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us

winemaker hank beckmeyer goes where his vinous muses take him and this new wine of his is a perfect example of his “why not” attitude. it contains 56% nebbiolo from the sumu kaw vineyard as well as 30% syrah from the same, 9% mourvèdre, 2.5% viognier and 2.5% roussanne. it's jam-packed in a lilting way with fresh, bright strawberry and intense aromas of perfume and freshly picked herbs.

piedi grandi

italy

a blend of 70% pinot nero and 30% chardonnay, this opens with aromas of toast, roasted nuts, mature apple and pear. the palate offers rich apricot, citrus, bread crust and vanilla alongside a fine, persistent perlage.

brut riserva

france

this serious wine is beginning to mature. its spicy wood and mint flavors are now integrating with the rich structure. the finish is bright in a final burst of fruit. drink from 2018.

thomas barton réserve privée

us

again in 2009, winemaker casey mcclellan has crafted a beautifully pure cabernet sauvignon from this vineyard. soft and supple, focused and detailed, it's a riot of pastry-like berries and cherries, with a concentrated midpalate bursting with full-bodied flavor. it moves into a lengthy finish, with toast, tobacco, coconut and caramel highlights.

seven hills vineyard

france

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.

félix de biac

italy

the nose is subdued but eventually reveals whiffs of pressed white flower and dried herb. the rather lean palate offers hints of green pear, citrus, mineral and a note of bitter almond.

quin

us

not really pink, more of a salmon color, and quite sweet, with tangerine jelly and vanilla flavors. good acidity and super-clean winemaking make it balanced and zesty.

pink moscato

france

produced from 10- to 20-year-old vines, this wine is bold and fruity. it has delicious apricot and white peach fruitiness that is cut by intense zesty acidity. its fruit and crisp texture are still young and the wine will be better from 2018.

sur le fort

austria

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.

halbtrocken off-dry

argentina

boysenberry and raspberry aromas are not simply dark, ripe and macho, but instead show herbal accents along with floral notes and cardamom. this is old vines malbec with particular flavors of herbal, brushy berry and plum. on the finish, oaky spice, toast and coffee flavors keep the momentum going. drink through 2021.

1955 vineyard estate grown

france

this caramel- and red-fruit-flavored wine is fresh with red berries and balanced acidity. a food style of rosé, it's round with just a light tang of orange zest at the end.

réserve

spain

full, heavy, chunky wine with a powerful bouquet of black fruit and chocolate. the palate is about as full and concentrated as they come, but there's good balance and aging potential along with cassis, blackberry and mild herbal shadings. savory and strong as it is long on the finish. drinkable now but better from 2011–2014.

vs reserva

us

one of the best malbecs on the market. it's perfect for drinking now despite big tannins. shows vast, deep blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, currant and anise flavors, with a long, spicy finish. grill up a steak and pop the cork.

gist ranch

australia

d'arenberg has a quartet of sweet wines from 2008, and this blend of viognier, pinot gris and marsanne represents a terrific value. it's syrupy sweet, redolent of honey-drizzled, spiced poached pears. to quibble, it could be a touch more complex and crisp, but it is still a succulent mouthful of dessert wine for drinking over the next few years.

the noble mud pie viognier-pinot gris-marsanne

us

wonderfully frothy in the glass, this round, rich sparkling wine smells sweetly of apple cider and buttered toast. this pinot noir/chard blend has plenty of toasty, nutty flavors on the palate as well. fresh apple and lemon notes make this a refreshing, uncomplicated sip with a pleasant walnut skin astringency on the finish.

noblesse oblige rosé sparkling wine

france

this wine comes from perhaps the most well-known of the many beaune premier crus, from a small parcel of vines that are over 100 years old. it is a rich wine, generous and with a ripe future. at present, the structure and tannins dominate, allowing the wine to have good aging potential. drink from 2020.

les grèves premier cru

italy

a tiny hint of vanilla and toasted almond surrounds a plump core of bright fruit, black cherry and blueberry. this is a simple, easygoing wine that has an added layer of thickness and concentration that makes it appropriate to serve with meat-filled pasta or lasagna.

bricco battista

italy

this straight-shooting chianti presents loads of red berry fruit and a touch of apple skin, with background shades of pressed violets and moist earth. the wine only sees stainless steel, so the brightness of the fruit is what drives it forward.

chianti

us

this is dry and vital in acidity, but it seems slightly underripe. raw citrus and asparagus flavors mark the sharp finish.

los olivos vineyard

argentina

a direct blast of reedy cherry and cassis aromas leads to rough-charging clampy palate with high acidity and hard tannins. this tastes of rooty plum supported by bold acidity, while spice, tomato and a dusting of brown sugar are the closing flavors.

q

chile

aromas of chewing gum dust are not attractive. this feels flat, with zero edge and structure. lightly oxidized flavors of generic berry leave one with nothing to latch on to.

expedicion

chile

smells a bit sweaty and oily, with the variety's feline and funky aromas on display. the palate runs flat, with bitter green fruit flavors and a vegetal leaning.

reserva

france

a fresh, lightly honeyed blend of gros manseng and sauvignon blanc, this is a fragrant, fruity wine with a twist of lemon and herbaceous acidity. it is light, touched by yellow fruits and with an orange tang at the end.

mj janeil

france

the wine is initially light and fruity. it then opens up to give a much richer character that involves ripe white stone fruit and intense acidity. it is dense, with a tangy edge that adds minerality to the complex mix. this is part of a series of wines named after the subsoil in which the vines are planted. the fine wine is ready to drink.

gneiss

new zealand

this is a medium-bodied pinot with a lacy, delicate texture, ideal for drinking over the next eight years or so. briary, herbal notes accent bright cherry flavors that finish long and tangy, framed by supple tannins and a bit of vanilla.

high block

us

there's 3% each of grenache and petite sirah in this wine that is quite ripe and straightforward in its fruity waves of blackberry, cherry and oaky chocolate. firm tannins don't overwhelm, opting instead to support and structure. black pepper leaves a lasting impression on the finish.

old vines reserve

argentina

this is a leathery, stalky type of malbec with fierce acidity and a pinched mouthfeel. try as you might to find richness and heft, this is going to come across acidic and narrow, with herbal flavors and a finish that tastes like tomato and sour plum. for argentine malbec at this price point, this needs help.

felix

australia

smoky and herbal upfront, this is a light-bodied wine with silky-soft tannins. the flavors are on the savory side, ranging from hickory smoke and hung game to dried mint and thyme. worth trying with roasted or braised lamb.

applejack vineyard

us

made in a leaner, racier style than most california viogniers, this has mineral, tangerine and apricot flavors, with considerable acidity.

roll ranch vineyard

us

spicy-sweet whiffs of cola and blackberry preserves scent this unusual ice wine made from hybrid french-american chambourcin grapes. sweet black cherry flavors are straightforward and a bit grapey on the palate but pleasantly concentrated.

ice wine of

france

a full, fruity wine, it is ripe and finely textured. it also has a good chalky, mineral character, rich apple and grapefruit flavors and tight, dense acidity. it should be aged until 2015.

domaine des côtes blanches

france

there's a strong floral edge to this wine, with assertive aromas of peony and carnation dominating the rich and jammy cherry and strawberry fruit center. lightweight with low tannins, it's an easy drink with good balance and versatility.

la réserve

portugal

while the wine is dry, there is a fruitiness to it coupled with a caramel flavor that certainly makes it seem sweeter. with a crisp aftertaste, the raspberry flavored wine is ready to drink.

alandra

us

the fillippini family has been growing grapes in eastern paso robles since 1982, and this is among their better modern bottlings. the nose offers light sandalwood, ripe cranberry and river stone mineral scents. its punchy berry fruit is underlaid with leather and cigar accents on the palate, where buoyant acidity and grippy tannic structure pervades.

di domenico

us

a well-balanced, partially oaked chard with aromas of wood-grilled red apples, smoke and a hint of black licorice backed by flavors of toasted challah and tangerine citrus. ample acidity keeps the palate and finish lively and clean.

reserve

chile

apple and peach aromas are dusty and lightly tropical. with no oak, fruit is all you get in this chardonnay; flavors of apple, nectarine and melon run clean, sweet and ripe, while the finish is mellow and lands smack in the middle of the fairway.

classic collection unwooded

us

this was pressed whole-cluster and fermented in french oak, roughly one-third new. it's a flavorful wine with caramel apple appeal, good definition and medium length. the barrels put a pleasing toasty frame around the finish.

lumière

france

this blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault comes across as slightly confected. bubble gum and cotton candy hint at sweetness, although this medium-bodied wine is technically dry. serve well chilled.

saint-vincent

france

this leads with lovely pink peony and carnation aromas, supported by a fruity blend of strawberry, nectarine and melon. the medium-weight palate offers ripe fruit flavors that are braced by ample acidity and a refreshing citrusy note on the close. drink now.

les hauts de janeil syrah

italy

this cannubi barolo offers dark concentration and a bold personality with elements of sweet spice, black fruit, toast, chocolate fudge, licorice and anise. it's an elegant and linear wine with a direct and immediate delivery followed by jackhammer tannins and cooling freshness. drink after 2015 with game meat and chestnut dressing.

cannubi

italy

made entirely with negroamaro, this opens with aromas of underbrush and roasted coffee bean. the mature palate seems older than it is, showing prune, raisin, espresso, and licorice alongside astringent, fleeting tannins. almost all the fruit richness has dried up.

vereto riserva

us

this is so chocolaty and rich, it's impossible to resist a second or third glass. although it's heady in alcohol, there's an excellent burst of acidity, and the texture is pure velvet. the blackberry tart, orange zest, spice and sandalwood flavors change continuously as the wine warms in the glass.

library vineyard

argentina

tropical fruit and vanilla-cookie aromas come with a note of nectarine. this feels juicy, racy and citric, with flavors of tangerine and nectarine. despite having tangy acidity, the wine turns heavy on the finish.

serie a

us

this has been a very successful second label from goldschmidt, and with this 2009, they again hit gold. the wine is smoothly tannic and dry in black cherry- pie and red currant flavors, with all kinds of interesting herb, carob bean, spice and oak complications. it's elegant and complex to drink now and over the next 5–6 years.

lone tree vineyard

france

bright and fruity, this is an apple and crisp green-fruit-flavored wine. there is a hint of the maturity to come, giving a light toastiness while the fruit remains crisp and refreshing. drink now.

réserve brut

us

the aromas bring notes of vanilla, baking spices, craisins, asphalt and raspberries that seem a bit evolved. the palate drinks off dry and full, with almost port-like flavors.

clifton vineyard

argentina

pure, ripe blackberry aromas are heady, toasty and crisp like burnt bread crust. this malbec has a profound, drawing mouthfeel defined by full extraction and muscular tannins. savory flavors of blackberry and roasted plum end with depth, focus and welcome freshness. drink through 2023.

black tears

france

an organic, low-sulphur wine, this is all about soft fruitiness. red fruits shine along with the texture that has just an edge of dryness. acidity penetrates right through this fresh, light wine. a member of terroirs originels, victor sornin is a ninth-generation winemaker.

nature

argentina

plum and berry aromas are straightforward, but also clean and nice. the palate on this wine from san rafael is focused and orderly, with flavors of red fruits, spice and mild woody notes. long lasting on the finish, with freshness and just a modicum of tannic bite.

gran reserva

italy

aromas recall nail polish remover, black cherry marinated in spirits and exotic spice. the thick palate delivers prune, mocha, dark chocolate and coffee bean alongside velvety tannins. it has a long finish and closes on a bitter, nutty note.

crosara de le strie

us

winemaker kevin riley's fascination with resurrecting the mission grape vines on his property is starting to pay off. this pink, which includes 18% zinfandel and 7% grenache, shows ripe watermelon and strawberry aromas. red plum and red apple flavors show on the palate, enlivened by mandarin orange accents.

willow creek farm rosé of

argentina

dry, mossy berry aromas carry punch, while this well-built malbec feels concentrated but not heavy. peppery, blackened berry flavors spill over with a black-coffee note on a slightly hot finish. drink through 2020.

reserva

chile

this wine shows ripeness, depth and purity. in the mouth, it is saturated and thick. flavors of saffron, tomato paste, oregano and stewed berry fruits are pure kankana. a different breed of syrah, it reflects san pedro's pioneering efforts in the elqui valley.

kankana del elqui solar no. 10

us

slicks of butter, cream and spice in this unusual barrel-fermented gewürztraminer may evoke divisive love-it-or-hate-it reactions, but the intensity and quality of this deeply concentrated wine is hard to deny. it's gorgeously fruity and floral, bursting of honeysuckle, rose petals and melons, yet elegantly balanced in acidity and alcohol. it's deeply penetrating, with reverberating waves of bright citrus notes and a lingering tea-toned astringency. drinks well now, but should be an interesting wine to mature over the next decade.

umlaut

chile

initially, this carmenère smells green and minty, with a heavy herbal blast. airing settles things down in front of a fresh palate with thorough body and build. oak and salted-meat flavors with black fruits finish woody, toasty and herbal.

envero gran reserve

australia

the finest jester cabernet i can remember, this full-bodied yet supple wine features aromas of cassis, cedar and vanilla in fine balance. cassis and chocolate flavors continue in the same vein, followed by a silky, long finish. drink now–2028.

jester

us

this merlot-dominant red blend displays classic yakima valley flavors that are well-integrated and balanced for medium-term (6–8 years) aging. the fruit is on the tart side, with accents of earth and herb. the tannins are textural and somewhat drying.

mystique

spain

this opaque graciano from toledo weighs in at 15% abv and smells like black currant and grape juice concentrate. an intense, loud palate features smooth tannins but abrasive acidity. limited but lusty flavors of blackberry and black plum finish juicy and with medium length and depth. drink through 2019.

latitud 40

us

this bottling comes from the best blocks and barrels from this single vineyard, co-owned by a number of edna valley luminaries. the result is stunning, with baked raspberry, strawberry, maple, and peppery bacon aromas comprising a spicy, exotic nose. black plum fruit melds with white pepper and crushed herbs, diving into tangy strawberry and sandalwood incense notes on the finish.

precious stone stone corral vineyard

new zealand

this medium-bodied wine is a pleasant, tart-berry quaff, with hints of berry herbal tea, dusty wood and sour cherries. look for this bottling to improve in subsequent vintages, as cloudy bay is now in complete control of the vineyard.

te wahi

us

a slick of wax and lanolin lends a mineral tone to bright apple cider and honey notes in this sprightly semisweet riesling. spine-tingling with acidity, it's an elegant, classically styled wine with a pristine, fruit-focused finish.

martini reinhardt selection

us

the mark vi (similar to the above heather's vineyard) is a sort of reserve reserve, this one from barrels chosen to showcase the most cellar-worthy aspects of the vintage. it succeeds nicely, delivering a solid, firm, tart wine with young raspberry and cherry fruit at its center. the tannins have a lightly herbal, leafy streak, and there's little doubt this will benefit from additional years in the cellar.

mark vi

france

here's a friendly, accessible and value-priced rosé that's perfect for warm-weather entertaining. ripe cherry, plum and raspberry flood the nose and mouth, with a soft dusting of cocoa that adds interest and decadence. the ripe flavors are full and jammy, but balanced by medium acidity that keeps the palate fresh and the finish clean.

la tradition

us

deep mauve to light red in color, this bottling conveys rustic aromas of smoked berries, blood and leather on the nose. smashed wild berries and dried strawberries show on the sip, which also shows some brick and meat flavors. the chalky tannins keep it intriguing.

pedregal vineyard estate grown

france

this wine is firm with powerful surface tannins. underneath, its blackberry-like fruit is developing, bringing out spice, acidity and plenty of weight. drink from 2020.

grand vin

italy

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.

lamùri

spain

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.

brut

italy

opens with a pretty shade of gold that denotes more sophisticated extraction and in fact that impression is carried through to the nose and mouth where the wine exhibits ripe fruity aromas, honey, almond skin, dried herbs and natural rubber. the mouthfeel is thin, but remains a step above the commercial pinot grigio that is so commonly available. the wine is packaged with a real vine clipping around the bottle neck.

pinot grigio

australia

understated and less ripe than many australian chardonnays, which makes for a nice change of pace when tasting, but also a leaner, more austere style dominated by citrus flavors. this atypical aussie chard could even be paired with shellfish.

old winery - hunter valley/mclaren vale

france

the appetizing perfume is a perfect fusion of lemon zest and tart apple. the palate also pitches that same, ripe freshness against zingy tang. the palate is dry, textured and juicy and thus very moreish. this is very alive and appetizing with a super-clean, lip-smacking finish.

frankstein grand cru

england

a fragrant, sherbety cloud of spring meadow and lemon hovers above the glass. grassy freshness frames the bright, pure lemon notions that dominate nose and palate. this wine is utterly fresh, citric and brisk. the mouthfeel is taut and slender, with only the slightest edge of autolytic notes and a structure of freshness and purity. it almost has a cleansing quality on its superbright, clean finish.

blanc de blancs brut

us

aromas of pear and toast are followed by apple pie and spice flavors that show a pleasing mixture of fruit and barrel. it delivers a lot of wine for the money.

traditions

italy

delicate aromas of wild berry, blue flower and a hint chopped herb lead the nose. the soft, easygoing palate offers black cherry and a hint of baking spice. round tannins and vibrant acidity make it ready to drink now.

molino del piano

chile

oaky foresty berry aromas are mildly damp and woodsy, with coffee and herbal notes. this feels full but also clamping and tight. smoky roasted flavors of hickory, black plum and pepper finish burnt and toasty, with roughness to the finish.

gran reserva

us

dark, soft, full-bodied and slightly sweet, this pinot clearly shows its warm-climate origins. it tastes of jammy blackberries, cherries and raspberries.

russell family vineyard

us

though it's barrel fermented, this is a thin, hard-edged wine with green and slightly stemmy flavors only partially masked by the buttery barrel notes.

barrel fermented

us

coming from a cool-climate appellation in a cool vintage and aged in neutral french oak, this wine has a vivid, precise fruit focus. notes of black currant and blackberry are framed by tart, lively acidity and firm, dry tannins.

mcduffee vineyards

austria

a shy nose with a hint of citrus leads onto a palate with equally restrained flavors. this wine is all about texture and dryness. the superfine mousse is exquisitely creamy, playing off ripe lemon freshness against a softly autolytic background suggesting oatmeal with hints of white pepper. this is unshowy but conveys understated elegance. it finishes beautifully dry and fresh.

vintage rosé

italy

this is a sweet sparkling wine made with very fragrant moscato grapes that can be paired with fruit desserts or easy appetizers. the wine imparts aromas of peach, honey and jasmine.

dolce

portugal

the wine is soft, and full of fruit with attractive spicy black currant flavors. dominated by the rounded tinta roriz, it is an easy wine to drink young.

castello d'alba colheita

portugal

a blend of arinto and antão vaz, this is an impressively structured and concentrated wine. ripe and flowery, with flavors of mango and yellow fruit. the smooth yet tangy structure gives pleasure now, but also promises aging. drink until 2019.

dom rafael branco

spain

here's a serious cava with champagne qualities. the nose is nutty and rich, with hints of vanilla and popcorn that aren't overdone. the palate is toasty but also candied, with citrus blending perfectly with butterscotch. plump and ripe through the finish, this is high-end and stylish, as spanish bubbly goes. drink now or hold in a good cellar for a few more years.

iii lustros gran reserva

us

this is as well-balanced an interpretation of roussanne as they come in california—proudly plump but not flabby. light gold in color, it offers caramelized banana, custard, beeswax and apple blossom aromas. a backbone of lemony acidity runs through the palate, buttressed with ripe melon, mango and more tropical fruit flavors.

stolpman vineyard

spain

saucy blueberry aromas are a touch muddled and difficult to decipher, while this garnacha feels medium in body and healthy. raspberry and plum flavors come with a resiny, pasty oak note, while medicinality rises up on the finish.

de fuego old vines

spain

this is a stewed, raisiny wine on the nose, while in the mouth it's more acidic and flush, but not quite elegant or sophisticated. the palate deals a short burst of heavy plum and berry flavor, and the finish is jammy and ripe but lacks complexity.

negre

portugal

an easy, fruity wine, this is full of blackberry and red currant flavors. its fruitiness is tempered with a firm tannic core that gives a light structure.

loios tinto

us

soft and supple yet powerful on the palate, this is generously seasoned with smoky oak and meat aromas. tobacco and clove flavors keep it savory and are complemented by black currant fruit.

rutherford hillside reserve

us

sobon's dry rosé (made from 96% grenache grapes and 4% syrah) is pinkish-red in color, brisk and structured with acidity, and a great, great value to boot. drink on its own—plenty chilled—or find some fresh seafood and enjoy.

rezerve

france

an easily accessible, easy-drinking style of crozes-hermitage, ferraton's 2007 la matinière displays a lovely balance between clean red fruit (cherries, raspberries), baking spices, cracked pepper and a faintly herbal tinge. drink it now and over the next few years.

la matinière

canada

aromatically appealing in notes of sarsaparilla, barrel spice and cherry. this full-bodied pinot brings pomegranate and plum flavors to the palate, showing some dryness from the tannins.

reimer vineyard

us

pale salmon in color, this delivers strawberry and watermelon aromas. it's dry on the palate, but the flavors fall a bit flat.

the expedition

us

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.

signature

us

although this is seemingly sweet and a bit one-dimensional, it's tasty, with candied blackberry and plum flavors. try it with something savory and spicy, like carne asada.

two barrels

italy

beguiling, concentrated and suave, this classically styled barolo opens with lavender, cherry, almond and anise, which slide in to blackberry brandy flavors on the palate. long finish. intense and delicious from start to finish; a real stunner. drink now or cellar 5–7 years.

cannubi

us

this marks another stunning vintage for this blend of 55% sémillon, 25% muscadelle, 10% palomino and 10% colombard, made by zin master mike officer. pungent in pear and pineapple, it has cutting-edge minerality, a taste of slate, and remains at turns creamy and crisp on the palate. this wine is unusual in all the right ways yet triumphantly delicious.

the derivative

us

this blend of 57% cabernet sauvignon and 43% malbec begins with a very smooth nose of baked plums, toasted bread, coffee, vanilla and barbecue char. the palate is approachable and easy to enjoy, with flavors of black cherry, milk chocolate and baking spice. both the tannins and acidity are low and hiding in the background.

caliber

us

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.

estate riverbend vineyard

italy

aromas of red berry, tilled earth, menthol and dark cooking spice unfold in the glass. the structured, elegant palate doles out ripe wild cherry, mint, licorice, blood orange and chopped herb alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. it's still tight so let it unwind for a few more years. drink after 2019.

cottà

argentina

red berry, sweet cherry and ripe plum aromas come with a touch of leather. the palate feels a bit sharp and acidic, with tangy, juicy flavors of plum and wild berry as well as some stalkiness. cleansing and long on the finish thanks to high acidity.

andean culture

france

this is the entry-level wine from this biodynamic estate. it is full of flavor, ripe from the lees aging and with intense acidity to balance. it goes more to the apple side of muscadet, producing a wine that is rich and full bodied. drink from late 2017.

classic sur lie