it

The difficult vintage of 2002 prompted Ricasoli to forgo releasing a Castello di Brolio or Casalferro, instead blending those lots into his Brolio bottling to improve its quality. Production is still down 15% from 2001 because of severe selection. The efforts have paid off in this fine Chianti, which boasts layers of earth, tobacco and black olive flavors and soft tannins.

it

Starts off a bit horsey and leathery, but has ample depth of fruit lurking behind. Dark plum and earth flavors are tinged with meat on the palate. Shows good complexity and a long, supple finish. Drink now and over the next few years.

US

Very little Petite Sirah is planted in Washington, and this may well be the first 100% varietal bottling ever made. It's a big, brawny wine as you would expect, done in a take-no-prisoners style. Inky and dense, with concentrated black cherry and blackberry flavors, along with some black pepper and bark.

de

The 2003s from Schloss Saarstein all share a certain delicacy and lightness this wine is no exception. Lime, honey and stone aromas give way to similar flavors, plus green apple. The wine is slightly sweet, yet not expansive in the mouth, with a crisp finish.

es

Well balanced from start to finish, with rubbery, attractive aromas that also offer some smoke and cream nuances. The palate is crisp and packed densely with ripe fruit, primarily sweet apple. Its mouthfeel is a strong point.

es

A bit separated and orange at the edges, but full of raisin, hard spice and power. Flavors of dried fruit, cinnamon and brown sugar are sweet as daylights, but there's enough piercing acidity and savory qualities on keep it on line.

de

This medium-bodied auslese has a rich, concentrated mouthfeel that perfectly suits its flavors of ripe apples, pears and melons. Some slate notes on the nose add interest, while the finish is firmer than you might expect, suggesting decent ageability. Try now or in five years.

za

This Cabernet-based blend opens with deep cassis and herb aromas. A svelte, evenly textured palate follows, with dark berry and plum flavors sporting tobacco accents. Finely balanced, it finishes long, with full, even tannins.

de

Starts with scents of smoke, apples and pears, veering toward tropical fruit on the palate. It's appropriately light-bodied, its flamboyant fruit flavors reined in by ripe acids and a spicy, minerally note to the finish.

it

A bigger style with more complex aromas that range from melon to honey to clove. An elegant product, with thick foam and golden luminosity that calls out for finger foods and antipasti.

au

This Riesling stays the citrus track, with zesty lemon and lime flavors and aromas rising even above those of white peach. A slick, olive-oily feel tempers the zesty citrus acidity well, making for a whole whose parts work together quite nicely.

au

Nose is closed, but does show some attic dust. Flavors of red plum and coffee are wrapped in a smooth-tannin coccoon on the palate, and persist through the finish.

es

A touch leafy, with telltale root beer and cola aromas mixing with spice and raisins. The palate is firm, with tart but precise fruit that veers toward red currants and cranberry; which isn't to say it's sour. Nuances of forest floor and tree bark are expected.

US

Juicy and delicious, this is from the best vintage of the past decade, and it's just now opening up and showing its stuff. Ripe flavors of bright berries give it a Zin-like attack, but the back end is all Washington, with fleshy, chewy fruit and smoky tannins.

de

Nicely done sp?tlese slightly sweet, yet well-balanced by acidity. Delicately etched pear and pineapple fruit carries hints of apple blossoms and vanilla. More length on the finish would have pushed the score higher.

US

A good blush bubbly, fairly full-bodied and showing flavors of cherries, yeast and smoky vanilla. Drinks quite dry and lively in acidity, with a fruity finish.

US

An ultra-fruity style, packed with black cherry, chocolate, raspberry, plum, spice and licorice flavors. The tannins are moderate, as is the finish, which leaves an equally fruity impression.

US

Very well done, this is an almost 50/50 Cab-Merlot mix, showing plenty of sweet/tart berry and red apple flavors. There is a sharp, palate-scrubbing attack, suggesting that this is truly a food wine, but the structure and length speak of a much pricier blend.

za

Handsome, almost too suave, with a complex, supple, tawny fruit wearing spice, coffee and oak accents. The flavors are darker, the feel a bit lighter than expected. Totally appealing, if a bit facile. Deeper, better defined fruit could propel this into the upper echelon. But it's delicious as it is now.

US

Bright raspberry scents, with a fresh and lifted aspect that adds to its immediate appeal. The blend includes 10% Cab Franc and 10% Cab Sauvignon, a lot of complexity in an $8 wine. This is substantial, layered, with a plummy, herbal, fairly tannic middle and plenty of weight in the follow-through.