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us

the aromas are quite locked up at present, with notes of cranberry, cherry, herb and wood spice. on the palate, the dark-fruit flavors show the warmth of the vintage, with a spine of firm tannins providing support.

Bauhaus

us

cedarville's ode to priorat, this is a mix of 45% grenache, 30% syrah and 25% cabernet sauvignon. the three get along swimmingly, amusingly mixing into a triad of dark blackberry, dark licorice and dark chocolate. the rich texture is on the mark, and the wine provides just the right heft for any spicy, brawny meal.

Turnabout's

france

this wine is soft and very rich. that takes away from the fruit and leaves a broad wine, smooth and with a touch of pepper from alcohol. it is too big.

Domaine de la Garenne

italy

a blend of insolia and chardonnay, this wine opens with subdued aromas of yellow spring flowers and pear. the round, straightforward palate offers golden apple, white peach and lemon zest alongside fresh acidity.

Calanica

argentina

earthy rubbery berry aromas suggest pencil eraser and rubber. this malbec-syrah blend feels chunky and on the heavy side. baked blackberry and chocolate flavors finish stewy and wayward.

MIO

us

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.

LVdM Vineyard

us

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.

Goodchild High 9 Vineyard

portugal

apples and crisp pears give this wine its intensely fresh character. it has bright acidity that shoots right through the wine, resulting in a tangy texture. drink now.

Paxis Branco

chile

strong-like-bull blackberry flavors follow dirt, oak and a little pepper on the nose—all of the above appear on the finish. it's not terribly lush or complex, but it gets the job done.

Reserva

portugal

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.

20 Years Old White

us

here's a pinot to drink now. it's a little on the soft, simple side, but tasty, with raspberry and cherry jam, cola, oak and spice flavors.

Julia's Vineyard

us

here is a vivid, racy, puckering and precise take on oregon chardonnay. with its lovely mix of green and yellow fruits—apple, melon and citrus—it strikes a refreshing chord across the entire palate.

Bunker Hill Vineyard

us

surprising and delightful, this blend of syrah and merlot brings a complex mix of botanical highlights to a base of citrusy red-berry flavors. notes of black pepper and granite-like minerality add more interest. the depth and persistence are remarkable in a wine at this price.

Plumb Crazy

france

this typical provence blend with bubbles has a spicy, pepper-like edge as well as crisp fruit. bright acidity and a creamy mousse give it an attractive, refreshing aftertaste.

Bulles de Brigue Brut Nature

italy

made with 70% carricante and 30% catarratto, this elegant wine features aromas of tree fruit and white peach. the focused palate delivers tart green apple, citrus and mineral accented with savory mediterranean herbs alongside crisp acidity. it closes on an almond note.

Isolanuda

austria

a touch of honey and nettle plays on the nose. the frothy, fizzing palate delivers off-dry fruit notes of yellow pear and ripe citrus. light and fresh, the body finishes just about dry. drink soon.

White Secco Méthode Traditionelle

germany

honey tangerine and jasmine notes perfume this intensely aromatic, complex wine. while dry in style, it's surprisingly rich and honeyed on the palate. the midpalate tightens with pineapple acidity, followed by a brash mineral finish.

Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Trocken GG

us

toasty graham crackers and nutmeg make for a compelling entry into this wine, a blend of petite sirah, merlot, carignan, malbec, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, syrah and mourvèdre. the disparate elements come together in a bold, concentrated way, the tannins integrated around dark, black fruit and leathery black pepper.

Cuvée

us

this is a little rough and scouring on the mouth, but otherwise a fine sparkling wine. it's rich and slightly sweet, with orange, lime, vanilla and yeasty dough flavors.

Brut de Blancs

us

high alcohol gives this zin a glyceriney sweetness, and the raspberry, cherry and blackberry flavors veer into overripe raisins and prunes. a rustic wine, it will stand up to barbecue. drink it now.

Snow

italy

a 50-50 blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon, this opens with aromas of ripe plum, dark-skinned berry, cedar and purple flowers. the palate delivers prunes, dried black cherries, licorice and black pepper alongside raspy tannins that leave an astringent finish.

Indue

us

from a warm vintage, this aromatic offering has notes of candy corn, corn silk, pear and tropical fruit. it's full bodied with sweet fruit flavors that have a creamy feel and lead to a lingering finish.

Reserve

us

heavy sagebrush and chaparral spices meet with cherry fruit and a touch of asphalt on the nose of this bottling. the palate is earthy with loam and juniper flavors, all woven into dark cranberry fruit.

Rancho Santa Rosa

italy

dried cherry, dark berry, tobacco and grilled herb sensations all come together in this fresh, straightforward red. smooth but rather fleeting tannins support the bright, juicy flavors. drink through 2016.

Meleto

us

tastes young, sharp in acids and jammy sweet right now, with upfront cherry, raspberry and blackberry flavors. but after all, it is a california barbera, and these puppies age forever. give it some time, but don't expect it ever to become sophisticated.

Grand Reserve

portugal

with verdelho and viognier in the blend, this attractive wine has a ripe perfumed character. it also has a crisp side with its lemon fruits that contrast with the spicy pear and melon. it is ready to drink, bright and crisp at the end.

Chaminé Branco

spain

crushed vitamin-like minerality dominates the nose, which also brings a sketchy, aroma of pumpkin innards. a wide palate is lacking in shape, while flavors of citrus and squash finish weakly.

Conde Valdemar

us

subtle scents of white flower and peanut shell meld with core aromas of tropical fruits. the palate feels viscous and open knit, and the residual sugar makes for a clingy finish.

Ali d'Oro

us

named for the entav clone, this is an earthy, herbal and dense 100% cabernet franc, hard to find in the napa valley and a special calling of this producer. black plum, currant and a sense of restraint rise above the fray in this wine, which remains sizable in tannins and tight on the finish, suggesting time in the cellar, through 2021.

Two Fourteen

italy

made from 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 10% cabernet franc, this opens with savory aromas of fennel, dark berry, bell pepper and cedar. the firm palate offers black currant, black cherry, clove and mediterranean herbs. assertive but fine-grained tannins add elegance.

Sondraia

spain

robust black-fruit aromas suggest plum and blackberry. this everyday red is concentrated, generous and packed with power. flavors of dark berry fruits, chocolate and espresso finish with verve and clarity.

Estate Bottled

france

the second wine of château de lamarque is named after the medieval tower of the castle. it is a densely tannic wine, firm and dense although also with plenty of black-plum fruits. the wood aging is still showing prominently, giving a tough, dry edge to the wine that needs to soften. give this tight wine until 2018.

Donjon de Lamarque

us

full blueberry and blackberry aromas can't overcome the off-putting, solvent-like elements on the nose here. lots of alcohol, spice-cake and dark berry flavors, but not much finesse or texture mark this disappointing old-vine offering from this generally solid zinfandel producer.

Grandmére

argentina

gamy, rubbery aromas mark this sizzler with major balance issues. sour flavors of currant and lemon finish with nothing but acid.

Benchmark Reserva

france

structured and concentrated, it has a silky richness that is very volnay, while at the same time giving the bright fruits of the year. the final tastes are smoke and crisp acidity.

Ancienne Cuvée Carnot Caillerets Premier Cru

south africa

while this is certainly on the higher end of south african shiraz price points, it's worth the investment. the intense bouquet is loaded with rich dark cherry, raspberry, sweet spice and small wild strawberries. all-spice and pepper dominate the creamy mouth, with opulent flavors of meaty plum, roasted espresso and black cherry guts. full and powerful in the mouth with a strong vanilla-accented finish. delicious now but worthy of cellar time as well.

The Stork

italy

this prosecco brut from the slightly warmer conegliano subzone is a perfect example of its kind. the luminous sparkler offers drying mineral tones that are embellished by pretty notes of white rose, honey, stone fruit and citrus. the mouthfeel is lean, smooth and fresh.

Palazzo Rosso Brut

us

decadent yet finessed, this intensely ripe, concentrated wine brims with fleshy flavors of black plum and cassis. tart cranberry acidity and complexities of olive, savory spice and granite push the palate into greater depths. the finish is long, marked by fine firm tannins. it's lovely already, but should meld beautifully from 2020–2030 and further.

Assemblage

us

savory mint, prune and soy sauce blend nicely with notes of violet and rose. more fruit comes through on the palate, showing a bright cranberry note that livens everything up.

Octagon

argentina

cherry, plum, bacon and licorice are all good aromas that indicate that this value wine has quality backing it up. the palate is fresh and clean, with depth and ripe, slightly oaked flavors of cassis, blackberry and chocolate. easy to like, with toasty touches throughout.

Oak Cask

italy

made with pinot grigio, chardonnay and sauvignon, this leads with subtle aromas of celery, mature yellow apple, vanilla and toast. the palate offers pink grapefruit, toasted oak, lemon drop, celery, and butterscotch. it's still has fresh acidity but the fruit richness has started drying out so drink soon.

Lis

italy

vibrant and elegant, this refreshing, mineral-driven white offers aromas of white spring flower, ripe orchard fruit and citrus blossom. bright acidity frames the juicy pear, apple and flint flavors, while the crisp finish closes on a saline note. this is a fantastic wine from a grape grown only at the sella & mosca estate in sardinia.

Terre Bianche

argentina

this is tan in color, with a flat, murky nose of stone-fruit aromas and chemical harshness. a round, oily textured palate tastes of briny nectarine and pithy bitterness. in many ways, this is like sucking on a peach pit.

The Angel Oak

us

this wine is restrained on the nose and initially on the palate, showing a touch of reduction and tightly-held flavor. as it opens, it unleashes juicy dark cherry, berry and huckleberry notes, its core dense with tannin and oak.

Estate

us

this is one of the best pinots riverbench has produced. it's a delight to drink, with a silky, gentle texture and crisp acidity to get your mouth watering. for all the lightness of mouthfeel, the flavors are serious, suggesting raspberries and cherries with earthy notes of mushrooms, cola and herb tea. it would not be surprising if this wine was still gaining traction in 2020, but you can decant it and drink it now.

Pommard

us

this wine is a blend of sangiovese (65%) and barbera. cranberry, raspberry and baking spice aromas are followed by generous tart fruit flavors with an electric jolt of acid. the acid is quite bracing to have on its own. pair it with pasta with a red sauce.

Garagiste Rosso

italy

aromas that recall red berry, chopped herb, baked earth and a whiff of leather lead the way on this polished wine. the linear palate delivers dried cherry, raspberry wild mint and a touch of white pepper that carry through to the firm finish.

Montespinato

us

this wine shows its 40% whole-cluster fermentation in its stemmy and exotic nature that won't please every palate as it develops a strong, savory character that holds on dearly on the palate. chewy and peppery in leather, tar and pine, it shows the cranberry and rhubarb qualities of grapes picked just-ripe.

Estate Grown

italy

this is a lovely wine that is packed tight with spicy oak renderings, chocolate nutella, almond paste, red fruit and roasted espresso bean. the wine shows elegant, drying tannins with creamy mocha flavors that last long in the mouth. drink after 2015.

Ciabot Berton

portugal

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.

Tons de Duorum

chile

toasty, inviting aromas of apple and melon lead to a balanced palate with layered flavors of resiny oak, pear and peach. the finish continues with resin and oak, but by then it has already established itself as a well-balanced wine, with tasty flavors of white and tropical fruit.

Sibaris Reserva Especial

france

this is the second wine of château pibran, whose vineyard is situated close to those of the the first growths of mouton and lafite. structured and dense, this is a solid, powerful wine, packed with juicy black currant fruits and generous tannins. give this wine until 2018 before drinking.

Château Tour Pibran

us

with grapes from yountville, this bordeaux blend, which is mostly cabernet sauvignon, has a very fine structure. it's firm in tannins and acidity, with a bracing minerality. the flavors are already quite advanced, suggesting jammy cherries, blackberries and cassis. drink now for sheer deliciousness, after decanting.

Napanook

argentina

basic aromas are low on fruit. this has a cutting, citric feel that's centered around juicy acidity. sour grapefruit and tangerine flavors end with lasting citric acidity.

Estate Malbec

us

an extraordinarily elegant wine that will satisfy diehard burgundians as well as fans of sweeter, riper pinot noir. it's generous in cherries, raspberries, chocolate and smoky sandalwood, yet shows a mushroomy earthiness that adds rich complexity. it will not be surprising if this delicious wine ages well for at least six years.

Londer Vineyard

us

very fresh, light and a little candylike in flavor, this vivid-pink wine is dry and fruity. it is charming and easy to sip.

Dry Sangiovese

us

fermented and aged in new french wood barrels as well as two- and three-year old ones , this chardonnay is too oaky. caramel, butterscotch and vanilla dominate the underlying lime and pear fruit flavors.

Heritage Reserve

us

fermented in a taransaud french oak open top tank, using maresh vineyard grapes exclusively, this delicious wine combines pretty cherry and pomegranate fruit with dusty spices, leading into a finish dappled with cinnamon toast and coconut. lovely now, or give it a few more years in bottle.

Audrey

us

intensity and subtle power are the hallmarks of this full-bodied, very ripe and fruit-saturated wine. while waves of blackberry jam and sweet black cherry coat the tongue, a sense of sweetness and viscosity clings to the sides of the mouth.

Ten Zin

us

from a longtime vineyard source, this wine opens with dried herb and menthol aromas. it's exotic on the palate too, with seductive, silky-smooth texture and a tightness of acidity. black cherry meets black tea and pomegranate, with just the slightest remembrance of cola. drink now through 2023.

Toboni Vineyard

us

white stone fruits, some smoke and toast, and ample spice makes the entrance to this wine really inviting. there's plenty of richness to the mouth, which is jammed with lemon, lime and a balancing dryness not unlike chalk. the fade is pure and dry, offering long nuances of spicy oak and white pepper. it's a wine that's integrated and satisfying.

Estate

france

the ripe fruit of this vintage is right up front in this strawberry and spice-flavored wine. with a texture that adds a touch of tannin to the fruitiness, it is smooth and round. drink this aromatic wine from 2018.

Sélection

us

this syrah is hard and tannic now, and it will always be hard and tannic, but it's quite an impressive wine. so dense and layered, it reveals tiers of complexity with every sip as it airs in the glass. the flavors are of pure, ripe wild blackberries, with currant, coffee and tobacco notes, and sprinkled with crushed black pepper. drink now–2013.

Alexandria's Cuvée

us

toasty oak kicks off the nose of this bottling, and then come touches of vanilla, lemon cookie, flint, buttered toast and almost marshmallow. flavors are quite smoky, with roasted almond and sea salt, but the grippy texture is the most intriguing part.

Smith Vineyard

us

an inviting hint of butter shows on the nose of this big, bold and concentrated wine. it displays craftsmanship through its embrace of lightly toasted oak, which accents vibrant apple and pear notes. it's lushly textured, with persistent acidity and a lemon peel flourish on the close.

Quail Hill Vineyard

us

hard tannins, probably from the grape skins, mark this wine, the kind you usually don't find in a syrah, especially one from a warm climate like alexander valley. beyond the lockdown astringency, you'll find lush blackberry and cocoa flavors, but they may not last long enough for the wine to age.

Big River Ranch

france

one of the best sparkling vouvrays, this 2005 vintage has an extra richness from the year. it has the mineral, chalky edge of chenin blanc, but this is rounded out with pear, white peach and sweet almond flavors. good to drink now, but also worth aging for 2–3 years.

Cuvée Prédilection Brut

france

there is a distinct tannic edge to this 100% pinot noir champagne. it gives a firm character and with spice as well as red fruits and citrus. these elements, not quite integrated, show the wine needs to age further. drink from 2019.

Cuvée Royale Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature

us

in honor of adam comartin's daughter, who's named after the australian city where he learned a bit of winemaking, this bubblegum pink wine offers plush and inviting aromas of light strawberry, peach skins and watermelon juice. rounded pink and red fruits show on the palate, cut by orange zest, packed up with edgy acid and grippy tension. quite complex.

Adelaide's

israel

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.

Yarden Yonatan Vineyard

portugal

with its fine tannins and touch of acidity to lift the berry fruits, this is a stylish, wood-aged wine. it is ready to drink with its spice and ripe fruit character.

Quinta de S. Francisco

chile

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.

Catalina

argentina

neutral aromas and a mouthfeel with modest lemony acidity set up pithy citrus flavors and notes of green melon and lychee. the finish on this tropical-tasting wine is creamy and a bit heavy, with lime and green banana flavors. drink right away.

Reserva

italy

from the 2003 vintage, this sweet red wine shows well evolved aromas of candied fruit, prune, black raisin, exotic spice and barbecue wood. the wine sports tight, gritty tannins and soft, jammy sweetness on the close.

500ml

us

this juicy, fruity beaujolais-style wine is instantly appealing. its grape, raspberry and cherry flavors are highlighted with orange peel scents. it's definitely made to be drunk young.

Whole Cluster

argentina

grassy, herbal aromas contain little fruit, while this feels firm, with no give to the palate. green, herbal flavors are low on fruit, and this ends with heat and scratchiness.

Petit Trez

us

this is a new cuvée for trisaetum, from a vineyard in the red hills of dundee. it shows some old vine character in its brambly, burgundian elegance. light flavors of raspberry and cherry float above a bed of clay, yet there is enough muscle for the wine to extend gracefully through a lingering finish, with a lick of chocolate. enjoy it over the next decade or more.

Wichmann Dundee Estate

us

soft and dull, with unripe vegetal notes alongside the sweet cola and blackberries.

Family

israel

a nose of black cherry, violet and vanilla paves the way for a grown up mélange of fruit and savory flavors that include raspberry, cassis, brambles and smoked meat. long-lasting tannins coat the palate through a finish marked by notes of berries and smoke.

Special Reserve

us

very juicy if straightforward aromas of blueberry and blackberry rise off of this fun and easy-drinking syrah from the carhartt family, whose estate is in the middle of the santa ynez valley. the palate builds on those ripe elements with a bit of tar and dried fruit.

Rancho Santa Ynez

france

a softly textured wine, this has richness coming from black and red berry fruits. wood and juiciness combine well in this attractive wine that will be ready to drink in a few months.

Thomas Barton Réserve

spain

the cola and licorice aromas are candied and easygoing. this feels acidic and snappy, with red cherry and berry flavors that end with a crisp, sheer, rugged feel.

Reserva

us

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.

Reserve

spain

bold, forward and extracted red wine, with raspberry, earth, compost and a light leafiness to the nose. tannic and tight, with plum and heavy, ripe berry flavors. toasty and dark on the finish too, with power and freshness.

Tinto

argentina

earthy on first impression, then more vital and modern, with raspberry and plum aromas along with a dose of oak. full and showing a powerful grip in the mouth, with cassis, black cherry and chocolate flavors. sweet and very ripe late, with a touch of raisin as it fades away.

Benegas Lynch

us

while red apple, raspberry and bramble aromas on this rosé are restrained, ruddy, slightly overripe cherry and strawberry flavors build on the palate. dry and full-bodied in style, it finishes with a touch of exotic spice.

As If Courage

chile

strong but pleasant oak-based aromas of sandalwood complement lightly herbal plum and berry notes. this feels wiry and intense, with rugged tannins. herbal, oaky berry flavors finish with scratchy tannins and a distant note of green.

Gran Terroir Estate Grown La Huella Vineyard

france

dark colored wine, which translates into richness and flavors of full-bodied damsons and plum fruits, with finely judged tannins and wood. natural power, with concentration and final acidity to give just the right lift.

Les Damaudes

france

the second wine of château coussin, owned by the sumeire family, is from a parcel of vines in the main vineyard. it gives a rounded wine, soft, red fruited, crisp and clean. a delicious aperitif style.

La Croix du Prieur

us

the aromas of this sauvignon blanc carry a lot of perfume, as if dusted with talcum powder. in the mouth it is soft and tastes lightly of melon and apple, again with a rather odd impression of sweet powder. serve it well chilled.

Quail Series Fumé Blanc

italy

this opens with pretty floral aromas of white peach and juicy pineapple accompanied by salinity and dried sage notes. siena imports, l'amore di vino.

Pallio di San Floriano

us

this is the winery's more accessible and approachable cabernet, ready to drink. robust flavors of tobacco and brambly blackberry provide a nod to the mountain provenance. the wine spent more than a year in oak, 30% of it new french and 10% of it new american. the wood flavor is pronounced, a taste of vanilla an endpoint to the finish.

Counterpoint

spain

this three-grape blend includes sauvignon blanc, verdejo and merseguera. it's gold in color, while heavy and cidery on the nose. a chunky, citrusy palate is globular and tastes of grapefruit, tangerine and salt, while an oily feeling, round finish lacks complexity.

Hoya de Cadenas 130 Anniversary

us

the aromas of cocoa, woodspice, cassis, cherry and herbs are brooding on this 100% varietal wine that hails from red mountain. palate-coating cherry flavors are supported by dry, lightly gritty tannins and tart acids.

Washington

us

despite oak-infused pineapple and mango flavors this chardonnay is a bit brittle and tart, with an acidic sharpness all the way through. drink up.

Reserve

us

satisfying waves of black cherry and cola combine in force in this rich, seductive and juicy vineyard-designate. made in a full-bodied, robust style, it integrates the firm tannin into a supporting role, finishing in spicy clove.

Lakeview Vineyard

us

this is a soft, approachable wine, rightfully representative of its roots in the heart of the appellation. allspice, plum and rhubarb provide a heartfelt offering of baked flavor and spice, as mild-mannered acidity keeps the fruit components fresh and persistent.

Winemaker's Block

portugal

a properly rich wine that benefits from its wood aging to give a polished, minty feel to the plush black plum fruits. solid tannins are easily enveloped by fruit, while retaining a firm structure. keep for 2-3 years.

Monte da Cal Reserva

us

still gritty in tannins at nearly four years of age, but very rich in fruit, showing concentrated blackberry, currant, cassis and mineral flavors, accented with sweet, smoky cedar wood. the mouthfeel is elegant on this dry, complex wine, which should be decanted.

Bench Blend

france

this is pure riesling, very mineral, steely and direct. with intense acidity as well as the crispest green and citrus fruits, it's still very young. the fresh current gives an initial lift while keeping the concentrated texture in mind. drink from 2017.

Cuvée Théo