fr

the grapes were harvested in the early morning to preserve the real freshness that is here. the attractive, rich wine is full in the mouth with its red-berry and red-currant fruits that are cut with citrus. the wine is ready to drink.

us

a buttery style, this bottling offers popcorn, sea salt caramel and vanilla cookies on the nose alongside tropical coconut, ripe peach and banana fruit, all judiciously presented. there's an immediate sizzle of acidity to cut through the butter on the palate, where pan-fried apples, squeezed lemons and almonds make for an excellent california chardonnay.

fr

from one of the highest of the mercurey premier crus, this wine has a crisp edge to its otherwise ripe red fruits. it has a fine line of wood as well as the juicy fruitiness and acidity. the wine is already balanced, likely to develop easily and quickly. drink this from 2019.

cl

one of the major growers in leyda also makes classic cool-coast sb. this is briny and tight on the nose, with a hint of asparagus. a lean, juicy palate is tight as nails, while this tastes of briny, salty lime and melon. a lean, chalky finish shows strong grip.

us

there's a softness to this dry wine. it's forward and rich in currants and smoky oak, but could use greater acidity. the tannins also seem a little ungainly, although they could mellow out in a few years.

it

aromas of yellow flower, beeswax and a whiff of tropical fruit guide the nose, while bright acidity supports the yellow peach and pineapple flavors. it closes on a note of bitter almond.

fr

this dark-colored rosé gets its color from the skins of the pinot noir. that makes for a ripe, structured wine with good balance between crisp red fruits and the soft aftertaste. the wine is ready to drink.

es

earthy aromas of root beer, baked cherry, roasted plum and vanilla are deep but come up a bit short on the freshness factor. this is a ripe wine with a dense mouthfeel and syrupy flavors of molasses, brown sugar, chocolate and baked berry fruits. given its warm manchuela roots, it's in good shape and should be opened and consumed now.

fr

this is yohan lardy's top wine, produced from vines planted in 1903. dark and dense although shot with acidity, the wine is firm and concentrated. it layers a floral character with minerality and black fruits. the wine needs to age further, so drink from 2018.

us

a gorgeously salmon-colored rosé made predominantly from grenache (62%) co-fermented dry with viognier (58%) out of yolo county. the wine has a delicately pretty nose of peach and a light-medium body despite its 14.8% alcohol, though the finish falls off fast.

it

like many wines from this producer, it excels because of its sheer drinkability. they are using more new wood flavors than in the past, but the beautifully perfumed, vibrant fruit, deep acidity and light elegance reveal a wine that will age well, as well as being drinkable now.

it

this is a top-notch amarone, executed in a modern style, with incredible softness and intensity of flavors. the wine offers bursting cherry and currant berry fruit with playfully tart sweetness on the close. it's a lovely creation.

fr

this is a steely wine, crisp and very textured. lemon zest and acidity are given structure by the mineral character and by the touches of wood. it's a wine with a future, so drink from 2016.

fr

a lovely, clean and aromatic lift of ripe red cherries is instantly appetizing. the palate is full of juicy fruit but structured with slightly rustic but smoothed-out tannins and a bright lively freshness. this is honest fresh-faced fruit-driven pinot noir without any pretentiousness that is a joy to drink.

at

green-pear peel and a slight touch of bright lemon make for an understated, slender grüner. the inherent, herbal freshness appears on the palate, with a hint of white pepper amid clean lemon notes.

pt

this is a seriously impressive, ripe and powerful wine. boasting rich fruits, black plum and berry flavors and concentrated acidity, it also has a dark, solid structure. still young, this shows boisterous acidity and needs to soften and fill out further. drink this fine wine from 2018.

es

this blend of syrah, tempranillo, cab sauvignon and merlot shows the upside potential of valencia, one of es's low-profile regions. a nice mix of vanilla, root beer, spice, plum and chocolate aromas reflect 18 months in oak. with full stout tannins and deep ripe flavors of plum, cassis, tobacco and chocolate, this barrel-influenced middleweight should age nicely through 2022.

nz

the 2011 mate's vineyard appears to have more focus and drive than the hunting hill, but fewer curves. toasted nuts garnish pineapple and tangerine fruit, while the finish is long, tight and richly textured. this should be long-lived by nz chardonnay standards; drink now–2022.

us

this blend of syrah from thompson and white hawk vineyards, as well as a touch of mourvèdre from alta mesa, shows lively anise and dill herbs on the nose, along with black strawberries, dense blackberries, damp sage, violet and tar. the oregano-thyme-bay leaf herbal side of the sip is strong, giving nuance to the elderberry and blueberry fruit.

us

a juicy, jammy blend of 50% sangiovese, 25% cabernet sauvignon, 17% montepulciano and 8% zinfandel sourced primarily from contra costa county that's packed with blue and blackberry fruit, tobacco and plum. clean and bright with a chewy texture.