Jammy aromas, figgy flavors and a very smooth mouthfeel define this medium-bodied and straightforward wine. Without much of the typical tannins, it's easy on the palate.
Jammy aromas, sweet-seeming baking spice flavors and a texture that's relatively soft for a red wine make this easy to drink and rich in flavor.
Jammy aromas, tangy raspberry and blackberry flavors and a firm vein of tannin make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy and firm enough to pair with big proteins.
Jammy berrry, raisin and licorice aromas lead to a chewy, somewhat raisiny palate with prune, blackberry and herbal flavors. A mild-tasting finish with raisiny chunkiness and herbal notes is consistent with the nose and palate. This is good for under $10 despite being very ripe.
Jammy berry and cassis aromas come with a bit of leather and horse hide. This brings it on the palate, but there isn't much finesse to the mix of blackberry and baked plum flavors along with hard tannins. Give this time in the glass and it opens up and mellows out.
Jammy berry and pastry aromas are basic but flat. This feels easy and fruity, but not the least bit exact. Generic black fruit and berry flavors end with notes of plum and licorice.
Jammy berry and raisin aromas are compact and tell a lot about what's coming next. That's a saturated but rough and tannic palate with extremely ripe flavors of prune, licorice and blackberry jam. A peppery, syrupy finish is anything but lean.
Jammy berry aromas are baked, horsey and fold in a note of cherry. A gritty palate with full tannins scrapes at your cheeks, while plum and cherry flavors are loud at first then fade away on a raisiny, sweet finish. Tasted twice, this note reflects both tastings.
Jammy berry aromas are earthy but a little flat. In the mouth, this is plump, jammy and doesn't have a lot of spine. Flavors of baked black fruits and toast finish mellow, earthy and soft. Drink this ripe, warm-climate wine now.
Jammy berry aromas are fiery and aggressive. In the mouth, this is sticky in feel, with huge, grabbing tannins and blocky ripeness. Chocolate and vanilla drape overripe black-fruit flavors, while the finish is heavy, chewy and tastes like fudge. Drink this forceful, oaky RDD now through 2020.
Jammy berry aromas are pleasant and only slightly rubbery. This baby Monastrell (with 15% Syrah) is fresh but choppy and gritty in feel. Pure plum and cherry flavors finish with a medicinal note and lasting acidity.
Jammy berry aromas are slightly exotic. The palate has a wide yet acidic feel that lacks depth and structure. Blocky flavors of plum and berry are tangy and simple, while the finish fails to evolve past chunky and static.
Jammy berry aromas are touched up in a good way by spicy notes of good oak and chocolate. A solid, ripe palate feels right and balanced. Mellow but thorough berry fruit and oak flavors linger easily on a finish with chocolate and muted oak notes. Drink through 2022.
Jammy berry aromas are woody and horsey. This feels extracted and full, while dark, roasted berry flavors finish long and toasty but with a resiny oak flavor that suggests plastic. This has its good elements but it's overoaked.
Jammy berry aromas come in front of green, vegetal notes. The palate is round and lacks balancing acidity.
Jammy berry aromas come with a dense coating of milk chocolate. But in the mouth, it's snappy and juicy, with enough body to handle the acids. It tastes fresh, pointed and zesty, with plum and berry flavors that finish full and grabby. A very good old-vine Garnacha for the price.
Jammy berry aromas include a seemingly misplaced note of cinnamon. This feels full, blocky and tannic, with old-fashioned clamp. Flavors of oak, plum and cherry form a familiar whole, while this tastes earthy and dry on the finish, with modest heat. Drink through 2021.
Jammy berry aromas seem reduced at first, with notes of iodine and rubber. But with airing this packed Syrah comes around. A flush saturated tannic palate is home to toasty blackened berry, coffee and spice flavors. On the finish, burnt toast and espresso flavors don't slip. Drink through 2022.
Jammy berry fruits, violet notes and graham cracker define the bouquet on this high-quality, good-value Malbec. The palate isn't huge but it's well structured, and the flavors are exotic and out of the ordinary, with an emphasis on Middle Eastern spice and blue-fruit flavors. On the finish, it's chocolaty and spicy but loses steam quickly.
Jammy berry, blueberry and spice aromas meet the nose, followed by a narrow palate that turns softer as the wine airs out. Flavors of jammy berry and raisin end on a mellow, chewy finish. A soft Garnacha for casual consumption.
Jammy berry, licorice, herb and leather aromas set up a lively, fresh palate that boasts tomato, raspberry, plum and herb flavors. It shows good energy and balance throughout, with a forward attitude and a spicy, solid finish.
Jammy berry, light mint and herb notes carry a jumpy nose to a palate that has oak-infused plum, raspberry and light herb flavors. It finishes mostly calm and collected, but also a touch racy, with a pastry flavor.
Jammy berry, oak and rubbery aromas are round and harmonious. In the mouth, this blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenère is lively and electric, with raspberry, plum and cherry flavors resting in front of a smooth finish with vanilla and chocolaty flavors.
Jammy black-fruit aromas are woody, reduced and come across cheesy. A thick, tannic, oaky body is home to flavors of plastic, creamy oak, vanilla and charred berries. This is pasty, oaky and creamy on the finish.
Jammy black-fruit aromas push up against raisiny but stay composed. This blend of Syrah, Garnacha, Tintilla and a grape called Rome feels rubbery and pulling, but solid. Blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors are chewy but focused. Drink through 2019.
Jammy black cherry and plum aromas and flavors are jazzed up by notes of licorice, bramble and sweet spice. The structure is tight with gripping tannins and medium acidity that shows real staying power through the finish alongside a lovely sweet woody accent.
Jammy black fruit and berry notes lead the way on this Merlot, with supporting notes of tree bark and black tea. The medium-full mouth offers more juicy dark fruit flavors and dusty tannins that linger through the close. Drink now.
Jammy black fruit and inky blackberry preserves open the bouquet of this syrupy red wine. The wine's texture is both dense and gritty.
Jammy black fruit aromas are pleasant, while the palate has a feel and flow that rolls along nicely. Tastes of baked black fruits and vanilla, while the finish is solid and keeps its form. Slightly herbal if you did deep, but good overall especially when you consider the price.
Jammy black fruit aromas aren't specific or elevated but they work to draw you in. Feels regular, with blackberry, black currant and dark cherry flavors that don't rise above normal. Finishes with cola and straightforward feel and length.
Jammy black plum aromas are savory, leathery and funky, with rusticity. This feels stout and chunky, while condensed flavors of fig and prune are fully ripe. A savory but mild finish is round but missing some structural support. Drink now through 2018.
Jammy blackberry and blueberry flavors highlight this 100% Cab, along with plenty of sweet new oak. The tannins are bold, but ultra-refined. High alcohol lends some heat as well as a glycerine feel. It's an unctuous, delicious wine, although slightly overripe.
Jammy blackberry and boysenberry aromas are fruity and full. This modern-style Tannat shows a saturated, tannic palate that's jammy in the center. Flavors of dark fruit, toasty oak and mint finish with hints of graphite, rubber and leftover oak-related char. Drink through 2018.
Jammy blackberry and boysenberry aromas are on the rich side. At 15.5%, this is SuperUco's biggest wine, and while it's heavy on the palate, with grapy, peppery blackberry flavors, it hides its weight and alcohol well. On the finish, intense black-fruit and salt-tinged flavors are powerful but balanced. Drink through 2022.
Jammy blackberry and cassis aromas are weighty and touch up against raisiny. This feels deep and bold: Flavors of cassis, black plum and smoked meat end ripe and long, with racy acidity fueling the afterburners. Drink through 2022.
Jammy blackberry and cherry fruit flavors mark this wine, along with some strong tannins. It's not particularly complex, and doesn't have the balance for aging, so drink up.
Jammy blackberry and plum aromas come with hints of Band-Aid and iodine. This is big and broad on the tongue, but also a little flabby. Flavors of prune, oak, blackberry and licorice finish without much drive.
Jammy blackberry and plum fruits are upfront on the bouquet, with background hints of bramble, baking spice, cured meat and sweet oak. Medium acidity and lightly structured tannins lend an appealing texture to the mouthfeel, with hickory-smoked bacon and peppered black-fruit preserve flavors hanging on to the finish. Drink now.
Jammy blackberry and raisiny aromas come with hints of herbs and tomato in front of a medium-bodied palate that's choppy and tannic. Blackberry flavors with a pinch of bitterness on the side finish loose, with wayward focus.
Jammy blackberry aromas come with a hint of brine and a rubbery note of latex. This is big and tannic on the palate, but also a touch clumsy. Stewed black-fruit flavors run short, while minty oak, grapy berry and toasty spice flavors drive the finish. Drink through 2020.
Jammy blackberry aromas come with strong notes of creosote and asphalt but not much nuance. A saturated beefy mouthfeel and dark toasty black-fruit flavors are intense, while this tastes of chocolate and dark spices on a deep, pounding finish. Drink through 2024.
Jammy blackberry, rubber, graphite and raw oak aromas set up a full, weighty palate. Flavors of mint, licorice, creamy oak and chocolate accent brambly black-fruit flavors, while a minty finish simmers with power and subtle warmth. Drink through 2016.
Jammy blue fruit and cherries immerse themselves within a context of inviting and densely packed earth in this coastal, estate-grown wine. Spicy acidity and pronounced wood add additional weight and complexity as the texture takes on velvety lushness that's fully balanced and considerate.
Jammy blueberry and boysenberry aromas include graphite and ink notes. This feels jammy to the point of being sluggish and heavy. Syrupy but not sweet flavors of herbal black fruits finish with a lasting gamy note.
Jammy blueberry and cassis aromas are sturdy but not flamboyant. This chunky, full-bodied cheek grabber deals flavors of roasted berry, savory plum and spice. That same roasted character carries onto the finish.
Jammy blueberry and prune aromas are ripe but a bit dull and rudimentary. Plump, chunky, jammy and tannic across the palate, this tastes like mashed blackberry and molasses. A finish that's warm and chubby but also tannic as rocks lacks some elegance and precision. Drink 2018–2030.
Jammy blueberry aromas are grapy, with ample char and grit coming from background oak. This feels firm, wiry, grabby and drying. Jammy, herbal flavors of cassis and blueberry finish with big, rubbery, elastic tannins.
Jammy blueberry aromas come with overt oakiness. This feels dense but on the flat side. Baked berry flavors and herbal plum notes sprinkle in a mild sweet and green accent, while this feels full and a bit syrupy on the finish.
Jammy blueberry notes greet you on the nose. The palate feels heavy and blocky, while raisin, prune and other overripe flavors, yet settles on an herbal and baked-fruit finish. The 2012 vintage was one of Chile's hottest in years, and this shows it.
Jammy boysenberry aromas are a touch oaky. Loud acidity gives zest and ring to cherry, plum and raspberry flavors. While this is a bit shear and hard on the palate, solid berry flavors along with cocoa and brown sugar make for a good ending.
Jammy but generic berry fruit aromas are crowded by lactic, pasty oak scents and vanilla. The wine is hard as cement in the mouth, with jagged tannins. Flavors of sun-baked raisin and plum fold in chocolate and rubbery notes on a grabby finish that includes residual resiny oak. This could use more time; try after 2016.
Jammy cherry and plum aromas turn briary with airing. This wine is candied and jammy in feel, and soft in the middle. Flavors of spiced blueberry are low in depth and fade away with weedy notes.
Jammy flavors of blackberries, cherries and mocha make this taste almost of candied fruits. Despite how juicy it is, this wine finishes dry and firm in tannins.
Jammy fruit and strawberry aromas characterize the nose of this chewy Chianti Classico. You'll appreciate the juicy softness and velvety qualities it imparts in the mouth.
Jammy fruit aromas and flavors and a lack of overt oak notes make this full-bodied wine easy to love. It's simply yummy in flavor, polished in texture, and has a nice, lingering ripe fruit finish.
Jammy fruits are still kept in check by the dry tannins that surround this wine. It has a firm structure, intense acidity and black plum-skin fruit flavors. It's a serious wine, solid and certainly needing to age. Drink from 2017.
Jammy fruits conflict with a firm tannic structure. This wine is not yet balanced and needs a lighter touch. Producer is Jean Paul Barre.
Jammy fruits—wild strawberry and boysenberry—are complemented by scents of violet and sweet spice. The medium-weight palate is plush and velvety in texture, with dense fruit flavors that are countered by a lingering grip on the finish. Drink now–2020.
Jammy in blackberry, raspberry and mulberry flavors, this Pinot has more exotic notes of sautéed wild mushrooms sprinkled with soy sauce, anisette, pine tar and pepper. But its dominating qualities are dryness, acidity and tannins. Feels too young and unresolved for pleasure now. Give it a few years.
Jammy in orange, apricot and pineapple fruits, this Chard has an overlay of oak that brings notes of sweet buttered toast and vanilla. It's a simple wine, but has fine acidity.
Jammy in raspberries and cherries, with a mouthwatering burst of acidity. But fundamentally this is a simple wine, and it also has some overripe raisin flavors.
Jammy jumbled foxy aromas set up a blocky flat palate. Greasy flavors of buttered-up berry fruits finish without much verve. This is good enough, but just barely.
Jammy muscled-up aromas of blackberry show hints of spice, especially red chili flake. This feels full, round and comfortable, with moderate tannic clamp. Herbal black-fruit flavors finish bold, with a touch of dry bitter oak.
Jammy notes of strawberry and raspberry preserves open the nose of this overripe Morellino di Scansano. The wine is dark and concentrated but all that mature fruit leaves a raw, chewy sensation on the finish.
Jammy oaky blueberry and cardamon aromas are proprietary for Mendoza Malbec. In the mouth, hard tannins combined with high acidity make things a bit awkward, while this tastes of reedy plum, raspberry and raw oak. Unabsorbed tartaric acidity on the finish creates a wiry feel, while peppery, spicy flavors are lasting and herbal.
Jammy on the nose, with a citrusy element, green notes and something muddy. For a big Malbec with a full price tag, it leaves me wondering: It's chunky and tastes of red berry, citrus, pineapple and marshmallow. Jumbled and sweet on the finish. Has enough good in it not to tank but it's not in full harmony.
Jammy plum and berry aromas are tempered by notes of red fruits and currant. This is vibrant on the palate, with saucy red-plum and currant flavors that aren't overextended. Tomato and dry spice flavors mark the crisp finish.
Jammy plum and berry aromas come with dessert herb scents. A juicy palate doesn't offer much structure, but this Monastrell-Syrah blend tastes good courtesy of plum, blackberry and toasty flavors. The ripe warm finish is generous.
Jammy plum and currant aromas are light on complexity. This blend is crisp, fresh and ultimately modest in feel, with black cherry and plum flavors. A clean finish makes it good for everyday drinking.
Jammy plum and currant flavors turn roasted in the glass. Typical notes of plum and berry support a steady palate.
Jammy plum and raspberry aromas are meaty and hint at being plush. A flush, fairly full mouthfeel packs power, while flavors of plum and prune fade toward herbal, with residual weight to the finish.
Jammy plum and raspberry aromas feed into a clampy but fresh and lightly oaky palate. Flavors of currant, herbal red berry and oak-based clove end with rustic, grabby tannins that are drying. This is a mix of Syrah, Monastrell and Garnacha Tintorera.
Jammy preserve notes of blueberry and ripe strawberry on the nose, with more plum and deep cherry notes fleshing out the medium-weight mouth. Delicate fine-grain tannins provide good structure, and linger throughout the milk chocolate-infused finish.
Jammy raisiny berry aromas are soft and a bit flabby. In the mouth, this is dense, jammy and fleshy. Roasted plum and berry flavors carry a salted note, while this holds steady on the finish.
Jammy raspberry and plum aromas are primary and fresh on the nose. This ripe, round wine is sure to be a party-pleaser. Solid cassis, berry and spice flavors finish pure, with ripeness and proper balance.
Jammy raspberry and plum aromas come with accents of dusty herbs and black licorice. A saturated, lush, jammy palate features soft, baked flavors of cassis and wild berry, while the finish delivers mint, chocolate and lasting berry ripeness. Drink through 2019.
Jammy raspberry aromas are easygoing and come with a hint of tobacco. It feels grabby but good, with lots of spice, pepper, herb and dark fruit flavors on the palate. The finish is healthy and well lifted, with a light but fresh herbal accent.
Jammy raspberry aromas come with a minerally kick and toastiness. The palate is fresh and delivers pointed acidity in support of toasty berry, herb and licorice flavors. Finishes with a lightly baked and chocolaty note, confirming that this is well-made, value-priced wine.
Jammy raspberry aromas come with herb, oak and lactic notes. This Malbec feels chunky and pulpy, with a sticky oak-resin feel resulting in creamy grab. Flavors of red apple skins, plum, cardamom and vanilla finish sweet and slightly exotic.
Jammy raspberry aromas lack focus; the bouquet is also jammy and lacking in structure and tannins. Flavors of raspberry Kool-Aid are devoid of oak and spice contributions, while the finish more like juice than wine.
Jammy raspberry, cherry, white chocolate and butterscotch flavors mark this easy-drinking Merlot. Soft in both tannins and acids, it will pair well with almost anything calling for a medium-bodied, fruity red.
Jammy raspberry, currant and caramel flavors are countered with acidic sharpness and high alcohol in this Zinfandel. It tastes a bit unbalanced, but a juicy cheeseburger will handle it well.
Jammy red-berry aromas come with a green streak. The wine is a bit hard in feel, with choppy tannins. Sweet blueberry and graham cracker flavors are offset by saline and green accents, while the finish is chunky and earthy.
Jammy red-berry aromas come with a hint of lemony oak. It feels meaty, with a rich texture for a $12 wine. Flavors of roasted black fruits come with an overriding peppery note and a touch of heat, but overall the wine is sturdy, flavorful and balanced.
Jammy smelling but also lean and minty. The palate is almost sour, a bit better later on, but never does it rise above tight, lean and tart. Mesache means youthful but youth is wasted on the young in this case. Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and the indigenous Parraleta.
Jammy smelling, with raisin and cough drop aromas. The palate maintains that jammy profile, while the flavors run creamy and short, with a lean toward strawberry and raspberry. A little grassy and green on the finish, with a final dose of candy.
Jammy strawberry and raspberry aromas are lean, reedy, wiry and grassy. This Peruvian Syrah tastes like raspberry jam, but one that's been infused with grass cuttings and cough medicine.
Jammy strawberry and raspberry notes fill the nose and mouth, and a soft accent of chocolate-covered cherry adds just the right amount of decadence. A slight peppery lift keeps things vibrant on the finish.
Jammy strawberry aromas are sweet and welcoming on the nose. A bit disjointed, with tangy acidity, the palate brings dark fruit tones of cherry, plum and berry.
Jammy strawberry, crushed raspberry and mineral aromas define the bouquet. The palate is lifted by good acidity, while flavors of vanilla and tomato accent the raspberry and plum fruits. Fresh and subtle on the finish, this is a middleweight wine with a juicy disposition.
Jammy vanilla and leather mark this lean, mouth-filling wine that's had considerable time in bottle. Broad-shouldered in blackberry, it finishes with a burst of fruit and oak.
Jammy, baked aromas of pastry and berry are flat and dense. The palate is soft and beefy, with jammy, almost syrupy blackberry and raisin flavors. Stays sweet on the finish. Flavorful and meaty but doesn't show much spine.
Jammy, baked black cherry gives this wine a richness of flavor and texture, while cola and clove stand idly by in support. Lively acidity preserves a freshness on the palate.
Jammy, baked, raisiny aromas convey a strong sense of ripeness. Voluminous and big in the mouth, this five-grape blend shows herbal flavors of olive, carob and roasted berry fruits. A spicy finish with graphite and lasting herbal notes is a touch green. Drink through 2018.
Jammy, brambly aromas of grassy blueberry and balsamic vinegar make for a rough entry. This feels chunky, grabby and hard, while flavors of lactic oak and herbal blueberry are strained. A spicy, green-leaning finish comes with a final dose of hard tannins.
Jammy, candied berry and prune aromas are reduced. That theme continues onto the palate, which feels compacted. Flavors of black grapes, prune, blueberry and black pepper finish with a meaty note of beef jerky, raw tannins and a shortage of body. Very good but with flaws.
Jammy, candied raspberry and cherry fruit marks this simple but pleasurable wine. With a soft mouthfeel and an oaky finish, it's ready to drink now.
Jammy, concentrated aromas of boysenberry, violet petal and oak spice are about as rich and lusty as Rioja gets. This wine from a warm vintage is lush and lusty but less structured than other vintages. Jammy blackberry and blueberry flavors end in a jammy fashion. Drink through 2020.
Jammy, creamy and superripe, with raspberry, burnt toast and coffee on the thick, meaty nose. Flavors reminiscent of an ice cream sundae work the palate, which means berry syrup, chocolate sauce and vanilla are highly prominent. Texturally speaking, this is a smooth, soft and plush wine. It pushes the envelope on ripeness, but that's become the Cirsion way. An awesome wine that deserves a proper decanting.
Jammy, creamy, oaky aromas of vanilla and raspberry come with a strong hint of rubber and wet dog. This is oaky and only moderately well balanced, with flavors of cough medicine, raw oak, plum and raspberry. A sticky, oaky residual feel drives the finish.
Jammy, dark and reduced, with breadth along with leather and compost aromas. The palate is leathery, funky and medicinal, with viscosity and creamy berry flavors. Has richness and body but the flavors and congruety are sketchy until you remember that it costs but $7.
Jammy, dark aromas form a good opening, and there's blueberry and rubbery notes as well. The mouthfeel is entirely full and chunky, with grabby tannins in support of the spicy core flavors of licorice, blackberry, pepper and espresso. Oaky, toasty and a touch hot on the finish.
Jammy, earthy and baked on the nose, this ripe Merlot is dishing plenty of black plum and blackberry characteristics from front to back. The palate is concentrated and borderline syrupy in feel, while ripe, baked blackberry flavors come with chocolaty oak and vanilla on the finish.
Jammy, earthy, chocolaty blackberry aromas come with a minerally note of vitamins and grit. This is bold and lively on the palate, with black plum, brandied cherry, herb and charred-oak flavors. Burnt toast and blackened berry flavors finish woody, chocolaty and lemony.
Jammy, floral aromas fold in graphite, blueberry and cassis accents. The palate is tight and firm, with mild astringency due to the strong tannins. It bears flavors of herbal berry, saline and rubbery earth, and the finish includes green herb and salt notes.
Jammy, gritty berry aromas set up a rubbery, full-force palate that doesn't tread lightly. Roasted, almost burnt black-fruit flavors finish firm. Overall, this feels right, while the flavors run a touch baked, rustic and stalky.
Jammy, herbal aromas come with a note of orange peel. The palate feels choppy and rough, while flavors of medicinal red berry and herbal influences end in a light, candied, green-tasting finish.
Jammy, herbal black-fruit aromas open things in straightforward Carmenère fashion. This feels full and fairly fresh, with integrated acidity keeping the palate on course. Herbal berry flavors show chocolaty oak in front of a spicy finish.
Jammy, mature notes of dark cherry and blackberry preserves open the nose of this richly opulent Brunello. Background tones include polished mineral and sweet Christmas spice with lingering accents of black pepper and crushed clove.
Jammy, mildly green aromas of tobacco, cherry and blueberry shed clarity with airing. This blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Merlot is high in acid, a touch abrasive and hollow in the midpalate, with green-leaning, minty flavors of blackberry and plum. This finishes acidic, with some scour.
Jammy, overripe fruit does not help this wine. Its soft tannins and acidity provide some pleasure, but that clumsy fruit gets in the way.
Jammy, reduced aromas of cassis, blueberry and animal hide lead to a juicy, fresh palate that's not too thick or concentrated. Blackberry and blueberry flavors are lightly peppered, while the finish is quick and light for Malbec. This is a new wine that aims at freshness and simple fruit more than power and weight.
Jammy, rich and leathery, this full-bodied, robust wine has a touch of smoke lingering in the back, beneath soft, well-integrated oak. Juicy, it's enjoyable now, while being structured enough to go another decade or so. Cellar through 2021.
Jammy, ripe and loaded with inky, sweet black-fruit aromas, the bouquet on this modern Cab Franc draws you in. Once there, look for a big but balanced palate with blackberry, roasted notes, loam and chocolate flavors. The satisfying finish is pure and long, with toasty blackness.
Jammy, ripe blueberry and blackberry aromas belie a crisp, tight palate, with wild berry, licorice and peppery flavors. This is fresh, wiry, firmly structured and alert as well as comfortable and controlled. Think classic Priorat to drink through 2018.
Jammy, roasted aromas are more savory and offbeat than common and fruity. This Malbec has a fresh but choppy mouthfeel and flavors of tomato, basil and herbal berry fruits. A savory finish conforms with the rest of the wine.
Jammy, scratchy, oddly spiced aromas set up a drawing, cloying palate feel. Gummy strawberry and raspberry flavors finish short and briny, with a sweet, chocolaty note.
Jammy, slightly reduced aromas of blackberry and prune are concentrated, with mocha and vanilla side notes. Density and pounding tannins make for a full-force palate. Flavors of graphite and grapy berry fruits are enriched by pastry and chocolate-cake notes, while this wine is lasting on a black-fruit finish. Drink through 2024.
Jammy, slightly reduced aromas of blueberry, cassis, green herbs and mint take some getting used to. In the mouth, this Malbec-led blend of six grapes is deep and bold, while herbal, spicy flavors of black fruits and green herbs lead to a toasty, peppery, dark-tasting finish. Drink through 2017.
Jammy, soft and juicy, this Cabernet Sauvignon tastes almost like a California field blend. But that's not bad, if not particularly varietally focused. Easy, very drinkable, it's a kind of “Cab-jolais” that can work as a bar pour or party wine.
Jammy, soft blueberry aromas are a touch green. This is syrupy, heavy and sticky on the palate, with chocolate, prune and peppery flavors. Tannic and heavy on the finish, this is an overweight Malbec that's lush to the point of being fat.
Jammy, somewhat green aromas are suggestive of tomato sauce with oregano and thyme. This feels full, creamy and thick, with earthy, herbal berry flavors that finish with creamy weight and chewy tannins.
Jammy, stewy berry aromas are accented by brick dust and sweet oak that smells like plastic. Saturated, jammy and clumsy in feel, this tastes of baked, peppery black fruits and oak. Finishing notes of chocolate, herbs and licorice are chunky and a touch hot.
Jammy, this Zin has softened and mellowed as it nears five years of age. With raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, it's ready to drink now.
Jammy, with flavors of white sugar, red and black cherries and buttered cinnamon toast. Drink with simple, sweet fare, like a hamburger with smothered onions, slathered in ketchup.
Jangly in the mouth, with an uneven tannin structure that makes it a bit rough. But there's plenty of jammy cherry and berry fruit. Drink now with a hearty beef stew.
Januik's reserve blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. The fruit is cloaked with lush layers of barrel toast, and it may require several hours of decanting for it to open up. When it does, the flavors multiply on the palate with cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, pencil lead and wood smoke, along with dusty, mouth-coating tannins.
Januik's reserve blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It's built like the Fortress of Solitude—at first impenetrable, then slowly revealing layer upon layer of deep, dark black fruits. A base of iron and stone adds further gravitas.
Januik's reserve is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Sourced from Champoux and Weinbau, just three barrels were made. The fruit is deeply flavored with black cherry and cassis, and the tannins seem darker, earthier, toastier and overall fuller than any of the other excellent Januik reds. Still young and tight, this promises to blossom over time with floral, earth, barrel and spice highlights.
Januik makes just four barrels of this 100% Walla Walla Cabernet. The usual plushness of the Seven Hills Vineyard comes with a harder, steelier edge—a hallmark of Januik's style. It's structured for aging, with black cherry fruit that's annotated with tobacco, coffee and baking spice.
Jarvis's Tempranillo is always one of the best in California. It's wonderfully smooth and soft, with a fine grip that gives traction to the cherry, olive and cola flavors. Falls somewhere in texture between a light, silky Pinot Noir and a medium-weight Merlot, but with a distinctive style all its own.
Jarvis has assembled a great record with this bottling over the years. The 2012 fulfills all the basic California requirements for impressive Chardonnay, with ripe, flamboyant tropical fruit, pear and pineapple flavors, along with lots of sweet, buttery, vanilla-accented oak. This is one of the most decadent Chardonnays of the vintage, and while it's a little soft, it is flashy.
Jarvis has tinkered with its Cabernet Franc over the years, and with good results. Today, its Cabernet Franc is among the state's best. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, it's rich, full bodied and luscious, with notes of sun-ripened cherries. Could pick up some bottle nuance over the next 4–5 years.
Jasmine and fresh-cut pineapple scents lead the way to tropical fruit flavors of guava and mango and a soft finish.
Jasmine and honey notes are intensely aromatic on this dry, elegantly framed Riesling. It's tightly focused on the palate, with crisp white peach and melon-rind notes accompanied by a refreshing, but piercing lime acidity. Perfect as an apéritif, or to accompany delicate fowl or cheese dishes.
Jasmine and lychee form the basis of this wine's bouquet, with fresh-cut peach making for a delicious experience on the palate. Rich, dense and lengthy, it comes from a cool vineyard site that provides lots of natural minerality and a taste of wet stone.
Jasmine and orange blossom dot the nose of this nicely made wine, a variety not often found in California. Apple rind defines the crisp, mineral-laden experience, focused and clear in its rocky texture of wet stone.
Jasmine and summer blossom hover over ripe, aromatic aspects suggesting melon or quince that shine with power on the dry, streamlined and taut palate. The freshness is immense in this precise, bracing and charming wine.
Jasmine, apricot and floral aromas are followed by medium-sweet stone-fruit flavors. Floral and jasmine flavors persist on the finish.
Jasmine, aromatic herb and pear aromas waft out of the glass. The bright, creamy palate doles out ripe green apple, candied nectarine zest, ginger and a mineral note alongside fresh acidity and frothy bubbles. This is a fun, delicious sparkler for all occasions.
Jasmine, herb, flower, dried Nestea Ice Tea and peach aromas are followed by medium-sweet fruit flavors that linger. It's a pleasant easy drinker, if a bit faint.
Jasmine, honeysuckle and gardenia aromas show on the nose of this bottling, which also offers peach custard and ripe grapefruit skin scents. The palate is welcoming and very familiar, with butter, sea salt, lemon and ambrosia melon flavors, all framed by solid acidity.
Jasmine, honeysuckle and tropical fruit aromas lead the nose. The round palate doles out juicy peach, mature pear and green apple. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors while a mineral vein and an herbal note add depth.
Jasmine, honeysuckle, apricot and citrus aromas open. The bright, savory palate presents juicy pineapple, ripe pear, white peach and lemon zest framed in tangy acidity. Hints of Mediterranean herb add depth while a mineral note energizes the finish.
Jasmine, lychee and tea leaf notes perfume this light-footed, slightly off-dry Gewürztraminer. Fresh citrus and stone fruit flavors are crisp and easy going, finishing on a more herbaceous tone. Drink now through 2018.
Jasmine, orange blossom and aromatic herb aromas lead the nose on this round, friendly white. The soft, bright palate offers yellow peach, apricot and pear while a note of white almond backs up the finish.
Jasmine, spice and honey on the nose lead to a balance of lemon zest, mandarin orange and fresh fruit on the palate. The wine has a good balance and a zesty finish.
Jasmine, tropical fruit and yellow stone fruit aromas lift out of the glass. On the rounded palate, tangy acidity accompanies banana, white peach and citrus flavors.
Jasmine, wisteria and dried herbs aromas mingle in the glass while the creamy palate offers ripe white peach, yellow apple, pear and a note of candied nectarine zest. Bright acidity and a frothy mousse offset the rich flavors and carry through to the white almond finish.
Jasmine, wisteria and white stone fruit aromas lead the nose, while the bright silky palate offers green apple, juicy white peach and citrus. Crisp acidity and a lively refined perlage provide balance.
Jason Bull makes this wine for the owners, fermenting it in neutral oak that nonetheless yields a rich wine with buttery, toasty, spicy highlights. The light tropical (banana and papaya) fruit is nicely cloaked in butterscotch, with plenty of acidity to buoy it. It's both refreshing and compact, with a drinking window of now through 2020.
Jaw-dropping on all fronts, this wine by the pioneering Franscioni family approaches regional perfection. Black plum fruit meets with dried violet and lavender on the extremely well-integrated nose, while a mineral tension frames the palate. Flavors of black plum and blackberry jam are cut by rocky earth and wild mint, and the acidity is vibrant but not overpowering.
Jaw-droppingly delicious, this will surely convince you that Pinot Noir is the absolute best rosé grape in Oregon. From the floral/strawberry bouquet bursting out of the bottle, right on through the delightfully sippable, mouthfilling fruit, it's a joy.
Jax has struggled to find a style to their Chardonnay. This 2011 is their finest effort to date, although it does show the effects of the chilly vintage, being tight and tart. With lime, orange and papaya flavors, enriched with new French oak, it's rich, yet elegant and restrained.
JC is making an effort to upgrade its Reserve range, and this is a good example, offering peach and pineapple flavors framed by vanilla, butter and toast. It's all barrel-fermented, impressive at this production level (25,000 cases) and price point.
Jean-Christophe Yung is driving this family property with a crisp and refreshing wine. The wine is light, bright and lively with plenty of citrus flavors topped by spice and zesty orange, this is a mineral textured wine. Its fruit is right up front, full of acidity and rich apple flavors. Drink from late 2016.
Jean-Louis, the son of Gérard Chave, is now in charge of the family business, as well as being president of the Hermitage wine producers. He is continuing the family tradition of making powerful statements of Syrah from Hermitage, combining massive structure and over-powering perfumes. This 1999 seems to have the best of the traditional world of tannic immensity and the modern world of beautiful, ripe fruit. A wine that will age for a very long time.
Jean-Marc Lafont's 16-acre Les Charmes vineyard is on granite soil in the west of the cru appellation. The wine is firm and concentrated with serious tannins as well as perfumed juicy black fruits. With its tannins, it is a wine to age. Drink from 2018.
Jean-Marc Lafont's 2.8 acres of sandstone soil in this area of Moulin-à-Vent has produced a ripe, solidly structured wine. Wood aged and with a rich, tight texture and firm tannins, it is a cru wine to age. It is a bold ripe wine, ready to drink from 2019.
Jean Hoefliger is the consulting winemaker for this wine, an earthy 100% expression of the variety that's rich and lush yet fully balanced in acidity. Dark truffle, forest floor and Bing cherry characterize the aromas and flavors, around a tightly wound core of intense fruit that explodes on the palate on the finish.
Jean Laurent is based in the southern Aube region with its ripe Pinot Noir, as in this blanc de noirs. It is full of lavish apple and spice flavors along with an orange-zest tang. Acidity comes cleanly through the richness to produce an impressive, balanced and full-bodied wine.
Jean Lissague's blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Muscadelle is soft and full in the mouth with just enough acidity to keep it crisp. Melon and spiced-lemon create a tangy touch that gives the wine an edginess. Drink now.
Jean Lissague, one of Bordeaux wine's “new generation,” produced the 100% Merlot with spice and firm tannins. It also has weight and richness from the generous fruitiness. Drink this structured wine starting from 2019.
Jenkins is a Charlie Chenoweth-farmed site, an 18-acre vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills. Spicy acidity cradles considerable weight and breadth, accented in rose petals, cardamom and an elusive partnership of raspberry and strawberry. It's entirely exotic and delicious, both concentrated and lush.
Jessiaume is based in Santenay and the wine shows the attraction of this village at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune. It reveals soft fruit, warmed by a jammy layer of red berries and ripe acidity.
Jet-black aromatics of creosote, charred meats, pepper and plum-blackberry jam make an excellent entry point for this wine from a vineyard in the new Ballard Canyon appellation. Blackberry sauce leads the palate, with espresso bitterness and strong acidity throughout. A powerful but beautiful Syrah.
Jet black and showing blackberry and cassis at its core, this single-vineyard Syrah spent 18 months in American oak. The barrel regimen dominates the scents and flavors, yielding a dark and chewy wine with rock 'n' roll tannins.
Jewell threads the needle where so many others fail with this dry, elegant Sauvignon Blanc. Does exactly what it should, providing a mouthwateringly crisp white wine that scours and cleanses the palate. The flavors are of limes, lemons, grapefruits, wildflowers and stony, tangy minerals. Really a brilliant wine, among the best of its class.
Jigar makes Cabernets to drink now, and this accomplishes that intent. The wine is firmly tannic, with jammy flavors of blackberries and cherries and the herbaceousness that Alexander Valley Cabs so often show.
Jim Barry's Cab program is on a roll, turning out a consistent set of wines from Clare and Coonawarra. Named in honor of the Australian cricket team, The First Eleven boasts a kaledioscopic range of berry fruit, accented by mint and darker notes of coffee, cocoa and cola. It's full-bodied and dense on the palate without being heavy, and finishes long, with impressive intensity and dusty tannins. Drink now–2020.
Jim Clendenen's winery has sat in the middle of Bien Nacido for decades, so it is no wonder he nails the vineyard's expression with this bottling, beginning with flinty and woody aromas that accent an orange custard creaminess on the nose. The palate also shows cedar-like oak, followed by waves of brioche, preserved lemon and orange marmalade flavors.
Jim Clendenen may be the only West Coast vintner making this blend of 50% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc and 10% Aligoté, but more should copy. Aromas of musk melon, orange rose petals, crushed chalk and candied peaches lead into a palate powered by sea salt-laced nectarines, ripe red apples and honeydew, all tied together with proper acidity.
Jindalee's 2007 is a medium-bodied Shiraz with slightly candied fruit and a sensation of sweetness on the short, soft finish.
Joe Barton, who's made Grey Wolf wines since 1994, launched this brand inspired by pop songs in 2011. This Counting Crows ode delivers aromas of raspberry-laced black tea, clove and cardamom. It's soft and inviting on the palate, with anise, mocha and blackberry flavors that finish with a wash of tobacco. It was still quite tight after hours of being opened, perhaps due to the 35% whole cluster maceration. Drink 2017–2023.
Joe Dobbes pioneered this variety in Oregon, and it's a rare but welcome addition to the growing pantheon of food-friendly white wines. Light flavors of lemon and citrus touch gently on peach and mango, buoyed with fresh, crisp acidity. Not as dense as past vintages, but deliciously elegant.
Joe Dobbes was the winemaker for this Riesling, fashioning an intense and focused wine, with a bit of sweetness but ample acidity to balance it out. It's a deft combination of grapefruit, tangerine, lemon oil and a hint of mint, with impressive length and penetration.
Joe Wagner's latest addition to his Copper Cane Wine & Provisions offerings is this dry brut, made from 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir. Touched by lemon and grapefruit, it starts with a nuance of flowers before launching into satisfying creaminess that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Joey Tensley departs from his usual dark fruit intensity to weave together a more chaparral spice-driven Rhône-style blend in this bottling, which shows marjoram, bay leaf and sweet sage on the nose. The palate packs those dried herbs onto a beef roast, throwing in dusty earth and dried berries to round out the sip.
Johann's Garden gives consumers a taste of the Henschke mystique at a reasonable price. A blend of 68% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre and 15% Shiraz, it offers restrained, elegant aromas of cherry and cassis with a lifted hint of mint, then adds richer notes of coffee and chocolate on the palate. It's full-bodied and creamy in texture, with a lush, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2016.
Johann Heinrich's vineyards are in the Deutschkreutz region, traditionally regarded as the heartland for Blaufränkisch. This entry-level wine shows the richness of which the grape is capable. It shows rich berries, a red pepper flavor and a dry core of dense tannins. The final flavors areof red fruits and lifted acidity. Screwcap.
John and Helen Falcone's annual offering of this nonvintage blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of smoky cedar, cherry liqueur, mint and fresh-ground coffee. It's ripe and inviting right away on the palate, with blackberry extract and black licorice flavors, which benefit from acidity and soft tannins that emerge on the midpalate.
John and Helen Falcone blend multiple vintages and grapes into this annual experiment, and this is one of the best ones yet. Brown sugar, maple, blueberry pie, vanilla, gingerbread and caramel-laced coffee aromas show on the nose. There's a silky mouthfeel once sipped, with oaky flavors of chocolate, coffee, dried pepper, bay leaf and vanilla into the finish.
John and Helen Falcone use Sierra Madre Vineyard fruit from the Santa Maria Valley for this wine, which offers straight-ahead aromas of sweet apple, oak and pineapple. A chalkiness emerges on the palate, with pear flesh providing fruit and red grapefruit pith providing a nicely bitter counterpoint.
John Chiarito is making Italian varieties like Nero d'Avola and Negro Amaro––as well as estate-grown Petite Sirah and Zinfandel––on the outskirts of Ukiah, from his basement winery. There he combines an Old-World sensibility with New World techniques. He's nailing it here with a rustic, tannic but intensely delicious Zin full of berry aromas and a spicy finish. Big and hearty, this wine has soul.
John Chiarito is the first American to petition for the right to label his wine Nero d'Avola, a variety he grows just outside of the town of Ukiah in eastern Mendocino and a nod to his family's Southern Italian heritage (the grape is native to Sicily). Here he's made an outstandingly intriguing, rustic, big fruit, high-acid red that'll surprise you as it opens, very Old World and definitely worth a try if you can find it. Only 60 cases produced.
John Duval (ex Penfolds) has finally released a varietal Grenache, a wine that's quite different from the blends and Shirazes he's done up until this point. This is supple, full in body and round, without the firm structural elements his wines typically possess. Dare I say it's hedonistic? Black cherry and cinnamon notes are juicy and mouthwatering on the long finish. Drink now–2020.
John Kinney is doing great things with Livermore Valley fruit, most especially with many of his whites, including this classically oaked Fumé Blanc, the grapes barrel-fermented in 100% French oak (Seguin Moreau and Taransaud) and left sur lie for six months, Montrachet style. Creamy but bright with aromatics of caramel and vanilla, but only 50 cases were made.
John Shaw and Lisa Cuevas Shaw run this boutique-sized, Bordeaux-minded winery, which offers this Sauvignon Blanc alongside their higher priced reds. This wine starts with lemongrass, crushed rock and white flower aromas, then indulges in some tropical guava on the palate, which is very soft and full.
Joined by 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, this stellar wine from an almost 50-50 Napa-Sonoma divide delivers big flavor and tannin and yet exudes vibrant juicy plum and blueberry, keeping it grounded and alive. Silky through and through, it's complex in dark chocolate and a touch of dried herbs.
Jolivet has crossed the Loire from his home in Sancerre to produce this full-bodied wine that comes from clay and chalk soil. It is textured with acidity and minerality, while the white fruit of this young wine is forward and juicy. The wine, like so many from Pouilly, needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Jolly Rancher-red in color, there's high-toned grapefruit and watermelon in this Rosé. Layers of tropical juiciness on the back of the tongue and a nice finish make this a refreshing wine before, during or after dinner.
Jolts of honey, lemon and lime introduce this animated Spätlese. It's forward and approachable with sunny tangerine and peach flavors, but maintains a nervous tension of acidity. The finish is brisk and tight.
Jolts of lemon-lime acidity reverberate throughout this dry, mineral-focused wine. Golden apple, pear and lemon flavors are ripe and concentrated, but the palate maintains a svelte, spry style.
Jon Martinez, who arrived in Washington barely six years ago, is knocking the ball out of the park. Improving with each new release, he has locked in a stellar collection of vineyards, and made Rhône-style wines his focus. This is a revelation. Pure berries, cassis, rock, earth, licorice, and a hint of baking spices. Gorgeous.
Jordan's Chardonnay was made full-Burgundian style, barrel-fermented in nearly half new oak and aged on the lees. Partial malolactic fermentation has enabled brisk, appley acidity to remain. The flavors are of green apples and nectarines, with a mineral tug. This is an elegant, sophisticated Chardonnay.
Jordan Fiorentini continues to knock socks off with powerful wines, even when led by Grenache, which comprises 55% of this blend along with 27% Mourvèdre and 18% Syrah. Dark raspberries, smashed strawberries, concentrated rose petals, soy and beef jerky lead into energetic flavors of olallieberry, black-slate minerality and blueberry-skin tannins.
Jorio is the kind of wine that should easily pair with pasta and meat. It shows a sophisticated softness, with concentration and natural intensity.
Josef Mantler's estate produces Rieslings from some of the best local vineyards in eastern Kremstal. This is a rich, soft wine, with exotic flavors of lychees and apricots. The aftertaste is just off-dry, but still has a good steely backbone.
Joseph Jewell's 2009 Elk Prairie is even better than its 2008, which is saying something. This vintage opens with perfumed cola spice and cinnamon that evolves in its lightly textured, lush mouthfeel into decadent strawberry in crème Anglaise. Bright, with a lingering finish, this Pinot Noir only gets better while in the glass.
Joseph Jewell's 2014s from remote Humboldt County are dazzling. The color off this wine is on the light side, and so are the raspberry, tea leaf and cinnamon flavors, but they make for a pleasant, harmonious combination. Medium body, vibrant acidity and firm but light tannins add to its appetizing character.
Joseph Perrier's nonvintage cuvée is a full-bodied, weighty Champagne, dominated by Pinot Noir, full of food pairing possibilities. It has richness, touches of pear and fresh apricots and a delicious, open and creamy texture. The final feel is soft.
Josetta Saffirio delivers an impressive portfolio of wines that show the fruits of careful work in the vineyard and the winery. This base Barolo from the Monforte d'Alba area opens with lush fruit tones of cherry, wild berries, cassis and spice. What sets this expression apart is the attractive contrast between the wine's juicy nose and its drying mouthfeel.
Josh Jensen's 40 years of experience result in an expert wine that subtly delivers a touch of everything needed, but nothing in excess. The nose boasts scorched peach flesh at the core with squeezed lime on the edges, and the palate offers apple skin, nectarine flesh and lime zest, with a faint display of the nuttiness that will emerge with time. Elegant and excellent.
Josh Jensen's appellation blend is arguably the best American white wine for the price. This vintage offers squeezed tangerine, fleur de sel, lily, apple blossom, apple fritters and a touch of tropicality on the nose. The palate is more steely in structure, with chalk and concrete minerality followed by grapefruit skin and lime flavors, revealing the slightest hint of balanced butter tones.
Josh Jensen brings his restrained hand to this very fine Chardonnay. It's notable for the excellence of all its parts, and the balanced way they co-exist. You'll find tantalizingly rich tropical fruit and peach flavors, with nuances of oak, as well as the minerality that the estate vineyard brings to all its wines, white and red.
Josh Jensen was the first to plant this alternative Burgundian white varietal in America, and this bottling offers notes of honeyed apricot juice, ripe nectarines and melons and toasted almonds. It's waxy and fleshy on the palate, with grilled lemon warmth, squeezed lime acidity and a nutty finish.
Josh Klapper delivers an earthy take on the grape, with aromas of loam, tree roots, dusty chert, a touch of green olive and barely ripe wild berries. Once sipped, there are flavors of dried rose petals, raw meat, iodine, graphite and a Kalamata olive-dried cherry tapenade.
Josh Klapper made six barrels of this wine from coveted old vines at Bien Nacido Vineyard. The result is an exciting, focused expression of minerality, with wet cement prominent on the nose alongside black cherry, alpine strawberry and a touch of vanilla dust. Light and lithe in mouthfeel yet still packed with tons of flavor, the old vines unleash cranberry, pomegranate, orange rind, thyme, bay leaf and eucalyptus flavors.
Josmeyer's organic wines give a very pure line in fruitiness. This Pinot Blanc has texture, crisp and clean lemon and apple flavors and a light, bright touch. The aftertaste keeps the mineral freshness and acidity.
Journaux, the winery notes, is an old Burgundian term for the amount of land a person could plow by horse in a single day. The Azana vineyard is the source for the fruit, and is about four journaux in size. It brings flavors of strawberry candy, raspberry soda, and a bit of Dr Pepper. At first a forward, fruity, charming wine, it turns brambly and herbal in the well-balanced finish.
Joyously ripe, this lip-smackingly fruity wine sings of a summer's bounty of peach, apricot and orange flavors. Its alter ego is deeply mineral though, anchoring the palate in electric strikes of steel and slate. Delightfully crisp, its honeyed finish wraps up surprisingly dry.
Judged against more familiar varietal wines, this Maturana comes across as unusual, but not bad. Herbal aromas of juniper and briny berry are typical for the grape. Flavors of stewed blueberry, juniper and herbs are naturally green-leaning and a bit odd. This is something to explore.
Judged against other modern, very ripe 2009 Rioja wines, this Graciano is austere. Minerally, gritty black-fruit aromas give way to a juicy, hard-driving, high-acid palate, with salty, roasted black-fruit flavors. A shearing finish with saline notes and zesty acidity is what you get from this single-vineyard varietal wine.
Judged as medium-sweet on the international scale, this shows petrol and lime Jell-o on the nose. The palate is not overly sweet but certainly not dry, offering honeyed lemon curds and sugared lime-peel flavors.
Judged even by its high alcohol, this is not a fresh rosé. While it does have fruit, it is dragged down by its weight. Super-ripe strawberry fruits and pepper complete the overdrawn picture.
Judging by the high-heeled shoe on the label, this is one of those wines aimed at the female consumer. It's Pinot in name only, with clean, simple cherry candy and oak tastes.
Judging by the success of this wine, St. Laurent seems to be this winery's signature grape. It is big, bold and packed with tannins as well as dense fruit. It's a solid- and dark-textured wine. Not yet ready to drink, this is worth aging for a few more years.
Judging from the appearance of this crystalline and seemingly colorless wine, you can anticipate that it might be one of those watery expressions of Pinot Grigio that we see so much of in the USA. Sure enough: this wine offers very little in terms of aromatics or density.
Judicious use of new oak meets gorgeous fruit flavors in this generous, warm and softly tannic wine. It's undeniably delicious, broad and satisfying in texture and almost viscous in mouthfeel. Enjoy it now through 2023.
Judicious use of oak makes Keuka Spring stand out in a line-up of Finger Lakes Chards. Subtle on the nose with whiffs of fresh apple and toasted hazelnuts, the wine's palate is quite full with luscious sweet melon, vanilla and cream. Hints of smoke and burnt sugar add a dimension of darkness to the finish.
Judiciously balanced notes of toast, spice and vanilla augment crisp red apple and lemon tones in this brisk Chardonnay. Cutting minerality on the midpalate lends an invigorating freshness through the finish. Drink now through 2019.
Juiced rhubarb, plump sour cherries, ripe cherry tomatoes and essence of violet combine for a distinctive nose on this ambitious wine by Eric Laumann. The palate shows tart boysenberry fruit, a graphite minerality and whole black peppercorns, as if a wave of spice is just a bite away. It's tasty and balanced, but leaves the mouth wanting an even more full delivery.
Juicily ripe yellow Mirabelle plums have an edge of white pepper and smoky highlights that add deeper dimension. Gorgeously peppery arugula and watercress join on the palate, yet there is something incredibly fruity and round about this. While there is green savoriness, the wine itself is ripe, juicy and yellow-fruited.
Juicy acidity buoys layers of wet stone, crisp apple and white peach in this lovely aromatic white. Textured, subtle and complex, it's fresh in the glass, accented in floral rose petals, grapefruit and lemon peel, dry and fermented entirely in stainless steel.
Juicy acidity cuts through this firmly structured, mineral wine. Great swathes of fresh citrus and ripe apricots go with the toastiness and dense texture. This is a very terroir-driven wine with a long future. Drink from 2018.
Juicy acids brighten up the mouthfeel, with pineapple, citrus and black-cherry-cola flavors commingling. This was aged nine months in 20% new French barrels.
Juicy Alicante Bouschet shines in this smooth, rich wine. Dark tannins are cushioned by the ripe berry fruits and opulent texture. Wood-aging has given extra richness to this powerful and complex wine that needs time. Drink from 2017.
Juicy and approachable, this blend of Riesling and Müller-Thurgau offers fleshy stone fruit and tangerine flavors brightened by soft, slightly yielding acidity. It's a pristinely fruity wine with just a touch of minerality on the finish. Drink now.
Juicy and austere in understated waves of cranberry and cherry fruit, this wine delivers subtle power and intensity in a leathery-textured package. True to its old vine heritage, it shows a dry dustiness of peppery spice.
Juicy and balanced in red and black berry, this is meaty, smoky and accessible wine, as complex and sultry as any of its vineyard or block-designates, yet softer and rounder, ready to play. A handful of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Peloursin and Negrette are included.
Juicy and big-bodied, this is a balanced expression of earthy black cherry and well-honed structure. Soft and lush on the palate, it'll appeal to fans who like a bit more meat on their Pinot bones, yet appreciate the fine texture of the tannins.
Juicy and bright, this pushes snappy raspberry and cherry fruit front and center, with a tasty touch of spice as well. It's a good introduction to the more elegant style of the 2013 vintage wines.
Juicy and brisk in acidity, this mouthwatering Pinot Noir is dry and silky. It has cool-climate cherry, pomegranate and cola flavors, with a nice mushroomy earthiness. Decant this elegant wine for several hours before opening it.
Juicy and dark with layers of boysenberry and blackberry fruit, with high tones of tar and brick, Cedarville's estate-grown Zin comes to life in decomposed granite soils, giving the wine a satisfying and sultry profile. Enjoy this Zin in good time (3–5 years) and pair with dark, smoky meats.
Juicy and delicious, this has aromas of ripe orchard fruit and fragrant Spanish broom. The succulent palate doles out crisp Granny Smith apple, Anjou pear, nectarine and mineral alongside bright acidity.
Juicy and dense in blackberry fruit, it offers lingering notes of cedar and cassis with a lingering finish of wood.
Juicy and earthy, this lovely appellation wine is voluptuous with a spicy thread. Blueberry and huckleberry fruit meld seamlessly into savory bites of tree bark and forest as the whole offers length and breadth.
Juicy and extracted, with bright jam tones and an open-knit structure. There's plenty of berry fruit here and a nice plum tone to the palate that carries over to the fleeting finish. A good choice for a big crowd.
Juicy and exuberantly floral, this wine is structured with a reasonable amount of tannin. Its strawberry and cherry fruit is robustly ripe, but high acidity saves the day.
Juicy and floral with dusty tannins, this Lodi blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Sangiovese exhibits the best of both worlds, with a well-integrated taste of soft raspberry jam, cranberry and earth.
Juicy and fresh red fruit meets an herbal woody component in this wine—a nod to its inclusion of 12% Cabernet Franc. Firm integrated tannins support the full-bodied frame of approachable richness and plush texture, working toward a seamless whole.
Juicy and fresh, this deeply colored wine offers lots of grapey, berry-like aromas and equally fruity and vivid flavors. It has a touch of sweetness and a soothing, smooth texture. The name refers to the winery's pledge to give 100% of profits to charity.
Juicy and fresh, this wine opens with gorgeous tropical fruit. The medium-weight palate shows sour candy flavors offset by a slight mineral edge and finishes with just enough acidity to carry off the sweetness.
Juicy and fruity with acidity and black currant fruits, this wine comes from a vineyard on slopes at the entrance to Saint-Émilion. It's bright and fresh with lively, easy fruits and soft tannins. Drink from 2017.
Juicy and fruity, this has apple and lemon flavors that combine with a steely edge. It's refreshing and crisp, with a bright, lively character, and a tang on the finish.
Juicy and fruity, this is a wine with fine acidity, crisp green fruits and a tight texture. Easy to drink already, it has a tangy character that gives the wine an extra bite at the end.
Juicy and fruity, this wine has strong layers of acidity and extracted tannins. It has a hard, austere character that doesn't promise for the future.
Juicy and fruity, with red berry fruits and a strong element of acidity. This is refreshing Bordeaux, soft, supple and light in the mouth.
Juicy and high in acidity, this is an easy quaffer, begging to be paired with fresh sea fare, be it oysters or cracked crab. Rare in California and usually considered a blending agent for Rhône whites, the grape shows potential from this estate.
Juicy and inviting, this is a bright red-fruited wine accented in anise. Soft, integrated oak and tannin allow the vibrant, happy acidity to shine atop full-bodied generosity.
Juicy and jammy, this wine features sweet blackberry and cherry fruit, with a touch of smoky oak. The texture is a bit coarse, but a good broiled steak will wrestle those tannins into submission.
Juicy and jumpy on the nose, but not sour. The palate of this dark, almost red Malbec rosé is sweet and candied but also zesty due to pretty lively acids. It's not a stellar wine but it is full of berries and spunk.
Juicy and medium-bodied, this wine is vibrantly crafted and balanced in oak. Showcasing pear and lemon chiffon flavors, it offers great value for the quality.
Juicy and mouth coating in ripe fruit, this wine offers black cherry, dusty tannins and graphite. Softly textured and surely approachable, it ends in a bright note of acidity.
Juicy and oaky, this ripe, fleshy wine dances in black fruit and tea. Medium in weight and length, it finishes in a burst of toasted vanilla.
Juicy and off-dry, this succulent Riesling pushes orange and candied citrus flavors to the front of the bus, with a smooth, sweet but not sugary ride into the lingering finish. A final impression of spun sugar and marshmallow brings a smile.
Juicy and open, with complex honey notes overlapping with key lime and apricot flavors. A bit rounder in the mouth than most of its brethren, this Clare Valley Riesling finishes on the simple side but with some truly mouthwatering lemon-meringue notes. Drink now.
Juicy and peppery this is everything one could want in a Mourvèdre—smooth and delicious with a backbone of earthy leather.
Juicy and plummy, this is a wine with generous amounts of purple fruit scents and flavors up front. The tannins turn a bit green and show some bitterness in the finish.
Juicy and polished, this opens with aromas that recall ripe plum, dark berry, mocha, Asian spice and a hint of menthol. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, chopped mint, anise and a hint of tobacco alongside velvety tannins that lend finesse and structure. Drink through 2021.
Juicy and powerfully structured, this vibrant red boasts aromas of underbrush, game and mature plum. The palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, juicy raspberry, white pepper, clove, tobacco and licorice alongside firm, velvety tannins. Drink through 2019.
Juicy and pungent aromas of grape candy, black-cherry blossoms and smoking pipe tobacco jump out of the glass on this easy drinker. It's showy on the palate with blackberry, black currant and tart red cherries, gaining depth from licorice and dill. It's both boisterous and complex.
Juicy and ripe with flavors of peach, tangerine and apple, this is an easy-drinking, off-dry Riesling. Delicately structured, it finishes moderately long with a pleasantly bitter lime pith note.
Juicy and ripe yet zesty and bright—balance is the key to this deeply satisfying red blend. It's a lavishly fruity wine from nose to finish, wafting of sun-kissed plums and cherries. But the palate maintains a brisk, upright demeanor, boasting vibrant acidity and a fine persistent frame of tannins. The finish is supple and silky with just a hint of lingering nut skins.
Juicy and ripe, this bursts open with a flavorful mix of brambly berry, cherry compote and red licorice. It's full and broad, ready for near-term drinking, and yet has the acid backing to age 2019–2021.
Juicy and ripe, this has soft tannins and a red berry flavor. Alongside all of the fruit is a more stalky, spicy character to give complexity. The wine is ready to drink, but it could age for 2–3 years.
Juicy and ripe, this opens with black fruit and prune notes, followed by soft tannins and a chewy, rich mouthfeel. Pair it with roasted meats with buttery baked potatoes.
Juicy and ripe, this pretty dry rosé offers a bounty of black-plum and berry flavors glazed with caramelized sugar. Zippy acidity refreshes the midpalate guiding an invigorating cherry-blossom finish.
Juicy and ripe, yet briskly composed, this medium-bodied Pinot Noir boasts flavors of red cherry and strawberry preserves offset by crisp cranberry acidity. It's concentrated on the palate but finishes swiftly with just a feathery hint of tannins.
Juicy and round, this opens with scents of honeysuckle, yellow stone fruit and a hint of aromatic herb. The full-bodied palate offers ripe white peach, pear and a hint of candied lemon drop while a mineral note backs up the finish.
Juicy and round, youthful red delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and clove aromas and flavors. Chewy tannins provide structure. Enjoy through 2020.
Juicy and savory, this boasts aromas of baked cherry pie, dried rose, leather, dark baking spice and a whiff of menthol. The rich, chewy palate offers juicy black cherry, orange zest, crushed strawberry, white pepper and cinnamon alongside big, ripe tannins and surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage. Drink through 2026.
Juicy and seductively smooth, this blockbuster beauty from the revered vineyard site is big, bold and intense, with granular tannins and a grip of integrated French oak. Its bright cassis, lavender, Tahitian vanilla and dried herb flavors are irresistible right out the gate. Ripe and rewarding, it's one to remember.
Juicy and slightly reduced, this tightly woven wine shows layers of cranberry, citrus and tea, all wrapped within a cocoon of forested earth and medium-weight body.
Juicy and smoky with a taste of tar, this full-bodied wine is soft and integrated in terms of oak. Black cherry, blackberry and strawberry play on the palate against measured acidity and weight.
Juicy and smoky, this robust wine is thickly textured and earthy in dusty dried herb. Blackberry, tar and leather provide ample additional intrigue, with a pleasing taste of strawberry jam and supportive, toasty oak.
Juicy and soft in blackberry and black cherry, this wine is nicely resolved in terms of tannin and oak structure,. These provide weight on the back palate, with enough heightened acidity on the finish to stay on balance. Strawberry and dried herb close things out.
Juicy and soft with just a touch of tannin, this is all about red cherry fruits. A rounded texture makes the wine ready to drink.
Juicy and soft, this special super-sized bottling will make for a fun wine at a large gathering, approachable and suitably full bodied. Red fruit and oak intermingle around velvety textures of integrated tannins, finishing in a long seasoning of allspice.
Juicy and soft, this Zin is all about exuberant red fruit and restrained tannins. Full-bodied it also offers elegance with complex highlights of leather, cedar and peppery spice. Enjoy with plenty of pizza and pasta on hand.
Juicy and spicy flavors give a wine that layers fruit and ginger. Blackberries are the dominant fruit while the spice adds a bite that is almost exotic.
Juicy and stemmy, this is a big, bold wine, explosive in highlights of huckleberry, dark cherry and forest floor. With firm tannins for days, it offers enviable length and spice along a smooth grippy texture and forceful complexity.
Juicy and supple on the palate, this has bold flavors of blackberry, pepper and currant. It's a casual wine that would do a grilled burger plenty of justice.
Juicy and supple, this wine astounds with its ability to be generously broad in appeal yet with undeniable complexity and tension. Its soft texture betrays chalky tannic grip, while its fruit and spice attributes—a mix of cardamon, clove and brambly berry—become increasingly intense.
Juicy and sweet in cherry jam, licorice, chocolate and smoky vanilla flavors, this Merlot also has a smooth, supple texture. It's a fine example of a country-style wine.
Juicy and tart, this estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc has a pleasing mix of light melon, lime, white peach and grapefruit flavors. Hints of sweet grass and a suggestion of sweetness, like lemonade, fill out the finish.
Juicy and varietal, this inexpensive Sierra Foothills Cab has rich texture and layers of dried cherry and currant. Round and well-composed, the finish veers toward flavors of vanilla and cedar.
Juicy and well balanced, this is an admirable effort at the price. Boxwood, grapefruit, lemon and quince notes make for a sophisticated first impression. The palate is straightforward citrus while gooseberry notes pop up on the dry finish. Drink now.
Juicy apple notes, both ripe and tart, make for a crunchy and mouthwatering opening to this wine. The palate is clean and streaked with the zesty, balanced freshness of Amalfi lemon peel. Fluid and concentrated, the body will become more rounded with age, and there's already a hint of the candied lemon-peel richness at its core.
Juicy approachable flavors of white grapefruit and sweet apple are juxtaposed by vibrant lemon zest and crushed mineral tones in this zippy off-dry Riesling. It's not a deeply complex wine but invigorating and fresh.
Juicy aromas of black currant and other black fruits are followed by forward, sweet, lush fruit flavors. Grainy tannins provide the spine.
Juicy aromas of blackberry and blueberry fruit pick up some baking spice notes on the nose of this bottling from atop the mountains above the Malibu Coast. The flavors are also very fruit-forward, with candied blueberry and clove spice.
Juicy aromas of blueberry meet with licorice and cola, but then show that pleasing gamy funk that this grape often provides. The palate is very likable and quaffable though not particularly complex, with cola, cherry juice, clove and caramel flavors.
Juicy as a dark plum with a raspberry chaser, this 80-case Petite Sirah gets better and better as it opens, revealing itself to be mellow and rustic, yet big and broad-shouldered. It would make the perfect pairing with a plate of cheesy pasta, meat sauce and crusty garlic bread, or anything with pancetta.
Juicy at first, this wine begins to dull on the palate, offering not much in terms of flavor, with plenty of powerful tannin.
Juicy black and red cherry flavors enwrap classic cedar, graphite and peppercorn notes in this brawny, full-bodied wine. Accessible despite its bulk of tannin, its texture leans leathery, with clove scents lingering long on the finish.
Juicy black berry and boysenberry fruits are upfront on the nose of this Bordeaux-style blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 14% Malbec and 9% Petit Verdot. Glimmers of licorice, black pepper and cigar box add depth to the medium-weight palate, while fine yet structured tannins lend length and texture to the ripe-fruited finish. Drink now–2019.
Juicy black cherry and berry notes are layered in heady tones of char, tobacco leaf and cedar in this easy drinking entry-level Pinot. Ruddy ripeness is balanced out neatly by brisk acidity. It's a tad lean in concentration with a brisk finish.
Juicy black cherry and black berry take center stage in this blend of Montelpulciano and Sangiovese. There's a hint of white pepper and mint on the close, along with just enough freshness to lift this up. Not for cellaring, so enjoy soon. Worldwide Cellars, Sussex Wine Merchants.
Juicy black cherry and grippy oak are the stars of the show in this delicious red wine, softened by the addition of 16% Malbec. Elongated tannins support the leathery texture as highlights of cedar and sage play on.
Juicy black cherry and strawberry flirt with this vineyard-designate's sultry and dense earthiness, combining two sides of the equation with a deft hand. Tea, sage and robust tannins give it depth and breadth across the palate, as tingling acidity keeps it fresh.
Juicy black cherry and vanilla wrap around sizable mountain tannin making for a full-bodied experience of tobacco, clove and tar. Chocolate and dust round out the profile of a wine with prolific power and structure, along with a bright, fresh finish. Drink now through 2022.
Juicy black cherry and violet notes permeate throughout this easy-drinking Merlot-based blend. Luscious and fruity, but bold in style, it holds up well to the coating of grippy tannins.
Juicy black cherry is the main theme here: it fills nose and palate. The body lacks a little focus but its fleshiness is cut by freshness that sets all the cherry fruit into scene.
Juicy black cherry, tar and leather notes provide flavor and heft in this supple wine with sizable yet well-behaved tannins. Its firm structure balances the full body, as clove and just-roasted coffee highlights linger on the finish.
Juicy black cherry, tobacco, leather, underbrush, licorice, menthol, mint and balsamic notes all come together on this powerfully structured wine. The succulent, ripe fruit is supported by a solid tannic backbone. It's already delicious but it's still compact and brooding so give it time to unwind. Drink after 2020–2040.
Juicy black currant acidity dominates this light, bright wine that's 100% Merlot. It has a fresh feel and is structured with light tannins. Drink now.
Juicy black currant and berry meet smoky oak and firm tannin in this approachably fruity, integrated effort from the appellation known best for its dust.
Juicy black currants and red berries are masked by the tannins at present, but they will fill out this wine, leaving a fresh, bright character. Drink from 2018.
Juicy black fruit shines in this full-bodied wine with structured tannins. Weighty and concentrated, with light dustings of black pepper and cinnamon, its oak is supportive and seasoned in a touch of vanilla.
Juicy black fruit stars in this lush, expansive red, nicely priced for the appellation and providing great value for the quality. Violets appear on the nose, softening the length of tannin and toasted oak that follow.
Juicy black fruit, tobacco, tar and leather notes provide a muscular edge to this medium-bodied wine, which is shy on fruit flavor but bold with structure and complex, gravelly, dusty tannin.
Juicy black fruits give a great start, supported by the tannins that kick in. Ripe, full of flavor and generous, this is a broad, full-bodied wine. Drink from 2016.
Juicy black plum finds a robust tension of tar, licorice and meat in a full-bodied expression of this grape, more usually found in blends in the Napa Valley than standing on its own. This one achieves a balance between power and smoky succulence.
Juicy blackberry and black currant coast across a softly layered wine that's approachable and ready to drink, dusted in tannins and dried herbs.
Juicy blackberry and blackcurrant mix with cocoa, cola and peppercorns on the nose of this densely layered wine. Flavors are deep and dark with tar, pencil shavings, dried blueberry, street asphalt and a strong umami character, still tightly wound at five years old. Let it breathe, or wait another couple years for optimal drinking.
Juicy blackberry and boysenberry flavors fill out this deeply colored, bold-tasting, full-bodied but not oaky wine. More fruit nuances and concentration develop with each sip, and the richly tannic texture coats the sides of the mouth, propelling the ripe fruit through the finish. It's a great way to enjoy this Bordeaux grape variety bottled on its own instead of in a blend, as usual.
Juicy blackberry and cassis accent a balanced elegant wine that's bright in acidity and ample in structure. Nuanced in ripeness, it's built for the table and will shine alongside a versatile array of foods.
Juicy blackberry and clove scents ride a full-bodied wave of flavor and leathery texture in this impressive wine. It shows both the brightness and the density of the appellation in a strong, warm vintage.
Juicy blackberry aromas are spiced up by dried-herb, black-pepper and vanilla-bean notes. On the palate, dark berries and toast are accented by earth and green tobacco, and chewy, gritty tannins. Taut red fruit rolled in white and black pepper sums it up. 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.
Juicy blackberry jam, anise and oak flavors abound in this dry, tannic Cabernet. The palate is a little sharp in texture, and it is unlikely to age well, so drink now.
Juicy blackberry notes are freshened by lively acidity in this big, bold, succulent wine built for meaty, peppery fare. The fruit is complemented by complex cedar and pine seasonings.
Juicy blackberry, cherry and leathery tannins characterize this full-bodied, dense and complex wine, which is velvety-smooth on the palate. Though the fruit is nicely developed and full figured, the tannins should continue to integrate with more time in the bottle. Cellar through 2022.
Juicy blueberry and ripe blackberry dominate nose and palate on this easy-drinking, fresh-faced and fruit-forward red. The tannins are barely there and while the body boasts ample fruit, there is no heaviness. This is Zweigelt as it's meant to be: fun!
Juicy brambleberries, red currants, black pepper and a touch of asphalt greet the nose on this stylishly packaged wine made by Andrew Murray. Dried anise seeds and minty blueberry show on the somewhat lean and lithe palate.
Juicy brick tar and a sumptuous offering of blueberry and blackberry pie characterize this medium-bodied, softly approachable and easygoing red. Hints of smoky oak and dried herb lurk in the background.
Juicy bursts of ripe blackberry and blueberry are reined in by a firm backbone of acidity and cool herbal swathes in this full-bodied Lemberger. Just softly fringed by tannins, it's an approachable but sophisticated wine to enjoy now through 2020.
Juicy but crisp, textbook Syrah aromas of meat and game mix with plum and floral aromas on the nose, while the palate shows a pleasant core of cherry, which persists on the medium finish. Try with barbecued meat.
Juicy but not quite ripe, this is a green and herbal wine that is not worth aging. Drink it over the next few years.
Juicy cassis fills the palate in this balanced wine, blended with small percentages of Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. With a leathery texture and earthy underbody, it's mellow with supple finish.
Juicy Castelão fruit propels this wine, giving spice, soft tannins and ripe red cherries. It is full, very accessible, its acidity adding an attractive edge of freshness. Drink now, or age a year.
Juicy cherry and cardamom flavors give this wine approachability as well as complexity, all within a smooth, fleshy texture. Full bodied and integrated, it's spicy and deliciously aromatic, with fresh garden-like accents of rose and lavender.
Juicy cherry fruit flavors with some fine tannins, pepper, spice and dry wood edges. This is a friendly, easy Bordeaux with plenty of fruit.
Juicy cherry, strawberry and blueberry compete for attention in this fully plush and powerfully built wine. Its brawn is offset by a beautifully soft texture that gives it a lushness on the palate.
Juicy cranberry and cassis characterize this Cab, given ample time in bottle. Soft and medium in terms of weight and body, it's fluid in fruit, with a leathery finish.
Juicy cranberry and pie cherry fruit brings this wine into clear focus. There is an underpinning of wet cement that comes across in the mid-palate, a sort of a stone wall that the fruit can't quite overcome. It fades into an astringent, tannic finish, still buoyed by those juicy acids.
Juicy currant, cherry and a thickness of toffee makes for a full-bodied, densely rich and ripe reserve wine, dusty and fully extracted.
Juicy currant, plum, leather, spice and sandalwood flavors abound in this dry, interesting blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Viognier. The fruit is framed by brisk acids and firm tannins. All of the profits from the sale of this wine go to the winery's full-time vineyard crew.
Juicy dark-purple fruits hold the center of this supple, engaging wine that's still young, with chewy tannins. There's tangy bite to the acids and plenty of muscle for aging. Drink 2020 through 2030 and possibly longer.
Juicy dark berry fruit and ripe blackberry open the bouquet of this Frizzante red wine. There's a tangy raw quality to the wine that would pair next to cheesy lasagna.
Juicy dark cherry and berry aromas with cedar and cola notes present a Pinot Noir like profile for this wine. It continues the disguise with its cherry and oak flavors, rather light mouthfeel and lack of density for a Cabernet based wine.
Juicy dark plum, cherry and boysenberry are upfront on the nose, with additional seductive hints of purple violet and vanilla. The palate is plush and fruit-forward, with ample acidity and medium tannins that lend pleasant structure. Accents of sweet spice grace the finish.
Juicy flavors of white peach, green apple, pear and exotic fruit team with hints of mineral and white almond. The creamy palate is energized by crisp, quenching acidity that leaves a clean finish.
Juicy fruit aromas lead to a palate conveying tangy flavors and mandarin zest. This is a fruity wine that is not quite balanced, and likely to remain with fruit and texture out of kilter.
Juicy fruit flavors carry a pleasantly candied character, dappled with hints of cinnamon and pepper flakes. It's broad and appealing, with a touch of mint enlivening the finish.
Juicy Fruit gum and citrus blossom meet a chemical plastic note on the nose. The palate is light in weight, with sharp acids carrying along the peach juice and lemon flavors.
Juicy fruit is present in this wine, with firm, extracted tannins. It needs time to show its potential black-currant and berry notes. Give it 3–4 years.
Juicy hibiscus and pomegranate fruits converge with dried fennel stalks, purple flowers and a flinty smoke character on the fresh and inviting nose of this bottling from Rick Longoria's own vineyard. The energy that emerges on the sip is amazingly persistent, which guarantees long aging, presenting flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, dried sagebrush and black licorice. Drink 2017–2028.
Juicy in a slightly overripe way, this sweet, plummy and jammy wine is soft and supple in broad tannins. On the finish, a combination of smoke and vanilla make their point.
Juicy in black and red berry, this relatively inexpensive Cabernet is aged in both French and American oak. Tannins are soft and subtle, the power building on the finish.
Juicy in blackberry and cassis, with a strong Bordeaux-varietal rush of peppercorn and herb, this wine leans green and tight on the palate, aiming for a classical style from a cool year and cool region.
Juicy in blackberry and dark plum, this is a fruity Primitivo with a backbone of leather, coffee and spice. The finish veers into overripe flavors.
Juicy in blueberry and explosive blackberry fruit, this offers the right succulent mix of dusty spice and well-mannered fruitiness. For pairings, aim for the usual barbecue but perhaps also a risotto or finely made pizza.
Juicy in cassis and black cherry before taking on beguiling layers of peppercorn, chicory, tobacco and black tea, this Cab has a lot going on from the get-go, and yet there's no doubt about its ability to take on further nuance and complexity with time. Bittersweet chocolate accents the finish. Enjoy through 2027–2030.
Juicy in dusty berry cobbler flavor, layered with a touch of spicy dark chocolate, this is a medium-bodied, approachable wine with well-integrated oak and supple tannin. Blackberry and coffee mingle on the finish.
Juicy in red and blue fruit, this wine is soft in texture and mannered tannins with a burst of leather on the finish. From estate-grown grapes, it'll go well with a rib roast or more casual burgers.
Juicy in red fruit, orange and rhubarb, this wine offers sizable body against a backbone of impressively balanced oak. Dry, firm tannins add to the strength and resonance of the palate, while subtle floral aromas lend intrigue to the bouquet.
Juicy in red plum and layered in subtle suggestions of herb and cinnamon spice, this will please a wide range of palates and pocketbooks, the wine given a year in American oak. It's a good one for the dinner table or larger gathering.
Juicy in red raspberry and cherry, this soft Malbec is satisfying on many fronts, with a touch of savory sourness on the finish.
Juicy in ripe cassis and clove, this exuberant Cab with tamed, soft tannins explodes on impact. With a sanguine note to the background, the wine's oak is pronounced but in check, giving a plush impression.
Juicy in smoked cherry and a thick, velvety texture, this luxuriously pretty wine blends several estate blocks and clones. Forest floor, cola, clove, pine and black cherry highlight an integrated approach. It stays balanced and complex through a lengthy finish that further accentuates the spice.
Juicy in tropical mango, coconut flake and guava, this sophisticated Chardonnay is measured in texture and weight, the body lean with a touch of vanilla richness on the finish.
Juicy intensely ripened black plum and cherry flavors have a fleshy, almost ruddy concentration on the palate of this full-bodied Cabernet Franc. It's neatly balanced though, bolstered by crisp acidity and fine velvety tannins. Judicious oak treatments lend lavish but integrated accents of spice and smoke.
Juicy kiwi, lime blossom and sour apple candy aromas show on the nose of this ripe white—the first 2016 submitted from the region. The palate is oily in texture, with honeydew and more lime-kiwi-bubblegum flavors.
Juicy like a cherry cordial, this medium-bodied vineyard-designate drinks lean and gracefully, showing a spunky side seasoned in cinnamon and clove.
Juicy mango and yellow peach flavors are intensified by a mineral slick in this gorgeously textured wine. A jolt of lime on the midpalate gives edge to silky layers of fruit, exposing a lingering honeycomb finish. Complex yet light bodied and quaffable, it's a new benchmark for Long Island Riesling.
Juicy notes of grass and passion fruit make for a very forward, aromatic and intensely appetizing Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is taut, very dry and slender but chock-full of fragrant fruit. The finish is enlivening and resoundingly aromatic.
Juicy on the nose and palate, with loads of sweet peach and melon, this semidry Riesling is balanced by brisk lime-tinged acidity and crisp starfruit flavors that shine on the midpalate. Finishes on a pleasantly drying jasmine-tea note.
Juicy on the palate with ample black cherry and Damson plum flavors, this is an easy-drinking Pinot Noir with just the faintest whisper of tannins. Hints of bramble and wet earth add dimension.
Juicy peach and aromatic orange make for an appetizing fruit-driven opening. The palate adds an element of pure zestiness and bright freshness to these exuberant, ripe and enticing fruit notes. This masters this playful tension between fruit and freshness beautifully. There is a touch of heat on the just-about-dry finish, but this spells fun, full fruit and total refreshment. Drink 2017–2025.
Juicy peach, pear and honey complement each other in this happy, exuberant expression of the variety that's understated in its elegance. A roundness of body makes it easily complementary to a multitude of spicy foods, itself offering a hit of nutmeg on the finish.
Juicy pear mingles into a savory, almost soy-spiced midpalate. Round and rich, it leads to a pleasantly bitter and ultra-clean finish.
Juicy pineapple, mango and citrus notes lend a tropical feel to this penetrating, yet light bodied, Pinot Gris. Off dry in style, it's dancingly light on its feet, with a revitalizing shower of acidity that lingers through the finish.
Juicy plum and currant flavors accent the velvety texture of this soft, integrated estate wine. It displays a light sprinkling of black pepper and clove.
Juicy plum and pencil shavings define this straightforward, soft, approachable and fruit-forward wine, cradled in toasty oak and a pronounced earthiness. The lingering finish features a touch of black pepper.
Juicy plum, raspberry and pencil lead lead the way in this vineyard designate, a site that's 2,000 feet high. Tobacco and cedar meet a full-bodied hit of oak and puckering tannin, the wine still youthfully wrapped in its full-bodied boldness.
Juicy raspberry, strawberry, orange zest, vanilla and oatmeal cookie flavors abound in this succulent Pinot Noir. It has a nice, silky texture, and the alcohol is refreshingly moderate.
Juicy red and black cherry, crushed raspberry, violet, white pepper, cinnamon and sage sensations all come together. Assertive tannins and exhilarating acidity balance out the intense fruit and spice flavors. It's still austere and tight but displays great breeding and serious aging potential. Drink after 2020.
Juicy red and blue fruit stars in this straightforward Cab-based blend. It offers a soft, medium-bodied personality and approachable tannins.
Juicy red berry fruits and bright acidity are the hallmarks of this wine, from an 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc blend. The tannic background is still there and does need to soften, so give the wine until 2017. This estate, one of six, has been in the Aubert family since before the French Revolution.
Juicy red berry, brimstone, leather, licorice, mint and thyme are just some of the aromas and flavors of this powerfully structured wine. Despite the muscular build, it's also loaded with finesse, boasting firm but noble tannins that accompany the layers of savory flavors. Drink 2016–2022.
Juicy red berry, currant and cola aromas jump out of the glass along with sweet tobacco and leather. The flavors in this blend of 51% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 4% Counoise and 1% Cinsault aren't as boisterous, with rose petal soda, root beer and iced coffee, proving light but with a leathery grip.
Juicy red cherry and raspberry flavors are layered with toast, cinnamon, vanilla and spice in this ornate yet approachable wine. It's sunny and plush on the midpalate, but grippy tannins mark a tight, brisk finish.
Juicy red fruit defines this blend of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Supportive tannins accent its cedar, oak and raisin notes.
Juicy red fruit dominates this wine. It has some firm tannins underneath—just enough to support the delicious raspberry and red-currant flavors. It is maturing well and will be ready to drink from 2017.
Juicy red fruit that flirts in cherry and vanilla opens this complex, florally aromatic wine from the Rudd Vineyard on Mount Veeder. Thick, integrated tannins support a concentrated structure, marked by herb and cedar, finishing dry and lean.
Juicy red fruits are the veneer on a wine that is structured and complex, full of tight tannins, intense acidity and the promise of a long-term future. The dry center of the wine holds the exuberant fruit flavors together, while the aftertaste is all freshness.
Juicy red plum and bright berries fill the palate, while accents of savory herbs and wild animal add depth to the nose. Balanced and approachable with a satiny structure and a medium-length finish. Drink now.
Juicy red plums and cherries, vanilla and smoke are pleasant on the nose and palate of this Bordeaux-style red from Istria, but gain freshness and verve from layers of bramble, menthol and fresh herbs. Full bodied with exceptionally integrated tannins that are soft and round, it's a big surprise at $13.
Juicy ripe blackberry and raspberry form the basis of this brambly, fruit-forward Zin that offers a low output of tannin and oak presence. Refined on the palate, it finishes with a swat of wild licorice and dried herb.
Juicy strawberries and plum are cut with allspice and star anise on the sharply spiced nose of this wine from one of the Golden State's legendary producers. The palate shows the juice of darker berries, from blackberries to black cherries, with an Earl Grey tea bitterness and dried sage complexity.
Juicy strawberries, raspberries and plums are balanced by wet slate on the nose of this wine from grape growing pioneer Louis Lucas and his vintner-partner, Judge Royce Lewellen. The palate shows more raspberry and a bit of boysenberry along with an orange rind tartness and woody herbs like juniper and black sage.
Juicy strawberry and raspberry fruits form the base of an aromatic profile that also picks up some sagebrush and dried cake frosting. Though lighter in body, the flavors emerge continually on the palate, from ripe berries to tomato stew to cola to mint. Serve with roasted chicken or turkey or even a rich pasta.  Bargetto has been making wine since 1933.
Juicy strawberry and red plum aromas meet cinnamon, sassafras and earthy scents in this bottling from winemaker Colin Murphy. Beautiful layers of sour cherry combine with dried fennel, wild mint, thyme and rose petal flavors on the palate, which finishes clean and crisp.
Juicy strawberry jam and dried herb combine for a forceful attack of bold, concentrated flavor and robust body, the wine textured in dusty tannin.
Juicy streaks of grapefruit and pineapple in this spry, dry Riesling are cut by laser-focused acidity and rocky edges of slate. It's approachable and fresh yet abundantly elegant. Drink now through 2018.
Juicy succulent tangerine and yellow peach flavors meld on the palate of this forward fruity off-dry wine. On first taste, it's quite straightforward, but added attention reveals glimmers of spice, saffron and mineral complexities. Drink now through 2024.
Juicy sweet is an apt moniker for this fruity, forward Riesling. The grapey, sugary palate is a bit confected in style, but easy and approachable.
Juicy sweet on the nose and palate, this semidry Gewürztraminer is likeable for its unabashed fruit forwardness. Sweet peach and melon candy flavors finish a bit on the confected side with a swirl of perfumy florals.
Juicy tangerine, apricot and lime flavors shine brightly on the palate of this dry, elegantly structured wine. It's remarkably floral from first whiff to its lingering finish. Drink now through 2020.
Juicy tobacco, clove and black currant accent plush layers of integrated oak and rounded, persistent tannin in this Bordeaux-style blend. Full bodied and quite ripe, it's a nice showcase for Napa Valley fruit.
Juicy white grapefruit and lime flavors penetrate throughout this juicy, off-dry Riesling. It's refreshing and quaffable yet elegantly structured, finishing moderately long on a lingering lime-pith note.
Juicy wild berries and black raspberries are leveled by touches of asphalt and vanilla on the nose of this small-batch garagiste bottling. Graphite and tar add minerality to the palate, though the sip is dominated by hot-out-of-the-oven elderberry pie. Lavender adds florality.
Juicy wine, just beginning to change from pure fruit to maturity. The tannins are still there, but more gently rounded with red berry fruits. The wine is ready to drink.
Juicy with blackberry and cola notes on the nose, but not overly dense thanks to a black-slate minerality, this wine offers somewhat simple grape-candy flavors on the palate along with lilacs and other purple flower elements. Those make for a fairly tasty and easy-to-quaff bottle.
Juicy with brambly raspberry fruit with a slight herbal note, Deaver's Henry House is full and fleshy with soft tannins and ready to drink now.
Juicy with fine berry fruit, this is an open wine that will develop quickly. With its attractive acidity and smoky character from wood aging, it has the potential to be a delicious wine. Drink from 2020.
Juicy with ripe tannins, it tastes lovingly hand-crafted, detailed and focused in black currant, berry and leather. Though rich and luxurious it retains ample natural acidity to buoy its way through a meal or through several years of aging.
Juicy with scents of cherry cola and cream soda, this wine was sourced from two vineyards. It shows violet flavors, backed up by hibiscus and a light raspberry juice. It's clean, fresh and very easy to drink.
Juicy yellow peaches are invitingly soft on nose and palate, where the zesty acidity of lime and lemon rind lightens the fruit, leading to a lifted and refreshing finish.
Juicy yellow pear and a touch of flint play on the mellow, textured body. Ripe apricot and pastry also show through, bringing a balance between zestiness and round flavors.
Juicy yellow pear, fresh red apple and apple compote make for a very appetizing, refreshing nose. On the palate a spritz of lemon juice provides further freshness and zesty spiciness, accentuating the gorgeous apple fruit. Slender but fruity this will be a joy on a sunny day.
Juicy, appetizing apple notes rise from the glass, helped along by summer blossom and rose. The off-dry palate is generous with ripe peach and plum accented by pleasantly bitter notes of pith. The tiniest amount of spritz helps to keep things fresh.
Juicy, bright, loaded with young, grapey, berry flavors. Bright and polished, with a Grenache-like character, though it is 100% varietal.
Juicy, dusty and lean at first, this 100% varietal wine comes from a vineyard on the western side of the appellation. The rich red cherry and cassis notes, compelling from the start, are complemented by a seductive intertwining of sage, dried herbs and toasty oak. Balanced and full bodied, it's a stand-out.
Juicy, dusty and wrapped in cedar, this rarefied wine is classic in nature, with highlights of pencil shavings, red currant and a dose of dried cherry. The oak is robust and supportive, offering specks of vanilla and clove, the tannins thick and tenacious, ready to mellow in time. Drink best from 2023 through 2033.
Juicy, fresh and lively, this is a light-bodied effort with a big presence on the palate in terms of rich mouthfeel and velvety tannin. Blueberry, cherry and a pronouncement of forest floor play well together to offer both savory and fruit-tinged sweet.
Juicy, fresh tangerine and peach flavors shine brightly on the palate of this vibrantly fruity Riesling. Approachable yet elegant, it offers uncomplicated refreshment with delicately lingering sweetness marking the finish. Drink now through 2018.
Juicy, freshly pressed apple flavors in this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay gain savory components amid layers of toasted wood, coconut and sawdust. Bright acidity and hints of fresh grass and herbs add refinement and refreshment.
Juicy, fruity wine, all red berries and freshness. The wine feels warm, just right for a hot dish on a cold day. The acidty gives some shape without losing the ripeness.
Juicy, jammy, tasting of red licorice and bright blackberry fruit, with dusty undertones and a bite of coffee on the finish, this is a good-value Zinfandel from old Lodi vines.
Juicy, juvenile aromas of plum and berry lead to a palate that's bouncy in feel. Jammy blackberry and plum define the flavor profile, while the finish is honest, lively and fresh. Junior is the perfect name for this fruit-forward, young Rioja.
Juicy, leathery and earthy on the palate, this is a densely extracted blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It presents dry, lengthy tannins and a rusticity of dusty clove, finishing lean and restrained.
Juicy, luscious Comice pears and floral overtones are brought into tighter focus by the zesty freshness on the concentrated palate that shows intensity and warmth. This finishes with a long impression of pure lemon oil.
Juicy, nearly sweet-smelling aromas of blackberry pie introduce this wine by master sommelier Paolo Barbieri, who moved from Las Vegas to become a winemaker in the Santa Ynez Valley a few years ago. The flavors are streamlined and fruit-forward with dark purple and red berries, as well as root beer and cola notes.
Juicy, penetrating raspberry fruit launches this tight young wine into the center of the palate. The overall balance and prominent acidity suggests that it is a good cellar candidate. Drink 2020 to 2030, and aerate aggressively if you plan to pop it in the near term.
Juicy, plummy and dusty, in well-integrated ways, this is a classically earthy old-vine Zin, with plush blueberry and blackberry on the palate that finishes rich in mocha and cinnamon. Medium in body and acidity, it's approachable and enjoyable now.
Juicy, ripe peach and blossom notes perfume this full bodied blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Blanc. It's moderately concentrated, with delicate flavors of fresh stone fruit, pear and toast, but enlivened by a streak of sunny lemon acidity. Finishes briskly.
Juicy, ripe wine, perfumed with sweet fruit. Black berries and bitter chocolate mix with sweet plums and final, lively acidity.
Juicy, ripe, black fruit infused with vanilla and toasted oak are promising on this intensely concentrated North Fork Cabernet, but are hindered by green stem and leaf notes that trail from start to finish. The puckery, tart finish ends with a mouthful of big, chunky tannins.
Juicy, soft and sublime, this vineyard site sits on the extreme Sonoma Coast, near the town of Annapolis, approaching the Mendocino County line. Fine tannins and bright acidity combine for a memorable taste experience, marked in fresh strawberry, raspberry and black pepper.
Juicy, soft red layers of fruity dark cherry and blackberry accentuate this sophisticated, boldly ripe wine, with integrated oak and firm supportive tannin.
Juicy, spicy and red-fruit dominated, this wine is broad-shouldered and moderately balanced, with a powerful hit of tannin on the finish. Sweet tobacco and vanilla flavors crescendo on the finish.
Juicy, structured and delicious, this full-bodied wine doles out ripe blackberry, crushed raspberry, red cherry, white pepper, clove and licorice. Racy acidity and fine-grained tannins provide support.
Juicy, sun-kissed citrus and stone fruit flavors are straightforward yet concentrated here. Medium-sweet and delicately framed, it's a forward, fruity wine balanced by ample lemon and tangerine acidity. Drink now.
Juicy, sun-kissed grapefruits and apple blossoms explode from this buoyantly fresh, off-dry Kabinett. Invigorating acidity lends backbone and a steely focus that resonates long on the finish. It's beautiful now, but should hold nicely, and perhaps improve, through 2020.
Juicy, sweet and fat in glycerine, this has complex flavors of blackberry and cherry pie filling. The tannins and acids give it a fine, elegant structure. Drink now.
Juicy, sweet fruited wine, with a ripe, jammy character allied to fresh acidity and soft tannins. With enticing raspberry flavors, the wine is for easy and early drinking.
Juicy, sweet honeydew and green plum flavors are cut by shards of piercing lime and lemon in this ripe, light-footed Riesling. Medium-sweet in style, it's a keenly balanced single-vineyard bottling that should improve well through 2021.
Juicy, tart and crisp with acidity, this is a standout vineyard designate with a bold, velvety texture. Blue fruit-driven, it's full-bodied and fleshy in all the best ways, with a plush finish that teases with cardamom and tea.
Juicy, tart and tightly wound, this pure Malbec has a core of wild, brambly berry and light plum. Nicely managed oak aging (28% new) brings in a lick of smoky caramel, clove and coffee. The flavors fall off a little too quickly on the finish.
Juicy, thick and satisfying, this appellation wine is rich in red licorice and dark cherry with an expansiveness on the palate that impresses and lingers around a deft cradling of integrated oak.
Juicy, this has an exotic twist of burnt cherry and orange to it, accented in Asian spice. Soft, with moderate acidity, it retains an earthy underlay of roses that add to the full-bodied length and density.
Juicy, vivid black cherry fruit appears on the nose of this wine, with a touch of tar and brooding elderberry. The palate brims with those appetizing flavors and adds an edge of licorice to the fruit. It's fresh and vibrant, with a fine, taut, gossamer structure. A delicious Pinot Noir that's as elegant as it is refreshing and honest.
Juicy, with a firmness of acidity and a tenacious crispness, this wine evolves in the glass, shedding some of its wet stone and green apple for more voluptuous tenets of Asian pear and nutmeg. Lovely for the table, this is a well-balanced white that'll do well on its own or with food.
Juicy, wooded and herbal, this full-bodied wine is deliciously layered in plum, cherry and blackberry, well composed and sourced from a site in Yountville. The grippy texture is accented in dark chocolate that gives velvety lushness that lasts through the finish.
Juicy, yellow pear and red apple make for that irresistible sweet-sour combination. This is so full-flavored, rounded and yet fresh that you simply want to sip more and more. If you haven't yet discovered the Sauvignon Blancs of Styria, this wine tells you what treasures await if you start looking.
Juicy, youthful raspberry and cherry aromas come with tobacco and dried  grass details. This wine has a broad, malleable texture and a floral flavor that make it quite quaffable.
Jumara is a very oaky expression of Aglianico, with spicy background tones of cinnamon and chocolate, backed by roasted nut and cigar. There are dark fruit aromas here that will help this hearty wine evolve over the next 1–2 years.
Jumbled and jumpy on the nose, which struggles to find itself. Time gives this wine a chance to strut, and while it doesn't ever find a great groove it does offer youthful plum and berry flavors followed by resiny tannins. A little too scattered and pocked to rate better.
Jumbled aromas of grilled meat, asphalt and black cherry candy require patience and modest standards, while the palate is regular, a touch sticky and cloying, with sweet but generic berry fruit flavors. Dry and fairly snappy on the finish.
Jumbled aromas of medicinal fruit, rubber and oak knit together with airing. The palate is clampy and angular but healthy, with a roasted black-fruit flavor that's accented by an herbal, medicinal note. This is big-boned, with a medicinal side.
Jumbled jammy berry aromas lack specificity. This has a forceful tartaric mouthfeel that supports tart plum and currant flavors. Keeping things consistent, this is angular and acidic on the finish, with sour plum and racy berry flavors.
Jumbled, earthy aromas suggest pork and beans. This feels hard and choppy, with drying tannins. Baked, stewy, saucy flavors finish peppery and minty, with unyielding hard tannins.
Jumilla is a red-wine region, but this Sauvignon Blanc is a citrusy example of a tastyquaffable white from the area. Aromas of citrus peel are mildly pyrazinic, while this feels plump and balanced, but with spritz. Core citrus flavors come with a sprinkle of salt.
Jumping out of the glass with intoxicating aromas of cracked cherry cordials, this wine comes from the small production of Robin Bogue, whose father, Bill Bogue, is a well-known vineyard consultant. Flavors start with grilled meatiness, slowly slip to licorice on the midpalate and finish between vanilla and leather. Altogether a richly nuanced and deeply luscious wine.
Jumpy and aggressive on the nose, with a mix of charred, burnt, meaty aromas and saline, this struggles to register. A grabby, sticky, roasted palate tastes burnt and herbal, while the finish is charred and chocolaty.
Jumpy and nervy smelling, with tottering aromas of jammy berry and strawberry. It feels dilute at first, but more structure and body appear as the wine unfolds. The flavor of jammy raspberry is somewhat herbal, and the finish is light.
Jumpy aromas suggest wet animal fur. In the mouth, there's not a lot of structure or body; flavors of buttery oak and candied berry lack continuity.
Jumpy berry aromas are crisp and slightly charred. Rugged tannins and alert acidity create a high-energy palate. Dark flavors of black fruits and chocolate are slightly herbal, while flavors of herbs, clove and wood spice control an aggressive, fiery finish.
Jumpy berry aromas are offset by notes of clove and wet dog. This feels thick, chewy and creamy, while foxy berry and plum flavors are bolstered by heavy oak. On a creamy feeling finish, a chocolatey note rises up along with herbal hints.
Jumpy berry aromas are simple and grapy. A plump but jagged and tannic palate tastes foxy and a touch herbal, while foresty, minty-green-berry flavors carry a scratchy finish.
Jumpy berry aromas are young, simple and raw. This feels fresh but jagged, with clean but basic pomegranate and berry flavors. An edgy palate with juicy acidity helps to maintain the wine's integrity.
Jumpy berry aromas, animal fur and candied scents are less than refined. This is fresh but not that structured in the mouth, with herbal berry flavors and a lightly green-tasting finish that's scratchy in feel.
Jumpy cherry and berry aromas are basic. A fruity, fresh palate delivers straightforward berry flavors prior to a quick finish.
Jumpy cherry and plum aromas are fresh and direct. This has a wiry, grabby palate, with raspberry and spiced plum flavors. Rubbery tannins, edgy acidity and reedy red-berry flavors create an intense but rough ending.
Jumpy foxy berry aromas get this Garnacha going. Raw hard tannins smack down with ferocity, while this tastes of candied plum, salt, chocolate and something oddly artificial. Dry scratchy tannins make for a rough finish.
Jumpy on the nose at first, but then green tea and grassy aromas take over. This PN is what it is: it tastes grassy, leafy and like green beans. Vegetal notes carry over to the finish.
Jumpy plum and berry aromas are a bit gritty and reduced. A fresh palate has a solid grip, while grapy flavors of black cherry and dark plum finish with toast and spice notes. This is fruity, not oaky, with all the basics required of good Malbec.
Jumpy raspberry and candied plum aromas are akin to Kool-Aid. A rubbery, grabby palate and foxy, medicinal flavors of latex and berry fruits culminate on a strained finish.
Jumpy, bright berry and currant aromas come with a scent of wet dog fur. This is fresh but shallow, with simple, lively cherry and plum flavors. On the finish, this is easy and friendly but it evaporates quickly.
Jumpy, candied-cherry and berry aromas are straight from Kool-Aid city. Fresh on the palate, with pure but simple cherry, plum and raspberry flavors, this is meant for simple sipping. Serve lightly chilled for best results.
Jumpy, jammy aromas of foxy black fruits are slightly volatile. This has a narrow mouthfeel that's high in acidity. Blackened berry flavors are spicy and peppery, while this Tannat is toasty on a live-wire acidic finish.
Jumpy, punchy berry aromas are high-toned. This blend feels creamy, candied and syrupy. Sweet flavors of baked fruits and Boston baked beans finish with hints of berry syrup.
Jumpy, spunky aromas of red berries and latex feed into an astringent, tannic palate with tart plum and raspberry flavors.
Jumpy, tutti-frutti aromas are young and spunky in nature. This is a fresh, lively, basic Tempranillo with candied red-berry and boysenberry flavors. A mild, basic finish confirms its standard but overall good quality.
Jumpy, young aromas of wet dog, plum, cherry and beet root set up a racy, high-acid palate. This tastes like medicinal raspberry and red plum, while the finish is light, scouring and fresh, with no oak character.
Juniper and onion aromas are not inviting, and there's little fruit to back them up. The mouthfeel is oily, while flavors of briny citrus lead to a pickled-tasting finish. Tasted twice, with consistent results.
Jurosa is a beautifully rich and creamy expression of Chardonnay that shows the yellow flower and drying mineral characteristics that are unique to the Friuli winemaking area in northeast Italy. Pair this wine with vegetable or fish risotto.
Juslyn's wines are made in a tannic style. The suggestion here is ageabiity. This bottle, which is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon but also contains Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is not drinkable now, unless you're immune to astringency. It's future is uncertain, but you might try aging it until 2020.
Just-cracked, yeasty sourdough bread and dried lemon-skin aromas float off of this bottle-aged sparkler from an esteemed, longtime producer. Her winemaker son named this wine in honor of her birth year. An oxidative warmth gives bready depth to the palate, which shows lots of toast and lemon marmalade flavors.
Just-plucked blueberry, cedar and fermenting-grape aromas show on the dusty nose of this dark and heavy bottling. Boysenberry, turned earth and coffee beans show on the palate that is framed by chalky tannins, finishing on a touch of vanilla.
Just-ripe blackberry forms a tight, centralized core aroma, with flashes of pencil lead, dried rose petals and lavender adding nuance. It's focused and dark on the palate, with grippy pine sap stringing together purple fruit, dried cranberry and black pepper flavors.
Just-ripe green pears and scented spring flowers make this a charming proposition. Underneath, a firm and concentrated body unfolds into a refreshing and long finish.
Just-ripe strawberries rule nose and palate, where they are joined by citrus freshness and the tart but rounded richness of rosehip tisane. Fresh and dry, this pretty, pale-pink wine is made for the table.
Just-squeezed lime aromas mesh with riper green and yellow apples and wet stone on the nose of this simple yet quaffable boxed wine. The flavors lack energy, but show familiar apple and lime characteristics.
Just-squeezed lime mixes with soda for a light, refreshing aroma on this wine from the longtime Sauv Blanc producer in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley. The palate is all citrus, with lime sorbet and lemon-pith flavors.
Just 10% of this wine was aged in new oak, with the balance aged in stainless steel. Still, that touch of oak is evident in the form of sweet vanilla and buttered toast. The fruit itself is ripe, with lusciously ripe oranges, melons, apricots and limes.
Just 10% of this wine was fermented in new French oak which adds a bit of weight and length. Grapefruit, peach and lime mingle on the palate, a briny afterthought providing an edge. Smooth and refreshing, it ends in a long dream of lemon.
Just 183 cases were made of this wine, which has firm stone fruits and a more-than-generous amount of toast and butter. If you like your Chardonnays on the extra oaky side, this is for you.
Just 40 cases of half bottles were produced. Tasting more like a late harvest than a true ice wine, this soft, lush and creamy wine bring lots of mashed banana flavors, very smooth and rich, with butter, caramel and butterscotch. The flavors compound and surround the palate in a luscious blanket of sweets.
Just 44 cases of this fragrant and elegant reserve were made from the estate vineyard's oldest vines; at 35 years of age they have the grace and sensuous elegance that only time can bring. Give the wine a few moments to open and up come sweet minty notes, chocolaty oak and rather delicate flavors of raspberry and pomegranate, struck against metal, mineral and earth.
Just 50 cases exist of this cellar-worthy bottling from a team of restaurant professionals. The nose offers rounded plum pie, clove and inviting vanilla bean, while the palate is framed by chalky tannins that ensure long life, presenting flavors of baked black cherry, peppercorn, graphite, light mulberry and tart pomegranate. Drink 2018–2028.
Just 6% Viognier makes all the difference in this Syrah-based blush. It adds a crisp, cutting edge of acidity and a lemony, wildflower brightness to the cherries and red currants the Syrah brings. Then there are the roses, lavender, tangerine zest and pepper that make this unoaked wine even more complex.
Just 730 cases were made of this dry, lightly fruity offering. Melon and white peach flavors seem to be dusted with powdered sugar, though there is no sweetness in the finish, just dry flavors of wet stone. A good, every day, all-purpose white.
Just 75% Cabernet, the rest a mix of Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot, this turns generic, with bitter berry flavors. There's a little toastiness backing the tannins but a short finish, overall.
Just 8% of this reserve spent time in new oak, putting the emphasis on juicy jammy flavors of cranberry fruit. It rolls into sour cherry, some citrus and a most refreshing, clean and vivid mouthfeel. Drink now and into the mid-2020s.
Just a bit mulchy on the nose, which signals that is a wine from the hot 2003 vintage. The palate sits on raisin and mocha, and there's even a creamy, thick feel to it. If you like rich, Porty flavors that border on dessert, it's likable. But be prepared for it to hit with a thud.
Just a bit of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is added to the blend, most of which comes from the Ciel du Cheval, Tapteil and Weinbau vineyards. In this cooler vintage, an herbal character emerges, lending firm tannins and structure to the tight black cherry and cassis core.
Just a couple of barrels were produced of this vineyard-designate. Tasting of lush strawberry preserves, it's nicely focused, slightly peppery, and offers skin flavors as well as fleshy fruit. Sweet barrel spices carry a hint of clove, and round off a big, delicious finish.
Just a hint of cinnamon hovers over the scent of ripe blueberry. On the palate, Zweigelt's pepperiness pervades the juiciness of the fruit. This is simple, light-bodied, with barely any tannins, but full-fruited and fun. Drink soon.
Just a hint of citrus emanates from the glass. The very light-bodied palate remains very citrussy, taut, fresh and bright. Save this one for a hot summer day and it will provide ultimate refreshment.
Just a hint of pear drop plays over fresh, tart conference pear fruit. The palate is sleek, linear and super-clean; while this is driven by freshness some luscious fruit awaits underneath.
Just a hint of pear peel rises from the nose. The palate is rich with glowing pear fruit, even a little warm, but utterly precise. All this is met with a vein of lemon freshness that brightens all the apples and pears. There is concentration and juiciness, concentration and purity. There is something very fluid and utterly moreish about this.
Just a hint of spritz gives this wine lift and brings out the ripe apple and quince flavors. This single-vineyard wine is full of freshness, a ripe slice of minerality and a spicy, peppery aftertaste. Drink now.
Just a hint of sweetness can be found in a bouquet of honey-dusted flower. Pretty in on the palate, with citrus and apricot notes, this shows floral accents that are somewhat reminiscent of Gewürztraminer.
Just a hint of sweetness is perceived, coming from the 1.1% residual sugar. Fresh and fruity, with grapefruit and orange flavors dominating, this is forward, round and flavorful, with just a hint of steel in its spine.
Just a hint of sweetness—mostly from ripe fruit rather than residual sugar—livens up this fresh and fruity Riesling. It's a mouthful of lemon, lime and peach fruit flavors, supple and fleshy. A streak of English breakfast tea adds interest through the finish.
Just a little hint of freshly cut lemon zest is offered on the nose. The palate however reveals fresh green and red apple fruit and a lively, joyful freshness. This simply shines with honest, fruity purity and is a splendid refresher on a warm, sunny day.
Just a prickle of effervescence on the attack braces the palate for a shower of sweet lemon and apple flavors, with hints of fresh dill, white blossom and lime skin. Dry, lean and effortlessly elegant. Drink now.
Just a shade off-dry, Hosmer's Dry Riesling boasts pleasant fresh apple and pear flavors embellished with a pronounced layer of smoke and spice on the nose and palate. Fresh and clean with a bright, lemony acidity.
Just a shade off dry, this delicately sweet Riesling showers the palate in a cascade of fresh grapefruit, apple and lemon flavors. It's straightforward in style but refreshing and enjoyable, finishing with hints of bramble and earth. Drink now through 2019.
Just a single barrel of this wine was produced. Although it's a 2016, the wine is a straw gold and seems well on the way to maturity. Ripe and tangy apples and pears abound, with a squirt of lemon juice. Drink now through 2018.
Just a single barrel was made, pure Sangiovese from the Candy Mountain Vineyard. Tight, tart and dark, it captures black cherry fruit with black licorice and a whiff of smoke. At this point in time the tannins and acids seem to be fighting it out for control.
Just a single barrel was produced. Volatile and slightly vinegary at first, it improves with aggressive swirling. The fruit remains quite tart, almost to the point of being sour, with little varietal character.
Just a small amount of this wine was made, blended with 7% Zinfandel and 5% Syrah. Dark juicy fruit finds a way to succeed on the bold big-boned palate as notes of licorice and leather add savory undertones to the softly tannic madness.
Just a smidge over the edge into off dry, this is a big, juicy wine with a luscious mix of tropical candy fruit flavors. It's like tasting an entire roll of tropical Life Savers all in a glass. The residual sugar is offset with balancing acidity, and it's a versatile wine that can accompany a wide range of slightly spicy foods.
Just a splash of Chenin Blanc has been added to the blend, adding some lift to the aromas and suggestions of citrus blossom. The natural herbaceousness of Sauvignon Blanc has been kept in check, but the wine is clean and varietal. The flavors seem just a bit muted, almost thin, but it's a perfectly refreshing, if simple effort.
Just a subtle whiff of orange scents this dry, intensely mineral Riesling. It's delicately framed, invigorating the palate with cutting lime and lemon flavors, but fleeting.
Just a tad honeyed, but crisp acidity helps to provide balance. The apricot, tangerine, lime and vanilla flavors are easy to like.
Just a tiny bit of cherry fruit shows on this wine's nose, which is otherwise focused on slate minerality and sagebrush herbals. The palate is soft but not very dynamic, with tight raspberry and flintiness as well as decent acidity and tannins. It finishes quickly.
Just a tiny serving of this dark nectar will last a long time. The malty, porter-ish aromas intrigue, followed by incredibly rich and syrupy flavors accompanied by mouthwatering acids and enormous peristence. Layers of complexity gradually unfold in the glass, revealing hints of honey, caramel and beguiling rancio notes.
Just a touch less lively than the 2002 and 2005 versions, Hugel's 2001 Gewürztraminer SGN is still excellent, boasting plenty of weight and richness allied to distinctive varietal aromas of rose petals and cracked white pepper alongside the dried apricot notes of botrytis.
Just a touch of dried herb adds a surprising element to the intense honey, white flower and sweet tangerine flavors on this beautiful late-harvest Riesling. Striking lemon-lime acidity and a shower of crushed stones on the finish add elegance and balance.
Just a touch of dried pear and chamomile tisane appear on the shy nose which needs air to open. The palate already has that balm-like concentration of mature Riesling which is joined by a vein of wonderful lemon-zest freshness. Despite the absolute dryness of the palate there is ample, generous and deep-seated fruit: pear, apple and gorgeous tangerine. The finish is clean-cut and resonant. Drink now–2030.
Just a touch of French oak gives this 100% Pinot Gris a soft, toasty creaminess. The fruit veers towards mouthwateringly tart Meyer lemons, nectarines and Asian pears. It's an elegant, versatile wine to pair with many different kinds of food.
Just a touch of fresh citrus plays on the nose, but the palate delivers textured mouthfeel and peppery, leafy freshness. Although the acidity is cushioned, the wine is refreshing and leaves a super-clean finish.
Just a touch of honey-lemon sweetness is enough to make this zesty, citrus-focused Riesling lip smackingly delicious. Fresh, green herb and lime notes reverberate through a strong finish. Drinks well now but should meld nicely over the next five years.
Just a touch of oak adds a welcome creamy smokiness to this dry, crisply acidic wine. It's superrich in ripe lychee, Mandarin orange, sweet lime and spice flavors. Refreshing and clean, it's a nice cocktail sipper.
Just a touch of passion fruit and mango hovers tropically over this fresh, zesty Riesling which is slightly less focused on the palate than the nose. This is zesty and refreshing. Ideal for a summer party when it's hot and you need cooling down.
Just a touch of residual sugar (11 g/L) softens up the edges of this wine, which brings flavors of tart lemon, grapefruit pith and wet paper into play. Try it with prawns, shellfish or non-spicy noodle dishes.
Just a touch pink, this delicately hued rosé penetrates with fresh watermelon and raspberry flavors. Vivid and crisp, it's elegantly mineral and boasts a cool—almost alpine—freshness making it perfect for summer months.
Just a whiff of citrus shows on the restrained nose. The palate is very crisp, even lean, disclosing slight spritz. Some riper fruit waits at the core but you have to savor the midpalate to find it. The wine is light and very refreshing.
Just about the best white wine out of Australia this year, this Roussanne isn't a fleshy wine, but it has beauty, power and structure in its corner. Full-bodied with powdery tannins, it has flavors of honeydew, peach fuzz and mineral, and an herbal-peppery finish that lingers on the tongue. Nose is a tantalizing mix of marzipan, jasmine and clover. Just excellent.
Just about two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Merlot, this delivers complex aromas of blackberry, raspberry, earth, licorice and barrel spice. There's a mesmerizing sense of freshness, richness and concentration to the fruit and earth flavors along with a purity that commands attention. Just a baby now, it has decades in front of it. It will be best from 2020 to 2026.
Just across the road from Pétrus, la Fleur-Pétrus shares some of the same intensity. There is great fruit here, rounded and powerful with the ripest character. It is open, generous, ready to drink. The tannins lead into the purest acidity, letting the fruit sing.
Just an edge of butter gives this wine roundness and extra richness. Along with this character comes ripe peach fruit, lifted with acidity. Ready to drink. Screwcap.
Just approaching toasty maturity, this is a rich and full wine, its white fruits and perfumes floating above yeast, cookie and pine nut flavors. It has a great mouthfeel, a tingling character, acidity and richness in harmony.
Just as it says on the label, this is a nonvintage wine that has aged longer than usual in the Lanson cellars (in this case five years). That immediately gives it a toasty aroma and palate. The white stone fruit is still crisp although filled out and rounded with bottle age. Drink this impressive wine now.
Just as the wine's label suggests, this is a wine born under the sun. It is full and rich in superripe fruit tempered by ample acidity. Wood aging gives spice and a slightly burnt character that needs more time to fully integrate. The finish remains ripe, spicy and full of great acidity; hold until 2016.
Just barely acceptable as a table wine due to the unnatural cherry cough syrup flavors and insipid mouthfeel. They vinified it dry, but it still feels insipid, with very flat acidity.
Just barely acceptable for its medicinal taste and harsh texture. Shows some sweet blackberries on the finish.
Just barely acceptable, this soft, semisweet Cab has Lifesaver candy flavors of cherries and raspberries.
Just barely drinkable, with sweet and sour raspberry fruit sauce flavors.
Just barely drinkable. It's not dirty or anything, but watery and very fruity.
Just barely out of barrel when released, this will surely benefit from another year or so in bottle. The watermelon and strawberry fruit is pretty and light, and the acids have a peachy tang, but the mouthfeel is not yet quite integrated.
Just beautiful and oh, so refreshing. The cool vintage has resulted in a high-acid wine of enormous fruit, bursting with intense, classic Edna Valley flavors of limes, kiwis, Meyer lemons, honeysuckle and minerals. The vanilla spice and creamy smoke have got to come from the terroir, because the wine never saw a splinter of oak.
Just beautiful to drink now, despite grippy tannins that give the ripe fruit an astringent mouthfeel. Based on Cabernet Franc, the wine's flavors are simply delicious, offering waves of cherries, blueberries, plums and currants. Plenty of new oak adds toasty vanilla. Those tannins suggest pairing this wine with rich foods, such as lamb, but you don't want to smother the delicacy underneath a rustic stew. Drink soon, before it loses freshness.
Just beautiful, a crisp wine of authoritative structure that brilliantly shows off the ripeness of its fruit. Waves of Meyer lemon purée, Key lime pie, white peach, tangerine and spice flavors wash over the palate and last for a long, rich finish. Drink this bone-dry wine now.
Just beautiful, a dry, silky Pinot Noir, filled with complex flavors of cherries and black raspberries. Oak adds lovely notes of sweet char, and the natural acidity of the Santa Maria Valley shines through. Now–2014.
Just beautiful, this is the best Sterling Reserve Cabernet in years, and a huge improvement over the 2008. It shows ripe, lush flavors of blackberry and black cherry pie, anise, cola and smoky sandalwood, wrapped into sweetly gentle, complex tannins. Drink this beauty over the next six years.
Just beautiful, this wine combines spicy, arresting aromas, vivid, bright cherry and raspberry flavors, an electric mouthfeel and bracing texture. All nerve and muscle, and no fat, it is vibrant in acidity, with firm tannins that support the enticing fruit flavors. Virtually irresistible now, this will gain complexity through at least 2022.
Just beautiful. Provides the crisp dryness and minerality that so many California white wines lack. But it's not shy in fruit, offering savory waves of pineapples, Meyer lemons and pears. Wonderful by itself, and versatile at the table.
Just beautiful. Showcases true Russian River characteristics of dryness, acidity and, in this vintage, exceptional ripeness without too much alcohol. Silky and complex, with deep, long flavors of cherries, currants, cola, pomegranates, leather, cocoa and peppery spices. A tremendously attractive wine that will age for a good six years.
Just beginning its secondary phase, the wine has weight, dark tannins and complex dried fruit, licorice and spice. A stylish, elegant wine with some of the freshness of the vintage still in place.
Just beginning to mature, this balanced, ripe wine is complex, with bright acidity, toast and pear and green-plum fruits. It is rich, with a tight mouse that shows intensity as well as a stylish character. This is a fine wine just coming into its own but well worth aging further until 2020.
Just beginning to mature, this generous wine has fine red berry fruits, a smoky character, touches of wood aging and further potential. It shows acidity with a juicy red cherry aftertaste. Drink now and until 2019.
Just beginning to show its age, this is a wine that was once beautifully sweet. Now, it is the acidity that is coming through, emphasizing orange juice rather than honey. It's now become a food wine, ready for fish with the local beurre blanc sauce.
Just beginning to soften, this is turning into a finely crafted, fruity wine with a tense, mineral structure. It is complex, ripe, packed with apples and with acidity. Taut, it needs to develop further. Drink from 2018.
Just below the main street of Chassagne-Montrachet village, this vineyard has produced a beautiful wine. Apples and crisp citrus are allied with the lightest touch of wood to give a dancing, juicy wine with serious depths of flavor. Bright and young to drink now, it will age gently into a riper future. Drink now, but the wine will be much better from 2018.
Just bottled when tasted, this is a wine that needs a few months to come together. Its ripe pear and apricot fruit and dense flavor will offer a full, rounded wine that goes more for a tropical Sauvignon Blanc character.
Just bright fruit, this is a ripe soft wine. The 50% Malvasia Fina in the blend gives it a perfumed, aromatic character while also adding a lemon zest tang. Drink now.
Just delicious, a nine-vineyard blend from some of the cooler pockets of this sprawling appellation. But don't let the tasty succulence mask its considerable complexity. Light in color, silky and almost weightless in the mouth, it delivers a massive blast of acid-tinged flavors. Ripe, sweet raspberries, cherry pulp, red licorice, sweet pomegranate marmalade, root beer, cloves, smoky oak, a final dusting of crushed black peppercorn, it just goes on and on. Highly recommended despite the hefty price.
Just delicious, an important, elegant Merlot to drink with the finest steaks and chops. Even better than the fine 2006, with vast, deep flavors of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, grilled meat and herbs, wrapped into rich, smooth tannins. Gets better and better as it warms in the glass. Drink over the next six years.
Just delicious, offering sweetly ripe blackberry, blueberry and cassis flavors, with a rich coating of smoky oak. The all-important tannins are soft and gentle. Really a flamboyant, opulent wine, and probably showing its best in youth.
Just delicious, showing the promise of the 2010 vintage. The wine is ripe and intense in red cherry, cranberry and spice flavors, with a rich jacket of smoky oak. Feels like pure silk, while notable alcohol provides a boost of warmth for a chilly evening.
Just delicious, showing the pure, laser-like lime, tangerine and ripe peach flavors of the Edna Valley, as well as the vibrant acidity that makes the wine so mouthwatering. Serve it cold and then pay attention to how it changes as it warms up.
Just delicious, this wine shows its pedigree from some of the best vineyards in the valley, including Merryvale's St. Helena estate. Dry and rich in firm but refined tannins, it offers elaborate flavors of blackberries, blueberries and cherries, while 70% new oak adds layers of buttered toast and caramel. Great for drinking now with the best meats and cheeses you can find.
Just delicious. Feels like a modern, cult-style Napa Cabernet, soft and complex and slightly sweet, with tannins so finely ground, it's drinkable now. The flavors are Cabernet-like also, with blackberries,blueberries, mocha and spices, although its briary, brambly quality is distinctive to Zinfandel.
Just delicious. Feels soft and lush and chocolaty in the mouth, with melted blackberry and cherry flavors that taste like they were baked into a pie. The alcohol is high, in the California style, and the wine won't age, but it's fine now with a grilled steak.
Just delicious. Superrich in pineapple, white peach and sweet lemon pie fruit, with crème brûlée and buttered toast complexities, its opulence is balanced by crisp acidity. The finish turns unexpectedly dry and clean. Very fine, a wonderfully grown wine from this great vineyard.
Just exquisite, combining power with elegance to produce a truly great Pinot Noir. The vineyard is in the heart of the appellation. The cool climate has made it dry, crisp and silky, but it shows powerfully concentrated cherry, pomegranate, mocha and bacon flavors, with overlays of smoky sandalwood. Compellingly good, this Pinot will develop over the next 6–8 years.
Just faint touches of ripe, yellow pear appear on the nose, suggesting how tightly closed this wine still is. However, the generous palate is full of both green and yellow pears and injections of grapefruit acidity. Tight and long, it's best kept for a while. Drink as of 2016.
Just four barrels were produced of this reserve, which sports a distinctive black label. The fruit is chunky and scented strongly with cinnamon. Even with extended airing, the wine feels diffuse, and the flavors thin out rather quickly. A bit disappointing given the vintage.
Just fruit, this young wine shows attractive blackberry flavors and soft tannins. It's ripe and juicy, fresh while also rich. Drink now.
Just getting to maturity, this is hinting at toastiness while also retaining all the bright apple and citrus fruit flavors. The taut and steely texture brings out great freshness and a concentrated final acidity. It is just ready to drink.
Just gorgeous, a wine to linger over with the finest food. Bone dry and crisp in acidity, it shows subtle flavors of sour cherry candy, persimmons and spices. Sweet, smoky oak is perfectly integrated. One of the best Pinot Noirs of the vintage in this price range and a comparative bargain.
Just hinting at maturity, this rich and stylish wine features finely balanced tannins, a juicy blackberry flavor and fruity ripeness. Using fruit sourced from the small appellation of Canon-Fronsac, on the hill close to Saint-Émilion, this wine is ready to drink and is full of flavor, with concentration on the finish.
Just hinting at more mature flavors, this is an intense wine, its acidity almost overwhelming. Red currant, spice and concentrated juiciness are all elements in this dense wine. The acidity does suggest longer aging, so drink now and until 2022. Screwcap.
Just lightly peppery, this is a rounded, smooth wine. It has a creamy texture with baked apple and spiced pear flavor. The acidity is just right, with juiciness on the finish. Drink now.
Just lightly spicy, this is a simple, gentle wine. It is on the dry side, and hints at apple and pear flavors. There's a light acidity on the finish. Screwcap.
Just lightly structured, this is a delicious, fruity wine. With soft tannins and rounded black fruits, it's fresh and fragrant. Wood flavors support the fruitiness. Full-bodied and ripe, it's ready to drink.
Just lightly sweet, this is a curious wine that is neither one thing or the other. It's clean, has some peach flavor and light acidity.
Just lightly touched by wood this is a bright and fruity wine that is ready to drink. Spice and red-berry fruits dominate, lifted by balanced tannins. Drink now.
Just lightly wood aged, this ripe wine from the fine 2010 vintage is opulent and generous as well as firmly structured. Tropical fruits come through the toast and steely edge, broadening and giving the wine great richness and density. At the end, the wine brings out acidity and a tight texture that promises aging. Drink from 2017.
Just like the barely drinkable regular release, only with an overlay of oak. Smells vegetal, and the thin flavors veer toward grapefruit.
Just like this wine has lost its initial red color, so too has its flavor changed. Now maturing fast, it conveys flavors of leather and acidity along with a dry edge that may be a sign of age. It's delicious, but drink the wine now.
Just lovely to drink now, it's so softly lush and decadently delicious. Beguiles the palate with jammy, pastry flavors of raspberries, cherries and sweet oak. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Just makes it to that next level of quality via bright, jumpy, fresh aromas and flavors of raspberry and cherry. It's a simple varietal Grenache that's bright and easy to like if you're into zesty raspberry and berry flavors uplifted by spunky acidity. Best with a little chill on the temperature.
Just mature, this smooth, velvet-textured wine has juicy black fruits with a smoky character that adds interest to the structure and acidity that give the wine shape. Rich while fresh at the end, it is ready to drink.
Just maturing, this is a rich, wood-aged wine. Its tannins have softened and melted into its ripe dark plum and black fruit flavors and concentrated structure. A serious wine, it's powered by a dry core and rich fruitiness. Drink from 2018.
Just might be the best $25 Chard out there. Gorgeous and dramatic in opulence, with a creamy texture, and tremendous in ripe tropical fruit, smoky oak and vanilla flavors. There's a long, honeyed, buttercreamy finish.
Just next door to the Corton Grand Cru vines, this vineyard can produce wines of equal quality. This wine certainly has something of the richness and structure, giving it concentration and longevity. Ripe red fruits are cut by dark tannins and equal acidity, allowing the wine to mature slowly and well. Drink from 2020.
Just north of Saint-Tropez, this large estate has produced a rounded fruity wine. It has a soft crushed strawberry flavor that is balanced by attractive generous acidity. The wine is ready to drink.
Just off-dry, this is a smooth, caramel and red fruit flavored wine. It has plenty of acidity to balance its soft texture, with red currant freshness coming in at the end. Drink now.
Just off dry, the wine has retained crisp acidity as well as ripe apple and spice flavors. It is a rounded wine, rich with a touch of almonds as well as pear and a final tang of acidity. Drink now.
Just off dry, this is a bright and crisp wine that bounces round the palate. It is summer apéritif time with this vivid, pink grapefruit-flavored wine.
Just off dry, this is a delicious, honeyed wine. Made to drink as an apéritif or with a paté, it is soft and stylish. Aromatic apricot and baked apple flavors give this wine fruitiness while the background is full of bright acidity. Drink now.
Just off dry, this is a rounded soft wine that takes its name after the sun god Apollo from the sunny exposure of the vineyard. It has a rounded, generous feel as a foil to its more steely, crisp character. A wine that certainly needs aging for 3–4 years.
Just off dry, this is a smooth, attractively fruity wine that has a light touch of perfume. The acidity keeps the freshness level up, producing a wine that's easy to drink now. Screwcap.
Just one barrel of this bottling was produced, but it falls short of the other Dundee Hills cuvées this vintage. It starts out thin, with dilute fruit, cola and mineral notes. With hours of breathing time, it begins to fill out in the middle, so aggressive decanting is recommended.
Just one barrel was made from this vineyard, which suffered losses from frost and wildlife in 2010. A shame, because the wine is terrific, delicate for Syrah, with boysenberry, raspberry, piercing acidity and refined tannins. Built to age.
Just one barrel was made of this reserve. At first the new oak shines through, then as it opens out the wood becomes less noticeable and a complex array of spice, stem and iron filings comes into play. The fruit is light and textural, showing hints of sassafras and even a whiff of petrol.
Just one barrel was made, all 777 clone and aged in 100% new French oak. Extra concentration and darker fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry are the payoff. It's a wine resonant with complex streaks of mineral and steel.
Just one barrel was produced from the own-rooted vines planted almost 50 years ago. It's earthy and scented with a menthol/eucalyptus note, that carries on through. Cranberry flavor reflects the rather low alcohol, but there is no hint of unripeness or any vegetative character.
Just one barrel was produced from this nine-acre site in the heart of the AVA. This is picture perfect, refined and textural, with flavors that roll from rose petals to strawberries to Bing cherries. A well-framed touch of oak (noted as neutral, yet detectable) contributes to an elongated finish that begs for the next glass. Still young and compact, this should drink its best from 2018 through 2028.
Just one whiff of this wine reveals an intoxicating perfume of wildflower honey marked with zesty, fresh orange peel. An intensely concentrated honey elixir, it ripples persistently on the palate with a brilliant spray of Meyer lemon juice and a rich, vanilla cream note.
Just out, this is quite young and tart, tightly wound with green apple and green pear fruit. It's the sort of wine that may well improve considerably with an extra year in bottle. A light touch of cinnamon comes up in the aftertaste.
Just over 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Malbec (10%), Petit Verdot (8%) and Merlot, this wine offers brooding but well-delineated aromas and flavors of blackberry, dried flowers, black tea, herbs, earth, barrel spices and light meaty notes. It's packed tightly with firm tannins and also shows great length. Drink 2022–2028.
Just over two-thirds Merlot with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and a pinch of Petit Verdot, this thoroughly delicious wine opens with a complex assortment of aromas, including incense, toast, crushed flowers, spice, bay leaf, licorice and red and black fruit. The palate is deft but brings waves of layered fruit flavors that show great density and richness. It's hedonistic but doesn't sacrifice one iota of balance. It drinks best at 62 degrees.
Just plain delicious, this full-bodied wine starts with ripe blueberry and dark chocolate aromas. Next, generous, ripe, saturated fruit flavors flood the mouth, seeming to deepen with each sip. The mouthfeel stays smooth but is enhanced by moderate tannins and ample acidity for good balance.
Just pop the cork, let it breathe and enjoy it as it does its thing. One of the best Adelsheim wines this taster can remember. Full of red plum, raspberry and currant, with the right acidity for it to rock and roll. Healthy tannins round out this supple sipper, which hits its stride after a half-hour of airing and then gallops home.
Just pouring this wine reveals its opulent character. It has intense richness and equally intense acidity that hides behind the honeyed, tropical fruit of the wine. It has a sense of texture as well, with intense minerality in the midst of richness. At the end, the acidity comes through strongly and promises a decade or more of aging.
Just released after nearly eight years, this wine still tastes lively and timely. It's marked by complex waves of blackberries, mocha, currants, cola and spices, although the fruit is beginning to move into drier, secondary characteristics. It's delicious, and fully ready to drink now. Give it a decanting, and watch as it changes in the glass.
Just released, this latest non-vintage from Jacquesson is very steely, austere, cool and elegant with apple and citrus acidity. It has freshness and balance. Still young, but very complete.
Just right on the nose, with a smoky, attractive set of deep berry aromas. The palate is pure and composed, with a pure, tasty mix of berry fruit, cocoa and mild oak. Smooth, long and creamy on the finish, and delicious overall. Best wine to date from Emina. Drink now into 2012.
Just shows you don't need a super high score to have a super drinkable wine with steak, pork, veal, chicken, or just a simple burger. Blended from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec, all of them great varieties, the wine is dry, sophisticated and rich in berry and currant flavors.
Just slightly dilute, but well-made in every other way, this gentle wine is true to variety with flavors of melon and strawberry, hints of citrus and a dusting of cinnamon spice. It has the gentle elegance of village Burgundy, at a comparable cost.
Just slightly off-dry, this excellent bottle mixes its ripe lemon, orange and papaya fruit with breakfast tea-like flavors. Its acidity is ample enough to keep the sweetness at bay, making it a fine, all-purpose wine that should please a wide variety of palates.
Just slightly richer than the Brut Nature from the same vintage, this Brut is still a wonderfully dry Champagne. It has a fine hint of toasty maturity while the fruit is still full of the crispest citrus flavors. Drink over the next 4–5 years.
Just smelling this wine—a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah and 4% Malbec—it's clear that someone gave it a lot of love and care. It offers nuanced aromas of dark coffee, dark chocolate, toasty spices and cherry. The flavors are sweet and ripe yet also well balanced, leading to a stretched-out finish.
Just swamped by oak, the slight fruit here is a platform for the wood, yielding heavy cedar and prune flavors. It looks a bit old—odd at this age—and although even on the palate, it doesn't offer much in the way of mouthfeel or finish. Perhaps in the barrel too long, this wine is gone before its time.
Just terrific, a classic Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet from this consistent producer. It's bone dry, fine in balancing acidity and very tannic, with a sandpapery, lockdown mouthfeel. Yet it's wonderfully rich in blackberries, currants, cassis and chocolate. This outstanding young Cabernet should easily develop beyond 2015.
Just the kind of Sauvignon Blanc the valley produces so well. It's flavorful in citrus fruits, peaches, golden mangoes and honey, yet balanced with racy acidity. The dry, crisp finish makes it an ideal cocktail sipper.
Just the ninth reserve made in the winery's 23 vintages, this is densely aromatic, powerful Cabernet, just at the beginning of what should be a long life. It's tight and astringent, textural and balanced, with a cassis core, and a gravelly, grainy, espresso-flavored finish, still quite tannic.
Just the right amount of wood aging gives this ripe wine great style. It has juicy blackberry fruits to balance the spice and toast character, offering richness and a full, fruity character finished with acidity.
Just the second Chardonnay release from this revived brand, this is built upon Dijon clones 76 and 95, planted in 1995, and aged for just six months in 20% new French oak. It's young and tight, with compressed core flavors of green apple and grapefruit. There's a hint of gun metal, and it punches down the palate with vivid acidity. If you drink it young, decant it, or give it another three to five years of cellaring. Drink now through 2022.
Just the second Malbec from Fidélitas, this pure varietal bottling opens with deep, dark aromas of smoke, coffee and pepper, with saturated colors that seem to promise a dense, exotic wine. Though it is lively and offers nice flavors of pepper, berry and spice, it does not have the concentration in the mouth that the aromas suggest. There are some prickly herbal flavors, along with light chocolate, in the finish.
Just the second vintage for this Cab/Syrah blend, it sets its umami-soaked fruit in a crusty, toasty framework. Adding a splash (here 10%) of Syrah was once known in Bordeaux as to “Hermitager” the wine, bringing color and spice into the mix. This relatively soft Cabernet shows highlights of orange peel, apricot, pepper and cured meat.
Just three barrels of this outstanding reserve were produced. It's full bodied, richly fruity and broadly textural, it holds its alcohol well, with strawberry jam highlighting a lush palate of ripe, sweet fruits. The barrel notes of toast, caramel and mocha are the frosting on the cake.
Just three barrels of this reserve were produced, commemorating the owners' half century together. Spicy and tight, with the ample acidity of the 2013 vintage, its fruit suggests hard raspberry candy, with elements of peppery herb and stiff tannins. Give it extra aeration, or cellar 2017–2019.
Just three barrels were made of this rather unusual wine. It's a seemingly disparate mix of raspberries, gun metal, dried seaweed and carpaccio, yet somehow it all comes together. The length is impressive. This is one of those wines that will thrill some tasters and puzzle others.
Just tiny amounts of this wine (25 cases) are available in the U.S. market, but it represents a trend in Australia of celebrating old-vine Grenache. A blend of two parcels from the Blewitt Springs and Seaview subregions, this is silky in texture, with crisp red cherries shot through with herbal streaks and a slightly warm finish.
Just too raisiny and stewed for real satisfaction. The extreme dryness and shriveled fruit taste accentuates the alcohol and tannins, making the wine hot and astringent.
Just touched by honey and with a light spritz, this is a crisp, lemon and lime zest-flavored wine. It has great acidity with a yeasty character.
Just touched by oak, this is a smooth and ripe wine. Tropical fruits, apricots and mango give it a rich character while the acidity holds it all together. Drink now.
Just touching maturity, this is a wonderful wine. With intense acidity, yeast, minerality and a beautiful final citrus texture, this is ready to drink but will age for many years.
Just two barrels of 100% Syrah were made, using fruit from this dry-farmed vineyard with a distinctive flavor stamp. Tart, acidic, a bit spiky, with fruit flavors of sweet cherry tomato and grape candy. It hits a wall in the midpalate, seems to hover there for awhile, perhaps awaiting another couple of years of bottle age to flow freely through the finish.
Just two barrels of this 100% Grenache were bottled, after aging 20 months in French oak. It's bright and spicy, showing cranberry and cherry fruit highlighted by orange peel, cinnamon, pepper and red licorice. The lovely fruit shines right on through a lingering finish.
Just two barrels of this Paul Hobbs-consulted wine were made, and that focus is evidenced by its soft and lavish vanilla, mace, cocoa, white pepper and lavender aromas and its core of cassis fruit. Luxurious tannins and underlying acidity carry measured blackberry and chocolate flavors.
Just two barrels were made of this wine, a new release based upon a vineyard selection and a decision to use no new oak. Admirable in concept, but not quite there in execution, this wine is soft and earthy, with plum and a whiff of cocoa. The midpalate seems to have a slight dip in it, not a hole, but not a smooth ride either.
Just two barrels were made, from a mix of Syrah and Pinot Noir. It's a pale, pretty rosé, with flavors of watermelon and strawberry, and good concentration through the mid-palate.
Just two barrels were made, from the vineyard's 1972-era planting. This all-Pommard clone selection delivers extra nuances of leaf and bramble to a wine of medium density. The strawberry/cherry preserve fruit flavors are concentrated and rich, and the time in French oak has brought light flavors of caramel, chocolate and toasted hazelnuts into the finish.
Just under 10 g/L residual sugar, this Riesling, sourced from vines planted in 1972, opens with a juicy mix of grapefruit, orange and tangerine fruit. Textural and dense, it carries across and through the palate into a lingering, mineral-drenched finish. Superb already, it could be cellared through 2024 or longer.
Just under 16% alcohol, this nonetheless displays lush and pure flavors of blueberry and black cherry, dusted with cinnamon and sandalwood. The concentration is exceptional.
Just under five years in age, this wine's Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant profile shows through its full-bodied mouthfeel, dense tannins and cassis flavor. It's a big, new-oaky wine that's forward with concentrated fruit through the finish. A bit of a show-off now, it should benefit from 5–6 years in the cellar.
Just what a Dry Creek Zin should be. It's dry, furry in tannins, heady in alcohol and with enough acidity to give brightness to the wild berry, currant, dark chocolate, tobacco and spice flavors. Classic in its way, and nice to drink now.
Just what many people like, an oaky, ripe, sweet Chardonnay, but purists will find it simple and pandering to public taste.
Just what Sauvignon Blanc should be. Fresh and clean with grassy and melon notes present throughout. Vibrant acidity, a smooth mouthfeel and a long finish complete this very lively wine. Would make a great aperitif.
Just what the doctor ordered in a likeable, affordable white wine. Packs plenty of ripe spearmint and lemon flavors with enough acidity to make it bright and clean. A tiny amount of sugar will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising the wine's basic dryness. Best Buy.
Just what the label says, this is fresh, fruity, simple and attractive Sauvignon Blanc. Lemon, crisp apple peel and fragrant acidity all meld easily together. Screwcap.
Just what you want a blush bubbly to be. The color is a pretty orange-copper, with glints of gold. The aromas of oranges, peaches, Meyer lemons, limes, strawberries and brioche are enticing. Once in the mouth, the wine is softly crisp and silky, finishing with a touch of honey. The blend is 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay.
Just what you want a California Merlot to be. It's soft in the mouth, with silky tannins framing easy flavors of cherries, red currants, mocha and cinnamon spice. Great with cheeseburgers, lamb curry, beef tartare.
Just what you want in a rosé, at a good price. It's a robust wine, dryish and spicy, with a creamy mouthfeel framing pleasant raspberry, cherry, prosciutto and vanilla flavors.
Just what you want in a Sauvignon Blanc-based white Bordeaux-style wine. It's bone dry and mouthwateringly tart in acidity, while the citrus flavors suggest gooseberries, but don't fall into the trap of green underripeness. Sémillon constitutes 20% of the blend.
Just when you think Alta Vista has gotten everything it can from Temis (see the 2012), this comes along to reset the benchmark. Ripe, round and lush on the nose, with full-force blackberry and prune aromas, this shows titanic grip, depth and ripeness on the palate. Flavors of raisin, chocolate and blackberry finish with hefty tannins and a smear of mocha flavor. Drink from 2018–2026.
Just wonderful, showing the great richness and complexity of a top Santa Rita Pinot Noir. Partial whole-cluster fermentation gives the wine a spicy earthiness and full-bodied tannins, yet the underlying red berry and cherry fruit shines through. Showing well now and over the next six years.
Justice is a wine for those who like their reds big, bold and super rich. It's a full-on palate blaster that keeps its balance with moderate acidity and a generous (60%) amount of new French oak. Syrah-dominated, with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, it's a fine steakhouse wine that should be consumed now.
JV Estate stands for junior vines; these young vines bring on sweet, candied flavors of berries and citrus. There's no depth here, but what's up front is fresh and fruity, if slightly sugary. The impression of granular sugar lingers into the midpalate, where some green tannins also appear. But for the price, this is a fine bottle for near-term enjoyment.
K-J's basic Cab has gotten pricier over the years, but quality has kept up. This wine still offers excellent value. It's elegant in construction, with tailored tannins and acids and fine flavors of blackberries and currants that lead to a spicy finish.
Kalbarri's Cab boasts plenty of red-berry flavors and a soft, easygoing, maybe even slightly sweet, finish.
Kalkmergel refers to the chalky marl soils, which are said to yield powerful and mineral wines. This is a wonderfully complex example, with scents of musk, quince and brine all combining easily into a knockout aroma. It's citrusy and fresh, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2016, possibly longer.
Kana's Workingman's Red has turned into a southern Rhône style blend of six grapes, the only outlier being a splash of Tempranillo. Toasty, round and easy-drinking, it's a good, all-purpose barbecue red, with a smoky, espresso-scented finish.
Kandorian makes a stainless-steel version of Sauvignon Blanc, and also this heavily-oaked style, which is about as far in the other direction as possible. It's deep gold, scented with strong whiskey-barrel aromas, and tasting of nut oil and superripe apples, plus plenty of oak.
Kappa is a dark, brooding super Tuscan with a dense, inky color and syrupy aromas of overripe cherry, leather, mesquite, brown sugar and teriyaki sauce. It feels supple and incredibly rich on the finish and would make a great pairing for aged cheese.
Karl Steininger's winery forms part of the new Loisium complex of wine exhibition and hotel in Langenlois, designed by New York architect Steven Holl (commemorated on the label). This wine comes from the adjacent vineyard. It's a full, rich style, rounded, with creamy apple flavors, touched by white currant acidity. Glass stopper.
Kason's Barrel Select brings a lot of muscle and weight for the price. The fruit is packed and powerful, a mélange of cherries, plums and spice. It's a bit sharp and high-toned, nicely balanced, and persistent, with a peppery finish.
Kathie Lee Gifford teams with Monterey County's Scheid Vineyards for this wine, which features 42% Merlot, 25% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah and 10% Petit Verdot. There's a mix of iron, coffee and crushed, dried violet on the Old World-leaning nose. The herbal elegance continues on the palate, with dried oregano seasoning the dark black and blue fruit elements.
Kathleen Inman has gained such a following with her Rosé that she's given it a special designation, a nod to her happy marriage. Made in a direct-press style, the dry, refreshing wine is light salmon in color and marked by aromatic grapefruit and strawberry, mouthfilling and juicy as a slice of watermelon in summer.
Katnook's top-of-the-line Cab, the Odyssey, already seems mature, with a touch of brick to its color and some dried fruit flavors. But even if this won't improve further, it's at a lovely spot right now, with a lush, creamy texture, pillowy-soft tannins and wonderful cedar and cigarbox notes. Drink now–2010.
Katnook's top Cabernet is always oaky, and the 2006 is no exception, featuring plenty of brown sugar and caramel aromas. Vanilla and cedar dominate the palate, forming an attractive wooden shell over cassis fruit. Drink it now if you like that sort of full-on youthful oak, or hold it a decade until it develops a soft, rich patina of age.
Keefer has not been Loring's most successful bottling. The '06 is pleasant, and in its own way delicious, with upfront raspberry, cherry, cola and smoky vanilla flavors balanced with crisp acidity. But it has a candied one-dimensionality, and doesn't seem likely to age.
Keenan has a good track record with Merlot, and here's a lovely one. It's softly approachable despite firm tannins, with flavors of cherries, blackberries and cola, and an earthy note that suggests mushroom risotto.
Keeping in line with its musical theme, Vino in Musica shows harmony and balance with cherry and blackberry aromas set against spice and lightly grated clove. The mouthfeel is softly textured and rich.
Keeping some freshness, but showing signs of dryness, this is a well-aged 10-year old, the wood acidity and spirit dominating the fruit. The aftertaste shows considerable age—more than 10 years.
Keeping with past performances, Herencia is again one of Chile's best Carmenères. This is bold, toasty and ripe on the nose, with tobacco and vanilla nuances. The palate is huge but in shape, while toasty, chocolaty flavors of herbal plum and berry end chewy, stacked and deep. Drink through 2016.
Keller's basic-label Riesling offers remarkable structural complexity juxtaposed with lavish fruit and flavor intensity. Dry in style, the wine is also ripe with yellow cherry and peach flavors. It's bracing with acidity and a mineral tension that's thrilling, yet not at all severe.
Keller's Grosses Gewächs offerings are hard to come by, even in Germany, but the von der Fels offers GG quality fruit at a markedly gentle price. Orchestral in complexity, it's dry, yet plump with stone fruit and a cashew-nut richness. Taut with acidity, it maintains a dancing, shimmering vitality throughout. It's stunning already, but sure to gain power and density from 2020 on.
Ken Forrester's Petit Pinotage is an accessible and easy-drinking wine from the notoriously love-it-or-hate-it grape that shows bright brambly forest berry and plum flesh flavors coupled with a touch of coffee-infused milk chocolate on the finish. Balanced and juicy, it's sure to please.
Ken Wright's 2010 Pinots keep the alcohol levels low without sacrificing any flavor or depth. The Nysa is a gorgeous color, aromatically rich with a bouquet of fruit and flowers. Fresh and primary flavors of ripe berry are set amid delicate tannins. The structure suggests excellent aging potential over a decade or more.
Ken Wright produces as many as a dozen or more single-vineyard Pinots in any given vintage. This wine is blended from many of those same sites, whose vines were often planted back in the 1980s. It's light and elegant, yet powerfully flavorful, with strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit pushing deep into the palate. It's clean and fresh, with crisp defining acidity, perfect balance, refined tannins and a long finish. Best of all, it's widely available.
Ken Wright produces more than a dozen single-vineyard Pinots in any given vintage. This wine, which sells for a fraction of the cost of those wines, uses many of the same grapes. It's an astonishing value, lushly fruited, tangy and laced with appealing minerality. The mix of red fruits, earth, acid and mineral is a perfect encapsulation of the pricier cuvées' strengths.
Ken Wright recently sold the vineyard to Angela Estate, but continues to make these wines for the owners. The 2013 is sleek and refined, with pristine clarity. Let it breathe and it warms into nicely rounded flavors of cherry fruit, along with highlights of orange peel and pekoe tea. Finishing notes suggest coffee grounds and dark chocolate.
Kendall-Jackson helped define the buttery oaky Chardonnay movement, and this bottling plays that card quite strongly. Oak meets with roasted nuts, sea salt, pecan brittle and Gravenstein apple on the nose. The rounded palate shows sandalwood, candied walnuts and chamomile, though oak is very prominent as well.
Kendric produces very pure, refined Pinot Noirs from this county just over the Golden Gate Bridge. The '08 is classic, a pale amber-colored wine, rich in acidity and minerals, framing red cherry, cola and bacon flavors. Gets better as it warms in the glass.
Kennedy Point is located on Waiheke Island, but gets the fruit for this wine from Marlborough. It's a light- to medium-bodied version of Sauvignon Blanc, boasting bright passion-fruit aromas and a juicy, mouthwatering mix of citrus flavors that fade a bit quickly on the finish.
Kenneth Volk is the Central Coast master of nontraditional California varieties. His take on Albariño delivers peach, citrus and mineral aromas, reflective of the historic Riverbench Vineyard. The taste comes on a tad juicy, then wipes away quickly, with apple tartness on the finish.
Kenwood perfected their Chardonnay style a long time ago, and it works, so why would they change? The quality may vary vintage to vintage, but not by much, and the price is always everyday. The 2012 is ripe and fruity, with orange and mango flavors enhanced by sweet oak and crisp acidity.
Kept in tank for 10 years, this rich, full wine proves that Muscadet can age. It has preserved all its freshness and added ripe yellow fruits and a surprisingly opulent character. The wine still has a tang and lemon crispness, full of flavor. It is a wine for food with its final mineral aftertaste.
Kerner is an aromatic white grape cross bred in Germany in 1929. Very few Italian producers have planted it in their vineyards, so this expression from Abbazia di Novacella is quite rare indeed. The wine opens with slightly sweet fruit sensations followed by exotic fruit, citrus and almond blossom.
Kerosene aromas and a perfumed character come from the Malvasia in the blend. It is a perfumed wine with touches of green fruits and acidity. The wine doesn't quite hang together.
Kesseler's gems are the GG wines, but this is a medium-bodied, cleanly made introduction to the estate. Petrol, apple and wet stone notes are pretty standard Riesling fare, rendered in a crisp, refreshing style.
Kesseler's standard-label Pinot Noir is gorgeously perfumed with notes of violet, spice and vanilla that meld seamlessly into a backdrop of concentrated black cherries and plums. It's lavishly oaked, yet elegantly composed with brisk sour-cherry acidity and integrated alcohol. Delicious now, but should settle nicely through 2019.
Ketchup aromas are pungent and a bit overwhelming. It's too bad because the wine tastes good thanks to its firm structure.
Kettle Valley Winery, on the Naramata Bench, is a rising star. This gorgeous, seductive and silky wine is the perfect expression of Pinot Noir. This is what good Burgundy tastes like, with length, purity and a discreet voluptuousness.
Keuka Spring Vineyards staged a remarkable renewal recently by introducing August Deimel, increasingly one of the Finger Lakes most promising young winemakers, as its head winemaker. This delightfully brisk Cabernet Franc showcases the crispness of sweet-tart black plums and cherries swathed in a finery of fresh, green herbs. It's deeply concentrated with black fruit flavors, yet elegant and refined, finishing long on a flurry of feathery tannins.
Kevin Furtado is a sommelier in Vail who owns this brand. The grapes come from some of Bien Nacido's best blocks. The wine is exceptionally lush and complex, showing flashes of tropical fruits, honey and minerals, tightly wound together in a firm structure. A really fine Chardonnay that should hold for up to 6 years.
Kevin Riley likes to toss in lots of little bits into his blends, and this one features 11 different grape varieties. Baked strawberries and red plums show on the nose, along with dewy herbs, crushed gravel, dried oregano, basil and smoke. Light red fruit is present on the palate, along with caramel and vanilla. It's a fresh and lively wine, if not super complex.
Kevin Riley packs eight varieties into this pink wine, but the major proportion of Syrah and Grenache lend it its deep hue and rose petal, red cherry and vanilla notes on the nose. Grippy red plum skin flavors dominate the compellingly tense palate, followed by Rainier cherry and orange rind touches.
Key-lime pith, light jasmine, lemongrass, kiwi and a touch of lemon brioche aromas show on the nose of this energetic and tasty wine by the Duckhorn crew. The palate is commanded by a great textural grip offering flavors of Gravenstein apple, sea salt and saltine cracker.
Key-lime rinds, pink grapefruit, crisp pluot, just-ripe pineapple, nectarine and a steely gunmetal aroma show on the nose of this bottling. There's an intriguing touch of sweet onion to the sip. The laser-sharp precision would pair well with shellfish, but a slightly buttered warmth makes the bottling quite versatile.
Key lime and fresh cut Gala apples meet with the spiciness of lemongrass on the nose of this bottling from Nicky Hahn and winemaker Paul Clifton. The palate shows a pithy texture, with honeydew melon, Asian pear and lemon cake.
Key lime and honeysuckle scents show on the nose of this bottling. Pithy green apple flavors and tightly wound tension mark the palate, finishing rather short.
Key lime pie and chalk lead the nose on this affordable offering from a longtime Paso producer. The flavor profile is wide and welcoming, with apple, pear and citrus elements.
Kian Tavakoli is the winemaker for this small-production Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. A brambly, full-bodied wine, it's concentrated in black fruit with a spicy streak of clove.
Kicking off with a tight nose of lemongrass and limestone, this is a Viognier for fans of Sauvignon Blanc. It keeps a razor-sharp focus on the palate, with tart apple flavors and zesty acidity that wipes the flavors clean rather quickly, but it verges ever so slightly towards a hint of tropical papaya.
Kicks off with gobs of chocolate and spice aromas, then fans out to reveal layers of black currant, blackberry, coffee, herb and spice flavors. A touch of acidity accentuates the tannins, but the wine is richly textured, full bodied and delightful nonetheless. Full, ripe and distinctive.
Kicks off with hints of vanilla, honey, melon, peach, spice and citrus flavors. The wine is full bodied and viscous. It finishes with moderate length and a touch of spice at the end. -J.M.
Kicks off with minty coconut aromas and prune, then a hint of creamy green. The palate shows proper acidity and tannin balance, so the framing for the wine's raspberry flavors is good. Grabby but fresh on the finish, with just enough grapey richness.
Kicks off with pretty cherry notes in the nose. Dry and bright on the palate, the wine shows lovely ripe Bing cherry flavors, elegant citrus and clean mineral notes. A refreshing and satisfying rosé.
Kicks off with pretty toast and peach aromas, followed by a strong lemony core. Moderate body and bright acidity make this zippy wine refreshing and food friendly. Best Buy.
Kicks the palate with a roundhouse of grass, hay, gooseberry and lime, softened by wood and a hint of lees. This is a distinctive white wine. It shares the crisp, herbal nature of Sauvignon Blanc and adds enough interesting notes to make it complex and stylish. —S.H.
Kim Crawford is the leading Sauvignon Blanc in the U.S., but it turns out Winemaker Anthony Walkenhorst knows a thing or two about making Pinot Gris as well. This dry, medium-bodied wine is partially fermented in acacia barrels. Baking spices, like cinnamon and clove, add welcome nuance to the fresh pear and pineapple flavors.
Kimmel's Merlot is satisfying in dark cherry, vanilla and a streak of toasted coconut. Its finish is long and textured, and the wine should have a lengthy shelf life of 3–7 years more at least.
Kind of big for a value wine, with aromas of plum and berry along with shoe polish and chocolate. The palate has some richness but not too much depth or weight, while the flavors of blackberry and baked plum are convincing. Finishes soft and short, with cola and candied notes.
Kind of bizarre, because there are baked custard and sweetened espresso and honeyed spice aromas, and then it turns unnaturally sweet on the palate. It's also flat, with an odd, medicinal aftertaste. Most Sémillons don't have these particular features. —S.H.
Kind of bland and regular, but on the plus side it's fresh, feline and green, with lightly pickled gooseberry flavors. Fleshy and wan on the palate but with no glaring issues or off flavors. Drink now.
Kind of brown, which makes sense seeing that it's an older 2008 model. The nose shows sweet peach and mango aromas, and some oxidization. The palate is drying and short, with bitter-tinged peach and citrus flavors. Flat and dry on the finish.
Kind of clunky now. Bigtime tannins make it astringent, and the fruit flavors, of blackberries and sour cherry candy coated with oak, feel ripely heavy on the palate. Yet it's a clean wine, and could surprise down the road. Try after 2012.
Kind of dark in color for a rosé, but dryish, crisply acidic and fine. A blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah and other varieties, it's as full-bodied as a red wine, with tangerine, strawberry, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors.
Kind of hard, pasty and candied on the nose, with a thick and chunky palate feel along with sweet, sugary, generic red fruit flavors. Hailing from Patagonia, this is a basic, creamy Cabernet with body and size but not too much character.
Kind of Pinot Noir-like, with a silky texture, crisp acids and cherry and spice flavors. But it's rustic and simple, with a soft, gluey mouthfeel.
Kind of tough in texture, with hard tannins that make for an astringent mouthfeel. The question is, will it age? Maybe for a little while, but it's always going to have that rough edge to the blackberries, currants, pepper and cedar.
Kind of tutti-fruity and candied, with Lifesaver flavors of cherries, raspberries and blackberries. Easy to like, with a quick, spicy finish. Drink now.
Kind of unripe and thin, with tobacco, beet and herb flavors, although a touch of black cherry helps. The texture is smooth, but the finish is a little watery.
King Coal is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah from the Stoneridge Vineyard. Silky and seamless on entry, it pushes into a wine of power and punch. The fruit is complex and complicated, a mix of berry and cherry, with tart, tangy acid. While the wine is still primary, it has superb concentration and length, and it's beautifully structured for aging.
King Estate consistently delivers, and this is a delicious, creamy, textural wine. Full-throttle fruit combines lemon, lime, pineapple and candied citrus rind, underscored by refreshing minerality. Give it a slight chill and drink now through 2020.
King Estate first made their Domaine Pinot Gris in 2003, exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Constant experimentation with new clones and multiple trellis systems has brought marked, steady improvement. This is a fine effort; the fruit smacks of cut pear, pineapple and light tropical flavors. It's textural and tangy, with a pleasing citrus skin finish.
King Estate makes several different versions of Pinot Gris, but this belongs at the very top, with pitch-perfect pear fruit at its core. Fresh, textural and brightly racy, it's an elegant and generous wine with a crisp, lingering finish that suggests it will continue to improve through 2020.
Kingston's first-ever Chardonnay is neutral but inoffensive. The palate is melony but low on acid, while flavors of honeydew, vanilla and cream are soft and reflect the hot 2012 Chilean vintage.
Kingston's top-level Pinot Noir has been a consistent scorer for the past three vintages. The 2008 starts with pure raspberry and cherry aromas as well as tea accents, while the textbook palate has a proper feel and tasty raspberry and cherry flavors. Spice notes and integrated oak help it achieve its status as one of Chile's truest, most recognizable Pinot Noirs. Drink now through 2011; 300 cases made.
Kiona's ice wines are legendary, and this latest is as excellent as any they've done. Butterscotch scents invite further exploration. As the wine coats the mouth, it comes into lush focus with brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, cooked banana and more butterscotch. It's low in alcohol, but maintains sufficient acidity to stay buoyant and lively. Residual sugar is a hefty 170 g/L.
Kiona vineyard fruit, given 32 months in new French oak, yields a very smooth, chocolaty wine, loaded with mocha and caramel flavors. Black cherry and cassis fruit is nuanced with Red Mountain notes of iron and earth. It does a quick fade; perhaps extra decanting would lengthen it out a bit.
Kiona Vineyard makes up the majority of the fruit for this wine, with the balance coming from Olsen. Aromas of char, plum, wood spice and sliced red apple lead to full-bodied fruit flavors. The tannins show some grittiness.
Kiona Vineyard on Red Mountain provides the fruit for this wine, along with Chandler Reach in the Yakima Valley. Baking spice, clove and anise aromas are followed by light, tart red fruit flavors that trail slightly toward the spice filled finish.
Kirsch, black currant, cured meat and foliage notes lead the way on this concentrated, tightly structured wine. Dried black cherry and fresh garrigue herbs fill the velvety textured mouth, and linger well into the finish alongside a touch of cocoa powder flavor. Drink now through 2014.
Kirsch, brown stem, herb and olive aromas give way to a powerful mouthful of black fruit speckled with savory accents. The finish lingers.
Kirsch, wet stone, lavender and dried herb aromas are followed by ripe jazzy generous dark-fruit flavors. Fine-grained tannins provide support, with a supple mouthfeel piquing the interest.
Kirsten's 2014 Rieslings each share a core of minerality that prevails over primary fruit, but this dry bottling is particularly savory in style. It's refreshingly spry with layers of smoke and chalk notes meandering amidst sheer streaks of fresh, white grapefruit and apple. The finish is brisk and clean.
Kirsten's Feinherb, or gently sweet bottling, maintains a firm foundation of stoniness, but also embraces softer, less angular dimensions of spring blossom and peach. High-toned acidity brighten and lifts the palate through a long finish. Drink now through 2021.
Kiwi and lemon-lime aromas lead to a tight, stony palate. White-fruit flavors are more savory and briny than pure, while this evaporates and finishes with elegance. For a fresh style of cava, this brut nature rings true.
Kiwi, mint and green apple notes mark the nose. Medium in weight, it features seemingly underripe acids that give the palate a discernible nerviness.
Kiwi, peach and pineapple mark this blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Sémillon, providing a tropical character and personality. Medium in body and weight, it finishes moderately influenced by oak and a touch of vanilla cream.
Kiwi, pineapple and herb aromas are followed by medium-bodied fruit flavors. The concentration isn't quite all there in the middle but it still provides enjoyment.
KJ's Avant bottling is refreshing with fruity essence, showing sweet flavors of honey, peaches, apricots and nectarines. With only a touch of oak, it has a bright, fresh mouthfeel that makes it especially attractive.
KJ's Mendocino County Zin has both red and black berry fruit flavor and the spiciness one expects from dry-farmed Mendocino County vineyards, though the tannins stick around a bit longer than one might like. Cedar definitely shows up on the finish.
Klipsun vineyard grapes are fermented in stainless steel to produce this crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. In 2010, a cool vintage even at this Red Mountain site, the grassy side of the grape is in the spotlight. A little sweatiness blows off with airing, then the lemongrass and light melon flavors come through, with plenty of acid backing.
Klipsun Vineyard provides all of the Cabernet for this wine, with a splash of Petit Verdot (6%) coming from Olsen. Aromas of sweet herb, spice, wet copper penny and cherry lead to a full-bodied palate that shows a fine sense of balance. This vineyard's often substantial tannins are well tamed.
Klipsun Vineyard provides the fruit for this wine, with 10% Boushey Syrah rounding it out. This wine offers aromas of herb and wet copper penny that lead to full-bodied, boisterous fruit flavors. It the aromas come together it could move up a notch or two.
Klopp is a mix of California and Burgundy clones, one of the producer's finest offerings every year, made in an opulent, balanced style. Lush layers of strawberry and cherry are surrounded by truffle-like dirt. The wine is concentrated in tannin and subtle oak, while anise marks the measured finish. The wine will benefit from time in the cellar through 2020.
Knights Valley continues to be a fine spot for this variety, as evidenced by this wine, which is extremely vibrant in grassy lemon zest and melon. A pure expression of the grape, it offers enough oomph to remain consistent and textured, ending with a succulent suggestion of apricot.
Knoll's simplest Riesling is super-fresh, floral, aromatic. The white berry fruits are dominant, supported by a tight line of acidity. It is, of course, very young, not yet ready to drink, its citric character dominant. It needs a year at least.
Knowing only time in stainless steel, this light, clear white is zingy in grapefruit, wet stone and melon, its texture and body crisp and focused. The price for this quality is hard to beat.
Known as Graciano in Spain, this variety is rare in Portugal. Here in the far west of the country, it has produced a deep-colored, firmly structured wine. Despite the three years' aging, the wine is still very solid, dark and full of tannins and black-plum-skin fruits. It needs to age more, so drink from 2019.
Known as Tinta Amarela in the Douro, this ripe, spicy, minty grape has a strong medicinal character. But allied as it is here with dark plum skins, fine acidity and dense tannins, it makes a powerfully rich statement.
Known best for its Merlot, Three Palms is also planted to all five Bordeaux red varieties, with each one represented in this wine. Blueberry, huckleberry and a reductive undertone mark this effort, sinewy in tannin and soft at its end.
Known for great values, McManis has upped the ante with this outstanding blend made largely from Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. It has a gorgeous, spicy, new-leather, new-oak aroma, and similarly complex, minty and intriguing flavors. The wine tastes full-bodied, firmly tannic but well balanced and poised in style.
Known for its panoramic, family-run bed & breakfast, Ca' du Rabajà's base Barbaresco offers a light, bright appearance with aromas of white chocolate, vanilla, orange zest and wild berry. There's smoke, licorice and tar in there as well and the wine offers a tart but drying finish.
Known for its pink-metallic bottle cover and signature “Ace of Spades” logo, this fresh-faced wine is crisp and zesty. The wine, with a pale salmon-pink color and lively mousse, is light and full of red-currant fruit that keeps it bright. Dry, young and fruity, it's made by the Cattier house for entrepreneur and rapper Jay Z. Drink now.
Known for its seemingly unlimited stocks of aged tawnies and white Ports released in small quantities, this firm's 20-year-old white is a beautifully smooth wine. It shows its maturity in old wood character and deep gold fruit flavors. Maintaining its juicy acidity, it's a superb sipping wine. Drink now.
Known for some of Italy's most beautiful sand beaches, you might not consider the resort area of Sabaudia (in the Lazio region) a farming area for Sauvignon grapes. Despite the disconnect, this wine brings together territory and variety with ripe aromas of exotic fruit, peach and subtle tones of seashell and sulphur.
Known for working well with the grape, this Raats wine is Cabernet Franc dominant (85%), with additional components of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Forward scents of green pepper, tobacco leaf, cigar ash and menthol are framed by a fruity spice of blackberry and cassis. The medium-weight mouthfeel is approachable yet structured, with fine-grain tannins and a licorice-infused, brambly berry finish. Drink now–2019.
Known in Italy as Ribolla Gialla, Rebula is the name used for the same grape on the Slovenian side of the border. This wine has aromas of pineapple, tropical fruit and dried lavender. Flavors of green apple and pineapple flourish on the palate, lingering into the surprisingly tart finish.
Known in other regions as Blaufränkisch, Frankovka is widely grown in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This wine is garnet in the glass, with aromas of black cherry, cherry cola, and black plum. Flavors of black cherry and anise linger on the palate right through the spicy finish.
Known in Spain as Graciano, this grape produces attractive, fruity wine especially in the Tejo region. This example is ripe with layers of acidity as well as a generous texture. Soft and smooth, it is ready to drink.
Known in Spain as Mencia and found in Galicia, here in Portugal it forms a part of the mix in the mountainous Dão. It is red fruit flavors that are sustained by tannins. Despite its nine years of age, it is still firmly structured, still packed with fine fruit. It is only just now ready to drink.
Known more for its red wines, Wolf Blass nevertheless makes a creditable Chardonnay for $12. hints of vanilla and toasted almond mark the nose, while the fruit flavors veer toward citrus and stay there, turning lemony on the finish.
Known more for Zinfandel and Rhône blends, Bill Easton has quietly been making Cabernet as well for many years. This vintage is earthy and leathery, reminiscent of his Syrah-based wines, yet rich in savory black cherry, cedar and black olive. Built to age, put it away until 2019–2024 and the savory, herbal elements are sure to develop further.
Known primarily for Zinfandel, this winery's Petite Sirah is robust and full-bodied. It shows the rustic tannins that characterize the variety, with earthy flavors of blackberries and blueberries. Should develop bottle complexity for many years.
Konrad's 2008 Pinot Noir shows quite a bit of toast and vanilla to go alongside its cherry fruit. Gently toasted marshmallows impart a sweet succulence to the wine, making it attractive despite some woody tannins on the finish. Drink now–2014.
Kool-aid character, light raspberry fruit, slightly candied, with an artificial tang to the finish.
Kooyong's entry-level Chardonnay features glimpses of oak in its hints of vanilla, cinnamon and clove, but remains fruit-focused. Vibrant pineapple fruit zips along the palate, ending clean and refreshing.
Kopke has an impressive quantity of old tawnies, some of which will have ended up in this wine. It certainly seems older than its 20 years with strong wood flavors, smoky toast and beautiful mature acidity. It is very ready to drink, a fine mature tawny.
Koyle Reserva shows the upside of Carmenère while not pushing too hard. Smoky aromas of roasted berry, graphite and olive are vociferous yet balanced. A layered, meaty palate is home to minty, resiny flavors of berry fruits, herbs and chocolate, while the finish is oaky, toasty and attractive.
Kracher's sweet Scheurebe is consistently a remarkable wine. It's gorgeously opulent and tightly textured at the same time. Spice, sweetness and acidity combine harmoniously and seamlessly. Age this great wine and don't drink before 2017.
Kracher TBA wines are numbered in ascending order of intensity. Even at this medium level of intensity, this is an impressive wine. It has that fine balance, pushing its rich marmalade and dried apricot flavors right up to intense acidity. The wine is certainly full, but keeps a delicacy and great lightness of touch.
Kreuth is a sophisticated, oak-aged Chard from the mountainous north of Italy that delivers a creamy, rich structure and beautiful aromas of pineapple, mature peach, honey and almond. The wine is dense and satisfying and would pair with roasted artichoke or lime marinated chicken with cilantro.
Krug prefers to call this wine multivintage rather than nonvintage, but that doesn’t change what it is. Deep yeast, butter and cider aromas lead into full caramel and apple flavors on the weighty palate; it turns a bit sweet-tart on the finish. Perhaps made with juice from some weaker vintages of the early 1990s, it’s nonetheless very good.
Krutz has blended this Chardonnay to drink now. The wine shows varietal flavors of tropical fruits, with a creamy note from lees aging and oaky notes of buttered toast.
Kudos is an oak-driven blend of Montepulciano and Merlot that delivers lush richness and modern tones of black fruit, chocolate, cinnamon spice and clove. The close is soft, long and velvety.
Kudos to Azalea Springs for bottling this with a screwtop. The vineyard is between St. Helena and Calistoga, at the foot of Diamond Mountain. It has mountain-sized tannins, making it astringently hard. It also has a solid core of blackberry and black currant fruit. This is not one of your soft, gentle cult Cabs, it's one that demands cellaring. Best 2010–2014.
Kudos to Brian and Stephy Terrizzi for introducing this fascinating grape from southern Italy to Paso Robles. Rich white peach and poached pear aromas are edged with sharper mineral scents and boosted by vanilla undertones. The palate leads with bright acidity then explores red apple, cantaloupe and stone fruit flavors, proving easy to like but also tempered with restraint.
Kudos to Chalk Hill for one of the drier, more subtle Chardonnays on the market. Theyve controlled the ripeness, reining in the tropical fruits to retain minerality, and allowing acidity to provide crispness. Nonetheless the wine impresses for opulence and complexity.
Kudos to Derby for holding this Cabernet Franc-based blend back for so long before release. The years have mellowed it, giving it a soft, rounded quality. Drink now for the lush cherries and currants.
Kudos to Gallo for letting people know this wine is sweet. That avoids a lot of confusion. The honey, tangerine and peach flavors are balanced with lots of zesty acidity. Delightful, and a great bargain.
Kudos to Oak Grove for making such a nice wine at this everyday price. Drinks crisp in acidity and dry, with an ultraclean, spicy finish. Flavorwise, you'll find grilled nectarines and pineapples, with a touch of vanilla. This is a tremendous value.
Kudos to Santa Rita for harnessing the inherent qualities of the '07 vintage and applying them to this very nice Carmenère. The wine is bold and loud, but controlled and balanced. It starts with rowdy black fruit and folds in cassis, pepper, bitter chocolate and some smoked meat and olive. Drink now and over the next year or two.
Kudos to Siduri for offering a serious Oregon Pinot Noir at alcohol levels (13%) reminiscent of Burgundy. It's a welcome tilt for the state that once was tagged as the new world's Burgundian hope, but which has sometimes seemed more like a California wannabe. Light and tart, this isn't a complex wine but brings the delicate nuances of the grape, with cranberry, citrus and strawberry.
Kudos to Ste. Michelle for accurately labeling this wine, and also for the Riesling sweetness scale on the back of all their Rieslings. Firm Yakima Valley fruit is the backbone here, tart and spicy, with bright flavors of pear and apple. A juicy, palate-cleansing style.
Kudos to the winery for holding back this Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec blend until it's had time to turn gently soft and velvety. It's at its peak now, showing a bouquet of blackberries, cherries, raspberries and cedar.
Kudos to Wellington for holding this wine back this long. Bottle age has softened the palate, allowing flavors of cherries and blackberries to pick up secondary notes of dried fruits and leather. It's a beautiful wine that will continue to glide for another eight years.
Kudos to winemaker Doug Margerum for holding onto this extremely pleasing wine long enough for all the components to come together. Six years in, the aromas of cola, black cherry, rose petal, pepper dust and crushed gravel are still fresh and vibrant, while the palate remains upright due to structural tannins. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry and baking spice abound, making for an elegant wine.
Kudos to winemaker Laurent Montalieu for holding the line on price. His Soléna Grande Cuvée is one of the four or five best value Pinots in Oregon, if not the entire country. Nine vineyards contribute to the blend, a spicy and herbal mix of rhubarb, pepper, tomato leaf, black raspberry, currant and rose hips. The flavors and scents are detailed and nicely consolidated into a complex and harmonious wine. It will open up nicely with a couple of hours in a decanter.
Kudos to winemakers Adam and Dianna Lee for managing to wrest a Syrah this likeable from the difficult 2011 vintage. It's almost worth aging, with a delicious core of molten blackberries, black currants and green tea, and significant tannins, the kind that lock the palate down. And the wine may in fact hold and develop a bit. But the fruit won't outlast the tannins much beyond 2017. Whenever you drink it, give it a few hours in the decanter.
Kue is a floral blend of Insolia (70%) and Viognier, with subtle notes of peach blossom and jasmine that would pair with basil pesto or fresh tomato bruschetta. The wine presents a thin, simple but crisp feel on the finish.
Kumeu's entry-level Chardonnay shows less concentrated fruit and less oak influence than its big siblings, but nonetheless displays ample pineapple and pear fruit in a full-bodied format. The oak is barely noticeable, making the wine straightforward and easy to drink.
Kumeu River's entry-level Chardonnay is an easy introduction the house style, and perfect for high-end by-the-glass service. While it lacks the richness and toast of its stablemates, it delivers ample apple, pear and citrus flavors, gaining focus and displaying fine length.
Kumeu River is one of New Zealand's most consistent producers of Chardonnay. This bottling boasts slightly austere aromas of wet stone, struck flint and woodsmoke, then delivers white peach and pineapple flavors on the palate. It's medium in body, with a slightly creamy texture and a moderately long finish.
Kunde's been on a consistent roll for years in crafting rich, balanced Viogniers. Their 2007 is crisp and ripe, offering a blast of tropical fruit, honeysuckle, vanilla and spice flavors that finish impressively long. Nice with fusion fare, or for something different, Tex-Mex.
Kunde's house style is exemplified by this dry, complex Bordeaux blend. It's rich and ripe with cherries, black raspberries, cola and sweet oak. Perfect for drinking now with Cabernet-friendly fare.
Kunde's Reserve is all about the oak—rich buttered toast, caramel and butterscotch flavors. It overshadows the underlying fruit, but makes for a decadently pleasant sip.
Kunde has a remarkable consistency with their estate Viognier, and the ‘06 shows off the variety at its best. The wine is fully dry and very crisp, and avoids over-the-top flavors in favor of yellow citrus fruits, dates and spices. Try as an alternative to a rich Sauvignon Blanc.
Kunde has nailed this price point for Syrah. It's rich and complex enough to put on the table beside a fine meal, and while it's not quite in the league of a cult Syrah, on the other hand it won't demand all the attention. Dry and finely tannic, it features flavors of blackberries, cherries, leather, mocha, tobacco, pepper and sage, and finishes long and spicy.
Kungfu Girl has become an iconic Riesling on the strength of its instantly recognizable label, and surpassing quality. At 11% alcohol and 18 g/L residual sugar, it rests comfortably on the fence between dry and off-dry, and is a bulls-eye rendition of Washington Riesling. A dense mix of citrus, apple and tree fruits, enhanced with skin textures and finishing with highlights of honey and tea, this is flat out delicious.
Kuwal is a Tempranillo-led blend that's ripe and structured. Cassis, plum and toasty aromas are heady and introduce a big, ripe palate with round tannins, harmony and flavors of coffee, chocolate, spice and blackberry. To no surprise, it finishes jammy and rich. Drink through 2017.
L'Anima, which is Italian for “the soul,” is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Gewürztraminer, and it shows pretty aromas of white flower, honey and exotic fruit. The density and creaminess of the mouthfeel recall the wine's warm-climate Tuscan roots.
L'Apparita is a divine and delicate expression of Merlot with rich layers of black cherry, blackberry, spice, mocha, cedar, exotic spice and polished stone that are seamlessly woven together. The wine hits the palate with the softness and richness of the world's best Merlots and leaves a fading impression of fruit and spice that can be counted in many long, delicious minutes. Hold until 2018.
L'Ardì shows sweet and succulent fruit flavors with plump aromas of red cherry and plum. Dolcetto is a great wine to pair with grilled sausage or pepperoni pizza.
L'Arringatore is a 60-30-10 blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Ciliegiolo that boasts a clean modern approach and expert fruit extraction. The nose is sweet-smelling with cherry, almond, blueberry, chocolate and spice and the wine offers a pleasantly approachable intensity of aromas. It's big and brooding in the mouth with plush tannins and noticeable oak-driven flavors on its beautiful, long-lasting finish.
L'Attitude needs a warm vintage to succeed, and it got one in '04. The wine, a blend of Carignane, Syrah and other Rhône reds, is dry and complicated, offering rich, earthy, Provençal herb flavors with fruitier tastes of cherries, blackberries and cola. Notable for balance, elegance and power. Drink now through 2010.
L'Avvocata delivers a linear and correct approach with balanced fruit tones opposite fresh acidity. You'll recognize aromas of wild berry, blueberry and cherry and the close is capped by a slight pinch of fizziness.
L'Ecole's Columbia Valley Cabernet is again 100% varietal; the blending magic comes from a mix of excellent vineyards. This is a classy, classic wine, with pinpoint structure and spot-on varietal character. The compact palate is packed with details, and though it's drinking well, it is clearly a wine to cellar for a while longer. Notes of clean earth, clover, herb and light chocolate add depth to a core of black cherry and cassis.
L'Ecole's Walla Walla Cabernet has a soft-focus silkiness, an almost gauzy character. Behind that film is a wine tasting of wild berries, Bing cherries and fresh herbs, with light streaks of coffee and moist earth. Give this one plenty of decanting and the scrim lifts away and reveals a firm, beautifully balanced and nuanced wine.
L'Ecole consistently makes the best Chenin Blanc in the Northwest, if not the entire country. Done in an almost-dry Vouvray style, this engages the full range of varietal flavors. This has a scent of white flower and flavors of stone and citrus fruit, with overriding freshness and vitality that are heightened by the snappy, juicy acidity.
L'Ecole has been carrying the banner for Washington Chenin high since 1987. Coming from vineyards planted in 1978 and 1979, the aromas are fresh and lively, with notes of sliced pear, passion fruit, flower and apple. The palate is full in feel and redolent with fruit flavors that sail on the finish. It's a one-wine charm offensive.
L'Ecole is one of the three partners in the Seven Hills vineyard, and sources its grapes from some of the oldest vines. The blend includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, tight and spicy at first, then opening into a deeply flavored, brambly wine with a vivid mix of berry and stone. Firm tannins anchor it solidly and the overall structure suggests it could age for at least a decade, maybe two.
L'Ecole tackles, with great success, two of the least-recognized strengths of Washington viticulture: Sémillon and Chenin Blanc. Here the blend includes 13% Sauvignon Blanc. It's well built, full bodied, with a mix of citrus and stone fruits, generous acidity, and some finishing skin flavors putting a slightly bitter frame around it.
L'Erpico is a dense and meaty expression of Sangiovese from Montecucco (coastal Tuscany) that opens with ripe cherry, blackberry and meaty tones of bacon and moist earth. There's an interesting juxtaposition in the mouth of sweet versus sour fruit flavors.
L'Erta is a Tuscan expression of Chardonnay that opens with a bright, golden color and spicy aromas of candied fruit, citrus, apricot, pear, honey and a touch of spicy saffron. The wine sports a bold, saturated style.
L'Homme Mort is a northern extension of the Fourchaume Premier Cru vineyard, so called because this was where a local lord dispensed justice by death. It often produces cooler wines such as this. It is tight, with toasted bread hints and with a strongly tangy character. It does need to develop and shouldn't be drunk before 2018.
L'O is designed as a lean, approachable wine and consequently delivers cherry cola, lightly toasted nut and pencil lead. It is thorny and nervous at times but comes together nicely in the mouth.
L & T, meaning “light and dry” in German, is pure, peppery, fruity Grüner. It has some creamy richness along with apple and grapefruit flavors, all bundled into a fresh, crisp package that is very ready to drink now. Screwcap.
L&T stands for “leicht & trocken”—light and dry. This wine is true to its name. Yeast notes mingle with grapefruit zest on the still-closed nose. The palate refreshes with crisp green apple and freshly sqeezed lemon. An almost austere wine, it has backbone, verve and lasting freshness.
L. A mostly clean wine that hints at earth and leather but settles on basic red fruit. The palate shows mild, manageable snap and sharpness, while the palate deals flavors of red fruits, rubber and leather. Lean and clean, but basic as they come.
La Arena (sand) is one of four soil-based 2012 Altamira Malbecs made by TintoNegro, and the similarities among the wines far outweigh the differences. This is ripe and oaky on the nose, but clean and approachable. The palate is medium-to-full in feel, while flavors of black cherry, cassis and vanilla end with mild heat and baking spice notes. Drink through 2020.
La Bambina is a fresh and easy-drinking Sicilian rosé (made from Nero d'Avola) that opens with a pretty peach-pink color and bright aromas of raspberry, white cherry and cassis. Try it with swordfish carpaccio.
La Bruciata is a foamy, creamy and soft Moscato d'Asti with pretty aromas of honey, peach blossom and musky exotic flower. The wine is superrich and frothy in the mouth, thanks to the generous quality of the silky bubbles.
La Cala is a fresh and vibrant expression of Vermentino that shows bright notes of lime and lemongrass backed by peach and honeydew melon. That natural freshness will pair perfectly with fried foods or calamari rings.
La Cala is a fun and easy expression of Vermentino from the sunny island of Sardinia that shows bright citrus notes backed by tones of honeysuckle and wild sage. Pair this wine with fried calamari.
La Carte is a small vineyard in Lugny, producing this delicious crisp fruit-driven wine. It is lively with acidity and ripe with peach and baked pear fruits. The texture is just enough to allow it to age, so drink from mid-2017.
La Casa dell'Orco offers an interesting interpretation of Fiano that is slightly bigger and fatter than most. This golden wine opens with aromas of mature fruit, melon, apricot and a spicy touch of freshly cut grass at the very end. It moves smoothly over the mouth and shows medium intensity.
La Casita is all clone 114 and 50% whole-cluster fermented. In a year with many wines showing minimal ripeness, this breaks the mold. The forward strawberry fruit hints at sugary sweetness. Flavors are fresh and appealing, front-loaded and best for near-term consumption.
La Casita is made entirely from Dijon clone 114. It's a total “wow” wine, from the very first sip. Rich black cherry, chocolate and caramel flavors wrap tightly together. That firm and full-bodied richness continues through the midpalate. Enjoy this outstanding bottle over the next three or four years.
La Chablisienne owns the major part of the Grenouilles Grand Cru, centered on a winery called Château Grenouilles. This wine is powerful and still very young. It has weight and structure along with ripe, generous fruits that are typical of this vineyard. Touched by vanilla from wood aging, it is balancing out now. Drink from 2018.
La Chablisienne vinifies this portion of Fourchaume premier cru separately, regarding it as almost grand cru in power. It is certainly a concentrated wine, very ripe, but lined with citrus acidity, crispness and structure. At the end, though, the richness comes out.
La Clarine Farm's rosé is slightly cloudy, sourced mostly from Syrah grapes, with unusual additions of Mourvèdre, Sémillon and Viognier. Winemaker Hank Beckmeyer says the Syrah grapes barely ripen and that's why he likes them for this wine. Light at 12.8% alcohol, it's an intriguing melange of earthy dark strawberry and mint, crisp in acidity.
La Coeta is a massive wine that will appeal to those who appreciate a heavy oak element and dense extraction. Either way, you'll need to give this hearty Amarone a few more years to find balance. In the mouth, it sports dark fruit aromas and thick, chewy astringency.
La Collina dei Lecci offers a clean but compact Riserva Brunello with bright bursts of white cherry and forest berry followed by light accents of smoke and spice. With medium intensity and structure, this food-friendly alternative would match risotto or pasta.
La Corte del Pozzo is an easy-going Ripasso with bright berry nuances and loads of natural freshness and crispness. The wine would pair with easy, fatty foods like pizza or lasagna with melted mozzarella.
La Costa Riserva, made with the zesty Vernaccia grape (one of Tuscany's most important white wine varieties), is a big, bold wine with thick layers of banana, apricot and vanilla cream. The rich wine doesn't feel heavy on the palate thanks to a crisp spot of acidity on the close.
La Court represents a bigger and meatier style of Barbera d'Asti with good concentration and a parade of wild fruit and smoked bacon aromas. The wine has piquant acidity on the close and would pair with creamy lasagna or asparagus with béchamel sauce.
La Dama Amarone has an intense fragrance of plum, raisin and white chocolate, with whiffs of oak. The rich, round palate shows ripe black fruit, chocolate and well-integrated toasted notes of oak and espresso. This shows the warmth of the vintage and is approaching its optimum drinking window, so enjoy soon over the next few years.
La Dama offers a subdued and elegant Ripasso with soft layers of ripe cherry, blackberry, Indian spice, clove, nutmeg and touches of moist pipe tobacco. The feel it imparts in the mouth is soft, fine and bright. In fact, the wine offers enough natural freshness to pair with cheesy lasagna or oven roasted pasta.
La Fagiana is a bright, ruby-colored wine with aromas of forest fruit and bramble, with white almond and spice at the back. It's an easy, no-fuss expression with a clean, tart close.
La Fenetre scores with this lush, forward Pinot Noir that offers enough flavor to please almost anybody. It's enormously rich in raspberry and cherry pie filling, roasted almond granola, vanilla cream, buttered cinnamon toast and sandalwood flavors that are so delicious, they're sweet, except that the wine finishes dry. Great with lamb. Drink now.
La Firma, which translates to “the signature,” is a powerful wine, with bold aromatic intensity and alcoholic heat to match. It's a brawny, masculine expression, with thick layers of spice, tobacco, prune and dried berry, capped by a sensation of fullness and sweet-tasting fruit. Its velvety, smooth mouthfeel helps balance the wine's overall austerity.
La Folia continues to impress with this young bottling of Dolcetto, its light body and texture tinged with a taste of savory mint, licorice and earth balanced against layers of sweet strawberry. Enjoy throughout spring and summer with antipasto
La Forge is consistently one of Bertrand's top wines, and the 2011 is simply stunning. The dense, heady perfume offers notes of raspberry, black plum, cherry, sweet spice and cocoa powder, which all carry through to the lush, full-weighted palate. The texture is like crushed velvet, with fine yet gripping tannins and ample acidity to keep the mouthfeel fresh. It's a complex and layered wine, with hints of licorice, tobacco leaf and black pepper that grace the finish. Drink 2016–2022.
La Fornace is a dark, savory expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that shows aged tertiary aromas of dark spice, cured meat and prune. It feels rich and dense, with a gritty quality to the tannins and long endnotes of bacon, black pepper and leather. Drink now.
La Fornace offers the kind of Brunello that will make you wish you bought a second bottle. It opens with a bright and cheerful bouquet shaped by various shadings of black fruit and exotic spice. In the mouth, it is still tight and firm so give it a few more years of bottle aging.
La Fortuna's Rosso offers contrasting aromas of spice, red apple, wild berry, bramble and cherry liqueur. It boasts a deep ruby color and in the mouth, it feels pointed and edgy.
La Fortuna Brunello shows a distinctive nose with a vein of sweet spice that holds up the plump fruit. You'll find rum cake, cinnamon bun, Christmas spice and chocolate-covered cherry. It's soft, plush and rich on the finish, with a lingering note of sweetness that drives its cheerful personality.
La Froscà is a rich and luminous Soave Classico that delivers vibrant tones of stone fruit, lemon blossom and dried sage. This expression shows a very pure and pristine aromatic quality.
La Gaffelière, now under the expert guidance of Saint-Emilion's guru Stéphane Derenoncourt, is producing serious wine. None more so than this firmly closed but powerful and dense 2006. Bitter chocolate and dark tannins come together to form a shell covering the weight of the fruit. It will probably always be firm, but the black currant fruit flavors will come through eventually—maybe in 5–7 years.
La Garenne is one of the highest in elevation of the Puligny Premier Crus. This wine, with its young wood and ample fruit flavors shows great minerality, texture and intensity. Packed with apple, citrus and ripe yellow fruits, it is still fresh and needing many years to age. Drink from 2018.
La Gerla always strives to preserve the territorial characteristics of its wines. Yet, beyond the distinguishing characteristics of Sangiovese—the bright red fruit and the tangy acidity—is a modern wine that is interpreted within a context of oak spice, dark extraction and a sweet chocolate finish.
La Gerla delivers a soft and succulent texture with rich tones of milk chocolate and fudge behind layers of cherry and wild berry. The plush and rich nature of this wine sets it apart and this Brunello is long-lasting and caressing on the close with bright tones of cherry and vanilla.
La Gerla is one of the finest producers in Montalcino and the estate's less formal Rosso delivers spice and sophistication with loads of oak-related aromas that enhance the wine's natural fruit and consistency. You'll taste the oak spice in the mouth as well so pair this wine with grilled meat or barbecue.
La Gerla offers a spectacular Brunello that hits all the right marks in terms of intensity, beauty and staying power. This is an opulent and rich wine with plump blueberry flavors followed by chocolate fudge and sweet exotic spice. You can either cellar it or enjoy it within the next few years.
La Grava (gravel) shows only modest differences from the silt, stone and sand wines in TintoNegro's soil-based series of 2012 Malbecs. Black-fruit aromas, herbal notes and solidity define the nose, while the palate is tight, juicy and racy, with red-fruit acidity. Nervy plum and raspberry flavors come with chocolaty oak and an agile, spicy finish. Drink through 2021.
La Grenouille, the frog, is a soft, creamy wine, but with a great waft of acidity, like biting into a green apple. The citrus element is there, but it's that apple flavor and texture that dominates.
La Grola is an opulent and luscious blended wine from Verona and this particular expression offers extra aromas of cured beef, leather and earth over a generous base of black fruit and spice. It shows soft, fine tannins that would pair with smoked ham.
La Guillotte is a parcel on the Bouissel estate, planted with old Négrette. This firm and structured wine is solid with black plum fruits and cherry acidity. It is still developing and will need some time to soften its tannins. Drink from 2017.
La Jara—an organic Prosecco producer—has shown happy improvements in quality over the years. This expression is redolent of pink grapefruit, peach and Golden Delicious apple.
La Magia Brunello is a brooding, masculine wine filled with tobacco smoke and cigar box. At the back are tones of dried fruit, blackberry preserves, crème de cassis and prune. It shows wonderful intensity and elegance with loads of personality. Spice, black pepper and bitter chocolate also appear on the long, silky finish. It promises to age well.
La Mannella offers an opulent, modern wine with ripe aromas of black cherry, leather, rum cake and black licorice. The wine is tight and astringent in the mouth with sharp endnotes of sour cherry and bright acidity. Its natural density stands up to the freshness and the whole package works as a whole.
La Mano smells dry and spicy, with modest but present oak aromas and vanilla-tinged plum and berry scents. It's angular in feel, but the flavors of oak-based black fruit and raspberry work. It finishes mild, with some oaky residue.
La Marega is a ripe and juicy wine with fruity aromas of red cherry, apple, cedar and exotic spice, ranging from nutmeg to cardamom. The blend is unusual too with Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina, Dindarella and Sangiovese. Deep, dark concentration rolls over the palate with beautiful intensity and succulence. Drink after 2013.
La Matta is a dark and sophisticated Barbera d'Alba with loads of oak intensity (spice, vanilla and cinnamon) backed by blackberry, currants and plum. Characteristic acidity kicks in on the close and keeps the palate refreshed.
La Meirana is an informal and bright sparkling wine that delivers floral aromas of honeysuckle and acacia backed by sweet almond and peach. It shows light bubbling that fades fast in the glass.
La Nerthe's Cuvée des Cadettes shows a bit of oak on the nose in its hints of vanilla and toasted coconut, but also copious amounts of raspberry fruit. It's full bodied and lush, with the fruit gently cosseted by oak, not at all overwhelmed, and the finish is long and plushly textured. While approachable even now, it should be at its best sometime after 2020.
La Nerthe's late-ripening Mourvèdre typically shines the brightest in warm vintages, which 2008 was not. The result is a leathery, peppery wine with rather crisp, cherry-inflected fruit. Drink it over the next several years.
La Nerthe's luxury white cuvée relies on Roussanne for richness and Clairette for freshness, with tiny amounts of Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc rounding out the blend. The result is a rich but balanced wine, loaded with honey and toasted coconut but also boasting mouthwatering pineapple flavors and a tremendously long finish. Drink now–2025.
La Nerthe's white is a blend of Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. The result is a slightly floral wine that's full bodied yet lacking flesh on the midpalate. The apricot and citrus flavors finish with surprising freshness.
La Nerthe is usually quite structured, so while the 2007 is riper and creamier than most vintages, it still retains decent acidity to balance things out. Leather, spice and cherry flavors pick up hints of coffee and chocolate on the finish. Drink it over the next 10–12 years.
La Perla Extra Dry is a soft and luscious sparkling wine with simple lines and fresh aromas of peach blossom and almond paste. Soft sweetness is backed by fresh acidity.
La Piazza Alta is a value wine from Sicily that shows lemon soda, pineapple and kiwi-like aromas. It's fresh, sharp and bright on the finish.
La Piazza is a line of wine from Sicily's Calatrasi winery that uses fruit from various parts of Italy. This is their Pinot Grigio from northern Italy that tastes rich and creamy and is made in a New World style. Aromas revolve around butter, almond paste, peach and apricot. It doesn't have huge length, but it does taste rich and dense.
La Piazza is made by Sicily's Calatrasi and offers an easy-drinking red wine that would wash down well with pizza or pasta. The wine is thin, but it has bright fruit flavors and a spicy close.
La Piedra (stone) opens with the same ripe berry, plum, licorice and oaky aromas as La Arena, La Grava and El Limo (the other wines in this series). The palate is bright and fairly juicy, with black cherry, dark plum, baking spice and peppery flavors. A firm, lightly toasted, racy finish seems right for this wine. Drink through 2020.
La Playa does a good job capturing Colchagua's warmth and translating that into healthy wines like this. Light oak aromas are manifested as butter, dill and coconut, while berry fruit and cola are also part of the aromatic package. It's a bit lean and snappy in the mouth, with strawberry and raspberry flavors mixed with carob and cream. Tight and typical for solid Carmenère.
La Poderina's Rosso offers elegant notes of fine spice backed by small forest berries and currants. This wine excels at being intense and powerful but in a uniquely understated way. The finish is silky and smooth.
La Poderina is a beautiful, well-managed estate that playfully straddles both a traditional and modern approach to Brunello. Thick black fruit aromas and tangy spice give the wine a soft and opulent first impression. But the firm tannins and bright acidity remind you of its deep Tuscan roots.
La Querce (the oak tree) is Sangiovese with 15% Merlot that shows bright aromas of cherry and wild berry backed by light tones of smoke and spice. The wine imparts a soft, velvety feel on the close.
La Rasina offers a beautifully dark and austere expression of Brunello with almost exaggerated intensity. The wine is dense, extracted and velvety with smooth cherry and vanilla backed by a firm tannic backbone. Drink after 2015.
La Ricolma opens with a blast of black olive then builds in intensity to include aromas of juicy fruit, blackberry, molasses, chalky mineral and chocolate fudge. This 100% Merlot is generous and opulent to the very end.
La Roera is a light and fresh expression of Barbera with bright fruit intensity and cooling crispness. The wine would work with wintery appetizers of cold cuts, salami, capers or olive paste on garlic toast.
La Roncaia's Picolit exhibits a very distinctive style. The wine is thick and dark amber in color and has rich, almost brooding notes of toast, pine resin, molasses and burnt caramel. It's definitely on the extracted, syrupy side and might pair better with Roquefort or aged cheese than it would with dessert.
La Roverina is an easy Valpolicella with aromas of red currant berry, white mineral and cola. The wine is simple and smooth in the mouth with a compact texture overall.
La Scolca's Black Label Gavi presents refined and elegant tones of peach, dried apricot, honey and white almond. The wine rests on the lees in order to absorb more complexity and texture.
La Scolca releases a confusing portfolio of Cortese-based wines commemorating various anniversaries and events. Thankfully, the fundamental winemaking style is the same: fresh, clean and simple with bright citrus and peach flavors over a zesty close.
La Segreta (an easy Grecanico-based wine with some Chardonnay, Viognier and Fiano) is an immensely popular restaurant wine in Italy and for good reason: It's fresh and balanced with a no-fuss approach and an attractive price tag. You'll get drying mineral tones backed by tangy peach and pear.
La Segreta is a well-executed, unoaked and affordable blend of Nero d'Avola, Merlot, Syrah and Cab Franc that offers distinctive aromas of cherry, pomegranate juice, almond paste and light nuances of exotic spice and vanilla. It has polished tannins and an easy disposition overall.
La Segreta is intentionally engineered to be one of those easy Italian whites that washes down fried calamari and spaghetti con vongole. Aromas include citrus, pear, white almond and honey.
La Serena offers an amazing wine with rich smoothness and loads of chocolate and cherry intensity. In the mouth, the wine tastes round and soft with bright almond and cinnamon notes on the close. Pair it with saltimbocca, or veal steaks wrapped in ham and sage leaf.
La Togata offers a crisp and fresh Rosso, with aromas of bright berry, cherry cola, wild raspberry and lemon zest. The natural acidity of this wine would pair well with lasagna topped with melted mozzarella and Parmigiano.
La Tordera's Brut Prosecco ends with spicy bubbling and firm effervescence. Before that, however, the wine offers drying aromas of stone fruit, lemon zest, talc powder and dried chopped herbs.
La Tunella has crafted an amazing Sauvignon that bursts open with aromas of white flower, honey, peach, jasmine, ginger and citrus. The wine is smooth and creamy with added flavors of honey and fresh fruit on the close. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, you'll love this expression.
La Vis's Dipinti series has preformed well thanks to attractive pricing. This expression of Sauvignon offers evident herbal characteristics, as well as mineral ones. Think chopped sage and basil and drying white stone.
Làvico, made from Nerello Mascalese grapes harvested on the slopes of Mount Etna (with 10% Merlot), exhibits aromas of burnt coal, bramble, lead pencil, blueberry and wild strawberries. The wine moves with delicate, feminine steps but is not without power and intensity.
Löwengang is one of the few Italian white wines built to age many long years in the cellar. Chardonnay is farmed according to bio-dynamic ideals and shaped by oak barrique. The result is creamy, rich, structured and redolent of apricot, vanilla, citrus cream and spice.
Lab (or Labrador Retriever) is the preferred dog of the Santos Lima family. The wine is fresh, citrus flavored and crisply attractive. Acidity, lemon zest and green apples keep the wine really fresh. Drink now.
Labeled 'Old Vine' now that the vineyard it's sourced from has passed 40 years of age, this dry, aromatic wine is varietally true without seeming cloying. Green banana, grapefruit and pineapple flavors feature prominently, along with a hint of lemon verbena.
Labeled a “Super Tuscan-Style Blend” this is 36% Syrah, 45% Sangiovese and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, all from Red Mountain vineyards. It opens gracefully with pretty raspberry and cherry fruit, then grounds itself in a base of mineral and earth, enlivened with natural acidity.
Labeled a reserve, though it's priced well below the winery's single vineyard selections, this is a pretty, elegant, nicely defined wine that out-performs its modest ripeness. Raspberry and cherry fruit is dappled with dried herbs, black olive and hints of dark chocolate.
Labeled “Stainless Cuvée,” this stainless-steel-aged Chardonnay is definitely European in style. A fine contrast to Rulo's toasty Walla Walla cuvée, this has minerally apple and citrus flavors. It's delicate but full flavored, with concentration and length.
Labeled as a blanc de noirs, this is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier. It has the weight and richness you would expect from a Champagne made only from red grapes, textured and full of rich apple and pear fruits. The bottling is ready to drink.
Labeled as a Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine contains a hearty 25% Petite Sirah, which wraps it in black pepper and savory, juicy black currant. Clove and a persistent thread of herbaceous sage and cedar dominant as well on both the nose and palate, contributing an elegance to the whole affair.
Labeled as a regional wine rather than as a Douro wine because of the Syrah in the blend, this is still a wine from the Noval estate. Dark in color and still showing firm tannins, this second wine of Noval is made to develop relatively quickly and is ready to drink now. Ripe blackberry flavors are already evident, followed by juicy acidity and some spice tannins.
Labeled both as Orange and Rosé, this is Pinot Gris fermented on the skins, then aged in neutral oak for several months. A pretty sunset color, slightly oxidized, and aromatic with dried apricot and pear fruit, it's a wine for those with more-than-average curiosity. Highlights of dark chocolate and coffee creep in to a lingering finish.
Labeled dry and tasting very much so, this clean, floral-scented Gewürztraminer has a pleasingly dusty aspect; rose petals with a thin veneer of incense. Long and complex.
Labeled dry, this nonetheless carries a hint of sweetness, at 70 g/L residual sugar.  It's fruity and fresh, with melon, citrus and peach prominent. A perfect summer sipping wine.
Labeled late harvest, but not terribly sweet, this includes small amounts of Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Chenin Blanc in the blend. Lemony with both citrus rind and sweet candy flavors, it's a useful, off-dry wine with a slightly sugary finish.
Labeled off dry but with little or no sweetness, this is a unique effort, a rosé style with unusual length and focus. Chill this wine and drink it as an apéritif. It is most unusual—dusty, musky, and concentrated, with a fine finish that resonates with a Grand Marnier note.
Labeled reserve, this young wine has a bit more heft than the Willamette Valley bottling. Black cherry, cola and Dr. Pepper flavors wrap into an earthy, chalky, tannic finish.
Labels like this one are probably what confuse American consumers, but the truth is that this is just great wine. Peach and mineral notes with a generous squirt of lime mark the nose, followed by a round, juicy midpalate and with lots of fruit and lots of minerality. It's lush, yet structured with firm acids on the long finish.
Labors from the start via soft, punchless aromas of generic red fruit. Feels a little flabby, with dry, basic flavors of red apple and cantaloupe. Turns pithy and slightly bitter on the finish. Drink now.
Laced with acidity, this is a complex, structured wine with great freshness as well as a dry core of botrytis. It has a rich potential, closed at the moment but holding dense texture and balance between lemon and honey. Drink from 2019.
Laced with baked apples, ginger and savory spices, there's something unique about the nose on this off-dry Riesling. On the palate, honeyed apples and pears combine with a tart lemon-lime acidity and a hint of bitterness on the finish.
Laced with really crisp fruits and red-currant flavors, this is a brightly fruity wine. Lively and with a tight texture, this is ready to drink.
Laced with tannins, this has intense, very pure red cherry fruits and a cool feel to it. The wine's juiciness has a smoky edge, while remaining fresh.
Lacking intensity, the nose exhibits mild notes of ripe red apple while the palate adds a touch of canteloupe. Fat and round with a fleeting finish, the wine never really makes a strong impression.
Lacks the precise focus and mineral lift of the '07, but still offers a satisfying mouthful of pear and pineapple fruit. Soft and a bit broad but tasty.
Lacryma Christi is a rustic and savory red wine, with bright tones of dried currant, spice, tobacco and leather. It includes touches of cured meat and bresaola, and the finish is sour and fresh.
Lactic and creamy smelling, with a muddled, green edge that never really settles. The palate is tannic and mildly green, with herbal olive and berry flavors. And the finish is basically more of the same. Standard base-level Carmenère.
Lactic aromas of creamy oak, latex and plastic come with a hint of mocha. Resilient on the palate, it has oaky, lactic flavors of black plum and cassis. A candied tasting, creamy finish is fresh and firm. The blend is 78% Malbec and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lactic blackberry and dark plum aromas suggest a full, ripe wine. That impression is confirmed via a meaty, chunky palate with flavors of blackberry, dried plum, pepper and mixed herbs. A dry, peppery tasting finish with mild residual heat closes this offering.
Lactic notes of chocolate yogurt and milk chocolate characterize this chewy and dense expression of Brunello di Montalcino. The wine has a dough-like, creamy texture and ends with firm astringency.
Lactic notes of curd and buttermilk appear before yeasty, rounded citrus hints take over. This is a Pinot Blanc for those who love rich and rounded Chardonnays. Its creamy palate texture calls out for food.
Lactic oak-based aromas start out muted but settle with earthy red berry scents. The palate is pinched and narrow in feel, with modest berry notes leading to a slightly bitter finish.
Lactic oak and minty green notes run with plum and berry aromas. This is hard as nails, with big tannins that grate along the sides of a round mouthfeel. Roasted, oaky berry flavors are dark and spicy, while woodspice and resin flavors steer a rubbery feeling finish.
Lactic oak and rubbery black fruit aromas lead to a wiry, acidic palate. This is limited in its flavor range, with plum and berry flavors leading the way. An edgy feeling finish with plum and snappy acidity is not too demanding.
Lactic oak, shoe polish, bell pepper and boysenberry aromas are distinctly green. Creamy in feel, the palate brings blackberry, carob and herbal flavors.
Lactic oak, wood grain, pencil lead, animal hide, lemon peel and berry aromas make for a challenging bouquet. This is a bit flabby and low on spine, while soft flavors of jammy berry fruits are herbal and suggest juniper. Eucalyptus and raspberry flavors are prominent on the finish.
Laden with wood aromas, this is a firm, dry wine. The fruit can cope with the considerable wood flavors, suggesting a wine that will be smooth, rich and velvety. It has weight now, but needs to age. Drink from 2016.
Laden with wood as much as rich fruit, this is a fully structured wine. Dark toast is prominent at this young stage although this will go as the wine balances out. Then it will be a dense wine full of black fruits and with balanced tannins and acidity. Drink from 2021.
Ladoix is a forgotten Burgundy village that can offer good value. This wine with its strawberry fruits and gentle tannins fits the bill. There is a fine, ripe feel to it, and a dry edge that sets off the fruitiness.
Laetita's Les Galets bottling comes from a single vineyard block. The '06 is rich, velvety, complex and compelling. Fully dry, it has remarkably deep, tannin-inspired flavors of cherry pie, currants, mocha, licorice, peppercorn and smoky new oak. Just addictive, and should hold well for six years.
Laetitia's best reserve ever. In a word, gorgeous. There's a soft silkiness, a caressingly smooth mouthfeel that just seduces the palate into submission. Then the deliciousness sinks in, all red currants, cherries, mocha, licorice, pepper and smoke, set off with fine acidity and tannins. So compulsively drinkable, you can't keep your hands off it. Best now through 2010.
Laetitia's finest reserve bottling of sparkling wine rises to the challenge in this vintage, with bright aromas of fresh pears, challah bread and cherimoya. The palate offers tropical touches of guava, with elements of soda and lime pith grounding the bubbly into a classic style.
Laetitia's La Colline bottling is always a big, vital wine, unusually rich for Pinot Noir but nonetheless compelling. The 2009 vintage has been kind to it, resulting in fantastically concentrated flavors of cherry pie, pomegranate, persimmon, cola and mushroom, liberally enhanced by sweet new oak. It's a potent wine, one that Pinot purists might say is too extracted. But there's no denying its delicious beauty. Drink now–2015.
Laetitia for years has been separately bottling blocks of their large estate vineyard, looking for sections that can stand on their own. La Coupelle is its latest experiment. It's certainly a huge, concentrated wine, vast in cherry pie, cola and new oak flavors, with the weight of Grenache. Good as it is, it's a little heavy-handed; sometimes less is more.
Lafòa is one of the best expressions of Sauvignon from Italy. Careful fruit selection and oak aging create a wine that is important aromatically, as well as structurally. Pristine flavors of citrus, peach and honeysuckle are backed by a creamy feel and a touch of -piquant spice.
Lafarga's wines are expensive and shoot high, but they are awfully rustic in general. This Syrah is earthy and rubbery on the nose, then hard as rocks on the palate due to clamp-down tannins. Flavors of dark fruits, plastic and oak finish with heat.
Lafite's second wine is much closer to a balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that the first wine. It's also a properly rich, satisfying wine that is as much fruit as structure. Packed with blackberry fruits, it has a fresh character that dominates the firmer tannins and touch of bitter chocolate. Drink from 2020.
Lafon-Rochet is an estate that is producing some very fine wines. This second wine is a good reflection of the quality. With its powerful tannins and dark concentration, it is a still young. Blackberry fruits are paired with the dry core of tannin to give a wine for aging. Drink from 2019.
Lagarde regularly makes consistent, true wines and this Cab is compact, solid and smooth, with spice and a lot of berry fruit on the nose. Refined, deep and pure on the palate, with blackberry, marzipan and licorice flavors. Very nice Argentine Cabernet for the money. Drink now into 2011.
Lagone is a pleasurable and rich blend of Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Sangiovese that opens with rich, dark color and intense aromas of sweet spice, chocolate, cherry and tobacco. The wine feels chewy and smooth in the mouth with a long, velvety feel on the close.
Lagrein is a unique indigenous grape from northern Italy that offers plump, fruit-forward aromas and smooth richness in the mouth. This expression delivers all that within a very elegant and pristine context. Pair this wine with bean and barely soup or veal stew.
Lagrein is an indigenous grape of the far north of Italy that remains deeply rooted in the hearts and history of the people who live there. This expression by the super-fussy and meticulous Alois Lageder shows beautiful harmony and bright fruit aromas followed by spice and chewy ripeness in the mouth.
Lagrein is an Italian variety, of which little is planted in California. It has the weight and tannins of Merlot, along with firm tannins and soft acidity. This bottling is rich in cherries, figs and tobacco, and is gentle enough to drink now.
Lake Chelan's Nefarious stretches out with this impressive Oregon Pinot Noir. Stiff and compact when first opened, it fills out nicely. The fruit runs from pomegranate to mountain berry to plum, with a touch of peppery spice. The midpalate continues to broaden and gather strength through a long finish.
Lake Chelan is one of the few regions in Washington State that can take a whack at growing Pinot Noir. For this bottling, the winemakers elected to blend in 5% Malbec—a small percentage, but one that seems to have taken over the flavor. Not a trace of Pinot Noir character remains, just a strong Bourbon-barrel flavor and a bit of alcoholic heat.
Lake County producer Chacewater has made a pleasant, refreshing rosé from 100% Syrah. It's dark in color, with tastes of watermelon, ripe peach and tropical fruit. Intensely textured and full bodied in mouthfeel, it emphasizes its flavors through to the finish.
Lake County remains a serious place for Cabernet Sauvignon and Six Sigma is one of its better Cab practitioners. This 2007 version all rich and yeasty baked bread until it delves into black olive, dark plum and black tea flavors, finished by caramel and vanilla, all in all a refreshingly light touch.
Lake Sonoma produces varietally pure wines at fair prices. This is a solid Zin, rich and spicy, with cherry-berry and cocoa fruit flavors framed in brisk, fine tannins. Will hold for up to six years.
Lakewood hits the mark with this affordable Cabernet Franc. Earthy, attractive aromas of spice and pepper unfold into flavors of raspberry, cherry and more pepper. The wine has depth and weight without being heavy, thanks to a decent amount of acid. The finish is slightly weak but overall, a good wine and friendly.
Lalande de Pomerol is the northern extension of Pomerol, so it's no surprise to find this wine dominated by Merlot. It is soft, rounded and rich. Black plums give the fruitiness while black fruit skins provide the texture. It's a full wine that needs a little aging. Drink from 2016.
Lalayee, says winemaker Virginie Bourgue, means lullaby in Persian. This 51/49 Cab/Merlot blend is textural and pretty, a palate-coating potpourri of cranberry, pomegranate, blue plum and cassis fruit. Bourgue has layered in new barrel nuances of coffee and caramel latté, with a whiff of smoke.
Lamùri is a solid value wine from Sicily that shows fresh fruit nuances and loads of wild berry and white almond. Try it with baked salmon or creamy shellfish dishes.
Lamùri shows a food friendly side of Nero d'Avola that would pair with veal, pork or roasted turkey. The bouquet is redolent of cherry cola, forest fruit, ginger and toasted nut. Subtle notes of smoke and spice appear on the finish.
Lamaione is Frescobaldi's flagship Merlot and this vintage is especially plush and velvety. The wine's nose recalls inky berry juice, exotic spice and soft tones of leather and tobacco. The finish is long and satisfying, supported by the wine's dense structure.
Lamborn has a knack for Zinfandel grown on Howell Mountain. The 2011 is dry, tannic and high in alcohol, but also concentrated with flavors of currants, blackstrap molasses, licorice and cedar. It could benefit from some time in the bottle so hold until 2016.
Lambrusco is a fizzy red wine from central Italy that has the natural acidity to cut through cheese tortellini and buttery pasta dishes. This enjoyable Amabile (or slightly sweet) expression is redolent of red berries, wet earth and red beet.
Lamiable is a small house in Tours-sur-Marne at the eastern end of the Montagne de Reims. This Champagne is sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. Yellow-fruit, citrus and green plum aromas introduce a wine that is crisp and elegant, but with significant weight behind it. It's ready to drink now.
Lamole is textbook Chianti Classico with bright freshness in the mouth paired with clean aromas of cherry, blueberry and sweet spice on the delicate bouquet. The wine's overall delivery is immediate, tight and zesty.
Lamorèmio is a blend of Nerello Mascalese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d'Avola in equal parts that tastes of Indian spice, clove, sweet cinnamon and blackberry. You'll also get a touch of caper or green olive that rides on the heels of the wine's smooth, supple mouthfeel.
Lamoreaux's standard-label Cabernet Franc spends 18 months in American oak, adopting layers of sweet spice, vanilla and smoke that penetrate deeply into its black cherry core. It's taut and unyielding on the palate, with bold acidity and big, brawny tannins, but should meld beautifully with 3–5 years in the cellar.
Lamoreaux Landing is usually a Finger Lakes favorite, but this 2011 Yellow Dog is a bit subdued and savory compared to recent vintages. Still, it's brisk and minerally, with notes of waxy apple skin brightened by brisk lemon-lime acidity.
Landmark's Chardonnays have been getting sweeter and simpler over the years, perhaps in an attempt to appeal to the popular palate. With the 2011 Lorenzo, they have produced a ripe, oaky, buttery Chard, with orange and pineapple jam, vanilla, honey and fresh cream flavors, made for drinking now.
Landron's complex wine comes from organic grapes that add a line of purity to the bright white and citrus fruits. A textured wine, this needs to age for a few months to round out the fragrant fruitiness and open up the structure. Drink from 2016.
Lane Tanner makes sexy wines. You're not supposed to say so, but there it is. This wine brings to mind silk and velvet. Something about it shimmers. It's also delicious, so full of opulent berry fruit you want to swirl it around your mouth forever before you swallow. Fortunately, you can always take another sip. Editors' Choice.
Lanolin and honeycomb notes lend a minerally feel to rich, lusciously concentrated peach and tangerine flavors in this powerful yet finely structured kabinett. A hint of spritz and shocking lemon-lime acidity lead the way to a long, elegant finish.
Lanolin and squash aromas indicate that this is fading. The palate is wide and fleshy but lacking in a focal point. Flavors of spiced pumpkin and aged apple are a bit like holiday pie, while modest acidity on the finish ensures that this is bland on the exit.
Lanson's Brut is dry, with maturity and good toasty character. There is richness, yeast and green apples, while the acidity fills out the aftertaste, leaving a ripe but crisp wine.
Lanson suggests adding fruit to this wine or using it as the base for cocktails. It is off dry, ripe and fruity in itself. A touch of toast suggests this bottling is not young. The wine confuses between crisp acidity and a soft, neutral texture. It will probably be best when it is part of a mixed drink.
Lapaccio is an easy and informal expression of Primitivo, with simple cherry and cola aromas. In the mouth, it shows a sweet-tasting red-fruit flavor.
Lapierre bottled two versions of this wine, one using no sulfur, one using some sulfur. It makes a fascinating contrast, but this version without sulfur is inevitably the better, not losing one iota of the ripe fruit, the rich cherries and immediately attractive bonbon and candy flavors.
Lapostolle's basic Cab scores big in the fine '01 vintage. It features a deep nose of tire rubber, blackberry and rusticity. The palate is high-octane and deep, with plenty of ripe, tannic black fruit. And the finish is round and lengthy. It should age well for a couple of years. Editors' Choice.
Lapostolle makes many excellent wines and quite a few good values; this Sauvignon Blanc from the warm Rapel Valley is not one of them. Like in prior years, this is bland and fleshy, with soft, wide, dull flavors of melon and sweet apple. And it's weak on acidity. 60,000 cases made.
Large barrels were used for aging this superrich wine. That gives it a round character as well as generous fruitiness. Soft, full of tropical fruits and with a slight and attractive oxidative character, it is beautifully ready to drink.
Large bubbles and sharp flavors of peach, wild berry and white almond characterize the nose of this well-focused rosé sparkler made from Prosecco and Raboso grapes. The wine is tart and focused on the palate with lingering citrus notes.
Large French oak barrels were used to ferment this toasty, ripe wine, which boasts notes of stone fruit and citrus. A mix of cool-climate Portuguese grapes and Chardonnay, it will smooth out and become rich and complex with time; drink after 2016.
Largely Chardonnay and Riesling, this wine offers aromas that include peach, pear, melon and almond. It's full in feel, lightly sweet with citrus and stone-fruit flavors that linger.
Largely neutral aromas touch on melon, peach and toast. This is smooth and melony on the palate, with flavors of bitter nut skins, melon, banana and papaya. A touch of bitterness rises up on the finish.
Largely neutral from front to back, with citrus and apple on the nose. Easygoing and basic in the mouth, with green melon and apple flavors in front of an inoffensive, slightly bitter and pithy finish.
Largely neutral lime and generic citrus aromas lead to the type of crisp, fresh palate Txakoli is known for. Tart, snappy lemon and orange flavors are lasting on a cutting finish.
Largely neutral on the nose, then tangy and still fresh on the palate, this drink-now Viura is clean but unexciting. Flavors of generic citrus finish firm, with a pithy aftertaste.
Largely tannic and bearing a lot of oak, Amador Foothill's Sangiovese is more savory than sweet, with leather, mocha and herbs rising to the top in taste.
Larger than life in terms of oak and tannin on the entry, this wine is elusive in fruit. Medium-bodied, it feels weighty and sharp-shouldered, while being clearly well-made and expressive of its appellation and variety. A cherry-vanilla note rings on the finish.
Larner strikes a good balance at weaving Viognier's exotic side with controlled precision, resulting in a tight, dry and complex wine for drinking now. Acidity and minerality provide fine structure to the citrus, Asian pear and peach flavors.
Laroche sources grapes from outside the Chablis area to make this elegant, smooth, caramel- and peach-flavored wine. A touch of wood lends a note of spice and adds to the round texture. Screwcap.
Larry Stanton patiently waits to release the wines he grows to very low yields in calcareous soils. The results are rich, in this case offering heavy, intoxicating aromas of kirsch, extracted cherries and a Bourbon-esque caramel element. Smoky tobacco and blackberry juice notes arises on the palate, with fresh laid asphalt flavors popping up on the finish.
Las Brisas has been one of Lost Canyon's most consistent bottlings, and the '06 is simply delicious. It's light and elegant and silky, but that doesn't mean it doesn't pack layers of complexity. Cherries, black raspberries, cola, smoky vanilla and Asian spices flood together, leading to a long, perfectly Pinot finish. Drink now.
Lasagna, meat-filled ravioli or mushroom risotto would make good pairing partners to this mild and crisp red. It offers notes of red berry, almond and cola.
Lascombes seems to have got into its stride even in a difficult vintage such as this. Ripe black-berry fruits are there along with firm, balanced wood and spice flavors that give promise of some aging. The wood still has to calm down as the fruit develops, so don't drink until 2019.
Laser-edged shards of lime and flint anchor this bright bristling dry Riesling. It's lean and lithe yet penetratingly ripe, offering loads of fresh lemon and quince flavors. The finish is perfumed, marked by notes of smoke and white blossom and a lingering lime pith astringency. Ready to drink now but should age well till 2025.
Laser-focused acidity adds polish to luscious sweet pear and tangerine flavors in this decadently sweet bottling. Delicately lacy in mouthfeel, it finishes with a savory dusting of pollen and crushed stones.
Laser-like cassis and black cherry aromas come with an accent of toasted oak. A pure, well-balanced palate isn't at all pushy or heavy, while snappy, fresh flavors of raspberry and spiced plum finish racy, toasty and the slightest bit herbal. Drink through 2022.
Laser strikes of acidity and deep, mineral intensitiy lend a grounded elegance to this otherwise sunny, yielding dessert wine. It's intensely honeyed, bursting with sweet pineapple and peach flavors, yet finely filigreed in mouthfeel. Delicious already, it should improve through 2040.
Last year, the winery sourced their Cab Franc grapes from Lodi. The wine was very good, but this one's even better. It shows balanced acids and tannins, with complex cherry, cola, red currant and wood spice flavors, and just a hint of sweet green pea. The alcohol is remarkably low, yet the wine is thoroughly dry.
Lastricato Riserva is a compact and traditional wine with fine texture, a tight feel and bright aromas of forest berry, white cherry and almond skin. Those elegant, subtle qualities make this a good selection for chicken or white meat.
Late-disgorged and made from nearly equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this wine has benefitted from aging in the bottle, giving it time to build up sublimely nuanced texture that's richly layered in nutty apple and strawberry. Dry, the wine is balanced and crisp, a fine companion for the table.
Late-harvest Raboso grapes produce a dark, ruby-colored sweet wine, with powerful concentration and a thick texture. The fruit characteristics recall prune and black currant.
Late-harvest Vermentino makes for an interesting dessert wine that both sweet and fresh. Aromas include citrus, apricot, almond, dried herb and flower. There's a great deal of density and intensity packed in this precious bottle.
Late-picked, 100% Cabernet fruit from an iconic Red Mountain vineyard; hence the name, which translates as “the beast”. It's jammy and ripe, but the tannins have been tamed, and the fruit is front and center, along with brown spices and toasty barrel notes. This is a thoroughly delicious wine that seems to be drinking in its prime, though it shows no sign of tiring.
Late disgorged, this wine combines 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay from the vintage, exploding in well-honed, equal flavors of strawberry and white peach. Spicy acidity keeps it fresh and lively as it builds toward a dry, lemony finish.
Late harvest rather than botrytized, although here the richness and the superripe fruit have something of the same effect. Honeyed with yellow fruits and dried apricots, it is a gorgeously ripe sweet wine that is balanced with the wonderful acidity. Drink this wine soon, say from 2018.
Latex and baked-bean aromas are candied at first, then grassy. This Malbec is intense but harsh in feel. Herbal plum and currant flavors are slightly horsey, and it feels hot and scratchy on a minty, herbal finish.
Latex and medicinal berry aromascome with cinnamon and savory spice notes in this sinewy, full-bodied wine. Its grippy tannins and prodding acidity frame slightly exotic and savory blueberry, oak and graphite flavors, finishing snappy, with a note of cured meat.
Latex and spice aromas accent raw red-fruit scents of plum and currant. This feels citric, tangy and lean, with dry, spicy, lightly oaked red-plum and cherry pie flavors. Medicinal notes, racy red-fruit flavors and a hint of woodspice pace the finish.
Latex, earth and briar patch aromas are rough on the nose. Cranberry, red plum, olive and herbal flavors finish a bit sour, with a snappy feel.
Latex, leather and asphalt aromas compete with berry aromas on what amounts to a hard, tough nose. Narrow in the mouth, with tomato-like acidity, this tastes woody and salty, with modest berry flavors.
Latex, rubber and loud plum and berry aromas set up a somewhat astringent palate with rubbery, medicinal berry flavors. A note of saline appears on a firm, drawing finish.
Latex, rubber band and other roasted, rubbery aromas send up the red flag, yet the palate and flavors are good enough even if they are already a little tired and rusty. Not really recommended given that rosé should be fresh and fun. This one veers to big berry fruit and softness. 100% Tempranillo. Imported by National Distributing Co., Inc.
Latex, tire rubber, sauciness, mocha and cotton candy all share the nose, while the palate is forward, a touch scratchy and filled with bold black cherry and plum flavors. Shows some toast and burn on the finish, and overall it's a good Malbec with some mild bite and abrasiveness.
Laudun is considered one of the top communes for white varieties in the Southern Rhône. This cuvée, from the region's cooperative cellar, is a vibrant, refreshing wine that combines modest pineapple fruit, with hints of wet stone and honey. Drink now.
Laura is a plush and velvety Barbera d'Alba with bright berry and cherry tones followed by crisp, bright acidity. Pair this wine with gnocchi and creamy gorgonzola sauce.
Laurence Féraud, the stylish power behind Domaine de Pégaü in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, also produces her own négociant line of wines. This Gigondas is a top example, boasting intriguing scents of sweaty leather and peppery, clove-like spice, plenty of weight and structure on the palate and a long, firm finish. Drink now–2024.
Laurence Faller is the family winemaker at Domaine Weinbach, and this wine is a tribute to her skills. It is a wonderful blend of rich fruits, warm spice and tight acidity, with a finish that lasts and lasts in the mouth. It is a very fine wine, designed for aging, and would be best enjoyed after 2016.
Laurent Dufouleur is the current director of Tramier and has created a series of wines under his name. This wood and red-fruit-flavored wine is likely to be attractively ripe and jammy as the wood softens and integrates. There is fine acidity at the end and the wine will be ready to drink from 2019.
Laurent Miquel has built a solid reputation making clean wines at a superb value, and this one doesn't disappoint. Fresh and lively notes of sweet pea and honeysuckle mingle with ripe tropical fruit and clementine citrus. Drink now.
Laurenz Moser V makes deliciously fruity Grüner, allowing the ripe character of the grape to dominate. This wine, bright with apple and citrus flavors, is light, breezy and ready to drink. Screwcap.
Lava Cap has made a decent version of Barbera here, simple and blueberry-toned but the wine is a tad heavy and overly oaked and bitter on the finish.
Lavender and licorice on the nose; the palate mixes shy black cherry and cassis flavors with a bit of Chile's patented leafy character. The finish is round and offers a touch of vanilla and mocha. For the money this is solid and very easy to drink.
Lavender and lilac are just part of the floral bouquet that emerges from this wine, which also shows a blackberry vinaigrette element on the nose. Once sipped, it's like sucking on a purple-flower candy, with more lavender as well as plum and a pencil-lead edge that cuts through the palate.
Lavender and other purple flowers meld with graphite, concentrated strawberries and dried raspberries on this wine from a cherished block on a historic vineyard. It's snappy on the palate, with sharp pomegranate fruit and tongue-tingling acidity. A tad of brie, watermelon and shiitake mushroom pop up toward the finish.
Lavender and ripe black-cherry aromas are enticing on this Pinot Noir. Dry and full bodied, it doesn't have a lot of concentration, but it's softly fruity, with hints of soil and autumn leaf.
Lavender and violet notes accent ripe, fresh raspberry in this ripe but crisply structured red blend. The palate is juicy and velevety, showcasing bright acidity and a lingering granite finish. It's full bodied and robust in tannins yet maintains a taut, spry elegance.
Lavender honey and lanolin notes are warm and enticing in this semisweet Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing. A tad sugary on the attack, it gains balance on the midpalate thanks to delicate green floral tones and ample notes of bitter lemon pith.
Lavender, potpourri, cranberry-orange juice, Sichuan peppercorn, graphite and cinnamon hit the nose on this bottling from winemaker Aaron Walker. The complex, ever-evolving palate blends pomegranate and citrus rinds with black slate, peppercorns, dried oregano, thyme and rosemary.
Lavender, stone fruit and sugar cookie notes scent this exuberant, aromatic wine. Dry in style, it's sprightly and lean with puckering lemon-lime flavors rounded out by a plump, peachy finish.
Lavender, thyme, rosemary and other green herb notes dot the nose, which leads to a solid, cushioned palate with sweet berry, leaf, spice and carob flavors. Finishes sweet, with melted chocolate and heft. Just short of excellent but still the best Carmenère yet from François Lurton's Colchagua property.
Lavignone is a simple but classy Barbera with solid aromas of forest berry, cassis and fresh tobacco leaf. The wine would pair with fried zucchini flowers stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese.
Lavish and bold, almost over the top in ripeness, and all those winemaker bells and whistles. Sweet mango and pineapple, vanilla custard, buttered toast and roasted hazelnut flavors swim in an opulently creamy texture. Yet it's fully dry and well balanced.
Lavish aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, gingerbread, mincemeat pie and caramel chews combine for a hedonistic nose on this wine from Aaron Jackson. Dense, dark blueberry fruit drives the palate, which gains complexity from espresso beans, dark chocolate and graphite minerality.
Lavish aromas of blackberry pie cooked in a vanilla crust with a crystallized brown-sugar topping show on this rich bottling from a warm vineyard near where Carmel Valley hits the Arroyo Seco wash. The medium-bodied palate offers thyme, sagebrush and a hint of cardamom, with fig, black plum and bittersweet chocolate at the core.
Lavish aromas of honeysuckle, peach and lemon abound in this vivacious, zippy Riesling. Dry in style, the palate is a bracing crush of white grapefruit and lime flavors that intensify through the long finish, accented by ripples of slate-like mineral.
Lavish aromas of ripe peach, canteloupe and honeysuckle extend onto the palate of this juicy, fruit-forward Riesling. Semi-sweet in style, it's one lipsmacking nectar, with bracing lime acidity on the finish.
Lavish aromas of tropical fruit and caramelized sugar abound on this boldly fruity Riesling. It's sweet-tart tangerine and stone-fruit flavors also pack a punch on the palate. Swirls of sweet honey on the midpalate are offset by nervy streaks of acidity and a salty, tangy minerality that lingers on the finish.
Lavish barrel fermentation, aging in new French oak and sur lie stirring was intended to bring out a Bordeaux-style richness in this wine. But the chilly vintage intervened, yielding a wine with dominant green peppercorn aromas and flavors. Still, it's a subtle, elegant wine. Drink now.
Lavish black-cherry candy and concentrated rose-petal aromas combine with candied-licorice notes on the lush nose of this bottling. There's a Concord grape ripeness to the slightly sweet sip, with a touch of woody spice, framed by chalky tannins.
Lavish blossom, peach and tropical fruit notes perfume this big-bodied wine. Off dry in style, it fills the palate with rich stone fruit and pineapple accented with peppery spice and tangerine acidity. It's a powerful yet nicely balanced wine with pleasant astringency on the finish.
Lavish floral notes perfume this lusciously sweet ice-style Riesling. Honeyed apples and fresh figs burst on the palate, their flavors intensified on the finish with a hit of zesty lemon acidity.
Lavish freesia and honeysuckle perfume persists throughout this bristling, bright Riesling. It's delicate and spry in mouthfeel, but rich, round swirls of tropical fruit penetrate deeply on the palate. It's irresistably unabashedly forward and fruity.
Lavish fruit and extravagant spicy oak flavors balance each other well in this big, showy, dark and tannic wine. The color is black almost to the rim, and it has plenty of body, thick tannins and concentrated boysenberry flavors. Best now through 2019.
Lavish heaps of blackberries and cherries are accented by nuances of nuts, dried herb and black tea leaves in this composed red wine. Full bodied but balanced in acidity and fruit, it's substantial without overpowering. The finish lingers on velvety tannins.
Lavish notes of toast, vanilla and spice abound on this robust Pinot Noir, but balance elegantly against bright red cherry and cranberry flavors. The finish is moderately long, marked by velvety tannins that frame the palate squarely.
Lavish streaks of butter, vanilla and baking spice fatten this opulent Chardonnay. It's unabashedly oaky in style but fresh lemon acidity lends elegance to the midpalate. Finishes briskly.
Lavish vanilla and cedar nearly take over this wine, leaving just enough dark, plummy fruit to peek through, yet the wine remains true to its varietal roots in its silky mouthfeel. A bitter coffee note sneaks in on the finish. Seems ready to drink.
Lavish violet perfume introduces this demure yet luminous Pinot Noir. Crisp black cherry and berry flavors are full of tartness and vibe, yet edged by soft tones of toast and earth, along with a fine frame of tannins. The finish meanders beautifully. It's ready to drink now but should continue to drink well until at least 2023.
Lavish yet not overdone aromas of vanilla, plumeria, dried banana and yellow peach arise from the glass in this blend of 45% Viognier, 45% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne. There is a honeyed character to the palate, along with banana, mango and buttered guava bread, proving quite tropical yet very welcoming.
Lavishly floral with notes of orange blossom and lemon candy, Konstantin Frank's Grüner Veltliner is another standout for the region. Dry and medium-bodied in style, the palate bursts with crisp white peach and nectarine against a backdrop of lime zest and mineral tones.
Lavishly oaked, but richly fruited as well, with layers of ripe peaches and grilled nuts leaving a creamy impression of luxury on the palate. The finish is long and vanilla-tinged yet features mouthwatering citrus. Drink now–2012.
Lavishly oaked, the fruit here struggles to make itself acknowledged, and when it does it is light plum-cranberry in aroma and flavor. Quite dry on the palate, the wine finishes tart with woody tannins.
Lavishly perfumed with hints of honeysuckle, musk melon and pear, this animated Riesling exhilarates the senses. Juicy and fresh with pristine stone-fruit flavor, it glides effortlessly yet endlessly on the palate. Enjoy now for its gorgeous perfume, but save a few bottles through 2020 to let the stately elegance shine through.
Lavishly, densely ripe and fruity, this big, juicy wine has everything in spades, from the nearly black color to the jammy, dessert-like aromas to the saturated blackberry and black fig flavors to a full, opulent body and richly tannic texture. It sure packs a lot of power into each sip.
Law enforcement veteran-turned-winemaker Cindy Cosco named this brand for her Italian roots, and presents violet, red cherry and pencil-lead aromas in this bottling. A wild-herb character powers the palate, with bay leaf most prominent, followed by tart elderberries and orange-peel sourness. The grippy palate will open more with age.
Lawn cuttings and pea shoots come to mind in this lively white that's spritzy in acidity and freshness. Lemon peel and pineapple define the flavor profile, a mix of tangy and tropical.
Layered and complex, this is a stunning, well-balanced white that offers attractive aromas of yellow apple, fig, gardenia, guava and clementine. The medium-weight palate boasts toasty accents that carry through the long finish, along with flavors of wood-grilled apple and sweet spice. Elegant and refined, this should continue to evolve through 2018.
Layered and medium in weight, this is a well-crafted, concentrated wine from an exceptional vineyard site in the cool, southeastern reaches of Napa Valley. The rich pineapple and coconut is tempered by crisp acidity, finishing in caramel-accented oak.
Layered and rustic, this wine starts with aromas of tobacco and sausage and leads into spicy, dark fruit flavors. Vibrant with supple tannins, the wine needs some time.
Layered aromas and rich but vibrant flavors help this medium-bodied wine stand out. It has a medium color with a brickish rim, while aromas suggest black tea and black cherry. A dry, tangy, but ripe fruit expression on the tongue lingers on the finish.
Layered aromas of blackberry, cassis, leather and dried cheese are inviting. In the mouth, this Garnacha from vines more than 100-years-old is jammy and friendly. Candied almost syrupy flavors of blackberry and black cherry finish dense and chocolaty, with modest acidity. Drink through 2017.
Layered aromas of dried rose petals and violets meet with peppery strawberry and plum fruit, proving relatively light with crushed-rock minerality on the nose. The palate is also light but juicy with strawberry, soft cherry and red currant, spiced by black pepper. The tannic structure builds throughout the sip.
Layered berry and cassis aromas are a bit scratchy and gritty. This Cabernet feels saturated, pure and deep; flavors of blackberry, cassis, prune and chocolate are ripe and generous, while the finish is mildly herbal in flavor, with good length and build. Drink through 2018.
Layered black cherry, cola and raspberry flavors laced with cardamom and clove make this medium-bodied red succulently memorable. It's balanced and forgiving, its supple texture yielding to a creaminess on the finish that's irresistible.
Layered botrytis that gives the wine both its richness and dense texture. It is sweet but with a dry core and crisp acidity, it will age well. It is going to be a beautiful wine, with tropical fruits, apricots and wonderful final acidity. Drink from 2025.
Layered fragrances suggest perfumed berry, orange zest, crushed wild flower, baking spice and tobacco. The smooth, full-bodied palate delivers a great depth of flavors that include creamy cherry, juicy raspberry, thyme, mint, cocoa and energizing mineral. It's superbly balanced with fresh acidity and velvety tannins. Drink 2015–2024.
Layered fruit and spice flavors plus a firm, dry texture will make this medium-bodied wine a good pairing for all kinds of big proteins. It has black cherry and plum aromas, firm, fine-grained tannins and a lip-smacking finish.
Layered in ripe red fruit like cassis and currant, it offers smoothness amidst grippy tannins and savory suggestions of toasty oak, black tea and soy. All need air and time to develop more fully. Pair with a classic pepper steak and garlicky mashed potatoes.
Layered on both the nose and palate, this standout Finger Lakes Pinot is tart and fresh, yet full with concentrated sour cherry and red plum flavors. Firmly structured with bright acidity and a delightful spray of violet perfume on the finish.
Layered tannin wraps around smoky oak and big flavors of marshmallow in this full-bodied densely concentrated wine from the well-known site. Black cherry, earthy forest floor and classic cola combine to form a juicy core of succulence beneath the power.
Layered tannins and wood flavors have tended to smother the fruit in this wine. That gives a dry, tough character not promising much for the future.
Layered with oak, leather and cigar box, this is a smooth, structured Zin. The palate retains some perfume of red raspberry and dark cherry, but it's quite masculine in its approach and taste.
Layered with toasty wood, this rich wine delivers blackberry fruits, a strong sense of tannins that enrich the fruit, and a concentrated aftertaste. From one of several small properties tended by owners Christophe and Marie Jo Lavau, it will age well. Drink from 2017.
Layered, deep and opulent, this yeasty rosé sparkling wine offers warm tones of baked bread, mature peach and honey with tart accents in the form of blueberry and raspberry. The wine delivers thick creaminess in the mouth and long persistency.
Layered, stout and pure smelling, with aromas of cola, chocolate and modern, ripe berry fruit that roll out the welcome mat. Feels full and tannic, with toasty black fruit flavors accented by espresso and bitter chocolate. Finishes dark, with coffee and licorice flavors. Best from late 2012 through 2015.
Layers of Amarena and Bing cherry play hide and seek with hints of mulberry on the plump, velvety midpalate. There are suspicions of sweet vanilla and some anise. With such soft, mellow fruit and smooth, ripe tannins, this is incredibly seductive and approachable right now, although it also has the stuffing to age beautifully.
Layers of black fruits and tight tannins set this wine on a serious road. It has the freshness of the vintage as well as the bright acidity. At the same time it is structured and dense. This second wine of Château Margaux is ripe and ethereal in its lift. Drink from 2024.
Layers of butter and spiced caramel accentuate the richness of this sumptuously ripe, full-bodied wine. Fresh, crisp apple and pear flavors freshen the midpalate, leading to a lingering sweet-spice finish.
Layers of char, black pepper and briar patch help to build complexity in this dense, concentrated black plum Merlot. There's a touch of green leaf and tomato throughout, but overall, it's a fruit-driven, luscious wine accented with spice and smooth, supple tannins. Aged 24 months in new French oak.
Layers of charred oak and smoked nuts give this this ripe, creamy Chardonnay a decidedly dark first impression, but the palate is remarkably juicy with soft, sweet honeydew notes. Hints of nut skin against generous cream and butter notes add a savory, bitter elegance to the finish.
Layers of cherry, currant and herbs give this fresh Cab an elegant but earthy feel. A lovely balance of fruit and acid, topped with supple and structured tannins, add to the success. Very pretty and collectible.
Layers of coffee, vanilla and spice lend an oaky undertone to this plump, easygoing red. The palate is approachably fruity, offering a generous dose of fleshy plum and cherry flavors. Feathery fine tannins and a kiss of vanilla mark the finish.
Layers of crisp nectarine, lime and tangerine burst from nose and palate of this vibrant Kabinett. While sweetly honeyed, it's a wine with precision, calibrated by zesty acidity and elegant crushed-mineral tones. Its lovely already but should maintain its intensity through 2021.
Layers of exotic spice and crushed earth permeate through this dry Riesling paying just homage to it's red-clay origins in Ürziger Würzgarten, the spice garden of the Mosel. It's exquisitely light bodied, a revitalizing crush of cutting white grapefruit and lime flavors. The finish is marked by a meandering spray of spice and honey. Drinks well now but should improve through at least 2030.
Layers of fresh-cut grass and herbs add freshness to sweet white-peach flavor on the palate of this exquisitely structured kabinett. Bristling acidity lends a ticklishness to the mouthfeel that lingers long on the finish.
Layers of fresh purple flowers, from lilacs to lavender, meld with dried rose petals, cinnamon, concentrated hibiscus, orange rind and black tea on the wondrous nose of this bottling. A sanguine character starts the sip before it evolves into dried strawberry and a mix of lavender, mint and thyme, framed by bright acidity and lush texture.
Layers of honey and white tea alternate accents of silkly tannins throughout this delicate, pertly structured auslese. The palate is ripe and sweet, yet rippling with acidity, and extending through a long, saffron-kissed finish.
Layers of luscious mango, tangerine and pineapple mark this gloriously fruity, forward Riesling. It's unabashedly plump, but delicate sweetness and staccato strikes of lemon and lime lend balance. It shows remarkable elegance for something so accessible and irresistibly gulpable.
Layers of mint and earth are slightly out of proportion in this leathery wine, the finish leaving a somewhat sour taste.
Layers of mushroom, savory spice, and earth lend depth and complexity to luscious red raspberry and cherry flavors in this complex, standout Cabernet Franc. Tart cranberry cuts through the supple and silky palate, leading to a cool, mineral finish.
Layers of new wood dominate the aromas and flavor of this wine. They smother the fruit leaving a question mark over its future.
Layers of plush yellow peach and apricot flavors highlight this easy, crowd-pleasing kabinett. Sunny lemon acidity lends refreshment to the midpalate, cutting through all the ripeness and leading to a brisk finish. Drink now through 2019.
Layers of pollen, dusty mineral and spice lend complexity to this concentrated wine full of yellow peach and fresh apple flavors. It's delicate and lithe in texture, yet punchy and penetrating.
Layers of rich white peach and pink grapefruit sweeten this delightfully piercing spätlase. It's dainty in mouthfeel, but sumptuously ripe, balanced by a bracing strike of acidity.
Layers of round, appealing Chardonnay aromas lead into this nicely balanced offering from New York. Earthy spice and good acidity give the wine both complexity and elegance, and the finish is lengthy. A good wine for solo sips or pairing with poultry and fish.
Layers of smoke, dark toast and nuts lend a distinctly savory feel. This wine is refreshingly brisk on the palate, marked by delicate touches of pressed apple and pear that linger through the finish.
Layers of smoke, slate, saffron and pollen lend earthy, mineral complexities to bright honey and tangerine flavors in this off-dry kabinett. It's brisk and refreshingly juicy yet intriguingly nuanced. Drink now through 2018.
Layers of smoke, spice and lanolin cast a shadowy tone to summery peach and tangerine flavors on this semi-sweet Riesling. Nuances of mineral, spice and fruit build in intensity on the palate, augmented by brisk lemony acidity. Finishes long with a delicate lace of sweetness.
Layers of smoke, toast and savory apples on the nose strike a contrast with the sweet melon and apple flavors on the palate of this dry, full-bodied Chardonnay. Reverberates to a rich, salted butter and toast note on the finish.
Layers of smoked nut and dark toast aromas lend savoriness to slightly muted black cherry and plum notes in this dry Lemberger, a.k.a. Blaufränkisch. It's a light-bodied, briskly composed red with delicate concentration. Fine grained tannins lend soft structure to the finish. Drink now.
Layers of spice and wood dominate what is a young, fruity wine. Although this blend of Baga and Touriga Nacional is made to drink now, it does in fact need another year to balance red fruit and wood. Drink from 2017.
Layers of spice, lanolin and orange rind stand out curiously on this intriguing Riesling fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeast, and subject to 5 months on its lees. It's strikingly brisk with tart, lemony acidity, but rich with a rustic, savory apple flavor. It's a funky, thoroughly unique wine, but also a remarkably complex wine to savor through the course of a long evening.
Layers of stone, ash, steel and lanolin are showstopping on this intensely minerally Rheingau Riesling. Dry and full-bodied in style, this has delicate stonefruit and yellow-cherry flavors that play an understated role, but linger sweetly on the finish.
Layers of sweet orange marmalade, citrus rind and pollen mingle seamlessly into this deliciously honeyed ice wine. Intensely ripe, almost creamy in texture, its succulent sweetness is balanced neatly by a dazzling spray of tangerine acidity.
Layers of tannins lie easily over the ripe fruit in this wine. It has a light structure, showing more of the smooth, mature fruits that make it soft and ready to drink. Acidity at the end keeps the freshness. Drink now.
Layers of toast, char and dill abound on this oak-driven, full-bodied Chardonnay. There are glimpses of fresh apple and lemon on the palate as well, but they peek through a bit shyly behind a curtain. Further cellaring may help to integrate the oak.
Layers of vanilla, spice and toast persist throughout this richly textured wine. Sunny raspberry and cherry flavors are pleasant, but peek through a bit shyly on the palate. It's an oaky wine, but supple and seductive with a fringe of finely grained, persistent tannins.
Layers of violets and blackberry paste make for an inviting nose that combines elegantly dark fruit and boisterous florality. There is a dense boysenberry core to the palate, edged by chocolate, dried mint, cola and licorice flavors, altogether very approachable and pleasant.
Layers of wet stones and smoke pervade this dry, deeply mineral wine. It's full in body, yet gossamer in mouthfeel and marked by searing lemon-lime acidity. Tightly wound still, it's a structured, complex wine likely to improve after 2018.
Layers of wild strawberry on the nose and palate make for an inviting entry into this wine that is medium in body and weight. Velvety smooth in texture, it's balanced on the palate, with a shock of earthy intrigue on the finish.
Layers of wood-aging spring from the glass along with ripe perfumes from the always-delicious Encruzado grape. This wine shows a great mix between lime and citrus flavors and yellow fruit such as peach. A tangy character reflects a tight, tense, still-young structure. Drink from 2016.
Layers of wood aging give this wine its initial spicy character. The flavors broaden out to bring in the ripe citrus and yellow fruits that are already well developed. With its edge of minerality, the wine still has room to age. Drink from 2017.
Layers of wood and bramble juxtapose flavors of pressed apple, pear and lemon here. While its light-bodied style and brisk acidity are refreshing, it finishes on slightly bitter tones of sap and resin. Drink now through 2019.
Layers of wood and yellow fruits are already well balanced in this ripe while crisp wine. A steely texture balances the fruit to give a wine that is structured while offering the potential of a more opulent future. Drink from 2015.
Lazy berry and mild raisin aromas sit heavily in the glass. This crianza is rubbery and grabby in feel, but also pretty big. Stewed berry and prune flavors finish with some excess weight.
Lazy raisiny aromas reflect a very warm vintage. In the mouth, this Graciano is fat, with dense, plodding tannins. Raisin and prune flavors are chewy and exceedingly ripe, while this is obtuse on the finish.
Lazy smelling, oddly spiced and off the grid in an artificial, strange sort of way. Flavors of apple, spice and banana are mulled and cidery, while the finish is grabby and hot. Not as good as prior vintages. Imported by Ecovalley Quality Wine Group and National Refrescos Import Company, LLC.
Le Arele is a woody, smoky red dessert wine with firm tannins behind chewy, sweet notes of mature blackberry, cherry, nutmeg, clove and ginger. Pair this wine with chewy chocolate brownies.
Le Bruciate Riserva offers bright aromatic nuances of cola, root beer and a touch of shaved ginger backed by loads of black fruit and smooth spice. The wine shows great personality and persistency.
Le Buche is an interesting winery to watch, and its various Tuscan blends show great promise. Memento is equal parts Sangiovese and Syrah with a soft, velvety texture and a bright berry finish.
Le Cadeau's Equinoxe Cuvée is the winery's most limited offering, just 110 cases. Quite distinctive, it carries a high, piercing caraway note, but also offers rich, ripe, chunky cherry fruit and streaks of cola and caramel. It's concentrated and chewy, a substantial wine with a soft, lengthy finish incorporating earth, leaf and pepper.
Le Châtaignier is a luxury cuvée of the domaine's oldest vines, approximately 96% Grenache and 4% Mourvèdre. Bright red fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry are complemented by coffee and chocolate notes (the wine spends four months in oak). For a 2009, it's crisp and on the firm side, so give it until next year, and then drink it through 2025.
Le Chiuse delivers a consistent message with its wines year after year. It strives for clean, austere and territory-driven expressions of Sangiovese Grosso. This vintage is very true to the estate philosophy: You'll recognize wild berry, white cherry, rose petal, dried ginger and cola. You can count on it evolving nicely over the years.
Le Chiuse has produced one of Montalcino's brightest stars with this Riserva 2004 (the base 2004 Brunello didn't impress us as nearly much). This is a delicious wine that you will enjoy on every level. The intensity and purity of the fruit and spice aromas are impressive and the mouthfeel is extra-plush and supple. Yet, those firm tannins give it the balance and structure it needs.
Le Colture is one of the best producers of Prosecco Superiore and this Dry expression spells out why. The wine is soft and layered with pretty nuances of peach, white flower and fresh tangerine. You'll love those drying mineral notes at the end that contrast this sparkler's natural sweetness.
Le Colture produces one of the best Cartizze Proseccos on the market today. This is a delicate, feminine wine with a sweet note in the mouth that is embellished by pretty tones of white flower, peach blossom and dried basil.
Le Corti is a bright, slender expression of Chianti Classico compared to Principe Corsini's more austere Cortevecchia Riserva. This selection shows mild touches of tobacco and chocolate set over rich notes of red fruit and cherry. To maintain its freshness of fruit, this is partially aged in oak barrels, with the rest kept in cement vats.
Le Ellere is a straightforward Chianti Classico that shows characteristic Sangiovese aromas of wild berry, wet earth and blue flower backed by subtle touches of spice, Spanish cedar and tobacco. The mouthfeel is bright and compact with balanced acidity on the close.
Le Ellere is a tight and fresh expression of Sangiovese that delivers a clean and crisp quality of fruit. The wine's acidity makes it a perfect pairing for ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese or chicken in cream sauce.
Le Grillaie offers easy fruit tones of cherry and blackberry with touches of cola and licorice at the back. This simple red white would pair well with a heaping plate of pasta and meat sauce.
Le Mie Donne has a complex nose of smoked meat, musky fruit and earthiness. Although they carry through to the palate, they come in a less intense form, and the finish is short to medium. Could have used a little more concentration, but a pleasant complex wine.
Le Origini delivers generous aromas of ripe fruit and blackberry jam followed by spice, leather and a touch of black road tar. It closes long, sweet and dense and would pair with spicy lamb stew or curried meat specialties.
Le Passule is a gorgeous passito dessert wine that offers sweet tones of honey, candied apricot and almond paste backed by a zesty touch of exotic spice. There's enough heft and determination here to pair with aged cheese.
Le Passule opens with a golden-amber color and bright aromas of candied orange, apricot, honey and caramel. This pretty dessert wine from Calabria in southern Italy is made with air-dried Mantonico grapes (a local native variety).
Le Pergole Torte from Radda in Chianti is one of the classic protagonists of the super Tuscan scene. The wine is ruby colored and extremely elegant, with distinctive aromas of forest berry, cola, mint and white pepper. Distinctively polished tannins and long-lasting freshness mark the finish.
Le Pigeonnier, Lagézette's top wine, pushes Malbec to its limits. It's a big wine in all senses, perfumed, tannic with truffle and black fruits alongside a dense, extracted character. It will balance out as it ages, but will always be bold and powerful.
Le Poesie is an elegant and subdued wine that is characterized by refined, but never exaggerated, aromas of dried apricot, honey, marzipan, peach cobbler and fine touches of dried sage and lemon zest. The acidity is impressive and really helps in washing the palate of the wine's delicious residual sugar.
Le Prunée is a simple expression of Merlot with layers of cherry, blackberry, spice, earth and old leather. You could easily pair this wine with roast chicken or pork thanks to the smooth nature of the mouthfeel.
Le Ragnaie offers an attractively well-balanced Rosso with equal parts spice, dark fruit and tobacco on the nose. In the mouth, this wine is full of dimension and power and its rich berry flavors last a long time.
Le Ragose makes Classico and non-Classico Amarone. This is the non-Classico version with notes of toast, vanilla and raspberry fruit roll-up. It also shows nice aged qualities such as dark mineral, tar, resin and dried prune, making it ready to drink immediately. It has great length on the finish, firm tannins and bright acidity.
Le Redini is predominantly Merlot, with a small component of Alicante. It opens with notes of bright cherry, leather, tobacco and spice. It shows bold roundness and soft berry nuances on the finish. It's a well-made and elegant wine with an easygoing personality.
Le Rime is a very simple blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio that would go down nicely with tuna salad or grilled vegetables. Lean and compact, it offers bright citrus, pear and stone fruit aromas.
Le Rime is made as both a Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio blend and as a pure expression of Pinot Grigio for the U.S. market. Easy and fresh, this wine has touches of pear and citrus.
Le Salette's Valpolicella Classico offers bright berry and cherry notes followed by crisp acidity and a touch of citrus zest. Pair this wine with meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
Le Segreta is an easy, popular red wine from Sicily that offers the wild berry, fennel, cola and almond-like aromas associated with the beautiful Mediterranean island. The mouthfeel is informal and crisp.
Le Serre Nuove presents an intense and harmonious bouquet that is accented by opulent notes of black cherry, chocolate, cinnamon spice, leather and tobacco. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet France and Petit Verdot ends long on the close with enduring density and velvety texture.
Le Sol's little brother isn't yet available in the U.S., but it offers a decent introduction to the Craggy Range style of Syrah. Brandied cherries, complete with cinnamon and nutmeg are big and extracted; muscular yet not overdone, turning silky and mouthwatering on the finish.
Le Sponde is sweet and luscious, delivering fleshy, sweet aromas of stone fruit, honeycomb, apricot and almond paste. The wine is sweet, thick and decadently creamy on the close.
Le Sughere di Frassinello represents a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 shows a dark, inky color and alluring aromas of savory spice, mature fruit, plum, cherry and moist pipe tobacco. There's loads of heft and concentration in the mouth followed by a decadent, velvety finish.
Le Sughere is a well-composed wine, except for a hint of Band-Aid that blows off relatively quickly to enhance natural aromas of red fruit, root beer and toast. It offers sweet herb flavors and fresh mint on the close.
Leading with a slightly sour smell of tart apple and lime rind, the aromas from this single-vineyard Pinot Gris also pick up a wet rock minerality. Upon sipping, flavors of apple pie and peach emerge on the backdrop of a light, vibrant mouthfeel thanks to the stainless-steel processing, making this an excellent companion for fruit-topped salads or spicy food.
Leads off with cedar and vanilla notes, but develops plenty of dark, chocolaty flavors on the palate, giving a sense of richness and depth. The tannins are supple, ending on a cocoa powder-like dusty note. Drink now–2018.
Leads off with dusty, nutty, sugary aromas, like the bottom of the bag of honey-roasted peanuts, but there's also hints of buttered toast, ripe pears and black pepper. Flavors are simpler—caramel and pineapple—and it's heavy on the palate.
Leafy and burnt smelling, with muddled fruit aromas that don't offer much. Feels grabby and tastes mostly of baked berry fruit and bitter spice. Shows some heat and burn on the finish, which is herbal in flavor.
Leafy and herbal on the nose, but the flavors are clean, favoring cassis over the green stuff. Light-bodied, with modest tannins, this would pair well with chops or burgers.
Leafy and herbal, with green tomato and pineapple flavors that mesh surprisingly well. It's medium-bodied, with a slight tang on the finish.
Leafy and loaded with sweet tobacco and earth aromas. Concentrated and lively in the mouth, with cherry, brown sugar and cocoa flavors leading to a layered, sweet-tasting, long finish. Offers a good mix of character, poise and power.
Leafy and nettle-like upfront, but deepening a bit on the palate to show nectarine, grapefruit and tomatillo notes. The only quibble with this medium-bodied white from the winemaker at Nautilus is that it seems almost a little sweet on the finish (the stated residual sugar level is 3 g/L). Drink now.
Leafy and peppery on the nose, with light red-fruit aromas and some citrus peel. It runs more lean and spicy than anything, with hints of tomato leaf, fennel and sausage.
Leafy and spicy, with notes of paprika, tomato, dried leaves and broth. But in the mouth, it's fresh and vital, with good balance and flavors of dried cassis, tobacco and herbs. For an older wine from industrial Valdepeñas it's doing a good job. But now is the time to drink it.
Leafy aromas of field brush accent cassis, plum and oak-based clove scents. This feels obtuse and on the heavy side. Generic black-fruit flavors include a hint of raisin, while this Carmenère also tastes spicy and peppery. Baked berry flavors lead a chunky finish.
Leafy aromas of olive and herbal berry fruits lead the nose. This cool-climate Merlot is light in body and restrained, with juicy acidity. Herbal plum, green bean and bell pepper flavors finish short and snappy.
Leafy aromas of tomato and green herbs pile on the pyrazines. This distinctly herbal Cabernet is full and chunky in feel, with flavors that follow the nose: bell pepper and spicy tomato lead the way. A peppery finish is herbal to the last note.
Leafy aromas of tomato and plum come with a blanket of coffee and mocha. This has a balanced mouthfeel and rooty, peppery, oaky flavors that outweigh the wine's fruit. A finish with flavors of plum, spice and pepper is fitting.
Leafy aromas suggest forest underbrush, dried tobacco leaf and dried rose petals. The palate offers fading wild cherry, hints of cinnamon-spice and astringent, fleeting tannins. It seems fast forwarded by a decade, a trait of this vintage. Superior Wines, V I Wines Distributing.
Leafy aromas with hints of farmyard lead the nose on this blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Overripe black cherry and mature plum flavors are interspersed with bitter sensations of burned rubber. It closes with green, astringent tannins.
Leafy at first, but those greenish notes are backed by plenty of stone fruits and pineapple. It's plump and round in the mouth, with a long, clean, zesty finish. Drink now.
Leafy burnt aromas of compost lack freshness. This feels lean, raw and grabby, while forced flavors of oak and savory, roasted plum finish rubbery and tannic.
Leafy cassis and cocoa aromas and flavors carry hints of almond paste, saddle leather and ground cinnamon. The mouthfeel is full and plush, with ripe tannins that coat the mouth and let you know that this wine is about more than up-front fruit. Drink now or anytime over the next five years.
Leafy cranberry aromas smell a bit like wet cement. This is choppy and drawing on the palate, with sharp acidity that creates tartness. Core flavors of herbal, leafy red-berry fruits are briny and finish with a spot of resiny oak.
Leafy gritty earthy berry aromas are spicy. This feels rugged but fresh, with a tolerable but strong tannic grip. Plum, boysenberry, chocolate, blackened toast and peppercorn flavors finish leafy, with firm tannins.
Leafy herbal aromas of tomato sauce and spicy red plum will be attractive or too green depending on your point of view. This has a snappy freshness to the palate, while flavors of red plum, herbs and tomato finish comfortably, with an Old World essence.
Leafy herbal saucy aromas of plum and currant come with hints of tobacco and café mocha. This blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo has a Bordeaux-like flavor profile complete with leafy plum and herbal spice notes. On the finish, this holds onto its herbal character.
Leafy minty blueberry aromas announce this jammy Monastrell. There's no oak on this, nor much give to a linear flat palate. Blueberry flavors hold onto the nose's grassy herbal essence, while the finish tastes peppery and vaguely green.
Leafy notes give way to the barest hint of nail polish remover. The palate is dilute with dried-up red fruit flavors that quickly fade away leaving only bracing tannins and evident alcohol. It closes on a bitter note.
Leafy raspberry aromas are offset by cured-meat notes of sausage or ballpark hot dogs. This has a creamy yet flabby mouthfeel with barely detectable acidity. Baked cherry and raspberry flavors show touches of cinnamon and chocolate, while the finish is dull.
Leafy red-berry aromas come with a note of olive. This wine feels lean and searing, with edgy tannins and high acidity. Spicy flavors of herbal plum and tomato finish with a dusting of baking spices.
Leafy tomato, dried cherry and baked plum aromas cover most ends of the Pinot spectrum. This feels round, ripe and a touch tannic, while oaky flavors of vanilla and chocolate dominate, ending with more than a dash of wood spice.
Leafy underbrush aromas with whiffs of wet earth and blue flower lead the nose on this blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canailo and Colorino. The one-dimensional palate offers black cherry, raspberry and a touch of cinnamon alongside astringent tannins. You can also detect the alcohol despite the modest percentage.
Leafy underbrush, baked dirt and chopped aromatic herb aromas waft out of the glass. The round, forward palate delivers mature black currant, black raspberry, licorice and ground pepper. Soft tannins and fresh acidity offer support. Drink soon to catch the remaining fruit flavors.
Leafy underbrush, dried sage, rose, grilled herb and leather aromas lead the nose. The straightforward palate delivers sour cherry and ground white pepper alongside firm but rather fleeting tannins. Drink through 2019.
Leafy underbrush, espresso, baked plum, menthol and toast aromas slowly emerge. The straightforward palate offers ripe Morello cherry, star anise and chopped herb while assertive tannins clench the abrupt finish. Give the tannins some time to unfurl then drink up.
Leafy underbrush, fennel, hay, savory herb and dried berry aromas come together in the glass. The palate lacks fruit richness but offers raw red berry, espresso, dried sage and anisette alongside astringent tannins.
Leafy underbrush, grilled porcini, toasted hazelnut and ripe blackberry aromas unfold in the glass. The juicy (if somewhat mature) palate doles out crushed raspberry, wild cherry, licorice, crushed herb and a hint of vanilla while velvety tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and structure drink through 2020.
Leafy underbrush, leather, truffle, grilled herb and tilled soil aromas lead the way. The dense, forward palate doles out juicy black cherry, star anise, tobacco and an earthy hint of game while velvety tannins give it a smooth, polished texture. It has immediate appeal and will offer fine drinking for the next few years. Drink through 2020.
Leafy underbrush, mature blackberry, scorched earth and clove aromas lead the way. The straightforward, accessible palate offers fleshy black cherry, star anise and a hint of game alongside ripe tannins. While it lacks complexity, it has a juicy, immediate appeal. Drink through 2019.
Leafy underbrush, moist soil, asphalt and sweet plum take center stage on this dense wine. The palate delivers espresso, toasted oak, vanilla and dried black cherry alongside drying wood tannins.
Leafy underbrush, new leather, dark berry and chopped herb aromas waft out of the glass. The fresh, chewy palate doles out succulent wild cherry, ripe raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon notes, blanketed in smooth, round tannins. A licorice note caps off the finish. It's already delicious but will also offer fine drinking over the next several years. Drink 2018–2024.
Leafy underbrush, ripe black cherry, clove, mocha and licorice sensations come together in this robust Rosso. It's forward and shy on freshness so enjoy this soon with hearty first courses or stews.
Leafy underbrush, scorched earth, baked plum and a whiff of vanilla unfold on this ripe, brawny red. The densely concentrated palate shows dried berry, oak, vanilla and the heat of evident alcohol while close-grained tannins grip the finish. Give the tannins a few years to loosen up then drink sooner rather than later.
Leafy underbrush, scorched earth, leather and vanilla aromas lead the nose, together with a whiff of game. The dense palate doles out black cherry, tobacco, savory herb and clove alongside polished tannins. It's already extremely accessible so enjoy soon.
Leafy underbrush, scorched earth, porcini mushroom and dried plum aromas lead the nose. The firmly structured palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry confiture and licorice alongside assertive, tightly-packed tannins. Drink 2018–2024.
Leafy underbrush, scorched earth, porcini mushroom, menthol and mature berry aromas lead the nose. Ripe and jammy, the dense, one-dimensional palate offers black cherry extract, star anise, oak and a hint of vanilla set against a backbone of firm, close-grained tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Leafy underbrush, scorched earth, tobacco, vanilla, toasted oak and spiced plum aromas lead the nose. The smooth palate offers crushed black cherry, game, grilled herb, espresso and cooking spice. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide support.
Leafy underbrush, sunbaked earth and a toasted note lead the way. The lean one-dimensional palate is a bit shy on freshness, offering dried sour cherry, raisin and a hint of dark spice alongside dusty, not very persistent tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
Leafy underbrush, sunbaked earth, star anise and a whiff of new leather lead the way. The firm, elegantly structured palate offers mature wild cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and clove alongside a backbone of firm, rounded tannins. Drink 2018–2025.
Leafy underbrush, truffle, woodland berry and toast aromas lead the nose. The chewy, solid palate offers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, grilled sage and ground aniseed alongside bracing tannins and assertive acidity. Drink 2018–2028.
Leafy underbrush, wet earth, cellar floor and dried rose petal are some of the aromas you'll find on this. The evolved palate is rather muddled, offering dried black cherry, game, vanilla and a green note of powdered sage accompanied by astringent tannins that leave a mouth drying finish.
Leafy underbrush, wet soil, prune and spicy plum cake aromas lead the nose on this robust wine. The palate delivers ripe black plum, blueberry extract, black pepper and bitter dark chocolate alongside chewy tannins. It finishes with a graphite note.
Leafy woody berry and graphite aromas are on the spot for Cabernet. This feels bold and saturated, with no holes in the palate. Lightly herbal flavors of plum and blackberry are darkened by a wave of chocolate, while this tastes of mocha and chocolate on a plush but energetic finish.
Leafy, brambly notes are prominent against a backdrop of lean red-cherry flavors on this tart, Cabernet Franc-dominant blend. It's a vibrantly acidic but delicately structured wine with soft, rippling tannins on the finish.
Leafy, dry and earthy on the nose, with a hint of flowery red fruit. The palate rings with sharp acidity, which livens up blackberry, herb, black tea and carob flavors. Shows a lot of wayward, unintegrated oak on the finish but stays bright due to juicy acidity.
Leafy, dry, earthy aromas come in front of a bouncy, fresh palate. Plum, cherry and pomegranate flavors drive this in the direction of red fruits, while the finish is a little woody, dry and peppery.
Leafy, earthy aromas of raisin, baked plum and leather are oaky but also a touch green. High acidity creates an upright, juicy mouthfeel, while shrill, acid-driven flavors of plum and berry fruits end with a green reprise as well as flavors of tobacco and citrus peel. This will last a long, long time; drink through 2030.
Leafy, earthy cherry and plum aromas lead to a clampy, astringent palate with saucy, tart, rubbery plum flavors. Savory spice notes come up on a tannic, drying, unyielding finish.
Leafy, earthy red-berry aromas are backed by a grabby, drying, tannic palate. Lightly herbal black-fruit flavors are followed by dry, rubbery cherry and plum blandness.
Leafy, earthy, underbrush sensations dominate the nose of this 60-40 blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese. The palate feels lean with tobacco leaf, prune, bitter almond and alcohol, alongside bracing, astringent tannins.
Leafy, fennel-like aromas top this fresh, grapy and well-balanced wine. It tastes lively and tangy but also brings good ripeness and richness to the palate. Made from vines as old as 130 years, it's a wonderful break from the ordinary.
Leafy, fresh herb aromas and tangy, reserved jicama and kiwi flavors make this dry, unoaked wine a delight to drink. It has vivid acidity, light body and a fresh, lingerirg finish.
Leafy, green aromas suggest eucalyptus and a briar patch. A lean palate offers aroma-matching flavors of green herbs along with plum, cherry and clay notes. This is oaky and resiny tasting on the finish, and hot as well.
Leafy, green, minty aromas blend with riper notes of cassis and a touch of clove on this medium-bodied Cabernet. Flavors of herbal berry and oak spice finish a little hot and raw, with herb and cinnamon notes that linger.
Leafy, herbal aromas blend with green notes and more typical blackberry and plum scents. This has a sharp, high-acid mouthfeel and grabby, angular flavors of currant and boysenberry. There's a toasty element to the finish, but also lasting acidity. This comes from high-elevation vineyards, and the related acid level is extreme.
Leafy, herbal aromas of eucalyptus, olive and juniper are big players on the nose of this firmly balanced Cabernet Franc. Spicy, herbal berry flavors are fully oaked and chocolaty. On the finish, this is blackened and tannic, with fleshy black-fruit leftovers and a dusting of oaky cocoa. Drink through 2023.
Leafy, herbal aromas of plum and raspberry show a touch of tomato, with a dash of oregano. This is soft on the palate, without a lot of spine or structure. Earthy, herbal flavors of stewed berries, tomato and green herbs finish minty and leafy, but with good feel.
Leafy, herbal aromas of spicy berry fruits lean toward green. An edgy, acidic palate delivers herbal flavors of currant and plum, while the finish is spicy and herbal, much like a good tomato sauce.
Leafy, mulchy red-fruit aromas are low on pop and freshness. In the mouth, it's the opposite: this feels lean, shearing and snappy. Flavors of red currant, tart plum and pie cherry finish with hard-driving acidity and a sense of tartness.
Leafy, rooty aromas fold in earthy berry scents and chocolate. Mature on the palate, with baked plum, sweet spice and tobacco flavors. Ripe, long and friendly on the finish, with more than adequate structure and tightness. Contains one-third Mazuelo in addition to Tempranillo, which is a lot by Rioja standards. Drink now.
Leafy, scratchy aromas of dried plum and raspberry give way to lemony, grainy oak scents. This is medium bodied, tightly wound and tastes of dried red fruits mixed with cocoa powder. A spicy, dry, crisp finish reinforces the wine's limitations.
Leafy, slightly damp aromas include notes of spiced plum and herbs. On the palate, this is fairly stocky and chewy. A mixture of berry, spice and peppery flavors finishes with perceptible spicy oak.
Leafy, spicy berry aromas open up with airing. This is medium in body, with chewy tannins. Fresh plum and red-berry flavors come with plenty of oak, toast and pepper. This finishes with a persistent spicy toastiness.
Leafy, spicy red-berry aromas suggest asphalt. This is pleasant on the palate, with rubbery tannins. Flavors of rose water, raspberry and plum are light and floral, while the finish is easygoing.
Leafy, spicy, dry berry aromas lead to a jacked up, edgy palate with hard, scraping tannins. Forced woodspice and raw plum flavors finish more spicy than fruity.
Lean and angular in the nose, with grapefruit and pine aromas. The palate offers some grapefruit and citrus pith, and the finish is tangy, sharp and runs toward bitter. In addition, the mouthfeel is flat.
Lean and angular on the nose, with crisp cherry and rhubarb aromas. Surprisingly elegant in the mouth, with citrus notes, zesty raspberry, clean cherry and a lightness of being. Nice in an unassuming way, with a touch of complexity.
Lean and angular right now, showing hints of mint and chocolate—the oak sticks out a bit over the tart cherry flavors.
Lean and appetizing, this garnet-colored and light- to medium-bodied wine has aromas like tea and dried cherries, and flavors with a savory touch in addition to red cherry and cranberry. There is a welcome snap of tannin in the texture and good acidity for freshness.
Lean and austere, this brings out the mineral character of the Dão region without expressing the richer fruit side. It has tannins, juicy acidity and a tight, severe finish.
Lean and austere, this is a firm, medicinal and herbal wine that's still very young. Red berry fruits, along with drying tannins and spice from wood aging hint at its aging potential. It's best to wait until 2016.
Lean and basic, with fairly ripe aromas and a decent helping of apple, peach and grapefruit. The fruit is a touch soft and lacking in structure though.
Lean and bright, this easygoing Vermentino would pair well with fried calamari or vegetable tempura. The palate shows fullness and a fragrant lemon-zest flavor.
Lean and compact with subdued aromas of cherry and wild berry, this is an informal Rosso to drink with roast chicken or home-cooked meatloaf. The wine is smooth and rich on the palate and it offers a cleaning touch of acidity on the finish.
Lean and crisp despite bells and whistles of barrel fermentation and lees aging. Sure, that adds richness and depth, but the wine stays true to its roots with high acidity and the flavor profile of apples, not pineapples. It's a distinguished wine. That's not a technical term, but it gets the point across.
Lean and crisp in style, this is citrusy through and through. Although a bit one-dimensional, it's clean and refreshing, with a pleasantly affordable price tag.
Lean and crisp, with lime and green apple notes that finish clean and refreshing. Devoid of much sweetness, this is a relentlessly dry Riesling, linear in profile and sharply focused.
Lean and dry on the palate, this medium-bodied wine has a subtle concentration of red-fruit flavors and fine layers of mineral and spice that unfold on the palate. Grown on a pioneering property along the Sonoma Cost, it will be best after 2020.
Lean and earthy, marked by tobacco and white pepper, tomato and dill aromas and flavors. In the mouth, it's very dry, with easy tannins. There's some tart cherry fruit that shows up in the mid-palate, and the finish turns slightly bitter.
Lean and earthy, marked by tobacco, dill and less than ripe cherry flavors. Tannins are tough and gritty. The wine finishes very dry and rasping, showing little fruit. The winemaker seems to have understood the problem here, and added five percent Syrah.
Lean and easy, this has bright peach, apricot and lemon-lime aromas. A bright note of tangerine skin appears on the finish.
Lean and evolved, this offers raisin, espresso, orange zest and grilled sage notes. Bracing tannins leave an abrasive finish.
Lean and firm, the wine has a dry, tannic layer that is emphasized by a burnt, smoky character. The fruit needs time and is likely to be austere.
Lean and graceful, this appealing wine from a Rhône grape variety blends fresh, appley aromas and crisp, dry jicama and pippin apple flavors with a firm and refreshing mouthfeel. It's light-bodied and well-balanced.
Lean and linear, this offers white spring flower and citrus impressions. It's simple but well made and refreshing.
Lean and minerally, with dry, crisp Meyer lemon, pineapple and toasty oak flavors. Starts off a bit sulfury and seems rushed to market. Better by mid-2010.
Lean and minty. Despite a certain elegance, this Pinot lacks the voluptuous richness you want in a wine of this price. The chilly vintage seems to have taken its toll. There's some good cherry and currant fruit, but the wine falls short. Drink up.
Lean and racy, typical of the Saar even at these high ripeness levels, with hints of slate and mint or tea gracing pineapple fruit. The long, vibrant finish is crisp and mouthwatering, with the residual sugar dropping into the background. Drink now-2030+.
Lean and racy, with limes and tart green apples playing major roles. If not for a dollop of sugar, it might seem a bit sour, but as it is it comes across as pleasantly tart and properly acidic.
Lean and rather dry, this has old wood and lean fruit flavors.
Lean and rather severe, this is now showing maturity. It has a leathery texture, with just a hint of juicy fruit in the background.
Lean and rich at the same time, this wine offers a brightness of citrus and pear at the entry. The midpalate becomes heavier in oak and ripe in tropical flavor.
Lean and sheen, this light-footed dry Riesling is a showcase of minerality over fruit. It's demure in concentration but refreshing, finishing brisk and clean.
Lean and spicy in the nose, with a hint of pepper and some green vegetables. The palate is a continuation of the nose: there's mild red fruit but also some strong green-bean and bell-pepper flavors. The finish is dry and tannic, as it should be.
Lean and spry, this dry Riesling balances fresh apple and tart nectarine notes against a backdrop of crisp lemon-lime acidity. The finish is moderately long but marked by a pleasantly bitter lemon pith note. Drink now.
Lean and spry, this invigoratingly dry Riesling highlights a sense of minerality over fruit. Layers of slate and chalk penetrate the palate, allowing momentary glimpses of tart melon and tangerine to peep through. It's a refreshing, zesty wine ideal alongside rich, creamy fare, and enjoyable now through 2017.
Lean and steely, with penetrating minerality, this bone-dry Riesling just begs to be paired with briny oysters or caviar. The palate boasts delicate apple and pear flavors that are layered with smoke, fresh fennel and a deliciously herbaceous finish.
Lean and streamlined, this has bright aromas of dried rosemary, currant, cassis and spice. There's isn't too much pulpy fruit or extraction, but the acidity is refreshening and bright.
Lean and tannic, this wine has a firm structure that makes it mouthwatering. It will pair well with creamy pasta, Korean barbecue and other rich dishes.
Lean and tannic, this wine has chocolate and bitter coffee flavors from over-extraction. The fruit is suppressed at this stage, with a bitter aftertaste.
Lean and tightly focused, this looks like one for the cellar—try it around 2018 if you can wait. Right now, it shows modest, restrained citrus fruit, hints of wet stone and a wickedly long, sinewy finish.
Lean and tough, but not without a certain charm, this Cab's blackberry and currant flavors are wrapped in hard, edgy tannins. The sweet core of fruit will wake up when paired with rich beef dishes.
Lean and tough, this is all hard edges. The wine has an austere character that's likely to be off-putting even in the future.
Lean and wiry in style, this pale Pinot Noir stands out as being different from most Marlborough bottlings. Modest strawberry and cranberry flavors are accented by leather and dark chocolate notes.
Lean and yeasty, this light-fruited effort seems almost beer-like. The hoppy flavors are fresh and palate-cleansing, the flavors very lightly suggesting green apples and citrus.
lean and zesty Chardonnay with a burst of mouthwatering acidity, like a squirt of lime juice. It's a pretty thin wine, but with pleasant citrus and vanilla flavors, and not bad for the price.
Lean aromas of bell pepper and green fruits are not overly intense. This is linear, juicy and tight in frame. Flavors of lime, scallion, caper and dry cider finish racy and scouring. Good mouthfeel is a plus.
Lean aromas of green fruits include notes of grass and vanilla. This feels about average, with some flatness to the palate. Dry, slightly bitter flavors of green fruits and arugula end with briny citrus.
Lean cherry, strawberry and red plum aromas start off the nose of this wine, and gradually subside to reveal a stony, flinty streak augmented with soft garrigue herbs. Soft spice and ripe fruit continue in the medium-weight mouth, the fine grain tannins coating your palate and staying through the slightly chewy and fudgy close. Mature now, so drink up.
Lean fruit and herb flavors plus a tight, unpolished texture make this wine an acquired taste. But tart cherry, black tea and rhubarb components also make it complex and interesting. A very firm texture shows plenty of acidity and a healthy coating of tannin.
Lean on the entry in savory black tea and black pepper, this wine's soft, supple tannins belie a strong core of concentrated fruit and richness on the palate, that should become ever more intriguing through 2021. From a fantastic, cooler climate site near Sebastopol, this shows a feral quality that's entirely appealing here.
Lean raspberry and cherry aromas are the best part because the palate is rather raw and acidic, which causes raspiness and a tough mouthfeel. Flavors are sharp and red fruited, and there's an oak and vanilla element that's not that well integrated.
Lean red-cherry and briar scents lend an elegant tone to this brisk, medium-bodied Cabernet Franc. The palate is a shade riper, with black cherry and plum flavors, countered with hints of earth, green leaf and ripe but coarsely grained tannins that linger.
Lean red fruit and sweet spice aromas lead the way on the bouquet of this blend, made from 45% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache and 15% Carignan. The palate offers more of the same, with a lean structure and a surpringly sweet finish.
Lean, bitter chocolate-flavored wine. The structure dominates, pierced with acidity and tight tannins. Firm, structured and dry, it has weight enough to suggest it will age.
Lean, compact and crisp, this Brunello is redolent of oak spice, ripe fruit, cured meat, rum cake and leather. It shows a sharply focused mouthfeel with tight structure and a streamlined feel.
Lean, dry and crisply focused, with a cutting edge of lime juice and green apple bolstered by hints of crushed stone. Refreshing and clean on the finish.
Lean, dry and minerally, with tart flavors of grapefruit, lemon peel and Asian pear. The acidity is refreshingly crisp. This is a bottling that rarely does well in blind tastings because it's so austere. But it is elegant.
Lean, dry raspberry aromas and a slight floral essence carry the nose toward a zesty, semisharp palate with crisp cherry and cranberry flavors. Not bad in a lean, stripped-back way; but there's no excess oak, weight or sweetness. Lean stuff for old-school palates nursing plates of ham or salami.
Lean, dusty red-fruit aromas are redolent of nail polish. A grabby palate is chunky and home to syrupy, cloying flavors of medicinal red fruits. Burnt, rubbery notes characterize the finish.
Lean, largely neutral citrus aromas set up a palate with medium weight. Melon, pineapple and passion-fruit flavors are fresh but minimal. A bright finish makes this a good match for ceviche.
Lean, racy aromas of green fruits and cactus pad announce a pinched, zingy, high-acid palate. Briny, lightly green citrus flavors finish tight and chalky, with raw acidity that you can feel on your teeth and gums.
Lean, soft and soapy in character, this has a dry core and soft tannins, with a lightweight red-berry note. Not for aging.
Lean, spicy aromas set up a smoky, plum-filled palate that's probably a bit too toasty for its own good. The body weight here is moderate, but there's lots of length to the smoke-filled, oak-driven finish.
Lean, tart and slightly astringent, this is a tough Pinot to warm up to. Yet it does show decently complex notes of leather, mushroom, pie cherry and citrus. Try holding it until 2017 to see if it becomes more generous.
Lean, tart and slightly ungenerous on the palate, but the flavors are authentically Pinot Noir, ranging from earth and root vegetables to pie cherries and herbs. Clean and crisp on the finish.
Lean, tart, angular and edgy, this delivers just what some people are looking for in a Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit is tinged with green throughout, focusing in on lime zest, although there is some yellow plum. It's crisp and clean on the finish.
Lean, tight and austere, this textbook Eden Valley Riesling should develop well over the next 5–8 years, reaching maturity around 2022. Scents of petrichor and tangerine ease into tart lemon-lime notes on the palate, ending tart and mouthpuckering.
Lean, with acidity but not high richness, this is a light, simple wine, the fruit flavors edging towards sweet apples.
Lean, with severe tannins and fruit, dark and firm and laden with acidity. It is hard to take much pleasure from this austere wine.
Lean. Linear. Crisp. Focused. This is textbook dry Riesling, showing lime aromas and flavors tinged with hints of talcum powder and beeswax. Drink it now, or hold up until at least 2023.
Leaner and earthier than many Chardonnays, with notes of green and dried herbs alongside the citrus and tropical fruits. Oak plays a modest role. All in all, this discrete wine is best enjoyed now.
Leaner and tighter than this bottling has been the previous few vintages, this wine is showing hard tannins obscure in plum, black cherry pie and mocha flavors. Yet it's a balanced wine, which should develop bottle complexity after 2016.
Leans toward burnt and acrid on the nose, yet the palate is fresh but tight and scouring. Raspberry and red plum account for the flavors, while the finish is quick and fades off quietly. Tart and innocuous, but not problematic.
Leaping Lizard is turning out good value wines that show true varietal character. This Sauvignon Blanc, which doesn't seem to have any oak, shows crisp, bright flavors of pineapples, apricots and spices. It's a bit on the sweet side, but with good balancing acidity.
Leather-boot black in color, this fine Petite Sirah is distinctive in herbal, almost eucalyptus aromas and intensely huge blackberry fruit. Earthy and soft with curtains of tannin, the wine is a complex version of the variety, rich. Age it until 2017–2021 and see if the eucalyptus mellows or intensifies.
Leather and a mild green funkiness surround spicy berry and cherry aromas. This feels rather heavy and lacking in agility. Grapey flavors of baked berry fruits are overweight on a savory-tasting finish.
Leather and berry aromas are welcoming and veer toward mint. It feels solid and textured, with lightly oaked, earthy flavors of meaty berry and vanilla. It tastes roasted and shows medium intensity on the finish. A good crianza from a marginal vintage.
Leather and cedar aromas frame dried fruit and vanilla shadings in this full-bodied yet supple wine. The vanilla, cedar and cherry flavors don't particularly speak to the wine's origins but still make for an easy-drinking mouthful. Drink it over the next few years.
Leather and cigar box rise to the fore of this smoky wine, accented in coconut, black pepper and cedar. Dusty on the palate, it hails from a Calistoga-based vineyard site, prime location for the variety. It becomes more intense in black pepper and brambly blackberry and plum as it finishes, lean enough to invite more sips.
Leather and citrus aromas unleash a mild chemical note on the nose of this Monastrell-Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. A solid palate with hard, poking tannins leads to cherry flavors that veer towards bitterness. This finishes woody, dry and slightly bitter.
Leather and cooked meats open the nose of this wine from Southern California that also shows aromas of blackberry extract. Once sipped, it offers dark and dense flavors of sweet tar, concentrated violets and a pinch of lavender, all held together by grippy tannins.
Leather and dark plum aromas carry with them a bit of barnyard, and while the flavors are pleasantly dark and earthy, the finish turns slightly metallic. It's a reasonably full-bodied wine, but one that probably should be consumed soon.
Leather and dust, with thin raspberry fruit that is pretty well buried under the barnyard flavors.
Leather and earth aromas are just part of the meaty, roasted, lightly charred bouquet. The palate is thick and jammy, with savory, roasted flavors of berry fruit, pepper and leather. Finishes with chocolate and a fine texture. Impressive despite having a light herbal streak. 500 cases made.
Leather and earth aromas are subtle, with oak and berry scents lurking. This Monastrell blend has a solid mouthfeel and firm tannins that scrape a little but also give structure. Plum, raspberry and herbal flavors finish woodsy and ultimately oaky as smoke and spice notes fade.
Leather and earthy notes circle around core berry scents. This is medium bodied, with expansive but nonspecific berry and plum flavors. A wide, chunky finish is good but doesn't go beyond the basics.
Leather and game notes accent standard blackberry aromas. This is jammy and voluminous, but lacks some refinement. Herbal black fruit flavors show a tinge of herbaceousness, while the finish is plump and round in feel.
Leather and herbal berry fruit aromas come with a horsey, stalky side. The palate is solid but hard, with herbal, stemmy flavors of licorice, baked berry and chocolate. The finish is chocolaty and slightly bitter, with a leftover green note.
Leather and meat mark the entry of this brooding, brambly wine, offering shocks of black pepper on the lightly textured palate. Soft and sleek on the finish, it's benefitted from time in bottle and is ready to enjoy now.
Leather and peppercorn jump from the glass in this soft, strong wine, powerful in tannin and dusty earth. A gravelly, rocky component plays on the palate around waves of chocolate and black currant, finishing in herb.
Leather and scents of horse hide mesh with baked, stewy aromas of plum, berry and exotic spices. This feels lush and mostly well balanced, with a level of ripeness and richness that doesn't veer into jamminess. This is rustic tasting, with roasted, leafy berry flavors along with chocolate and herbs.
Leather and Spanish cedar notes meld with pomegranate, blackberry and fennel seed scents. This medium- to full-bodied wine is soft and succulent, bolstered by fine, firm tannins. Only 50 cases produced.
Leather and woody/smoky aromas blend well with core cassis and berry scents. The palate feels fresh and healthy, with cassis, raspberry, herb and olive flavors. Tones it down on the finish, which is dry and tastes of carob and minty green herbs.
Leather aromas with floral hints and medicinal plum feed into a clampy palate, driven by tomato acidity. Medicinal cherry and red-plum flavors finish lean, herbal and a bit green.
Leather meets plum sauce meets red licorice in this full-bodied, robustly crafted wine that's plush and lush on the palate. Seismic tannins present themselves upfront in a confrontational way before softening on the finish.
Leather pouch and earthy cedar and forest floor make for an intriguing wine, powerful in big, dry tannins, especially on the finish. The strength of the wine, and the balance of citrus-like acidity, suggest cellaring, through 2020.
Leather saddle and chocolate overlay a juicy midpalate of cassis, blackberry and dried herb that's soft and supple on the palate. Tightly wound, time in the bottle should do wonders to tame the tight oak and tannin, and temper the powerful finish. Cellar through 2022.
Leather saddle wafts from the glass atop ripe cherry, blackberry jam and brown sugar. Tightly wound in tannin and oak, this wine becomes pleasantly juicy on the finish.
Leather, aromatic herb, mature dark-skinned fruit and a balsamic note take center stage. The full-bodied palate shows ripe wild cherry, black raspberry, mint and anise framed in enveloping refined tannins. Drink 2018–2023.
Leather, bark and tar meet cola and black licorice scents in this full-bodied, ripe red. Its palate is layered and showy in meaty, sanguine personality.
Leather, berry, earth, raisin and roasted qualities define the nose on this Tempranillo-led blend of four grapes. Feels good in the mouth, with active raspberry, plum and coffee flavors that comes with a roasted accent. Mildly leafy, baked and woody on the thorough finish.
Leather, berry, toast, crushed rose and herbs are some of the scents that emerge. The palate displays crushed cherry, black pepper, licorice and balsamic notes alongside youthfully aggressive, tightly packed tannins that need another few years to unwind.
Leather, black fruit, truffle and subtle vanilla lead the nose on this structured wine. The palate delivers juicy black cherry layered with cinnamon, nutmeg, sage and white spices alongside brooding tannins and fresh acidity. This will be even better after 2020.
Leather, black pepper and fresh compost shock the nose in this at-first fruit-shy, light-bodied endeavor, bright in acidity and a refreshing minerality. Cinnamon and vanilla season the subtle blackberry and raspberry.
Leather, blueberry, blackberry and mild herbal notes make for a rich, ribald bouquet. Given the nose, it's no surprise that this Malbec is dense, jammy and a bit oversaturated in the mouth. Flavors of blackberry, prune, mint and graphite finish with lushness. Drink now through 2016.
Leather, cedar and tobacco figure most prominently here with an additional 12% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend helping matters. The juicy core of blackberry and currant brushes against a rustic, burliness of tannin that finds balance and restraint on the finish.
Leather, cheese, licorice, herb and tomato notes define the nose on this snappy, crisp Cabernet that's more racy and zesty than rich and deep. The finish is wiry, but overall the wine is short on richness.
Leather, cheesy oak, baked raspberry and mild herbal notes create a good bouquet. This is somewhat raw, choppy and pinched in feel, while flavors of loamy black fruits hint at prune. Finishing flavors of coffee and spice are offset by residual juicy acidity.
Leather, cherry, plum and asphalt aromas are rustic but solid. This coastal Pinot is racy on the palate, with good overall balance. Flavors of tomato, stewed plum, cola and pepper finish with a touch of sea brine and tomato sauce.
Leather, dark spice, cherries marinated in spirits and a balsamic note come together in the glass. The ripe, chewy palate delivers chocolate covered cherry, coffee, tobacco and clove alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2022–2032.
Leather, dried cherries, plums, dark chocolate and sagebrush aromas are woven into a decent if not entirely lively nose. Lots of chopped fresh and dried herbs arise once sipped, along with gravel, black fruit and sticky tannins.
Leather, dried rose petal, licorice, mature berry and a whiff of camphor waft out of the glass. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, baking spice, dried herb and a hint of pipe tobacco. Assertive, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide balance. Drink 2018–2023.
Leather, dry spice rub and crushed green herb aromas start this Limnio/Cabernet blend from northern Greece. On the palate, the wine is spicy and dry, with earthy undertones of spicebox and forest floor. Pair with lamb or robust cheeses.
Leather, earth and a vinegar-like volatility are the aromatics. The palate is, not surprisingly, choppy and crisp, with narrow berry fruit flavors and a lactic element courtesy of barrel aging. Linear and tight on the finish, with acidic snap
Leather, earth, wild flower, cedar, red currant and wild cherry aromas lead the nose on this robust wine. The ripe, simple palate doles out rich black cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and clove alongside big, velvety tannins. Drink soon for freshness.
Leather, fresh mushroom and stalky notes surround a core of black-fruit aromas. This feels hard and choppy, with bold acidity that isn't fully integrated. Plum and berry flavors end in a bright finish driven by the acidity.
Leather, game, blue flowers and ripe, dark-skinned fruit aromas open this full-bodied wine made from the estate's highest vineyards. The palate offers dried black cherry, ground black pepper, clove, thyme and licorice alongside assertive, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. It closes on a graphite note. Drink 2018–2028.
Leather, game, underbrush, dried herb and ripe black-skinned fruit aromas take shape in the glass. The big, chewy palate has a rustic charm, offering fleshy black cherry, game, truffle and a hint of cake spice wrapped in tightly packed tannins.
Leather, game, wet soil and ripe berry aromas take center stage on this savory blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'Avola. The lively, easy-drinking palate delivers ripe black cherry and raspberry, accented by white pepper and mineral notes. Fresh acidity brightens up the dense fruit.
Leather, lemon peel, licorice and black currant aromas set up a flush, rich palate with choppy tannins, depth and volume. Flavors of blackberry come with notes of licorice, spice, prune, herbs and pepper, while the finish is big, grabby and loamy in feel, with dark, herbal flavors.
Leather, licorice and balsamic aromas slowly take shape in the glass. Full bodied and taut, this delivers dried black cherry, mature raspberry, star anise and clove set against fresh acidity and firm, refined tannins. Drink 2023–2043.
Leather, mature dark-skinned berry, clove and star anise aromas lead into the velvety, surprisingly approachable palate. Solid but rounded tannins uphold the juicy flavors. Drink through 2022.
Leather, meat and rubber aromas run with dark-berry and charred notes on this barrel-heavy Rioja that's full, round, chewy and bit saucy in feel. Baked, oaky flavors of vanilla, mocha and berry fruits finish with a wave of toasty oak and mocha as well as clove. Drink through 2018.
Leather, menthol and underbrush aromas come together on this. The straightforward palate is already evolved, showing dried Morello cherry, licorice and a hint of clove before a rather abrupt, astringent finish.
Leather, menthol, crushed dill and celery aromas lead the nose. On the tight palate, firm acidity and close-grained tannins frame camphor, vanilla, hazelnut, dried cherry and pomegranate flavors.
Leather, menthol, dark-skinned berry and light toast aromas slowly come together on this fresh, polished wine. The lithe, straightforward palate offers wild cherry, anise, orange peel and a hint of coffee while fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity provide the framework.
Leather, menthol, red berry and crushed herb aromas lead the way in this youthfully vibrant wine. Star anise and herb notes back up its core of red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit. Taut, fine-grained tannins and racy acidity provide the framework.
Leather, menthol, ripe dark berry, pressed blue flower and a balsamic note emerge on this robust red. The full-bodied palate delivers mature wild cherry, pomegranate, star anise and clove set against a tannic backbone. You'll also detect the warmth of alcohol on the close. Drink 2018–2023.
Leather, mint and wet-dog aromas along with an overriding burn drive the nose toward a resiny, raw palate with snappy acidity and lots of oak. Buttery as well as briny red-fruit flavors are salty and taste mostly of wood resin.
Leather, pipe smoke, roasted coffee, vanilla bean, pencil lead and sea-salt caramel aromas show on the rich, silky nose of this bottling, laid across black currant and black-plum fruit. The dark fruit extends to the palate, boosted by hoisin, cappuccino, violet and chocolate flavors, all wrapped in a firm but not imposing tannic veil.
Leather, pipe tobacco, woodland berry, dark spice and crushed herb follow through to the taut linear palate along with notes of sour cherry, ground pepper and clove. It's extremely elegant but still tightly wound, with youthfully assertive tannins that need to unfold. Give this time to come together and develop complexity. Drink 2022–2032.
Leather, plum and berry aromas form a nice opening as minty chocolate notes emerge. It feels spunky, with edgy, rubbery tannins and full flavors of plum, cherry, mint and herb. Dry and controlled on the finish, this has an overall fresh character. Mostly Garnacha with some Monastrell.
Leather, raisin, cherry and mild green aromas feed into a full, chewy palate that's kind of blocky. Medicinal, herbal plum and berry flavors are standard and finish with herbal, spicy notes.
Leather, raisin, earth and lightly baked berry aromas precede a woody, vanilla-infused palate with blackberry and spicecake flavors. Balanced and lively on the tongue, with a dry, barrel-spiced finish. Solid and appealing, but a little oaky.
Leather, raw wood and berry aromas start off this young wine. The palate is fairly raw and gripping, while herbal, peppery blackberry flavors finish with a toasty oak note and tannic rub.
Leather, ripe berries and forest floor lead the nose on this wine together with floral notes of red roses. The rich palate opens with sour red cherry layered with chocolate and black pepper alongside wood tannins. It finishes abruptly, leaving a drying, astringent mouthfeel.
Leather, ripe berry, clove, mature berry, baking spice and a balsamic whiff of menthol lift out of the glass. The firm, succulent palate offers black cherry, clove and star anise. Youthfully assertive but refined tannins and fresh acidity provide structure and balance. Drink through 2025.
Leather, ripe berry, cured meat, chopped herb and a hint of underbrush are some of the aromas you'll find on this full-bodied red. The firm, savory palate delivers ripe raspberry, juicy black cherry, star anise, clove and mineral alongside youthfully assertive tannins. It closes on a juicy note. Drink 2020–2027.
Leather, ripe dark-skinned berry, chopped herb, rose and a balsamic note are some of the aromas you'll find on this. The austere palate offers tart red cherry, sour cranberry, sage and a hint of anise alongside firm tannins. Give it time to fully develop. Drink after 2022.
Leather, roasted berry and barnyard make for a rustic, warm nose. The palate is grippy, with chewy, roasted black fruit flavors. Meaty, lasting, deep and dense, but also rubbery and a little low on acidic vitality. A Monastrell-Tempranillo blend to drink now.
Leather, shaved cocoa, smoked beef and purple fruit show on the nose of this wine. The palate offers touches of savory soy and smoked meat, but is dominated by sour boysenberry fruit.
Leather, smashed berries and juniper reveal the age of this wine, further enhanced with a meaty mouthfeel, redolent with flavors of blueberry and purple fruits. Charred vanilla touches on the finish.
Leather, smoked beef, beef jerky and black currant aromas show on the nose of this smoky bottling, whose name is a nod to one of the historic Hearst Ranch's old cowboy camps. Smoked meat and coffee-crusted beef roast arise on the palate, alongside dried oregano, dried cherries, brown coffee and milk chocolate lushness.
Leather, smoked meat, crushed rock, stewed black cherry and dried oregano notes show on the rustic nose of this bottling from the team at Cru Wine Company. It's light bodied, making for easy quaffing, with red plum, beef jerky and baking spice flavors.
Leather, spice, red fruit and smoke notes characterize this red blend. Dry and fresh, it will pair nicely with dried meats or tomato-based dishes.
Leather, spice, tobacco and tea emerge from the nose of this Sicilian blend of Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot. You'll get aromas of clove, allspice and vanilla behind vibrant blueberry and raspberry.
Leather, spice, vanilla and tobacco aromas and flavors dominate in this beefy red. Ageable tannins and a dry finish add to the strength. Pair with beef or lamb.
Leather, toasted hazelnut and ripe black-skinned berry aromas lead the nose. On the approachable, straightforward palate, hints of clove and nutmeg add interest to dense black cherry while velvety tannins give it an immediate vibe.
Leather, toasted oak, dried red fruit and plum cake lead the nose on this hearty Brunello. The robust palate offers jammy dark berry, dried plum, toasted wood, clove, savory herb and licorice alongside a tightly woven network of firm, astringent tannins. You'll also detect the heat of alcohol on the finish.
Leather, tobacco and light Bresaola open the nose of this dark, masculine Barolo. But wait a few minutes and the wine starts to deliver elegant tones of rose, violet, tar and polished granite stone. The wine is not propped up by huge intensity, but it does offer a cool, streamlined feel.
Leather, tobacco and mocha combine effortlessly in this medium-bodied wine, a juicy, broad expression of the variety that drinks well. Black cherry and currant fruit flavors integrate into the quiet oak.
Leather, tobacco, mature plum and clove aromas unfold in the glass. The robust palate doles out fleshy blackberry, cherries marinated in spirits, licorice and nutmeg while assertive tannins offer support. The heat of alcohol shows on the finish. Drink through 2019.
Leather, truffle and ripe black plum aromas lead the nose. The fleshy palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed blackberry, licorice and clove while robust, polished tannins give it a smooth, enveloping texture. It's already at its peak drinking window so enjoy soon.
Leather, truffle, baked plum and a whiff of cake spice lead the nose on this robust, accessible wine. The meaty, monolithic palate also has rustic charm and juicy appeal, offering fleshy wild cherry, raspberry confiture, anise and chopped herb alongside chewy tannins. Drink sooner rather than later.
Leather, truffle, black cherry, grilled herb and a whiff of mocha lead the nose on this structured but straightforward wine. The palate is still rather closed but delivers crushed red cherry, white pepper and grilled herb alongside fresh acidity and young, raspy tannins that need time to soften. Drink 2018–2028.
Leather, truffle, ripe berry and a whiff of oak-derived spice lead the nose of this 100% Sangiovese wine. The taut palate delivers mature plum, black cherry and licorice flavors, its fine-grained tannins leaving a firm, dry finish.
Leather, truffle, wild berry and scorched earth aromas take center stage along with toasted oak. The firm, one-dimensional palate delivers dried black cherry, raisin and clove alongside assertive tannins that leave a drying finish.
Leather, underbrush, baked plum, menthol and a whiff of cake spice are some of the aromas that lift out of the glass. The ripe palate delivers dried black cherry, fig, star anise, mocha, espresso and grilled sage while close-grained tannins provide the framework. Drink 2017–2022.
Leather, underbrush, earth, iris and woodland berry are some of the scents you'll discover on this structured wine. The concentrated palate delivers tart red cherry, licorice, cinnamon and sage before leading into a juicy finish. Firm tannins offer support. Drink 2018–2026.
Leather, underbrush, grilled herb and charred earth aromas take center stage, accented by a balsamic note. The structured, medium-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, coffee, licorice and rosemary flavors, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink or hold a few more years.
Leather, underbrush, moist soil and dark spice aromas carry over to the elegant palate along with dried plum, mature blackberry and licorice. Firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity provide structure and a polished texture. Drink through 2023.
Leathery and earthy, with hints of cranberries and chocolate. It's medium bodied and supple enough to drink now, turning a bit tart on the finish.
Leathery and horsey on the nose, with cherry fruit and warmth. The palate has some edge and bite to it, with lean tannins in support of generic raspberry and standard herbal flavors. Quick and cleansing on the finish, with another wave of herbal flavor.
Leathery and jammy smelling at first, then it settles on solid berry fruit and spice. Runs full and tannic in the mouth, with lightly herbal tasting berry and plum flavors. Shows some oak and ample spice on the finish. Plump, full and generous.
Leathery and peanutty on the nose; soon the aromas expand to baked plum and stewy berries. The palate is sturdy and tannic, but there's enough flesh and weight to the fruit that it's mostly balanced. Finishes with bacon and leather accents.
Leathery and pinched on the nose, with rubber, olive and berry aromas. The palate runs hard and snappy due to high acidity and spiky tannins, while the flavor profile deals herbal notes, olive and dark plum. Fades fast on the finish, leaving a salty residue.
Leathery and rubbery at first, with aromatic accents of celery seed, barnyard and melted tar. The palate is lighter than the nose, with herbal plum flavors and a lean, strained body. Thin and fresh, but nothing special.
Leathery and somewhat green, this wine has yet to find its balance, combining 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. It veers between heavy, ripe tension and an underripe underbelly, finishing unsure.
Leathery animal notes blend with stalky berry and plum aromas in front of a bumpy palate with hard tannins. This tastes of herbal plum and berry, with a mildly green, oaky accent. That same oaky, green action repeats on the finish.
Leathery aromas blend well with concentrated black-fruit scents. In the mouth, this value-priced Malbec offers juicy purity and plenty of spunk. Flavors of black fruits, licorice and chocolate maintain a sense of freshness, while the finish offers residual blackberry and cassis flavors.
Leathery aromas come with notes of tobacco, vanilla and raw red fruits. This feels hard and clampy, while flavors of stalky, herbal, roasted berry fruits finish briny and tough in feel.
Leathery aromas include notes of raisin, plum, prune and vanilla. This feels full but a touch chunky and obtuse. Savory, roasted berry and plum flavors include notes of salt and spice, while the finish is spicy, savory and oaky in character.
Leathery aromas mix with black tobacco leaf, blackberry, blueberry and dark-chocolate chips on this reserve-level bottling by the regional pioneer producer, now owned by William Foley. Woody yet ripe fruits consume the palate, which shows more blueberry as well as elderberry, wild mint and a slightly caramelized finish.
Leathery aromas of dark berry fruits and various spices comprise a deep and impressive bouquet. This wine is full on the palate, widespread and displays tannic scratchiness. Immense flavors of wild berry fruits and spice end with intensity and firm, sturdy tannins. Drink through 2023.
Leathery aromas of dried, sour blueberries show on the nose of this bottling. That sour-berry component extends to the palate, where tar, dried tobacco and more leather make for a somewhat tired sip.
Leathery aromas of earth and berry fruits are solid and round. This feels thick and jammy, with a resiny feel. Flavors of baked black fruits are ripe, chunky and chewy, while the finish is rich and a bit hot. Everyhting about this full-bodied RDD says warm year and drink now.
Leathery aromas of horseradish and stewed berries lead to a rooty, syrupy palate. Flavors of cola, chocolate and raisin are creamy as a whole. This tastes ripe on the finish, with raisin and oxidized notes. This Merlot-Cabernet-Malbec blend has its strong points but comes across baked and raisiny.
Leathery aromas of raisin and horse hide are shaky. This is thick, grabby and a touch cloying, with baked, medicinal flavors of black fruits and blueberry. A minty, herbal finish feels sticky.
Leathery aromas of roasted black fruits show on the nose. Solid in feel, cherry, raspberry and a kick of salt house a medium-bodied palate.
Leathery at its core, this small-production wine is subdued and relatively restrained, showing bold, juicy layers of strawberry and cranberry. It offers enviable structure and ability to age. It will drink best 2023–2028.
Leathery berry and reedy aromas feed into a crisp, pinchy and high-acid palate with verve. Rooty notes blend with snappy cranberry flavors, while this ends with firm, fresh acidity and a smack of tartness.
Leathery berry and savory, smoky oak aromas are a rugged introduction to a stout palate with juicy acidity. Flavors of baked plum, hard spices, salt and savory herbs finish with rubbery tannins, energy and spicy, peppery flavors.
Leathery berry aromas are balky and dusty. Hard, dry and tannic on the palate, this shows blackberry flavors followed by dry, bitter notes. A simmering finish says this badly needs food.
Leathery berry aromas are comported and spicy. This feels grabby, tannic and tight, but good. Blackberry, toasty oak and integrated spice and herbal notes conclude with a compact tannic grip and a lasting note of oak.
Leathery berry aromas are earthy and come with toasty oak. A round, flush, jammy palate brings plum, wild berry and resiny oak flavors in front of a forward, lively, oaky finish that's drying and resiny.
Leathery berry aromas are earthy and suggest notes of cured meat and cheese. It gets tougher and more tannic the more it breathes, with black fruit, herb and spice flavors. Generous but rough in feel, it has a powerful, medium-long finish.
Leathery berry aromas are full but young and rudimentary. This feels jumpy and acidic, but that also provides definition and balance to an otherwise ripe young wine. Flavors of black fruits and citric tang play off each other, while the finish deals grippy tannins and black-fruit flavors.
Leathery berry aromas are wiry and come with a hit of lemony oak. The palate is tightly focused by staunch acids, while flavors of tart berry, red plum, oak spice and pepper end with scouring bite and a note of anise. This is 85% Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Leathery berry fruit aromas are meaty and turn more jammy with airing. This has a big, grabby, tannic palate and a mixture of boysenberry, baked blackberry and fresh herb flavors. A tannic, hard finish makes for a rough ending.
Leathery black-fruit aromas are not overly expressive but draw you in. This feels bright and juicy, with jumpy acidity. Flavors of boysenberry and blackberry finish long and fresh, with choppy acidity.
Leathery blackberry, vanilla and tobacco aromas include a gritty burnt note that's not entirely welcome. This feels full and oaky, with good balance. Oak-based flavors of vanilla and mocha sit atop black-fruit notes, while this is balanced yet tannic on the finish, with a lingering flavor of vanilla. Drink from 2018–2023.
Leathery cedar and ripe, almost baked blackberry and blueberry commingle in this generously tannic wine, which has a note of bitterness at its end.
Leathery cherry and cassis aromas are softened up by baking spice accents. In the mouth, this is hard-edged and pointed, with sharp, lemony acidity. Flavors of spiced plum and pie cherry finish with jagged acids and heat. This is a real enamel-peeler; more time in bottle can only help.
Leathery cherry and plum aromas offer a hint of tobacco as well as a burnt, roasted note. This is healthy in feel, with lively, snappy acidity. Flavors of herbs, vanilla, tomato, tobacco and red currant finish wiry and high-toned, with moderate tartness and plenty of length. Drink through 2023.
Leathery cherry aromas lead to a fresh medium-bodied palate. Flavors of spiced plum, cherry and herbal tomato finish with tea notes along with dry spice. Overall, this is balanced and succeeds by keeping things simple.
Leathery fruit and a bit of bramble or field greens mark the nose, and the earthy red-currant palate strikes a claret-like note. It's a little lighter than the competition, and it does show some defined tartness. Drink sooner than later, and try to serve it with food.
Leathery in tobacco and black currant, this wine leaves a bold imprint of toasty tannins.
Leathery oaky berry aromas are a touch gritty. Grabby tannins and blazing acidity make for a dry scratchy mouthfeel. Flavors of red plum, tomato and spiced berry fruits finish with notes of black pepper, cocoa, tree bark and coffee. Drink now through 2026.
Leathery on the nose before red cherry and cranberry come on stage, this wine is marked by a velvety texture and balance of acidity, staying fresh amid a medium-sized body and grippy suggestion of ripe tannins. Raspberry and cola spice feature on the finish.
Leathery on the palate with sizably structured tannins, this estate-grown wine is robust in black cherry and blackberry, sprinkled subtly in black pepper, tar and coffee. Grown on the producer's BCD Vineyard off Olivet Lane, where it also grows Pinot Noir, it finishes softly, and spicy, with length.
Leathery on the tongue, this lovely Merlot, with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, offers inviting notes of plum and cherry, completely juicy, around firm, strong tannins and balanced acidity. From two separate, rocky blocks on the winery property, this wine is concentrated and smooth. Enjoy through 2021–2025.
Leathery plum and berry aromas are also jammy and floral on this full and round wine. Roasted berry flavors come with a bacon-like note, delivering similar flavors on the finish.
Leathery plum and berry aromas are foresty but also reedy, spicy and a touch green. This Malbec is full and grabby in feel, with woodsy, spicy flavors that are modest in berry fruit character but definitively spicy, dry and medicinal.
Leathery plum and berry aromas come with a touch of char. This blend of Shiraz and Tempranillo feels round and solid. Familiar flavors of berry fruits and cherry are a bit spicy, while the finish tastes of black fruits and feels right.
Leathery plum and raspberry aromas are earthy and emphasize red-fruit qualities over black ones. A hard, tannic mouthfeel is drubbing, while a fully oaked flavor profile includes vanilla, butter and other oak-based notes in addition to raspberry and plum. A creamy, oaky flavor leads the way on a woody finish. Drink through 2030.
Leathery red-fruit aromas turn more gritty and earthy with airing. This feels chunky and full, without much elegance. Plum and rubbery berry flavors finish with a chocolaty oak note.
Leathery red berry aromas move to dark fruit after sitting in the glass. This Malbec is jammy in feel, but overall it's fresh. Earthy flavors of spiced plum, baked berry and salt finish toasty, woody and briny.
Leathery stalky berry aromas come across as being baked and rough. This is full and grabby on the palate with cooked blackberry and prune flavors that end dark, and spicy with notes of licorice and herbs.
Leathery, baked aromas of cheesy oak and red berry fruits are a bit lacking in pop but are reflective of typical Rioja Crianza. A full grabby palate shows earthy, buttery flavors of baked stalky berry fruits and oak. A grabby chunky finish wraps this up.
Leathery, baked aromas of earthy berry fruits and coffee grinds take time to unwind. This feels solid and tight due to potent acidity, while the flavors lean in the direction of stewed prune and berry. On the finish, flavors of chocolate, cherry and cassis are integrated.
Leathery, brambly blackberry flavors and aromas arrive with a bang in this bold, generous wine. Mouthcoating in smooth, vanilla-tinged tannins and reasonable oak, it's slightly sweet in a berry cobbler way, with a hit of smoke on the finish. Small amounts of Syrah and Petite Sirah are included.
Leathery, briny plum aromas are full and herbal. This feels solid and medium in size and body. Flavors of earthy, roasted berry and plum finish lightly green and herbal, with a touch of sweetness.
Leathery, clipped, briary black-fruit aromas are heavily oaked and smoky. This feels like a bag of nails, with a sucking texture. Barrel-heavy flavors of charred blackberry and cassis are resiny and dry, with clove notes and pounding tannins. Hold as long as you wish; this can only benefit from more time in the bottle.
Leathery, dried cherry fruit flavors are set against streaks of earth, herb and a hint of barnyard. It's soft and eminently accessible, the tannins smooth and supple, with a hint of vanilla.
Leathery, earthy and spicy, with dried fruit flavors framed by soft tannins. This full-bodied offering from the new négociant venture between Nicolas Jaboulet and the Perrin family is reasonably complex and mouthwatering on the finish. Drink now–2020.
Leathery, earthy aromas don't seem entirely fresh, but they are solid and don't waiver. Full bodied, with coarse tannins and roasted red-berry, tomato and herb flavors. It's tight, chunky and long on the finish, with tannic grab, and more tomato and herb characteristics.
Leathery, earthy berry aromas are generic but good. This is more acidic and narrow in the mouth than the aromas suggest, with tart flavors of raspberry and red plum. A lightly herbal, snappy feeling finish ends with a note of bitterness.
Leathery, exotic aromas of blueberry and spice are not too oaky or generic. This is compact and tannic in the mouth, with structure. Flavors of spicy blueberry and pepper darken up on the finish, which is ripe and full but also hot in feel.
Leathery, feral aromas including stemmy notes define the nose on this just-good-enough Malbec. There's not much give to the acidic palate, while flavors of mint and red fruits finish scratchy.
Leathery, herbal aromas of black fruits, horsehide and murky earth lead to a medium-bodied palate with wiry acidity. Saucy, herbal tomato and plum flavors are typical of the variety, while the finish maintains the wine's true-to-form flavors.
Leathery, herbal aromas suggest compost. A full, hard, tannic palate is home to rubbery flavors of herbal blackberry and pepper, while a medicinal dark-berry character controls the finish. This is a decent wine with mild weediness.
Leathery, horsey aromas suggest rubber and berry scents. This feels alive and a bit edgy, with a mix of resiny oak, spice, red fruits and green herbs on the flavor profile. The finish is a touch abrasive, with a minty flavor.
Leathery, horsey lead aromas include hints of licorice, baked plum and green herbs. This Garnacha has a saucy, tomatoey feel and leafy red-berry flavors that finish with a hint of sweet caramel and herbal overtones.
Leathery, mossy aromas of dark-berry fruits lead to a bright, energetic, acid-driven palate with quality flavors of plum and spiced blackberry. This has zest and savory notes on the finish, and overall it's fresh in feel, tasty and not too demanding.
Leathery, roasted plum and berry aromas come with a noticeable charred, smoky side. This is full and edgy on the palate, with rubbery tannins. Flavors of charred oak steer leafy berry flavors toward a dry, herbal, spicy finish.
Leathery, rubbery aromas are pinched, stalky and unripe. This Patagonian blend is drawing and astringent, with bland, cool-climate red-berry flavors that have an herbal streak. Saucy, tannic and heavy on the finish, this ends with a note of salami and fennel.
Leathery, scratchy black-fruit aromas are striated and minty, with a note of oak. This Monastrell feels grabby, hefty and on the bold and bulky side. Jammy blackberry flavors come with minty green notes, while this tastes mildly grassy and feels a bit hot on the finish.
Leathery, smoky dark-berry aromas take on a burnt, stalky character as this airs out. Tight and linear in feel, this avoids being fat and overweight as it delivers roasted, blackened plum, black cherry and herbal flavors. The finish tastes a bit stalky and salty, with a demanding oak character taking over. Drink through 2020.
Leathery, spicy, herbal berry aromas are a bit feral but remain typical of this variety. Jammy, fleshy and fruity on the palate, this exudes herbal plum and raspberry flavors with toasty, green notes. A minty, chunky, solid finish brings herbal notes that are indicative of the grape.
Leathery, stalky berry aromas are a bit rustic, and so is the feel. But the flavors on this Cabernet from Cariñena are satisfying and forward, suggesting stewed plum, baked berry and sun-drenched warmth. This is almost cooked but it pulls back. At six years of age it is what it is; drink now.
Leathery, thick and densely concentrated, this wine has a depth of black currant, plum and wild raspberry balanced against a richer component of chocolate and black pepper.
Leave it to Ridge to make one of the best Zinfandels to come out of Paso Robles. Although the wine shows Paso's lush, ripe flavors and softness and is sweet in raspberry jam and chocolate, it maintains structural integrity. Drink it now with great barbecue.
Leaving aside the suggestive name and packaging, this is a very soft, almost pillowy-tender 80% Shiraz blend, with a fair bit of complexity. It starts with scents of hickory, cedar and vanilla, adds plum and black cherry fruit, then hints at espresso and black olive on the finish. Drink now.
Leaving Bordeaux for the Médoc, this is the first estate along the road. The wine is structured and firm, with some solid tannins as well as generous blackberry fruit. The wood aging and spice balance the blueberry and blackberry fruits. The wine should age well; drink from 2021.
Leaving its primo estate in the Russian River, the producer travels to a similarly minded site in the heart of the Valley of the Moon, planted partially to mixed blacks. Here, 12% mixed blacks make up the whole, offering a bright and juicy explosion of brambly blackberry, smoked cherry and leathery licorice. The finish is soft and spicy.
Led by Vincent Lacoste (the sixth generation), this is a rich wine, with smooth tannins and plenty of spice. The wood-aging flavors are already integrated into the generous black fruits and concentrated structure. Drink from 2018.
Lees and mineral notes blend with green apple and pear aromas to create an inviting nose. This feels good and fresh, with citric acidity. Peach, green banana and papaya flavors finish mellow, with pithy notes and mild bitterness.
Lees and new oak seem to prevail in this wine, giving it a yeasty, caramelized taste that overpowers the fruit, which seems just fine in pineapples, peaches and limes.
Lees aromas are at the fore. The palate is thick in feel, showing a good sense of balance that intrigues.
Lees aromas dominate on this wine along with almond butter, corn husk and spice. It's weighty in feel with abundant green apple, lees and cereal flavors leading to a lingering finish. The style gets a bit out in front of the variety but there's plenty of interest to be had.
Lees aromas mix with notes of custard, poached pear, cinnamon and well-integrated barrel accents. The palate shows a sense of finesse and grace that carries through the finish.
Lees notes take the lead on this unusual wine, followed by aromas of apricot, almond butter and cream. It drinks a hair off dry with a lightly creamy feel.
Lees, peach and cream aromas are followed by dry stone-fruit flavors. It runs a little hot.
Lees, yeast and no discernible fruit aromas make for a faulty nose. This tastes briny, pickled and sour, with notes of rotten fruit.
Lees, yeast and pickled cabbage aromas are hardly inviting. This seems out of shape and globular. Yeasty, briny, bitter flavors of citrus and melon end green, with an onion note.
Leesy and creamy, this lightly nutty wine carries highlights of toasted coconut, lemon meringue and candied orange peel. Fermented with wild yeast, it's then aged in 20% new French barrels and puncheons. Drink now–2019.
Leesy and nicely textured, this has lime and green apple notes that rest on a bed of bracing acidity. It has length, focus and detail, all without intrusive new oak—just a small percentage of the wine was barrel-fermented.
Leesy apple aromas lead to a narrow, low-spritz palate. Briny, leesy flavors are salty and complex, not your typical apple-pear-and-fizz combination. A briny, low-fruit finish turns increasingly savory and like seashells the longer this sits. Drink now.
Leesy aromas of pear and melon are friendly and fresh. This Verdejo is lean, citric and drawn on the palate, with lemon, white pineapple and green apple flavors. A tangy, tight, juicy, acidic palate ensures that this ends with crispness and snap.
Leesy aromas of pear, apple and vanilla are pure and generous, with intensity. Layered and elegant on the palate, this was made entirely from free-run juice and tastes of dry apricot, citrus and apple. A note of spicy white pepper rises up on a minerally finish. Drink this winning Albariño now.
Leesy aromas of tropical fruits feed into a flat palate. Leesy but bland peach and melon flavors lack conviction and finish sketchy, with nothing in particular standing out. This is the definition of a marginal Cava.
Leesy aromas of tropical fruits, banana and canned peaches are sweet and candied but fair. Good acidity keeps this upright, while apple juice, peach and citrus flavors finish short but clean.
Leesy aromas of vanilla and almond skins set up a vital palate with bold malic acid and a sense of lime. The flavor profile holds onto the nose's leesy essence while delivering nectarine notes in front of a finish with good acidity.
Leesy aromas of vanilla and white flowers feature notes of peach and melon. This is round on the palate, with pear, honeydew and apple flavors. A rebound of leesy vanilla reappears on a mellow finish. Drink immediately or wait for the 2014.
Leesy aromas of wheat and corn are low on fruit and general appeal. This feels regular at best. Grassy gaseous flavors of bitter melon, lime and apple finish leesy and uncommitted, with flabby weight. For whatever reason, this is below prior benchmarks.
Leesy fleshy papaya aromas come with a touch of sulfur and harshness. This feels solid, albeit modest in bubbles. Flavors of apple and green melon are lasting and steady on the finish.
Leesy mango and lime aromas are fleshy, but attractive. A plump, juicy palate is holding its own, while flavors of pithy orange and melon end in a friendly, round fashion.
Leesy on the nose like the name implies, this Godello smells creamy, with notes of apple and melon. The palate shows moderate citric acidity but nothing scouring, while flavors of ripe apple, orange and powdered sugar finish leesy and peachy.
Leesy peach and green melon aromas are standard but pleasing on the nose. The palate is fresh, with good body, showing melon and stonefruit flavors. This drink-now wine is friendly and attractive.
Leesy silken textures characterize this bold full-bodied Grüner Veltliner. While dry on the palate, notes of roasted pineapple and yielding acidity accentuate its slightly caramelized tone. A touch of canned corn lingers on the finish.
Leesy stone-fruit aromas start out tight and crisp but lose clarity and cleanliness as this warms up in the glass. A lean, fresh palate holds flavors of barely ripe stone fruits and dried apricot that run long on a finish with bitter notes of grape skins.
Leesy vanilla aromas are bland and don't amount to much. The palate follows suit, with additional briny melon flavors.
Leesy vanilla aromas are scattershot and include bready notes of baked apple and pear. This feels round, plump and low on acidity. Flavors of grassy, green citrus and tropical fruits turn bitter before flattening out on a mild finish.
Leesy vanilla aromas give this Garnacha Blanca a cookie-like nose. Plump and round across the palate, this tastes pithy like citrus peel, with a mildly bitter aftertaste. A simple finish doesn't offer anything new.
Leesy whiffs of cured ham and salami are common, and this folds in grassiness and stone-fruit aromas as well. Chunky and fairly citric on the palate, this tastes mostly of orange and tangerine, while mango and nectarine notes pop up on the finish.
Leesy white-fruit aromas come with hints of corn and slate. This feels plump but not too heavy to be cut by a beam of firm acidity. Chunky leesy flavors of apple and kiwi finish fleshy, pulpy and round. Drink immediately.
Leesy white fruit aromas open this blend of 80% Albariño with Loureiro and Treixadura. In the mouth, it's all citric acidity and stoniness. The body doesn't register. Flavors of blood orange and lemon are also minerally, while the finish is persistently linear.
Leesy, bready aromas are ripe and fruity. This is soft in feel and a touch heavy, which may be a reflection of the warm 2009 vintage. Nectarine and other ripe flavors finish full and sweet. This almost tastes like a brut Cava despite being a brut nature.
Leesy, cheesy aromas fall apart as this struggles a bit to present a clean front side. Almost dilute in feel, this tastes of cidery apple, nectarine and lees. On the finish, a hint of popcorn rises up.
Leesy, creamy aromas of vanilla are simple, with a note of apple offering some crispness. The palate is regular in feel, with adequate acidity. Flavors of green apple, lettuce and herbs culminate with mild bitterness and green notes.
Leesy, dusty aromas are pithy and lose freshness with airing. This feels full and moderately acidic, with tropical flavors of melon, apple and banana. A sweet-tasting finish is mild in feel and meets expectations for everyday Albariño.
Leesy, powdery aromas of melon, papaya and vanilla set up a citrusy palate that's fit and well cut. Citrus and nectarine are the key flavors, followed by a fresh and juicy citric finish.
Leesy, textural, a rich mix of spring herbs, celery, lime, green fruits and melon. Though relatively low alcohol it has a lovely mix of flavors. Bracing but not at all sour. Good winemaking.
Leesy, toasty opening aromas accent melon, flower blossom and stone fruit scents. This is woody but healthy in feel, with acidic lift. Flavors of resiny, briny melon and peach finish with a wave of barrel-driven vanilla, but overall this shows coastal freshness and proper balance.
Leesy, yeasty apple and pear aromas are a touch funky yet sophisticated. Made in Rioja, so it's based on Viura, this is cushioned but zesty on the palate, with lively bubbles. It tastes complex and a touch sour, with notes of apple cider and apricot. Briny in flavor and solid in feel on the finish.
Leesy, yeasty aromas include saline but not much fruit. This is chunky but soft and low in acidity. Briny, pickled citrus flavors finish similarly.
Leesy, yeasty notes lend a savory feel to freshly-pressed apple and herb flavors in this easy-drinking Chardonnay. It's dry in style with a delicate mouthfeel that's accentuated by bright streaks of lemony acidity.
Leeuwin's Chardonnay continues to be a standard-bearer for Margaret River and all of Australia. The 2012 Art Series is subtly toasty on the nose, blossoming with time into full-on crème brûlée aromas, while the palate offers creamy-textured notions of tropical fruit and custard. The long finish reverberates with fruit, suggesting plenty of aging potential, up to 10 or 12 years.
Left for 30 months on its lees before bottling, this is serious Muscadet. It has weight and richness, round and smooth with a creamy texture brightened by flashes of citrus acidity. Impressively rich wine, now ready to drink.
Leg of lamb with a rosemary-garlic marinade and white beans would pair nicely with this darkly concentrated wine. This is a thick, savory expression that offers loads of ripe fruit and prune flavors, with spicy notes of teriyaki and hickory smoke.
Legend has it that those who listen closely to the well of Château Côte Montpezat can hear the pilgrims on the way to Compostella who drank here. Drinking the wine today offers light spice and wood aromas that give it an extra dimension. Initially, they seem to dominate the fruit, although this passes over as the herbal and green-fruit character of the wine shows through. It does mean that the wine should age a little in bottle, so wait until early 2017.
Legendary winemaker Jim Clendenen delivers aromas of sour cherry, dried pine needles, bay leaf and kirsch-like brandy on this wine. The full, dense palate features butter-fried herbs including tarragon, marjoram and black pepper, all laid across a roasted lamb-like gaminess, followed by hints of dark chocolate and mint.
Lehmann's 2006 Barossa Cab is an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing red that should find its way into many steakhouses as a by-the-glass pour. Minty notes accent cassis and tobacco flavors, while the wine's soft tannins will provide a welcome counterpoint to rich steaks.
Lemberger has become something of a signature variety for this winery. Aromas of orange peel, leather and red fruit are followed by plentiful Band-Aid and red-fruit flavors that linger on the finish.
Lemberger is a grapy red, with broad and simple fruit flavors, often with a rustic, tannic finish. Here it's been done in a lighter style, with a dried leaf note and lightly dusty tannins.
Lemberger was planted here in the 1970s, and Kiona still carries the torch for the grape. Earthy, gamy, soft and smooth, it has a quickly maturing flavor set, built upon chocolate and cherries, with dusty tannins.
Lemberger, also known as Blaufränkisch, was planted here in the 1970s—the winery believes it was the first commercial bottling in the country. This is a seriously good wine, worthy of special attention. It could be mistaken for a particularly fine country wine from Italy, southern France or Spain, with its old vine complexity, red and blue fruits and whiff of tanned leather.
Lemelson makes a consistent lineup of single vineyard Pinots, and with a track record extending back a decade or more, the results are predictably satisfying. The Meyer has a solid core of blackberry and black cherry, highlighted with a lining of licorice, scents of dried herb and citrusy acids. Beautifully styled and riding on perfectly ripened fruit, it will be hard to keep your hands off it, but it can cellar for 5–6 more years.
Lemon- and pineapple-rind aromas lead to a green apple-driven palate. Medium-bodied yet crisp, this would pair well with citrus-marinated chicken kabobs.
Lemon-candy aromas are rounded with white peach, marshmallow and honeysuckle on the slightly sweet-leaning nose of this bottling. The sip is straightforward with lemon peel, slight marzipan, Gala apple and Bosc pear flavors.
Lemon-drop aromas are fresh and show a touch of green apple. This wine is solid, but a bit basic. Lightly salted melon and apricot flavors finish dry and collected.
Lemon-drop candy and white blossoms perfume this impeccably balanced Riesling from French transplants Céline and Sébastien Leseurre. It's dry in style, but white grapefruit and lemon flavors are persistent and deep. Delicately textured and vivaciously fresh in acidity, the finish is brisk and pristine.
Lemon-honey candy, chopped garden herbs, sliced spring onions and appealing aromas of cut tennis balls show on the nose of this wine from an extreme coastal vineyard near Cambria. Lively green flavors power the palate, with chive, dill, apple-skin bitterness and a detectable salinity.
Lemon-jelly aromas give this a strange character. The fruit reflects the same artificial flavor. It is hard to see where it is going.
Lemon-lime acidity cuts a laser-sharp edge through honey in this lush, concentrated Riesling full of pink grapefruit, mango and peach flavors. It's a lip smacking, juicy wine, yet stands up to even the most elegant occasions. Drink now.
Lemon-lime and bathroom cleanser aromas are tropical but a bit false. This feels medium to full but lacks character on the palate. Orange and persimmon flavors finish salty but not overly so.
Lemon-lime and lemon curd mark this wine. The lemon theme continues throughout the layers of apple, vanilla and oak, the oak not perceptible until near the round, voluptuous finish.
Lemon-lime and mild vanilla aromas create a good bouquet. The palate is basic in structure but quite nice in purity and acidity. Flavors of green melon and spiced apple lead to a similar tasting finish. For freshness and balance, this wine gets it right.
Lemon-lime aromas and flavors like meringue and butterscotch pudding turn this wine into a virtual dessert. It's not what many people would expect from this grape variety, but it's very tasty and rich.
Lemon-lime aromas are clean but basic. A tangy juice-like palate tastes of briny citrus fruits, while the finish shows standard lime and green-apple flavors.
Lemon-lime aromas complement an otherwise steely but complex bouquet. The wine is a bit simpler in the mouth but displays refreshing lemon flavors that fade into a chalky, long finish with a powerful kick of acidity. Imported by Bluewater Wine Company.
Lemon-lime soda and limestone aromas emerge on the nose, which is slightly sweet in ripeness but also a bit shy. The palate shows apples and pears, but is quite flat.
Lemon-lime soda aromas meet with orange blossom, toast, lanolin and steel on the nose of this voluptuous yet well-defined bottling. It's tightly wound on the palate, with lemon, grapefruit rind and crushed limestone flavors, bound by a chalky texture, showing deft restraint for a Roussanne.
Lemon-lime soda scents are rounded out by pineapple and a metallic element on the nose of this wine by Christian Roguenant. It's tight and minerally on the palate, with steel and gunmetal, yet shows green herbs like dill too. It will work well with white fish.
Lemon-lime soda, chalk and gin-and-tonic cocktail elements power the nose on this zesty, medium-sweet bottling. The mouthfeel is soft, with lime juice and quinine cutting the ripe orange-syrup notes.
Lemon-lime soda, fresh lemongrass, kiwi, pear blossoms and wet stones show on the focused nose of this bottling from a vineyard located between Pismo Beach and Edna Valley. The river-stone element carries to the palate, where richer flavors of yellow apple, Anjou pear, kiwi gum and honeydew-candy emerge.
Lemon-lime, dry talc and mineral make for a clean, no-issues bouquet. This is a fruity, steely wine with pineapple, orange, green apple and lime flavors. The feel is like a kiss of the razor, while the finish is fresh and persistent.
Lemon-lime, some grapefruit and flint vie with an off cheese-like aroma on the nose. The tangerine and grapefruit flavors seem to carry some green with them, while the finish is plagued by a bitter pithy quality. The weight is average and the overall balance is adequate.
Lemon-scented Mirabelle notes hover on the nose and turn into fully fledged, ripe plum on the palate where the seam of fresh, enlivening and brightening acidity sets a lively theme. The body is light, the finish is dry and the overall impression is one of light-footed playfulness and ease. You might almost forget to notice the more textured, structured core which underlies all this and will allow it to age beautifully. Drink now through 2025.
Lemon and apple aromas are basic, while the palate is spongey and offers only mild acidity to boost slightly mealy citrus and persimmon flavors. Finishes flat as a board.
Lemon and apple aromas are inviting, with a note of sweet grass. A chiseled, acidic yet round palate delivers flavors of tangerine, lime, lees and mild bitterness. This is fresh throughout, but short on the finish.
Lemon and apple aromas precede a high-acid citric palate without much elegance or finesse. This pedestrian Albariño deals pithy orange flavors that come with a note of grape skins. On the finish, this seems like orange juice.
Lemon and apple blossoms plus a tiny bit of honeydew meld for a pleasant nose on this widely available wine. The energetic palate offers fresh green apple and lemon salt flavors that make you salivate, though it packs almost too much punch.
Lemon and apple lend shape to this clean and uncomplicated white that boasts a little spice on the midpalate.
Lemon and creamed pear flavors give this open, soft wine attractive fruitiness. The fruit is everything here, with acidity adding a crisp edge to the rounder textures. It is ready to drink.
Lemon and freshly squeezed lime give this attractive wine a crisp, bright texture that is rounded out at the end with perfumed flavors from the Moscatel in the blend. This fruity, textured wine needs a few more months before drinking. Drink from late 2015.
Lemon and grapefruit aromas come with minerally notes of granite and crushed vitamin dust. An almost sharp and cutting palate offers generic citrus and green apple flavors in front of a chiseled, high-acid finish.
Lemon and grapefruit rind provide a brightness to the nose and palate here, along a creamier outpouring of butterscotch and savory dried stone fruit. A lacing of minerality is pronounced throughout, with the finish complete in sharp edges complemented by a sense of soft brioche.
Lemon and green apple are the chief flavors of this easy Riesling that provides honest and uncomplicated refreshment. It finishes dry, with a fresh, lemony aftertaste.
Lemon and hay aromas on the nose get overtaken by a strong flavor of fall leaves in the mouth. Fairly dry and medium-bodied, this is a good choice with a wide variety of lighter fish and chicken dishes. But pick this one up soon for it's starting to show its age.
Lemon and herb aromas suggest a lean, crisp wine but the flavors are fairly ripe and the texture is rich and soft. Appley, floral and not at all tart, this is pleasant to sip.
Lemon and lime are just hinted at on the restrained nose. On the palate they are joined by friendly, juicy stone-fruit notes of ripe yellow Mirabelle plum. The palate is dry, light and juicy, with a delicate stature that leads to a zesty citrus finish.
Lemon and lime flavors cut through this wine that's crisp with a mineral character. It is packed with acidity, with a touch of wood that fits well into the fruit and texture. It's a beautiful wine, not fat although it will fill out. Drink from 2018.
Lemon and mandarin-orange rinds provide citrus freshness to the nose of this wine, which also shows pear blossom, salted apple slices and a touch of coconut flake. The mouthfeel is creamy and shows a flash of hazelnut, with seared lemon wedges and apple cream rounding out the sip.
Lemon and mineral tones dominate and show more intensity and definition on the nose than the palate. Turns a bit tart on the finish. This is a wine that screams for raw oysters.
Lemon and mirabelle are hinted at on the nose. The palate shows them fully and brings their juicy, fresh and ripe fruitiness to the fore. The body is light and slender but brims with freshness. The finish is clean and appetizing with lovely lemon.
Lemon and orange peel are right at the front of this wine. It's fruity, tangy and completely ready to drink.
Lemon and orange rind, Muscat-like flavors of honey, tropical fruit, melon and spice unfold on the nose and mouth of this elegant, well-balanced white. The wine's brisk finish keeps it focused and pure through the close.
Lemon and pear take center stage on the nose while the palate presents zesty freshness and wonderful texture. While these Viennese field blends are wonderfully varied, they always are fresh and textured, joyful and food friendly. This wine will lend energy to any repast with its clarion calls of freshness and verve.
Lemon and pineapple aromas start this full-bodied but friendly pour from the Peloponnese. Citrus, sea salt and a mineral finish give the wine elegance and a versatile food character.
Lemon and raspberry flavored wine with crisp acidity and a tight, mineral texture. It has just a hint of tannin and a squeeze of lime at the end. Drink now.
Lemon and slate aromas give this wine an immediate poise, but there's much more complexity on the palate. Mineral-driven but full of fresh and full-bodied citrus, pineapple and grapefruit, the wine finishes with a chalky and brisk tidiness. A truly delicious expression of a very distinctive grape.
Lemon and spice make this a fruity while textured wine. It tastes like the chalk soil from which it comes, very mineral and flinty. This wine is all fruit now and will broaden out from 2016.
Lemon and summer flower aromas set the scene for this fresh and attractive wine. It is light and bright, dry while also fruity. Acidity and a crisp texture give it a lively aftertaste.
Lemon and tangerine aromas are slightly dusty. In the mouth, this Viura-Verdejo combo is lively and bouncy. Pithy citrus, almond-skin and apple flavors finish juicy.
Lemon and tart apple with some overtones of riper Golden Delicious are the fruity hallmarks of this easy-drinking but superrefreshing summer wine. The apple taste stays and makes you go back for more easy, pleasant fruit.
Lemon and white-flower aromas are modest but friendly and inviting. This shows size and roundness on the palate, with lemony acidity. Lemon, green apple and pineapple flavors finish long and steady. Drink now.
Lemon and white grapefruit flavors shine brightly in this off-dry Riesling quaffer. It's fresh and fruity but balanced vibrantly by zesty lime acidity. Drink now.
Lemon balm, peppery arugula and yeasty savoriness combine into a sleek, streamlined wine that goes down all too easily—notwithstanding its wonderful layers and length. The lemony finish lasts and refreshes.
Lemon blossom, apple and mineral aromas meet in a regular place. The palate is chunky and shows just enough acidity, and the flavors run towards generic citrus, apple and green melon. Falls off on the finish, so drink as soon as possible.
Lemon blossom, citrus and white stone fruit aromas delicately lift out of the glass. The bright polished palate doles out yellow apple, creamy white peach, nectarine drop and a hint of crushed herb alongside crisp acidity and a silky mousse.
Lemon blossoms and tangerines bring lift to the aromatics. On the palate there are flavors of tropical fruit and tart, green apples.
Lemon butter, apple pie crust and hazelnut are first to the aroma party on this carefully crafted Jackson family offering from a vineyard about 400 feet up in limestone-dotted soils. On the palate, strong but integrated acidity carries the myriad citrus, apple and spice flavors to completion.
Lemon butter, shreds of nectarine and a dash of sea salt make appearances on the fairly faint nose of this wine from San Jose-based winemaker Adam Comartin. The wine comes alive once sipped, with white peach flesh, lemony acidity and chalky grip, all culminating in a zing that goes on for minutes, finishing with a touch of marzipan.
Lemon candy and banana-chip aromas on the nose of this bottling lean into the tropical realm, and yet an orange-juice freshness keeps it light. Flavors of marzipan, bubblegum and banana cream make for a ripe palate, enhanced by a sea-salt richness and a clean finish.
Lemon citrus, toast, white flowers—the lead on this wine is feminine and light and, as the name suggests, feels like a warm weather match. Flavors of like style are sweet and simple but balanced by some crispness and finesse. It's a pretty wine that offers simple, easy drinking enjoyment.
Lemon cream, spice and lanolin notes add a mysterious veil to this delicate yet intensely concentrated Riesling. It's sweet on the palate with ripe, honeyed citrus, and a delicious mineral oil sheen that lengthens the palate.
Lemon curd and artificial butter show on the nose and palate, with underripe peach adding verve to a creamy body.
Lemon curd and citrus blossom ride over underripe melon and apple on the nose. The creamy and full palate is a result of extended lees contact, while flavors of honeydew and lemon lead to a sea-spray finish. A perfect pairing for the Eastern Shore's local fare of raw oysters.
Lemon curd, papaya and vanilla custard combine on the nose and palate for a fragrantly rich experience, full-bodied and generous in fruit. The wine lightens up midway, minerality shining on the finish.
Lemon curd, white peach and tangerine aromas make for a nicely rounded nose in this appellation blend. It's a very familiar Chardonnay expression on the palate, with a citrus edge that cuts through ripe pear and sea salt flavors. The mouthfeel shows chalky tension.
Lemon custard, ripe Gala apples and a seemingly sweet candy element show on the nose of this wine from a family-owned producer. Bright energy and ripe apple characterize the palate, along with green pear skins and stonefruit.
Lemon drop and sweet, pink grapefruit flavors brighten this punchy, crisply balanced wine. It's fruit-forward on the palate, nuanced with of nut and mineral hints. Drink now through 2018.
Lemon flavored, this light and fruity wine has a hint of minerality, followed by a crisp, fresh aftertaste. It's ready to drink.
Lemon freshness encounters some honeyed richness. There's a hint of pleasant bitterness of honeycomb on the flavor, while the palate is streamlined with zesty lemon freshness. These create an intriguing and successful counterpoint on the dry, slender but expressive body.
Lemon grass, lime and intensely crisp acidity identify the wine as definitely from the cool north of Portugal. A strong apple-skin texture dominates, leaving a wine that really needs shellfish type foods.
Lemon grass, underripe pineapple and freshly mowed lawn lead to tastes of grapefruit pith and white flowers. It has a strong backbone of minerality and a very slight sweetness on the finish.
Lemon meringue and custard provide decadence to this vineyard-designated wine, the site planted to decades-old vines. It becomes sublime as it opens, spicy and soft in quince and Asian pear. The finish returns to the opening theme, delivering a punch of caramel.
Lemon meringue and graham cracker show first in this rewarding wine that's made in a lush, full-bodied, barrel-fermented style. Golden apple stands out amid the toasted oak, while crisp acidity shines on the finish.
Lemon mousse aromas and flavors provide the richness and allure of this wine, as steely acidity keeps it fresh and vibrant. Full-bodied, it continues to taste strongly of Gravenstein apple and nutmeg and is bolstered by toasted oak.
Lemon mousse, pear and peach notes open the nose of this fresh Greco di Tufo. There is a drying mineral tone at the back that holds the wine together nicely.
Lemon notes are subdued by earth on the nose but they shine on a rather textured, palate that needs some air to open up. There is concentration at the core and generous freshness that lights up everything. Subtle but totally worthwhile with a clean lemon finish.
Lemon notes are tinged with earthiness, on the palate a light, lemony vein dominates, backed by some texture and apple fruit. The finish is clean.
Lemon oil and candle wax add interesting nuances to the citrusy, barrel-fermented fruit. There was no malolactic fermentation; it's bone dry and the acids are all natural and smooth. Delicate hints of toast and honeyed almonds bring still more depth and flavor interest to the juicy citrusfruit.
Lemon peel and citrus granita decorate the nose on this light and icy wine that shows very little herbaciousness. The flavors are simple and easy, with green apples, limeade and a decent energy.
Lemon peel and yeast are in the starring roles for now, showing miso-like savor with smoky edges and glimpses of white pepper. The fruit will come later. For now, this is pure, textural pleasure, with a very clean-cut finish.
Lemon peel, brioche and raspberry aromas take the lead on this pale pink wine. It drinks quite sweet for a brut but still delivers enjoyment with its raspberry flavors.
Lemon peel, wet clay, sandalwood and nutmeg aromas are inviting. In the mouth, it's tight and tannic, but lively, with leather and roasted berry flavors. Finishes firm, tight and a bit clipped and choppy. A reflection of 2008's tough conditions.
Lemon pith and honey-vanilla provide substance to a floral, light and lingering wine also accented in melon that's food-friendly and refreshing.
Lemon pith and ripe peach aromas are clouded under a distinctly medicinal tone of baby aspirin. While there is nice roundness to the palate and balanced acidity to boot, the flavors are mild showings of orchard fruit and lemon curd.
Lemon plays on the nose alongside hints of shortbread. The palate has a lovely rich creaminess and very fine elegant mousse, creating an impression of light-bodied richness. This is sophisticated and dry, elegant and creamy—very grown-up and utterly delicious.
Lemon preserve and melon aromas are followed by peach and tropical fruit flavors, all balanced with telltale Greek acidity. Balanced and well made, and a good pairing with fruit, salads and seafood.
Lemon purity and an idea of wet stones shows slight, pleasant texture around a central seam of lemon zest freshness. There is a lightness of touch, a convincing dryness and a breezy freshness about this no-nonsense Riesling.
Lemon rind and fresh, green herbs add a flash of elegance to this dry, intensely textural Riesling. It's lush and rich with stonefruit flavor, but bristles on the palate with lime pith and jasmine tea astringency. Sunny and bright, but brisk with acidity.
Lemon rind and pressed apple on the nose carry through to a citron and melon palate. Medium bodied, this is a straightforward, easy-drinking Chardonnay.
Lemon rind and prune are the primary aromas, but there's also a hint of green bean in here. The palate is dark and concentrated but not exactly high voltage in terms of power. Flavors of raisin, cassis, fig and chocolate are rich and ripe, while the finish runs dark. Almost overripe but seemingly more jammy than overdone. Drink now through 2012.
Lemon rind, orange juice and chalk show on the nose of this bottling, which is a tad simple but very quaffable. Lemon wedge, green and yellow apples, and a bit of citrus pith show on the sip.
Lemon rinds, green apple skins, white flowers and a hint of pineapple guava decorate the nose of this wine from a former race car driver. It has tons of chalky mineral zing on the palate, which is crisp and light with grassy flavor and pithy grip.
Lemon scented wine, freshly dominated by citrus and white peach flavors. The wine is light, its acidity giving a final burst of juiciness.
Lemon shave ice and hints of white peach make for crisp, clean, and pinpoint precision on the nose, which trends toward ripe with a butter element in the background. The palate shows citrus energy, from salty lemons to lime zest, with a touch of browned butter and cream throughout the sip.
Lemon soda, powdered candy, peach and white flower characterize the nose of this bright Kerner. There's a touch of saccharine sweetness on the close followed by crisp freshness.
Lemon sorbet, yellow melon and nectarine aromas are graced with a touch of vanilla on the nose of this Camp Four Vineyard bottling, one of veteran winemaker Lane Tanner's first tries at the grape. It's plump with apple flesh in the midpalate yet sizzling with crisp, nearly searing acidity on the edges, an intriguing textural balance.
Lemon spray and savory cheese-rind notes mark the nose and palate. Having seen some time in oak, this boasts a round body and mild acidity.
Lemon tart, with a whisp of almond on the nose, this is a fairly sour white wine, disjointed and unclear. Made from California grapes at a winery in Vermont.
Lemon verbena and green grass aromas waft from the glass, with secondary notes of grapefruit and stone fruit to round it out. Vibrant acidity brightens this medium-weight mouth, with a touch of green plum-skin flavor and soft bitterness remaining through the lively finish.
Lemon zest and grapefruit aromas seemingly float atop the mineral-laden nose of this wine. It's full of crushed limestone and soda scents and is dry on the palate, which is more about structure and texture than overt flavors.
Lemon zest and honeysuckle aromas have a dusty, mineral edge on this bracing Riesling sparkling. Tart tangerine and peach flavors are pristine on the palate, but it's aggressively foamy with a dense, thick wall of froth that lingers.
Lemon zest and orchard fruit aromas are accented by notes of toasted popcorn. The medium-bodied palate shows fresh lemon juice and underripe peach tones, with crisp acidity balancing the toasted vanilla finish.
Lemon zest and peppermint are the scents associated with this 100% Rkatsiteli. It's bright on entry, tasting of lemon peel and grapefruit pith.
Lemon zest on nose and palate signal a very zippy, citrus-scented white with a rather neutral aromatic expression—as befits unoaked Chardonnay from a cool year. It is light bodied and cannot be beaten for freshness.
Lemon zest tempered by juicy, crunchy apple is the central theme here. This is fresh Riesling not from rock but from deeper loess soils: its usual verve is slightly more cushioned here and will make the most charming, soft intro for those learning to love Riesling. Purity and poise are a given and the aromatics will round even more with every month in bottle.
Lemon zest, citrus blossoms and peach aromas lead the way to tropical fruit flavors in this Romanian Pinot Grigio. It is light bodied with a crisp finish.
Lemon zest, earth and citrus pith appear on nose and palate. This is fresh, easy, dry and slender with a pithy core of fruit. Drink soon.
Lemon zest, lime and melon aromas lead this elegant white blend. Zesty citrus and lush melon on the palate offers a refined character that is nonetheless fine for everyday enjoyment. The finish is expressive and slightly floral.
Lemon zest, mango and flowers lead the nose on this elegant Malagousia. Smooth and silky with juicy orange and citrus flavors, the wine has an elegant overall character.
Lemon, apple and a hint of honey characterize the bouquet, which is appealing as a whole. The palate is smooth, with a good mix of body and acidity. Flavors of pithy citrus, apple and green banana lead to a slightly bitter finish with almondy notes and lasting minerality.
Lemon, apple and cleanliness define the nose on this everyday white that's priced to sell. The mouth is racy and fresh, with peach, apple and citrus flavors that lead to a fairly long, clean and flavorful finish. Drink now.
Lemon, apple and other standard aromas give it a familiar if unspectacular opening. The palate is full, mildly creamy and offers decent acidity in support of peach and nectarine flavors. Solid as a whole for $12 Chilean Chardonnay.
Lemon, apple blossom and honey aromas make for a correct, attractive bouquet. Meanwhile, the palate is typically crisp and vibrant, with cutting acids that push the pineapple and citrus flavors to a point. Long and exact on the finish, and overall there's not an ounce of flab to this streamlined white.
Lemon, blossoms and a slight kerosene nose lead into a prickly, slippery texture, with lemon-lime and wet stone flavors. A classic example of Clare Valley Riesling.
Lemon, butter and marshmallow flavors follow rich butterscotch aromas as this medium-bodied, soft-textured wine spreads its unctuous, candied flavors across the palate. It's very tasty in an extreme, buttery style.
Lemon, green gooseberry and plum lead the nose and mouth of this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The texture is ripe and fruit forward, but lifted with good acidic cut that ends on a mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
Lemon, green pear and aloe vera meld into a balanced, streamlined white with focus, elegance and depth. Citrus flavors play with peppery spice and combine for a lasting finish.
Lemon, lime and grapefruit provide vibrancy and freshness to this medium-bodied, textured and balanced wine, which then surprises with weightier twists of apple and caramel. A small-production offering, it'll do well at the table.
Lemon, lime and guava surround rounded acidity in this complex and layered white, fleshy and impressive in its approachability. This shows the ripe minerality of the appellation well, with just a wink of lushness on the finish.
Lemon, lime and lightness with edges of white pepper and arugula make for a super-refreshing, light crisp wine. Drink now.
Lemon, lime and straw aromas are fresh but also a little stalky. Spritz and then an oily afternote define the feel, while flavors of white fruits taste pithy and a touch green and herbaceous.
Lemon, lime, sulfur and matchstick aromas are solid. This Viura has a standard, fresh, zesty mouthfeel and common flavors of white grapefruit and lime. A minerally, citric finish is crisp and appropriate.
Lemon, mineral and spice notes characterize this indigenous white from Greece. Dry and clean, it will pair well with grilled fish or octopus.
Lemon, mineral dust and quince aromas lead the invigorating nose. The light-bodied palate is snappy with acidity, yet balanced, and shows juicy lemon-lime upfront. While short, the finish is quinine in nature, making this zesty sipper a perfect partner for briny shellfish.
Lemon, orange and spice start this intriguing white from Biblio Chora. On the palate, it has richness, but the crisp citrus character keeps it balanced and clean. An elegant but robust wine with lingering character.
Lemon, orange and tangerine aromas are followed by pert waves of lemon, spice and mineral in this elegant Chardonnay. The wine has seen oak but is still quite fresh in style; pair with ceviche or oysters.
Lemon, orange blossom and rose aromas start this exotic and refreshing wine. On the palate, bright flavors of citrus mingle with melon and pepper. Easygoing but distinctive.
Lemon, orange rind and spice lead on the nose of this crisp and poised white blend. The wine offer brisk lemon peel and bright fruit flavors on the palate, tied up with a clean acid finish. This would be delicious with grilled fish or roasted poultry, as well as salty cheeses.
Lemon, pineapple and spice aromas, followed by flavors of crisp citrus and rounded gooseberry mean this wine can pair with myriad dishes. A deft, elegant touch—with the trademark Elgin freshness and minerality—keeps the fruit from heaviness. A fun, clean wine with food pairing character.
Lemon, spice and pepper flavors are the keys to this easy, accessible wine. It is full of fresh fruit that has bitter almond and ripe pear flavors. With acidity and a crisp aftertaste, the wine is ripe and ready to drink.
Lemondrop, buttered toast and vanilla cream flavors mark this soft, opulent Chardonnay. It becomes a little cloying on the finish.
Lemongrass and herb notes lend a zesty herbaceousness to this medium-bodied Silvaner. It's dry on the palate, with tart but concentrated white peach and grapefruit flavors accented by a dusty, smoky minerality.
Lemongrass, honeysuckle, Gala apple and light caramel show on the riper nose of this bottling from the Los Gatos-based winery. Every-so-slight marshmallow flavors rise on the palate alongside jasmine and wet riverstone. The texture is chalky.
Lemony-vanilla crème brûlée rises to the fore in this medium-bodied Chardonnay. Medium to high in acidity, it retains a crisp freshness throughout its layers of fruit, finishing clean.
Lemony and balanced in oak, it reveals ripe Asian pear, creamy vanilla and a swirl of toffee. Medium bodied and smooth on the palate, it features buoyant acidity. It's ideal for pairing with roast chicken or meat topped with an apple chutney.
Lemony and citrusy from the get-go, with floral notes to the nose. The palate is sheering and tart, with edgy tannins. As a whole, it's angular, with tomato and red-fruit flavors. A natural, jacked-up example of Prieto Picudo that's a bit underwhelming.
Lemony and herbaceous, this attractive 50-50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon combines a crisp, grapefruit character with a creamy layer that broadens the wine without losing freshness.
Lemony and high-strung, this is a light, bright and low-in-oak wine from an appellation better known for varieties like Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. It works though, providing a tension of acidity with citrusy concentration.
Lemony and light on entry, this tropically kissed, textured white develops body and weight over time, finding a balance and elegance that's hard to ignore. A touch of white peach wraps up the finish.
Lemony and light on the bouquet. The palate is aggressive, almondy tasting and tight, with lemony lead flavors, peach notes and a lasting but not unpleasant bitterness. Nicely balanced, with good mouthfeel. A very nice wine and a different breed within the wide world of Spanish white wines.
Lemony and sort of chemical smelling, with green herbs, graphite and berry aromas. Feels compact, without much layering or body. Tastes herbal, with red currant and berry fruit in the background. Minty and resiny on the finish.
Lemony and strange at first, with gamy notes, leather and incense. The palate feels chunky and medicinal, with herbal, sweet, jumbled flavors of candied blackberry. Finishes flat and quick, leaving medicinal sweetness.
Lemony and toasty, this approachable wine is rich and balanced, its texture soft and the flavors long-lasting, highlighted by a taste of lemon meringue.
Lemony fresh with touches of mineral and earth, this easy-quaffing wine conveys subtle flavors of apple, pear and lemon. Dry in style, the expansive, full-bodied mouthfeel is cut by brisk, lemony acidity.
Lemony freshness coupled with notes of gunsmoke and yellow plums play on a plump and rounded palate held in check by fresh acidity.
Lemony freshness marks a certain tartness on a light, lissom, fresh palate. With more time on palate there are hints of savoriness and some textured spice. Drink soon.
Lemony freshness meets earthy, textured glints on this slender Riesling characterized by its brightness and slender body. Underneath it all, plenty of tart, refreshing apple fruit leads to a clean, lively finish.
Lemony freshness prevails on the nose of this wine. The palate is light bodied with lots of easy spritz and clean freshness. Drink now, while the aromas are at their peak.
Lemony lightness, coupled with zesty spritz on the palate make this a refreshing white with lots of focus, linearity and whistle-clean length. Floral notes around the edges add to the intrigue.
Lemony oak sits atop a heady bouquet supported by woody, baked-berry aromas. This is fresh and fast-moving across the palate, with rooty, toasty flavors of baked black fruits. A peppery, toasty, chocolaty finish is solid, dense and layered. Drink through 2021.
Lemony oak, tobacco, sandalwood and berry fruit aromas come together in fine form. This is a full, heavily oaked wine with big tannins and plenty of ripeness and power. Baked black-fruit flavors are propped up by spicy oak, pepper and herb notes, while the finish is spicy, woody, dry and long. Drink through 2018.
Lemony smelling but otherwise straightforward, with citrus blossom and apple aromas. Seems just creamy enough in the mouth, with mild citrusy acidity and normal, likable flavors of apple and orange. Uncomplicated, clean and ready to drink.
Lemony, fruit-driven wine, very crisp in character, with lightness and delicacy. Acidity and a touch of pear flavor offer balance.
Lemony, with the tiniest touch of sweetness, McFadden's Riesling is nicely balanced between acidity and fruit, with a slightly nutty flavor.
Lenaia Rosso (50% Merlot with Sangiovese and Colorino, vinified in cement) opens with foxy notes of crushed grape, root beer and bitter almond. It's short, crisp and fine on the finish.
Lengthy and expansive, this wine offers cherry and herb on the nose, followed by a taste of chocolate and anise, with a jolt of spicy black pepper on the finish. Ready to drink now it's also structured enough to age 2017–2019.
Lengthy in soft tannins, clove and cinnamon, this wine has a handful of Petit Verdot. An herbal underbrush hints at an elegant backbone, despite the huge force of power and weight. It finishes in a flourish of lavender and black licorice.
Leone d'Almerita is a blend of Catarratto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Traminer that opens with a fragrant floral bouquet and pretty notes of honey, peach blossom and marzipan.
Leonensis is a truly beautiful blend of Sangiovese (50%) with Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc that opens with plush and thick aromas of chocolate, spice, almond paste, black fruit, cherry and cassis. In the mouth, the wine imparts a soft, smooth texture and long finish.
Leonetti's 2009 Reserve—92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot—is a simpler blend than in past vintages, and it seems to mark a return to the style of wine that built the winery's reputation initially. Powerfully, lavishly oaky, with a ripe, chewy black-fruit flavor, it is bursting with notes of black cherry, cassis, dark chocolate and a hint of butter. Though not quite as graceful or detailed as the regular Cabernet, this is the more potently expressive of the two flagship Leonetti reds.
Leonetti's 2010 Reserve includes 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 9% Malbec—a more complex blend than the 2009. It opens with a lovely floral aroma—a bouquet of clover and white flowers—then heads for the dark side, with black cherry and cassis. It's a big, tannic wine, beautifully crafted, and clearly differentiated from the winery's regular Cabernet bottling.
Leperchois's wines are almost always interesting. This one, a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault, features distinctive green olive and peppercorn aromas alongside cherry fruit. It's silky and elegant on the palate, with a long finish. Drink now–2017.
Lequilibrio, which means “balance,” shows equal billing to its dark fruit and exotic spice components. It is aged for eight months in oak, rendering a soft, rich expression of the usually very acidic Barbera grape.
Les Cailloux is a traditional-style Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with only the small Syrah component being aged in barrel. The 80% Grenache speaks the loudest, bursting with cherry fruit, dried spice and crushed stone notes that come to a refined, silky finish. Drink now–2025.
Les Chevaux blends 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah, yielding a wine that is smooth, supple, and complete. It has both roundness and depth, and a lovely melding of cherry, chocolate and tobacco.
Les Cimels is a solid, entry-level Costières de Nîmes blend of Syrah, Carignan and Grenache. Blackberry fruit dominates this full-bodied red, picking up intriguing tarry notes and glancing those with crisp, citrusy acids. Long and mouthwatering on the finish.
Les Collines and Stone Valley fruit make up 75% of this wine with the rest coming from Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Summit View. It offers generous aromas of blueberry puree, dried herbs, red fruit, woodspice, dried flowers and mineral. The flavors bring the same but are more pulled-back than the aromas suggest, with a bit of astringency that holds the wine back.
Les Collines is one of the most exciting Syrah vineyards in the state and this wine, which all comes from Block 30 and saw only neutral barrels, expresses this site exquisitely. It opens with aromas of violets, rubbed herb, smoked meat and purple fruit. The palate brings a mesmerizing sense of purity, with mouth-coating seamless fruit and savory flavors. It drinks well on its own but is really designed for the dinner table.
Les Collines, Minick, Old Stones, SJR, Oldfield and Olsen provide the fruit for this wine. It's perfumed and leads with aromas of violets, dried herbs, olive and earth, with raspberry notes emerging over time. The palate is all about texture and elegance, while lingering on the finish.
Les Forts de Latour is at the level of some of the Médoc classed growths. This 2006 is wonderfully juicy with ripe fruit that floats above the dry structure. It is the freshness combined with that generous fruit that is so outstanding here. A great wine for drinking after 3–4 years.
Les Fourneaux is one of the smallest premier crus. Rich and balanced, this wine is full of pear and apricot flavors. It combines a minerally edge with a generous structure and fruitiness. Delicious now, but keep it for 3–4 years.
Les Galets, from Laetitia's estate vineyard, is a brilliant wine. It's fuller and denser than the companion La Colline bottling, with plum and spicy blackberry flavors and a molasses, Indian pudding note. Tannins are evident but not intrusive. This serious Pinot Noir is built to improve in the cellar through 2007.
Les Gras Moutons is regarded as one of the top vineyards of Sèvre et Maine. Here it has produced a richly fragrant, aromatic wine that is structured and tightly textured. It's full of acidity, freshly squeezed lemon and some minerality. Drink from 2016.
Les Meslaines is the name of the parcel of Pinot Noir that produces this Blanc de Noirs. It has richness, a ripe character with fresh apricot flavors, a Champagne that has the weight of a wine. It could do with bottle age, but for freshness drink now.
Les Origines contains 30% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, both matured in oak casks, so there's always some baking spices and a somewhat open texture. Cinnamon and clove join plum and licorice in this full-bodied, velvety wine. It's powerful and rich, with a long finish. Drink now–2025.
Less adequate than in the past. The wine lacks aromatic zest and pungency before showing tart apple and ultimately vegetal flavors. Canned pea notes are prevalent.
Less aromatically forward than its peers, this suggests slightly riper fruit. A welcome mineral focus comes on the concentrated, textured palate that boasts zesty citrus peel and a wonderfully straight, upright backbone. This will come into its own by 2015–2016.
Less bright and perfumed than La Coterie's Passe Colline bottling, this is still a soft, approachable wine with ample cherry fruit. Hints of leather and white pepper give it a bit of complexity. The blend is 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Carignan.
Less complex than some of Londer's single-vineyard designates, this is a great value Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. It tastes of dark raspberry liqueur with a woody overtone, and its presence and mouthfeel are sizable enough to stand up to a variety of earthy foods.
Less defined notes of ripe pear or plum framed by earthy, yeasty notes are toned by citrus freshness. This is concentrated,         punchy and finishes with lip-smacking citrus.
Less effusive on the nose than the Mort's Block, this boasts notes of tangerine zest and lemon. This dry, medium-bodied Riesling hints at riper fruit flavors yet stays resolutely citrusy through the long, electric finish.
Less exuberant on the nose than its counterparts, this bottling offers dried cherry and licorice aromas. The palate shows tart but dark berry and plum skin flavors, with a graphite minerality that leads into a touch of caramel on the finish.
Less flamboyant than the 2010, this is still an excellent wine. It's full bodied, rich and broad on the palate, delivering layers of honeyed apricot and citrus that finish warm, with a hint of caramel. Drink it over the next couple of years.
Less fruit-driven than most Provence rosés, this is a refined, elegant style that provides complexity in the form of spice, mineral and hints of green herbs. Long on the finish.
Less immediately accessible than the 2005, the 2006 is tight and tart and almost seems encased in some sort of a shell. The fruit is concentrated raspberry and plum, and the acids taste natural while the tannins are polished and proportionate. The wine stays focused and strong through a very long finish that dapples in toasted coconut and chocolate malt. If you are a Rollat collector (and you should be) this would be the wine to cellar for five or six years, waiting for the Edouard to come into full flower.
Less jammy and forward than the '04 Elevage, but more closed and tannic than the winery's regular 2005 Cabernet, this Bordeaux blend really needs time to show its stuff. It has obviously deep and impressive currant and blackberry flavors, but the tannins are significant. Hold until at least 2010.
Less successful than some other vintages, this is a crisp, earthy red. Ground pepper, clove and cinnamon mark cranberry fruit, ending dusty and tart. The blend is 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault. Ecocert.
Less successful than some previous bottlings under this label, the 2008 seems earthier and less fruit-forward, with coffee and tree bark notes dominating this medium-bodied wine. The blend is 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre.
Less successful than the red Jacques Sans Souci, this nevertheless has some attractive fresh citrus and green plum flavors and bright fresh acidity. Simple fruits and a light green apple structure give it a good, crisp finish.
Less tangy than some Loire Sauvignon Blanc, this easy, soft wine has attractive acidity and a balanced, steely texture. It's crisp, with some herbaceousness over grapefruit flavors. Drink now.
Let's call it a highly stylized but nonetheless attractive wine. A sweet, spicy oak character floods the taste impressions, the body is full, and the texture firm but smooth. Enticing notes of orange zest, cinnamon and vanilla—almost sweet—dominate the smells and flavors.
Let's call this a dessert wine, but you could easily serve it with a weekend brunch of scrambled eggs and smoked trout or salmon. It's sweet in honey, tangerines and vanilla, brightened by zesty acidity. It would also be lovely as an afternoon apéritif.
Let's hope this isn't the future of California Pinotage, because the wine smells and tastes Porty, even though the alcohol isn't that high. There's a raisiny, stewed berry element that ends in a dry, harsh finish.
Let me confess upfront: creamed corn was one of my favorite side dishes when I was a child. That said, it's not something I like in my wine, and this medium-bodied Chardonnay shows an excess of those sweet corn and lactic aromas and flavors.
Let the conversations about minerality begin. Whatever it is, or wherever it comes from, it's here big time, adding a lick of steel and a metallic mouthfeel to the underlying fruit. And what powerful fruit it is, ranging from orange and guava to honeydew and citron. This bone dry, crisp Chardonnay is a game changer that will make you look at California Chardonnay differently.
Let this burly, big-boned beauty open to fully enjoy its robust oak and fistfuls of black cherry, the oak showing in terms of toasty, slightly reductive aromas. A smooth texture keeps the wine flowing along a concentrated highway of power and ripeness.
Let this heavyweight open; its tannins are tight at first, a showcase of its mountain heritage and more savory personality. Clove and ripe fruit battle against dark coffee and chocolate and those scrappy tannins, which don't ever relent.
Let this Syrah open, but once it does, it is full of raspberry, black pepper, oak and gamy goodness, medium-bodied, elegant and nicely in balance.
Let this wine breathe for a couple hours in a decanter to unlock it. Right out of the bottle, it's a bit brittle and Porty. Airing brings out the cherry-raspberry fruit, and it softens and enhances the earthiness and spices, making for a more fulfilling experience.
Let this wine open in the bottle or glass to reveal a mix of spicy cinnamon, dark chocolate and berry crumble that's entirely inviting. Soft in texture, the body is full and generous in weight and length, representative of its mountain roots.
Lettere is a lightly frizzante (or sparking) wine from the Sorrentine Peninsula with wild berry aromas, black mineral and natural rubber. The wine is foamy and creamy in the mouth with loads of chewy berry flavors.
Leveled by 4% Grenache, this Syrah, which is made in Paso's Tin City district, is rich and lush on the nose. Black cherries and lavender-chocolate truffle are lifted aromatically by herbes du provence. The black-fruit-laden palate is dense with blueberries, maple syrup, dark caramel and touch of black peppercorn.
Libatio shows nice integration with smooth tones of cassis, blueberry, white almond and dried spice. The results deliver balance and elegance and make this a food-friendly option for meat or hearty pasta dishes.
Liberally oaked, thus there's sawdust and spice to accent the berry fruit aromas. Tannic and full-bodied, and tasting of roasted black fruits with a generous sprinkling of baking spices. Chunky, tannic and arguably a little saucy/soupy on the finish. Best if you like big, roasted, chubby wines.
Licorice and anise give this coastal wine a sense of intrigue and complexity around fresh, vibrant layers of red cherry and cranberry. Soft and medium in weight, the finish shows its oak, with a bit of concentration and power.
Licorice and black plum notes give this wine a sultry edge, layered around generous tannin and leathery tobacco. Soft toward the finish, it provides a polished note of red currant and raspberry midway through, lifting much of the weight off the tongue. Cellar through 2020.
Licorice and char on the nose hint at size and ripeness, but the palate does not deliver. Tart raspberry and red-plum flavors are sweet for a fleeting moment and then decidedly sour, while the finish is bland. Shows a few positives but overall it's too snappy and sharp for Malbec.
Licorice and dark chocolate flavors emerge with firm tannins cutting through the balanced fruit and acidity. Flavors are also of black cherry, damson and perhaps mineral. The wine needs decanting.
Licorice and leather aromas give character to smoky yet generic plum and raspberry scents. This feels tight and fresh given its age, with earthy, slightly muddled flavors of raspberry and plum infused with oak and vanilla. On the finish, things seem caught between racy and tired, so drink now.
Licorice and leather stand out in this softly layered wine that leans heavy on the palate. Made in a full-bodied, brawny style, it's single-minded more than complex, finishing in toasty oak and black pepper.
Licorice and warm blacktop make for a dark nose, yet there isn't much base to the acidic palate. There's grabby, tangy generic fruit but mostly tartness and sizzle. An edgy wine with a spot of mocha on a sharp finish.
Licorice aromas are matched by herbal, horsey notes on this earthy, muscular Monastrell. A bold, high-volume palate is home to plum, currant and blackened flavors, while an integrated, lightly herbal finish is fresh and powerful, with a firm structure that will ensure at least several additional years of life. Drink through 2023.
Licorice city on the nose, so much so that it smells like the real thing. In the mouth, it is thick as they come. Flavors of maple, white raisins and milk chocolate are in your face and delicious. Expect a syrupy wine that requires a knife to cut through. Still, it's a wonderful reflection of this generous, sweet-leaning grape.
Licorice, berry and mocha cream are major elements in the seductive bouquet. Creamy, concentrated fruit, leather and black pepper on the palate ride the extracted but not too syrupy mouthfeel. This is a rich Aussie Shiraz with dense fruit and lots of oak—but also enough spine to keep its balance.
Licorice, blackberry extract and a slate-driven mineral element power the complex nose. There's great tension between hearty, ripe olallieberry fruit and bitter plum skins on the palate, resulting in one of the winery's best 2011s.
Licorice, blackberry, cassis and plum aromas are concentrated and fruity. This feels fresh, with choppy tartaric acidity creating high tones across the mouthfeel. Baked blackberry flavors are limited but good, while a jammy, black-fruit finish is smooth, with just enough bracing acidity.
Licorice, cardamom, blueberry and cassis aromas are subtle but complementary. A firm, healthy feel isn't particularly hard or tannic, while candied berry and sweet oak flavors lead to a long, smooth finish. This blend of 67% Malbec and 33% Cab Sauvignon is ripe, ready and exemplifies Mendoza's penchant for big wines with balance. Only 150 cases made.
Licorice, chocolate and black plums all show immediately in this rich, dense wine. Sweet tannins combine with fresh tobacco smokiness over jammy, ripe fruit. This array of flavors is kept in check by the over-arching acidity.
Licorice, dark berry, toast and orange-peel aromas take shape in the glass and carry over to the palate, along with grilled herb, mocha and cinnamon. Firm, polished tannins provide balance and support while a mineral vein drives the finish.
Licorice, fennel and tropical guava provide a flourish of savory and ripe around a fleshy, rounded and smooth overlay unimpeded by oak, the wine aged in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels.
Licorice, grilled herb, mature black-skinned fruit and balsamic aromas take shape in the glass. The juicy palate doles out fleshy black cherry, crushed blackberry, orange zest and spice flavors, with a saline hint of cured meat. Chewy tannins provide lend structure.
Licorice, leather, char and an overload of plum and berries are what greet you, and that's just the bouquet. In the mouth, this is thick, bruising stuff; the tannins are drawing and very tight, but the flavors of licorice, blackberry and chocolate are excellent. Finishes rock solid, which is to be expected given the wine's total package. If you can, hold until 2011 to let the tannins soften; it's meant for the cellar.
Licorice, lemon peel, nutmeg, black cherry, requisite schist and smoke aromas set up a juicy, full-bodied, tannic palate with blackberry, mocha, cassis and mild herbal flavors. Blackened toast, licorice and black-fruit flavors are draped all over a smooth, controlled finish. Best from 2016 through 2023.
Licorice, menthol, red berry and clove aromas carry over to the taut palate along with a tobacco note. Tightly wound fine-grained tannins provide firm support. Drink 2019–2027.
Licorice, mint leaf, black pepper and a hint of tomato define the nose, while the palate has a regular, lightly choppy feel along with flavors of olive, herbal berry fruit and pepper. Dry and smooth on the finish, with lightness and good balance. Good Merlot for the price.
Licorice, raisin and ripe, loamy black-fruit aromas open this blend that's heavy on Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Slightly jammy and flat in feel, this tastes ripe and soft, with lightly herbal blue-fruit flavors. A smooth, jammy finish indicates that this is ready to drink.
Licorice, ripe fruit, ginger, lemon zest, crushed stone, cassis and wild berry notes are bold, but in the mouth the wine is lean and compact, with a particularly bright and fresh feel in the mouth. There's even a menthol note at the very end.
Licorice, schist, wild herbs and spicy berry fruit form an alluring bouquet. The palate is jammy but firm, with mouthfilling tannins and schisty flavors of blackberry that come with a fine herbal streak. Meaty and tannic but balanced and deep; a classy taste of Priorat to drink now through 2018.
Licorice, tobacco and berry aromas lead to a crisp and zesty palate that is led by acidity and tastes of red plum, apple skins and raspberry. Tight and mildly astringent on the finish, with snap out the door. Drink now.
Lifted aloe vera notes and ripe Conference pears harmonize on the nose. The palate is sleek and sculptured by buffered acidity and a deeply satisfying core of rich, phenolic fruitiness. This convinces with absolute authenticity and an intriguing, almost primal edge of floral aromatics.
Lifted and floral up front, this Mencía smells like light, schist-infused plum and raspberry. There's mild grab to the palate, which offers flavors of buttery oak, rubber, strawberry and rose hip. A dry, slightly briny tasting finish fades away elegantly.
Lifted and fresh hints of white pear immediately hit the forehead. The palate holds subtle honeysuckle spice but convinces with a central seam of fluid, fruity acidity. There is concentration and an aftertaste of abundant red apple fruit of this traditional Austrian combo.
Lifted and juicy, this impressive effort from Western Australia shows woodsy, cedary notes on a restrained nose. The palate is drenched in gorgeous cassis and cherry cordial fruit framed by gentle tannins. The crisp finish will cut through steak or pork dishes. Imported by America Uncorked.
Lifted and ultra-clean Conference pear signals a disciplined wine. The linear palate is equally pure, with zesty and fresh acidity against a background of these green pears and a mossy savoriness.
Lifted and vibrant, this expressive Syrah shows great life and freshness. The red berry and blueberry fruit backbone balances the creamy vanilla and sweet smoke frame. Raspberry, cocoa-dusted cherry, coffee and anise flavors fill the round mouth with a lush, velvety texture; black pepper and baking spice notes remain through the long finish.
Lifted apple and pear aromas accent this light-bodied Tokaji with characteristic honey sweetness and a bright, citrus acidity. There's a darkness to this wine, however, brought on by hints of oxidation and a slightly dusty, tinned finish.
Lifted aromas of both tart and ripe green and yellow apples appear, alongside hints of wet pebble and faint notions of quince. On the palate, these flavors are wrapped in citrus freshness on a sprightly, lively, concentrated and wonderfully dry palate. This is full of life and finishes on a pervasive, all-encompassing zesty lemon freshness. Lovely now but will evolve majestically. Drink now through 2035.
Lifted aromas of cherry Jell-O, spicy raspberry and a kiss of anise show brightly on the nose. The palate offers a slight tannic grip, with strawberry and cherry flavors leading to a lightly peppered finish.
Lifted aromas of crushed mint, menthol, underbrush and crushed berry are front and center on this impressive wine. It's still young but already shows impeccable pedigree, delivering raspberry compote, juicy Marasca cherry, licorice and clove while assertive but refined tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and an age-worthy structure. Drink 2025–2038.
Lifted aromas of jasmine, apricot and guava entice from the glass. Medium to full bodied on the palate, this Viognier shows no sense of sloth. Lively acids keep everything in check, while tart tropical fruits meld into juicy stone fruits. Enjoy this alluring sipper with mango-glazed grilled salmon.
Lifted bergamot is the almost singular, striking citrus feature here, marrying fragrant, leafy peel with riper hints of pineapple. It finishes with triumphant, tropical ripeness.
Lifted black-cherry and floral aromas highlight a palate that's brisk with a briary, tart raspberry flavor. It's dry and refreshing, with a delicately tannic structure.
Lifted blackberry and cherry aromas introduce this lush, full-bodied wine that offers a black-cherry flavor. Savory hints of smoked meat, soy sauce and bold, velvety tannins add structure and dimension.
Lifted by 8% Carménère and Viognier, it's straight down the fairway with notes of blueberry, orange peel, pepper and brambly fruit. Lighter in style, it tapers toward the finish.
Lifted by notes of pear, petroleum jelly and apricot, it's medium bodied and drinks off dry (6 g/L residual sugar) with a tart, lingering finish.
Lifted cedar and pine notes interspersed with appealing woodsy scents give way to a surprisingly intense palate that shows some nice peppery notes but ultimately falls short on the finish. Nearly imperceptible tannins suggest early consumption.
Lifted chamomile joins riper pear and apple fruit on the nose of this wine. On the concentrated palate these are joined by lemon and grapefruit zest in an unapologetically bracing style. This wine is clean, dry, fresh and totally lip-smacking with the full force of citrus behind it.
Lifted cherry and floral aromatics carry with them a hint of barrel char in this medium-bodied, elegantly styled blend of 51% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 9% Malbec. It's admirably supple and harmonious from start to finish. Drink now–2015.
Lifted cherry, mango and peach aromas lend a slightly candied note to this slightly off-dry rosé made from Cabernet Franc. It's unabashedly juicy and fruity on the palate, but balanced with brisk acidity. A fun, easy-drinking sip.
Lifted citrus- and pear-scented refreshment describes this wine's purpose. Zesty lemon peel balanced by lots of green pear fruit makes a winning combination.
Lifted citrus blossom and luscious peach notes rise from the glass. The palate follows this with sweetness, as though rose petals were dipped into blossom honey. The floral overtones are accentuated by a bitter caramel note, leaving a medium-sweet finish. Lovely now, the wine will still develop. Drink 2016–2022
Lifted ethereal notes of bitter almond and peach kernel alongside hints of chamomile announce evolution and development. Underneath these aromatic forces on the nose, the palate reveals ripe peach and pear on a very concentrated, absolutely streamlined and bone-dry body. Pleasantly bitter pith notes give a grown-up edge to this mature marvel. Wonderfully layered flavors make you linger and show what time can do to a classy Pinot Gris.
Lifted floral and blackberry notes perfume this delicately textured Cabernet Franc. It's lighter and leaner in style than many 2014 Finger Lakes reds but still concentrated in flavor. Bright acidity, fine tannins and a swathe of rustic herbs and bramble extend on the finish.
Lifted floral and stone fruit aromatics add intensity to peachy, grape flavors on the palate of this wine. It's rich and luscious, with a bright burst of tangerine on the finish.
Lifted floral aromas include a hint of white pepper and green apples. Flavors are fresh and zesty, showing more mineral notes than fruit. This would be a nice match with chicken satay on the patio.
Lifted green pear and passion fruit come in a clean but slender package that offers easy, zingy refreshment.
Lifted green pears, ripe lemon rind and yellow plums make for a fruity trio. The supple palate radiates substance and style.
Lifted heady notes of Damask rose rise from the glass alongside lemony tang. The palate brims with the same rose petal notes but also holds plenty of spice: sandalwood and ginger, white pepper and the merest touch of vanilla. The palate is concentrated and rounded with gentle sweetness, countered by fresh lemon acidity. The persistence of flavors on the palate is incredible. Serve this either with fruity spicy Asian fare or runny, soft and very ripe cheeses.
Lifted hints of chamomile and apple peel rise straight from the glass. The palate has the same streamlined citrus focus and just homes in on that sleek dry apple freshness that seem to be a dynamic force at the center of this wine. The flavors are concentrated and totally dominated by utter lemon freshness, tart and vivid to the last. Lovely now but with further potential. Drink now through 2030.
Lifted honeysuckle and jasmine perfume abound throughout this textbook Mosel Kabinett. Sun-kissed apricots and peaches burst on the palate, yet maintain a graphite edge of minerality and acidity. It's a crystalline fruity wine that's irresistible now for its youthful exuberance.
Lifted lemon purity surrounded by white summer blossom make for a fresh Riesling with wonderful balance, concentration and poise. It offers that quintessential acid streamline that Riesling-lovers always look for.
Lifted lemon purity, cushioned by riper stone fruit, especially yellow plum and greengage, makes this a complete and super-refreshing, fruity number.
Lifted lemony flavors signal a fresh wine. The palate, in contrast, has more rounded, fluid notes and a core of freshness with a distinct hint of alcoholic heat on the finish.
Lifted lemony freshness greets the nose, while savoriness dominates the palate. It offers pear and citrus, as well as riper stone-fruit, earthy hints and pungent watercress and white pepper—all packaged in a ripe but streamlined body.
Lifted lime and lemon notes appear on the shy nose, edged with soy spice. The palate follows with ripe, beautifully drawn pear fruit and even more yeasty, savory miso. Texturally this has a creamy lick and sleek midpalate concentration. The long, lovely finish brings out earthiness, pear peel and hints of lovage and chervil.
Lifted notes of beeswax and chamomile signal maturity. In contrast to these wonderfully evolved notes, the palate sings with freshness and verve. This is resolutely dry but full of charm, despite its serious if gentle nature. The body is characterized by fluidity, concentration, warmth and freshness. A great joy that lasts long after the last sip.
Lifted notes of chamomile and lemon rind hit the nose. The palate is wonderfully taut and tight, fresh and precise and displays a wonderful Riesling contradiction: a bone-dry taut wine can be laser-like on the palate and yet have whirls of rich rounded expansive flavors. Here they are of citrus zest, yarrow, lanolin and pure lemon oil. Savor this slowly and feel enriched. Drink now through 2030.
Lifted notes of chamomile and marzipan, of pear, beeswax and dried lemon zests are already present. The palate subsumes all these flavors into a harmonious, fluid whole. This is textured and complex, with the merest hint of sweetness but finishing absolutely dry.
Lifted notes of Conference pear blended with creamy, balmy aloe vera create an intriguing, friendly and inviting nose, while a pleasantly bitter edge suggests some grapefruit zest. The palate is zingy, sprightly and fresh, almost belying the concentrated power at its base. Texturally this is a pleasure too, with a wonderfully ripe phenolic edge.
Lifted notes of dried pear, dried chamomile flowers and dried lemon peel have a strong impact. The palate comes in with lovely generous sweetness that amplifies that chamomile-tisane notion and boosts the dried-fruit notes. Against the distinctly medium-sweet fruitiness stands a clarion line of acidity. The evolution of fruit flavors weaves a colorful tapestry of aromas. This is carefully balanced and quietly intense. It holds immense strength at its core that radiates flavor and fruit. Made from a field blend of Alsace varieties, each adds something: aroma, texture, freshness and body. The finish is endless and very fruity. Have this with cheese or a subtle dessert. Drink now through 2035.
Lifted notes of honey and rose petal play on the nose, the palate is altogether more lively than the nose suggests: sprightly and fresh, concentrated and caramel-tinged with lemon freshness. This strikes an appetizing, moreish palate and makes for joyful drinking.
Lifted notes of plump but crunchy red cherries and white pepper create an appetizing nose. The purity of those red cherries shines on the supple but fresh palate while white pepper reaches into every corner. Fine tannins give way to the central structural element of lip-smacking but appetizing freshness. This delivers crunch and juice and a whole lot of spice.
Lifted notes of ripe Amalfi lemon zest play on the nose. The palate has the same fresh but fruity and approachable friendliness. Slender and compact, the dry body has an appealing juiciness that delivers total lemon refreshment.
Lifted notes of ripe, juicy apple are foremost on the nose. They also shine on the palate, where they are countered by a fine, gentle and creamy mousse and lovely freshness. This is beautifully composed, understated, fresh and elegant. The dry finish shines with lemon and echoes long.
Lifted notes of rose water and honeysuckle blossom rise immediately from the glass. They remain just as perfumed on the palate, clothing peach fruit in floral fragrance. There is a pleasantly bitter edge and just enough freshness to stand up to the opulent flavors. This finishes medium sweet and has a perfumed finish.
Lifted notes of wild, aromatic raspberry hover above a far earthier base of chestnut. But this wine is mutable: sniffed at another moment its red cherry and peony petal flavors come to the fore. The palate is light bodied and has a firm acidic backbone, destining it for the table. There are mystical edges of woodsmoke and pepper but what remains and lingers is pure cherry and raspberry fruit.
Lifted notes of Williams pear meld into a more general fruit note on the rounded palate that is juicy and enlivened by lemony freshness. Drink this wine soon to enjoy the exuberant, easy-drinking and refreshing fruit.
Lifted notes of Williams pear show hints of gingerbread and dried Bierewecke, a confection made of Christmas spices, nuts and dried pear. Fresh with lemon zest, the palate is appealingly off-dry: all the richness comes from flavor and mellow texture. Pair this beautifully balanced wine with runny, ripe cheese for a real taste of Alsace.
Lifted notions of bergamot, lemon and grapefruit set a fragrant, almost heady tone. The same riot of citrus tumbles forth from the palate—there is a linear dynamic that exudes liveliness and drive. The direct juxtaposition of ripe juiciness and tart refreshment creates an irresistible moreishness. Yes, Austria can produce intensity in such a compact, neat package that provides pure thrill.
Lifted peach and chamomile just hint at the maturity of this wine that has barely begun its trajectory. The palate is still taut and firm, fresh with lemon zest and singing with an evolved, lifted purity. This does not need sweetness to propel its flavor: its slender poise and purity make it soar on its own. The more you taste, the more you find: drops of soy, glints of stone, shimmers of citrus and lanolin. It's gorgeous, concentrated, incisive and long.
Lifted peach and wilting petals of Damask rose unite in the perfumed, supremely aromatic nose of this wine. The palate continues with rosewater notes of Turkish Delight and candied peach. Honeyed and rich, the sweet palate is concentrated but guided by lemony freshness. Overwhelming with perfume and concentration, this decadent wine needs either a perfumed, peachy dessert or a salty blue cheese to match those crashing waves of full-blown flavor.
Lifted pear-drop aromas are accompanied by the peppery green of watercress and arugula. The concentrated palate is grounded by earthy, savory yeast notes and framed by fresh lime peel. There is a dollop of riper pear fruit at the core, shining and shimmering with added charm.
Lifted primary aromas of green pear peel hit you first with their inviting freshness. The palate has the gentle vanilla kiss of oak and an utterly creamy texture but finishes beautifully with pure lemon freshness.
Lifted purity of ripe Williams pear and a streamlined but not unsubstantial body combine to make a compelling, abundantly pear-fruited wine. It manages to be slender, rich and mineral at the same time.
Lifted ripeness and candied lemon peel send their aromas heavenwards. These rounded aromas with a fetching touch of bitter fir and honey also appear on the palate where acidity is present but cushioned. Like honey parfait spiked with lemon peel, this is lovely and lingers long.
Lifted, almost herbal citrus freshness dominates the nose, making for an inviting appetizing opening. The palate comes in with generous ripe pear fruit on a slender body. The flavors are boosted by some residual sweetness. The off-dry finish is of lasting, adorably brilliant, pure pear fruit.
Lifted, floral blueberry, raspberry, tomato and herbal aromas set this apart from the norm. Fresh but limited on the palate, this tastes of herbal raspberry and savory meat. Similar to the palate, this is short on the finish, with pronounced oak.
Lifted, fragrant notes of honeyed, botrytised passion fruit swirl on the nose. The palate is of an intense sweetness cut by a razor-sharp freshness of candied lemon peel and lemon confit. These extremes of sweet and tart create a compelling tension that is played out in ever-recurring waves. There is a wonderful purity to this. It is luscious now but will age slowly and beautifully. Drink now and over the coming decade.
Lifted, fresh notes of peach on nose and palate somehow manage to pull off a wine of utter freshness that is soft, mellow and rounded at the same time. The peachy fruit pervades the entire palate which has just a smidgeon of residual sweetness and a helpful, balancing edge of pleasant bitterness.
Lifted, lemony freshness mixes with lime zest on the nose. Underneath some pungent arugula also dances on the palate, where pepperiness and fresh acidity guarantee pleasure with this concentrated but toned white.
Lifted, notes of pure lemon zest fill the nose while the palate follows up and throws in some riper notions akin to plump, little, yellow mirabelle plums. There is a wonderfully textured midpalate that lends more body to this slender figure. The purity of the fruit expressed here is thrilling, as is the lemony freshness that pervades everything.
Lifted, pear-scented freshness dominates the nose while the palate is soft but has a pleasing and linear citrus focus. This is poised and offers sophisticated refreshment.
Lifted, primary notions of pear drop make for an appetizing opening. The palate is light and bouncy and full of sunny pears—both green and yellow. The finish is fresh and clean. This is lively and thirst-quenching. Drink soon.
Light-apricot in color, this wine offers a bouquet of Fuji apple and orange peel. It has flavors of clementine, orange, hazelnut, leather and smoke. Strong tannins are counterbalanced by bold acidity, and a finish marked by clementine and orange rind flavors leaves a pleasing tannic halo on the tongue and gums.
Light-bodied and crisp, this delivers tart cherries and a whack of mocha-tinged oak, which dominates the finish.
Light-bodied and easygoing, this has delicate whiffs reminiscent of spring flower and red berry. The extremely simple fruity palate shows sour cherry and a hint of raspberry.
Light-bodied and lacking in tannin, this is a more traditional Barbera, with attractive mixed berry fruit on the nose, followed by forest floor and graham cracker flavors in the mouth. Drink now.
Light-bodied and lean yet ebulliently perfumed, this dry Riesling offers layers of floral, fruity refreshment. It's delightfully peachy on the palate, but zesty pink grapefruit and fresh herb notes lend structure and dimension. The finish lingers long, augmented by a bristle of green-tea tannins.
Light-bodied and lithe, this is not as fruity or flashy as many of its brethren from this vintage. Instead, it offers mineral complexity only slightly buffered by notes of ripe apples and stone fruit, and a long, citrusy finish. Give it some time in the cellar, where it should blossom in another 5–7 years.
Light-bodied and modestly priced, this is a wine for a wide circle of friends, great for midweek meals and larger weekend gatherings. Hazelnut and caramel-honey confront the senses, while the palate offers balance and zesty acidity. The finish is soft and subtle.
Light-bodied and refreshing, this wine leads with fresh cucumber aromas then opens crisp grapefruit and lemon flavors that feel lively on the palate.
Light-bodied and yet offering a depth of complexity, this is resplendent in rhubarb and spicy anise, layered and textured in silky waves of fleshy flavor. A well balanced and approachable selection that's enjoyable now.
Light-bodied wine, with fresh spice and stalky tannins. There is bright black currant acidity, giving an edge to the wood perfumes.
Light-bodied, crisp and clean, this is a simple interpretation of Barbera that will surely pair with most meat and pasta dishes. The wine is polished, bright and fruity on the close.
Light-bodied, lean and very refreshing, this lively, crisp wine will make a great counterpoint to lots of appetizers and many kinds of seafood. A tangy apple and peach-skin flavor is mild but tasty, and the finish is crisp and clean.
Light-bodied, straightforward red, with blackberry aromas, this wine could be accentuated with chilling and is a solution for cuisine such as mixed charuterie platters or liver terrines. A friendly, uncomplicated red made for the moment, with gracious, cheerful fruitiness.
Light-footed, this wine is characterized by the clean, refreshing flavors of lemon zest and flesh. The palate is bright, with a dry, lip-smacking finish.
Light-gold in color, this blend of three indigenous grapes and a small amount of Chardonnay has a gentle aroma of citrus fruits and white flowers. On the palate there is also a nice interplay of citrus and flowers, with flavors of lemon, lime and orange blossom. The finish is marked with a note of salinity.
Light-salmon in color, this Hawaiian sparkler surprises with ripe raspberry and white chocolate aromas. Vigorous bubbles clean up the strawberries-and-cream palate, enticing the drinker for yet another sip. Enjoy with creamy strawberry cheesecake.
Light-straw in the glass, this wine has aromas of grapefruit and lemon curd. It is soft in the mouth, with a sophisticated feel and refreshing acidity. Flavors of lemon, grapefruit and marzipan persist into a slightly cooling finish with a bright ending.
Light-textured wine, with its berry fruits dominant. Hints of wood aging balance with fruit tannins and acidity. Very accessible, the finish earthy and rustic.
Light (for Sineann) and almost delicate, but expressive and delightful, with lovely fruit displaying highlights of peach, cherry and hard candy. Broadly appealing, with a lick of light chocolate in the finish.
Light amber in color, this five year old Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of caramelized pear and grilled pineapple. This style of wine pairs perfectly with strong, earthy cheeses.
Light amber in the glass, this wine offers a bouquet of stone fruit and white flowers. It is round on the palate with flavors of apricot, peach, flint and white chocolate. Tannins that enter softly stiffen up just before the smooth, bright finish.
Light and a bit cloudy in appearance, this wine begins with a nose of wet slate and raspberry. Next comes a flavor of cherry tomato sauce that's combined with stewed spices of clove, anise and dried orange peel. Layered, interesting and complex.
Light and a little cloudy in the glass, this is a delicious and deep wine from a vineyard in the eastern Salinas Valley, with lime blossoms, squeezed lemons, wet cement and salted white peach on the nose. The palate deftly pairs chalk, sour cream, and lime zest with dried white peach, sea salt and fresh churned butter.
Light and a little scratchy on the bouquet, with leathery notes. Feels fresh and kind of light in weight, with basic but clean red-fruit flavors and a dash of peppery spice. Flows easily on the finish, with a bit of fire and heat.
Light and accessible now, this single-vineyard Pinot offers delicate notes of red currant and strawberry hull on the nose and in the mouth. Soft, with low tannins and an easygoing structure.
Light and airy, with red fruit and tea aromas. The palate is fairly acidic but not harsh or sour; flavors of pie cherry are balanced and sweetened by caramel, yet the finish is lean and quick, with citrus peel and zest. More of a lighter-bodied refresher with just a spot of oak.
Light and almost effervescent in the glass, this popular Grenache-based pink from Doug Margerum offers yeasty, Champagne-like aromas, soft lemon-peel scents and wet slate minerality. The palate's tingling acidity delivers chalky lime and cotton candy flavors, bound together with compelling tension.
Light and almost herbaceous, this is the simplest Chablis in the Laroche portfolio. It has pure, clean white-fruit and red apple flavors, tautened by acidity, ending with a crisp, green finish. Screwcap.
Light and already fruity, this wine features attractive black-currant flavors, bright acidity and soft tannins. Ready to drink.
Light and approachable, this offers friendly aromas and flavors of grass, pear, gooseberry and lemon-lime acidity, ending short and crisp. Drink up.
Light and aromatic, this delicate and poised wine seduces with lush aromas of cherries and baking spices. It has the elegance that only fine Pinot Noir can express. Here the subtleties have been coaxed into rich expression, with details of spice and incense and chocolate truffles adding to the lingering finish.
Light and attractively spicy, the wine is off dry, with a touch of honey, apricots and dried fruits. The texture, soft and tangy, is peppery while the acidity is already well integrated. It's an attractive, ready to drink wine.
Light and balanced, this five grape Bordeaux-style blend does not try to overreach. The fruit is clean and delicate, pale cherry set amidst dried leaves, tobacco, and muted tannins. Plenty of acid keeps it lively, but everything is in focus and proportionate.
Light and balanced, this Pinot Noir is from Illinois Valley vineyards in southwest Oregon—quite different from the Willamette Valley sites that are most often associated with Oregon wines. It's a delicate wine, with 13% alcohol, and a mouthfeel much like a simple Bourgogne. A fine choice for everyday drinking with poultry dishes.
Light and basic Macabeo with melon and other sweet, mellow aromas. The palate is a bit flat in feel but otherwise there's nothing wrong. Tastes of light citrus, kiwi and white grapes. Chalky and slightly stony on the finish.
Light and bright with plenty of fruit and a lsoft texture, this lemon-flavored wine has crisp acidity and a ready-to-drink freshness. Drink now.
Light and bright, a shade darker than a hearty Rhône rosé, this cherry- and strawberry-flavored pacer displays saddle leather and earth notes that provide interest and depth. Fairly high in acidity, and with brisk, lightly peppery tannins, this would be great with cheese or spicy hors d’oeuvres.
Light and bright, this attractive, fruity wine has raspberry and red plum flavors along with a tannic core. It could age, although it's good to drink now.
Light and bright, this combines 41% Syrah, 36% Grenache and 23% Mourvèdre, each sourced from the Landa Vineyard near the town of Sonoma. Menthol and cherry notes arise first on the nose and palate, riding a wave of lifted acidity, with a meaty undertone and lavender and tobacco accents.
Light and bright, this fruity wine has a more bitter element that gives a sharper character that will hopefully round out. At the back, plenty of acidity leaves a crisp aftertaste.
Light and bright, this has a crisp prickle on the tongue, along with canned grapefruit and tight apple-skin flavors. It is almost dry, which gives the wine a mineral texture that adds a bite. Drink now.
Light and bright, this has pear and apple flavors. The acidity cuts through to balance the fruitiness, with a lively lemon-peel note and an edge of minerality.
Light and bright, this is a direct and easygoing rosé, with attractive aromas and flavors of red currant, ruby-red grapefruit rind, white melon and peach. The medium-weight palate is lifted by refreshing, citrus-flavored acidity, ending with an orange and strawberry-hull fueled finish.
Light and bright, this is a fragrant and fruity rosé. On the palate, strawberry flavors are gently caressed with soft acidity, leaving a soft, ripe aftertaste.
Light and bright, this is a perfumed wine. Its very present acidity is underpinned by spice, red-currant fruits and a tangy, tangerine aftertaste. Drink now.
Light and bright, this is a totally approachable wine, crisp and lemon scented. With a lively texture, it dances out of the glass, a wine to drink now.
Light and bright, this slightly textured wine is full of crisp green and citrus fruits. A great tang of acidity and freshness flows through this attractive wine. Drink now.
Light and bright, this wine is fruity with a soft, smooth texture that brings out pear and green-plum flavors. A refreshing wine, it's tangy, zesty and ready to drink.
Light and carbonic in tone, with a slight spritz to the acidity, this wine is ethereal, laced with black tea and tart cranberry flavors.
Light and chalky aromas of lemon peel, yeast and white flowers are pure and inviting on the nose of this bottling by regional sparkling pioneer Norm Yost. Clean lines of lime peel and rounded hints of nectarine show on the very pleasing and non-aggressive palate.
Light and charming, this slips into gear gently and then surprises with some tannic grip. Flavors combine root beer and strawberry highlights. For Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, it offers exceptional value.
Light and cheerful, this ruby-colored Rosso delivers a mixed bag of aromas. You'll detect red fruit, barbecue spice, smoked meat, leather and prune. It shows very nice intensity and persistency on the close with a playful touch of refreshing acidity.
Light and cheesy smelling, this has herbal red-fruit aromas. It feels quick and hard across the palate, with strawberry, raspberry and herbal flavors.
Light and chocolaty, this carries a strong and distinctive scent and flavor of cinnamon spice. On the palate, the flavors suggest strawberries, with a quick-to-fade finish.
Light and clean aromas of Asian pear, pear blossoms, apple flesh and white flowers show on the nose of this bottling from a property on the far western edge of the maritime appellation. Bright acidity presents flavors of lime, green apples, Anjou pear flesh and a touch of kiwi, with savory sea-salt touches.
Light and clean in the nose, with attractive hints of nutmeg and other baking spices. It's certainly not dull, what with its fresh grapefruit, nectarine and tangerine flavors. A crisp, refreshing finish is the final act, making it perfect to accompany shellfish.
Light and clean, this is a gentle take on Pinot Noir, comparable to a modest Bourgogne from a big shipper such as Bouchard. The alcohol rests comfortably at 13.5%, and the wine is done in a fruit-forward, drink-now style that fits the price point.
Light and clean, this Pinot Blanc has layered flavors of flower, pear and mineral. It's a fine choice to pair with Asian fare or to enjoy on its own as an apéritif.
Light and clean, which compared to other Argentine Pinot Grigios is not something to dismiss. Feels solid and punchy, with orange and mango flavors. Has nice overall clarity and balance, with a citrusy finish.
Light and clean, with dust, toast, raspberry and flowery notes to the bouquet. Fresh and properly round in the mouth, with a lot of red fruit and length. Bright, lifted and likable on the finish, with good flow. Better than most rosé Cavas.
Light and clear in color and texture, this wine is both slightly sour and sweet, swerving between savory leather and clove notes and a more ripe aspect of black cherry and strawberry.
Light and clear in color and texture, this wine opens in dirt and earth, along with a touch of baked strawberry. Smooth, juicy and long-lasting, it shows off the vintage's warmer leanings, and is medium bodied and densely lengthy.
Light and clear in color this wine is somewhat simple on the palate and marked by the presence of oak. Light bodied, it has flavors of baked bread and strawberry jam that get along well before a wave of vanilla lingers on the finish.
Light and clear in color, this ethereal and delicate wine is earthy, with a brightness of cherries and a woodsy back note. Subtle in alcohol and power, it provides a food-friendly experience of cardamom and rose petals that makes it pretty on the nose and elusive on the palate.
Light and clear in color, this impish wine needs time to grow up in the bottle, its profile momentarily giving way almost entirely to savory Asian five-spice and a sharp acidity that should interweave together expertly over the years. Vibrant and complex, the fruit is sultry and dusted in earth. Set this one down through 2017.
Light and clear in color, this vineyard-designate combines earthiness and oak in a slightly tart and oak-laden package, unsure whether to let the oak overpower or not. Wild strawberry and herb can be found within the folds.
Light and clear in color, this wine opens with a reduced barrel expression, but settles down to reveal soft, earthy and tangy layers of persimmon, cranberry and black tea. Lengthy and medium bodied, it shines most in terms of texture, falling somewhere between silky and velvety.
Light and clear in color, this wine veers into cool-climate, restrained territory in its well-defined lines of sage, dried herb and stemmy earth. Dry tannins give an oomph of power beneath traces of dried rose.
Light and cloudy in the glass, this wine shows a carbonic earthiness that's welcoming and complex. Forest floor, mushroom, pine and cola flavors permeate the palate in a delicately savory way, finishing bright and crisp.
Light and creamy in lemon meringue with a shake of salt, this 100% varietal white has full-flavored intensity and a floral aromatic streak that invites. Dry, it spent time aging in both new French oak and stainless steel, riding both waves with graceful ease.
Light and crisp, it offers layers of lemon chiffon and spicy pear. The at-first luxurious mouthfeel evolves smoothly into crisper, citrus-wrapped acidity. This is a sippable, ideal summer wine.
Light and crisp, this has clean pear and grapefruit flavors. With its enticing acidity, this is a great summer quaff. Screwcap.
Light and crisp, this is a delicious green-fruited wine that has a crisp texture and lively acidity. Screwcap.
Light and crisp, this is a fresh style of wine without much weight. There are a toast element from wood, some green berry structure, flavors of white currants, and tight acidity. The finish shows citrus and high toast. Screwcap.
Light and crisp, this is an open, bright and lightly herbaceous wine. Green fruits and lime juice are dominant along with a fresh, bright texture. It is ready to drink.
Light and crisp, this offers aromas like peach skin and grapefruit, and flavors like crisp green apple and white peach. A lean, tangy texture make this very refreshing and versatile with food.
Light and crisp, this steely wine offers sensations of white flowers, zesty citrus, white peach and slate. It's simple but well made with fresh acidity that gives it a clean, bright finish.
Light and crisp, this wine has a smooth apple flavor and soft acidity. It is fragrant and fruity, with some sweetness on the finish. It would make for a good apéritif.
Light and crisp, this wine has aromas like crisp apples and flavors suggesting white peaches. The fresh texture stays lively through the finish.
Light and crisp, this wine has citrus and green-plum flavors. It is still developing, with plenty of acidity as well a perfumed character. Drink this attractive wine from 2018.
Light and crisp, this wine offers the freshness of orange rind and lemon, both aromatically and on the palate. It's refreshing and not overdone.
Light and crisp, with a perfumed bouquet of baby powder and lime blossom. Simple green apple and lime flavors carry a tart edge through the finish.
Light and crystalline in the glass, this snappy bottling shows ripe cranberry fruit, thyme and composting violets on the dynamic nose. Though very lightweight on the palate, it delivers waves of raspberry, hibiscus and spicy cinnamon flavors, revealing how layered and vivid that a fresh and bright expression of Grenache can be.
Light and dainty aromas of sliced blood orange, Anjou-pear skins, dried apples and pears, and a slate-driven minerality show on the nose of this wine. It's also light on the palate, but there is a decent amount of grip and acidic texture. It's somewhat simple yet easy to quaff.
Light and delicate aromas of Gravenstein-apple custard and lemon curd grow a tad stronger with patience, delving into white peach, vanilla cream and a touch of bubblegum. There is solid textural tension on the palate, where Meyer lemon pith meets with cashew and browned butter flavors.
Light and delicate aromas of lime curd, vanilla yogurt and a touch of pear custard show in a very pleasing manner on the nose of this vineyard-blend bottling. The palate is expertly rounded, with wet riverstone, yellow apple, lime zest and creamy white fruit like cherimoya and ripe nectarine.
Light and delicate bubblegum aromas are cut by pink lemonade, a touch of honeydew and a peachy ripeness on this blend of 67% Grenache, 22% Picpoul Blanc, 8% Mourvèdre and 3% Syrah. There is lots of minerality on the sip, with rainy slate and wet cement, as well as rounded watermelon, strawberry and bubblegum flavors, all sliced by lime and tangerine zest.
Light and delicate on the nose with lime blossoms and damp herbs, this top-end bottling from Fred Brander shows lots of peppery energy once sipped. The tense palate is more about texture than flavors, yet wet cement, ripe lime, grass and oregano do make flashy appearances.
Light and delicate on the nose, this single-vineyard Chardonnay shows white peach, honeysuckle and browned butter on the nose. There is good tension to the sip, but also riper flavors of apple cider, pan-seared pear and lemon preserves.
Light and delicate, it attracts more for its stylish finesse than for any power or ageability. Berry and earth flavors are framed in modest tannins and soft acids, and there's some bitterness from the middle palate through the finish.
Light and delicate, this “Vintage Debut” Pinot Noir skates along a pretty thin edge. Light hints of strawberry and cherry blossom lead into a pale wine with plenty of acidity. But despite the acclaimed vintage, this is pretty thin stuff.
Light and delicate, this wine also offers a lushness to the texture, finding a balance between the two spectrums. Cranberry and strawberry dot a landscape of earthy tobacco and cola-laced oak, finishing with a bold taste of dark chocolate.
Light and delicate, thist shows distant tones of fragrant fruit and tangy citrus. Its natural sweetness helps make the finish feel rich and generous.
Light and delicate, yet flavorful and perfectly ripe, this elegant wine taps into the ethereal side of the grape. It's tart and somewhat chocolaty, yet neither acid nor barrel flavors obscure the oh-so-pretty raspberry fruit.
Light and dilute, this is a pleasant wine, soft with hints of pineapple and a fresh aftertaste. Screw cap.
Light and dry, this Merlot is a good buy in an everyday wine. It has clean, earthy flavors of berries, cherries, red currants and herbs.
Light and earthy, this wine's secret weapon is its sizzling tease of white pepper that explodes quietly on the palate as it develops. Further spiced in forest and pine, it dances along an elegant focus of integrated power and tannin to reveal elements of cranberry, pomegranate and wild strawberry.
Light and earthy, this wine glows in spicy citrus, with a rhubarb-and-strawberry tartness and black tea accents. Medium-bodied, it shows an underlying crispness that belies its weight and depth, the oak subtle yet supportive.
Light and earthy, with cedar, moss and mild, well-aged red fruit aromas. It's a solid rendition of older-school red wine. Mature, mellow and baked, with roast plum and mocha. Long and earthy on the finish, and drinking at its most mature and best state now.
Light and earthy, with welcoming aromas of forest floor and black tea, this is a wisp of wine, delicate and soft, lightly spicy and enjoyable. Cherry and raspberry round out its profile, an elegant representation of Russian River Valley Pinot.
Light and easy-drinking with fresh notes of lemon citrus, watercress and a touch of wild field grass. Clean acidity and herbal flavors carry through the palate to the crisp finish. Drink now.
Light and easy on the nose with hibiscus, cranberry and pomegranate notes, this bottling from a famous vineyard also picks up some crushed slate aromas as well. Compared to the many rich bottlings from this region, this is rather reserved on the sip, with tart cranberry, peppery spice and black tea flavors.
Light and easy to drink, with just enough apple and lime to keep things interesting. Makes a fine apéritif.
Light and easy with a great lift to the green plum, hard guava and banana notes. Lively but not overly zippy or mouth-puckering on the finish. Drink now.
Light and easy, and made for drinking now. Shows plenty of charm, with dry, crisp flavors of herbs, red currants, tobacco and spices, wrapped into scoury tannins.
Light and easy, this has direct aromas and flavors of green plum, lime, just-dried grass and underripe mango. Medium acidity keeps the finish clean and bright. Drink now.
Light and easy, this is a direct and straightforward Cab that offers pleasant aromas and flavors of ripe red plum, cherry preserves, raspberry sauce, mocha and baking spice. The soft tannins and fruit-forward palate make this an ideal selection to enjoy now.
Light and elegant, this spicy, lively wine is a gentle joy. There is a precision and refinement evident here that makes other Champagnes seem almost clumsy. The delicate flavors of fresh apple, pear and citrus are further enhanced with pretty cinnamon spice.
Light and elegant, with a scent of smoke winding through the pretty cherry fruit, this pleasant wine will appeal most to those who prefer their Pinots to show delicacy and nuance.
Light and ephemeral, Winery Block comes from one vineyard planted to three clones (Swan, Dijon 114 and Mt. Eden). The Swan predominates, prompting pretty floral aromas of rose and violet before a bright line of cherry-rhubarb kicks in and earthiness rounds out the middle and end.
Light and ethereal in color, this vineyard-designated wine has a thinness. It's also marked by a funky herbal taste that can best be described as bouquet garni, but especially sage, veering into tomato leaf.
Light and ethereal on the nose, this wine develops body and complexity on the palate, a mix of flavors defined by rose petal and strawberry-hull earthiness. Lengthy in acidity, it remains fresh and inviting in the glass and a good accompaniment to a meal.
Light and floral, this is a complex, well-integrated Chardonnay that's bursting in just-sliced pineapple, with a layering of butterscotch and caramel. It's richly textured yet nicely balanced between savory and sweet. The acidity upholds the wine from entering into dense territory, a celebration of one heck of a sunny vintage in a glass.
Light and floral, this subtle dessert wine is made from Scheurebe grapes, more often found in Austria than California. It provides this wine with fresh apricot and honey on the palate, lingering yet low enough in alcohol and power to be enjoyed as either apéritif or digestif, its sweetness greatly restrained.
Light and flowery, with apple aromas. The body and palate are lean and a little stripped, but the apple flavors are clean and quaffable. This is like a waif model, or maybe a scarecrow. It is good on the surface but has very little meat on the bones.
Light and forward, this pleasant, single vineyard selection opens with pretty raspberry and black cherry fruit and an impression of spritziness. The flavors suggest Campari, with light streaks of herb and anise.
Light and forward, this pure Cabernet offers pretty strawberry fruit and soft tannins. Easy drinking, it's built for near-term consumption.
Light and fragrant, a perfumed wine, with flavors of almond and refreshing acidity. It feels warm, with pear and lime flavors combining well.
Light and fragrant, this emphasizes crisp apple and grapefruit flavors. It has a light, breezy character. Very ready to drink.
Light and fresh aromas of red cherry, dark strawberry and sagebrush make for a fairly easy but rather deep nose on this single-vineyard bottling. Rich cranberry and pomegranate flavors coat the palate, with compelling edges of fennel, root beer and light clove.
Light and fresh aromas of strawberry and raspberry meet with licorice and vanilla on the bright, fruit-punch-like nose of this bottling. There is snappy energy to the palate, with pomegranate and tannin-laced cranberry flavors as well as a light dusting of baking spice.
Light and fresh in its skittle bottle, this is rosé for the beach and picnic. Red currant fruitiness has been softened with a caramel flavor.
Light and fresh in style, with pleasant cherry fruit accented by delicate notes of green herbs and sous bois. It's a pretty wine, quaffable even, with hints of charred oak and coffee showing up on the finish. Drink now.
Light and fresh on the nose, this bottling offers pleasant key lime pie aromas. The palate is more standard than flashy, with sliced pear and grapefruit pith flavors.
Light and fresh on the nose, this twist-top bottling shows hibiscus, strawberry, chipped slate, a touch of clove and crushed star anise on the nose. The palate shows more slate as well as ripe raspberry, cinnamon and sagebrush.
Light and fresh smells of Key-lime pie, grapefruit rinds and ripe nectarine show on the nose of this versatile bottling from the veteran San Jose-based winery. The grippy, assertive flavors are bright, tight and pithy, with lime rinds, kumquat tang and chalky minerality, proving refreshingly sour.
Light and fresh up front, with lychee, passion fruit and wet stone aromas. Feels good and balanced as if offers a nice mix of textured fruit and minerally acidity. Flavors of green melon, passion fruit, lime and green herbs come straight from central casting. Perfect for summer drinking.
Light and fresh with a cooling, crisp consistency, this luminous white wine would pair nicely with spicy Indian or Mexican appetizers. Aromas of white flower, stone fruit and sweet apricot appear on the close.
Light and fresh with soft tannins, this is an attractive, ready-to-drink wine. It has layers of acidity over red fruits.
Light and fresh, this 100% Chardonnay sparkler features slightly gingery, briny, biscuity aromas and crisp, balanced finish. At the price, the only serious competition is Cava, with its decidedly different flavors.
Light and fresh, this carries just a vague hint of barrel toast, but essentially it was done all in stainless. The fruit is clean and pretty, lightly candied, lightly tropical, with notes of sweet cracker, brisk acid, sweet grass and sweet herb. It gathers strength in the finish and holds on nicely.
Light and fresh, this is a consistently delicious aromatic white from the appellation, a chiseled study in white peach, pear and lilting acidity. Floral in zesty grapefruit, it adds a streak of ginger spice to the finish, with just the right amount of rich body to add weight.
Light and fresh, this is a crisp and tangy wine. Attractive acidity dominates and gives life to the bright red fruits. A slice of lemon brings a tangy dimension to this juicy, fragrant wine.
LIght and fresh, this is a crisp interpretation of Vermentino. Bright apple and lime flavors give a refreshing lift, while the aftertaste brings out lively acidity. Drink now.
Light and fresh, this is a crisp, red berry flavored wine with lively acidity and a dry, bright aftertaste. Ready to drink.
Light and fresh, this is an apple-crisp wine with delicious acidity and a refreshing lemon tang. A finely textured character gives shape to the wine and supports the crunchy fruit. Drink this wine now.
Light and fresh, this is immediately attractive with its green fruits, spice and hints of almonds. There is also a backdrop of minerality to this still-young wine. Aromatic and crisp, it can be drunk now.
Light and fresh, this wine has intense, spicy strawberry fruits. The acidity is balanced, adding lift to the ripe fruitiness. It has an attractive, tangy aftertaste.
Light and fresh, with hints of peach, citrus, melon, spice and slate. The wine serves up a refreshing mix for spring and summertime sipping. Fruity on the finish. -J.M.
Light and fresh, with modest grapefruit flavors matched by herbal notes and some flowery aromatics. Probably best as an apéritif. Imported by Pernod Ricard, USA.
Light and freshly crisp, this has a good mix of red fruits and tangy acidity. It's so light both in color and flavor, bright at the end and delicious.
Light and frothy in the glass, this beautifully perfumed dry sparkling is redolent of orange blossoms, apples and pears. A blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, there's a delicious hint of buttery cashew nut and bitter almond amidst the floral, fresh apple and lemon flavors.
Light and frothy, with perfumed notes of tangerine, spice and a mere hint of strawberry. Falls off a bit on the finish, but still represents a good value in dessert-style bubbles.
Light and fruity this is a delicate wine that exudes fresh berry fruits and balanced acidity. It's not a totally dry wine, and it has a soft texture as well as crispness, but shows the Deutz style with an emphasis on aerial lightness.
Light and fruity with cherry, plum and red currant flavors along with a subtle hint of menthol on the nose. The mouthfeel is smooth and supple. Mevushal.
Light and fruity with pineapple, melon and apple. This fruit forward, food-friendly wine has natural acids and a delicate balance. For the money it is a fine choice to accompany seafood, poultry and pasta salads.
Light and fruity, a wine with touches of typical Cabernet Franc perfume. The wine is dry, crisp with raspberry flavors and a spicy, fresh aftertaste. Screwcap.
Light and fruity, full of red cherries, sweet tannins and attractive acidity. The wine is softly attractive with some of the warmth of the year.
Light and fruity, it's fresh and crisp with citrus and toast flavors. Already balanced and with good final acidity, it can be drunk easily now.
Light and fruity, the wine comes from the sandy soils of the Camargue Rhône-delta region, known for its rugged, indigenous horses. The wine is crisp with acidity and has a bright touch of red currants. The wine is dry, refreshing for an apéritif.
Light and fruity, the wine has a smooth edge that is cut with acidity. It is an immediately accessible wine with a lzesty lemon finish.
Light and fruity, the wine is dilute and gently textured. It is ready to drink.
Light and fruity, this gently textured wine is more about red fruits than structure. It is perfumed with red-berry flavors, crisp acidity and a tangy, orange-flavored aftertaste. Drink now.
Light and fruity, this has a fresh red-berry flavor. It has intense youthful acidity, lending a very crisp texture. With its soft tannins, it is ready to drink in a few months when the acidity has calmed down.
Light and fruity, this has a red cherry flavor that's filled with refreshing acidity. The banana flavor from the fermentation is a little too prominent, but this is still a bright, ready-to-drink selection.
Light and fruity, this has a yeasty edge along with acidity. On the palate, there are lots of green fruits, offering a dancing, lively character. At the end, there is a touch of vanilla.
Light and fruity, this has flavors of creamed apple and ripe Williams pear. The wine is crisp and tangy, and it's shot through with lemon zest and acidity. Ready to drink in one year.
Light and fruity, this has red fruit flavors that are tempered with soft, perfumed tannins and balancing acidity. Some sweetness shows through toward the finish. Ready to drink now.
Light and fruity, this has the softest structure. Red berry fruits give the wine a bright, jammy character with acidity offering some freshness. Drink now.
Light and fruity, this has touches of spice as well as attractive red-fruit flavors. It is a refreshing, crisp wine—lively and only lightly structured.
Light and fruity, this is a crisp wine with good acidity. a tangy character and a yeasty edge. Drink now.
Light and fruity, this is a crisp, fresh wine. Hints of red apples and yellow fruits are cut with lemon zest. The wine is perfumed and ready to drink.
Light and fruity, this is a crisply citrus wine, soft and fresh. Grapefruit and apricots are both there, showing the crisp and the rich side to this immediately attractive wine.
Light and fruity, this is a delicious wine with no sides. It has green fruits, citrus, a touch of perfume and good acidity. From old vineyards with mixed plantings, this is a blend in the typical Viennese tradition. Screwcap.
Light and fruity, this is a fresh, rounded wine with attractive berry fruits. It is already smooth, although the tannins are in the background. It's fragrant with a medium-term potential. Drink from 2015.
Light and fruity, this is a strawberry flavored wine that is soft, open, ready to drink. It has attractive acidity, gentle tannins and a rounded finish.
Light and fruity, this is a wine that has some sweetness, a gentle series of white fruits, acidity and lemon zest at the end. Screwcap.
Light and fruity, this is an attractive off-dry wine. It has a delicate spice character along with yellow fruits that are seasoned with pepper and acidity. Drink now.
Light and fruity, this is an attractive, rounded wine. With its bright acidity, touch of minerality and orange-peel flavor, it is open and ready to drink.
Light and fruity, this is an easy, immediately accessible wine. Soft apple and creamed-pear flavors are balanced with acidity and a ripe aftertaste. Drink now.
Light and fruity, this is an immediately attractive, fragrant, off-dry wine. With its red berry flavors, it tastes warm and inviting. The touch of acidity reinforces the bright drinkability.
Light and fruity, this is dominated by a creamed apple flavor that is open and round. There is an attractive lemon zest touch at the end of this simple, ready-to-drink wine.
Light and fruity, this is full of refreshing red berry fruits, making this a clean, forward apéritif. It has fragrant acidity on the finish.
Light and fruity, this is full of strawberries. The wine has a fresh character with a light touch of pepper and spice. It's attractive, bright and ready to drink.
Light and fruity, this shows attractive red fruit, ample tannins and acidity. An earthy character to the wine is less pleasant.
Light and fruity, this shows some sugary sweetness, much like some of the inexpensive California Pinots. It's a simple, quaffable red wine with a cherry-lollipop flavor.
Light and fruity, this smells like cucumbers, honeydew melon and green apple, tastes delicately appley and feels gentle in texture. It's light bodied, low in alcohol, fresh and thirst-quenching.
Light and fruity, this soft Champagne has red berry fruits, noticeable sweetness and fresh acidity to match. It's attractive for those who like their Champagne soft and easygoing.
Light and fruity, this wine's berry flavor dominates the gentle tannins, while the bright acidity adds lift. Drink this in the next two years.
Light and fruity, this wine has as much perfumed fruit as honeyed sweetness. It's a delicate wine, hinting at rosewater and spice. A smooth texture and lemon juice balance the honey at the end.
Light and fruity, this wine has attractive acidity and layers of red berry fruits. The silky tannins are present, although light and dominated by the fruitiness of the wine. It's fresh, packed with acidity and likely to be ready soon. Drink from 2018.
Light and fruity, this wine has blackberry flavors to balance its soft texture and dusty tannins. The wine has an earthy edge to go with its simple fruit and lively acidity. Drink now.
Light and fruity, this wine has red fruit and a tannic edge, and bright acidity that gives definition to the fruit. Ready to drink now.
Light and fruity, this wine is soft, with a sweeter touch than is sometimes found in Provence rosés. The blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon, giving a tannic edge as well as caramel and sweet raspberry flavors.
Light and fruity, with a touch of pepper and spice, this is a immediately attractive, red-fruited wine. It has enough crisp freshness as well as richness to go with food. The aftertaste emphasizes both spice and fruit.
Light and fruity, with cherry notes and touches of clay-like earthiness. Simple and clean, and priced accordingly.
Light and fruity, with simple cherry fruit making this a good wine to chill and sip on a hot summer day. There is a streak of stemmy tannins in the astringent finish.
Light and fruity, with young vine flavors of strawberries and cherries.
Light and generally clean smelling, with standard green apple, melon and lime aromas. Feels a touch flat and pithy for Casablanca, with generic citrus and mild bitterness for flavors. Pithy and just juicy enough on the finish.
Light and generally neutral, this is Torrontés that's easy to quaff. The nose is mildly citric, but it doesn't go much further than that. And the palate is crisp, with peach, apple and nectarine flavors. Clean and medium on the finish; gets the job done. Drink now and drink well chilled.
Light and gently aromatic, this is a rounded style of Riesling without much texture. It's soft, fruity and ready to drink.
Light and gently spicy, this first-ever varietal Grenache from Sineann offers cranberry, pomegranate and boysenberry fruit, lots of acid and a quick fade.
Light and grapefruity, without much Pinot Gris character. An innocuous, fairly generic white wine.
Light and herbal, this blend of Malbec, Syrah and Merlot fails to evoke much flavor or charm. It's thin and simple.
Light and herbal, with a modest core of grapefruit flavors. Grassy notes soften on the finish, allowing some chalky notes to come through. Drink up.
Light and informal, this simple sparkler offers suggestions of candied citrus peel and yellow apple. Bright acidity refreshes the finish.
Light and juicy, this cool, bell pepper-flavored wine has intense acidity. There is little in the way of tannin, it's all fruit, very crisp and lean.
Light and juicy, this has fresh blackcurrant fruit, with balanced tannins. With its fruit forward flavor, it's not a wine for aging.
Light and juicy, with fresh apple flavors and good acidity. A good wine for serving chilled and enjoying outdoors.
Light and leafy smelling, with red fruit aromas as well as mint and green notes. Feels exceedingly angular and acidic, leaving quick, tart flavors of raspberry and red plum to match wits with buttery oak. Sharp on the finish, and ultimately a bit sour.
Light and lean on entry, this wine builds up steam and power as it develops in the glass, becoming a robust exploration of rhubarb and cranberry. The texture on the palate is velvety and moderately rich, dotted in sultry spice.
Light and lean on the nose, this 100% Pinot Noir bottling offers a steely minerality and chipped slate along with an underlying strawberry softness on the nose. Light raspberry fruit and a touch of watermelon show on the palate, which is all about brightness and textural tension.
Light and lean pear fruit, with subtle lime notes and a hint of sweetness appearing on the finish.
Light and lemony, this simple, tangy white wine has some pretty, fresh baked bread scents, but inviting as they are, the wine feels acidic and one dimensional in the mouth. Lemon/lime is the prevailing flavor.
Light and lively aromas of dried red berries, concentrated roses, cola and black plums show on the nose of this very accessible and pleasurable Sangiovese. The cohesive palate integrates cherry, cola and milk-chocolate flavors into an easy-drinking frame, perfect for barbecues or family-style Italian meals.
Light and lively, this is a bright, tangy, fruit-driven effort, with little or no evident barrel flavor. Apples and white peaches hold down the center, with a crisp, fresh finish.
Light and lively, this Pinot Noir-based wine has subtle but delicious, fresh and tangy cherry and raspberry flavors that unfold on the palate.
Light and lovely, this has just under 2% residual sugar, but it tastes drier than that. Arresting scents of jasmine tea and honeysuckle give it an enticing floral character. It glides into a soft palate dappled with accents of flowers, oils and incense. Includes small amounts of Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.
Light and luminous in appearance, this bright Rosso di Montalcino delivers subdued aromas of raspberry, cherry, cola and wet earth. None of these aromas are particularly intense, but they are balanced.
Light and luminous with bright aromas of yellow flower, peach and exotic fruit, this is a beautiful and powerful expression of Pecorino. This native grape of central Italy is coming up in the world of indigenous wines and offers a new experience for those seeking the offbeat.
Light and luminous with delicate aromas of spring flower, citrus and stone fruit, this Extra Dry Prosecco would make a great companion to crispy fried shrimp. It boasts a clean mouthfeel with sharp, spicy effervescence.
Light and luminous, this ruby red wine offers tones of wild berries and exotic spice. The wine is crisp, tart and slightly sour on the close but promises to pair with cream-based pasta or cheesy risotto dishes.
Light and mostly fresh up front, this is a wine to drink now. Regular apple and citrus flavors are simple and easy, with zero complexity. This is an average everyday white with no clear faults but not much character either.
Light and mostly fresh, with shy peach and green-fruit aromas. The palate is soft and reticent, with lower-level acids and chunky melon and papaya flavors. Finishes pithy and thus mildly bitter. Drink soon or wait for the 2008.
Light and mostly neutral smelling, with a hint of pear and apple. The palate is zesty, lean and well cut, however the flavors are more pithy and bitter, with orange and nectarine notes. Finishes hot and peppery.
Light and murky, with a flavor mix of tomato, vegetable juice, celery, barely ripe berries and thin acids. That sounds worse than it is; taste this alongside a Bourgogne from a big shipper in a cool vintage and you wouldn't see much difference. The alcohol here is listed at just 12.5%. It's a serviceable everyday wine, but not priced accordingly.
Light and muted, with sharp, leafy and herbal flavors. It seems to be drying out, leaving an impression of mushrooms rather than fruit. Drink now.
Light and neutral, it has some fresh fruit but there is an artificial candy juice feel to the acidity.
Light and nicely lean, this is an appetizing wine with red-cherry aromas, moderate fruit flavors and a little tannic grip in the texture. Made from 70% Sanviovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, it makes a nice change from the “big” red blends.
Light and nutty, this combines a majority of Grenache with Zinfandel, Mourvèdre and Tempranillo. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, it maintains fresh acidity with its lightly ripe strawberry and watermelon fruit.
Light and oaky at first, with earth notes. But then it goes awkward, showing imbalanced berry and plum fruit and overt oak. The wine shows some complexity and style, but at the same time it's all over the place, with hard tannins that subtract from the final tally.
Light and only gently structured, this is a cru wine that is more about juicy red fruits. It has attractive acidity and a touch of spice. It is likely to be ready to drink in the next few months, certainly by mid-2017.
Light and oxidative, with soft, toasty buttery flavors. The fruit is hidden behind all the buttered popcorn flavors. It's drinking well enough at the moment, but aging very quickly.
Light and perfumed, this is a structured, well-crafted wine that's slightly savage in approach and sensibility. Spicy cinnamon and cola streak through red cherry and strawberry, flirting with the notion of forest and mushroom without ever diving overly deep.
Light and pleasant, this offers some punchy phenolics but rather limpid fruit. It spent eight months in one-third new French oak.
Light and pleasant, with aromas mixing baked pears, citrus and honeycomb, this is really a lovely wine for the price. The fruit flavors follow consistently, pears and apples with a hint of citrus, clean and refreshing, with juicy acidity.
Light and pretty pinkish-orange in color, this crisp wine offers candied grapefruit and strawberry, made from both whole-cluster pressed grapes and a bleed off from the producer's regular fermentation. It dances in acidity, remaining bright and fresh on the palate throughout.
Light and pretty with watermelon and faint strawberry notes, Frisk is just slightly fizzy. Its aromas almost trick one into expecting a wine that's sweet, but it finishes dry and is in balance. Made from Grenache grapes, it's a likable, refreshing drink ready for the picnic basket or patio.
Light and pretty, this is aged in large oak cask for 12 months, which imparts notes of spice and toasted almond. Otherwise, the wine's core is all fruit: raspberry, cherry and currant flavors abound.
Light and prickly in style, with citrus aromas along with tight cherry and plum scents. Runs lean in the mouth, with short, tart red fruit flavors in front of a crisp, sheer finish.
Light and refreshing in style, this wine boasts slightly confected cherry fruit amplified by bright acidity. It's straightforward and relatively simple; drink it over the next year or so.
Light and refreshing, this brings clean flavors of raspberries in a pastry setting, with a hint of graham cracker. Delicious upon entry, it thins out a bit quickly through the finish.
Light and refreshing, with hints of berries and citrus alongside some herbal elements. The bead is a little on the large side, making the mouthfeel a bit rustic, but it'll do fine at the season's big holiday gatherings.
Light and reserved on the nose, this bottling by regional legend Adam LaZarre shows chipped slate, lemon rinds and apple flesh on the nose. The palate picks up a touch of petrol on the edges, but centers on more familiar notes of lemon rind, dried apples, honeysuckle and slight hazelnut.
Light and rusty in color, with lean aromas of baked fruits and maple. The palate is tight and spicy, with baked fruit and plenty of dry oak. Potent, hot and spicy on the finish.
Light and silky, this packs a real punch in complexity, with layers of raspberry, cherry, cola and sweet oak. There's a mushroom-driven earthiness you might call Burgundian. The tightness suggests aging, possibly over the long haul.
Light and silky, with sweet, ripe cherry, red currant, licorice, Chinese five-spice and cinnamon flavors, and earthier notes of beef bouillon and heirloom tomato. Drink now.
Light and simple fruit brings flavors of black-cherry hard candy with a dash of cola. It's a perfectly pleasant style, quaffable and uncomplicated. Drink now and over the next two or three years.
Light and simple on the nose, with peach and flower blossom notes. The palate has some zip to it but not a whole lot, while the flavors are your basic mix of peach and nectarine. Zesty on the finish and then it evaporates. Drink now.
Light and simple, this is all about fruit and freshness. There is a hint of citrus, and the acidity shows well on the finish. More of an aperitif style.
Light and simple, with green apple and citrus aromas and flavors. Use it to wash down steamed shellfish at the beach.
Light and simple, with piercing, grassy scents that suggest minimal ripeness. Flavors of straw and unripe pear quickly fade.
Light and simplistic compared to other bottlings from the winery, this is still quite tasty, with aromas of lemon curd, sliced green apple and tangerine blossom. The palate shows stone fruit, vanilla cream and lemon wedges, with a decently grippy tension.
Light and slightly spicy, this spent 15 months in one-third new French and American oak barrels, yet it comes across as a bit mild and one dimensional.
Light and smoky, this is a fruit-forward, soft wine. Berry flavors are balanced by the stalky texture. It's young, although very ready to drink.
Light and smoothly textured, this beautifully crafted wine is earthy in wild strawberry preserves, mushroom and forest floor. With a tannic grip that subsides in the glass, it's built to age but entirely enjoyable now, showing power and concentration on the finish.
Light and somewhat neutral smelling, with peach and pool water aromas. It's fresh, tangy and light on its feet, with citrus, melon and mild pithy flavors. Finishes similar, with lasting freshness, mild bitter notes and varietal correctness.
Light and spicy, this deceptively robust, ripe cherry-cola wine lingers in acidity and a roundness of tannin that makes it both lush and plush, yet balanced. The oak is supportive without being intrusive.
Light and spicy, this hails from cool-climate sites. It is exhilarating in cinnamon and clove, with a structured core of wild strawberry and a finish of fennel. The aromas of violet that waft forward on the nose are incredibly inviting, as is the wine's silky texture.
Light and spicy, this wine surprises and delights. It shows a tannic underbrush of firmness and grit that's seasoned in tart acidity and flavors of rhubarb, currant and black tea. It's well balanced and enjoyable now.
Light and stalky, this has black currant fruit and considerable acidity. With its soft tannins and fruity character, it is ready to drink now.
Light and steely, this wine offers mild flavors that lean tropical, like pineapple and guava. Those succulently ripe layers meet stone fruit and a medium-sized body, making for an enjoyable, food-friendly experience on the palate.
Light and straightforward on the nose with squeezed lemon and sharper kumquat, this simple and easy wine shows why this grape can be a great quaffer. The palate offers minerality, touches of dill and other dried herbs, and more citrus-apple fruit.
Light and subtle yet distinct aromas of pineapple meet with crushed white rocks on the nose of this bottling. Pineapple juice flavors also arise on the palate, with is lean and crisp with touches of ripe lemon and pear flesh.
Light and subtle, this offers tart cherry fruit with hints of mushroom. The texture and definition somewhat compensate for the overall lightness and lack of depth. It's a graceful, elegant wine best enjoyed young.
Light and supple, this Pinot is meant for drinking now. It's polished and elegant, with a silky texture framing pleasant cherry, cola, spice and smoky oak flavors.
Light and sweet, with raspberry jelly flavors and lots of acidity.
Light and tangy citrus aromas lead to softer, riper fruit flavors like apple and pear in this medium-bodied wine.
Light and tart, mixing grapefruit, lychee, mineral and floral aromas, all evident here. Very spicy, it is a bit like Gewürztraminer without the floral highlights. The Brix (under 20) leads to a thin wine that doesn't quite reach 12% alcohol.
Light and tart, this brings cranberry and pepper flavors, which lead into a swift, sharp, tannic finish.
Light and tart, this simple and fruity style has hard candy flavors of sour cherry and raspberry. A fun wine, straightforward and good for chilling.
Light and tart, with high acid cranberry fruit flavors. It's clean and straightforward, though the old vines (some are 34 years old) do not deliver the complexity that might be anticipated.
Light and taut, this blend from Nuits-St.-Georges, Volnay and Pernand-Vergelesses offers an odd combination of elements. There are bright cherry-kirsch aromas, cherry and earth flavors and a nice mouthfeel sporting a chalky note. But there’s also an odd, candied edge to the fruit and a touch of greenness. Finishes tart, dry and fairly full, but with somewhat tough tannins.
Light and textured, it's packed with lime and lemon flavors with a hint of sage. As dry as a bone, it's very much for food and is ready to drink.
Light and toasty, this is a pleasant, entry-level red wine with just a hint of chocolate in the finish. It's smooth and generic, but adds some spice and flesh once it's in the glass.
Light and tonic in appearance, this Etna-based wine is a profound expression of elegance. You'll get drying mineral tones backed by blue flower and sweet almond nut. The mouthfeel is polished and streamlined. Pair it with cold water fish or white meat.
Light and tonic with raw notes of cherry and forest fruit, this is a bright, easy-drinking Rosso di Montalcino. Pair it with lamb, rosemary and roasted potatoes. The wine's natural acidity and tannins can stand up to the consistency of those dishes.
Light and tropical on the nose, this is flabby on the palate and tastes dull and sweet, with a creamy aftertaste and low acidity.
Light and tropical, with buttercup aromas and a touch of citrus. The palate is plump and slightly oily, but with good acidity. Apple, mango and banana flavors are fruity and sweet, but overall the wine holds it together. Drink right away.
Light and unfocused, this simple wine has fruit but misses out on structure and much interest.
Light and very fresh for a Gewurztraminer, this is a wine with as much crisp apple as spice. It's off dry, laced with acidity and very ready to drink.
Light and vibrant, this opens with aromas of fragrant spring flower, stone fruit and a suggestion of nutmeg. The palate offers white peach, apple and a hint of almond alongside crisp acidity.
Light and vibrant, this opens with delicate scents recalling white flower, orchard fruit and a whiff of almond. The slender palate offers Bartlett pear and citrusy notes alongside racy acidity.
Light and vibrantly high in integrated acidity, this wine is complex and savory, but white pepper is a constant. Along the nuanced layers are an earthy patch of wild strawberry and cardamom that persists elegantly on the palate.
Light and vivacious on the nose, this offers lime blossoms, Anjou pear skins and sharp white jasmine flowers. The aromas settle into a salted peach-candy character. Tonic, lime blossoms and lime-zest flavors show on the palate, quite bright and nearly tropical.
Light and watery, this boxed Sauvignon Blanc offers simple fruit with some mineral and citrus at the back. There's not much here, but the freshness is nice.
Light and watery, this Cab is somewhat dull and lifeless, not showing much in the way of fruit or structure.
Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyable selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or flake. Apple flesh, nectarine and sweet citrus oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while the short finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind.
Light apple-blossom aromas are harmless. In the mouth, this Chardonnay-based blend is flat and buttery in feel, with baked apple and peach flavors before a flat finish.
Light apple and Anjou pear aromas, tangy fruit flavors shaded by butter and almond, and a supple texture add up to a sleek and flavorful wine. This is balanced, medium bodied and reflects the house style of Navarro that ensures a svelte mouthfeel with no rough edges.
Light apple and earth aromas mingle with crisp fruit flavors without showing much of an oaky component. The wine is medium bodied, fairly crisp in texture and moderate in fruit notes.
Light apple and floral aromas lead to rich flavors like apple, honey and grapefruit and a definite sweetness. This wine is fresh and easy to enjoy.
Light apple and peach aromas are accompanied by a fair amount of oak spice. This barrel-fermented Godello feels full, with acidic drive and intensity. Apple and nectarine flavors are lively and spicy from oak, continuing through a lemony finish with finesse.
Light apple and pear aromas are clean and basic. This wine feels refined and elegant, with apple, peach and leesy flavors suggestive of mild oak. A friendly but standard finish concludes this easy-drinking Albariño.
Light apple and spice aromas are simple, straightforward and appealing. The palate shows good balance, freshness and tasty flavors of candied pineapple and orange. Finishes juicy and correct.
Light apple aromas lead to a sweet, mildly candied palate of monotone apple flavors. Acidity is up there, so there isn't any overt thickness or chunkiness to the wine. Rudimentary and quaffable.
Light apple cider and nectarine aromas are cut by lemon rind and sandalwood hints in this bottling from an extreme coastal vineyard behind Pismo Beach. It's steely and razor-sharp on the palate, with tangy green apple and Anjou pear flavors, accented with honeysuckle sweetness.
Light aromas like canned fruit cocktail and almost sweet flavors like banana and marshmallow characterize this medium-bodied wine.
Light aromas like canteloupe and flavors like honeydew melon make this wine fruity and easy to enjoy. It's medium bodied, fruity and smooth.
Light aromas of almond, fresh-cut red apple and spice lead to restrained fruit flavors. The concentration seems lacking.
Light aromas of apple and pear are followed by lightly concentrated fruit flavors. It's enjoyable but seems a bit faint.
Light aromas of apple and pear lead to broad dry flavors. It delivers easy-drinking appeal.
Light aromas of apple, pear and petroleum jelly are followed by crisp acid-driven flavors. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.
Light aromas of apple, red fruit and spice lead to a medium-bodied palate with red and black-fruit flavors. The tannins bring a fair amount of grittiness, providing distraction.
Light aromas of ash, herb, berry, vanilla and cherry lead to sweet plush cranberry and cherry flavors that linger along with baking spice notes on the finish. It brings a lot of enjoyment for the price.
Light aromas of baking spice, vanilla and red fruit lead to well-balanced red-fruit and barrel flavors that taper toward the finish, with coffee flavors lingering.
Light aromas of barrel spice and red and black fruit are followed by sweet fruit flavors. It delivers enjoyment, but the flavors seem slightly dried out.
Light aromas of candle wax, kiwi and citrus lead to diluted fruit flavors. It lacks a sense of cohesion or variety.
Light aromas of citrus, herbs and nut oil are followed by a full-bodied palate with lightly sweet fruit flavors. It's a fine display of the variety.
Light aromas of citrus, white peach, soda water and herbs are followed by elegant, just off-dry, spritzy fruit flavors backed by a zing of acidity.
Light aromas of clove, spice and herb are followed by plump plum and herb flavors that bring freshness, with grainy tannins providing support. It brings a lot of easy-drinking appeal.
Light aromas of cocoa, dark berries and spice are followed by full-bodied dark fruit flavors that seem to show some oxygen exposure. It's not shy but retains a sense of balance.
Light aromas of cocoa, herb, licorice and barrel spice are followed by medium-bodied cherry flavors. The finish seems a bit clipped.
Light aromas of dark chocolate, plum, herbs, flowers and tropical fruit provide intrigue. The dark fruit flavors are full in feel, showing depth and concentration along with a grip of tannins.
Light aromas of fig and spice lead to well-balanced fruit flavors that draw out on the finish. Some additional time in the bottle should serve it well. Give it until late 2018.
Light aromas of flower, apple, melon and pear lead to dry stone-fruit flavors. It's a pleasant if somewhat innocuous easy drinker.
Light aromas of flowers, dried herbs and barrel spices lead to velvety cherry and chocolate flavors that have a fine sense of presence, but could use a bit more tannic structure to stitch them together.
Light aromas of flowers, herbs and soil are followed by tart cranberry, smoke and citrus flavors and firm, gritty tannins. It doesn't stand up by itself but has a place at the dinner table alongside a juicy steak.
Light aromas of freshly cut, slightly oxidized red apple lead to medium- to full-bodied fruit flavors. It goes down easy.
Light aromas of freshly shucked corn and spice lead to a medium-bodied straightforward palate. It's straight down the fairway.
Light aromas of green melon and white fruits lead to a plump, slightly flat palate. Pithy citrus and bitter herb flavors are prominent, while this no-spritz Txakoli reverberates with citrus and tangy green-apple notes on the finish.
Light aromas of herb, grass, papaya and kiwi lead to tart, spritely tropical-fruit flavors heightened by grapefruit accents. There's no mistaking the variety and it's appealing, with a drawn-out finish.
Light aromas of herb, plum, vanilla, cocoa and dark fruit lead to a palate that is simultaneously sweet and tart, with a plush midpalate. It provides intrigue.
Light aromas of herb, toasted grapenuts, peach and orange peel lead to off-dry stone-fruit flavors. It shows a touch of reduction but otherwise goes down easy.
Light aromas of herbs and citrus lead to fleshy fruit flavors with a lightly spritzy feel. Pair it with baked chicken.
Light aromas of herbs, woodspice, tire rubber and red fruit lead to jammy raspberry and spice flavors that provide easy drinking pleasure.
Light aromas of lemon curd and Gravenstein apple meet with a touch of crackling minerality and a bit of struck match on the nose of this bottling. The palate starts sour with kumquat and pink-grapefruit flavors, evolving into warmer notes of poached pear and lemon-lime soda.
Light aromas of lemon peel, yellow pear and lemongrass make this an appealing option for pairing with Asian food of all kinds. The palate shows fresh lemon, lime peel and yellow grapefruit touches, along with a wet clay element.
Light aromas of lemon, apple, pineapple, toast and spice lead to just off-dry flavors. It drinks a little sweet for a brut but still delivers enjoyment—a straightforward crowd pleaser.
Light aromas of lime, apple peel and honeysuckle show on the nose of this bottling. The style leans toward the racy end of the spectrum, with lime-zest energy, chalky tension and a touch of red apple fruit.
Light aromas of mango, melon and lime are quiet but clean. This is a simple but fresh white with a crisp stony mouthfeel. Easygoing flavors of melon and apple finish with a note of lime as well as a hint of wheaty yeast.
Light aromas of mineral, brioche, green apple and spice are followed by sleek but flavorful palate. It shows elegance and detail.
Light aromas of passion fruit and grapefruit are followed by tropical flavors that linger. It's an easy drinking quaffer.
Light aromas of pear, white flowers and melon lead to dry, medium-bodied fruit flavors. It doesn't bring much complexity but still offers plenty of appeal.
Light aromas of pineapple and other tropical fruit are accented by herb, floral and citrus flavors. The concentration is very light.
Light aromas of plum and spice are followed by cherry flavors that show pleasing purity. This is a delightful example of the variety.
Light aromas of raspberry and berry lead to medium-bodied flavors. The tannins bring a touch of astringency that's offset by the sweetness of the red- and blue-fruit flavors.
Light aromas of raspberry, coriander, vanilla and barrel spice are followed by ripe rich red-fruit flavors that glide on the finish. A pillowy mouthfeel only heightens the interest.
Light aromas of red cherry and cranberry meet with thyme and wild herbs on the reserved nose of this appellation blend. It's energetic and light on the palate, where thyme, marjoram and cedar flavors dominate the red fruit.
Light aromas of red cherry and raspberry can be discovered upon deep nosing, but the fresh garrigue, tree bark and raw cocoa nib notes steal the show. A hint of vanilla-strawberry sweetens up the close. Drink now.
Light aromas of red fruit, game and vanilla are followed by quite tart puckering fruit flavors. It needs food to counteract the screaming acid.
Light aromas of red plum and raspberry lead to a wiry, snappy feeling palate with a mix of raspberry, plum and cocoa powder flavors. This is a lean, juicy Tempranillo with modest character and a clean finish.
Light aromas of ripe pear and jasmine precede medium-sweet, somewhat oily-feeling flavors. It doesn't all come together but still provides enjoyment.
Light aromas of rose petal, herb and spice lead to dry, white grapefruit flavors that fall a bit flat.
Light aromas of spice, dried herbs and plum lead to plump blue-fruit flavors with a touch of sugar stitching them together. This doesn't bring a lot of complexity but still has appeal.
Light aromas of spice, graphite and sour cherry are followed by elegant, tart fruit flavors. It's a pretty expression of the variety that should sing at the dinner table.
Light aromas of spice, yellow apple and butter are followed by viscous, sweet fruit flavors. It provides easy-drinking appeal.
Light aromas of squeezed lime and sliced Anjou pear emerge on the nose of this bottling from a large vineyard on the eastern flanks of the region. The palate is tight and bright if quite restrained, with thinly sliced lime and a chalky grip. The wine would be refreshing in warm weather.
Light aromas of stone fruit, prickly pear and spice lead to a medium-bodied palate that tapers toward the finish.
Light aromas of tea, briary raspberry and field notes are mild as a whole. Feels juicy, lean and transparent, with agile dry-fruit flavors, cocoa and modest buttery oak. Light in weight and tasting on the tail end.
Light aromas of the barnyard don't impede the impression of pretty strawberry-pastry fruit flavors. The aging in 20% new French oak adds streaks of vanilla, cocoa and mocha to the finish.
Light aromas of toast, apple, vanilla and custard are followed by lightly creamy fruit and barrel flavors that provide interest.
Light aromas of toast, melon and butter lead to sleek stone and tropical fruit flavors that persist on the finish.
Light aromas of tropical fruit, apple, melon and spice lead to lightly styled fruit flavors. The concentration doesn't seem to be all there.
Light aromas of tropical fruits and acacia blossom show a note of ginger. This has a citrusy, fairly full body and flavors of lime, pineapple and mango that turn more towards citrus on the finish.
Light aromas of tropical fruits and white flowers are basic and open. An average feeling palate carries sweet flavors of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango accented by vanilla. Throw in a sprinkle of powdered sugar and you get the picture.
Light aromas of vanilla, coconut, exotic spices and blue fruit are followed by plump, tart fruit flavors and firm, somewhat astringent tannins. There are a lot of good things going on but the tannins need to be tamed.
Light aromas of wet stone, smoke, stone fruit and white flowers lead to ethereally light yet sweet and flavorful peach notes. It's a very pretty and compelling expression of the variety.
Light aromas of white flowers and freshly cut pear lead to off-dry fruit flavors, with the concentration seeming a bit wanting.
Light aromas of white flowers and lemon show on the very restrained nose of this bottling by the pioneering Niven family. The acidity is well integrated on the sip, and there is subtle tannic framing, with delicate lemon water and chamomile flavors.
Light aromas of white fruits and honeysuckle are welcoming. This feels clean and balanced, with flavors of tropical fruits, sweet citrus, pineapple and mango. It finishes sweet and almost sugary, but not quite.
Light aromas of white peach and flowers are followed by elegantly styled, off-dry stone-fruit flavors. It provides intrigue but doesn't entirely deliver.
Light aromas of yellow apple, pear and spice lead to off-dry flavors that trail toward the finish.
Light aromas offer notes of apple and pear. The palate of thhis wine is cleanly made, showing no obvious new-oak impact. It's a straight-down-the-fairway interpretation of this variety.
Light aromas suggest butterscotch and baked apple, and indeed this is a soft SB with creamy, plump flavors of peach, melon and sugar. Sweet on the finish, and then it falls off the cliff before winding up a little mealy and bitter.
Light aromas suggest peach and pear. The wine's flavors revolve around a slightly tannic and tart tension, between hard green apple skins and sharp mustard, making for a somewhat angular yet interesting spin on Chardonnay. Ample weight provides a solid mouthfeel, with a medium-length finish.
Light aromas turn to vivid floral and fruity flavors in this semisweet and light-bodied wine. It's low in acidity and should taste quite nice with wedding cake, seriously.
Light aromas, light body and delicate peach and apple flavors make this slightly sweet wine simple and refreshing.
Light as a feather yet bold in fruit, this sprightly spätlese packs a punch of sweet, ripe apricot, peach and even raspberry flavors. Spine tingling grapefruit acidity lends vitality, guiding a breathlessly perfumed, floral finish. It's a thrilling, irresistible wine.
Light as gossamer, this nimble off-dry Riesling enlivens the palate with delicate bursts of lemon and lime accented by blossom and pear. Brisk and clean on the finish, it's best enjoyed for it's youthful refreshment.
Light at first, almost delicate, this pretty wine has strawberry and pomegranate fruit, gentle herbal highlights, and tannins that taste of green tea. The finish turns a bit astringent, with a lick of cola. Give it some hours of aeration and it fleshes out, with a lush mix of tart fruit and milk chocolate barrel flavors.
Light banana flambée, vanilla meringue and yellow-cake aromas show on the generous but not overbearing nose of this blend of 49% Grenache Blanc, 31% Viognier, 12% Roussanne and 8% Marsanne. The tropicality of the nose disappears on the palate, which is tart and grippy with green apple and Anjou pear flavors as well as a touch of melon and smoke.
Light berry and sugar cookie aromas kick it off, followed by peach pit and nectarine flavors. For a wine that's basic in composition and a little dilute, it's also fresh and held together by good acidity. Straightforward but solid.
Light berry aromas and a hint of spice open up this generic but solidly made Malbec-Merlot blend. Strawberry and raspberry are the lead flavors, with pepper on the finish. Not very evolved or complex, but good enough.
Light berry aromas carry smoke and cedar accents. The mouthfeel is even and dry, and tart cherry and cocoa flavors carry from the palate through the moderate finish. A good quaff in a lighter style.
Light berry aromas mix with brine, cumin and sweet spice on the nose. In the mouth, it's rather lean and juicy, with sharp acidity creating fresh red berry flavors and tang. Turns more piercing and citrusy the longer it airs out.
Light berry fruit, pleasingly spiced, with the natural acidity of Sangiovese and a light touch with the tannins. It all makes for a light and very pretty wine.
Light berry, cheese and spice aromas are just clean enough; the palate is solid and well built for an $8 Cab, with chunky, candied, herbal flavors of plum and berry. Finishes dry and mostly clean. Delivers what you expect and probably a little more.
Light black cherry, turned black loam and dried rose petals show on the nose of this straightforward and earthy bottling. Black raspberry and dark cranberry fruit consume the tart, edgy palate, with shaved licorice, sagebrush and a touch of pine needle completing the savory picture. A good lesson in fresh Mourvèdre.
Light black raspberry and purple-flower aromas show on the somewhat shy nose of this bottling from the Jackson Family's longtime Santa Maria Valley winery. Well-woven flavors of black raspberry, dark cranberry, thyme and bay leaf appear on the sip, which is light and easy albeit not very complex.
Light blackberry aromas mix with dried dill and pepper on the nose of this bottling from an appellation known for its ageworthy Syrahs. The palate's lively black fruit is well spiced with thyme, black pepper and more wild herbs.
Light bodied and colored, this subtle wine has an edginess of cherry and pomegranate riding waves of silky texture that remain juicy without ever becoming overbearing. The finish is as light and soft as the lead-up, making this a straightforward, food-friendly wine.
Light bodied and easygoing, this has flavors of red cherry, strawberry and clove. It's fresh and simple, with loose-knit fleeting tannins.
Light bodied and fresh, this has alluring scents of small red berry, aromatic herb and a floral note. The vibrant palate delivers tart red cherry, white pepper and a hint of thyme. Firm acidity and pliant tannins provide the easy-drinking framework
Light bodied and fruit-driven, this wine leads with refreshing, easy citrus notes and friendly red apple nuances. It finishes dry.
Light bodied and highly aromatic in petrol, waxy apple and pear, this vineyard-designate is crisp and floral, with buoyant acidity. It lists the residual sugar at 9 g/L but tastes more dry than sweet, finishing with a touch of cream.
Light bodied and ideal for everyday fare, this has flavors of dried cherry, ground black pepper and a hint of clove. It's simple and easygoing, with soft tannins.
Light bodied and just ripe, this is a delightfully crisp, refreshing expression of the variety. Stainless steel fermentation preserves its core of candied orange and strawberry flavor.
Light bodied and lightly flavored, this wine is a good, basic meal-time beverage. It is dry, nicely tart and nearly neutral in aroma and flavor.
Light bodied and modest in flavor, with lots of acidity. You find yourself wishing there was more in the way of fruit. Still, it's pretty good for the price, with a nice, silky texture.
Light bodied and nicely dry, this is a lean and refreshing wine that tastes like crisp apples and raspberries, has great balance and a clean tangy finish. It's very bright and appealing.
Light bodied and refreshing, this simple enjoyable red delivers sour cherry, red currant, chopped Mediterranean herb and a hint of white pepper. It finishes clean and crisp. It's made to be drunk young, so enjoy now.
Light bodied and sheer, this delicately concentrated Pinot Noir offers subtle shades of black cherry and bramble. It's crisp and approachable with fine soft tannins and a slightly mineral finish. Drink now through 2020.
Light bodied and uber simple, this informal white offers nectarine and bitter nut suggestions. It's brisk, with zesty acidity.
Light brown and slightly translucent in color. Aromas lean toward raisin and prune, but there's orange zest and molasses on the bouquet as well. Bores straight ahead on the palate, with sweet flavors of burnt brown sugar, caramel and prune. Satisfying and balanced even if it's not overly complex.
Light but clean, with aromas of anise, pears and green apples and modest flavors of pear, watermelon rind and lime.
Light but enticing jasmine and honeydew melon flavors give this full-bodied, dry wine a lot of personality, and the mouthfeel is just rich enough to coat the palate and help the finish linger. It's crafted from 70% Viognier and 30% Roussanne.
Light but generic aromas of white fruits and white flowers give this wine a happy bouquet. The palate is starting to tip toward fading, but if you get at it soon you'll find perfectly nice peach, melon and citrus flavors setting up a soft, easygoing finish.
Light but inviting aromas of lemon juice, apple flesh, ripe nectarine and crushed white rocks show on the nose of this bottling from Malibu. Sea-salt flavor appears throughout the palate, where pear and nectarine flesh meet with vanilla-butter-on-toast flavors. Nicely textured it's quite mouthwatering.
Light but inviting wood aromas from oak to acacia show on the nose of this bottling, along with red-pear skins, yellow-grapefruit pith and the slightest touch of marshmallow. The sip is more about chalky grip and the tightly woven texture than blunt flavors, with enough sour Key-lime and pink-grapefruit touches to entertain the palate.
Light but juicy aromas of white grapes, sandalwood and cinnamon show on the nose of this bottling by Irvine-raised, Cal Poly-educated, Paso Robles-residing Ryan Render. There is a flinty touch to the palate, with rounded green pear, baked apple and nectarine fruit, though the savory sea-salt touch is what makes this wine shine.
Light but nicely detailed and flavorful, with an overriding spicy cola character. Streaks of vanilla and caramel infuse the brambly, wild berry fruit flavors. The wine also carries a seductive scent of sandalwood, which continues as a flavor in the finish.
Light but relatively interesting aromas of black cherry, oregano, dill, pipe tobacco and cedar show shyly on the nose of this bottling. The shaved cedar is strong on the palate that is light in mouthfeel, and shows the same notes as the nose.
Light but staunch cherry and cassis aromas are infused with herb and spice notes. This is tight in feel, with bracing tartaric acidity that results in surface-level flavors of red-berry fruits. Racy, mildly green notes are present on a snappy, hot finish.
Light but still fleshy fruit flavors suggest strawberry, cotton candy and a little sweet watermelon. Acids are slightly chalky and the tannins are still not entirely assimilated. The finish carries on with some persistent cassis/black plum fruit flavor, unadorned but crisply defined.
Light but tropical notes touch on the fluffy nose of this bottling, with papaya-laced marshmallow, pineapple meringue, lemon curd and a sea salt caramel touch. Chamomile, yellow apple skins, yellow flowers, tight mango and lots of saltiness show on the mouth-watering sip. The buttery character grows as it warms up, but it's delicious in all temperatures.
Light cassis and black currant aromas softly appear on the bouquet of this wine, with a touch of purple flower in the background for added interest. Low tannins and an approachable weight make this an easy-drinking selection that's ready for consumption now.
Light cherry and berry aromas are a bit candied, and the palate is more so. It's almost sugary sweet, but fortunately the wine has good acidity and bounce, so it's not cloying or sticky. Definitely for fans of white Zin and other sweet rosés.
Light cherry and mild sulfuric aromas are standard fare for this class of wine, while the palate is snappy and fresh, with sweet-and-sour cherry and strawberry flavors. Finishes a little gritty and candied, but pleasant enough overall.
Light cherry and pomegranate fruit tones dive into a darker beet-focused nose on this bottling, backed up by touches of crushed asphalt. The flavors are delicate, with a sparse plum-fruit backbone lifted by strong herbal components of tarragon, marjoram, pepper and a bit of juniper.
Light cherry and raspberry aromas are subdued but fresh. This blend of 85% Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium body, while plum and cherry flavors are straightforward. A lightly baked flavor and spice notes help the finish along, as does the jolt of Cabernet.
Light cherry and raspberry aromas come in front of a grabby rubbery palate. This tastes like salty plum, with little variation of that theme. A solid finish tastes exactly like what came before.
Light cherry and raspberry aromas come with a note of apple skins. The feel is plump but midland, with mealy notes. Flavors of cherry and plum are bland, while overall this wine is decent but lacking in personality.
Light cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors go with a medium-body and grippy texture to make this wine rather tight on the palate. It's a good, versatile lunch and dinner drink because the supportive tannins and acidity will pair nicely with food.
Light cherry colored, this wine displays aromas of herbs, cherry and melon. It drinks off dry (6.6g/L residual sugar) but lacks the acid to support the sugar.
Light cherry fruit is quickly overtaken by the tannins, and this wine has a sharp, high-toned edge. Quite dry and bordering on sourness in the finish, it's a modest effort from a difficult year.
Light cherry red to the eye, this wine made of 100% Karalahna yields little on the nose, offering a soft aroma of cranberry. Flavors of cherry confiture, black currant, cranberry, spearmint and black pepper are set amidst ever-present tannins that linger on the front of the tongue.
Light cherry, turned earth, rust and potpourri aromas show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling, which is exploring the lower end of the alcohol scale. The sip is very light and pleasant although a bit simple, with light cherry juice and tangy red plum most prominent.
Light cinnamon and sugar aromas, and fresh, fruity and lightly sweet flavors make this wine easy on the palate. The texture is soft.
Light citrus and floral aromas meld with richer, riper flavors and a generous texture. More than just a palate cleanser, this unoaked wine has some depth and is rich enough to hold interest.
Light citrus, green herb and nettle aromas are just what you'd expect from Leyda SB, and the palate has a plump, easy feel along with fresh flavors of melon, tangerine and nectarine. More round than linear, with good length and clarity.
Light coffee and tea-like aromas emerge from the nose of this sharp and crisp Barbera d'Asti Superiore. The wine is compact, firm and the mouthfeel is characterized by fresh berry notes and crisp fruit on the close.
Light colored and fruity, this has the typical Négrette polish, aromas and dry tannins accompanied by red berry fruits, with a richer, full aftertaste. The wine is made to drink young, so drink from 2016.
Light colored and fruity, this is all about red fruit—its structure and firm tannins coming out slowly. This village wine demonstrates the richness of the appellation, showing a fine balance between its ripe fruit and its smoky, dry, tannic core.
Light colored and light flavored, this has just hints of fruitiness along with the acidity. It is a crisp wine, very dry in character, bright and tangy at the end.
Light colored wine with a touch of smokiness and soft, ripe fruits. It lacks definition, giving an open feeling without much structure. Wood aging gives a burnt character at the end.
Light copper-pink in color, this vineyard-designate shows a wealth of peach and orange flavors that combine to refreshing effect. Lightly made in a bright accessible style, the wine offers a moderate body weight and texture that's pleasing on the palate.
Light copper in color, this Vin Gris at first has crisp acidity and muted aromatics that unveil slowly in the glass. A bite of tannin gives it structure and direction, brightened by notes of orange and red cherry.
Light cranberry and pomegranate show on the nose of this always-anticipated bottling by Dan Lee, with a pine-needle aroma to provide depth. The slightly sour flavor of Montmorency cherries mixes with snappy cranberry and underripe red currants on the sip, which gains herbal and peppery spice complexity as it breathes.
Light cranberry aromas meet turned loam, cinnamon and porcini mushroom-like umami touches in this bottling from a famed vineyard in the region. The mouthfeel is full and broad, but it's also lively with tart cranberry and raspberry fruit, earthy spice and a touch of raw beef rusticity
Light cranberry fruit is set against drying tannins. The mouthfeel is astringent, almost chalky, with a whiff of the barnyard evident. Not as substantial as previous editions of this single-vineyard wine, this is one to drink up while it's young.
Light cream, peach and malolactic aromas lead to a medium-bodied nuanced palate. It has plenty of subtleties to explore, with a finish that stretches out.
Light daffodil aromas meet with lemon curd, wet slate and the slightest touch of green apple skins. The palate is very chalky and mineral-driven, showing a bit of sour apple as it sits longer on the tongue. The finish is nicely mouth-watering.
Light daffodil aromas mix with Key lime pie, soft pear flesh, pressed tuberose and apple blossoms on the nose of this relatively complex wine from an often simplistic grape. There is decent grip on the palate, with flavors of dried pome fruit, pencil lead minerality and a lemony tang.
Light dried herbs, cigar box and cranberry aromas arise on the nose of this bottling from the Broken Earth team. It's zesty on the sip, with raspberry and cooked red-plum flavors that are spiced up by pepper and more dried herbs. It's a tad thin.
Light dried orange peel, herb and candlewax aromas lead to broad, medium-bodied fruit flavors in this white. It's enjoyable despite the muted aromatic expression.
Light dusty aromas are mildly sweaty and green. This Verdejo-Viura blend is crisp and stony, without much body weight. Dry lime and citrus pith flavors are briny, while nopal and grapefruit flavors come into play on a bracing finish.
Light earth, tea and cherry aromas join tasty cranberry and raspberry flavors in this medium-bodied and well-balanced wine. It has a nice tension on the palate, with lightly gripping tannins and a firm, appetizing finish.
Light earthy raspberry and strawberry aromas suggest leanness, which is backed up on a raw, citric, pinching palate. Flavors of herbal plum and orange peel are austere, while this goes nowhere new on the finish.
Light fig and pear flavors on a rich texture make this wine a sleeper. Quiet on the first sip it gains ripeness and interest with subsequent tastes. It's very smooth and full in the mouth.
Light flavors call up notes of toasted cracker and raspberry candy that are pleasant enough, but insubstantial. The addition of 3% Syrah to the blend may have helped to bump up the color, but this remains a rather thin and simple, quaffable wine.
Light flavors mix citrus and stone fruits, with hints of honey and lemongrass. Just a tad above bone dry, it's finished with 8g/L residual sugar.
Light flavors of butterscotch and toast are wrapped into a broad, palate-coating wine with ripe yellow fruits. It's fresh and lively, and drinking especially well in its youth.
Light fleshy aromas of peach and apricot lead to a tight juicy direct palate with pure, unadulterated flavors of pineapple, tangerine and apple. A crisp stony finish is fresh and in fine shape. This is a textbook racy Albariño to drink right away.
Light floral and green apple aromas and ripe apple and peach flavors make this wine tasty and easy to like. It's medium-bodied and soft on the finish.
Light floral and honeysuckle aromas are very pretty and compelling, as is the wine's citrus-laden palate. What an introduction to the variety—it's a good value, it's correct, and it's dry. Worth keeping a few bottles around the house.
Light floral aromas and more rich and savory flavors make this wine satisfying to drink. It's light-bodied, fairly soft in texture and has a light sugary finish.
Light for a Cabernet, but forward with appealing fruit flavors of raspberry and black currant nicely melded. The fruit forward style runs smack into some slightly green, herbal, earthy tannins as it winds through the finish.
Light for a reserve, this has a yeasty, slightly beer-like scent. The aromas run from celery and jicama to tart green apple, with a hint of toasted bread—perhaps from the fermentation that took place in neutral barrels.
Light fragrances suggest red berry, rose and vanilla. The round palate offers candied red cherry, vanilla and a hint of beet alongside polished tannins.
Light fresh aromas and flavors along with decent balance make this wine a versatile drink. The flavors are faint but clean, so it makes a good palate cleanser and should work well for a crowd.
Light fruit flavors combine watermelon and strawberry, accented with charred, astringent tannins. A tobacco flavor threads on through the finish, with a slightly chalky mouthfeel.
Light fruit flavors of apple and pear have been softened a bit with aging on the lees in neutral oak. This is a pleasant, simple, quaffable wine for every day enjoyment.
Light fruit flavors of watermelon and strawberry, along with some thin black cherry and cola flavors are what you'll find here. This is pleasant and drinkable, but not a wine to cellar or match with any really spicy foods. A good quaffer.
Light fruit flavors run from melon into pale strawberry, with tannins that seem just on the edge of ripeness. Pleasant for the near term, but not for cellaring.
Light fruit flavors suggest pomegranate and strawberry, with a little hit of nougat and coconut from time in (almost) neutral wood. It's a well-balanced effort, one that does not overreach for power in this light vintage.
Light fruit suggests strawberries with a slightly green edge. The tannins are still a bit rough and tumble, with a peppery kick.
Light fruit with soft tannins give this wine freshness and a soft texture. It offers black-currant flavors and intense, juicy acidity. It's not for aging, drink from 2017.
Light fruit, dwelling on bitter cherry and fresh raspberry flavors. The wine shows crisp acidity, tight tannins and a cool feel.
Light fruit, with milk chocolate in the nose and on the palate, yields a simple wine with tangy acidity. It's clean and fresh, but nondescript.
Light garnet in color with a tawny rim, this offers earthy, wet stone aromas and then gushing fruit flavors like raspberry and wild blackberry that ride on a wave of lively acidity, making for a fascinating taste adventure. This nails the acid-tannin-alcohol balance in a way that's compelling and delicious.
Light garnet in color, this Tuscan-charmer shows notes of charred raspberry, violet and smoked meat on the nose. The light-bodied palate of tart red berries is carried along by driving acidity, with dried herb notes accenting a short finish.
Light garnet in color, this wine has a subtle bouquet that is redolent of blue flower, almond paste, tobacco and even citrus. The palate feels tight and crisp.
Light gold in color, this opens with easy aromas of garden herb, tangerine and white flower. Pair this with snack foods, such as toasted almonds or fried corn nuts.
Light gold in color, this rose scented wine has a touch of honey and some richness. There is dryness as well, bringing out walnuts and an edge of bitterness. This is wine to drink now.
Light gold in color, this wine is focused and bright. A jasmine aroma and succulent green-apple flavor pairs with steely minerality, offering power and grace in one satisfying package.
Light gold to the eye, this wine features a bouquet of pineapple, chopped parsley and baking bread. It is full on the palate, blending Seckel pear, Granny Smith apple and fresh mint. It is cooling in the throat, and the lingering finish offers a wave of bright acidity.
Light golden-colored, this blend of 75% Roussanne, 12% Grenache Blanc and 13% Marsanne comes from Boushey and Olsen vineyards. It draws you into the glass with aromas of marzipan, nectarine and spice. The stone fruit flavors are lightly creamy in feel, showing a pleasing sense of balance and a lengthy finish.
Light golden brown in color, this richly aromatic wine offers notes of brown sugar, dried pineapple, papaya and lychee. A whopping 270.8g/L residual sugar, it's thick, honeyed and sugary sweet with cinnamon, honey and granulated brown sugar flavors that linger on the finish.
Light golden in color, this has ripe aromas of stone fruit, apricot, honey, grapefruit and dried herb. It has freshness and structure, and the finish lasts for many long minutes.
Light golden in color, this is exotic in ginger and lemongrass, with a midpalate of fresh-cut pear and wet stone. Gearing up to the finish, expect deeper tones of caramel and tropical oak.
Light graphite notes of pencil shaving and slate roof come on the heels of wild berries, orange zest and powdered licorice. Shadings of ash and smoke liven the mouth but the finish is exceedingly tannic and dry.
Light green-apple aromas and crisp, almost neutral flavors leave this wine with a bland personality. It is dry and clean on the palate.
Light green-apple fruit and gentle highlights of cinnamon are in place, though this wine feels a little flat on the palate. A quick finish brings a hint of plastic.
Light green aromas of melon and lime are nice, while the palate is solid and full of lime and pithy grapefruit flavors. Like many Chilean SBs, this is salinic, citrusy and pithy, but also round as well as clean. Drink right away.
Light green in color, with standard Torrontes aromas of acacia and tropical fruits. The palate is simple and delivers solid flavors of lychee, melon and green herbs; somewhat cloying and confected.
Light hay in color and with a creamy, near-perfect foam, this sparkler shows fresh Asian pear, light plumeria, wet river stone and rain-on-sidewalk aromas, altogether quite minerally on the nose. Impressively textural, it's cleansing on the palate, a bit like licking chalk, with flavors of lemon skin, tart yellow-apple rind and crisp pear flesh.
Light herb aromas and vivid apple flavors make this medium-bodied wine delicious, while the tangy, nervy texture keeps the mouth tingling. It has great balance, concentration and length on the finish.
Light herb, green olive and earth aromas are followed by broad cranberry, cherry and orange peel flavors in this wine. It doesn't quite stand up on its own but should fit well at the dinner table.
Light herb, sweet spice, orange peel, maple and red and black fruit aromas are followed by dark fruit flavors in this wine. It's a bit wound up now, so give it some time in the cellar or a long decant.
Light herbal aromas and lively grapefruit flavors make this inexpensive wine true to type and fun to drink. It is nicely dry and has good, crisp acidity.
Light hints of herbs and fynbos add character to the green melon, plum and grapefruit pith aromas. The palate follows with more of the same, in addition to accents of green plantain and lime leaf. This is direct and lifted, with a clean, brisk finish. Enjoy now.
Light hints of honey, Meyer lemon curd and creamy nectarine show on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. Broad flavors of ripe apples, cherimoya and kiwi are held together by sea salt and a crisp blast of acidity.
Light hints of licorice and clove dance around lusciously ripe fruit flavors in this big, layered and almost monumental wine. The fruit is darker than usual, like black plum and currant, while the thick yet fine tannins massage the mouth as you sip and pull all that gorgeous fruit through the lingering finish.
Light honey and apple-syrup aromas meet with hints of marzipan and sweet pear on the nose of this bottling. The flavor profile is intriguing and slightly bitter, with quinine, orange oil, citrus zest and sandstone presented on a oily structure.
Light honey on red apple and apple blossom aromas show on this blend of 42% Viognier, 30% Grenache Blanc, 23% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne. The flavors combine honey brittle with lemon skins, ripe Borsch pear and a warmer yellow melon fruit element.
Light honeydew and gardenia aromas show on the pleasant and clean nose of this well-restrained Viognier. The sip is as zippy and persistent with acidity as can be without losing the varietal character, allowing the ripe Gala apple and Anjou pear to show through the racy frame.
Light in appearance with ruby highlights, this Roero delivers easy aromas of tar, cassis, rose and licorice. The wine is light, fresh and sharp with a lean, watery finish.
Light in approach and consistency, this is a fresh, easygoing white wine from central Italy that can be consumed at informal occasions such as with appetizers or at an outdoor barbecue. The aromas recall lime, green melon and sweet basil.
Light in aromas, this reasonably priced wine by the Talley family eventually shows subtle earth and game on the nose. The palate packs much more textural action, with bitter cranberry skins and orange rinds as well as black slate flavors, with a bright acidity that lingers long.
Light in aromas, this wine shows light honeydew, gray slate, wet cement and a hint of butter crisps on the nose. The palate is also delicate, with lime juice that arises on the midpalate and lasts through the finish. Citrus-blossom elements add to the bright, light and tight flavors.
Light in aromatic intensity, this has subtle notes of cherry skin and blue fruit. The palate showcases a ton of structure, but the flavors seem mute in comparison, and the finish feels brittle.
Light in body and frankly a little skinny, this is nevertheless a pretty wine, its tannic structure of skillfully woven silk. Subtle cherry and sous bois notes aren't overly powerful, but persist nicely on the finish. Drink now.
Light in body and pungent almost to the point of sweatiness, with leafy, herbal flavors that soften on the finish.
Light in body and silky in texture, this easy Pinot Noir offers plenty of varietal character. The raspberry and cherry flavors are spicy and sweet.
Light in body and tart in acids, this bone-dry Pinot Noir shows modest flavors of cherry skins, red apple peelings and cola.
Light in body for a Napa Cab but extremely elegant, this polished wine is fully ready to drink now. A blend of Oakville and Calistoga fruit, it's rich in cherry, red and black currant and Dr. Pepper flavors.
Light in body for a Shiraz, with savory elements of meat and pepper complemented by touches of plum and berry fruit. Drink up.
Light in body, but fresh and clean, this was a surprise performer in our last round of tastings. Herbal overtones to the cedar, cherry and tobacco notes are correct from a flavor standpoint, but note that this wine doesn't have the stuffing to pair with hearty, traditional Cabernet pairings.
Light in body, shades of green plum and freshly cut grass lend freshness to riper flavors of apricot and honey in this off-dry Riesling. Fresh and fruity, it's sprightly on the palate, with wide appeal.
Light in body, silky and acidic, made in a more elegant and sophisticated style than some of those bigger, extracted Pinots. Almost like a white wine, but with intense raspberry and cherry fruit, cola, rosehip tea, spice and oak flavors. Decant for a few hours, or drink over the next three years.
Light in body, with a fine backbone of taut acidity, this is a throwback to a time when spätleses were slightly drier than today. Delicate scents of crushed stone and pressed flowers are underscored by hints of green apple and lime. This would make a fine apéritif on its own, or could perhaps partner subtle seafood dishes.
Light in body, with flavors of cherries, cola, mint and peppery spices, this Pinot is dry and silky. It has a sharpness through the finish that suggests a bit of unripeness or stemminess.
Light in body, with pineapple and mint aromas and tart, citrusy and green flavors. Metallic on the finish.
Light in body, with prickly acidity highlighting thin berry and oak flavors.
Light in body, with savory acidity, this Pinot offers plush flavors of raspberry tart, red cherry pie filling, root beer, mocha and cinnamon spice. It's more elegant than complex. Drink now.
Light in body, yet sinewy in texture and a bit sweet, This Riesling has turned out well. Floral, green apple and lime aromas and flavors are almost Mosel-like, but the wine is richer and weightier than that, clocking in at 10% alcohol.
Light in both alcohol and concentration, this seems to have a hint of residual sugar, perhaps intent on masking the acidity. It offers little indication of ripe fruit or varietal character. It's a dilute, plain, generic white wine.
Light in color and almost a shade of green, this dessert wine offers aromas of honeydew melon, sharp lime, jasmine and a touch of petrol-like citrus pith. The palate is sweet but pillowy in texture, with Key lime, honeysuckle and herb-inflected honey flavors.
Light in color and body and modest in alcohol at 12%, this is a curiously intriguing Grenache, tightly wound in freshly picked strawberries and an undeniable earthiness. Aromas lean toward roses with a heavy hint of menthol. A touch of pepperiness on the finish completes the wine.
Light in color and body, this is a cool-climate-influenced wine full of spice and life. It offers a mixture of rhubarb, strawberry and black tea, dusted in cardamom. The wine's spicy tones carry through to the medium-length finish.
Light in color and body, this is a silky Pinot Noir for everyday fare. It shows cola, cherry jam, persimmon and Asian spice flavors, with a coating of toasty oak.
Light in color and body, this restrained, classically styled red is tart in fruit character and acidity, with a thickness of concentration that surprises. A hint of reductive oak meanders through.
Light in color and body, this wine takes its delicacy seriously, holding back on the fruit and spice to feature woody, herbal characteristics and a slim body.
Light in color and body, with a silky texture and cherry, cola, bacon and peppery spice flavors, this Grenache could be easily mistaken for Pinot Noir. It's a very nice wine to drink with a steak, lamb chop or pork loin.
Light in color and bright in floral intensity, this delivers flavors of citrus, stone fruit and apple, with a subtle endnote of chopped mint or basil.
Light in color and bright in intensity, this luminous late-harvest Moscadello boasts enormous purity of aromas. The wine is also delicate and feminine with tones of yellow rose, vanilla cream and apricot that accent it's thick, creamy texture. Not cloying or too sweet; would pair well with pâté.
Light in color and bright in taste, this is a lightly fruity wine. It's the epitome of the French Riviera—hinting at red currants and with plenty of acidity. It is an immediately drinkable wine with a refreshing crisp aftertaste.
Light in color and clear, this 100% varietal wine from a prime spot in Carneros known better for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dances in the glass, a celebration of floral violet aromas and faint white pepper. Restrained and elegant, it's plenty spicy and fresh, finishing with just the right amount of red cherry.
Light in color and crisp in style, this wine nicely combines all the lovable features of the variety, from barnyard-like earth at its core, to streaks of cinnamon, cranberry and red cherry. It finishes with length and breadth, never getting bogged down in too much oak or tannin.
Light in color and delicate in texture, this wine is bright in pomegranate and raspberry, with a spritzy, carbonic edge that brings freshness to a deep, rich finish of strawberry and tea.
Light in color and density, Frappato should be consumed slightly chilled with cold cuts or salads. This is a successful and well-priced expression of the native Sicilian variety that offers small berry aromas with background tones of pistachio, marzipan and cherry liqueur.
Light in color and ethereally earthy, this wine opens with delicate notes of rose petal and allspice. It then broadens into a gorgeous, medium-weight and mouthfilling sensation of red fruit and more spice, which lingers long on the finish.
Light in color and flavor, this is a ghost of a wine, with pale fruitiness and acidity, with a fleeting texture.
Light in color and in body, like a Pinot Noir, this Mourvèdre has forward, rich flavors of cherries and orange zest, accented with sweet, toasty oak. It's simple and rather sweet, like melted pie filling.
Light in color and in the fruit flavors that are front and center, this tastes of straightforward cranberry and raspberry. It's pleasant but on the simple side, and its tannins bring a touch of green flavors as it wraps up with a gentle suggestion of milk chocolate.
Light in color and just as light in body, this Merlot smells like cherry, plum and chewing gum. A lean linear palate generates tart generic red-fruit flavors prior to a sour finish.
Light in color and lean in consistency, this offers subtle aromas of citrus, honey and grapefruit. The wine is refreshing and crisp overall.
Light in color and light-bodied in the mouth, this Grenache-based Rhône blend offers easy, sweet flavors of cherries, cola, vanilla and oak.
Light in color and lightly textured, this is a toffee and red-fruit flavored wine that is sweet without great definition.
Light in color and lilting floral aromas of rose, this is an inviting cool-climate Pinot Noir swirling in equal parts strawberry and spice, subtle and sophisticated.
Light in color and medium bodied, this unusual wine presents a weightiness, a throwback to California's earlier days of more widespread plantings of Gamay. This one offers a thick, syrupy overtone of blueberry and cherry, soft on the midpalate with nominal structure.
Light in color and mellow on the nose, with leesy notes, this always-reliable Albariño is fresh and kicking with acidity. Apple and peach flavors carry over to a plump finish with lasting stone-fruit and melon notes.
Light in color and more neutral and clean smelling than anything. The palate is airy and offers simple, pleasant melon and pear flavors. About as easygoing as they come; a no-frills white wine that's tasty, lightweight and a bit sweet.
Light in color and nuanced in oak, this full-bodied beauty doesn't hold back on richness, allowing plenty of room for an expanse of salted caramel, pineapple and preserved lemon. Layered and robust throughout the midpalate, it lightens up on the intensity through a crisp finish.
Light in color and only just faintly aromatic, Amador Cellars' Sangiovese tastes of red cherry and blueberry with a tight tannin structure that suggests giving it 3–5 years more time.
Light in color and rustically earthy on the nose, this wine offers ripe black cherry and licorice, with a touch of tartness on the finish. It takes on weight and body as it goes, peaking as the wine hits the back of the tongue.
Light in color and seemingly simple, this wine celebrates the virtues of fresh-squeezed citrus and peach while floating through floating clouds of air, that's how light it remains on the palate. Still, there's flavor and refreshment, all at a more-than-fair price.
Light in color and silky in texture, this earthy wine offers overtones of cinnamon, dark cherry, raspberry and clove. Well integrated in terms of oak and tannin, it's full-bodied enough to please those who like a bigger styled wine.
Light in color and sizzling in Asian spice, this wine is made by Sam Spencer from a variety of top-notch vineyard sites, including Durell and Wildcat Canyon, as well as locales farmed by the Sangiacomos. Light to medium in body, it features soft texture and well-integrated oak. An element of exotic Mediterranean spice never quite lets go atop the black cherry and strawberry notes.
Light in color and soft in texture, this fruity wine attains an attractive balance between crushed ripe strawberries and fresh acidity. Vibrant yet with ample weight, it is drinkable now.
Light in color and soft in the glass, this well-built wine is bursting in red berry and cherry, with aromas of violet and oak and a finish laced in cherry-vanilla. Structured and finessed, it's impressive for hearty pairings like pork or game,
Light in color and soft, this is a caramel-flavored wine that is all fruit. It is open and generous, with just a light tang of acidity at the end.
Light in color and spicy cherry fruit, it offers layers of oak and earth that compete for attention. The wine is a blend of three clones, including Pommard, which reveals itself in the wine's forested and floral character. Concentrated and relatively lush, it should stand the test of time and air; try from 2017–2019.
Light in color and stemmy and spicy in equal parts, this light, bright wine is complex and intriguing in its offering of white pepper, baker's yeast and cranberry coated in vanilla. It delivers flavor and nuance in a pleasing showcase of the variety.
Light in color and style, this wine seems more similar to a Pinot Noir than a Merlot. There's no apparent oak influence to interfere with the notes of ash, red currant, saline and bell pepper that are supported by a light grip of tannins.
Light in color and tart in acidity, but with ultralight tannins, this pleasant sipper has flavors of spicy cherry pie filling and Dr. Pepper cola. It's a dry wine somewhat like a simple Pinot Noir. Drink now with barbecue.
Light in color and texture, it offers inviting perfumed violet aromas before weavings of raspberry and just-ripe cherry take over on the palate. Approachable and easygoing, a wine to enjoy now.
Light in color and texture, this is a rose petal aroma-driven wine, floral and herbal in equal waves. Smooth and subdued, it showcases cherry cola and ripe, integrated tannins while remaining lively on the palate and through a lengthy finish.
Light in color and texture, this is a wine that reflects the lightweight red wine vintage. But it is balanced, with good spice and enough sweet fruit to fit with the acidity. Drink now.
Light in color and texture, this is an interesting, grippy Pinot Meunier. The variety is a rare find in California where, as in France's Champagne, it is used as a blender in sparkling wine. On its own it is interesting, peppery and fruity.
Light in color and texture, this wine at first is muted and shy, getting spicier and earthier as it goes, with a baked strawberry-compote flavor at its core.
Light in color and texture, with a silky, airy mouthfeel, this Pinot has elegant flavors of cherries, anise, vanilla, Asian spices and smoky wood. It's a polished wine for drinking now.
Light in color and texture, with faint mushroom and earth tones and wispy swirls of cherry, this Pinot is silky with perceptible acidity and a finish of spicy mint. It's structured enough in body to pair beautifully with a range of food.
Light in color and weight, this is a nicely composed Pinot Meunier. Old world in style, it's integrated in raspberry fruit and a hint of mint, making it soft and easy to drink.
Light in color and weight, this vineyard-designate conveys a wealth of rose petals, earth and bright, crisp red cherry. Compellingly layered and shy, it defines the term ethereal. The finish is medium in length and accented in spicy cardamom.
Light in color and with considerable acidity, this wine boasts cherry fruits along with a dry texture and spice. It is not for aging.
Light in color but bursting with aromas of candied cherry, pencil lead, sauteed porcini mushrooms and rain-soaked gravel, this is a fabulous wine from an oceanview vineyard above Corralitos. Italian spices of oregano and bay leaf combine with a sesame-oil warmth and bright raspberry fruit on the zesty palate.
Light in color but heavy in oak, Alcineo is a modern Tuscan red that puts big emphasis on wood-driven aromas of spice and vanilla. There are some bright cherry and citrus flavors on the finish.
Light in color but loaded with pungent lemon-lime, ocean brine and lettuce aromas, this cleansing spritzy SB offers tangy lime, lettuce and gooseberry flavors. A dry peppery finish with acidic cut provides for a fresh ending.
Light in color for a Cabernet, this conveys black currant, fresh blackberries and coffee. It's a bit thin in the middle but remains pleasant and straightforward on the edges.
Light in color for a Syrah, this bottling shows smoky aromas along with crushed violets, rose hips, black tea, elderberries, hibiscus and a light dusting of white pepper. The lighter palate is a welcome shift from this grape's usual density, offering cranberry and smoked-pork flavors. It's lithe in texture and very quaffable.
Light in color from the wood aging, this is also a light wine. Fruit is secondary to the acidity and strong wood-aging flavors. It leaves a dry aftertaste.
Light in color it's composed of violet and rose petal aromas, zippy in acidity, with layered dark cherry fruit and an earthy, herbal backbone. With texture on the palate, it has a buoyancy and electricity of minerality and finishes with the slightest suggestion of anise. Only 72 cases were made.
Light in color it reveals intense aromas of ripe, baked cherry fruit and pungent earth, streaks of herbal cinnamon and clove playing in the background.
Light in color this is a delicious Pinot Noir, woodsy and invoking faint red cherry aromas and flavors laced in herb. Softly textured and silky, enjoy on its own or with a roast chicken dripping in rosemary and butter.
Light in color this wine features gorgeous acidity and a lining of fresh, vibrant red cherry, adorned completely by a pretty rose-petal bouquet. Though gentle in color and body, the texture moves along, providing plenty of body to keep the wine freshly alive.
Light in color while full of fruit, this is a ripe and jammy wine. A good core of tannins are surrounded by ripe cherry and strawberry-flavored fruits. There is a good future for this dense wine, so drink from 2017.
Light in color with an herbal profile, this lightly textured wine offers tart cherry and dry tannins with a bite of oak on the finish. Having undergone partial whole-cluster fermentation (30%), it also has a forested, savory character, streaked in cedar and baking spice. Most of the grapes hail from Sonoma Mountain, rounded out by Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Mendocino fruit.
Light in color with aromas of finely scented bath soap, strawberry, fresh cream and steel. The palate is a touch sweeter than you might expect, and that's because this is 60% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) along with Garnacha and Pinot Noir. Still, it's an elegant wine with punch bowl flavors.
Light in color with pretty layers of minerals and herbs, this golden-hued Picolit offers background aromas of natural rubber, dried mint and stone fruit. It exhibits a traditional style that puts more emphasis on elegance than it does on extraction. It has fresh, sweet flavors and nice density on the close.
Light in color yet meaty on the palate, this is a youthful, tightly-wound red, firm in tannin and oak. The fruit profile is subtle, allowing spicier characteristics of cardamom and clove to shine.
Light in color, alcohol and texture, this dynamic wine has a fresh pepper flavor, and is gorgeous all around, like drinking fresh rose petals. This could be enjoyed all day long, every day, but with only 51 cases produced, get it now or you'll miss out on it.
Light in color, almost rusty. Fleshy aromas of chunky, brambly fruit also offer a lot of pepper, both black and green. With good body and texture, you’re hopeful for more in the mouth, but the fruit is marred by the essence of veggies, even tasting a bit stewed.
Light in color, aroma and flavor, it would be perfect when you want something simply fresh. It has cherry and cinnamon aromas, light raspberry and cherry cola flavors, and a light touch of tannin and acidity to balance the otherwise soft texture.
Light in color, aromas of barrel spice, herb and red fruit rise up from the glass. The palate packs a mouthful of red-fruit flavors, with the tannins showing a bit of astringency.
Light in color, aromas of vanilla, caramel, toast, char and wood spice lead to wood-forward fruit flavors backed by tart acids. The oak seems out of check but it still brings some appeal.
Light in color, but rich in fruit, this wine has structure, spice and ripe red cherry fruits that are kept from total exuberance by the layer of young tannin. The wine should age; drink from 2016.
Light in color, in fact almost transparent. The nose is full of tomato, brier and dried herbs. In a word: it's weak. The palate is equally lean and spicy, while the finish seems starched out and on its final legs. On the plus side is a leathery feel and some dried-herb nuances that mingle below the surface.
Light in color, intriguing aromas of cedar, mushroom, orange peel, smoke and cigar box are followed by somewhat faint elegantly styled red-fruit and spice flavors. It falls a bit flat on the palate.
Light in color, light in aromas, light in flavor... that pretty much describes this decent but rudimentary Chardonnay. Airy pear aromas lead to a monotone, fresh palate with generic flavors of peach, melon and citrus. A pithy bitterness rises up on the modest finish.
Light in color, perfumed aromas of potpourri, orange peel and red fruit give way to light, delicate fruit and savory flavors. It provides as lot of intrigue.
Light in color, Q is the winery's second vintage of a single-vineyard, single-clone expression of the variety. Concentrated in dark-cherry flavor, it's soft and silky on the palate, with an undercurrent of smoky oak and cedar.
Light in color, refined in the nose, and intense in the mouth. It's packed with toffee, nuts, dried apricot and other delicious and sophisticated flavors. There's dynamite fruit quality here, but it's the creamy nuttiness on the palate and the finish that steals the show.
Light in color, sketchy on the nose and dilute on the palate, all of which means this has discernible issues. Bland flavors suggest grape skins, while this is flat, wheaty and yeasty tasting on the finish.
Light in color, smooth, soft with a trace of astringency to the background, it shows off Barbera's marriage of acidity and denseness. It's a heavier version for sure, with spice and rustic black cherry.
Light in color, the aromas of this wine are very varietal, with scents of cranberry, raspberry and high-toned spices. The palate is quite sweet, giving the appearance of carrying some residual sugar. It comes off as a bit hot. Still, there's enjoyment to be had.
Light in color, the wine from hand-picked Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Barroca grapes has strawberry flavors, light acidity and a fresh finish. It is, of course, sweet, hinting at the spirit added to halt fermentation. It's an attractive wine from the Sogrape family group, ready for chilling. Drink now.
Light in color, the wine is equally light in flavor–a soft, gentle wine with only hints of tannins. Fruity without much depth, it is ready to drink, .
Light in color, this 100% varietal wine was macerated with 50% stems and 50% whole berries before being aged in 500L neutral French-oak puncheons. It's perfumed with dark raspberries, cherry Jolly Ranchers, herbs, lavender, potpourri and mineral. The outrageously supple yet rich, supremely elegant mouthfeel dazzles.
Light in color, this über aromatic wine conveys flowers, black and green olive, mineral, peat and smoke. The palate is all about elegance of expression and texture, with smoked meat and coffee flavors that linger.
Light in color, this affordable white is floral on the nose, with just a touch of reduction and heady smoky oak. Simply executed, it offers generous flavors of apple, pear and peach.
Light in color, this blend of 51% Syrah, 42% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon is perfumed with orange peel, coffee, plum and herbs. It drinks off dry, quite light and elegant in style with grainy tannins.
Light in color, this bottling from a famous vineyard shows red cherry, crushed clove and woody herb notes on a nose that's both sanguine and sharp with anise spice. The palate is lively and spicy, with energetic white sage and bright red fruit leading into a long-lasting, menthol-laced finish.
Light in color, this bottling from winemaker Colin Murphy shows rounded red plum and tart strawberry scents, with graphite and wet river stone minerality. The palate is lively with acid-driven red fruit that's round and full on the midpalate.
Light in color, this county-blend wine by Adam Tolmach is redolent with aromas of rose, ripe cranberry, juniper, eucalyptus, sage and dried sweet basil. Dried herbs including fennel and bay leaf dominate the palate, giving nuance to the cran-pomegranate fruit and Earl-Grey-tea notes.
Light in color, this crisp and fruity wine has a balance between its red fruit flavors and the tight, bright acidity. It is softer and fruitier than some of the Gosset wines, making it immediately accessible and a fine apéritif style.
Light in color, this delicate wine is herbal and yet bright in Bing cherry, quite nuanced and slight at first, unveiling its concentration and complexity slowly and seductively over time. Made by longtime grape growers, the acidity is lively and the weight slim, traces of restrained oak and garden herb dancing in the background. Only 54 cases made.
Light in color, this equally light-bodied red has spiky acidity and intense flavors of rose petal, lilac and black tea. Bittersweet on the finish, it leans more savory than fruity, providing intrigue and earth.
Light in color, this gently fruity wine offers a touch of caramel as well as red currants. It's made to drink young and fresh now.
Light in color, this good-deal wine presents lime sorbet and chalk on the nose. That green citrus persists on the palate alongside salt, sea shell and barrel smoke.
Light in color, this has a nose that's defined by a leafy, herbal red-fruit aroma and a rubbery scent. The palate is light in feel and drying, with a spicy, dry red-fruit flavor and a buttery oak tone. Mellow and leafy on the finish.
Light in color, this has a warm jammy feel that's leavened by intense acidity. Just touched with tannins, it is attractive and ready to drink.
Light in color, this is a fruity, softly tannic and lightweight wine. It brings out red fruits that are now maturing, giving spice and a touch of pepper with final acidity. Drink now.
Light in color, this is a smoky, thick and oaky red wine that evolves to reveal a delicate texture as it nears its finish. The fruit is densely packed and jammy, as well as nicely layered.
Light in color, this is a soft, red fruited wine. It has red cherry flavors with a dry edge of fruit tannin and wood. The acidity and the juicy aftertaste give a really attractive finish.
Light in color, this is a somewhat murky, reduced and bittersweet wine, earthy in fresh compost, mushroom and pine. Its fruit flavors tend toward rhubarb and cranberry, as the finish ends in black tea.
Light in color, this is a tight, cherry fruited wine with fruit that seems underripe. It's almost rosé in feel with just a leather and tannin underlay to give it structure. Drink now.
Light in color, this is a very aromatic take on the grape, with powerful jasmine, plumeria and guava aromas as well as just-sliced pear flesh. The palate is also ripe with tropical coconut and guava touches, cut with fresh and zesty acidity.
Light in color, this is a wine with flavors that seem to have been stripped away. It is crisp and only lightly fruity, with some bitter acidity at the end.
Light in color, this larger production Pinot Noir is priced right and is a fairly meaty red that'll go down easily, it's just not terribly varietal. A good value for large gatherings.
Light in color, this offers alluring peat, white pepper, herb, earth and raspberry aromas. It dances on the palate, showing elegance and sophistication and bringingplenty of intrigue.
Light in color, this rejoices in its perfumed character as much as its fruit. There is a heady smoky aroma, while the palate shows a leaner character. The fruit flavors of red berries are given an extra dimension by the smoky wood and the meaty edge.
Light in color, this shows red cherry and strawberry flavors. The tannins are soft, creating an easy wine that is ready to drink.
Light in color, this sparkling wine is somewhat diluted in flavor, coming off as slightly sweet, with a nutty metallic edge to it.
Light in color, this tight, stalky wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Pineau d'Aunis. It comes from a region that is probably too cool for red wines, showing an herbal character that suggests underripe grapes. The wine might show better in a warmer vintage.
Light in color, this wine brings aromas of peppermint, herb, sarsaparilla and spice. The flavors are light and transparent, showing a very pretty sense of styling.
Light in color, this wine brings brooding aromas of red fruit, herb, spice and tire rubber. The red-fruit flavors are light and elegant, pulling up toward the finish.
Light in color, this wine brings pleasing, pure aromas of peppermint, strawberry, sarsaparilla and cherry. The flavors are light, elegant and juicy, providing a lot of appeal.
Light in color, this wine comes from a seven-acre spot in Freestone. It opens with a stemmy earthiness, then wild strawberry and mint commingle in a velvety, smooth and sublime package of light red cherry and pomegranate that bristles with acidity through the spicy finish.
Light in color, this wine has an exotic nose of dried herb, forest floor and wild mushroom scents. Tart, nervy acidity accents its rhubarb and cranberry flavors as a sprinkling of white pepper teases.
Light in color, this wine is shy on the nose, yielding pleasant rose petal, pomegranate, cranberry and graphite aromas as it takes on air. The palate is bright, with a healthy dose of cranberry skin-like tannins to hold it all together. A solid Pinot for a sunny day.
Light in color, this wine offers aromas of dried herbs, fresh flowers and cherry. The style is light and elegant. It doesn't entirely stand up on its own but it should do well at the dinner table.
Light in color, this wine offers aromas of herb, red currant, graphite, raspberry and barrel spice. The fruit and barrel flavors are elegantly styled, playing off each other through the finish.
Light in color, this wine offers fresh but concentrated dark berry and cherry flavors and strong black tea and rose petal aspects. The acidity is moderate and supportive.
Light in color, this wine offers high-toned aromas of herb, cherry, clove, wood spice and exotic spice. The palate is quite elegant in style, wanting a bit more heft to fully bring it together.
Light in color, this wine offers very pretty aromas of flowers, raspberries and rhubarb. The flavors are primary and appealing, showing a lot of elegance and restraint with a drawn-out finish. It shows no apparent new oak influence, giving a dazzling sense of purity.
Light in color, this wine seems already mature. It has a leathery character, the fruit subdued to the structure. It's attractive to drink as a mature wine that is ready now.
Light in color, with a candied, red fruit nose that's sweet and not very oaky. The palate is juicy but simple, with flavors of herbal raspberry and spice. Not overly complex but good due to its fresh, floral outlook.
Light in color, with basic apple and green-melon aromas, this is a mild Verdejo with a fairly plump mouthfeel. A cross of melon and citrus flavors falls off on the finish before turning bitter.
Light in color, with depth and clarity, this wine shines with dusty black cherry and pomegranate flavors and an ethereal texture of tension and earthy acidity. Clove and orange zest touches dot the long finish.
Light in color, with pecan pie aromas. There's nothing heavy or blowsy about this refined palo cortado; it's tight in the mouth, with narrowing acidity and tangy, oily flavors of citrus, almond and rancio. Long as they come on the finish, with zero excess weight.
Light in color, with stalky aromas that don't feature much fruit. The palate is gentle and bland, with distant orange and tropical fruit. Wheaty and flat on the finish, with an overall canned fruit quality.
Light in color, with transparency, something you usually don't see with Malbec. The nose is rubbery, saucy and a touch grassy, while the palate is tannic and grabby, with stewy, rustic, roasted berry flavors. Finishes with the taste of barbecue sauce.
Light in density, this fresh Roero exhibits aromas of orange zest and tangerine skin on top of pressed blue flowers and wild berries. The wine is sharp, tannic and firm on the palate.
Light in every way, from color to bouquet to weight to flavors. Smells like nettles and grapefruit. Feels wet and dilute, with spritz and flavors of grapefruit and melon. Drink chilled or in a spritzer or white Sangria.
Light in intensity and weight, with herb-inflected cranberry and cherry aromas and flavors that veer toward strawberry on the finish.
Light in kick, with mealy white-fruit aromas. Feels wet but doesn't sport much texture or complexity, while the flavors are neither here nor there as the palate settles on stalky peach. Finishes with bitterness.
Light in oak and mid-weight all in all, this Chardonnay from a cooler sub-section of the Napa Valley is replete with baked apple veering into dried fruit character and a touch of vanilla.
Light in ruby-red, see-through red color, it's spicy and alive, with a silky cherry pit aroma and undercurrent of herbal earthiness. Balanced and soft, it can accompany a slow-roasted pork tenderloin adorned in morel mushrooms or a classic BLT. Of course, it's also stellar on its own.
Light in structure and made for early drinking, this Pinot is crisp and dry, with cherry, cola and minty flavors. High acidity gives it a searing taste that calls for rich fare, like ahi tuna tartare.
Light in style and low in price and alcohol, this Chard is tropical and slightly sweet, perfect for your next-door neighbor or tippler aunt who doesn't often drink wine. For more experienced wine drinkers, the sweet doesn't overextend its welcome. Fine for weeknight roast chicken or pasta salad.
Light in style, this is a pleasant, varietally correct wine with notes of violets, game and lemon playing off a soft, rounded mouthfeel and grainy tannins.
Light in texture and color, this is a floral wine, elegant and restrained. Cherry, pomegranate and rose petals dance on the palate, staying focused in acidity and a razor-thin margin of texture.
Light in texture, this wine shows a fair amount of barrel influence aromatically. On the palate, it's similarly challenging to disregard the oak, which frames a mid-weight body marked by sour cherry.
Light in the glass with shy aromas of red berries and a touch of anise, this wine is soft and earthy on the palate. An energy emerges around mid-sip, with sour cherries and juniper elements beginning to show by the finish.
Light in the glass, this bottling is quite funky on the nose with reductive red cherry and tar notes. Flavors are sour, full of tart cherry and composting earth tones.
Light in the glass, this bottling shows crushed thyme and oregano herbs along with hibiscus, pomegranate and red-cherry fruit on the nose. The palate offers a fruit-punch character at first, with flavors of sour mulberries providing further intrigue.
Light in the glass, this solidly priced bottling shows light vanilla, caramel sea salt, squeezed lemon and white peach on the plump and approachable nose. The palate sizzles with the chalky energy of pink-grapefruit peels, with poached-apple flavors laced across pithy texture and a steely elegance.
Light in the glass, this twist-top bottling offers aromas of rhubarb and exotic incense, reminiscent of a Catholic mass. It's light and easy on the palate—which is uncommon from this often rich appellation, offering cherry, thyme and bay leaf flavors.
Light in the mouth and silky, like a Pinot Noir, with cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. A little one-dimensional, but okay now with a nice cheeseburger.
Light in weight and feel, this tart Chenin leads with bright scents of green apple, plum and lemon peel. A hint of toasted oak dances in the background, adding a touch of depth and spicy character to the close. Linear and direct, this might benefit from a bit more time; try after 2017.
Light in weight and lacy in texture, this is a savory, subtly flavored Pinot Noir that's ready to drink. Notes of smoke, mushrooms and dried herbs intertwine with tart fruit.
Light in weight and subtle in flavor, this Chard is a welcome change from some of its mega-mallowy Oz compatriots. There are citrus and peach flavors on the palate and floral, yellow fruit aromas; it starts to get toasty with aeration.
Light in weight and texture, this wine was aged in both French and American oak. Smokiness surrounds the otherwise restrained offerings of plum, dark cherry and herb.
Light in weight, appearance and intensity, this crisp red delivers bright berry fruit and a distant touch of toasted almond. Pair it with spaghetti and meat sauce.
Light in weight, but quite tart and zesty in the mouth, this wine's green apple and lime flavors deliver a touch of sweetness despite the "dry" moniker.
Light in weight, delicate in style, this is just barely off dry. Crisp apple fruit carries hints of riper stone fruit (nectarine?) but is underlain by a distinctly stony note. The lingering finish ably balances tart and sweet.
Light lemon-lime aromas and fresh fruit flavors make this refreshing, crisp and lively. Not at all heavy, it's well-balanced, has good acidity and tastes dry.
Light lemon-lime aromas open things up, alongside a light mineral note. The palate is clean and racy, with enough body to hold up to core flavors of lime, kiwi and green apple. A floral freshness carries the finish.
Light lemon and melon aromas lead the nose, but the wine slips in the mouth, becoming creamy and flabby in constitution, with only mild citrus, papaya and bitterness for flavors.
Light lemon and vanilla flavors and a creamy texture make this wine easy to drink. The body is on the light side, too, with soft acidity and a mouthfeel that's not too thick.
Light lemon butter meets with Key-lime pith and a steely minerality on the nose of this bottling from the pioneering property that is now owned by Bill Foley. It's very light on the palate, with touches of citrus, apples and cider-like spice, proving easy to sip.
Light lemon, honey and banana aromas are puffy and nice. Fresh as it should be, with mineral, lime and just ripening pineapple. Balance, properly acidic but not biting, and likable.  Imported by Steve Miles Selections.
Light lemony aromas are more blowsy than exact. This feels citric and grabby, with oily weight to the palate. Flavors of ripe white grapefruit, nectarine and orange expand but don't evolve on the finish.
Light Marcona almonds, lemon curd on toast and Gravenstein apples converge for a delicate yet warmer style of Chard on this easy-to-quaff combo of seven top vineyards, including Bentrock, Rita's Crown, Clos Peper, Kessler-Haak, La Rinconada, Zotovich, and Hilliard Bruce. Buttered brioche, a drizzle of lemon oil and a touch of crushed walnuts and almonds arise on the palate.
Light mineral and lemon-rind aromas are followed by dry, tart flavors. It should shine on the dinner table.
Light mint and herbal aromas get it going, followed by dry, complex scents of tobacco, licorice, leather and blackberry. This is 80% Cabernet and 20% Merlot, and it's a bit angular on the tongue but the flavors of cassis, black cherry and plum are juicy and bold. Turns more oaky with airing, especially on the long, herbal finish.
Light mousse and a soft texture give this wine an attractive berry-flavored freshness. A touch of light sweetness finishes the wine attractively.
Light mouthfeel to this cinnamon- and herb-flavored wine. The fruit shows through with a black jelly character. Soft, rounded, ready for drinking.
Light notes of cherry cola, rose petals and cinnamon show on the nose of this bottling from an iconic vineyard in the middle of the appellation. The palate is more complex, with cranberry and raspberry juice notes spiced up by peppercorn, bay leaf and tangy orange peels.
Light notes of cut lemongrass and squeezed lemon show on the nose of this wine by former Harlan Estates cellar master Adam Henkel. Lime juice, wet cement and apple peels combine for a standard and straightforward flavor profile, which is clean, tight and packs a good acidic sizzle.
Light notes of forest berry, cassis and licorice root unfold on the nose and on the medium-weight palate. This might not be the most complex wine, but it's clean, balanced and approachable now.
Light notes of peach and dusty mineral open the bouquet of this food-friendly Soave. You could pair the wine with seafood, summer pasta dishes or salad. It ends with notes of white flower and almond blossom.
Light notes of pomegranate and hibiscus intertwine with Earl Grey tea and lavender on the nose of this wine from one of the region's most famous producers. There's lots of California chaparral spice on the nose, with aniseed, wild fennel and a cinnamon character decorating the cranberry, pomegranate and light strawberry flavors.
Light notes of red cherry lozenge and strawberry mark the medium-bodied palate, which is structured with tense, snappy acidity.
Light nuances of baking spice and forest floor grace the notes of lively black cherry and raspberry. The velvety mouthfeel is juicy and fruit forward, with a jammy richness that transitions onto the long finish, alongside a touch of black pepper.
Light nut, saline and white pepper aromas start it out, and never does this fino reach that high level of refinement and style. The palate is solid but lean, salty and dry. Finishes with peanut and butter flavors on a narrow frame. Good but regular.
Light oak and spice aromas blend with baked berry, graphite and vanilla scents. This feels grabby, with gritty, lightly stalky flavors of leather that overshadow the wine's modest fruit components. The wine is peppery, oaky and a bit raw and pinching on the finish.
Light oak aromas blend nicely with white flower scents and peach notes. The palate is round, smooth and honest, with plump flavors of vanilla, pear and melon. Oaky on the finish, then dry and toasty. Nice for a warm-weather Chard.
Light olallieberry juice mixes with wet-slate minerality on the nose of this widely available wine. It's a bit simple, but also light and easy to quaff, with a blueberry-blackberry juice core enhanced by dried oregano.
Light on fruit but loaded with mocha and milk chocolate aromas. The palate is lean to average in feel and lightly stewed tasting, with creamy, soupy red berry flavors as the backdrop. Finishes with a persistent baked   flavor and a final dollop of milk chocolate.
Light on its feet and effortlessly quaffable, this Lemberger balances deep, dense blackberry and cherry flavors, with a refreshing granite edge. Crisp in profile, it finishes in a murmur of soft tannins.
Light on the nose, it feels tangy in the mouth, with sharp flavors of mustard, brine and lime. This finishes with a pickled flavor.
Light on the nose, then fresh but a bit watery on the palate, this simple SB delivers undefined citrus flavors that lose steam in front of a quiet finish.
Light on the nose, this shows delicate aromas of Asian pear, honeysuckle, squeezed lemon wedge, fresh coconut flesh and a tiny bit of butter. The palate is also demure yet delicious, with lightly poached apples, squeezed lime and a chalky textural grip.
Light on the nose, with a hint of apple and lime. Feels scouring, with sour-apple acidity and juicy but narrow flavors of white citrus and pineapple. Tangy but limited in flavor. Will work best as a palate-prepping or cleansing wash.
Light on the nose. The flavor profile leans toward cranberry, but there seems to be a faint pickled note, too. The feel is juicy and acidic, so it's fresh.
Light orange-pink in color, this wine is boosted by 2% Syrah, 1% Mourvèdre and 1% Grenache Blanc. It shows squeezed lime and pressed watermelon on the nose, proving quite Provencal in style. The cotton-candy palate is lifted by citrus pith, proving tightly wound while quite mouthwatering.
Light peach and ale notes mark the nose of this wine. The palate is dry, and the flavors somewhat flat, making it hard to ascertain the variety.
Light peach and apricot aromas meet richer, riper pear and vanilla flavors and a creamy texture for a medium-bodied, palate-pleasing taste.
Light peach aromas mix with a hint of sea breeze to give this wine a subtle approach. The palate is more alive, with mild citrus and lemon-lime flavors. Almost seems like a refreshing sip of lemonade by the time it fades away.
Light pear and apple flavors, with a dash of melon, comprise this simple, pleasantly acidic white wine. Though it does not have the density of many other Oregon Pinot Gris bottlings, it is reliable and fresh, with a screwcap for good measure.
Light pepper, cassis and a hint of leather form the nose on this wine from a brand founded in 1994 specifically to deliver quality wines at affordable prices. The palate offers grilled meat and roasted root-vegetable flavors. Fairly gripping tannins mean that this wine could survive through 2017.
Light pink in color with a slight yellowish orange hue, this delicate bottling shows light plum and strawberry on the nose along with a prominent chalky character. The sip's balanced acidity and steely, gunmetal minerality carry flavors of red cherry, berry and plum, and it remains zesty long after opening.
Light pink in color, this has chewing gum, watermelon and dust aromas. It is underwhelming on the palate, with a simple mouthfeel and flavors of cotton candy and cherry.
Light pink in color, this is a pretty wine made from 100% Grolleau. It is soft, medium sweet with integrated acidity that comes from the fresh raspberries. It is ready to drink.
Light pink in color, this shows seared orange rind, wet slate and touches of berry on the nose. Light raspberry and plum skins show on the palate, which could use more acidity and tension.
Light pink in color, this wine is fresh and zesty in aroma, mild and pretty in flavor and light on the tongue, with just a hint of sweetness. Made from 80% Zinfandel and bottled with an elegant screen-printed label, it's as a classy version of white Zinfandel.
Light pink in color, this wine offers aromas of strawberry, bubblegum, cherry and melon. It drinks off dry, with mouthwatering fruit flavors.
Light pink in color, this wine offers generous aromas of forest fruit and citrus. It has enough depth and creaminess to pair with a spicy Thai mango salad.
Light pink in color, this wine offers laser-sharp, zesty aromas, with pink limeade, pink grapefruit and crushed white-rock scents. There's lots of life to the palate, where a cement minerality unites ripe flavors of watermelon, tart nectarine, white peach and strawberry.
Light pink in color, with sweet overtones of honey and candied peach, this would pair with poppyseed cake or apple tart. The finish is thick and opulent.
Light pink in the glass with soft aromas and flavors of strawberry and blueberry. Delicate and refreshing; a great choice for hot summer days.
Light pink in the glass, this Pinot Noir-based wine shows pink lemonade, lime and watermelon on the nose alongside wet cement. There is lots of tangy power and fresh energy on the palate, with lemon-zest flavors making the tongue sizzle and cleaning the mouth perfectly.
Light pink to the eye, then fresh and vital on the nose, with a touch of stalkiness. Refreshing, lip-smacking acidity drives the palate, pushing tangy, basic citrus flavors.
Light pink with a tint of yellow, this bottling combines grapes from Sonoma County, Monterey County and Santa Barbara County to deliver nectarine, bubblegum and wet slate aromas. There is chalky tension to the palate, with plum flesh and white peach flavors, as well as persistent river rock minerality.
Light pink, with a slight orange color in the glass, this widely available rosé shows strawberry, orange rind and a tiny bit of bubblegum on the delicate nose. It's a tad flat on the palate, with soft flavors of red cherry and yellow plum.
Light pink/gold in color, this is an exotic ripe wine with melon and tropical fruit flavors underlined by toast. It is big, rich and mouthfilling.
Light Pinot Noir showing an undergrowth aroma, red fruits, soft tannins and a smooth texture. It's not a wine for aging, attractive now with its rounded aftertaste.
Light Pinot Noir, with crisp raspberry flavors. The very fruity wine has an edge of bitterness to go with the acidity.
Light plum and cherry aromas come with a note of bitter horseradish. This feels full and rubbery, with creamy cherry flavors that show an herbal side. On the finish, mild notes of green herbs share space with creamy weight and briny hints.
Light plum and cherry aromas come with herbal notes and a touch of fir frond. Wide in feel, this Syrah tastes ripe and loamy, with jammy, lightly spiced plum and berry flavors. A warm, well-oaked finish is nice and bright. Drink now.
Light plum and cherry flavors give a good first impression. The blend is not strictly traditional, with small doses of Syrah and Grenache in the mix. It fades quickly, and it shows some sourness on the finish.
Light plum and raspberry aromas include notes of animal and latex. This lightweight Garnacha has a monotone mouthfeel, while hollow simple berry flavors finish with acidic tang.
Light plum and red-berry aromas lead to a racy, fresh palate with little body or structure. Candied raspberry and plum flavors are fresh but don't change or improve on the finish.
Light pretty red fruits mingle here, supported with tart citrus. It's an elegant, rather steely style, and one that needs aeration and a bit of patience. The best drinking window should be 2020 through 2025.
Light prune aromas signify a wine on the cusp. Astringent and rubbery in the mouth, this is raw in feel and tastes raisiny and like briary raspberry.
Light purple in color, this aromatically appealing, fruit-forward wine has notes of dark plum, dried herbs and peppery spices along with a mocha top note. It's plump and velvety in feel, with concentrated yet lithe fruit flavors that linger effortlessly on the long, fruit-filled finish that kicks it up a notch.
Light raspberry-sorbet notes meet with fresh fennel fronds, pepper and cinnamon on the nose of this bottling from Chad Melville and family. It's tight and tart on the palate, with dried cranberry, pine needle and eucalyptus flavors that juxtapose with the more fruit-driven nose.
Light raspberry and plum aromas offer a touch of floral violet. This everyday Mencía shows grip and expansive flavors of earthy plum and raspberry. Moderate oak and a medicinal note rise up on a fresh finish.
Light raspberry fruit carries a suggestion of clean earth and dried herb. The tannins show some substantial grip. The overall balance is fine, though the wine drinks younger than most 2012s. Best after 2020.
Light raspberry fruit carries a tart punchy edge. It's clean and fresh, though showing little density. Additional bottle age (another couple of years) would be a good idea.
Light raspberry fruit is enhanced by generous layers of coffee and chocolate. Aromatic and inviting, especially at this price, it brings in a hint of the barnyard on the gently fading finish.
Light raspberry, cranberry, pomegranate and strawberry fruit tones greet the nose on this bottling. The aromas then offer a brick-like minerality bolstered by chiseled slate and wet river stones. Flavors are also rocky and rusty, with lots of crushed gravel and turned earth giving complexity to the cran-pomegranate fruit.
Light raspberry, sweet cracker and barrel flavors are all present. It's a Cabernet with more charm than muscle.
Light red-cherry aromas meet with wild sagebrush and graphite on the light and easy nose of this wine from a family vineyard that recently came under new management. The palate offers cranberry juice lifted by crushed thyme and anise.
Light red-fruit aromas include a note of chewing gum. This wine is medium in body and solid in feel. Currant and nectarine flavors are basic and snappy, persisting on the finish.
Light red-fruit flavors are spiced up beautifully with cinnamon and sweet toast. This is an elegant, peppery wine that's well defined and still showing some youthful sharpness. It will reward additional bottle age and should cellar well for up to a decade.
Light red berries, red plums and cinnamon greet the nose on this countywide blend from Brian Loring, whose tasting room is in Buellton on Highway 246. Brown spice powers the palate, with more cinnamon, star anise and cloves, making for a food-friendly wine.
Light red cherry-flavored wine from a fine year for Beaujolais. The wine is all juicy fruit, rounded tannins and light, smoky acidity.
Light red cherry, dried sage, black tea and thyme show on the nose of this bottling from the iconic facility in the heart of its namesake valley. There is a lot of action on the palate, where tart cherry and plum skin flavors meet with dried mint and earthy shrub elements.
Light red cherry, marjoram and allspice aromas mark this bottling from a winery in the Central Valley that has sourced fruit from coastal regions for many years. The flavors are even more interesting, as cherry is enhanced by bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns and Indian spices.
Light red fruits with a suggestion of mint carry notes of leather, cedar and smoke. The blend includes 10% Merlot, and the wine spent 24 months in French oak, 15% new. Complex and balanced, with a streak of black olive, it's not a big wine, but well made and ready to drink.
Light red fruits, perhaps just a little stewed and herbal, with a soft mouthfeel and mocha-streaked finish.
Light red in color and quite cloudy in the glass, this appellation blend boasts sweet-and-sour spice on the nose, along with kalamata olive, sagebrush, tangy fig and raspberry jam aromas. Its underripe red fruit and piquant olive character on the palate will please those who enjoy the style but turn off those who don't.
Light red in color and smelling like raspberries, this wine adds earthy, spicy flavors while rounding out with red cherry notes and firm tannins that tend to bolster an otherwise relaxed texture. It has good balance and will be versatile with food.
Light red in color, this rosé comes from one of the few grapes with red flesh, and is luscious as expected. Aromas of baked cherries, vanilla bean and strawberry pull in the nose, and the palate comes through with fruit punch, stewed red fruit and exotic orange notes. It's a crowd pleaser.
Light red wine, with a stalky black currant character. It is very fruity, showing herbs and soft tannins. Almost an apéritif red, certainly one for lightly flavored dishes.
Light ruby in color, 50% of this bottling sees 10 months in new French oak. Juicy cranberry and floral strawberry meet peppery spice on the round palate. A light dusting of tannins give structure, with the vibrant acidity keeping things short and snappy.
Light ruby in color, with slight bricking, this Cabernet Franc has aromas of red cherry and currant, dusted by notes of violets and iron. While light bodied in feel, what's there is concentrated and persistent, offering a palate of vibrant red berries lined with cedar oil and savory game. Delicate black-tea tannins offer just enough support and make this an approachable wine to enjoy now.
Light sage, thyme and earth aromas top the ripe blackberry and plum flavors of this well-built, rich and fruity wine. Full bodied, it has soft tannins and a touch of candied fruit on the finish.
Light salmon-pink in color, this refreshing wine is made from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which all provide structure and complexity. Subtle in aroma and flavor, it is light and tart, leaning toward intriguing flavors of pomegranate and cranberry.
Light salmon in color, this has aromas of pineapple, passion fruit and tangerine. It feels tangy and zesty, with pithy, crisp flavors of citrus fruits and red berries. It's juicy, but not overly flavorful on the finish.
Light salmon in color, this herbal rosé dances on the palate with a slight effervescence and 5% residual sugar. It offers a bouquet of robust red fruit and rose petal aromas, and saw no oak.
Light scallion and green herb aromas are offset by buttercup and melon scents. It feels fairly deep and melony, with peach and apple flavors. Despite being soft on the finish, it's packed with white fruit and tropical fruit flavors.
Light scents of fresh grass, white flowers, waxy melon and sweet orange dance in the bouquet of this easy-drinking white. Those notes continue through to the fruity palate, with a pleasant roundness to the midpalate. Drink now.
Light scents of lime, white melon rind, green gooseberry and fresh-cut grass dance on the nose of this dainty white, followed by flavors of underripe pear and tart currant on the light-weight palate. It's fresh and lively, finishing short but clean. Drink up.
Light scents of spring blossom and pear waft out of the glass. The simple palate is rather diluted and decidedly lean, showing hints of apple skin, mineral and brisk acidity.
Light scratchy aromas of spiced plum and raspberry set up a racy lean palate that nobody would label as heavy. Quick simple flavors of red plum and red currant finish tangy but mild.
Light shadings of spice and ripe berry fruit open the nose of this elegant wine. Its natural plushness and richness set it apart.
Light simple citrus aromas fall halfway between punchy and vacuous. This feels wet but basic, while briny flavors of pickled cucumber and scallion blend with citrus notes. A fair finish is fresh and light.
Light spice notes and jammy berry aromas are about all you get from this Prieto Picudo-based wine. The palate is sheering in feel, with cherry, plum and apple skin flavors. Just weighty enough, with a juicy profile and finishing flavors of cola and lean red fruits. Drink now.
Light spicy, earthy aromas, tart raspberry and cranberry flavors and a firmly tannic texure add up to a well-structured and rather lean-tasting wine. It makes a good accompaniment to food.
Light stone fruit aromas on the nose; it's round in the mouth, with stone fruit, mineral and citrus flavors. A good aperitif, and a solid choice if creamy, oaky Chards just aren't your style.
Light straw in color, this wine has a bright nose of pineapple and grapefruit. It fills the mouth with flavors of grapefruit and pineapple, with a touch of quince. The finish is a tad tart, with a pleasant note of passion fruit.
Light straw in color, this wine has a soft nose of apricot and clementine. It offers refreshing flavors of honeydew melon, peach and lemon, and it is bright from the first sip through the tangerine and lemon curd finish.
Light straw in color, this wine offers aromas of pineapple, river rock and toast. Flavors of honeydew, guava, orange blossom and bitter almond are evident on the palate. The symmetry of creamy and tangy sensations continues into the smooth finish.
Light straw in color, with fine bubbles and pure, fine aromas of peach and strawberry. In the mouth, it’s exceptionally rich and creamy. It’s not quite as sweet as an extra dry Champagne, but it’s definitely heading in that direction.
Light straw in the glass, this wine has aromas of pineapple and lemon zest. Refreshing on the palate, it offers flavors of clementine, lemon, orange rind, and honeysuckle. The finish features a lasting sense of brightness.
Light straw in the glass, this wine is a nice example of the indigenous Turkish grape Narince. The bouquet yields soft notes of guava and white melon, while it is much bolder on the palate, offering flavors of grapefruit, carambola, and eucalyptus. The pleasing of interplay of tropical fruit and cool notes continues into a zesty finish with touches of mint.
Light straw in the glass, this wine offers green herbal aromas on the nose, complemented by floral notes and a whiff of sandalwood. Its green apple flavors and strong minerality make for an enjoyable quaff.
Light straw to the eye, this blend of 40% Muscat, 30% Viognier, 15% Sémillon and 15% Sauvignon Blanc smells of grapefruit, lemon pith and grass after a rain shower. Grapefruit, bitter almond, honeysuckle and passion fruit flavors persist through the lingering almond notes of the zesty finish.
Light straw to the eye, this wine offers aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and cut grass. There is a nice balance of citrus and herbal notes on the taste buds, with flavors of pear, peach, lemon and chopped parsley and basil. It has a bright, fresh finish.
Light strawberry and black cherry fruit is the story here, backed with decent acidity. Tannins are dark and well-structured, so the wine keeps its balance. Though it does not have the weight or depth of Washington Syrahs, or the sweet berry flavors of California, it is soundly made, drinking well, fruit forward, and a good choice for warm weather sipping.
Light strawberry aromas are a bit green and herbal. The mouthfeel is fresh but dilute, while flavors of oak and creamy tasting red-berry fruits finish firm but without a lot of depth. This is good for quaffing but doesn't go beyond that.
Light strawberry fruit carries an undertone of dried grass. It turns a little sour in the mouth, but it's fine for the price.
Light strawberry fruit is heavily cloaked in flavors of butter and toast from eight months in oak. The wood flavors cover but do not entirely mask the bitter herbal notes, and the tannins seem disjointed and not fully integrated.
Light strawberry fruit is matched to barrel notes of cola and caramel. There is more than a trace of barnyard and earth, and the tannins have a tea-like astringency. The fruit seems a bit over-matched.
Light strawberry fruit is quickly overtaken with bitter, stemmy flavors and thick, heavy tannins.
Light strawberry fruit with tart acidity carries a wine of modest proportions. It's drinking well, and might be a good choice for a simple salmon preparation, as it would not overwhelm the fish. The finishing tannins have a definite herbal flavor.
Light strawberry, earth and rose-petal aromas add to the blackberry flavors in this medium-bodied wine. It feels tight and tastes lean now, so it's best to drink after 2019.
Light strawberry, leather and tomato leaf aromas all come together to form a true, traditional crianza bouquet. The palate is also in that vein, showing apple skin, red plum and strawberry flavors. With a hint of butter and drying tannins coming on late, this fits squarely into the mold of traditional Rioja crianza.
Light strawberry, raspberry and Bing cherry fruit, medium weight, straight-ahead, nicely ripened. The tannins are soft and the balance works just fine.
Light strawberry, tart cherry and fruit-punch aromas arise on the nose of this widely available bottling. It's quite soft and weak on the palate, with red cherries, strawberries and a touch of thyme.
Light structure and perfumes come from the blending of Syrah with Muscat. It's an intriguing wine, providing spice as well as fresh fruits and acidity. Crisp and fruity at the end.
Light tannins accompany crisp red fruits. What it lacks in weight and complexity, it makes up for with a smooth texture, good acidity and a structure that will allow it age for another year.
Light tannins and attractive red-berry fruits give this wine its instant appeal. It is soft, fruity, with a juicy, crisp aftertaste. Drink now.
Light tannins are dominated by the black cherry and ripe berry fruits. Acidity and a fresh character make this wine accessible and ready to drink.
Light tannins give this wine an attractive texture. It has bright cherry fruits along with glittering acidity. It's a fruity, fresh wine that is ready to drink.
Light tawny in color, this palate-pleasing effort boasts stone fruit, orange blossom and fresh herb flavors. It's elegant and food-friendly in style, with the sort of detail that usually comes with a higher price tag.
Light to medium in body and rather tart, with leather and dried cherry notes that are submerged under an excessively medicinal character.
Light to medium in body, crisp and grassy in style, this is a solid choice for the money. Pineapple and passion fruit peek through the herbal overtones. Drink now.
Light to medium in body, this is a silky-textured Pinot that shows some understated cherry fruit and a fair bit of mushrooms and decaying leaves. Mocha and cinnamon mark the finish.
Light to medium in body, this rosé is crisper and tauter than many coming out of the Southern Rhône. Zest citrus aromas lead into flavors of grapefruit, with crushed stone notes reverberating on the finish. Drink now.
Light to medium in body, this wine has a soft, malleable texture that bears just a touch of tannic traction. It tastes of waxy cherries and herbs, with a cinnamon note on the finish that fades in and out.
Light to medium in body, with simple off-dry apple and citrus flavors and a hint of peppery spice on the finish. Drink now.
Light to the point of being a bit dilute, this Viognier has a cotton-candy character, like spun sugar around rhubarb. The tart, not quite fully ripe fruit brings it to a quick, acidic finish.
Light to the point of being watery, it has dilute red berry flavors. A toasty edge, perhaps from new oak, is not fully integrated.
Light toast, forest floor and espresso aromas partner with notes of leather and tilled earth. The palate is still closed but reveals dried cherry, raspberry, ground pepper and savory herb alongside a tannic backbone. It's young but balanced, with bright acidity and austere tannins.
Light tomato and earth scents accent berry fruit aromas. The palate has a snappy, healthy feel, while flavors of tomato sauce, stewed plum and herbs finish with rooty spice notes.
Light tones of citrus and peach color an easy Brut Prosecco Superiore that would work nicely with barbecue shrimp in sesame sauce. The acidity in this light sparkler keeps the palate clean.
Light touches of dry mineral, white flower and stone fruit form a delicate aromatic embroidery that shapes this wine's feminine personality. The mouthfeel is compact, precise and crisp.
Light vanilla and chunky tropical fruit aromas open this basic Chardonnay. The palate is weighty, while flavors of pineapple, mango and oak run sweet. On the finish, it falls off and doesn't hold up.
Light vanilla, macadamia and crisp apple flavors make this dry, medium-bodied wine a good blend of rich and lively.
Light volatile aromas distract from this blend of Seven Hills (75%) and Les Collines vineyards. The fruit flavors seem a bit leaner than expected and also somewhat dried out.
Light volatile notes distract from the aromas. It's a shame because the tart dark cherry flavors provide plenty of enjoyment.
Light weight and somewhat sweet with flavors of gummy peach candy and tropical fruit juice. Short and simple; drink now.
Light while also intense with good acidity and unctuous honey flavors, this is already a delicious wine, even though it is young. Ripe orange and lemon go with the honey to give a fine wine that could be drunk now, although that would be a shame. It would be much better to wait until 2017. With just over 200 acres of vines, Quarts de Chaume is a tiny enclave in the Layon Valley.
Light white peach and apple aromas show off this boutique bottling from one of the few commercial projects in Ventura County. There'a plenty of tension on the palate, with tangy citrus and buttery nut flavors, which ultimately feel a little soft.
Light white peach, apple blossoms, jasmine and intriguing green-tea aromas show on the nose of this widely available blend of various white varieties. It's a tad sweet on the sip, with poached apples, nectarine, honey, lemon curd and baked-orange flavors.
Light wisps of raspberry and strawberry highlight a restrained sense of winemaking, allowing soft tannin to buoy the fruit and medium acidity.
Light with a floral, jasmine-like bouquet, this perennial classic shows lemony crispness around a medium-bodied core of juicy acidity and weight, remaining balanced and fresh. On the finish, expect a length and depth of fig flavor.
Light wood-aging has given this wine some rich structure while keeping its natural fruity character. Black currant fruitiness dominates the attractive juicy nature of the wine with its smooth texture and final acidity. Drink from 2016.
Light wood aging gives this wine a very smooth character. It's acidity and varietal character are subsumed into an almost Chardonnay richness and weight. The balance and the ripe flavors are impressive, while the final taste does bring out the pepper character of the grape.
Light wood aging over six months has given this wine a polished character. Along with the rich black-plum fruits and acidity, it is a full-bodied wine—a very Portuguese blend of five varieties. The tannins keep the wine in shape and add to its ripe structure. Drink now.
Light wood aging sets the scene for this crisp and herbaceous wine. Citrus fruits give a juicy character and contrast with the mineral texture coming from the stony vineyard. It's a fresh wine to drink now.
Light yellow in color, this has heady aromas of elderflower, white lemon blossom and freshly picked basil. There are touches of vanilla and honeycomb on the palate, with fresh stone fruit flavors. It's well-balanced, with an energetic acidic finish.
Light, airy and dusty on the nose, with apple and melon along with a touch of yeast. The palate is plump and healthy, with a good bead, nice acids and cidery, lightly briney apple and green fruit flavors. Shows some complexity beyond what's normal for Cava.
Light, airy and leesy on the nose, this is more complex than most everyday Albariños. Additional aromas of vanilla wafer, acacia, honeydew and minerals lead to a clean-flowing palate. Minerally peach and nectarine flavors show a touch of almond-skin bitterness on the finish.
Light, airy aromas of tropical fruits and kaffir lime are modest. In the mouth, the wine is tight and chalky. Flavors of lime, lychee and green apple finish firm, with nice acidity and a slight oily character.
Light, almost delicate wine, offering freshness, green fruits and a fine tangy texture. The citrus is prominent, but the wine as a whole is easy, fresh, developing quickly, touched finally with caramel.
Light, almost ephemeral, this pale Pinot does not give you much to hold on to. The fruit is thin to the point of invisible, tasting of watermelon and little else. Thin, watery and plain.
Light, almost neutral aromas are like stream water touched up with lime. This is basic on the palate, but easy to process. Flavors of papaya and melon are a bit leesy, while this Treixadura-Torrontés blend is short on the finish.
Light, and seems mature already, with modest cherry and tobacco flavors and tea leaves on the finish.
Light, appley aromas and lively apple and citrus flavors brighten this unoaky wine. It has refreshing acidity, an elegant texture and crisp finish.
Light, balanced and elegant, this lilting wine offers flavors of yellow apple, pear and lemon custard, the acidity holding up through the finish.
Light, bright and balanced, this inexpensive Chardonnay is not complex and could use a little oomph in there somewhere, but has enough apple and pear flavor to get you through.
Light, bright and citrusy, this lovely wine is integrated in terms of oak and ripeness, letting its crispness of lemon and tangerine speak loudest. A complex, structured wine, it becomes more interesting as it opens, allowing room for specks of stone and nutmeg to peek through.
Light, bright and crisp, this is a tangy wine. Its floral aroma and its juicy tropical fruits are both part of a wine that has been made to be drunk young, fruity and easily. Drink now.
Light, bright and crisp, this ruby-colored Chianti would pair with simple pasta dishes or take-out pizza. It's a thin, compact wine with a fresh berry close.
Light, bright and crisp, this wine is based around grapes grown in the Loire Valley. It offers attractive apple and pear fruit flavors cut with acidity, with a tangy aftertaste.
Light, bright and floral, with bursts of tropical guava and papaya, this is a refreshing quaff and food-friendly wine that'll please a range of palates and budgets, the acidity focused and buoyant.
Light, bright and fresh, this wine is ready to drink. Crisp apple and lemon flavors are lifted by tangy acidity. Juicy and very fruity it has a perfumed aftertaste.
Light, bright and fruity this is an easy-to-drink off-dry wine for the summer. It is clean and crisp, apples and pears set off by floral aromas. Drink now.
Light, bright and fruity, this has soft tannins, plenty of red fruits and balancing acidity. Just dry to finish, it is ready to drink now.
Light, bright and fruity, this is a delicious glass of wine. It's fresh and crisp with fragrant white fruits layered with zesty citrus. It has a cool feel, with bright acidity adding lift to the finish.
Light, bright and fruity, this wine is full of citrus acidity and a ripe, herbaceous character. Lively and fresh, it is a Sauvignon-dominated wine.
Light, bright and packed with crisp fruit, this is a refreshing wine. Produced from Pinot Noir, it has red-cherry flavors along with a mineral texture and bright fruitiness. Drink now.
Light, bright and packed with delicious fruit, this is a refreshing, immediately drinkable wine. It has raspberry flavors and a crisp aftertaste that are all part of the fruity package.
Light, bright and racy, this wine from Dave Potter's new label shows fresh and clean touches of lime, quinine, mandarin orange pith, baking soda and light mint on the nose. The texture is appropriately oily, with petrol flavors and sprinkles of acidity that play across the palate.
Light, bright and refreshing, it offers pear spritzer, lime zest and a hint of guava on the nose, followed by citrus rind, light papaya and apple juice on the palate. It makes a nice bridge between the richness of Chardonnay and crispness of Sauvignon Blanc.
Light, bright and relatively low in oak, this wine otherwise shines in baked cinnamon apple and a complementary side note of vanilla. It finishes clean and lean.
Light, bright and with lively acidity, this is already a juicy, delicious wine. It offers good fruitiness, with pink grapefruit flavors and a tangy, zesty aftertaste. Drink now.
Light, bright and zesty acidity brighten this otherwise structured and concentrated wine made from heirloom selections of the variety. Measured amounts of stone fruit, oyster shell and salty minerality complement youthful weight, finding plenty of balance in the end.
Light, but elegant and pretty, this wine spent 17 months in 40% new oak. Fruit flavors emphasize tart berry, with a dash of earthy sandalwood.
Light, citrusy aromas also are suggestive of bath soap. The feel is juicy yet innocuous, while flavors of tropical fruits finish mild and simple. This is the definition of a quaffing wine.
Light, classic aromas of gooseberry, lime and nettle are good indicators of what's to follow. That would be a high-acid, racy, seemingly early picked wine with flavors of lemon, Granny Smith apple and gooseberry. A lasting, tangy, acidic finish is crackling as a lightning bolt.
Light, clean and citrusy aromas of lemon, lime and grapefruit skin meet with a dollop of white peach and dusting of crushed slate on the nose of this wine. A fine-pointed acidity carries nectarine, pluot and Asian pear flavors across the palate, which trends racy, bright and slightly sour, with a chalky structure.
Light, clean and fresh on the nose, this bottling from a rather extremely sited vineyard on the western end of the appellation shows cut lawn, lemongrass, squeezed lime and wet concrete on the nose. The palate is zesty and sour at first, but a honeydew element warms it up nicely.
Light, clean apple aromas lead to a basic palate with skin-driven texture. Airy green fruit and citrus peel flavors finish mild and fresh. At 11.5% abv, this is about as light as good wine gets.
Light, clean, fresh aromas of tropical fruits and lychee resemble those of a Torrontés. The palate is light and mild, while flavors of melon, lychee and citrus pith are forward but don't come with a lot of backing or complexity.
Light, clean, gently spicy pear and apple fruit flavors are set in a crisp white wine with fine acidity. The hints of white pepper give it detail and interest; the fresh acidity encourages that second and third glass. Drink this chilled.
Light, clear and aromatically reminiscent of pine, this smooth, soft wine offers spicy acidity around integrated tannins and oak, finishing with a length of cinnamon.
Light, clear and crisp, this extremely light-bodied wine combines fruit from various vineyards and clones, and offers a suggestion of cranberry and pomegranate. Earthy, with an edge of forest and tea, it finishes plainly.
Light, clear and crisp, this is a soft, silky wine from several vineyard sources within the appellation, robust and rustic on the finish. Along the way, it exudes exotic hits of dark cherry, cola and vanilla, finding balance among the fruit and lively acidity, providing body without too much heat.
Light, clear and focused, this features crisp, citrusy acidity and tethered layers of rhubarb and cranberry, with subtle hints of forest floor in the background. Light bodied and elegant, it finishes with just a tiny bite of tannin.
Light, clear and softly crafted to highlight dried herb and cranberry tea, this is a rounded, approachably complex wine, a nice representative of the vintage, warm and easy. Peppery cola closes things out with length and grace.
Light, clear and unfiltered, this vineyard-designate has elements of Christmas tree pine, spearmint and forest floor. Crisp on the palate and somewhat austere, it finishes clean and quick.
Light, clear and varietal, this ripe, full-bodied wine is balanced by a seasoning of forest floor, Christmas spice and cranberry-orange. The fruit is elusive against the toasty oak and integrated tannin.
Light, clear and varietal, this wine is pungent in earth, chocolate, black tea and leather, medium- to full-bodied with remarkable offerings of sage, rosemary and savory mushroom. Cherry and cinnamon add to the intrigue and flavor.
Light, clear color betrays a balanced, vibrant wine, nicely weighted in ripe Bing cherry and raspberry. The ethereal nature of things take on body and oak midway through, and a satisfying, herbal earthiness of cola spice. Enjoy through 2022.
Light, creamed apple fruits with a bright line of fresh acidity. The wine is exuberant in its citrus character, just broadened by an underlay of green apples.
Light, creamy and fruity, this fresh, lightly mineral wine has plenty of fresh apple and citrus flavors. There is no suggestion of wood, and the wine is all about fresh fruit. Drink now.
Light, crisp and fresh, this is the epitome of summer rosé apéritifs. It comes from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, bright and lively with just a hint of the typical caramel flavor of a Merlot rosé. Drink now.
Light, crisp and fruity, this is a bright, citrus driven wine. It is dry, full of ripe apricot and grapefruit flavors. The wine is ready to drink.
Light, crisp and fruity, with a touch of vanilla, this simple, fresh wine is ready to drink. Rounded fruit and a tangy aftertaste complete an attractive wine.
Light, delicate and dry, this shows Ernie Loosen's Mosel touch. Lime, peach and melon notes add airy nuances over the underlying briny minerality of the Pfalz. Finishes long and slightly peppery-spicy.
Light, dilute aromas of raspberry and cranberry come with a sweet accent of red-licorice rope. This feels sticky but shallow, while the flavors are candied. A gritty, somewhat bitter tasting and tannic finish is the closing act.
Light, dry and rather neutral in character, this wine is low in acidity and fruitiness, offering a bit of watermelon flavor.
Light, earthy and thin, this doesn't bring much in the way of either fruit or pleasure. Tannins are substantial, which may be a plus if you want to pair it with a burger.
Light, earthy scents of brambly berry, cherry, animal and sweet smoke open up the bouquet of this silky, accessible Pinotage. The tannins are soft and approachable, lending a subtle structure to the red fruit core. Notes of black pepper and game grace the finish. Drink now–2019.
Light, elegant and lithe on the nose, with a touch of stemminess to the core plum and cherry aromas. Feels just right, with a feminine touch and snap to the mouthfeel. Flavors of red plum, raspberry, herbs, tomato and dried spice lead to a fresh, focused finish. Top level for under $15.
Light, floral and brimming in exotic Asian spice, this wine offers length and breadth in an expression of elegance and balance. Orange, pomegranate and red cherry dance around a circle of rose petals, providing succulence and beauty.
Light, floral and somewhat out of the mold. Flavors of apricot, peach and mango are both fresh and fleshy, while the finish lingers for quite some time. Fairly forceful but restrained enough.
Light, fragrant and aromatic, this wine has beautiful acidity and a bright lemon and yellow fruit that combine richness and freshness at the same time. Its touch of honey fills the palate, while the crisp aftertaste leave a refreshing feeling in the mouth.
Light, fragrant, and structured, this shows a smoky flavor and refreshing red-berry fruit. It's lively and fruity, and the tannins are in the background.
Light, fresh and direct describes the white-fruit aromas this brut nature is exuding. In the mouth, this is just round enough but mostly linear in plane. Flavors of dry lime, apple and fresh-baked white bread finish mild yet agile. This is affordable brut nature taken to a high level.
Light, fresh and easy wine, with pear and green apple fruit and a deft, soft texture. Totally ready to drink.
Light, fresh and fruity without being at all sweet or soft, this is a charming dry wine to serve with lunch or at wine o'clock in the afternoon. It smell like freshly cut apples and Bosc pears, tastes crisp and feels tangy and palate cleansing.
Light, fresh and fruity, produced from organic grapes, this has some attractive berry fruits, although it does feel dilute. There's some dryness on the finish.
Light, fresh and fruity, this is a lime and lemon flavored wine. It has a tangy, textured character that blends easily with the acidity. From a blend led by Grenache and Cinsault, it's a lively wine that will be a great apéritif.
Light, fresh and fruity, this is an immediately attractive wine. Apple and citrus dominate with a tang of orange zest to add an extra refreshing character. Not for aging, ready to drink now.
Light, fresh and silky—just what might be expected from cool-climate Pinot Noir. A pleasant earthiness underscores prettily interwoven strands of herbs and cherries. It's exciting to see the burgeoning quality of the wines coming out of Tasmania.
Light, fresh and soft, this is a perfect starter for an evening for two. It has attractive sweet lime and peach flavors, with attendant acidity.
Light, fresh and sweet, here is an attractive, red fruit-flavored wine. It has the typical Vinho Verde prickle, along with balanced acidity that gives a crisp aftertaste.
Light, fresh and yet slightly rich on the nose, this bottling shows aromas of white flower, Asian pear and lemon-laced crème brûlée. There is strong grip to the sip, with tight lime peel and pith flavors as well as hints of white peach flesh and honeysuckle. Roasted nuts arise on the finish.
Light, fresh aromas of lychee and melon are typical of the variety. A bright palate is comfortable in feel and offers pithy flavors of orange and nectarine. This turns more pithy and slightly bitter on the finish.
Light, fresh aromas of tomato and plum are gritty. This feels round for the most part, with rubbery tannins. Medicinal, slightly minty plum and berry flavors end with acceptable rawness and a latex note.
Light, fresh crisp wine, showing a lively series of green fruits, bright acidity and a texture of tight apple skins. A deliciously light, vivid wine. Screwcap.
Light, fresh style, demanding shellfish, with crisp, green acidity and just a hint of creamy baked apple. Just what a Muscadet should be, enjoyable now and for the rest of the year.
Light, fresh, perfumed with acacia blossom, this is a great warm weather aperitif wine, as well as one that goes well with any fish. Its crisp grapefruit and citrus flavors sit easily with the light texture of spice. Screwcap.
Light, fresh, raspberry-flavored wine, with a hint of spice and great lines of acidity. The wine is fruity, delicious.
Light, fresh, slightly grassy but more in the white fruit flavor profile. It's soft, with a citrus twang to it, great to drink as an apéritif, leaving a soft, creamy aftertaste.
Light, fresh, soft and already very drinkable. The initial taste is dominated by citrus, and then it rounds out, adding toast, green fruits and a definite sophistication for a simple white Burgundy.
Light, freshly red cherry-dominated wine. The light tannins are a background to the acidity and the fresh fruit. Easy style of Beaujolais.
Light, frothy and crisp, this would be a fine apéritif or palate cleanser. The blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is lemony, with hints of ginger and clove. Drink now.
Light, fruity and balanced, this combines acidity, red fruit and a bright feel. For drinking over this year.
Light, fruity and clean smelling, with a touch of candy to the nose. The palate, especially for an $8 Garnacha rosé, is zesty and spunky, with cherry, plum and citrus flavors. Crisp and crackling through the finish.
Light, fruity and clean, this was aged in all stainless steel, showing delicious tones of tangerine and lemon peel and a crisp, long finish, with a soft touch all around.
Light, fruity and fragrant, this is an attractive, crisp wine that highlights red-berry fruits and soft acidity. It's a wine to drink now.
Light, fruity and fresh, this has crisp acidity within a strongly herbal context. Citrus and sliced apples give the wine its refreshing fruitiness. Drink now.
Light, fruity and herbaceous, this has a crisp grapefruit flavor, laced with lemon. Soft and fresh, this is ready to drink now.
Light, fruity and juicy, this is a soft cherry-flavored wine. It has attractive acidity that lifts the warm fruitiness and gives the wine its characteristic perfumed aftertaste. Drink now.
Light, fruity and lemony, this wine has some weight, but it is more about crisp citrus with a touch of pear.
Light, fruity and medium sweet, this is a pleasant, strawberry-flavored sparkling wine that lacks some acidity. It's best as an apéritif.
Light, fruity and off dry, this is a fresh and crisp wine. It has sweetened lemon juice flavors that are cut by intense, young acidity. Balanced and ready to drink now.
Light, fruity and rounded, this wood-aged wine has white fruit, spice and apricot flavors. It could age a year, but it is delicious now.
Light, fruity and sweet, this is classic Rosé d'Anjou. Bright strawberry fruits are softly linked with a crisp texture and acidity to finish.
Light, fruity and with attractive red fruits, this is a crisp wine. It has cool tannins and bold acidity. With a juicy aftertaste, the wine is ready to drink.
Light, fruity wine, hinting at strawberries, along with a vanilla touch from the Merlot in the blend. It's crisp and ready to drink.
Light, fruity, packed with strawberries, this is an attractive Pinot Noir. The only spoiler is the over-excited use of wood which is masking the fruit and will always be an important factor.
Light, fruity, very crisp in character, this is an apple and citrus driven wine as much as red fruits. There is an attractive, exotic touch of pomegranate fruits that add an extra dimension to this lively, fresh wine.
Light, herbaceous wine, very fruity, full of greengage and gooseberry flavors. It's tight, fresh and crisp, ready to drink.
Light, high-toned aromas of potting soil and purple flowers are followed by lemon-twist flavors and a wall of burly tannins. It's a bit brusque on its own but will show better with food.
Light, juicy and fruity, this is classic Beaujolais. A red cherry flavor and a burst of acidity come with gentle tannins. Ready to drink.
Light, leafy, earthy aromas of plum and tomato accurately announce a lively, fresh palate with spicy, peppery flavors of earth, red plum and cranberry. Juicy acidity, dry but ripe red fruit and earthy complexity make for a strong finish.
Light, lean and easy to drink, this ruby red offers spice, red cherry and earthy tones that reinforce its no-fuss approach. It offers a fresh, crisp feel in the mouth with easy cherry fruit flavors. Made with Corvina, Rondinella, Sangiovese and Molinara grapes.
Light, lean and lemony, this stainless-steel fermented and resultantly steely wine delivers plenty of enjoyment. Layered and nicely textured, it finishes creamy in wild vanilla.
Light, lean wine that has some firm structure. The fruit, though, is really not there, just hints of black currant floating past.
Light, lean wine, its juicy fruit giving an attractive surface with a soft structure below. The wine is pleasant, fruity, not for aging.
Light, lemony and crisp, this refreshing wine has some layers of complex herb midpalate and remains bright in acidity through the finish. From both the Miller Ranch in Yountville and Soda Creek Vineyard.
Light, lemony aromas come with a hint of buttercup. The palate is basic, wet and juicy, with average citrus and apple flavors. Finishes solid and mostly fresh, with generic sweet apple and melon notes along with some weight.
Light, lemony aromas work for the most part. This feels full, even creamy. Flavors of papaya, melon and apple finish with a note of pineapple. The longer this sits, the more soft and tropical it becomes.
Light, light and light. This is such a soft, easy wine, already drinkable, the fruit fresh but missing concentration. The hint of smoke and wood are the only suggestion of complexity.
Light, lithe and elusive, this wine begs for time in the glass to develop, and it changes as it goes, maintaining a persistence of exotic Asian spice and citrus, stony minerality and a dash of lemon peel. Green apple also shines through, the texture of the wine crisp yet complex. Drink now through 2023.
Light, lucid and exactly what we're looking for from Chile. This organic wine has pure varietal aromas of nettles, tarragon and citrus, which are followed by flavors of green fruits, scallion and pepper. It's super zesty and spritzy, with a cleansing finish. About as true as they come in this price range.
Light, mildly stalky aromas of grassy red fruits are on the raw and simple side. This feels hard, with a smacking mouthfeel. Earthy flavors of raspberry and plum finish chewy but flat.
Light, minerally and fresh smelling, with a note of lime and cured ham. Feels and tastes like pure citrus, with hits of pear, honeydew and ripe apple poking through. Juicy and fresh stuff.
Light, minty, savory aromas of Middle Eastern spices accent basic berry aromas. In the mouth, this is a touch flat. Flavors of herbal, peppery plum and berry fruits finish dry but hollow. The blend is 70% Malbec with 15% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Light, oaky spices and rich berry flavors mix it up in this tangy, somewhat tannic wine. It's full bodied but the firm acidity and fine-grained tannins keep it lively.
Light, off-dry and refreshing, this would make an ideal poolside sipper. Hints of damp moss and fern add complexity to green apple and citrus flavors. Drink now.
Light, pale, tart, with generic, simple red berry flavors.
Light, perfumed aromas are feint on the nose. The palate is intense and tightly presented. Raspberry flavors are direct prior to transitioning to oak and related peppery spice. A hot sensation rises up on a snappy finish.
Light, pleasant apple aromas are about all this neutral Chardonnay is giving. Its mild palate with just enough acidity carries clean and easy melon flavors. A slightly briny note closes out the lean finish.
Light, poised, this is an apple-fresh wine, balanced with a light dosage. Fresh, crisp and bright as a button.
Light, quiet layers of spice persist in this elegant, soft yet refined wine. Rose petal, orange, cherry and rhubarb flavors provide subtle fruitiness, supported by vibrant acidity and unobtrusive oak.
Light, ripe and fruity, this wine is bursting with black currant fruits supported by a firm base of dry fruit tannins. It can be drunk now in its youth, but will be better from 2016.
Light, smoky aromas and juicy, fruity flavors make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy. From a breezy delta vineyard, it's neither big nor overtly oaky but well-balanced and smooth in texture.
Light, soft and easy wine. It has some attractive smokiness, followed by spice and bright fruit flavors. But the tannins are muted and the wine lacks weight.
Light, soft and fresh, an easy-drinking Pinot Blanc, with pear and fresh apricot flavors. A great apéritif style, ready to drink. Screwcap.
Light, spicy and well made, with pale fruit flavors of strawberry, cranberry and raspberry. Tannins remain stiff and peppery; the fruit does not seem to have the ripeness to fill out the middle, even with more bottle time.
Light, spicy aromas like vanilla and nutmeg and ripe, full blackberry and cherry flavors come with a soft texture and almost sweet balance. This has lots of flavor with medium body and without drying tannins and acidity. The winemaker blended in 10% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah.
Light, spicy aromas of tea, rubber, cherry and raspberry are earthy. This feels light, dilute and dry. Flavors of mulchy red fruits come with notes of tomato and pepper, as does the finish.
Light, stalky wine with attractive classic black currant flavors and acidity. Light in character.
Light, subtle pink color echoes this wine's subdued nature on the palate, which reveals whispers of orange peel, strawberry and rose as it opens.
Light, tart and carrying its cherry, pomegranate and cranberry fruit with precision, this lovely bottle will satisfy those who like their fruit upfront, and also those who want some substance on the back end. Pleasing roasted coffee and chocolate streaks reflect the aging for over 10 months in French oak (30% new). There's a well-managed earthy note also, adding depth and interest.
Light, tart and slightly mushroomy, this Pinot might pass for a solid Bourgogne from one of the better négociants. Organically grown grapes add some lightly earthy notes. All in all, quite pleasant.
Light, tart cherry fruit beckons for further exploration. The ripeness is there, and the wine comes across as clean and elegant in its modest proportions. As it breathes open there is a slight hint of volatility which, for most tasters, will be a plus.
Light, tart, slightly green fruit flavors don't add up to much. There is an undertone of old barrel or something not quite fresh. Simple and plain.
Light, thinly textured but packed with ripe plum and dark raspberry flavor, this Sierra Foothills Syrah is fleshy, and reflects a warmer climate, more fruit-forward and brooding than leathery or inundated with spice.
Light, transparent and candied with underdeveloped, boring flavors and a mild chemical harshness. Barely worth a look. 40,000 cases produced.
Light, tropical aromas are mellow and reflect the 15% Riesling that helps out the wine's core of Torrontés. A tangy mouthfeel is citrusy and fresh, while flavors of lime, lychee and tangerine finish lively, clean and not bitter.
Light, tropical aromas of citrus fruits form the bouquet. This is fresh but standard in feel, with flavors of lettuce, green herbs, white fruits and brine. The finish feels reasonably good but doesn't offer much flavor.
Light, tropical but ultimately dilute, with chalky, drying, tart flavors that run toward lemon and underripe pineapple. Lemony on the finish and monotone.
Light, uncommitted aromas of pear and lemon lead to a modest palate that offers fleshy melon and pear flavors. Everything about this wine is mild, including the finish, which offers little besides vanilla and cream flavors.
Light, watery and thin, with simple lemon and green apple flavors, and plenty of acidity.
Light, with simple pineapple flavors. Hints of green tea enliven the nose, while the finish is clean and citrusy.
Light, with some sour cherry fruit on the nose and palate that's outweighed throughout by a dry, woodiness that enters early and persists.
Light, young vine fruit flavors mix strawberry and rhubarb, with a tangy, citrus component underscoring the midpalate. It gets a little more interesting in the finish, which brings in seed flavors and a lingering, orange juicy aftertaste.
Light. Light in color, light in body, light on flavor. What's there is pretty—featuring hints of peaches, mint and lime—so this is best as an apéritif. It runs the risk of being overpowered by food.
Lighter and livelier than typical California Viognier, this has crisp apple and citrus aromas, nicely tangy fruit flavors and relatively light body. It feels juicy but lean rather than rich, in a refreshing alternative style.
Lighter aromas of turned earth, dried blueberries and beef jerky show on the nose of this blend of 34% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot. The palate packs bright black raspberries and blackberries together with graphite and light cedar notes.
Lighter bramble and red-currant fruits pop on the nose of this wine from the appellation's eastern end, as do baking-spice notes, crushed vanilla and hibiscus. It's airy on the palate, with tense cranberry and pomegranate, crushed oregano and dill, pencil lead minerality and a slowly simmering acidity.
Lighter in body and substance than the 2000 vintage, with cola, cherry and spice flavors wrapped in soft, easy tannins and crisp acids. Drinks very dry, with oaky influences. Nice in the mouth, and versatile at the table, but basically simple.
Lighter in color and 100% varietal, this wine offers high-toned notes of plum, cinnamon stick and licorice. The blue and red fruit flavors are broad in feel with a light squeeze on tannins.
Lighter in color and body than many counterparts, this wine presents a sour blackberry and woody herb nose. Black olives, elderberries, cedar and black pepper beef flavors show on the gravelly palate.
Lighter in color and density, this wine shows smoked berries, rust and iodine on the nose. The palate is decorated with black olives, smoked cherries and more sanguine elements.
Lighter in color than its colleagues, this Mourvèdre offers light clove, red cherry, fruit punch, rooibos tea and turned loam aromas. There is a strong acidic sizzle to the palate, where red fruit mixes with black pepper and coffee flavors that are very powerful.
Lighter in color than many 2012s from Santa Barbara County, this wine begins with an inviting nose that offers scents of strawberry-infused balsamic vinegar and sandalwood. Once sipped, it's light and crisp, but surprisingly powerful, with cranberry, pomegranate and a leather finish.
Lighter in color than many wines from the same appellation, this still packs a complex punch on the nose, with snappy cranberry, crushed slate and peppercorn aromas. The zesty palate conveys baked strawberry, clove and pine forest underbrush flavors.
Lighter in color than other Zins, this juicy and easy-to-drink wine would pair with many everyday dinners. Aromas of red plum and strawberry meet with dried spearmint on the nose, while the dainty palate shows soft cherries and clove spice.
Lighter in color than the typical Cabernet from the state, this wine brings appealing notes of coffee, dusty chocolate and dark plum. The extraction is dialed back giving a very elegant feel to the fruit flavors and tannins, with vanilla lingering on the finish.
Lighter in color, high-toned aromas of raspberry and cranberry jam lead to full-bodied jammy, lip-smacking red-fruit flavors with the barrel influence dialed back. It's a spot on example of the variety.
Lighter in color, the aromas from this Rocks District wine are delicate, with notes of raspberry, kirsch, herb, rose petal and smoke. The flavors meanwhile are plump and generous, bringing a real sense of purity and restraint due to the neutral French oak aging. The extended finish shows a touch of warmth.
Lighter in color, the wood is up front initially with notes of toast, spice and mocha, followed by jalapeno, green herbs and whole green pepper. It's elegantly styled with tart acidity and blocky tannins.
Lighter in color, this blend of Conner Lee, Red Mountain Vineyard and Elephant Mountain fruit has aromas of freshly brewed coffee, dark chocolate, toasty barrel spices and red fruit, with the barrel notes taking the lead. It's silky-soft in feel, with generous raspberry flavors that show a pleasing sense of balance, all backed by a light squeeze of tannins.
Lighter in color, this blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Syrah has aromas and flavors of mesquite smoke, strawberry and cherry, with the Pinot seemingly in the lead. The smoky flavors are medium bodied, with a light grip of chalky tannins.
Lighter in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend shows alluring notes of cherry, assorted herbs and bittersweet chocolate. It's elegant in style with a velvety feel to the fruit flavors.
Lighter in color, this has aromas of char, coffee and vanilla that lead to varietal flavors of raspberry and chocolate, showing an interplay of fruit and barrel. It displays intensity and richness, still needing time to stretch its legs. Drink after 2018.
Lighter in color, this is a fairly heavy-duty take on the grape, with cola, red cherry and cinnamon notes on a nose that seems hotter than the alcohol level suggests. Licorice, caramel, smoky Scotch and kirsch flavors consume the palate.
Lighter in color, this is a great take on the fresh, vibrant and zesty style. It offers a wondrous array of tart yet ripe cranberry, pomegranate and alpine strawberry fruit, as well as touches of white pepper and flint. The palate packs peppery zest and raspberry fruit on a lithe but flavor-packed body, finish with menthol and eucalyptus-leaf elements.
Lighter in color, this Syrah (83%)-dominated blend shows aromas of dehydrated blueberries, milk chocolate, black olive and plum. The blue fruit flavors are lightly sweet, with some residual sugar holding it together.
Lighter in color, this wine displays appealing aromas of huckleberry, sugared plum and cigar box. It's elegant in style, silky in feel, with a sweet finish—an immediate crowd pleaser.
Lighter in color, this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The aromas are locked up tightly on first pour, opening up over time to reveal notes of herb, spice, flower and dark cherry. The palate is more giving, with abundant but still elegant cherry and herb flavors that linger on the finish. It's all about elegance.
Lighter in color, this wine is aromatic and expressive, with notes of fire pit, blood, black olive tapenade, sea salt, black pepper, cured meat, nori, crushed flowers and umami. The palate brings soft, lithe, focused notes of earth and savory flavors that shimmer on the salty finish. It's all about delicacy but the aroma and flavor expression is compelling. Give it some time in the cellar or decant.
Lighter in color, this wine offers aromas of vanilla, cocoa, tobacco leaf, spice and red fruit. On the palate, it shows a pleasing mixture of fruit and barrel flavors.
Lighter in color, this wine packs fruit punch, cola and ripe cranberry into the nose. Flavors mix juicy strawberries with Earl Grey tea, marjoram and orange rind elements.
Lighter in style, this offers notes of brambly blackberries, whole green pepper and dark coffee, with tart acids and dry, gritty tannins.
Lighter in the glass, this bottling shows garrigue, rose petals and buds and bright pomegranate aromas on the nose. It's lighter bodied on the sip, and would be nice on a summer day with a slight chill, offering flavors of cranberry, raspberry, thyme and marjoram.
Lighter than Malibu Oak's Cabernet Sauvignon, this Cab Franc shows the variety's characteristic herby notes and is otherwise easy and light, with enough depth to pair well with a range of meats.
Lighter, leaner flavors like cranberry, rhubarb and tart cherry light up this wine from the first sniff through the tangy finish. Balanced on the fresher, crisper side of the spectrum, it has firm tannins, an appetizing dry texture and medium body. The focused fruit flavors and light spicy accents make it distinctive.
Lightish in color, it opens with earthy, tobacco aromas, a hint of mint and, if you really concentrate, blackberries. It's very limpid in the mouth, light as a feather, but the fruit is great. The concentrated blackberry taste is dry and flavorful, with wonderful acids. This is a very individualistic wine, and fun to drink.
Lightly-scented with hints of black locust flower and citrus blossom, this easygoing, straightforward white offers flavors that suggest Bartlett pear and green apple. A note of white almond closes the finish.
Lightly abrasive, scratchy aromas of red fruits include a note of bath soap. A lean, prickly palate holds sweet berry and tart plum flavors that struggle to blend. A medicinal tasting finish is regular in feel and length.
Lightly aged in oak for four months, this is a fruity wine, with its blackberries and attractive acidity. The tannins and the hints of wood are really a fine supporting act that give the wine shape. Drink this accessible wine now.
Lightly amylic-pear drop, resin, mineral, stone-fruit and peach-skin aromas dominate the youthful nose of this wine. Very clean and mineral-focused. The medium body and vibrant acidity give the palate a firm texture. Given its short, crisp finish, it is best consumed between now and through 2013. Good by the glass or with light fare.
Lightly aromatic with notes of apple and pear. It's medium bodied, off dry (9g/L residual sugar) and straightforward while still providing drinking pleasure.
Lightly aromatic with notes of currant, cranberry and spice. The palate is all about balance, with sugary fruit flavors that are drawn out in the finish.
Lightly aromatic with notes of pear, spice, and a kiss of caramel. The small amounts of Viognier (9%) and Sémillon (2%) contribute to its medium bodied, viscous feel before leading to a tart, somewhat thin finish.
Lightly aromatic with notes of yellow apple, pear and melon. It drinks off dry, with the sugar seeming out of place but followed by an extended finish with clarifying acidity.
Lightly aromatic, it offers notes of pencil shavings, dark fruit, coffee and pepper. It's medium bodied with a lower alcohol feel and abundant coffee flavors backed by gritty tannins.
Lightly aromatic, this is a soft wine with attractive acidity and sliced green apple fruit. It is just lightly mineral with a fresh, bright aftertaste. Drink now.
Lightly aromatic, this ripe full wine is beautifully balanced, poised between crisp citrus acidity and ripe apple and pear flavors. It is zingy, textured and delicious to drink now.
Lightly astringent cherry and berry aromas are intriguing and complex. This eases across the palate with weight and ripeness prior to baked berry, cassis and prune flavors. Earthiness becomes a more dominant characteristic the longer this sits. Drink through 2021.
Lightly baked and charred on the nose, this is a well-oaked wine showing blackberry, cassis and lemon peel aromas. A saturated, layered palate features loamy blackberry and cassis flavors offset by peppery spice and cocoa dust. Licorice and blackened oak revive a sense of char on a broad, full finish. Drink through 2022.
Lightly baked berry aromas vie for attention with leather, spice and mild earth notes, and the result is disjointed. On the palate, this is tight as a drum initially, but more expansive as it unfolds. Cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and woodspice flavors finish pure, clean and easy. This is a fine yet manageable Rioja that's not trying too hard. Drink through 2016.
Lightly baked, mildly raisiny aromas include notes of vanilla and cake. This feels ripe, steady and round, with solid acidity. Flavors of loamy berry fruits blend with riper raisin and prune characteristics, while the finish is mild in power but stout in feel.
Lightly brambled and ever so slightly green, with pleasant strawberry and raspberry aromas. The mouthfeel is a touch choppy and grabby, but it's not too thin and rough to make it unpleasant. Not bad for the price.
Lightly briny aromas of citrus set up a tight, grabby palate. This wine is a touch sour and pithy, with cantaloupe notes. A pithy, tangy finish is dry and basic.
Lightly briny aromas of sea foam blend nicely with crisp apple and mineral scents. This is focused on the palate, with a core of acidity and minerality that are the wine's foundation. Apple, orange, mango and melon flavors end clean and minerally.
Lightly briny citrus aromas are typical of this Albariño-led blend. The chunky palate is acidic and driven, tropical with flavors of passion fruit and kiwi. A plump finish is slightly oily in feel and briny in flavor.
Lightly buttered popcorn aromas are cut by lime blossoms, sea salt and jasmine on this delicate while extremely fragrant nose. A laser-like acidity slices through the palate, where pan-seared apple flavors are lifted by lemon pith, mandarin orange skins and orange blossoms.
Lightly candied cherry and raspberry aromas are fresh. This has a ripe, edgy mouthfeel with modest tannins. Cassis, raspberry and blackberry flavors finish soft and friendly, with enough grip to make this serious.
Lightly charred and oaky on first take, this traditional Rioja features vanilla scents on top of red plum and raspberry aromas. A juicy, fresh, tight palate tastes of old-school American oak blended with plum, raspberry and woodspice. A dry, juicy, peppery finish is fitting for this wine. Drink through 2021.
Lightly charred aromas of coffee, wood smoke and chocolate outweigh berry and plum scents. A tight palate shows firm tannins and carries roasted berry and plum flavors.
Lightly charred aromas of plum and blackberry carry meaty, savory, leathery notes that crank up the complexity quotient. A round, balanced mouthfeel and generous flavors of baked plum, black cherry and savory spices finish ripe and deep, with hints of tobacco and raisin. Drink this exemplary reserva from a great vintage through 2025.
Lightly charred cherries and plums take on additional oak tones of cocoa powder and espresso. The palate is fresher in character, boasting juicy red plum around a tight core of dusted minerals. Medium bodied and supported by grippy, sandy tannins, a shading of dark chocolate lingers on the finish of this well-balanced offering.
Lightly charred, toasty berry aromas come with a full covering of clove and baking spice scents in this plush wine. The palate is edged with drying tannins, bolstering exotic berry, spice and herbal flavors. Its long, balanced finish features chocolate and unabsorbed oak. Drink through 2022.
Lightly chocolaty and herbal, the reserve is marginally fruitier than the regular 2005 Syrah, with the same mix of cherry tobacco and licorice. Tannins are chewy and quite dry.
Lightly citric and mildly tropical, but mostly it's just a simple, easygoing wine with cantaloupe and peachy flavors along with a mild, cleansing finish. Nothing special but nothing wrong, and therein lies its virtue.
Lightly citrus aromas open this wine that offers tropical fruit as well as red currant. A lively, perfumed wine, it's bright with acidity and has a juicy, aftertaste.
Lightly colored and textured, this is an earthy, fresh wine that's delicately laced with rose petal, strawberry spice and mint. Light in body but concentrated enough to pair with food, it's lovely with a lingering finish.
Lightly colored and tightly wound, this wine offers a bouquet of rose petals around a core of cherry and cranberry with buoyant acidity. A low oak profile helps boost the fruit-forwardness and approachability of the wine, with just a tiny bite of tannin on the finish.
Lightly creamy fruit and vanilla flavors follow melon, apple and baking spice aromas in this wine. It's a pleasant, straightforward easy-drinker.
Lightly creamy in the mouth, tasting of wet stone and crushed apple, this young wine seems to gain weight as it runs through the palate. The scent and flavor of peanuts permeates the finish. Showing fine definition and length, it should continue to improve with an additional year or two of bottle age.
Lightly crisp and herbaceous, this is an attractively youthful and fruity wine. Lemon and crisp pear flavors dominate. Bright and aromatic, it's ready to drink.
Lightly dusted with cinnamon and baking spices, this is apple pie in a glass. Along with the lovely apple-pastry richness come lighter suggestions of pear and peach. This immaculate and substantial effort should be consumed now through 2017.
Lightly dusty apple and wood spice aromas are highly inviting. A layered full-size palate delivers oaky apple and salted butter-like flavors, while this Viura-Malvasia blend finishes long, smooth and steady. Drink this complex barrel-fermented wine through 2022.
Lightly earthy flavors of dried raspberries have a chunky, almost rustic character, with a bass note of wet cement. It's a serviceable wine, solid and short, with none of the elegance of the finer Pinots.
Lightly fined and unfiltered, it's slightly cloudy in appearance with notes of mineral, citrus, herbs and spice. Aged partly in neutral oak, with the rest in stainless steel, the flavors are light, with a creamy midpalate and tart, electric acids, that verge on sour. Pair this with shellfish to see it at its best.
Lightly fizzy and luminous in appearance, this sweet Moscato sparkler would pair with moist sponge cake or fruit tarts. Very sweet flavors of lavender honey and ripe summer peach accent the close.
Lightly fizzy, this is a crisp, off-dry Vinho Verde. It has candied lemon flavors that are shot through with acidity, finishing bright and brisk. Drink now.
Lightly fizzy, this young fruity wine is an easygoing Vinho Verde. It is just off dry, giving a soft character to the lively fruit, citrus and floral wine. It is ready to drink.
Lightly flavored with red fruits, it's pleasant but rather generic. It carries some alcohol heat through a thin finish.
Lightly floral and quite Burgundian aromatically, this wine exudes a mixture of caramel and earth amid a full-bodied texture and racy acidity.
Lightly floral aromas are dilute while hinting at quince jelly. There's not a lot of vitality to the palate, while tangerine and nectarine flavors are watery. Pithy citrus notes carry the finish before it putters out.
Lightly floral, showing a hint of minerality and pink grapefruit fruit. There is a fine apple skin edge to this bright wine. Screwcap.
Lightly floral, this wine offers a medium-bodied wealth of stone fruit and pear, remaining fresh and lively on the finish despite ample succulence.
Lightly fruity and fresh, a wine that has some crisp acidity although without much definition. The aftertaste is clean, bringing out attractive citrus and red currant fruits. Screwcap.
Lightly fruity in the nose, yet sharp on the palate. For a reserve wine, it's noticeably thinner and more linear than the regular Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors are of green apple and underripe citrus, while the finish, as the palate suggests, is lean and fresh, but lightweight.
Lightly fruity, this all-Pinot Noir rosé just hints at strawberry, but seems overloaded with flavors and scents of pastry crust and vanilla cookie.
Lightly gold in color, it has a touch of botrytis to give a honeyed character. The wine is full and rich, with an element of dryness at its heart.
Lightly grassy and pleasantly fruity, this mingles kiwi, melon and apple with notes of fresh herb. The flavors are fresh and balanced, with just a small percentage of the fruit fermented and (briefly) aged in new American oak.
Lightly green aromas of herbal red plum and cinnamon lead to a hard, closed, edgy palate. Minimal red-fruit flavors are herbal and finish scratchy, tannic and raw.
Lightly gritty, stalky and earthy on the nose, this blend offers additional aromas of wild berry fruits, spice and tomato. A slightly heavy, grabby palate offers roasted, salty blackberry flavors followed by notes of leather and meat on the finish.
Lightly herbaceous, this is a fresh, obviously youthful wine. It is only lightly textured, the main character coming from yellow fruits and pear juice flavors. Drink now, although it will age and improve until 2016.
Lightly herbaceous, this is a ripe, lively wine. Grapefruit and lemon zest flavors are complemented by fuller apple and quince flavors. A tight minerality in the background will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2016.
Lightly herbaceous, this is a soft, open, easy wine for summer drinking. Attractive grapefruit, green apple and orange zest mix easily together.
Lightly herbal and light in body, with earthy aromas that include leather, tea and dried fruits. This is medium-bodied in style, with elegance. Problem is, there isn't much substance to it and compared to Chile's better Cabs, it pales in flavor and generosity. Also, the finish is kind of scratchy and thin.
Lightly herbal and scratchy on the nose, this somewhat sharp Merlot is linear and piercing, with bright, semitart flavors of raspberry, cherry pie and herbs.
Lightly herbal and slightly earthy aromas meet fresh, ripe berry flavors in this medium-bodied wine. It's smooth and soft in texture, low in tannins, and easy to enjoy.
Lightly herbal aromas and a touch of animal blend with oak-based notes of sweet plastic and vanilla on the nose. The palate is round but slightly flabby, with moderate acidity. Lactic oak creates a plastic-like flavor that is derivative of the nose, while the finish is drab.
Lightly herbal aromas of black currant, tobacco, minerals and latent char provide for a fine opening. Given that this is now 14+ years old, its core structure and acidity level are excellent. Rooty flavors of licorice and black currant show toast and chocolate accents, while the finish is dry, spicy and whole. This is living proof that top Chilean Cabernets from exceptional vintages can age for up to two decades; drink through 2020.
Lightly herbal aromas of cola, forest floor, chocolate and berry are attractive. In the mouth, this is linear and tangy, with sharp acidity and grabbing tannins. Flavors of pie cherry, plum and oak are drawing, while the finish is more scratchy than substantive. For a Cabernet-dominated wine from 2008, this is very good.
Lightly herbal berry and plum aromas are uncomplicated. A medium-full palate tastes of generic berry fruits and plum. Rubbery tannins make for a tight drawing finish.
Lightly herbal berry fruit aromas are nothing you haven't seen before. In the mouth, this Cabernet is choppy and showing bold acidity. Flavors of plum and currant are racy and a touch spicy, while this is scouring on the finish.
Lightly herbal in character, this is a very fresh, very fruity wine. Green vegetable flavors are balanced by intense acidity and a tight, crisp minerality. Drink from 2016.
Lightly herbal on the nose, but overall there's more ripe berry and toasty chocolate aromas than green. Full, meaty and deep for a value-priced wine, with blackberry and black plum flavors along with a pinch of oregano and basil. Shows good weight and balance throughout. Impressive for a 50,000-case product.
Lightly herbal strawberry and raspberry aromas are authentic and fresh. On the palate, this is light and juicy, with snappy, lean flavors of red fruit and dry spice. The finish is dry and oaky.
Lightly herbal, candied-berry aromas are good but not what you'd call exact or exciting. This has plenty of energy on a jumpy palate, while lightly resiny, woody flavors of candied red fruits finish tight and juicy.
Lightly herbal, mildly spicy aromas are fresh yet scratchy. This Monastrell is full and balanced, with a sensation of resiny oak to the palate feel. Pointed plum and raspberry flavors are oaky, spicy and drying on the finish.
Lightly herbal, scented with tart pear and tasting the same, this organically grown estate wine is King Estate's best Pinot Gris. Their signature bottling sets a good standard for the grape in Oregon; this elevates it with more detail, density and personality. The alcohol is a sensible 13%, allowing subtle green fruit and herb grace notes to emerge.
Lightly herbal, spicy aromas of tobacco, forest floor, juniper and pepper accent core blackberry, cassis and cherry aromas. This Cabernet is tight and mildly tannic, but not fierce or demanding. Ripe blackberry, coffee, mocha and vanilla flavors finish spicy, toasty and oaky. Drink through 2020.
Lightly herbal, stalky aromas of berry fruits and eucalyptus are classic Chilean characteristics. This Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend feels a bit short on foundation. Chunky, inky flavors of blackberry and oak are a touch green and herbal, while this is tannic and tastes of tobacco and herbs on the finish.
Lightly honeyed, this off-dry wine is complex while also fruity. Intense flavor fills the mouth with spice, yellow fruits, pineapple and a touch of mango. The fruits are balanced by the more nuanced honey and spice character that is finished with acidity. Gros Manseng, a native grape of this region, is worth getting to know. Drink this delicious wine from 2016.
Lightly horsey, leathery aromas of black fruits come with a heavy oak component. This is tight and tannic, with dark, woody black-plum flavors that are highly permeable to oak character. A grabby finish is short and hard.
Lightly hued and luminous, this offers aromas of dried rose petal, red berry and a whiff of baking spice. The elegant palate delivers wild strawberry, red raspberry, wild cherry, licorice and white pepper alongside silky tannins. It shows a more subtle and delicate side to Barolo. Drink through 2024.
Lightly hued and luminous, this opens with aromas of wild cherry, blue flower, chopped herb and a balsamic note. The structured, refined palate offers dried cherry, ripe strawberry, white pepper, cinnamon and a hint of clove set against a backbone of firm, polished tannins. Drink 2018–2026.
Lightly laced with wood, this attractive ripe wine shows pear and peach flavors and vivid acidity. It is well textured, with a streak of apple and pear skins. Fine grained wine, with attractive final acidity.
Lightly leesy aromas of vanilla cookie are offset by crisp minerally apple and stone-fruit scents. This is pure and lifted by fine acidity, while flavors of apple, pineapple and lemon-lime end fresh, with a distant note of citrus pith. Drink immediately.
Lightly lemony, slightly waxy in the nose, with interesting details of green berries, yellow fruits and citrus oils, this wine sneaks up on you. It's lively and clean, with flavors much like a crisp, stainless steel-fermented Chardonnay.
Lightly mauve in color, this rosé blend of 51% Syrah, 21% Grenache and 28% Mourvèdre shows ripe watermelon, bubblegum and strawberry on the juicy nose. The palate is quite restrained for such a ripe nose and deep color, but ripe plums emerge alongside graphite minerality and a pithy grip.
Lightly mineral in texture, this wine is perfumed and ripe, with both acidity and refreshing citrus fruits. These contrast with hints of yellow fruits that will show well as this develops into a bright and crisp wine. Drink from 2017.
Lightly minty and peachy in aroma, this wine also delivers rich butter, vanilla and pear flavors and a smooth texture on the palate. A butterscotch note lingers on the finish.
Lightly oaked Chardonnay, full of yellow fruits, spice and a floral character that gives the wine a lift. Softly textured, juicy with tighter final acidity. Screwcap.
Lightly oaked melon aromas are easygoing. This feels bright and citrusy, with good acidity but not much depth. Stone-fruit and tropical flavors finish with enough kick to hang around for a while.
Lightly oaked, this Chardonnay is sweet and forward in pineapple jam, buttered popcorn and caramelized flavors. It's balanced with crisp, Central Coast acidity.
Lightly off dry, this graceful and beautifully balanced wine blends in about 7% Gewürztraminer, elevating the aromatics. Key lime, pink grapefruit and a touch of lemon zest are in play, with a finish that recalls a sip of English breakfast tea.
Lightly off dry, this rich, smooth wine has acidity to balance the honey and ripe pineapple flavors. With some aging, it will show a delicious, ripe balance of fruit and creamy texture, with some zest to add liveliness. Drink from 2017.
Lightly oxidized and briny on the nose, this hints at fino Sherry, which isn't bad per se. A lemony, high-acid palate is home to salty flavors of citrus rind and briny stone fruits. The finish is more of the same.
Lightly oxidized aromas of apple and peach are waxy and on the cusp of being stale. In the mouth, however, this is stony and citric, with orange and lemon flavors. Finishing acidity and stoniness cut through this wine's older, heftier qualities. Drink now.
Lightly peppery, herbal aromas and honeydew-melon flavors give personality to this soft, soothing and almost sweet wine.
Lightly perfumed and floral, this is classic mineral and gunflint Riesling. It is light in texture, clean and refreshing, with some crisp pear fruit and green plum skin tannins.
Lightly perfumed tropical-fruit aromas are dusty and a touch soapy. This feels round, oily and cidery, while flavors of orange, nectarine and apricot finish with good weight, texture and length.
Lightly perfumed with hawthorn flower and orchard fruit aromas, this linear white offers flavors of green apple, lime and tangerine zest. Crisp acidity supports the palate while a mineral note closes the tangy finish.
Lightly perfumed, this is a simple, fruity wine that is ready to drink. It is floral, with a citrus flavor and a zesty aftertaste. Drink now.
Lightly perfumed, this is an attractive, creamy textured and fruity wine with subtle edginess. It has apricot and mango flavors, shot through with lime acidity and a delicate floral character. Drink now.
Lightly perfumed, this soft, ripe wine has attractive acidity that is balanced by ripe yellow- and white-stone fruits. The acidity at the end is just right. Drink now.
Lightly perfumed, this soft, single-vineyard wine is full of black-cherry fruits. Its acidity and round texture make it a wine to drink young. Drink from 2018.
Lightly perfumed, this white Bordeaux shows the fresh character of the 2006 vintage. The acidity is poised, lifted and goes well with the pink grapefruit flavors. Drink this summer.
Lightly perfumed, this wood-aged wine has soft tannins and an unfocused character, which brings spice as well as green fruits. The aftertaste is taut and earthy.
Lightly pickled apple aromas are dry and direct, like a brut nature should be. Citric and malic in feel, but with enough body to absorb and project the wine's acidity, this tastes briny, salty and like apple and tangerine. This stays the course on the finish, and overall it ranks as a complex Cava.
Lightly pickled citrus aromas include a note of pyrazines. Direct on the palate, with a reasonably good mouthfeel, this delivers short flavors of stone fruits in front of a finish that's mildly pithy and bitter.
Lightly pickled, briny aromas are distant. In the mouth, this feels pinched and high in citric acid, but also refined. Flavors of grapefruit and passion fruit are tart, while lime and tangerine flavors are prominent on a briny, tart finish.
Lightly pink in color with a hint of orange, this bottling, which includes 20% Grenache Blanc, shows rose petals and a touch of watermelon shaved ice on the shy nose. The palate is very steely, reserved and tense, with only hints of light strawberry emerging. The wine is more about texture than flavor.
Lightly pink in color, this sweet sparkling wine is full of ripe strawberry fruit. And with its low alcohol, it's the perfect pairing for strawberries and cream. Acidity keeps it in balance.
Lightly prickly on the tongue, this is a refreshing, almost dry wine. It is bright, lively and fruity with citrus and crisp apple flavors. The wine is light and bright with plenty of acidity at the end.
Lightly reduced aromas of pear, apple and herb lead to a bright, crisp, clean palate. The aromas don't all seem in harmony at present but the palate brings plenty of enjoyment.
Lightly roasted and stalky on the nose, this shows dry aromas of cherry and raspberry along with earthy spice notes. The palate offers proper balance and nothing complicated. Flavors of oak-driven spice, cinnamon and pepper accent earthy plum and berry, while the finish is smooth but a touch hot. Drink through 2017.
Lightly roasted berry and cassis aromas are a touch hot but good. This wine is solid on the palate, with hard-smacking tannins. Flavors of chocolate, spicy berry fruit and a touch of campfire finish more roasted than fruity.
Lightly roasted, earthy and slightly nutty up front, this smells of buttery oak along with plum and cherry. Sinewy and firm in the mouth, this tastes of vanilla, buttered popcorn, plum and red-berry fruits. A solid finish with ripping tannins keeps this firm. Drink through 2019.
Lightly roasted, leathery berry aromas are oaky but not overly woody or resiny. A dense, concentrated palate is creamy but appropriate in feel, while flavors of black cherry, cassis, baking spices, vanilla and caramel end in a lasting swirl of licorice, nutmeg and cocoa powder flavors.
Lightly rusty in color, this outstanding gran reserva is just now entering its golden years, which should endure for another two decades or so. Aromas of raisin, malt, tobacco and cedar are beautiful. This is tight and sinewy in feel, with rooty, creamy, classic Rioja flavors of vanilla, tobacco and dried red fruits. A lasting, stout finish isn't breaking down at all; drink through 2040.
Lightly salmon-pink in color, this wine is ripe, caramel-flavored and full of red-berry fruits. A zesty orange edge gives the freshness this otherwise full, ripe wine needs.
Lightly scented with a Riesling-like petrol note, this pungent, grassy Sauvignon Blanc offers a crisply focused mix of celery, green berry and spring herb.
Lightly scented with citrus blossom and orchard fruit, this racy white offers up delicate flavors of yellow apple and lemon zest. It's linear, with vibrant acidity that leaves a crisp finish.
Lightly scented with melon, white peach and nectarines, this elegant Pinot Blanc has retained its bright acidity, wrapping it around the fresh, tangy fruit flavors. It is perfectly balanced and just slightly sweet, from fruit more than sugar. A lovely apéritif, it finishes lightly spicy with flavors of fresh cut pear.
Lightly scented, this linear white opens with aromas of orchard fruit and wildflower. The lithe, elegant palate delivers crisp green apple, pear and flinty mineral while racy acidity provides plenty of verve and freshness.
Lightly scented, this medium-bodied white opens with whiffs of white spring flower and orchard fruit. The soft, round palate offers mature pear, citrus peel and a hint of toasted hazelnut.
Lightly scented, this offers aromas of acacia flower, nut and white orchard fruit. The focused palate offers white peach, yellow apple, ripe pear and a mineral note alongside bright acidity and a persistent, firm perlage.
Lightly scented, this offers aromas of white spring flowers, citrus peel and a whiff of chopped herbs. The linear palate offers yellow apple, pear and thyme alongside racy acidity and brisk bubbles.
Lightly scented, this opens with aromas of yellow stone fruit, citrus and a whiff of aromatic herb. The bright, medium-bodied palate offers creamy peach, mature green apple and a hint of nectarine while a mineral note fills in the juicy finish.
Lightly scented, this opens with aromas suggesting white spring flower and orchard fruit. The rather lean, racy palate offers unripe apple, a hint of citrus and a medicinal note alongside brisk acidity.
Lightly scented, this racy sparkler offers subdued aromas of citrus, dried apple and toasted bread crust. The straightforward palate offers tangerine zest, lime and a nutty note alongside firm acidity.
Lightly scented, this straightforward, easygoing wine offers delicate apple and citrus sensations. It's lean but refreshing, with a racy acidity that gives it a crisp, clean finish.
Lightly seared lemons, cut pear and a touch of butter show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is simple and easy to drink with light apple, nectarine and lime touches.
Lightly silky, this has mouth-cleansing acidity and delicious red-cherry pie, spice and sandalwood flavors. It's really easy to drink now, elegant and complex. You can even give it a little chill on a hot night.
Lightly smoked stone fruit and apple blossoms greet the nose on this bottling of 50% Marsanne and 50% Grenache Blanc. The palate is much more interesting, with lemon sorbet and ripe apples clinging to a steely centerline that shows flashes of flint and gunmetal.
Lightly smoked, minerally berry aromas are leathery and ripe, but perfectly healthy. The palate feels entirely in sync, with fine tannins and lasting acidity. Layered, earthy plum and berry flavors are spicy and show notes of vanilla and tobacco prior to a smooth finish. Drink through 2022.
Lightly smoky and spicy oak nuances top off this deeply fruity and concentrated wine, which has firm tannins and good acidity to support its richness. Almost-sweet plum and black cherry notes form its core, while vanilla and baking spice notes complete the picture.
Lightly smoky, herbal aromas and an almost-sweet fruitiness give a frank, easy-drinking quality to this medium-bodied wine. It comes through on the palate with a rich plummy flavor, soft texture and very mild tannins.
Lightly smoky, this is an attractive, simple and fruity Chablis. It has apple and pear flavors balanced with soft acidity. Smooth and round, it's a wine for medium-term aging, so drink now–2018.
Lightly sparkling, this is a crisp, almost dry wine that offers fresh sliced apples and citrus flavors. Made from the Louriero grape which is widely planted in the Lima valley, this is a fruity sip for the summer.
Lightly spiced up front, with cinnamon and nutmeg aromas adding complex sweetness to cherry and cassis scents. It feels juicy and sincere, with a mix of berry, plum, herb, spice and licorice flavors. This turns toward vanilla on the finish. A traditional wine that's ready now.
Lightly spiced wine, with a fat texture, soft and rounded, just seasoned with pepper.
Lightly spicy and displaying a brambly character, with fruit flavors of strawberry jelly, this high alcohol (over 15%) Zin includes some high-toned, volatile notes. It is trending toward an Amador County Zinfandel style, though it is not quite that hot or volatile. All in all, it's a good effort.
Lightly spicy and quite refreshing, this is a gentle wine, with a mix of melon and white peach fruit. Simple but perfect for every day.
Lightly spicy aromas and rich, soothing fruit flavors make this an attractive, lovable and classically proportioned wine. Cherry and raspberry flavors rest on a lightly tannic but smooth texture, and linger on the finish.
Lightly spicy aromas give this an exotic feel. At the same time, there is plenty of crisp, citrusy acidity, along with a rounded melon texture. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated and will be ready to drink in six months.
Lightly spicy raspberry aromas are raw and peppery. This feels fleshy and pulpy, with punchy acidity. Peppery berry flavors are boosted by toasty oak that carries over to a mildly hot finish.
Lightly spicy, this is a soft, off-dry wine. Fresh citrus and apple fruit flavors are perfumed and fruity in the mouth. Not for any aging, it's already a rounded, soft, still fruity wine.
Lightly spicy, this soft wine has a broad feel, with a rounded texture, ripe apples and attractive, bright acidity. Drink now.
Lightly spicy, this soft wine has a zesty tang of orange and bright strawberries that are ripe and gently fruity. The wine is open, ready to drink.
Lightly spritzy, grassy and crisp, with melon, pineapple and grapefruit. Is there just a hint of sweetness to cut the grassiness?
Lightly spritzy, this tastes of crisp apple and finishes just off-dry. It's deliciously refreshing, bright and tangy. Drink now.
Lightly stalky aromas with red currant and dried red plum feed into a tangy, one-dimensional palate boasting racy, citric flavors of raspberry, herb and tomato. This basic Pinot finishes fresh, minty and herbal.
Lightly stalky because it is still young, this wine otherwise promises rich black-currant fruitiness as it matures. It is balanced, ripe and with a gentle set of tannins in the background. Drink from 2018.
Lightly stewed, tomatoey aromas belie how angular and acidic this Malbec is. Sharp is the word that best describes the mouthfeel, while tart plum and currant flavors finish with drawing acidity.
Lightly straw-colored, this is a crisp and fruity wine. Apples, citrus and a touch of ripe melon dominate at this stage, giving a young, fresh character. It's still bouncy and tangy and will broaden out over the next few months to give more complexity. Drink from 2015
Lightly strawberry colored and flavored, this is a wine with a hint of tannin as well as bright, fresh fruit. While it could age for another year in bottle, it is a food-friendly sparkler that should pair well with rich seafood.
Lightly structured, this is a balanced, ripe wine. It has profited from the good vintage to offer strawberry, raspberry and citrus flavors that are well balanced and textured. Drink this attractive wine now.
Lightly sweet and rich in both flavor and body, this wine has generous ripe pear and peach notes accented with coconut and vanilla. A layered effect to the flavors and an especially creamy texture make it very tempting.
Lightly sweet and simply fruity, this wine tastes a bit like peaches and has a gentle texture.
Lightly sweet and very fruity, this wine is an easy-drinking, rather light-bodied choice for a picnic or for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Lightly sweet blue fruit aromas and flavors mix with coffee, mocha, toast and herbs. It doesn't seem entirely like Cabernet but it's hard to ignore its appeal.
Lightly sweet, this is a refreshing, fruity wine. It's a great apéritif for the summer with its ripe lemon and grapefruit that are given a push by the softer green plum  fruits. Drink now.
Lightly sweet, this is a soft, gently fruity wine with a prickle on the tongue and fruit-drop acidity. Screwcap.
Lightly tannic and attractively fruity, it's ready to drink. It has a soft structure, red fruits and a finish that is full of bright acidity.
Lightly tannic and packed with raspberry flavors, this delicious wine has just the right balance between the ripe fruits and bright acidity. The wine is totally ready to drink.
Lightly tannic, this wine is about red cherry and blueberry fruits, along with hints of banana. Fresh and fruity, it offers a balance of acidity and tannins at the end. Drink now.
Lightly tawny in color, with a fresh and enlivening mouthfeel, this is a good Pinot Gris for salmon, halibut or even swordfish. Pear flesh and skin, white peach and a hint of spice are all in play.
Lightly textured and velvety in feel, Judson Hale's Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir has a bigger fruit expression than many of its brethren from cooler parts of the nearby Anderson Valley, with ripe red fruit front and center and a big, slightly woody finish.
Lightly textured, this is an ethereal and sublime wine. Dark brick red in color but feathery on the palate, it offes earthy cherry around a core of subtle spice.
Lightly toasted almond, melted butter, chalk and Meyer lemon scents are delicately woven together in this expressive yet restrained bottling. There is well dispersed acidic energy throughout the palate, where smoked lemon flavors lead into sea salt and white flower notes on the finish.
Lightly toasted and animated up front, with mixed berry, asphalt and gritty aromas, this feels tough, tannic and chewy. A blend of herbal berry and green notes infiltrate standard raspberry and cherry flavors. This finishes slightly bitter and with notes of green herbs.
Lightly toasted aromas of apple and lime are mellow. This feels fresh and citrusy, with lime, orange and tropical fruit flavors. A steady, sturdy finish comes with a mild salty note of sea brine.
Lightly toasted tobacco, blueberry pie and cedar scents lead the way on this single-vineyard Cab. Fresh blueberry on the palate combines with a great arc of flavors that ends in a chewed cigar finish.
Lightly toasty in character, this is a rich and creamy wine. Here the Alvarinho, far south of its home territory, shows a warm, ripe side with a tropical and yellow fruit character. The aftertaste is full and fruity.
Lightly toasty notes lead the nose of this wine, along with herb, green apple and citrus rind aromas. The palate is quite elegant in style, needing only a bit more concentration to truly shine.
Lightly toasty, this wraps its yellow apple fruit with citrus rind. A hint of butter cookie comes up gently as it winds down in a soft finish.
Lightly tropical and entirely mineral-driven, racing in acidity, this tightly wound wine is cradled in toasty, integrated oak that's still trying to let go. It shows hints of the goodness within, from crisp green apple to caramel and lemon meringue. Drink now through 2023.
Lightly tropical to begin with, then more sheering and acidic in the mouth, with high-toned, jacked-up flavors of green apple, pineapple and lemon. Quite snappy and fresh, with an aggressive but true and correct finish.
Lightly tropical, with peach, citrus and pineapple aromas. The palate offers mostly sharp citrus flavors of lime and orange, and the finish holds onto that theme.
Lightly vegetal aromas of asparagus and canned beans are intermixed with generic citrus scents. This wine is more acid than anything, with angularity to the palate. Salty, tart, citric flavors finish racy and with a lingering note of sour orange.
Lightly vegetal aromas suggest asparagus. This feels round and chunky but not lazy or flabby. Flavors of citrus and citrus peel include bitter notes, while this tastes outright pithy on the finish. Drink now.
Lightly volatile aromas are followed by cranberry, cherry and herb flavors that show intensity and freshness.
Lightly volatile aromas are followed by focused cherry and spice flavors that linger. There are good things going on here, but the aromas provide distraction.
Lightly volatile aromas of raspberry, vanilla bean, and cherry are followed by smooth fruit and barrel flavors. The oak seems to get in the way at times.
Lightly volatile, balsamic aromas blend with cedary notes and berry scents. This feels round and fresh, which is typical of the Uco Valley. Blueberry, spiced plum and cassis flavors finish with chocolaty oak and mocha flavors as well as juicy acidity.
Lightly wood-aged, this is a smooth and ripe wine. A touch of toast rounds out the fresh fruit flavor of juicy Golden Delicious apple. The wine is dry, crisp and fruity at the end, with bright acidity.
Lightly wood-flavored wine, emphasizing also the ripe peach and quince flavors. There is a spicy touch, just a sprinkling of nutmeg, the wine ripe and full.
Lightly wood aged and spicy, this is a fine reflection of this great grape variety. It is rich and smooth, yet retains mineralitym, a crisp apricot and green plum fruit. Drink this impressive wine from 2017.
Lightly wood aged, this is a rich wine that has tropical fruits as well as toast and pepper from the alcohol. Unfortunately, there's a streak of citrus that sits awkwardly with the rest of the wine. Drink now.
Lightly wood aged, this pure Touriga Nacional wine brings out the structure of the grape and the minerality of the region. It is rich, firmly textured with dark tannins as well as black currant fruits. The wine is ripe and ready to drink.
Lightly wood aged, this wine is soft and creamy. It has a touch of spice as well as lively lemon and orange-zest flavors, with a crisp tang of acidity at the end. Drink now.
Lightly wood aged, this wine is soft while still keeping some fruitiness. Spice and touches of toast are still integrating with the apple and lime flavors. The tangy, zesty aftertaste needs to calm down. Drink from late 2016.
Lightness defines this wine, from its body to bouquet. Fresh-picked strawberry, cranberry and herb commingle nicely, but quite shyly, the fruit forwardness subtle and the structure refined. Spikes of mushroom and tea peak throughout.
Lightning is a Rhône-style white, half Viognier and half Roussanne, with a splash of Marsanne. In this vintage, the alcohol drops down below 13%, to good effect. Barrel fermentation has brought a lovely creaminess to both texture and flavors. It's a mix of stone and light tropical fruits, especially pineapple, peach and green banana, with highlights of toast and a streak of vanilla.
Lightweight and easy in the mouth, with bright, juicy red fruit aromas and flavors spiced up by olive tapenade and fruitcake accents. Clean and balanced with a medium-length finish.
Lightweight and fresh, with beet green overtones to the tart, pie-cherry aromas and flavors. It's refreshing and vital right now, so drink it before the delicate fruit fades.
Lightweight and lacking in intensity, this is nevertheless a respectable wine. Herb and passion fruit aromas give way to a blend of melon and salad greens on the palate. Drink up.
Lightweight and lacking in texture, this wine offers fading red-cherry fruit, cola notes and leafy greens. Drink up.
Lightweight and pleasant, this has modest cherry fruit and some earthy notes. It finishes well, with silky, tea-like nuances.
Lightweight and possessed of brisk acidity, this tart and snappy style might work well with fresh shellfish. Simple sour-apple flavors scour the palate.
Lightweight and silky in texture, this is a dry, refreshing rosé to drink while the warm weather persists. Hints of bubblegum detract slightly, but the primary notes of melon, citrus and wet stone combine easily on the palate.
Lightweight and thin in the mouth, this zesty white wine does a good job of keeping your palate refreshed and quenches your thirst (think hot summer day). It's an easy and informal wine that stays focused on simplicity.
Lightweight but amply wooded, this is an earthy wine tinged with cedar, mocha and campfire smoke. Drink up.
Lightweight fresh fruit flavors, mostly grapefruit and clean freshness. The wine is attractively fruity in style.
Lightweight red from Gascony, with a touch of tannin, red berry fruits and crisp acidity. A red wine with an attractive bite.
Lightweight wine that seems somewhat dilute with flavors of green plums, bright acidity and a very soft texture.
Lightweight wine, tasting of fresh raspberries and Morello cherries, with a high layer of acidity. It's pleasant, but dilute.
Lightweight, almost dilute aromas of pool water, ocean brine and mild citrus are less than stunning. This Albariño is plump and melony, with a shot of citric acidity. Briny flavors of orange and tropical fruits finish steady, with no slippage.
Lightweight, attractive, very juicy wine. It is a great pizza wine, with its edge of tannins and lively acidity. Drink this year.
Lightweight, very herbal Sauvignon Blanc, full of green fruits, lemon zest and refreshing acidity. Ready to drink, it finishes as fresh as can be. Screwcap.
Lightweight, with more dryness than richness, this wine is lightly sweet, hinting at botrytis, with apple and cream flavors touched by honey.
Lightweight, with smooth red fruit and acidity, this is soft and round. The berry fruit neatly merges with the gentle tannins.
Likably round and approachable, this medium-bodied red is mellow and fruity, showing red cherry fruit spiked with vanilla bean. It finishes on charred oak.
Like 2005, 2015 looks to be an outstanding vintage for South Australia Riesling. This one, from two high-altitude vineyards, boasts incredible acid tension to go along with its relatively light body. Lemon and lime notes mingle with wet stone, finishing long and with great intensity. Drink now–2025.
Like a baby Meursault, this is a a rich, plump wine that's full of yellow fruit. The acidity is soft, yet lively enough to give the palate an attractive, citrus-like edge. The finish brings out cinnamon, vanilla and warm fruit flavors.
Like a bag of trail mix, this has scents of dried apple, walnut and toasted grain. Medium to full bodied, the mouthfeel is easy and pliant, with a broad orchard-fruit flavor. The acids pick up some vigor on the finish, giving the wine a lifted quality.
Like a Beaujolais Nouveau, this is a lively, grapey wine, with fresh-from-the-fermenter flavors of raspberries, red cherries, cinnamon and pepper.
Like a bouquet made of different types of flowers, this polished wine brings diverse elements into a pleasing whole. There are ripe tropical fruit, vanilla and butter aromas, rich apple and pear flavors, a soothing smooth texture and lingering finish.
Like a cherry pie with a graham cracker crust in liquid form, this medium-bodied, sweet style of wine combines the sweet-tart cherry and buttery crust flavors. It is fresh and uncomplicated.
Like a deconstructed peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this has nutty, toasty aromas that are topped with a generous dollop of strawberry jam. It feels full and slack upon entrance, with slightly pickled acids and firm but integrated tannins that tug on the midpalate. While the flavors overall could use a boost of concentration, a pleasing note of autumn spice lingers on the finish.
Like a fairway-splitting drive in golf, this wine is just what the masses want: It's full of grapefruit, passion fruit, gooseberry and citrus rind. The acidity, however, is pounding, so the finish might sweat your tongue a bit, thereby yielding a juicy mouthfeel. Overall, it starts well and then fades a bit.
Like a fresh-picked cherry off the tree, the aromatic entry into this appellation wine is compelling and memorable in Proustian ways. Medium bodied, it's a highly quaffable experience, sultry on the palate while maintaining bright of acidity that ping-pongs between lush and lean.
Like a freshly picked cherry, all juicy fruit with sweet perfumes and a jammy, ripe character. The wine is soft, open and already accessible.
Like a fruit juice drink, with sugary pineapple, mango and orange flavors. The acidity is bright, but this Chardonnay is more like a dessert wine than a dry table wine.
Like a genie released from the bottle, this wine rises up with aromas of violets, herbs, cranberry and bittersweet chocolate. The palate has tart, vibrant acidity along with a silky feel with little apparent new-oak influence to interfere with the fruit and savory flavors. It's a pretty wine that needs to be paired with food to be fully appreciated.
Like a good Bonarda should be, this is sweet, lush, dense and jammy on the nose. The palate brings big tannins and a slight rubbery mouthfeel, but the flavors of black cherry and wild berry are big, tasty and untamed. Full of power; needs airing upon opening but aging isn't necessary. Includes 20% Malbec and 10% Cab Franc.
Like a great juggler, this Cabernet balances exceptionally ripe fruit and sweet new oak with fine tannins and acids to yield a wine of exquisite poise and delight. The flavors, of black cherries and mocha, are just delicious, while fairly high alcohol brings a rich headiness. Drink now-2016.
Like a hybrid of Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, this soft, slightly sweet wine has flowery flavors of citrus fruits, apricots, apples and dusty Asian spices. Nice by-the-glass restaurant wine.
Like a lemon-cream pastry in a bottle, this low-yield, hillside-grown wine has buttery, creamy aromas, rich almond and bright lemon flavors and a soft, nearly sweet finish. Not too full-bodied, it's a bit lighter in texture than many, because of that fresh lemony acidity to buoy it up.
Like a liquid blueberry cobbler, this is a juicy, soft, well-integrated red wine, leathery and roundly rich. Perfect for a rib roast meal with buttery mashed potatoes, let it breathe a half-hour or two before serving.
Like a liquid lemon meringue pie, this Chardonnay has bright fruit flavors, lemony acidity and a creamy finish. It smells like ripe apple and pineapple, and tastes crisp but but not lean. Altogether delicious and mouthwatering, and not nearly as sweet as the pie.
Like a nice Bordeaux, there's some barnyard aromas—but also a leathery spiciness with accents of cinnamon, chocolate and espresso. Impressive balance and breadth. Not too high strung—instead it's soft, smooth, almost heavy. A good wine to drink early on.
Like a pastry shop in a glass, this rare treat of a well-aged bubbly smells of cream, butter and nutmeg, and tastes like baked apples, almonds and vanilla. Although not sweet, its generous fruit, spice and nut nuances build on the crisp but smooth texture and linger on the finish. From a cool vintage that produced long-lived wines, this is irresistible now but should keep through 2020.
Like a photocopy of a good Chardonnay, this wine is indistinct. There are some decent peach and apple flavors and what tastes like a dose of oak, but it's really thin and watery.
Like a stage actress, this wine is wearing a lot of makeup, which in this case means oak. In the mouth, it's tannic, rough and acidic. Flavors of baked berry, stewed plum, herb, molasses and raisin finish plump but with modest energy.
Like a sugary punch drink, with raspberry, cherry, brandy and spice flavors.
Like a trip through an orchard, this Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre blend bursts with flavors of cherries, raspberries, blackberries, tangerines, kumquats, dates, golden mangoes, yellow currants, the list goes on and on. It's a little on the sweet side, while grippy tannins give the palate handrails to negotiate this fruity ride.
Like a well-made café latte, this wine balances the dry and restrained elements against creamy, mocha nuances that round out the texture and bring an almost sweet, jammy taste to the finish. Just substitute rich blackberry for coffee flavors to make the analogy work.
Like all Alsace rosé, this wine is made from Pinot Noir. It's dry, with delicious, crisp acidity and a flavor of wild raspberry. A great summer apéritif.
Like all Alto Moncayo Garnachas, this opens with a big, loud crust of toasty oak and campfire smoke on top of blackberry aromas. The palate offers depth and body, while charred, toasty black-fruit flavors finish peppery and with tolerable heat. Drink through 2021.
Like all good passito dessert wines made from the Sagrantino grape, this shows firmness and structure, with aromatic characteristics of bitter chocolate and cherry liqueur.
Like all Jurançon, this wine brings together great richness and great freshness. The honey and peach fruits are laced with acidity to give the wine poise, while hints of dry botrytis promise aging. This is a ripe, full wine that should be drunk from 2017.
Like all of Alta Vista's single-vineyard Malbecs, this is opaque in color and ripe on the nose. Aromas of balsamic-coated raisin, black cherry and chocolate scream ripe and rich. On the palate, this is saturated, with grabby tannins. Toasty blackened flavors of blackberry and pepper narrow down on a tight tannic finish. Drink through 2024.
Like all of Melville's new 2011 Pinot Noirs, this bottling is powerful and forward in cherries, raspberries and Dr. Pepper cola, alongside earthier mushroom and earth notes. It's a beautiful wine that shows the classy elegance of a well-grown Santa Rita Pinot, with brisk acids and firm but fine tannins. Drink now–2017 for maximum freshness.
Like all of Movia's red wines, the Modri Ceglo is herbaceous on the nose and palate, with hints of menthol and bramble adding complexity to the crisp red-fruit flavors. The palate is ripe, silken and elegantly structured, with brisk acidity and whispers of graphite, soy and brine that linger long on the finish.
Like all of Raul Bobet's Castell d'Encus wines from the Pyrenees, this Pinot Noir displays a personality all its own. Raspberry and strawberry aromas are floral and herbal, but feel chunky and a bit obtuse. Tea, herbal plum and Asian spice flavors end with notes of wild flowers and black tea.
Like all of the 2006 Garden offerings from Two Hands, this one is full-bodied, creamy and makes a slightly sweet impression on the palate because of its combination of high alcohol (15.2%) and superripe fruit. Cedary, spicy oak accents raspberry and cassis flavors, which persist on the long finish. Drink now–2011.
Like all of the Clarendon Hills wines, this is packed with intensity. It's full-bodied, with soft tannins and a slightly low-acid, natural feel. Aromas of menthol and roasted meat are backed by hints of blackberry and licorice on the palate and a long, lingering finish. Drink now–2020. Imported by Wine Brokers Unlimited.
Like all of the Schloss's noble sweet wines, this one isn't overblown, displaying ample sweetness but also zesty acidity. There's a slight greenish hint to the candied citrus and dried pineapple flavors, with a lemony streak on the finish that balances the sweetness impeccably. Should last for 40–50 years—possibly more—in a cool cellar.
Like all of the Yering Station Reserves, this one shows a healthy whack of new oak, but there's plenty of ripe cherry fruit to support the vanilla and cedar nuances. It's medium bodied, plump yet suave, with a long finish that echoes vanilla and spice. Drink now–2019.
Like all the Duval wines, this is amply structured. Cedar and vanilla notes frame dark fruit flavors in this blend of 51% Shiraz, 30% Grenache and 19% Mourvèdre. Its full bodied, with a long, dusty finish. Drink now–2022.
Like all the Fromm wines, this is a densely structured effort. It blends black cherries and spice with hints of pepper, cedar and bracken, finishing long. Probably best from 2010.
Like all the wines created by Roccolo Grassi, you can really feel that extra push towards quality and elegance here. La Broia is an oak-aged Soave with a soft consistency and loads of peach, tangerine, melon and white fruit intensity. The finish is smooth and creamy.
Like all the wines from this domaine, this comes from biodynamically produced grapes. It is part of a series of wines named after the subsoil in which the vines are planted. The wine is tense, mineral and still young. It has a flinty character along with lemon and grapefruit fruit. There is a salty tang to this wine that really needs to age. Drink from late 2017.
Like all Thomas Fogarty's Chardonnays, this is dry, acidic and minerally. It is not one of those ultrarich Chards dripping with buttered popcorn and tropical fruit jam. Wine aficionados will appreciate the Chablis-like citrus fruit, white flower and steel elegance.
Like all wines from Les Baux, this is made from organically grown grapes. It's rich, packed with dense black fruits and tannins. With Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend giving structure, this concentrated wine will repay aging. Drink from 2017.
Like all wines from this producer, the fruit from this five-acre vineyard has been grown biodynamically. That explains both the clean lines of the wine and its beautiful ripe fruitiness. The yellow fruits and generous texture are deliciously full in the mouth. Drink this fine wine from 2018.
Like almost all of Reverie's Cabernets on release, this one needs time in the cellar. Tasted in fall 2011, it's tight and grapey, with blackberry jam flavors girded by a firm, stony minerality and sweet, but hard, tannins. Give it 6–8 years.
Like almost every wine in Trapiche's single-vineyard Malbec series, Ambrosia is concentrated and deep, with potent aromas of wood smoke, lemon peel, blackberry and tar. This feels layered and plush, while flavors of wild berry, dark spices, coffee and mocha finish with a blast of chocolate and nutmeg. Drink through 2018.
Like an electric zap of grapefruit, lime and stone-fruit flavors, this cutting crisp wine offers refreshment in an exceptionally light-footed package. Dry in style with a bracing bite of sour lemon candy on the midpalate, it's a revitalizing apéritif to be enjoyed year round. Drink now through 2018.
Like an ugly duckling that's a beautiful swan in waiting, this unique rosé, if you can call it that given its rusty, almost brown color, is something only Terroir Al Limít would bottle. Earthy in aromas, this mix of several Grenache strains tastes of apricot and dried red fruits. It's mildly spicy throughout, with actual tannins from skin contact. Drink this quasi rosé as you would a serious white or red, meaning with good food like a Catalan-style rice dish. And drink now.
Like an underripe nectarine, this tart, crunchy wine needs a bit time to mature. But instead of 2–3 days, think 2–3 years. Lime and mandarin orange notes are lean and crisp on the palate, austere for now, but surely going to blossom in time.
Like any good Bonarda, this is a tough wine. But on the other hand, it's flush, very dark and full of black-fruit flavors and texture. The nose is piercing but honest, while the palate is big and fleshy, with firm tannins, extract and bright black cherry and blackberry flavors. Thick throughout, with bacony notes to the finish.
Like any good Leyda Valley SB, this opens with oceanic aromas of citrus fruits, sea foam and minerality. In the mouth, it is juicy and stony, with washing acidity. Flavors of honeydew, lime and jalapeño finish firm, with good backbone. Drink this with salads, shellfish and ceviche.
Like biting right into a crisp Asian pear, this clean and brightly fruity wine accents the fresh flavors with just a hint of nutmeg and sweet spice.
Like Bricco delle Viole, Barolo Albe also has a slightly thorny, nervous character but ultimately this wine is softer and more approachable than the latter. Aroma-wise, there's a lot going on here: layers of spice, earth and pressed flowers mingle with black fruit and chopped mint.
Like certain Rieslings, this smells a lot like gasoline. In the mouth, this Chardonnay-Xarello blend is narrow and scouring. Bitter, nutty flavors of generic white fruits finish waxy.
Like Chambers' entry-level Muscadelle, this Muscat offers an affordable introduction to the Rutherglen style of sticky. The Muscat is full and round, with relatively simple notes of spiced orange and crème caramel and a finish that is sweet but balanced.
Like Dog Point's 2011 Chardonnay, this wine is dominated by citrusy elements. Hints of toasted almond and some riper notes of pear provide a certain amount of breadth on the palate, but citrus and quince dominate, lingering on the crisp finish. Drink now–2017.
Like it's bigger sibling El Anejón, this Reserva from a warm vintage is almost one-quarter Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in addition to Tinto Fino (Tempranillo). The opening of burnt earth, brandied cherry, rubber and herbal aromas is distinct. This feels a bit tough and chewy, with boysenberry, cassis, vanilla-cream and herbal spice flavors. A fairly smooth finish is young and vital. This should improve with aging. Best from 2019–2026.
Like it's one-year-older brother, this is tight as nails from head to toe. Cedar, graphite and zero funk drive a black-fruit-heavy nose toward a hard-driving palate with fierce tannins and flavors of blackberry, toast and chocolate. A blackened, spicy finish is demanding but pure. Drink now through 2020.
Like it's slightly more elevated cousin, Kay's Block 6 Shiraz, this is full bodied and almost painfully concentrated. Lovely oak-derived notes of cinnamon, vanilla and mocha cosset roasted meat and blueberries, then glide to a long, dusty finish. Drink 2020–2030.
Like it says, this is a sweet bubbly. It has raspberry, strawberry, vanilla and toast flavors that are easy to like. Made from Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Syrah, it's a lovely wine for those who like their sparklers on the sweet side.
Like its big brother Alabaster, this is a superb Tinta de Toro that's powerfully built but also stylish. Aromas of cassis and blackberry are dark, malty and chocolaty. Flavors of burnt toast, dark chocolate, black peppercorn and blackberry end with a tannic yet balanced swirl of licorice and minerally complexity. Drink from 2017–2030.
Like its brothers Veraton and Aquilon, this modern Garnacha opens with hickory, savory berry and balsamic aromas. While it's stout in feel, there's freshness amid the saturation. Flavors of toasty oak, licorice and blackberry finish long, blackened and savory. Drink through 2021.
Like its companion Cabernet, the Lewis vineyard designate is still quite hard and unyielding when first opened. The dense, complex aromas suggest the power locked up within, and the wine slowly emerges, at first peppery and herbal, yet layered and complex; then showing some silk and satin, with a strong licorice streak.
Like its companion Syrah from Cedar Ridge Vineyard fruit, this is pure varietal and spent 18 months in American oak. Earthy and somewhat bitter flavors of charred wood and espresso dominate the cassis fruit. The finish is chalky and tannic.
Like its companion, Carpe Noctum, the Confero offers full flavors of cherry and berry, with spice and toast backing. Here the flavors are a touch lighter but perhaps more elegant and detailed, with suggestions of mint and caramel trickling through the finish.
Like its rosé counterpart, this wine is soft and fruity. With attractive apple fruits and bright lemon to give freshness, it's a rounded wine that has perfumed white fruits and a ripe, always fresh aftertaste.
Like its rosé partner, this is round and creamy on the palate. Some biscuity notes dress up citrus and apple flavors in this easily accessible sparkling wine. It's clean and well made, with no rough edges.
Like its stablemate Pinot Grigio from producer Thorne Clark, this Pinot Gris carries a faint copper-pink cast to its hue, and it also has a fairly broad mouthfeel. The pear and melon flavors are pleasant, making it an easy-drinking medium-bodied white with wide appeal.
Like its stablemates, the Elton bottling has dropped more than a point of alcohol in 2010, and the winery's lineup overall tilts toward the thin and herbal. Here the cranberry fruit shows little charm. There's a spine of iron and a finish amply loaded with flavors of herb and earth.
Like its Tokalon South counterpart, this 100% has a funky, bacon and green olive aroma that persists through the finish. That does not detract from the blackberries and black cherries, but gives them an earthy complexity. The wine is a little on the soft side, but still should develop bottle notes after 2018.
Like its vintage predecessors, this seems to have some residual sugar, which gives a honeyed sweetness to the peach, pear, fig and honeysuckle flavors. But it has a very crisp, pleasant acidity that keeps the wine lively.
Like liquid toasted cinnamon, this Cabernet Sauvignon is texturally harsh.
Like many 2005s from the northern Rhone, Colombo's Les Ruchets needs time. The tannins dominate the mouth right now, but the black olive and peppered-meat nuances win out in the end, adding depth to tarry, leathery notes and plummy fruit. Try after 2015.
Like many 2013 RDDs, this offers minimal cherry and plum aromas prior to a raw, tannic palate. Limited berry and plum flavors are piquant and short, while the finish is choppy. This shares a lot in common with cherry Kool-Aid.
Like many basic Chilean Chards, this is chunky, heavy and melony on the nose. The palate has a satisfactory feel and decent acidity, while core flavors of banana and papaya are oaky and end with a salty, briny flavor.
Like many Beaujolais in 2010, this wine has a firm and tannic structure. Being Morgon, though, it also has power and richness, the black fruits intense, with acidity to balance. This could well age for 2–3 years and more.
Like many Cafayate Cabs, this shows raw, herbal aromas that add rusticity to red-fruit scents. The palate is tight and juicy for the most part, with a touch of oaky creaminess. Flavors of roasted plum and berry fruits come with vanilla, brown sugar and oak accents, while the finish is a bit grating.
Like many Cafayate reds of stature, this opens with funky murkiness, leather, animal notes and baked characteristics. The blend is 70% Tannat with Malbec and Syrah, and overall it's full-bodied, snappy in the mouth, and good in terms of offering integrated plum, raspberry and spice flavors. Shows a lot of heat and burn on the finish, however. A wine with individuality. Drink now through 2012.
Like many Chilean Pinots, this starts out funky as a three-legged llama. The bouquet pumps bramble, dusty country road and roasted berry fruit. But with time it settles and unfolds, and in the end there's sweet herbal fruit flavors along with spice and vanilla. Voilà! It's honest PN from Chile.
Like many Griñon wines, this is dense and earthy on the nose, with ripe berry and marzipan aromas. A round, layered, full-bodied palate shows hard, unresolved tannins and ripe, earthy flavors of blackberry, spice, herbs and chocolate. A firm, textured finish with integrated flavors is bullish but classy. Drink through 2018.
Like many Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, this one starts off leafy and pungent, then develops greater depth of white nectarine and grapefruit on the palate. It's plump, medium-bodied and slightly creamy in texture, making it an attractively versatile option.
Like many Marsanne-based Northern Rhône wines, this is reticent on the nose, offering hints of wet stone and lemon zest. It's slightly more expressive on the palate, where it broadens and deepens to show melon and lemon flavors, plus stony, graphite-like notes on the vibrant finish.
Like many Mornington producers, Kooyong has a relatively short track record (founded 1996). For much of that time, winemaking was under the guidance of Sandro Mosele, including this stunning 2012. It shows Burgundian levels of complexity in its array of smoke, leather, root vegetable and black cherry notes, then backs that all up with a firm-yet-supple texture and tremendous length. Drink now through 2022.
Like many Navarran blends, there's some murky, flat aromas to this blend, but it shows more life in the mouth, where snappy red cherry and wild raspberry flavors take over. The finish is evenly textured and shows a bit of leftover oak resin. An honest wine but certainly nothing special.
Like many Navarran wines, this Garnacha-Tempranillo blend offers equal parts earthy spice and dry fruit. Aromas of spearmint, leather and wood spice bump up against crisp, wiry red-fruit notes, and the palate holds that line. If you want a restrained, balanced, more traditonal Spanish wine to drink with food, this is a good bet.
Like many New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, this one carries a touch of red bell pepper, adding a slightly vegetal aspect to its pineapple and gooseberry fruit. Finishes admirably dry, with some chalky overtones.
Like many of Denis Pommier's wines, this comes from old vines, and the concentration is testament to that. The texture is rich, touched by honeyed wood, with peaches in syrup ripeness. As a contrast, there is also a fresh, red apple acidity, which gives a lift to the aftertaste.
Like many of the '07 Hermitages, this isn't a huge wine, but instead shows a nice sense of proportion, marrying hickory smoke with touches of cracked peppercorns, cedar and roasted beef. Drink now–2020.
Like many of the Perrin & Fils wines, this one is firmly structured, its cherry and cocoa flavors ending on a dusty, tannic note. But the fruit is attractive, and even boasts some complexity in the wisps of garrigue on the nose. Probably best from 2013–2017.
Like many of the winery's bottlings, this wine shows rich but balanced concentration. Loamy and fulfilling baked blueberry and blackberry aromas are laced with vanilla. The palate is lavish as well, with strong blueberry syrup, herb and pepper flavors and a caramel touch on the finish.
Like many of this winery's bottlings, this is heavy and raisiny. However, amid all the thickness and extract there are lusty, robust roasted black fruit flavors and candied darkness. Baked on the finish, which feels hollow and doesn't last long.
Like many Roero wines this vintage, the winning key here is a balance between ripe fruit aromas and a tightly structured consistency. The wine's power and body is rendered more approachable thanks to careful oak softness.
Like many top Marlborough Sauvignons, this wine has a leafy, herbal component backed by copious fruit. In this case, the wine delivers touches of nectarine and pineapple, along with a bit of chili pepper. It's medium-bodied, with a long, mouth-watering finish.
Like many wines from Marie-Laure Lurton, this is dry and shows its firm tannic and wood character. Here the wood verges on too much, giving an austere, hard character. However, the black currant fruit will come through, giving a dry wine that will have some richness. Drink from 2018.
Like many wines from the cool 2010 vintage in Washington, this one takes a considerable amount of time to get going. Once it does, you'll know it was worth the wait. The first release from this winery, it boasts a complex medley of herbs, cherries, olives and dusty earth. It's rounded and supple, with tart acidity. The oak (35% new French) is dialed back, to allow the fruit to shine through.
Like many wines from this producer, it excels because of its sheer drinkability. They are using more new wood flavors than in the past, but the beautifully perfumed, vibrant fruit, deep acidity and light elegance reveal a wine that will age well, as well as being drinkable now.
Like many wines from this vintage, Melipal seems afflicted with 2005 blues. It has black plum and some woody char to chew on, but also saline and frisky tartness. Gets better with airing and will show best with food, but it's clearly a step down from prior years.
Like Martin Ray's other '05 reserve Cabs, the Stags Leap bottling is rich, soft and immediately appealing for its luscious array of flavors. What's not to like about blackberries, cherries, raspberries, chocolate, cedar and smoky vanilla? The tannins are very fine, giving the wine a silky, velvety mouthfeel.
Like most 2012 Marlborough Pinots, this is crisp, with pie cherry fruit leading the way. Hints of campfire and button mushrooms add welcome complexity, ending on a long, mouthwatering note of tart fruit.
Like most 2013s in Rioja, this smells gritty and earthy more than overtly ripe. A plump, slightly flat palate houses medium-ripe berry and plum flavors. A dry, peppery finish with moderate but present oak is solid.
Like most bargain Chilean Cabs, the wine is a bit green and herbal, with scratchy red-fruit aromas helping it along. The palate has reasonably good depth and saturation, with flavors of roasted berry, stewed fruits, tobacco and green veggies. Good but challenged.
Like most barrel-fermented Viuras from Rioja, this smells oaky but low on fruit. Round and resiny on the palate, this tastes mostly of saucy oak and briny citrus. The finish is sound in feel but challenging in flavor.
Like most base-level Garnachas, this one has a sweet, candied aromatic cover. But unlike many it has depth, purity and avoids boring, offensive sweetness. The flavors of raspberry and boysenberry are bright, and it maintains balance and integrity through the finish. A nice wine for under $10.
Like most California Tempranillos, this one's dry, acidic and rich in red cherry fruit, cola and beef jerky flavors. It's a pleasant wine, with a silky, light mouthfeel. Try as an interesting alternative to Pinot Noir.
Like most Casillero varietals, this Merlot offers good concentration and a mix of berry fruit and light herbal aromas. The palate is lively, with good acidity and zesty red plum and pie cherry flavors. It's a little tangy throughout but on the plus side it's not overdone or heavy.
Like most Colomé Malbecs, this is purple in color, with concentrated aromas of rubber, herbs and jammy blackberry. A thick, almost soupy palate is chewy and cushioned, while saturated black-fruit flavors finish heavy, jammy and on the cusp of overdone.
Like most good Baja whites, this is done in a crisp, fresh style and offers acidic cut on the palate. The flavors are pure citrus—mostly lemon, tangerine and pineapple. This tangy wine narrows on the finish. Drink with ceviche and raw shellfish.
Like most high-end varietal Garnachas, this hits with big but straightforward berry aromas and not a lot of complexity. A jagged palate shows powerful tannins and baked, jammy flavors of blackberry. This is grabby and slightly astringent on the finish, but in general it's tasty and well made. Drink through 2016.
Like most Lanson wines, this nonvintage cuvée is a blend dominated by red grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier). Ripe while also crisp and stylish, it has weight and richness while remaining well to the dry side of Brut. The bottling is ready to drink.
Like most Leyda Sauv Blancs, this pops with cool-climate aromas of bell pepper and grapefruit. It's narrow on the palate, with razor-sharp acidity and green tannins. Bell pepper and briny citrus flavors finish sharp, with a touch of sourness.
Like most Monteviejo Malbecs, this is full and extracted, with an opaque purple tint. Ripe aromas of blackberry, prune and spice cake are generous. The palate is surprisingly alive in acidity and grabby in feel. Dark toasty black-fruit flavors are plenty oaky, while coffee, mocha and chocolate flavors share space on the tannic finish. Drink through 2020.
Like most of Neil Collins' wines, this blend of 63% Grenache, 19% Zinfandel and 18% Petite Sirah draws from the region's intriguing, oldest, dry-farmed vineyards. It shows earthy wet clay, boysenberry and anise notes on the nose, while the palate delivers turned loam, wild thyme, pepper, soy and black plum flavors.
Like most of Punset's wines, this Barbaresco should be cellar aged before it shows its best. Made using organic and biodynamic fruit, this offers an elegantly subdued berry tone, with long, polished tannins. Hold for 10 more years.
Like most of the Brunellos from this estate, Signature opens with dark, inky concentration and vibrant tones of dark cherry, blackberry preserves, red rose, leather and spice. There's a touch of ripeness to the fruit and the wine shows a spot of sweet fruits on the close. But the fresh acidity and tight structure holds the wine high.
Like most Pinot Gris, this is subdued aromatically, but does unfold on the palate to reveal sweet melon and pear flavors. A burst of citrusy acids on the finish give it a sweet-tart balance that would work well with various spicy Asian dishes.
Like most Saint-Joseph whites, this blend of Marsanne and Roussanne is only modestly aromatic. What it does deliver is a world of weight and texture on the palate, along with notions of toasted nuts and grilled fruit (melon and pineapple). Ready to drink now.
Like most Sancerre producers, Roger also draws on vines across the Loire in Pouilly-Fumé. This ripe full wine shows the richness of this appellation and also its potential for aging. Its lime and green-plum fruits are shot through with acidity and balanced by a tangy rich texture. Drink from 2018.
Like most Savennières, this is a dry wine. Yet it is so rich, rounded and packed with ripe tropical fruits. The texture is opulent, smooth, creamy and concentrated. It needs to age for at least fours years.
Like most Tapestry offerings, this wine shows plenty of cedary and cinnamon-like oak, but the soft plum and blackberry fruit serve to provide balance. It's full and creamy-textured in the mouth, then finishes with some warmth and a burst of tart acidity for balance. Drink now-2017.
Like most Tikal wines, this is beefy and saturated, with grapy, creamy, dark fruit aromas. Feels tight and lush in the mouth, with a meaty structure and dense flavors of blackberry and herbs. Turns more herbal as it unwinds before finishing toasty and thick.
Like most Tradition wines in Cahors, this fruity and perfumed wine has been aged in stainless steel to keep the fruitiness. Blackberry flavors are cut with acidity and a tight tannic character. It needs to age another few months, so drink from late 2016.
Like most unoaked Chardonnays, this is a bit simply fruity, but it's also clean and fresh. Apple, melon and citrus flavors are easily carried by its medium body and mouthwatering finish.
Like most Washington Sangiovese, a bit nondescript. You won't mistake it for Chianti, but it doesn't have the ripe strawberry and tobacco punch of the best versions from this state. It's light, herbal, and has gentle tannins with suggestions of cracker and grain.
Like most young Hunter Valley Semillons, this is starting out on the neutral, acidic side. Notes of melon and citrus rind only hint at the potential to be found in a few years' time. It's a little weightier than expected, with a silky mouthfeel and a long, gentle, lime-riddled finish.
Like oak? Yes? Then this is the Vacqueyras for you. There's ample fruit weight to support the lush lashings of toasted coconut and luxurious vanilla notes and pull them through a long, velvety-textured finish. Drink now–2018.
Like other wines in the Fronteira range, this is certainly powerful. It is also ripely smooth, its dark tannins wrapped in a velvet, dusty texture and ripe plum juice fruits. Important, complex wine.
Like pepper in your Syrahs? This one's for you. It's distinctly Californian, in the superripe blackberry, currant and chocolate flavors. The appealing softness suggests drinking now.
Like Petite Sirah's rustic power? You'll love this lusty wine. It's dark, tannic and dry, with massive blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate and oak flavors that finish with hints of bacon and black pepper. Will age forever, but your window is now and through 2018.
Like previous vintages of this bottling, this is a pretty good Cabernet—rich and fruity but dry. It's a bit tough and stringy in texture, with unyielding tannins that are unlikely to improve with age.
Like rose gold in a glass, this skin-fermented Pinot Gris glimmers with complexity. Aged in a combination of French and Slovenian oak, it's lavishly aromatic, penetrating the palate with tones of potpourri and spice, citrus rind and smoked tea leaves. Tart tangerine acidity lends vibe and refreshment through a long, long finish.
Like several other estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Mont-Redon has expanded to neighboring Lirac, where the soils are very similar. This medium- to full-bodied blend of Clairette (45%), Grenache Blanc (25%), Roussanne (20%) and Viognier (10%) is rich and mouth coating, with aromas and flavors that hint at orange zest and apricot. Drink it over the next year or two.
Like several other producers of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Jackson Estate is trying to make a cuvée that offers something more than stereotypical tropical fruit and fresh herbs. This is a partially barrel-fermented effort that boasts brown sugar and cinnamon aromas, and flavors that mix coffee with lime and passion fruit. It's not entirely harmonious, but offers concentration and innovation, something that should be applauded.
Like so many bone-dry Champagnes, this wine needs some bottle aging to soften the brutal acidity. It offers a tight mineral texture and crisp lemon and grapefruit acidity. Drink from 2017.
Like so many of the 2010 Shirazes from South Australia, this is a terrific wine. It's full bodied and creamy in texture without going over the top, and the bold, oak-derived aromas of toast and vanilla ably frame flavors of black olive and plum. Already very drinkable, it should still be going strong in 2020.
Like so many producers and négociants, Bouchard Père has a slice of the action in this famed Grand Cru. Its interpretation is generous, going for the inherent richness from the terroir. This is a magnificently ripe wine, definitely opulent, with the generous wood enhancing the very ripe fruit. In all this splendor, it is good to find a delicious edge of acidity.
Like so many Provence wines, this is made from organically grown grapes: Grenache and Cinsault. It is fresh and light, with a crisp, poised texture that gives an attractive tang and lifts the red fruits. It is fruity and ready to drink.
Like so many unwooded Chardonnays, this is a medium-bodied, pleasantly fruit-forward wine that's clean, simple and direct. Tangerine scents lead into flavors of mixed citrus and a crisp finish. Drink now.
Like so many wines from the Pouilly Fumé appellation, this wine is very young at this stage. It shows pepper and only the beginnings of what will be intense white fruits, good acidity and rich texture. Drink from 2018.
Like so many wines from this site, this is explosive and powerfully rich, yet a lurking acidity keeps it fresh and in check. Notes of cedar, dried herb and pencil shavings meet integrated oak and firm tannin, as brambly blackberry and blueberry flavors linger with clove-tinged spice on the finish.
Like some of the other 2008s, this wine seems to be evolving rapidly—a common enough occurence in hot vintages. Apple and citrus flavors still dominate, but the wine is already showing hints of honey and toast. Drink it now and over the next 3–5 years.
Like Spinal Tap, this wine turns the volume up to 11, packing in enough blueberry jam for breakfast on the Queen Mary II and enough cedary oak to build 100 saunas. It's undeniably powerful and intense, and embued with a lush, creamy texture; the only question is how it will evolve. Drink it now and stand your hair on end.
Like taking in a fresh bouquet of flowers just in bloom, this deliciously crafted Moscato Frivolo, slightly fizzy and superlatively refreshing, is a lovely surprise at just 7% alcohol and $16. Start your night off with a glass or let it guide you through a meal, serve cold and take in its candied orange and jasmine amidst the bubbles.
Like Talisman's other 2008s, this is an easy, gentle wine, marked by ripe, candied raspberry and cherry fruit, enhanced with the sweet caramel and vanilla of oak barrels. Drink now.
Like tasting toothpicks. New oak accounts for just 40% of the aging, yet dominates with caramel, vanilla and buttered toast. Somewhere below are pineapple, pear, lime and honey flavors. Will appeal to Chardophiles who enjoy this New World style.
Like the '03, this Merlot is a little too sweet for comfort, showing sugary cherry flavors that taste like melted jam. It's also very soft and lacks a firm structure.
Like the 2003, this is a big, no-holds-barred Shiraz. The 2005 is packed with cassis and blueberry fruit, framed by chocolate and vanilla notes and finishes with plenty of spicy complexity and some slightly rough tannins. Drink 2010–2020.
Like the 2005 vintage, this bottling has 100% new French oak. But the wine feels more balanced and fatter than its predecessor, and over all more satisfying. The mineral-infused roasted pineapple, candied ginger and crème brûlée flavors finish dry and crisp and elegant. Great job from Beringer's winemaker emeritus, Ed Sbragia.
Like the barrica (barrel) in its name implies, this is a toasty wine, with vanilla, yeast and elegant white-fruit aromas. Full bodied, it has citrus and apple notes, with mild oxidation in front of the toasty finish. A classy Cava to drink now.
Like the brand name implies, this is a wine for everyday drinking. It's dry and light in body, with uncomplicated sour-cherry candy, sage and toast flavors.
Like the companion reserve Pinot Blanc, this first-ever effort was barrel fermented and aged a few months in French oak. Scents and flavors of brioche wrap around smooth yellow fruits, leading into a layered, textured finish.
Like the D&J; Chardonnay, this is a readily approachable, easy-drinking wine with good varietal character. Cassis fruit dominates, accented by slightly herbal notes suggestive of mint. The tannins are supple, adding an appropriately dusty edge to the finish. Drink now–2012.
Like the estate's Cuvée Carolle, this has a note of volatility and sur-maturité, but it's also bigger, richer and more extracted, with lots of ripe tannins but also thick purple fruit that comes through on the finish. Try in 2010. 40% Syrah, 40% Cab Sauvignon, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache.
Like the Evolution White, this nonvintage blend is labeled by edition, this being the fifth. The blend includes Syrah, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and a splash of Evolution white. It's built for quaffing, and would be just as comfortable in a camp-friendly bota bag as on your dinner table. Cranberry fruit underlined with a strong streak of slate keeps it fresh and lively.
Like the hyperexpensive Cuvée à Tempo, Pegau's 2015 Cuvée Reservée has a slightly bitter edge to the finish. Otherwise, it shows subtle pineapple, anise and white gumdrop notes and medium body.
Like the Josephshöfer bottling, von Kesselstatt's 2009 GG from the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen boasts a salty minerality that underscores the ripe flavors of peach and orange zest. It's medium to full in body, and nearly bone dry, with a long, mouth-watering finish.
Like the La Louvée, this wine is plummy and superripe, wrapped in toasty, cedary oak. It's savory as well, with meaty notes carried along by waves of richness. The finish is lined with mouthcoating tannins, suggesting a few years of cellaring are warranted. Drink 2018–2030.
Like the label says, it's sweet as a dessert pastry. It's also simple, with thin flavors of sugared oranges and vanilla.
Like the label says, this Gewürz is off-dry, with sugary flavors of pineapples, apricots, green apples, papayas and Asian spices. It's uncomplicated and clean.
Like the label says, this is a bone-dry wine. Laden with flint-infused tropical fruit and yellow apricot flavors brightened with a squirt of lime acidity, the is an especially mouthwatering wine. More than 13,000 cases produced.
Like the label says, this is an everyday sort of wine. It's crisp in acids and off-dry, with pleasant orange, pineapple, lemon and vanilla flavors.
Like the label says, this Pinot Noir-based blend of multiple varieties is sugary sweet, with raspberry, vanilla and toast flavors. It's a refreshing and easy to drink.
Like the label says, this red is sweet. It's also full-bodied and fruity. The winery doesn't tell us what the grape mix is, but who cares. Drink and be happy.
Like the label says, this red wine is sweet. It has raspberry and cherry flavors, with a pretty dusting of cinnamon spice. If sweet is your thing, drink up. The price is right.
Like the label says, this Viognier is sweet, with honey, apricot, orange and vanilla cream flavors, brightened with fine acidity. Give it more concentration, and the score would soar. Still, it's a very nice dessert wine for the price.
Like the label says, this wine is absolutely dry. It's also very crisp in acidity, with a mouthwatering tartness that has the taste of freshly-squeezed lime juice. The fruit flavors also include pineapples, grapefruits and Meyer lemons, with slightly richer notes of peaches and Asian pears. This elegant Sauvignon should be easy to find, with more than 11,600 cases produced.
Like the name suggests, La Fiorita shows a playful touch of rose or dried violet that sets it apart. Floral aromas are characteristic of Sangiovese Grosso and this estate works hard to make sure those aromas come through loud and clear. The wine is crisp and lean on the palate with a bright point of freshness.
Like the name suggests, this Carmenère is opaque purple in color, with earthy, complex aromas of graphite, char and herbal black currant. The palate is, not surprisingly, saturated and dense. Flavors of toasty, minty black fruits are charred, while the finish tastes roasted, heavily oaked and blackened. Drink through 2021.
Like the other 2013 Chardonnays from Kumeu River, this boasts crisp acids. Melon and lime notes dominate at first, slowly being overtaken by zesty pineapple fruit on the finish. Quaffable now, but sure to deepen and round out with a few years of aging. Drink now–2020.
Like the Petit Castel, this wine needs some time to truly open up and express itself, so be sure to give it time to breathe before serving. Medium weight but full in the mouth with firm tannins and a tight structure, the core of black fruit flavors are augmented by hints of tobacco, licorice root and woody spice. Black cherry skins and espresso-infused chocolate appear first on the long finish, followed by wonderfully fresh and invigorating mint.
Like the rest of the 2012 Condrieus recently tasted, this is full-bodied and rich without being overdone. Apricot and ginger aromas lead into flavors reminiscent of honeycomb, white pepper and apricot. The texture is slightly oily, but that's balanced on the finish by peppery spice.
Like the winery's 2008 Pinot, this new 2009 is tart. Its acidity cuts right through the rich, ripe cherry and raspberry fruit, giving the wine a sour candy taste. Everything else about it is great.
Like the winery's 2010 Corralillo Syrah, this comes across funky, more herbal and pointed than in prior years. The body is full but hard, with roasted berry, spice and herb flavors. It feels forced and a bit warm, with a salty note and juicy, almost sharp acids.
Like the winery's Gran Reserva '08, this is a saturated bomber that rides along the edge of overripeness. Aromas of baked berry, cassis, vanilla and coconut are rich and oaky. It feels tannic, with a beam of shrill acidity that props up flavors that otherwise might seem raisiny or pruney. Chocolate and wood resin tones pile up on the finish.
Like the winery's other 2010 Cabs, this 100% varietal wine is dry, soft and densely packed. In this case the flavors suggest Oakville's black currants and cassis liqueur, with notes of violets, dried herbs and minerals. The tannins are finely ground, almost chalky, but still quite astringent. Should negotiate the next 10 years effortlessly.
Like the winery's other newly released Zinfandels, this one is excessively soft, missing some structure to provide balance to the extraordinarily rich berry, cherry, bacon, cola and spice flavors. Still, it earns points for sheer deliciousness.
Like the winery's other Pinot Noir, this seems way underpriced for the quality. Its subtle layers of cherry and plum are enhanced with baking spice, toasted coconut and caramel highlights. It can easily stand beside wines costing twice as much. Drink now through 2028.
Like their more familiar aged tawny counterparts, aged white Ports take on color as they age. This 10-year-old is pale gold in the glass. While its fruitiness remains, it's beginning to show more woody, spicy character. Like all aged Ports, it's ready to drink now.
Like this one, many of the 2014 Hawke's Bay Syrahs are flashier than their 2013 counterparts. This wine features meaty, bacony elements that highlight plummy fruit, wonderfully silky, supple tannins, and a long finish. Drink now–2025.
Like virtually all of Penfolds' top-end reds, this is full bodied and densely concentrated. As it's aged solely in large vats, there's no oak influence and the wine needs a bit of bottle age to come around. For now, it's a bit monolithic, showing hints of mint, black olive and ripe raspberries before ending long and fine. Drink 2017–2030, and perhaps beyond.
Like wines from many vineyards that look across the Minho river to Spain, this Alvarinho is typically rich, deliciously ripe with pear and peach flavors, and brisk with a streak of acidity. The wine is textured, ripe and perfumed. Keep for six months at least.
Like with so many rosés, the grapes were harvested in the early morning to bring in fruit at its freshest. The result, even with a rich wine like this, is a crisp, crackling character that gives life and poise. The aftertaste sings of acidity.
Like you might expect from a maturing gran reserva, Imaz offers glimpses of raisin, sweet berry and even some aged cheese. In the mouth, it's all about red fruit, although an earthy undertone provides some background. Feels a little stark, zesty and lean, while the finish is solid and tastes of vanilla and leather. Drink now through 2012.
Like your Sauv Blancs with a hint of white sugar? Try this everyday wine. It has a pleasant burst of acidity that makes the citrus fruit flavors finish clean.
Like your Zins big and in-your-face? This one's for you, with its richly tannic, concentrated black currant, licorice, cola and pepper flavors and long, spicy finish. It's high in alcohol, but that's Rockpile Zin for you. Drink now with great barbecue.
Like your Zins on the lush, ripe side? This one has sugary flavors of raspberries, vanilla, cinnamon and toasted almonds, like a granola candy bar.
Likeable for its balance and varietal richness, this 100% Cab is rich in blackberry and cherry fruit, while considerable oak adds a savory jacket of vanilla, toast and cedar-spice. Really defines the elegance and polish of its terroir, and should hold and improve for eight years.
Likeable for its dryness and elegantly crisp structure, this wine will support comfort foods like beef fajitas or Chinese stir fried beef with soy sauce. It has flavors of mashed red cherries, sprinkled with black pepper and cinnamon.
Likeable for its extreme dryness and crisp acidity, and the way the citrus fruits and minerals tickle the palate and prepare it for food. It's a great cocktail wine, with lime, Meyer lemon, white peach and floral flavors.
Lilac and olallieberry notes are enhanced by tobacco spice and white pepper on the nose of this rare Petite Sirah bottling from Santa Barbara County. Juicy and rich on the palate, it shows blackberry and blueberry fruit, accented with lavender and anchored with sticky tannins. The finish is marked by char and menthol.
Lilac and violet hang with blackberries, black plums and sweet mocha on this purple chiffon-cake scented wine  from winemaker Ryan Pease. The blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 12% Syrah and and 3% Counoise is full and silky on the palate, with olallieberry fruits, proving juicy but not jammy or overpowering.
Lilac, crème de cassis and grape Jolly Rancher scents are layered with anise and lavender touches on the nose of this bottling from one of the winery's favorite vineyards. The palate dives into deep fruit flavors, like concentrated boysenberry and olallieberry, enlivened by Christmas spice, juniper and pine. It's all framed by an intense and unwavering tannic structure. Drink now–2028.
Lilacs and roses mingle with ripe red cherry fruit on this crisp, easy-drinking Cab Franc. Delicate in body and structure, it picks up hints of vanilla and smoke on the finish.
Lilacs and violets meet with black raspberries, blackberry pie and savory sage on the nose of this 42% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre blend. The palate leans very savory, with tar, salt, anise and burned ends of roast beef combining for a hearty sipper.
Lilacs and wisteria combine for a floral and approachable nose in this clonal study, which is also loaded with clove, peppercorn, rosemary and elderberry aromas. It's soft and lush on the palate, with rich plum and black cherry flavors leveled by notes of anise, potpourri, fresh mint and Earl Grey tea.
Limarí is proving itself to be the right region for floral, cool-climate Syrah. This one from Tamaya is minerally and flowery smelling, with bright flavors of black cherry, plum and boysenberry. It's structured and zesty, with good tannic grip and a full finish of kirsch, pepper and coffee. Not outrageous but still one of the best wines we've tried from this producer. Imported by Ecovalley Quality Wine Group and National Refrescos Import Company, LLC.
Lime-zesty purity couples with an earthy, almost spicy edge. Pleasantly grippy phenolics speak of ripeness and plentitude while remaining streamlined, straight and long. This has yet to blossom but will be lovely. Drink as of 2017.
Lime and apple blossoms, gray slate, wet chalk, a touch of struck match and an ever-so-slight lemon-butter element converge on a wondrous nose in this Rajat Parr-Sashi Moorman winner. Once sipped, the tight citrus hits first, but then come approachable white flowers, golden pears and a touch of ghee and vanilla on the back end.
Lime and citrus peel aromas are light and innocuous. Juicy on the palate but light in weight, this tropical-leaning white delivers zesty tangerine and orange flavors in front of a citrusy finish.
Lime and floral notes create a light and breezy bouquet that's easygoing. In the mouth, it's juicy and fresh, with lemon-lime, peach, nectarine and lychee flavors. Tangy and fresh on the finish, and more precise and delicate than most Argentinean Torrontés.
Lime and gooseberry are gilded with candle wax and smoky minerals in this bracing dry Riesling. Lemon and tart tangerine flavors drench the palate, leaving a honed, steely focus on the finish.
Lime and grapefruit aromas are a touch pithy and feline but don't go overboard. Citrusy and minerally on the palate, this tastes of lime, green melon and green banana. A pure, tangy finish holds firm.
Lime and grapefruit aromas are tight and come with a touch of edgy harshness. The palate shows bright acidity and is clean as a whole. Mixed citrus flavors are straightforward, and so is the finish.
Lime and grapefruit aromas lead to crisp, dry and fresh citrus flavors in this medium-bodied and tautly balanced wine with a lively personality.
Lime and green-apple aromas are tight and stony. Bright, juicy and chiseled on the palate, this tastes of wet stones, lime and bell pepper. Citrusy residual flavors along with a note of bitter citrus pith make for an honest finish.
Lime and green apples on the nose, with a floral note as well. It's medium-bodied, featuring a sharp, citrusy edge to the finish.
Lime and green melon aromas are a bit less than clean and pure, and the palate serves up a pile of jalapeño and bell pepper, with some lime in the background. Short on the finish, and kind of dilute.
Lime and lemon notes waft on the nose of this slightly off-dry Riesling, accenting flavors of apple and pear. It's a bit dainty in profile, but refreshing on the palate with a hint of dried herb and brisk lime acidity.
Lime and lemon zest are joined by aromatic citrus foliage on the nose. The palate replays these sprightly refreshing notes and lets them ripple across the slender palate. This is light, dry and will put a spring in your step with its citrus liveliness.
Lime and lemon zest are layered within a complex structure of balanced acidity and light-bodied refreshment in this likable wine, buoyed by fresh nuanced flavors of white peach.
Lime and lemongrass aromas lead to a full-bodied but well-balanced impression on the palate. Light but lingering citrus and melon flavors are buoyed by lively acidity.
Lime and mango aromas stick out on an otherwise neutral, crisp bouquet. This is lean and well cut, with refreshing citric acidity. Flavors of pineapple, lime and green apple finish with zest and continuity. Drink now.
Lime and mineral notes are about all that arise from the bouquet. On the palate, this is a sizzler with blazing acidity and narrow flavors of lemon and green apple. Yes, it's very fresh and cleansing; but this is also acidic and lean.
Lime and orange aromas smell more like a household cleanser than honest fruit. A chunky palate is low on acidity, while this tastes of yeast and white bread more than fruit. Bitterness on the finish transitions to yeasty as this fades.
Lime and orange peel remain in front of dried apricot and nuts on the nose. The palate shows soft grassiness and lifted acidity, which keeps the feel lean and short.
Lime and passion fruit aromas are subtle and appealing. This delivers a fresh, alert palate and crisp, lightly brined flavors of lettuce, apple and cucumber. On the finish, it runs peppery but not overly aggressive.
Lime and pineapple, peach and crisp acidity mark this as a fresh, go-to style. The label notes it was fermented both in stainless steel and French oak barrels. It's balanced and true to the fruit and the elegant vintage. Just a hint of butterscotch comes through.
Lime and pink grapefruit flavors are etched with refreshing minerality, and the leesy, textural mouthfeel keeps this wine feeling light, despite alcohol over 14%. Drink now and over the next five years.
Lime and slate notes make for a very nice opening but lead to a distractingly high level of spritz. The crisp palate is lacking in flavor and finishes on the watery side. Drink up.
Lime and tangerine aromas are light and dusty, with a yeasty note. This feels mostly sound but basic, with leesy, melony flavors. On the finish, this loses intensity and turns bready in flavor and soft in feel.
Lime and white grapefruit flavors form a bracing backbone of acidity in this rich and fruity, yet breathlessly elegant Riesling. The midpalate boasts plump yellow cherry notes, but the long finish is laser focused and steely.
Lime aromas and modest minerality are proper given its origin, but it turns softer and sweeter the more time it airs out. The palate is fairly round, with lemon-lime and pineapple flavors. Citric if a bit pithy on the finish. Fine but average.
Lime blossom, bread crust and a whiff of toast lead the nose. Slightly fizzy when first poured, the lively palate offers citrus, green Anjou pear and bitter nut while a hint of flinty mineral closes the finish.
Lime leaf, white peach and mineral aromas rise up from the glass, with botrytis adding a grace note. The spritzy stone fruit flavors are off dry and show spot on balance.
Lime peels and lemon pith mix it up with rain on cement, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, ocean-spray saltiness and a lemon-pepper spice on the nose of this wine from the appellation's first vineyard. The palate is reminiscent of a perfectly restrained margarita, with the warmth of sea salt, the pungency of squeezed caviar limes and the body of lemon curds, topped with a sprig of mint.
Lime pith and tangerine notes lend an intensely zesty, racy feel to this dry, medium-bodied Riesling. The palate is lean but vivaciously fresh, with a pristine, mineral finish.
Lime pith, green plum and white clover aromas lead the nose of this Sauv Blanc, and the mouth offers similarly tart and tight flavors. The short finish favors white grapefruit accented by green grass.
Lime pith, sharp gray slate, steel and a warmer lemon-curd aroma show on the nose of this wine from a region between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Apples and pear-skin bitterness mark the palate that grows riper through the sip.
Lime sherbet and wet-stone aromas are classic for the variety and region. This is a light- to medium-bodied wine, dry, with high acidity that drives it through a long, zesty finish. Drink it now with raw oysters or ceviche, or cellar it another five years to develop greater weight and complexity.
Lime zest and floral-but-clean edges accompany ripe mandarin fruit on the generous but slender body. The wine is both full-fruited and balanced.
Lime zest and freshly cut grass lend a particularly invigorating cool to this dry, delicate Riesling. It's brashly mineral on the palate, finishing tightly with a bracing shower of acidity.
Lime zest and grassy herb notes infuse freshness into this dry, light-footed Riesling. It's particularly sprightly in feel, a crush of tart white grapefruit and pineapple flavors, but it penetrates long on the finish, accented by a kiss of citrus blossoms. Drink now–2017.
Lime zest and green apple mark this wine's nose and palate, dominating the senses at this early stage of the wine's evolution. A bit of dustiness emerges on the long, dry finish.
Lime zest and green pear peel on the nose turn into fuller, zestier flavor on the palate. Leafy pepperiness joins the fresh conference pear fruit and makes for a lovely, if very light, texture. The wine is an accomplishment for such a difficult vintage.
Lime zest and guava notes make for a tropical nose. The palate adds greener tints of grass and midpalate texture that combines a creamy core with spiky freshness. The concentrated core results in a resonant, clean finish. Not your usual Sauvignon Blanc but one worth trying.
Lime zest and white pepper notes are invigorating on the nose and palate of this piercing dry-style Riesling. Crisp green apple and white peach notes are pristine and pure, glazed by nuanced touches of honey and slate. It's full bodied but surprisingly light in texture with a long linear finish.
Lime zest, the freshly peeled skin of Conference pears and crushed watercress make for an intensely fresh trio of flavors. This is zesty and concentrated, sleek and refreshing on a linear, slender but concentrated palate.
Lime, apple and iodine aromas are the opening act for a low-acid, powdery palate with mealy green-fruit flavors. Briny notes of pickled cucumber and lettuce drive the finish alongside lemon-lime notes.
Lime, apple and mineral aromas come with a note of eggy yeast. The mouthfeel is regular and a touch foamy, with semisweet flavors of kiwi, apple and gooseberry. Mild and feeling good on the finish, it's basic but well worth a go.
Lime, chewing gum and dusty aromas are simple. This is juicy but shows no real point of reference on the palate. Hollow flavors of pear and briny citrus finish with a note of nectarine and scouring acidity.
Lime, citrus and other pungent aromas get it off to a good start, while the palate is wet and fresh, with clean, familiar grapefruit, lime and nectarine flavors. Lighter and less concentrated than Naia, but still a very good Verdejo for the price.
Lime, fig and taffy flavors mark this successful light white. There is even a bit of subtlety in the chalk and spice notes on the back end, and a slight honey note from the 35% Sémillon in the blend makes this a very clean and attractive wine at the price.
Lime, fresh-cut grass, tangerine and other clean, pure aromas are the greeting. The palate is whimsical and offers good acidic cut; flavors of lime, green apple and chili peppers are correct and turn mildly pithy on the finish.
Lime, green bean and asparagus notes vie for leadership on the nose. The palate is plump, round and a touch creamy, then coastal flavors of green bean, green apple and raw asparagus take over and finish with an oily texture and mildly bitter flavors.
Lime, green bean, asparagus and a blast of punchy sweat greet you on the nose of this zesty, acidic, lean-bodied SB. Limited, tight flavors of lemon, lime and bell pepper finish tart and gritty, with a suggestion of sourness. Tasted two times with somewhat mixed results; this note and score reflects both tastings.
Lime, lime leaf and stone-fruit aromas are followed by medium-sweet flavors that linger. It wants a bit more acidity but is pretty delightful in its own right. Pair it with a spicy Thai dish.
Lime, melon and citrus aromas are basic but clean. The palate is pulpy in feel, while pithy flavors of white grapefruit and generic citrus fruits finish with a mild note of papaya.
Lime, mineral and grass make up the pungent, pulsating bouquet. Apricots and peaches comprise the stone-fruit-dominated palate, which is touched up by a pinch of honey. There's a nice tang and snap to the finish, which offers a little white pepper just to make things interesting.
Lime, mineral and green herbs combine to create a nice aromatic opening. The palate is juicy and healthy, with flavors of jalapeño, lime and green apple. Finishes solid and quite long for a basic SB. Well made and tasty.
Lime, sea shell, rainy cement and orange-rind aromas make for a brisk entry to the nose of this bottling, rounded out by a touch of pineapple. The palate is framed by a chalky grip, and shows flavors of tangy lemon and slightly sour apple.
Lime, slate and floral aromas lead to an off-dry palate, with generous amounts of stone-fruit flavors. Floral notes persist on the finish.
Lime, tarragon and fresh green aromas are a bit minerally and stony in front of a linear, pure palate. Flavors of lemon-lime, peach and nectarine are just right, moderately minerally and fade away with clarity and style. Drink right away.
Limestone Coast encompasses the Padthaway, Coonawarra and Wrattonbully regions (and the undemarcated bits in between), so it's a larger region, but one still focused on quality. This wine combines notes of eucalyptus and red fruit with toasted coconut-like oak. It's got a silky texture and a long finish. Drink now through 2025.
Limestone vineyards around Eguisheim give this wine its crisp, mineral character. It's fruity while on the dry side, dominated by apple and spiced pear cut with youthful fresh acidity. It will be ready to drink soon; wait for summer 2015.
Limited berry aromas come with a note of cinnamon and/or clove. This is basic, fair and balanced on the palate, while dried cherry and modest spice notes finish quietly.
Lincourt's grapes are so rich and well grown that they don't even need oak to make a delicious Chardonnay. The wine is dry and crisp, with appealing flavors of pineapples, tangerines and Meyer lemons. The savory creaminess seems to come from aging on the lees. What a great food wine.
Line 39 is a consistently solid name in Lake County Sauvignon Blanc. The 2011 delivers an aromatically inviting, grassy, New Zealand-style wine, with layers of citrus and grapefruit.
Linear and bright, this has aromas suggesting yellow flower, citrus zest and a smoky whiff of flint. On the palate, hints dried herb accent pineapple and lemon alongside a mineral vein.
Linear and elegant, this bears dusty tones of granite and black fruit that accompany lingering background aromas of spice and tobacco. Dark and deeply extracted, the wine lasts long on the palate, expressing dark plum and cigar flavors along the way.
Linear and fresh, this delivers aromas and flavors of ripe pear, golden apple, tangerine and aromatic herb. Bright acidity offsets the creamy flavors while an elegant mousse provides the backdrop.
Linear and intense, this elegant blend of 70% Pinot Nero and 30% Chardonnay opens with aromas of fragrant flowers, yeast and a whiff of orchard fruit. The firm, focused palate delivers ripe apple, citrus zest, almond and energizing mineral notes alongside an ultrafine, persistent perlage that carries through to the quenching, bone dry finish. It's overflowing with finesse.
Linear and loaded with finesse, this delicate, polished red opens with fragrant blue flower, berry and crushed herb scents. The bright, ethereal palate offers sour cherry, strawberry and a hint of baking spice, framed by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink soon.
Linear and mineral driven, this intriguing white opens with aromas of beeswax, acacia, citrus, stone fruit and a yeasty whiff of bread crust. On the expressive palate, a mineral note underscores juicy yellow peach, nectarine and apple. There's a lot going on and a lot to enjoy here.
Linear and precise, this bright Roero Arneis would pair with pasta, vegetables or seafood. The wine offers clean aromas of white peach, honey and walnut skin.
Linear and refreshing, this vibrant sparkler offers aromas of ripe citrus, yeasty bread crust and a whiff of Mediterranean brush. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, the sleek, polished palate delivers ripe lemon, nectarine, rosemary and a mineral note alongside bright acidity. It finishes clean and dry.
Linear and vibrant, this opens with an enticing fragrance of hawthorn and black locust. The juicy palate offers creamy white peach, tart green apple and citrus alongside an energizing mineral vein. It's well balanced, with zesty acidity.
Linear layers of lemon chiffon and clove-spiked orangewrap around light oak and focused acidity. Medium bodied and smoothly textured, it offers a kiss of caramel on the finish.
Linear mineral tones create an elegant frame for floral aromas and peach flavors. This is a thin wine, but also a very clean one with fresh acidity and citrus zest that wash clear over the palate.
Linear, elegant and tight, this has defined aromas of wild berry, crushed stone, clove, licorice and road pavement. The palate shows refreshing intensity thanks to its power, concentration and structure.
Linear, focused and bright, with rich, fleshy fruit in the form of cherry, blackberry and spiced plum cake. This is a fleshy pretty wine with an elegant mouthfeel.
Linear, fresh and tonic, this easy-drinking Gavi offers a lively mouthfeel accented by acidity and dusty mineral touches. Subdued aromas include white peach and almond blossom.
Linear, silky and long, this has ethereal tones of cola, licorice and dried mint. There's also a pretty mineral component of brimstone and talcum powder that gives the palate a dry feel.
Linear, strapping and tight in style, with a keen focus on wiry red-berry fruit. There's a ton of cherry on the nose, and it's definitely natural and pure, with dry raspberry flavors and a solid finish. Firm, structured and delivers a real taste of the Priorat. Not overextracted; good with food. Drink now through 2012.
Linear, tonic and packed tight with tertiary aromas of dried berry, licorice, cola, tar and drying mineral, this Chianti Classico Riserva seems older than it is. It's very elegant now, but drink it sooner rather than later.
Lines of dusty chalk lend an elegant mineral vibe to this richly fruity, blossomy wine. The palate is luscious and ripe, boasting dense white peach and apricot flavors, but anchored by a zesty backbone of acidity. It's fruit-forward and accessible, yet remarkably elegant.
Lingering aromas include white rose and exotic fruit. The dense palate is more intense, with ripe apricot, yellow peach and tropical fruit. You'll also feel the warmth of evident alcohol.
Lip-smacking is an inelegant yet apt word to describe the unctuousness of this nectar of honey, saffron and marmalade. It's delightfully rich and creamy, yet gorgeously balanced, seared by a razor's edge of lemon-lime acidity. It's an exceptional wine now, penetrating and persistent, but will surely delight for decades to come.
Lip-smacking white peach and grapefruit flavors abound in this semidry Riesling, but are anchored by a deep vein of minerals. It's piercing and fresh, yet quaffable and delicious, struck by shards of lime and lemon and a lingering touch of honey.
Lip tingling lime acidity sends a jolt through this lusciously fruity wine. Off dry in style, it juxtaposes sweet-tart lemon and honey tangerine flavors against steely, piercing minerality.
Lipsmacking currents of raspberry and cherry offer a refreshing brightness and juicy profile to this silky wine that's also well-integrated in terms of acidity and oak. Medium bodied and restrained in alcohol, the finish is abbreviated, but spicy.
Lipsmacking plum and currant accent a touch of chocolate in this soft, approachable, estate-driven wine from the heart of Stags Leap. Classically elegant with plenty of California oomph, it's a study in balance and fruity bravado.
Lipstick cherry and vanilla provide a burst of red fruit succulence around a core of big oak and a leathery midpalate marked by dried sage. Drying tannins belabor the finish, before rediscovering its lovely, though bold, expression of fruit.
Liquid smoke and toasted elements of roasted hazelnut and cured meat dominate the nose of this modern Barbera d'Alba. There is power and high alcohol here too, coupled by the wine's naturally high acidity that is a bit strong on the palate. Pair this wine with very cheesey foods.
Liquid smoke, brimstone, tar, asphalt, licorice and mesquite follow dense aromas of black cherry, dried currants and mature plums. The wine is on the ripe, chewy side but ultimately finds balance thanks to its naturally firm tannins and fruity freshness.
Liquorous and sweet with honey, peaches and a rounded character. The contrast between the crisp acidity, intense aromatics and beautiful, smooth and opulent texture keeps the wine in exquisite tension.
Liquorous and tight, this opens into a rich and full mid-palate loaded with smoky cassis and tar, accented with aromas of cedar and tobacco. The taste and track record suggest at least a decade of further aging is necessary.
Lis is a gorgeous blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon that shows the best of northeast Italy. Beautifully balanced aromas, including stone fruit and vanilla cream, are offset by a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Lis Neris is a quality-minded producer in northeast Italy with a thick portfolio of delicious white wines. Among them is this crisp Pinot Grigio with immediate aromas of exotic fruit, peach and nectarine. The wine's creamy density makes it an excellent companion to pasta or rice salad.
Lisboa's coastal climate keeps this wine fresh and with good acidity despite its richness. Wood aging has smoothed the natural tannins of the fruit, yileding a concentrated wine with a deep, solid base that could still benefit from some aging.
Lisboa, with its cool climate, lends itself to crisp rosés like this. This lively fruity wine is touched by hints of vanilla and layers of red-fruit flavors. It is light and ready to drink.
Lisini delivers an extremely satisfying Brunello that is richly redolent of black fruit, plum, cola, root beer, leather and pipe tobacco. It feels vibrant and fresh in the mouth with well- integrated acidity against firm tannins. Pair this pretty wine with grilled meats.
Listed as well in excess of 15% alcohol, this is sourced from a single vineyard in a hot year. The grapes were left to hang while sugars rose precipitously. Flavors suggest mincemeat pie, brown sugar and root beer. Not typical, but tasty enough. Drink over the next year for peak flavor.
Listrac's naturally tannic character has benefited from the structure-driven 2010 vintage. Château Lestage shows this well, bearing powerful, complex tannins that are powered equally by the ripe blackberry flavor and fruity acidity. It has just the right build for medium-term aging.
Literally friends and neighbors (the guys on the label dancing and playing an accordion), this wine is a light, soft blend of Groslot and Cabernet Franc from Anjou. It is light, strawberry-juice flavored, with green acidity. Ready to drink now.
Literally timeless, L'Intemporelle is an elegant, almost discreet style. It downplays the rich fruit to present a stylish wine, with citrus highlights over ripe yellow fruit. This 2005 is still young; age for 3–4 years.
Lithe and dainty in profile, this late-harvest Riesling seems to dance on the nose and palate, with sweet notes of fresh apple, grapefruit and blossoms. It's intensely mineral, with a streak of lemony acidity, but concentrated with a long, honey-tinged finish.
Lithe and dancing in texture, yet robustly concentrated with yellow peach and cherry flavors, Red Newt's Circle delivers great quality for a gentle price, vintage after vintage. Off dry in style, it's zesty and bright, finishing long with a fresh herbal edge.
Lithe and lean in style, this light-bodied dry Riesling offers up loads of blossomy, citrusy delight. Spine tingling lemon-lime acidity is balanced neatly against concentrated tangerine and honey flavors. The finish lingers on a pleasantly waxy cling.
Lithe and lean, this Chardonnay suggests a lighter-bodied, slighter expression. Zesty acidity and tart lemon-lime flavors are refreshing and thirst quenching on the palate though. The finish eases into delicate notes of spice and toast. Drink now through 2019.
Lithe and lean, this zesty off-dry wine offers citrusy refreshment with just a touch of mineral complexity. Sweet-tart tangerine and grapefruit pith notes linger moderately long on the finish. Drink now–2016.
Lithe and nicely balanced, this flavorful wine shows a red berry-herb bouquet and a pleasingly dry, gently spicy palate. The mouthfeel is good, and shows some texture despite the fact that it's light-weight on the palate. An interesting chalk note comes in on the back end of this pleasant, easy-drinking surprise.
Lithe and perfumed notes of mandarin hit the nose before more gentle but refreshing mandarin and tangerine show on the palate of this wine. Pliable and fresh, it has zesty concentration at the core and is a joy to drink.
Lithe and silky, this easygoing wine opens with aromas of woodland berry and cake spice. The bright palate offers wild cherry, raspberry, white pepper and clove. It's easy drinking and well balanced, with supple tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2016.
Lithe and slick, this has broad apple flavors and loose acids.
Lithe and streamlined, with spare fruit aboard a minerally frame. Kerosene and petrol notes dominate, ending with a burst of fresh lime-like flavors.
Lithe yet concentrated, this gorgeous Spätburgunder balances crisp-tart blackberry and cherry flavors against shades of earth, game and dusty minerality. Zesty cranberry acidity and fine grained, persistent tannins lend four-square structure. The finish lingers on a rich, umami tone. It drinks beautifully already but should improve through 2025.
Little aromatics can be discerned, but if pressed, there is a lightly vegetative note and a chalky, apple-like background. The light- to medium-bodied palate features a broad, tropical-fruit flavor, plus energized acids.
Little changes at Biondi-Santi. The tannins on this huge 1997 are dense, almost impenetrable. The flavors are of cherry, tobacco, old wood and solid, black fruits. The aftertaste is all tannin at this stage. Despite this rigorous adherence to tradition, the 1997 seems a touch less overwhelming than previous vintages of this classic wine. Nevertheless, age for at least 15 years before drinking.
Livelier than usual in texture and popping with bright citrus aromas and flavors, this light-bodied and barrel-fermented wine is a great palate-cleanser and will pair beautifully with dishes like raw oysters and herbed goat cheese. It smells and tastes like lemon, lime, green apple and kiwi, and has great balance.
Lively acidity defined by a taste of lemon peel meets heftier overtones of fresh pear, providing a medium-bodied texture that should work well at the table. The finish highlights the lemony aspects of the wine.
Lively acidity wraps itself around fresh notions of grapefruit, gooseberry and peach in this fuller, richer style of white. French oak played a part in both fermentation and aging, adding a luxurious undercurrent of texture and complexity.
Lively and approachable with vinous tones of cherry, raspberry and cola, Col di Lamo delivers a bright, food-friendly Brunello. There's also a very attractive touch of chopped mint or eucalyptus on the close.
Lively and aromatic, this shows aromas of candied peach, Juicy Fruit gum and white flower. The palate shows pleasant weight, texture and more tart flavors. The addition of 6% Petit Manseng brings acidic lift that lasts through the finish.
Lively and balanced, this shows a wonderful interplay between the rich fruit flavors of grilled pineapple and lightly baked red apple and the oaky tones of sweet spice, toasted cedar and peach pit nuttiness. The medium-weight mouthfeel is filling, but the medium acidity keeps the palate fresh and the finish bright.
Lively and balanced, this wine offers fresh fruit flavors and an undertone of minerality. A classic but uncomplicated white with a dry character that will pair well with fresh seafood—think ceviche—or Thai food.
Lively and crisp, this delicious, snow-fresh wine has apple and melon flavors over aromatic acidity. With its bright texture and lightly herbal edge it is a refreshing wine to drink now.
Lively and crisp, this has some good concentration and almond and creamy flavors over new wood. It shows ripe fruit, but there is also a zesty lemon character that gives it a lift and vibrancy. Deliciously refreshing.
Lively and crisp, this is a bright style of Pinot Blanc, fruity with apples and melon and shot through with acidity. It's already delicious to drink.
Lively and crisp, this is a finely balanced rosé. Its raspberry fruits are allied to notes of grapefruit and mineral, with delicious mouthwatering acidity.
Lively and crisp, this wine hints more at fragrant red berries and red fruit than the tannins of Cabernet. The structure is there, but in the background, giving the wine a chance at a couple of years' bottle aging.
Lively and crisp, this wine offers a pure line of citrus fruit. Its acidity and herbal edge are right up front, refreshing and aromatic. The wine is ready to drink now.
Lively and elegant, this fruit-filled wine from Kevin Arnold is perfect for a gourmet meal in the summer. Fresh tropical fruit flavors like lychee mingle with a balanced acidity and impressive mouthfeel. Long finish.
Lively and forward with dried red berry and bramble notes supported by a sweet spicy cherry pie filling core. Medium weight with a short but clean finish. Drink now.
Lively and fresh with a floral and lemon citrus character in the nose and on the palate, this full-bodied Gewürtz offers lovely aromas and full-bodied flavors. Dry in style with a clean character. Pair with Indian or Asian cuisine or grilled chicken.
Lively and fresh with medium aromatic intensity, here's an all-Italian Riesling executed in a delicate, feminine style. It shows sharp, focused lines of citrus, white flower and stone fruit.
Lively and fresh, it is full of mousse and ripe peach and pear fruits. It has acidity, a light touch of sweetness and a hint of bottle age. Drink now as an apéritif, but it is better with food.
Lively and fresh, this off-dry wine doles out ripe green apple, candied lemon slice and peach flavors alongside a frothy mousse. Bright acidity lifts the rich flavors.
Lively and fresh, this wine offers apples, citrus and warmer pears. The juicy fruitiness is immediately attractive, perfumed and bright at the end. Drink now.
Lively and full-bodied, the blend includes Chardonnay, Marsanne, Roussanne and Pinot Gris. Citrus fruits fill the mouth, with a streak of honey and appealing roundness. This is a great wine to just drink and enjoy, without too much contemplation.
Lively and juicy, this is packed with fresh red cherry fruits, red currants and some wood. It's round, soft, only lightly tannic.
Lively and loaded with citrus fruits, notably juicy orange, this is totally refreshing. Clean, crisp fruit dominates, along with zippy acidity. Drink now.
Lively and lush, this is lip-smacking good juice. It's dense with apple, peach and melon fruit flavors that penetrate deeply, buoyed by juicy acidity. Pinot Gris this tasty should be enjoyed lightly chilled, while it is in the first bloom of its freshness.
Lively and packed with fruit, this medium-bodied wine combines vivid cherry with more relaxed blackberry flavors on a gentle frame of light tannins and acidity.
Lively and spicy aromas like nutmeg and toasted oak get this wine off to a good start, while ripe, warm berry and black-cherry flavors kick in on the palate. It's full bodied but easygoing since light tannins and soft acidity lend a smooth texture.
Lively and straightforward, this opens with aromas of red berry, moist earth and a hint of chopped herb. The tart, easygoing palate offers juicy Marasca cherry and a dash of white pepper alongside zesty acidity.
Lively and tangy, but refreshing as it captures the new Chilean style of racy Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is spritzy, with lime, orange peel and tart apple flavors. Cleansing on the finish. Good value and purity for the money.
Lively and zesty on the nose, this bottling shows aromas of crushed cranberry, fennel, sagebrush and the lightest hint of Earl Grey tea, almost leaning into Kalamata olives. Pencil lead, tarragon, olive, black pepper, sage and pine sap hit on the palate, with an underlying base of rose buds, lavender and tart plums. Only 140 cases were made, so get it fast.
Lively aromas like crisp apple and white peach join more creamy, pastry-like flavors of butter, vanilla and toasted almond in this medium-bodied wine. It is soft in texture and so fruity it seems sweet on the finish.
Lively aromas of blueberry, raspberry and forest fruit mark this rosato. A touch of bitter almond skin appears on the crisp finish.
Lively aromas of brambly red fruit and spice are followed by plump raspberry flavors. It shows a lot of freshness and purity.
Lively aromas of cassis, red cherry and lavender are present on the nose. The flavors of tart cherry, violet and Cran-Grape are juicy and easygoing. A light wine, there is a fresh fruitiness but not a lot of acidic lift or tannic structure.
Lively aromas of grapefruit, white flowers and mineral lead into a light, fruity but rather simple palate that offers lime, green herb and stone. Overall it's straightforward and clean, but a touch dilute. In its favor, it's soft and easy to drink.
Lively aromas of lemon and crisp apple contrast with flavors that are buttery and rich. It offers a soft, smooth texture on the palate, while the finish is spiced by nutmeg and vanilla.
Lively aromas of lemon, grapefruit and melon start this white from Greece. Flavors of grapefruit and lemon rind are fresh and crisp but still offer dimension. The finish is spicy and clean. A great food wine: pair with grilled fish or clams.
Lively aromas, an appetizing balance and just-rich-enough fruit flavors make a good combo in this medium- to full-bodied wine. It has subtle herb and kiwi aromas, crisp apple flavors, and a texture poised between supple and tangy.
Lively aromatics and fresh fruit are coupled with a bright, mouthwatering texture and a refreshing finish. White peach, strawberry hull and melon rind form the fruity core of this wine, with assertive lemon-lime citrus flavors infusing the zippy finish.
Lively but also narrow on the nose. The feel is very fresh and juicy due to firm, bracing acidity that gives a tangy, lemony character to the wine's dark-fruit core. Snappy, linear and crisp for a wine of magnitude and extraction. Some might say it's sheering and acidic; others might call it ageworthy.
Lively but standard amontillado aromas of maple, honey and nuts are a touch fiery. Matching the nose, this is choppy and pulling on the palate. Salty, nutty, intensely dry flavors finish with hard-driving acidity that creates never-ending length.
Lively cherry and berry aromas come with a touch of prickle and snap. The palate has a wiry, energetic feel, and the flavors of berry and cherry satisfy and come with aftertastes of molasses and baked sweetness.
Lively cherry juice, hibiscus, wet clay and mint aromas show on the nose of this estate bottling. There is a bright acidity on the palate, presenting assertive raspberry and plum flavors along with freshly turned soil.
Lively fresh-cut grass and gooseberry notes pervade on the nose and carry to the light-bodied, citrus-driven palate. A clean, flinty note offers some nuance on the brisk finish.
Lively freshness and tangy citrus notes open this easy-going Italian white. This Pinot Grigio shows more intensity of aromas with layers of grapefruit, peach and honeydew melon. In the mouth, it feels smooth and polished.
Lively from the beginning, with bright red berry aromas filling the definition of “fruity.” Feels full and grabby, and very legit, with juicy blackberry fruit and a backing of toast and pepper.
Lively fruit flavors and great balance make this wine easy to appreciate and a versatile pairing with food. Fresh cherry and raspberry aromas meet rich flavors on a smooth texture that has just enough light tannins for a little grip.
Lively in aromas and with vivid flavors like grapefruit and apricot, this wine tastes lightly herbal and appetizing. It has light oaky, buttery notes in the aroma and fairly vivid fruit flavors. The texture that gets richer with each sip, revealing a rather full body.
Lively lemon and herb aromas and bright, vivid grapefruit flavors make this an eye-opening dry wine. It has plenty of good fruit acidity to whet the appetite for appetizers and seafood.
Lively nectarine and citrus aromas give it early life, and the palate is equally zesty, with tangerine and pineapple flavors. This is good Sauvignon Blanc for Argentina, with plenty of citrus but not a lot of nuance or complexity.
Lively notes of fresh yellow plum and mandarin open up into a friendly, fresh palate that combines rich fruit and zingy citrus to great effect. The result is lip-smacking freshness with lots of midpalate concentration and zing.
Lively nutty and citrus aromas meet apple and lime flavors in this full-bodied and mouth-watering wine. It has fresh acidity to counter a fairly rich texture, and the resulting balance reinforces the bright flavors.
Lively on the nose, with a strong whiff of Pine Sol but also some mulchy leaves. The palate is chunky and solid in terms of feel, with short berry and plum flavors mixed with green, mossy, drying tannins. A bit funky but not out of the realm of what's normal for Carmenère.
Lively perlage and measured aromatic intensity set the stage for this friendly, no-fuss sparkler. It offers caressing effervescence and fresh tones of white peach, melon and lime.
Lively spice and minerals lead on the nose of this value white, with a play of fresh lemon citrus and acid offering refreshing character. The wine has body but is light. Perfect for seafood and solo sipping.
Lively strawberry-fruit flavors are at the heart of this gluggable wine. Bottled under screwcap to preserve freshness, it bears no indication of either vintage or grape. Enjoy it for what it is—a fruity forward near-dry summertime sipping wine.
Lively strawberry and orange flavors adorn a richer biscuity midpalate in this Rhône-inspired blend. Limited in production, it doesn't hold back on depth, breadth and freshness.
Lively white fruit with a mineral edge. The flavors are just showing some signs of mature toast, but at the moment green, crisp tastes predominate. The sweet dosage —relatively high—seems to need time to integrate.
Lively, appetizing aromas of ripe pear rise immediately. The palate follows in a similarly fruity, easy and juicy vein. Some residual sweetness helps to round out the generous fruit even more, but lemony freshness balances all and lets this finish clean and dry. Drink while aromas are at their peak.
Lively, bright and very textured, it discloses fresh apple and pear flavors along with a more nuanced, honey character. The wine is developing well, giving great acidity while also promising fruitiness. Drink from 2015.
Lively, crisp and fragrant, this offers fresh acidity and a fruit salad of flavors, along with a creamy textured mousse. With its slight spiciness, it's best as an apéritif.
Lively, crisp apple notes on the nose immediately signal freshness. The palate follows with equally brisk green apple and citrus notes, mellowed fittingly with a very fine, soft and creamy mousse. This is lithe, dew-fresh and of great purity. It conjures up visions of clear brooks, green meadows and budding elderflower. The crisp green-apple notes echo long and make for a totally refreshing, brisk finish.
Lively, crisp wine from an estate founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century. It is full of delicious red fruits, light acidity and a nervy, mineral aftertaste.
Lively, enticing, this wine offers aromas and flavors of apples and pears and a smack of spice. The wine's elegant balance of fruit, sugar and acid gives it a food pairing advantage—partner it with everything from fresh grilled seafood to spicy ethnic cuisine. A lingering spicy finish seals the deal.
Lively, fresh and crisp, brightened with citrus flavors. White currant fruits burst out of the wine, leaving an aftertaste of crisp steeliness.
Lively, fresh and packed with sweet red fruits, this is a crisp and clean Crémant. Its acidity acts like a knife, bringing out the fresh wild strawberry flavors and aromatic aftertaste.
Lively, fresh and very clean, this has bright acidity and an attractive touch of strawberry. It's dry, with a crispness that balances the rich fruit.
Lively, fresh notes of blackberry and red cherry are immediately apparent on the palate. Fruit takes center stage here, thus the wine should be drunk young while fresh and in its prime. It is honest and friendly, with a light body and spicy hints of white pepper in the background.
Lively, fruity and made to be drunk young, this is a crisp red-fruit-flavored wine. It has acidity and a tangy orange peel character. Drink now.
Lively, fruity and well made, this wine has plenty of raspberry and cherry flavors, good acidity and light tannins to add a bit of grip to the texture. For a medium-bodied wine, it has nice concentration.
Lively, fruity wine that is fragrant and fresh. Having no sugar and bone dry, it is as crisp as an apple. A bright mousse offers a fine fruity texture and a light, citrus aftertaste.
Lively, light and easy on the palate, this is a celebratory sparkling wine. Apples give the fruity element of this medium-dry wine that has a lively prickle on the tongue. Drink now.
Lively, lip-smacking fruit flavors and a tangy, tannic texture will make this a great pairing with grilled chicken, steak or portobello mushrooms. Medium bodied and well balanced, it's fun to drink.
Lively, piercing and powerful on the bouquet, which is solid as stone and delivers loads of black fruit and integrated oak. Feels full, round and deep, with full-out black fruit flavors strengthened by espresso, mocha and molasses. Toasty and deep on the finish, with tobacco and spice accents. Drink from 2012 through 2015.
Lively, ripe fruit, with appetizing acidity, dominated by pink grapefruit and vibrant citrus. Just a touch of yeast, from a fresh mousse.
Lively, spicy and warm, this full-bodied wine wraps firm tannins around flavors like mulled berries and preserved cherries, though it's also surprisingly fresh and vibrant. After baking spices, mellow fruit comes through on the palate, while the firm texture really keeps it going on the finish.
Lively, spicy oak aromas, rich fruit flavors and a lightly tannic texture make this a well-balanced dry wine that will be great with burgers, ribs or carne asada burritos. The price can't be beat either.
Lively, spritely and with a touch of spice, this wine also offers weight without heft, and complexity that's still approachable. Clean and fresh tropical fruit and citrus with a rounder mouthfeel. A balanced, elegant white.
Lively, vital and fresh, this is typical of the new generation of Grüners that are made for early drinking. It's light and tangy, bursting with apple and lemon flavors. Screwcap.
Lively, with brisk lime and herb aromas opening into a mouthful of tart grapefruit flavors. Shows a nice mouthfeel and a long finish with a crisp citrus tang and a slight mineral note. This zinger is right up there with the best in this style from New Zealand.
Livermore-based Fenestra always does well by Silvaspoons VIneyard in Lodi, a site devoted to Iberian and other unusual varieties, and its Tempranillo is bright and full-bodied, a glass of chewy dark cherries and coffee and caramel. Black in color, the finish is toasty with cloves. Pair it with hamburgers.
Livermore Valley-based Fenestra loves to source fun stuff from Lodi, and Graciano has proven to like Lodi very much. In Fenestra's hands this varietal is soft and round, perfectly fine drinking, a taste of Bing cherry in liquid form.
Liversan makes a serious style of wine from its 125-acre vineyard, situated in the north of the Haut-Médoc. Dense, this is balanced between the black plum fruits and dry tannins. It's a wine for long-term aging, so drink from 2018.
Lives up to its reserve status, being the creamiest and most densely packed of Roche's several new Chardonnays. With brisk, bright acidity and ripe flavors of pineapples, Key lime pie and vanilla cream, its buttered toast and char flavors provide the perfect counterpoint from oak barrel aging.
Living up to its name, this wine comes in a bottle shaped like an ancient amphora. Its fruit is more modern, clean and fresh with just a hint of aromatic spices and orange zest. The aftertaste has a touch of vanilla.
Livio Felluga's Pinot Grigio is distinguished by a thick, creamy mouthfeel and abundant aromas of peach, wild flower and vanilla cream. The wine is clean and pristine, yet structured and smooth at the same time. Very nice.
Livio Felluga adds a creamy, sophisticated edge to its Pinot Grigio that elevates the wine in terms of food pairing opportunities. Instead of appetizers and easy finger foods, this wine can stand up to fish, white meat and pasta. It has fragrant notes of creamy peach, citrus, white stone and pineapple followed by a shapely, dense structure.
Livio Felluga produces an excellent Sauvignon that shows beautiful characteristics of the variety. Creamy, rich and intensely aromatic, this opens with citrus, green fruit and tomato leaf notes. The density of the mouthfeel gives the wine momentum and persistence.
Livio Felluga produces one of Italy's best Pinot Grigios and this terrific vintage is no exception. The wine has a slight copper hue to its color and delivers a full, creamy style with an emphasis on soft peach and honey.
Lo Tengo, which means “I have it” in Spanish, is Norton's fun and trendy Torrontés. It's not meant to be serious—it's more of a nightclub or aperitif white—but it does come across as a true but limited Torrontés. Distinguishing characteristics include melony aromas and tropical fruit flavors. Think basic Albariño and you'll have a good clue as to what this is.
Loaded up with toast and vanilla, as you might expect from Tardieu Laurent, but the wine shows plenty of weight and concentration under the wood, and some underlying pear and melon fruit ultimately finds its way out. It's a rich, succulent mouthful of oak and fruit for near-term drinking.
Loaded with black cherry and plum fruit, this is an amply endowed Châteauneuf-du-Pape that avoids excess. The fruit flavors remain fresh and vibrant, the oaking is understated and the wine's size is ably supported by soft tannins and just-sufficient acidity. Drink now–2020.
Loaded with bold, ripe fruit, exotic spice and leather, this is a simple but genuine expression of Brunello di Montalcino. The wine tastes thick and a bit chunky in the mouth because of its chewy, succulent tannins.
Loaded with bright red fruit and sweet red candy, this Chianti from Siena Province shows a pristine and lively interpretation of Sangiovese.
Loaded with dark cherry earth, this is a dense, drinkable Pinot Noir. From a tiny Watsonville-based producer who sources from all over the state to make a handful of different wines.
Loaded with earthy espresso and charred wood, this full-bodied Shiraz makes for a chunky mouthful of wine. Black pepper, leather and dried spices round out the flavors. —J.C.
Loaded with energy, this polished red opens with fragrant blue flower, new leather, black plum and baking spice aromas. The juicy, vibrant palate offers tart cherry, cranberry, clove and thyme, its acidity and fine-grained tannins lending grip to the finish. Racy and linear, it needs time to fully develop. Drink 2019–2028.
Loaded with finesse, this bright creamy wine hits all the right buttons. It opens with lovely scents of acacia flower and white stone fruit while the polished silky palate delivers yellow apple, ripe pear and lemon zest alongside fresh acidity. An elegant mousse lends suppleness.
Loaded with finesse, this luminous, structured wine opens with enticing aromas of pressed rose, wild berry, clove and a balsamic note. The polished, delicious palate smacks of raspberry jelly, wild cherry, cinnamon and star anise alongside bright acidity and lithe tannins. A mineral note energizes the lingering finish. Drink 2018–2029.
Loaded with finesse, this opens with aromas of pressed violet, perfumed berry, orange zest and whiff of forest floor. The vibrant palate delivers wild red cherry, tangy cranberry, baking spice, grilled herb and anise alongside firm, polished tannins and bright acidity. It's already tempting but give it time to develop fully. Drink 2018–2028.
Loaded with finesse, this structured wine boasts an alluring fragrance of ripe red berry, violet, rose, and cinnamon. The bright palate delivers concentrated black cherry, raspberry, baking spices and balsamic notes supported by youthful but refined tannins. It's already accessible but will be better after 2020.
Loaded with flavors of fresh Bartlett pears, this excellent Pinot Gris has both flavor and texture to spare. It's a fine expression of the Oregon style; clean and fruit-driven, forward and juicy, with a broad midpalate and crisp natural acids.
Loaded with fresh pineapple and grapefruit from beginning to end, this zestful Sardinian white delights throughout. A real waker-upper; it’s an admirable foil for any grilled fish but would be especially so for grilled lobster.
Loaded with fruit—apricot, pineapple and passion fruit—this is an attractive, medium-bodied Pinot Gris with just a hint of sweetness. Enjoy it over the next year.
Loaded with honey, marzipan, peach and exotic fruit, this special expression of Moscato d'Asti delivers a thick, creamy feel in the mouth with foamy mousse and soapy intensity. Pair this with sugary almond cookies.
Loaded with honeysuckle, melon, pear, peach and hints of sweet grapefruit, this juicy wine perfectly captures the intensity of Washington Riesling and the complexity of German wines. Buoyant and precise, with notes of chalk and limestone in the finish, this is a stunning achievement in a challenging vintage.
Loaded with new oak, which in this case means it's cedary and very mentholly,  Under that is some tobacco and coffee.  Very drying tannins clamp down on the finish.
Loaded with passion fruit and pineapple, this is a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc made for early consumption. It should fit the bill with shellfish or as a bracing apéritif this summer.
Loaded with personality and special distinguishing qualities, this blend of Nocera, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio is a wine for those interested in Italy's indigenous grapes. The bouquet is complex and layered with notes of bramble, forest berry, cassis, cola, dried ginger and green curry. The mouthful is tight, structured and streamlined.
Loaded with power, this wine's nose is nutty and creamy, with caramel and popcorn aromas. This feels lively, but also rich and layered. Flavors of buttered toast, caramel, toffee and walnut lead into finishing accents of cocoa, caramel and salty buttered popcorn.
Loaded with pretty black-cherry flavor, this is a Cabernet-based, Bordeaux-style blend. Sourced from Klipsun, Red Willow, Olsen and Stillwater Creek, it shows a fair amount of stiff, slightly green tannins. The earthy subtext is all in proportion, and this plays like a young Bordeaux. Give it some extra breathing time.
Loaded with raspberry, cherry, cola, raisin and spice flavors, this Zinfandel is useful for pairing with barbecue. A nice Reuben sandwich will also star. The wine is rustically likeable.
Loaded with red berry, chopped herb and dark spice aromas, this zesty, medium-bodied red offers dried cherry, raspberry, ground pepper and clove flavors. It's savory but straightforward and not very persistent.
Loaded with ripe layers of bacon fat, smoked ham and ripe cherry fruit, this opulent Barolo would pair with pasta and white truffle or succulent pork medallions. It's a very distinctive and masculine wine that really does lavish on those Bresaola, tobacco and barbecue spice flavors.
Loaded with ripe pear, muskmelon and tropical fruit, this is a medium-bodied, plump white with crowd appeal. It seems a bit off dry, but closes on a citrusy note.
Loaded with ripe tropical fruit, this user-friendly, approachable Riesling lacks a bit of minerality but compensates by offering pineapple and mango flavors. It's decently concentrated and long, just a bit one-dimensional.
Loaded with scents and flavors of grapefruit, this leesy, textural Pinot Gris is bracing and mouth-filling. It's definitely on the tart side, but could be paired with a wide variety of fish and poultry dishes.
Loaded with smoke, hickory and vanilla, this definitely shows plenty of oak, but there's also plenty of fruit to balance the ledger. Cola and blackberry flavors pick up a slightly tart edge on the long, finely textured finish.
Loaded with spice and lychee flavors, this is a rounded and rich wine. Not complex but attractive, it is ready to drink now.
Loaded with tropical fruit, with ample size to the nose and palate. Tastes more of live-wire citrus than anything else, and the zesty finish definitely hums along at a quick pace. Lasting notes of grapefruit and mineral are typical and welcome.
Loaded with underbrush sensations, this opens with aromas of porcini mushroom, truffle, charred soil and a whiff of baked plum. The big, generous palate offers fleshy black cherry, vanilla, a confectionary note and a hint of game alongside ripe tannins. The fruit richness seamlessly supports the hefty 15% abv. Drink 2016–2020.
Loaded with vibrant jammy fruit, this is a bright Zinfandel that has a smoky grilled-meat note on the finish. Pair this with meaty dishes.
Loads of aromatic intensity comes through on the bouquet with lovely layers of ripe cherry, spice, mesquite wood, Indian spice and cola. The oak element is evident here and will integrate with a bit more time in the bottle. In the mouth, this rich, ruby-colored wine offers jammy fruit and soft, velvety texture.
Loads of black fruit intensity is backed by soft notes of chocolate, leather and spice. The wine boasts a very plump and round style that makes it a pleasure to savor.
Loads of clove, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg spice show up the strawberry, blueberry and red cherry aromas of this lavish bottling, which also offers scents of crushed rock and turned earth. Similar elements entertain the palate, culminating with a minty pine needle note, proving to be a very dynamic sip.
Loads of crushed mineral—slate and white stone—characterize the bouquet at first but are soon followed by delicate aromas of cherry cola, balsam and exotic spice. The Serragrilli Barbaresco offers an intense and pristine aromatic presentation backed by thick extraction and dense opulence.
Loads of fresh peach, gooseberry and lavender scent this beautifully aromatic wine. Off dry on the palate, it's juicy and fruit-forward yet refreshingly elegant as well. Zesty tangerine acidity accents a brisk, clean finish. Drink now through 2020.
Loads of fruit show on the nose of this wine: green and red apple, strawberry and ample, zesty citrus. The palate is taut, fresh, dry and precise, shot through with appetizing fruity flavors. A wonderful, flavorsome rosé, with or without food.
Loads of honey and yellow rose aromas open the bouquet. There's a touch of sweetness that recalls candied fruit and honeydew.
Loads of menthol and pepper spice fill the nose, with a supporting fruit core of black cherry, black currant and wild raspberry. The texture is like crushed satin but the tannins, though fine grain, have good staying power. Mocha and cherry pits add character to the close.
Loads of oak over golden apple fruit and mild tropical notes make this a New World wannabe. It's medium weight but overblown, and the flavors are fundamentally out of balance. Still, there are some folks who just want a little fruit with their oak. —M.M.
Loads of peach and honey open the nose of this creamy, rich Chardonnay-based sparkling wine. In the mouth, the wine delivers sharp acidity and piquant effervescence.
Loads of pineapple jam and roasted peach flavors in this rich, oaky Chardonnay. Nothing shy about its fruity power, with rich vanilla and caramel oak barrel influences. Could use greater complexity and nuance.
Loads of plum, dark chocolate, blackberry and exotic spices in this big, dry wine. Oak, too, in the form of exquisite vanilla and caramel. It's absolutely delicious, but maybe a little one-dimensional, showing that Petit Verdot by itself needs some help from other varieties.
Loads of purple fruit and baked goods show on the nose of this 36% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache and 30% Syrah blend, reminiscent of blueberry pie and olallieberry-vanilla muffins. Flavors are plump and ripe, like blackberry cookie dipped in caramel-milk chocolate sauce. Fans of big Paso reds, rejoice.
Loads of ripe blackberry and boysenberry aromas lead to a plush, not quite soft mouthfeel laced with berry, cherry, clove and cinnamon flavors. It's a very generous, mouth-filling wine that will bring a lot of enjoyment.
Loads of ripe fruit flavor, scads of fine-grained tannins for texture, and a sense of depth with complexity make this a wine to seek out. It's full bodied, dry, very bold but also well balanced for the long haul. Drink after 2019.
Loads of sweet pineapple and vanilla mark this richly succulent wine. Super-concentrated fruity flavors blast the palate, leading to a long finish. For all its ripeness, the wine is dry. Strong and tasty stuff!
Loads of toasty oak, some mild cherry and plum mark this Bordeaux-style blend. The fruit is a bit lean, but the wine has appeal and is reminiscent of classic Rioja in weight and balance—not dense or extracted and maybe a touch woody, but still likeable.
Loads of toasty vanilla from new oak sits on top of blackberry aromas in this dense, non-vintage red. The velvety palate lacks depth but leads to a long, cherry-flavored finish. Drink with grilled sausages.
Loam, berry, lavender and spice aromas are all welcoming. This is full in body—solidly structured and tannic. Savory to the max flavors of peppery berries finish tight and juicy. Drink through 2020.
Loamy aromas of cherry and plum give off a sense of baked maturity, while a floral bath-soap note is ethereal. This feels lush, deep and on the cusp of full maturity. A generous mix of plum, berry and chocolate flavors ends with spice notes and a creamy feel. Drink through 2020.
Loamy aromas of wet clay and blackberry transition to gamy and animal-like with airing. This blend of Monastrell, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon feels full and rough, with hard tannins. Flavors of savory oak and baked berry fruits are spicy, earthy and dry on the finish. Drink through 2021.
Loamy berry and saucy notes make for a complex bouquet, while the mouthfeel on this Catalonian blend is smooth, round, precise and structured. Flavors of ripe plum, herbs, licorice and savory spices finish dark, chunky and deep, with lasting cocoa and cherry notes that suggest warmth and richness. Drink through 2019.
Loamy berry aromas smell a bit like wet clay and earth. This is fairly well structured, with grippy tannins. Baked, savory, oaky berry flavors finish with wood spice, clove and light herbal notes.
Loamy berry, blackberry pie and pastry aromas are like the red carpet at a big event. This is the epitome of a lush, layered, structured Tempranillo. Borderline syrupy flavors of blackberry, coffee and mocha end with chocolate and vanilla richness as well as lusty boldness. Hold until 2018, then drink through 2025.
Loamy blackberry aromas register as ripe, while notes of pastry, toast and shoe polish add complexity to the nose. This single-vineyard wine displays raw power and angularity, while juicy plum flavors carry herbal, spicy elements. This lightens up a little on the finish while maintaining a raw, sinewy style that suggests aging will be beneficial. Drink through 2025.
Loamy blackberry aromas shows a touch of spice and leather. Raw and scratchy on the palate, this tastes of baked plum with herbal accents. A short, resiny finish feels a bit rubbery.
Loamy cassis, black plum and blueberry aromas announce a fleshy palate that's wide but low on definition. Earthy, loamy berry flavors are mildly toasty on the finish, which is chunky but soft in feel. Drink now.
Loamy, dark, rich aromas of pastry, blackberry, blueberry and turned earth scream “ripe.” In the mouth, this is bulky but focused. Flavors of black fruits, chocolate, fig, herbs and spice finish with notes of tobacco, raw oak, mint and bright acidity. Drink now through 2019.
Loamy, earthy aromas of raspberry and raisin fall flat as this breathes. A heavy palate is low on freshness and acidity, while prune, cherry and cassis flavors veer toward raisin on a finish that quickly loses clarity and snap.
Loamy, earthy blackberry and plum aromas are woody and attractive. This is loud and lively on the palate, with acidity and tannins making their presence felt. Blackberry and baked plum are the key flavors, and this finishes loamy and smooth. Drink through 2018.
Loamy, rich aromas of blackberry, licorice and chocolate cake come before a bold, balanced palate with acidic kick. Loamy blackberry, prune and licorice flavors finish with jammy richness and lingering flavors of blackberry, chocolate and anise. Drink through 2020.
Loamy, ripe aromas of raisin and prune are neither exact nor direct. This has a heavy, tannic mouthfeel with balance issues. Rubbery plum and prune flavors finish with a soft, spread-out feel.
Loamy, ripe berry aromas come with leather and raisiny notes. This blend of five grapes is heavy, tannic and weighty, but not overtly out of balance. Stewed berry and raisiny flavors are as ripe as they can get and still stay somewhat fresh, while the finish is raisiny. Overall this is a one-dimensional, fully ripe wine.
Loamy, ripe, earthy aromas of black cherry suggest raisin and stewed berry. The palate is full and mostly balanced for a warm-vintage, very ripe wine such as this. Flavors of berry, roasted plum and earth finish with raisiny richness and just enough zesty acidity to keep things upright and afloat. Drink through 2018.
Loamy, soft aromas of plum and berry don't show much punch. In the mouth, this is mostly fresh, with a solid feel. Flavors of plum, raspberry, red currant and herbal notes skew toward red, while a punchy, bright finish is upbeat. This is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Carmenère and 7% Cabernet Franc.
Loamy, wide and jammy on the nose, with a note of raisin, this smells very ripe. In the mouth, it's more wiry and tartaric, but with an oaky creaminess that softens things up. Typical Chilean Cab flavors of berry, cassis and herbs finish chunky and full.
Located at the base of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, this vineyard, owned by the Dragon family for four generations, has produced a ripe wine, full-bodied and with concentration. It has raspberry flavors and a touch of spice that gives the wine extra richness. Drink this dense wine from late 2017.
Located between the city of Bordeaux and Margaux, this estate regularly produces good quality. In 2013, the producers have managed to highlight good fruit and dry tannins that also sustain the juiciness. The wine is still firm and will take a while to develop, so wait until 2018.
Located close to Saint-Tropez, the estate is one of the Côtes de Provence growths classified in 1955. This top wine from the estate is ripe and powerful. It has a structure as well as peach and pear fruit flavors, so it could well age. A citrus burst at the end adds an attractive lift.
Located high in the hills of central Sicily, Regaleali is one of the south's leaders. Tasca is the famil name, and their huge estate, replete with the latest technology, continues to impress. This basic red proves to be a very solid everyday wine, featuring flavors of plum, spice, and a touch of mint. Perfect balance with a long finish ensures its success. Best Buy
Located in Soussans to the north of the village of Margaux, the estate is owned by the Luze family. This is a fine wine, full of black fruits and firm tannins. It also has a softer perfumed side that is typical of Margaux. With this combination and the ripe berry fruits, the wine is sure to age well. Drink from 2021.
Located in Tavel, Domaine de la Mordorée has been one of the quality leaders in neighboring Lirac. This wine is dark and earthy at first, but opens with airing to reveal bold notes of blueberry, mocha and peppery spice. This 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah is full bodied, richly textured and finishes long.
Located in the cool, mountainous region of Alto Adige in the far north of Italy, Cantina Terlano boasts one of Italy's finest lines of crisp white wines. Albeit more informal, this luminous and fresh Pinot Grigio offers pristine aromas of stone fruit and citrus.
Located in the upper Yarra, this site normally yields Pinots higher in acid and tighter in structure than the Sexton Vineyard. The 2013 marries fruity and savory elements of cherries and mushrooms in a medium-bodied, silky package. It's bright and generous from the bold start to the lengthy finish. Drink now–2023.
Located in the wilds of Annapolis, the vineyard will be familiar to fans of extreme Sonoma Coast wines. This vintage will be the winery's last from the site, according to the winery. Earthy cinnamon bark surrounds refined tannins and complex layers of high-toned cherry and raspberry before evocative dried herbs hit the palate.
Located just south of Margaux, this estate has produced an attractive wine that plays on the fruit of the vintage. The fresh black-currant character is enhanced by light flavors of wood aging. It will age for a few years, so drink from 2018.
Located north of Margaux village, Deyrem Valentin is a small, family-owned property of 32 acres that represents one of the values of Margaux. This wine is smooth, polished and concentrated, with flavors of wood and a sweet-tasting blackberry. The acidity and tannins demonstrate a fine balancing act. This shows good aging potential.
Located on a high slope in Marsannay, the Vaudenelles Vineyard creates structured wines. This selection has a beautiful perfumed character, and it offers delicious red-berry flavors and lively acids that are striated by minerality.
Located on high ground to the east of Cahors, this estate was replanted in the 1980s at a high density. Rich, smooth and dense, this shows concentrated ripe plum and juicy blackberry flavors and, above all, firm tannins. Wood aging has smoothed the rough edges.
Located on the right bank of the Serein, this vineyard produces rich warm wines. This is a ripe full wine with great white fruits that are balanced by spice and fine acidity. The texture is dense and full—a generous wine that needs to age. Drink from 2018.
Locked down by hard tannins, this nonetheless is a beautiful Zinfandel, dry and rich in flavor. It bursts with savory wild berry, tobacco, mocha and pepper flavors, and feels elegant and refined. The tannins call for enormously rich beef, pasta, sauces and cheeses.
Locked up aromas of spice box, vanilla, coconut and dark fruit are followed by sweet, ripe black-currant flavors. It shows a lovely sense of balance.
Locked up garden herb and cherry aromas are followed by bountiful dark fruit flavors. It possesses a lovely sense of balance and appeal, with chewy tannins backing it all up.
Locked up tightly on first pour, this wine shows brooding aromas of black pepper, smoked meat, brown stems, olive and herbs. It explodes across the palate with rich yet elegant, nuanced savory flavors that lead to a hyperextended finish. It will be best after 2020.
Lockwood's lost a lot of steam over the years. This '06 Chard is thin and watery, with just a squirt of lemon and lime flavor.
Lockwood hitches a ride on the Argentine Malbec express, with mixed results. The wine is dark and acidic and properly bone dry, with earthy, dark berry, coffee, leather and bitter chocolate flavors. But there's a disagreeable green sharpness.
Lodano (a beautiful blend of Traminer, Riesling and Chardonnay) from coastal Tuscany seems perfectly engineered for local dishes such as cacciucco, a spicy fish soup from Livorno. The wine opens with bright, intense aromas of candied lemon, pineapple and apple piecrust.
Lodi-based Michael David turns to Lodi, Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley and Lake County to craft this white wine, mostly Sauvignon Blanc with a drop of Sémillon too. Ready for a summer's day with subtle Mandarin orange, mango and lime notes, it finishes quick and crisp.
Loimer's classic Grüner is delightfully cool, a green apple- and pear-flavored wine, very pure, crisp and layered with intense acidity. The edge is decidedly green, but there is plenty of creamy texture along the way. Screwcap.
Loin de l'Oeil and Mauzac are the prime grapes in this attractive and perfumed wine. It is crisp and with a strong citrus streak as well as a more textured mineral edge. The wine is light, refreshing and ready to drink.
Loin de l'Oeil with Sauvignon Blanc gives a ripe, soft and deliciously fruity wine. Finely balanced with tangy acidity over melon and rich red-apple flavors, the wine has a touch of minerality from the gravel soil. Drink the wine now.
Lola is a 50-50 Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend, smooth and supple, with a mix of purple berries, black cherry, cassis and smoke. The tannins finish a little green, and the Cab/Syrah combo seems to nullify the clear, varietal expression of either grape, but overall this is a well-crafted wine that could stand nicely alongside a hanger steak.
Lola is roughly half Kiona Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and half Klipsun Vineyard Syrah, aged for 20 months in 60% new French oak. You can sniff the funky composted aspect of the Syrah upfront, followed by generous black cherry fruit. It's immediately accessible, with a cherry cola flavor running through to the finish.
Lombrone Riserva is an earthy, nicely concentrated wine that needs more time to age and integrate. It shows great structure with tight tannins and a long, beautiful finish characterized by cherry and delicate spicy shadings.
Lonesome Spring and Clifton fruit goes into this Grenache, which includes 16% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre. Very spicy and pretty aromas invite sipping; the white pepper stands out, along with tart raspberry/cranberry fruit. The wine feels just a little bit chalky in the mouth, but that actually sets it up well for simple smoked or grilled meats.
Long-cut tobacco, doughy baguette and prune notes mark the nose of this Mourvèdre. Medium in body, this feels supple and easy-going on the midpalate. The finish shows more grip.
Long-time admirers of this wine may find the 2011 version a bit thin. It's a more subtle wine than is customary, the expressive funk subsumed below lighter layers of peat moss, sea salt and white chocolate. With decanting, scents of shittake mushroom, duck sauce and even chicken broth swirl up from the glass, with black tea flavors running through the tannins. Quite good, yet somewhat muted.
Long-time Cloudy Bay winemaker Kevin Judd has been out on his own for several vintages, and this is a fine effort. The characteristic herbal, grassy elements of Marlborough are present, but toned-down, making this wine an easier fit with a variety of foodstuffs. A pleasant plumpness to the mouthfeel turns dry and chalky on the long finish.
Long a producer of high quality and good value, Navarro seems to be raising the bar higher on its Pinot Noir. A vivid, potent and concentrated fruit component lights up this full-bodied wine from the first whiff through the finish. Black cherry, violet and cassis come together in a powerful beam of flavor. A good backbone of acidity and firm tannins supports that power nicely.
Long a steak house staple, Kangarilla Road's Shiraz mixes dark berries and plums with touches of cedar, caramel and vanilla. The creamy-textured tannins pick up just enough dustiness on the finish to match well with fatty cuts, like ribeyes. Drink now-2015.
Long a strong suit at Snoqualmie, this new vintage does not disappoint. It's light and lively, with dusky flavors of plum and sweet tomato. Highlights of chocolate and cinnamon are delicately in focus, and it's hard to find a better price for such a nice Syrah in Washington.
Long aging (6 years) in the cellar has given this limited-production wine an extra richness and ripe toastiness. It is made from 50-50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards. These characteristics, combined with the full-blown apple and baked-fruit flavors, give a rich, complex wine that is now ready to drink.
Long barrel-aging of many old native varieties gives this field blend a rich, ripe taste. There is an attractive touch of oxidation from the wood, giving concentrated toast and spice as well as fruit acidity. This unusual, impressive wine from the Guedes family is ready to drink now.
Long barrel aging has given this wine an extra richness. That supplements the ripe red fruits and intense acidity. The result is a wine that is bright with a spice and floral character. The aftertaste brings out crispness and some minerality. Ready to drink now.
Long Flat, once an entry-level tier of Tyrell's in the Hunter Valley, is now a brand of its own, sourcing fruit from a wide range of GIs. The Coonawarra Cabernet is soft and plushly textured, with hints of roasted fruit, leather, mocha and tobacco. Drink now.
Long hangtime fruit is the star of this Pinot, which is pretty much as good as the winery's more expensive bottlings, making it a comparative value. The raspberry, cherry, tea, cola and Indian spice flavors developed perfectly in this perfect vintage, giving the wine an elaborate richness, while crisp coastal acidity provides balancing tartness. It wants some time in the cellar. Give it until 2012 to begin to develop bottle complexity.
Long Island is not typically known for Cabernet Sauvignon, but in the hands of winemaker Anthony Nappa (who also crafts excellent Cabs at Raphael), the variety shows remarkable promise. Juxtaposing heady notes of bramble and dried herb against a backdrop of luscious black currant and plum, this wild-fermented red is enticingly “savage” in style. Sharp cranberry notes and mineral tones lend edge to a lingering finish.
Long Island Malbec occupies an unusual place in the spectrum of global wine, showing little resemblance to its cousins in Argentina or France. This one is deeply concentrated, with forward blackberry and cherry flavors—clearly showing its New World identity—yet grounded in acidity and a dark, savory mineral tone. It's a promising wine with light footed elegance.
Long lees aging (six years) has been good to this wine. It has balanced the bone-dry character of the wine, allowing it to fill out. Now, it is a beautifully structured Pinot Noir-dominate wine, with a light tannic character as well as hints of almonds and plenty of citrus fruits. Drink now.
Long maturation in French oak lends a distinctly nutty, smoky tone to this brambly berried Merlot. While bold in body and a touch warm in alcohol, its ripe black-fruit flavors are sharpened by cranberry acidity and firm, penetrating tannins. A hint of cocoa powder lingers on the finish.
Long Point's Riesling starts with a fresh, vibrant fruit nose edged with citrus, and the crispness continues on the palate. The floral fruit flavors are balanced with a citric, zingy zap. Overall, a fun wine that will pair well with spicy cuisine and seafood dishes.
Long skin contact has given this wine both its name and its richness. It is packed with ripe apple and green pear flavors that are filled out even more by the tannic, tangy texture that comes from the grape skins. The wine is still young, a rare Vinho Verde that needs aging. Drink from 2017.
Long wood aging and a selection of grapes from old vines have produced this firmly structured and concentrated wine. It is full of black plum-jelly flavors shot through with acidity. A solid, dry core promises even further aging. At the end, acidity gives a juicy, delicious aftertaste. Drink from 2017.
Longboard shies away from overt fruit in favor of earthier tobacco flavors in this dry, complex and tannic young Pinot Noir. That doesn't mean you won't find plenty of raspberries and cherries. The wine is dry, delicately structured and frankly delicious, making it Longboard's best Pinot Noir ever. Drink now–2019 as it gradually sheds fruit.
Longbow is a blend of several vineyard sites otherwise vineyard-designated by the producer, a chance to showcase winemaker Matt Courtney's way with fruit. In his first vintage at Arista, he excels in crafting a wine exuberant in high-toned black cherry and structured, silky tannin, lengthy and fresh in aromas of rose petal and cinnamon.
Longoria's best Pinot Grigio yet, and one of the better ones out there. It's wonderfully clean and crisp, with rich, spicy flavors of citrus fruits, flowers, vanilla and honey.
Longoria brings a deft touch to this Pinot Grigio. The grapes were briefly fermented in tank, then bottled when the wine was only about four months old. The result is exceptionally fresh and lively, with tangy acidity brightening citrus, lemongrass, vanilla and white pepper flavors.
Longoria has worked with this finicky Spanish grape variety for years, with mixed results. This 2010 is lower in alcohol than the wine has been in a long time, which gives it a delicate mouthfeel. It's dense in cherries, currants, bacon and licorice, but finishes dry. Easy to like for its soft deliciousness.
Longtime Claiborne & Churchill winemaker Coby Parker-Garcia releases his own project with exemplary results. This bottling shows aromas of cherry leather with dried sage, black slate, Earl Grey tea and elderflower. There's amazing herbal and floral intricacy to the palate, with concentrated cranberry skins, lavender and purple fruit flavors.
Longtime grower Lee Hudson sources from his prime Carneros site for this blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, unexpected varieties that thrive in his dirt. Dark color gives way to supple layers of raspberry and vanilla. A dusting of milk chocolate adds lushness and additional complexity that lingers on the finish.
Longtime growers, most notably to Schramsberg, which still gets the majority of the grapes, the Tognettis have just begun to make wine of their own, and this one is stellar. Classic barrel tones give it depth and breadth, but never dominate, allowing juicy pear and spicy lemon acidity to do all the talking.
Longtime San Francisco Giant Rich Aurilia teams with fellow baseballer Dave Roberts to produce a wine with restrained, focused aromas of black cherry, pencil shavings, sarsaparilla and hints of allspice. The palate is all about black gravel and turned loam, with tiny bits of black cherry and noticeably firm tannins.
Longtime Souverain winemaker Ed Killian's personal project, this 100% Chardonnay was given 20% new French oak, allowing the fruit to speak for itself in this wine. Pear and fig converge in balanced, voluptuous layers. Just a touch of ripe caramel-honey on the finish makes the wine seem heady and risqué.
Longtime value producer Firesteed has another winner. This pretty Pinot shows excellent ripeness and full-bodied fruit flavor, thanks to the southern-Oregon components. Strawberries and tart raspberries come through cleanly, with a touch of cola in the aftertaste.
Longtime Winemaker Kathy Joseph has crafted a wine that presents aromas of cherry, raspberry, slate, frozen chocolate chips and a bit of wild mint. Juicy raspberries lead the palate, along with root beer, cola and a touch of eucalyptus, all sailing through the texture of grippy tannins and strong acidity.
Look for the blue bottle and you'll get a solid Albariño. This is typically light and fresh, with aromas of stream water, wild flowers, fresh herbs and leesy stone fruits. Crisp and citric on the palate, with proper cut, this tastes of orange, peach, nectarine and lemon. Minerally, cleansing and steady on the finish.
Look for the tiny e.6 on the label, indicating that this nonvintage blend is the sixth edition. The blend includes Syrah, Sangiovese and Montepulciano, and it's truly inspired. Call it a perfect bistro red, ready for burgers or pizza, matching charming red fruits to well-balanced tannins.
Look out for Colin Murphy, who was named winemaker at this estate after years working for regional legends Bruno d'Alfonso and Kris Curran. This bottling shows dark strawberry, incense, sandalwood, cola, figs, pepper and soy on the pretty yet complex nose. There is lots of intrigue to the palate too, where black plum comes together with chamomile, Earl Grey tea and lavender.
Look out Rutherford dust, here's Eola-Amity dust. Soft and yes, dusty, this intriguing wine brings a sensation of well-tanned leather under black-cherry fruit. The finish adds a dash of beet root, and leaves with some stiffening tannins. Give it ample aeration and it will improve dramatically.
Looking brown around the edges, this wine is showing decline at an age when a good riserva should be hitting full stride. The fruit is stylishly sweet, but attenuated, and past its best in this pretty, older wine. Fading elegance, but why at just past five years of age?
Looking for a bargain in a good, coastal Pinot Noir? This one is silky, crisp in acidity and pleasurably rich in raspberries, cranberries and herb tea flavors, sweetened with a little brown sugar.
Looking for a juggernaut red that cries out for steak? Give this lush, stylish, nearly flawless Carmenère a shot and you won't be disappointed. The nose opens with toast, mineral, herbs, olive and berry fruit, and the palate is more of the same. In terms of feel, it's smooth and elegant, yet ripe and forceful. Finishes crusty and long. A winner from a winery that up until now hasn't shown much.
Looking for a medium-bodied Chardonnay with a citrusy edge? Look no further. Peach and lime scents ease into tropical fruit while retaining that zestiness on the finish. Drink now.
Looking for a stylish, elegant, low-alcohol, off-dry Riesling? Here it is. Under 11% alcohol, this floral, almost delicate wine is a breath of sweet air. A perfect mix of honeydew, Asian pear and ripe apple, it holds down center court with a delicious liveliness. Flavors extend, lightly kissed with honey, into a lingering, clean and sweetly fresh finish.
Looking for something different to serve with your cheese course? This aged white might be just the thing. Scents of grape skins and honey waft from the glass, followed by flavors akin to honey, beeswax and bitter almond. It tastes like there's a hint of residual sugar as well.
Looking more like a light red wine than a supposedly pink one, this smells like ripe cherries and boysenberries, has a luscious, smooth texture and a soft, almost sweet finish.
Looming in huge black fruit, this is a dark, heavy Zin intense in toasty oak and brambly, dusty amounts of ripe blackberry and strawberry jam. Dark chocolate hammers in hard on the finish, with black pepper and raisins.
Loosen's '09 auslese from the Sonnenuhr unleashes a cavalcade of ripe tropical fruit, ranging from pineapple and guava to carambola and lime. It's very sweet and isn't showing much more than fruit at this point in time, but it should develop additional complexity with cellaring.
Loosen's 2009 spätlese from the Wehlener Sonnenuhr is a lush, medium-bodied wine loaded with honey and peaches. It's superripe and succulent, with a long, fruity finish. Try it with Szechuan dishes, which will buffer the sweetness of the wine while the wine tames some of the heat.
Loosen's best Dr. L to date, this is a terrific value, delivering typical Mosel Riesling notes at a great price. Citrus blossom, lime and crushed stone aromas are followed by apple and citrus flavors in this just-slightly-sweet wine. Drink it now and over the next year or so.
Loosen's Grosses Gewächs bottling from old vines is plump, custardy and slightly sweet-tasting, buoyed by ample ripe apple and peach flavors and tinged with hints of lime, fern fronds and crushed stone. It might well have been more impressive served in a different (sweeter) flight; in this context it seemed slightly soft.
Los Gatos-based Testarossa is building a powerful reputation as a single-vineyard specialist, but this more accessibly priced cuvée from Monterey County rivals their best efforts. There is nuttiness, brioche and slightly sour orange on the nose, followed by a very soft mouthfeel, with flavors of pound cake, vanilla cookie, peach cobbler and candied grapefruit.
Los Tanos hails from La Consulta in the Uco Valley, as does its brothers, Los Turcos and Los Gallegos. As stated in the Turcos and Gallegos reviews, these wines are triplets in terms of their oaky, creamy, sweet characteristics and overt richness. Tasted side by side by side, they are almost one in the same, with an emphasis on creamy oak, resiny mouthfeels and ripe berry fruits.
Losada is known for its red Mencía, but this Godello debut is well done. A waxy floral nose with apple and stone-fruit aromas sets up a round full balanced palate with bold acidity. Salty notes accent peach and apple flavors, while this displays grip on a lingering finish. Sophisticated is a good way to describe this.
Losada wines are dark, dense, heady creatures. This high-end version delivers deep mineral and lead aromas alongside cassis, berry and toasted notes. The palate is upright like a good cadet, with lively acidity, blackberry and spice flavors. This is big and modern but not extreme. Drink through 2023.
Lots and lots of pear upfront on this simple, refreshing, easy-drinking summer wine. The light body and uncomplicated style make this a good party quaffer.
Lots going on for the price in this dry, clean Sauvignon Blanc. It has rich flavors of tart citrus fruits, minerals and white flowers. A very pleasant and versatile white wine.
Lots going on in this mountain-grown wine. It's perfectly dry and strong in tannins, with an elusive quality of excellence that testifies to the best terroir. Showing blackberry, black cherry, mineral and oak flavors, it should develop bottle complexity for at least the next decade.
Lots going on in this softly appealing Cabernet. It's full-bodied and ripe, showing classic Alexander Valley flavors of blackberry jam, chocolate, anise, dried herbs and spices. Will develop bottle complexity over the years while gradually losing fruit.
Lots of acidity and black pepper in this bone-dry wine, giving it a scoury mouthfeel. But you'll find very rich, elaborate blackberry and cherry jam, chocolate and bacon flavors. Drink now.
Lots of acidity and steel in this bone-dry Chard. Also, pronounced toasty oak, with a butterscotch and caramel taste dominating. Fortunately there's a good underpinning of peach, pear and pineapple fruit.
Lots of acidity gives the cherry and raspberry flavors a sour candy tartness that makes the mouth water. The mouthfeel is light and silky, as you want in a Pinot Noir. It's a fine wine to drink now, with a good decanting, but try cellaring it for 5–6 years to see what kinds of earthy, mushroomy complexities emerge.
Lots of acidity gives this Chardonnay a real bite, while the fruit is very ripe, expressive of pineapples, tangerines and Meyer lemons. The result is a flavor of sour yellow candy, enriched with the creaminess of lees and a buttered toast note from the oak barrels. Drink with rich, buttery shellfish entrées.
Lots of acidity gives this Merlot a bite. It's bone dry and pretty thin in fruit, with a modicum of cherry and herb flavors. A solid wine to serve at big parties where no one's very fussy.
Lots of acidity in this dry, yet silky, Pinot Noir. It shows flavors of tart cranberries, persimmons and pomegranates, with a jacket of sweet oak. The alcohol is refreshingly low, which gives it a welcome delicacy. Should develop bottle notes over the next eight years, but it's so good now, there's no reason not to drink up.
Lots of acidity in this fresh young Pinot. Oak, too, which gives dominating aromas and flavors of toast and caramel. Underneath is a rich wine, filled with raspberry, cola, sautéed mushroom and spice flavors. Should develop over the next 2–3 years.
Lots of acidity in this Pinot, maybe too much, as it gives a sour edge to the sweet raspberries and cherries. The end result is candied cough drop. Decant before serving.
Lots of acidity in this still-young Cabernet, giving the blackberry and cassis flavors a real bite that accentuates the tannins. It's tough now despite the richness, but doesn't have the stuffing for aging, so drink now with rich fare to balance the acids.
Lots of acidity in this Viognier, which gives it a mouthwatering savoriness. The tropical fruit and honey flavors are spicy and exotic. Good as a cocktail sipper.
Lots of acidity in this wine. It cuts right through the middle, giving the cherry fruit a sour candy tartness. Not one for the cellar, so drink it now with a rich steak, which will balance out the acids and tannins.
Lots of alcohol in this Zin, but it wears it well. It's a fat, unctuous wine, sweet in raspberries and cherries, with just a touch of savory raisins that give it a porty finish. Defines the Dry Creek style.
Lots of Anjou pear and Fuji apple flavors enrich this medium-bodied and refreshing wine. It has a light straw color and open flavors of ripe fruit and citrus. The texture is very smooth, and the finish has a touch of ripe-fruit sweetness.
Lots of apple tones, some rounded, some tart, are coralled into a core of bright, lemony freshness on this simple, refreshing and dry Riesling. This is a lovely, easy and versatile wine with enlivening spikes of acidity.
Lots of bang for the buck in this rich, fruity Chardonnay. It hits it right down the middle in solid popular appeal, with New World tropical fruit, citrus and peach flavors wrapped into a buttercream texture and liberally accented with smoky oak.
Lots of berry, cherry and currant fruit in this dry Cabernet, which is drinking nice and mellow. It could be more concentrated, as it falls off in the finish, turning bitter.
Lots of big fruit is what defines this easy-to-like wine. The nose throws off equal parts cassis, raspberry and plum, while the palate is saturated and dense, with pleasing cassis, plum and chocolate flavors. Given that the price is under $15 and production was 150,000 cases, it's hard to register any complaints. This is your classic Best Buy Cab all the way around.
Lots of black pepper and other spice notes give this a zinginess that brightens and lifts the wild berry, bacon and Dr. Pepper flavors. It has a light-bodied purity that makes it easy to drink now.
Lots of black rocks and turned earth gives depth to the dark black-cherry core elements on the nose of this blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dried cherries, asphalt, espresso bean and chopped herbs arise on the palate.
Lots of blackberry, cherry and spicy cola flavors in this dry, clean wine. It has the classic tannins and balance of a fine Cabernet. Drink now with a good steak.
Lots of blackberry, cherry, smoked meat and pepper spice flavors in this dry, tannic Petite Sirah. It's a little harsh in texture, so drink it with rich barbecue and roasted meat dishes.
Lots of blackberry, plum, currant and oak flavors in this classic Bordeaux blend. It's so ripe, it's almost sweet, except that the finish is thoroughly dry, with a stimulating scour of tannins and citrusy acids. Right now it's direct and not very complex, leading to the question of ageability. All indications are that it's not a wine you want to cellar, so drink up.
Lots of briary wild blackberry, cherry and exotic spice flavors in this Zin, with cola, tobacco and mushu plum sauce complexities, and the finish is dry. Compromised by a hit of sharp acidity, but rich barbecue will help.
Lots of bright, fresh fruit in this jammy wine. Bursts with pineapples, nectarines, sweet lemon chiffon pie, green-apple jelly, buttered toast and honey vanilla, wrapped into a creamy texture. Production was 3,100 cases.
Lots of buttered toast and butterscotch flavors mark this Chardonnay. It's balanced, however, with crisp acidity and bright flavors of tropical fruit and peach, along with a fragrant honeysuckle note.
Lots of cedar is evident on the nose and palate of this red blend. The berry and cassis aromas and flavors are a bit hard to discern and also bear a too-prominent minty, slightly herbaceousness. This medium weight wine closes with a dry tart woodiness that lacks mass appeal.
Lots of characteristic Cabernet flavor in this wine. Blackberrry jam and cassis liqueur flavors flood the mouth, heady and flashy and long in the finish. The tannins are thick, yet so soft, you can enjoy this wine now, although it will develop over the next ten years.
Lots of charm now for the roasted coffeebean, red cherry, pain grillé and sandalwood aromas and flavors that are wrapped into finely ground tannins. Shows real class and elegance despite its mountain tightness. Should develop bottle complexities through 2014 or or so.
Lots of charred oak and leathery fruit start it out, and then you get runaway berry flavors and screechy, almost grabby tannins. It finally settles and smooths out with airing, but requires too much compromise on the part of the drinker. Has its good points but not enough of them.
Lots of cheerful substance in this blush bubbly. Dry and crisp, it has lip-smacking flavors of raspberries, strawberries and limes, with a toasty, yeasty richness.
Lots of color but quiet and shy, with only minimal expressiveness throughout. The palate offers just one level of baked-fruit flavors, but no variance or complexity. And in the end it's clean and solid, but more amorphous and monotone than you'd hope for given the price. 70% Monastrell and 30% Cab Franc is the blend; 160 cases made.
Lots of complex flavors in this bone-dry wine, and they range well beyond berry-cherry fruit into more interesting realms of leather, coffee, unsweetened cocoa, bacon, pepper spice and minerals. The wine shows a brisk acidity, and the tannins are intricate. Feels a bit austere and aloof now, withholding its best. Should offer more in 3-5 years, but not much beyond that before the fruit collapses.
Lots of cool-climate Syrah character in this wine. It's dry and full-bodied, with blackberry, plum, bacon and black pepper aromas and flavors. Too light for aging, so drink now.
Lots of crisp, citrusy acidity in this wine, which brightens the pineapple, orange, lemon and lime flavors. Meanwhile, 100% new oak adds a rich coating of smoky, buttered toast. The wine is dramatic, rather than subtle, and is at its best now.
Lots of crisp, jammy Meyer lemon, lime, vanilla, honey and creamy flavors in this Rhône-style blend. It's a little too sweet and forward, especially for the price.
Lots of dark-fruit flavor, an ultrasmooth texture and a lingering finish raise this medium-bodied and value-priced wine well above average. Black cherry and blackcurrant flavors are sprinkled with spices recalling nutmeg and cardamom.
Lots of dazzlingly ripe fruit in this rich, crisply acidic Pinot. It rocks with raspberries, cherries, pomegranates, cola and even hints of sweet, cinnamon-spiced mocha, as well as the toast and vanilla from oak. It's made for drinking now.
Lots of decadent, butterscotch-like oakiness marks this Chardonnay. It's also rich in peach jam and apple butter flavors. Crisp acidity gives the needed balance to all of the richness.
Lots of delicious blackberry, cherry, cola, roasted meat and sandalwood flavors in this Syrah. While it has a certain fanciness, it's kind of simple, soft in structure and without a future. Drink it now, especially with lamb dishes, or try a vegetarian lasagna.
Lots of delicious orange flavor in this pretty wine. It's overtly sweet, but a too soft for comfort.
Lots of delicious, complex blackberry, crème de cassis, mineral and cedar flavors in this dry, tannic wine. One quibble is the acidity, which is overly sharp and feels odd, given how ripe the wine is.
Lots of delicious, savory currant, licorice and mocha flavors in this dry Pinot that will go so well with a grilled steak. It's a bit soft and heavy, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Lots of delicious, upfront fruit in this attractive wine. It features ripe raspberry and cherry flavors, accented with sweet, smoky oak, and finishes dry and spicy, with a good cut of acidity for balance. Drink now–2013.
Lots of deliciousness in this dry, tannic Cabernet. Offers tiers of black currant, dark chocolate, licorice and toasty oak flavors that are smooth and flashy. A little high in alcohol and its future is uncertain, so drink now.
Lots of depth and complexity in this single-vineyard Cabernet. It's dramatic for the layers of fruit, veering toward red berries, cherries and cocoa, and for the intense tannin structure. Feels vital and important and, above all, ageable. Give it a good six years in the cellar.
Lots of dry elegance in this wine. It's also more acidic than your typical Napa Cabernet, with a tart bite. The tannins are young and forceful, and the finish is totally dry. As presently constituted, it's somewhat tough and lean. But the core of cherries and blackberries suggests some degree of ageabilty. Hold until 2015.
Lots of dynamics play on the nose of this wine, from chamomile flowers and daffodils to chalk, pink lemonade, cotton candy and tropical fruits. The palate is framed by a tense minerality, seasoned with flavors of lemonade, browned butter and guava.
Lots of early-drinking charm in this Pinot Noir. It's light and silky, with a modest alcohol level that makes it easy to drink. The raspberry, cherry, cola and oak flavors are delicious.
Lots of elegance and sophistication in this drily tannic, smooth Cabernet. It's textbook Napa, with complex blackberry and currant flavors, touched by smoky oak. A very nice restaurant wine to drink now, and easy to find, with more than 16,000 cases produced.
Lots of elegance in this Cabernet. It's dry, full bodied and rich in tannins, with a good depth of black currants and sweet, toasty oak. Won't age, but who cares: Pop the cork and drink it now.
Lots of enjoyable cherry, currant, licorice and sandalwood flavors in this dry, crisp Pinot Noir. Firm tannins give it some toughness, but it doesn't seem to be an ager, so drink over the next 3–4 years.
Lots of everything in this wine. Tannins, fruit, oak, acids, minerals, you name it. The result is very rich, but the astringent tannins overwhelm, and will never age out.
Lots of exotic citrus, peach and tropical fruit flavors in this crisply clean blend, but it's really too sweet to qualify as a dry table wine. Tastes more like something you'd have for dessert.
Lots of exotic flavors in this barrel-fermented Chardonnay. Its deep in gold color, indicating richness and oak, and follows through with pineapples, mangos, tangerine sorbet, buttered toast, buttercotch, vanilla cream and cinnamon spice. Great price for a Chard this good.
Lots of exotic tropical papayas and guavas in this soft, honeyed Chard. It's rich and creamy, yet shows enough acidity to lend it balance. Great to drink with lobster, crab, scallops.
Lots of exuberant fruit in this stylish blend of Petite Sirah, Zin, Cab Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. With its cherry candy and sweet oak flavors, it carefully treads the line between rustic and chic. Drink now. From Hunnicutt.
Lots of fancy, ripe berry, cherry, licorice and brown sugar flavors in this Syrah. It's basically dry, but high alcohol gives it a glycerine feel. Despite firm tannins, it's showing its best now, so drink up.
Lots of flamboyant blackberry, cherry, raspberry, blueberry and plum fruit flavors in this wine. Almost too much of a good thing. So ripe and opulent, its other qualities, including wonderful tannin structure, seem overshadowed. Difficult to predict where it's going, but right now, it's an orchard in a bottle.
Lots of flashy black and red currant and cedar flavors in this dry Cabernet. It finishes with an intense taste of blackberry essence and spice. The tannins are intricate and refined. Experienced tasters will recognize them as uniquely Alexander Valley. Drink now–2014.
Lots of flashy blackberry and blueberry fruit in this rather forward Syrah. It's also quite tannic and spicy, the result of 100% whole cluster fermentation. With its fairly high alcohol, it has a mouth-warming fullness. Drink now.
Lots of flashy blackberry and cassis flavors in this Cabernet. Easy to drink, but feels way too soft to earn a higher score. Drink up.
Lots of flashy, ripe raspberry, cherry, softened cola and persimmon flavors in this dry, softly approachable Pinot Noir. It has the elegant texture you want in the variety, with silky tannins and a mouthwatering burst of acidity. The alcohol is a refreshingly low 13.2% by volume.
Lots of flavor packed into this light-bodied, smoothly textured wine, although it's a bit one-dimensional. Flavors veer toward raspberry cola and lots of dusty, peppery spices, wrapped in silky tannins and boosted by crisp acids.
Lots of forward blackberries, cherries, currants and mocha in this ripe wine. It's a bit rustic in the softness and simple structure, though.
Lots of forward fruit flavor in this ripe Cabernet. It floods the mouth with blackberries, cherries and currants, with a smoky overlay of oak. Not particularly subtle, but it defines the modern style of Cabernet, and lots of people will love it.
Lots of forward, ripe blackberry and cherry fruit in this wine, with oak adding richer notes of smoky vanilla and caramel. With smooth tannins and a dry finish, it provides a lot more pleasure than you'd expect at this price.
Lots of fresh apple and tangy white peach flavor make this light-bodied wine attractive and appetizing. The flavors have great focus, the balance is bright and the alcohol is low.
Lots of fresh apple flavors, a crisp balance and smooth mouthfeel make this light-bodied wine refreshing and fun to drink. It has some richness on the midpalate and finish, but basically keeps its lively, tangy personality going.
Lots of fresh flavors of summer berry, red currant, tobacco and spice are found in this smoothly tannic Zin. There's a sweetness to the fruit, but the wine is actually dry. It's a fine Zinfandel to drink with barbecue. It should be relatively easy to find, with production nearing 21,000 cases.
Lots of fresh herbs and spices in this beautiful red wine. Offers loads of red and black currants and chocolate, with a fine application of cedar and cigar box from oak. Very fine, enormously likeable. Drink now through 2015.
Lots of fresh, fruity flavors of raspberries and cherries in this straightforward, dry wine. While it's pretty simple, it has good acidity and is a good example of Pinot Noir for this price.
Lots of fresh, zingy acidity in this dry, young Chardonnay, and the steely minerality gives it a tang of cold metal. There are tantalizing hints of ripe citrus fruit and apricots. Give it 4–5 years in the cellar to come around.
Lots of fruit flavor and light spicy touches make this medium-bodied, dry and moderately tannic wine very attractive. Black cherry meets clove and cinnamon, while ample acidity joins with a touch of tannin for a well-balanced texture.
Lots of fruit flavors and lots of tannin make this both generous and a bit tight at the same time. While the ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors are tempting, the texture is firm and may need until 2018 to smooth for best drinking.
Lots of fruit is apparent right from the start, with cassis, raspberry, red plum and cotton candy aromas. Lively as can be, but under control, with huge berry flavors touched up by oaky chocolate and vanilla. Not complex but definitely all-out with the berry fruit.
Lots of fruit power flows through this full-bodied wine, making it focused and delicious. A firm coating of tannin kicks in to add weight to the texture and help the flavors linger on the finish. Plum, smoke and black pepper are among the complex flavors. It's made from vines planted in 1910 at a nearly 2,000-foot elevation.
Lots of fruity richness in this dry Syrah. Shows blackberry, chocolate, licorice and pie crust flavors. The tannins are somewhat unbalanced, suggesting work needs to be done in the vineyard.
Lots of fruity richness in this Pinot. Brims with ripe raspberry and cherry jam flavors, with oaky overtones of buttered cinnamon toast. The alcohol is nice and moderate. Drink over the next four years.
Lots of fun to sip this showy, overt, no-holds-barred Zin. Lavish use of new oak gives aromas of toasted bread, maple syrup and smoked bacon. The flavors say ripe strawberries and sweet blackberry jam, and the finish is sweet and spicy at the same time.
Lots of funky yeast still hovers above the wine, underneath there is grassy, savory freshness, reminiscent of salty soy. Lime zestiness is edged with peppery verve. This is a layered superspicy Grüner that deserves your full attention. The textured palate makes it easy to linger and savor.
Lots of good acidity in this clean wine, with stimulating flavors of lemons, limes and gooseberries. There's a sour taste of feline emission that will turn some people off.
Lots of good flavor in this dry wine, with blackberries, black currants and herbs. But it's very hard in tannins, with a drily astringent mouthfeel that no amount of age is likely to mitigate.
Lots of grapy, raisiny flavors drench this wine with fruitiness, while a smooth, soft texture and touch of sweetness keep the texture mild. It's medium bodied, not at all tannic, and easy to sip.
Lots of green, less-than-ripe gooseberry and ammonia flavors in this bone-dry wine. The tartness is relieved by some riper peaches and limes, but it's still pretty severe.
Lots of heavily toasted oak sits atop the bouquet, and thus it's no surprise that the flavor profile runs a bit lemony and sharp. But give the wine time to unfold and you'll find a layer of pure blackberry mixed with notes of chocolate and coffee. Arguably too oaky but with good core qualities.
Lots of inky, jammy aromas of black fruit set up the red-fruit palate that is covered with a blanket of powerful oak. Not a light-hearted cuvée; rather it's drying, concentrated and strong. With a few years of aging it could show additional subtleties.
Lots of inviting smoke, roasted pork, bacon fat, oak, blackberry and leather show on the nose of this blend of 54% Zinfandel, 31% Petite Sirah and 15% Syrah. Flavors are well integrated on the palate, almost too mellowly done, with tangy black-plum skins and pencil lead framed by a solid tannic structure.
Lots of jammy red cherry, anise and cola flavors in this simple but likeable Tempranillo. It has the weight of a Pinot Noir. The silky, smoky sweetness suggests drinking with a juicy hamburger.
Lots of juicy acidity and sour cherry candy and leather flavors in this dry, tannic Sangiovese. It can't quite rise above its rustic nature, but fatty beef and cheese dishes will help tame it.
Lots of juicy blackberry, cassis and cedar flavors in this dry, full-bodied young wine. But it's also very tannic, with a lockdown astringency. Seems to have the stuffing for more than six years in the cellar.
Lots of juicy cherry, black raspberry, vanilla and smoky flavors in this soft wine, but it struggles to rise above simplicity. Would benefit from blending with harder, darker, more tannic varieties, like Syrah or Petite Sirah.
Lots of juicy flavor in this dry, jammy wine. It's strong in raspberries, cherries and sweet, smoky sandalwood, with lovely Carneros acidity. Best now and for a few years for freshness and vivacity.
Lots of leather and churned earth on the nose, and with time plum and tomato notes enter the party. It's a forward, aggressive Tempranillo with jumpy red-fruit flavors and a long, angular finish. Not really a wine for connoisseurs, but good for everyday consumption.
Lots of leesy, vanilla richness in this New World-style Chardonnay. It brims with mango, orange and cinnamon spice flavors. Will satisfy fans of this sweet, creamy approach.
Lots of licorice and vanilla, coffee and dark chocolate notes are found, reflecting its 22 months spent in French oak. The fruit is definitely consigned to the back row, but there's plenty of luscious, chocolatey flavor.
Lots of lusciousness in this blush Zin. It may be technically dry, like the label says, but there's a lush fruitiness to the strawberry, watermelon, vanilla and spice flavors. What a great summer brunch wine this is.
Lots of lush blackberry, chocolate and anise flavors in this softly textured blend of Syrah and several other varieties. You'll find some compromising notes of green mint and pepper that accentuate the tannins.
Lots of muscle in this punchy Sauvignon Blanc, with its ripe lemon, lime, orange and papaya flavors, made bright by crisp acidity. Despite a streak of honey, the finish is dry. Additional richness is provided by barrel fermentation and the addition of a little Sémillon.
Lots of mushrooms in the nose, giving it a lively, gamy, forest floor quality. The fruit is there as well, wild berries and cherries, and the finish lingers through layers of complex, interesting flavors.
Lots of new French oak barrel fermentation and lees stirring went into the making of this wine, and it shows the yeasty richness and creamy texture of that expensive handling. Yet the underlying wine is just very good. It has very bright acidity, with slightly sweet flavors of spearmint chewing gum, lemons and limes.
Lots of new French oak gives this wine a pronounced taste of caramel, smoke and vanilla. That's on top of the massive blackberry, cherry, chocolate, green olive and pepper flavors. The result is delicious, but the wine is a bit too hot and soft for balance.
Lots of new oak brings buttered toast flavors to this Chardonnay. Sur lees aging adds notes of sour cream. The underlying fruit veers toward intensely flavored green apples and limes. Tasted in January, the components haven't come together. Give it until the fall of 2013.
Lots of new oak on this young Merlot, and the wood dominates, sending out waves of toast, clove and vanilla-buttered toast aromas. Oak tannins join the grapeskin tannins in making the mouthfeel hard and astringent. The underlying flavors are of blackberries, black cherries, red licorice and unsweetened baker's chocolate. It's a good wine that should develop bottle complexity through 2012.
Lots of new wood here, very spicy, toasty on the nose and palate. There is a dense, firm tannic character as well and the finish offers fresh flavors, typical of 2008. For medium-term aging over 5–7 years.
Lots of new, smoky oak stands out on this polished Cab. Give it a little time in a decanter before you drink, as it pulls together, becoming more powerful and accenting the blackberry and cherry flavors. Should develop for a decade.
Lots of nice blackberry, cassis, plum and new oak flavors in this dry, tannic Cabernet. It hews to an old-fashioned style, with an earthiness that suggests time in the cellar. Try after 2014.
Lots of oak and lees on this Chardonnay, but is never feels overworked. The acidity is brisk, and fruit flavors are rich in apricots, mangoes, tangerines and pears. Don't drink this delicious wine too cold, as it picks up nuances in the glass.
Lots of oak and ripe fruit in this flashy Cabernet. Too much of both, in fact. Explodes in blackberries, cassis, buttered toast and caramel, wrapped into the ripest, sweetest tannins imaginable. But beyond the obvious palate flattery, there's not a whole lot going on.
Lots of oak and ripe fruit in this softly appealing wine. A bit one-dimensional, but delicious and silky, with flamboyant raspberry, cherry and vanilla caramel flavors.
Lots of oak gives the nose a strong coconut essence, while the flavors of baked red plum and berries bring along notes of pepper and spice. This is a meaty, hot wine with maple and resin on the finish. It shows flashes of brilliance but also ruggedness and a few clumsy characteristics.
Lots of oak in this wine. With buttered toast and butterscotch flavors, it overpowers the underlying orange and lemon fruit, which isn't strong enough to stand up under all that wood.
Lots of oak on this Chardonnay, but it's awkward, and feels overworked and sweetly simple, despite some pretty pineapple jam flavors.
Lots of oak on this Chardonnay, which is dominated by toothpicky vanilla and buttered toast aromas and flavors. Underneath is a fine, crisp wine, with tangerine and sweet Meyer lemon flavors.
Lots of oak on this fresh, young Chard. It's a bit too heavy on the char, toast, vanilla, and woodsap, and not enough about the peaches, pears and pineapples.
Lots of oak on this wine, which shows rich vanilla custard, buttered toast and caramel flavors. However, the underlying fruit isn't able to support it. There's some pineapple and nectarine, but the wine ultimately collapses under all the wood.
Lots of oak results in aromas of bacon, charred beef, cinnamon and heavy berry fruit. The wine is big and clangy, but not harsh. The flavors of berries mixed with greens and vanilla are nervy, while in the end the wine shows a solid mouthfeel and decent structure.
Lots of oaky flavors mark this dry wine. Buttered toast, brown butter and vanilla flavors dominate the underlying peach, pear, citrus and mango flavors.
Lots of oaky richness in this dry, crisp Chardonnay. It has high acidity and a dusty minerality, but also a thick coat of sweet, butterscotchy oak and powerful flavors of lemons, limes, pineapples and exotic tropical fruits. Drink over the next four years.
Lots of people will like this sweet young Lodi Zin for its jammy raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, and its tannins will cut through a sugary barbecue sauce. But if you're looking for something dry, go elsewhere.
Lots of people will like this wine, but purists will object to the sugary, almost Porty sweetness. It's undeniably rich and focused in cherries, blackberries, raspberries and vanilla-chocolate truffle, with a delicious edge of smoky, vanilla-accented oak. But it's not a dry wine, more like something you'd sip at a cocktail party.
Lots of pepper and spice in this dry, briary red blend. Could be Zinfandel, except it's not. The components are Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A good value for a wine this complex and delicious.
Lots of peppery, gooseberry and citrus flavors in this dry, crisply acidic wine. It has the clean, zesty mouthfeel of almost all Edna Valley white wines, and satisfies for its depth and finish.
Lots of personality in this Viognier. It has a meaty fleshiness, in addition to the peach pulp, orange and papaya fruit flavors, with fine acidity that makes it all feel clean and lively in the mouth. An interesting wine to pair with modern pan-Asian-fusion fare.
Lots of power and richness in this young, vigorous Pinot Noir. With brisk acids and tannins, it shows complex flavors of cherries, licorice, bacon, cola and Chinese Five Spice. Exotic and interesting, it should develop over the next 3–4 years.
Lots of primary aromas show on this bottling, including Concord grape, grapeseed, raisin and fresh-pressed blackberry juice, along with a hint of licorice. The wine is somewhat light in body, but with lots of enjoyable black fruit and anise flavors.
Lots of pure Cabernet flavor in this pleasant wine. It's rich in black cherry tart, currant, licorice and spice flavors, with a sweet coating of smoky oak. Good price for the quality.
Lots of purity, with acidity and stony minerality providing earthy balance to the lemon, lime and mango fruit flavors. Thoroughly dry, it's a classy wine to drink now.
Lots of racy acidity in this wine, which cleans the mouth and gets those tastebuds watering. It's dry, with zesty grapefruit and lime flavors, accented with an oily touch of petrol. An elegant, exotic wine for cocktail sipping to get the evening started.
Lots of raisins, prunes and heavy baking spice show on the nose of this single-vineyard bottling, as well as hints of black pepper and shredded asphalt. Exotic figs and prunes also make an appearance on the palate, which is framed by a decent tannic grip.
Lots of raspberry and cherry fruit and sweet, caramelized oak in this Pinot Noir. It's rather simple, but crisp in acidity. Not going anywhere, so drink up.
Lots of raspberry and cherry fruit in this Pinot Noir. It's sweet and fruity and crisp in acidity, with a sweet coat of vanilla oak. Drink now.
Lots of raspberry, cherry, vanilla and new oak richness in this Pinot Noir, and it's dry and silky. Would score higher except for intrusive acidity that cuts through the mouth like a scalpel. That makes it unbalanced, even though it's delicious.
Lots of razzle-dazzle in this rich, opulent Chardonnay. Shows buttery, oak-inspired pear and pineapple flavors, with a leesy, creamy mouthfeel, and fine acidity to brighten and balance all that richness. Drink this decadent wine with lobster, scallops, crab or shrimp, or a great ahi tuna tartare with potato chips.
Lots of red flowers, from roses to hibiscus, show alongside plump candied red cherries, exotic Asian spice, black tea and hearty chaparral herbs on the nose of this bottling. The palate is heavy with bay leaf, thyme and eucalyptus served atop a strawberry-cherry base. It's earthy and herbal, yet redolent with ripeness.
Lots of red fruits in this soft, oaky wine. Red cherries, red licorice and red raspberries flood the palate, along with smoky, buttery oak. Simple, but tasty and easy to drink.
Lots of rich blackberries, cherries and chocolate in this Cab, but it's no mere fruit bomb. It's saved by a fine structure of acids and tannins. Very nice price for a wine this good.
Lots of rich blueberry, cherry and blackberry fruit flavors in this Syrah. It's soft in the mouth, with a sweetness that's due to caramelized oak and the glycerine of high alcohol. Not an ager, but delicious now with charred beef.
Lots of rich cherry jam, cola, cranberry and mushroom flavors in this dry, tart Pinot Noir. It's a bit brusque in texture, but the spiciness gives it a savory finish. Drink now.
Lots of rich delights in this fruity blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Zinfandel and Grenache. It's a bit rustic, with zingy acidity, but beautifully layered, with flavors of wild berries, cherries, tobacco, crisp smoky bacon and sweet oak.
Lots of rich flavors in this affordably priced Chard. It brims with golden mango, orange jam, buttercream, butterscotch, glazed donut and caramel flavors, finished with zesty acidity.
Lots of rich flavors of blackberry, black currant, bacon, pepper and clove in this Syrah, which comes from the winery's big vineyard on Spring Mountain. Feels luxurious in the mouth, with a silky texture and a deep, long finish. It's a bit brusque in tannins, but that's part of its structural distinction. Drink it over the next few years.
Lots of rich raspberry, cherry and cola flavors in this Pinot Noir. It has a delicate, silky texture and some true complexity, but is a little too soft to age. Drink up.
Lots of rich, complex raspberry, cherry, red currant and spice flavors in this dry, silky wine. It's quite well made, although it is a little sharp. Could develop, but seems best opened by 2014.
Lots of rich, extracted cherry pie, chocolate and cassis flavors in this soft, oaky Cabernet. It's a little sweet and hot, but will drink well now with grilled steak.
Lots of rich, forward pineapple, ripe pear jam, vanilla cream and buttered toast flavors in this Chardonnay. It will satisfy your sweet tooth, with its honey-rich finish. Drink now.
Lots of rich, heady flavors in this delicious young Cabernet Sauvignon. It appeals now for the intense blackberry, cherry, cassis, dark chocolate and anise flavors, but such is the tannic intensity that it should easily age. Hold until 2015 and try again.
Lots of rich, layered black cherry and currant fruit in this dry Cabernet, which was blended with some Cab Franc and Petite Verdot. There are also interesting notes of mushrooms beginning to emerge as the wine picks up bottle age. The finish, though, is simple despite some firm tannins, and it's hard to see the wine going anywhere, so drink up.
Lots of rich, oaky blackberry, cherry and currant flavors in this dry, appealing Syrah. There's a roasted meat and black-pepper note that adds appeal, but also a green streak of unripe fruit. Drink up.
Lots of rich, ripe black currants in this chunky wine, with other notes of leather, dark chocolate and pepper. But it has a dry, tannic bitterness to it. May be a function of youth, and could blossom unexpectedly one of these days.
Lots of rich, ripe blackberry and cassis flavors in this dry, full-bodied Cabernet. It's quite scoury in youth, with strong, edgy tannins and a hit of zippy acidity. Give it 5–6 years in the cellar to begin to calm down.
Lots of rich, ripe blackberry, mocha, spice and oak flavors in this dry, robust blend. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and other varieties, it's a lusty young wine to drink now.
Lots of rich, ripe fruit in this Cabernet, which comes from the Happy Canyon area of the warmer eastern part of the valley. It shows deliciously forward blackberry, blueberry and cherry flavors, with a sweet overlay of toasty oak and rich, firm tannins. Dry and lovely, it's fine to drink now.
Lots of rich, ripe raspberry and cherry jam fruit in this dry, briskly acidic Pinot Noir. Oak shows up in the form of buttered cinnamon toast. It's a little irregular in tannins, but delicious for drinking now, after decanting.
Lots of rich, ripe varietal flavor in this dry, tannic young Cabernet. It's strong in blackberries and cassis, with a cedary edge that has the scent of a cigar box. Firm enough to develop some bottle complexity over the next 6 years or so.
Lots of rich, savory Pinot flavors in this silky wine. It's kind of generic, and not showing much sense of terroir, but it is a properly grown coastal wine whose brisk acidity highlights cola, pomegranate and persimmon flavors. Drink up.
Lots of rich, spicy blackberry, chocolate and bacon flavors in this Syrah. It's smooth in the mouth, with some scoury tannins. Good for drinking over the next 2–3 years, especially with lamb.
Lots of rich, sweet flavors of raspberry, cherry and mocha appear in this vigorous, young Merlot. Blended from vineyards around the valley, it emphasizes fruit. Drink now with beef-based Mexican food.
Lots of richness and a multi-layered personality make this deep-colored, full-bodied wine delicious and interesting too. It's a big red, with bold berry and black cherry flavors, an especially attractive texture that's velvety and firm at the same time, and a long, lingering finish.
Lots of richness in this dry, minerally Chardonnay. It has forward flavors of peaches, pears, baked green apples and flint, while lots of new oak contributes honey and caramel notes.
Lots of richness in this smoky young Merlot. You'll find detailed flavors of grilled blackberries, red and black cherry preserves, leather, anise and cedar. It's a finely structured, dry wine whose tannins will work against rosemary-scented broiled lamb chops.
Lots of ripe apple and tropical fruits, lots of butterscotch and caramel flavors, but not too heavy. Good balance, good acids, a very appealing, forward style which isn't too oaky or heavy for food.
Lots of ripe berry and pomegranate notes give a fruity profile to this dry, medium-bodied, fresh and lightly tannic wine. It will be a good quaffing wine for lunch or dinner with mushroom pizza or grilled chicken.
Lots of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit in this Cabernet, accented with notes of licorice and oak. It's a good wine, full-bodied, tannic and dry. Very good now, especially after a brief decant, but too dependent on fruit for a higher score, and doesn't seem like an ager.
Lots of ripe blackberry and cherry jam flavors in this soft Merlot. It's really too sweet for comfort, but plenty of consumers will like it. Production was 65,000 cases.
Lots of ripe blackberry, black cherry and cocoa flavors in this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend. But the tannins are a bit sharp and green, giving the wine a bite that won't age out.
Lots of ripe blackberry, cherry, currant, licorice and cedar flavors in this dry, tannic wine. It's a little rude in texture, with a jagged mouthfeel that could age out, but you never know. Give it a good long decant before serving.
Lots of ripe blackberry, currant, toasty oak and spice flavors shine in this dry, tannic young Cabernet. Small proportions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc add complexity to the blend. Drink it over the next few years.
Lots of ripe cherries, blackberries and dried herbs in this young, vigorous wine. Shows considerable power and authority, at the loss perhaps of some charm and elegance. Drink it over the next 6–8 years.
Lots of ripe fruit in this wine, offering rich flavors of raspberries, cherries, persimmons and red plums, with a tart note of cranberry. Tastes fresh, lively, and rather young. Drink over the next six years.
Lots of ripe pineapple, peach and tropical fruit flavors in this Chard, as well as a nice hit of sweet, smoky oak, with a honeyed finish. It's certainly rich, but the acidity is strong.
Lots of ripe raspberries, persimmons and vanilla in this fairly dark blush wine, along with notes of tobacco and cinnamon. The finish is sweet, suggesting pairing with charcuterie and goat cheese.
Lots of ripe raspberry, cherry, cola and sandalwood flavors in this Pinot Noir. It has elegant, silky texture, with bright acidity, but you do want to drink it now before the fruit fades away.
Lots of ripe raspberry, strawberry and lime flavors are found in this sweetish blush bubbly. It's brisk in acidity, with a nice doughiness, although it could be smoother.
Lots of ripe red cherry, pomegranate, cola and sandalwood flavors in this dry Pinot Noir. It lacks vibrant acidity to give life to the richness. Drink now.
Lots of ripe strawberries, raspberries and sweet smoky oak in this silky young Pinot Noir. It tastes a bit too extracted and jammy for subtlety, but sure does offer a mouthful of flavor.
Lots of ripe tropical fruit and peach flavors in this Chard, along with oak notes of buttered toast. You'll also find mouthwatering acidity and a creamy, leesy finish.
Lots of ripe Zinny character in this wine, which is a blend of vineyards from throughout the valley. It's enormously rich in raspberry and cherry jam fruit, spiced with cinnamon, cloves and anise, and finished with sweet, smoky sandalwood.
Lots of ripe, cheerful flavors of raspberry and cherry jam and cola are found in this vibrant wine. It shows oak, too, in the form of sweet buttered cinnamon toast. The mouthfeel is pure Pinot: silky, velvety and delicate. Delicious for drinking now with everything from grilled steak to ahi tuna.
Lots of ripe, flashy black currant, cherry, licorice, plum jam and smoky oak flavors in this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. It's rich in tannins, and a little soft, but delicious. You can drink it now, but you can also cellar it through 2019 to let it slowly change.
Lots of ripe, forward blackberry and cherry fruit in this likeable wine. It's a little on the sweet, simple side, but nicely crafted, and the price is good for what you get.
Lots of ripe, forward citrus, tropical fruit, melon and peach flavors in this slightly sweet Sauvignon Blanc. A bit of oak brings a nice smoky creaminess. More controversial is the green, gooseberry tartness that will divide wine lovers into pro and con.
Lots of ripe, jammy blackberry, cherry and chocolate fruit and sweet smoky oak in this wine, but not much else in the way of structure. Ready now.
Lots of ripe, luscious raspberry, cherry and mocha fruit in this Cabernet. It has good acidity and some fine tannins. One drawback is the finish, which is rich in brown sugar and glycerine, with high alcohol. Drink up.
Lots of ripe, lush blackberry and cherry jam, mocha and cassis liqueur flavors in this full-bodied Cab. Tastes younger than it really is, with some brisk acids and firm tannins. Give it another 3–4 years in the cellar to let the parts continue to evolve.
Lots of ripe, pleasurable flavors of blackberries, black currants, dark chocolate, plums and oak in this dry, nicely structured Cabernet. It's pretty tannic, though, with a tough astringency, and doesn't have the fruit to outlast the tannins over time, so give it a decant and drink soon.
Lots of ripe, sweet blackberry, raspberry and cherry fruit flavors in this soft, tannic Bordeaux blend, based on Cabernet Sauvignon. It's dry, but high alcohol glycerine, combined with the fruity extract, make it taste almost like Port. Drink now.
Lots of ripe, sweet jammy cherry and raspberry fruit in this polished Pinot. Crisp acidity gives it a fortunate balance. It's for drinking now.
Lots of Russian River character in this supple Pinot. It's drily elegant and silky, with refreshing acidity providing a boost to the cola, cherry, pomegranate and persimmon fruit flavors. Drink it over the next few months.
Lots of savory raspberry and cherry pie flavors in this soft, slightly heavy Pinot Noir. Oak barrel aging shows up as rich notes of buttered toast. It's a flashy, opulent wine for drinking now.
Lots of sharp-edged oak around a soft, plummy, chocolate-covered cherry of a wine. Smooth and easy-drinking, up to a fairly tannic finish. The acids keep everything in balance.
Lots of sharp acidity in this dry Nebbiolo. The tartness gives it a taste of sour cherry candy. Ready now.
Lots of silky, sensual berry, mocha, red currant and sweet sandalwood flavors in this softly approachable Merlot, which hails from the emerging Coombsville region. It has a good hit of acidity and tannins.
Lots of smoky oak frames modest flavors of pineapples in this creamy wine. Production was 6,300 cases.
Lots of smoky, spicy oak on this wine. The wood is the dominant feature right now, overshadowing the blackberry, cherry,  cassis and cocoa flavors. The mountain tannins also are strong, suggesting ageability. Should hold and soften through 2012.
Lots of smoky, toasted-oak aromas and tight, dark fruit flavors meet a firm and very tannic texture and dry mouthfeel in this full-bodied wine. Too intense to enjoy now, this will need until at least 2018 to turn more smooth and drinkable.
Lots of smooth tannins and succulent raspberry, cherry, cocoa and cedar flavors in this dry Cabernet. It's a bit sharp, but will pair nicely with steaks and chops, and the price isn't bad.
Lots of spearmint, coyote mint, hot licorice, ginger snaps and Dr Pepper spice up the strawberry fruit of this wine that provides a very herbal take on the grape. Oregano, marjoram, thyme and dill all make a showing on the sip, against a backbone of sweet cherry and blackberry fruit, finishing on cedar.
Lots of spice, leather and cherry character. Intense on the palate with mixed berry and violet flavors. Medium bodied, with fresh acidity on the medium finish and chewy tannins. Best after 2010.
Lots of spicy Zin flavors in this affordable wine. It's soft and rich, yet dry, with briary blackberry, black currant, cocoa and spice flavors that finish with a warm headiness.
Lots of stone fruit ripeness marks the nose of this wine, with aomas of nectarine and peach cut by the sharpness of apple skins. The palate is all green apples and lime juice.
Lots of structure in this Syrah, with brisk acids and firm tannins. It's bone dry and silky in texture, with interesting flavors of berries, licorice, sautéed mushrooms and salty smoked meat. Elegant now, after a brief decanting, and should hold for a couple of years.
Lots of sun-ripened berry fruit, with smooth tannins and a nice, dry finish, but there's a tart edge of acidity that time won't resolve. Tastes almost like an old Chianti, and best consumed with rich, oily fare.
Lots of sweet-smelling new-oak flavor permeates this dry, medium-bodied and moderately tannic wine. Aromas suggest toasted French bread and the flavors blend chocolate and cherries.
Lots of sweet berry flavors and equally large doses of fine-grained tannins are the opposite poles in this full-bodied blend. It smells like boysenberry and blackberry jam, with similar fruit notes on the palate. Then very firm tannins kick in, making the texture at once blanketing and a bit drying. This has so much flavor that time in the bottle will tame some of those tannins and leave plenty of character to enjoy. Best after 2019.
Lots of sweet cherry fruit in this polished red wine, which also shows the char and cedary flavors of oak barrel aging. It's gentle in tannins and has enough acidity for balance. A nice, everyday wine that brings to mind well-sauced pasta dishes.
Lots of sweet fruit is right up front here—super ripe berry/cherry flavors—that quickly fade and leave a rather dull finish. It's two thirds Cabernet Franc, the rest a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and just a splash of Petit Verdot.
Lots of sweet raspberry, cherry and sugar-coated doughnut flavors in this simple little Pinot. It has the virtues of silkiness and good acidity. Drink now.
Lots of sweet red and blue fruits in this simple, forward Cabernet Sauvignon. Caramelized oak, too, makes it taste more like a dessert wine than a properly dry table wine.
Lots of sweet, fruity richness in this Cabernet. It has ripe flavors of blackberries, blueberries and cherries, wrapped into smooth tannins, with hints of smoky oak. They've done a good job to produce a wine this tasty at a fair price.
Lots of sweet, ripe cherries in this Syrah, which also shows classic, cool-climate aromas of black pepper. A disagreeable note of crushed cigarette butts is a big minus.
Lots of sweet, smoky oak on this wine, with flavors of pineapples, peaches, limes, vanilla and honey. It's balanced with crisp acidity. Drink now.
Lots of sweet, smoky, vanilla-accented oak in this Cab, but the blackberry and cherry fruit is enormous, easily capable of handing the wood influence. It's a flashy Cabernet, ripe and smooth and softly delicious. Seems best now and for the next few years.
Lots of tangy acidity in this Chard, and tannins too. It has a grainy, stubborn mouthfeel. Shows plenty of pineapple, orange, apricot and lime flavors, with sweet oak essence, but cant quite overcome that resistant tug. Drink now.
Lots of tannins and acidity on this dry Grenache, but it's so rich and sweet in cherries, you can drink it now. Somehow manages to be fun and serious at the same time. A real success for this finicky variety in California.
Lots of tannins and zingy acidity in this young 100% Cabernet. That's what the cool climate of Atlas Peak brings. Despite the massive blackberry and cassis richness, the wine is somewhat fierce now, suggesting 4–5 years, and possibly far longer, in a cool cellar.
Lots of tart gooseberries and savory lemongrass flavors in this Sauvignon Blanc. Yet there's a sweet vanilla cream richness, even though it was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Very clean and nice, a versatile white wine at a good price.
Lots of toasted, smoky, coffee-like aromas and flavors coat the raspberry and tart blackberry core of this medium-bodied wine. It's a bit much in terms of oak, but makes a fun exercise, especially when paired with its sister wine made in American oak.
Lots of toasty new oak marks this Chardonnay, as well as bright, citrusy acidity. It's young, vibrant and energetic, and undoubtedly complex. Beginning with flavors of Meyer lemons, apricots and limes, it evolves in the glass with flavors of minerals, white flowers and honey. This should last six years or so.
Lots of toasty new oak on this potent California Chardonnay. Malolactic fermentation and sur lees aging give it a buttered popcorn creaminess, while the underlying fruit is vibrant in acidity, suggesting candied apricots and tangerines.
Lots of toasty oak can't hide the fact that the underlying wine has a strong vegetal note, with some apricot and pineapple flavors. Tasted twice.
Lots of toasty oak on this Pinot, but also plenty of rich, unctuous fruit to support it. Shows ample flavors of cloves, cinnamon, ripe wild cherries, and earthy, forest floor notes of balsam and dried pine needles. The texture is lightly delicate and silky, with crisp acidity. Really shows off the Clos Pepe terroir in a delightful way.
Lots of toasty, caramelized oak tones combine with ripe flavors of pineapples, pears and green apples. It seems a little sweet on the finish, but that's balanced by a swirl of acidity. Drink now.
Lots of tough, old-fashioned tannins on this pugnacious young Cabernet. While it has a good core of blackberries and currants, it's pretty brutal on the palate. Hard to tell if the fruit will outlast the astringency. Try after 2018.
Lots of tropical fruit, orange, lime, pear and buttered popcorn flavors in this Chardonnay. It's very bright in acidity, and is almost honey-sweet on the finish.
Lots of tropical fruit, pear, peach, green apple, vanilla, honey and creamy flavors in this Chardonnay. Also lots of zesty acidity, which brightens the flavors and makes the wine finish clean. Drink it now.
Lots of unripe, green flavors compromise this wine. Although it's nicely dry and acidic, with a good citrus flavor, it has a green bean note and a sourness that's hard to enjoy.
Lots of upfront lemon, lime, orange and tropical fruit flavors in this wine, which is balanced with crisp acidity and finishes dry. A tang of minerality helps to make it clean and vibrant. Great food wine, especially with Asian fare.
Lots of varietal character in this Syrah, with its peppery flavors of blackberries, currants, anise and teriaki beef. There's a little heat from alcohol. Drink now.
Lots of vibrantly ripe fruit in this wine, with mouthfilling flavors of raspberries, cherries and cola. It's delicious in an upfront way, with a supporting structure of acids and tannins and a sweet coat of oak. Drink over the next year or two before it fades.
Lots of voluptuous softness in the mouth, like velvet gliding over the palate. But you'll also experience serious tannins that hit midway, creating a lockdown astringency. Evidence of ageability lies in the massive core of blackberries and cassis, as well as the overall balance and tang of acidity on the finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based Bordeaux blend should hit its stride after 2012 and continue for many years.
Lots of white flowers, from jasmine to lilies, show on the nose of this well-priced bottling, alongside poached pears and lime sorbet. The palate packs tangy pungency, with Anjou pear and Granny Smith apple flavors.
Lots of wood on the nose, and some scents of pickle that reflect the American oak barrels. The flavors follow along, spicy cranberry and raspberry fruit, with streaks of pickle and wood and a burst of alcoholic heat in the finish. The blend includes 17% Mourvèdre.
Lots of zesty acidity and minerals in this Chardonnay, but also lots of richness. Brims with ripe pineapples, peaches, papayas and green apples, with extra levels of buttered toast and honey. A crowd-pleasing wine to drink now.
Lots of zesty acidity in this Syrah. Maybe too much, as it's so tart, it distracts attention from the flavors. But what flavors they are. Dramatic in blackberries, cherries, currants, cola and bacon, accented with sweetly toasted oak. You can try aging it, but the acidity seems to rule that out.
Lots of zesty acidity in this wonderfully complex, exotic Pinot Noir, which comes from the true Sonoma Coast, in the Fort Ross area. It's explosive in wild summer raspberries and cherries, briary nettles, vanilla bean and spices, with a perfect coating of sweetly caramelized oak. Very pure and refined, and best enjoyed young.
Lots of zesty, crunchy acidity marks this wine, giving it a brisk mouthfeel. Beyond that clean dryness, you'll find complex raspberry fruit flavors, enhanced with sweet oak and vanilla. Drink this vineyard-blended, elegant wine now.
Lots of zesty, mouthwatering acidity in this Chardonnay. The pineapple, crème brûlée, buttered toast and vanilla flavors are so rich that they require balance, which the zippy acidity provides. Maybe a touch too oaky, but that's a matter of personal preference.
Lots of zingy acidity in this Chardonnay, along with ripe, jammy apricot, tangerine and lemon fruit flavors. It's an easy wine at an easy price.
Lots of zingy acidity in this Pinot, but also lots of fruit. Explodes in sunny California raspberries, cherries, blackberries and pomegranates, with a rich coating of sweet oak. Drink this flashy wine now and through 2015.
Lots of zippy acidity in this bone-dry Pinot Noir, a testament to the chilly vintage. If you can get past the tartness, you'll find a rich vein of wild cherry, cranberry and cola fruit flavor. Ready now.
Lots of zippy acidity in this Chardonnay. Lots of sweetness, too. Tastes like lemon and pineapple pie filling, with heat from the alcohol.
Lots of zippy acidity in this dry wine, which has those tart, green gooseberry flavors you find in New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. But It's also rich in yellow tropical fruits.
Lots of zippy acidity in this fresh, dry, clean Sauvignon Blanc. It's unoaked, which allows the Meyer lemon, orange and guava fruit to star. There's a sweet vanilla taste that must come from the grapes. A beautiful, complex white wine to drink now.
Lots to admire in this Cab. It's bone dry and rich in blackberry and cedar flavors, with overtones of mocha, anise and toast, and is very tannic. Clearly made in a leaner style than today's high-alcohol cult style, it trades some richness for elegance and finesse. This is a wine that puts its bet on cellaring. Try after 2013.
Lots to admire in this dry, full-bodied Merlot. It's forward and charming in sour red cherry candy, blueberry and herb flavors, with a nice edge of smoky oak. Contains a little Cabernet and Zinfandel for complexity, and the alcohol is nice and low. Great price.
Lots to admire in this wine, but it's not without its challenges. Likeable is the restrained alcohol and pleasant, silky texture that prevents heaviness. Flavorwise, there's a green, bell pepper streak to the riper cherries and black raspberries.
Lots to like about this wine, from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain. Shows firm, fine tannins and well-developed blackberry and cherry flavors. But there's a disturbingly hot, sweet quality, the result of excessive alcohol, and also a sweaty, animal taste that possibly comes from brettanomyces spoilage.
Lots to like at this price. The wine is honeyed, with crisp acidity and ripe green apple and tropical fruit flavors. Easy to drink with ethnic fare, from Vietnamese to Indian and Mexican chicken dishes.
Lots to like here, especially the complex array of black raspberry jam, cola, tobacco, baking spice and sandalwood flavors. The tannins are nice and smooth, and there's enough acidity for balance. While the official alcohol is 14.5% by volume, the wine does have some jalapeño pepper heat in the mouth.
Lots to like in this 100% Cabernet. It's rich in red and black currants, cassis and chocolate flavors and fully dry, with a fine minerality that adds to the structure. But the alcohol is on the high side, and it feels too soft for balance. Drink soon.
Lots to like in this Cabernet, which has ripe, juicy flavors of blackberry, plum, dark chocolate and flashy oak. Made thoroughly in the modern style, it's marked by soft tannins and a certain uniformity. Drink now.
Lots to like in this creative blend of Vermentino, Verdelho, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. It's well acidified, with citrus, orange blossom, peach, apricot, buttercream and mineral flavors. Just a bit too sweet, though, with a sugary taste throughout.
Lots to like in this dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. It shows ripe grapefruit, peach, lemongrass, peppery spice and gooseberry flavors, but those sensitive   to aggressively pungent scents will be turned off.
Lots to like in this dry, fruity Chardonnay. It has flavors of tropical fruits, buttered toast and caramel, wrapped into a rich, creamy mouthfeel. But it's pretty acidic, if you're sensitive to prickliness in your wines.
Lots to like in this dry, silky Pinot Noir. Easy to imagine drinking it with a nice steak with mushrooms. It's rich in cherry, cola, mushroom and beef teriaki flavors. A little soft, and not an ager, but fine now.
Lots to like in this Lake County wine. It's very crisp in acidity and clean, with a minerally scour to the lemon, lime and kiwi flavors. On the minus side, it's rather sweet, which gives it a fruit juice quality.
Lots to like in this ripe Chardonnay. It has fruit-forward pineapple, kiwi and apricot flavors, brightened with citrusy acidity, and enriched by sweet, smoky oak. A rich, elegant wine to drink now with lamb, ahi tuna or by itself as an appetizer.
Lots to like in this silky wine. It has a very pure, light feeling in the mouth, with pleasant cherry, cranberry, cola and sandalwood flavors. But it tastes too tutti-fruity sweet throughout, and turns candied on the finish.
Lots to like in this smooth, polished Chardonnay. It shows plenty of ripe pineapple, peach and pear flavors, with overtones of vanilla and buttered toast. Good price for the quality.
Lots to like in this Syrah. It's fruit-forward and rich in tannins, with a fresh cut of acidity. The flavors of blackberries and cherries mix with currants, mocha and leather. Drink now.
Lots to like in this vibrant young Pinot. It's silky yet has some weight to it, with layers of cherry jam, cola and a spicy meatiness. Should develop interest over the next 5–6 years, but you can certainly drink it now.
Loud berry and oak aromas are a touch herbal. Typical for Mendoza Malbec, this is round and oaky on the palate, with related vanilla, licorice and bitter coffee flavors on top of core blackberry. A relatively smooth finish makes this well worth a go.
Loud citrus and berry aromas precede an overloaded palate that carries stalky plum flavors. Pickled tasting on the finish.
Loud on the nose, with big berry aromas, this Cabernet is full and lively in the mouth, with brown sugar, chocolate and cassis flavors. On the finish, it's warm and maintains a chocolaty flavor from before. Overall, this is loaded with ripe cherry, plum and berry fruit, and still it's not a complicated wine.
Loud, briny raspberry aromas are not shy and come with a note of latex. This is wide and blocky in feel, with heavy, baked flavors of raspberry and stewed plum. Oak spice and mild peppery bitterness on the finish are ponderous.
Loud, charred aromas start out gaseous but turn more elegant, peppery and lightly herbal with airing. This wine is ripe, deeply built and firm in feel; flavors of cassis and sweet, candied blackberry finish subtle and quietly long.
Louis Max has a particular affinity with the Côte Chalonnaise and this structured and firm wine shows good judgment. With acidity and a mineral element along with the fragrant berry fruits, the wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from 2016.
Louisa Lindquist produces this almost Pinot Noir-like Tempranillo from her cool climate site in the southern Edna Valley. It leads with red cherry and rust scents and shows more red cherry, iron and baking spice flavors on the palate, leaving a delicate and refreshing impression laced with rocky minerality.
Louisa Sawyer Lindquist's racy bottling would make the Rías Baixas crowd happy. Asian pear, nectarine, crushed rock and pithy citrus aromas bring great tension to the nose. The palate delivers a chalky minerality, bright and fresh acidity and refreshing if slightly sour lime peel flavors.
Lovage, ripe pear and a yeasty undertone speak separately before uniting into a mellow, food-friendly, concentrated but streamlined white. There is lots of subtly spiced midpalate interest to linger over. This cries out for food, especially soft cheeses.
Love the label--a graphic representation of the owner's solo 1990 flight from Oz to England in a Tiger Moth--but the wine shows some unappetizing aromas of pickle juice and the fruit on the palate comes across as a bit sour and green.
Loved the 2008 but at this point in time I can't say the same about this bottling. It's vegetal, with heavy bell pepper and asparagus aromas and flavors. Low-volume zest and kick indicates that it has turned; best to wait for the 2010 because this is too green and flat.
Lovely and aromatic notes of ripe orange flesh and peel are abundant on nose and palate. The flavors are made zingy by zesty grapefruit and seem to have a fizz all of their own that sprays freshness. A most appetizing, enlivening Riesling with great verve.
Lovely and aromatic, it's made in large enough quantities to be easily found. Lemon curd and orange blossom pop out first, followed by a soft, minerally midpalate and an intense finish of citrus. A good white to stock up on for a myriad of occasions.
Lovely and fresh notes of red apple are joined by a livelier tangier citrus note on the nose. The dry palate is very light, almost weightless and fizzes away with a very fine mousse. There is real depth of fruit and a knowingly light touch. It is lovely as an elegant apéritif but sophisticated enough to be served alongside food. The finish is tart, lasting and grown-up.
Lovely and fresh, this piles on flavors of Bosc pear, with the texture to match. It's a wonderful expression of the grape coming from the eastern Washington region, accented with lovely, delicate baking spices.
Lovely and fresh, this versatile wine is bursting with melon, white peach and green pineapple fruit flavors. As before, the bright acidity and perfect balance mean that it will accompany mild cheeses, roasted fowl and lighter seafood dishes. Think of Pinot Blanc as the more elegant cousin to Pinot Gris, and you've got it pegged.
Lovely and fresh, this wine opens with heady scents of beeswax, wild flower and apple. The bright palate offers ripe pear, creamy peach and citrus alongside bright acidity and light mineral note.
Lovely and generous notes of juicy ripe pear are most inviting on the nose. The concentrated punchy palate cuts in with welcome lemon zestiness and that wonderful Grüner spiciness of freshly milled white pepper. The lovely texture of the midpalate, combined with that lemony verve, is totally disarming.
Lovely and lilting, like a cloud in a glass. Shows true Pinot essence in the silky texture and rich flavors of cherries, black raspberries, cola, mocha and pepper spice, firmed and toned with crisp Carneros acidity.
Lovely and pure notes of Conference pear hover above a concentrated taut body. This is dry and has a pleasantly bitter pithy edge that seems to draw out the precision of the fruit even more. The palate is streamlined, taut and energetic and the finish is long and impressive with a final flourish of pear and citrus.
Lovely and rich, drinking beautifully, this limited reserve celebrates the 10-year collaboration of Tom Waliser (grower) and Tom Glase (winemaker). Fleshy strawberry, mulberry and cherry fruit leads smoothly into a broad midpalate with notes of leaf and herb. Silky tannins wrap into a clean and delicious finish.
Lovely apple fruit plays on the nose. The palate is very light and dry, but has a slightly bitter edge that suggests that this might be better with food than as an apéritif. The finish is beautifully dry and invitingly tart.
Lovely aromas include red rose, violet, red berry, leather and baking spices. The bright, succulent palate doles out Morello cherry, mint, white pepper, balsamic notes and hints of coffee and vanilla alongside compact tannins. It has nice depth but needs time to develop complexity. Drink 2020–2040
Lovely aromas meld rose petals and raspberries, while flavors convey sweet cherries with a dash of chocolate. Light hints of leaf and stem add complexity to the midpalate, and a hint of bacon surprises and delights in the finish.
Lovely aromas of black olive and dried spices (cinnamon and clove) are followed by dark, earthy flavors. It's full in the mouth and a bit creamy in texture, with supple, velvety tannins on the somewhat abbreviated finish.
Lovely aromas of bramble berries, cassis, fennel and baking spice give way to similar notes on the palate. There is also a lovely cedar flavor that comes into play. The tannins are smooth and well integrated, while the medium-length finish offers a bright acidic lift.
Lovely aromas of marmalade, orange blossom, peach, honeysuckle and cantaloupe waft from the glass. These notes translate onto the palate, which is viscous and mouthcoating, yet balanced by a lifted acidity that preserves a lingering finish.
Lovely aromas of plum, crushed violet, iris and cake spice mingle in the glass. The delicious, smooth palate doles out layers of ripe black cherry, blackberry, white pepper and cinnamon alongside velvety tannins. It's already tempting but will age well for a decade or more. Drink 2017–2027.
Lovely aromas of rose, violet, perfumed berry, mint and a balsamic note waft from the glass. The elegant palate delivers crushed red cherry, wild strawberry, orange zest, savory herb and cinnamon. It's balanced with fine-grained tannins and loaded with finesse.
Lovely aromas of Spanish Broom, white cherry, peach and light spice emerge on this radiant, elegant wine. The crisp palate offers Kaiser pear, apple, nectarine zest, white pepper and a hint of ginger. Vibrant acidity carries the flavors while a pronounced mineral note energizes the finish.
Lovely aromas pour from the glass, a heady mix of lime, Asian pear, cucumber and apple. In the mouth some sweet honey pours over the crisp fruit, and the wine feels lush and perfectly melded, despite its youth. Residual sugar is under 2% and the alcohol just 12%.
Lovely aromas show sweet fruit, cherry candy flavors, along with some green tannins in a tart, tight finish.
Lovely aromatics conjure up rose petals, a dash of body powder and ripe citrus. The fruit is very ripe, with almost a candy character, and there's a sensation of powdered sugar. But despite the almost 14g/L residual sugar, it's more sweet/tart than syrupy, keeping it sappy and refreshing.
Lovely aromatics greet you from the moment the cork is pulled, showing a brambly blend of black cherry, cassis, cola and a whiff of dusty barnyard. The tannins are well structured with a black-tea finish. Drink now through 2025.
Lovely aromatics introduce this approachable young Pinot. Scents and flavors of strawberries, raspberries and cherries abound, coming into focus in a generous midpalate. The flavors hang on beautifully, set against framing tannins and supporting acidity. The finish brings a pretty touch of baking spices.
Lovely aromatics introduce this single vineyard Syrah with a snootfull of raspberry, pomegranate, cherry and rock. There's an elusive whiff of diesel also, lifting the palate of this very young, very compact wine. This could easily go 8–10 years in the cellar.
Lovely aromatics introduce this subtly powerful Pinot Noir. Floral highlights lead into tart cherry fruit that seems to gather strength as it flows across the palate. There are hints of mineral and a splash of coffee in the lingering finish.
Lovely aromatics mix floral, fruit and barrel components in equal proportion. The wine has some solid tannins, and sits in the mouth with a bit of gravitas. Wild cherry, raspberry, fresh herb, and a little stiffness to the finish. Definitely a wine to age a few more years.
Lovely aromatics push scents of espresso, cassis, truffle and baker's chocolate right up front. The wine is polished, fine-boned and balanced, with taut cranberry and raspberry fruit. It brings in subtle accents of chalk, earth, rock and lead pencil, building to a firm, beautifully structured finish.
Lovely aromatics shine in this low-alcohol, dry Riesling. Tangerine, lemon, apple and a hint of honey are in play. It's light, fresh and quite tart, yet the flavors show good concentration and length. Orange flesh and peel are in the forefront, with streaks of Meyer lemon and pineapple.
Lovely aromatics suggest wet stone, raspberry and pomegranate. This is a sleek, subtle wine. Its winery notes suggest it is a “slow bloomer” in the glass, which proves out if you give it that chance. It's balanced and resonant, with the promise of further improvement with another few years of bottle age.
Lovely attack, plummy and evolved, with no rough edges. The fruit is soft and sweet, layered and full, and the overall palate impression is of elegance and balance. This is a terrific drink-me-now bottle with nicely aged flavors.
Lovely body and texture in this light and silky wine, with its soft tannins and crisp acidity. The flavors suggest tea, cranberry, and fruits such as black cherry and raspberry. Complex and interesting, this is fun to drink.
Lovely cassis and jam scents are hampered by some slight musty aromas, which eventually give way to a blast of black licorice. Burnt sugar and cassis dominate the soft, sweetish palate that offers just a bit of grip. The short finish is reminiscent of a raspberry cordial. Drink up.
Lovely cinnamon-tinged blueberry and plum notes rise enticingly from the glass. The palate is firm and fresh, cracking with taut, ripe plum and cherry fruit. This is fresh-faced and honest red with just the right amount of grip and structure. The finish is beautifully clean.
Lovely citrus-heightened notes of pear color a dry, fresh, clear-cut palate. With time, the fruit gains more nuances of both tart and red apple. A beautifully balanced wine.
Lovely concentration and texture make this a standout and the best wine yet from newcomer Adamant Cellars. Berries and cassis fruit flavors are crisply defined and annotated with smoke and earth; the wine has grip and length.
Lovely delineation here, the berry/cherry fruit framed with coffee and chocolate from a 50/50 mix of French and American oak barrels. The surprise is the addition (via co-fermentation) of 6% Viognier, which stabilizes color and gives a pleasing, floral/citrus lift to the scents and flavors. Good balance and follow through.
Lovely dessert-style Riesling at an extremely attractive price. It yields dried apricot aromas, then turns to honeyed marmalade in the mouth, just loaded with orange-apricot preserves. It's weighty and viscous, with a long, sweet finish. Should last through at least 2016.
Lovely enticing freshness of freshly cut Conference pear jumps from the glass. On the palate, the pear fruit becomes fleshed out with more juiciness and ripeness and shines with its pristine purity. There is a lovely phenolic edge that gives guiding structure alongside lemon freshness. This is concentrated but not heavy, rounded but utterly refreshing. This strikes a great balance between freshness and generosity and has a dry lip-smacking finish.
Lovely floral aromas of white spring flower meld together with scents of an orchard in bloom and a whiff of bread crust. The creamy palate doles out apple, yellow peach, toasted nut and a hint of honey alongside a persistent perlage.
Lovely floral scents of black locust flower, orange blossom and a whiff of aromatic herb float out of the glass. The round but elegantly structured palate offers white peach, white currant, sage and mineral. Soft acidity lifts the creamy flavors.
Lovely floral scents of violet and iris mingle with dark fruit and a whiff of exotic spice. The elegant, structured palate offers fleshy black cherry, ripe raspberry, white pepper, anise and chopped mint alongside fine-grained tannins. A hint of mocha closes the finish. It's already tempting but hold to let this unwind and fully develop. Drink 2019–2026.
Lovely fragrances of pressed powder, black berries, rose and tilled soil waft from the glass. The firm palate offers wild cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, licorice and savory herb alongside tightly knit but refined tannins. Fresh acidity balances this out but it's still young and not fully developed. Drink 2020–2030.
Lovely fragrances of strawberry and alpine herb continue to the bright palate. Fresh acidity and silky tannins support the juicy red berry and spicy cedar flavors. It's well balanced and elegant. Drink through 2019.
Lovely freshness rises: pear peel and citrus leaf, grapefruit zest and ripe mirabelle plum. The palate holds the same lusciously ripe notions still in a very tight embrace, bound with the freshest zestiest lemon. Those opposing poles of luscious ripeness and boundless freshness on a dry palate create drama, tension and moreishness. This is clean and invigorating and will gain over the years. Drink now through 2030.
Lovely from the first sniff on, this is packed with mineral-drenched fruit flavors. Pear flesh and skin dominate, along with suggestions of cucumber and white melon. The leesy minerality is a great palate cleanser.
Lovely golden color highlights a balanced, floral and pretty late-harvest expression of apricot jam in this nuanced wine, which is relatively low in alcohol with 12.3% residual sugar. It offers viscosity that doesn't overpower, making it ideal for pairing with hard pungent cheeses or vanilla ice cream.
Lovely green notes of lime zest and greengage rise from the glass in this wine. The palate is light, juicy and fresh, with a dry and zingy finish. Ready for a summer party.
Lovely honeysuckle and apple blossoms lead into lush flavors of gooseberry jam, lemon curd and apple butter; the mind reels at the complexity. It's all in perfect balance, the fruit set against bracing acidity, the hint of sweetness rounding out the mouthfeel, and the whole flavor circus rolling merrily along through an extended finish.
Lovely honeysuckle and white flower notes mark the nose of this wine, which is moderate in richness and concentration, balanced by acidity and a simple finish.
Lovely licorice, cherry, kirsch and malty aromas grace the bouquet on this single-vineyard Priorat that's full, lush, pure and moderately tannic. Blackberry, black cherry, cassis and chocolate are the key flavors, while a chewy, tannic, lightly toasted finish introduces touches of prune and raisin. Drink through 2022.
Lovely natural acidity keeps this sweet wine light on its feet, underscoring the honeyed pear fruit flavors with grapefruit and a hint of minerality. For a wine in this price range, with 11,000 case production levels, it's a marvelous achievement.
Lovely nose, with coconut and hazelnut scents augmenting the cherry/berry fruit. Not an ordinairy set of scents and flavors, but enticing and distinctive. The fruit is intense and perfumed, and the accents of coconut seem just right.
Lovely notes of crisp apples make for a very friendly nose. The palate comes in with immense freshness that is nonetheless tempered by a balm-like rounded texture that couches Riesling's freshness in seamless fluidity. The palate remains dry and is colored with red and green apple, lemon and tangerine. The finish is dry and wonderfully lip smacking.
Lovely notes of fresh-cut pear, pear skin and a bit of melon highlight this nicely defined wine. It's a showcase for an emerging style of Pinot Gris, which Oregon has made its own.
Lovely notes of Golden Pearmain apple perfume the nose, with hints of soy sauce. The body and palate are luminous showing green apple freshness that come across as light, graceful and authentic. There is something honest and fresh-faced about this wine that is rather disarming. This is a very beautiful, classy crémant made from a blend of Riesling and Auxerrois.
Lovely notes of Reineclaude plums play on the nose. The palate is soft but also has echoes of pebble and stone. Fluid and fresh, the wine even shows overtones of white blossom on the palate. It's a lovely, lasting and authentic expression of Alsace.
Lovely notes of ripe apple with an orange peel touch play on the nose. They also appear on the dry, juicy and very fruit-driven palate. All is driven and slender, fresh but ripe. The fruit is so burgeoning that this is still juicy, even on the apple-scented finish.
Lovely notes of ripe mirabelle plum and yellow apple play on the nose. The palate adds a lot more citrus lightness and brightness to this and a finely fizzing mousse that heightens the impression of weightless freshness even more. This is a lovely, dry and invigorating apéritif.
Lovely notions of both ripe and green pear rise from the glass. There also is a more savory edge reminiscent of moss and yeast. This comes out even more on the fresh concentrated palate with a lovely salty peppery nuance that makes this very moreish and thrilling. The flavors, amply supported by zesty citrus, just last.
Lovely perfumed fruit with delicious, soft sweetness, raspberry and sweet plums. The acidity attractively cuts through this ripeness.
Lovely pure notes of lemon zest and juice swirl on nose and palate. The slender palate bounces them back and shines with clarity and transparency, as smooth as the undisturbed surface of a mountain lake with an impressive and lasting lemon finish.
Lovely pure notes of red crunchy cherry dominate the nose. They are also present on the slender, almost slight, palate that is completely dry but full of the charm of the fruit. Ample freshness brightens the entire wine which is well-suited to being chilled. It's a friendly easy charming red.
Lovely red-apple fruit beckons on the nose while the palate plays a game of tart freshness against rounded fruit. There is spiky lemon freshness and lively frothy fizz. This certainly is lively and very refreshing with its long dry lemon finish.
Lovely red apple and biscuit notes emanate here to create the perfect balance between fruit and yeasty autolysis. Acidity streamlines the generous, full-fruited body while soft mousse amplifies all the rich, layered apple flavors. The midpalate texture and finish are impressive. This is the full, delicious package and will make a classy apéritif with enough character to accompany delicate, fine cuisine. The length speaks for itself: pure class. Zero dosage.
Lovely red apple, ripe pear and mirabelle plum create an appetizing nose. These fruit notes are even more intense on the palate, boosted by a dollop of residual sweetness and framed by tangy textured phenolics. This is refreshing, intense and moreish.
Lovely red berry fruits, with great acidity and fine perfumes. The elegance of the wine is spoilt slightly by a rustic edge, although the red berry aftertaste is fresh and clean.
Lovely restraint and a soft, pliable creamy core on this concentrated wine that boasts buffered acidity as clear and pretty as a bell.
Lovely Sangiovese aromas of pressed blue flower, mint, leather, berry and a balsamic note mingle in the glass. The juicy palate doles out ripe wild cherry, black plum, cinnamon, licorice and mocha alongside firm, velvety tannins. Drink after 2018.
Lovely scents mix rose petals and citrus blossom. Smooth and delicate, this captures the varietal character, with suggestions of bath oil and exotic fruits. The finish goes a little sideways, flattening out quickly.
Lovely scents of blue and black berries open into an excellent wine from this well-known vineyard. Cherry cola and molasses flesh out the midpalate flavors, and the fruit has a brambly quality that is almost like Zinfandel. Expressive and detailed.
Lovely scents of fynbos and sweet grass mingle with fruity tones of melon rind, gooseberry and underripe mango on the nose and mouth. The fresh and inviting palate offers more of the same, with lingering hints of citrus zest, lime leaf and white currant on the medium-length finish. It's zippy, but layered and flavorful, with excellent overall balance and harmony.
Lovely scents of orchard fruit and apple blossom take center stage. The vibrant, savory palate offers crunchy rennet apple, tangerine and mineral while zesty acidity leads to the tangy finish.
Lovely scents of orchard fruit, citrus, almond blossom and a whiff of light baking spice emerge on this radiant wine. The lively, balanced palate delivers yellow apple, bitter almond, ginger and a note of tangerine zest. A salty note closes the finish.
Lovely scents of red berry, wild flower and baking spice lead on this elegant red. The radiant palate has tantalizing depth, offering layers of cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and licorice. Silky tannins and fresh acidity give it an almost weightless texture.
Lovely scents of ripe pear, white flower, Mediterranean herb, freshly baked bread and a hint of honey come together on this. The elegantly sparkling palate delivers white peach, green apple, lemon and nectarine zest. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors while a soft perlage adds elegance.
Lovely scents of rose petal, iris and perfumed berry slowly take shape in this striking wine. The full-bodied palate delivers ripe red cherry, licorice, white pepper, cinnamon and sage alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note wraps around the finish. Hold for even more complexity; drink 2019–2024.
Lovely scents of rose, iris, wild berry, vineyard dust, baking spice and a hint of new leather all come together on this fragrant red. The structured, elegant palate delivers juicy black cherry, licorice, clove and mineral alongside supple tannins that give it a polished, silky texture. Drink 2018–2026.
Lovely scents of violet and black fruit open this dark, sappy Syrah. The mouthfeel is sleek and citrusy, with sharp acidity and a finish amplified by barrel-influenced flavors of coffee and licorice. Give this some extra decanting time and it will open up further.
Lovely scents of violet, iris and fragrant woodland berry lead the way along with a whiff of pressed powder. The fresh silky palate doles out ripe wild cherry, lip-smacking strawberry, white pepper and a hint of pipe tobacco. Firm tannins give it an almost Brunello-like structure. Drink through 2022.
Lovely scents of white spring flower, white stone fruit and citrus set the tone on this vibrant savory white. On the mineral-driven palate, notes of saline and Mediterranean herb accent grapefruit, lemon and white peach. It finishes crisp and clean.
Lovely scents suggest citrus rind, lemon cake, honeycomb, candied orange and more. Substantial fruit flavors run from lime on through ripe pineapple, and the supporting structure offers a firm foundation of acid and extract, with a pleasingly long finish.
Lovely spiciness creeps into the lemon and tangerine zest that is on display here. Sprays of freshness and verve continue on the tight, linear palate that leaves a lasting impression of lip-smacking joy.
Lovely structure amplifies all the best qualities of this estate-grown wine. A tight core of pear, lemon and tangerine fruit sets up a long finish. The acidity is clean and in perfect proportion, with no chalkiness. Drink now through 2027.
Lovely tart cranberry and just-ripe blueberry appear on the nose. The palate presents similarly appetizing crunchy red fruit that's pure and unpretentiously delicious, spiced with cinnamon and white pepper and brimming with freshness and verve. Don't let the light body deceive you; this has depth and will develop. Drink now–2025.
Lovely verve and liveliness are evident in fresh, bright lemon notes and a clean-cut, light body of great precision. This has real, lasting focus and emphasises lemon juice and zest. The finish is almost cleansing. This provides great and lasting refreshment and has depth despite its lightness.
Lovely whiffs of fresh rose petals come up from the glass, along with apple blossoms and intimations of pale cherry fruit. The wine has some good grip to the tannins, and a hint of clay and earth. More time is needed to knit the different strata firmly together.
Lovely white-flower aromas of lily, tuberose and plumeria are elegant and engaging without being overpowering. These pair nicely with the light mango, crushed sea shell and petrol touch of the nose. Coconut, both dried flakes and milk, shows strongly on the creamy sip, along with honeysuckle, pineapple and fragrant white fruit.
Lovely, complex nose of dark fruit, licorice, rose and woodmeal. Delivered the same but in a muted form in the mouth. It seemed to be running out of steam in mid-palate, it came back to post a pleasant and nicely layered finish.
Lovely, crisp acidity marks this dry, complex Pinot Noir. It's not an ager, but very elegant, with delicate sour-cherry candy, cola and mushroom flavors. A great wine to serve with mushroom-based entrées.
Lovely, dense aromas of dried flowers, herbs, cherries and chocolate immediately capture attention. This is a superbly elegant wine, with both precision and power. Orange-peel flavors highlight deep cherry compote, with tension, balance and length in abundance.
Lovely, fresh and lightly sparkling, this vibrant, delightful wine opens with heady violet and red berry scents. The refined, almost ethereal palate delivers crushed raspberry, strawberry, tangerine and ginger notes alongside tangy acidity.
Lovely, fruity wine, with ripe apples and peaches dominating. But there's also plenty of toasty new oak and roasted hazelnuts. Soft and approachable, with a bright, hot finish.
Lovely, hazelnut-scented creaminess signals the use of very well-handled oak. The palate has the same attractive, soft smokiness and a beautiful midpalate texture which accentuates a certain oiliness. This is cut by luminous, lemony freshness and makes for a very fluid, delicious but unusual white.
Lovely, herb-tinged fragrance—as fresh as aloe vera and as aromatic as fig leaf—jumps out of the glass in this wine. The palate contributes yeasty earthiness and concentration, all highlighted by freshness and verve. The finish is clean and zesty.
Lovely, homely notes of earth and forest floor are enveloped by red cherry. These are joined on nose and palate by soft vanilla and a touch of cinnamon. A very friendly, rounded, smooth and soft Pinot Noir with ample charm, made for drinking now and through 2018.
Lovely, lemony jasmine-tea scents and flavors abound in this delicate yet penetrating wine. Clean and fresh, it adds highlights of citrus rind without a trace of bitterness. Pure elegance.
Lovely, lifted lemon notes are reminiscent of the purity of citrus oil, with accents of stone and smoke too. The palate of this wine is taut and fresh with a whistle-clean, streamlined drive. it offers laser-sharp acidity clad in mellowing fruit with glints of pink grapefruit and a profound, stony core.
Lovely, light, fresh and delicate, this Barbera is young, juicy and appealing. The fruit mixes light berry flavors with tart, tangy acids; the flavors seem to gather in the mid-palate, showing excellent concentration. No new oak is evident, nor is it missed. The alcohol remains comfortably below 14%, and the fruit is light but quite ripe, with no green edges.
Lovely, lively and superintense, this is richly fragrant and opulent on all levels. This precious expression offers loads of honeysuckle, jasmine, citrus blossom and apricot.
Lovely, ripe Pinot Gris, smooth and rich. The acidity is creamy-crisp, giving point to the plum, spice and apricot flavors. Delicious, fresh, unoaked wine.
Lovely, sweet plummy fruit, leads into a soft, rich, mouth-pleasing wine. Beautiful bouquet, tons of flavor in an elegant style. Leafy, old-viney finish.
Lovely, tart apple notes, both red and yellow, play on the nose. They are joined by a mellow autolytic creaminess and a lively fresh mousse on the palate. Tangy citrus provides ample freshness that also makes itself felt in the appetizing, dry and lasting finish.
Lovely, with its own version of perfume exuding from the glass. Additional rose and berry notes lead to a silky palate featuring prune, flourless chocolate torte and coffee. The back end is tighter and heavier than the front, which bodes well for its future. Made in the modern style.
Lovers of Cab Franc should track this wine down; it's a perfect evocation of the grape. Ripe purple plum flavors are annotated with spice and dust; the tannins are ripe and muscular; the wine sits very comfortably in the mouth. Hints of coffee grounds and tobacco liven up the finish, and the core of sweet fruit just keeps on coming.
Lovers of the purest mineral Riesling, very steely, will go crazy for this wine. It is tightly woven around a core of green and white fruits and the crispest, knife-edge sharp acidity. It is for aging, to produce a stunning wine in 4–5 years at a minimum.
Lovingston's medium-bodied Bordeaux Blend is pleasantly grapy on the nose with an undertone of darkly toasted oak, nuts and savory spices. The palate holds a decent amount of black fruit, but with a green, underripe vein and fairly high level of acidity and tannins.
Low-intensity apple and pear aromas lead to a tight high-acid mouth. Severe flavors of lemon and lime are fairly sour. A long direct finish is linear and shearing.
Low-intensity aromas of grilled apple, quince and pear purée dance on the bouquet, with a faint hint of straw in the background. Bright acidity and a pronounced citrus flavor results in a fresh and accessible mouthfeel, while the finish offers touches of toasted challah and clove. Drink now.
Low-yield vines on the best parcels of the Vincens estate are the source of this wine. It is super-rich and concentrated, maybe too much in its opulent excess. The wine does have great plum and berry flavors that are generous and full in the mouth. The wine even now is still young and will be better from 2018.
Low-yielding old vines have produced this perfumed wine. Along with the fragrance, it has a tannic structure, layers of acidity and red fruits that are gently maturing. The wine is dense, with rare concentration for a red Sancerre, while the aftertaste balances acidity and fruitiness. Drink now.
Low-yielding vines cropped down to 1.5 tons/acre contribute to the length and power of this tart, lip-smacking Pinot Gris. There's a delicious mineral underpinning to the subtle flavor mix of Asian pear, apple and lemon. A nice hint of tarragon also comes into focus.
Low in alcohol by California standards, but offers plenty of flavor by way of grapefruit, Meyer lemon and fresh, green grass. Rich notes of ripe orange, lees and oak are balanced by brisk, bright acidity. A very nice expression of a white Bordeaux-style wine.
Low in alcohol for a Syrah, this shows light, underripe flavors of strawberry and white pepper. Not particularly complex, it's maturing quickly and should be consumed over the next couple of years.
Low in oak and high in acidity, this wine shows an earthy underbelly of lemon met by more nuanced vanilla.
Low in oak and high in acidity, this wine skews tart and high-strung in terms of citrus and wet stone-like notions, offering a bouquet of lemon chiffon. A nice entry and finish surround a less-intriguing middle.
Low in price, high in quantity, low in quality. Dry and tannic with an off taste, the wine doesn't get better with time.
Low intensity fruit and floral aromas are hidden in the bouquet, with minor suggestions of strawberry hull and crushed carnation to be found only upon deep nosing. Light and easy in the mouth with a short but clean finish.
Low intensity red fruit aromas are better than the sour orange peel and stemmy bramble that mar the wine's nose and core flavors. Tart, tight red wine with a narrow mouthfeel, tannic grab and rhubarb on the finish.
Low yields and a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon have produced an impressive, dense and structured wine. With a smoky backdrop from the wood aging, it has rich black-plum fruit and a serious concentration. It is going to age well, and will be ready to drink only from 2020.
Low yields have produced a concentrated wine. The tannins are powerful and dense—a fine foil to the ripe juicy black-currant fruit. The impressive wine is going to take its time to be ready to drink with richness and tight structure. Drink from 2021.
Low yields, old vines and 2 years' lees aging are the basis of this concentrated wine. It is rich, full, very intense, but doesn't lose sight of strong minerality. Certainly a wine for aging, this is only just beginning its ripe development.
Lower in price than Cenit's Old Vines, but to me this is a better, more open wine with bacon, spice and bold black-fruit aromas. The palate is full but retains finesse as well as big tannins; flavors of black fruits come with chocolate, coffee and spice. Full-force stuff but still fairly refined. Drink now through 2014.
LTU is superconcentrated, black as night, minerally, rich and wonderfully balanced. The palate is wide but well structured, while flavors of toasty oak, peppercorn and stirring black fruit are delicious. Toasty, chocolaty and macho to the last drop. Drink now–2016.
Lu Patri (named after the “fathers”) is a pure expression of Nero d'Avola with sophisticated oak notes and deep layers of ripe fruit and spice. There's a slightly jammy aroma here, but it works well within the thick, dense personality of this hearty red wine.
Luc de Conti's quest for perfection in wood aging white wines reaches its apogee here, a pure Sauvignon Blanc. The ripe spice, quince and lemon flavors mingle together in a powerful wine that keeps surprising elegance. Age for another year for final integration.
Luca Bosio's elegant Barolo opens with pretty aromas of currant, dried lavender, blackberry and crisp forest berry. The structure is solid and firm, and the tannins have a dry, silky quality.
Luca Bosio's pretty Moscato d'Asti opens with characteristic aromas of ginger, tangerine skin and acacia flower. This sweet sparkler presents a mouthful of creamy foam and bright bubbles.
Luca D'Attoma and Elena Celli's new biodynamic Syrah exhibits opulent layers of soft chocolate, spice, red berry, leather and lingering tones of vanilla bean. In the mouth, the wine is chewy, tart and bursting with plump fruit flavors.
Luca D'Attoma, the proprietor of Duemani, is a strictly biodynamic winemaker and a leading figure in Italy's natural wine movement. This wine shows pristine red fruit notes, backed by delicate, spicy tobacco and leather touches.
Luce della Vite opens with an inky dark appearance and added extraction that is hard to find otherwise in 2008 Brunello. Soft aromas of cherry and blackberry are followed by supple fragrances of leather and spice. There is fruit pulp in the mouth and the wine's extra richness really helps to balance out its acidity and those still-young tannins.
Lucente is made from a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. You get a lot of bang for your buck thanks to rich, velvety tones of chocolate, spice and forest berry that last over a long, succulent finish.
Lucid and basically colorless, with flowery, lychee-like aromas that suggest Malvasia or Moscatel. But it's only Viura and Chardonnay, and it tastes fresh, floral and nice, with lime and lychee. About as easy as they come.
Lucid in the glass, and that's half the battle when you're talking about basic, everyday whites such as this Viura-Verdejo blend. The nose is light as air, with lemony accents. Meanwhile, the fresh but lean palate offers lime, pineapple and cleansing acidity. And that's more or less what you get.
Lucid yellow in the glass, yet lightly oxidized on the nose. A spacy, unique Viura. There's dry apricot and peach pit flavors, and the mouthfeel and acidity are impeccable. A treat for explorers; eschews all blueprints for modern white wine.
Lucien Lardy takes the risk of not using sulfur during fermentation, giving a wine that retains its great fruitiness. It's bright, full of red cherry fruits and lively acidity. Tannins are a hint in the background, enough to give structure but not to suggest long aging. Drink until 2018.
Lucky Failla gets to source grapes from this vineyard that most winemakers would trade their left arm for. It's lush, ripe and amazingly generous in raspberries and cherries, yet retains an elegant balance, as well as fine, mouthwatering acidity. Part of the attraction is low alcohol, which lets the stones and earthy complexities of the wine shine through. This is really a brilliant wine—light, delicate and powerful. If you want to age it for eight years or so, you won't be sorry.
Luigi Baudana presents a hedonistic Barolo that is beefed up with thick concentration and a far-reaching palette of aromas, ranging from chocolate fudge to ripe raspberry. Yes, it exhibits a big, chewy style but it also manages good complexity thanks to subdued tones of ash, cola and licorice. Drink 2015–2020.
Luis Patrão started the organic Vadio Project in 2005 to preserve the native Baga grape grown nine miles from the Atlantic Ocean. This vintage, spectacular throughout Portugal, is a ripe, jammy, fruity wine, with typically firm tannins from the Baga grape. The red plum and rich berry flavors at the core are cut by ample acidity. It is already soft enough to drink now, although it will be better from 2016.
Luis Pereira is Santa Carolina's commitment to making wine the old-fashioned way, with lower alcohol and more freshness. All in all, it's a success: aromas of cherry, berry and tomato are a bit lean and austere. In the mouth, this is more tight and grabby than lush, while earthy, Bordeaux-like flavors of cassis and plum finish with zesty acidity and moderate complexity. Drink through 2022.
Luisa Ponzi does such an excellent job with her top of the line Pinots that it is no surprise that this entry-level bottle really shines. Immaculate fruit, polished tannins, a vivacious, fruit-laden mouthfeel, all combine into a wine that has both suppleness and varietal power. It does not have the density of the pricier siblings, but it makes up for it with food-friendly acidity.
Luminous and bright, this beautiful Vernaccia offers pretty tones of honey, peach, pear and cherry blossoms. There's a sweet element to the nose that creates an interesting contrast with the wine's natural acidity.
Luminous and bright, this Greco di Tufo from the province of Avellino in Campania offers pristine aromas of pear, citrus, talcum powder, pineapple and white flowers. It has deep citrus flavors of grapefruit and lemon zest.
Luminous and bright, this pretty Prosecco sparkler offers steady perlage and aromas of stone fruit, acacia flower, honey and a distant note of ripe melon at the back. It's light and fresh with chewy sweet tones and the perception of less acidity.
Luminous and bright, this pretty white blend from Tuscany offers a particularly aromatic note of passionfruit, white peach and honey. The wine is easy and fresh but those pretty fruit flavors give it a competitive edge.
Luminous and bright, this Riserva opens with well integrated aromas of forest berry, blue flowers, vanilla and redwood. It delivers a smooth feel in the mouth that is accented by a welcome dose of fresh acidity.
Luminous and bright, this sophisticated dessert wine from northeast Italy offers abundant and generous tones of peach, honey and maple syrup. The wine is extremely lively and cheerful and ends with a zesty touch of acidity.
Luminous and bright, this well-priced Pinot Grigio doles out fresh fruit flavors of peach, apricot and tangerine. The wine is lean and firm with an easygoing approach and spicy crispness on the finish.
Luminous and buoyant, this Chianti Classico (Sangiovese with a small percentage of Canaiolo) offers delicate notes of wild berry, cola and violets. It tastes like a traditional Chianti Classico should, although it is not overly intense or persistent.
Luminous and fragrant, this is a simple dessert wine made from Verdicchio on Italy's Adriatic coast that delivers apricot, honey, almond paste and touch of dried herb. It has a fresh and tonic feel and adequate density and persistency.
Luminous and fresh, this is a classic Prosecco with all the lively effervescence and the cheerful personality you can expect from this popular Italian sparkler. It's creamy and smooth in the mouth and offers plenty of citric freshness. Cartizze is usually made in a Dry (or sweeter) style, yet this winemaker has opted for less residual sugar.
Luminous and fresh, this lively Prosecco delivers a bright golden hue, foamy perlage and loads of drying mineral nuances. It tastes tonic and crisp in the mouth and would pair well with butter- or cream-based appetizers.
Luminous and fresh, this opens with aromas of jasmine, citrus and tropical fruit. The lively palate offers unripe yellow peach and juicy pineapple brightened by brisk acidity.
Luminous and fresh, this opens with aromas of red berry, violet, chopped herb and a whiff of baking spice. The vibrant, linear palate offers red cherry, strawberry, white pepper and star anise alongside racy acidity and polished tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Luminous and light, this is a vibrant sparkler redolent of sweet stone fruit, honey and yellow rose. A firm mineral note runs through the middle to keep it focused.
Luminous and linear, this medium-bodied red offers scents of blue flower, rose, perfumed berry and a whiff of chopped mint. The vibrant palate delivers red cherry, strawberry and licorice alongside fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2017.
Luminous and linear, this structured wine is delicately perfumed with notes of violet, rose, fragrant berry and a whisper of dark cooking spice. The young, radiant palate offers juicy cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and star anise alongside bracing but ultra-fine tannins. It boasts great energy and needs several years to unwind. Drink 2021–2036.
Luminous is an apt word to describe this sun-kissed, blossomy wine chock full of plump yellow peach, mango and pineapple flavors. There's so much more beyond fruit here though. A strike of lemon-lime acidity cuts through the palate, lending balance and vibe. The finish is long, accompanied by a delightfully astringent kick of lime zest. Drinks well now but should mature well through 2020.
Luminous peach and tangerine flavors take center stage in this gorgeously composed sweet Riesling. Lip-smacking honey and candied orange peel flavors are offset by a dazzling streak of citrusy acidity. Despite all the sweetness, the finish is pristinely mineral. It's stunning already but should only improve through 2050.
Luna Selvatica (“wild moon”) is an easy and straightforward expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that shows dark fruit, cola, licorice and a touch of toasted spice. In the mouth, the wine shows alcoholic power and some grittiness on the finish.
Lunalba is a slightly effervescent white wine, with just enough bubbly perkiness to awaken your taste buds. It shows bright citrus and exotic fruits, with a pleasant degree of softness on the palate.
Lunaria is a very interesting wine that represents one of the only attempts at making Sauvignon Blanc in the Forlì area of central Italy. Great for appetizers or easy vegetarian pasta dishes, it offers citrus, passion fruit and chopped sage aromas.
Lunario offers bright sensations of cola, wild berry, red rose and drying talc powder. The wine boasts a thick, textured mouthfeel, and finishes with toasted notes of almond and pistachio.
Lungarotti's bright Pinot Grigio from Umbria offers sunny aromas of peach, orange peel and honeysuckle. There are mature fruit notes here with sweet overtones that would work with appetizers or light meals.
Lupicaia (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot) is said to be influenced by the eucalyptus trees that border the vineyard. Indeed, spicy green notes reminiscent of pungent peppercorn distinguish this wine and are at the core of a complex embroidery of aromas that include black fruit, spice and vanilla. Hold for five years.
Lurking, low-impact aromas of tropical fruits and honey set up a fairly sophisticated palate with papaya, apple, banana and oaky flavors. There's ample core acidity to this Chardonnay from Chile's south, while honeyed weight and tropical flavors on the finish push it to impressive heights.
Lurton's first Grande Escolha from estate vineyards is purple and saturated, with grapey, floral aromatics touched up by spice. Crisp but also a bit creamy on the palate, and powerful in terms of boysenberry, blueberry and briary flavors. Sweet tannins and licorice make for an easy finish.
Luscious and creamy in mouthfeel, this ripe, full-bodied Chardonnay showcases almost tropical flavors of mango, melon and quince. Hints of vanilla and sweet spice are integrated nicely, leaving a crisp, clean finish that's surprisingly mineral. Ready to drink now but should hold till 2020.
Luscious and decadent, this Cabernet Franc puts a spotlight on sultry black-cherry flavors. The palate is silky smooth, rimmed with the faintest feather of tannin, yet penetrates long on the finish.
Luscious and rich, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec flows smoothly over the palate. There are bitter chocolate flavors to go with the lively black fruit, while acidity and dry tannins add their complexity to this attractive wine.
Luscious and seriously structured, this is a wine that offers the dense texture of a Gevrey Grand Cru vineyard. It has rich fruit, touched by chocolate and licorice, as well as ripe black fruits. For aging over 4–5 years and more.
Luscious and sleek in mouthfeel, and drenched with wonderful fruit flavors, this wine is a beauty. It has ample ripe fruit flavors like boysenberry and cherry pie without being literally sweet, while a sense of quiet concentration lasts on the lingering finish. It is structured with enough fine-grained tannin to age gracefully, so it's best to drink after 2019.
Luscious and thick, this is precisely the kind of Pinot Grigio you'll want to pair with salmon, white meat, asparagus or leafy spinach and ricotta ravioli. It has structure and penetration and ends with a swirl of passion fruit, pineapple and yellow rose.
Luscious aromas of black cherry, raspberry and coffee are followed by a balanced wave of mocha, plums, vanilla and tobacco on the palate. Spicy with ageable tannins, the wine would go well with roasted meat, beef or stews.
Luscious aromas of lemon, sweet orange and honey are followed by a burst of honey, orange and spice in this indulgent dessert wine. A choice for fans of unctuous, sweet styles, the wine can be paired with cheeses, fresh fruit or sipped alone.
Luscious aromas of ripe peach and citrus are followed by balanced waves of peach, lemon curd and melon on the palate. Soft in style and approachable, this is a good everyday white that drinks very well on its own or paired with poultry, salads.
Luscious berry notes make for a totally appetizing opening: fresh huckleberries are chief amongst them, paired with ripe plum. They are equally lively on the just about mid-weight palate where a soft and pliable structure holds them aloft. Easy but berry-tastic drinking.
Luscious black-cherry and berry notes are accented by notes of cedar, dried mushroom and herb in this elegantly balanced Petit Verdot. Inky and ripe, it's decadently mouth-filling but finishes clean, bolstered by a strike of cranberry acidity.
Luscious black cherries and touches of sultry smoked pork are deftly brightened with fresh hibiscus aromas on the nose of this bottling from the Byron family of wines. The hibiscus joins pomegranate on the palate, lifted by a pinch of lavender and candied lilacs and leveled by an elegant slate earthiness.
Luscious black cherry and cassis notes are kissed with menthol on this elegantly structured Merlot. It's a wine with wide appeal, balancing juicy, forward fruit with a streak of cranberry acidity and penetrating, yet velvet-textured, tannins.
Luscious black cherry and raspberry flavors distinguish this fruity, surprisingly forward Lemberger. Layers of concentrated fruit and soft, lush tannins get a hit of mouthwatering acidity on the midpalate. A wine to be enjoyed now.
Luscious blackberry and cherry flavors take center stage here, showing just a glaze of nuttiness and roundness from judicious oak aging. Tart cranberry acidity and fine but slightly puckering tannins frame the palate squarely.
Luscious blackberry and cherry notes are marked with hints of bramble and spice in this bold yet elegantly framed wine. The palate feels lush and warm with judicious oak, yet bright, with a shower of cranberry acidity and fine-grain tannins that penetrate through the finish.
Luscious blackberry and cherry pie filling, dark chocolate and sandalwood flavors dominate this 100% Syrah. It's pretty tasty, but it's high in alcohol, with a hot mouthfeel, and feels too soft for balance. Drink now.
Luscious blueberry and blackberry aromas unfold into balanced, easygoing flavors of berry and black pepper spice in this value Shiraz. A touch of acidity adds freshness. A good buy and pleasing everyday choice.
Luscious but not overbearing blueberry and boysenberry fruits power the nose on this wine from a coastal region. It suggests blackberry pastries, chalk and pleasingly aromatic incense. The palate combines oak smoke, black fruits and a spicy, black pepper-driven acidity, providing lots of tactile action on the tongue.
Luscious dark-cherry aromas find milk chocolate and cherry-cola flavors in this medium-bodied, smooth but firm-textured wine made from Syrah and Petite Sirah grapes with a dash of Petit Verdot.
Luscious golden in color, this dessert wine shows aromas of honeyed and seared lemons, with hints of marigold and toasted sunflower seeds. The palate is rich and sweet, but balanced expertly with a great tartness.
Luscious Granny Smith apple is backed by creamy peach and mature pear. In fact, the pear notes become the dominant aromatic force after a few minutes in the glass (maybe because 10% Pinot Bianco is added to the blend). This bright sparkler offers creamy froth and a crisp, clean close.
Luscious grapefruit and lychee juxtapose earthier notes of saffron and fennel that extend from nose to finish. It's a dry, full-bodied Gewürztraminer with sunny acidity lending freshness to the midpalate. Drink now through 2019.
Luscious green plum and white grapefruit flavors mark this taut, steely off-dry Riesling. While light in body, it's creamy in texture, filling the mouth with juicy fruit flavors off set by zesty, lime-inflected acidity. The finish is long and persistent.
Luscious honey tangerine and grapefruit flavors abound in this delightfully quaffable off-dry Riesling. Buoyant fruit is off set neatly by a backbone of high-toned acidity and suble nuances of pollen and crushed mineral. It's sprightly and pert, finishing brisk and dry.
Luscious honey, marmalade and grapefruit perfume bursts from the glass of this bristling Silvaner eiswein. The palate is almost cloudlike in its delicacy yet lavishly creamy too, dusted by lingering hints of mineral, earth and umami. It's delicious already but structured enough to improve over the next decade.
Luscious honeydew and mango aromas entice on this fruit forward yet elegantly styled Riesling. It's off dry in style, yet powerfully concentrated with peach and tangerine flavors. Brisk with acidity and nuanced with hints of tea leaf and honey, it's a beautifully complex, yet effortlessly quaffable sip.
Luscious honeyed tangerine and yellow peach notes are offset by a streak of minerality in this easy, off-dry Riesling. It's delicate in body yet juicy and refreshing. Drink now.
Luscious in candied, pastry-filling raspberries and cherries, with dustings of cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla, and a sweet veneer of smoky sandalwood. Could be somewhat crisper and better structured, but a delicious Pinot for drinking now.
Luscious melon aromas, creamy fruit-tart flavors and a silky texture make a pleasing combination in this wonderfully soothing wine. A crisp core of lemon and apple flavors are surrounded by a layer of vanilla and hazelnut. The plus texture carries the flavors through a long finish.
Luscious Mirabelle plums and honey melons are tempered by hints of smoke. The slender palate leaves an impression. Assertive but light, it finishes with a long, clean cut.
Luscious notes of ripe stone fruit have tropical overtones of pineapple, with some musky notes on both the nose and palate. The ripeness of the pineapple is even more accented in the mouth where it contrasts with totally crisp lime acidity. This is exciting now but has the backbone to age beautifully through 2025 at least.
Luscious peach and blossom notes perfume this plucky off-dry Riesling. Laced with honey and tart tangerine acidity, it's easy, fresh and approachable. Drink now.
Luscious peach and floral notes contrast dusty, earthy mineral tones in this unusually composed Gewürztraminer. The palate is mouthfilling and expansive, but peachy fresh flavors add levity. It's a bold, full bodied wine but surprisingly balanced through the finish. Drink now.
Luscious peach and honeysuckle aromas are redolent on this dry, but somewhat perfumy Riesling. Broad and full on the palate, it's lushly textured, but with a bright streak of acidity that tightens the finish.
Luscious peach and mango flavors abound in this richly concentrated, yet delicately framed Riesling. Succulent and honeyed, it's semidry in style, yet refreshingly brisk, accented by a crush of lemony acidity. The finish is quite dry. Drink now.
Luscious peach and mango flavors with a hint of fresh green peas mark this wine. It has enough acidity to balance the ripeness.
Luscious pink grapefruit and a hint of raspberry seduce on the palate of this bright, fruity Riesling. It's pleasantly sweet but calibrated neatly by a shot of lemon-lime acidity on the midpalate. A straightforward, spry sip for everyday enjoyment.
Luscious prune and blackberry aromas come with complex notes of graphite, toast and tobacco. The palate on this 80-case, high-end Tinto Fino is about as full as they come while still maintaining impeccable balance. Roasted berry, cassis and salty leather flavors are delicious but also challenging, while baked berry flavors, raw power and ripe tannins define the finish. Drink this outstanding Spanish wine from 2014 through 2024.
Luscious raspberry and red-cherry flavors are concentrated in this bright, fruity rosé. Made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, it's marked by bristles of bramble and herb that lend complexity to the palate. The finish is brisk and refreshingly saline.
Luscious red cherries and raspberries abound from nose to finish in this buoyantly fruity yet dry, elegantly structured rosé. Made from Cabernet Franc and Lemberger, it's nuanced by faint whiffs of blossom and bramble. Revitalizing acidity makes it temptingly quaffable.
Luscious ripe fruit flavors are balanced by great acidity in this rich but vibrant wine that's blended from Marsanne and Chardonnay. Honeydew melon and white-peach flavors fan out on the palate as the wine's generous texture coats the palate. Subtle spices like vanilla, white pepper and ginger add complexity.
Luscious ripples of blackberry and plum contrast savory swathes of herb and bramble throughout this richly textured Spätburgunder. While full bodied and densely concentrated, it's balanced elegantly by a strike of cranberry acidity and fine-grained tannins. Drinks well now but structured enough to improve through 2020.
Luscious stone-fruit notes on the nose suggest ripeness and opulence. The palate speaks with that same generous fruit but holds a tight fresh grip that unites mirabelle, crisp green apple, bright citrus and yeasty richness. This is a beautifully balanced expressive wine with fine creamy fizz that is lovely now but will also reward laying down. The finish is long and deliciously dry and fresh. Drink 2017–2022.
Luscious stone fruit streams into the nose, while the palate reins this richness in with straight-laced citrus. Lime and grapefruit zest make for a linear, refreshing and streamlined Federspiel with the typical freshness of the 2014 vintage. This will age beautifully even through it already provides great enjoyment for lovers of brisk, fresh, dry Rieslings.
Luscious tropical fruit and jasmine notes are framed by hints of fresh green herb and grass. A spray of lemony acidity and smoky white-tea notes add delicate flair to the finish.
Luscious watermelon and berry aromas perfume this buoyantly fruity dry rosé. It's robust in body and amped with concentrated red-cherry flavor but maintains deft balance. Lingering raspberry notes finish brisk and bright.
Luscious white peach and apricot flavors are anchored by a steely core of mineral in this easy-drinking but elegant wine. Light bodied but persistent, it's a lip-smacking, sweet wine that finishes with a touch of brambly herbaceousness. Drink now through 2020.
Luscious, almost heaving with ripeness and alcoholic warmth, this dry-style kabinett is no shrinking violet. Its rich peach and melon flavors and bold, unabashed style are seductive though. Dense and mouthfilling, it will drink well through 2020.
Luscious, intoxicating aromas of crème brûlée, vanilla liqueur and Bourbon barrel lift up ample purple and blue fruits on this rich wine from a 22-acre family vineyard. The mouthfeel is accordingly velvety, with plum flavors most prevalent. The three years of new French oak élevage  play a central yet nicely integrated role.
Luscious, rich, balanced and intensely fruity, this stunning effort may well be the best Chardonnay ever produced in Washington. Two-thirds old- vine Celilo vineyard grapes are blended with estate-grown fruit from even older vines that were planted in 1976. Candied citrus, especially Meyer lemon, lemon verbena and other fruity herbs, stone fruits and subtle layers of caramel and toast burst from the glass. But the most amazing thing is that this wine stays fresh after being opened for literally days, much like a grand cru Burgundy.
Luscious, ripe black-fruit and sweet spice notes are gorgeous on the nose and palate of this penetrating, yet impeccably structured wine. Rippling minerality and bright acidity balance out the bold flavors, hefty alcohol and big, chunky tannins. This is intense from start to finish.
Luscious, sun-kissed black plum and cherry flavors are offset by a revitalizing crush of pomegranate acidity in this briskly composed Syrah. It's satisfyingly ripe, but complex tones of graphite and smoke maintain an appealing edge. Shows well now, but could improve through 2020.
Lusciously jammy notes of preserved black cherry and raspberry are forward and friendly in this simple yet consistent Pinot Noir. It's briskly balanced in acidity and wraps up neatly on the finish. Drink now.
Lusciously peachy and floral with a deliciously clingy, silken mouthfeel, this dry Riesling offers irresistable quaffability at a seductive price point. It's unabashedly forward yet nuanced. Brisk and cutting on the finish, it's a balanced, refreshing sip. Drink now through 2018.
Lusciously rich black-cherry preserves are juxtaposed by a puckery tartness in this structurally bold Baco Noir. It's rich and velvety on the palate with lingering tones of spice, vanila and wet earth on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
Lusciously ripe apricots and yellow peaches are electrified by racy streaks of acidity in this dry Riesling. It's light in body yet creamy and expansive on the palate. The finish is long and crisply mineral.
Lusciously ripe black cherry and plum flavors seem to be dusted in cocoa powder and dried herb in this slightly rustic and savory yet charming red. The palate is concentrated in fruit yet exudes restraint, amplified by a whiff of barnyard that extends through the finish.
Lusciously ripe mango and lychee aromas introduce this unusually sprightly Gewürztraminer. Perfumed and delicately sweet, but not at all cloying, it's vivacious and thirst quenching, finishing on a enticingly astringent tea-leaf note. Drink now through 2018.
Lusciously ripe notes of apricot and honeydew melon demand attention. The palate is more toned down but has dimensions of peppery arugula and lovage leaves. The finish is long and savory with a citrus kick.
Lusciously ripe red cherry tinged with peppery spice sets the tone—this is dense with fruit but still light on its feet. Typically a finicky grape, this example of St. Laurent shows with style and grace. The palate is wonderfully balanced showing real resonance. While beautiful now, there is potential to develop. Drink now-2018.
Lusciously ripe white-peach and blossom notes perfume this pretty off-dry Riesling. It's rich, plump and round on the palate, but brightened with a kiss of lime zest on the finish.
Lusciously ripe yet pristine white grapefruits, tangerines and lemons abound from nose to finish in this sleek, stately dry Riesling. It's lithe and lean on the palate yet piercing in concentration. High toned acidity and darker tones of smoke and nuts lend complexity to a long, meandering finish. Beautiful now but sure to meld beautifully through at least 2030.
Lusciously ripe, almost honeyed, pear fruit emanates from the glass. Underneath that is grapefruit zest and pith and a herbal, stony, earthy edge. The palate is rich and curvaceous but completely toned by a pervasive, lemony acidity that lends drive and linearity. This is already approachable, which is not to say that it doesn't promise a lot of mileage: this will go on and unfold its facets of fruit. Immense charm almost plays over the fact that this is a very age-worthy wine, with a finish that's almost endless. Drink from 2017.
Lusciously round and rich on the palate, this silken Pinot Gris balances bright apple and pear flavors against a crisp, minerally edge. A whiff of lavender carries through a moderately long, but perfumed finish.
Lusciously textured and bursting with citrusy acidity, this combines savory tones of burnt sugar and apple cider with hints of fresh orange peel and white flower. Crushed stone and a tea leaf astringency linger on the finish.
Lush and a bit ruddy, this velvety sweet-style Dornfelder bursts of sun-kissed black plums and cherries. It's soft in structure but its fruity, forward demeanor makes for a comforting sip.
Lush and already highly enjoyable, with a round, creamy texture and lingering finish. The aromas and flavors bring to mind dessert—ripe apple, honey and cinnamon—but the wine remains essentially dry.
Lush and appealing, this is one of the more appropriately named of the Chocolate Box wines. Slightly jammy raspberry fruit is coated in chocolate; even the tannins come across as softly dusty, even vaguely cocoa-like. Drink over the next year or two.
Lush and aromatic, with ripe pear and melon fruit, sweet spices and a streak of vanilla. The 20% new oak seems just right, and the flavors persist through a seductively long finish.
Lush and balanced, this 80-20 blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah offers attractive notes of chocolate fudge, espresso and spice in the foreground of berry fruit. The wine has dense structure and bitter cherry flavors that ride long on the finish.
Lush and bright, this comes from one of the coolest sites sourced by the producer, high up and facing the Pacific Ocean. A gravelly texture holds on tightly along the palate, as pear, peach and baked pineapple vie for attention.
Lush and buttery smells of cherry pie, caramel, lilacs and blackberry muffins are quite inviting on this block-designated estate wine. Strawberry and ripe raspberry play with croissant flavors on the palate, which is excellent though not quite as decadent as the nose.
Lush and buttery with caramel notes, tar and plump blackberry fruit, this bottling by the Riboli family will certainly appease the dinner crowd. It's fairly light in body, but layered with smoky, juicy blackberry fruit, earthy undertones and an easy-drinking and soft tannic structure.
Lush and classy, with earthy blackberry, hard spice, chocolate and lemon peel aromas. The palate is a mile deep and tannic, but it's not too hard or mean, and it tastes fantastic, with ripe blackberry, chocolate, spice and toast flavors. Complex and masculine, with tobacco and woodspice on the finish. Drink from 2012 through 2016.
Lush and concentrated in texture, this vineyard-designate is bright and tart with a bite of crunchy tannin and a bouquet of rose and lavender lurking on the nose. Light bodied and ultimately balanced, it brightens on the palate with a whirl of blood orange that complements the cranberry, pomegranate and cherry cola.
Lush and creamy as soon as it hits the palate, this fine value is packed with flavors of fresh-sliced, just-ripe pear. Hints of apple and tangerine further expand the flavor, and it finishes crisp and clean.
Lush and creamy in texture, this shows just how good some relatively inexpensive Barossa Shiraz can be. Elements of graham cracker, espresso, dark chocolate and baking spices are bolstered by ample weight and berry fruit. Enjoy this velvety wine over the short term—by 2018 or so.
Lush and creamy on the palate, this complex wine boasts flavors of slightly mossy, decaying cedar, molasses, damp earth and leather, all wrapped around a bright core of red berry. Supple and lasting on the finish. Drink now–2020.
Lush and creamy on the palate, this white is abundant and happy in layers of green apple, melon and vanilla. Blended with 18% Sauvignon Blanc, it was entirely fermented in stainless steel and retains a freshness on the finish.
Lush and creamy, this is loaded with seductive flavors of ripe pear, melon and sweet apple. There's a hint of whipped cream and a dash of vanilla, but not overbearing or in any way artificial. It's simply delicious.
Lush and dark, with balance throughout. The nose oozes blackberry and fine oak, while the palate is thick and meaty, with dark berry and vanilla as the prime flavors. Solid, textured and rich, with a long, lasting, complex finish of tobacco, vanilla, mixed spices and chocolate. Drink now through 2017.
Lush and decadent, this starts off with such an opulent bouquet of jammy black fruit and sultry spice. Rich and mouthfilling, it boasts a creamy yet firm texture with supporing tannins and a seemingly endless finish. Notes of tobacco, leather and intense wood-driven spice all mingle seamlessly with the dark fruit core. Drinkable now, but this should age well through 2017.
Lush and decadent, this wine has blackberry and blueberry jam, milk chocolate and toasty oak flavors. And even with all of the richness, the finish is dry and tannic. The gripping tannins suggest it can age for for 5–6 years.
Lush and decadent, with intensely sweet notes of demarara syrup, peach and citrus, yet there's enough acidity to bring you back for another sip, and another. The sugar clings to the palate for a long time on the finish. Drink now–2030.
Lush and delicious, if a little soft, with palate-flattering flavors of black currants, milk chocolate and cedar, and sweet herbs like dill and sage. Very smooth and seductive. Doesn't seem to have the structure for aging, but an elegant wine for now.
Lush and delicious, this is rich with complex berry, currant, cola, spice and cedar flavors. It's earthier and more rustic than the modern style of extreme softness and sweetness, but that's exactly what gives it such charm.
Lush and forward with juicy blackberry fruit, this supple Merlot is richly concentrated and creamy in texture, yet it's invigorated by rippling acidity and hints of freshly cracked pepper. It finishes with a touch of fresh mint and briar.
Lush and forward, this lovely wine is bursting with red and black-cherry fruit. It socks you (gently) in the nose and seduces you in the mouth, with streaks of cola and a dash of pepper. No need to wait on this wine, as it is already drinking like a dream.
Lush and forward, with complex sour-plum, espresso, cola, vanilla and fudge aromas. Round berry flavors, licorice, Asian spice and pepper accents mark the palate. Full, but not heavy, with a long, smooth plum and cocoa finish. This is a stylish and elegant black knight.
Lush and fruit forward, Rapture, whose motto is “Don't be left behind!” is full bodied but soft, with leather and herb tones and a smoky finish. Blended with a smidgen of Petite Sirah and reaching 14.9% abv, it tastes every bit of that, with a smoky finish of oak.
Lush and full-bodied layers of velvety texture support firm flavors of baked cherry, pomegranate, pine forest and earth, a vibrant current of acidity bursting beneath. Layers of tannin provide a hearty mouthfeel and sense of density, signaling a robust vintage.
Lush and full in texture, this wine has more spicy flavors than fruity ones, as a blend of vanilla, hazelnut and cream coat the palate. It has the rich feel of barrel fermentation and will win friends with the layering of subtleties on such a decadent mouthfeel.
Lush and generous, this has a center of blackberry fruit, showing barrel accents of sweet baking spices. Notes of graphite and clean earth round out the finish.
Lush and generous, this is textbook Condrieu from the appellation's largest producer. Subtle ginger notes add an exotic edge to the ripe apricot, mango and lychee flavors, then persist on the long finish. Drink now–2018.
Lush and inviting on the nose, with blackberry, kirsch, lilac, licorice and balsamic notes, this bottling shows promise for the warmer side of the new Malibu appellation. It's soft on the palate, offering complex black plum skin, soy, loam and meat flavors, brightened with mint. Quite pricey, nonetheless.
Lush and juicy, this has a grippy firmness of structure and the accompanying suggestion of years to go. Cassis and cedar lead over notes of black cherry and berry, with the support of a full, concentrated body. Drink now through 2022.
Lush and lavish in all the right ways, this blend of 70% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petite Sirah shows vanilla cream, clove chiffon and blueberry pudding on the nose. The palate packs more blueberry fruit as well as black pepper, graphite, espresso bean and toasted sage, all framed by a solid structure of tooth-coating tannins.
Lush and lovely fruits highlight this wine. White peaches, lemon curd, sweet pineapple, quince and a dash of honey all combine gracefully, with a nice kick of fresh acidity. A light touch with new French oak (20%) adds a hint of vanilla and Key-lime pie to the finish. On the second day, it's just as good, if not even better.
Lush and lovely, this sweet treat is an outstanding example of the variety made as an icewine. Loaded with apricot, tangerine, peach and honey, it compensates for its sweetness with balancing acidity. One 375 ml bottle will easily serve four for dessert.
Lush and luscious, this is a standout among the 2009 Erath Pinots. The richness of the fruit gives this zaftig wine immense appeal, with deep cherry flavors streaked with gun metal, anise, mocha, and coffee. A lick of dark chocolate ensures a glorious finish.
Lush and luscious, this Pinot Grigio brims with rich flavors of pineapples, wildflowers and tangy orange zest, with highlights of dusty spices and spearmint. It has the weight of a Chardonnay.
Lush and mouth-filling, this is a plummy rendering of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that's ready to drink. Hints of green peppercorn and mocha add nuance, while the finish is long and voluptuous.
Lush and mouthfilling, this tropical-fruited Chard offers a ton of flavors at a surprisingly small price. Smoky toasted-almond notes accent star fruit and guava flavors. Drink now–2011.
Lush and oaky, this is a full-bodied mouthful of coffee, chocolate and loam flavors. The fruit is so ripe it presents as chocolate, framed by toasty oak and buttressed by incredibly soft tannins. The softness suggests pairing with roasts or braised meats; drink now–2012.
Lush and opulent as are Stonestreet's other Chards, with potent flavors of ripe mashed pineapples, crème brûlée, vanilla custard, vanilla and smoky sandalwood. Dramatic and compelling. The crisp acidity and tightness suggest short-term ageability. Now–2013.
Lush and opulent, this shows complex flavors of cherry compote, raspberry jam, date and exotic spice. Thoroughly dry on the finish, this drinks well right now. It offers a delicacy that's sometimes missing in Santa Lucia Pinot Noirs. From Hess Collection.
Lush and opulent, with South Coast notes of tomato, cola and beet, crushed hard spices and earth and some pretty black-cherry fruit. It drinks very soft, almost disembodied, with scarcely a tannin to be found, and low acidity. It's elegant, but could use some more crispness and structure.
Lush and rich, this easy Negroamaro offers notes of ripe cherry and blackberry, backed by light spice and tobacco accents. The palate is smooth.
Lush and richly textured, this dry, full-bodied Riesling counterplays savory elements of smoke, fennel and sweat with bright notes of juicy tangerine, honey and lavender. Lemony acidity extends the finish, ending on an elegant, waxy flower note.
Lush and ripe in fruit, this Cab is a real bargain. It's rich in black cherry jam, plum, dark chocolate, sweet dried herb and sandalwood flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. This is one of the best Rutherford Cabernets at this price range currently available.
Lush and ripe with the aroma of honey-kissed apples and spice, the Tanzen Dame is a uniquely contemplative sip. Off-dry in style with super concentrated flavors of honey, orange peel and marmalade, it's a darker, spicier expression of Finger Lakes Riesling worth exploring.
Lush and ripe, made in the modern California cult style of flamboyantly sweet blackberries, cassis and chocolate, soft tannins and immediate appeal. Defines richness and opulence, if not complexity. Drink now–2014.
Lush and round, floral and fruity, this only hints at residual sugar. The acidity makes for a bracing palate that offers highlights of clover and honeysuckle, plus rich notes of stone fruits.
Lush and tasty, this is strikingly affordable for the alluring layers of aromas and flavors present. It begins with cherry pie on the nose alongside black licorice, bay leaf, roasting meats and mushrooms, and continues on the palate with soft and jammy berries. Yet it has a serious side too, with flavors of menthol and stewed tomatoes delivering the umami factor.
Lush and thickly concentrated, this crowd-friendly wine offers a brightness of cassis that complements its darker, richer tones of chocolate mocha and clove. Medium in build, it uses its oak well, integrating it into the whole.
Lush and toasty, this blend of 45% Chenin Blanc, 20% Grenache Blanc, 17% Roussanne, 9% Chardonnay and 9% Viognier is complex yet balanced. Scents of toasted apple, pear, beeswax, almond and brioche frame the nose, while the palate offers additional notes of clove-spiked orange and lemon custard. Ample acidity lifts the smooth mouthfeel and sweet-spiced finish. Drink now–2018.
Lush and tropical with rich, ripe streaks of pineapple and mango, this medium-sweet Riesling is unabashedly forward and fruity, but hints of earth and dust on the midpalate lend a dark tone. Light on its feet, with a lemony finish.
Lush and velvety, this wine offers big, dark cherry flavor around a tangy minerality. From three vineyard blocks planted to Pommard and Swan clones, it balances opposites in the way full-bodied luxuriousness meets acidity-driven juiciness, creating a desire for more. Let this wine open in the glass or cellar through 2023.
Lush and vibrantly balanced, this wine is marked by juicy layers of blueberry, huckleberry and spicy cola and clove. Velvety-smooth on the palate, it's a satisfying, medium-bodied effort that effectively shows the beauty of the site and the vintage.
Lush aromas of black cherry pie, mint, graphite, fudge and vanilla bean show on the nose of this aged blend of Syrah and Malbec by former Navy pilot Hal “Bull” Schmitt. The palate is powered by garden herbs, from thyme to oregano and marjoram, as well as smoked meats and blackberry jam.
Lush aromas of black cherry, vanilla, kola nut and blackberry fudge pack lots of action into this bottling. The palate confirms the complexity, with blueberry and black cherry backed by pipe tobacco, dried marjoram and a pencil lead-driven structure.
Lush aromas of cinnamon, black and red cherry, vanilla and toasted brioche show on this unabashedly potent and downright delicious bottling by the region's pioneering winery. Soft tannins joyously present rounded red-fruit and vanilla-cake flavors, with rich accents of cherry compote and chocolate chip cookie that are cut by streaks of bitterness and tartness. It's a voluptuous, attention-grabbing wine.
Lush aromas of dried rose petals, black currant jam, turned loam and fudge greet the nose on this blend of 63% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. A wide array of flavors hits the palate, from pencil lead, thyme, tomato leaf and black pepper to boysenberry, shaved dark chocolate, vanilla bean and cooked black cherries.
Lush aromas of melon, mango and pineapple are pristine and primary on this delicate, brisk Riesling. Off dry in style, it's a straightforward yet irresistibly juicy thirst quencher sure to please a wide audience.
Lush aromas of pineapple and yellow apple ride over undertones of vanilla, coconut and butter on the nose. Concentrated flavors of pineapple, chamomile, vanilla and apple meld effortlessly on the palate. While the feel is round and silky, bright acidity keeps the balance. The finish is long and smooth.
Lush aromas of ripe black cherries, graham crackers and menthol are generous and inviting on this promising Long Island Merlot. It's luscious and concentrated on the palate, but bracingly taut with acidity and a tart Morello-cherry finish.
Lush aromatics conjure up dreams of strawberry cream. This is quite pretty, with perfect balance among its components of fruit, acid and tannin, set comfortably in a compact frame.
Lush aromatics feature sassafras, strawberry pastry and milk chocolate. This forward, seductive wine offers complex red-fruit flavors with details of cinnamon toast, coffee grounds and dark chocolate.
Lush aromatics instantly alert you that this is an exceptional year for this vineyard. Aged in half new French oak, the wine takes it in stride, as it is dense with spicy red berry and plum flavors, and beautifully balanced throughout. Streaks of coffee and nut butter add to the compelling complexity, even at such a young age.
Lush aromatics push a bouquet of toasted hazelnuts, citrus peel, apples and white peaches up from the glass. Flavors follow in a clean, spicy wine with a fresh and lively mouthfeel. One-third of the fruit was sourced from the estate's premier Jacob-Hart vineyard, and the wine spent 11 months in 20% new French oak.
Lush berry and marzipan aromas are darkened up by toast and graphite notes. This is a major-league specimen from Bierzo with a full body and manageable tannins. Blackberry, baking spice, mocha and dark-roast-coffee flavors hold steady on the finish before hollowing out. Drink through 2024.
Lush black-fruit and marzipan aromas show notes of tobacco, cedar and leather. This is a ripe, layered Malbec with serious depth and balance as well. Intense currant and berry flavors are spicy and finish with muscular framework and length. Drink through 2019.
Lush black plum, bramble and black pepper mingle with cedar and spicy oak notes in this wine. These extend to the palate, where licorice and dried herbs linger. This wine is deep and extracted, so the full tannic structure does not seem out of place.
Lush blackberry and boysenberry aromas are matched by cola and toast notes on this ripe blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Bonarda. The palate is flush and grabby, while saturated flavors of blackberry and black currant finish with power and toasty oak. Drink through 2019.
Lush blackberry, vanilla and baking spices entice the olfactory. These aromas carry through to the palate, where a clove flavor becomes more abundant. It offers grippy tannins and decent acidity, with a long, dry and spicy finish.
Lush body and ripe, concentrated plum and currant flavors contrast an electric zip of acidity that brightens this wine. A blend of traditional Bordeaux grapes, it's elegantly composed, marked by hints of cedar and tobacco and a lingering fringe of fine-grained tannins.
Lush but fine-tuned aromas of lemon skin, pineapple, daffodil and melon are cut by chamomile and mineral tones on the edges of this good-deal wine. It's also well designed on the palate, where butter and oak-smoke flavors meet with chalky minerality, Asian pear flesh and jasmine notes.
Lush candied fruits abound in this naturally botrytised wine. With 147 g/L of residual sugar, it still reaches over 12% alcohol. Pineapple, lemon and orange peel, pine resin, honey, cedar and butterscotch are all in the mix, plus a lot more. You can go spelunking in this wine and never see it all.
Lush caramel, crème de cassis and crushed black rock aromas are backed by a structure that's apparent even from the nose in this bottling from winemaker Paul Lato. Soft and plush on the palate, it's full of black fruit, peppercorn spice and charcoal flavors, bound by fluffy tannins and measured acidity.
Lush cassis aromas are cut by black pepper and charcoal on the nose of this bottling by Las Vegas sommelier-turned-winemaker Paolo Barbieri, who was raised in Rome. It's still young and tightly wound on the palate, but slowly unfurls boisterous blackberry fruit, thyme and pepper, with sticky firm tannins and a strong acidity from front to back.
Lush concentration and deep aromas of dark fruit and black cherry make an excellent first impression. This Dolcetto shows a dark, deep color and a chewy, almost inky texture.
Lush dark fruits abound: Blackberries, boysenberries, black cherry and even a suggestion of cassis. This wine has excellent balance and polish, with restrained barrel flavors. The fruit speaks volumes.
Lush describes this Syrah. With a little bottle age, it's achieved a nice, creamy softness, and offers mouthwatering flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, ripe crushed blackberries and pepper. There's also a lot of oak, adding intricacies of caramel and sweet woodspice.
Lush enough to drink now, with decanting, but this powerfully ripe Chard will benefit from limited aging. It's explosive in oak-infused pineapple, papaya, peach, green apple and Asian spice flavors, but right now the oak is not integrated with the fruit, making for a disjointed quality. Give it until mid-2008, and for a couple years after.
Lush flavors of cherry jam, red currants and licorice are enhanced with new French oak to make this wine softly delicious. A few drops of other red varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, add to its structure and depth.
Lush flavors of preserved peach are touched with notes of savory herb, lanolin and blossom on this dry, but deeply penetrating Riesling. Bright lemon acidity shines through a textured, glycerine sheen on the palate, lingering long with a murmur of crushed slate and stone.
Lush fruit and generous barrel notes blend in a wine with supple, forward fruit—strawberries especially. The tannins are polished and the finish loaded with caramel and butter. Easy-drinking, forward and full-bodied.
Lush fruit flavors combine in a mellow mix of apple, pear and light citrus. It's a rich wine, creamy and fruit-driven, with substantial weight and length.
Lush fruits of boysenberry, plump raspberry and strawberry mesh with vanilla, nutmeg and allspice on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard off Drum Canyon Road. Black cherry and more vanilla make for a rich palate, but it's cut by an edge of acidity, darker elderberry, savory shiitake and a bay-leaf character that rises on the finish.
Lush in brambly blackberry, this classic Zinfandel comes from a cooler area than usual, the Russian River Valley, which manages to retain small plantings of the variety amid the larger seas of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Spicy, the wine is balanced and fairly elegant, medium in body and weight while still packing a punch.
Lush in dark fruit, notably blueberry and blackberry, this is a soft, mellow, concentrated Syrah with a hint of forest floor and white pepper. With 4% Viognier blended in, it's long on the finish, with acidity able to support years of aging.
Lush in pineapple cream, Key lime pie, kiwi fruit, white peach and apricot flavors, this Chardonnay is as rich as they come. There's also a welcome overlay of zesty, citrusy acidity. The finish is honey sweet, in the modern style.
Lush in ripe raspberries, cherries and cola, this single-vineyard Pinot Noir is balanced with crisp acidity. It's flamboyant, with plenty of oak influence, yet somehow manages to finish dry and tight. Drink now–2019.
Lush in texture, despite having aged solely in concrete vats prior to bottling. The rich texture and supple tannins support warm, brandied cherry notes. Drink this engaging blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Carignan and 15% Syrah now and over the next couple of years.
Lush in toffee and rounded layers of rich oak and crème brûlée, this sultry Chardonnay delivers a lot of heft. The wine is crafted from a stellar vineyard and given just over a year in 50% new French oak. The toasty notes are balanced by a taste of pear tart in custard.
Lush in winemaker Brian Loring's preferred style, this wine shows roasted cashews, seared lemons and baked apples on the nose. There's a walnut-oil quality to the palate, which is chewy and fat but not overreaching, with touches of tonic, cinnamon and caramel.
Lush mango and guava notes lend a sunny, tropical feel to this Riesling. Dry and lavishly textured, it's concentrated in fruit, yet maintains a mineral-edged vitality that's quite refreshing. It offers remarkable quality and consistency at a bargain price.
Lush prune and raisin aromas stop short of being mushy and make way for fresher notes of black currant and toast. Saturated, dense and chewy on the palate, this tastes ripe and toasty, with hefty blackberry and chocolate flavors. Additional toastiness and peppery spice flavors work the finish on this generous Tempranillo from an excellent vintage. Drink from 2017–2030.
Lush red berry and ripe cherry aromas meet with baked boysenberry pie and a suave vanilla character on the nose of this estate bottling. Earthy tones of graphite, turned loam and dried leather enhance the black cherry base fruit and the tobacco leaf spice.
Lush richness and velvety concentration set this wine apart from most Chianti Classico. The blend includes 15% Merlot (which is a lot) and you can really taste spice, chocolate fudge and black cherry. Determined oak notes reveal themselves in the mouth and add to the wine's overall richness.
Lush ripe aromas of earthy black fruits and graphite open this varietal Graciano from a warm vintage. Hefty and chewy in feel, this tastes of fudge cake, blackberry and cassis. A lasting stout finish offers tobacco and prune flavors. Yes, this is huge. But there are very few Gracianos that offer this kind of power, flavor and intensity. Drink through 2023.
Lush ripe plum, licorice and toasty oak form a triangle of flavor in this blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The tannins are undoubtedly present yet soft. Much of the fruit comes from cool Coombsville, with a slight floral characteristic popping up from the midpalate through to the finish.
Lush scents of vanilla bean, raspberry sauce and cherry syrup show on the nose of this ripely fruited Pinot. The palate is light and direct, with virtually no tannic structure. A fleeting finish follows short flavors of juicy red plum and blueberry.
Lush strokes of honey and caramel intensify ripe peach and melon flavors in this fruity but light-footed wine. It's luscious, delicately sweet and calibrated with electric acidity and lime pith astringency on the finish. Irresistibly forward yet featherlight in demeanor.
Lush texture meets crisp acidity in this full-figured exploration of ripe peach and pear. Nutty and quietly floral, it ends in a voluptuous finish of smoky spice.
Lush tropical fruit and a zippy minerality give this wine both character and lift. Fresh, inviting, and not too complicated, this wine will make a fantastic summer sip at a very reasonable price.
Lush tropical fruit and fragrant white flowers lead this balanced, pretty white from Skouras. On the palate, lemon, pear and peach are buoyed by a great acidic spin. The briny sea salt finish adds a delicious touch. Pair with grilled octopus, fish.
Lush with fruit and bright with acidity, this tasty Pinot Noir features upfront flavors of raspberries, cola, red currants accented with cedar and exotic spices. It's dry and mouth-filling, and should gradually shed fruit for earthiness as it matures over the next six years.
Lush without being overtly oaky in aroma, this wine has a wonderful, creamy texture, lots of ripe pear and melon flavors, full body and a nicely viscous mouthfeel. Pair its richness with richness, counterpointing scallops or even a steak.
Lush, aromatic and focused, this was barrel-fermented in 25% new French oak. It's balanced and built to age, with flavors of apples, roasted hazelnuts and a touch of buttered popcorn. It finishes with energizing minerality.
Lush, classy aromas of balsam wood shavings, coconut, vanilla and dark-berry fruits open this hefty Malbec that spent two years in oak prior to bottling. A ripe thick palate maintains full-bodied balance, while this tastes dark, toasty and like a mix of chocolate, coffee and spiced blackberry. Peppery spice notes offset by mocha flavors are prominent on a saturated finish. Drink through 2022.
Lush, composed and fresh on the bouquet, with blackberry and perfect prune aromas. This is mouthfilling and smooth, with a firm, flush tannic structure and flavors of coconut, lemon rind, herbal black fruit and red berry. It's long and supple late, and it's arguably one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons you'll find from Spain and Navarra.
Lush, creamy and smooth, with buttered toast, lemon custard, crême brulée and spice flavors. Maybe a little overworked, but it satisfies Chardonnay cravings.
Lush, dry and delicious, with firm but finely ground tannins framing black currant, cassis, mocha and cedar flavors. Feels soft and plush, and should improve through 2011.
Lush, forward and complete, with a full mix of sweet and spicy aromas leading to bright berry flavors accented by licorice and vanilla from well-managed oak. Salentein is making better wines now than ever before, and this toasty, warming number is a prized bull that can only help Argentinean Malbec preserve its good name.
Lush, fruit-forward aromas of watermelon pudding and bubblegum make for a pink wine that engages on many levels. Ripe, soft fruit flavors match well with the almost gritty acidity. A delicious and refreshing sleection to drink now.
Lush, full, forward, ripe and round fruit flavors of spiced plum and cherry pour from the glass. Rich, smooth and mouth coating, this instantly-accessible young Pinot finishes with pretty milk chocolate and light toast, a balanced and satisfying effort.
Lush, honeyed and tropically fruited, this epitomizes the Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler house style. It seems sweeter than many other 2009 spätleses, with its considerable sugar evident on the long finish. Drink it on its own, or alongside spicy Asian cuisine.
Lush, jammy black fruit fills the palate on this dense, boldly structured blend of Bulgarian Rubin and Merlot grapes. It's undeniably juicy and forward, but balanced by a streak of sharp acidity and soft, chalky tannins that linger.
Lush, jammy, soft aromas of black plum and cassis are full but a touch lazy. On first take, this feels saturated but deeper examination reveals zesty tartaric acidity. Flavors of jammy black fruits are a touch citric, while this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend is plump on the finish. Drink through 2020.
Lush, opulent aromas of tropical fruit, spice and honey lead this Tokaji from Hungary. On the palate, the wine is supple and unctuous without heaviness, coating the tongue with more pineapple, orange and honey and finishing off with a delicious, lingering finesse.
Lush, opulent scents of Kahlúa-soaked apricots and vanilla custard are inviting, but it drinks drier than it smells, with just a touch of off-dry sweetness compounding the peach and citrus flavors. Lively acidity makes it brisk. —S.H.
Lush, plush and absolutely delicious, this shows a range of softly approachable flavors, including blackberry, cherry, currant, anise, cocoa, mineral, buttery oak and spice. The tannins are thick but finely ground. It's firmly set in the modern cult style and may not be an ager, but it sure impresses now.
Lush, polished and detailed, this is as elegant as any Washington Syrah can be. Intensely fruity with lively raspberries and plums, it layers in details of earth, mushroom, pepper and herb, leading to a perfectly balanced, structured finish.
Lush, rich, beguiling now. Tastes fat and unctuous, like a Pomerol despite being made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a creamy wealth of cherries, currants, chocolate, anise, herbs, spices and smoky oak. For all the flamboyance, it's bone dry, with classically solid Napa tannins, courtesy of fruit from Oakville and Howell Mountain. Should develop in the bottle through 2018.
Lush, ripe and a touch heady, this is a rich selection that's brimming with notes of white peach, quince, melon and red apple. Thankfully, hints of ginger, nectarine pit and citrus rind add lift to the palate and remain through the medium-length finish.
Lush, ripe wine, full of black fruits and a generous texture. The wine is soft, just a hint of dryness to give it weight and density. Berry fruits, black plums and acidity promise some aging.  Drink from 2014.
Lush, round and flavorful, this Cab pleases for its array of fruit. Made in a soft, gentle style, its blackberry, currant, cherry and cocoa flavors finish in a swirl of sweet anise and pepper.
Lush, soft and delicious, this has flavors of chocolate, ripe crushed summer blackberries and a hint of dried currants. This richness is augmented by lots of smoky, sweet oak. It could develop in the bottle, but the fruit might fall out before the tannins soften.
Lush, spicy aromas of apricot, honey and vanilla are followed by unfolding layers of the same in this elegant dessert wine. Luscious and pretty, with a slightly spicy finish. Pair with fresh fruit or sip alone.
Lushly aromatic and toasty, the substantial oak flavors are set against deep, brambly berry and cassis fruits. There are subtle suggestions of mint and some alcoholic heat, and an interesting orange peel scent carries into the mouth. The tannins are big and ripe and not at all bitter or too heavy.
Lushly fruited with blueberry, black cherry and plum, this Idaho-sourced red blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of seven other grapes. Smooth and flavorful, it finishes with a dash of cocoa.
Lushly rich in cinnamon and clove on the nose, this blockbuster blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah is stellar in every way. Seductive in texture with enough bright cherry fruit to keep the palate feeling fresh and alive, the finish impresses with leather and pepper in just the right combination. A gorgeous wine for the table, aim to pair with leg of lamb.
Lushly rich on both the nose and the palate, this wine from the heart of the appellation is etched in chocolate and cedar, showing a ying-yang pull between savory and sweet. Currant and dried herb season chalky, firm tannin and toasted oak.
Lushly scented with fresh-cut wood, red berries, cherries and toasted coconut, this delicately entwines the flavors that follow. It's a gentle, lovely, graceful and low-alcohol beauty that should continue to drink well into the mid-2020's.
Lushly textured and expansive on the palate, this dry Riesling melds flavors of waxy lemon skins with notes of rich honey and saffron. The acidity is sunny and bright, highlighting hints of tangerine and lime on the finish.
Lushly textured, this weaves sophisticated flavors of pear and apple around a creamy center. The finish is light in oak and tropical vanilla, a nice complement to the crisp fruitiness.
Lushly textured, with loads of rose-petal, stone fruit, lychee and pink grapefruit notes, this is an exciting bottling from a winery known more for reds. It's off-dry, with just the right hint of exotic spice and bitterness on the finish.
Lusirà is Sicilian dialect for “Syrah” grape and this hearty expression opens with inky dark concentration and intense aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cinnamon, leather and smoked bacon fat. It shows a rich, chewy feel in the mouth.
Lustau calls it dry but Los Arcos definitely has some aromatic and palate sweetness. The nose settles on brown sugar, peach, mixed nuts and honey. It's not super tight or acidic, and thus the palate drips maple and molasses. Medium-bodied and balanced, but with that shot of sugar offset by honest but mellow acids.
Lusty and fleshy, a fat, opulently flavored young Cab offering huge amounts of ripe Paso fruit. Floods the mouth with soft, somewhat one-dimensional flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants and sandalwood.
Lusty and forward, this Cab blasts off with explosive cherry, red and black currant, licorice, spicy red plum and mocha flavors. Not very subtle, but it's dry and rich in steak-busting tannins.
Lusty and ripe, jam-packed with upfront raspberries and cherries. A little lacking in complexity, but likeable for sheer deliciousness.
Lusty and ripe, this big, exuberant Zinfandel brims with black currant, red cherry, plum, chocolate, anise and cedar flavors, leading to a long, spicy finish. It's an easy wine to drink, but also shows some real complexity.
Lusty and ripe, with very high alcohol, this wine nonetheless wears the heat well, showing jammy black cherry pie, licorice, crisp bacon, sandalwood and pepper flavors that go on into a long, spicy finish. The interesting blend is Tempranillo, Merlot, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with each variety playing an essential role.
Lusty and robust, this Cab, Merlot and Syrah blend combines peppery, briary flavors with riper fruit notes of blackberries and plums. The texture is especially appealing, with its rich, complex tannins, from both the grapes and from oak. Good job in a dry red wine at a fair price.
Lusty and rustic, this dry red blend has minty, peppery flavors of black cherries, briary berries and tobacco.
Lusty and rustic, this Petite Sirah has full-bodied flavors of berry-cherry jam, chocolate and spice. The tannins are rich, suggesting char-broiled steaks and chops.
Lusty and strong, this is Lodi Zinfandel at its most classic. It's a big, thick, softly ripe wine that floods the mouth with exuberant flavors of blackberry jam, chocolate, red and black currants and peppery spices. Easy to like. Drink now.
Lusty and voluptuous are two words that describe this bone-dry Syrah. Heat from high alcohol accentuates the black currant, raisin and pepper flavors, and thick, rich tannins make it a full-bodied partner for beef. Could develop with two years in the bottle.
Lusty aromas of black cherry and blackberry are powerful. Likewise, this Tempranillo from just outside the Ribera del Duero district tastes bullish, with blackberry, currant, mocha and rich oak flavors. Robust berry fruit along with spice and chocolate are the lead flavors on a strong, dense finish. This has the potential to age nicely for seven to 15 years. Drink through 2030.
Lusty blackberry and cassis aromas ride onto a balanced, fresh palate, while flavors of red berry, chocolate, fig and various spices finish nicely, with a tobacco-like note. This could use another year or so to settle; drink from 2015 on.
Lusty, deep Malbec from Patagonia. The nose is a puddle of rich berry, spice and chocolate, while the palate is snappy and alert even if the flavors veer toward roasted black fruits, sweetness, cola and sautéed mushroom. A bit tannic and biting on the finish, with earth and oak standing out.
Lusty, powerful, ripe and concentrated, this Zin could also be described by the old Yiddish word, zaftig. The vineyard is in a warm part of the valley, and the grapes show the influence of sun and heat in the jammy, slightly baked quality of the cherries and blackberries. It's a really fine example of Russian River Zinfandel.
Lusty, rich and tannic, this rustic-chic Zin trades elegance and subtlety for sheer dynamic power. Its wild blackberry, cola and mulberry flavors tread the fine line between dry and off-dry, exploding in the mouth, then finishing in a scour of astringency.
Lutum is a project from Santa Barbara vintner Gavin Chanin. The brand sources fruit from well-known vineyards, in this case Rinconada, situated in a favorable terroir in the southern part of the appellation. The wine is quite pale and the alcohol level is low, giving it great delicacy. But it's potent in raspberry, red currant, spicy red licorice and softened cola flavors. Delicious now, it will age well until at least 2022.
Luxurious aromas of gingerbread, blackberry jam, black cherry juice and smoked pork meet with a touch of iodine, loam and lava rock in this wine from a producer just north of San  Diego. Red cherries and pomegranate juice tighten up around dried fennel stalks and pencil shavings on the sanguine palate. It's tasty now, but will blossom from 2019–2025.
Luxurious notes of vanilla, cedar and spice go head-to-head against lusciously ripe blueberry and blackberry flavors here. Deeply fruity yet structured, it's freshened by crisp cranberry acidity and swathes of bramble and herb. While big boned and densely tannic now, it should meld beautifully from 2019–2025.
Luxurious on the nose and palate, this has loads of sweet, juicy peach, melon and white blossom. Dry in style, with notes of waxy lemon peel and a brisk oyster-shell minerality, this builds in elegance and complexity on the palate. Drink now.
Luxuriously crafted to be lush and robust, this blends 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay with ease and gusto. The palate is dominated by layered flavors of baked strawberry and cherry.
Luxuriously honeyed, this wine sings in rich hazelnut but also remains crisp on the palate, relatively light-bodied in fresh pear and lemon. Staying lithe as it goes down, it has subtle power and integrated oak, finishing creamy and bold.
Luxuriously ripe black currant and plum flavors are layered in savory tones of beetroot, herb and green leaves in this full-bodied Cabernet Franc. Brisk acidity and ripe tannins frame the palate neatly. It's approachable yet nuanced, finishing with subtle hint of violet candy.
Luxuriously textured, this wine combines Petite Sirah, the son, with Syrah, its father. The two get along famously, showing a balance of powerfully soft blue fruit, garrigue and a ring of smoke. Its meatiness will impress, spiced as it is in dried herb and anise.
Luxury goods executive-turned-winemaker Rocco Califano presents a slightly reductive bottling, with barnyard-leaning scents of soy, rubber and pepper. The flavors are also more savory than sweet, with mushrooms, roasted game, leather and pencil lead.
Luzon's signature Best Buy red blends one-third Syrah with two-thirds Monastrell, and always with consistent results. Year after year, we like this wine's lusty, broad fruit, richness and overall balance. It's not sophisticated or complex, but it is deep, clean and very tasty.
LVdM is shorthand for Les Vignes de Marcoux, a newer planting near Red Willow. Done in a lovely, savory style, it offers a mix of leaf, herb and earth components, rather than supersweet fruit. Graceful and detailed, it discloses pepper and iron ore minerality.
Lychee and a note of fresh green veggies define the nose on this well-made Torrontés from Salta. A lemony palate is snappy but also oily, which is common for this grape type. Salty nectarine and lychee flavors hold steady on a developed finish.
Lychee and honeysuckle notes are concentrated and pure in this bright off-dry Gewürztraminer. It's elegantly structured, lifted by zesty tangerine acidity and hints of dusty pollen and mineral that linger on the finish. Drink now.
Lychee and kiwi soda aromas meet up with slight yeastiness on the nose of this single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. A sharp zing of acidity runs from the front of the palate to the finish, with apple cider flavors holding up the fruit. Serve with fish tacos.
Lychee and lemon-lime aromas come straight from the Torrontés textbook. This is plump and round but still fresh in feel, with peach, pear and melony flavors that finish a bit short and oily, but with a note of white flowers. Drink now.
Lychee and mango aromas waft from this delicate wine. Off-dry in style, it's unusually brisk on the palate with crisp stone-fruit flavors and bright tangerine acidity. It closes with a lacy sweetness.
Lychee and melon aromas are proper for Torrontés. And while this has Viognier and Chardonnay in the blend, it's Torrontés that dominates via a spritzy, citrusy mouthfeel and flavors of lychee, nectarine and citrus fruits. A fresh, lively but simple finish confirms the wine's refreshment potential.
Lychee and melon aromas dance with sweeter scents of air freshener and perfume. The palate is zesty and driven, with narrow tangerine and orange flavors. Flashy Torrontes is what this is; it delivers the goods but doesn't step too hard on the gas pedal. Drink now.
Lychee and minerally aromas amount to a pleasant whole. This dry, still Moscatel is texturally round and oily, while flavors of melon, lychee and orange are a touch bitter around the edges and on the finish.
Lychee and tropical fruit aromas are heavy and rubbery. Ditto the palate, which weighs in soft. Generic tropical flavors of lychee and papaya are mellow at best and finish with bitterness.
Lychee, honeydew and cotton candy aromas precede the easy, not-too-serious- palate, which offers candied citrus, melon, pineapple and powdered sugar flavors. Clean on the finish and crafted for those who like sweet-tasting, simple wines.
Lychee, lemon-lime and bath soap aromas set up a foamy, rough, coarse palate. Flavors of soapy tropical fruits seem almost artificial, and so does the finish, which is sugary sweet.
Lychee, roses and sweet white peaches abound in this classic Gewürztraminer. While ebulliently perfumed and slightly brawny in footprint, its bold strokes are balanced with fresh grapefruit acidity. Delicate murmurs of rose potpourri and tea leaves fringe the finish.
Lynmar has released this, the first of their 2012 Chardonnays, early, in order to let the fruit star. It's flashy, like a conga line of pineapples, oranges, mangoes, limes and papayas. Tasty, direct and appealing, it would be amazing with bacon-wrapped shrimp.
M.C.K. stands for Motor City Kitty, and along with the winery's Milbrandt Syrah, this is the entry-level offering in a vast portfolio of single vineyard bottlings. Tasty, toasty, supple and fruity, this carries slight hints of citrus, earth and stem and wraps its appealing, forward flavors in a light coating of milk chocolate.
Méntrida is an island wine region in the middle of central Spain, and this blend of Garnacha and Syrah is lively, juicy and delicious. The nose is deep and luscious, with mounds of cassis and blackberry. The spunky palate shows big tannins but plenty of offsetting fruit and pulp. Finishing notes of chocolate and pepper leave a positive lasting impression. Should age for several more years; 400 cases produced.
Macari's supple, vanilla-scented Cab Franc is upfront and approachable in its sour cherry fruitfulness, yet boasts some complexity with layers of ripe, brambly wood, dust and dark floral notes. Finishes clean with lively acidity and a coating of grippy, yet fine-grained tannins.
Machiavelli's “The Prince” is an innovative super Tuscan blend with Sangiovese, Pinot Nero and Cabernet that is fruity and fresh but with excellent power and intensity. The nose is redolent of small berries and exotic spice and the dry finish is long and satisfying.
Macho grapy aromas are offset by spunky raspberry scents. Fruity and a bit narrow and grabby across the palate, this delivers Mendoza's patented black-fruit flavors wrapped in chocolaty oak. Spice and oak remain present on a full finish.
MacPhail's basic Anderson Valley Pinot is a good wine, dry and silky, with spicy flavors of cherries, currents and cola. It's a bit light in body, but tasty and interesting.
MacPhail continues its string of super 2007 vineyard-designated Pinots with this compact, fine young release. It's a bit tight now in acids and tannins, but shows a warm, sweet heart of cherries, raspberries and cola that should emerge with a few years in the cellar. Just beautiful.
MacPhail has shown steady improvement working with this vineyard, which seems to require a cool year like 2009 to succeed. The wine is quite light in body and color, but the flavors really penetrate and sink in deep. They range from red cherries and cola to red licorice, bacon and spices, with a deft touch of oak. Dry and crisp in acidity, it should provide fascinating drinking over the next seven years.
MacRostie's basic Carneros Pinot is always dependable, a dry, complex wine with good varietal character. The '06 is satisfying in cherry, currant, tangerine zest, root beer, anise and peppery spice flavors. At its best now and for a couple years.
MacRostie's Wildcat Mountain Pinot is always an interesting wine, but it's vintage-driven, and this 2010 shows challenges. There's a vegetal, mushroomy streak to the raspberry fruit that makes the palate recoil. Compared to the lush 2009, it's a disappointment.
Maculan is celebrated for its excellent expressions of international grapes grown in the Veneto. This easy blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon offers a cheerful bouquet of cherry fruit and mild exotic spice.
Made 100% from Pinot Noir, this bubbly has an orange copper color, and is full-bodied and dry. The flavors are of raspberries, strawberries and yeast, and the all-important mousse is refined. A little eccentric, but try it with sushi.
Made 100% from Pinot Noir, this delicious rosé has fine red fruits, a great clean streak of acidity and a light touch of tannin to give structure. Very pure, very fresh.
Made 50/50 from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvigon, this dry, orange-pink-colored wine has an appreciable amount of tannin as well as plenty of fruit. Acidity and ripe raspberries show strongly, as well as crisp final acidity. Drink now.
Made “without the influence of oak maturation,” and it shows.  A very good, clean, interesting wine with fresh peach and citrus flavors, medium body and pretty floral aromas. Not complicated, but pleasant. Finishes with chalk and a little sweetness.
Made almost exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a deeply colored, ripely rich young wine that shows masses of blackberries. There are supporting notes of pain grillé, anise, violets, anise and smoky oak, with a firm grounding of minerals. Shows some tartness and astringency that strongly suggest time in the cellar. Try beyond 2012.
Made and grown by one of Barossa's most highly respected wine families, the Kalleskes, this Shiraz is a complex specimen of dried cherries, herbs and beef marinade, with soft tannins and a long, savory finish. It's elegant and silky without having to flex its muscles.
Made as a barrel and block selection from the producer's own estate vineyard along River Road, this is an inaugural release. It impresses in spicy rose, black tea and geranium, supple in tannin and structure with a robust, full-bodied lushness on the palate that lingers.
Made as a pure variety, this rare example of Walla Walla Cinsault—is scented with lovely whiffs of berries, plums and moist earth. It falls somewhere in the same stylistic region as Sangiovese and Pinot Noir, with bright, sharp, acidic fruit flavors.
Made as an ice wine, this sweet treat smells nutty, honeyed and a touch earthy It tastes rich, like salted peanuts coated with toffee and apricot syrup. The texture is viscous, palate-clinging and persistent, holding unctuous flavors for a long finish.
Made at a somewhat approachable price point, this blend of coastal vineyard sites holds back on fruit and texture. It provides a tightly closed and still youthful touch of savory herb and tea, finishing lean.
Made at an attractive price point, this wine delivers value and plenty of flavor, from blackberry jam to oak and black pepper. It's sturdy and structured, ready for the table or larger gathering.
Made at Casa Emelinda Freitas in Setúbal, this is part of the nationwide range of wines under the Azul Portugal name. The Castelão grape dominates this spicy wine with its bold tannins and juicy red fruits. With its smooth texture, it's ready to drink.
Made at Provence classed growth Château Rimauresq, this soft and full rosé has attractive red and citrus fruits, a hint of pepper and herbs. It's warm and ready to drink.
Made by 30-ish Roberta Borghese high above Manzano, which also happens to be the chair manufacturing capital of Italy, this is a perfect example of how good Tocai can be. The aromas are honey and grapefruit-orange. After an intro of crisp acidity, the same flavors appear and persist on the medium body. Match this one with a good seafood risotto.
Made by a Nevada-based producer, this rosé from California-grown Grenache is very dark, exuding aromas of grenadine syrup and does follow through on the theme of sweet and viscous on the palate.
Made by a Rhône-based winery, this wine is smooth and ripe. It has generous strawberry and light spice flavors along with a rounded aftertaste. Drink now.
Made by a small estate that's one of Montalcino's little-known gems, this delicious and earthy. It weaves together sensations of ripe red cherry, black raspberry, leather, blue flower, sweet cake spices and a hint of orange zest. The juicy fruit is balanced by friendly, velvety tannins. Enjoy now–2019.
Made by a Spanish bodega with grapes from the Portuguese Douro, this is a sophisticated Douro wine that has a smooth, ripe texture underpinned with dry tannins. Now mature, it's very elegant. Drink now.
Made by a winery outside of Gilroy, this bottling from eastern Salinas Valley fruit brings very nice aromas of blackberry extract, baking spices, gingerbread and a hint of root beer. The flavors are full and rich as the nose predicts, with juicy cherry-chocolate, a touch of tobacco and lingering cinnamon spice.
Made by Aaron Pott from a 600-foot elevation site, this is a crisp and quite floral wine. It's rich and concentrated on the palate, with a lemony overlay of zesty acidity. Nutmeg and vanilla pierce the finish, providing a warmth to the wine.
Made by Aaron Pott, this blend of 58% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is minerally and herbaceous, aged almost two years in French oak, half of it new, the rest seasoned. Cassis, pomegranate and peppercorn dance to the fore, supported by weighty tannins. Enjoy through 2020–2022.
Made by Adelaida's winemaker Jeremy Weintraub, this bottling shows asphalt, concentrated violets and lilacs, black peppercorns and dried blueberry on the nose. Similar elements arise on the dynamically dark palate, along with black tobacco, boysenberry, leather and beef-char flavors. The structure is strong but not in the way.
Made by an Oregon winery from Carneros region grapes, this wine tastes mellow and mature. It has a relatively light color with an auburn rim, aromas that are savory and meaty, flavors like rhubarb and beef, a fairly crisp balance and smooth texture.
Made by Angelo Gaja at his estate in coastal Tuscany, this blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc leads with aromas of plum, spice and warm toasted notes. The structured, elegant palate delivers restrained black currant and black cherry accented with notes of black pepper and coffee alongside polished tannins. It's still young and a bit nervous, so give it time to develop its potential. Drink 2015–2030.
Made by Ben Glaetzer, the Heartland wines are meant to offer an affordable entry to the Epicurean portfolio. The Stickleback Red blends Cabernet Sauvignon with Shiraz and Grenache to make an attractive wine for everyday drinking. Some smoky notes frame black cherry and black olive fruit, while the texture is creamy on the midpalate, fading a bit on the finish.
Made by blending 60% Corinto, 20% Nero d'Avola and 20% other varieties, this opens with aromas of underbrush, game, leather, spice and mature black fruit. The warm palate delivers smooth tannins and flavors of blackberry, prune and black pepper. This isn't an ager, so drink soon.
Made by brothers Scott and Gib Pagter, this rich wine is scented with sandalwood, strawberry, incense and chaparral shrub. There is a core of red cherry and ripe cranberry on the palate, where touches of sagebrush, eucalyptus and a strong minty freshness provide lots of energetic verve.
Made by Carmen Stevens, one of South Africa's first black female winemakers, this is a gorgeous blend with rich aromas and flavors of black currant leaf, licorice, cigar tobacco, boysenberry and black cherry. Lush and creamy in the mouth, the finish offers a hint of fresh mint sprig for a last minute lift.
Made by Cathy Corison, this wine is now in its second vintage, where it shows black-cherry fruit touched up by leather and spice. A big wine needing some time to come together; it is stylish for sure, with a vivid, exciting finish.
Made by celebrated winemaker Vittorio Fiore, this gorgeous Sangiovese-based wine shows the lavish intensity and creamy consistency of Tuscany's world famous reds. Ripe fruit, cherry and exotic spice would pair with steak, lamb or oven-roasted pasta.
Made by consulting enologist Roberto Cipressi, this rich blend of Merlot, Cab Franc and Sangiovese offers an impressive lineup of fruit, spice and mineral aromas. The wine is incredibly smooth on the fade with lingering notes of clove and cinnamon on the close.
Made by consulting winemaker Herb Quady, this yummy blend of Syrah, Tempranillo and (a splash of) Malbec is a showcase for what are arguably Southern Oregon's three best red grapes. Plum and cherry flavors are limned with citrus-tinged acids, making a tasty quaffable red, ready to deliver mid-week pleasure.
Made by David Low of Anthill Farms in extremely small quantities, this is a new brand devoted to light-bodied wines from fine, cool-climate sites. Tight in dried cranberry and cherry, this is indeed a light and subtle undertaking, dusty and perfumed in rosewater fragrance.
Made by David Ramey, this blend of 80% Zinfandel, 11% Alicante and 9% Petite Sirah impresses in its fruit-forward approachability and all-around likability. Earthy, it teases in dark cherry, vanilla and milk-chocolate flavors, the texture smoothly etched in fine leather.
Made by Domaine de Chevalier for an order of nuns, this ripe and rich wine keeps a beautiful sense of proportion. Already delicious, it has touches of wood as well as quince and green plum fruits. Drink from 2016.
Made by Don Van Staaveren, this blends 36% Malbec, 36% Merlot and 28% Syrah, all grown at the well-known vineyard high atop the appellation. Berry pie, chocolate and tangy acidity define it, supported by integrated tannin and oak, finding balance in a medium-bodied, velvety package.
Made by Giaconda, this white is excellent but doesn't quite live up to the winery's other top-notch offerings. (But at half the price, how can you go wrong?) It has a tropical-fruit core and a medium-bodied, viscous mouthfeel. Finishes with some length, and a buttery-resiny feel.
Made by Grant Taylor (Valli), this is a silky-textured wine that should remain delicious through at least 2020. It's not the ripest vintage, but there's ample plum and black cherry fruit, subtle rosemary and thyme notes and a touch of mocha.
Made by Heidi Peterson Barrett from the Lamborn family's own grapes, this wine reflects its mountain home, densely concentrated in rich, blackberry jam and dried herb. Full bodied, it packs a punch before showing finesse and shocks of dried herb on the finish.
Made by Jean-René Matignon, technical director of Château Pichon Baron in Pauillac, the wine is finely structured, showing polished wood aging. The velvet black fruits and fine acidity are already well integrated. Drink from 2018.
Made by Jillian Johnson, who long ago fell in love with the Bechthold Vineyard and whose last few vintages were under the Phoenix Ranch name. This is her first Onesta Cinsault. Shy, it takes some coaxing to reveal itself, blossoming into a textured, lean mix of the vineyard's classic rhubarb flavor with a bit of strawberry mixed in. Streaks of spicy pepper come to life on the finish.
Made by Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch in Paso Robles, this boutique bottling shows red apple flesh, yellow pears, salted lime skins and scratched lemon aromas. There is bright energy to the sip, with flavors of stony chalk and apples drizzled with pink lemonade.
Made by Kirk Venge from a Dutton Ranch vineyard site, this wine immediately offers a lot to like, from its earthy sassafras and compelling layers of crisp raspberry and cherry, to its soft layers of oaky density accented in rose. Requiring more time to open, with an ideal cellaring through 2023, it finishes with a flair of cedar and vanilla, lasting long on the palate.
Made by legendary Steve Clifton for a property owner just west of Happy Canyon, this wine shows pure purple fruit aromas of blackberry syrup and blueberry, enhanced by a sprig of spearmint. The palate offers red cherry, boysenberry and lighter blueberry fruit, with a splash of milk chocolate, fudge and dark gravel notes completing the layers.
Made by Leonor Freitas in the family winery, this is a rich blend of Castelão, Touriga Nacional and Syrah. With its firm tannins balanced by juicy red fruit, it's a wine to savor from early 2018.
Made by Long Shadows winemaker Gilles Nicault, this wine, along with the 2008 and 2009 vintages, were released together. This is the most mature—a five-grape, Bordeaux-style blend. It's a beautifully integrated, floral and dusty wine, with contoured, sculpted fruit. Plums and cherries dominate, with dustings of cocoa powder, coffee and a hint of hazelnut. The wine is graceful and profound, with superb length and finesse.
Made by longtime Domaine Chandon still-wine Winemaker Joel Burt, this red offers delicious value, sourcing from sites within the Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros AVAs. Coolness and restraint are the guides, the wine light in color and texture, with just touches of spice, strawberry and tea. It finishes juicy, with a citrus flair.
Made by longtime Napa winemakers Bernard Portet and Bob Pepi, this Cab is a complex study of bittersweet chocolate, cedar and herb. Juicy, it features a well-managed use of oak and medium body and weight, finishing with a sense of elegance.
Made by major Chablis producer Jean-Marc Brocard, this wine is ripe, soft and attractively fruity. It has crisp acidity along with rich yellow fruits and a touch of minerality. The wine comes from a blend of different premier cru vineyards. Delicious and refreshing, it is ready to drink now.
Made by Marc Mondavi of the Charles Krug-making Mondavis, this is a majority varietal wine, with splashes of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Juicy and thick in oak, it offers tastes of dried cherry and blackberry woven around tightly grained tannins.
Made by Nick Goldschmidt, this vineyard-designate is 100% varietal and made in relatively small amounts. Sanguine, it's gamy and brimming in black cherry, blueberry, nutmeg and black pepper. It's both robust and soft.
Made by Niepoort for importer Broadbent Selections, this is a structured wine, showing dry tannins and density. The fruit is all there as well, offering fresh acidity, crushed raspberries and red plums. Alongside the ripeness, there is a dry core of tannin.
Made by one of Castiglione Falletto's top producers, this single-vineyard riserva has a fragrance of wild cherry, leather and truffle. The palate delivers rich black cherry and spice layered with balsamic herbs and mineral notes to produce lovely complexity and balance. It's already delicious, but for more complexity drink it after 2019.
Made by Paso Robles-based Ranchero from old vine Carignan grown in Mendocino's Redwood Valley, this still-young rendition of this rough and tumble Old World grape is densely rich and textured with aromas of blackberry and blueberry, clove and tobacco, with a nice kick on the finish. Winemaker/owner Amy Butler also makes the Edward Sellers wines from Paso Robles.
Made by Pierre Clément at Domaine de Châtenoy for the Xavier Flouret range, this is smooth, rich and soft. Generous and ripe with red berry fruits and gentle tannins, it could age until late 2015 before drinking.
Made by refermenting in the bottle and leaving it on its lees without disgorging, this offers savory flavors of juicy lime, ripe pear, mineral and a yeasty note of baked bread alongside a soft mousse. It's dry and balanced with lively acidity.
Made by Reid Bosward of Kaesler, this is a chance to taste his handiwork at a reasonable price. The wine delivers plummy, meaty, slightly herbal aromas, then turns more savory on the palate, suggesting mixed olives. In a word, it's complex. Tannins are supple without being too soft, while the finish is long and lush, concealing the wine's 15.3% alcohol amazingly well.
Made by Ric Forman from Zin grown on the Nichelini Vineyard in Chiles Valley and Sangiovese from the Antinori family's Antica Vineyard on Atlas Peak, this wine is rich and dense in red fruit that's layered and ripe. Aged for a year in used Burgundy barrels, it retains juicy freshness and elegance, with subtle touches of vanilla and baking spice.
Made by Robert Foley, a sought-after winemaker in the Napa Valley, this older-vintage Cab evokes mocha-chocolate fudge bar in aroma and secondary flavors, accompanied by strong, full-bodied jolts of blackberry jam. Brooding, soft and lightly spicy in clove, it finishes with elusive hints of pencil and cedar.
Made by Robert Pepi, this wine reveals an elegance of dried herb and forest floor, while dry, generous tannins pack a punch. Blackberry and mocha lurk in the background, unable to overcome the wine's greener aspects.
Made by Ross Cobb and Katy Wilson, a rockstar winemaking team, this Pinot is earthy and spicy, a light, softly textured example of the complexity and nuance possible out of the cooler sites of the Sonoma Coast. Dark in color and savory it's made in small quantities, but do try and seek, then let it develop in the glass over time.
Made by the Abeille family of Château Mont-Redon in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this striking, peppery, spicy wine is rich with a fine texture as well as plenty of red berry fruits. It is a concentrated wine, very dry and likely to be much better with food.
Made by the Barcelo family in the east of Corsica, the wine is ripe with strawberry fruit flavors that are balanced with apple acidity. It is lightly textured, just hinting at citrus. This is a fine apéritif style.
Made by the Château Giscours winemaking team, this wine benefits from their expertise. Skill shows in the velvet textures, the ripe berry fruits and the hidden strength of the tannins and wood flavors. It's going to be a serious, elegant wine. Drink from 2018.
Made by the Pauillac cooperative, this is a pleasant, lightweight wine, a surprise considering the vintage. There are black currant flavors, but the wood element is too dominant for the fruit.
Made by the saignée process, where the juice is bled from the principal ferment to concentrate the Pinot Noir, this rosé is blocky and simple. Light flavors of strawberry and cherry are finished dry and fade quickly. Drink this well chilled before the next vintage appears.
Made by the same team as Château de France in Pessac-Léognan, this is an attractive, forward wine. It shows the juicy character of the vintage, although the tannins do give it structure and some weight. A wine for medium-term aging: 4–5 years.
Made by the same team as Château Pichon Lalande, this is a tensely textured, austere wine, still young when tasted, but showing good potential to develop into elegance, with black fruit and dense tannins blending easily into fresh acidity. Age for 4–5 years.
Made by the same team as Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, this wine is ripe, full and satisfying. It has smooth red berry fruits that are sustained by subtle wood aging and given a final lift by the acidity. For medium-term aging, so drink from 2016.
Made by the same team as neighboring Château Chasse-Spleen, the wine from this 17-acre estate is fruity, with the potential for a smooth texture and rich fruit. The wine has spice, juicy black currants and a delicious aftertaste. Drink from 2021.
Made by the Tari family who used to own Château Giscours in Margaux, Bordeaux, this wine with its 18 months wood aging shows a great understanding of red-wine making. Firm and tannic, almost totally from Mourvèdre, this dark and brooding wine is nowhere near ready to drink. The organically grown grapes give a purity of fruit that cuts through the tannins. Don't drink before 2018.
Made by the team at Wrath, this is one of the better canned wines on the shelves right now. Light in the glass, it offers very refreshing, mineral-driven aromas of wet riverstone and rain on cement as well as slight touches of Pink Lady apples and green hay. Asian pear flesh mixes with slightly sour lime peel and sweet chives on the palate.
Made by the team from Château Chasse-Spleen, this elegant, smooth wine has deceptively firm tannins. The wine is dense, structured with plenty of juicy black currant fruits to balance. It will age, so don't drink before 2018.
Made by the team from Château Lynch-Bages, this estate crafts wines in the same generous style. A firm, tannic edge gives structure to the juicy acidity and black currant flavors. Drink from 2018.
Made by the three Lequio sisters, Donna Rossa Dolcetto delivers a traditional and linear style with good intensity and a fair level of complexity. There are loads of spice and fresh fruit aromas here and the wine is capped by some sour cherry flavors.
Made by the top Muscadet producer Christophe Gadais, this is beautifully clean and crisp. It has fragrant fruit flavors of citrus and apple, with a light, dancing character.
Made by the veteran winemaker Nick Goldschmidt, this is a good Cabernet showing characteristic Napa qualities. It's dry and smooth in tannins, with cassis, blackberry and oak flavors. ?Overripe in style, it has a slightly raisined feel.
Made by the winemaking team at Cos d'Estournel, this is a very soft, generous wine that burst with fruit in the mouth. The structure is easy, gently tannic but not more. The pleasure is from the sweet fruit.
Made by the winemaking team of Quinta de la Rosa, this powerful and bold wine comes from vineyards up river in Douro Superior. It is full of dark, dense black fruits and concentrated tannins with brisk acidity on the finish. Drink from 2018.
Made by winemaker Georgetta Dane, this white is awash in kumquat and vanilla, the medium-bodied layers of texture soft and round and accessible to a broad range of palates.
Made claret style, the fruit and alcohol are restrained, and the wine drinks dry and balanced. Dark cherry and wild berry flavors are mouth-filling and the tannins are complex but approachable. This is a fine example of its appellation and terroir.
Made completely from Merlot, this wine comes from Candy Mountain (52%), Birch Creek (25%) and Bacchus vineyards. The oak (35% new American) plays a central role, with aromas of vanilla and green wood out in front of raspberries and cherries. Flavors are light yet concentrated, with the tannins showing some astringency.
Made country-style, this Zin is dry, medium-bodied and crisply acidic, with simple flavors of mashed cherries, raspberries and coffee. Nice with Italian fare.
Made entirely from Cabernet Franc, this full-bodied wine opens with aromas of mature red berry, exotic spice and a whiff of purple flowers. The elegantly structured palate doles out juicy red currants, crushed raspberries, clove, cinnamon and licorice alongside firm, silky tannins. A tobacco note signals the close. Drink through 2021.
Made entirely from Cabernet Franc, this offers blueberry, cedar and bell pepper aromas. The palate is juicy, full of red currant, vanilla and Mediterranean herb flavors, held firm with polished tannins and a tart finish. Drink through 2022.
Made entirely from Cabernet Franc, this opens with aromas of blueberry, cedar and a whiff of rosemary. The juicy polished palate offers red currant, raspberry and Mediterranean herb. It closes on a vanilla note. Drink through 2022.
Made entirely from Cabernet from a single vineyard block, this wine explores the variety's more savory side, with aromas of leafy herbs, green pepper, cigar box, musk and dark chocolate. The cherry flavors are tart backed by chewy tannins.
Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and aged just over 10 years in barrel, Noble Companion is thick and hot, opening with a tawny taste of roasted pecans, viscous on the palate. It was bottled in 2015.
Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, Nemo is hard to analyze. It has typical Cabernet plum and cassis aromas, but also the scent of pickles. The palate is very soft, especially compared to the estate's Chianti. Flavorsof soy sauce, licorice and green pepper make for a confusing palate. It has its virtues, but also some faults. Hence the rating.
Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, this has aromas of black-skinned berry, leather and cedar. The dense palate delivers black currant, espresso and clove alongside bracing tannins that leave a somewhat astringent finish.
Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, this stylish wine opens with aromas of red berry, Mediterranean herb and cedar. The juicy, elegantly structured palate doles out red currant, black raspberry, licorice and white pepper alongside silky tannins. Drink now–2024.
Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, this Tuscan offering has aromas of grilled bell pepper and cedar wood. Oak dominates the palate, which also shows red currants, chocolate and espresso along with aggressive and astringent wood tannins.
Made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine opens with aromas of red berries, sweet baking spice, grilled herbs and a whiff of cedar. The structured but almost weightless palate doles out ripe red currants, red raspberries, licorice, mocha and white pepper. Supple, smooth tannins weave alongside the juicy flavors. Drink through 2016–2022.
Made entirely from Central Itay's native Passerina grape, this has apple and pineapple flavors accented by hints of dried herbs and delicate mineral. Crisp acidity leaves the palate refreshed.
Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in one site, the inaugural vintage of this cuvée is delicious. It offers a rich core of almond paste flavor, with inviting peach, apple and pear fruit tones, all while remaining light, bright and highlighted with wet stone and gravel.
Made entirely from Chardonnay, it shows real delicacy and richness, with a mousse as smooth as fine satin. Flavorwise, it's enormously rich, suggesting oranges, limes, honey, vanilla, toast and the sweet, yeasty doughiness of a brioche pastry. Really gorgeous, a worthy followup to the fabulous 2005 La Rêve.
Made entirely from Chardonnay, this benchmark New York sparkling wine balances pristine apple and lemon against layers of complex toast, caramel and crushed mineral nuances. Brut in style, it calibrates spine tingling acidity against a palate that's supple and ripe. Bold, mouthfilling bubbles dissipate elegantly through a long finish.
Made entirely from Chardonnay, this is a bright sparkling wine, bubbling in acidity and dry, leavened layers of apple and pear. A creaminess of vanilla balances the crispness, making for a successful small-production sparkler.
Made entirely from Chardonnay, this opens with aromas of toasted oak, yellow apple, and roasted hazelnut. The round medium-bodied palate delivers mature Abate Fetel pear, toasted walnut and a hint of ginger. Fresh acidity lifts the lingering finish.
Made entirely from Chardonnay, this opens with yellow apple, Williams pear and white peach aromas that follow through to the palate. It's elegant and steeped in vanilla and hazelnut flavors, with fresh acidity that lifts its creamy texture.
Made entirely from Cinsault, this copper-orange-colored wine comes in a swank square bottle, but delivers a tart, sour quality that veers slightly metallic.
Made entirely from Dijon clones to emphasize the fruit from this site, this wine is voluptuous in style, with a backbone of caramelized apple and pear flavor. Fig and quince contribute secondary characteristics of rounded richness, as a bite of salty lime marks the finish.
Made entirely from estate fruit, and given time to settle in French oak puncheons, only a third of them new, this dry and complex white is easily quaffable and yet so much more. Citrus peel and dried herb complement on the nose and palate, with a lightness of being that never veers on frivolous.
Made entirely from Garganega, this offers delicate wildflower and white stone fruit scents. On the vibrant palate, a white almond hint underscores yellow apple, Bartlett pear and nectarine flavors.
Made entirely from Grenache, this wine is a pretty pale-salmon color. It drinks off dry, with strawberry flavors and well-balanced acidity, showing some warmth on the finish.
Made entirely from Grenache, this wine is whole-cluster fermented and aged in stainless steel. It's a dry, light expression that's pretty on the nose and palate, with inviting strawberry notes alongside hints of lemon and orange. It offers refreshing acidity alongside a meaty body and wet-stone minerality.
Made entirely from late harvested Petit Manseng, this sweet, round dessert wine opens with ripe apricot and baked pear aromas. The straightforward palate delivers lemon honey, mature melon and vanilla flavors. Enjoy it soon.
Made entirely from Merlot, this offers subtle aromas of plum, French oak, menthol and a whiff of chopped herb. The round accessible palate shows blackberry jam, star anise, clove and mocha alongside lithe tannins and vibrant acidity. Enjoy 2018–2023.
Made entirely from native grape Canaiolo, this opens with delicate aromas of black-skinned berry, hay and a whiff of cooking spice. The dense palate delivers blackberry jam, cedar and licorice alongside crunchy tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Made entirely from Nebbiolo, Italy's most noble grape, this offers a fragrance of McIntosh apple, grapefruit and yellow peach. The palate displays an enticing depth of flavors including red cherry, strawberry and notes of cinnamon-spice alongside a refined and persistent perlage.
Made entirely from Nebbiolo, this boasts finesse and structure. Aromas of rose and red berry carry over to the palate alongside bright cherry and yeasty notes of baked bread. Crisp acidity generates freshness, while the elegant perlage gives a silky texture. It finishes bone-dry. Oliver McCrum, Volio Vino.
Made entirely from Nerello Cappuccio, this offers cassis, Mediterranean scrub and vanilla aromas. It's straightforward and enjoyable, with raspberry, clove and white pepper flavors framed by lithe tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Made entirely from Nerello Mascalese, this vibrant wine opens with blue flower, red-skinned berry and thyme aromas. The fresh, juicy palate delivers red cherry, strawberry, cinnamon and licorice flavors framed by fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2023.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this delicious wine opens with ripe black plum, carob and Mediterranean brush aromas. The smooth, chewy palate doles out layers of juicy blackberry, ripe Morello cherry, clove and white pepper flavors. A licorice note closes the finish while fine-grained tannins provide the framework. Enjoy through 2022.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this juicy red opens with ripe black-skinned berry and Mediterranean scrub aromas. Fine-grained tannins underscore its blackberry jam, sage and vanilla flavors. Enjoy through 2020.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this offers black-skinned berry, cinnamon and scorched earth aromas. The straightforward palate suggests ripe black cherry, baking spice and a touch of vanilla, wrapped in smooth tannins. Drink soon.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with black-skinned berry, freshly turned soil and cooking spice aromas. The soft, juicy palate offers blackberry, carob and clove flavors while rounded tannins lend a smooth texture. Enjoy through 2019.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with black-skinned berry, sun-baked earth and Mediterranean brush aromas. It's polished and savory on the palate and offers juicy black cherry, raspberry jam and white pepper notes alongside smooth tannins. It's made to be enjoyed young, so drink soon.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with mature black plum and violet scents. The simple, juicy palate offers black cherry, clove and raw almond flavors and smooth, ready-to-drink tannins.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with mature plum, blackberry and cooking spice aromas. It's juicy and easygoing on the palate, with fleshy black cherry, raspberry and ground pepper hints accompanied by round, smooth tannins. Drink soon.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with ripe black-skinned fruit, cooking spice and Mediterranean scrub aromas. Dense blackberry jam, carob and anise flavors mark the palate, where they're underscored by supple tannins. Drink through 2020.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with ripe dark-skinned berry, exotic spice and blue flower scents. The straightforward, juicy palate delivers fleshy black cherry, blackberry and white pepper notes alongside firm, refined tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with ripe red plum, blue flower and baking spice aromas. The juicy palate delivers ripe blackberry, star anise and white pepper notes, alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely from one vineyard source and one variety, this was barrel-fermented in half new French oak. Nonetheless it is marked most by its lightness and crisp, clean flavor of lemon, apple and passionfruit, the oak providing structure in the background only.
Made entirely from organic Sangiovese grapes, this opens with delicate red cherry and underbrush aromas. Ripe strawberry and raspberry lead the palate, revealing easygoing tannins. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely from organic Sangiovese grapes, this opens with floral iris and red cherry notes. The palate is straightforward and lively, marked by raspberry and thyme flavors and solid tannins. Enjoy through 2018.
Made entirely from organically farmed Sangiovese, this opens with blackberry, leather and baking spice notes. The concentrated palate delivers mature black plum, espresso, toast and tobacco flavors, bolstered by astringent tannins that grip the finish.
Made entirely from organically farmed Sangiovese, this opens with mature black plum, resin and vanilla aromas. The palate is concentrated, delivering blackberry jam, tobacco and oak-driven spice over a firm tannic frame. Drink now–2020.
Made entirely from organically grown Sangiovese, this opens with red plum, new leather and underbrush aromas. The full-bodied palate delivers crushed raspberry, black cherry, pipe tobacco and a hint of black pepper, with polished tannins providing backbone. Drink through 2022.
Made entirely from Pinot Nero, this fragrant Metodo Classico offers tantalizing red berry, citrus, rose and cake spice scents. It's bright and elegantly sparkling, delivering juicy strawberry, tart cherry, tangerine and pastry cream flavors, framed by crisp acidity. A hint of cinnamon closes the quenching finish, calling for a second bottle.
Made entirely from Pinot Nero, this Franciacorta rosé has a subdued fragrance that reveals notes of strawberry, grapefruit and nut. The linear, refreshing palate shows bright cherry flavors and closes on a note of toasted almond.
Made entirely from Pinot Nero, this opens with red-skinned berry and cooking spice aromas. The bright, straightforward palate delivers strawberry and cinnamon notes, with smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Pinot Nero, this sparkling wine is loaded with finesse. It opens with aromas of nectarine, pear, red berry and a yeasty note of bread dough. The palate offers apple, lemon pastry and minerality alongside bright acidity and a lively, refined perlage.
Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this is a light, ethereal and lovely sparkling wine, faintly pink in hue with high-toned, nuanced layers of red cherry and orange. This is one to enjoy on its own or at the table, picnic blanket or tailgating from the back of a truck, preferably with soft cheeses.
Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this méthode Champenoise sparkler is golden peach in color with attractive aromas and flavors of orange blossom, hazelnut, orange peel and a slight sense of garden herbs. Dry, it makes for a nice wine on its own or in spritzers.
Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this marks the first offering of this rosé from this ranch in the heart of Carneros. Dry and simple in approach, it delivers a crispness of lemon, lime and strawberry, becoming rich on the palate as it lingers.
Made entirely from Pinot Noir, this is a light, thin rosé with simple flavors of watermelon and strawberry.
Made entirely from Sangiovese and aged in French oak, this wine opens with aromas of oak, coffee, black fruit and spice. The dense palate delivers delicious black cherry along with sweet vanilla, oak extract and espresso alongside drying wood tannins.
Made entirely from Sangiovese using the méthode Champenoise, this sparkling wine offers raspberry and walnut aromas and flavors. It has a simple structure and despite no dosage, doesn't finish bone dry.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, it has earthy aromas of tilled soil, blue flower, ripe berry and notes of balsamic herbs. The palate offers juicy black cherry, white pepper, dried Mediterranean herbs and coffee bean alongside firm but ripe tannins. Straightforward and accessible now, it is not an ager so enjoy soon. Guido & Son Italian Imports, Old Bridge Cellars.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, it opens with fragrances that recall spicy black berries and Mediterranean herbs. The velvety palate delivers power and finesse along with fleshy black cherry, licorice and a graphite note. Wine Warehouse, Polaner Selections.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, the wine has underbrush aromas along with whiffs of blue flower, white mushroom and woodland berries. The structured palate delivers a core of wild cherry accented with white pepper, mint and sage alongside solid tannins that last through the finish. It shows the warmth of the vintage but give it two more years to tame tannins. Raya Imports, Oasis Wines.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this begins with leafy aromas that burn off in the glass to reveal underbrush, black berries, spice and a whiff of espresso. The palate offers up succulent wild cherry layered with cinnamon and a note of milk chocolate. It's extremely approachable, almost forward, so enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this bright wine opens with a lovely fragrance of blue flower, tilled soil, red berry and a hint of vanilla. The juicy palate delivers sour cherry and raspberry along with cinnamon-spice notes that add interest. Bracing but fine tannins accompany everything to the finish. A delicious, vibrant and uncomplicated wine that calls out for a hearty dish of pasta.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this displays a floral fragrance that recalls violet and iris accompanied by notes of crushed red berries. The straightforward palate offers juicy black cherry and chocolate notes alongside firm tannins. The Marchetto Company, Imports Inc., Pio Imports.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this elegant Chianti has enticing ripe red berry, violet and baking spice scents. The palate doles out succulent black cherry, leather and clove notes, while firm, savory tannins offer support. Enjoy through 2021.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this elegant red boasts classic varietal aromas such as violet, red berry and new leather. On the bright, sleek palate, cinnamon and Mediterranean herb accent a juicy core of Morello cherry and crushed raspberry fruit. It's nicely balanced, with polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2025.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this enjoyable wine opens with violet and Mediterranean herb aromas. The straightforward palate doles out wild cherry flavors, an earthy hint of underbrush and soft tannins. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this has primary aromas of underbrush, woodland berries and tobacco. The concentrated palate delivers ripe plum, prune and black cherry accented with black pepper and a note of vanilla alongside the warmth of alcohol. Brawny, round and delicious, this is already approachable. Drink through 2017.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this informal red has subdued aromas suggesting dark spice and plum. The simple palate delivers prune fruit with a sprinkling of clove and laid-back, fleeting tannins. Drink soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this informal red has subdued black cherry and vanilla aromas that carry over to the simple palate, where they're brightened by a hint of tangerine zest. It's easy-drinking, with soft, fleeting tannins. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this juicy wine opens with red cherry and white pepper aromas that carry over to the easygoing palate. They're joined by raspberry notes and fresh acidity, smooth tannins providing the framework. There's lots to enjoy here, but drink soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this leads with aromas of blue flower, bright red berries and plum accented with a balsamic note. The palate delivers black cherry, plum, mocha and white pepper alongside bracing tannins. Drink 2015–2019.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this offers scorched earth, chopped herb and black-skinned fruit aromas. The dense palate delivers ripe black plum, mocha and a hint of clove, with firm but rather evolved tannins. Drink 2019.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of black plum, vanilla and toast. The concentrated palate doles out black cherry jam, cedar and tobacco alongside assertive tannins. Drink through 2019.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this opens with black cherry, white pepper and an earthy underbrush scents. The savory, straightforward palate shows plum, clove and tobacco notes, set against chewy tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this opens with delicate black-skinned fruit and baking spice aromas. The straightforward palate delivers black cherry jam, cooking spice and white pepper flavors, rounded with ripe tannins. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this opens with delicate red-skinned berry and Mediterranean herb aromas. The simple palate delivers red cherry and underbrush notes, with a mildly tanninic texture. Drink soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this opens with intense violet, red berry, Mediterranean herb and tilled soil aromas. The palate is polished and layered in crushed raspberry, juicy black cherry, pipe tobacco, mint and white pepper flavors. Velvety tannins provide structure. Enjoy through 2022.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this opens with purple flower and forest floor aromas. The firm palate delivers black cherry, clove and a hint of leather alongside polished tannins. Enjoy through 2019.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this polished red opens with aromas of red berry, violet, sunbaked earth and a whiff of thyme. Structured and smooth, the palate delivers juicy red cherry, cinnamon and clove alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2023.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this starts with aromas of underbrush, iris, red berries, mint and toasted notes. The wine then discloses a core of black cherry accented with menthol, white pepper, cinnamon-spice and hints of espresso. This is already approachable so enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this traditionally crafted Chianti Classico opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, leather, black fruit and blue flower. The palate offers succulent black cherry accented with notes of black pepper, clove and menthol alongside brooding tannins. Drink 2014–2019.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this wine features aromas of violet, ripe red berries and coffee. The juicy, straightforward palate offers mature black cherry and blackberry layered with espresso notes. The wine has firm tannins, but since it reflects the warm vintage, it isn't an ager. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely from Sangiovese, this wine starts with an earthy fragrance of forest floor, woodland berries, toast and a smidgen of balsamic herbs. The one-dimensional, juicy palate delivers ripe black cherry, coffee and black pepper alongside brooding tannins.
Made entirely from Syrah grown on its property across multiple vintages, and then cave-aged six years in American oak, this is a nice dessert wine, raisiny and brimming in Christmas spice. With plenty of body and acidity, it swims effortlessly and smoothly on the palate, a bite of decadence that will work well with rich cheeses.
Made entirely from Syrah grown on two vineyard sites, then fermented and aged in stainless steel, this wine is light pink-orange in color and begins with a robust flavor of hazelnut and savory lemon peel. Dry and crisp, it remains lighthearted in the glass, finishing with a tease of grapefruit.
Made entirely from Syrah, this has a restrained nose that reveals baking spice and licorice aromas as it opens. The palate is more assertive, offering clove, ground black pepper and powdered sage notes, with raspy tannins that leave a drying finish.
Made entirely from Syrah, this opens with black-skinned fruit, tilled earth and roasted coffee scents. The straightforward palate delivers blackberry, black pepper, espresso and vanilla flavors, framed by firm tannins.
Made entirely from Syrah, this opens with black currant and pepper aromas. The concentrated palate delivers prune, cedar and tobacco flavors, framed by sleek tannins. Drink through 2020.
Made entirely from Tempranillo—a rarity in Italy—this opens with aromas of blue flowers, plum and a whiff of leather. The smooth palate delivers dried cherry and prune, accented by ground pepper and oak-driven spices. Bracing but fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide support. Drink through 2018.
Made entirely from the famous vineyard named for its stony soils, this resplendent wine is powerfully crafted and bold. Coconut shavings and chocolate provide a luxurious flavor profile that meshes perfectly with the wine's lush grip of tannin and velvety mouthfeel. Dark cherry and cassis round out the flavors, accented in black pepper and clove.
Made entirely from the native grape Nerello Cappuccio grown on Mount Etna, this polished wine opens with aromas of ripe red berries, underbrush, violet and leather. The delicious palate delivers succulent wild cherry, ripe raspberry, carob, cocoa and orange peel alongside silky, smooth tannins.
Made entirely from this rare variety and fermented and aged in stainless steel, this is a picnic wine meant to be enjoyed without hesitation. It's a light-bodied celebration of lemon peel and chamomile that's light, dry and juicy.
Made entirely from Trebbiano di Soave, this bright wine has a subdued nose that reveals white floral notes, tree fruit and mineral. The creamy, savory palate is much more expressive, delivering tart apples, ripe pear, white spice, mint and mineral alongside crisp acidity.
Made entirely fromSangiovese, this opens with red berry, underbrush and exotic spice aromas. The palate is straightforward and evocative of black cherries, crushed mint and a tobacco, framed by polished tannins. Drink through 2019.
Made entirely in stainless steel, this is only the second vintage for this wine, and it's a good start. Flavors are bold and assertive, with notes of green apple and citrus that finish lemony and mouthwatering. Drink now.
Made entirely of Fiano, this full-bodied white is loaded with white peach, lemon drop, sage, rosemary and mineral sensations. It's round and juicy and will continue to develop complexity over the next few years. Drink through 2017.
Made entirely of Pinot Nero, this elegant, structured sparkler opens with aromas of rose, berry and yeasty sensations of freshly baked butter cookies. The palate delivers a nice depth of flavors including tart red apple, wild strawberry, sage and marjoram alongside brisk acidity and an elegant, persistent mousse. It's already delicious but will also age well over the next few years. Drink through 2019.
Made entirely of the Alpine grape Prié Blanc, planted in the highest vineyards in Europe, this vibrant sparkler opens with aromas of green apple, white spring flowers and a hint of resin. The palate offers ripe Bartlett pear, creamy Granny Smith and Alpine herb alongside brisk acidity and persistent bubbles.
Made entirely with Aglianico, this has alluring delicate scents evoking wild rose and red berry. The vibrant palate offers juicy sour cherry, raspberry and tangerine zest alongside crisp acidity that leaves a bright refreshing finish.
Made entirely with Aglianico, this offers aromas suggesting cassis and Mediterranean herb. The concentrated palate delivers blackberry jam, vanilla and toast alongside firm rather astringent tannins. Drink through 2019.
Made entirely with Aglianico, this salmon-colored wine has delicate aromas of red berry and a whiff of wild rose. The lean, racy, palate offers hints of strawberry and red cherry alongside sharp acidity.
Made entirely with Alicante, this opens with delicate aromas of black-skinned fruit and a whiff of leather. The straightforward palate offers ripe black plum and cooking spice alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy soon.
Made entirely with Cabernet Franc, this displays subtle aromas of cassis and baking spice that carry over to the juicy palate together with bell pepper and vanilla. Round tannins provide the approachable framework. Drink through 2020.
Made entirely with Cabernet Sauvignon, this has a subdued nose, eventually revealing aromas of black-skinned fruit and baking spice. The robust palate offers French oak, vanilla and a hint of cedar alongside rounded tannins.
Made entirely with Cabernet Sauvignon, this mature wine opens with subtle aromas of black currant and ginger. The palate has reached its ideal drinking window, doling out black cherry, cedar and vanilla alongside smooth tannins. Drink soon to capture the remaining freshness.
Made entirely with Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of toasted oak, scorched earth, underbrush and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus. The dense palate offers blackberry jam, licorice, cured meat and a confectionery note alongside chewy, close-grained tannins. It's a bit shy on freshness, so drink sooner rather than later.
Made entirely with Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas suggesting scorched earth, cassis, porcini mushroom and grilled bell pepper. The firm austere palate offers dried black currant, prune and star anise alongside tightly knit, close-grained tannins that leave an astringent finish.
Made entirely with Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with delicate aromas of cassis, tobacco and cedar. The robust palate delivers mature plum, clove and espresso alongside chewy tannins. Drink through 2020.
Made entirely with Canaiolo, this offers aromas suggesting red berry and cake spice. The aromas carry over to the juicy palate together with wild strawberry and clove. It's fresh and enjoyable, with smooth tannins. Drink soon.
Made entirely with Cannonau, this boasts enticing aromas of red berries, dried rose petals and Mediterranean underbrush. The savory robust palate delivers black cherries, raspberries, white pepper and almond alongside fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2023.
Made entirely with Cannonau, this opens with aromas of red berry and Mediterranean brush. The friendly full-bodied palate delivers red cherry, raspberry and white pepper alongside polished tannins. Enjoy through 2020.
Made entirely with Chardonnay, this delivers delicate aromas of stone fruit, citrus and white almond. The bright palate offers up mature yellow apple, vanilla and a hint of lemon pastry alongside a persistent perlage.
Made entirely with Chardonnay, this is lightly scented with whiffs of citrus and a yeasty hint of bread dough. The bright, soft palate offers yellow apple, lemon zest and bitter almond alongside firm acidity.