es

This is a particular style of Albariño. Aromas of white flowers distant mineral and green melon set up a plump, layered palate, with core acidity but also flatness that will only increase the longer it goes. Flavors of nectarine, orange and melon register as citric but also creamy. This is a unique Galician white that's stylish but won't last forever; drink immediately.

it

Underbrush, scorched earth, ripe berry, blue flower and leather aromas take shape in the glass. The full-bodied enveloping palate doles out black cherry marinated in spirits, fleshy raspberry, truffle game and dark baking spice alongside firm, velvety tannins. A licorice note marks the finish. It's evolving quickly and won't need years to come around. Drink 2020–2030.

pt

This is a ripe, attractively fruity wine with black plum flavor and a generous texture. It's firm and rich, cut with acidity and tannin and needs further time to develop. Drink from 2018.

nz

It was fascinating to compare this to Two Paddocks' regular bottling. The Last Chance is slightly richer, but otherwise features many of the same elements: smoke, tart cherries and delicate herbal notes. Despite the extra concentration, it's still supple and approachable now.

us

Dried black cherries, a hint of purple flowers and a touch of tar show on the closed nose of this wine. The palate is also extremely wound up at this stage, with hints of espresso and dark chocolate. Although the structure is impressive, it does not allow much flavor to escape right now.

it

Crisp, green, grassy wine with fresh acidity and herbeceous character. It is very New World with its tropical flavors and open, forward fruit.

us

This Syrah-Petite Sirah is starting to show some bottle age. It's still high in tannins, but the primary red and black stone fruits and berries are mellowing into dried fruits, with funkier notes of bacon, leather and tamari-splashed sautéed wild mushrooms. An interesting wine to drink now, and should continue to evolve for another 5–6 years.

fr

Santa Duc's small parcel of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is planted to a mix of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. It's a peppery, briary wine that's savory and spicy, with blackberry fruit providing support rather than leading. The tannins are soft, but still provide ample structure for aging through 2020.

us

Richness in the texture and a buttery vanilla-like flavor make this wine easy to dive into. It has lots of ripe apple, peach and white cherry flavor and an energetic complexity due to those pastry spices, plus a lingering, creamy finish.

pt

Huge, rich and juicy, this brings out the superripe fruit and heat of the Alentejo. With a high proportion of Petit Verdot and Alicante Bouschet (hence the alcohol and the color), this wine is certainly over the top. At the same time, it's very enjoyable for its up-front fruit and structure. Drink from 2017.

de

Jolts of lemon-lime acidity reverberate throughout this dry, mineral-focused wine. Golden apple, pear and lemon flavors are ripe and concentrated, but the palate maintains a svelte, spry style.

cl

Spicy berry, bath soap and graphite aromas are a bit hard to understand. Somewhat raw and pinched in feel, this tastes of spicy plum and tomato. On the finish, peppery notes of hard spice and plum are solid, as is the closing feel.

au

This vintage of Rocky Gully Riesling comes across as quite ripe and rich despite the modest alcohol content. Smoky hints of struck flint and heating oil spice up flavors of baked apple and vanilla, then linger on the finish.

cl

Opens with sensational aromas that span plum, berry and chocolate. Feels compact yet juicy, with a lot of depth and purity. Wild berry, mint and bacon-like flavors work the palate, while the finish is defined by tannins, woody spice and natural body. A smooth bruiser to enjoy with venison or steak.

us

Fire up the barbecue and grill a steak to pair with this rich, ripe, lusty blend. Comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it's enormously extracted with flavors of blackberry jam, chocolate and bacon. The tannins are strong, but soft acidity helps make them drinkable now.

it

Aromas of ripe red berry, fragrant blue flower, cake spice, menthol and an earthy hint of truffle emerge in the glass. The juicy palate offers fleshy cherry, raspberry, licorice and chopped mint alongside firm, velvety tannins. Drink through 2022.

us

Savory, smoky tones lend a shadowy feel to fresh apple and pear flavors in this dry medium-bodied Pinot Gris. It's not deeply concentrated in fruit but refreshing and easy going. Drink now through 2018.

at

Nettle, tomato leaf and ripe, juicy pear make for an intriguing aroma that is still recognizable as varietal Sauvignon Blanc but brings an individual note of ripeness. Not quite tropical it nonetheless bursts with juicy pear. If you love Sauvignon Blanc this is an intriguing facet of this variety to try. Juicy refreshment is guaranteed.

it

This linear wine opens with aromas of blue flower, underbrush and red berries. The palate delivers bright red cherry, espresso and a white pepper note alongside firm, drying tannins. Pair this with hearty Tuscan soups. Drink 2014–2019.

fr

Delicately sparkling, this creamy Champagne is crisp, fruity and on the dry side of Brut. It has citrus as well as pear flavors giving a fruity edge to the lively texture. This delicious wine should age a little longer, so drink from 2019.