us

This very rich, ripe and forward Pinot Noir can be opened now for its vast array of raspberries, cherries, cola, red licorice and smoky sandalwood. It grows more interesting as it warms in the glass, showing facets of pomegranates and violets. Will provide good drinking through 2014.

us

A mix of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The two are blended and fermented together in barrels, from a vineyard east of Medford. The wine has pleasant herbal, grassy notes, and some very tart fruit.

us

Tropical guava and mango surround a restrained cradling of French oak, only 15% of it new, in this easy-to-like, approachable wine. Wrappings of vanilla and honeysuckle complete the picture, with a straightforward, relatively lengthy finish.

cl

From a warm year, this smells toasty and oaky more than anything. In the mouth, core acidity is driving and creates a sharp, racy feel, while woody flavors of tropical fruits and melon finish with oak-based cinnamon and spice as well as a resiny texture.

au

Yalumba seems to trying more than most producers to rein in high alcohol levels, and the 2014 Y Series Shiraz is a very good effort. There's enough weight to give it substance without seeming overly heavy. Dark chocolate notes frame raspberry and plum fruit, then finish slightly dusty. Drink now–2023.

us

This powerful Cabernet Sauvignon calls on 13% Malbec to further its brawn, the mix spending two years in entirely new French oak. Hugely muscular, it needs time to calm its masterfully ripe fruit and dark layers of clove spice, and to further soften its tannins and coax out the shy component of herb. The vineyard behind the wine is Bismark within the newly named Moon Mountain District.

us

Young and loaded with primary fruit flavors—fresh-picked cherries right off the tree, red delicious apples, just-made cranberry sauce—this is lovely now but built for the long term. The 13.6% alcohol listed is verified by the juicy acidity and just a touch of herb in the back of the finish.

us

A fairly standard Syrah, softly sweet and direct in berry, mocha, spice and oak flavors. Tons of fruit, but lacks complexity for the price.

fr

Dark and concentrated but simultaneously fresh and juicy, this blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache offers heady notes of black cherry, plum and raspberry accented by hints of game and tree bark. The meaty, medium-weight palate offers a firm structure and a solid finish.

es

Aromas of mineral and jammy raspberry are attractive, yet the palate seems a bit metallic and clicky, with hard to penetrate flavors of rooty fruits, vanilla, coconut and cola. Opens with airing to display secondary berry fruit flavors in front of a tough, firm finish. Nice and ripe, and ready to drink.

us

This interesting blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Cabernet Franc is a big wine packed with powerful black currant and licorice flavors, with a liberal dusting of pepper. It impresses for dryness and the rich, sturdy tannins. Drink this rustically chic wine with roasts.

us

Sweet oak and rich cherry jam combine to make this blend distinctly candied in nature. It's a straightforward, simple with smooth tannins.

it

This straight-shooting Chianti presents loads of red berry fruit and a touch of apple skin, with background shades of pressed violets and moist earth. The wine only sees stainless steel, so the brightness of the fruit is what drives it forward.

us

“No oak/No malo” the label proclaims, as if to challenge you to like it anyway. What's not to like? Fresh, leesy notes cleanse the palate, and set up the palate for the mix of melon, blood orange and pineapple that defines the flavors. Without any oak or buttery malo, what persists is the vivid, supple acidity.

de

A blossomy, perfumed edge lends lift and vibe to earthier notes of pressed apple and pear in this light-footed medium-sweet Riesling. It's racy and sharp in mouthfeel with a finish that's brisk and bright.

es

This oak-aged Verdejo is yellow in color, with aromas of mustard and apple cider. In the mouth, this is weighty and a bit candied despite offering acidic cut. Outright sweet flavors of peach and melon finish mustardy like the nose, with oaky, resiny notes.

es

Stalky, medicinal, rubbery aromas announce an acidic Tempranillo-led blend that's downright astringent on the palate. Flavors of stalky fruit, buttery oak and sheer raspberry and plum end crisp and tight, with a salty flavor.

au

This compelling wine delivers a tidal wave of chocolate, dark berries, earth and black olive aromas and flavors. It's huge in the mouth yet amazingly supple in texture, leaving no sense of excessive weight or alcohol. Hints of toast, menthol and coffee linger on the surprisingly elegant finish. Drink now-2025.

fr

The wine is ripe and smooth, with rich if still dry tannins. Its juicy black fruit and acidity are balanced with a structure that will allow it to age further. Drink from 2019.

us

Earth, smoke and herb tones accent aromas of red berries and cherries on this tart, delicately-framed Bordeaux-style blend. A high proportion of Cabernet Franc lends an herbal, brambly tone to crisp cranberry and sour cherry flavors. Finishes moderately long.