us

springhill cellars has been around for two decades, but this new release of the estate pinot noir is a bit of a disappointment. light, sweet and simple, it turns a bit medicinal on the finish.

es

mature woody aromas of foresty berry, cigar box and vanilla set up a palate that's mature but still fresh. spicy oaky flavors of cherry and plum come with a hint of chocolate, while this ends with integrated notes of coffee and mocha. drink through 2025.

fr

glorious and utterly enticing notes of peach hover on the nose. they are joined by a tart, aromatic citrus tang of bergamot and citrus foliage. the palate has that same alluring aromatic spectrum that unites utter freshness with exoticism. this seems light but also packs an incredible punch. there is energy and verve on the midpalate, which has an utterly compact, concentrated but fluid texture. bright zestiness illuminates the entire palate. it's a most unusual and most beguiling riesling with incredible appeal and potential. drink 2017–2040.

it

made with 40% sangiovese, 40% merlot and 20% syrah, the nose has subdued aromas of red berry and cinnamon. the simple palate offers morello cherry and toast alongside evolved tannins. enjoy soon.

at

some smoky notes temper the exotic but subdued aromas of both stone and tropical fruit. the palate is slender and has a pleasing varietal edge of nettle and grass. some oak lends a creamy palate structure that softens the bright freshness. a light but balanced wine.

us

this blend of 66% tannat and 34% petite sirah by santa clarita-based winemakers steve lemley and nate hasper offers layers of rich flavors without being overdone. deep aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, mocha and caramel lead into a sip full of blackberry paste, beef char, dried tobacco leather and a cocoa spice. the caramel finish is just delicious.

us

a fine effort, with an inviting swirl of earthy components. citrus, spice, earth, compost, coffee grounds and cinnamon comprise this detailed, aromatic wine. it sits squarely in the classic mold of the better walla walla syrahs.

gr

leather, dry spice rub and crushed green herb aromas start this limnio/cabernet blend from northern gr. on the palate, the wine is spicy and dry, with earthy undertones of spicebox and forest floor. pair with lamb or robust cheeses.

us

a little one-dimensional, but it's a very clean, elegant wine, with drily subtle cherry, dr. pepper cola and sandalwood flavors. nicely tannic, with a cherryskin bitterness. drink it now.

us

this is a tasty, juicy, easy-drinking wine with good fruit flavors. well balanced and medium bodied, it offers some of the density and texture expected, but without going over the top in tannins.

us

unripe, with wintergreen and pepper aromas and flavors, and sharp acidity. turns a little more generous with airing, but it's overpriced for what you get.

fr

rich and dense, this is a ripe, wood-aged wine, now showing maturity. it has weight, red berry fruits and a firmer structure of tannins. it is ready to drink, but could age another year.

fr

named after an ancestor who pioneered using oak barrels for maturing sauvignon blanc, the wine is, of course, wood aged. it is also ripe with yellow fruits, spice and vanilla. apricot is cut with more tangy orange zest and finished with acidity. this is a concentrated wine that is just ready to drink.

us

sour fruit, funky root beer, dried salami and asphalt aromas show on the nose of this rustic bottling. dried fruit and espresso flavors mark the palate.

fr

this simple wine is full of fruit. there is no wood aging here, just ripe pear and apricot flavors that are gently textured. the wine, with its crisp final acidity, is ready to drink.

us

light, but elegant and pretty, this wine spent 17 months in 40% new oak. fruit flavors emphasize tart berry, with a dash of earthy sandalwood.

pt

a juicy wine with cranberry fruit flavors, spice, and exotic berries, spoiled by a rustic, earthy, meaty edge. not for aging.

us

from another of the grower's impressive, coveted sites, this wine imparts soft, dusty cherry, cassis and pomegranate notes, with a luxurious tease of vanilla and coconut macaroon. full-bodied and robustly built, it's 100% varietal and barrel-fermented and finishes on a compelling streak of cedar, herb and graphite.

ar

lean, dusty red-fruit aromas are redolent of nail polish. a grabby palate is chunky and home to syrupy, cloying flavors of medicinal red fruits. burnt, rubbery notes characterize the finish.

us

attractive oak and baking-spice aromas enhance the solid, straightforward and ripe fruit flavors in this full-bodied and nicely tannic dry wine.