Dunnock 92/100, Suckling 92/100. At Cussac south of Saint Julien; 50% cab sauv, 47% merlot, 3% petit verdot in Gunz gravel, 12-14 months in barrels, 1/3 new. Glowing red violet. Oh, this is so sophisticated, as it's become in recent vintages. The cabernet black currant in the fruit lead, and the barrel embellishments taking it to a new level. Wow. Deep, lush, complicated, dense yet 2022 fresh and lifted. No tannin interference. Just burnished fine tannin texture. Yes! 94+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This wine shows its Saint-Estephe origin with its solid, firm tannins. It has perfumed black currant fruit flavors for the future. Ripe and still maturing, the wine will be ready from 2026. $30.' My notes: Still very youthful in appearance at age seven, a good age for evaluating clarets. That's Saint Estephe solid and black fruited. Class fruit. No clay-borne heaviness of the backwater Saint Estephes. Yeah, and a subtle measure of barrel extras too. Tannins persist even in fruit driven 2018. No problem. The best bargain in Saint Estephe on the market today. 94+/100.

Very dark still. Boy, that's good and sweet 2018 Right Bank merlot. With St. Georges blackness. Spot on nose. Sweet on the palate too, and snappy. Some tannin yet to shed. Will carry on. 92+/100.

60% merlot, 30% cab sauv, 10 % cab franc; in far eastern Entre Deux Mers. Deep colored and holding its youthful appearance at age five. Oh, boy, this is so complicated and generous for a claret at this price. It's serving us well, steadily. Juicier and more flavorful on the palate. This has a lot to offer, both flavor and texture wise. Especially for the price. Full, and still retaining 2020 tannin obstinance. That 2020 core of potential. Gads, there's a lot of material here though. Food or cellar. 92+/100. Opened up more after aeration, earning Red WOTN acclaim. One attemdee commented 'ready to roll.'

Est. 1837; at Montussan; all merlot; 40 year old vines; 1/4 aged in once filled barrels; winemakers Jean-Claude and Jean-Francois Berrouet (Petrus, Dominus). Dark red violet. Gads, this is loaded! Fathomless depth. Continues to awe. Really meaty 2020 concentration. Wow. The Berrouets know merlot!/ Oak makes a much stronger statement on the palate, and it's positive and complexing. Helluva serious claret for the price. Really mouthfilling, full bodied, generous heavyweight. Plenty of fruit sweetness and concentration. 2020 tannins emerge in the back to ensure stamina. Very long aftertaste. 93+/100. Attendees were impressed; orders taken. 'Merlot black cherry.' 'Ripe, full, thick, tannic.'

40 year old vines on the high terraces; native yeasts; aged two years in large, seasoned cooperage. Malbec red black color, especially deep for the cool vintage and age. Cool vintage lift as well as the usual black concentration of this Cahors torchbearer. Boy, that runs deep and dense for the vintage, but not without vintage raciness. Tannins present and fine grained. Great 2021 acid. This will age nicely. 92+/100.

Famille Lesgourgues; all sauvignon blanc; on the Dordogne's Right Bank near Saint Emilion. Former vintages included some semillon. Cool, calm, and collected Bordeaux sauvignon. Citrus emphasis; no soft tropical fruits that have been creeping into Bordeaux sauvignons, not for the worse, but blurring some regionality. A suave Bordeaux take; shows the way. Yeah, it's purely citrus, lightly lemony in particular. Fresh and flavorful. Light bodied and easy flowing. Wine of place, quality, and value. Aperitif and unadorned fish courses. 91/100. Attendees confirmed the citrus face of sauvignon and found this an appealing Bordeaux blanc.

At Preignac; old vines; 95% semillon, 5% sauvignon blanc; owned by a former partner of Chateau Suduiraut. Luscious lemon creme, pineapple, and tupelo honey. Good power complements the sweetness of smell. The complete 2022 Sauternes package. Lavish sweetness replete with botrytis tea and tobacco. The sweetness coats the rest of the textural aspects at this stage. Still, there is a sense of innate harmony waiting to take center stage after a few years in the cellar. Another impressive vintage here, each unique. 94+/100. Widely judged WOTN by attendees. 'Wonderful nose and super rich and sweet palate.' 'Pineapple, mint, apricot, walnut, white chocolate.' 'Huge RS, but the acid is there.' 'Delicious, and years away from peaking.'

50% colombard, 25% each ugni blanc, gros manseng. Leads with colombard green fruits, lime and melon. Ugni freshness and manseng richness then chime in. And the whole ends up greater than the sum of the parts. Bravo. Palate leads with gros manseng creamy richness. Nice reversal--very entertaining. Then the colombard green stuff. Suave and well balanced set of flavors and acid/sweet harmony. Lasting finish. Up to snuff. One of the better vintages of a strong series. 92/100. As always, enjoyed by attendees.

Cooperative of only 10 member families, all within Le Pallet, one of the AOC's seven Crus. Riper, softer, and more abundant than the well liked 2021. Retains its Muscadet raciness though. Yes, that classic Muscadet up front clean cut and the softer, more forgiving core. Well balanced and price worthy rep. Surprising Thanksgiving choice..until you put it to work. 91/100. Described as ample and creamy textured.

Est. 1820; chenin blanc; sandy-clay soil. Beautiful Anjou chenin blanc expression. Pear, quince, lime, melon--has it all. In youth, best and most forward nose yet in this series. Bravo. Flavors less forthcoming, yet the ID is clear. Good sweet-acid fruit balance in a fully dry chenin. Great price for all this! 92+/100.

Nice, light quince and lime Vouvray chenin aromas. It's cool rather than cold on the palate and perhaps more flavorful for it at opening. Good acid to balance the light sweetness. Well priced Vouvray. 91+/100. This came forth well. Very popular; WOTN for at least one attendee. 'Quince flavor, tonic minerality.' Real chenin, real Vouvray!' Very long and balanced.' 'Good example of Vouvray and enjoyable; good acid, light sweetness.'

4th generation estate on the south bank of the Cher. OK, here starts the sauvignon subset. With a bang! Geez, this is racy, cool, nostril etching and penetrating sauvignon. Juicy palate. Sweet fruit joins its inherent citricity. Just a lovely take of specific terroir character. 91/100. Widely liked and considered a good value by attendees. Aromas of peach, grapefruit, bell pepper, and cat pee noted. 'Forward and refreshing; ready for summer use.' 'Should be super popular.'

Fourth generation estate with 94 acres of vines spread over 80 plots. Well, that's Menetou. Lime as well as lemon. Plus body and aromatic push. And the minerally terroir basis that is Menetou. Best and most explicit I've tasted in quite awhile. Spells it out. Say, looks like 2024 is an exciting vintage in these parts. And the wines are already accomplished and ready for the table. 92/100.

From selected parcels on south facing slopes in Verdigny. Certainly fuller than the regular cuvee 24 tasted recently, good as that was. Boy, this has oomph, reserve concentration. And 24 freshness. Oh, yes, decidedly fuller on the palate too. Juicy citrus flairs. This nicely combines 2024 and reserve concepts. Love it. Fresh and bright finish. 94+/100. Very popular with attendees; considered superior to the 'regular' cuvee (and at not that much difference in price). 'Rich flavor, glycerined mouthfeel; great acid.' ' Mouthwatering.' 'A winner.'

50 year old vines in the climat Aubuzes adjacent to Santenay. Aged a year in barrels, 15% new. Oh, boy, a big step up from the Bourgogne in personality and old vines concentration for a modest price premium. And more barrel extracts to add to its complexity. Fairly loaded. Full bodied and textured. Still backward but well balanced so ageworthy. The tannins are fine grained and the acidity is good. Plenty of extract. This is one I'll be stocking! 93+/100.

Established in 1931 by 98 winegrowers of Buxy and Saint Gengoux le National; aged 7 months in stainless steel and 3 months in oak. Black fruited and resinous Chalonnaise pinot nose. Good fruit sweetness of 2023 and cherry concentrate and resin sappiness of Chalonnais The oak is subtle, well integrated, and complexing. Rich textured and flavored fruit. Lots of material here and signs of barrel impact. Sweet fruited, forward, and inviting to serve already. Helluva a lot of Burgundy for the money. Tannin reads it will improve too. More bottle bouquet to come 92+/100.

60 year old vines. Purple plum Julienas take on gamay. Genuine, and Grand Cru well built and well filled. Very juicy taste. Flavors confirm aromas. Yes, plenty of old vines substance here. Classic. 92+/100. WOTN for at least a couple of attendees. Orders taken. 'Cru Beaujolais character. Black cherry nose and aromatic lift on palate. Good length. Less tannic than expected so drinkable now.'

At Fontenay-Pres-Chablis; yes, the first name is spelled right; generations old estate of 43 acres spread over 20 villages. That's dry, crisp, and flinty Chablis, especially for the vintage. Verging on classic. Prim and proper, well balanced by good acidity. Bargain price these days. 91/100. Well liked by attendees, especially at the price. 'Terroir driven.' 'Real Chablis!' 'Scratches the Chablis itch.'

Est. 1947; 70% pinot blanc, 30% chardonnay; 55 year old vines; half fermented in demi muids; aged 15 months in seasoned demi muids; colorful story about Pierre at kermitlynch.com. Wow, that's pinot blanc vs chardonnay. The austerity to the thing. Just the correct amount of barrel influence: not 'woody', just barrel tempered and complexed. Big, old vines valid palate. Yikes, one ample, even chewy textured presence thanks to old vines extract. Where can you find a bigger, more complex pinot blanc than this!? 94+/100. Oak noted by attendees. That, and its pinot blanc uniqueness, rendered this the most talked-about wine. Widely admired for its singularity, it featured a complex of wood, meal, white fruit, and even a hint of tropical fruit highlights.

40 year old vines on a south facing clay-limestone slope yielding a mere 3 tons per acre. Nice and Chalonnais resinous and clearly barrel complexed. Classic, and upscale for the price of white burgundy these days. Initially not as fully textured as the nose promised. Gains with air and warmth though. No, I was too quick to judge. This is building mass quickly. Now settling into that well proportioned 2023 sweet/acid balance. Lengthening too. More barrel complexity joins the picture. Will go and grow. 92+/100.

At Martailly Les Brancion; three generation estate; 30+ year old vines; full malolactic fermentation. Fresh and old vines full. About the fullest bodied vintage of the series. Our regular Touzot clientele will be pleased. No oak, no sap unlike the above, but standing up on its own two feet. Not a creamy full malo sort. The acid stands up to it, a surprise in 2022. Yes, this fills the bill for the series plus adds a domaine name to the title, always an upscale sign. 91/100.

This is full, especially for jacquere and altitude. Even flow on palate, and material and texture in support. Always one of the best textured of its genre. 91/100.

The cool raciness that is St. Joe. The dark fruit concentrate that is Mauves St. Joe. Plus Chave class. Oh, boy, that is one serious, meaty St Joe. Has AOC race and vigor too. Chave is simply a master. Yes, this flows in St. Joe fashion, max of the northern Rhone AOCs. Classic, southern St. Joe plentitude. Fullness, material, and generosity are its fortes. Not tannic, but age it for more bouquet complications. 93+/100.

Dark ruby. Loved this Cave's range since before I first visited it decades back. They epitomize the blackness of Cairanne's fruit statement. Dry, deep, and well extracted. And way cheaper than most domaines' Cairannes. Oh, yeah, this is a dark fruited classic, alcohol-derived glycerol coating its fine tannins. It may be labeled Cotes du Rhone but, I'm telling you, this spells Cairanne. And a very good deal. 92/100.

50% clairette and 50% bourboulenc from a vineyard (35 year old vines) purchased in 2022 in Buisson; half aged in barrels; unfiltered. Clear Med body and power showing here. Aromatically low key varieties, as sees fit in these parts. Oh, this leads with weight and fullness. It's spot on, and made for a special sort of cuisine. No aromatic viognier meddling. All just as intending. Fine craftsmanship and delivery. 92/100.

Jean-Baptiste & Francois; 70% grenache, 30% syrah; 40 year old vines; yields under 3 tons per acre. Lirac cool, cranberry like take. Spot on Right Banker. Rich grenache meets dark and firm syrah. Again, that sense of Gard coolness. Racy acid and flow in cool 2021. Hides its 14% well. No tannin and plenty flavorful so inviting for this fall and winter service. 92/100. Generally well liked: 'Serious; grenache raspberry, syrah foundation; 21 acidity, lack of overripeness.'

65% grenache, 20% carignan, 10% mourvedre, 5% syrah. Dark red violet. Exceptionally cool, black fruited, and spicy in 2024. Spicy indeed. Vigorous acidity wants food. A unique vintage of Penya rouge. 91/100.

Only native varieties at this estate; small percentage of rare minustellu in the cuvee. Deeper, darker, more purple than its Fornelli cellar mate. Grape or vintage difference? This has more richness and ripeness and depth. Another intriguing set of aromas here from another native grape. Good fun. Yes, warmer vintage talks. A lot of fruit savor, extract, mouthfeel. I'm getting more for less. Maybe the former will rally with air and age. For now, my service order is justified. Full finish. 92+/100.

American importer's brand made by Dopff & Irion at Riquewihr. Light red. Lithe, sweet cherry nose, something like a Mason Dot. Fresh and crisp and appealing. Yes, admirably racy. Flavorful. Bright acids. Well balanced. Could be served at cellar temperature. Unlike a pinot from anywhere else. Wide meal time apps. 91/100.

Copper toned pinot gris. A nice and full and waxy gris nose. Good acid for variety and vintage. The viscosity carries over to the palate. Best vintage of this I've tasted. 91+/100.

Est. 1967; 70-80 year old ungrafted vines; 70% steep, south-facing vineyard. That special, 'spicy' terroir take on riesling won't be denied. Sweet smelling spatlese nose. Indeed, like the kabinett tasted recently, fully up to the sweetness of its ripeness measure. Which coats the acidity some. Judged at opening, it's a waste to serve now. It will only accrue in quality over the coming months/years. Always has. Bargain prices to the Erbes hierarchy. 92+/100. Thrived with aeration to become a big time attendee favorite. 'Special as usual for this estate. Lovely, complex nose and palate with great balance.' 'Fine riesling here; a great wine!' 'Will likely hold for many years, if not decades, and be better for it.'

200 year history; from red slate soil of the Rothenberg and Engelsberg sites along the Rheinfront. Depth, dryness, and grape and terroir class come forth with warmth and air. A good bet, I'd say. Well textured, dry, and balanced. Give it mouth to mouth. 91+/100. Riesling peach and positive Hessia earthiness emerged. Widely liked by attendees. 'True riesling nose and palate.' Great value.' 'Party wine say all.'

Generations old family estate; inland from the Rhein between Worms and Nierstein; Gold Kammerpreis - Rheinland-Pfalz. Light SUS sting is 'trump-obliterated' by gewurz forcefulness. Geez, we haven't seen this since the 2017 vintage, and the 2021 is a super successor, with less sweetness and more acidity thanks to the cool year. Well, the spatlese sweetness takes command on the palate, coated the core acidity. No problem; it's there. Fully gewurz expressive, flavorful. A singularly delicious take that will improve for months if not years. 92+/100. Positive notes from attendees too: 'Unique nose! More grapefruit and lychee, less rose and perfumes. The palate doesn't follow the nose. It shows more traditional Gewurztraminer elements. I can taste the grape skins. There's good sweet/acid balance, along with an appropriate bitter finish.'

Loess over gravel on an ancient course of the Danube; vines planted 1960-1980. Oh, the intensity of aroma and nostril fill and feel! Always one of my favorite gruves, and under $20! Strong minerality, superior terroir. Just so relentlessly penetrating!/ No letdown in intensity on the palate. This writes the book on Wagram gruner. Flavorful, full textured, balanced, lasting. Lots of meal time apps. 93/100. Widely enjoyed by attendees, who are not normally gruner fans but have liked this one in past vintages as well. 'Lots of really nice flavors; fruitier than the norm.''Minerals and white fruits.' 'Great appeal and great length.' 'This really delivers. 'My best gruve score in awhile.'

From an estate between the Lima and Vez rivers and the varieties loureiro and treixadura; cooperative bottled. The bright aromatic varieties pour through. Cool, limey edge. Which extends to the palate, supported by refreshing spritz. This has been a reliable VV value for years, never more so than over recent vintages. 91/100. Well received by attendees. 'One the better examples we've had.' 'Very fresh, clean and flavorful.' 'Very long and great value.'

Est. 1975; 40% each touriga nacional, syrah, 20% alicante bouschet. Dark red violet. Shows its 80% black fruit content in a compact, concentrated, and powerful display. I smell a deal. Sweet fruit coats the alcohol. Light tannin and good acidity perform a balancing act. Flavorful, mouth filling, lengthy. Deal indeed. 91+/100.

From the estate of the Farina family on the La Meseta plateau south of Toro. Distinctive tinto de toro form of tempranillo. Rich, ripe black fruit with more lift and levity than in Toros proper. In tune with the series. Yes, great freshness as well as flavor intensity. Little tannin, so I imagine this could be served at cellar temperature, something one would never do with a Toro DO wine. 91/100.

Owned by La Rioja Alta; 3 vineyards at 2400'; aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 75% new, 25% once used. Man, this is dark red black for its age and barrel sojourn. Marked new oak influence on the nose that its RDD strength and fruit fortitude complement fully. Some RDDs can't handle the wood; this one does with aplomb. Rich fruit emerges on the palate to absorb the oak. Full bodied, well balanced. Both wood and fruit tannins. Lengthy, savory finish. Top cellar candidate. 93+/100.

85% tempranillo, 15% graciano; 20 months in French and American oak barrels. Just tasted the 2018, and what should appear? 2019! Dark ruby. At opening, closed up. Maybe 'just shipped' influence. Vintage pliant and accessible, texturally. Good fruit/barrel reserva integration. Little tannin; still, I'd be cellaring this to more bouquet potential. 91+/100. Improved with aeration even into the next day and was well received by attendees. 'Great nose.' 'Classic styling.' 'Lovely stuff now and will improve short term.' 'Super value.' 'Even an umami component.'

Est. 1548; from the estate's Finca Carbonera vineyard; viura, verdejo, sauvignon blanc. Laid back; not as fruity as the 2023 the group liked. I can't sort out the varieties on the nose. Broader flavor spectrum of clearer varietal statements on the palate. Now I catch elements of all three grapes, in sympathy with one another. This should gain intensity and generosity over the coming weeks. 91+/100. Or sooner. Improved with warmth and air; popular with attendees. 'Fresh and good.' 'Very long flavor.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This bright violet-red colored wine has a bouquet of black plum, caramel and orange zest. Silky tannins ply the palate, backed by flavors of pomegranate, cherry, milk chocolate and licorice. A note of orange zest dominates the finish.'

As before, a good value verdejo of true varietal character, though more southern and less intense than good Ruedas. Good acid and structure in 2024. Ample enough body, texture, and flavor to call it a deal. 91/100.

Wine Spectator 94: 'An elegant style, this red delivers strawberry, raspberry, cherry, rose and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Supple, with a light grain to its tannins, this builds discreetly to the lingering finish. Best from 2027 through 2045. $42.'

Small, family run estate at Roero; home/winery named Ca' Gialla; aged in seasoned barrels. Medium scarlet nebbiolo color. Nice cherry, tar, and licorice DOCG and nebbiolo character. Aura of roses too. Smells right; smells like a deal. Yes, the right weight, flavor profile, acidity and tannin markers. Age worthy. Food worthy. Price worthy. Proving a good source. Gavi and Barbera both enjoyed by the panel earlier. 92+/100.

Est. 1871; 18% of the production is barbera, this cuvee made for early consumption. Lovely dark maroon. As deliciously user friendly form of barbera as always. Mr. Consistency. Lip smackin' lush and savory. Can't beat the texture nor the flavor. Perfect pitch. Come hither--one glass invites another. Just a dusting of tannin in back to keep it dry and honest. 91/100. Considered a nice value. Orders taken. 'Low tannin, no wood; certainly ready to roll.' Tart cherry taste; good acids.'

In Valpantena; corvina, corvinone, rondinella; grapes dried 3-5 months; aged two years minimum in once and twice filled French oak barrels and tonneaux. Heavy Bottle Award. Medium dark red. Good amarone power countered by ripe and raisined fruit sweetness and concentration. Smells like a proper amarone..at a damn good price!/ Power contained. Sweetness over raisin on the palate pushes it toward the modern style. Balance of strength, sweetness, acidity. Will age well, but that's not required for present service. Best vintage I've tasted. 94+/100.

Ancellotta, maestri, salamino; 8 gL RS. This really speaks of the more expressive lambrusco sub varieties. Big time aromatic surge and clarity. Wow. Yes, rightly sweetish, with good acidity to balance. One of the best lambruscos I've tasted, and totally food worthy. 93/100.

55% sangiovese, 15% canaiolo, 10% each syrah, cab sauv, merlot; all varieties grown in Montecarlo since the early 1900s; aged partly in barriques for 7 months. Lovely deep and dark maroon. Very intriguing, almost ventilating nose. Call it unique. Equally so on the palate. The varietal pieces all fit together perfectly. Would never be mistaken for a Chianti or even a Super Tuscan. Wine of place. Best vintage of this I've tasted. 92/100. This sleeper was widely judged WOTN. 'A fine, complex nose. Rich and complex together. Really nice wine and value.' 'Cherry complexity, well managed barrel influence, and some floral elements melded together.'

Mostly sangiovese; aged a year in cooperage. Straight down the middle Tuscan sangiovese. Aging in wood and bottle has mellowed it out. Dried cherry, orange zest, and brown spices. Nicely suave and smooth now. A Chianti with no rough edges, no bite. Full flavored and lasting. Like I said, right down the middle. Well priced too. 91/100.

Our first zone-specific Chianti Classico; all sangiovese; vines planted in 1998, 2000, 2003; native yeasts; aged 3 years in seasoned cooperage. Oh, that's the spicy red fruit of Gaiole. Justifies the new zone ID system. Old vines give intensity. GS barrel time gives suavity and complexity. Creamy barrel earned texture up front finds a balancing fine grained tannin in back. Generous spectrum of flavors and textures. A bargain in its class, and zone specific to boot. 94+/100. Attendees were in awe. In orders taken dollar-wise, Wine of the Year.

Latest release; negroamaro; DOC in Salento, Puglia. Lovely bouquet and suavity earned from barrel and bottle age. Singular, and what a price for a nine year old riserva! The warmth and generosity that is Salento. Plenty of fruit sweetness retained through all those aging years. I prefer it to the previous couple of vintages thanks to its harmony of original fruit and time earned bouquet. 2014 was a bit severe and 2015 a bit ripe. This hits the sweet spot. 92/100.

98% nerello mascalese, 2% nerello cappuccio. 10-80 year old vines. Native yeasts. Aged 9 months in large cooperage. Medium dark ruddy red. This is serious, superior. The class of the site shows. Not an overly fruity nerello. Deep, spicy, variegated, unique. A bargain price for a top site Etna rosso. Building larger in the mouth as it warms and airs. 93+/100.

Est. 1945 at Rovereto, the best sector of the DOCG; no malo. This breaks out the cortese part of the previously poured cortese/garganega aromatic set, and neatly done. Allows the cortese sage aroma to come forth, in spades. Classic!/ Oh, so cool and racy. Sage flavor nuances too, maybe the clearest in Gavi I've tasted. Cool and even textured, even balanced. Lasting finish. Great Gavi rep. 92/100. Widely liked by attendees. 'Gavi all the way.' 'Restrained, balanced, refreshing, engaging; clear sage and mineral qualities.'

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Crystalline mineral notes interweave with vibrant citrus, creating an electric tension. The palate crackles with energy, razor-sharp acidity perfectly balanced against the wine's natural sweetness. This shows how precision and pleasure can exist in perfect harmony.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This wine bursts upward the moment it's poured, exuberant and buzzing with tart pineapple, candied citrus, lemongrass, and the clean scent of wet stone after rain. The texture is bright and crunchy, with tropical fruit spinning through the glass before a final snap of lime tightens everything up. It's fun and fresh, perfect alongside chilled cucumber soup with a touch of bird's eye chili. $25.'

Est. 1906; half each cortese, garganega; hillside (colle) vineyard capped with lime trees (tigli). Vibrantly explicit perfumes of these superior northern Italian white natives. Perhaps the most pointed and penetrating in this series. Wow. And the flavors are equally abundant and forthcoming. Can't get around the 'lime' suggestion. Glad the alcohol is modest (12.5%). Otherwise, I'd drink enough of this to get smashed. 92/100.

From iron-rich clay and limestone soils. Wow, a lot of apple and nut grigio character for the price. Full and forthcoming. Plenty of flavor and feel for the price. One of the best in this value series. 91/100. Appreciated by attendees for quality and value. The palate came on further with aeration. 'Very good of type. Very rich.' 'Muted peach, pear, and apple notes on the nose. The palate is more fulfilling. The fruit statement is stronger, and there's good structure. Delivers well above its price tag.'

Bellone is a white grape variety of the Latium area around Rome. Wow, does this fill the nostrils with aromas and physical presence. Best vintage yet. Textured and aromatically intense and complex. Oh, and the palate is equally full and flavorful. What a satisfying and unique experience. Perfect balance. Lasting. 92/100. WOTN candidate. 'Unique! Great acid and flavor. Lovely wine.' 'Unique. Full, rich, ventilating palate. Plenty of ripe acids. Certainly for the table.'

From Pannon, Hungary; dry (.3 g/L); Tasting Panel 92/100. More apple and less legume than in most Lower Austria versions. Plenty of varietal ID. Flavorful. Definitely distinct from the Austrian model. Well balanced. Well priced. Versatile at the table. 91/100. Widely liked by attendees. 'Almost a riesling style. Lots of nice acid and decent flavor. Nice wine. Long.' 'Fun palate. Some aromatic lift. Different from Austrian.'

Est. 1239; one of the oldest wine cellars in Europe; pinot noir, gamay, blaufrankisch, zweigelt. Glowing maroon. The nose is as dark fruited as the appearance. A splendidly assembled melange here, whole greater than the sum of the parts. Sweet and juicy all the way. Flavorful. Good acidity for balance. Zero tannins. Totally well coordinated. Liter bottle was the right choice. Long finish. 91/100.

Tasting Panel 91: 'Big notes of berry cobbler, bacon fat, and coffee bean are seasoned with allspice. Ample acidit would help it pair with a plethora of cuisines. $21.' Rickshaw is owned by billionaire Bill Foley, one of the canniest investors in California wineries and wine brands.

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is a high-altitude Cabernet Sauvignon grown in volcanic soils. Because the vintage was much cooler, the wine has tannins and minerality. The aromas are dark plum, cranberry, dark cherry, coriander, molasses, and toasty oak on the nose; the palate has flavors of boysenberry, candied apple, star anise, tobacco, and silky tannins to finish. $17.'

Aged 18 months in barrels, 30% new French oak. Dark red violet. Certainly shows the cooperage influence. Not to excess though. The abundance of fruit in this great Napa vintage is taking it up fully. Napa cabernet class. Plenty of oak baking spices add complexity. Geez, a bargain in Napa Valley cabernet. Well balanced, even keeled, tempered. No nasty tannins so ready to serve. 92/100. Positive comments from attendees. 'Black currant and blackberry with nicely managed oak.' ' Balanced and ready to drink.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Earthy forest floor meets cherry pith as acidity bolsters a savory midpalate of sweet tobacco and umani. $24.' From Willamette and Rogue valleys; aged nine months in French oak cooperage, 20% new.

Tasting Panel 91: 'Bright acidity and notes of cola, sarsaparilla, sweet basil, and just-ripened cherry. $21.' From Steamboat Ranch in Solano County.

Grenache, syrah, mourvedre, counoise. Legit CA take on Chateauneuf, without the range and oomph. Still, fits the aromatic pattern. Name justified and accurate. Sweet and quite powerful. Well priced. This is generous, fills the bill. I'm impressed, and liking it as well. 92/100.

Tasting Panel 92: 'Succulent berry sweetness leaps from the glass, followed by waves of toast and oak. Singing with youthful energy, the wine boasts a pleasing, voluminous lift on the middle palate. Its round finish is balanced by hints of dark fruit, black pepper, and chocolate.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'The Cline Family invested in organic farming and old vine vineyards early in the game. Now, they have many holdings of old vine material, which allows them to offer consumers well-made wines at reasonable prices. This wine is a traditional old vine Zinfandel with fruit concentration, dark sweet fruits, spice, and florals on the nose; the palate features dark plum, maple, vanilla cream, espresso, mocha shavings, and grippy tannins on the finish. Aerate and enjoy with BBQ chicken wings.'

Est. 1977 by Mike Beatty, who left his family's Ohio farm and came to California to attend Stanford; Beatty Ranch, at 1800', boasts the oldest zinfandel vines of the Howell Mountain AVA. Heavy Bottle Award. Dark ruby. The fruit is sweet, so it manages the alcohol and barrel influence alike. Howell and old vines zin dark fruited and deep. Very rich palate with alcohol and oak support. Great length of flavor and texture. Belies its age; lots more to come. Surely up to the tariff (oops; please not to mention that word!). 96+/100. Appreciated by all attendees for its balance; WOTN candidate. 'Nice maturity! Very Zin in a long gone style.' 'Big bramble character. Delish. 14.5% not evident.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is supple and bright, with aromas of lime marmalade, yellow apple, pineapple and notes of bay leaf. The flavors on the palate are white grapefruit, preserved lemon, apple and white nectarine with white pepper and wet stone accents that create a pleasant mouthwatering finish.'

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'This is a very satisfying Sauv Blanc, starting with green-leaning aromas of lime sorbet and smashed kiwi. The palate is both delicious and complex, using a firm tension to frame easygoing flavors of honeydew and candied lime. $25.'

Tasting Panel 91: 'Boasts notes of dried lemon rind, dill, and pear that speak to the wine's quality. $21.' From Borden Creek Vineyard in Lodi. Aged nine months in French oak cooperage, 30% new.

Wine Enthusiast 93 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is fresh, lively with aromas of pear, apple, citrus, and notes of toasted oak on the nose. The flavors on the palate are baked pear, Yellow apple, cinnamon, orange peel, vanilla cream, and a long silky finish. Pair your weekday take away. $17.'

Tasting Panell 93/100. Margaen Lee and Block House Vineyards; 8 and 13 year old vines; half fermented and aged 9 months in seasoned French oak barrels with lees stirring. Fruit and barrel influences hang together nicely. A well coordinated Napa chardonnay nose Beautiful combo of terroir and elevage. Sits just right; nothing overstated. And the palate is well balanced too. Nothing sticks out. Fine wine-growing, -making. 93/100. And fine price.

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'This perfectly named blend of 65% Pinot Blanc and 35% Melon de Bourgogne is indeed ripe for shellfish, sporting aromas of wet stone, chamomile, coconut flake and lemonade on the nose. The palate sizzles in acidity, popping with flavors of bright citrus and oyster shell. $25.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Flavors of honeyed pear and lemon blossom fully engage the senses while mineral tones tiptoe in on the bright finish.'

Tasting Panel 93: 'From Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo, this is juicy, ripe, and ready. Black cherry, violets, and rhubarb flow seamlessly across the palate. The fruit is fresh and vibrant, with brightening acidity. $25.'

Fresh and juicy. Always is. Flavorful. All the positive aspects of carmenere. Ready to serve. 90/100.

Wine Spectator 92 - SMART BUY: 'This shows lovely richness, reminiscent of a Black Forest cake, that complements the dense core of generously spiced plum, blackberry and blueberry flavors. Details of black olive, red licorice and dried rose petal linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2039.'

Est. 1967, first winery in the Margaret River zone. Boy, that's about as fresh and racy as an Aussie chardonnay gets. If there's oak in the picture, it sure is subtle. I guessing it's lees rather than barrel influenced. Light on its feet; admirably modest alcohol level. Appley chardonnay flavor. Decent acidity for balance. Overall, deliciously ready to enjoy. 91/100. A rare New World wine to attendees' tastes.'Classy Burgundian style and aspirations.' ' Good quality oak, well integrated.' Well liked by attendees indeed, especially for its Euro acidity.

Pleasing and accurate chenin presentation, featuring melon, apple, lime. Not only echoes on the palate but also shows more varietal intensity and surprising texture. Always a good bet. 91/100.

Daulny has 40 acres in 50 parcels, including some of the AOC's top sites, such as Monts Damnes; vines average 40 years. Light red orange. Boy, that's a nice, fresh northern pinot strawberry nose. Fairly nostril filling in texture too. Yes. Richer and riper than the norm for 2024 Sancerres to date. Flavorful, balanced. Medium bodied as Sancerre roses go; that's 2024. Great price in its genre. 92/100. An attendee favorite; orders taken. 'Stand up rose!' 'Nice and flavorful. Well done and bargain.' 'Outstanding rose.' 'Delicate strawberry nose; good acidity, balance.'

80% gamay, 20% mondeuse; direct pressing. Well, this is fully forthcoming, aromatically. The superb lift of Savoie gamay accentuated by this rose format. And mondeuse fullness to back it up. Yes, fresh, racy, flavorful and satisfyingly full textured on the palate. Total package. I can't believe we haven't explored Savoie roses before (availability-). It took a customer inquiry to lead me to ferret this one out. 91+/100.

From the estate of the Farina family on the La Meseta plateau south of Toro. Medium red orange. Plenty of red grape peels character. Hefty for its modest alcohol statement (12.5%), and highly meal worthy. Pleasing body, varietal flavor profile. Belongs in the 'quaffer' category. 91/100. Attendees enjoyed this. 'Very rose and very tempranillo.' 'Varietal and good.'

Decanter 94/100. My notes: Solera founded in 1918. Date paste, nut, raisin, fig, prune. Utterly sweet and concentrated and wonderful. Sweet cubed. Celestial figs, dates. Unctuous; everything it should be. 95/100.

Touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz. By appearance, a young tawny. Attractive nose showing classic Delaforce moderation. Young tawny extra fruity. Delaforce restraint on sweetness and power. Good price. 91/100.

Est. 1811. Lovely take on rainwater. Good maturity and dried fruits. Sultana, date, spices. Fruit cake. Complete rainwater fulfillment. A 2-3 year old madeira that has achieved balance and complexity. After so many disappointing rainwaters, this one shows the way. 92/100.

1/3 each grillo, inzolia, catarratto. 30 botanicals here. Floral and sweet. Spice aromas of ginger, anise, brown spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg. Tonic, rosy, herbal, spicy, unique, creamy, sweet, balanced. Yikes! Hugely complex! 95/100.

Est. 1983; 50% pinot noir, 49% chardonnay, 1% meunier; disgorged 6/24. Cap classique same as methode champenoise except that the minimum time en tirage is 12 months; from the 2022 vintage. The red fruit of pinot is in command. Chardonnay contributes freshness, crispness. Decent degree of yeast autolysis character present. The fullness of the red fruit steering it in the rose direction. Again, chardonnay freshness. A pleasing Cape sparkler. 92/100. Attendee comments paralleled mine. Very popular; orders taken. Considered a good value.

From the same village as Dom Perignon. 1/3 each meunier, pinot noir, chardonnay. This has less fruit and more pronounced bottle bouquet than the rose. I favor it. High brut. Good acid and mousse dryness. Sur lie flavor. Better than the rose. And better value. 93/100.

All chardonnay. And a good, straight forward, wholesome chardonnay it is. I smell a deal. Bright, with good acidity and varietal character that doesn't read Mediterranean chardonnay. Spot on. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92/100. My notes: Est. 1542. Pale. Pungent nose, very spicy for glera. Equally generous in flavor. Good mid brut dryness. Always a class act. 92/100.

America's oldest brewery, founded in 1829 at Pottsville PA, has finally increased production enough to be able to enter the Michigan market. Roasted caramel malt gives its Traditional Lager its amber color and subtle sweetness, which is foiled by cluster and cascade hops. Made by an historic recipe resurrected in 1987.

A luscious double creme cow's milk cheese made by Fromager Guilloteau based in P-lussin, in the Auvergne region of central France. It as a texture like Brie but a more pungent aroma. I call it 'Brie with an Attitude'. Over the decades, it's been one of Ann Arbor Wine Club members' most popular cheeses.

To rehydrate, soak in warm water for half an hour. Then add to soups, sauces, pastas and risottos.

Founded in 1879 at Stans, Austria. Based on a family recipe, this spread consists of Sugar, 35% Orange, Water, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Pectin.

This favorite SW France preserves maker is branching out into some sweet treats and nut spreads. 'We bake a buttery pastry crust, carefully fill it with indulgent soft caramel, and top it with irresistibly smooth milk chocolate. Savor each tartlet's delectable medley of sumptuous flavors, from the first bite to the last, as the perfect sweet treat any time of the day. Each tartlet is individually wrapped with care to preserve its delicious taste allowing you to conveniently take anywhere or to easily share.'

Roasted peanuts 40%, sugar, sunflower oil, fat reduced cocoa powder (processed with alkali) 5%, cocoa butter, salt, natural vanilla flavor, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin. Best peanut chocolate spread on the market.

Sugar, hazelnuts, vegetable oils (sunflower, rapeseed), skimmed milk powder, fat reduced cocoa powder (processed with Alkali), cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin as emulsifier, natural vanilla flavor. I like it even better than Nutella.