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france

hints of dried pear and apple appear on the nose and suggest subtlety but the palate does otherwise: it comes in with bright citrus freshness, recalling lemon oil and candied lemon peel. this is absolutely dry and very sprightly, lively and even exuberant. there is great depth of fruit here that will just evolve. drink 2017—2030.

Vieilles Vignes

italy

a bright, sunny morellino, it's made with 90% sangiovese, 10% merlot and cabernet sauvignon. it offers a juicy palate loaded with cherry, raspberry and black pepper sensations. fruity and straightforward, this is made for sheer drinking pleasure so enjoy soon.

Campomaccione

us

a bit voluptuous in style, this bold, round chardonnay accents fresh apple and pear with slick tones of buttered popcorn and toast. it's rich and silky in mouthfeel with a lingering kiss of warmth on the finish.

Perle

us

this blend of 66% grenache blanc and 34% viognier is almost dessert-like in aromas, conveying lemon candy and browned honey. the palate proves very dry, with flavors of orange-blossom honey, marzipan and lemon, without any perceptible sweetness.

Stone Fox

france

a full, earthy, warm wine that has a strong herbal character as well as rich caramel and red fruits. it has a rare density for a rosé, textured and ripe. try aging this wine for a few months.

Cuvée de l'Aubigue

us

an appealing quaffer with notes of passion fruit, papaya and citrus. it drinks a hair off dry (1.2g/l residual sugar), with moderate concentration, and goes down easy.

Fish House

italy

rose, red berry, baked earth, forest floor and grilled herb aromas lead the nose while the firm palate offers dried black cherry, cake spice and anise. firm, fine-grained tannins provide the backbone. drink 2018–2026.

Borzoni

us

a seriously top of the heap california syrah. this complex, interesting wine sings of black pepper and garrigue, fleshy in just-ripe cherry, leather and dark plum. from the mountainous fenaughty vineyard, always a good source, it finishes long and will age gorgeously if you can possibly wait to drink it; that pepper will mellow in interesting ways.

Fenaughty Vineyard

chile

creamy malty aromas of vanilla and baked berry fruits lead to an astringent palate with hard tannins. this malbec tastes earthy and like baked berry fruits and coffee grounds. a grabby finish with clamping residual tannins makes for a rugged ending.

Twelvestones

portugal

the wine is juicy and rich. its soft texture comes from fermentation in tanks that recycle co2 to give a gentle extraction. the result is rounded, smooth, full of black fruits and with plenty of crisp acidity to finish.

Contos da Terra

france

this celebration of tannat is a balanced while severe and structured wine. plenty of juicy fruit is ready to come out from behind the dry, tannic structure. there is power here as well in this wine that is firm and needs to age. drink from 2019.

Laplace

spain

starts out odd and exotic, with blueberry and middle eastern spice aromas. feels condensed and jammy, with full flavors of herbs, boysenberry and plum. shows freshness along with simplicity, with finishing herbal notes of sage and tarragon. contains 10% each merlot and cabernet.

Miros

italy

rose, iris, ripe red berry and aromatic herbs are some of the aromas you'll discover in this wine. it's both focused and juicy, delivering succulent marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, mint and licorice alongside a backbone of fined-grained tannins that leave a firm finish. bright acidity provides balance. drink 2023–2043.

Conca

portugal

this spicy, wood-aged wine is full of both tannins and fruit. it is dense and still young, bringing together juicy blackberry and a solid structure. it will be ready to drink from 2018.

Quinta do Cachão Reserva

bulgaria

this bulgarian red blend is composed of 40% cabernet sauvignon, 40% syrah and 20% merlot. it has aromas of black cherry and eucalyptus and flavors of black pepper and black cherry.

Tradition Since 1875 Cuvée

france

a deliciously rich wine, this is full of ripe fruit and rich wood and spice flavors. it is generous, layering peach and pear fruitiness cut with acidity. a tangy edge gives the wine an attractive bite. drink now.

Domaine de la Garenne

france

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 Cimels

australia

there's a distinct hardness to this wine, so that the fruit comes across more as a tough-skinned yellow-plum than as a soft, ripe peach. it's a little stingy on the midpalate, but there are plenty of other things to make up for it. melon and pineapple flavors add layers of interest, as does the toasty, nutty finish.

Cranes

us

here's an intense, nervy young cab that impresses for its powerful oak and cassis flavors. it's a little sharp now, with an acidic jamminess and tea-like tannic structure that suggests moderate aging capability. stash it until 2008, then open for a couple of years.

Reserve

us

strives for champagne in the deeply toasted, yeasty nose and complex texture and flavors, but in the end the fruit’s a little too forward, the wine a little too full-bodied for champagne. but in its own right it’s delicious. you can taste the sweetness of sun-ripened grapes in a way only california can achieve.

Reserve

austria

black, ripe elderberries, with a tart but supple body make this an appetizing, lighter wine that holds an unusual aromatic intensity. there is an intriguing hint of wilderness and a streak of fresh acidity that makes this soft wine an ideal match for lighter foods. drink this while it's young and vibrant.

Unplugged

australia

pike's top riesling features aromas of crushed stone and damp moss, while the flavors bring to mind tangy limes and underripe nectarines. it's actually a bit rounder in feel than expected, then gains focus on the long finish.

The Merle

portugal

one of the iconic wines of portugal, the brand dates back to the 15th century and the portuguese discovery of brazil. in its latest incarnation, it is hugely dense and concentrated. it could be that it is too much, with dark extracts, yet somehow the super-ripe plum and berry flavors are given enough freshness. the structure is all there in what is still a young wine. with power and a dense texture, the wine needs to age further. drink from 2020.

Pêra-Manca

us

this shows a brownish cast to the garnet color, then reveals wonderful aromas of dried cherry and forest floor. these partner with a firm, dry and appetizing texture and lean but bright cranberry, black tea and cardamom flavors.

Duarte-Georgetown

us

from a cool site in the sebastopol hills greatly influenced by the cooling fog and winds of the petaluma gap, this wine is velvety in texture, with a gritty tannic backbone. cedar, eucalyptus and savory tea complement an array of juicy red fruit and blueberry, with structure and balance at the wine's core.

McDonald Mountain Vineyard

spain

opens with earth, tobacco, briar and nutty aromas. this is now aged to its best state, and while there's still some tannic bite, it's at a straightforward, mature place. flavors of roasted plum and spice are classy, and the finish is reflective of a fine vintage. drink now or in the near future.

Glorioso Gran Reserva

italy

fresh and friendly, this medium-bodied, no-frills red delivers layers of blackberry, black currant, ground black pepper and a note of dried sage. it's easy drinking, with bright acidity and round, chewy tannins.

Castagnino

italy

a layered fragrance of blue flower, leather, tobacco, mature black fruit and incense lead the nose on this bold but refined wine. the palate doles out crushed blackberry, graphite and licorice alongside chewy tannins and surprisingly fresh acidity for an eight-year-old wine.

Vigneti di Osan

argentina

this is tight and sturdy as a rock up front, with licorice, hard spice, leather and black cherry aromas. it feels round, chewy, tough and healthy, with flavors of baked black fruit, chocolate, molasses and hickory. roasted and oaky, but cool and collected. drink now through 2016.

Bramare

us

there's lots of ripe, pure fruit in this wine, suggesting sour cherry candy, cranberries and red licorice. texturally, it's softly silky, and the finish is dry. high alcohol shows up on the finish as a not unpleasant jalapeño-like warmth.

2 Dijon Clones

france

fresh, light and fruity, it has ripe strawberry flavors, bright acidity and just a touch of caramel. it is full in the mouth, with a rounded feel and a soft texture at the end.

Rosé de Guiet

greece

red cherry, vanilla, spicebox and a touch of flowers leads the nose on this poised merlot/limnio blend. on the palate, the wine is elegant and laced with clove, mushroom and bright berry flavors. a unique wine at an unbeatable price.

Limnio-Merlot

italy

a blend of 85% sangiovese, 10% alicante and 5% ciliegiolo, this wine has earthy aromas that recall wet soil, leather and pressed blue flower petals. the juicy palate delivers fleshy black cherry and raspberry. notes of black pepper, espresso and mediterranean herbs add interest.

Ciabatta

us

intriguing notes of honey, poached pear, apple with drizzled caramel and a light touch of marzipan show on the nose on this bottling that leans somewhat sweet in aromas. but the sip is dry, with asian pear, jasmine and honeysuckle elements, quite crisp and engaging for the palate on multiple levels.

Tondre Grapefield

us

soft and vegetal, it has steamed asparagus, mushroom and cherry cola flavors.

Lester Family Vineyard Partners' Reserve

us

ripe, opulent black currants and violets, melted into liquid and bathed in toasty oak, are the flavors of this 100% cabernet. alcohol brings subtle heat and sweet glycerine, but the finish is dry and long. it's a beautiful evocation of st. helena terroir, but needs aging. give it a try in 2018, and it should have no trouble gliding well into the 2020s.

Yewell Vineyard

italy

alluring aromas of exotic spice, purple flower, dark-skinned berry and a balsamic note lead the nose. the concentrated palate delivers dried cherry, ripe plum, mint, licorice and a hint of game alongside velvety tannins that wrap around the finish. it nicely balances weight and finesse.

La Marega

france

full in the mouth, this is a warm style of wine. it has weight, ripeness and fruitiness with abundant apricot and pear flavors. it is enjoyable now although it will certainly age well. drink until 2022.

Clos Mathis

us

the 2006 vintage was erratic, but nick goldschmidt has pulled a rabbit out of a hat with this fabulously complex and rewarding 100% cabernet. it's classic oakville, dry, tannic and elegant, and the way the blackberry and black currant flavors marry the new oak is simply wonderful. the game ranch vineyard has been source to some of goldschmidt's greatest cabernets over the past decade. this is one of those wines that's compelling to drink now, but should evolve over the next 10–15 years.

Plus Game Ranch Single Vineyard Selection

greece

this easygoing wine starts with fresh fruit aromas and offers ripe melon and tropical fruit flavors on the palate. the wine has an undercurrent of acidity but overall is a full bodied pour. a nice patio choice and great with cheeses, fish.

Turtles Vineyard

france

argile is french for clay soil, and that terroir gives this wine a full-bodied feel that is ripe and rich. the sauvignon flavors lean more to tropical, rounded and fruity. it could benefit from some aging, so wait until 2015.

Cuvée Argile

chile

aromas of tree bark, vanilla and herbs mix with peppery red fruit scents, while the palate is comfortable and herbal, with plum and dry oak notes. peppery on the finish, and overall this is a nice but standard chilean cabernet that should strike most as being familiar.

Reserva Maitén Single Vineyard

france

this comes from one of the premier crus that line the lower slopes of the hill of corton. it has weight, richness and a densely tannic character that promises aging. its packed red fruits are cut with juicy acidity as well as a firmer structure and dark-berry flavors. this finely perfumed wine needs to age, so drink from 2018.

Les Moutottes Premier Cru

spain

there are many things to love about this blend of carignan, garnacha and cabernet sauvignon. to begin with, it's properly schisty and spicy on the nose, with mature, slightly herbal berry-fruit scents. this feels dynamic despite showing roasted flavors of red berry, pepper and wild herbs. for under $50, this delivers a lot of quality. drink now–2016.

Selecció Especial

france

this luxury bottling spends nine months in barrel, yet shows little overt oak. it's full, ripe and opulent without going over the top, boasting aromas and upfront flavors of honeydew, apricot and bergamot. then the long, mouthwatering finish folds in hints of honey and pineapple without any hint of bitterness.

La Chambée

germany

pristinely ripe black cherry and blackberry flavors abound in this sweet, slightly syrupy red wine. it's plush and easy on the palate, held upright by sweet-tart cranberry acidity and the softest of tannins. it's an approachable, easy wine to enjoy now.

Sweet Red

portugal

a balanced wine that has both fresh red fruits and some tawny maturity. it has acidity, hints of wood aging and a spirit of freshness. the aftertaste is soft, smooth and toffee-like.

Special Reserve Tawny

chile

cherry and plum aromas are pure and appealing as peppery accents pop up. this is flush and a bit lush, with spiced red plum and oaky chocolate flavors that end dry, elegant and focused. valle secreto makes consistently good syrah; this is one of the winery's best to date. drink through 2018.

First Edition

us

single block wines, such as this one, often show a tight focus rather than a broad palate. here it works well, wrapping savory notes around red currant fruit. there's a lightly metallic ring to the flavors, running straight through the finish. give this a few hours of decanting, or tuck it away for drinking after 2020.

Goosepen Block

france

with a high percentage (67%) of chardonnay in the blend, this is a crisp and steely wine. it has a fine elegant balance between acidity and the texture, giving delicious red fruits their place. the wine is definitely more of a food champagne. drink now.

Authentique Brut Rosé

france

this rich wine conveys pure fruitiness without any wood aging. that gives a ripe, black currant character, soft tannins and juicy acidity. it's wine to drink young, so start now.

Malbec Valley

us

the underlying chardonnay is dry, brisk in acidity and interesting in mineral-driven citrus and tropical fruits. it's also very leesy and creamy, which lends a savory-tart roundness. drink now–2015.

Estate Grown

portugal

here's a smooth and juicy wine that has great black fruit aromas and flavors. it has good balance between the dry tannins and firm structure of dão and the fruity character, meaning it is likely to develop over the medium term. drink from 2015.

Casa da Passarella A Descoberta Colheita

portugal

a powerful—possibly too powerful—wine that pushes forward with its superconcentrated black-fruit flavors. it fills the palate with richness and juiciness; this is a wine for lovers of blockbusters.

Vertice Grand Reserva Tinto

italy

barolo parafada is a very ripe expression of nebbiolo with thick aromas of chocolate, raspberry, blueberry jam and cola that suggest hot growing conditions. the wine does have balance and structure though, especially in the mouth where firm tannins leave a lasting impression.

Parafada

us

this is dutton estate's unoaked sauvignon blanc. it did not go through the malolactic fermentation, but it started as very ripe grapes, so what you get is pure citrus, asian pear, white peach and green apple flavor, zesty and clean in acidity, with slight a sweetness in the finish. nice with indian, chinese, vietnamese fare.

Kylie's Cuvée

us

eroica has a proven ability to age; in fact it needs at least a half decade in the cellar to show its real strengths. tight and packed with primary fruit flavors of lime and peach, this beautifully proportioned wine has perceptible sweetness but plenty of natural acidity. lively and fresh today, but best given a few more years in the cellar.

Eroica

us

full-bodied, tannic and imposing, this densely packed wine has ripe and bright cherry and berry flavors, a tannic texture that's rounded slightly at the edges, and a sense of depth that helps the fruit notes linger on the finish. tannat, malbec and cabernet franc make the blend.

Diablo Rosso

us

from a coastal vineyard in the southwest corner of the russian river valley, this is earthy and brambly on the nose, inviting in its sense of wild abandon. concentrated yet vibrant in acidity, the flavors lean toward cranberry and tart cherry, completely enveloped in intriguing cardamom spice. elegant and balanced.

Dutton Ranch Freestone Hill Vineyard

italy

this attractive wine opens with intensely floral aromas of white spring flowers accented by whiffs of stone fruit. it has a linear palate, with juicy flavors of peach and lemon alongside crisp, refreshing acidity.

Del Pozzo Buono

austria

plum, cherry and blueberry appear in concert and ease into a dense but very pliable, supple body that seductively winds itself around tongue and palate. this is serious stuff, yet there is a playful elegance inherent in the dense but sinous curls of fruit that stretch and swirl their cherry-ish tentacles everywhere. this is a whole lot of power in a most elegant package.

Goldberg

us

made in the modern california style, with very ripe, rather sweet pineapple jam, green apple butter and smoky oak flavors that are wrapped into a creamy texture.

Reserve Selection

us

right out of the bottle, this pinot offers acid-driven raspberry, cola, persimmon and cranberry flavors. it's dry and elegantly tailored, with alcohol below 14% by volume. something about it, though, tastes immature and rough. give it 5–6 years in a decent cellar and see what happens.

Soberanes Vineyard

us

so rich with cherries, red currants, bacon and pepper, this is a terrific wine to drink now. there's an edge of sweet, smoky oak that makes it particularly enticing, while that edna valley acidity is as brisk as can be.

Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard

south africa

a mature selection by now, this offers initial scents of cantaloupe, mango and yellow flowers, with secondary hints of toasted nuts and brioche. it's balanced and layered, with subtle oak and leesy accents intertwined with pure, ripe fruit flavors. enjoy this now while the primary fruit is still shining.

Méthode Ancienne

us

while this isn't in the same league as the winery's stunning alexander reserve-style bottling of cabernet, it's an approximation of it and, at about one-third the price, a pretty good value. the wine is rich in blackberry, currant and cedar flavors, and balanced with gorgeous tannins, showing true napa elegance. drink now–2012.

Family Estate

portugal

a fresh, bone-dry rosé, packed with acidity, red currants and a touch of caramel. the wine is light, summery, good for apéritif or food.

Grand'Arte Rosé

australia

for under $10, this wine delivers an admirable blend of cherry fruit and savory underpinnings. hints of asphalt and black olive finish on a mouthwatering note, joined by the suggestion of caramelized fruit. drink now.

DB Family Selection

spain

mostly neutral aromas include hints of strawberry and chewing gum. this wine feels dilute, with tangy, tart flavors of pink grapefruit. pointy, sharp acidity allows the finish to hang around.

Garnacha

us

this chocolatey sexy wine tastes of cherries and sandalwood, with a strong dark chocolate note. a hint of pine needles comes out in the bouquet, and although it's already drinking well, it will surely improve with a few more years of bottle age.

West Hill

us

this blend of 48% roussanne, 35% marsanne and 17% viognier is delightfully drinkable, viscous and fresh in steely acidity. with beautifully potent floral aromas, it shines in focused pear and apricot flavors.

Cuvée Luke Saralee's Vineyard

germany

whiffs of white mushroom, saffron and caramel lend complexity to this concentrated elixir of apricots and orange peels. it's honeyed and sweet but vivaciously balanced, glazing the palate in ethereal textures of gossamer and tulle. the caramel finish lingers endlessly.

Kiedrich Gräfenberg Beerenauslese

new zealand

the 2011 hunting hill is an immediately seductive chardonnay. toasted nuts, grilled white peaches and hints of pineapple all come together on a sumptuous midpalate, then finish bright, citrusy and long.

Hunting Hill

portugal

named after a traditional portuguese dance, this open wine is full of generous fruits and soft tannins. it has structure inevitable in a douro wine, but its light touch makes the wine remarkably food friendly. screwcap.

Charamba

us

a lovely, complex pinot that shows much of the flair of byron's more expensive bottlings. the wine is dry and crisp and elegant, with long, deep flavors of currants, cola, sweet leather and dusty asian spices. good now, and will develop for at least six years.

Nielson Vineyard

spain

purple in color and minerally and deep on the nose, this modern-style rioja deals aromas of wood smoke, blackberry, cassis and more. the palate is big and bulky, but balance is no issue. toasty blackberry, chocolate and coffee flavors hold onto a toasty, blackened character on a flush, dynamic finish. drink now through 2022.

Viña Pomal Alto de la Caseta

france

this wine has easy flavors that are bursting with red cherry. a shot of tannin gives this open, fruity wine shape. it is ready to drink.

Collection

us

this wine captures the essence of swan's 2010 pinot noirs. it shows the effects of the cool vintage, and it bears an earthy, mushroomy inflection to the plummy and cherry-like flavors.

Cuvée de Trois

spain

roasted and fiery on the nose, this wine has red fruit aromas mixed with green, herbal notes. it feels racy and pumped up with acidity, which drives the wine's core flavors of red plum, herb and vanilla. it's fresh but slightly abrasive and herbal throughout. this is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and tempranillo, in descending order.

Aldonza Navamarín

south africa

strong aromas of cassis, cocoa nibs, fresh mint sprigs, black currant leaf and licorice are the first things you experience with this wine. after that, the creamy mouth provides loads of black berry, plum and anise flavors that stay through the finish. a firmly structured and well-balanced bordeaux-style blend.

John X Merriman

hungary

this well-made dry furmint has a complex bouquet of citrus flowers, apple blossom and freshly cut white peach. in the mouth, there are flavors of peach, pineapple and passion fruit that dance on your tongue before the crisp acidic finish.

Zomborka

france

an incredibly pure and piercing note of lemon oil hits the nose. the medium-sweet palate impresses with both fresh and dried notes of fruit: plum, white sultana, white currant and the ripest pear and apple you can imagine. this is full-on and big but balanced by tingling, fresh and precise acidity. a field blend of polar opposites, riesling and gewurztraminer, this unites their virtues of aromatic textured richness and poised finesse. again, this is not a wine that is easily categorized with its medium-sweet, soil- and fruit-driven profile, but it is a joy to experience and savor. the finish lasts and lasts. drink 2017–2035.

Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru

italy

here's a new, cheerful wine from the folks at poggio verrano in southern tuscany that offers loads of ripe berry fruit, cherry, cassis, spice, leather and rum cake. the wine is smooth and soft.

Poggio Verrano 3

us

aromas of orange peel, flowers, blue fruit and smoked meat are followed by light, spritely fruit flavors. the tannins bring some grip.

The Catalyst

us

tropical and stone-fruit aromas mix with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and other barrel spices. the palate is full bodied, with a rounded feel and a finish that carries. it shows some pleasing nuances.

Reserve Zephyr Ridge Vineyard

us

hints of milk chocolate and spice accent this sumptuously rich, silky wine. ripe black cherry and berry flavors are approachably juicy and fruity, fringed by soft, feathery tannins.

Commodore Perry

france

cadillac faces barsac and sauternes across the garonne river and shares the same autumn conditions that give the noble rot in the sweet wines. this wine offsets sweetness with a fresh, lemon marmalade crispness to give a well-balanced, ready-to-drink wine.

Château Manos Réserve du Château

argentina

this is peachy and a bit oily on the nose, but not harsh or pointed. it feels full and fleshy, with sweet, ripe flavors of melon, citrus and lychee. long and melony on the finish; drink now.

Killka Collection

us

a dainty nose of sliced pears, squeezed lemon and slowly emergent guava characterizes this sparkling wine, made in santa barbara from northern california fruit. the bubbles are quite foamy, disappearing magically on the palate, but not before showing light acidity and a flash of guava.

Blanc de Noir

us

high and tight aromas of cranberry, anise and thyme characterize the nose of this clonal study by sabrine rodems. chaparral scrub shows at the tip of the sip and then broadens toward strawberry in the midpalate before tightening around pencil lead and herbes de provence flavors.

Swan 828

us

ripe and full-bodied, this is a bright and velvety wine, driven aromatically by lush cherry, cola and vanilla. textured and fleshy, it's a strong statement for the vintage and vineyard. deliciously drinkable now, it should also do well in the cellar, through 2020.

Peters Vineyard

france

there's a strong funkiness to this wine, which can be called barnyard or even bordering on band-aid, that almost overwhelms the nose and mouth. black plum and berry flavors struggle for dominance, while spicy oak controls the close.

Rouge

us

there's lots to like about this cool-climate chardonnay, from the ripe pineapple, kiwi and lime flavors to the rich touch of lees and vanilla. it has a sharp cut of acidity that's almost champagne-like, and calls for extremely rich fare to balance. try with shrimp risotto.

The Terraces

italy

aromas of sunbaked earth, underbrush, grilled herb and mature black-skinned fruit lead the nose along with a whiff of worn leather. the chewy palate offers ripe wild cherry, cinnamon and anise framed in velvety tannins. drink 2018–2025.

Riserva

us

very ripe, very full bodied and very tannic, this wine is bold and tasty. it has raisin and dried plum aromas, a flavor that is warm with alcohol, and a mouthfilling texture.

Three Popes Estate

us

winemaker kim engle's wines always stand out in a flight, and this curiously spicy, sepia-toned gewürztraminer is no exception. aromatic, with notes of orange rind, rose petal and potpourri, it's also intensely flavored with black tea and spice that are pleasantly astringent. not a classic gewürztraminer by any means, but uniquely delicious.

Tanzen Dame Dry

us

pretty aromas of pure pinot fruit, a mix of cola, earth, cherry and root beer introduce this estate bottling. still a bit tight, perhaps even bottle shocked, it nonetheless opens up with breathing time into a balanced, elegant and stylish effort.

Olson Estate Vineyard

italy

earthy nose of dried underbrush, truffle and scorched soil give way to cranberry and sour cherry flavors. dried herb and dark spice add some depth while tightly packed astringent tannins leave a mouth-puckering finish. it's rather straightforward but let the tannins relax for another few years then drink.

Castelletto

us

tasted alongside far more expensive napa cabs, this one held its own proudly. it shows impressive blackberry, currant and mint flavors, with a smoky, ashy overlay of oak. the firm tannins suggest modest ageability. drink this dry, balanced cab now through 2010.

Lot 84

france

pleasant aromas of candied walnuts, rancio, dried apricot and vanilla-wood tones are upfront on the nose and carry through to the medium-bodied palate. the mouthfeel is plush yet not overdone, with ample acidity and well-integrated alcohol offering balance. the evolving finish first showcases the fruity richness, followed by notes of mushroom, roasted nuts and then woody spice.

Vin Doux Naturel Hors d'Age 6 Ans