US

Crushed oregano, red currant and a little bit of asphalt show on the shy nose of this wine that is sourced mainly from southern Monterey County. There is lots of brick, thyme and rosemary on the palate, with a bit of dried berry fruit.

US

Dark mauve in color, nearly approaching a red-wine tone, this shows a fruit-forward nose of red cherries and strawberry jam. The palate is a mix of tart, sour and grippy texture, with cherry fruit and plum-skin flavors.

US

A blend of Vignoles and Vidal Blanc, this wine is mildly aromatic, with white peach, apple and orange tones. Light bodied and semisweet in style, the palate brings juicy red apple and pear into the mix, balanced by a tropical-citrus twang.

US

Crushed blueberry aromas meet resinous herb and green peppercorn notes. The medium-bodied palate is round, with mild flavors of tart blackberry and cherry leading to a lightly-toasted vanilla finish.

US

The bright, lively nose of citrus spray, white peach, red apple and gooseberry carries through to the light-bodied palate. Tart green-apple tones keep the flavors spritely in this easy, enjoyable white.

US

Aromas like new leather and wet earth, then flavors like pomegranate give this medium-bodied wine a funky, off-beat character. It feels firm in texture from fine-grained tannins, and should work well with rich foods.

fr

Aromas seem blunted, but the palate shows both freshness and fruit. This is balanced and comes out with surprisingly friendly apple fruit, finishing on a fresh note.

cl

Citrus and tropical-fruit aromas show snap in front of a racy palate. White pepper and grassy notes work the finish on this easygoing Sauvignon Blanc.

fr

Ripe aromas of peach, melon, apple and pineapple unfold on the nose of this wine, with additional hints of hay and flint that add an earthy streak. The light-weight palate shows a soft prickle of acidity that then fades quickly on the finish, feeling a touch flat. Drink now.

cl

Loud, briny raspberry aromas are not shy and come with a note of latex. This is wide and blocky in feel, with heavy, baked flavors of raspberry and stewed plum. Oak spice and mild peppery bitterness on the finish are ponderous.

US

From the grape-growing family known for old-vine Zinfandel, this wine comes from the eastern foothills of the appellation, the vines settled into well-draining, rocky soils. Floral on the nose, it enters into a gaminess on the palate, dusted in pencil lead, blackberry and herb.

US

An earthy, aged aroma, very dark color and flavors like raisins and Port add up to a good after-dinner wine to try with chocolate, cheese or a cigar. Sweetness is evident, concentration, too, and full body is a given in a late-harvest style like this.

US

This youthful wine offers aromas of fresh raspberries, plum and tire rubber. The flavors are soft and generous, with tart acids and no new oak anywhere in sight. It doesn't seem entirely varietal but brings appeal all the same.

US

This is a touch overripe and plummy, akin to a puree on the nose. Smoky oak lurks behind the fruit, along with a taste of almond and tea. In the end, the wine ends robustly and full-figured, with plenty of power and concentration to the finish.

cl

An opening blast of juniper and eucalyptus is pryazinic, and the palate is also tough due to narrow, pinching tannins. And while there's a strong herbal component to the flavor profile, black plum and blueberry notes spur a quick rally that fizzles on a mildly green finish. This is Sryah, Carignan and Pinot Grigio.

fr

This is a soft and fruity wine, ripe with red-berry fruits and perfumed acidity. A light touch of caramel and tannin give the right structure, and the aftertaste is bright and fruity.

US

There are very distinctive botanical aromas on this wine, from salted orange peels to juniper bush, almost like a gin. The palate is also incredibly herbal, with dried dill, marjoram and basil, which makes for a very interesting sipper though perhaps a bit odd for some.

cl

Lactic oak and minty green notes run with plum and berry aromas. This is hard as nails, with big tannins that grate along the sides of a round mouthfeel. Roasted, oaky berry flavors are dark and spicy, while woodspice and resin flavors steer a rubbery feeling finish.

US

This nice, friendly sparkler shows fresh fruit and floral aromas, with a soft, foamy texture. Appealing apple flavors and a hint of sweetness round out the palate.

fr

The subtle scent of green and red apples makes for a refreshing opening. They also play on the rounded, clean palate and finish dry with a lovely, lemony briskness.