us

this dundee hills vineyard really shines in 2012, with multi-layered flavors of sweet, spicy, slightly candied fruits. kirsch, orange peel, smoke and sandalwood play against each other, with a citrus kick to the underlying acidity. bright and focused through a long finish, this is one to tuck away for a few years. drink 2017–2025.

us

winemaker john kinney blends 50% cabernet sauvignon from galles vineyard with 50% del arroyo vineyard petite sirah, trying to take advantage of the cab's floral, herbal notes and the petite's concentration and wall of tannins. he has largely succeeded. this dark-black wine is very much full of intense cherry and structured tannins and leathery spice. petite sirah lovers will particularly swoon.

it

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.

at

a touch of salted caramel appears before the flesh of ripe yellow apples takes over on the nose. the palate sings with freshness and presents a mousse of tiny pin-prick bubbles. the spicy but rich notion of salted caramel tantalizes again on a bone-dry palate. this wine is both weightless and profound, with lovely length and a lip-smacking finish.

us

sizzling lemon and asian pear-tinged acidity give this wine an electricity on the palate that finds its companion in the richer overtones of racy cardamom and nutmeg. the 40% new french oak imparts structure and spice rather than an overt influence, letting the complex stone minerality and depth of fruit linger on the finish.

us

lightly buttered popcorn aromas are cut by lime blossoms, sea salt and jasmine on this delicate while extremely fragrant nose. a laser-like acidity slices through the palate, where pan-seared apple flavors are lifted by lemon pith, mandarin orange skins and orange blossoms.

us

completely satisfying on every level. kudos to the winery for releasing a wine this dry, complex and delicious, at such a good price. easy to drink, yet sophisticated and elegant.

cl

despite hot conditions in 2012, this manages to deliver pungent aromas of nettle, green herbs, passion fruit and pink grapefruit. it's clear and straightforward in the mouth, with passion fruit, lychee, lime and tangerine flavors. a long finish holds off on the bitterness while maintaining exuberance and pop.

us

the color is on the light side, with a garnet to brick hue. intriguing aromas of forest floor, tobacco and black cherry waft out of the glass. rich flavors suggest dark fruits, clove, cola and anise, and the texture is simultaneously generous and firmly tannic. very complex and well balanced overall, it is just nicely medium bodied.

gr

a nose of fresh-cut flowers, tropical fruit and melon leads this barrel-fermented white blend . on the palate, the wine has a lovely floral character but lacks some of the minerality that gives greek whites their lively touch. pair with fish or cheeses.

us

a blend of syrah (80%), cabernet sauvignon (14%) and mourvèdre, this opens with aromas of wet gravel, herb, smoke, funk, nori and black olive that are followed by plentiful, soft, generous savory flavors that bring a lot of intensity and appeal. the finish lingers.

us

encapsulated in a big, beautifully etched bottle with black wax closure, grand wren is a grand statement—an explosion of smoke, leather and ripe fruit. it's smooth in texture, but with streaks of bright acidity throughout. the finish is big and bold with a port-like intensity.

it

a blend of 50% sangiovese, 25% merlot and 25% cabernet sauvignon, this presents lovely fragrances of blue flower, incense and tilled soil. on the palate, velvety tannins provide a backbone for juicy blackberry, black cherry and asian spice. soft and elegant, this is ready to be enjoyed. drink through 2017.

us

the aromas of this wine from a vineyard in the corralitos area somehow reflect its orange color (perhaps due to three weeks of skin contact), with orange rose petals and iced rooibos tea, yet with a steely minerality more common in pale white wines. the palate shows pickled plums and stewed stone fruits against a gunmetal backdrop and citrus peel bite. it's unique and very tasty.

fr

the wine is lean, with more acidity than fruit. it does have a tannin edge that gives it structure but the fact the wine wasn't aged in wood means it lacks any depth. drink now.

us

simple and sharp in acidity, this pinot has a jammy raspberry flavor. it tastes sugary-sweet all through the finish. it was tasted twice.

fr

plump, juicy pear is cut beautifully by lemon freshness that also carries zest and spice, brightening the entire palate. the finish is dry and textured with the zing of the zest.

es

raspberry, dark cherry, cola and vanilla aromas are harmonious and introduce a tight, racy, pure palate with toughness and grip. bold flavors of cassis, cherry, black pepper and vanilla finish with oak-based notes of mocha and vanilla, all pushed to the fore by juicy acidity. drink through 2019.

pt

an attractive strawberry-flavored wine with light sweetness and a caramel edge. acidity keeps it lively in a fine apéritif style.

cl

this carmenère-led blend is heady, meaty and inviting up front. in the mouth, clamping tannins are delivered amid serious structure. flavors of berry, cassis, chocolate and spice lead to a lasting, pure finish that fades slowly and in phases. best through 2019.