drink this fruity wine from 2018.
A bright and lifted three-grape blend with red berry, bright plum and mild oak aromas. The feel is firm but round, with raspberry, plum, pepper and other dry spice flavors. Finishes smooth and uncomplicated, with lingering vanilla flavors. A complete wine made from Malbec, Cabernet and Merlot.
A bright and relatively light expression of the variety, this wine imparts more red berry than black, with seasonings of cinnamon and nutmeg. Soft, smooth and unfussy, it retains solid acidity from start to finish, with a taste of vanilla custard on the finish.
A bright and sour combination strikes the nose on this wine, with aromas of lime sorbet, kumquat and salted green apple rinds. The lean, focused and racy palate is led by crushed limestone grip, with the slight warmth of tart crab apples, proving quite palate cleansing. It's perfect for halibut or other delicate fish.
A bright and straightforward expression of Nero d'Avola, this offers notes of red fruit and toasted pistachio, plus a light shading of tobacco.
A bright Barbaresco—this opens with a fresh, floral quality that recalls blue flower and pressed rose. Beyond those aromas are layers of almond skin, ginger, cola and hazelnut. It's an elegant and fine expression that needs five more years of cellar aging.
A bright bouquet of floral extract and fine bath oil lays down the carpet for a well-balanced, highly expressive set of white-flower, lychee, lime and honeyed flavors. A full layered finish flows nicely. This is fine Spanish Moscatel.
A bright character comes through in this full-bodied wine. A distinctive fruit component reminiscent of strawberry and rhubarb comes with savory herbal accents that unfold on the palate and on the finish. Firm tannins and good acidity keep it balanced.
A bright cherry-red color, this lively, sweet-scented wine proves that Oregon can still make a Pinot Noir in a lighter style without having it turn vegetal. Despite a citrusy snap to the palate, it feels smooth and even a bit satiny, and the pretty cranberry/cherry fruit is annotated with cinnamon and light toast. A superb value.
A bright cherry and banana flavored wine, this is fresh and fruity. It has a light structure that helps to keep it all together along with the acidity for final crispness. Drink now.
A bright copper color and tangy flavors like peach and apricot make this light-bodied wine refreshing and fun. It has a crisp feel and clean finish.
A bright copper color, this is done in a French style, with an emphasis less on freshness than on more mature flavors. Impressions of rose water, cracker and orange liqueur contribute to the mix. This wine should be consumed now through 2016.
A bright cranberry color, this is fruity and dry, simple and ready to drink immediately. It brings some slightly bitter tannins into the finish.
A bright crisp wine with attractive acidity and citrus flavors. Off dry, packed with fruit and with a gentle mousse, it is ready to drink.
A bright dash of lemon is colored with a hint of yeast and flint. The palate, which brims with ripe Amalfi lemon notes, also has that slight flinty stony touch. But it is the lemon that characterizes the compact, precise and dry body. It is the zestiness that brightens and enlivens. Very refreshing, with wonderful balance and tension. Drink now through 2027.
A bright expression of Nero d'Avola, this shows a pretty fruit note, backed by prune, spice and wet earth accents. It feels silky and supple, with soft tannins.
A bright fruity nose of tart cherry and cranberry yields to surprisingly sophisticated flavors of ripe black cherry, blackberry, coffee and white chocolate. Mouth-coating tannins are at play on the palate, culminating in a finish marked by a lingering sense of zestiness.
A bright golden color and generous, intricate aromas make this dry wine tempting even before sipping. Schramsberg says it has the least residual sugar of any wine they've made in 50 years. It offers light citrus, ginger and honey aromas, then a soft mouthfilling mousse and tangy lemon-lime flavors. Concentrated but steely and nicely bone-dry in texture, the wine will be fantastic with caviar.
A bright herbal note of chopped mint or fresh oregano opens the nose of this plush Bordeaux blend from Bolgheri, Tuscany. Within a few minutes in the glass, it starts to deliver attractive notes of black olive, blackberry and wild sage.
A bright juicy wine, this has acidity, red-berry fruits and a touch of black currants. This is an attractive wine already, just needing a few months to settle down. Drink from 2017.
A bright magenta color and aromas of blueberry juice and wet dog suggest a basic wine that's all about fruit and not much about style or complexity. The palate is lively and juicy, the flavors are vivacious but immature, and the finish falls off fast.
A bright magenta color and aromas of toast, tobacco, cola and wild blackberry draw you in. This wine is young, and so the acidity shows through right now. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and black cherry come with a touch of oaky vanilla. That vanilla carries over to the finish, which is oaky, bright and scouring. This Carignan-Garnacha blend will be at its best from 2018–2024.
A bright nose of cherry, vanilla and rum cake leads into a moderately intense midpalate, with bright endnotes of dried mint and ginger on the cool, crisp finish.
A bright nose of pineapple and grapefruit prepares the palate for flavors of passion fruit and guava with light floral notes. This wine is full in the mouth, with tropical fruit flavors that persist into a lingering rose-petal finish.
A bright nose with green apple and citric aromas comes with mild oak. This is acidic and racy in composition, with roundness along the edges of the palate. Apple and nectarine flavors are lightly oaked and salty, while this holds form on a high-acid finish.
A bright note of fresh cherry appears at the start, but it slowly gives way to plum and dark fruit notes, plus spice and moist tobacco touches. This fresh wine would pair beautifully with pepperoni pizza.
A bright pink color and absolutely fresh grapefruit aromas suggest a crisp and lively wine, and that's what this 88% Grenache and 12% Viognier delivers. The flavors are quite dry but vivid, like lemon, tart cherry and ruby grapefruit. The texture is lean, the body is not heavy and the finish is tangy.
A bright pink color from the Touriga Nacional in the wine, this shows a fruity, lightly tannic character. It has red fruit notes, soft acidity and a touch of sweetness at the end.
A bright pink colored rosé, this blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah, has strawberry flavors and a touch of sweetness from the ripe fruits that is balanced with an attractive acidity. Enjoy with food rather than as an aperitif.
A bright pink wine that tastes drier than it looks. It has bright strawberry aromas, as well as touches of caramel and lively final acidity. It's not for aging.
A bright pinkish-orange color makes this light-bodied wine stand out from the beginning, Fresh watermelon and cherry flavors carry on the rounded palate, with a slight sweetness giving softness.
A bright Pinot from a great spot, this wine takes a while to open, especially aromatically, but once it does it has a lot to say. Structured and soft, it's meaty in savory cranberry and earth, bright with fruit and acidity. Cellar until 2017–2019 and it should have even further built up its vocabulary.
A bright purple luster draws you in, and the nose is bright, clean, focused and full of wild blackberry. Balanced in the mouth, with size and tannin but plenty of acidity and fruit. Tastes of blackberry, vanilla cream, molasses and spice, and the finish brings it on home. Sincere and excellent for the price.
A bright purple tint announces a jumpy youthful-smelling wine with plum, black currant and oak aromas. This is Carignan, Syrah, Garnacha and Cab Sauvignon, and it's full in body but also juicy and lively. Savory, saucy plum and berry flavors ride a wave of crisp acidity, while the finish feels dry and exact, with minty medicinal overtones. Drink this snappy wine through 2021.
A bright red wine rustic in black plum and cherry flavor, lightweight and easy, a rightful companion to spaghetti and meatballs or even a BLT.
A bright ripe fruit aroma like pineapple and ripe, luxurious fig, vanilla and almond flavors combine for an explosion of delicious power on the palate. This full-bodied wine has lots of depth and breadth in texture, plus a long, lingering finish.
A bright salmon color, this playful selection is bright and easy drinking. Aromas and flavors of melon rind, sweet pea, red cherry and cranberry fill the nose and mouth, with bright acidity that keeps the palate fresh and the finish clean.
A bright star within Hudson-Chatham's strong lineup of red wine, this Pinot Noir offers loads of fresh pristine black-cherry and berry flavors. Whiffs of bramble, toast and anise lend complexity to a neatly balanced yet silken palate. A fine feathery fringe of tannins leads a long finish. Drink now through 2022.
A bright strawberry-flavored wine, this is fruity and fresh. It has crisp acidity to lift the fruit and a light pepper touch that adds interest and turns it into a fine food-friendly wine. It is ready to drink now.
A bright streak of freshness comes forth thanks to the aromas of forest berry, cherry, red currant and spice. It shows intensity and power on the finish, with enough heat to cut through creamy foods or cheeses.
A bright touch of candied strawberry shows prominently on the nose of this bottling, with judicious hints of roasted red pepper, herb and peppercorn hiding behind that vivacious veil. The palate is light in body but has plenty of structure to hold up its cranberry and strawberry flavors and peppery spice. Great with a slight chill.
A bright wine, this offers attractive fruit and a crisp texture.The tangy, zesty edge is refreshing, giving the wine a delicious lift at the end. Drink now.
A bright, beautifully brisk Sauvignon Blanc, marked with crisp acidity and racy flavors of citrus fruits and gooseberries, accented with sweet oak. It's a creamy, deliciously complex wine, and although it's fully dry, it finishes with a honeyed richness.
A bright, bouncy, fresh style of Grenache, made in an almost Beaujolais style. With its medium body and candied cherry fruit, drink this over the next year or so.
A bright, candy pink colored blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah, this has plenty of acidity although its weight and ripe fruit give the wine a heavy feel. It is ready to drink.
A bright, cheerful and very well-crafted Zinfandel that shows a deft touch at handling this variety's challenges. Achieves thorough ripeness, with blackberry, black currant, cola and pepper flavors, even as the alcohol is kept moderate, and the finish is dry and smooth.
A bright, citrus flavored wine thart is very crisp and fruity. There is a wonderful shock of acidity that brings out freshness and the herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc flavors. Drink now.
A bright, citrusy, crisp, off-dry Vinho Verde. It is the perfect aperitif wine with its light texture, slight fizz and a delicious lemon and grapefruit aftertaste.
A bright, creamy wine with light acidity and flavors of green fruits, pears and a strong streak of grapefruit.
A bright, floral fragrance invites one to further explore this softly structured wine. It's layered with ripe red fruit, leather and pepper flavors that are carried into the finish by tight, grippy tannins.
A bright, floral violet bouquet invites in this blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Sirah that follows through with earthy cherry and strawberry highlights. Softly textured, the wine is deeply structured and in balance, a delicious offering of several varieties married well.
A bright, fluffy white, this moderately bodied, oaked wine is intertwined in apple, pear and a bite of nutmeg, with supportive acidity and a soft, smooth texture.
A bright, focused fruitiness is the strength of this full-bodied, very ripe and enticing wine. It smells and tastes like fresh strawberries, raspberries and cherries, and feels ultrasmooth and polished in texture. With each sip a better sense of depth and concentration builds.
A bright, fresh example of Pinot Noir, this is medium bodied and slightly creamy in texture as well. Bold notes of red cherries and beet greens add hints of button mushroom on the palate, then finish tart and refreshing. Drink now–2016.
A bright, fresh nose of citrus and flowers, followed by floral flavors balanced by good acid, gives this wine a flirty character. Light but substantial, with a lingering finish. Pair with smoke fish, cheese, grilled chicken.
A bright, fresh nose of rose petals, brisk raspberry juice, cranberry, turned earth and a pinch of white pepper makes for a lively wine. The palate begins with juicy strawberry then settles into anise and citrusy spice, an expertly lively wine with chalky texture and vibrant energy. Winemaker Lane Tanner is new at Grenache, but she's rocking it.
A bright, fresh Syrah delicious in restrained blackberry and blueberry fruit, it has a luscious mouthfeel, plenty of acidity and an undercurrent of wild herb. Stark managed to do good things with many varieties in 2011. This wine is a standout, ready to pair with something gamey dribbled in black pepper sauce.
A bright, fresh wine, its red currant and fresh plum acidity an important element. It has dry tannins at the core, giving a firm structure and hints of wood, with sweeter fruit coming through to finish.
A bright, fruity style that shows red berry fruits along with attractive perfumed tannins. This is already an approachable wine, just structured enough to give the juicy fruit a backbone.
A bright, fruity, cherry-flavored wine. The varietal character—juicy and with a light barnyard edge—is unmistakeable in this thoroughly delicious wine. Screwcap.
A bright, herbaceous and fresh wine, showing green fruits, lively acidity and and a steely edge that adds a fine texture.
A bright, herbaceous wine that is full of citrus and grapefruit flavors. These go with a tangy character, crisp and hinting at black currants and more tropical fruit.
A bright, lemon flavored wine with tight acidity and an attractive mineral texture. It is floral, zesty and very ready to drink.
A bright, light and fruity wine that's already delicious to drink. With lemon and green apple fruit, it also has acidity that cuts through the aftertaste.
A bright, light and fruity wine that is ready to drink. It has flavors of currants, juicy orange as well as a mineral texture and a touch of bitter marmalade. Drink now.
A bright, lightly fizzy wine that is off dry and crisp. There are sweet apple and lime fruit flavors with a tang of mandarin orange. The wine is clean, fruity and ready to drink.
A bright, lively Brunello that happily sheds all pretense. It's a wine that communicates Sangiovese Grosso in a straightforward, confident and natural manner. There's bright berry fruit, firm structure and a lean, compact mouthfeel with silky tannins. But don't mistake this for a simple wine. It's not. It shows delicate complexity and elegance.
A bright, lively wine made from Sangiovese, it has classic varietal aromas of blue flower, red berries, spice and just a whiff of leather. The palate delivers ripe red cherry accented with hints of white pepper, clove and cinnamon alongside firm but fine tannins and fresh acidity.
A bright, lovely layering of cherry and strawberry strikes first, before a jolt of rose perfume finds its complement in an earthy lilt of salt and forest. Sandalwood enhances the intrigue and complexity of this medium-bodied wine.
A bright, minerally nose and clean, elegant flavors give this wine from cool-climate Elgin a sophisticated edge. Though the wine has a refined character, there's still an abundance of rich tropical fruit and citrus flavors. The finish is refreshing and subtle.
A bright, red cherry flavored wine that has fresh fruitiness and a light, if dry, structure. With Trincadeira and Aragonez (aka Tempranillo) dominant, it's a naturally rich with a velvety texture. Drink from 2015.
A bright, saturated rosé with a pink raspberry color and bright berry aromas, this Cerasuolo from central Italy will pair with shellfish or white meat. The wine finishes with a crisp, easy close.
A bright, slightly confected rosé blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault, this is flavorful but a bit short.
A bright, spicy oak note in the aroma sails through the flavors and adds a nice lift to the ripe red cherry and plum flavors. It's a medium-bodied wine, with mild tannins and a generous, smooth texture.
A bright, sunny Morellino, it's made with 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers a juicy palate loaded with cherry, raspberry and black pepper sensations. Fruity and straightforward, this is made for sheer drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.
A bright, sunny, yellow Chard through and through-and the cream-and-tropcial fruit nose is just the beginning. Peach, banana and vanilla flavors resurface on the palate; toasty-butterscotch flavors round out the back end. An instant mood-lifter. Drink now.
A bright, tart, spicy wine with plenty of grip and detail, this threads flavors of herb, stem and earth into the substantial blackberry and cassis fruit. It's nicely woven together, penetrating and punchy.
A bright, tight and crisp wine that is is mineral, tangy and refreshing to drink. It hints at the ripe fruits that will develope through 2017.
A bright, toasty wine, with the ripe fruits of the vintage and characteristics from the wood giving extra richness to this finely structured, mineral-textured wine.
A bright, vivacious, juicy and fruit-driven style, loaded with boysenberries. Tart and racy, this has just a hint of a gamy undertone. The finish has smooth, silky tannins, and plenty of staying power.
A brighter, more mineral- and acid-driven take on the often rustic Rhône grape, this kicks off with fresh smells of raspberry and rock. The palate brings tart cherry, followed by just-ripe black berry and really ripe raspberry on the midpalate, and a tartness on the finish.
A brightly aromatic wine with notes of candied fruit, raspberries, freshly ground herbs and cranberry. The palate has plump, ripe fruit flavors that glide on the finish.
A brilliant balance of ripe ruby-red grapefruit juice and corresponding bitter-sour elements from the same fruit's pith mesh with tangerine oil, crushed ant, iodine and a bit of dairy funk on the nose of this wine. The palate's grippy texture shows apple peels, Key lime pith, baking soda and an almost peppery zing, suggesting lots of life. Drink 2016–2023.
A brilliant blend of 61% Viognier, 21% Roussanne and 18% Marsanne, this impresses with its proportion, tension and balance. Scents and flavors meld citrus oil and rind, fruit flavors of pineapple, grapefruit and Meyer lemon, and a lovely finish with highlights of English breakfast tea. Long and elegant, this is a landmark effort.
A brilliant brut, comprised of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It displays the qualities of dryness and yeastiness, with complex flavors of limes, vanilla and a touch of raspberry. The mousse is very fine, while the acidity is extraordinarily clean and brisk. Beautiful now, and should age for many years.
A brilliant Chardonnay showing how well this region can ripen fruit while retaining brisk acidity. Oak barrels add an exotic touch of clove to the underlying pineapple fruit flavors. Feels rich and creamy, and aging on the lees provides a complex touch of sourdough. Drink now.
A brilliant Chardonnay, bone dry and crisp in acidity. Almost lean in citrus and mineral flavors, but on further inspection shows complex layers of toast, honeysuckle, peach and stone, with a deft touch of new oak. Feels weighty and important, and finishes wonderfully dry.
A brilliant Chardonnay, brimming with powerfully ripe tropical fruit and pear flavors, enriched with smoky, sweet oak. The key here is acidity and the minerality that accompanies the best Santa Lucia Chards. Drink this flamboyant wine now for maximum vibrancy.
A brilliant Chardonnay, displaying both the terroir of this fine upland part of Monterey County, and the cool vintage that let the grapes hang on the vines until they were perfectly ripe. Dazzles with pineapple and mango fruit, with a perfect jacket of sweet, vanilla-scented oak. Best of all is the acidity, which is brisk, bright and clean.
A brilliant Chardonnay, easily deserving its Reserve status. Crisp and dry, it houses opulent flavors of ripe tropical fruits, butterscotch, roasted hazelnuts, crème brûlée and cinnamon spice.
A Brilliant Chardonnay, picked relatively early compared to some, but that has kept the alcohol moderate and the acidity brisk, making the wine crisp and even flinty. The flavors veer toward green apples, Asian pears, Meyer lemons, limes and other juicy, acid-inspired fruits.
A brilliant Chardonnay. It's powerful and ripe in fruit, offering a blast of pineapple, green apple, Key lime pie and Meyer lemon tart flavors, accented with the buttered toast of oak. As intense as the fruit is, it's balanced by keen acidity and a stony minerality. Defines the elegant, opulent Russian River style.
A brilliant copper color and earthy, lightly fruity flavors distinguish this dry-style, elegant sparkling wine made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. It does have tasty raspberry and lemon notes, but it goes more to spicy complexity than pure fruitiness
A brilliant dessert wine. It costs a lot of money to pick a wine like this, which is carefully selected on an almost cluster-by-cluster basis, but the results speak for themselves. Very sweet and pure, with honey, apricot jam, pineapple crème brûlée and vanilla custard flavors. Utterly delicious.
A brilliant effort, this belongs right up there with the very best New World Viogniers. White flowers, lemon curd and a lush mix of citrus aromas show immense concentration right from the start. Both precise and dense, the scents and flavors flow through into a tightly wound, mineral-soaked finish, bright with citrus and apricot fruit. The length and concentration are simply spectacular.
A brilliant example of how this grape can be done with deft decadence, this bottling reveals aromas of black cherry, crushed clove, nutmeg, smashed slate and tons of forest-floor components, including juniper. Black plum, mace and dark cinnamon converge on the deliciously rich palate that is bolstered by bursting acidity and big structure. But this wine may be too massive for aging, so drink up.
A brilliant gold color in the glass, this opens with rich aromas of grilled apple, buttered toast, ripe melon and a touch of honey. The round, lush texture is balanced by lifting acidity, which also keeps the ripe stone fruit and sweet spice flavors clean and lifted on the lingering finish. Drink now–2016.
A brilliant gold color, this Chenin boasts wood-infused fruit notes of pear, peach pit and melon alongside accents of honeysuckle and toasted brioche. The round, slightly slick mouthfeel is elevated with a mouthwatering acidic cut to the close.
A brilliant Pinot Noir, grown organically from the winery's new vineyard in a cool part of the coastal mountains. More tannic and acidic than Pinots from the estate vineyard in Green Valley, it offers lush, deep flavors of cherries, black raspberries, gingersnap cookies and almond biscotti. Just terrific, and will take a few years of bottle age in a cool cellar.
A brilliant red color and enticing spicy oak aromas first beg for attention, and then great spice and fruit flavors and a vivid texture take over. Nutmeg, clove, black cherry and a hint of black tea fill out the flavor spectrum. This wine has firm tannins, lively acidity and a sense of elegance with depth that is compelling.
A brilliant shade of pink, this bottling shows all the classic rosé aromas, from watermelon, to strawberry to bubblegum, with a touch of warm pastry as well. The palate offers a candied watermelon and cotton candy flavors, without any sweetness.
A brilliant shade of purplish-pink, this bottling is quite light on the nose, with hints of hibiscus and raspberry. The flavors are crisp and easy, with tart strawberry, light nectarine and subtle cranberry juice.
A brilliant white wine, very tart in acidity, with mineral flavors that make your mouth water. The flavors veer toward bright, tart citrus fruits, with suggestions of Chinese five-spice. The grapes were biodynamically farmed, which may partially be why the wine is so pure.
A brilliant wine, massively sculpted and monumental, that shows how great this vineyard is. The wine shows densely concentrated flavors of blackberries and licorice, with the loveliest accent of sweet worn leather and rhubarb, flourished with the dusty spices that always characterize a fine Santa Maria Pinot Noir. Best now–2013.
A brilliant wine, shining with bright fruits, fresh and crisp. The fact that it also has weight gives it an extra intensity of herbaceous flavors, lifted by green peas. There is a definite steely edge to the finish.
A brilliant, completely satisfying Viognier that shows its sunny California terroir in the ripe lemon, peach and mango flavors. It finishes dry, with a steely minerality, like stones and cold metal. Just gorgeous, one of the finest California Viogniers ever.
A brilliant, rich wine, packed with full-bodied flavors but oozing with finesse and elegance. The tastes veer to plums, blackberries and chocolate, and the finish is dry and complex. The tannins are thick but soft. This delicious wine was made by Jim Fetzer with organically-grown grapes.
A brilliantly complex but rarely done blend, this mix of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Petite Sirah shows blueberry donuts, vanilla ice cream, licorice, stewed strawberries and the lightest touch of dill and herbal aromatics on the nose. Gravel, asphalt and elderberry come through on the sip, elevated by white and black pepper. It's still a tad wound up.
A brilliantly crisp wine that combines both the creaminess and fruit of Arinto and Chardonnay. Wood aging has added a rounder character. Ready to drink in a year.
A brilliantly strawberry-flavored rosé, this is crisp and fresh with lively acidity. There's a tight citrus texture, but the main thrust of this delicious summer rosé is fruitiness.
A briny-smelling nose is lacking in ripe appealing fruit. This feels pithy and oily, while bitter briny flavors come up short on fruit and friendliness. Pyrazines and bitterness control the finish.
A briny note of saline and pickle provide an intrigue to the entry of this wine, which is otherwise integrated in oak and medium to full bodied. Smooth and floral, it sings on the palate, revealing baked apple and pear around a hint of wild vanilla and herb.
A briny, citrusy nose offers savory notes and a touch of funk. This feels energetic and racy on the palate, while briny citrus flavors are slightly stony. A light, quick, citrusy finish closes this out.
A brisk and lifted Chenin that should pair well with summer salads, grilled flake fish or chicken. Peony and orange blossom notes grace the background of the bouquet, while white peach, lemon and yellow apple flesh flavors fill the medium-weight palate. Balanced and refreshing; enjoy now.
A brisk mineral edge adds elegance to buoyant tropical mango and pineapple flavors in this densely concentrated off-dry Riesling. It's lip-smackingly honeyed, but sharp citrus acidity keeps the palate vivacious and fresh. Effortlessly enjoyable with a long finish.
A brisk Syrah, dry and tart, with some notable tannins. It's so rich and sweet in blackberries, beef jerky, carob and spices, you can forgive a few faults, such as excessive acidity.
A brisk young Pinot Noir, dry and bright in acidity, with deep, long raspberry, cherry, cola, spice and sandalwood flavors. The tannins are just a bit rustic, so drink this wine now and over the next 2–3 years.
A brisk, bright Chardonnay, made in the Testarossa style of ripe fruit and oakiness. What it lacks in subtlety it makes up for in the sheer power of tangerine, pineapple and tropical fruit flavors, elaborated with vanilla cream and caramelized oak.
A brisk, brusque, tannic wine whose rusticity calls for easy fare, like backyard barbecue or even fast-food burgers. It's dry and full-bodied, a country-style blend with deep flavors of blackberries and tobacco. The price is fair.
A brisk, likeable Chardonnay. It shows ripe flavors of pineapples, peaches, lemons and sweet limes, accented with crisp coastal acidity. A hint of oak adds pleasant notes of buttered toast and vanilla.
A brisk, savory Sauvignon Blanc with rich flavors of citrus fruits, lemongrass, green melons, figs and smoky vanilla spice. Tastes a little on the sweet side.
A brisk, sturdy Cabernet, marked by firm tannins, tart acidity and a marked coating of sweet, smoky oak. It's Janzen's basic Napa Cabernet, and shows the winery's ability to produce elegant Cabs. But it's not an ager.
A brittle, peppery and ultimately disappointing wine, this 100% varietal lacks the smoothness and cherry-herb complexities you expect from a fine Rutherford Cab. Finishes sharp and dry.
A broad-based wine with rich fruit, it also has a crisp edge. Ripe yellow fruits are cut with citrus and acidity. With a tangy end, it could well age, so drink from 2015.
A broad and expansive wine eager in youthful tannin, there's red fruit at the core of its flavor profile, that travels from plum to darker berry. Soft, integrated tannin give way to a light body and restrained weight.
A broad as well as crisp wine that has great fresh, beautifully polished ripe pear fruit, lightly nutty in character.
A broad black-fruit scent defines this Cabernet Sauvignon, with muffled hints of blueberry, toast and cheese rind. The palate is marked by strapping tannins that tug on the upperlip, bearing flavors of toast and coffee bean.
A broad swathe of lychee gives the wine a perfumed sendoff. It is ripe, full in the mouth, with melon, white chocolate and a good amount of acidity.
A broad texture and mellow flavors characterize this full-bodied, rich and warming wine. The aromas and flavors recall black cherries and clove with a touch of woody or earthy character, but it's the lush mouthfeel that's most memorable.
A broad wine, but with flavors of ripe melon, kiwi and an edge of lime. It is rounded and warm, although with a good final crisp edge of acidity.
A broad wine, its ripe flavors fashioned with yellow fruits, toast, vanilla and an opulent texture. This is rich, open and packed with full-in-the-mouth flavors. Ready to drink.
A broad, rather soft example of rosé, this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan should be consumed over the next few months.
A broad, richly textured wine made in a dry style, this packs in the pear, nectarine and melon flavors, then wraps them up with touches of spice on a harmonious, long finish. Drink now.
A broad, ripe and very accessible wine. Spiced by nutmeg and vanilla, it is based on solid, chunky black fruits and distinguished layer of tannins. Ready to drink, or keep for one year.
A broad, ripe wine, it is simply fruity with attractive lemon and grapefruit flavors, touched by gooseberries. It's tangy, textured and likely to age for a 2–3 years, but you can also drink now.
A broad, ripe wine, with peach and apricot flavors to go with a fine citrus tang. Full in the mouth, very fruity and attractively textured with green plum skin juiciness.
A broad, spicy wine, ripe with plenty of sweet mango and peach fruits to go with the green fruit acidity. It is already delicious but will develop further over the next 2–3 years.
A broad, welcoming wine, the second label from Malhadinha Nova. It has spiced acidity, flavors of plums, licorice, with cranberry juice tannins. The flavors are big and bold, nothing held back.
A broader, flatter style and aromas of exotic fruit, banana and papaya describe the nose of this Prosecco Extra Dry. Yet the wine delivers a very clean entry onto the palate and does a great job of keeping your mouth refreshed.
A broadly fruity mélange of red grapes, moderately tart and pleasant enough as a simple pizza and pasta red. At the listed 14.4% alcohol, you might hope for a bit more concentration.
A brooding bottle of tobacco and dark chocolate with ever-present tannins that go down easy and stay awhile. This single-vineyard designate from Livermore will impress Napa Valley Cab fans and encourage them to get to know this producer. Smith Ranch has body for miles, bolstered by flavors and aromas of blackberry, black plum and fig. This wine will develop further over the next 5–7 years.
A brooding Cabernet full of green and black olive, velvety cassis and cinnamon spice, this is ready to enjoy now. A juicy red, it has resolved tannins and a lingering taste of tobacco. Power and finesse are here, along with smoky minerality and savory fruit.
A brooding foundation of blackberry and mushroomy earth lift this full-bodied, tannic wine, which needs further time in bottle to develop. Spicy cinnamon, clove and pepper keep it lively on the palate, between the density and concentration of oak. Let this wine unwind in the bottle through 2020.
A brooding note of espresso jumps from the glass and conceals any fruit that sits below. Formidable tannins would serve as a great complement to grilled game. Flavors of espresso, chocolate and licorice dominate the palate.
A brooding texture and fully layered concentration of intense flavor spark the palate and mind in this estate wine, which is showy in cola, bark, black cherry and black tea. Medium bodied and well-made, it finds balance between its coastal influence, its crisp acidity and the burlier aspects of fruit and weight.
A brooding wine, this shows all the aging potential of Blaufränkisch. Using grapes sourced from the Kirschgarten Vineyard, this has tar and violet aromas, plus firm, dry tannins and a dense yet juicy black-fruit character. It could still age over 4–5 years. Glass stopper.
A brooding wine, this shows aromas of high-toned dark raspberries, woodspices, mineral and bay leaf, with the alcohol poking through. The red plum flavors are full bodied and rich, with grainy tannins backing them up.
A brooding, masculine expression, this offers savory aromas of cured meat and smoked bacon, with bright fruit aromas of blackberry and soft cherry. The wine is thick, inky and structured on the close, with a point of bright acidity that gives it balance.
A brooding, powerful wine, concentrating perfumed fruit with black berry juice and dark tannins. It does have acidity to balance all the power and richness, but this is a big, solid wine with density of flavor.
A brooding, savory and smoothly textured wine, velvety more than silky, this offers black tea, truffle and high-toned cherry. The wine is named for sandstone, “mother rock” of the Goldridge soils that are so prominent where these vines dig down. Soft, it's also lengthy, a substantial and substantive bottling.
A brooding, textured Pinot Noir with some weight to it, deep in dark cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors, with a finish of roses and spice. This wine is aching to be paired with savory mushrooms.
A broodingly dark, oaky Syrah, this has a dash of pepper and intense red fruit. Naggiar continues to make promising Rhone-inspired estate wines from rocky mountain soils.
A brown sugar element, reminiscent of mincemeat pie, leads the nose on this wine, with a bit of Dr Pepper playing backup. The flavors are lean and easy, with roasted fennel and some elderberry fruit.
A bruiser of a Merlot, dry and muscular, with green olive, blackberry, sage and smoky cedar flavors, wrapped into bigtime tannins. Even at the age of nearly 5 it's still brooding and hard. Not an ager, but there's something fine and polished about it now.
A bruiser of a wine: dark tannins, brawny structure, tough and hard around the edges. That said, its tannins are true to its Nuits-St.- Georges origins in its dry core surrounded by dense fruit.
A Brunello on the bold and ripe side, with smoked bacon, blackberry, sweet spice, rum cake and black licorice. It shows impressive staying power. It's tannic, firm and ready for a long aging future ahead.
A Brunello with broad shoulders and a powerful bouquet that delivers bright, bold aromas of ripe fruit, dark spice, leather and dried tobacco. The wine's structure and dark fruit flavors move evenly over the palate with smoothness and harmony.
A brut-style sparkler, at the age of eight years it's still fresh and crisp, with yeasty flavors of limes, strawberries, vanilla and toast. Feels dry and austere despite a honeyed richness, just what you want in a great sparkling wine. Seems best over the next six years.
A Brut made from 45% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir and 13% Sauvignon Blanc, this nonvintage sparkler is salmon in color and creamy on first pour. Crisp with a long finish, the flavors that dominate involve apple and Asian pear.
A brute of a wine, both in its immense flavors and its excessively weighty bottle. It has richness, full of concentrated sweet plum juice and dense tannins—very rich, very in your face.
A bucket of buttery popcorn gets treated to sharp, rosemary-like aroma on the nose of this intriguing and tasty wine. It's heaver on the palate than other wines of the same vintage, with flavors of butter-crusted apple pie. The deep finish lasts for minutes.
A bulky wine with an ample mix of cherry and chocolate flavors, this Gigondas is a big, fairly rich mouthful but is slightly lacking for nuance. Give it another year or two to see if more develops.
A bulky wine with aromas of dried herbs, pepper and black fruits. It's meaty and thick in the mouth, with grapey, herbal flavors. Unfolds fairly nicely on the finish, with the wine's herbal character locking in. A good example of Chilean Malbec that's more basic than complex.
A bulky, full-fruited nose is creamy and floral in character. The palate is heavy, thick and sticky, with flavors of molasses and ripe black fruits. Pepper, mint and chocolate flavors vie with big tannins on the finish.
A buoyant wine, this has delicious acidity and a soft, immediately accessible texture. Red berries give a lively, perfumed fruitiness to this open wine that smells and tastes of sunshine.
A Burgundian take on Viognier, barrel fermented in 30% new French oak, put through M-L, and aged 18 months in barrel. Predictably dark and smooth, with a rich mix of soft, ripe stone fruit and barrel flavors. It's a bold style, showing plenty of toast and oak, but also concentrated and peachy, with lemon verbena, Key lime and a hint of honey.
A burly Primitivo with spicy blackberry fruit, this is an intense wine with layers of smoke and oak to offer those who like a wine that not only pairs with a slab of meat but almost tastes like one.
A burly surprise from southern Oregon; there are flowery, almost honeyed elements to the black-fruit nose. It scores big points in the mouthfeel category—it’s round, chewy and creamy. Oak is a giant factor here; you’d better like mounds of toasty wood. If you do, the plump plummy fruit will make your day. But stand clear of this hefster if you prefer elegant, streamlined Pinot Noir.
A burly, robust wine from a 1930s planting containing 5% Petite Sirah, this offers lots of classic character. The mix of leather, herb, blackberry and blackberry gives a sense of completeness. Full bodied, it'll stand up well to further aging. Drink now through 2023.
A burly, rough-hewn wine that has been slightly tamed by the use of French oak aging. But it remains a dense wine, packed with dry tannins, spice and herbs, and some juicy black plum flavors. The finish is dry, very firm, and the wine needs at least five years.
A burnt touch of roasted walnut appears at first, but it is quickly replaced with tones of cherry and dried raspberry. This Sangiovese (blended with 10% Merlot) shows bitter fruit on the finish, which helps it pair with meat or cheese dishes.
A burnt, reduced quality mars the fruit in this wine, made in a big style with full-bodied power and density.
A burst of black cherry fruit and spice announces this rich, complex young Pinot. Shows great structure in the fine tannins, brisk acids and firm minerality. Brims with power and assertiveness, and should develop over the next six years.
A burst of juicy sweet-tart fruit belies the relatively low alcohol. It's plenty ripe, with a tasty mix of Meyer lemon, pear and peach. It was aged in neutral French oak, and carries the lightest suggestion of toast in the finish.
A bushel of black cherries blends with slate, bay leaf, thyme and dried lilacs on the nose of this Josh Jensen bottling, which shows an amazing amount of aging potential. The palate is wound tightly by fine-grained tannins, which are starting to give a peek at the layered flavors of cranberry, pencil lead, thyme, bay leaf, pressed violets and dried citrus that patiently await their turns to shine. Drink 2018 through 2033.
A butterscotch note hits the nose first, before fading to reveal scents of tea, leather and cedary spices. Medium to full-bodied, the succulent palate bears a supple core with a mineral edge. A flavor of dried strawberry marks the tangy finish. This is a blend of 35% Merlot, 25% Petit Verdot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc.
A buttery aroma leads to rich butterscotch flavors and a buttery finish, too. But then there's more with each sip. The wine is dry but easy on the palate, and reveals tasty apple, almond and toasted walnut flavors with time. These all add complexity and lift it well above the ordinary. Made with certified Biodynamic grapes.
A buttery style, this bottling offers popcorn, sea salt caramel and vanilla cookies on the nose alongside tropical coconut, ripe peach and banana fruit, all judiciously presented. There's an immediate sizzle of acidity to cut through the butter on the palate, where pan-fried apples, squeezed lemons and almonds make for an excellent California Chardonnay.
A buttery, by-the-book Chardonnay that's heavier on oak than on fruit, this Maipo Valley offering has apple, toast and cream flavors and oak, spice and ripe pear aromas. More of the same flavors pop up on the back end. 5,000 cases produced.
A buttery, plummy aroma, and flavors like cherry cobbler make this medium-bodied, dry wine attractive to sip. A rather firm texture keeps it appetizing.
A buzz is building around Calaveras County-based La Folia, and this lovely wine shows why. Opening with a subtle oaky aroma, it evolves to offer a lightness of color and texture, enveloped by delicious highlights of cherry and cranberry fruit. Well integrated and well structured, this Sangiovese ends with a long and satisfying finish of violet-inflected plum.
A Côtes-du-Rhône style wine. Bring on the lamb, roasted potatoes and rosemary. It's dryish and soft, with rich flavors of raspberries, cherries, spices and Provençal herbs. The blend is Grenache, Mouvèdre and Syrah.
A Côtes du Rhône-style blend meant to be drunk early and around a weekday meal, among Terre Rouge's easiest to drink and find wines. There's lots to like, from the wine's high-toned cherry and boysenberry aromas and flavors to its traces of black olive and jaunty, gamy pepper.
A Cab-based blend of all five Bordeaux grapes, this wine is a little too ripe. It has a raisiny edge to the black currants and cherries, and some bitterness in the finish.
A Cab-based Bordeaux blend with a little Syrah, this wine tastes surprisingly cooked for such a cool vintage. There's a raisiny, smoky, baked blackberry and cherry flavor that makes for an imbalance that won't age away.
A Cab-based wine with 20% Merlot, this has juicy blackberry and currant to soften the overreaching tannic profile. Blessed in cedar and tobacco, this also presents a strong showing of dried herb. The fruit leans black and blue, from blueberry to black plum, a nod to the Merlot.
A Cab from near Yosemite, grown at 3,000-foot elevation with big texture and tannins that could develop into something interesting.
A Cab lover's Merlot, this wine is massively constructed, a behemoth of tobacco-laced blue fruit and smoke, nearing pie-like proportion. With time and/or a decant, it'll reveal pretty violet on the nose, and take on a sultry juiciness to overcome its weight. Lay this baby down through 2022.
A Cabernet-based blend, with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this offers pleasing aromatic complexity, with notes of coffee, dark fruit and vanilla, accented by floral overtones. The palate is full bodied, with abundant coffee and cherry flavors backed by firm tannins. The fruit and oak seem to tussle a bit at present; try after 2017.
A Cabernet-dominated (98%) wine, which boasts a dense, concentrated tannic structure. Flavors of cassis underly this, while the wood spices contribute their ribbon of flavor. This is an impressive wine, the flagship red from this estate founded by Spatz Sperling over 30 years ago.
A Cabernet-dominated, Bordeaux-style blend, the Electrum is tannic, dark and earthy. Its cassis fruit is cloaked in rich, dense layers of graphite, espresso and dark chocolate. The density is impressive and suggests that a decade or more in the cellar may prove rewarding.
A Cabernet-heavy blend with 7% Sangiovese and 3% Petit Verdot, this wine marks the twentieth vintage of the producer's flagship wine, sourced from both its estate Cloudy's Vineyard and several Beckstoffer heritage sites. Black and green olives dance on the nose and palate first, followed by a concentration of cedar, pencil lead and black tea. It's powerful without being overly concentrated.
A Cabernet Franc with great depth on the nose, this features notes of cola, spiced dark cherry, cigar box and undergrowth. The palate feels broad and jammy, layered with notes of cassis and coffee grounds. Firm tannins keep the palate grounded, but they become more drying on the finish.
A Cabernet Franc with Pinot Noir-like charm, this bears an aromatic admixture of macerated cherries, strawberry preserves, mushroom caps and leather. Light to medium bodied, this has graceful, dusty tannins and acids that have some spark.
A Cabernet of considerable heft, showing the big-time tannins the mountain is known for. Below them are very rich blackberry, blueberry, cassis and mineral flavors, leading to a dry, spicy finish. A bit hard and difficult now, but should hit its stride starting in 2012.
A Cabernet of strong olive, oak and cassis aromas, medium in weight with smoky overtones that tastes a bit hotter than it is.
A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend from heritage vineyards farmed by Andy Beckstoffer, this wine tastes of chocolate-covered clove, sage and a waft of eucalyptus, thick in concentration and firm, integrated tannin. While it presents itself as a big, bold wine, it retains balance and grace in the glass.
A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant mixture with 11% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, this powerfully generous wine has a thread of classic black olive and dried herb that provides a restrained edge. Tightly woven tannin and oak give added strength and structure.
A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine, packed with tannins and flavors of new wood. The black fruits are rich from the vintage, warm and jammy. This is a wine with fine concentration, coming into balance, finishing with black currant acidity.
A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine, which reveals great structure to go with its black berry fruits. American Daren Miller, married to a Bordeaux native, has been involved in the restoration of this property in the Médoc, producing a classic wine, that pays great respect to its origins.
A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, wood-aged wine. It is rich, smooth with dense tannins and a spicy edge from the wood. Concentrated, this wine from the top Anjou wine village of Brissac, is likely to age several years.
A Cabernet Sauvignon-leaning Bordeaux-style blend, this has a healthy dash of Syrah (10%) added to the mix. It brings notes of jammy red fruit (cherry, raspberry) and herbs along with an assortment of barrel spice top notes, with tart flavors and somewhat unresolved tannins.
A Cabernet Sauvignon-like version of Petit Verdot, this has tame tannins and is all around soft and mellow, with straightforward berry and cedar notes. It would make a fine food wine.
A Cabernet Sauvignon from historic Livermore Valley vineyards, including Ghielmetti, Home Ranch and Smith Ranch, all single-vineyard designated Cabernets in their own right, The Premier represents the winery's best of the überbest, aged entirely in new French oak. With aromas of raspberry, currant and coconut, the wine is balanced and relatively austere, light in weight with a long finish. A hint of tobacco and licorice round things out. This is a lovely wine that's ready to age.
A Cabernet Sauvignon marked by an overpowering aroma and taste of bell pepper and herbs.
A Cabernet Sauvignon that includes 8% Merlot, Silver Palm is dense and oaky, with round tannins and a big taste of cherry followed by a strong herbal and menthol component. Fairly priced, it's ready to be paired with rib roast.
A Cabernet with 12% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot blended in, all from Sonoma Valley's Rancho Salina Vineyard, this wine is medium in weight and viscous. A nice mix of cedar and herbs play against savory cranberry and tobacco. The balanced acidity gives it a lift.
A campfire smoke scent kicks off and dominates the nose of this wine, along with dried lemon peel, toasted cashew and a tangerine rind touch. It's very familiar and easy to enjoy with its dominant citrus- and stonefruit-laced smoke flavor.
A can't-miss Cabernet with a rich nose of blackberry, plum, coffee and oak. It's so dense that the cassis, wood, and coffee flavors come across as being tarry. The smooth, stylish finish is packed full of woodiness, licorice and fine tannins. Simply put, it's full of style and a whole lot of fun to drink.
A candidate for the best Zinfandel in Washington, this firm, claret-like offering is loaded with sweet berries and spicy, pine needle penetration. Supple and smoky, it threads a dark streak of iron ore into the polished tannins. Very fine winemaking.
A candied-cherry nose meets with cinnamon stick, nutmeg and turned earth on the nose of this blend of 78% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 4% Mourvèdre. Dried strawberry and dark cranberry show once sipped, with sweet tar, fennel, hibiscus and concentrated cola flavors.
A candied caramel aroma subtly lifts from the bouquet of this wine, nearly overtaken by fresh-cut rose. Earthy and full of forested characteristics, it's smooth and lush, with a spicy cinnamon finish and restrained oak. It's ready to enjoy, the use of more than 50% whole-cluster in the fermentation adding an exotic, tangy element.
A candied citrus flavor marks this fresh, bracing, barrel-fermented Viognier from the estate vineyards. Despite low alcohol and a hint of sweetness, it retains a crisp minerality, with a finishing lick of lime rind.
A candied element of butterscotch, caramel and dried apricot opens the nose of this luminous and bright Chardonnay. The wine is smooth and soft in the mouth with enduring flavors of stone fruit and mineral (in fact, vineyard soils are heavy in chalk content). Baglio del Cristo is Sicily's hottest new winery to watch.
A candied nose introduces light fruit and there's and impression of some residual sugar on the finish. With extra breathing time tobacco and vanilla notes emerge, but the fruit is ephemeral.
A candied nose of raspberry and pepper starts this wine out on a slightly clumsy note, but on the palate, the wine offers solid, if slightly simple, flavors. The finish impresses with its warm, spicy wave.
A candied, buttery aroma, ripe fruit flavors and full body characterize this wine. It seems to have a strong spicy influence that comes with firm tannins and an almost-sweet character.
A candy-flavored wine, this is soft and missing acidity. Some spiced apple flavors are masked by the sherbet flavor.
A candy-pink-colored wine, this is crisp, fruity and off dry. There is a touch of caramel that fills out the otherwise acidic and red-currant-flavored palate. The wine is ready to drink.
A candy bar of a Cabernet, with chocolate, blackberry, brown sugar, roasted almond and vanilla flavors. Clean and easy, at a fair price.
A cap of white, foamy cream sits tall on the surface of this sparkler. Aromas of honey, Golden Delicious apple and melon compose the bouquet.
A captivating Pinot Noir, soft, lush and sensual. It seduces the palate with appealing raspberry, cherry, currant, chocolate, anise and spice flavors that are so delicious. Equally likeable for the silky, easy texture. Drink now.
A caramel- and lemon-flavored wine that's both fresh and soft. It has an attractive perfumed character and a warm and round texture. This is made from old vines, which lends it extra concentration.
A caramel- and vanilla-flavored wine that has a light fruity character. There are wild strawberry flavors and a soft structure that just gives the wine some texture. Drink now.
A caramel aroma is followed by sweet strawberry fruit from the Touriga Nacional, lending a wine that is freshly fruity and soft.
A caramel aroma sets the scene for a ripe, smooth wine. It has ripe red fruits that have a nutty, toasty character that balances with the crisp acidity and tight texture. Drink now.
A caramel note combines with soft yellow-fruit and spice flavors. It's rich and rounded, with hints of toast and orange jelly.
A caramelized apple nose gives way to toasty oak and spicy lemon. This wine is balanced yet made in a style highlighting ripeness and richness. A touch of fresh peach leads the generous finish.
A careful wood regime has helped to shape dark and sophisticated aromas of leather and tobacco followed by brighter tones of cola and red cherry. The wine doesn't vaunt huge aromatic intensity, but it does delivers delicious length and persistency instead.
A case study in cool-climate, estate-grown Syrah, the white pepper on the nose and palate is playful and exuberant, the acidity buoyant and lingering. The fruit takes on hushed tones of wild berry and bramble, with a soft texture inviting one in for more.
A Castillon ridge mix of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this perfumed wine has new wood and mint flavors that balance with the black fruits and tannins. It's ripe, with fresh acidity as well as structure. There's just 8,500 bottles from 7.5 acres. This will age well, so drink from 2017. Owner Nicolas Thienpont purchased the vineyard in 2011.
A cat-pee, grassy Sauvignon Blanc that's a little long in the tooth.
A cedary, slightly chemical aroma masks the fruit, and it is barrel flavors, more than berry flavors, that flood the palate. Overall it's a smooth, modestly-proportioned Merlot that's ready for near-term drinking.
A celebrated vintage from an estate that consistently delivers quality at attractive prices, this Riserva sparkling wine is packed with Golden Delicious apple, vanilla cream, apricot and toasted nut. There's a sassy touch of clove on the close.
A celebration of the generation that has run the estate, this wine is powerful and firmly structured. Made for long-term aging, it's packed with dusty tannins and dense, juicy blackberry fruit and has a concentrated aftertaste. Still developing, it will be ready from 2019.
A celebratory, medium-bodied comingling of stone fruit and green apple, this wine delights in its nicely integrated notions of structure and weight. It is ultimately succulent and satisfying.
A cellarworthy Barbaresco—this opens with dusty aromas of crushed mineral and tobacco backed by ethereal tones of cola and dried violet. There's a dusty, firm quality to the tannins that help propel the long, silky finish.
A certain creamy nuttiness is suggested on the nose. The sunniness of 2015 is expressed by a generous mirabelle ripeness. The body still is very slight and subtle and all about a graceful texture. There's a lovely touch of lemon freshness on the finish.
A certain faint spiciness hovers over everything, recalling honeysuckle. The textured palate is fresh and equally pepper-spiced. This has freshness and verve, a certain ease and tons of lemony crispness. If you wanted to hold a party to welcome summer, this would be the perfect wine.
A certified organic wine, this offers easy berry aromas of cherry and raspberry that would pair with informal foods like pizza. The mouthfeel is lean and bright.
A Châteauneuf-du-Pape-style Rhône blend that really nails it for satisfaction. Rich and fruity, spicy, yet with great structure. Defines the vintner's art of blending, comprised of five varieties sourced from a dozen vineyards. Fun and serious at the same time.
A Châteauneuf-style blend, based on Grenache, that's clean, fresh and savory. It shows cherry, currant, anise and herb flavors that are wrapped into a soft texture. Oak adds a pleasant, subtle note of smoke.
A chalk soil vineyard gives this very mineral interpretation of Loire Cabernet Franc. It has richness, weight, solid, ageworthy tannins as well as juicy red fruits. Dried fruits and just a hint of herbal acidity add complexity to a wine that is still young. Age for 5–6 years.
A chalky minerality leads the nose of this Minervois rosé, mingling seamlessly with the centered notes of garrigue, crushed carnation, strawberry hull and red cherry. Medium bodied, this boasts a slightly creamy texture that's countered by ample acidity, keeping the palate lifted and the finish bright.
A chalky slightly saline minerality extends through this lemony fresh wine, accenting plush fruity flavors of apple, peach and pear. It's silky on the palate and refreshing in composure, ideal for elegant and casual entertaining.
A chalky textured and mineral-driven wine, it's crisp while also smooth and rich. It is full of white fruits, softly textured herbaceousness and lively final acidity. A wine to age for a few months or even a year or two. Screwcap.
A chalky, dusty mouthfeel nicely balances this Petite Syrah's bright, full blackberry and blueberry fruit. Wheat-flour and black-pepper notes add interest to the bouquet; the wine finishes with herb and an acorny nuttiness. A good first Chilean wine for those more comfortable with the Californian style. It's got tannins to lose, but it's very good.
A chalky, mineral aroma leads to lively green apple and dried herb flavors. This wine is light-bodied and subdued but has enjoyable, savory flavors to complement its moderate fruitiness and an easy elegance that separates it from the pack.
A challenging wine. It's rather strong and dry and extracted now, lacking delicacy, and makes you want to stick it in the cellar for a while. Yet there's a certain hollowness that may limit ageability. If you drink it now, give it a good decant.
A Champagne that is very much wine. The structure and the richness are just right for a food wine, showing ripe acidity, flavors of plums and apricots, and balancing these primary fruits with a dense, complex structure that takes in yeast, maturity and a tight apple skin finish.
A Chardonnay-based sparkler, this rich and concentrated wine has a luscious mix of apricot, peach and papaya fruit flavors in a creamy, textural setting. Exceptional length and development in the glass, which keeps bringing in nuances such as vanilla and pepper.
A Chardonnay at a decent price for what you get. It's sweet and creamy, with buttered toast, pineapple and peach fruit flavors that are accented with brisk acidity.
A Chardonnay for those who love pungent florality, this stainless-steel study offers showy apple and pear blossoms aromas along with extreme jasmine and tuberose. Those flavors are reflected on the sip, which also offers fruity pear cider yet retains crispness.
A Chardonnay highly strung with green apple and lemon flavor, this wine evolves in the glass, deepening with fruit and minerality. The finish suggests vanilla. A good wine for creamy chicken and seafood meals.
A Chardonnay of heightened acidity, this is fresh, light and banced, with tastes of lemon and pear.
A Chardonnay that did not go through malolactic fermentation and was aged in 20% new French oak, this is bristling in acidity and crispness, with a suggestion of lemon and vanilla wafer on the palate. The finish remains crisp though abbreviated.
A Chardonnay to drink or serve at parties, this tastes slightly sweet, with orange, apricot and vanilla flavors. It also bears some creamy, oaky notes and lots of tangy acidity.
A Chardonnay with an easygoing disposition, this has a broad, waxy aroma of white orchard fruit. The melon-flavored palate bears a slight oiliness. Pair it with grilled swordfish steaks.
A Chardonnay with an unusual companion, 8% Sémillon, this is floral and fruity in equal measure. Tight, bright acidity supports flavors of fennel and green apple, with the oak impact playing a subtle supporting role. The finish is nicely crisp.
A Chardonnay with noticeable barrel influence, this is creamy and thick, with a baked apple flavor. Pair it with chicken in cream sauce or lobster and butter.
A Chardonnay with sweet, simple flavors of white sugar and pineapples. Tart acidity gives it the taste of a sweet-and-sour sauce for Chinese food.
A charged Burgundy, packed with dense tannins and powerful ripe black berry fruits. There's a delicious tension here between the fruits and the tannin, pushing the acidity, the red plums and strawberries forward, but keeping them in check. At this stage, it needs decanting; otherwise keep for 2–3 years.
A charmer. A soft, perfumed wine, light but well balanced. The berry fruits are just hinting at the start of maturity. The wine, though, has great freshness and delicious acidity, with the tannins now rounding out.
A charming and rich wine, with tannins that nestle within the soft texture. It is approachable, packed with ripe red fruits in an attractive juicy texture. The finish has enticing acidity.
A charming blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, it leads with aromas of wet soil, blue flower, black berries and a whiff of exotic spices. The juicy palate delivers a core of black cherry and raspberry accented with notes of white pepper alongside ripe, smooth tannins. Soft and delicious, it's made for easy-drinking enjoyment. Drink now. Lyra Wine, The Shepherd Company.
A charming Chardonnay, not the biggest, baddest around, but crisp and linear and elegant. Shows saline, umami-infused lime, Meyer lemon and crème brûlée flavors, with zesty acidity. Finishes balanced and complex.
A charming package, with raspberries and fresh plums as an opening act followed by leather and mushrooms on the palate and just a hint of tannin. The finish falls a bit short but offers up an intriguing watermelon note. Drink up.
A charming wine with lots of Pinot character. Flavors range from cherries and berries to rose, tobacco, coffee and peppery spice. A little on the thin side, it's very light and soft in the mouth, and is not built for age. But it's fun and enjoyable now.
A charming young Cabernet, this is rich in blackberry, currant and anise flavors that are complex and interesting. It's a very dry wine, but the fruit is so polished, it seems almost sweet. This is delicious now, although it's pretty tannic and could develop bottle complexity over the next 6–8 years.
A charmingly complex medium-weight red, with raspberry fruit, peppery spice and dark chocolate notes all coated in a soft, fine dusting of tannins. Drink now–2014.
A charmingly seductive small lot from Tamas, a sister brand of Wente in the Livermore Valley. The wine has tremendous aromas of violet and oak that evolve into blackberry and cherry flavors, all dry and elegant at the end. Made from 88% Barbera and 12% Petite Sirah, serve this one with grilled meat.
A charred, heavily smoked nose shades dark-fruit aromas. This is plump, juicy and solid on the palate, with roasted, toasty, oaky flavors of earthy plum and berry fruits. In addition, this carries a briny, saline quality. A medium-long finish is bold before dissipating.
A charred, peppery aroma and a stiff, tannic mouthfeel go along with dark-fruit flavors in this full-bodied blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.
A charred, toasty oak imprint makes way for gunpowder, cedar and pencil in this lush, savory wine, complexly built with wrap-around tannins. Cedar and herb provide a classical component amidst black licorice and coffee.
A Chateauneuf-du-Pape inspired blend of 64% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre and 12% Syrah, Moriah was not made in 2011 but roars back to life in 2012 light ruby red in color and fully refined in rose petal aromatics. Integrated and subtle, it's focused in bright red fruit and layered white pepper.
A cheerful and easy dessert wine, this would pair perfectly with apple pie or cinnamon-dusted strudel. It features bright fruit aromas of apricot, pear and passion fruit.
A cheerful blend of Nero d'Avola and Nerello Cappuccio, Calìo would pair well with potato gnocchi with butter and chopped sage. Cherry, wild berry and almond are backed by a powerful but smooth mouthfeel.
A cheerful nose of raspberry, strawberry and lemon starts this rosé blend, and like flavors follow in layers that offer substance beyond the typical rosé. The wine has a touch of sweetness and a more unctuous mouthfeel than the nose might suggest, giving it the weight to pair with more complex dishes. Overall, an affordable, elegant choice.
A cheerful Pinot Noir, rich and silky, and perfect for drinking now with lamb chops, steak or grilled salmon. It's dry and crisp, with good flavors of cherries, spices and sandalwood.
A cheerful super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this shows a very elegant and sophisticated side. It is modern, plump and extracted, but it also delivers fine aromas of cherry, vanilla, spice and pipe tobacco.
A chef's array of mint, sage and dill accent this small-production wine's savory and smoothly integrated palate. It maintains the integrity of the intensely concentrated vintage. Forest floor, black cherry and black tea flavors contribute additional character.
A Chenin with 15% Viognier in the mix, this bottling has more depth and fullness than many of Clarksburg's other Chenins. It's creamy yet retains plenty of acidity, it has a tropical fruit imprint and even a touch of grapefruit. It will stand up to all kinds of spicy foods.
A cherry-flavored wine, this is all fruit with a bright layer of acidity and hint of tannins. Juicy and full of freshness, it needs a few months; drink from 2018.
A cherry-fresh wine that's so full of fruit that its structure becomes secondary. A dry edge of tannin supports the fruit and acidity, making this wine so drinkable now.
A cherry-pink-colored wine, soft and full-bodied. Flavors are of wild strawberries, red cherry with a touch of pepper. The wine feels fat, missing acidity.
A cherry pink, red-cherry flavored wine that has soft, clean fruit and acidity. It's pure fruitiness, easy to drink although with a heft of alcohol that contrasts with its light style.
A chewy, high-acid take on Merlot, with a strong herbal note to the tannins. It might almost pass for Carmenère. The fruit flavors are subdued but ripe enough, and the alcohol touches 14.7%. This is the sort of muscular Merlot that can take the place of Cabernet alongside a grilled steak.
A chilly vintage took its toll on this Maddalena, robbing the wine of ripeness and resulting in a green, slightly vegetal wine.
A chocolaty frame wraps around the tightly wound cherry-fruit core. There are delicious seams of coffee, vanilla and caramel, along with notes of tea and tobacco. It's fully accessible and intriguingly complex.
A chocolaty, fragrant wine —74% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot—with interesting spice highlights throughout the nose and mouth. The fruit is a mix of Bing cherry and strawberry, washed in a lush barrel-induced mix of chocolate, mocha, espresso and clove. Finishes a little hot, with alcohol listed at 14.6%.
A chunky wine with a full, round, sweet, tropical outlook. The nose settles on pineapple chunks, while the creamy palate features flavors of baked yellow apple and melon. Finishes upright, which is better than many. Not sophisticated but still good for Argentina.
A chunky wine with compost, coffee and leather on the nose. The palate holds onto that chunkiness with clumsy flatness that goes with herbal plum and berry flavors. Airing allows it to unfold and find a better place, but always does it seem heavy and on the murky side.
A chunky wine, packed with tannins that fill out the dark plum and black cherry fruits. It's solid, if on the dry side, with fine acidity.
A chunky wine, this has flavors of dark plum skin and blackberry that merge with the firm tannic core. It has a bell pepper character and a juicy, fruity aftertaste.
A chunky wine, this offers big, blocky flavors of oak, apple butter and melon. Round and forward, this is straightforward and perfectly enjoyable.
A chunky, deep-fruited Malbec that is all about blackberry fruit. There's no funk or odd, floral, overcropped aromas here; instead, it's focused on roasted blackberry flavors, a natural herbal character, and coffee and mocha on the finish. Emphasizes size and friendliness.
A chunky, raisiny bouquet shouts maxium ripeness, while in the mouth this borders on syrupy while pumping out the volume. Jammy flavors of boysenberry and prune finish with fig and chocolate flvaors. This is dark and rich but pushing up against overripe.
A chunky, solid wine, its tannins as important as its fruitiness. It shows black fruits, ripe bitter cherry flavors, along with dense tannins. Offering a powerful blast of Pinot Noir, and worth aging for three years.
A chunky, thick, earthy type of wine with syrupy, sweet berry flavors and a friendly palate that's tannic but not too much so. Caramel and carob mix with coffee and cola on the finish, and overall it is good RDD if you don't mind full extraction and syrupy richness.
A Cinsault-Counoise blend, this is grapey, tasting of just-ripe berries. The flavors turn a little slender on the midpalate, but it's a pleasant quaffer with balanced tannins.
A citrus-dominated wine, lime and lemon giving a crisp intensity. There is a somewhat bitter toast element, but the acidity, the fresh fruits and the soft structure act as a counter-balance. Give it six months to a year. Screwcap.
A citrus-inflected, vanilla-leaning nuttiness consumes the aromas of this offering, which makes for a very pleasant sipping experience. There is good acidity, with apple, lemon and a bit of tropically, including nicely rounded fruit in the midpalate. A dazzling zest continues to the finish as well.
A citrus-rind aroma takes on an earthy bee-pollen tone on the nose. A streamlined and citric palate shows a mild tropical fruit flavor, while racing towards an off-dry finish.
A citrusy savoriness plays charmingly through this light-bodied, slender wine of great freshness. Here and there are notions of yeast and tender insinuations of fizzing, white pepper. This is light but very subtle and nuanced. Give this some time to develop in the glass.
A Claret (Merlot, Cabernet, Malbec) blend topping out at more than 16% alcohol and being released seven years after the vintage is unusual, to say the least. It's oaky, tannic, blocky and generic, but the bottle age has tempered the tannins a bit and somewhat taken the edge off the alcohol.
A Claret from Missouri? Adventurers should give this wine a shot. On the nose, it's delicate and filled with floral and soft, spicy notes. The flavors are somewhat thin and wan though—red berry, pepper, tobacco—and the wine finishes with a slightly bitter edge. Pair with with barbecue—it might fare better.
A Clarksburg Chenin that does its region proud, this is invitingly floral, with a thick, viscous imprint of pear and fig and just slightly sweet at 1.1% residual sugar.
A classic 10-year old tawny, hovering tantalizingly between wood-aged flavors and fruit. It comes down just on the side of the wood flavors, suggesting the blend has some older wines in it. It is a deliciously drinkable, not too dry, wine.
A classic and fun Nouveau, this has an extra side of firm tannin that adds weight to an otherwise bold, fruity and food-friendly wine.
A classic blend for Gascony of Colombard and Ugni Blanc produces a bright, fruity wine that is light and crisply fresh. It has white currant and citrus flavors with a herbal edge that gives the wine a tangy texture. Drink now.
A classic blend from Gascony, this wine combines all the right crisp and herbal flavors. It is tangy with lemon juice and delicious acidity. The fine fruitiness is right up front, ready to be drunk now.
A classic blend of Cabernet and Shiraz, this is cedary and complex upon opening, easily mixing cassis, plum and blackberry with vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, it's dense and concentrated yet slightly reserved, suggesting rather than screaming its potential. A long, mocha-tinged finish wraps things up, combining dusty tannins with mouthwatering acids. Drink 2020–2030+.
A classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this has a steely texture, fresh acidity and lively flavors of sliced apple and citrus with a tangy orange zest texture. It is bright and a bit taught now, so give it a little time to harmonize; try in 2015.
A classic blend of Dão grapes, including Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional, this is a generous, full wine that balances a firm, mineral texture with ripe plum and damson fruits. Wood aging has given an extra dimension to its broad opulence. Drink from 2018.
A classic blend of local Alentejo grapes along with Cabernet Sauvignon has produced a smoothly structured wine. With its juicy black fruit acidity and layer of dry tannins under the fruit, it is both ripe and ageworthy. Drink from 2018.
A classic Bordeaux-style blend, but mainly Merlot, this wine has a ripe feel, with a firm, dense structure. It has weight and ripe blackberry fruit, plus a fine line of acidity. Wait for two years, although it is drinkable now.
A classic Bordeaux blend. Tight and chewy, this fragrant wine adds whiffs of tobacco to its red currant and cherry fruit. It is a beautifully shaped wine, precise and balanced, compact and intriguing. It will reward decanting and should be cellared for a few years to give maximum enjoyment.
A classic Brunello with a savory, aged quality that exudes sophistication and elegance. Dried fruit, cassis, spice, old leather and rum cake form the bouquet. The wine is finely textured, sharp and clean in the mouth. Seems aged, savory and austere.
A classic Cab blended with smaller handfuls of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this 2011 is balanced and supple in plum, cassis and minty chocolate. The oak is accented in pretty ways by clove, sage and cardamom spice. Structured and soft, the finish is lengthy and the wine perfectly capable of waiting until 2019–2021 in a cellar.
A classic Cab in the Santa Cruz Mountains style, this savory bottling shows black pepper, charcoal and grilled blueberries on the nose along with tons of dried herbs. Blackberry, anise, dill, cedar and pencil lead show on the sip, where intriguing depth and a silky texture combine.
A classic Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of lemon peel, olive and leafy fruit. It shows major structure, tannic framework and dry, herbal flavors of cassis and cherry. Long, fruity, toasty and just slightly rustic. Drink now–2012.
A classic Chilean Carmenère with olive, herbs, coconut and spiced berry aromas. Tannic and textured, with friction in front of herbal flavors that include tobacco, olive and a mix of berry fruits. Remains tannic and full as it keeps up the press through the finish.
A classic Chilean potpourri of spiced cherry, herbal plum, tomato, tobacco and earth aromas introduces a fresh palate with just the right amount of creamy, oaky weight. Rooty, spicy cherry and cassis flavors are ripe and generous, while a warm finish tastes spicy and perfectly ripe. Drink through 2020.
A classic coastal California Pinot, dry, silky and complex. So easy to like, gliding across the palate with raspberry, cherry, Canadian bacon and smoky sandalwood flavors that are filled with umami richness. Best over the next four years.
A classic Dão blend, which includes Alfrocheiro and Jaen grapes, this is produced by top winemaker Alvaro Castro. A year in oak has given it richness and a smooth, almost velvety character. Underneath this surface, the tannins are all there, balancing the ripe fruit flavors. It will develop well; drink from 2017.
A classic Douro blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz makes a harmonious wine that has ripe berry fruits and a soft structure. It is a stylish wine with a fresh fruity aftertaste. Drink now.
A classic Douro blend that includes Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca has produced a ripe, soft and full wine. It has licorice and dark-chocolate flavors as well as bold tannins and rich black-currant fruits. Drink this solid wine from 2018.
A classic expression of Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc, this is a ripe, open-knit wine tinged with barrel influence. Vanilla and tangerine mingle with hints of smoke, lingering elegantly on the long finish.
A classic Fonseca, rich and powerful, with just an extra edge of weight from the vintage. It has a dry character, a tannic edge that gives great promise, but the open-hearted fruit is all there. A wonderfully intense wine for aging.
A classic from Savoie, this fresh, crisp wine is fruity, with attractive creamed pear and apple flavors. Light and bright, it's perfect for après-ski in the nearby Alps. Drink now.
A classic from the first sniff to the last swallow, this Bordeaux blend, made for Lachini by winemaker Jamie Brown, offers tangy red fruits, pepper, toast and earth highlights, with a base of green olive and brown spices. All in all, a fascinating wine with subtle variations on the Bordeaux theme.
A classic fruity blend of local Dão grapes including Encruzado and Malvasia, this is a perfumed, ripe wine that is full of pear, melon and citrus flavors. Its tangy texture suggests minerality. Drink now.
A classic Gaillac blend of Duras, Gamay, Merlot and Syrah, this is a bright, fruity wine, the lighter of the two wines produced at Château Lecusse. Red berries dominate, allied to crisp acidity.
A classic high-end Carmenère, with enticingly rich, chocolaty, herbal aromas. The palate is lush but balanced, with a generous texture, smooth tannins and plenty of depth. Saturated in flavor, with blackberry, herbal notes, chocolate, spiced meat and more. Drink now through 2012.
A classic interpretation of a red Bordeaux blend, this holds almost equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, in addition to smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The wine offers mint, sage and cedar that give a brushy quality around blackberry and cassis. With a juicy core, it's complex and lengthy, the oak subdued.
A classic mix of cedar, tobacco, charcoal and earthy cherry aromas set the stage. In the mouth, this is minerally and tight, with crisp, pointed acidity. Flavors of vanilla and spice are oak-based, while raspberry and herbal notes are straight from the vines. A long, balanced finish simmers with spice and cigar box notes. Drink now until as far out as 2028.
A classic Napa Valley Bordeaux blend, dry, smooth, complex and elegant. Based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it's an instant pleaser, from the dryness and mellow texture to the delicious blackberry, cassis, plum, dark chocolate and smoky oak flavors. It will provide wonderful drinking over many years.
A classic Napa Valley Chardonnay, this is smooth, rich, balanced and well composed. Flowery aromas of honeysuckle open the way for lemon curd and ripe apple to compete with a depth of crème brûlée character that provides plenty of complexity, with additional accents of honey and spice.
A classic Nebbiolo fragrance of perfumed berry, rose petal, tilled soil, chopped herb and a whiff of baking spice pervades this firm, full-bodied wine. The chewy palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, anise and a hint of tobacco framed in firm, ripe tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink 2019–2026.
A classic Nebbiolo fragrance of red rose, perfumed berry, baking spice and a whiff of earth emerges on this stunning wine. Firm, polished tannins weave through the elegantly structured palate, effortlessly supporting juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and star anise while bright acidity keeps it fresh. It's still young and needs to unwind before it can fully develop. Drink 2019–2032.
A classic northern Rhône valley blend of Syrah with a touch of Viognier, this massive wine is made from grapes grown on granite soil, which leaves its mark in dense minerality and great power. It is a wine for lovers of the big stuff, concentrated and needing to age. Drink from 2018.
A classic nose of roses and Asian spice precedes an intense palate with substantial residual sugar. Medium, perfumed finish. Serve with sweeter Thai dishes.
A classic NZ Riesling that's all about fruit: apples, pears and limes on the nose, with more of the same in the mouth. Medium-weight, but balanced by plenty of racy acidity that turns tart and malic on the finish.
A classic of the genre, this combines a deep color with luscious fruit character and spicy accents on a velvety texture. Firm tannins lend an appetizing grip, while the fresh ripe blackberry, clove and cedar flavors seem to melt on the tongue and linger on the finish. It shows great complexity and balance in a traditional dry style.
A classic Old World-style Sangiovese, this is boldly tannic and resplendent with notes of sage, leather, coffee and bittersweet chocolate, and traces of oak, cherry syrup and vanilla. It would pair expertly with a meaty pizza.
A classic pasta wine (probably best with fettuccine in meat sauce), this Chianti Classico offers bright acidity and a bouquet redolent of wild berries, cherries, leather and subtle spices.
A classic Portuguese blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca, this is a medium-bodied wine with good structure and presence of tannin. Bright fruit flavors of red currant, cherry and strawberry abound on the palate, finishing fresh and clean.
A classic profile for top-shelf California Syrah, this bottling shows blackberry, black pepper, thyme, charred pork and dense purple flowers on the nose. The palate melds dried herbs with dense fruit, offering fennel pollen, oregano, marjoram and black cardamom atop blueberry and olallieberry, with a touch of dark chocolate toward the finish.
A classic Provence red: charming, light and fresh, with pretty red fruit and straightforward flavors of plum and bramble. There's a bit of tannin here but this is a wine to drink young, before the fresh fruit fades. Try with grilled spare ribs.
A classic Riojano blend of herbs, spice, pepper, vanilla and pure berry fruit completes the nose on this saturated, deeply built blend of mostly Tempranillo and Garnacha. Chocolaty blueberry flavors are backed by toast and mint notes. On the finish, this is balanced and medium-long. Drink through 2023.
A classic rosé blend of Grenache and Cinsault, this is soft, crisp and fruity. The smooth texture gains attractive lift from acidity and raspberry fruits. It is light and bright at the end.
A classic Shiraz nose of plum pudding and rubber leads to a medium-weight palate that's got a bit of depth to it, with undertones of humus and fall leaves. Fresh black fruit pops up briefly on the short, crisp finish. Drink up.
A classic structured Dão wine that is very firm still and packed with tannins. Its mineral texture, wood aging and stony feel are balanced by dense berry fruits and juicy acidity. It still needs time, so either decant or wait until 2016.
A classic style of barrel-fermented wine, this shows lots of buttery, oaky and vanillin aromas and flavors, with a rich texture and an almost-sweet balance. Delicious ripe pear, marzipan, butter and baking spice notes keep the taste buds busy.
A classic style of wine, this has reserved aromas but great texture and structure supporting deep black currant and dark plum flavors, accented by subtle spicy oak. With each sip more nuances of cedar, tobacco, sage and black olive come out. Although delicious now, it will be best after 2020.
A classic take on Merlot—this is 100% varietal, and was aged for 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and botti. The flavors move through strawberry, raspberry and Bing cherry, with great breadth of flavor and texture throughout. The midpalate is concentrated and full, with a fine, lingering, superclean finish.
A classic vinification in tank and barrel has produced a ripe, full-bodied wine. It has ripe cherry and dark plum fruits; layers of wood-aging flavors give a complete, dense and concentrated wine. It will age, drink until 2020.
A classic Washington tasting-room Riesling—only better. Opulent and fruity, with apricots, star anise, mint, a very nice spicy streak that lifts it up, and adds a lot of complexity. Smooth and supple, it coats the palate, captures some floral highlights, even a bit of marshmallow.
A classic whiff of green bell peppery meets the nose along with passion fruit and honeyed aromas. The palate is fresh but has some weight, a possible reflection of the use of American Davis clones, which produce fatter wines than French clones. Beyond that look for melon, nectarine and tropical primary and finishing flavors.
A classic wine from Central Italy, Titulus is packaged in that iconic amphora-shaped bottle and offers fresh aromas of crisp lemon, cut grass and talc powder. With nearly 200,000 cases made, the wine is widely available in retail.
A classic Zinfandel with its unmistakable spice aroma and wild berry flavor, this is dry and tannic enough to provide balance. Medium bodied, it packs plenty of flavor and an appetizing mouthfeel.
A classic, boldly full-bodied offering of the variety from vineyards in Sonoma Valley, Knights Valley and Alexander Valley, this wine is defined by blackberry, cassis and mocha, its mouthfeel velvety and luxurious. The finish is lengthy and accented in sage.
A classic, structured, well-shaped Port with its attractive dry tannins and firm, dark berry fruit. There's excellent balance between the fruit and the sweet spirit character, which goes right through this serious wine.
A classic, there's no mistaking this spicy confection of a wine. It has a great blast of lychee, Chinese gooseberries and spice, with just a hint of acidity in the background.
A classically floral Riesling, it's delicate yet intensely fruity. White fruits and a perfumed aftertaste give great freshness. Drink now.
A classically fruity Beaujolais from the south of the region, this is packed with bitter cherry and ripe raspberry flavors. The tannins are soft—plentiful enough to lend structure. It is delicious, juicy and ready to drink.
A classically made expression of the variety, with 16% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, this wine is soft and easygoing, rounded with a subtle grip of black plum, cherry and dark chocolate. Full bodied, it exhibits a tension of leather and black tea with dried herb on the finish, begging for pepper steak, the texture soft and silky. Drink now through 2020.
A classically powerful Riserva from Antinori, produced from the three family estates at Tignanello, Pèppoli and Badia a Passignano. Aromas of violets and cherries are followed by tobacco and spice flavors from the wood, as well as concentrated black fruits. Rich and full-bodied, it should age well over the next 10 years.
A classically structured wine, this has a smoky wood flavor that's balanced by a fresh black-currant note. It has a juicy edge, a dark chocolate note and a slight bitterness that should fade. This needs to age for 4–5 years. Château Loudenne is situated by the Gironde estuary.
A classically structured wine, with its tannins and stalky black currant character prominent. It does have an extra component of richness that offers sweetness and a more full-bodied potential. As it develops, it will becomes a delicious, medium-weight, food-friendly wine.
A classically structured, stalky Bordeaux, with added superripe fruit. The result is a wine with firm, young tannins that merge with the juicy sweet black currant and intense fruitiness to finish. For medium-term aging.
A classically styled, beautifully made red, this is defined by its well-chiseled structure and sanguine characteristics, as well as notes of cranberry, dried herb and anise. Lush and full-bodied, it has additional elements of pencil shavings and meaty game, complex and interesting to the end. Enjoy best 2022 through 2032.
A classically sweet Welschriesling, not too heavy or cloying, but ripe with juicy peaches and dried apricots enriched with honey. There is a hint of drier botrytis to give the wine a fine texture. Drink now, not for aging. Screwcap.
A classy Cabernet, this wine shows the potential of this emerging San Benito County appellation. It's dry and smooth, with firm but supple tannins that provide grip to the blackberry, cherry and black currant flavors.
A classy Chardonnay for sipping now. Dry and zesty in acidity, it has appealing tangerine, Meyer lemon, white flower, honey and mineral flavors.
A classy package and a bright, flavorful sparkling wine. There are vivacious, creamy, tropical-fruit flavors creating a rich, ripe mouthfeel, which extends all the way through to a lip-smacking, have-another-sip finish.
A classy Pinot Noir that shows the attributes of its vintage and origin. The grapes come from the cooler, southern part of Russian River Valley, and the wine displays brisk acidity and complex flavors of cherries, pomegranates and cola. It's young now, but dry and elegant, and should develop bottle complexity through 2013.
A classy Sherry with full, attractive hazelnut and peanut oil aromas. The palate holds to that nuttiness while introducing maple and toffee flavors. Thick in the mouth but not the least bit sticky, so it has that proper oloroso feel in front of a nutty, long finish.
A classy, elegant style of Champagne with a tart, steely structure and firm, tight flavors. Very dry and a bit closed down, but the length and concentration suggest some wonderful development ahead. This style of Champagne would benefit from cellaring; at least four or five years would be optimal.
A classy, spicy oak aroma and very concentrated fruit flavors highlight this full-bodied and firmly tannic wine. It's so layered and saturated with delicious dark fruit that the impression stays on the tongue and palate for a long finish.
A clean-cut nose of green pear leads onto an equally clean-cut palate of fresh pear. There is freshness and lots of lemony brightness on the light but precise palate. This is appetizing and moreish.
A clean-cut top note of citrus hovers above the otherwise still-closed nose. The palate comes in with a concentrated richness that is as much sustained by residual sweetness as it is by sheer force of fruit: candied lemon and orange, juicy pear, ripe mirabelle and yellow peach. There also is a zesty spicy pithiness on the midpalate that frames and guides the wine alongside invigorating lemon freshness that lets this finish off dry despite the richness. This is yet to unfold fully. Lovely now, sure to improve. Drink 2020—2035.
A clean and attractive Chard with no malo, this is a perfect choice for folks looking for that magical balance between ripe fruit and toast. Red apple flesh, peach pit, orange oil and toasted egg bread all abound on the nose and mouth, with a long and mouthwatering finish that evolves from ripe fruit flavors to soft oaky spice.
A clean and bright wine with focused acidity, this is a mouthful of lemon and lime flavors, with a hint of peach. With a handful of Chardonnay and Muscat in the mix, this is a great party or midweek white, but it's also fit for any special occasion.
A clean and crisp style of Viognier, which comes in all forms these days, this bottling is light yet expressive on the nose with yellow grapefruit, lemon ice and a touch of chamomile tea. The palate is very grippy with crushed rocks, and also rich with buttered pear in the creamy, almost buttery midpalate, yet somehow remains lean and laser-focused.
A clean and easy quaff, this offers straightforward aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis and black cherry, all kissed with accents of black pepper and licorice. The tannins are soft and the structure subtle, with a short but fruity finish.
A clean and easy style of Chardonnay with peach and melon aromas followed by a melony palate with nectarine and a touch of sweetness. It flattens out and loses intensity on the finish, but overall it's totally drinkable and solid.
A clean and refreshing rosé, this opens with attractive scents of red cherry, strawberry and a hint of clementine. The medium-bodied mouthfeel is balanced by a good cut of vibrant acidity and bright fruit flavors. Melon and citrus rind flavors kiss the fleeting finish. Drink now.
A clean aroma of apple that's detailed with light notes of fresh herb and barrel toast introduce this well-structured Chardonnay. It's a solid effort, buoyed by good natural acidity.
A clean aspect shines through this wine that offers all the freshness of green and yellow citrus along with a herbal glint, perhaps of citrus foliage. This is concentrated and comes with disarming purity and freshness that's wonderfully precise and dry.
A clean blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with red cherry, blackberry and plum notes. The wine delivers cleansing acidity and good fruit concentration.
A clean but fairly neutral blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc, this will fit the bill whenever you need a medium-bodied white to support dishes like grilled fish, pork chops or soft cheeses. Modest citrus and apple aromas and flavors are never overpowering or overly complex—they'll just comfortably ride alongside your meal. Drink before the end of 2015.
A clean everyday Gewürztraminer, showing the variety's spicy flavors, with hints of pineapples and candied ginger. Tastes off-dry and crisp in acidity.
A clean nose of citrus paves the way for flavors of grapefruit and Sevilla orange. This wine is soft and pleasing on the palate, but it may be touch tart for some tastes.
A clean nose of lemon curd sets the scene for flavors of kumquat, green apple, ripe mango and lemon zest. Medium bodied on the palate, this wine offers a bright, crisp finish.
A clean, almost oceanic opening is fresh and citrusy as it should be, while the palate shows pulse, balance and a little scour to go with orange, grapefruit and other citrusy flavors. Pithy and biting late, with ample fruit throughout.
A clean, basic red wine that's focused on standard berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Fresh but simple, with limited raspberry and cherry flavors along with a touch of vanilla. Competent but entirely regular.
A clean, bone-dry Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of mouthwatering acidity to get those tastebuds whistling. It has polished flavors of lemons, limes, grapefruits, vanilla and white pepper. Good value.
A clean, brisk Chardonnay made from this small, cool part of Monterey County's Salinas Valley. Shows its region's bright acidity, and also its long hangtime flavors of pineapples, peaches, green apples, limes and minerals. Nothing fancy or showy, just a really nice Chard at a fair price.
A clean, brisk Sauvignon Blanc with lots of complex interest. It's dry, but rich in citrus, tropical fruit and honeysuckle flavors, with a tantalizing hint of gooseberry.
A clean, classic minerality leads on this unique and food-friendly Chardonnay. On the palate, fresh fruit flavors mingle with a touch of oak, and the finish offers both length and character.
A clean, crisp nose of spice, red fruit and minerals on the nose leads into bright, fresh flavors of oak and spiced fruit on the palate. Appealing acidity, firm but smooth tannins and an elegant, subtle character give the wine poise and aging potential. A great food wine.
A clean, crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a sweet, pineapple nose and flavors of mango and melon that finishes sweet. Made from vineyards overlooking Clear Lake in the High Valley AVA, 2,200 feet up in Lake County.
A clean, crisply elegant Sauvignon Blanc. Shows a fancy structure of tart acidity framing dry, mouthwatering flavors of Meyer lemons, limes, lemongrass, figs and vanilla. Very pretty and polished.
A clean, dry, green-fruited wine that's juicy, citric, tangy and features pure orange, lemon and lime aromas and flavors. It's more of a quaffer than anything complex, but with fish or salads it should be just right. The blend is 70% Treixadura with multiple other white grapes including Torrontés, Godello and Albariño.
A clean, everyday Zinfandel, this shows the varietal's full body, tannins and spiciness. The flavors are of raspberries, cherries, cola, olives and pepper.
A clean, fresh Chardonnay, with less weight and body than most Central Otago examples. Green apple and lime flavors seem a bit tart, just balanced out by hints of ripe melon.
A clean, fresh wine, this opens with crisply varietal aromatics of citrus and orange blossom. The flavors follow suit, adding some fresh-cut pineapple as well; then the wine hits a wall and simply pulls up short.
A clean, fresh, appealing sort of Tempranillo with cola, earth, black cherry and berry aromas followed by a bright, forward, spicy cherry palate. Honest, snappy, healthy and juicy; nice and solid for La Mancha.
A clean, fruity, tart bubbly with a lively mouthfeel and spicy fruit. A nice touch of licorice adds flavor interest, and the balance throughout is impeccable.
A clean, light wine with cherry and cinnamon notes on the nose and in the mouth. This isn't heavy or deep, but tasty, and evenly textured. Elegant herb and mineral shadings show on the close of this attractive easy drinker. Would do well with a very light chill. —M.M.
A clean, lively Sauvignon Blanc, whose tart acidity gives a brisk mouthfeel. The fruit is very ripe and sugary sweet in green apples, pears and tangerines. Make it drier, and the score would improve considerably.
A clean, lively wine with lemon-and-lime flavors and a hint of cocoa and vanilla, it’s rich and dry, with a nice scour of acidity. Turns rich and toasty on the pretty finish. It’s rough, but very well made.
A clean, nice, regular Tempranillo with normal black cherry and berry aromas that offer hints of rubber and bacon. The palate is tannic and grabby but balanced for the most part, with pure, basic blackberry and cherry flavors. Modest in its scope, but fresh and untainted.
A clean, somewhat direct offering, this leads with brambly black berry and plum notes that are accented by hints of toasted oak and mocha. The palate is lightly structured and accessible now, with lifting acidity and a racy, short finish. Enjoy now.
A clean, spicy Chardonnay, with classic flavors of oranges, green apples, pears and spices. The oak influence is minimal, allowing the fruit and acidity to star. This shows an elegance that places it at the forefront of Chardonnays in this price range.
A clean, varietal nose introduces this complex Yakima Valley Syrah. Mixed notes of fennel, anise, herb and coffee wrap around tight, tangy red fruits. The balance and definition are excellent; the finish has just a hint of stem.
A clean, well made wine displaying Cab Franc's herbaceous, earthy, and spicy-floral side.  Drinks on the lean side, with some spare, delicate berry fruit; it definitely needs food to bring out its best qualities.  Very dry.
A clear choice for those who prefer mineral expression over fruit character, this Pinot opens with notes of seasoned leather, tar and cigarette tobacco. The concentrated palate is dense; notes of smoke lead to a long, earthy finish shot through with drying tannins.
A clear color and agile, minerally aromas of pear and apple announce that this is mild and not too pushy. Elegant and fresh on the palate, this Verdejo tastes of orange, grapefruit and mango, while the finish is lasting and focused.
A clear favorite in a lineup of 2013 late-harvest NY Rieslings, this lip smackingly unctuous wine calibrates sweet, luscious fruit against layers and layers of spicy, saffron complexities. Honey-dipped grapefruit and melon flavors are rich and opulent, yet not at all cloying. It's a bracing, zesty wine that's delicious sip after long sip.
A clear pedigree wine, this elegant Barbaresco offers notes of mature berry, cola, coffee and cedar wrapped around drying, firm tannins. Cellar age it two or three more years and pair it eventually with a sophisticated dish such as quail and wild rice.
A clear salmon color in the glass, this value-priced rosé opens with attractive notes of white flowers, strawberry and peach, with the faintest hint of white chocolate in the back. Despite the rich, ripe aromas, the mouthfeel is lightweight and well balanced by ample orangy acidity.
A clear shot of oak hits first on the nose, followed by melon and mild citrus notes. Despite its age, this is still fresh and in balance due to good core acidity. Yeasty, lightly resiny flavors come with notes of briny citrus, while an oaky-tasting finish is steady due to the aforementioned acidity. Drink now.
A clear step up from the overdone 2003 Propiedad, this vintage is sweet and easy to like. There's a blast of hickory smoke on the new-oak nose, but also black fruit and molasses. The ripe palate deals chewy fruit, medium tannins and moderate length. It's a charming but blunt wine, and all in all it's probably not one to hold for too long. Drink now through 2009.
A clear, light-bodied wine that's slightly reduced on the nose, this Spring Mountain site provides a tightness of black tea and cherry cola, with a leanness that's hard to miss. Leather, currant and baked bread add additional complexity and intrigue.
A clear, ripe pear note rings through this medium-bodied Chardonnay from the aroma to the palate to the finish. Even the texture is a bit thick like pear juice, though there is some subtlety in the light vanilla and pastry cream accents.
A clever play on words, this powerful wine is rich, complex, and a shade off dry from its ripe fruit profile. It has intense juiciness with loads of apple and pear flavor and just a touch of pepper. Full-bodied and worth aging for 2–4 years. Screwcap.
A cleverly threaded mix of black cherry extract, cola, brown sugar and baking spice notes, with a dash of espresso, this is undeniably flavor-packed. It's big but remains balanced and nuanced, with all components in proportion. It's drinking well now, so don't delay.
A clonal selection, Gemini offers tart rhubarb and apple fruit. It's fresh and simple, lightly dotted with spring herbs. Drink now through 2020.
A closed nose gives little away of the conifer and pine notes that seem to spice this wine. It has aromas of oak and some cinnamon but fruit never makes it to the fore.
A closed nose hints nonetheless at some concentration. The palate reveals yellow plum held tight by citrus freshness. This is whistle-clean and holds charming nuances of grapefruit and peach. Drink now or wait until 2016–2017; more fruit may come to the fore.
A closed nose leads straight to a vanilla-tinged palate of strawberry enveloped by mellow, soft notes of oak. This is rounded and pliable, cushioned with echoes of baking spice and comfort. The palate is soft and silky. Everything about this wine is soothing and mellow.
A closed nose leads to a gently concentrated palate of tart aromatic red-cherry fruit pervaded by conifer notes. Very finely structured tannins create a texture of starched crackling silk while darker cherry notes lurk in the background and are met with juicy freshness. This is aromatic, elegant and long.
A closed nose leads to a very fruity, off-dry palate of rich pear flavors: juicy and ripe but tinged with more grounded notes of fresh earth. This is flowing and rounded but fresh and beautifully textured.
A closed nose opens into a light-bodied, citrus-led palate of mild sweetness, with that lovely killer acid that is Riesling's own. This auslese will make a great companion to soft, ripe cheeses or lemon drizzle cake.
A closed nose opens into the taut but streamlined body of this wine. There is tension on the slender but concentrated palate and a fearlessly brisk freshness, leading to a dry finish. The wine will benefit from bottle age and reward patience with glorious apple fruit. Drink 2018–2028.
A closed nose shows the faintest notes of quince. The palate is dry and fresh with lots of lemony zestiness. It's slender and clean with a wonderful, straightlaced backbone. Freshness and tautness signal a purposeful, lively wine, full of apple fruit and aromatic overtones of quince.
A closed, tight and grippy wine, this has a big tannic structure that supports a landscape of cassis, cranberry and ripe plum, along with clove and tobacco. Fuller-bodied in style, it finishes smooth and lean.
A cloud of otherworldly flavors enters the brain: candied pineapple, vanilla, candied peach, caramel, Mirabelle and a touch of honey. The palate presents viscous sweetness, pierced by fresh acidity that explodes completely. This is a pure, rich and aromatic Eiswein of Austria's flagship variety. Delicious now, it should cellar well through at least 2040.
A cloudy rusted color and soupy aromas render this less than fresh. A chunky, melony palate is low on elegance and acidity, tasting heavily of grape skins.
A clumsy wine that aims for white Bordeaux in style and falls far short. There's plenty of oak and lees, but the underlying wine is thin and disappointing in citrus flavor.
A clumsy wine. While there's some good blackberry fruit, the mouthfeel is sharp and edgy, suggesting green stems and pips resulting in hard tannins. Doesn't seem likely to age out.
A co-fermented blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, this wine has a bouquet of black cherry, chocolate covered espresso bean and rose petal. It is a nicely crafted wine that offers flavors of blackberry, cranberry, sambuca and sage. Velvety tannins persist through a long lasting finish that is punctuated by bursts of fresh fruit.
A co-fermented field blend from vineyards dating back more than 125 years, this heritage red has 13% Alicante Bouschet and 7% Petite Sirah in addition to 2% of a range of grapes, from Tannat to Muscat Noir. Milk chocolate, black pepper and soft black fruit mingle on the medium-bodied palate, with a lingering streak of cinnamon and vanilla on the finish.
A cocktail of fresh strawberry, dried basil and thyme leads the aromas of this intriguing Cabernet Franc. While light in body and tannin, there's an attractive roundness to a palate of juicy red berries and pink peppercorns. Drink now.
A cocktail of freshly muddled raspberry, red cherry, thyme, anise and dried rose petals sing on the nose. Silky and seductive on the palate, twangs of game and dried Mediterranean herb persist. As an homage to the grape's country-of-origin, enjoy this exotic red alongside traditional South African braai fare.
A coferment of Syrah and Sangiovese from Ballard Canyon, this vintage offers deep, velvety aromas of violet and purple fruits, with hard black licorice candy. The palate trends quite dark, with pipe tobacco and rich blue fruits, but also delivers slightly bitter and sour elements.
A cofermented field blend of 56% Malbec and 44% Tannat, this pairs two of Troon's strengths in a single bottle. Deeply hewn fruit flavors of raspberry, blackberry and cherry combine in a powerful wine that's laced through and through with streaks of tobacco, leather and smoke. It's supple and smooth, and drinks beautifully right out of the bottle.
A collaboration between Sonoma County-based winemaker Jesse Katz and Ken Forrester of South Africa, this 100% varietal red is robust and rich. Dark cherry, red currant and integrated oak flavors support its bold body.
A collaboration between winemaker Austin Hope and Texas chef Tim Love, this yellow-pink bottling is light and delicate on the nose, with buttered croissant, lime and flinty aromas. The palate is light and very quaffable, with red apple and light pencil-lead minerality.
A collaboration between winemaker James Foster and rockstar Pat Monahan of Train, this bottling shows black raspberry, pencil shavings and a feral animal-hide touch to the nose. The palate packs in a lot of licorice spice atop the heavy purple-fruit background.
A collaboration between winemaker Nick Goldschmidt and his daughter Chelsea, this 100% Merlot delivers great value. Oaky in plummy black fruit and tobacco, it shows a touch of cedar and clove amidst mountainous tannins. An ideal wine for pepper steak off the grill.
A collaboration between Winemakers Elizabeth Vianna (Chimney Rock), Bryan Parker (Terlato Vineyards) and Steve Fennell (Sanford), this is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, Chardonnay from Carneros and Viognier from Sta. Rita Hills. Golden in color, it's buttery in style, with subversive fruit that leans lemony crisp and tart on the palate.
A color so deep it could be a Pinot Noir, flavors bursting with plum and wild blackberry and a velvety texture make this dry rosé taste more like a red. Bucking the trend toward lightness, it has medium body, a creamy mouthfeel and lingering finish.
A combination of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot and a dollop of other grapes, this concentrated wine offers aromas of dark berry, cedar, espresso and kitchen spice. The dense palate doles out blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, dried herbs and tobacco alongside ample, velvety tannins. Drink through 2018.
A combination of 76% Zinfandel and 24% Petite Sirah, this vineyard's lineage traces back in stages. The core six acres of Zinfandel was planted before 1892, the other acreage much more recently. Still, the wine retains an old soul of leather, tobacco and baking spice, wrapped around a ham-fisted swath of toasted oak.
A combination of American and Hungarian oak lends sultry spice, smoke and herb tones to this elegant wine. Freshly pressed apple and pear flavors are a touch savory on the palate, but the wine finishes brisk and bright.
A combination of char, licorice, blackberry and cassis aromas is about as complete and pleasing as it gets for Malbec. This doesn't lose it in the mouth, where things are firm and true, with solid tannins. Charred flavors carry onto the flavor profile along with blackberry and hickory smoke, while the finish is toasty, chocolaty and spicy. Drink through 2021.
A combination of dried white currant, green apple and lemon makes for a refreshing, clean palate with a medium, zesty finish.
A combination of grapefruit zest, russet-pear peel, ripe apple and fresh lemon creates a nose and palate that are alluring, refreshing and very fruity. A bit of that zestiness is also apparent on the midpalate texture that delivers crunch, finesse and an enlivening purity. The finish is dry and long, full of moreish juiciness.
A combination of grapes from around the county has produced a complex, nuanced wine. It has that dry-sweet thing going on, with no measurable sugar but layers of fruity, flowery flavors, and quite bright acids. It feels fat and oily in the mouth, and even has a touch of spicy oak. Best Buy. —S.H.
A combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, this wine is thick, dense and extracted. Fully robust in tannin, it features a powerful grip of gunpowder, blackberry and currant, making it a good choice for barbecue.
A combination of savory and herbal red-fruit aromas set up a flat-feeling palate with little to no textural variation. Flavors of baked berry, oak spice and herbs finish blocky and a touch green.
A combination of very ripe fruit and charred oak results in aromas of blackberry, prune, raisin and burnt toast. In the mouth, this is saturated and rich, with structured tannins. Roasted black-fruit flavors are savory and show sweet notes of baking spices, while this finishes with density and lingering grip. Drink from 2019–2028.
A comforting nose of vanilla toast, butter and a spin of citrus starts this venerable producer's elegant Chardonnay. On the palate, the wine is creamy, with integrated fresh fruit and spice components, and offers a lingering, unctuous finish.
A coming together of nearly equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller additions of Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this shows a confectionary streak of cherry-vanilla, its fruitiness offset by dry, dense tannins and cedar-tinged oak.
A commanderie was a castle erected by the Knights Templar in the Middle Ages. The vineyard based around this fortress has produced a soft rounded wine that has great balance between fruit and acidity. It is stylish wine, light while having plenty of red fruits. Drink now.
A common but drinkable Pinot Noir. It's dry and silky, with a rough mouthfeel framing cherry and herb flavors. From Testarossa.
A common nose of apple, mild toast and baked corn is about what you'd expect from this brand and Chile. Like its cousin called Cefiro (from Viña Casablanca), it's geared toward apple, spice and vanilla. Not overoaked or forced; good but basic.
A common thread among the 2015 Soléna Pinots is a stiff herbal beet flavor rather than fully ripe berry fruit. This tilts into cranberry and very tart raspberry, but finishes astringent and hard. Give it plenty of decanting (two or three hours) to help it open up.
A common wine, slightly sweet and simple in construction, showing jammy flavors of raspberries and cherries. Finishes somewhat bitter, with green tannins.
A common wine, softly sweet and candied in raspberries, cherries and smoky oak. Could be from any warm climate in California. Drink now.
A common, country-style wine, rich in cherries, cola and spices, with lusty tannins. It's lush and simple, but will rise to the occasion with a cheeseburger. The blend is Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Graciano.
A common, rustic Merlot. While it shows plenty of jammy cherry and blackberry fruit, it's tannins are jagged, and finishes soft.
A common, rustic wine, okay for drinking with everyday fare. It's sharp in acidity and jammy in fruity raspberries and cherries, with a Beaujolais-like gassiness.
A compact bouquet with dense aromas of leafy berry fruits and compost is not entirely fresh and pure. On the palate, this is packed with pulpy fruit, but there's isn't much nuance. Short, stocky berry, plum and spice flavors finish fleshy but a touch leafy and abrasive. Drink through 2028.
A compact opening with reduced aromas of raisin and cassis sets up a plump, chunky palate with round, easygoing flavors of raisin, cassis and berry syrup. This is full, flashy and dark, but not particularly complex. Drink through 2015.
A companion to the Helen's designate, this shows the same black cherry core, here with a streak of iron ore down the middle. Flavorful and rather fruity, its moderate acidity carries a hint of lemon.
A comparatively serious Villages, its tannins firmly in evidence. There is a touch of woodiness as well. Only gradually does the red fruit come through. The aftertaste has fruity and acidity, but still those tannins.
A compelling blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah, this wine captures your attention from the first sniff. The aromas have a rare mix of fruit, soil, barrel and animal, the sort of complexity that eludes language. It fills the mouth with wild and arresting flavors, sweet cherry fruit, animal, loam, cut tobacco and coffee grounds, all folding into dense, dark tannins.
A compelling blend of 85% Cannonau blended with equal parts Carignano, Bovale and Malvasia Nera, this opens with aromas of ripe dark berry, mocha, toast and vanilla. The gripping palate delivers crushed blackberry, Marasca cherry, licorice and tobacco framed by firm, velvety tannins. Drink 2017–2026.
A compelling effort, stylish and dark, this has a crisp minerality that underpins fruit flavors of black cherry, fig and plum. The texture, length and definition are first-rate.
A compelling mix of cherry, plum and spicy aromas spell out Cabernet Sauvignon in block letters. This feels full, but also juicy, fresh and agile. Core berry flavors are lightly toasted and chocolaty, with coffee and lingering spice notes aiding a well-comported finish.
A compelling mix of white pepper and crushed blackberry with seams of black tar form the bouquet of this wine. They are united in a soft but still medium-weight body, with a streamlined freshness. This is as elegant, polished and well-made.
A compelling mix, with bright, vivacious fruit flavors running from apple to pear, peach to papaya. The influence of barrels is felt more than tasted, but it does add a whisper of toast to the finish. Lively and fresh, this is a great wine for richer seafood.
A compelling Port-like wine made from Petite Sirah, ZInfandel and Syrah grapes aged more than 10 years to form this mix of almonds and sweet apple pie laced with caramel, smooth and easy to drink and pleasant in its Armagnac-like aromas. The almonds come back, laced in maple syrup, on the finish.
A compelling spicy aroma and richly layered fruit give a lot of appeal to this full-bodied, fully tannic and nicely sculpted wine. It has a deep dark color, captivating oak and white-pepper aromas and a rich generous mouthfeel accompanied by an appropriately high level of fine-grained tannin. Best after 2020.
A compelling wine, this begins as a journey into salted country butter, lemongrass and a hint of sea-spray-like brine. Lengthy and spicy, it possesses a great deal of stony minerality that gives it length, breadth and brightness, a vinous come-on to have more.
A compelling wine. Made from this Bordeaux blending variety seldom seen bottled on its own, the grapes were grown in the Stagecoach Vineyard, high up on Atlas Peak, increasingly a source of some of Napa's greatest red wines. The style is thoroughly modern, with soft tannins and rich flavors of chocolate, black cherries, cassis and new oak, as well as a pleasing charred meatiness. Hard to tell where it's going, but delicious now. Decant for an hour or two before serving.
A compellingly fresh herbal component characterizes this wine, particularly in the aroma. Still-tight tannins give a bitter note. Soft and ripe in blackberry and black licorice, it's a wine to enjoy now with a grilled steak dotted in peppercorns.
A complement to the winery's Estate-labeled Tempranillo, it's made in a more fruit forward, less tannic style—though there are still firm, grainy tannins aplenty. It has notes of pencil shavings, red fruit and sweet spices accented by mouthwatering acidity. Try it with food—preferably Spanish tapas—to see it at its best.
A complete and expressive wine, with vibrant berry/cherry fruit, supple textures and a gentle hand with the oak. The tannins have been well managed and mediated; the wine is tannic but smooth with no roughness or excessively green flavors. It captures just a hint of pepper and herb, and is streaked with coffee highlights through the finish.
A complete Argentinean Merlot with aromas of light oak, fresh berries and spice that all come together in harmony. The palate is a little chewy and grabby, but it tastes and feels real and full, with good tannins. For a ripe wine it isn't conflicted, over the top or challenging. Drink now through 2009.
A complete package, this shows lavender, smoke, boysenberry and black raspberry aromas on the nose. Plenty of acidity appears on the palate, where black pepper, white pepper, thyme and bay leaf spice up the tight blackberry core, finishing on a slightly caramelized note.
A complete rosé, where the wine—and it is very much a wine not just a Champagne—balances the tense tannins of the rosé with full, creamy texture and delicious fresh acidity. The apple flavors have a hue of red, merging with wild strawberries.
A complete wine in every way, this limited (three barrel) reserve opens with solid bass notes of thick wood and dark fruit. That platform of black cherry and cassis is adorned with light touches of pepper, vanilla, mocha and the streak of iron that seems to characterize many McMinnville wines. Drink 2015 through 2030.
A complete wine that speaks of both richness and terroir. While the tannins are certainly there, they are dominated by rich black fruits, ripeness, power and concentration. It is the sort of wine that reveals many layers of flavor and complexity. Age for five years.
A complete wine that starts with lemony oak-based aromas that come with notes of herb, spice and dark-berry fruit. Feels layered, ripe and fresh, with full, sweet flavors of brown sugar, herb and baked berry and plum. Chocolaty and smooth on the finish. Drink now through 2014.
A complete wine, from the black currant fruits through the balanced tannins to the acidity. It is sturdy, complex, a wine that is already singing and will age well.
A complete wine, ripely fruity, firmly tannic and dense. It has weight and the right balance of fruit and structure. It's an impressive wine, powerful and concentrated while showing great fruitiness. The finish reveals its freshness.
A complete wine. As it starts in the mouth, there is a feeling of everything in its place. The tannins are initially soft, dusty rather than dry; then the dark plums, red berries and so-sweet strawberries come into play. And finally, they all come together in a climax of richness and freshness.
A completely different blend from the winery's 2006 Ciel, this reflects Chris Camarda's growing enchantment with Cabernet Franc, which is now 45% of the blend. Most of the rest is Merlot—a Right Bank style. The concept works. It captures the sleek minerality of the site, and puts the fruit into tight, laser-like focus. The wine seems almost crystalline—sharp-edged and reflective, with penetrating angles and offset flavors.
A complex and complete wine with everything in place, this tastes delicious from the first whiff to the lingering finish. It has fresh-baked bread and light peach aromas and white-cherry flavors. Well balanced, it's layered on a subtle level and harmonious.
A complex and intense wine. Its black fruits and sweet plums, balanced with tight acidity, go along with dense, dry tannins. It is textured, structured, ready for long-term aging.
A complex and layered wine, this is always one of South Africa's top Chenin Blancs. The bouquet opens with notes of chalk, lanolin, toasted apple skin, blanched almond and clove-studded orange peel. The palate is toasty, but well integrated; the apple, apricot and melon fruit core marry harmoniously with the wood and sweet spice characteristics. Round and smooth in texture, but with ample acidity to keep the mouthfeel fresh and the finish bright. Drink now–2017.
A complex array of floral tones builds throughout this medium-sweet Riesling. Green notes of iris and lily add refreshment to a backdrop of heady jasmine and orange blossom. The palate is intensely fruity with juicy white peach and apricot flavors accented with a zesty lime acidity that revitalizes. Delicately framed, yet decadent and ebullient.
A complex blend of 23 varieties, from a Languedoc vineyard originally planted in 1905. This has firm, rustic character, with dry tannins, dense black fruit and fresh, juicy acidity. There is a softness at the end, giving black currant acidity to finish.
A complex blend of 75% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault, 8% Cab Sauv, 6% Gren and 1% each of Carignan and Mourvèdre, this is a concentrated and flavorful selection that's brimming with raspberry sauce and dark berry fruit aromas and flavors. Framed by black tea, sweet spice and vanilla bean accents, the mouth is firmly structured with medium tannins and acidity, ending on a soft, roasty note.
A complex blend of 76% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah, this opens with hints of raisins and Ruby Port, a reflection of the near-16% alcohol. But the wine is neither jammy nor hot, and the flavors bring concentrated raspberry and cherry compote, surprising acidity, and some intense herbal and stem highlights. All in all a big, chunky, potent wine that captures the distinctive style of this unique mini-micro winery.
A complex blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Weissburgunder, this is a rich, spicy wine, dry in style and with some tannins. It has weight and density, but doesn't lose its creamy, fresh texture and acidity. It should age another year in bottle to get the best out of this serious wine.
A complex blend of five grapes, this is a textured and fruity wine that is impressively fresh and crisp. Apples, strong citrus and apricots are all present in this tight, mineral wine. Drink from 2016.
A complex blend of four grapes, this wine is rich, rounded and ripe. There is a juicy character to it, with spice and some firm, extracted tannins in the background. At this stage, it is still too dry and tannic and the wine needs time for the black fruits to come forward. Drink from 2017.
A complex blend that moves this wine into an international style. The wine is smooth, generous, almost opulent. It emphasizes rich red plum flavors, rounded out with jelly sweetness, the acidity coming with the a final burst of freshness. Unlike some of Heinrich's other reds, which need aging, this is ready to drink now.
A complex bouquet with prune, earth, and some prominent gamy notes may put some tasters off, but the dark fruit and toast, and the generally restrained style make this commendable. A velvety mouthfeel and dense flavors on the finish close out this elegant example. Best after three years and good to 2008 and beyond.
A complex Champagne, with its apricot, green plum and pink grapefruit flavors, mixed with a rich, creamy texture and soft acidity. The final tastes are of lychees, with some toastiness.
A complex Chardonnay, rich in all its parts, that needs a year or two to come together. Ripe tropical and citrus fruit flavors compete with buttery toast for dominance, while brilliant acidity makes it all shine. Great price for a Chardonnay this sophisticated.
A complex mélange of briny, preserved lemon, apple crisp and caramel brittle, this wine is deceptively elegant and refined, with a dark, brooding finish.
A complex mix of wild berry, cherry and somewhat brambly fruits provides a substantial core to this wine. The fruit rolls on through a slightly chalky patch, then finishes with a flourish of toast and graphite.
A complex name for this finely crafted wine. It shows green fruits and oak, some intensity of flavor and a great layer of acidity, cutting through the rich fruits. The finish brings all this acidity forward, giving a classic Chablis minerality.
A complex nose of cherry, leather, anise and tobacco leaf set the scene for flavors of ripe cherry and fresh raspberry with notes of vanilla and spice. Despite the depth of aroma, this wine is medium bodied in the mouth and culminates in a fresh finish.
A complex nose unites freshly cut russet-pear peel, ripe red apple and juicy, yellow Mirabelle plum, with a spicy touch of pepper. The palate shows oodles of that juicy Mirabelle, framed with tangy ripe lemon and bright tangerine. All this comes in a streamlined, concentrated but sleek shape with briskness and dryness. The long finish tingles with zesty spice.
A complex opening of leather, plum, vanilla and gingerbread leads to a crisp palate with intense cherry notes. Lacks the multi-dimensionality of a top wine but the touches of youthful fruit on the medium finish are guaranteed to charm. Drink now.
A complex palate and lingering finish give this wine serious appeal. Tropical fruit aromas and a combination of minerals and lush fruit in the mouth offer elegant balance. The wine has a delicious, mouthcoating appeal but still offers a spin of fresh, clean flavors. Versatile with food—from rich to spicy.
A complex style of Muscadet, this starts with crisp citrus flavors and a tight structure. It has density and a fine, nervy edge that offers a delicate perfumed character as well as the possibility of aging. Drink from 2014. Screwcap.
A complex wine that takes time to unveil itself, this offers muted dark cherry and exotic cardamom spice, light and layered through the midpalate before revealing a taste of toasty oak on the finish.
A complex wine with firm acidity and ripe black currant notes. The fruit is juicy, and the palate finely structured. The small property, owned by André Lurton, is improving with every vintage.
A complex wine, exhibiting smoky tannins, rich fruit, a dark texture and concentration. Produced by the Moueix winemaking team, it feels complete with its sense of style and elegance as well as weight. Give this powerful wine many years in the cellar.
A complex wine, full of tight textures, apple skins and mineral acidity. This is a wine for aging, its wood character beautifully judged, rounding out the crisp final texture. Drink from 2016.
A complex, ageworthy wine that combines contradictions but somehow is complete and wholesome. The cool vintage shows up in the form of green olives and sweet green peas, a taste that's unusual for Oakville but one that works well alongside the more traditional black currants and sweet oak. The tannins are pure Oakville, rich, ripe and dramatically layered. Beautiful in every respect, this 100% Cab will reward cellaring. Begin popping the cork in 2018.
A complex, concentrated wine. It shows richness as well as tense minerality, the ripe black berry flavors melding with firm tannins. Alte Reben is old vines,  impressive and designed for aging.
A complex, dark-cherry-flavored Petite Sirah, this is marked by bright fruit and tame tannins, giving the wine a mouthwatering vibrancy. Intense but full of life, bottle aging has helped this wine, as it often does with a variety like Petite Sirah, which can be overwhelming when young. In this case, the years have opened it up, lending an elegance that makes the wine ideal for meaty foods.
A complex, full-bodied wine that is full of mature fruit flavors with a touch of toast to add to the attractive mix. With apple, quince and almonds well blended together, this is a finely balanced wine, that could age for a couple of years more.
A complex, kitchen-sink blend of 29% Chenin Blanc, 23% Roussanne, 11% Viognier, 11% Chardonnay, 10% Grenache Blanc, 5% Colombar, 5% Grenache Gris, 2% Sémillon, 2% Clairette and 1% Verdelho, there's a lot to be discovered in this wine. Melon, pear and sweet citrus lead the bouquet, with nuances of orange blossom and honeysuckle, while spicy flavors of baked apple, glazed canteloupe and lightly-mulled pear flood the palate. Round and forward, with a silky texture; give it time to open up now or hold another couple of years.
A complex, rich and ripe wine. It shows both a tannic edge and full red fruit flavors. With acidity cutting through, this is finely balanced, a delicious and serious wine that would benefit from a few more months in bottle.
A complex, ripe wine from a fine single-vineyard site, it has rich yellow and citrus fruits that are right up front. Behind, the texture is steely and nervy, with intense herbaceous acidity. It's full of potential, so wait until 2016.
A complex, ripe wine that has rich red fruits, dark cherries and a serious undertow of tannin. The name comes from what the producer calls the alchemy between wood and fruit, and certainly the balance is just right. It has structure and dense tannins along with a juicy fruitiness. The wine is now ready to drink.
A complex, savory Pinot Noir for $12? Yup. Hints of bacon and mushroom are prominent, with just enough cherry fruit to support them. It's light in body, with supple tannins, so drink it over the next six months or so.
A complex, sophisticated Zinfandel, although it's very young, and all the parts haven't come together. Shows luscious waves of ripe forest blackberries, raspberries, red plums and nectarines, with notes of dry chocolate, sweet tobacco, balsam and cedar, finished with massive peppery spices. Notable for the purity and elegance of its tannin-acid structure, this beautiful Zinfandel should age well through 2014.
A complex, wood aged wine, this 20-year-old has a perfumed, dry style. Walnut and spice flavors blend together with the spirit and mature acidity. It's rich, with just the right amount of age.
A composed bouquet of field notes, nettle, tangerine and passion fruit is almost like Sauvignon Blanc. The palate feels lifted and tangy, while flavors of lime, pie cherry and plum skins set up a long, pure, driving finish with cleansing acidity and lasting citrus flavors.
A concentrated and ripe wine, dominated by spicy wood and pineapple with creamed peach flavors. The texture is full, dense, very rich.
A concentrated and seductive Merlot that's perfect for folks who like 'em big, ripe and oaky. Mulled boysenberries and blueberry compote flood the nose and mouth, with lush notes of milk chocolate, blackcurrant liqueur and dark coffee spicing up the finish. Round and velvet-textured, with medium tannins.
A concentrated and toasty raspberry flavor permeates the light- to medium-bodied palate, which is endowed with crisp acids.
A concentrated Bordeaux-style blend comprised of 59% Cab Sauv, 19% Merlot, 12% Cab Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. Black currant and plum dominate the nose while flavors of herbal spice, cigar box and licorice flesh out the medium-weight mouth. The tannins are strong but refined, lingering well through the finish.
A concentrated but restrained wine that is a bit like French couture: timelessly elegant, quietly confident but incredibly well-made and fitting. The tannins provide structure without being obtrusive. Oak plays a sonorous supporting role and dark cherry beckons on the nose and palate, all concluding in a peppery, long finish. Ready now but will keep till 2016.
A concentrated combination of blackberry and blueberry fruit, entwined in straps of leather, this soft, structured wine offers suggestions of meat and spicy pepper. From vineyard located inland from the cooler Anderson Valley, it delivers ripeness throughout, ending on a high note towards the finish.
A concentrated core of pure, sweet raspberry and cherry fruit is showcased in a wine of remarkable penetration and length. The fruit, from a biodynamic estate vineyard, is perfumed and open, making this immediately accessible and supremely enjoyable. And yet cellaring will surely reward those with the patience and discipline to lay it down for up to a decade.
A concentrated nose of cherry compote, burned vanilla bean, black pepper and dried dill invite the nose into this wine by former field hand turned respected winemaker Felipe Hernandez. It's incredibly delicious upon sipping, with cherry sauce and blueberry and blackberry fruits, all leveled by a graphite and slate minerality.
A concentrated palate of black cherry and wild blueberry combine to give a full-fruited midpalate, with supple tannins and a juicy, moreish freshness. This strikes a convincing balance between rounded richness and refreshing lightness.
A concentrated white peach element plays strongly on the nose of this coveted bottling, with touches of sea salt and a sharp tangerine-like edge. Ripe peach and cherimoya flavors show on the palate, but a crescendoing citrus-driven acidity cuts through the richness and allows more savory components like salt and smoked nut to blossom on the finish.
A concentrated wine from 40-year-old vines, this is rich and dense. It has a balance between the juicy black fruits and firm tannins, the whole shot through with acidity. Drink this fine single vineyard wine from 2019.
A concentrated wine that is the epitome of dark, dense Malbec. Spice, tense acidity, black fruits, dark plums and licorice are all present in this impressive, dense wine. The power in this dense wine is very evident, expressed right up front. It should age, so drink from 2017.
A concentrated wine, although with some of the delicacy of the 1998 vintage, showing structure, tannins and ripeness. The finish is full of chocolate and sweet coffee flavors. The acidity gives a sense of elegance and lightness which suggests this will develop relatively fast.
A concentrated wine, it's packed with both dark fruits and tannins. A dense structure contrasts with the fresher black currant fruitiness. Ripe and full-bodied, the wine needs to age. Drink from 2016.
A concentrated wine, just beginning to open up, with a serious, maybe austere mineral element, as well as vibrant kiwi and citrus flavors. It is softened by aging in older wood, giving some roundness to finish.
A concentrated wine, relying on its generous black currant juice fruit rather than the more reticent tannins. The wine is dominated by Cabernet juiciness, a burst of fruit in the glass.
A concentrated wine, showing minerality as well as rich and solid tannins. The red cherry and strawberry fruits are already well integrated into the structure of this dark-hued wine. The name refers to the tufa (limestone and chalk) soil that is typical of much of the central Loire.
A concentrated wine, still just beginning its journey. The fruits are packed into a firm and tannic structure that shows edges of wood. Berry and plum fruits dominate this powerful but well-balanced wine. Keep for 3–4 years.
A concentrated, full-bodied and dense explosion of chocolate, plum jam and smoky oak, this wine is powerful and well integrated, smooth on the palate with its oak well tucked in. From a mighty mountainous vineyard, it captures the soul of the variety from a standpoint of ripeness and grip.
A concentrated, hugely rich wine with lively caramel and toast aromas, followed by ripe fruits. It is generous and open, with apricots and nectarines giving richness, while kiwi gives the green, crisp character. The aftertaste is all minerality. Screwcap.
A concentrated, inky black wine with woodshop tones that are still very evident. Let this wine settle five years to allow for prettier spice tones and more delicacy in terms of its fruit. This is a big chewy wine at this stage with blockbuster tannins. Drink after 2015.
A concentrated, intense wine, filled with cherry-berry fruit and more than a hint of vanilla. It's tart and edgy, with some firm tannins on the finish, so hold it another 12 months and then drink it over the next 5–6 years.
A concentrated, medium-bodied wine, this is a fine example of Marlborough and the variety. Hints of passion fruit lend regional typicity, while the core of the wine is built around white grapefruit flavors that finish long and mouthwatering.
A concentrated, rich wine, packed with peach and pear flavors, the freshness coming from ripe apples and green plums. While the fruit dominates, there is always a good edge of minerality, tightening the wine, giving it a taut, crisp aftertaste.
A concentrated, ripe wine, full of toasty new wood flavors as well as dark berry tannins and acidity. It is dense, full in the mouth and packed with ripe fruit. Drink from 2016.
A concentrated, tannic-driven wine, with the structured black fruits as a balancing contrast. It is certainly rich, while having a solid structure that promises several years aging.
A concept wine with a Tango slant; but what's in the bottle isn't bad at all. Yes, it's sweet and candied, but the bubbly's green, lychee aromas are nice (Moscatel?), and the palate is dessert city, with applesauce and mango flavors. A sweetie for sure, but not offensive.
A confected wine that shows polished wood and mint flavors but little fruit. It puts on a great show, but without depth.
A confectionary aspect to the bouquet of this wine dances near to marshmallow and nougat. On the palate, it tells a different story, offering crisp, savory peach and citrus, all within a low-intensity package that speaks more to acidity than to power.
A confectionary note of marshmallow gives way to lighter intimations of citrus and sour-apple skin, making for a confusing combination of ripeness and tartness.
A conflicted and hence confounding wine. The nose is very oaky, but it's a pointed, almost piercing wood and clove bouquet. The wine is fierce in the mouth, with kicking tannins and acidity pushing bulldozer-like blackberry and bitter espresso flavors. With 6% Merlot, this Patagonian Malbec has its virtues but isn't as friendly as past vintages.
A coniferous lift weaves through tart red-cherry notes. The slender, translucent and crunchy palate is pervaded by the same aromas and a lot of freshness. This is a light-bodied aromatic red wine that is ideal for lunch, for picnics or for serving chilled.
A considerable layer of tannins is dominating the fruit in this wine. It's still firm, structured and dry in character with just a hint of juiciness behind. Drink from 2017.
A considerable step up in quality from the basic Yealands Sauvignon Blanc, this offering boasts attractive aromas of white grapefruit and pea tendrils. There's a silky texture and green, grassy elements on the palate, but they never stray too far into vegetal, finishing zesty and clean.
A consistent bottling from an iconic Virginia producer, this vintage is refined in fruit character yet powerful in its focus. Aromas of citrus, sea spray and white button mushroom seem to have been shot through a diffuser—penetrating, broad and refreshing. The medium weight of the palate carries from start to finish along a river of driving acidity, with Meyer lemon, tangy almond cream and lightly toasted praline filling in the midpalate. A resounding note of sea salt lingers on the finish.
A consistent performer from year to year, Villa Maria's 2009 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc hints at asparagus, which kept my enthusiasm a little more limited than in the past. But there's ample grapefruit and bright Green Gage plum on the finish.
A consistent performer, the rosé under the Commanderie de la Bargemone label is a fresh, medium-bodied wine that features enticing aromas of white chocolate and cherries. Modest cherry flavors finish crisp and citrusy, giving this wine excellent refreshment value.
A consistent performer, Yalumba's Hand Picked Shiraz-Viognier seems slightly bigger and chunkier in 2008 than in the past, with bold fruit—blueberries and blackberries—accented by hints of mint. Expect some savory notes to develop over the next couple of years in bottle.
A consistent producer in the wide word of Italian sparkling wines, Borgoluce always delivers clean and pristine wines with a steady and cheerful quality of perlage. There's a little extra pulp and density here in the form of sweet peach and lemon mousse.
A consistent producer, Silvio Nardi delivers a bright, fresh Rosso, bursting with notes of cherry, raspberry and white chocolate. This is a food-friendly wine that would match up nicely with breaded veal or mushroom risotto.
A consistent standard-bearer for the variety as expressed in Marlborough, the 2016 Private Bin boasts ample red currant and pink grapefruit aromas and flavors, perked up by a touch of leafiness. It's medium-bodied and perhaps a bit rounder and softer in the mouth than some, but finishes dry and stony.
A consistent standout among Newsome-Harlow's stellar lineup of single-vineyard Zins, The Donner Party is rich in blackberry liqueur and licorice, finely structured and soft in tannins, with a dusty, mocha-lined finish and just the right seasoning of leather. Blended with 12% Petite Sirah.
A consistent standout for this winery, the new vintage does not disappoint. Jazzy and jammy red-fruit and spice aromas are followed by rich, plump, beautifully balanced fruit flavors followed by an extended finish. It only ramps up over time. It's a prototype of the variety and about as good as it gets from the state.
A consistent stunner vintage after vintage, this elevated Cabernet is velvety smooth and exotically laced in coconut, cola and clove. Mouthfilling and succulent, it's high-toned in approach and balance, despite a fierce concentration of black fruit. The highlights are vanilla, clove and dried herb.
A consistent Torrontés, with tropical and exotic aromas of green melon, lychee and bath oil. It feels round despite sporting nice acids, while flavors of green apple, lychee, melon and cardamom work well in front of a long, sweet, pithy finish.
A consistent wine based on the previous vintage, with nice melon, grass and tropical aromas. The palate runs quick and crisp, with tangy citrus flavors, particularly orange, lime and pineapple. Finishes tropical and healthy, with a hint of pine needle.
A consistent wine, year in and year out, MandraRossa's fresh Nero d'Avola would pair perfectly with pizza or simple spaghetti and tomato sauce. It shows loads of cola, licorice, dark fruit and bright acidity on the close.
A consistent winner, this single-vineyard Chardonnay is barrel fermented in 100% new French oak, using wild yeast. The scents and flavors are exceptionally detailed, running from fresh clover into tree fruit, yeast and lots of toast. It has structure, grip and length.
A consistently great white, this vintage is as impressive as ever, exhibiting steely, rocky minerality around savory, smooth layers marked by light, pretty flavors of key lime and lemon peel.
A consummate Russian River Pinot Noir in an accessible style. This is simply enchanting, like raspberry-infused silk dusted with brown butter, cinnamon and vanilla. Showing just beautifully now, this is soft and gentle, and it should glide through the next six years.
A continuing success story for the white from Château Margaux, this crisply herbaceous wine delivers impressive depths of flavor and texture. Lemon and apple dominate the fruitiness, with a touch of honey to contrast with the crisp acidity. Drink from 2017.
A contrast to the producer's fresh and fruity unoaked Cab Franc, Shaw's late-release reserve bottling showcases the massive concentration and depth found within the same grape variety in NY. Blackberry and cherry flavors are lush and ripe, intensified by regal tones of wet soil, spice, vanilla and tobacco. It's a powerful richly textured wine that should continue to develop well through 2025.
A controlled mix of rubber, berry, olive and leather gives this bargain hunter's wine a legitimate bouquet. The palate is herbal but also full of red fruits like currants, raspberry and plum, while the finish is mostly clean and sound. A solid wine for the price.
A controversial wine due to its amazing power. It's just tremendous in apricot, peach, nectarine, marzipan and crème brûlée flavors, like some dainty from a great pastry chef. But this oversized quality makes it difficult to enjoy with food. Almost better on its own as a cocktail sipper.
A controversial wine that will have its fans. Dryness and acidity make it a little sour, and a medicinal taste invades the citrus and tropical fruits.
A controversial wine, tasted twice. It's soft and tannic, with candied cherry-berry, mocha and sweet oak flavors. Seems at once dull and powerful. Hard to know where it's going, but the benefit of the doubt suggests 4–5 years in the cellar.
A cool-climate Pinot Gris, this is a finely tuned citrusy white, with crisp notes of peach and apricot. This is the winery's first release that's made from Marguerite Vineyard fruit. It spent no time in oak and malolactic fermentation was blocked, which helped to preserve an impressive amount of acidity.
A cool-vintage red that clocks in at a low (for Washington) alcohol, this wine is aromatically reticent with notes of green herbs, cherry, tomato paste and barrel spices. It's tart with puckering acid and firm tannins, but good fruit intensity throughout. Drinking quite young now, it will be best after 2017 and should have a long life ahead of it.
A cool Cabernet, fresh rather than structured. It's obvious the wine has been worked hard to get out the red fruit flavors and tannins, and it doesn't quite work. It feels extracted with bitterness as well as a more attractive fruitiness.
A cool cherry aroma and a mild, creamy paste note open the nose. The feel is fiery and untamed, while full flavors of cherry and plum seem raw. A cocoa flavor and juicy feel define the finish.
A cool coastal Pinot with powerful aromatics and silky tannins. Flavors veer toward sweet ripe cherries, with earthy complexities of tobacco and espresso. Dry and stylish, a youthful wine that's not built for the cellar, but is delicious now. A new label from Caymus.
A cool quality runs through the dark-fruit bouquet, which has notes of leather and earth in reserve. The palate is forward and fruity, and it settles on the finish with a touch of plushness and a little chocolate flavor. Straightforward, and with some depth. This is a nice Argentine Tempranillo that happens to be organic.
A cool swathe of pine needles juxtapose ripe peach and waxy floral notes on this fragrant, delightfully layered Riesling. While dry and dainty on the palate, it's chock full of ripe, rich peach and mango flavors. The finish is endlessly long, fringed by a line of dusty minerals. It's refreshingly quaffable but substantial from nose to finish.
A cool vintage shows through in the lighter style of this Merlot. Strawberry is the dominant fruit flavor, although the time in new oak is what dominates currently. The scent and vanilla flavor of American oak, though accounting just 20% of the barrels, comes across quite powerfully. Give this one another year or two.
A cool wine that shows fresh fruitiness and a firm sense of structure. There is an attractive red berry character, laced with considerable acidity. It should age for a few months, so drink from 2014.
A cool wine, full of citrus as well as green apple flavors. The wine is bright, crisp and refreshing in its acidity. Almonds and white fruits add to the attractive mix.
A cool, alpine streak runs through this easygoing but refreshing Riesling, revealed through greenish glimmers of pine frond and fresh herb. Off dry in style, it calibrates sweet-tart green plum and apple notes against streaks of lime and lemon. Drink now.
A cool, crisp and fresh wine that also has enough weight to go well with food. It has lively lemon, plum and red apple flavors. A touch of steely character lends great shape to this ready to drink wine.
A cool, elegant wine, the wood in harmony with the black cherry and mulberry fruits. The wine is properly structured and dense, the dry tannins lending great support to this fine, mineral-inspired wine.
A cool, fresh wine that is packed with crisp herbaceous flavors. It's as clean as a whistle and deliciously bright with lemon, pink grapefruit and gooseberry flavors. Drink now.
A cool, very Sauvignon wine, with strong herbaceous and citrus flavors. It's crisp, showing a bright, tight, slightly mineral texture.
A cooler vintage from one of Washington's coldest growing regions is reflected in this lightly fruity blend. The barely-ripe  fruit is accented with green notes of earth and stem.
A cooler vintage in the Columbia Valley, which perhaps contributes to a wine that seems rather hard and thin. Though the alcohol is listed at 14.2%, the fruit is tight and one dimensional, with dominant acidity. The wine is sound and balanced, but not showing its best at the moment.
A cooperative effort of six growers in the Hunter Valley, this is in the region's traditional savory, meaty-leathery style. Cola, earth and spice flavors are accented by hints of mint, while the mouthfeeel is full and slightly creamy. Pretty good, but could use more length on the finish. Imported by America Uncorked.
A copper rose hue, this has a strong phenolic grip and a burst of heat at the finish. There's good texture, with wild strawberry and a push toward cherry-fruit flavor, with a wash of citrusy acid.
A coppery colored, off-dry-to-frankly-sweet wine that's simple, fruity and a little cloying. The dominant flavors are peaches and strawberries, with a very spicy finish, but the acidity seems a bit low. Still, at this price, millions of people will find a lot to like.
A coppery orange color, this opens with aromas of mealy melon, peach and strawberry. The palate is a departure from the nose—surprisingly astringent in tart currant and red-plum skin flavors that finish sharp and fast.
A coppery tinge to this wine's hue suggests a bit of skin contact, and the wine does show some aromas reminscent of Pinot Noir—earth, spice and underbrush. But those are offset by ripe melon flavors that finish clean and refreshing, despite a hint of residual sugar. Consume it over the next year or two.
A core of ripe, dense blackberry and cherry flavors pulsates from within this lusciously textured red blend. It's a bold, robustly structured wine, but elegantly composed with spry acidity and fine-grained, persistent tannins. It's ready to drink now with a brief decanting but could improve through the next decade.
A core of sweetness shows through this wine. It has juicy acidity shining prominently—it shows its fresh side immediately. Bélair-Monange is still a work in progress, although this will always be a delicious wine.
A country-style red wine, made from indeterminate varieties. It's tough and stringy in the mouth, with earthy berry and tobacco flavors.
A cranberry-apple flavor and a hint of pepper define this light, dry rosé. Despite the low alcohol it has little or no residual sugar. Chill it and quaff it on a hot summer day.
A cranberry-cherry flavor permeates this light-bodied, crisp and fruity wine. The aromas are as bright as the flavors, and it's also lively in texture.
A crazy-good combo of lavender, espresso and baking spice flavors make this full-bodied wine fascinating to taste. It's deeply colored, aromatic and tannic, but not heavy. The wine has a vivid stamp of spicy oak, with enough lavish blackberry and black cherry behind it for balance.
A crazy amount of peppercorn, from white to black to green to red, pops on the nose of this bottling by the legendary Adam Tolmach. Aromas also convey dried violet, black gravel and the slightest touch of blueberry. The pepper spice is almost unbelievable on the sip, where it spices up the soy and coffee-bean flavors.
A creamed apple aroma is followed by a creamy palate. It has tight acidity that lends brightness and freshness, with a crisp, fruity finish.
A creamier notion of ripe apples with custard pervades both nose and palate of this soft wine. The acidity is bright and pure but cushioned by creaminess that gives this a very approachable, very friendly and fruity aspect.
A creamy-textured, medium-bodied wine, this entry-level offering from Hungerford Hill offers scents of coffee and mixed spices alongside earthier notes. Blackberry and pepper flavors fade slowly on the finish, revealing slightly dusty tannins—just enough to cut through the fat of a juicy hamburger.
A creamy Champagne that is softly sweet, balanced between ripe pear and crisp acidity. It remains tightly textured while also offering an attractive richness.
A creamy dollop of oaky, vanilla and cinnamon-scented richness bolsters the black cherry fruit of Zweigelt. The palate shows that there is ample, generous and vibrant fruit which has a real seam of vivid freshness at its core. Black cherry and blueberry notes flit across the smooth, rounded but medium-bodied palate and leave you wanting more.
A creamy drop of vanilla turns the red fruit this way and that; at one moment it's peppery and offers tastes of fennel, and then it is pure plums and cassis. Dry, dusty and earthy, this wine shows solid fundamentals. The early line is for a strong future.
A creamy hint of white chocolate adds fullness to the soft currant, cranberry and strawberry hull flavors. The palate is mouthfilling and round with a good citrus lift to the fresh close.
A creamy nose shows spikes of green freshness, reminiscent of fern or ivy. The palate holds peppery, citrusy spray with creamy generosity while white pepper and ripe pear appear at the seams. The long finish is whistle-clean. This will blossom into further aromatic intensity with a little age. Drink as of 2016.
A creamy note on the nose signals the mellowness of the palate where ripe stone fruit is framed by fresh lemon. There are overtones of development, with dried citrus peel and honey countered by bright acidity. The mousse is fresh and adds liveliness to the aromatic richness of the underlying wine. This is light, fresh and rather aromatic with a dry full-flavored finish.
A creamy style of Champagne with a soft, nutty character. The green apple flavors give acidity that balances the rounded final character of this gentle Champagne.
A creamy style of Sauvignon Blanc, showing soft pear juice and flora flavors, fresh with a feeling of richness. Screwcap.
A creamy texture and apple pie flavors make this so rich it's almost a dessert. It is not actually sweet but has a full body and lush viscosity, presumably from barrel fermentation. It shows the shaping influence that barrels can have on heft and mouthfeel without adding heavy oak flavors per se. Delicious!
A creamy texture houses vivid flavors of pineapple jam, lemon pie, vanilla custard and buttered toast in this rich wine. It's an opulent Chardonnay made for elegant fare.
A creamy textured, citrus-flavored wine that is ripe and smooth. It has a crisp fresh character with its lemon and ripe melon fruit and bright acidity. The aftertaste continues the crisp, fruity theme.
A creamy wine, its apple fruit flavors smoothed by touches of butter and spice. There is a fine citrus aftertaste that gives the rich wine a delicious, refreshing lift.
A creamy wine, with fresh acidity touched with spicy wood. It has the comfortable, plump feel of Meursault, but with some crispness. There are good citrus and white fruit flavors, even apricots, and then the acidity leaves a lifted, lively finish.
A creamy, almost hazelnutty aroma hovers over juicy, fresh peach fruit. This wine is lively and fresh, with enough citrus verve to balance the fruit. It's simple but appetizing.
A creamy, apple-flavored wine that is crisp and fruity. It has lively acidity that is fresh and cool. A tight, mineral texture gives the wine a fine tangy edge. The aftertaste with its fresh pineapple acidity is so refreshing.
A creamy, buttery texture wraps around a core of bright lemon and apple flavors. This is balanced slightly toward sweetness as the luxurious viscosity carries the vivid flavors into the finish.
A creamy, caramel- and pear-flavored wine, keeping freshness but enriched with an almond and custard tart finish.
A creamy, Chardonnay-like wine that is rich, open and generous. It has weight but keeps a sense of proportion with its balancing texture of fruit skins and herbs.
A creamy, faux-smelling-and-tasting wine with loads of bogus oak character and limited stuffing or quality backing it up. Smells like a berry marshmallow or county fair cotton candy, yet the palate is hollow and sour. A masked wine that's trying to be tricky and isn't.
A creamy, floral shade of green on the nose turns into a crisp, very balanced freshness on the palate, reminiscent of pink grapefruit. The palate boosts fruity pink-grapefruit notes and adds creamy, well-founded balance. Somehow this is resonant and moreish, drawing you in with its seam of freshness. This may be pale pink but its intent is serious and grown-up. Wonderfully dry finish.
A creamy, frothy, baked-apple tone fills the palate very pleasantly. The dryness has a counterbalance in the apple fruit and the palate is harmonious and rounded. While this is refreshing, its aspect is geared far more towards being a winter apéritif than a summer refresher. The lasting finish signals that this is above average.
A creamy, full-bodied expression of the variety, this conveys a fruit basket of apple, pear and kiwi while also offering a lilt of New World grassiness and herb.
A creamy, rounded note hits the nose first, followed by aromas of green apple and pear. The palate presents lemony freshness that makes this an easy, dry and refreshing white with a lovely green-apple finish.
A creamy, simple and very fresh Italian sparkler, this Frizzante Prosecco offers a soft, foamy feel in the mouth with tones of peach, lemon and apple on the finish.
A creamy, slightly sweet bubbly that begins with shaved chocolate, coconut, lime and pound-cake aromas, which are rather inviting. The flavors are fruity, ripe, supple and honeyed. The bubbles are a bit scouring and rough, but other than that, it's a very pretty wine.
A creamy, smooth wine, flavored with pears, even lychees and full, ripe Grüner Veltliner. This shows the rich side of the grape, while still keeping its essential freshness. Typical pepper flavors come to finish. Glass stopper.
A creamy, soft wine with a dosage that puts it on the sweeter end of Brut, this attractive Champagne is ready to drink. It offers good balance between acidity and the green-plum fruits. The aftertaste keeps up the soft theme of the wine.
A creamy, unctuous white with a tease of waxy apple, cheese rind and tropical pear, this fuller-bodied expression of the grape takes on generous layers of caramel and ginger as it goes. It finishes in a long, lingering celebration of brioche and allspice.
A creamy, wood-aged white that simultaneously emphasizes crisp Sauvignon Blanc fruit and minerality. Hints of pineapple and lemon go with a tight texture. A rich yet fresh wine that could age for a few years but can also be enjoyed now.
A creative, dry-farmed blend of 47% Grenache, 40% Petite Sirah and 13% Zinfandel, this bottling shows dense sagebrush, cedar, sandalwood, pine and black gravel on the dark, shrubby nose. The palate offers olallieberries with a woody twist of dried rosemary and oregano, as well as dried orange-rind tartness.
A crisp and fruity blend of Douro grapes, this is packed with raspberry fruitiness, offering delicious acidity at the end. The wine is dry and ready to drink.
A crisp and fruity blend of the herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc and the creamy Loin de l'Oeil, this has apple and grapefruit flavors. It has a bright feel, with a hint of mineral on the finish.
A crisp and fruity wine with herbal flavors, as well as riper apricot and quince flavors. It's a balanced wine, developing well, with great final acidity and a lively, crisp aftertaste. Drink now and until 2018.
A crisp and fruity wine, this is fresh, full of lemon and grapefruit flavors with a warmer layer of ripe pear. It's aromatic, refreshing and full of life. The acidity gives the whole wine a lift.
A crisp and grassy wine, this is fresh and full of green fruit notes. It is ready to drink now, with grapefruit, gooseberry and crisp apple flavors.
A crisp and strongly lemon-flavored wine, this is light and bright with an herbaceous hint and a softer aftertaste that has melon and a rounder texture. Drink now.
A crisp and taut wine, this is nervy and lively with attractive fruitiness. It is still young, with acidity very much to the fore. Drink from late 2017.
A crisp blend of Fernão Pires, Arinto and some herbal Sauvignon Blanc, this light and fruity wine is tangy, zingy and packed with lemon and ripe pear flavors. Its acidity shines through to produce a wine that is bright and ready to drink.
A crisp blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, this is a ripe wine, showing the warmth of this vintage. It is lightly perfumed with apricot and red-apple flavors. The aftertaste is all about tangy fruit. Drink now.
A crisp blend of six grapes, the wine is fruity with lemon, grapefruit backed by intense acidity. It has a light tang of texture and a crisp bright character that makes a wine that is ready to drink now.
A crisp bouquet of orange zest marks the opening of this wine, an unexpected twist to the narrative of dried cranberry, blackberry and cloves. On the palate, this full-bodied wine offers ample weight and richness, before a wealth of dry tannins feature on the finish.
A crisp combination of mineral notes, citrus aromas and citrus peel lead to a juicy medium-bodied palate. Lime and apple flavors are slightly briny, while this is dry, pithy and true to the Garnacha Blanca variety on the finish.
A crisp green-apple note has an appetizing lactic edge that shimmers alongside lemon ice cream and sherbet tones. The palate shows lively, small bubbles that fizz excitedly, with further notions of green apple and tart lemon. The midpalate adds notes of sponge cake to counter the freshness, but the exuberant lemon-sherbet aspect wins the day and lasts through the finish. It would be an ace apéritif, totally refreshing and mouthwatering.
A crisp herbal wine, this is bright with acidity and citrus and gooseberries. It is lively, tangy and packed with fruitiness from its 50-50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink this refreshing wine now.
A crisp light yellow in the glass, this is a well-priced wine for warmer days. Light grassy tones mix with faint peach on the nose, while the palate is dissected by strong acidity, offering rounded peach, a touch of green pepper and a cement-like minerality.
A crisp medium-bodied Cab with good varietal definition, Strathewen Hill's 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts slightly minty cassis-inflected fruit, vanilla and chocolate notes and a smooth mouthfeel. Supple tannins on the finish suggest this will age well through 2012 or so.
A crisp nose is trimmed with light citrus and chewing gum notes. Hollow on the palate, this deals dilute citrus and nectarine flavors in front of a quickly fading finish.
A crisp nose of lemon, grass and spice leads this Traminer from Bulgaria. On the palate, the wine is light and pretty, and while simple, offers a delightful pairing with cheeses, poultry.
A crisp style of Riesling, with freshly perfumed green fruits and a steely edge. Flavors of white currants and green plums finish with vivid acidity.
A crisp wine that's full of acidity, this has flavors of green fruit and pepper. It feels rich while still showing its fruity and lively aftertaste. Screwcap.
A crisp wine that shows why this region east of San Francisco was renowned for Sauvignon Blanc 100 years ago. There's a firm mineral tang to the lemongrass, fig, green melon and papaya flavors, and the finish, while thoroughly dry, has a honeyed richness.
A crisp wine with intriguing herbal and green fruit flavors that are edged with tannins, and a toasty, mineral finish. Delicious.
A crisp wine, dry and clean, with citrus, green apple and lemongrass flavors. A small percentage of new oak adds toast, while sur lie aging brings a tart creaminess. Pretty good, but it's a little too unripe and green to earn a higher score.
A crisp wine, fruity and with a good sense of acidity and citrus fruits. Being made from Alvarinho, it also has a richer background to give this wine great intensity despite its light weight. It is the sort of Alvarinho that needs to age, so drink ideally from early 2018.
A crisp wine, this is packed with acidity and fruitiness. It is tangy, tight, full of attractive acidity as well as lively citrus and white fruits. It is ready to drink.
A crisp, almost herbaceous wine, this is refreshing, like a breath of fresh air. It's lively, light and fruity, and it has green- and white-fruit flavors that combine well. Drink now.
A crisp, bright and fruity wine, this has a perfumed character that highlights the edgy fruit texture and attractive acidity. Ready to drink now.
A crisp, caramel- and red-fruit-flavored blend of Castelão, Touriga Nacional and Syrah, this is ready to drink. Produced at Casa Ermelinda Freitas winery, it has a salty edge from the nearby ocean, finishing with plenty of acidity.
A crisp, clean and direct selection, this offers great purity and definition. Bright aromas of lime, white melon and apple carry through to the brisk, well-balanced palate, with faint hints of hay and ginger-like spice on the close. Drink now.
A crisp, clean wine, with a gentle apple flavor and light acidity. It's a wine that is soft and round, with a spice note as well as a minerally tang on the finish.
A crisp, clean, deliciously fruity wine. It's light, fragrant, touched with red berries and attractive acidity. There's no complexity here, just pure fruitiness and freshness.
A crisp, clean, fruity and attractive lemony wine has just the right tangy character. It also has some softness and sweetness in its fruitiness that makes it a good apéritif. Screwcap.
A crisp, clean, fruity wine, tangy and lemony. This is a really attractive wine, a classic of its kind. Screwcap.
A crisp, delicious wine, with all the right fresh acidity, tensely green fruits and very refreshing lightness. The wine will sit delicately and satisfyingly alongside any fish dish.
A crisp, dry wine, very fresh, dominated by grapefruit and lemon flavors, with a light texture of green fruit skins. This is as fresh as can be, but it has a good density of flavor to balance.
A crisp, finely balanced wine, this is packed with fresh citrus, peach-skin and green-apple flavors. It's a textured wine with layers of minerality on the palate. The acidity is just right—a fine streak that cuts through the fruitiness and gives a tight, taut finish.
A crisp, focused nose consisting of lemon peel, cedar, dried cheese, blackberry and cassis aromas is encouraging. This Malbec (with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) is mouth-filling and tight, with firm tannins. Pointed salty flavors of black plum and berry fruits finish with integrated spice and cocoa notes. Drink now through 2024—the longer this sits, the less aggressive and choppy it'll be.
A crisp, fresh and creamy wine, it has grapefruit acidity and a firm sense of mineral structure. The wine is developing well, but to bring out its balance between fruit and texture, it needs until 2015 in bottle.
A crisp, fresh white wine, with clean acidity and a forward, easy lemon and melon character, with a hint of honey from the Malvasia Fina grapes in the blend.
A crisp, fresh wine that has an edge of raspberry and red berry flavors over a very citrus character. It is dry, tight and structured with cranberries and red currants, the red fruits giving some extra weight.
A crisp, fresh, intensely dry wine that is balanced by some ripe caramel and red currant flavors. This is a rosé in the Provence tradition, dry, designed for food.
A crisp, fruit-forward red to pair with a variety of dishes, Villa Maria's 2009 Private Bin is a mouthwatering introduction to what looks to be a top-notch Hawke's Bay vintage. Cherry fruit and subtle baking spices combine easily on the palate, ending on a slightly dusty note.
A crisp, fruity blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez, this wine is bright and light. Its refreshing acidity and red-currant fruits are delicious to drink now.
A crisp, fruity wine, bright with red-cherry fruit and a touch of pepper. The acidity and the lively texture give this wine a refreshing character. Drink now.
A crisp, fruity, unoaked Chardonnay. It has bright apple and fresh squeezed lime. This is very light and finishes with great acidity. Screwcap
A crisp, lemon-scented wine, then layering on butter, toast and ripe melon fruit flavors. It's immediately attractive, not needing any aging, with a soft, yet fresh, finish.
A crisp, lemony Chenin with some aging appeal. The nose starts out spicy and citric, and the flavors of lemon, spice and pineapple are light and clean. A simple but fun Chenin that will pair well with seafood and spicy dishes.
A crisp, linear Sauvignon Blanc, with tantalizing flavors of tangerine, that's bright, clean and easy to like. On the finish, the tangerine evolves into melon and lime.This wine will sit well on tables set for brunch or a seafood feast.
A crisp, lively texture makes this medium-bodied wine refreshing while light flavors of green apple and kiwi make it tasty. Vibrant acidity gives it freshness and will help it be versatile with food.
A crisp, minerally wave of apples and pear start this wine from the cool-climate region of Elgin, and on the palate, it's equally delicate. Dry but with a touch of pretty sweetness, the wine is embraceable and a great solo sip.
A crisp, off-dry Vinho Verde with a good prickle on the tongue. Flavors of lemon and green apple are well balanced in this ready-to-drink summer wine. Screwcap.
A crisp, red-currant flavored wine, this offers bright acidity and an attractive tangy texture. In its hallmark De Venoge carafe bottle, it is pure Pinot Noir with the addition of red wine from Pinot Noir to give its pale salmon-pink color. Drink now.
A crisp, red-fruit flavored wine that has sufficient structure to give it shape and density. It is fruity with spice from the wood aging. Acidity at the end keeps it fresh and bright. Drink from 2017.
A crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, fermented and aged in stainless steel. Shows rich, savory citrus and green grass flavors, with hints of minerals and flowers. Very drinkable and bone-dry.
A crisp, streamlined expression of Sangiovese Grosso that opens with lively aromas of wild berry, white pepper and pressed rose. Pair this wine with sweet meats, such as roasted ham or pork.
A crisp, tangy and mineral-driven wine, this is also ripe with generous citrus and apple flavors. The texture is still tight. which will allow it to age. Drink from 2018.
A crisp, tight, stony nose of wet cement, chilled lime peels and chopped lemongrass emerges from this offering from winemaker Matt Ortman and celeb-proprietors Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe. The palate packs lots of bright verve , with the warmth of sliced green pears and green papaya, the sizzle of Key-lime juice and the racy spice of white pepper.
A crisp, very fresh wine with flavors of red currants and open acidity and a light feel. A caramel taste rounds the wine through the finish.
A crisp, very textured wine that has red fruits and a salty edge from the closeness of the vines to the sea. It has a mineral texture, grapefruit and raspberry flavors, intense and bone dry. The wine needs food to be at its best.
A crowd-pleasing Barbera full of muted dark fruit, leathery aromas accented by cherry cola and blue and blackberry flavors that's soft and drinkable and packed with acidity.
A crowd-pleasing Chardonnay aromatically suggestive of candied fruit and dried apricot, it offers a healthy dose of minerality amidst a well-composed structure. Striking the right balance between fleshy and firm, it'll go well with just about anything.
A crowd-pleasing quaffer of a wine, this is tart, with a fresh-squeezed lemon palate that also offers anise, caramel apple and pear. Crisp and dry, it indeed sees no oak—it's pure, with a lasting finish.
A crush of fresh berries and rose petals mark this light-bodied red made from Marquette grapes, a hybrid of European and American varieties. It's a zippy wine, almost puckering on the palate, but tannins are soft and easy.
A crush of mineral and earth tones exhilarate on the nose of this dry Riesling. Ripe, sunny grapefruit and nectarine flavors expand luxuriously on the palate, tightened by a fine stream of lime and lemon acidity. The finish is long and steely.
A crush of mineral notes on the nose lend earthy dimension to this buoyantly ripe, fruity auslese. Layers of sweet mango, pineapple and guava abound on the palate, off set by a spine tingling spray of lime. It's decadent yet balanced, with a long, irresistibly clingy finish. Ready to drink now but it will shine for decades to come.
A crush of raspberry and maraschino-cherry perfume persists throughout this pristine pretty Pinot Noir. Punchy red-fruit flavors are concentrated and fresh, gilded by subtle tones of violet, toast and crushed mineral. The finish is long, framed neatly by penetrating but finely grained tannins.
A crush of wet slate persists throughout this lean, lime-scented dry Riesling. Crisp green plum and gooseberry flavors are punchy and fresh on the palate, but minerality takes center stage here, augmented by a luminous spray of lemon-lime acidity. Drink now through 2025.
A crushed carnation aroma accents the ripe fruit core of strawberry, raspberry and mango on this selection. The palate is juicy and fruit forward, with red berry flavors, medium acidity and a subtle earthy spice that unfolds on the finish.
A crusty smelling wine with aromas of crude oil, roasted nuts and modest berry fruit. Feels acidic and scratchy, with balsamic flavors and a chalky finish. Prickly and teetering on sour, with a lasting herbal impression.
A crystalline purity persists from nose to finish in this dry, mineral Riesling. Tart white peach and pear flavors are showered in shards of mineral and crushed rock and an electric streak of lime acidity. It's ethereally light in texture but finishes with persistence. Ready to drink now but will continue to improve through at least 2025.
A cured meat, salami-like bouquet is the curious opening of this wine, making it compelling if not entirely varietal, a robust, full-bodied expression of rich, ripe red fruit. Oaky and burly, it'll satisfy palates that prefer a concentrated style of velvety-textured raspberry compote and cinnamon.
A curiosity that's definitely worth trying, as aged Marsanne from anywhere other than Hermitage is a rarity. This features some hints of honey and toast on the nose, followed by notes of citrus and almond. It's round and mouthfilling on the palate, but falls away a bit quickly on the finish.
A curious bitterness lies at the back of this otherwise fruity wine. At the front, the wine is filled with apple and green-plum flavors layered with acidity.
A curious blend of local grapes with Syrah and Merlot has produced a bold, ripe wine. The tannins are soft, surrounded by juicy plum and damson flavors and a broad, ripe texture.
A curious bouquet of lemongrass, pine needles and green florals, this Bulgarian Traminer boasts pretty floral scents and flavors accented with notes of apple and lemon. The dry, medium-bodied palate is a bit dusty, however, with an abrasive acidity on the finish.
A curious combination of smoky and herbaceous, Predator is from old vines but tastes slightly thin and nondescript.
A curious mix of 77% Pinot Gris and 33% Chardonnay from a sought-after vineyard site, Buddy's is oaky, salty and thick, with a floral bouquet that lightens its load and represents the Pinot Gris component well. It may need more time to harmonize.
A curious mix of aromas mix herb, brown sugar and hints of barnyard and leather. The flavors combine all three elements into a wine that may show its best with food.
A curious mix of roasted smokiness and red fruits makes for an appetizing autumnal nose. The red fruit underneath these flavors is beautifully pure and speaks of raspberry and wild strawberries. The wonderfully refreshing tartness zips across the palate like a bright streak of light and gives freshness, direction and poise to everything. The flavors are lasting and long.
A curious rosé that relies on a touch of Tempranillo to color the Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Symphony grapes, this shows sour orange and light plum on the nose. Dried strawberry and orange rind appear on the sip, which is framed by decent acidity and light tannins.
A curious sauerkraut perfume leads to a hard edged wine, the wood not in balance with the fruit. It is raw and not completely clean. Two bottles tasted.
A curious streak of sarsaparilla marks this wine aromatically, followed by sparse, soft layers of black fruit and hidden black pepper.
A curious whiff of lemon pastry entices on the nose of this sprightly wine. The palate is intensely ripe, bursting with sweet honeysuckle nectar and tangerine, yet it's almost lacy in texture, cut by a spray of green-apple acidity. It's delicious already, but sure to hold well for another decade.
A curious wine that has little connection with Pinot Noir tastes. It has red fruits, hints of cherry, but for the rest is an attractive red wine and no more.
A curious wine. On the plus side is a tantalizingly tasty flavor, like fully-ripened raspberries and cherries crushed into a delicious nectar, then sprinkled with honey and white pepper. A good overlay of toasty oak adds richness. Yet there's a syrupy sweetness, like cough medicine, that detracts.
A curious, dirty nose doesn't help this wine. The palate is certainly better, its fruit now mature, smooth, the acidity blending with attractive smoky flavors.
A curiously earthy wine with ripe fruits but also a sense of bitterness. Notes of gooseberries and undergrowth finish with an off-dry character at the end. Screwcap.
A curiously spicy, herbal wine that seems to have lost its fruit. There is a bitter edge that may soften over the next few months.
A curiously textured wine, with dry stone fruit characters, missing some of the aromatic virtues of Riesling. That said, it has good freshness, white currant acidity and a light, crisp finish. Screwcap.
A currant flavor pushes this wine to a rich, concentrated fruitiness. It is dry, although the superripe fruit gives an illusion of sweetness. The concentration and density of the fruit are impressive. Screwcap.
A cut of minty acidity makes this dry Merlot sharp in the mouth, giving the cherry and raspberry flavors a tart edge. Drink it now with a nice steak.
A cuvée of Riesling, with a tiny splash of Moscato, this is on the sweet side of brut. Scents of wet paper carry into disjointed flavors of waxy lemon and simple sugar.
A cynical take on Pinot Noir offering little in the way of fruit or personality. It's overly oaky and dark in color, perhaps due to the 5% Petit Verdot listed in the blend, and overly ripe on the finish.
A dainty nose of sliced pears, squeezed lemon and slowly emergent guava characterizes this sparkling wine, made in Santa Barbara from Northern California fruit. The bubbles are quite foamy, disappearing magically on the palate, but not before showing light acidity and a flash of guava.
A damp herbal character shows first on the nose of this wine, with wet sage and marjoram spicing up the stewed cranberry fruit. The action explodes once sipped, with black cherry and mulberry giving backbone to the cardamom and other Indian-spice components. It combines richness and energy.
A dancing nose of lemon and white flowers leads this fun, refreshing white from Greece. On the palate, clean and crisp citrus flavors and good acidity make it an ideal cohort for grilled seafood and salads. Versatile and a great go-to white.
A dancing, lively nose of citrus and slate is balanced by more lush aromas of tropical fruit and peach here. Full-bodied guava and pineapple flavors have a touch of floral elegance here, and a spiced backbone. Unique and pretty.
A dancing, opulent nose of citrus and flowers precedes crisp, refreshing flavors of lemon, orange and spice. Its acidity makes it a food-friendly choice, but it has enough complexity and body to be enjoyed on its own before or after dinner. Zippy but elegant from start to finish.
A dark-colored wine, smoky and toasty, perhaps too much. It has weight, with shafts of fruit coming through the wood dryness. The main wine of the château is better balanced than this special cuvée.
A dark-colored wine, this is full of tannins as well as ripe blackberry fruits. The acidity and fruitiness give it a very fresh character, while the underlying tannins will let it age. Drink from 2018.
A dark-colored wine, this is layered with a wood note that shows strongly along with the mint flavor. Rich, well structured and concentrated, this has black jelly fruit, and is meant for drinking in two years.
A dark-colored, wood-aged wine, this is serious and power­ful. It has tannic weight along with a black­berry flavor, and a smooth tar and herb layer that's all balanced by the acidity. The wood still needs another year to fully integrate; age for another 2–3 years.
A dark-golden SB from the Sierra Foothills with a nose full of honeysuckle and mango, this wine's got significant depth and concentration but also a healthy dose of alcohol (14.7%) and is a tad sweet on the finish. A small amount of Sémillon is blended in for body and texture. Pair with seafood.
A dark-hued wine, it's richly fruity with spice and wood flavors. It is ripe, full in the mouth, offering solid tannins as well as attractive acidity. It's suited for medium-term aging, so drink from 2016.
A dark-red color, aromas like dark chocolate, flavors recalling black cherry, and a dry rather than sweet taste make this a great wine for a special meal. It has layers of fruit, a bit of smoke, and lots of fine tannins that pile up for a rich mouthfeel and lingering finish.
A dark and brooding aspect of smoke hangs over the black cherry fruit. This is still a little closed but the palate reveals elegance and concentration and wonderfully palpable chiffon tannins. This is fresh and has pure focus with some hints of iron oxide and a slight dusting of pepper: a wine of great charm.
A dark and brooding exploration of black fruit with soft edges, this wine shows generous smoky oak and cinnamon notes, along with an unexpected streak of egg cream.
A dark and brooding wine, it's very much a Malbec that needs to age. Solid tannins, berry fruits and concentrated structure all promise a serious wine that needs time to mature. Drink from 2017.
A dark and concentrated sandalwood aroma hits the nose on this bottling from west of Paso, alongside strawberries, red currants, smoked meats and a gravelly rockiness. Licorice, anise and fennel drive the palate, which opens up toward concentrated violets, plum fruit and pencil-lead flavors.
A dark and dense wine that has solid tannins and tight, juicy acidity. Its texture is very mineral, firm, complex and still needing to age. From a single vineyard in Morgon, it offers the powerful side of a Beaujolais cru, powered both by fruit and by structure. Drink now.
A dark and dense wine, it is full of black juicy fruits and has considerable weight. It shows some bitter extract but this is counterbalanced by the rich, blackberry juice flavors. It should be aged, so drink from 2017.
A dark and dense wine, this offers richness and a good depth of flavor. Along with its concentrated black plum and damson fruits, it is also strongly structured, ripe and dense. It needs aging, so don't drink before 2018.
A dark and easy style of Syrah with a pitch-black tint and sweet, ripe aromas of pastry, pencil lead, chocolate and blackberry. Feels grippy and mildly tannic, with prune, blackberry and a note of mint on the flavor profile. Finishes minty, chocolaty and friendly.
A dark and hearty McLaren Vale Shiraz, with plenty of weight and tannin and concentrated cola, black olive and leather flavors. Hints of mulberry, cedar and vanilla lighten it just enough, but this wine could use another few years before entering its prime drinking window. Finishes long and richly tannic. Drink 2010–2020.
A dark and powerfully rich wine from one of the top quintas in the Douro. It shows great concentration from the old vines. With its weight, dark fruits and dense tannins, it needs to age in order to bring out the solid wood and black, brooding character of the wine. Don't drink before 2017.
A dark and rich style of Merlot, this wine boasts intense aromas and flavors of black forest berries, plum flesh, cocoa powder and pencil shavings. Succulent, with a creamy texture, the tannins are fine but mouth-coating and provide a good frame to the sultry flavors. Chocolate and cedar spice linger on the close.
A dark and rich wood aged wine, packing the intense punch of Tannat while smoothing and rounding it with spicy wood, dark chocolate and sweet plums. Age for 3–4 years and more.
A dark and richly dense wine, this is packed with black fruit notes and concentrated tannins. Aged in French and American oak, it has a strongly spicy character, with bright acid and a solid tannic structure. Drink after 2015.
A dark and richly spicy wine, with penetrating varietal scents of pepper and berry. The wine is tart and youthful, and along with the tangy flavors of berry and spice there is a layer of graphite and a hint of cured meat reaching into the finish. It's sappy, racy and bright, but also layered and showing ageworthy potential. Tannins just hint at green tea.
A dark and smoky wine, with that charred, smoky note most evident in the nose. Streaks of vanilla and black tea run through the core flavors. Substantial, perhaps enough to match to a thick steak.
A dark and spicy wine, with streaks of mineral and herb buried within very tart, acidic black fruit. This is complex, quite youthful and tightly woven. I think it will require some years to pull itself together, but the balance is here, in a medium-bodied style, showing some herb, some citrus and plenty of muscle. Tasted over many hours after being decanted, it showed itself to be a wonderful wine that developed multiple layers of flavor.
A dark and sultry wine, earthy and nearly dirty, this offers complexity and crispness in equal measure. Wild strawberry and raspberry interplay on the palate around a wet stone-like minerality and depth of fruit, the finish laced in subtle cinnamon.
A dark and toasty specimen with a deep-purple tint and aromas of oak, butter and powerful blackberry fruit. The palate is textured and rich, with thick, smoky flavors of black fruits and peppery spice. Pours on the oak but in an integrated way; very good for varietal Cab from 2008.
A dark aroma like clove and wood smoke makes this full-bodied, ripe-tasting wine seem a little mysterious. It has ripe, easy blackberry and cedar flavors, a smooth texture and a very reasonable price.
A dark berry aroma comes with a distinct whiff of green. On the palate, the wine feels crisp and clampy, while the flavors of spicy, herbal plum and berry teeter on the edge of being green. It tastes briary and like tomato sauce on the finish.
A dark bruiser with heavy mocha, chocolate, tobacco, cola and crusty leather aromas in addition to massive fruit scents. It's huge in the mouth, with broad, grabby tannins, pumped-up acids and wide berry, vanilla and coconut flavors. Dark like coffee on the finish, with titanic tannins and foundation. Best from 2013 through 2016.
A dark charactered wine, with solid tannins and firm, extracted fruit flavors. The berry fruits are juicy and sweet, with the dusty tannins coming from the Cabernet in the blend. The finish is softer, more black jelly in texture.
A dark color along with blackberry and prune aromas give this fortitude. The palate is young, rubbery and acidic, with big tannins holding up dark fruit flavors that bring a hint of chocolate. Olive and herbal notes on the finish are true to the grape type.
A dark color and a soft nose with woodsy cherry scents form the greeting on this Brazilian Pinot Noir. Despite being dark and seemingly dense, this feels scalped and high in acidity. Dry but bland flavors of plum and black cherry are slightly bitter prior to a modest finish.
A dark color and big, brooding flavors make this wine bolder than most Pinots. The aromas are full of toasty, spicy oak, with more meaty, rich and almost earthy flavors that are very concentrated. With more sips, more complex accents of tea and forest floor add complexity.
A dark color and candied, pruney aromas give way to jammy black cherry flavors and a lightly tannic texture. This is tart and medium bodied, with straightforward ripe flavors.
A dark color and chunky aromas of black plum and animal hide set up a full tannic, rubbery palate. Herbal salty notes accent core plum and berry flavors, while this is long on the finish, with earthy notes and a sauvage hint of garrigue.
A dark color and lots of fresh-fruit aromas lead to deep, ripe black-cherry and red-cherry flavors that taste clear and delicious. With more sipping, light spicy oak nuances emerge, including a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, but nothing gets in the way of the grapes' expression. Although full bodied, the wine is gentle in texture with just enough crispness and light tannin for good balance.
A dark color and rich, jammy, baked aromas of charred oak and lush berries are the opening to this blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carmenère and 8% Cabernet Franc. Moderately bold acidity and firm tannins lend energy and structure to the palate, while this tastes of blackberry, cassis and spicy oak. A slightly hot finish with a lot of wood spice is the closing act. Drink through 2021.
A dark color and stewy aromas of earthy berry fruits lead to a lush, lazy palate that tastes of toasty oak and roasted berries. A hot, minty and charred finish feels heavy.
A dark color with light orange flecks leads to a wine that is fruity while feeling heavy. It has ripe strawberry flavors and a caramel character that doesn't lie with the final acidity.
A dark colored blend of Négrette and Syrah, this is a concentrated and perfumed wine from Philip Grant, an Irishman who bought the estate in 2008. It is full of ripe plum fruits and bold tannins that give shape to what is a super-rich wine. The wood aging has cast a smooth patina over the fruit and given an extra complexity. This fine wine is ready to drink.
A dark colored red that is firmly tannic as well as ripe and fruity. The wine is spicy and earthy, redolent of dried fruits, like figs and red berries. With its solid texture, it can age; drink from 2015.
A dark core of black plum, blueberry and violet marks the nose of this single-vineyard bottling. The palate showcases purple fruit and floral notes, with concentrated black plum skin and more violet leading the way.
A dark core of strawberry and cherry fruits is leveled by lots of turned earth, graphite, slate and brown spice at the edges on this single-clone showcase from a vineyard on the appellation's eastern front. The palate is full of lively lemon peel acidity, showing dried strawberry ripeness and sagebrush herbals.
A dark pink color, this rosé promises rich, dark fruit notes of ripe cherry and muddled strawberry with a slightly medicinal edge. The medium weight mouth falls a bit flat, and closes abruptly on the finish. Drink now.
A dark purple color and reduced, funky stewed fruit and leather aromas open this tannic, hard-bodied Tempranillo. Its mix of tea and stewed berry flavors finishes rough, with a meaty note.
A dark salmon color and yeasty soapy aromas announce a bubbly that's not fully fresh or fruity. On the palate, this is low on acidity and short on bubbles. Yeasty melon and citrus flavors are short and soft on a low-acid finish.
A dark streak runs straight through this excellent Pinot. It's a whirl of smoke and chocolate, focused right through the core of rum-soaked cherries. Tannic and deep, big and bold—pull this out for your heartiest meal.
A dark tint and ripe aromas of blackberry, black plum and leather are appealing and inviting. This is weighty and full-bodied, with blackberry, boysenberry and cassis flavors. There's not a lot of nuance or complexity, but overall this is clean, tasty and generous.
A dark, almost black color is a reminder of Petit Verdot's traditional use to give color in the Bordeaux blend. The wine also has a stylish, aromatic character that brings out black fruits and generous tannins. It's rich and still young. Drink from 2017.
A dark, big, potent Pinot, as Laetitia tends to produce. It shows the tannin structure of its cool climate vineyard, and is completely dry, with a refreshing squirt of acidity. Deep down inside is a rich core of cherries and cola. A dramatic wine that needs serious decanting, and should develop in the bottle over the next six years.
A dark, black-fruited wine, with the fruit hanging off the hard tannins. The wine is dark and concentrated, the fruit expressing itself as fragrant black currants. This dry wine is very firm and destined for a serious, long-term future.
A dark, brooding and concentrated wine, this boasts rich black-fruit aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and cherry that are flecked with accents of tar, licorice, leather and peppery curing spice. Additional notes of tea leaves, sweet spice, licorice root and chicory grace the finish. The texture is like crushed velvet, with spicy tannins that linger long. Delicious now, but this should age well through 2022.
A dark, brooding aspect of tar and cocoa is wrapped around the ripe but crunchy black cherry that is the hallmark of this wine on nose and palate. The purity of fruit on the palate is astonishing and beautiful and every now and then a flash of black tar and high-grade dark chocolate breaks through. The palate is rich but toned and thrown into shapely poise by fresh acidity.
A dark, brooding showcase of many of Shake Ridge Vineyards's finest varieties mixed into one inviting bottle. With 31% Syrah, 28% Primitivo, 18% Petite Sirah, 10% Mourvèdre, 7% Malbec and 6% Merlot, this wine has baked plum and dark bright cherry predominantly, followed by a grip of tobacco and cinnamon spice. Have it with roasted meat and potatoes.
A dark, brooding style of tannic Douro wine. It is lean initially, with a strong mineral character and firm black plum-skin flavors plus leather and tight acidity. When it opens out, this becomes a great value from the Douro.
A dark, brooding wine, packed with black fruits that are dominated by dry tannins. This is still young, but the dense blackberry fruit flavors are all here. Its weight and power need time to tame, but for now, the acidity and fruit are impressive.
A dark, brooding wine, packed with firm tannins and solid plum-skin and licorice flavors. The wine is dense and complex—a powerful evocation of Malbec—allowing the juicy fruits to merge with the young structure that needs agng for at least 4–5 years.
A dark, cedary nose pumps out volumes of baked plum and blackberry aromas. A beefy, full-bodied palate is fiercely tannic, while black cherry, dark plum and blackberry flavors are more fruity than herbal or spicy. The finish is gritty due to drilling tannins, so wait this out a bit and drink  through 2022.
A dark, chunky wine with cola, cassis and beet-like aromas. The palate is extracted but gritty, with big blackberry fruit that doesn't change or improve in the mouth. Deep as night but dull-edged; it flat-lines on the finish.
A dark, deep-colored Syrah that's dusty and austere but delicious, a good representation of the variety's ability to be both ripe and complex in California.
A dark, dense wine that comes from a parcel of old vines. It's a solid, supremely tannic wine at this young stage, but that black fruitiness will push through over the next few years. Great swathes of juicy acidity, tannins and fruit, all impressive potential. Drink from 2018.
A dark, dense wine with herbal aromas that are followed by rich berry fruits on the palate. The wine is solidly structured with some bitter chocolate extraction that should pass. It's aromatic, ripe and worth aging a few years. Drink from 2016.
A dark, earthy take on Cabernet, without the obvious cassis character that often overtakes Australian Cabs. Instead, the aromas and flavors lean toward black olive and tobacco. Tannins are fully ripe and soft, making it easy to drink now, although there's enough tart acidity for balance.
A dark, firm, muscular wine, blended with 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes show flavors of the region – dark, spicy boysenberry fruit, wrapped in smoky tannins. Its excellent varietal character and concentration suggest that this wine has a potential cellar life of a decade or more.
A dark, garnet-colored appearance with brooding, masculine tones of spice, ripe fruit, dark cherry, as well as beautiful balsam notes of cola, dried mint and ginger. Balanced, not overdone. Let the tannins soften with age.
A dark, inky purple in color, this is a full-bodied (15.5% alcohol) but gentle Malbec, its vanilla, plum and black olive notes framed by supple tannins and a velvety finish. Drink it over the next several years.
A dark, jammy explosion of baked red fruit and blackberry, this is marked by its toasty oak and its subtle hint of bacon, benefitting from breathing for 10–20 minutes before drinking. Full in body and tannin, it has a vanilla-infused finish.
A dark, masculine, brooding Brunello, with savory aromas of leather and cured meat behind ripe fruit and blackberry. It's tight and clean, with a streamlined mouthfeel that testifies to the wine's firm tannic structure. Executed in a traditional style, it shows possibilities for long-term aging.
A dark, oaky Bordeaux blend with loads of cassis, black berries, vanilla and spice. Chewy and a touch herbal on the palate, it will soften when paired with food, especially red meat.
A dark, piercing opening with olive, black fruit and mild herbal aromas announces a ripe, full-force Malbec. That impression is confirmed on the full, creamy, jammy palate, where oaky, chocolaty flavors of syrupy blackberry and cooked brown sugar end in a smooth, vanilla-laden finish. Drink now through 2015.
A dark, rich, ripe Syrah that defines the California style, and preserves the fine structure that this cool-climate region lends to red wines. The wine is dry and tannic, and the flavors, of blackberries, cherries, blueberries, dark chocolate and sweet, smoky oak, are just delicious. Now and for a few years.
A dark, ripe and fruity wine that is full of dense red-fruit aromas and spicy tannins. The palate offers ample freshness, with crisp, juicy red berry fruit up front. Drink now and until 2017.
A dark, roasted, smoky opening is the greeting on this burly Tempranillo from Zamora. Grabbing tannins pinch like squeaky rubbery, while this tastes of savory, roasted black fruits. A meaty, chewy, tannic finish is confirmation of overall toughness. Drink through 2021.
A dark, ruby-colored rosé with aromas of blueberry, raspberry and fresh lavender flower. It's an intense wine with good complexity, density and long-lasting flavors of almond and berry fruit. Pair it with heavy fish dishes like cod or mackerel.
A dark, saturated color and stout aromas of herbal tomato, basil and oregano give this Cabernet Franc a saucy outlook. Savory pepper and black-fruit flavors share the stage with oak tones, while the finish shows plenty of grip. Drink through 2018.
A dark, saturated color is telling, because this is full and smoky on the nose, with aromas of beef jerky, oak and green herbs. Much like it looks, this Carmenère feels full and saturated. Herbal berry and black plum flavors are peppery and lightly green, while notes of tobacco, coffee and carob comprise the finish.
A dark, savory style of Pinot Noir, with intense aromas and flavors of cedar, coffee and cola that turn a bit dry and astringent on the finish. It's fairly big in the mouth, yet not particularly rich or textured. Drink it over the next few years.
A dark, smoky smudge seems to cover the red-cherry notes on the nose. The palate is juicy and light, with this red-cherry nature at its core. Easy and light, it's a perfect fruit-driven summer red.
A dark, smoky wine generous in both tannins and ripe, concentrated fruit. Small percentages of Petite Sirah and Merlot were blended in, the Petite Sirah perhaps for color and structure; the Merlot to soften things down a touch.
A dark, smoky, earthy Syrah with juicy blackberry and black currant fruits. This wine just coats the palate and seduces; threads of coffee and caramel, baking spices and cinnamon all weave through the lengthy finish. The tannins are supportive but unobtrusive, and the balance is superb. It finishes with a burst of grilled meat.
A dark, toasty nose offers a hint of horseradish and char along with herbal black-fruit scents. This is chunky and fleshy on the palate, with good balance. Herbal plum and spicy berry flavors are common, while the finish holds up.
A dark, young wine, rich in sharp acids and fresh youthful fruit, with deep flavors of dark stone tree fruits and berries, such as plums and loganberries. It's very dry, and the tannins, while vigorous, are negotiable. Will mellow with a few years of bottle age.
A darker brooding notion of smoke and tar precedes cherry on the nose. The palate remains slender but has backbone and grip. There is depth here and potential. Give this some bottle age: with a little time it will put on flesh. For now it is lithe and refreshing. Drink now through 2022.
A darker expression of Pinot Gris than the winery's new Marguerite Vineyard bottling, this wine, which is made from fruit grown at lower elevation, sees no oak, and it's crafted without malolactic fermentation. Pronounced notes of almond and vanilla are layered over touches of peach and melon.
A darker shade of blood orange in the glass, this bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon shows cranberry and orange on the nose. It's quite flat on the sip, with sour orange, strawberry and plum notes, and that makes it seem more like an afterthought than a focused rosé, which is such a competitive category now.
A darker shade of pink, this is rosé done in a rich style, but rather delicious throughout. Dark plum, baked cherry and ripe strawberry aromas meet with clove spice on the nose, and the palate offers tasty bubblegum and watermelon candy flavors. It's bold but balanced.
A darker shade of yellow in the glass, this bottling from an Alban clone turns out to be a lighter, more delicate take on Roussanne. Touches of saffron, wax and toasted nuts show on the nose, and that light nutty character does extend to the sip. But the palate also offers apricot and lemon rinds against well measured acidity and a compelling minerality that combines white rocks and hot sand flavors.
A darker shade of yellow, this wine shows poached apple, orange peel and slight roasted-nut aromas on the clean nose. The palate is medium bodied, touching on flavors of almond oil, preserved lemons, chamomile tea and coconut.
A darker take on the grape for the estate, this bottling shows black tea, violet, dark cherry, bay and a touch of tar on the nose. Deep boysenberry fruit pops on the palate, lifted by brighter notes of dill, eucalyptus and menthol.
A darker, denser red that offers chocolate, black fruit and spice on the nose and palate. A spin of nutty spice and dried fruit punctuates the cherry and raisin fruit. Slightly Port-like and heavier, this wine will soften with time in the bottle.
A darker, quite savory expression of Black Kite's entire vineyard site in the Deep End of Anderson Valley, this Pinot imparts a touch of cardamom spice and high acidity, with a dryness to the finish that gets a lift from that acid at the end.
A darkly colored red blend that tastes like coffee sweetened with blackberry liqueur and anise. It's a big, rich, thick wine that's rustic, but entirely drinkable with barbecue, burgers, pizza.
A darkly colored, tannic Cabernet whose dry astringency keeps it from being thoroughly enjoyable now. Despite the astringency, however, it showcases an immaculate core of blackberries and black currants. Elegant and classy, it should age well throughout the decade.
A darkly fruity aroma leads to sweet flavors like brown sugar, milk chocolate and blueberry jam in this medium-bodied, soft-textured wine.
A darkly tannic wine, showing a dry side of Pinot Noir but still offering some good berry fruits and raspberry sweetness. The acidity needs to soften, though.
A darkly tannic wine, this is very firm and dense. Its red-berry fruit palate shows some of the perfume of Touriga Nacional, and its a concentrated wine that needs at least three-years aging.
A darkly tannic wine, with licorice and espresso coffee flavors as well as intense blackberry fruits. It is firm, the wood aging showing through strongly at this stage. Keep for 3–4 years so that the alcohol burn can blow off.
A darn good value, this is a mouthfilling, richly textured wine with several years still ahead of it. It delivers the vintage's hallmark forward fruit, but underscores the raspberries with hints of fudge and a long, velvety finish. Drink now–2018.
A dash of Sémillon adds to the playfulness of this wine, which is medium-built and moderate-to-high in acidity. Tangy curls of lemon, lime and grapefruit evolve into a bristling back note of crispness that just begs for oysters.
A dash of spicy oak suggests nutmeg and cinnamon in the aroma of this well-balanced, rich and flavorful wine. Cherry, red currant and touches of mint and cedar fill out the palate, and the texture is just firm enough, with fine tannins for great balance.
A dated but not outdated blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese that brings notes of herbs, green beans, and floral notes. It's rich and sweet with plump fruit flavors and dry tannins.
A dazzling Merlot, rich and complex, offering immediately appealing waves of cherry pie, red currant, cola, mocha, brown sugar, cinnamon and sweet oak. Even though the tannins are thick, they're as soft as velvet. The structural integrity of this wine is pure Napa Valley and makes the wine particularly fine.
A dazzlingly good Pinot Noir. Hard to exaggerate the precision of flavor and structure. Shows the massively ripe character of the vintage, with a starburst of raspberries, cherries, cola, minerals and spices, while the acidity and tannins are just about perfect. This crowd pleaser is just extraordinary now, and should develop in the bottle over the next six years.
A decadent blend of ripe berries and rich oak characterizes this wine; sweet smoke and baking spice mingle harmoniously with notes of mashed raspberry and blackberry, accented by hints of hickory-cured bacon and raw cocoa nibs. The medium-weight mouth is structured and bold, with chewy tannins and heady flavors of plum and berry preserves, roasted coffee and sweet licorice. The finish is long and dry, and although this would certainly benefit from 5–10 years of cellaring time, it's approachable now with decanting.
A decadent Petit Verdot, this boasts aromas of pastry spices, dark berry compote and violets, with touches of thyme and licorice. It is robust and lush, and packs manicured tannins and lifting acids that remain balanced on the floral finish.
A decadent thread of mocha weaves through the red cherry and raspberry backbone of this wine. Earth, tobacco and black-currant leaf add depth of flavor to the palate, followed by a long, evolving finish that unfolds layer upon layer of nuance and spice. Balanced and quite approachable now; enjoy through 2015.
A decadent, dark and meaty Syrah, with plenty of sauvage tendencies amid a rich, velvety texture that finishes long and lushly perfumed with sweet smoke. In a cool year in El Dorado, Lava Cap has reined in this Syrah's tannins and let its dark cherry and plum flavors take center stage.
A decent but clumsy wine, showing the pitfalls of this variety in California. It's very dry and silky in texture, but hot in alcohol, and there's a burnt taste to the cherry and oak flavors. Not going anywhere.
A decent but ultimately indifferent Merlot. Dry and ruggedly tannic, it shows tobacco and earthy flavors dominating the cherry and blackberry fruit. Doesn't seem like an ager, so drink up after a good decant.
A decent Chardonnay for the price, with pineapple fruit and hints of butter and cream. It's medium in body, with a slightly custardy mouthfeel and a short finish. Drink now.
A decent Chardonnay, but it's pretty sweet and simple, with the taste of sugared pineapple and orange tea. Oak and alcohol of course make it more wine-like.
A decent effort from a difficult vintage in Marlborough, combining slightly fungal notes of sous-bois with oaky notes of vanilla and cedar, then adding in hints of tomato on the palate. Given the presence of so much decay and earthiness, drink this over the near term.
A decent effort, with notes of spice, brambly wild berries, smoke and licorice mingling together. It doesn't quite snap into focus, but there's never a dull moment. The finish gets chalky as the tannins take over.
A decent everyday Cab, a little rough around the edges, but dry, flavorful and firm in tannins. Nice and moderate in alcohol, it's ready to drink now.
A decent everyday Chard, with ripe flavors of pineapples, peaches and pears, and an oaky influence of vanilla and buttercream.
A decent everyday sipper. Soft and a little dull in texture, it's rich in blackberry, currant, chocolate and pecan pie flavors.
A decent introduction to Aussie Chardonnay, this new line from Penfolds boasts plenty of sweet vanilla and peach flavors in a full and somewhat syrupy package.
A decent Merlot that shows berry and cola fruit flavors, with a touch of oak and beautiful tannins. It's a little hot and funky. Not going anywhere, so drink up.
A decent value in New Zealand Pinot Noir, the 2008 Wild Rock displays aromas of bright if somewhat simple cherry fruit. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, supple wine; the cherry and plum flavors show only modest complexity, perhaps a hint of hickory smoke. Drink now.
A decent value in the upward-spiraling world of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this 2009 offers pungent scents of tobacco and damp earth, then dark, meaty notes and dried fruit flavors. It's creamy in texture and full bodied, with a softly tannic finish. Drink now–2020.
A decent, everyday Chardonnay, dry and crisp in acidity, with citrus, peach and tropical fruit flavors that finish a little sweet.
A decent, everyday red for easy drinking with meats, cheeses and pasta. A blend of Syrah, Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Viognier, which gives a lemony brightness to the berry flavors.
A decently made old-vine Lodi Zinfandel that's smooth and soft, with enough clove, cinnamon and brambly character to stand out   and be paired with a range of smoked, grilled and marinated meats and other full-flavored food.
A deceptive Pinot. It shows a pale color and a very delicate, silky mouthfeel, but the impact on the palate can only be described as explosive, and the aftertaste is very rich. The flavors of cherries, cotton candy, red raspberries, orange tea, smoky vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar are compelling. Best now and through 2010.
A deep amber color and a rich, almost thick mouthfeel support tempting aromas and flavors like honey, orange marmalade and toasted almonds. Complex and interesting, it's super sweet and syrupy, but still stays light in weight.
A deep amber color and powerful aromas lead to fruity-nutty flavors, very full body and a nutty, Bourbon-barrel finish. This very assertive, fortified style of wine should taste great after dinner.
A deep and compact wine with Syrah fruit styled with a Cabernet-like verticality, this layers ripe berry fruit with streaks of graphite, ash and rock. The flavors persist through a lingering, super clean finish with the balance and acidity to age. What are initially tightly wound subtleties of herb and spice may well expand into nuanced complexity over the next decade or more.
A deep and full nose with yeasty, leesy qualities opens this solid and serious offering. Decidedly not fruit-driven, it is still very satisfying, with toast and mild grapefruit flavors, and a full but fairly soft feel. Easy and pleasing, it intriguingly offers more depth than first meets the mouth.
A deep color and an aroma of extreme freshness are the first things to notice, then intense flavors of tart cherry and rhubarb kick in on the palate. This wine is light to medium bodied, and the texture is lively, with lip-smacking acidity and tannin. Best after 2017.
A deep color and aromas of toasted baguette, wood smoke and black cherry signal a classic style. The flavors are like dark-chocolate-covered cherries and cranberries. The toasted character of new oak barrels persists from the aroma to the finish, but it's well complemented by ripe fruit, an impressively tannic texture and lingering finish.
A deep color and oodles of blackberry and boysenberry flavors lend a lot of impact to this full-bodied, ripe and almost jammy-tasting wine. It is generous, layered and concentrated but not overly serious in terms of tannins. Call it big but friendly.
A deep color and ripe, gushing fruit aromas lead to generous dark cherry and blackberry flavors in this wine. Firm tannins are loosened by a sugary element that lingers on the finish.
A deep color, concentrated fruit aromas, and equally concentrated fruit flavors give a lot of depth to this medium-bodied and lushly textured wine. It smells like black cherries and light baking spices, tastes like rhubarb and raspberry but also has some clove and cedar notes that add complexity. It's an all-around palate-pleaser that seems to keep improving hours after opening.
A deep color, oaky aromas and ripe dark-fruit flavors give a sense of richness and breadth to this full-bodied wine. It's dry and smooth on the palate, with a warm spicy finish.
A deep color, ripe fruit flavors and a richly tannic texture make this full-bodied wine mouth-filling and satisfying without being heavy. A nice, moderate, spicy oak layer under the blackberries and a hint of pepper add welcome complexity.
A deep garnet color and rich concentration characterize this austere Brunello di Montalcino. The nose is redolent of wild berries, cassis, currants, leather, dried tobacco and forest floor. In the mouth, the wine is smooth, silky and polished.
A deep gold-orange color and floral aromas lead to rich, broad peach and apricot flavors that are moderately sweet and nicely concentrated. Lighter than some late-harvest wines, it has more vivid fruit and better balance than others.
A deep gold color and rich, tangerine and almond aromas meet pear-tart flavors and a creamy texture in this full-bodied but not over-the-top wine. The flavors and texture are pleasantly dense yet the wine is dry. This should age well, gaining complexity and interest through 2002.
A deep gold color combines with ripe fruit aromas and assertive, seductive oak flavors like vanilla and nutmeg in this full-bodied, lush-textured, unapologetic California Chardonnay. A layer of the tasty oak flavors stays strong on the finish.
A deep gold color says that something will be different about this wine. And yes, it shows ripeness and an almost dessert-wine quality in the honeylike aromas, rather unctuous texture and late-harvest flavors. The full body and soft, thick mouthfeel make it luxurious. Blue cheese might be a magnificent match for it.
A deep gold color sends up warning flags, and the flavors bear that out. Has simple apple flavors with a touch of shellac and no depth. Kosher.
A deep golden color and classic Chardonnay fruit and spice aromas, albeit with a touch of sweetness, begin this wine. On the palate, the fruit is fresh and good but lacks the layering and grounding that oak should offer. Overall it's a good everyday wine that just needs a touch of class to round out the rough edges; food may be the key.
A deep mauve in color, so much it could be mistaken for a light red wine, this wine offers baked cherry, warm plum fruit and a touch of iron on the nose. Cherry and plum skins mesh with ripe raspberries on the palate, which tastes good but is fairly heavy in style for a pink wine.
A deep pink color and substantial flavors make this wine a little bigger and more wine-like than many other rosés. The red cherry and raspberry flavors and medium body will pair well grilled salmon, paella, and even slow-cooked ribs.
A deep pink colored wine, this is soft, fruity and ripe. It has just enough acidity while also having an edge of tannins that leave a bitter aftertaste. Drink now.
A deep pink hue, this boasts aromas of chalk and mineral that accent the red berry and melon core. Flavors of red plum and cherry flesh unfold on the palate, but turn crisp and lifted on the close.
A deep pink or coral color, strong fruit and herb aromas and equally strong, dry fruit flavors call for something rich and spicy to pair with, like sausage and mustard or pulled pork sandwiches.
A deep purple color, this ripe selection leads with lush aromas of raspberry jam, blueberry and boysenberry, all of which carry through to the fruit-forward palate. Medium tannins and ample acidity provide good framing to the fruity richness, resulting in a crushed velvet texture. Drink now.
A deep purple shade of pink, this fruity wine shoes aromas of strawberry juice and buttered red cherries. There are tart berry flavors on the palate, though it's more similar to a red wine than a pink one.
A deep raspberry flavor is set in a vivid frame of spicy herb and toasty barrel accents. The finish is crisply defined, with slightly peppery tannins.
A deep red color and concentrated aromas and flavors of dark berries, dark chocolate and pomegranate are offset nicely by a layered texture laced with fine tannins. This well-structured wine will be great with a juicy steak.
A deep rose color, this is scented with beetroot, cherry foam and chocolate. In the mouth it turns astringent, carrying similar flavors into a finish with a liberal amount of stem and earth.
A deep rose color, this pretty wine seduces with sweet cherry and red plum fruit, rounded out with a dollop of cinnamon spice and buoyed with moderate acidity. Full, forward, flavorful and built for medium-term aging, this should be enjoyed now through 2020.
A deep ruby wine with brilliant reflections. It has a youthful, fruit-driven nose backed by mineral undertones. Opulent bramble fruit appears on the nose, with blueberry flavors on the palate highlighted by a dusting of cocoa powder. Supple and smooth tannins finish lightly dusty and moderate acidity aids the medium finish. Drink now–2015.
A deep shade of reddish pink, this rich style of rosé shows red cherry, cola, crushed slate and chalky, orange pith-like aromas on the nose. Ripe plum and strawberry flavors mark the palate, kissed by star anise and plenty of acidic bite.
A deep smoky red in color, this exudes fresh but tart blackberry, with hints of cinnamon on the nose. These flavors are pleasantly present on the palate, where low-level tannins are sleek and elegant. A juicy, concentrated, vibrant and refreshing wine from one of Vienna's famous vineyards that delivers with its slender body, gentle tannins and good length.
A deep sniff delivers leather, ripe black cherry, marzipan and some smokiness, but the palate isn't congruent. It's candied, a bit burnt, and it tastes just a tad too much like cherry cough syrup. The texture is fine and the flavors solid, but it falls short in the areas of layering and elegance. It's too one-dimensional and not multifaceted. –M.S.
A deep straw color, this ready-to-drink Riesling is scented with wet rock, bee pollen, and ripe, yellow apples. Flavors are tart despite the 10 g/L residual sugar. It's fruity, flavorful and quite ready to drink up.
A deep straw, this unusual Chardonnay has a strong herbal component, with penetrating seed and grass flavors wrapped around tart, green apple fruit. It's a little oxidized, drinking well, but not for cellaring.
A deep yellow-gold color and rich aromas of fig, marzipan and pear indicate this will be a concentrated, full-bodied wine, which it is. Flavors layer peach, pear and toasted almond. The texture is very creamy and smooth, and the finish lingers a long time. It's a great example in the full-bore mode.
A deep, almost-black color goes right to a ruby rim. Aromas suggest dark chocolate and coffee bean and the flavors are concentrated, saturated and delicious, like blackberry and blueberry pie—except nicely dry. This full-bodied wine coats the sides of the mouth but stays velvety and lingers on the finish.
A deep, concentrated, impressive wine that works on many levels. There are the blackberry fruits, almost jammy, that are enhanced by the tobacco and new wood flavors. Then there is the strong, underlying dryness that promises considerable aging. And there is the elegance. A smooth wine whose tannins work around the core of structure and style.
A deep, dark color is followed by open and effusive aromas of wild berries and black cherries with a hint of bread dough-like freshness. Flavors are exuberantly fruity and dark, almost like dark-chocolate covered cherries. While full bodied, the wine is not too tannic or tart, since the oozing fruit flavors fill in any gaps.
A deep, dark color, ripe blackberry aromas and berry and spice flavors add up to a full-bodied, impressive wine from one of the oldest wineries in the Sierra Foothills. Smoky, oaky accents help shape the opulent fruit flavors, and enough firm tannins and lively acidity provide good balance.
A deep, dark color, unusually ripe and exotic aromas, and intense flavors recalling boysenberry syrup make this a monster Zin. It's not very tannic or astringent, but the body is so rich and the alcohol relatively high that it oozes power and concentration. This will be great after a meal with cheese or chocolate.
A deep, dark Syrah with cola, spice, pepper, cedar and olive notes to go with more familiar blackberry and mocha. The palate is deep and pure, with juicy acidity pushing herbal berry and layered spice flavors. Has good flow and feel, and overall it strikes the right chords.
A deep, dark, robust Lake County Barbera, tame by Barbera standards, with softened tannins but lots of black licorice, fruit—rustic plum, mostly—and a hint of baked bread. Worth a try with meaty pasta dishes.
A deep, deep color, lots of spicy, smoky oak aromas and rich, almost sweet flavors add up to a bold barbecue sauce of a wine. Those who love lots of spice, loads of smooth tannins and very full body will be happy.
A deep, dense blackberry flavor suggests that this is cellar worthy. Notes of ground coffee, cacao and clean earth abound. The finish is long and compact, with nicely polished tannins.
A deep, dense bouquet with blackberry, root beer, tree bark and tarry aromas properly announces a lush, full-bodied, tannic palate with toasty oak, menthol, licorice and blackberry flavors. Pepper and dark chocolate notes control the finish on this lush, modern, toasty wine. 100 cases made; drink from 2017 through 2028.
A deep, dense concentration of black cherry and berry provides richness and juiciness to this wine, the fruit wrapped around velvety waves of full-bodied texture and a supporting wall of oak. Earthy licorice and black tea appear on the long finish.
A deep, developed wine with cola, licorice and prune aromas. The palate is poised and balanced even if it's rich and very ripe. Layered in the mouth, with plum, prune, chocolate, coffee and fine spice, which is about as complete a package as you'll find with Malbec. Cabernet and Syrah; drink now through 2015.
A deep, stony minerality persists from nose to finish on this light-footed Riesling. Sweetened by hints of guava and stone fruit, it's a shade off dry but endlessly refreshing. The finish lingers on a gorgeously chalky, saline note.
A deeper salmon color with elegantly lacy bubbles and a slight cloudy appearance, this sparkler by Norm Yost offers dessicated watermelon, dried orange blossoms, yeast, citrus rinds and fresher strawberry notes on the nose. Tart raspberry and yeasty melon show on the palate, which offers a salty component as well as a surprising but nice amount of grip.
A deepish pink blush signals full-fruited pleasure: indeed the palate has some body but also lovely balance between fresh red apple fruit and zesty citrus notes. Completely dry, this will be an ideal and versatile lunch or picnic wine. It is on the finish that all the strawberry notes burst through.
A deeply colored wine, reveling in the richness of 2007, a powerhouse of berry fruits, black plums and a layer of soft wood tannins. It certainly has plenty of ripe fruit, but the smoothness of the wine is the key here, a chocolate smoothness that wraps around the powerful fruit.
A deeply colored, rich, vibrant Syrah, ready to drink now. It's gritty in tannins and bone dry, but offers a wealth of ripe, jammy blackberries, cherries, bacon, peppery spices and smoky sandalwood.
A deeply golden Chardonnay from E & J Gallo's Edna Valley brand, this wine starts with a tightly wound nose, faintly offering tart apple, lemon rind and a slight herbal character. An elegant but brief flavor of perfumed pear washes away quickly without much finish.
A deeply impressive Bordeaux blend. It comes from this small, but prestigious, appellation, which is a bridge between Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Marked by dryness and a superb tannic structure, it has deep flavors of blackberries, black currants, violets, herbs and cedar. Needs time. Give it 4–6 years in the cellar.
A deeply tawny gold color, this offers slightly oxidized, dusty peach and pear fruit, with a bit of residual sugar (20g/L) to round off the rough edges. Drink now through the end of 2017.
A definite improvement on the 2007 version of this wine, it shows some herbaceous character, along with ripe apricot and pear fruits. There's a touch of spice as well, which adds character. Screwcap.
A definitive scent of leather suggests brettanomyces has taken over here. That leathery nose and palate totally dims the fruit, and dries out the finish.
A definitive, whitepepper spice note runs through many, if not most Oregon Pinot Blancs. It's a positive marker, and this wine is a fine example. Winemaker Thibaud Mandet unhesitatingly calls this his favorite wine. There are lovely aromatics, a mouth-teasing mix of citrus and green apple fruit, and a wash of minerality on the finish.
A deft combination of spice, earth and dried fruit hits the nose on this bottling, with aromas of cinnamon, chalk, baked plum, mace and purple flowers. The mineral-driven palate offers lots of rocky flavors, with brick and chipped slate giving depth to wound-up cherry, red apple skin and turned-earth elements.
A deftly made wine, this exceptional Roussanne blends fruit into a creamy, luscious blend of tropical fruits, apricots, whole cream, nutmeg and more. There is so much fruit that it's easy to overlook the crisp acid underpinning, the nice details of baking spices and the exceptional strength through the lingering finish.
A deliberately oxidized style makes for an immensely intriguing wine that falls between the usual Austrian categories—but then we need wines that defy neat boxes. Aromas of toasted cashew nuts and dried orange peel segue into a dryish, citrus-scented palate, with a central, thick slick of salted caramel and racy acidity. The longer you taste, the more facets appear, even as the palate fades into notions of salty, candied mandarin zest. Unusual and uncategorisable, but unforgettable. Despite being called Apéritif, it might be best with cheese and tapas.
A delicate and elegant Riesling, light, fresh and perfumed. It has white fruits, a floral hedgerow character and a dry, more tight and nervy final character. Fruity while structured, it's ready to age a couple of years.
A delicate and light nose of red-cherry fruit picks up hints of smoked pork and flecks of forest floor on this botttling from a historic vineyard in a small appellation. Red cherries also show on the palate, where touches of oregano and graphite make fo a versatile wine that's easy to like.
A delicate and more nuanced wine that needs a little bit more attention to unearth all its complexities. A soft chalky minerality and dried thyme herbality complement the soft white peach and plantain aromas. The tangy, medium-weight mouth shows more lemony cirtus notes, supporting flavors of white currant and flowers. The finish is clean and brisk, leaving you ready for more. Drink now.
A delicate and subtle expression of Sangiovese Grosso, with tight touches of wild berry, almond skin, forest bramble, rum cake, cola and eucalyptus. Streamlined and tight, with great power on the close. A very compact and tightly constructed wine.
A delicate balance of geranium, peach blossom and ginger cookie shows on the nose and palate, with an additional herbal hop notes chiming in for the flavors. There's good acidic verve to counterattack the broad palate, making this rich white a solid choice for cedar-plank grilled fish.
A delicate bouquet of white flower and talc powder gives this vineyard-designate Prosecco Superiore a very clean, sharp and fresh first impression. That enormous focus continues to the palate where the wine's fresh acidity and tight perlage does a great job of refreshing the mouth.
A delicate but complex nose of peony, bergamot, Anjou pear and hard melon transition to a somewhat surprisingly lean mouth flooded with citrus flavors. The nuances of the bouquet are mostly missing on the palate, but this remains a clean and refreshing white.
A delicate but earthy nose shows aromas of hibiscus, pencil lead, sagebrush and bay leaf. The palate packs a bright vibrancy, showing flavors of tart cranberry, crushed black pepper, clove, more sagebrush and juniper. This is action-packed but lightly framed.
A delicate cherry blossom perfume persists throughout Hazlitt's Rieslings this vintage, and it's especially noticeable in the Homestead Reserve. While off dry in style, it's intensely mineral with a lemon-lime zing that reverberates on the finish.
A delicate dusting mineral accents notes of pressed apples, wildflowers and peach on this dry but intensely fruity Riesling. Tart tangerine and pineapple flavors add a vivacious tartness that lingers long on the finish.
A delicate expression of power and beauty, this conveys kirsch cherry, wet stone and high-toned minerality. Round and easy to love, it offers a subtle streak of tannin and tight, integrated oak, finishing in dark chocolate and orange.
A delicate feline note accents the fresh herb, green gooseberry and lemon-rind aromas of this wine. The mouthfeel starts off round, but is quickly lifted by medium acidity to produce a brisk palate with flavors of lemon and tart green berries. The finish is lifted and somewhat sharp, but clean and refreshing.
A delicate firmness opens the bouquet of this elegant Barolo, with delicate aromas of wild berry, cola and licorice that come together as one. The palate delivers intensity and staying power. Drink after 2018.
A delicate floral fragrance of Spanish broom comes with a whiff of pear. The vibrant palate offers green apple, citrus and just a hint of bitter almond on the crisp finish.
A delicate floral fragrance of white flower, pear, citrus, hay and a hint of beeswax and Mediterranean herb lead the nose. The palate is polished and bright, showing green apple, citrus and mineral alongside fresh acidity.
A delicate floral perfume mingles with apple and lemon aromas that carry through to the palate. Lusciously ripe, with flavors of white peach and yellow cherry, it's brightened by soft pink-grapefruit acidity. Drink now.
A delicate floral scent mingles with cinnamon, vanilla and red cherry fruit in this wine. The palate is sprightly, translucent and fresh yet characterised by lots of rich oak spice. Wait for this to integrate. Drink 2019–2023.
A delicate fragrance of white spring flower, orchard fruit and a hint of light baking spice lead the way. Boasting copper-colored reflections, the lithe palate shows off crisp green apple, nectarine and a mineral note buoyed by racy acidity.
A delicate honeycomb flavor fringes pleasant apple and white flower notes on this dry, refreshing Tokaji blend. Lemony acidity adds structure and length to the finish. This is good introduction to Tokaji for those who prefer a dry style.
A delicate nose of red plum, cherry, smoke and spice lead into a similar palate that is met with black olive and fig. The oak spice is prevalent, so the fruit is pushed to the background. Pair with barbeque.
A delicate salmon pink, this offers light scents and flavors of rose water and strawberries. There's plenty of juicy acidity, and the low alcohol makes it great for sipping chilled in hot weather.
A delicate spray of violet lingers from start to finish on this lively Pinot Noir, melding into flavors of red cherries and berries, toast and granite. Brisk in acidity yet supple in tannins and mouthfeel, it's an elegant, nuanced wine that may surprise Pinot Noir drinkers outside of Germany.
A delicate streak of honeycomb gilds layers of yellow peaches, apples and tangerines in this off-dry Riesling. Its concentrated fruitiness is lip smacking, but it's also quite elegant, reverberating long on a steely strike of acidity and minerality. Drink now through 2020.
A delicate wine that is completely ready to drink and needs to be consumed now before it ages further. The fruit has developed a secondary, animal character, the tannins starting to dominate with their dryness.
A delicate, almost fragile wine, this opens with tart fruit flavors of strawberry and red plum. There's more than enough acidity, smooth tannins, and a graceful flow to the wine, ending with a light dusting of cocoa.
A delicate, classically textured white wine, this is a pure combination of apricot and lemon fruits with crisp, delicious acidity despite the wood aging. A great success in its restrained style, this should age well.
A delicate, crisp, very pure wine. It has perfumes of white flowers, which continue with the addition of ripe pear and lime. Crisp at the end, for drinking now, but also keep until 2017.
A delicate, floral white, this offers immediate aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle that accent the white melon and apple fruit tones. The linear palate is well cut with laser-like precision through the green plum and apple flavors, followed by a kiss of toast on finish.
A delicate, lacy style of Pinot Noir, with pretty rhubarb-like herbal shadings to the cranberry and strawberry fruit, extremely supple tannins and hints of cocoa and coffee on the abbreviated finish. Drink now.
A delicate, perfumed wine, it has aromas of white flowers and soft acidity. Citrus fruitiness is balanced by the floral character, giving a wine that is fresh, fragrant and ready to drink.
A delicately balanced Prosecco with a touch of white pepper and dried herbs that make a pretty frame to peach cream aromas. The wine has a fine point of sweetness in the mouth and would pair well with Thai curry dishes.
A delicately fruity, fresh wine, this is very refreshing with its crisp acidity and citrus flavors. It's linear in focus with a lively, light aftertaste. It's ready to drink.
A delicately perfumed, full-feeling wine with bright spice and apricot and white peach fruits. It has hints of honey, almonds as well as crisp acidity that cuts through the natural ripeness of the wine. Drink from 2014.
A delicately structured, low-alcohol Pinot from the Sonoma Coast that shows winemaker Ehren Jordan's increasing fascination with this part of Sonoma County. The wine is light in texture, with savory wild cherry, licorice, sweet tobacco, mocha, bacon and spice flavors. That sounds like a wild assortment,  but somehow it all comes together, in a wine of singular focus and discernment. Drink now–2020.
A delicious and compelling Riesling that intrigues from the get-go with soft aromas of rose petals, tea and honey. It's a sweet wine, but impeccably balanced with juicy natural acidity, so the tension is perfect and balanced. This is Oregon Riesling at its Germanic finest.
A delicious and interesting white wine, made from a variety more usually used for blending purposes. It's honey-rich but dry, similar in structure to an oaky Chardonnay, with tropical fruit and vanilla flavors that have a pleasant touch of bitterness.
A delicious and refreshing white made with 70% Muscat Ottonel, 15% Chardonnay and 15% Viognier. Very aromatic on the nose with notes of sweet pea florals, lilac, lychee, ripe pear and fresh orange slices. The palate is medium weight but vibrant, with more ripe tropical fruit unfolding in the mouth and on the finish. A different but excellent option as an apéritif to pair with spicy appetizers.
A delicious apple flavored wine, fruity-crisp and packed with lively acidity. It has a fine, light mousse, smoothly textured and with lively, perfumed final acidity. Drink now.
A delicious aroma of creamed apple wafts from this wine, which has notes of tropical fruit, mango and ripe pear. It is opulent and rounded, with just the right amount of balancing acidity. Screwcap.
A delicious aromatic range of smoked meats, spicy strawberries and cinnamon-laced churros introduce this wine from one of the appellation's most promising vineyards. Red fruits and brown spice power the palate, with noticeable tannins and a good wash of acid on the finish.
A delicious array of aromas leap from this blend of 32% Mourvèdre, 8% Counoise, 20% Grenache and 20% Syrah: black cherry, cola just poured on ice, roasted game, Dr Pepper, black cardamom, roast beef char and sandalwood. The palate is all about peppered pork, with chopped oregano, thyme, rosemary and marjoram keeping it complex.
A delicious blend of 55% Cabernet Franc, 27% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of Petit Verdot opens with aromas of concentrated black plum, blackberry, blue flowers and a whiff of leather. The juicy palate doles out fleshy black cherries, crushed raspberries, white pepper, clove and grilled herb while velvety tannins provide the framework. A licorice note marks the close.
A delicious blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, this opens with earthy aromas of freshly turned soil, black fruit and underbrush. The palate delivers flavors of juicy plum and black cherry, all laced with tobacco, clove and nutmeg and presented in a brooding but read-to-enjoy style.
A delicious blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, this delivers flavors of juicy Golden Delicious apple, lemon drop, nectarine and candied ginger. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy palate.
A delicious bone dry rosé, so fresh and lively with its vivid acidity lightening up the red fruits and offering great accompaniment to so many dishes.
A delicious Cab, polished and supple, with ripe black and red currant, raspberry, violet, cedar and mocha flavors. Feels soft and velvety in the mouth. Drink now.
A delicious Cabernet loaded with black currant and plum complemented by hints of pepper and mocha. The medium body and appropriately gripping tannins give way to a solid, lingering finish, making this a suitable companion to most meat and game dishes.
A delicious caramel slick accents crisp tangerine and apple flavors in this fun, fizzy Riesling sparkling. It's delicately frothy and briskly composed, finishing with lingering touches of saffron and honey.
A delicious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend from coolly grown Mendocino grapes that is equal parts golden apple and honey in both aroma and flavor. Creamy from full malolactic fermentation, this sparkler is full-bodied and plenty fruity with a caramel, vanilla tone on the finish. Will pair well with creamy, full-bodied foods.
A delicious Chardonnay made in the California style of ripeness. It's fortunately balanced with acidity, which balances the sweet pineapple and honey flavors, but needs to be a bit drier.
A delicious Chardonnay, ripe and distinctly Californian. Shows sun-inspired tropical fruit flavors, brightened by Santa Maria acidity, with a sweet tasting oak finish. The wine was made by the talented local winemaker, Joshua Klapper, from La Fenêtre.
A delicious citric-dominated wine, very fresh, with a great apple skin texture, bright aciidty and crisp white fruits. It dances easily, lightly, ready to drink now.
A delicious expression of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this opens with enticing aromas of fragrant purple flower, ripe red berry and sweet baking spice. The silky, vibrant palate doles out juicy wild cherry, black raspberry, clove and licorice while sleek tannins and bright acidity provide the framework. A tobacco note signals the close. Drink through 2018.
A delicious expression of Sagrantino, this delivers soft tones of chocolate, exotic spice and toasted nut, lavished over a core of bright cherry and blackberry. The wine shows density and power with characteristic tannic firmness on the close.
A delicious food rosé, rich and rounded with a good structure and a bite of acidity. Red apple and pink grapefruit complement the sweeter berry fruits. The extra year of aging before release has brought some sophistication.
A delicious fruit bomb, this has all the jammy goodness of blackberry syrup, with just enough tannin and acidity to keep it from being sweet. Smooth on the palate, it's full-bodied, uncomplicated and tasty.
A delicious Grenache sourced from Mendocino's Eaglepoint Vineyards, a high-elevation, cool-climate site with a peppery opening note that extends itself through dense chewy tannins and the bright fruitiness and inviting aromatics we all love about Grenache. A very nice bottle of wine with great backbone and depth that should age another 5–10 years.
A delicious lemon meringue aroma carries over to the flavors of this opulent, buttery, and plush-textured wine. It's layered, creamy and concentrated but has medium body and doesn't feel heavy. The finish is rich and sweet-seeming.
A delicious Merlot, drily tannic and rich in blackberries, cherries and chocolate. Nearly as good as the winery's much more expensive Reserve. Great with grilled steak with sautéed mushrooms.
A delicious nose combines smoky oregano, thyme, marjoram, mushroom and cherry aromas on this wine from a former race-car driver. The palate jumps on the palate with glee, showing botanical flavors of juniper, eucalyptus and peppercorn, laid across a brambleberry backbone.
A delicious Pinot Noir to drink now with upscale fare. It's very fruity, offering a burst of raspberries and cherries, together with a coat of sweet, smoky oak. But crisp acidity and smooth, silky tannins provide a balanced structure.
A delicious Pinot Noir, a bit one-dimensional, but that dimension is a gorgeous one to explore. It's all about flavor, in the way of raspberry and cherry pie filling, vanilla, cinnamon spice, buttered toast and sandalwood. Defines the easy style of well-grown coastal Pinot.
A delicious Pinot Noir, made in the light, forward style that's so popular today. Drink it now for the silky lushness of the raspberry and cherry jam, sweet toasted oak and cinnamon spice flavors.
A delicious Pinot Noir. Set it beside more expensive bottlings and it stands up well. Silky and rich, with raspberry and cherry purée, cola, sweet vanilla and sandalwood flavors, and a long, spicy finish. Production was 26,000 cases.
A delicious rosato made from the hearty Montepulciano grape, this opens with pretty aromas of garden flower, wild berry, dried mint and white almond. This is crisp, fresh and would pair with fried calamari rings.
A delicious Sauv Blanc from one of the coolest areas of South Africa, it takes a while for this wine to fully express itself. Green pepper and grass start on the nose, but then subside to allow green fig, lime rind and tart tropical fruit accents to unfold. Balanced and refreshing, with a fynbos herb note that remains through the long finish, almost like fresh hops.
A delicious Sauvignon Blanc, barrel fermented in some new oak. It's elaborate in kiwi, orange, pear and honeydew melon flavors, yet crisp acidity and a firm minerality provide balance. Drinks better at room temperature, like a red wine.
A delicious Sauvignon Blanc, really fine. It showcases how well this cool little corner of Monterey County, with its stony soils, ripens white wines. Brisk in acidity and laden with minerals, it offers rich flavors of citrus fruits, white flowers, white currants and spices.
A delicious Sauvignon Blanc. Make it drier, and it would be perfect. As it is, it's a little too sugary sweet in pineapples, lemons and oranges, but crisp acidity and a firm minerality help to restore balance.
A delicious shot of citrusy acidity makes this a wine of great freshness. At the same time, the wood-derived flavors add some richness and a spice note. Let this intense effort age for another couple of years.
A delicious Syrah in the classic mold of Columbia Valley fruit. Solid and sappy, it's a mouthful of bright berry flavors, penetrating into layers of licorice, coffee and chocolate. The liquorous finish is rich and balanced, with a hint of heat.
A delicious Talley Rincon, showing the class of this vineyard. Maybe not the best vintage, lacking some elegance, but the wine is ultrarich and full-bodied, with massive raspberry and cherry flavors. Drink soon.
A delicious though somewhat reserved wine with notes of lychee, honey, sugared pineapple and mint. It's rich in feel with abundant marmalade flavors, while staying well balanced and never going too over the top.
A delicious vintage of Grand Vin, this wine shows great depth and drinkability now with the promise to age gracefully for at least another five years thanks to a ripe fruit center, medium acidity, structured tannins and superb overall balance. Black fruit and leathery spice dominate, with additional notes of black tea, licorice root, cassis and espresso grinds all fleshing out the complex and layered palate.
A delicious Volnay, all warm fruits and sweet tannins. The wine is soft as well as juicy, enjoying ripe cherry and red plum juice flavors. The tannins and acidity give a gentle boost. Drink now, or age for 3–4 years.
A delicious wine and very much the model for value in Spanish Garnacha. That this has 25% Tempranillo only seems to make it better; the nose is sweet but full and plummy. The palate is pure, flavorful and sweet, with baked cherry, earthiness and a hint of chocolate. A wine to buy in quantity, i.e. by the case.
A delicious wine that steers a wonderful path between crisp, mineral acidity and opulent white and yellow fruits. There is a sense of style and poise here, acidity slipping neatly into the ripe fruit. It has aging potential for 5–6 years, probably more.
A delicious wine whose richness is matched by great texture and big, juicy fruits. It has plenty of tannins, but they meld easily into the rich ripe fruits, leaving a wine with a structure that offers considerable potential.
A delicious wine with all the roundness and style of a Chambolle. The texture is soft, but given a firm cushion of tannins and vanilla from the wood aging. Given 2–3 years, this will be a lovely wine.
A delicious wine, so fruity. It does have the proper tannins but it is a wine that is already approachable with its sweet fruits—a pleasure to taste. However, for the future, watch those tannins.
A delicious wine, the Chenin Blanc giving both mineral and spice flavors, contrasting with the richer Chardonnay. Apricot and sweet melon flavors are supported by a fine, surprisingly complex structure. Fresh currants mark the refreshing finish.
A delicious wine, very ripe while having great style. It packs concentrated red berry fruits into a textured package that shows acidity, vanilla and final spice.
A delicious Zinfandel, one of Fritz's best in years. It shows Zin's robust, briary character, with a peppery, brambly mouthfeel. Yet the long, cool vintage has resulted in sweetly ripe flavors of wild berries.
A delicious, balanced Pinot Noir. Shows dry, pure flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola and sandalwood, with a delicious, drink-me-now appeal.
A delicious, beautifully aged tawny-style dessert wine, this rarity is sweet and fortified with alcohol, and also superbly well balanced. A diverse palette of flavors includes toffee, coffee, sweet prune, toasted almonds and chocolate. Supportive tannins and acidity keep the texture lively and the finish lingering.
A delicious, classic Barbera with a dense core of rich black cherry and spice balanced by fresh acidity. Well made, with a long, clean finish, this is a perfect match for barbecued meats.
A delicious, complex Merlot, although all the parts haven't come together and it needs time in the cellar. It's extraordinarily rich in oak-inspired black cherries, red currants, violets, cocoa, spices and sweet sandalwood, and it should develop nuance and bottle bouquet after 2012.
A delicious, creamy, fresh and light apéritif style of wine, white fruits just touched with spice and a soft, open, approachable texture. From an estate in the Entre-deux-Mers, this is great value Bordeaux.
A delicious, crisp and fruity wine that's textured with minerality and a tang of lemon zest. On the palate a raspberry flavor dominates, with layers of acidity and a lively, bright aftertaste.
A delicious, crisp wine, with great bitter cherry and wild strawberry flavors and a high-definition streak of acidity. A great summer drink, but also for food.
A delicious, easy-drinking Pinot Noir for everyday, at a good price. It has raspberry tutti-fruity flavors with lots of vanilla and spice.
A delicious, easy wine to drink now. It's soft and fruity, with lots of candied raspberries, blackberries, anise, cocoa and spices. The wine is a tribute to the Braceros, Mexicans who were invited to California to work the fields during World War II.
A delicious, full, creamy wine, the mousse just filling the mouth. It is well balanced, some toasty fruits going with the flavors of grapefruit and apricot. The wine has an impressively taut texture, bringing the promise of some aging potential.
A delicious, mature Champagne, probably Jacquart's best release. The initial youthful softness has been transformed into a rich, toasty, aromatic wine, with a ripe, but crisp finish. It is now in perfect condition.
A delicious, mineral structured wine, very pure. The acidity is a great layer going through the textured white fruits, the wood just there as a subtle support.
A delicious, refreshingly crisp wine, this has an excellent balance between acidity and bright apple fruits. In the background, the wood aging and vanilla flavors give an extra dimension. Drink now.
A delicious, ripe Chardonnay, fermented in stainless steel, and keeping all the freshness of the fruit. White currant flavors, flowers and subtle aromas give this wine elegance and great drinking pleasure.
A delicious, savory nose of marinated beef, basil, chopped herbs and spice give this Merlot an enticing start. On the palate it's a chewy, earthy red with blasamic and pepper accents. A very interesting wine with solo sipping appeal, though pair with duck or a steak for added appeal.
A delicious, smooth, ripe wine, almost lush with its opulent tannins and juicy raspberry fruits. There is just a core of firmness inside all this softness, but this remains an instantly attractive wine.
A delicious, wood-aged wine that balances its toast and vanilla flavors with crisp acidity, and notes of citrus and pear. It's a bright, taut, nervy offering with a strong minerally texture.
A deliciously  crisp and fresh wine with some good concentrated fruit, but more attractive acidity. There is just a hint of spice, but freshness is what this wine is all about.
A deliciously black currant-flavored wine, with juicy fruit, plum skins and spice over the firm tannins. Great balance already shows through; a finely poised wine.
A deliciously complex Chardonnay, nearly as good as the winery's single-vineyard wines, which makes it a great value. Smooth and clean, it shows vanilla cream, pineapple tart, Key lime pie and buttered toast flavors. Vibrant acidity keeps it all uplifted and bright.
A deliciously creamy wine, shining with apple and grapefruit flavors. The wine is light, bright, softly textured and hinting at wood aging, while displaying a more steely line of tight acidity at the end.
A deliciously crisp wine, the acidity streaking through the red berry fruits leaving a refreshing character that balances the touch of spice. Fresh, fruity and ready to drink.
A deliciously delicate TBA, it has all the right sweetness, but balances that with acidity, ripe pineapple and dried peach. Extra complexity comes from some honey and lemon freshness.
A deliciously drinkable Pinot for drinking now with a great steak. Shows the good acidity of Carneros, with a light silky mouthfeel and ripe wild cherry, red currant, rose petal and white pepper flavors, accented with smoky, caramelized oak barrels.
A deliciously dry wine, evoking flavors of crisp green-apple skins and white currants; this is elegant despite its weight and body. It has freshness, certainly, and needs some bottle age. The style is ripe, but the dryness gives some opening austerity.
A deliciously fragrant, fresh wine, bright and lively. It has intense, tangy acidity that cuts right through red currant and raspberry fruit flavors. Ready to go now. Screwcap.
A deliciously fresh and lively Kosher white blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Riesling and 10% Colombard, offering vibrant aromas and flavors of ripe tropical fruit, key lime and a touch of fresh cut grass. Well balanced with subtle sweetness and crisp acidity.
A deliciously fresh and soft young wine, it is just off dry: really more light and crisp. Lemon and tight citrus flavors are lifted by a prickle on the tongue. This is a perfect summer drink.
A deliciously fresh wine, the bright acidity coming from green fruit and peaches. A creamy character adds a sense of roundness, but there is a crisp, taut aftertaste.
A deliciously fruity rosé, brimming with smiling red-berry flavors and enhanced by a lime-like tang. It is just what a light summer rosé should be. Screwcap.
A deliciously fruity wine, its bright apricot, pineapple and peach flavors open and generous. Of course, there is a more serious core of structure, lemon zest and dryness to promise aging. At the end, though, fruit and a light toastiness give immediate pleasure.
A deliciously fruity wine, with flavors of pear, quince and sultanas in a full, ripe sauce. Rich, with good concentration, worth aging for 3–4 years.
A deliciously light, bright wine that hits the mark year after year, this cool-climate offering is fresh in zingy acidity and juicy flavors of grapefruit, strawberry and lime. The acidity buoys the experience from first sip to last, backed by enough body to remain in balance. This wine is fermented like a white wine without skin or seed contact.
A deliciously light, fresh rosé, its crisp raspberry flavors enhanced by acidity. The finish is a full burst of fruit salad.
A deliciously likeable Pinot Noir, sweet as a raspberry crumble pie, yet with qualities of mushrooms, minerals and something formidable from the earth that give it great complexity. The winemaker, Drake Whitcraft, has kept the alcohol to a relatively low 13.4% by volume, so the wine feels light and airy. Yet it possesses great seriousness. The vineyard is within a touchdown pass of the Santa Rita Hills boundary. Drink now–2020.
A deliciously priced blend of 60% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah and 27% Grenache that'll be tricky to ask for by name but is worth the effort to find and share. This blend shows off brooding dark dollops of spicy fruit, herb and tobacco that are tenaciously balanced by the cherry tones from the Grenache. A fun wine to pass around at parties and barbecues.
A deliciously rich and spicy wine, very much in the style of the new Douro wines, softly perfumed, with black plums, sweet and dusty tannins, only a hint of dryness. The wine is balanced, with great fruit and acidity to go with the structure.
A deliciously rich wine, this is full of ripe fruit and rich wood and spice flavors. It is generous, layering peach and pear fruitiness cut with acidity. A tangy edge gives the wine an attractive bite. Drink now.
A deliciously rich, sweet and youthfully fruity wine that has an opulent feel to it. There is a juicy element, with fresh acidity, but most of the character comes from the ripe fruit, the jelly character and the sweet tannins. It needs more bottle age.
A deliciously ripe and soft wine, this is also fruity and with a fine tang of clementine. There is a refreshing side to the red-currant fruitiness and intense acidity. It is lightly perfumed and finished with a touch of pepper. Drink now.
A deliciously ripe wine, all structure, intense black plum fruits, and sweet licorice and tar flavors. Bringing all these great flavors together are the fresh edge, the tannins and the dense fruits.
A deliciously satisfying wood-aged Port. It has an intense fruitiness, with layers of acidity and oxidated notes. It's concentrated, yet shows lightness and poise.
A deliciously savory wine, brisk in lip-smacking acidity, with the strong, pure flavors of limes, Meyer lemons and kiwi fruits that mark this cool climate region of San Luis Obispo County. Pretty much as good as Edna Valley Chardonnay gets. Drink now.
A deliciously soft, smoky wine, the tannins a hint behind the rounded fresh berry and red-plum fruits. There is a great juicy character to go with the fresh acidity and the final, drier structure.
A delight to drink, with bright cherry and cola flavors nuanced with earthier tones of tobacco, rosehip tea and anise. The way the wine feels in the mouth is beautiful, all silk and satin. This balanced Pinot Noir defines elegance, and should improve for a few years.
A delightful bistro wine from a producer who's specialized in Rhône-style wines for decades. It's dry, with pleasant raspberry, strawberry, orange zest, vanilla and spice flavors, wrapped into the silky texture of a fine Pinot Noir.
A delightful blend of cracked black pepper, blackberries and hung game aromas lead into a surprisingly plush mouthfeel that's laden with cherry and berry fruit. The finish blends in some dark coffee flavors for extra complexity.
A delightful bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with notes of pink grapefruit, lime zest, and medley of fresh herbs. What the palate lacks in terms of fruit concentration it makes up for with a fine zip of acidity.
A delightful bottle with notes of stone fruit, buttered popcorn and toasty spice. It's light in style, displaying both nuance and delicacy, with enough acidity to keep it all in vivid focus.
A delightful bottle, this fruit-packed Gamay has more stuffing and sweetness than most of the Oregon Pinots from 2007. Plums, cherries and black currants ramble through the mouth, running into some fairly stiff, chewy tannins. This is a sturdy, immediately drinkable, thoroughly enjoyable quaffer.
A delightful citrus scent intrigues, suggesting yuzu or mandarin. The palate is richer and introduces notions of earth and that pithy, phenolic edge of serious Grüner Veltliner. The initial citrus on the nose returns with redoubled force on the streamlined, fresh and still tightly closed palate. Give this time to unwind, so that the fruit can fully express itself. The deliciously green- and orange-tinged finish promises everything. Drink from 2017.
A delightful dessert wine, it carries a fruity fragrance of peach and tropical fruit. The frothy palate shows sweet peach and green melon accented with hints of sage. It finishes on a refreshing note. Pair this with sorbet or fruit tarts.
A delightful Pinot Grigio, perfect for drinking as an appetizer wine, or with anything from fried chicken to Vietnamese pho. It's crisp in acidity, which gives a balanced structure to the ripe lime, apple and peach fruit flavors.
A delightful Pinot Noir for drinking now. It's opulent in raspberries, cherries and peppery spices, overlaid with sweet, toasty oak. Crisp, zippy acidity makes the finish clean and bright.
A delightful Riesling, sweetly aromatic, and balanced with some residual sugar. It has well-crafted flavors of pear and vanilla.
A delightful rosé sparkler, rich in raspberry, cherry and toasty, yeasty flavors, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a honey-sweet finish. Made from Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Gamay and Chenin Blanc, it's a super value at this price.
A delightful southern Rhône-style wine for drinking now. It's juicy and fruity in cherries, red currants, bacon, spices and herbs, with a complex structure of acids and tannins. Easy to drink and upscale at the same time.
A delightful spray of cherry blossoms meanders from nose to finish in this standout Pinot Noir sparkling. Elegantly mouthfilling, it showcases whisper-soft cherry and plum flavors against a dazzling backbone of acidity and minerality. Grace and power synchronize through a long, long finish.
A delightful wine made from this increasingly popular variety, and a great followup to the 2009. Bright acidity frames fresh flavors of oranges, white flowers especially gardenias, and cinnamon. The finish is rich in honey, but somehow manages to be totally dry.
A delightful wine, clean and versatile at the table, that's a cross between a rich Chardonnay and a zesty Pinot Gris. Bone dry, it displays crisp flavors of Meyer lemons, limes, tangerines and pears, enriched with a touch of buttercream and vanilla.
A delightful wine, one of Justin's best in quite some time. The blend is Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and fruit is the star, in the form of ripe, lush blackberries and currants. You'll also find complex notes of grilled meats, chocolate, herbs and spices, wrapped into a perfectly soft, delectable texture. Drink now–2015.
A delightful wine, softly round and mellow, with flavors of apricots, peaches, limes, honey and minerals that are accented with just-in-time acidity.
A delightful wine, with violet and berry aromas followed by bright, crunchy red-fruit flavors. A hint of nutmeg adds interest to the palate. This is simple, but well made and fresh. Pair it with pizza or pasta.
A delightful, dry, citrusy Gewürztraminer, with a mix of dried rind and lightly candied fruit flavors. Lemon-lime and tangerine, a wash of rose water, and a balanced, elegant style, mark this as special.
A delightful, light, strawberry wine. It has a bright, bubbly character and acidity that gives extra life to this classic apéritif wine. There is just a hint of softness from the fruit to finish.
A delightful, simple sipper with apricot, peach and pepper with a touch of honey that finishes a bit sweet.
A delightfully clean and fruity wine, the epitome of Provence rosé. It has fresh acidity, crisp lemon and red currant fruit and just a light sprinkling of spice.
A delightfully easy-drinking Petite Sirah with cherry fruit and licorice overriding a subtle note of tobacco. Drink now.
A delightfully elegant wine, the majority of it Merlot, this exudes cassis, pomegranate and cedar. Soft, refined tannins make it a pleasure to enjoy, made from a minuscule single-barrel lot, the grapes sourced from the hillsides of Carneros. It finishes in a refinement of dark milk chocolate.
A delightfully light, crisp and well-rounded expression of the variety—aged in stainless steel—this has a beginning, middle and end, all well defined. The bouquet is part lime and part mint and cilantro, while the middle traffics in peach. The finish accents the acidity that's been there all along, refreshing and well balanced.
A delightfully memorable blend of 76% Sémillon and 24% Sauvignon Blanc, this is a lithe, crisp and medium-bodied experience. The grapes were organically grown, whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel. It shines in Meyer lemon and wet stone, just a hint of creamy tropical fervor bubbling beneath the surface.
A demanding, pushy wine with few rewards. The nose is aggressive with aromas of shoe polish, coffee and gamy fruit, and the palate turns jumpy and more acidic as it opens. Rough and tumble, yet concentrated. Imported by Orvino Imports.
A dense and extracted expression of Barbera, with concentrated black fruit and citrusy sensations as well as a funky undercurrents of animal and smoke.
A dense and rich, jammy Merlot that is full of black fruit and has an ultra-ripe feel. It is hardly Bordeaux, but it does hold attraction with its rich, full fruits and dense tannins. A smoke and bitter chocolate aftertaste suggests some firm extraction.
A dense and ripe style of Cab with smoky blackberry, chocolate, cassis and spice aromas. The palate is weighty and tannic, with herb, pepper, licorice and dark spice flavors coming with more standard plum and cassis. Spicy and a bit hot on the finish. Contains 13% Malbec and a touch of Carmenère.
A dense and serious wine, layering acidity with tight tannins. Under this surface firmness, the red-berry fruit is sumptuous with great juicy freshness. It is a great bringing together of structure, roundness and lively acidity.
A dense and seriously concentrated wine, this comes from a small parcel of vines that are densely planted with 6,666 vines per hectare (2,600 per acre). Black fruits dominate the powerful dusty tannins while licorice and dark chocolate flavors come from behind. It is a wine to age for many years. Drink from 2022.
A dense bouquet of dark cherries, plum, earth, meat and subtle tobacco pulls you in. It is big in the mouth, yet never brutish, with lovely depth of fruit flavor, earthy accents and great texture. The fine, long finish has even, dry tannins. Seductively accessible, this world class wine will age well for 6–12 years or longer.
A dense nose of leathery violets and heavy blackberries promise a heady sipper on this wine by San Jose-based Adam Comartin. It is indeed rich on the palate, with flavors or strawberry and cranberry juice, all cut but a clove-powered spice that manages to keep the thicker wine rather light on its feet.
A dense purple color, with jammy, grapy fruit. Plenty of extraction, yielding a grapy, fruity wine with a little bit of fizz to it. The wine promises more depth than it delivers; the finish falls off quickly and feels flat.
A dense thicket of dark chocolate is prominent in this wine, alongside black raspberry and blackberry. Dried herb and pencil shavings also make their way through midpalate, atop a soft, approachable texture and full body.
A dense vanilla-bean character coats a nose of seared white peach and toasted nuts. The palate features thick, ripe fruits, preserved lemon, a touch of walnut and a rocky grip.
A dense wine that is showing signs of heavy extraction, with dark chocolate and bitter flavors. In a vintage with crisp fruitiness being the defining factor, it is a bit of a shame. The dark edge needs to mellow before the wine can balance out.
A dense wine that is structured and concentrated, it has black fruits and dusty tannins under juicy acidity. With hints of the wood aging and fine berry fruits, the wine will be ready to drink from 2017.
A dense wine whose tannins initially overwhelm, but then blend more easily into its ripe black-plum core, which is laced with intense acidity. The wine is concentrated and very compact; a wine to age over the next 3–4 years.
A dense wine with great spicy fruit, open and generous. This is a wine that feels powerful, structured and concentrated. It needs aging for at least 3–4 years.
A dense wine with the tannins and structure to go with the density. It is concentrated with great swathes of black plum and spice flavors, shot through with acidity. Made with wild yeast and without carbonic maceration, this is a wine for serious aging. Drink from 2019.
A dense wine, from one of the landmark chateaus of Listrac. It is a little rough around the edges at this stage, but wait for the chunky tannins to soften and the black plum fruits to come forward.
A dense wine, its tannins firmly in place. It shows ripe red berry fruits, firm structure and rich, juicy fruit. Powered by its tannins, it will remain a firm wine for 2–3 years.
A dense wine, powerful while also elegant. It shows all the best character of a grand Margaux, with fine tannins as well as dense structure. It will age well.
A dense wine, rich and smooth for a Nuits-St-Georges, full of ripe red fruits, dark cherries and acidity that almost gives the wine a fresh character. Behind this fruitiness is a more solid, dark structure of tannins that will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2018.
A dense wine, the wood just showing at this stage through its dark tannins and superb rich fruit. The wine is ripe, with a density of tannins that go right down deep. Big and powerful.
A dense wine, very much in the line of powerful wines from Haut-Bailly. Flavors of bitter chocolate, sweet berry fruits and richness are dominant, the acidity a fine balancing act to give a burst of freshness.
A dense wine, with black fruits that go in one direction, and tannins that go in another. Maybe this is because it's young. There is some good, ripe acidity and blackberry flavors, so in six months, this may well integrate.
A dense, almost heavy wine, with smoky, licorice flavors that dominate the fruit. It is firm, big, solid, the sort of wine that demands attention with its concentration and powered structure. It may need time for aging, but already the power and weight are there.
A dense, baked, raisiny nose is ultra ripe but also a bit flabby and damp-smelling. A big, grabby mouth-filler, this offers baked, oaky flavors of blackberry, fig and chocolate, finishing with lingering chocolate and prune. Drink this chunky, superripe Priorat sooner rather than later.
A dense, beautifully structured wine. It shows intense, ripe fruit with balanced acidity. It's the fine tannins that give it such class, surrounding the fruit, promising long aging. This is a classic for Léoville-Barton.
A dense, bombshell of a blend, this is comprised of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. This tannic beast is somewhat reduced and chewy, committed entirely to meat, tobacco and leathery flavor.
A dense, dark-colored wine, this reveals the full power of Tannat's tannins. It also has tarry black-fruit and licorice flavors, with a foursquare chunky character. It's drinkable now, but it will be less stark in 4–5 years.
A dense, dark color and ripe and raisinated black fruit aromas welcome one into this multi-vineyard Rioja. On the palate, it's loaded with berry and vanilla flavors, its textured finish showing a hint of toast. Drink through 2021.
A dense, firm selection, this has layers of red fruits and acids that help to give the wine's skeleton some flesh. This is likely to develop into a rich, but always firm, wine.
A dense, full-bodied red, this opens with aromas of blackberry jam, vanilla, oak and a whiff of herbs. The robust palate delivers fleshy black cherry, cracked black pepper, licorice and tobacco alongside velvety tannins. You'll also the notice the heat of evident alcohol, especially on the close, which throws it somewhat off-balance.
A dense, immense, solidly powerful wine. The ripest fruit overflows, paralleling the dark, solid tannins. As so often, Lynch-Bages is a blockbuster, dark and concentrated, with immense aging potential.
A dense, juicy wine, with blackberry flavors right up front. The wine has weight, well-integrated tannins, firmness and structure. Drink from 2015.
A dense, leathery, richly stylized wine from a great vineyard site, this offers thick layers of dark chocolate, blueberry and plum. Integrated in terms of oak and tannin, it delivers concentration and power, capped off on the finish in a shot of cigar.
A dense, rich wine, showing layers of black plum and berry fruits, topped with dry tannins and ripe acidity. This is a firm wine that shows good richness and balance, the wood element present but already well integrated.
A dense, slightly raisiny nose indicates ripeness, but the palate on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carmenere and Petit Verdot is healthy and not overly heavy. Creamy, oak-infused flavors of plum and berry are uncomplicated and balanced, while pastry, vanilla and berry fruits grace a long, harmonious finish. Drink through 2015.
A dense, smooth and opulent wine bursting with ripe Cabernet Sauvignon flavors. It's regal and well structured, balancing the natural exuberance of Mouton with a more severe side. This is a wine with power, yet not without its charms from the fruitiness and final acidity. This great wine will age many, many years.
A dense, solid wine that's packed with ripe fruit, concentrated tannins and layers of spice, acidity and toast. This is a classic St.-Estèphe style, firm when young and likely to develop slowly and satisfyingly. Give this wine at least six years.
A dense, sumptuously structured wine that is full both of tannins and juicy fruit. Black plum, layers of acidity and the lightest hint of wood aging all play a part in this already drinkable wine. It will be better in five years, so wait until 2017.
A dense, tannic and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, this conveys boysenberry and anise among the thick walls of structure and intensity that give this wine full-bodied flavor. Let it open and enjoy with hearty fare.
A dense, wood-aged and tobacco scented wine. It has bramble fruits, red currants and a mineral texture. With layers of acidity as well as firm tannins, it should age well over 4–6 years.
A dense, wood-aged wine, it brings richness, intense fruit and acidity together. It's complex and concentrated, powerfully structured and full of yellow fruits as well as lemon juice, edged with toast. It's a wine for aging, so drink from 2018.
A densely concentrated but unbalanced wine, it opens with aromas of stewed prunes, plum, oak, coconut and espresso. The heavy wood influence carries over to the palate. Black cherry notes are overwhelmed by oak, vanilla extract and coffee bean. Drying wood tannins dominate the finish.
A densely firm wine with fine perfumed fruit. The fruit and acidity ride well with the firm tannins and the restrained wood element. It is well balanced and likely to age for several years.
A densely layered nose shows boysenberry, plum blossoms, mocha, coffee, kola nut and purple flowers. More cola shows on the palate with black cherry, plum-skin tartness and uplifting purple flowers, all presented on smooth tannins.
A densely structured, very mineral-textured wine, this has spice and acidity as well as dark tannins. Black currants lend a juicy acidity that cuts right through the finish. Screwcap.
A densely tannic wine that is showing fine aging potential. It is well endowed with weight, acidity and ripe black currant fruits. With the rich fruit that opens slowly in the mouth, it has a fine combination of sweetness and structure. Age for 5–6 years.
A densely tannic wine, dry with bitter dark cocoa and black fruit flavors. The concentration of fruit and tannin is impressive, and gives considerable complexity of fruit as it powers alongside the dryness. It needs aging for the rough edges to smooth out, probably 2–3 years.
A densely tannic wine, firm at the center and richly fruity on the outside. It is concentrated, with acidity shooting through the jammy black fruit. It's a finely structured wine, likely to age well, but showing its rich side already.
A densely tannic wine, from organic grapes, that is dominated by wood and a very dry texture. The fruit under this is cool, slightly green, with acidity. The wine needs another year's aging.
A densely textured wine, but one with the weight of fruit to sustain the dry core. It is sold, chunky, pulling black berry fruits and plum skins into a good mélange of flavors. It will soften, but will always remain on the firm side. Age for 3–4 years.
A density of grapey plum surrounds dusty, chalky tannins that soften on the palate to further reveal red cherry, anise and soy. The wine possesses a distinct herbaceous character throughout.
A density of honey and caramel washes over this vineyard-designate, a concentrated and viscous expression of the variety. Layered in light waves of lemon, it finishes with a bite of ripe yellow apple and more of that caramel.
A depth of baking spices and cinnamon stick greets the nose and palate with eager abundance, showing off the wine's savory, flirty side. Good acidity helps balance out the powerful concentration and sword's edge of alcohol, before finishing fresh and with length.
A depth of earth and sassafras make for sultry companions in this vineyard designate, marked by heady aromas of roses. Soft and subtle on the palate, with a lightness and elegance, it lingers in pomegranate, raspberry and black tea.
A designation used only when a vintage deserves, this reserve is definitely worthy. Almost a decade after bottling, it offers an intensity of chocolate, cinnamon and clove against soft, mellowed and structured tannin. Dusty sage and a bramble of blackberry complete the picture. It may have another five to seven years of beauty left within, but why wait?
A dessert wine based on 100% Chambourcin, this sports warm flavors of brandied blackberries and pastry spices that also mark the palate, which comes with dusty tannins and a truncated finish.
A detailed wine, with notes of wet slate, apricot and pear alongside high toned spices. It drinks off dry, with ripe stone-fruit flavors balanced by crisp acidity, leading to a lingering finish.
A different breed of blended wine, with earthy aromas of dried cheese, leather, dill and vanilla. The palate is tight and mildly tannic, with sweet cola, roasted berry and earthy tobacco flavors. Not your normal bulky, dark wine; it's complex and based on 85% Garnacha and Carignan.
A different style of Mendoza Malbec (with 30% Merlot), and for the most part it's intriguing and satisfying. For starters, the bouquet is a true bouquet: there's funky spice, cinnamon stick and floral fruit aromas. The palate has some snap and acidic sharpness, but also good blackberry essence. Finishes smoother than up front, with woodspice and pepper coming on strong. Drink now through 2010.
A different vintage from the odd-numbered ones surrounding it, 2014 yielded wines of less ripeness and intensity. Despite that, this is a fine effort, offering overtones of green peppercorns, dried spices and fresh herbs over tart pie-cherry and cranberry fruit. It's taut and focused, silky without being soft. Drink 2020–2030.
A difficult Pinot Noir to evaluate. It's very dry, acidic and tannic, with sharp flavors of blackberries that sweeten into jam on the finish. The question is one of ageability. Try cellaring for five years and see what happens.
A difficult vintage for the winery, and not the most successful Robert Young Chardonnay. But it does show the elegance of the vineyard. Rich in acids and oak, its underlying flavors are of oranges and pineapples. Drink now, not too cold.
A difficult wine to assess. For starters, it's heavily oaked and very dark in aromas; think tar, char and espresso. The palate is narrowly focused and tannic, with dark fruit peeking thru here and there. Finishes sheer, with coffee and bitter chocolate. Could get better with time, or it might never really open up. Needs at least another year in bottle to show its true colors.
A difficult wine to assess. It's so ripe and forward in sweet cherry jam and smoky, caramelized oak that it seems like a mere fruit bomb at first sip. But something about the structure goes well beyond simplicity. Could develop bottle complexity over the years, but it's unpredictable.
A difficult wine to like, as it lacks charm. There's something rustic in the orange marmalade and sugared herb tea flavors that accentuates the tannins and acids, making the finish harsh.
A difficult wine to like. It's not quite ripe, giving a vegetal edge to the modest cherry flavors, and is cuttingly sharp in acids.
A difficult Zinfandel, harsh and scoury in the mouth, with mint, raspberry jelly and black pepper flavors.
A diffuse wine without focus. The tannins and the fruit are some way apart, while the final flavor is dry and tough.
A dilute and scratchy wine that lacks the body and depth of good Cab. Frankly, it's sour, lean and tough, with tart plum and pie cherry flavors. Dry as a bone on the finish.
A dilute wine with a touch of pale cherry fruit. It turns woody on the finish.
A direct-pressed rosé, cotton-candy pink in color, this wine is dry, light and under 13% alcohol. It offers touches of grass and herby minerality, faint swirls of white peach playful on the tongue. Served chilled, this makes for a delightful apéritif to go with oysters on the half shell.
A direct-pressed wine, this has a pretty copper-pink color. It is intense in cranberry and subtle herbes de Provence, with notions of fresh-cut grass and tart Meyer lemon. Young, it needs time in the glass to reveal its complexity and range of flavor. The finish is dry and succulent on the palate.
A direct and appealing wine, with notes of wild strawberry, wet stone, cherry and cranberry. It's fruity and concentrated while still retaining lightness of expression. Drawn out fruit flavors linger on the finish.
A direct and genuine blend of Catarratto (70%) and Chardonnay executed in a highly approachable, easy-drinking style. The wine is cool and refreshing on the palate with good flavor intensity and creamy consistency on the close.
A direct blast of reedy cherry and cassis aromas leads to rough-charging clampy palate with high acidity and hard tannins. This tastes of rooty plum supported by bold acidity, while spice, tomato and a dusting of brown sugar are the closing flavors.
A direct reflection of the 2012 vintage, with notes of wild strawberry, sarsaparilla, clove and cinnamon. The flavors are medium bodied in style, juicy and appealing.
A directly appealing wine with little obvious new oak influence to get in the way of the clean pear and pineapple flavors that are stitched together by just a touch of sweetness.
A directly appealing wine with notes of apple, toast and melon. It's fresh in feel, medium bodied with a good sense of balance throughout and a lingering finish.
A directly appealing wine with notes of peach, tropical fruit and buttered popcorn. It's lightly spritzy, with a creamy feel to the fruit flavors.
A directly appealing wine with notes of peppery spice, stone fruit and citrus zest. It drinks just about dry, with fleshy stone fruit flavors and a good framework of acidity.
A dirty nose spoils this otherwise attractive, easy, crisp Chablis. The palate has some notes of yeast and bright white fruit, with a citrusy finish.
A disagreeable wine, unripe and vegetal, with just a trace of blackberries. Sweet toasty oak adds a little richness.
A disagreeable wine, with so much oak, all you can taste is sugary butterscotch. Too bad, because there's a decent Chardonnay buried beneath.
A disappointing blend of wine sourced from Mornington and Yarra, this is a bit pale in color, with a Sherried edge to the fruit and some astrigency on the finish.
A disappointing effort from a normally reliable producer, this wine shows entirely too many rubbery, chemical aromas and flavors. Some decent strawberry and citrus fruit peeks through on the finish, so it may be worth decanting and seeing if that helps.
A disappointing effort from this normally reliable winery. There's some dark earth and fruit but it's hard to get at under a veil of charred oak, cellar dirt and alcohol. The finish tastes of coffee grounds. The mouthfeel is fine, the flavors just don't come together. —J.C.
A disappointing effort This is earthy and dank, with dark, leathery notes contrasting sharply with bright acids on the finish.
A disappointing release, with tired white-fruit aromas and slightly confected, rubbery flavors. It's a traditional sparkling blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
A disappointing wine, not one of Adelaida's best. The problem isn't just excessive softness, sweetness and heat from high alcohol, it's a vegetative note that mars the blackberries and cherries.
A disappointing wine. Tastes frankly unripe, with a vegetal undertow to the blackberries and cherries. The thinness of fruit accentuates the alcohol which, although only 14.6%, comes through as hot. The grapes came from the cool Coombsville area, and the wine is 100% Cabernet.
A disappointment after the fine 2006 and 2007. Shows some unripe notes alongside overripe flavors, resulting in imbalance. The tannins will probably never age out.
A disappointment after the outstanding 2012, this is a tannic thin wine, with strong accents of mushroom. Much like a simple cru Bordeaux, it's probably best served with grilled meat or burgers.
A disappointment after the rich 2005. They should have declassified this vintage. The wine is dry and sharp, with green, sharp acids and modest berry, currant and herb flavors.
A disappointment. After a string of better vintages, Titus' 2004 Cab had a funky, reduced aroma, and tasted strangely flat and muted, with lots of smoky oak. Tasted twice, with consistent results.
A disjointed Chardonnay, with aromas of apricots, grapefruits, limes and wood. Finishes dry and somewhat sour in acidity.
A disjointed wine with notes of ale and pear. The palate is off dry and oily in feel, with some bitterness on the finish.
A disjointed, out-of-the-box Malbec that starts out peanutty and earthy on the nose. Things round out aromatically, but in the mouth it's angular and edgy, with stunted blackberry flavors offset by tartness. Has its positives but overall it doesn't fully click.
A distant touch of volatility opens the wine, giving it a bright aromatic lift or buoyancy. Although those apple skin aromas could worsen with time, the wine tastes pretty good now thanks to the fresh acidity and its lively, almost nervous personality. Drink immediately.
A distant whiff of rubber or asphalt appears at first, followed by notes of black fruit, cherry, rum cake and licorice. This 70-30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc has a lean but powerful mouthfeel.
A distinct aroma of freshly ground coffee hit the nose on this wine, followed by intriguing wafts of dark chocolate, aged Gouda, soy sauce and Oaxacan mole sauce. The palate is more familiar, with dark flavors of blackberry, black cherry and a touch of mint.
A distinct aromatic notion of rose petals perfumes the nose. The palate is more in keeping with Pinot Blanc's more restrained nature but is light, fresh and appetizing.
A distinct candied sweetness announces itself on the nose, a Jolly Rancher strawberry high-toned ripeness. Beyond that, expect fierce, as yet unresolved, tannins and a peppery finish.
A distinct green streak shines throughout this wine, with aromas of green bean and plantain and flavors of grass and pepper. Light weight but a bit round in the mouth, with a medium-length finish.
A distinct headiness to the gardenia blossoms that perfume this Riesling contrasts with the bright, tropical pineapple, candied fruit and tangerine flavors that dominate in the mouth. A touch of minerality and racy acidity round out the finish.
A distinct late-harvest character pervades this full-bodied Zin, which has very ripe aromas of raisins and prunes, and bold, dried-fruit flavors, too. The texture is smooth and the wine is soft and not very tannic.
A distinct note of honey hovers above the ripe, tart apple fruit. On the palate the apples have the rounded richness of baked fruit and the zing of lemon freshness, making for a friendly, approachable, zesty Riesling with a clean finish.
A distinct note of honeycomb marries harmoniously with the pear and hard nectarine aromas. A nice creaminess fills the mouth, with green apple and citrus flavors, which finish on an appropriately toasty yet mouthwatering note. This already shows nice development; drink now.
A distinct pink color and overtly fruity flavors combine with strong bubbles. The wine has vivid red-cherry and raspberry flavors and a bit of the texture of a red wine.
A distinct whiff of tiny, black elderberries promises joy. This is joined by white pepper and iron oxide to play on luscious but soft red and black fruit. The spice is exciting and pervasive and highlighted by freshness. The fine balance this strikes is expressed as straight-laced elegance. What unpretentious, honest joy.
A distinctive aroma like ripe peaches and fennel and full, almost sweet fruit and spice flavors give this medium-bodied wine personality. The texture is soft and luscious rather than lively, and practically coats the mouth from sip to sip.
A distinctive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, with notes of black currant, olive, chocolate and herbs. The palate's soft cherry flavors and grainy tannins don't entirely hold together, but there is a lot of intrigue here.
A distinctive expression from Valpolicella, this shows pretty herb notes of oregano and dried mint, with licorice and spice accents. There are also softer tones of coffee, leather and juicy black cherry. Overall, this is elegant, nuanced and powerful.
A distinctive flavor profile makes this vibrantly fruity and densely textured wine stand out. It packs juicy raspberries, strawberries and dark ripe blackberries into the aroma. All that fruit oozes onto the palate and lingers long on the finish.
A distinctive mineral vein runs through this crisp white wine from the Cusumano brothers of Sicily. Made in Alcamo, in the southwest part of the Mediterranean island, the wine is fresh, easygoing and offers a touch of piquant spice on the close.
A distinctive mint character comes up in the aroma and carries through the flavors of this fruity and full-bodied wine. A firm texture, ripe cherry and plum flavors and good fresh acidity keep it lively.
A distinctive nose of fresh fruit, spice and citrus lead this luscious Chardonnay. On the palate, apricot and lemon, backed by toasted nuts, adds to the appeal. Clean and fresh while also full of body. An elegant food wine.
A distinctive personality shines through in the almost floral and lightly spicy aromas, the vivid and generous cherry-tart flavors and the ever-so-supple texture of this full-bodied wine. While it has firm acidity and tannins, this is a posh, luxurious beverage in which to indulge.
A distinctive smoky, peppery aroma and equally interesting savory flavors complement plenty of ripe fruit in this full-bodied, dry and balanced wine. Co-fermented with Petite Sirah and Barbera, it shows plenty of fine-grained tannins, giving good grip to the palate and more than just fruitiness. Best after 2020.
A distinctive streak of cola runs through this wine, along with a mix of wild strawberries and spice. It's elegant and seamless, doing a lovely, gentle fade into a lightly spicy finish.
A distinctive wine that comes from a biodynamically farmed area of this vineyard, with 40% fermented in neutral oak and the rest in stainless steel. It's brightly aromatic with ripe peach, honeysuckle and a spritz of lime, smelling quite luscious but drinking dry with a broad feel to the lively fruit flavors.
A distinctive wine with firm, brooding notes of black fruit, kirsch and dried Mediterranean herbs. This is a fine-grained and elegant wine with chiseled graphite nuances and rock-solid tannins. It has great potential: Drink after 2010.
A distinctive wine. The first impression is of acidic dryness, which stimulates the palate. Then the flavors kick in, and they're opulent in peaches, pineapples, golden apricots, honeysuckle flowers, vanilla custard and cinnamon.
A distinctive, fruit forward wine with notes of blueberry and ash. It's fresh with tannins adding gruffness.
A distinctive, sweet, resiny note dominates the aromatics, suggesting an herbal flower such as calendula. Those notes highlight the flavors as well, with hints of pollen, fresh herb and ripe apple.
A distinctly aromatic nose tells of honeysuckle while the dry, light palate is sherbety and less defined. Drink this easygoing wine soon, while aromas are fresh.
A distinctly different Prosecco with a colorful aromatic lineup that sets it apart: Yellow fruit, green tea, white stone and nutty almond (10% Chardonnay is added). It delivers a clean, crunchy texture and sweet peach flavors.
A distinctly musky note mingles amidst pretty orange blossom and grapefruit on this dainty, but surprisingly complex Sauvignon Blanc. Mouthwatering acidity yields a brisk but clean finish.
A distinctly sweet-smelling wine, with notes of stewed black cherry, oak spices, and citrus. The tannins are firm and the alcohol shows prominently.
A distinguished Bordeaux blend from a winery that flies a bit under the radar. It's rich and dramatic in intensely concentrated mountain fruit, brimming with blackberry and black currant flavors, liberally oaked and framed in thick, refined tannins. Possesses real elegance and dynamism, but it needs bottle age. Hold until 2014.
A distinguished Cabernet whose superb tannins, which are firm and ripe and refined, testify to its Napa origins. So does the blackberry and currant fruit, which finishes in a swirl of sweet, smoky cedar wood. Good as it is, it's way too young. Should be best around 2015 and afterward.
A distinguished Cabernet, rich in fruit and impeccably oaked. But it's young. There's a fresh, jammy taste to the blackberries, cassis and dark chocolate, and the tannins are brisk and fuzzy. Don't drink it until at least 2015, and it should develop for years afterward.
A distinguished Merlot, dark, dry and brooding. Complex, too, with deep flavors of blueberry, mushroom, dark chocolate and anise. The tannins are fairly fierce despite the softness, but the wine doesn't seem like a longterm ager, so give it a decant before drinking over the next few years.
A distinguished Pinot Noir that shows its coastal origins in brisk tannins and citrusy acidity. Beneath the astringency and tartness are impressive cherry, currant, cola, sweet tobacco and sandalwood flavors that finish with great complexity and style. Certainly seems like a wine for the cellar. Your window of drinkability is 2015–2019.
A distinguished Pinot Noir, dry, crisp in acidity and complex in flavor. The cherry, raspberry, cola and mushroom flavors are very rich, almost sweet, except that they finish in a dry scour of spices. Defines a young Anderson Valley Pinot, and should develop bottle complexity over the next 6–8 years.
A distinguished, impressive Cabernet, obviously the result of fine grapegrowing and meticulous berry selection. It's bone dry, rich in tannins and firm, with mineral-infused blackberry and black currant flavors, brightened with crisp acidity. Will develop bottle complexity for a good eight years.
A distinguished, opulent Chardonnay that's a real testimony to the art of blending. Offers waves of orange custard, sweet pineapple tart, crème brûlée, buttered toast and cinnamon spice flavors, brightened with zesty acidity. Easy to find, with more than 38,000 cases produced.
A dominant feral aroma of sweaty saddle leather overlays the core of dark stone fruit. Medium to full bodied, this has appetizing acids that juice up the salient black-tea and black cherry flavors. Astringent and dry on the finish, this should pair well with juicy steaks and sautéed mushrooms.
A dose of cherry cough drop adds sweetness to what is otherwise a tart, simple, steely version of Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Malbec. The mouthfeel is sheering and lean, while the finish offers some out of place butter to fatten up the astringent red fruit.
A draft of menthol and aromas of chocolate and mossy fruit work pretty nicely on the nose, while the palate is superripe, a bit candied and accented by spice and coffee. This is a strong starter, though it falls off a little on the finish.
A dramatic Cabernet that immediately impresses for power and voluptuous texture. Dazzles with waves of blackberries, cassis and chocolate, wrapped into the smoothest tannins you can imagine. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown made this lovely 100% Cabernet from fruit grown in a warmer region of the Vaca Mountains. Drink now–2019.
A dramatic Cabernet that shows Atlas Peak intensity and age-worthiness, this is bone dry, with hard tannins and zesty acidity. The core of blackberries, black currants and minerals is so delicious now, you can hardly keep from drinking it, but it will develop cellar complexity with 6–8 years of aging, and possibly far more.
A dramatic Cabernet, complex and layered, this shows deeply concentrated blackberry essence, black currant, dark chocolate and raisin flaors that are intricately woven with a sweet, smoky oak influence. The tannic structure is thick and furry, but just about perfect. Should age for many years, gradually losing primary fruit, but it's drinkable now after decanting.
A dramatic dose of smoky, toasty oak in both the aroma and the flavor give a showy, spicy personality to this full-bodied, deeply colored wine. It adds mouth-filling blackberry and blueberry flavors, braced by firm tannins.
A dramatic spiciness infuses this full-bodied wine with complexity from the aroma through the flavors and lingering finish. It has a dominant streak of smoky oak, a generous mouthfeel, mild tannins and plenty of blackberry and black plum notes.
A dramatic wine, this is rich, full bodied and incredibly complex, laced with notes of ripe, sweet blackberries and crème de cassis, with a spirituous heat from relatively high alcohol. Its pedigree is clear throughout the entire tasting experience. This is a really gorgeous Cabernet, showing refinement and grace, but it is very tannic. Give it at least 10 years.
A dramatic young wine, fleshy and dazzling now for its lush fruit and oak, although the tannins have a crunchy hardness. But that merely ensures ageability. It's beautiful the way the acid-tannin structure plays against the cherry, cassis and olive fruit, creating an architectural tension. If you open this wine now, decant for a few hours. Otherwise, it should hold for six to eight years, and develop further bottle complexity afterward.
A dramatically rich Syrah made along Northern Rhône lines. Dry, full-bodied and tannic, its flavors now are primary and fresh, suggesting summer blackberries, a few of them shriveled into raisins, and the whole sprinkled with cassis and black pepper. Needs time. Better after 2013.
A dreary, simple wine, as thin as water with a few drops of blackberry syrup. It's also soft and bitter on the finish.
A dried herb kick is the hallmark of wines made by this producer, and this bottling may wear that note best, its fresh-pressed blackberry aromas accented with thyme and oregano. The palate blends those savory tones with light purple fruit and caramel and coffee touches, finishing on peppery spice.
A drier, lower alcohol and more streamlined Cab, it shows elegant control. Yet the fruit is Paso ripe, with blackberries veering into red currants, dark chocolate and raisins. The acidity is pronounced and a little uncomfortable. Drink it now, after careful decanting.
A drier, more minerally style than many coming out of Marlborough, with white grapefruit flavors that come across as brisk and refreshing. There's fruit weight on the palate, with the sort of stony flavors that pair with virtually any seafood dish.
A drink-now style of warming Shiraz, with plenty of weight and richness, soft tannins and flavors that artfully combine sour plum, cracked pepper, rare beef and chocolate. Drink it over the next few years.
A drop-dead gorgeous Pinot Noir that will satisfy everyone from Burgundy fans to diehard Cabernet cultists. Show an elegant complexity and silky texture that define great California Pinot Noir, yet with a powerful impact that emphasizes raspberries, cherries and blueberries. Brilliant acidity and tannins provide the perfect framework on this wine that's drinkable now, and will develop over the next 15–20 years.
A drop-dead gorgeous red blend that continues Flora Springs' fine streak of Bordeaux-style wines. Full-bodied and dry, it's balanced and rich, with complex flavors of currants, minerals, cedar and spice. The tannins are strong, but ultra-refined. Drink this high-quality wine now and through 2015.
A drop in alcohol by more than a full percent since the excellent 2009 Nysa was released suggests that this vintage did not achieve optimal ripeness. Bitter upon entry, with a medicinal note, this remains stiff and unyielding, with tart cranberry fruit and sharp acids.
A drop of cherry blossom perfume mingles with strawberry and cherry flavors in this elegant, light-footed rosé. Dry in style, it's vivacious and crisp, finishing surprisingly long on a puckering cranberry note.
A drop of Petite Sirah gives this wine a color and tannin boost. The flavors are enormously ripe, brimming with blackberries, cassis, grilled beef and oak notes that go on into a long, spicy finish. The wine shows the classy structure of Napa Zin, and is ready to drink now.
A drop of Viognier brings a floral, citrusy flair to this wine's rich orange, apricot and oak flavors. It's rich on the palate with a sweet vanillin character.
A dry-smelling wine, with hints of cinnamon, pine bark, eucalyptus and earth, that unfold slowly on the palate to reveal bright red cherries and berries. It's big and it's structured, yet finishes smooth and silky, blending in coffee and tea notes. Approachable now, but better after 2005.
A dry-style Riesling with fresh apple, pear and petrol aromas, and a persistent minerality throughout. It's simple and straightforward, but there's a refreshing lemonade acidity and a hint of lime zest at the finish.
A dry and austere style is what you're looking at with Heredad. The nose offers simple citrus and soda aromas, while the palate is sheer and defined by apple, light spice and cleansing acidity. Not much depth below the surface but definitely clean and flashy.
A dry and spicy, nicely made wine that's leesy with good minerality and underlying dry floral notes.
A dry core pervades this full-bodied wine. Red fruits are masking its delicious ripe meat and sweet jam flavors. There is a distinct tannic element that holds this attractive wine together.
A dry Gewürztraminer, more fruity than many, showing intense spice and pepper as well as sultana and pear flavors. It has concentration, a dense texture, and delicious perfumes.
A dry Muscat (or Moscato) is a rare find, and this is a beauty. Very floral and spicy in aroma, it has classic flavors like peaches and lychee. It is not sweet but buoyed by good acidity, great balance and a lingering, crisp and appley finish.
A dry rosé, dominated by caramel and raspberry fruit flavors. It has attractive acidity, but the texture does feel heavy, leaving a dull aftertaste.
A dry rose, the color of onion skins. The Austrians describe the aroma as “sweet tart” because it suggests freshly baked, butter-sweetened pastry crust. It drinks startingly dry and rasping, with citrus flavors and acidity that will make your mouth water.  —S.H.
A dry style of Pinot Gris, this is crisp with some acidity. It also has weight and a solid, powerful core of spice and baked apple flavors. With its structure still developing, the wine needs to age. Drink from 2015.
A dry style of tawny, bringing out wood aging as well as rich mellow fruit. The wine has an old gold feel to it, with butter toffee, butterscotch and final acidity.
A dry style of Vinho Verde, this is crisp and cool. Slight petillance adds a lift, brightening the citrus flavors and acidity. Drink now.
A dry style of vintage, bound by its tannins, the black fruits adding an element of freshness to the rich, chunky texture. It has weight, great presence, a powerful dark wine for aging.
A dry style of wine that only slowly reveals its juicy character to bring out a warmer, richer side. It also does show considerable toast and spiciness along with firm tannins all of which still need to fully integrate. So don't drink until 2016.
A dry style with just enough acid to lend focus and length, this is a fine effort from Simon Waghorn, the owner-winemaker. Hints of baking spices and ginger lend nuance to the apple, pear, melon and citrus fruit.
A dry style, this classic nonvintage from Philipponnat is showing well, with greater depth than in the past. The wine has maturity, with toast, almonds and cookies, but retaining the acidity to give a wine that is mouthfilling and also refreshing.
A dry style, tightly wound with hints of herb and spice. Simple, crisply rendered, and very fresh, with citrus-flavored fruit.
A dry Vinho Verde that has crisp citrus as well as riper yellow fruits. A blend of Alvarinho with Trajadura, it comes from the north of Vinho Verde. It's perfumed, fresh and crisp while showing a full texture. Drink starting in late 2014.
A dry Vinho Verde with a light sparkle that give it a fine lift. With intense citrus and a sliced apple freshness, the wine is refreshing and ready to drink.
A dry Vouvray, crisp and rich, this brings out all the complexity of Chenin Blanc. Nuts, yellow fruits and green apple flavors are well integrated and balanced. A light spice aftertaste gives an exotic finish. Drink now, or age until 2018.
A dry wine to be sure, although one with great fruit as well as a rich texture from the 80% Pinot Noir in the blend. It is a crisp elegant wine with its citrus and apple flavors along with the fine tight acidity. This bottling is still young and, like any dry Champagne, needs to age. Drink from 2018.
A dry wine with a soft texture that suggests a small amount of residual sugar. It is a fruity wine with apricot and ripe pear flavors and a smooth aftertaste that still leaves plenty of room for acidity. Drink now.
A dry wine with firm tannins over the juicy red-cherry fruits. It is structured, while likely to develop well over the next few years. The wood and fruit are both attractive at this stage.
A dry wine with mature white fruit and tight acidity, this wine will take time to coax out the rich, mineral character that hides within. It's touched with toast, but freshness and fruitiness dominate for a refreshing aftertaste.
A dry wine, companion to the winery's off-dry estate bottling. This does not give up its fruit as some dry Rieslings do; there is a pleasing mix of lemon, grapefruit, pineapple and apricot, full in the mid-palate, then turning more astringent and cheerily tart in the finish. This is very young, compact, and still tight as a drum; it could be cellared for up to a decade.
A dry wine, firmly tannic, although also with acidity and black currant fruit. Spices and licorice add interest, while the tannins finish this attractive wine.
A dry wine, the sweetness overtaken by tannins, black currant stalkiness and acidity. It works well as a more serious style of Reserve Port, hinting at aging potential.
A dry wine, this is light to medium bodied. It smells like dark plum skins and black pepper, and has an easygoing mouth-feel. It seems well matched for pizza, pasta and mac and cheese.
A dry wine, this offers intense acidity, bitter chocolate flavors and dried raisins. Full of complex aromas and flavors, it's full in the mouth, finishing dry with an intense aftertaste.
A dry wine, very concentrated and dense. It's solid and tannic, full of acidity and black fruit. It is firmly structured, the texture showing bite and dryness. A wine that will need long-term aging.
A dry, brittle mouthfeel and watery flavors of raspberries combine to make this wine rustic. It gets the basic Pinot Noir concept of silky smoothness and acidity across well enough, but not much else.
A dry, but rich, vanilla-and-cream-flavored rosé that shows soft tannins, ripe strawberry and full red plum flavors. The aftertaste is soft, with little acidity.
A dry, complex wine emboldened by the 63% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 37% Syrah, this is a compelling combination of black-olive tapenade and smoky tannin founded atop ripe California blueberry, cassis and black currant. Saddle and tobacco appear on the finish, giving it a spicy end. Drink now through 2022.
A dry, crisp Pinot Noir with interestingly ripe flavors of cherries, oranges and cola. Maybe a little overpriced for what you get, but it's a pretty wine.
A dry, decent wine for everyday purposes, this Cab has blackberry, nettle, anise and clove flavors that make the finish tannicly spicy. This is a pretty good price for a steaks and chops wine of some elegance.
A dry, earthy bouquet with leather, spice and typical Chilean herbal-berry aromas leads to a concentrated palate with creamy oak and earthy weight counteracted by firm tannins. Flavors of baked blackberry, cassis, nutmeg and herbs finish with cinnamon, licorice and raw oak notes.
A dry, edgy blend of Barbera, Grenache and several other varieties, this is tannic and lacks richness. Pair it with a cheese and pepperoni pizza to coax out the fruit.
A dry, firm wine, with light fruits and a perfumed smoky character. It is developing in a dry, black currant, stalky style.
A dry, gritty red wine, lusty and tannic. The blackberry, cassis liqueur and smoky oak flavors suggest pairing with charred steak.
A dry, late-harvest wine from 20-year-old vines. Floral with a subtle honey note, more like pollen; lemon and orange candy, sleek and deep.
A dry, light-bodied, easy-drinking Riesling, this has zesty lemon and grapefruit flavors, plus undertones of flower and spiced tangerine. The palate shows depth, and the finish is intense.
A dry, lightly oaked wine with aromas of cassis and other red fruits. The palate is center of the road, with plum and berry flavors and tangy, lively acidity. A basic style of Cab with freshness and sincerity but nothing out of the ordinary.
A dry, lively, raspberry-flavored wine, with a light mousse. Fruity, fresh and streaked with lemon-zest acidity, it has just the right texture and balance.
A dry, lovely Cabernet for drinking now. Shows the soft tannins and herbaceousness of Alexander Valley reds, with cherry, berry, currant and oak flavors. Earns extra points for the smooth, spicy finish.
A dry, mineral wine, hiding its potential richness. Flavors of ripe pears and yellow fruits are matched by lime acidity. The wine has considerable power and a dense character, showing the immense density that comes from this vineyard. Age for 4–6 years and more.
A dry, rich 100% Syrah, this showcases the classic Santa Ynez structure of firm tannins and crisp acids, and it offers deep flavors of blackberry, cassis and bacon. This 2009 is Jorian Hill's best effort yet, and it's already delicious to drink.
A dry, slightly herbal Chardonnay, with oak-inspired pear, peach and pineapple flavors. Feels elegant and sophisticated. Drink now.
A dry, slightly washed-out Sauvignon Blanc, with varietally correct flavors of apple and herb. Thins out quickly, but a decent quaffer at this price.
A dry, smooth Merlot that hews to the Clos du Val style of lean fruit. The cherry, mocha and cedar flavors have an edge of dried herbs and tobacco. Drink this elegant wine now and through 2014.
A dry, soft and exceptionally pure Zinfandel. With a light, silky texture, it offers plenty of jammy raspberry, cherry, currant, cola, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors.
A dry, soft wine that depends on richness to get by, at the expense of structure. Raspberries, cherries, mocha, cinnamon and pepper are the flavors of this blend of Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Mourvèdre.
A dry, spicy wine, with some good dense tannins. There is some power here, the dark fruits hinting at sweetness, but this is followed by the high acidity typical of the vintage. It should all come together in a year to 18 months.
A dry, tannic and severe Syrah. It's tart and sandpapery in the mouth, with a scoury mouthfeel, and although you'll find some cherries and currants, there's not enough richness to counterbalance the toughness.
A dry, tannic wine that is firmly structured. A sense of extraction masks the light and fresh black currant fruitiness. Give it until 2017 to soften.
A dry, tannic Zinfandel from Amador, fairly large production at 14,000 cases a year, with enough blueberry, sweet black olive and spice on the finish to make the whole package a nicely made bottling from a Sierra Foothills Zin specialist.
A dry, tannicly astringent wine that doesn't seem fully ripened. It has green, herb and mint-infused berry flavors. Cabernet, Colorino and Sangiovese.
A dry, tannicly dessicated wine largely lacking in fruit. Tastes of alcohol and pepper, with just a sprinkle of blackberry juice.
A dry, tannicly rich, interesting wine to drink with a nice steak. It's smoky in oak, with complex black cherry, cassis and spice flavors. Feels supple and good in the mouth, showing Dry Creek's natural affinity for Cab Franc.
A dry, thin, modest Cabernet, the kind you drink in a paper cup at big parties. The host serves it, and you drink with the food.
A dry, tight style of wine, with fresh grapefruit and lime flavors. It could do with some bottle age to allow the fruit to shed some of its intense acidity.
A drying mineral note of slate or graphite runs through the middle of this plush and rich red Ripassato wine from Valpolicella. Background notes of spice and cherry cola come through as well, especially in the mouth where the wine boats a soft, compact feel. Pair this wine with lamb or light beef dishes.
A drying mineral tone slices through the center of this luminous Pinot Grigio and adds a pretty edge to aromas of peach, citrus and pear. It also wins points in the mouth thanks to its tonic, fresh fruit flavors.
A drying touch of talcum powder or crushed white pepper is followed by beautifully intense notes of peach, apricot and honey. This has extra sweetness and softness on the finish.
A dryness of tannin leans into bitter notes of tobacco before mellowing on the palate to allow for crisper, more balanced aspects of cranberry, currant and plum to weigh in. A lightness to the palate belies this wine's ripeness.
A dull nose leads to a slightly herbal, softly citrus-fresh palate. This wine is dry and fresh with a clean finish.
A dull Pinot, soft and not quite ripe. There's a vegetal aroma and taste to the raspberries and oak.
A dull Rhône-style blend, this is soft and hot with alcohol. You'll find some green vegetable and mushroom notes that mar the ripe flavors of red cherry jam.
A dull wine, lacking zest, with extracted, soft flavors of berries, currants, anise, milk chocolate and spices that turn overripe on the finish. Pretty expensive for what you get.
A dull, unformed nose gives way to sweet dried prune notes in this highly ripe, earthy wine.
A dusting of crushed slate and saffron accents this zesty lime and honey kissed Kabinett. It's dancingly light on the palate, but concentrated with swirls of marmalade and orange-peel flavors that extend through a long finish. Drink now through 2025.
A dusting of pollen and dusty minerals lends savoriness to this fresh, citrusy Riesling. Off-dry in style, it's cutting and spry, balancing primary tangerine and lemon flavors against lingering earthiness.
A dusting of pollen and exotic spice adds interest to aromas of savory apple and lemon on this dry, medium-bodied Riesling. Fruit flavors take a back seat on the palate to minerally tones of crushed rock and steel. It's a zesty wine with a lean, focused finish.
A dusty-textured wine, its fruit like grains scattered over the surface of a fresh crisp structure. The freshness is palpable and so is the depth of flavor. A food-friendly wine.
A dusty Amador County-dominant old-vine Zinfandel with plenty of spicy berry, mocha and licorice flavor. Packaged in a psychedelically inspired label, it'll go down easy on those late-night when listening to music is the best thing to do and plenty of barbecued meat is lying around.
A dusty cherry aroma turns harsh with airing, setting up a tight, acidic palate that's marked by tart raspberry and plum flavors. Scouring, spicy and peppery on the finish, this amounts to a tight, hard and basic Rioja.
A dusty drink of blackberry, lean and structured with resolved tannins and a clean finish.
A dusty, brambly Zinfandel nuanced in blueberries and plums, this is smooth and soft on the palate with an earthy quality throughout. On the finish this medium-bodied wine offers leathery tobacco and smoke.
A dusty, cigar-smoke character on the nose of this blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon spices up aromas of strawberry fruit and rotting roses. The palate combines complex cranberry fruits with Kalamata olive, thyme and pencil lead.
A dusty, cinnamon-inflected Syrah bursting with blackberries. Persistent flavors play across the palate, with a streak of citrus showing the underlying acidity.
A dusty, mineral quality of lead pencil, brimstone and crushed granite appears at first. It is soon followed by bright cherry, raspberry, leather and tobacco. In the mouth, the wine delivers an elegant and toned quality of tannins with a touch of sour cherry on the close.
A dusty, plummy, dark berry pie Petite Sirah from old vines grown in the Santa Clara Valley by the Guglielmo family, who have been based here since 1925. With lots of bittersweet chocolate, white pepper and well-integrated oak, this Petite is subtle, its alcohol relatively low and its tannins quite refined, a Petite for French palates.
A dusty, sunbaked note in the aroma of this full-bodied wine meets robust and ripe fruit, wood smoke and very concentrated clove, black cherry and dark-chocolate flavors. The color is dark and deep, tannins are very firm, and the mouthfeel is somewhat astringent. This wine needs time to reach its peak, and will be best after 2022.
A dusty, yeasty nose is simplistic but friendly. On the palate, this foams up in an aggressive manner, yet orange and peach flavors ride a wave of bubbly foam towards a lightly citrusy but plump finish.
A dynamic balance between ripe, juicy fruit flavors and crisp acidity makes this medium-bodied wine both refreshing and substantive. It smells like a bowl of sliced melons, apples and grapes. After 79% Pinot Gris, the winemaker blends in Roussanne, Grüner Veltliner and a bit of Chardonnay.
A earthy element creeps into the peach notes on the nose. The medium-sweet palate comes in with refreshing phenolic zestiness. The flavors are full and bright, with just a hint of spice. Drink soon.
A fabulous blend of Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Syrah, this wine has earthy, dried herb aromas, dense fruit and dark chocolate flavors and considerable soothing tannins. It is dry in style, not too full-bodied, and has a lingering finish. Needs time to mature, and will best after 2018.
A fabulous bottling from one of West Paso's most beautiful vineyards, this blend of 54% Grenache, 22% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah and 6% Tannat shows aromas of fresh black cherry, dried mint and fudge on the well-integrated nose. Black plum, soy, pencil lead, condensed teriyaki, lilac and violet flavors unfold on the delicious palate.
A fabulous Petite Sirah for serious fans of the variety. Shows typically big tannins and high alcohol, with full-bodied, concentrated mountain flavors of blackberries, currants, roasted meat and pepper. Best of all is the balance of its parts, resulting in elegance despite the power.
A fabulous Pinot Noir that's rich and deeply flavored, with the most wonderful structure. After a fruity, spicy entry, the wine sinks down dramatically on the midpalate, offering masses of cherries, raspberries, red currants, cured meats, sautéed mushrooms, spices and sweetly toasted sandalwood. Bone dry, and capable of aging eight years in the cellar, it surpasses even the 2007 West Slope, arguably making it one of the greatest Carneros Pinot Noirs ever made.
A fabulous, relatively affordable way to break into this cult winery, this blend of 30% Syrah, 26% Carignane, 22% Grenache, 19% Mourvèdre and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon offers teriyaki, char, fresh fennel, scarlet-red roses, anise, pencil lead and black raspberry on the nose. The sip is lively and action-packed with energetic peppercorn and lavender as well as richer tar, soy, blueberry and blackberry elements.
A fabulously rich and approachable Pinot Noir that offers everything now, yet will also age. The considerable tannins will protect it in the cellar for a good 6–8 years, but it's so fresh and vibrant in cherries, red currants and oak-inspired red licorice that it's hard not to drink it now. Hard to exaggerate the deliciousness factor.
A fading wine with a brown-gold color and oxidized aromas mixed with leftover barrel resin and lacquer. The palate is resiny and thick feeling, with Sherried flavors of old wood, butterscotch, buttered apple and peach. More resin and pepper flavors work the finish.
A faint but enticing notion of pink grapefruit plays on the nose, and there are floral nuances too. The palate is fruity and fresh and has an appealing, concentrated core of textured citrus zest, followed by a wonderfully clean finish.
A faint but persistent vegetal note immediately leaps out beyond the sweet black raspberries, plums and oak, showing the difficulties of the cool vintage. It's softly tannic in the mouth and dry, but not going anywhere, so drink up.
A faint coppery-pink rosé, Taltarni's 2008 Taché is a blend of 58% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier. It's lean and crisp, with a zesty, citrusy feel to the modest toast and mushroom flavors.
A faint hint of apricot and a ripe, deep core of red-cheeked Mirabelle plums come with a lively dash of lemon acidity. Balanced and light, it's also lively with a seam of refreshing acidity, making it an ideal apéritif.
A faint hint of pink shines on this sparkler named after the winery owners' dog. Aromas of fresh melon and slight peach lead to a faint cherry note upon sipping and creamy mouthfeel, followed by plum skin tartness and a yeasty, sour bitterness.
A faint nose of lemon starts things off. Simple and clean on the palate, that same citrus character pervades, keeping things short and snappy.
A faint nose of tart red currant turns into a subtly flavored palate rich with cranberry notes and gentle herbal notes of hay flowers. This subtlety is also expressed in the fine mousse and the long dry but very full-fruited finish.
A faint perfume of pear can be caught on the otherwise dull nose. The flavors run toward candied pear, honeydew and peach. There's some spiciness to the finish, but also a watery quality that doesn't do much for the wine. In the end, it doesn't hit the varietal mark squarely.
A faint scent of red cherry greets the nose and also makes a brief appearance on the fresh, clean and rather light body. This is slightly rustic but is honest and straightforward. Drink soon.
A faint smoky character wafts through warm, inviting aromas of lemon peels, nectarine and sea salt on the nose of this wine from Monterey County. There is a lot of energetic acidity on the palate, where even flavors of apple and pear are cut by lemon-lime briskness and a briny character.
A faint touch of hazelnut plays on the lemon aromas of the nose. The palate has a lingering combination of the two, plus a zesty, phenolic texture that has slight but pleasantly bitter edges plus more fruit, akin to ripe, yellow apple. This is a rounded Pinot Blanc with potential. Drink now–2022.
A faint whiff of herbs linger from nose to palate, adding earthy complexity to tart sour-cherry and cranberry flavors. It's crisp and invigorating, but a little restrained in character. Finishes on a pleasantly tannic, brambly note.
A faint yeastiness subsides to expose luxurious aromas of violet, white peach and green herb on this single-vineyard Riesling. Lushly textured with flavors of yellow cherry and stone fruit, it has a steely, minerally tone that persists through the long finish.
A faintly metallic flavor spoils this red fruited wine. It brings out tight acidity and red currant fruits while the structure is lost.
A fair amount of herbaceousness shows on the nose and palate, a dry combustion of tannin, gunpowder and green herb. Full bodied, it has chalky tannins that desiccate on the finish.
A fair amount of the cuvee is from the 130-year-old Grandpère vineyard, which lends a soft, herbal, grassy undertone to the wine. From elsewhere comes bright cherry fruit, and the wine seems a little disjointed, though it may come together in time. Some nail polish in the nose carries through to the finish.
A fairly action-packed nose combines yellow grapefruit, lemon blossoms, nectarine flesh and yellow melon with slate and a shred of bubblegum on the finish. The palate starts quite tight with pear rinds, and then gets riper with shaved apples, bubblegum and tropical elements.
A fairly coarse wine, thin in texture and tart, with unbalanced green peppercorn, mint, berry and cola flavors. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Counoise.
A fairly complex, rich and layered nose of stewed plum, root beer, mace and allspice is set against an oak-laden, vanilla-based structure on the nose of this bottling. The palate offers rich black plum, but with decent tang, as well as earthy chipped slate and iron elements, before settling into light licorice spice.
A fairly dark and dense nose of boysenberry and smashed graphite entertain the nose on this blend of 50% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre, which is named after San Jose-based winemaker Adam Comartin's daughter. The palate is very iron-driven and minerally, with more boysenberry fruit and some concentrated violets giving nuance.
A fairly deep-red color, aromas like plums and roses, and flavors like sweet peaches and cherries combine for a delicious sweet wine. It's light in alcohol, lightly effervescent and well balanced.
A fairly elegant expression of the variety, this wine is bright in cherry kirsch and pretty aromas of rose petal and lavender, structured to age and enjoy with food. Rector Creek Vineyard is just north of Yountville and planted in rocky alluvial soils. Drink now through 2022.
A fairly flat rendering of Cabernet Sauvignon simple in style and execution.
A fairly full-bodied, broad wine, with aromas and flavors of honeyed peach and pineapple. Could use a little length to its finish and complexity to its flavors, but this is a pleasant, easy-drinking style.
A fairly full, rich and creamy version of Vinho Verde, with floral and anise aromas. Big and yet refreshing, sparked by some lively spritz. The finish echoes the anise and blends in some bright lime notes as well.
A fairly lean Pinot, this lacks voluptuousness, but it's dry and crisp, with fine cherry, cranberry, tobacco and pepper flavors. Give it some airing and drink now.
A fairly light, juicy, fruity wine, this has generic flavors, smooth texture, medium body, light tannins and a ripe taste on the finish.
A fairly new player on the Napa Valley scene, this uses the talents of winemakers Cary Gott and Philippe Melka. The wine opens in luxurious aromas of baked blackberry cobbler and spicy cinnamon-clove. Mouthfillingly generous in fruit and texture, it's soft and approachable, serving as a nice representative of the vintage.
A fairly oaky bouquet with overt wood grain, vanilla and creamy aromas includes cherry and plum scents. A mostly fresh, choppy palate is a bit rough, while currant and spiced-plum flavors end with woody, medicinal accents. Overall this works well.
A fairly one-dimensional Pinot Noir. It's soft and drinkable now, with raspberry, cherry, cola and oak flavors.
A fairly priced varietal wine, this shows currant, cranberry, raisin and a flurry of allspice on the nose. It takes on rose petal and lavender aromas as it opens, making it all the more pleasant and memorable.
A fairly rich Chard whose creamy texture holds fruit-forward, smoky flavors of baked apples, grilled pineapples, vanilla, butterscotch, and dusty Asian spices. Drink now.
A fairly rich take on this grape, which many wineries use from this particular vineyard, this bottling is flush with white peach and white melon aromas, cut by lime and dried lemon blossoms, and layered with intriguing kiwi and exotic citrus notes. The palate is more simple, with apple and lemon flavors and chalky texture.
A fairly simple Pinot Noir that's a little one-dimensional, but shows nice Pinot-esque structure. Dry and silky, it features cherry, currant, cola and spice flavors.
A fairly simple wine, it's rich in mouthwatering acidity, with ripe citrus, tropical fruit, melon and honey flavors. Unoaked, this should be versatile with a broad range of foods.
A fairly standard Chardonnay, rich in oak, lees and ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors, but raised up by brisk acidity and a fine minerality that gives it extra complexity. It's rich with honey and brown sugar, but doesn't feel cloying.
A fairly standard Syrah, softly sweet and direct in berry, mocha, spice and oak flavors. Tons of fruit, but lacks complexity for the price.
A fairly subdued, mostly mineral-driven nose characterizes this wine by the Santa Clara Valley-based producer founded in 1978, with bits of brick and graphite most prevalent. The flavors are more prominent, with allspice-laced cherries, toasted oak and iron.
A fairly tannic Zinfandel, this is made from organic grapes. Enjoy with pizza or hamburgers.
A fairly uncommon grape for the entire Central Coast, this bottling offers squeezed blueberry and dark purple fruit aromas bolstered by black pepper and black rocks. Lighter in body than expected upon the sip, the palate shows cola, bright cranberry juice and a sandalwood spice that makes it very easy to drink.
A familiar brand on Portuguese wine shelves, this is a ripe wine, soft and smooth. Light tannins are finely integrated with the red berry fruits and juicy acidity. It's an easy wine that has good structure. Drink now.
A familiar Cava aroma of lime sets up a foamy, active palate. Lime, mango and Thompson Seedless flavors finish quick yet clean.
A familiar Chilean mix of berry, plum, spice and herbal aromas feed into a lifted but prickly palate that supports roasted, earthy flavors of berry, cassis and olive. A racy, slightly rough finish is home to spicy, chocolaty flavors on top of residual herbal berry.
A family-owned vineyard on this famous slope in Morgon supplies the grapes to Duboeuf for the wine. It is structured and dense, full of black plum and berry flavors. Acidity cuts through the tannins, resulting in a wine that will age well. Drink from 2019.
A family estate just outside Aix-en-Provence has produced a textured and dense wine. It has great fruitiness along with a spice and pepper character that brings out a more complex side. It's definitely for food.
A family operation, now run by Jean-Pierre and Philippe, Guillernot's flagship wine is generous and ripe. It has plenty of warm structure, while the red fruits are juicy and perfumed. This is developing into a full, rich wine that will be full of fruit. Drink from 2019 (this wine may age well beyond).
A famous old brand that seems to be living off past glory, this year's edition is quite neutral in aroma and flavor; you have to work to pick out some mild herb and citrus, but it does show a nice spicy, green-peppercorn character on the finish.
A fancy Pinot Noir from this coveted vineyard. The wine is very rich and slightly high in alcohol, offering deep flavors of oak-inspired raspberry jam, softened cola and bacon, brightened with crisp acidity and chewy in finely-ground tannins. Lovely to drink now, but try giving it 4–5 years for all the parts to knit together.
A fancy Syrah, dry, complex and interesting to drink. It packs in a lot of blackberry and cherry fruit flavors, accented with a sweet jacket of smoky oak. The alcohol is a bit high, resulting in some heat. Drink soon.
A fancy, rich Chardonnay that has concentrated, intense Meyer-lemon tart, mineral and honeysuckle flavors, yet it's elegant, with streamlined acidity. Oak adds the perfect touch of buttered toast. This showcases the opulence of Chardonnay, while maintaining balance and dryness.
A fancy, somewhat gritty Cab Franc, marked by ripe fruit and oak. Attractive in cherry and red currant flavors, with smoky sandalwood complexities, and a long, spicy finish. Lovely with a grilled steak. Drink now.
A fantastic bargain at $14, this nuanced wine balances heady saffron and spice notes against a backdrop of ripe mango and yellow cherry flavors. It's lavishly mineral on the midpalate, with striking lemon-lime acidity that drives an elegant, herb-accented finish.
A fantastic combination of power and finesse, this opens with aromas of under brush, ripe plum, truffle, leather, smoke and a balsamic note. The firm, delicious palate delivers fleshy black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and mocha. Velvety tannins support the juicy flavors.
A fantastic Sauvignon Blanc. Tastes as fresh and vibrant as a young wine can, with exuberant flavors of pineapples, green apples, cloves, vanilla and cinnamon that are wrapped into a rich, creamy texture. Crisp acidity makes the wine brilliantly clean. With the exception of the '04, an off-vintage, this bottling has been wonderfully consistent.