it

The wine opens with a beautiful amber color and offers nut, dried apricot, honey, resin and orange zest. It has a thick, gritty quality with toasted flavors of roasted chestnut and loads of luscious sweetness.

ar

Dynamic aromas of honeysuckle and mint gumdrop precede intense honey, orange, tangerine and marmalade flavors. This is a thicker, more oily style of Torrontes than the commonly seen watery ones, and it makes a statement via its viscosity and power.

es

This is golden-tan in color. The nose is gaseous and smells of ham and yeast. The palate is distinctly foamy, while flavors of briny apple finish mild yet heavy.

us

There's a curtain of smoke and char that hides all the sweet, fresh apple tones on this creamy, full-bodied Chardonnay. When the smoke subsides, it reveals a fairly balanced wine with subtle vanilla and fruit characteristics throughout. Great companion for smoked cheese and charcuterie.

us

Tastes surprisingly ripe—even overripe—with dark chocolate, prune and caramelized oak flavors. Yet the tannin-acid structure is pure Napa—fine and elegant.

england

Lively, crisp apple notes on the nose immediately signal freshness. The palate follows with equally brisk green apple and citrus notes, mellowed fittingly with a very fine, soft and creamy mousse. This is lithe, dew-fresh and of great purity. It conjures up visions of clear brooks, green meadows and budding elderflower. The crisp green-apple notes echo long and make for a totally refreshing, brisk finish.

ro

Sweet flower and cherry aromas perfume this dry, berry-tinged Sauvignon Blanc. It's refreshing and quaffable, and it offers bright acidity and just a hint of green that lingers on the finish.

us

Bone dry, wonderfully fresh and loaded with strawberry and watermelon flavors, hepped up with lightly peppery spice. In short, a perfect summer sipper, chilled and drunk with picnic foods, preferably outdoors.

it

This special commemorative bottle celebrates the 60th anniversary (1947–2007) of one of it's flagship wines. The characteristic aromas of Sangiovese come through loud and clear in the form of bright pulses of wild berry, blue flower, light spice and dried tobacco. The wine is bright and tight on the finish. Hold this bottle in your cellar.

it

Aromas suggest pineapple, papaya and creamy lemon pastry. The palate offers creamy white peach, pear, almond and a hint of mineral but it finishes on a sweet, sugary note.

us

It's 40% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot, all from the estate vineyards. Some plum and cherry fruit starts it up, moves quickly into a light finish, and leaves an impression of some green tannins as it fades.

cl

Aromas of roasted savory berry fruits and baked beans are solid. This Merlot exhibits good grip on a medium-bodied palate. Salty earthy flavors of berry fruits and dry oak finish leafy and spicy.

us

Too ripe and too oaky, and both attributes reinforce each other. The blackberry and currant fruit approaches Port in raisiny ripeness, while the oak accentuates the tannic sweetness. Clumsy now, but sometimes these wines improve in the long run. Try holding until after 2013.

us

Scents and flavors of toasted grain introduce this pretty wine that boasts accents of citrus blossom. Hints of peach skin carry some bite in the back of the mouth. Serve chilled and drink soon.

us

Somewhat brittle and nervous in the mouth, with lots of tart acidity. The flavors are brilliant, suggesting ripe cranberries, cherries and cola, with a fascinating edge of mushrooms and leather. All indications are that the wine needs time in the bottle to mellow. Drink after 2013.

pt

A rich wine that is made by the Abreu Callado charity foundation. It has dark black currant fruits, big tannins and an elegant feel. With its structure, minerality and ripe, juicy fruitiness, it is finely structured and ageworthy. Drink from 2017.

fr

Full bodied yet still fresh and vibrant, this is a blend of 30% each Bourboulenc, Marsanne and Viognier, plus 10% Clairette. Hints of lemon curd impart a lovely texture, while the aromas and flavors lean toward pineapple, melon and citrus. Drink now.

gr

Aromas of nutmeg, cedar and mushroom lead this spicy red from Crete. On the palate, currants, vanilla and cinnamon are rich but balanced with a good acidity. Great with cheeses, duck.

au

An inky wine, yet remarkably well balanced and supple, marrying a lush, creamy texture with masses of blueberries and hints of mint and licorice. Drink now or hold up to 10 years.

il

Intense dried herb and fennel bulb aromas rule the bouquet, with faint glimmers of cassis and pepper breaking through every now and again. The mouthfeel is soft and the wine overall balanced with delicate tannins and a short finish.