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france

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.

grande qv

us

this is a very fine, high level cabernet that shows the impeccable nature of mondavi reserve. yet it's also very tannic and far from being drinkable. shows a vast repository of black currant, blackberry, black cherry and new oak flavors wrapped into a smooth, velvety mouthfeel whose finish goes on forever. masculine and authoritative, it should continue to improve for many years. drink now, with decanting, and through 2017, at least.

reserve

chile

cheesy smelling oak and slightly overripe fruit aromas are a little less than spotless on the nose. in the mouth, this is raw and saucy in feel, with biting tannins. sauvage berry flavors are gamy, while this is drying, scratchy and rugged on the finish. drink through 2022.

marques de casa concha

us

this is a new bottling for morgan, and appeals for it's reasonable price. it's blended creatively with tempranillo and grenache making it complex with flavors of cherry, currant, sweet tea, cola and exotic spices. it's dry in style with big, tough tannins and high acidity, but it's not likely to develop in the cellar, so drink it now.

gi7

us

made in tiny amounts in a light-bodied style, its vineyard site in the cool petaluma gap, this wine opens in earthy soapstone and sandalwood, offering an aroma of dried flowers. delicate acidity supports a funkiness of cranberry, rhubarb and nutmeg, while a suggestion of roses lurks in the background.

grand vent vineyard

argentina

muddled apple and spice aromas are o.k. and improve with familiarity. the palate runs narrow and tight, with sharp acidity and stalky flavors of lemon, green apple and lime. finishes fresh and cutting, with controlled pithiness. 70% chardonnay and 30% sb.

clara benegas

us

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.

corral creek vineyards

france

this seems awfully civilized for cornas, with bold, clean blueberry fruit front and center, anchored by a framework of cedar and vanilla. this full-bodied, lush, creamy expression of northern rhône syrah should drink well through 2025. imported by dhi selections, t. edward wines ltd

les barcillants

spain

richly oaked aromas of maple and mocha accent earthy, rubbery berry scents. this is muscled-up and edgy on the palate, with flavors of tobacco, mocha, plum and berry fruits. a grabby, slightly collapsed finish contains earthy, savory flavor remnants. drink through 2020.

viña coqueta

italy

this has restrained black-skinned fruit and graphite aromas that carry over to the simple palate, with a touch of bitter almond. drink soon.

le campanelle

us

saline and sea breeze lend refreshing, nautical appeal to this elegant unoaked chardonnay. it's plush and plump in mouthfeel but anchored by bracing lemon, tangerine and grapefruit flavors. drink now through 2020.

unoaked

italy

a blend of 70% sangiovese and 30% merlot, this simple, informal red presents violet, berry and herbaceous aromas. the easy-drinking palate doles out blackberry and wild cherry with soft acidity.

dardo

us

cabernet specialist terra valentine tries their hand at merlot, with mixed results. the wine feels labored, as though it were produced to meet some sort of profile. it's soft, gently tannic and sweet in cherry pie, mocha and anise.

estate grown

bulgaria

this deep garnet kosher blend of 55% rubin and 45% merlot is scented with black plum, blackberry and freshly ground black pepper. it flavors are those of dried cranberries and tart cherry. it has balanced tannins with a pleasantly tart finish.

pendar

chile

a blend of simple stone-fruit and citrus aromas exhibits a touch of vegetal green. this feels balanced but highly regular, while briny citrus and persimmon flavors hang around on the finish.

vitral reserva

us

zesty orange rind and apple notes take center stage in this unoaked chardonnay, unadorned by trimmings of wood or spice. full bodied and ripe, its easygoing style is approachable. soft acidity marks a plush, slightly clingy finish. drink now through 2019.

unoaked

us

big indeed, this is very dark and concentrated, with fruit-powered flavors wrapped in sweet baking spices. an impressive petite sirah that does not seem too tannic; the barrel flavors—vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar—more than compensate, and the fruit is round and ripe enough to hold the focus.

mr. big

germany

the 2014 vintage produced so many standouts for st. urbans-hof, it's hard to decide on favorites, but this luminous spätlese pulls quite a bit of weight for its dimunitive price tag. while delicate in frame, it's dramatic in composure, shifting from floral fruity exuberance to waxy, mineral and taut in each sip. it's drinking gorgeously now but should hold well, and perhaps improve, through at least 2020.

schodener saarfeilser marienberg spätlese erste lage

france

a lick of lemon tanginess plays on the nose alongside a touch of peach. the palate reprises this lemon freshness and lets it dance softly on the fluid, dry palate. peach and mirabelle can be glimpsed, too. this is dry and fresh, clean and vivid, leaving the palate cleansed and refreshed. the lemon echoes long, joined by zesty grapefruit on the finish, and makes this totally moreish.

schoenenbourg grand cru

us

light aromas like canned fruit cocktail and almost sweet flavors like banana and marshmallow characterize this medium-bodied wine.

hybrid

australia

there's 10% zinfandel blended into this wine, but looking at my notes, i never would've thought so. the pale color is all pinot noir, as are the aromas of earth and tomato (the vanilla comes from the french oak barrels). it's light and crisp, with a tart finish.

are you game?

italy

a soft note of ripe honeydew melon or white peach opens the bouquet of this delicate italian sparkler. beyond those evident fruit tones is a wine that delivers fresh acidity and loads of creamy mousse.

dei casel extra dry

spain

a rich, bacony, black fruit monster with deep, molten flavors and immense body and tannic grab. a bruising wine with boysenberry, blackberry, mint, licorice and chocolate for primary flavors, and then lemony oak as a backdrop. young, tannic and wild now; best from 2011 through 2015.

torre muga

spain

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.

rosé brut reserva

us

pure cabernet sauvignon, deep and sappy, with the dark, licorice and coffee-infused complexity of walla walla's best bottles. sharp and young, with a potent, liquorous finish, this explosive bottle of cassis-driven fruit should cellar well for a decade or more.

v.r. special

us

a kitchen sink-style blend of tempranillo, syrah and merlot along with six other varieties, it has notes of pencil eraser, green herbs, and berry. the fruit flavors are lighter in style with the tannins tightly wound and a bit gruff.

vintner's blend #13 red table wine

spain

flat stewy prune-like aromas are low on life but not off-putting. this feels wide grabby and tannic, while jammy flavors of raspberry and plum finish chunky and expansive, but also tannic and wan. drink now.

pagos de tahola reserva

italy

ripe and delicious, this starts off with aromas of fresh violet, rose, perfumed berry, exotic spice and tilled earth. it's still young but the palate already delivers a great depth of flavors including juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove and black pepper alongside chewy tannins. drink 2016 to 2021.

pajorè

france

while this wine certainly has a tannic background, it is already showing fruitiness and ripe berry and red plum flavors. that makes for a warm, rounded wine that will age relatively quickly. drink from 2016.

premier cru

spain

berry and cherry aromas are fruity and clean. this blend of carignan, grenache and syrah is big on the palate but also tannic, acidic and fierce. black plum, blackberry and tomato flavors finish crisp and firm.

brunus

spain

starts out heavy and roasted, with herbal, earthy berry aromas settling in. feels pruney but there's also acidity, while the flavors run herbal and peppery as prune and plum represent the fruit side. decent but doesn't fully click.

dominio de heredia

france

perfumed and off dry, this rich wine has spice, structure and a floral character. it is so young with its white fruits, hint of lychee and lime-juice acidity. the wine needs to age to reveal its potential. drink from 2018.

seppi landmann zinnkoeplé grand cru

italy

here's a pearl for sparkling wine lovers. this bubbly rosato is made from the hearty aglianico grape, usually reserved for one of italy's most austere and masculine red wines. yet here the variety shows a delicate, soft side with notes of wild berry and creamy almond paste.

dubl

portugal

a solid and textured wine, catapereiro reserva is full-bodied and rich. with dark berry and ripe plum fruit characteristics, as well as firm tannins, it is a serious and complex wine that deserves aging. drink from 2015.

companhia das lezírias catapereiro reserva

france

the aromatic tang of ripe lemon peel plays on the nose. the palate is pervaded by the same refreshing zestiness, shimmering with cheerful citrus brightness amidst riper notions of pear and peach. this is mouth-watering stuff, almost addictive with its dry zesty finish.

les princes abbés

england

oatmeal, chalk and bread crust form the first impression. on the palate they play upon a tart and lively freshness and round out crisp, green apple fruit. together they fill the palate while gentle fizz illuminates more of the bready, stony flavors. restraint is the central theme here.

blanc de noir

us

gorgeous foam leads this wine, a blend of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. golden peach in color with a dry, savory strawberry richness and smooth texture, it is buoyed by solid acidity. estate-grown, this is a stellar california sparkler, incredibly well-priced and versatile.

brut rosé

france

this is well-balanced and ripe, with plenty of room for both the attractive black fruits and the firm tannic structure. wood aging shows, although it will integrate well. the wine is fruity, likely to be ready to drink from 2016.

château courbian

austria

on the forefront are weight, superripe white fruits, intense pepper and considerable richness. it's rococo in its ornamentation and its exuberance.

wösendorfer hochrain smaragd

spain

grapey and citrusy on the nose, this has an herbal twinge. it feels bouncy and simple, with juicy boysenberry and blueberry flavors that set up a grapey, standard-feeling finish. fresh, juicy and best for simple sipping.

tinto

france

this domaine, based in the pouilly-fumé region across the loire, also has vines in sancerre. the wine is rich, with melon and juicy apple flavors. its acidity and steely texture form a contrast to its deliciously refreshing character. drink now.

frétoy

us

napa's duckhorn house heads south for this ripe-style bottling that shows browned butter, vanilla, squeezed tangerine and dried pineapple on the nose. the palate is ripe and powerful, with honeysuckle, poached apple and lime-syrup flavors.

dierberg vineyard

us

there's a touch of forest floor funk on this wine, but the nose also shows lots of stewed black cherries, chemise and mint-chocolate chip. the palate is deep and rich but not overly ripe, with raspberry and elderberry fruit cut by herbal seasonings of oregano, thyme, marjoram and mint.

hunter's cuvee

portugal

a fruity and aromatic wine that is a blend of syrah and castelão. it has bright red fruits and a soft, ripe character. berries and acidity complement the round finish.

samora

france

sweet, strawberry jelly aromas lead to a wine that shows ripe, spiced and red plum flavors lifted by definite wood characters. the acidity is a constant right through this attractive wine.

le clé saint-pierre oak aged

us

a blend of approximately 50% cabernet sauvignon, with merlot, malbec, syrah and petit verdot making up the remainder, this barbecue-ready wine is scented with dried herb and forest floor components. brambly berry fruit and tart acids work to balance out the earthy tannins.

quarry butte destiny ridge vineyards estate grown

us

there is already a hint of tawniness to this wine (second bottle— first was tca-infected) that suggests a short life ahead. it's charming at the moment, surprisingly far along the aging curve, but with pretty cherry fruit and some sandalwood in the tannins. drink up.

lia's vineyard

israel

this late harvest selection boasts ripe apricot, lychee, golden raisin, honeydew and baked apple fruit characters alongside glimmers of sweet spice, candied orange rind and raw honeycomb. it's full and deliciously weighty in the mouth, with a stunning ginger-infused lift to the long close.

sha'al single vineyard late harvest

italy

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.

principe guerriero

us

gary farrell's bordeaux blend is quite good and well-made, but it isn't showing much complexity now. it's a big, tannic wine that impresses with its blast of fruit. blackberries, cherries, plums, currants, cocoa all swamp the palate, along with smoky oak notes. maybe it will do interesting things in the cellar.

encounter

france

from right at the northern end of the sweep of corton grand cru vineyards, this rich and complex wine is dense with smoky flavors as well as ripe blackberry fruit. it is solid, densely structured and powered minerality from the chalk in the soil. this is going to be a fine wine, so drink from 2019.

les grandes lolières

us

this wine delivers creamy, divine deliciousness from some of the vineyard's oldest vines. it's voluptuous and nutty, layered with preserved lemon, brioche, quince and kumquat flavors. a touch of green olive savoriness dances on the finish, framed by fresh acidity.

ritchie vineyard

us

pale salmon in color, but quite robust in flavor and alcohol, this brings concentrated flavors of watermelon and raspberries, with all the freshness of the newest vintage. it's bright and focused, the very picture of what is most exciting about these seasonal northwest rosés.

rosé of

france

one-quarter of the clos des maréchaudes is classified grand cru, as the soil and the slope change. this shows in the power of the wine with its smoky tannins and dark character. black fruits and a dense texture signify a wine with power and longevity. drink from 2022.

domaine du pavillon clos des maréchaudes

france

this perfumed, spicy wine has crisp red fruit and acidity. light and with a soft aftertaste, it's attractive and ready to drink.

syrah

italy

a blend of 50% sangiovese, 20% merlot, 20% petit verdot and 10% syrah, this simple red opens with aromas of fresh violets, red berries and a whiff of spice. the brisk palate offers black cherries, a note of white pepper and a hint of sage alongside tangy acidity and loose-knit tannins.

elacaia

us

thin and weedy, with minty cherry flavors that finish dry and sharp in acids. a decent introductory wine for those new to the variety.

vintner's reserve

austria

the nose is still closed: there is just a hint of dark fruit. the palate lightens with expressive and finely drawn fruit. there is pepper-tinged red cherry, fine notes of cranberry and red currant. the fruit here is beautiful and taut; there is freshness, tension and real elegance. tannins are supple and fine, and the body is unforced and fresh.

hillside

georgia

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.

tsinandali

spain

floral and lightly tropical on the nose, and totally pleasant. the palate is pure and lively, with elegance and some spritz. flavors of nectarine, peach and melon are fresh, and the wine finishes easy and smooth. very nice; just short of excellent but still it's 100% quaffable.

single vineyard

us

straightforward and appealing, this wine provides aromas and flavors of pineapple, peach and pear. the concentration isn't all there but the variety is unmistakable.

estate grown

germany

exuberantly blosommy, with an exotic hint of bergamot, this is a gorgeously perfumed wine. the palate feels startlingly lean and acidic, with bright lemon and lime flavors, but finishes with delicate stone fruit and honey notes.

dom off-dry

austria

wonderfully concentrated notes of ripe mirabelle plums open up on the nose. there also is a heady lemon note. the palate is rich with the same fleshy ripe fruit but has a fault line of zesty orange at its core that provides focus and seems to illuminate clouds of ripe aromatic citrus at every turn. this shimmers with tangerine and clementine. the body is immensely concentrated but has total direction and drive. enjoy 2020–2040.

hochrain smaragd

italy

a blend of 50% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 10% petit verdot, this opens with aromas of dark plum, tobacco, cooking spice and a balsamic note. the dense palate delivers black currant, licorice and clove set against round, polished tannins.

oreno

italy

argiano's suolo is a true standout in the world of tuscan sangiovese. it achieves elegance, complexity and richness with bright cherry notes contrasted against sweet vanilla and spicy oak. the finish is long, smooth and persistent.

suolo

us

pronounced kay-lee, this syrah is unabashedly funky. if you like a wine with generous aromas of barnyard and garden, along with potent, ripe, berry-laden fruit, this delivers in spades. barrel aging adds chocolate and dark espresso character to the finish.

ceidleigh

france

a deliciously dry wine, evoking flavors of crisp green-apple skins and white currants; this is elegant despite its weight and body. it has freshness, certainly, and needs some bottle age. the style is ripe, but the dryness gives some opening austerity.

tsarine premier cru brut

us

tastes rich and forward, with cherry pie, blueberry and sandalwood flavors. the color is dark, and the wine is a little too soft, as well as hot in alcohol. drink up.

hammerklavier mcintyre vineyard pinot noir-dornfelder

us

buoyantly fragrant, this voluptuous chardonnay bursts of mango, guava and berry aromas. the palate is a bit more subdued, suggesting fresh apple and pear. fruity, fresh and uncomplicated, it's balanced neatly by a flash of acidity on the midpalate. drink now through 2019.

orient

us

somehow, in a stellar 2014 lineup, this vineyard designate stands out, as the 2012 did when it was the wine enthusiast 2015 wine of the year. power and precision work in tandem here. the fruit blend conjures up melon, berry, cherry and more, and the oak has the gentlest touch to its presence. there's tremendous midpalate concentration, and the clear sense that this could age for decades. let's just say drink 2018 through 2030.

abbott claim vineyard

spain

floral plum and black cherry aromas are nice and fruity. a bright, juicy, simple palate holds flavors of plum, blackberry and chocolate. while nothing sticks out on the finish, this garnacha ends nicely and overdelivers.

el circo acróbato

spain

dark, heady berry aromas are intense and oaky, with a cured-meat note of beef jerky. a deep, layered palate is savory and meaty in flavors, with light herbal notes embedded into berry and plum fruit. a spicy, peppery, lightly charred finish is the final chapter. drink through 2019.

hacienda zorita natural reserve unamuno vineyard

portugal

a big, sweet, fruity wine, with ripe tannins, mint and chocolate flavors from the wood aging. it is rounded, polished, full of black plums, spice and finishing with balanced acidity. keep for 3–4 years.

evel reserva

italy

paleo is a landmark italian expression of cabernet franc that is not at all bashful in terms of fullness and richness. bold fruit and black cherry aromas have been soften by careful oak tones of spice and leather. structured, firm but also velvety in texture, this wine needs more years to evolve.

paleo

france

this rich, full-bodied wine is becoming smooth and ripe. the tannins are enveloped by the generous black fruits and drier raisins. a core of dryness show the wine is still developing. drink from 2015.

cuvée 1628

portugal

this is as light as vinho verde can be. off dry, fresh, clean and crisp with sweet apple juice, the wine is ready to drink.

lagosta

chile

fresh raspberry and plum aromas lead to a crisp, zesty palate, with a touch of oaky weight. red plum, pie cherry and raspberry flavors are not overly defined but they are clean and moderately elegant.

reserve

us

alexandria nicole's shepherds mark is a rhône blend of roussanne, marsanne and viognier, sourced from the destiny ridge (estate) vineyard. barrel fermented in neutral oak, it presents an inviting floral blossom nose, leading into a delicious mix of citrus, white peach, melon and light tropical fruits. it's rich but never tiring.

shepherds mark white

france

this is an intensely fruity wine, flavored with red currants and perfumed with a strongly herbal character. it is crisp while also ripe. drink now.

tradition familiale

us

shows the exotically ripe flavors of calera's viogniers, with apricots, tangerines and pears. but also incredibly sweet in honey, with a very high residual sugar content. drink this creamy, full-bodied dessert wine with vanilla-flavored desserts and white and yellow fruits.

doux

portugal

rich and concentrated, this wine is produced from vines on hills above the pinhão valley. it offers firm tannins and ripe black-plum fruits. full bodied and ripe, it is also young with new wood flavors and a dark structure. this wine will repay aging. drink from 2020.

grande reserva

italy

aromas of toast and grilled herb lead the way on this straightforward red. the light-bodied palate offers wild cherry, orange peel and a coffee note alongside racy acidity and fine-grained but fleeting tannins.

bramosia

us

sweet and candied, with lemon, lime, pineapple, fig and vanilla flavors. crisp coastal acidity helps provide a savory, cleansing quality.

selected vineyards

italy

here's a luminous blend of pinot grigio, chardonnay and garganega with mature aromas of pine nut, mature fruit, apricot and yellow rose. the wine is very creamy and smooth in the mouth and has the natural consistency to stand up to fish or pasta. the finish is crisp and slightly sweet.

giulietta

us

aromas of gingerbread cookies with a black-cherry glaze meet black gravel and a touch of asphalt on the nose of this complex and flavorful bottling. the palate blends the brightness of red cherry and strawberry fruit with a rocky minerality, spiced up by black pepper and settling into a plum-skin groove toward the finish.

bailey ranch riserva

italy

underbrush, toast, oak-driven spice and balsamic aromas lead the nose. the lean bracing palate offers dried cranberry, roasted coffee bean, bitter almond and oak but not much fruit richness. austere tannins give it an astringent finish.

sommarovina sassella

us

bright red-berry aromas, decent weight and slightly tough tanins in the finish all point to this as a good partner to grilled burgers this summer. 100% merlot.

mudd vineyard fleur de terre

france

beautifully rich and round, this ripe, apricot and pear flavored wine has a broad, creamy texture. with its fruit, it is ready to drink, but will improve 2017–2018.

les sétilles

italy

cascina delle rose is one of the denomination's brightest gems and its rio sordo is a textbook barbaresco. it has an alluring and multifaceted bouquet of lilac, violet and wisteria, along with hints of spice, truffle and earth. the palate is focused, with intense cherry and spice notes balanced by firm but fine tannins and freshness. it already shows ample complexity and will age beautifully.

rio sordo

austria

the typical field blend from vienna, full and deliciously spicy. it has elegance and style, a wine that waltzes across the palate, offering hints of lychee, pear and crisp citrus all finely integrated by tangy acidity. screw cap.

wiener gemischter satz

us

a fancy, somewhat gritty cab franc, marked by ripe fruit and oak. attractive in cherry and red currant flavors, with smoky sandalwood complexities, and a long, spicy finish. lovely with a grilled steak. drink now.

estate

us

salty wood and brine show this vineyard's straight shot to the sea, as bright lifted acidity helps to further prove the point. focused and tense on the palate, there's a sharp, stony minerality that comes into play here, alongside etchings of lemon peel and green apple.

gap's crown vineyard

us

displays a cooler climate profile with notes of lime leaf, quinine, white peach and flowers. the palate drinks off dry, with well balanced acidity and a stone-fruit-filled finish.

naches heights vineyard

us

this 100% varietal wine shows notes of raspberry and chocolate sprinkled with oak spices from time in 50% new french barrels. it's wound up tightly at present, packed to the brim with red fruit flavors and firm, slightly gritty tannins.

estate grown merlot block 8

us

this lovely, full-bodied white offers generous caramel apple and baked pear flavors cradled in toasted oak that brings nutmeg and vanilla aspects. the rich roundness finds refreshment on the finish in stony acidity.

olivet lane vineyard

us

a softly unfussy wine with moderate acidity, this is rounded and light-bodied, with rose petal and red cherry aromas. the oak is subtle and supportive.

cider ridge vineyard

us

old-vine straw, tobacco and herb in the nose. the wine is subtle, sensual and complex, with layers of interesting spicy flavor. nicely balanced and flavorful, with a long, firm finish.

century vines

germany

fresh, green herbal notes and stony minerality add freshness to sweet stonefruit and yellow flowers on this crisp, dainty kabinett. bristling with acidity, the finish extends long on a lusciously ripe citrus note.

ayler kupp kabinett

spain

berry and plum aromas are so ripe that raisin enters the picture. this feels medium to full, with soft acidity. flavors of chocolate and wood spice share space with ripe berry fruit, while a full, long finish deals mocha and raisin notes.

faustino v reserva

france

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.

les charmes