fr

This cuv e from the Tavel co-op is probably at its peak, offering dried fruit and spice along with a velvety texture. Rich dried-cherry flavors finish long and supple.

US

Very few wineries got Walla Walla grapes in this freeze year, and even L'Ecole, which owns a piece of the Seven Hills vineyard, had to rely on other sources for many of its wines. But this is 100% Seven Hills Syrah, and it delivers wonderful fruit flavors with layers of citrus and tart berries. A green tea streak cuts through the substantial tannins.

US

Shows lots of polish in the ripe tropical fruit and green apple flavors that have a baked, buttery pie crust edge. Brisk cool-climate acidity perks up these rich flavors and makes the wine clean and balanced.

fr

The name means timeless , and this wine is a definite ap ritif wine, maybe for when time matters little. It is soft but still crisp, layering attractive apple acidity over a creamy texture and a light, fresh aftertaste.

fr

A very fresh, crisp style, zinging with acidity and flavors of lemon zest. There is just a touch of toastiness to indicate some maturity, but this is mainly green, light and refreshing.

US

What a nice glass of Pinot this is. It shows off the terroir of its famous appellation very well, with high acidity perking up cherry, cola, tea, spice and mineral flavors, and with a wonderful balance. It's not a cheap wine, but is a comparative value.

fr

A standout bottling from an artisanal producer at a bargain price. What more could a Rh?ne-lover want? The complex aromas are the first clue this is something special, offering a mix of herbs, game, roasted black cherries and a hint of horse blanket. Black fruit, leather and spice flavors mark the palate, which is supple and layered in texture.

fr

Shows Chapoutier's trademark attention to mouthfeel in its creamy, supple texture and moutfilling weight; a real deligt. Aromas and flavors run toward red fruit, with raspberries marked by hints off peppery spice.

za

A perfumed, jammy wine, full of flavor. There is also a more serious element to this wine from the Hall's first vintage in their own winery. The tannin dryness, ripe wood flavors and cassis flavors suggest good aging, as well as good food pairing.

pt

A lovely single-quinta wine that can be drunk now and over the next 10-15 years, Ventozelo's 2000 is a supple, creamy-textured Port that features slightly briary herbal-floral accents to its dark berry flavors. Picks up some intriguing spice notes on the finish, so it's not just a fruit bomb.

au

Smells of black soot and barbecue spice. Fruit the palate is a liqueurish blackberry, but there is also loads of chunky wood framing it. The combination is a burly one, but aging it might see the fruit fade before the oak. Drink now with a big, rich stew or like foods.

pt

Dark and meaty, this Syrah shows its hot-weather climate without losing all of its nuance. Hints of anise, meat and dried spices add a layer of flavor atop the chocolate and black cherry base, while the supple tannins and soft texture end gracefully.

US

Always a sophisticated dry white wine, this year's S millon-Sauvignon Blanc blend is rich and complex. It has citrus rind, nectarine, peach and white pepper flavors, while barrel fermentation and sur lie aging add even richer, creamier notes.

au

Utterly enjoyable, and meant to be drunk now. This petillant Moscato has a pretty, moussey feel and flavors of flowers and white peaches. A great alternative for Prosecco fans, too.

US

Tart but super-tasty, this wine has cola, red cherry pie, pomegranate and cinnamon spice flavors wrapped into a silky, crisp mouthfeel. It's totally dry and modest in alcohol, showing real elegance and finesse. Drink now.

US

Made with no oak to interfere with the intensely ripe fruitiness, and no malolactic fermentation to soften the bright, crisp acidity. This wine has green apple, nectarine and papaya flavors and vibrant minerality. It's so clean and fine; really a delicious Chard.

nz

Frost trimmed the yields in 2005, seemingly adding an extra layer of concentration to this wine. While still not a heavyweight, it's a lush, layered wine with slightly meaty nuances to its plum and cola flavors. Good length on the finish.

fr

Salmon-pink colors set this scintillating wine off to a good start. This is round, soft, with seductive, rich raspberry flavors that float off the tongue. It is a great ap ritif wine, demanding to be drunk now.

fr

A bit richer and spicier than Colombo's St.-P ray, it also shows Viognier's trademark floral notes. The 2004 vintage has imparted great freshness and melon flavors to this wine, which could age another couple of years.

US

If you're used to Napa Cabs, this will come as a surprise. It's earthier, with dried cherry and herb flavors and lots of spices. The tannins don't try to hide themselves, but are in your face. Finally, the wine is dry and modest in alcohol. It's really interesting.