ar

Minerally dark-berry aromas come with a touch of spice. In the mouth, this is lively with a bolt of acidity behind the mouthfeel. Black cherry and berry are the flavors, while a hint of cocoa arises on a short yet fresh finish.

US

This voluptuous white blend highlights Chardonnay's body and roundness with aromatic streaks of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. It's richly concentrated, showcasing layers of ripe, fleshy melon and apricot accentuated by a cinnamon and vanilla haze. Brisk acidity brightens the finish.

au

A terrific value, this blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mataro and 20% Shiraz features a forward bouquet of slightly jammy mixed berries. The palate showcases vibrant red fruit on a supple bed of tannins, capped off by a savory, tapanade-laden finish that makes it more than a simple fruit bomb. Very silky and drinkable, it's the ultimate wine-bar wine, as the name suggests.

il

This pale straw-colored wine has a bouquet of melon and nutmeg. Flavors of pear, peach, apple, lemon curd and soft spice mingle on the palate into the smooth, lemon-tart finish.

US

This is made from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Gris. It offers an impressive commingling of preserved lemon, burnt orange peel and apricot, meeting crisp acidity and floral undertones along the way. Light and bright, it's a food-friendly option, as well as good go-to solo.

fr

White currants and fresh apricots dominate this fruity, fragrant wine. Bright acidity is enveloped by the generous texture and touch of toast. This rich wine is ready to drink.

ar

This pitch-dark Malbec from Cafayate is concentrated and heavy on the nose, with grapy blackberry aromas that are doing their best to stay fresh and clean. A full-force, grapy palate deals chocolaty black-fruit flavors in front of a warm finish where toasty oak and graphite notes come onto the scene.

US

This interesting blend of 73% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Viognier and 7% Grenache Blanc shows passionfruit, jasmine, cherimoya and green pluot aromas on the nose. The palate offers riper yellow fruit and a graphite minerality, but not much complexity beyond that.

fr

This premium cuvée from Eugénie is packed both with superripe fruit and layers of wood aging flavors. The fruit of this impressive wine is still pushing through the dark tannins that give a dry dusty edge to the wine. It is powerful and rich and should age. Drink from 2020.

fr

On the rustic side, this fruity wine has rhubarb and red fruit flavors, with intense acidity and a pure, juicy core. The soft tannins just underpin the fruity character. Age for two years, although it's ready to drink now.

US

Spicy cranberry fruit pushes front and center, making a gulpable Southern Oregon Pinot. Bright and fruity, it's built for near-term enjoyment.

it

Refermented in the bottle on its lees, this fresh and lively wine has a slightly cloudy appearance thanks to fine sediment on the bottom. Delicate aromas of white flower, citrus and stone fruit lead to a palate that delivers tart green apple, white peach and lime.

US

Mostly Grenache and Syrah along with pinches of Cinsault and Mourvèdre, this wine is unmistakably from The Rocks District, with aromas and flavors of earthy funk, coffee, crushed rock, dried herbs, plum and peppery spices. Considering the labeled alcohol level, the flavors are surprisingly sweet and rich, with a lightly tacky feel and a drawn-out finish.

US

Ripe black cherry and currant flavors are spiked by hints of nut, spice and toast in this keenly balanced wine. Firm but fine-grained tannins, brisk acidity and tones of bramble and barnyard lend structure and complexity.

fr

An unusual Nuits-St.-Georges. Normally the wines are dark, dry and tannic. But this is fruity, light, fresh. With its vibrant red fruits, it seems very out of character, if pleasing.

US

Crushed chalk and wax notes add a striking minerality to this delicately framed, semisweet Riesling. A juicy wine, it offers an abundance of ripe stone-fruit and citrus flavors, with an earthen, waxy slick that lingers on the finish.

US

Bone dry and tart in acidity, both of which are nice, with mouthwatering lemon, lime and grapefruit flavors. Would be better if not for some green feline notes that are almost sour.

US

Scents of cedar and forest floor linger prominently throughout this delicately fruity Cabernet Franc. Tart cranberry and sour cherry flavors keep the round palate crisp and elegant.

es

Ripe and soft on the nose, this blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah is so easygoing that it lacks pop up front. Plump and fruity on the palate, this is low on structure and acidity. Jammy raspberry and strawberry flavors end in friendly fashion, but with low definition. Drink now.

fr

Ripe and juicy, this is perfumed, full of red berry flavor and attractively soft tannins. The wine feels broad and rich, ready to drink from 2015.