it

wild berry, leather, tobacco, tilled earth, aromatic herb and floral aromas meld together on this impressive red. the full-bodied structured palate delivers black cherry marinated in spirits, dried plum, chocolate and licorice alongside a backbone of firm velvety tannins. drink 2018–2026.

us

this bordeaux blend is 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% each cab franc and petit verdot. dry and astringent, it opens with a burst of pretty cherry fruit. as it breathes, some green-bean aromas and flavors develop. best to drink this by the end of 2017.

at

the nose signals crunchy, crisp red apple, which also follows through on the sprightly, wonderfully foamy and fresh palate of exquisitely small bubbles. this is light but full-fruited, brimming with all the crunch of red delicious and braeburn apples supported by just a little shortbread richness from the yeast. there is concentration and poise, utter freshness and quite a bit of length.

pt

rich and smooth, this is a ripe and fruity wine. it has hints of wood aging as well as dried fruit to bring out a tawny character. the wine is nicely poised between freshness and some maturity.

ar

starts out short and dry on the nose, with little fruit character. the palate is also on the hard and lean side, with tart strawberry and raspberry flavors. short but mild on the finish; fades away fast.

it

modus delivers velvety aromas of black cherry, chocolate, leather, exotic spice and pipe tobacco. this super tuscan blend is comprised of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, and it does a very nice job of showing the soft side of those grape varieties, especially on the long finish.

us

this chard offers a delicate but intricate bouquet with aromas of apple, vanilla spice and tropical acidity. the palate shows more floral and ripe red apple flavors, with a moderate weight in the mouth and a balanced finish. a solidly made and easy-to-enjoy wine.

it

citrus tones, peach, white flower and mineral notes come forward thanks to the wine's bright personality and zesty effervescence. there are soft notes of crushed pepper and loads of sweet stone fruit flavors to enjoy as well.

fr

the nose of this wine is all fruit—strawberry, raspberry and cherry abound. flavor wise, the accessible palate offers more of the same, with light tannins and ample acidity to keep the mouthfeel fresh and the finish clean.

il

a blend of 40% each cabernet sauvignon and merlot, 10% petit verdot, 4% cabernet franc, and 3% each mourvèdre and grenache, this wine is made from grapes that are dried for 50 days prior to fermentation. the finished wine is aged in barrel for 40 months prior to bottling, yet it is surprisingly soft in the mouth and equal parts smooth and bright. aromas of raspberry, black plum and maple give way to flavors of strawberry, cranberry sauce, maple-cured meat and rose petal.

us

crisp and fresh aromas of pineapple and melon lead on this pretty semi-sweet riesling, and are followed by slightly sweet, floral flavors that are kept light with a citric, minerally backbone. pair with chicken salad, thai cuisine, even curry.

es

aromas of spiced applesauce and minerals mark the nose. a solid palate with mild acidity yields pithy citrus and nectarine flavors, while the finish is short and hollow, with a fleshy weight.

ar

santa carolina of cl is behind this uco valley producer, and for two years running this wine has rated the same. it starts with adequate but generic plum and blackberry aromas, yet the palate is acidic and tangy, with slightly herbal black fruit and raspberry flavors. decent but not what you'd call a distinguished cabernet. imported by carolina wine brands usa.

cl

lightly herbal aromas of black currant, tobacco, minerals and latent char provide for a fine opening. given that this is now 14+ years old, its core structure and acidity level are excellent. rooty flavors of licorice and black currant show toast and chocolate accents, while the finish is dry, spicy and whole. this is living proof that top chilean cabernets from exceptional vintages can age for up to two decades; drink through 2020.

au

this is ripe, fruit-driven shiraz with ample weight and ripeness. hints of smoke and sage add nuance to the blueberry and black cherry fruit, while coarse-grained tannins provide adequate structure and grip. drink now–2022.

us

this serious red blend puts together a texture firmed up with gripping tannins and acidity, flavors brimming with blackberry and sweet spices and a lingering finish. too structured to appreciate alone, it will need pairing with roast beef, lasagna, ribs or the like.

cl

dry, spicy aromas of tobacco, cedar, vanilla and berry fruits come together nicely. this maule valley cab is fresh and harmonious across the palate, with nothing too pushy. complex, balsamic flavors of olives, herbs, dried berries, turned earth and cocoa finish dry, peppery and elegant. drink through 2019.

us

heady tropical notes of guava and melon perfume this light-footed wine. semidry in style, it's not deeply penetrating in fruit but offers refreshing citrus flavors and a lip-smacking honey finish. drink now through 2019.

fr

a blanc de noirs made exclusively from pinot noir always has a feeling of weight and richness. this is no exception, full-bodied in character, with rich pink grapefruit and green plum flavors. the bottling is still young and will benefit from bottle aging until 2016.

us

this is a big tannic rustic wine, loaded with dark, bitter flavors. cassis, espresso, smoke and charred earth all combine to carry through an astringent, tannic finish.