US

Cabernet Franc (84%) takes the lead with the rest equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot. It offers a complex assortment of herbs, including thyme and sage, along with floral notes, blackberry and anise. It's restrained yet fully flavored with a captivating feel and firm, fine-grained tannins. A complete dazzler that will only improve with some additional time in the cellar. Best from 2014 on.

at

Subtle yet totally inviting notes of ripe yellow pear and grapefruit skin lead to a slender palate, zippy but also edged with some spice. The textured midpalate is a wonderful counterpoint to the refreshing acidity.

at

Tightly closed, still young, this has wonderful promise for the future. It offers a fine tannin structure around which iron-oxide-tinged blueberry and cherry play, along with earthiness and savory spice. This needs time to loosen its tightly coiled flavors. Drink as of 2016.

fr

Situated high on a rock overlooking the river Lot, Chateau de Mercu s, now a luxury hotel, dates from the 13th century. The wine is as ripe and luxurious as the hotel. It is a dense, solid and structured Malbec, with its powerful tannins balanced by big, bold black fruits. It's a classic wine for serious aging, so wait until 2018.

fr

This and the other Ic?ne wine from Georges Vigouroux are massive. Despite its high alcohol, this is more restrained, derived from the high elevation of Haute-Serre. Intense black fruits and powerful tannins are well integrated and give a rich rather than out-of-control character. This would be worth aging, so wait until 2018.

US

This blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon impresses with its accents of dried herbs, cherry and bittersweet chocolate. It's palate-coating in feel, with a dazzling sense of texture backed by fine-grained tannins.

at

Subtle lemon hints and zesty freshness mellow a little on the creamy but nonetheless very slender, graceful palate. Elegance and purity are hallmarks here and it is depth rather than power that convinces. Very clean finish.

US

There's a chocolaty nose to this wine, a blend of 33% Malbec, 33% Petit Verdot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot. It offers structured waves of cedar, cassis and pencil shavings, with soft tannins.

at

Ripe, tropical overtones of mango and passion fruit accompany the more usual ripe pear notes of this concentrated wine. There are mineral hints on the palate, where weight, flavor and freshness are in perfect accord. This is lovely now but will age very gracefully.

au

Full bodied and richly textured, this is an approachable wine that should nonetheless drink well through at least 2025. Toasted coconut accents cassis and blackberry fruit, folding in hints of vanilla on the long, mouthwatering finish.

US

This wine is still in its shell, with notes of dark raspberries, cocoa and barrel spices. It's lusciously rich, dense and layered with firm tannins that need time in the cellar to soften. Just a baby now, it will be best from 2017 on.

at

A friendly, inviting nose of lemon and fresh apple makes this incredibly appetizing. The palate is equally fresh, fruity and alluring, like brilliant sunshine caught in the glass, cut with juicy, lemony freshness.

au

Fully mature, this is a medium-bodied, creamy-textured sparkling wine that could handle main-course duties. Notes of brioche dominate, filled out by hints of pineapple and citrus, followed by a lingering finish.

US

A blend of top vineyards Ciel du Cheval (28%), Upchurch (26%), Grand Ciel (25%) and Klipsun, this 100% varietal wine is aromatically reserved with notes of caf au lait, black currant, dusty chocolate and fresh herbs. Fruit flavors are concentrated and rich with firm tannins that will benefit from additional time in the bottle. Best after 2017.

US

This aromatically appealing wine brings aromas of blue fruit, barbecue briquettes, herbs, mineral and assorted spices. The fruit flavors are lithe yet intense, with a squeeze of tannins that lead to a supremely long finish.

it

From one of the hottest vintages in recent years, this wine delivers layers of succulent wild cherry, crushed raspberry and cinnamon. It's balanced with firm but refined tannins and surprising freshness for the vintage. Drink through 2022.

US

A blend of Grenache (65%), Mourv dre (25%) and Syrah, this suggests peppery spices, stewed raspberries, game and high-toned spices. The palate is the star, full bodied, textured and richly flavored. An orange peel accent leads to a warm finish.

US

A great deal for a Pinot of this quality, this features grapes from several vineyard designates, including the Hirsch and Pratt-Sexton vineyards. Burly plum and baked berry fruit rises to the fore, ably supported by layers of baking spice and a generous, seamless imprint of toasty oak.

at

Very concentrated notes of zesty grapefruit peel mingle with punchy, peppery watercress on a rather concentrated palate. Freshly ground pepper intriguingly pops up here and there. This is a weighty wine that definitely belongs on the table.

at

Fragrant citrus zest sets the tone: lemon and grapefruit govern nose and delicious, refreshing and zippy palate. Exquisite freshness and very ripe lemon make for streamlined lightness that leaves a very mineral and long impression. Riper fruit, like Mirabelle plum, hides underneath and is poised to come to the fore any moment.