au

Nicely complex on the nose, delivering scents of ripe plums, roasted meat, wood smoke and peppery herbs. Only medium in weight, it offers authoritative flavors of plum, rhubarb and vanilla followed by a long, smoke-tinged finish. Too bad there are only 70 cases of this distinctive, flavorful and fairly priced Shiraz for the U.S.

it

This Ripasso speaks of Valpolicella tradition with aromas of exotic spice, warm fruit, blackberry preserves, ash and smoked bacon. This is a fleshy dense wine with a bright, zesty finish and medium-long persistency. M.L.

au

Like virtually all of the Kilikanoon wines, this is creamy-soft in texture, suggesting immediate drinkability. Black cherries predominate, but complexity is found in the wine's hints of mint, coffee, vanilla and baking spices. Two-thirds Shiraz, one-third Grenache. Drink nowC2012.

it

This pretty ripasso opens with direct aromas of Indian spice, dried apple skin, cinnamon and dark chocolate at the back. The fruit notes are mature and intense and recall currant berry and blackberry pie. The wine offers a blast of power in the mouth and really gives you good a sense of the territory. Imported by Vinarium Inc..

fr

Big, bold, this is a spicy, up-front wine, flaunting its yellow fruits and cinnamon. The consequence is that the wine lacks freshness and a sense of place. But it is certainly very enjoyable. Imported by Boisset America.

fr

A mineral-dominated wine, the fruit a whisper behind tight steeliness. The acidity contributes to the somewhat austere character, although the wood does round out the final flavor. Needs time. Imported by Robert Kacher Imports.

de

Distinctively oily and petrol-like in aroma, with hints of peaches and minerals. Even the texture is slightly oily, yet this medium-bodied wine finishes clean and fresh.

at

Perfumed, aromatic, spicy wine, full of white berry fruits and crisp acidity. It is light, dancing in the glass, a deliciously lively wine. In its first year, it is still integrating, but the fine outlines of an elegant Riesling are already there. Imported by Total Wine & More.

it

Tezza's ripasso is woven tight with cherry, blackberry, exotic spice, root beer, barbecue sauce and liquid smoke. The wine spends 18 months in oak to achieve density and lingering softness or sweetness on its finish. Imported by Haw River Wine Man.

fr

A delicious, fresh wine, all green and white fruits, citrus and a taut, tight structure. Green apples give a lively lift to the texture, the wine dancing easily across the mouth. Very appealing. Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. Editors' Choice.

at

A blend of different vineyards goes into this stylish wine. The freshness is palpable, but so is the great mineral and textured character, bringing out crisp apple skins, some spiced pear and tight final acidity. Screwcap. Imported by Blue Danube Wine Co

US

This is the third vintage for this estate-grown wine, made from Pommard, Wadenswil and Dijon clones. The mix seems just right, giving the wine some flesh and density, as it rolls across the tongue with red and blue fruits, spice and caramel. The alcohol is a hefty 15%, and it was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

at

Many atn producers have a wine they call Terrassena blend of different, sometimes lesser, vineyards. Somehow, Brndlmayer's sets a standard that's hard to beat. It epitomizes the crisp character of 2008, but adds in concentration, white fruits, spice and a delicious fresh, apple skin texture. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines.

it

Pa' Riondo is an attractive and well-integrated ripasso with all the aromas you usually associate with this unique category of wine: spice, currant berry, dried fruit, leather, tobacco and resin. The mouthfeel is lively and fresh thanks to the bright acidity. Imported by Monarchia Matt International.

it

Clean and correct, CampoReale Ripasso spreads smoothly over the palate with intense aromas of spice, mature cherry, coffee and tobacco. You'll love the soft plush feel here and the quality of the cherry fruit flavors. M.L.

it

Here's a vibrant ripasso with immediate aromas of black cherry, dried apple skin, root beer and exotic spice. It tastes very alive and fresh in the mouth thanks to its zesty cherry and plump blackberry sensations. Imported by Angelini Wine.

US

David Hill's Pinot Noirs can be confusingthere is a regular Pinot, a Barrel Select Estate Pinot, an Estate Reserve Pinot and this Estate Pinot. Since 2007 was a light vintage, this may be a combination of the above; in any event it is nicely balanced, shows a lot of pine and spice and cola, with sharply defined acids and precise, crisp red fruits.

it

There's a cherry candy element to the nose of this Ripasso that gives it a playful, youthful edge. Aromas recall rose water and fragrant cola and the wine delivers a fresh, vibrant sensation on the finish. M.L.

fr

From its bright purple color, this is obviously a young wine. It has all the tannins and suppressed juiciness of youth, a dry core over the freshest red plum flavors. The wine is worth aging for 2C3 years, as its terroir-driven structure softens.

es

Full and clean, with a bright nose of cherry, plum and pepper. This is full-bodied, with extract and tannic bite. But the flavors of berry and plum are solid and round, while burnt-toast notes darken up the finish. Lots of snap and focus. Modern and ready to drink.