es

hot, tarry aromas of plum and berry rank as gritty and rough. clampy, jagged tannins make for a tough mouthfeel, while a mix of herbal and jammy red-berry flavors turn salty before finishing with rubbery tannins. drink through 2023.

it

this robust wine opens with aromas of dried rose, tar, leather, fig and allspice. the full-bodied palate delivers dried black cherries, licorice, underbrush and grilled sage alongside firm, velvety tannins.

us

a stunning blend of half chardonnay and half pinot noir, made in a méthode traditionelle, this is a dry, minerally and incredibly smooth sparkling wine. elegant and refined, it offers a tightly drawn curtain of mousse that lingers on the palate. the time in bottle has added complexity and sophistication, making the wine enjoyable now or for several more years.

fr

apart from the fact that this wine comes from a small parcel that is itself called saint-joseph, the other curiosity of this wine is its label, which is designed like a banknote, by the man who used to design french francs (now, of course, out of a job). the wine inside the bottle is powerful and concentrated, flavored heavily with new wood, vanilla and spicy fruits. guigal believes it is possible to make great saint-joseph, and this wine certainly proves the point.

us

this wine seems overtaken with scents and flavors of tree tar and resin. the impression of pine resin cuts out the fruit, leaving some woody flavors in the finish.

fr

with its upfront, ripe apple and pear flavors, this wine is immediately attractive. behind the fruitiness, there is a firm, structured character of minerality and a steely edge, which makes this a chardonnay to age for 3–4 years.

au

a very nice wine that's zesty and fresh in the mouth, and deep gold in color, the vat 47 offers bright yellow fruit flavors, with light vanilla, toast and citrus accents. nose is alternately perfumey and toasty. tasted twice.

canada

aromas of fresh figs, strawberries and dark flowers add mystery and unusual dimension to this wine. tangy on the palate, with notes of underripe stonefruit and vibrant lime-inflected acidity, it's a refreshingly different wine that would complement a variety of fowl or creamy cheeses.

it

this opens with licorice, chopped herb, eucalyptus and dark spice aromas. the assertive palate offers dried black cherry, coffee bean and sagenotes framed by close-grained tannins.

fr

a touch of reduction clings to the nose, masking the fruit. on the palate, however, lemon and crisp green apple freshness prevail, carried by a soft lively mousse. this is dry, light and has a lovely backdrop of yeasty autolytic notes and a very clean finish.

us

juslyn's wines are made in a tannic style. the suggestion here is ageabiity. this bottle, which is mainly cabernet sauvignon but also contains merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot, is not drinkable now, unless you're immune to astringency. it's future is uncertain, but you might try aging it until 2020.

fr

produced from the oldest vines on the bourgeois family estate, this is a flint and steel-textured wine. the fruit is still coming through the intense texture of this complex wine. the hints of apple and grapefruit will develop as the wine ages. unlike so many sancerre, this needs to age. drink from 2018.

it

delicate aromas of spanish broom and pear come with a hint of nuts on the nose. the palate offers yellow peach, green apple and a mineral note alongside vibrant acidity and small, persistent bubbles.

us

bracingly effervescent bubbles offer aromas of baking soda, chalk and blood orange on this south coast sparkler made from 82% chardonnay and 18% pinot noir. the foamy palate offers inviting bubblegum and light cotton candy flavors, never sweet but very rounded and approachable in a crowd-pleasing way.

fr

a subtle note of caramel adds richness to the baked apple aromas on the nose. on the palate, hints of chamomile tisane add to the baked apple flavors. the body is taut and linear. rounded hints of baked apple persist even on the dry, clean and fresh finish.

it

this gorgeous wine, a blend of 90% sangiovese and 10% canaiolo and colorino, opens with aromas that recall underbrush, mint, woodland berries and balsamic herbs. the palate offers layers of sour cherry and white pepper accented with exotic asian spices and sage that add depth. it's surprisingly fresh for the hot vintage and the solid tannins carry through to the finish. still youthful, this will benefit with a few more years aging. drink 2015–2022.

fr

a rounded, smooth and fruity wine, the latest addition to the range from vigouroux's château pech de jammes. it is an easy drinking wine, plenty of black fruits, soft tannins and light acidity at the end.

us

this blend of dubrul and meek vineyard fruit broods with aromas of dark raspberries and licorice. ripe fruit flavors accompany exquisitely balanced tannins and acidity. it's drinking well now but should have a long life in front of it.

it

i poggiarelli opens with fleshy, dark concentration and brawny aromas of smoked bacon, dark fruit and spice. but don't be swayed by your first impressions. the high acidity and overall crispness offered here cuts out any of the overdone softness or chewiness you might initially expect.

de

delicate dustings of saffron and spice lend complexity to unctuous honey and tangerine on this luscious, concentrated eiswein. while light as a feather, its intensity and power are jaw dropping. a streak of high-toned acidity draws out a long, mineral finish.