At Civrac; half each merlot, cab sauv; 2/3 on gravel, 1/3 on clay; vines average 25 years; aged between 12-18 months in barrel according to vintage. First time with this estate, though it's owned commonly with Panigon, which I stock. Holding its color blackness well. Still fruity but now softer than were young '16 clarets. Nice. More than ample portion of cabernet black fruit for Medoc. Barrel mellowed but not scented. A nice bottle of fairly mature claret at a great price. 91+/100.

Decanter 93/100; Wine Enthusiast 93: 'From a deep gravel outcrop in the heart of the Haut-Medoc, this wine offers richness and density. Black fruits show freshness while also melding well with the spicy wood aging. The wine is worth aging. Drink from 2026.'

Est. 1828; Jacques Perromat at Mazeres; 50% merlot, 40% cab sauv, 10% cab franc. Dark maroon. Classic Graves varietal set with some positive and characteristic black earth notes of southern Graves claret. Spot on. Full fruit flavor and range too, plus superior Graves body, density, delivery. Very light tannin on a lasting finish. 92+/100. Very well received. WOTN for at least one attendee. 'Very well made; balanced, complex.' 'Good body, structure.' 'Good deal from Graves.'

On clay and limestone; merlot (vines up to 90 years old), cab franc, malbec; aged 12-14 months in barrels and larger oak cooperage. Inky red violet. Well, now, barrels loom larger still. Definite woody complexity. Old vines concentrated, terroir superiority, most agreeable encepagement. Yes, a step up overall over the regional clarets tasted alongside. Well integrated wood and fruit tannins. The old vines and terroir character are up to them. Hits well above its price point. Hard to believe these 2022 clarets are still coming forth, and demonstrating the same style and quality level as the earlier arrivals. 93+/100.

Personal project of Ronan Laborde of Chateau Clinet, Pomerol; first vintage, 2009; 95% merlot, 5% the cabernets; the 2018 was very popular with attendees. Gads, another Heavy Bottle. Dark red violet. Incredible degree of merlot beauty and concentration. Unprecedented. Add barrel earned sophistication, subtle and well integrated. The elegance theme continues, flavor wise. Texturally, there's still the barrier of 2020 tannin to surmount. No problem. This is overall noblesse well exceeding the asking price. Even better than the 2018. 93+/100. Attendees were impressed; WOTN votes. Judged modern but not international. ‘21st century claret.’ Ripe fruit (plum, prune) noted, as well as power and largesse, present appeal as well as potential. Ripe tannins and positive astringency to balance out the picture.

Est. 1968 by Odile Delpon, three years before Cahors was awarded AOC; her son, Didier Pelvaillain, presently presides over the domaine; all malbec; 32 year old vines; native yeasts. Black wine indeed. Softer and mellower than its appearance would suggest. Good vintage here. Plush, not obdurate. Very fruity nose and palate. Mary's touch of elegance. More ease than the 2020 showed. Bravo. 92/100.

85% sauvignon blanc, 15% semillon; at Saint Genis du Bois; named for the estate’s director. Well, that's the sauvignon emphasis. It's fresh and bright, befitting of the vintage. Citrus to the fore. None of the dreaded bell pepper. Vintage lithe, balanced, flexible. An aperitif Bordeaux blanc or seafood choice. 91/100.

At Preignac; old vines; 95% semillon, 5% sauvignon blanc; owned by a former part owner of Chateau Suduiraut. Wow, syrupy sweet aromatic concentration. Honey dipped pineapple slices. Impressive, pollen like botrytis display too. Yikes! Even though just shipped, there's nothing awkward about the nose. Palate equally saturated in flavors and feels. I mean, this is INTENSE. The acid is still coated; still, there's inherent harmony to its overall makeup, which promises a long and fruitful life. 95+/100. Easily WOTN. Many orders taken. 'Classic Sauternes! Wow!' 'Wow - just wow! Superb nose and palate. Has it all. Cru Classe quality.' 'Oh yeah! Grapefruit, pineapple, botrytis honey. Acid to match the sweetness. Explosively rich fresh walnut, fruit cake. Beyond a doubt.'

Est. by Famille Duffour in 1955 in northern Gascogne; 80% colombard, 20% gros manseng. Pleasing dryness and 'darkness' to these 2024 Euro whites so far. Can't think of a previous vintage yet for comparison. Nothing recent. A clear display of colombard green fruit tempered by manseng ripe yellow fruit. Another best buy in the series, each different. Flavors coincide with aromas and work together well. The acid is ripe--not green for colombard. Easy to drink, especially this time of year. 91/100. Well liked by attendees for both quality and value. Orders taken. 'Very attractive nose. Gros manseng shows through and makes this a very nice wine. Flavorful and interesting.' 'Clean, fresh, green in a pleasant way. Palate more concentrated and smoother than expected. Easy to like and enjoy.'

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. 91/100. Described by attendees as ample and creamy textured.

Chenin blanc vineyard on southwest facing slopes near the village of Meron. Lovely, soft, forward chenin nose makes all the sense in the world. Melon, lime, quince. Round and tart at once. Balanced. Flavors confirm aromas if less intense. One of the better vintages of this old reliable. 91/100. Appreciated by attendees for both its varietal accuracy and bargain price.

Family domaine for many generations; vineyards on gravel; Silver Medal ? Paris 2024; Wine Enthusiast 92/100. Our notes: Dark ruby. Wow, dramatic surge of red raspberry cab franc character. Comes right at ya. Rich in substance too. Sweet cab franc raspberry on the palate as well. This is fairly loaded thanks to the intensity, but it does feature good AOC flow too. Long, flavorful aftertaste. Attractive price included. I'm sold. Must stock. 92+/100. Widely popular with attendees. 'Ripe enough, plenty of fruit, perfume, good color, some tannins; nice wine.' 'Firm tannins, cab franc nose. Great structure and body. Might benefit from some aging. Great cab franc example and not overpriced!'

One of Vouvray's oldest estates; average vine age 35 years; wines served on the transatlantic liner Normandie in 1936. Quince and lime to the fore. Calcaire underlayment. Classic nose, I'd say. Tangy fruit acidity of 2024 really buoys up the palate. Flavors confirm aromas. Full dry. Building extract on the palate. Wow. The real deal. I'd venture there's even more to come. 92+/100. It took until the next day for chenin aromatics to blossom fully. Meanwhile, attendees were favorably impressed by the acidity and dryness. 'Most austere wine I had in a long time.'

Owned by the Chainier family, Chateau de la Roche has been producing wines for over 400 years; coincidental to tasting this four days after the KY Derby, they are also horse breeders. The ruby red grapefruit face of sauvignon marks the nose in attractive fashion. Very nice rich/tart balance. Very flavorful. Fine texture. This just sits right on my palate. Evocative, with nothing askew. 92/100. Grapefruit mentioned by all attendees, plus gooseberry by several. Thought NZ like but appreciated all the same.

Family estate at Verdigny; on caillottes, terres blanches, and silex. Boy, right down the middle amalgam of all three of the prominent terroirs. Plenty of both poise and personality. There's a light patina of bouquet developing that will not appeal to the freshness crowd. Some fluidity of texture up front in this cool vintage. Rallies with body building stamina in the back. Best vintage of this I've tasted, and well priced these days. 92/100.

The vineyard is southeast of the village. Gevrey size and firmness. Gevrey 'masculine'. While he's said to use no new barrels, there's certainly a leavening performed by aging in seasoned cooperage. Medium to full bodied. Richer than the vintage norm. The acidity is well managed. Fine grained tannins are present but not aggressive. Likely a good cellar candidate. 94+/100. WOTN for the majority of attendees. 'Special. Lovely, almost mature nose.' 'Complex and highly entertaining.' 'Old school feral aspect to it.'

Vines planted in 1974 and 1989; native yeasts; aged a year in oak casks. Heavy Bottle Award. That bright, sweet black fruit aroma of Chalonnaise pinot. Nice and intense as well as accurate. Oak and oak tannin on the palate. This has a woody coarseness that needs to be resolved. It will be. 2-3 years. 93+/100. Unanimous WOTN. Orders taken. ‘A unique, high pitched, complex nose and palate. Super lovely in all regards. Now or later.’ ‘Smacks of Burgundy; luscious fruit, lovely length.’ ‘Perfect pinot noir.’ ‘Beautiful wine.’

At Fleurie; fifth generation; vines 30-90 years old. Villages full and fruity. Body and richness beyond its alcohol statement. Pushes hard. Old vines talk. Delicious harmony of fruit sweetness and acidity. Paints a mighty pretty Villages picture. 91/100. Widely liked; orders taken. ‘Really classic BV nose and palate. True flavor. Nice balance of all elements. Value.’ ‘Spot on gamay; proper character for BV. No lack of ripeness. Correctly proportioned, easy to drink, ready to drink.’

5 generations-old estate covering 23 acres; vines 30 to 90 years old. On old vines MaV big boy. Deep and racy. Seems larger than 13%. I detect some barrel influence. Very large, full bodied, powerful. Good acidity. Still some tannin to resolve. No problem 93+/100.

Est. 1590; at Maligny; 80-100 year old vines. Nose full but shy on terroir statement. Well, it's coming on now with swirling. Sound calcaire foundation and old vines concentration. Old vines spell full body on the palate too. Again, it's not easy to coax terroir forth on the palate at opening. Unless warmth and aeration spring this forward, I'd sit on it awhile. 93+/100. Well, they sure did. Widely voted WOTN. 'Very attractive and real Chablis nose. Very rich and long; VV shows. Went super well with my creamed spinach omelet next day.'

40 year old vines on a south facing clay-limestone slope yielding 3 tons per acre. Nice and Chalonnais resinous and clearly barrel complexed. Classic, and upscale for the price of white burgundy these days. 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.

Est. 1931 by 98 winegrowers of Buxy and Saint Gengoux le National. Mmm, there's a sweet honey and nuts Chalonnaise chardonnay aroma to this vintage. Like it,/ Palate confirms. Great texture, balance, acid, Table apps. 92+/100. Widely enjoyed by attendees. Comments of ‘no oak’, and I think that’s accurate. Several noted it needed a little more time for aromatic development. I agree. New release; may still be travel weary. Tasted 6/3/26.

4 generation estate once selling to the cooperative; in the Terrace de Chassis zone; from vines planted in 1996; unwooded; Martine's selection. Full, deep, dark, intricate. The classic quartet of northern Rhone syrah aromatics plus a special terroir complex. Well concentrated set of Crozes flavors too. Smooth and savory mouthfeel. Bouquet development potential but little tannin to shed; it's well coated. 93+/100.

Wine Spectator 94: ‘There’s beautiful, creamy fruit purity to this rich yet energetic version, with fleshy yellow apple and golden plum threaded with dried herbs and racy mineral energy. Shows just the barest kiss of oak on the well-meshed finish, with bitter pithiness. Delicious, lush and bright. Drink now through 2030. $38.’

Dark ruby. Love 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.

72% grenache, 23% syrah, 5% mourvedre. The price had to go up sooner or later. The 2022 sold for 2/3 the price of the Gigondas norm. Dark ruby. Richer, riper, blacker than the 2022. And younger. Love 'em both!/ Just bursting with sweet fruit, which counters much of the power. Balances out overall, and certainly fills the palate in both flavor and texture respects. Certainly a worthy successor, and distinct in style, which is entertaining. You still get your money's worth here. 93+/100. Near unanimous high praise. 'Nose gorgeous. Berry, cherry. Very drinkable now; will age beautifully. Love it.' 'A likable varietal balance here. Nose needed time to show. Palate is so much more expressive. Rich, ripe fruit. Not overdone in any aspect. A classy example; not a bully at 15%.'

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.

By a Chateauneuf du Pape estate; 70% grenache blanc, 20% picpoul, 10% viognier; the first two from Richerenches, Vaucluse, the viognier from northern Rhone. Sound and vinous and full bodied grenache blanc basis. Picpoul contributes freshness, and the scant viognier component really adds pleasingly aromatic highlights that are less likely to come from southern Rhone planted viognier. Concept over terroir, and a very fine concept indeed. Yes, altogether the body, the lift, and the overtones. And balance. I'm impressed. Deal price! 91/100. Well liked; WOTN candidate. 'Pleasant and very rich. Nice aromatic nose and palate from viognier.' 'Hint of viognier on the nose. Picpoul adds acidity. Honey aroma and flavors and sweetness. Engaging. More lively than many Cote du Rhone blancs.'

American importer's brand made by Dopff & Irion at Riquewihr. One of the most expressive in the series. Pungent green fruits and penetrating nostril tingle. Mellower on the palate. Despite the cool vintage, the varietal is inherently mild in acidity. Lasting feels and flavors though. Yes, 2024 satisfies. 91/100.

Brisk, tonic gewurz nose. Bay, laurel, thyme. Gewurz glycerol with a bitter foil in conclusion. Moderate or coated acidity at this stage. Still, there's lots to get excited about in this. 91+/100.

Vineyards in Urzig and nearby Wittlich, home of the winery. Tall Bottle Award. Terroir pours through. This is one of the most explicit Wurzgarten aroma sets I've encountered in a long time. It's fully spatlese sweet but not sugar coated. 2021 acid makes its statement. When you look at the price in the scheme of things today, this is a bargain riesling cellar candidate. 93+/100. Well liked; impressions paralleled mine. 'Classy riesling!' 'Has complexity and potential. A lot in the bottle for the price.'

Predominantly from the Oberhauser Kieselberg and Felsenberg; volcanic soils of porphyry and melaphyr. 2024 sharpness, trocken clear and intense minerality. Riesling peach and orange. All I was expecting. Well textured, deep, full bodied, flavorful, well extracted, well balanced. All I had hoped it would be. 95/100. White WOTN. And thought to have 5-6 years’ development potential. ‘Lovely stuff!’ ‘Adorable but sassy and impertinent like a teenaged daughter. Time will tell.’ Lovely dry nose, mineral driven; fresh and crisp; peach here. Wow, this is good wine! Such balance!! Classic and classy.’

Est. 1968; 1100 member cooperative; grape mix unknown; several Verdes on the market bear no vintage, and I don’t know how to crack the letter/number code on the back label. The nose doesn't suggest the superior, aromatic varieties. Well, there are hints. More flavor than aroma. Fine acidity, balance, refreshment. Suspect 2024. It really is a delicious, quaffable, modest alcohol mouthful. Gotta like the price. 91/100. With warmth and aeration, this sported greater fruit expression and turned out very popular with attendees for its present appeal and good value. Orders taken. Spritz widely noted, suggesting it might be 2025.

From the quinta's highest sites; 60% syrah, 40% touriga nacional. Dark red violet color of the varieties. This does have more high elevation lift than the Quinta's other cuvees. Black fruit of the varieties. Yes, there's an ease and levity to it. Flowing fruit flavors. Nothing stodgy here. Good acid, melted tannin. Good value. 91/100. Enjoyed by all for present appeal and value. ‘Lovely nose. Palate offers spice, good structure, nice tannins.’ ‘Engaging bouquet; light floral elements. Ripe, healthy fruit; very approachable summer red.’ Even syrah detractors liked it!

90% tempranillo, 7% garnacha, 3% graciano; aged 16 months in oak barrels. Fruit and barrel aromas of moderate intensity at opening. Grows in richness with aeration. Palate also hesitant to reveal its all. A proper crianza that seems youthfully unfulfilled even at age 4. Maybe it will put on some weight with aeration. 91+/100. Much improved after aeration. Very popular; orders taken. 'Real Rioja character! Will improve but nice now too.' ' Long - the real deal!' 'Tempranillo nose: red fruits and berries. Medium tannins.'

Wine Enthusiast 95: ‘Deep ruby verging on garnet in the glass. This Gran Reserva shows the beauty of Rioja well aged in the cellar. Spiced balsamic, cigar box, and cedar, black figs, plums, and and date fill entice the nose and fill the palate. Tannins are pleasingly integrated and supple with a balance of acidity carrying the wine into a satisfying finish. Becomes savory with further sipping with a fresh mineral, almost chalky accent.’

Est. 1760; 80-100 year old vines. Clearly powerful, but little burn. It extends fullness, weight, grenache lushness. Old, old vines produce selling for twelve bucks-! I smell a deal. Just as lush on the palate, where the alcohol is more cooling than burning. Man, fairly loaded! Little tannin. So many dinner time apps. 92/100.

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 long as my supplier has stocks of this discontinued $28 Priorat, I’m featuring it. Est. 1978. From vineyards cultivated since before 1700 on llicorella soil in the Porrea area. 60% carignan, 40% grenache. Aged a year in oak barrels, 80% Allier, 20% American. Unfined, unfiltered. Awesome. Priorat grandeur. Ideal varietal set; not screwed up by Gucci cab sauv and syrah. Serious carignan black fruit, grenache power. Wow. Satisfying mouthful of flavor and texture. Bulk, dry extract, power, fine grained tannins. Well balanced, so plenty of bouquet development potential ahead. Must stock. 95+/100.

As before, a good value verdejo of true varietal character, though more southern and less intense than good $20 Ruedas. Good acid and structure in 2024. Ample enough body, texture, and flavor to call it a deal. 91/100.

Negociant eleveur; classic Barbaresco vintage; Suckling 92/100. Heavy Bottle Award. Medium dark ruddy red. Medium intense nebbiolo aroma leaning toward the traditional style. Perfectly proper. Yes, medium bodied. Good nebbiolo tar and dried cherry. Chewy, albeit fine grained tannin. Of the elegant sort overall. Now with hearty fare or to the cellar for more softness and aromatic development and complexity. Well poised and well priced. 92+/100. Clear WOTN. 'Wow. Correct and lovely nose with some spice. Needs time, though many thought it could be enjoyed now. Super good wine and even a bargain.' 'Cherry and hint of rose. Pretty much spot on nebbiolo, good in just about every way. Nicely structured, ripe fruit. Definitive Barbaresco. Needs cellaring but worth the wait.' 'Really like everything about this nebbiolo, of which I am a fan.'

Site specific ('the crossroads'); 30+ year old vines on calcaire; yields of 1 ton per acre; aged in barriques 2-4 years old. Heavy Bottle Award. Smell the power. This is definitely a Superiore take. Not a super fruity Asti barbera. Yeah, fairly loaded with compact, weighty, dark barbera fruit, yet it's different from an Alba barbera all the same. Boy, this can take on the fare usually reserved for Barolos and B'cos. 92+/100. Widely liked by attendees.

Vines planted between 1985 and 2015 at 400 to 550 meters on the Pianezzo hillside; calcareous soil; all dolcetto, though the grape name is no longer prominent on the labels. Oh, goodness, is that rich, aromatic, pungent, and forceful in aromatics. Cranberry, raspberry, plum. Just as flavorful and rangy. Acidity and astringency keep it mouthwatering through all the richness. I'm tasting it cool. I'm not sure I'd want it any cooler, as it does have a modicum of fine tannin. One abundant dolcetto; usually is. 92+/100.

First made in 1964, this is the original Veronese ripasso; corvina, rondinella, molinara. Heavy Bottle Award. Dark maroon. A classic deep and restrained face of ripasso. The dried fruit is well soaked up so that there is not something superficially sweetish about the nose. Black fruit leads the parade. Ripasso comes on with body, texture, depth, and richness. There are so many concocted ripassos out there. This one is a model of tradition. 92+/100. Enjoyed for its correct degrees of richness and ripeness as well as current drinkability. Hints of iron, iodine noted.

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.

At Gaiole; 95% sangiovese, 5% canaiolo; aged 18 months in barrels and large casks. Dark red violet. Large and significant CC riserva with all its aspects of superior fruit, well integrated barrel extracts, and range and depth earned from time in cooperage. Well done. Palate speaks for balance of all elements. Good acidity and both fruit and oak extracts. Well managed tannins that food will take up but give this cellar potential too. 93+/100. WOTN for many. 'Super good and mature.' 'Very classy and classic.'

Est. 1998; negociant/importer brand. Super black-fruity. Generous, up front, nothing subtle about it. Oh, yeah, abundant black fruit flavors too. Sweet, direct aimed toward tomato and pasta fare. I'm thinking lasagna. Well priced. 91/100. Well liked by all. Orders taken. ‘Fairly complex nose and palate. Light oak helps. Nice finish. Easy to drink.’ ‘Ripe fruit; suggestion of barrel. Good acidity; unobtrusive tannins. FINE everyday red.’ ‘Well made, complex, well structured; good value.’

DOC in Salento, Puglia; negroamaro; aged minimum two years before release; this is the latest release. Ruddy, medium dark red. Following a claret, switch receptors to a mature southern Italy bouquet, and a very nice one at that. Seems more open and flowing than the 2016. That would make sense. Indeed, this offers no tannic resistance. It's forward and flavorful. The emphasis is on barrel and bottle bouquet development, adroitly achieved. One of my favorite Copertino vintages. 92/100. Loved by all; WOTN votes. Judged ready to drink; even better the next day. ‘Perfect tannin, good fruit, great everything. Sooo drinkable.’ ‘Wow! Spice complex! Soft, long, and delish.’ ‘This is fun. There’s age but also potential. Absolutely ready; long finish.’ 'Leather, tobacco, florals, old wood.’

Vines 25-40 years old in volcanic soil of three townships at 1500' to 1800'; aged a year in French, Slavonian, and American oak cooperage. Medium dark crimson. Well scented of black fruits. Old vines depth, high altitude lift. Equally perfumed of fruit on the palate. Medium bodied. Combo of fruit freshness and barrel earned suavity. Fine grained tannins for food or cellar. Consistent winner. 92+/100. Very well liked; WOTN candidate. 'Super lovely nose, distinctive and maturing. Super long flavor.' 'Ripe, mature nose; spices too! Integrated barrel tones, ripe acids, reigned in tannins. Hint of positive brett.'

20 - 30 year old vines; aged two months in second fill oak barrels. Lovely black cherry color. Nose sweet fruited but still understated. Maybe still a little reduced under screwcap. Suave and smooth already. Fruitier on the palate. Balanced. Easy drinkin'. 91/100. Seems to have lost any sense of reduction after aeration and was widely enjoyed by attendees for its accessibility and its affinity to casual cuisine. Many orders taken.

Wine Spectator 95: ‘White peaches kissed with fresh mint flowing through jasmine petals and wild thyme, each aromatic layer floating like summer memories. The palate dances with perfect balance, where ripe nectarines and elegant sweetness ride waves of vibrant acidity. This is Moscato d'Asti showing its truest self, where delicate bubbles and pristine fruit linger. Pour it with spicy Vietnamese spring rolls now, save some for fresh peach tart later, this wine knows no boundaries.’

15 year old vines in Trentino. Brisk high altitude sauvignon. Gooseberry, cat pee. Yes, extreme cat pee, and all the better for it. Bargain in cool climate sauvignon. 91/100.

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.'

Est. 1997; vineyard at 600 meters; vines 25+ years old. Pungent varietal fruit-flower perfumes augmented by a developing nuttiness. Full, dry, flavorful. One of the largest scaled and most generous of its genre. That's Gaia (no, not Angelo). Lasting flavor, texture, cling, satisfaction. 91/100. Generally liked, the correct aromatics noted, as well as the body. 'Sappy, acid and mineral driven; tonic finish.'

Dark maroon. One concentrated refosco, darker fruited than the Italian versions I've tasted. Yeah, it holds onto the cherry and citrus aspects and adds a ton of black fruit. Unique and impressive. 92+/100.

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.'

Tasting Panel 94: ‘Composing 50% merlot, 25% zinfandel, and 25% petite sirah, tHis is such a smart bland with good fruit that it already seems like a complete and indisputably satisfying wine even in its youth. Firmed up by just enough tannic grip ands Subtle oak to lend seriousness and complexity, it epitomizes straightforward deliciousness. $28.’

From the estate's Block House and Mill Race Vineyards. 76% cab sauv, 14% merlot, 10% malbec. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Dark red violet. Yountville cool and elegant. Floral extras, including violets. The oak adds dimension without dominance. Well crafted. Cab sauv and oak tannin to resolve still. It's all there though, at an exceptional price. This brand is one of the best values going in Napa Valley wines these days. 93+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 97: 'A Cabernet that exemplifies how the variety became so popular: classic, structural, aromatic, and finessed. An impossible find for the price, enjoy now for palate cleansing structure, or continue to age for deeper pleasure.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'When done right, Merlot can be a very pleasurable experience, as expressed in this widely available and affordable bottling. Cherry, woodspice and cocoa aromas are clean and direct on the nose. The joyous palate has red cherry, cedar and berry sorbet flavors. $20.'

Tasting Panel 93: 'Spiced with clove and dried orange peel, plum, and soy sauce fill the mouth, and the fruit is well supported within an exacting frame. $35.' Aged nine months in French oak cooperage, 15% new.

Tasting Panel 94: ‘This expression is equal parts woodsy, juicy, complex, and mysterious. Rapturous notes of cherry, tobacco, black tea, Worcestershire, and graphite converge with sleek tannins. $19.’

Tasting Panel 94: ‘The palate takes a deep dive into a well of concentrated black cherry and smashed plum preserves. Rich and delicious notes of mocha appear midway, followed by a juicy flow along a path of sleek tannins. $35.’

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This dark-purple-hued wine is opulent, with aromas of boysenberries, blue fruits, frankincense, violets and spiced toasty oak on the nose. The flavors on the palate are blackberry compote, white nectarine, allspice and molasses interlaced with chicory, milk chocolate and a dry, silky finish. Pair with lamb chops.'

Tasting Panel 93: ‘Awash in blue, black, and red fruits, this chewy and dynamic wine spreads generously across te tongue like a cresting wave. Cherry cola, milk chocolate, and raspberry satisfyingly fuse into a sophisticated ad refined package. A joy. $24.’

Tasting Panel 94: ‘Fresh yuza and melon are bedfellows with golden sultanas and crisp Gala apple skins. The palate pluses with tropical fruit, lively acidity, and a pronounced zippy quality.’

Wine Enthusiast 95: ‘The Laurelwood, a blend of fruit from Avellana, Aurora, Issimo and Paloma Vineyards, is a Chardonnay that will take your breath away with its live-wire acidity and fresh mouthfeel. After an aroma set that includes smoky flint, passion fruit, laurel leaves and a spicy touch of ginger, the Laurelwood lights up the palate with flavors of lime zest, lemon saltwater taffy and tangy gin botanicals like juniper berries and cardamom. Only pour this wine for people that you really, really like. $43.’

Tasting Panel 91: ‘Spunky noes of caramel apple and pineapple mingle with vanilla meringue and orange oil on the nose and supple, balanced palate, while the finish adds a bit of lemon chiffon and toasty oak to the mix.’ By Wente.

Aged 9 months in French oak cooperage, 35% new. Cool and sweet southern Napa pinot without Carneros citricity. Smooth and round overall, though there is oak tannin grip in back. Great price, and surprisingly cellar worthy. 92+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'This brand's original founder Randall Grahm pushed this variety more loudly than most, and the company he started continues to champion the 'lip stinger.' Aromas of banana flower meet with wet clay and citrus peel on the nose of this bottling. The palate is tense, zippy and sharp with laser-like, citrus flavors keeping the mouth alive.'

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

Tasting Panel 93: ‘Displays depth and dash in equal measure. Honey and apricot aromas are lightly streaked with lemon and mineral nuances. Yellow plum and quince linger with a tinge of ginger.’

Wine & Spirits 91: ‘Rich and juicy, bursting with blueberry and blackberry flavors, this blend of equal parts tannat and malbec manages to present both varieties without overpowering either. Tense in its structure, it captures the syrupy-violet richness of malbec without losing the tannins of tannat, though those tannins take a few days to coalesce.’

Vineyards at 5900'; cold fermented. Really nice varietal perfume welling up with aeration. Soft fruit, dry approach. Good acid. One of the better examples around. 91/100. Attendees noted 'Citrus pith nose, grapefruit and orange.' 'Fresh and astringent.' They pondered food pairings.

Near the mouth of the valley, the coolest zone; aged a year on lees in French oak cooperage. Dark red black. Ripe black cherry. Varietal richness and give. No drawbacks. All fruit; no herb; no earth. Rich and round fruit absorbs the high alcohol, which supplies body but no heat. This source knows what to do with carmenere; always has. 92/100. In addition to cherry, attendees noted dark chocolate and dark-roast coffee beans. Some bell pepper also emerged with aeration, not uncommon in carmenere's aromatic profile.

Est. 1955 in Marlborough's Awatere Valley; a portion of the cuvee is lees aged and no malo; 3 g/L RS. Pungent citricity from one of Marlborough's cooler zones. The acid is great too, and the palate mighty flavorful. A pleasing degree of New World softness at the finale. 91/100. Enjoyed by attendees. 'Typical. Very sauvignon with some bell pepper.' 'Grapefruit and grass; dusty tone of dried grass too. Fleshy fruited, requisite acidity. I do like its singular nature.'

Tasting Panel 94: ‘Intense but not overbearing or overly pungent, this vintage refreshingly dry without being tart or too austere. Lime and grapefruit intertwine with a riper tropical note, and briny minerality lends excellent complexity on the finish.’

Parker 91: ‘The 2021 Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon spent 15 days on skins with twice daily pumpers and matured in a combination of vessels for 12 months (65% seasoned French oak, 5% new French oak, 30% in stainless steel). This is an unashamedly bright, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon that rests on a very fine rachis of tannin on the mid-palate. It is supple and fine and oh so fresh. It is modern, juicy, vibrant and crunchy, even, reminiscent of good Loire Chinon. It is also a very good value. Drink 2023-2028.’

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.

Tasting Panel 94: 'This is a terrific example of Cinsault at a great price. Vibrant notes of cherry and raspberry are irresistible, with wonderfully balanced acidity and light tannins. Excellent anytime but ideal with a light chill during summer. $17.'

10% aged in concrete eggs and clay amphorae. Oh, that's a rich and melony chenin take. The best in the series. And the body and texture provide lovely background scenes, inviting and good. Good acid adds in. Distinct from Loire of course. Still, one of the Cape's strong suits, well represented here. 91/100.

30 year old vines. Saignee method; native yeasts; 3 months on lees; no malo. Medium to full salmon. Red raspberry and strawberry aromas. Nice. Pretty good acidity for a warm year. And some positive astringency kicks in to support balance and refreshment. Well concentrated. 91/100.

Est. 1877. Vines 50 years old on pink granite and sand. Direct press; one day skin maceration; full malo. Bright, light to medium peach. Oh, this is full of pink and red fruit aromas. Zesty, peppery extras. Flavor and body up to the nose. Good acidity for a warm year. Long, tasty finish. Scores all around. 92/100.

90% grenache, 10% syrah. Fresh and fulfilled. Always a good bet. Yeah, I can put this one right to use. Grenache richness meets racy acidity. Lots of fruit flavor. 91/100.

Wine Spectator 92: ‘Streamlined and nervy, with chalk dust, lemon pith and quinine notes that zip through the lengthy, refined finish. Cue the jamón. $25.’ Montilla lies 70 miles inland from Jerez, the Sherry region.

Classic nutty-tawny fruit nose. Sweet and sassy. Oak, nut, time in oak. Not sticky, not musky like some of the cheaper ones. Fabulous value. 92/100. Its soil is likewise very chalky. Do as they do in Australia and Portugal. Enjoy your tawny port on the rocks during the warm days of summer.

Yields of 2 tons per acre; adjusted with 7-10% neutral spirits; 110 g/l residual sugar. Classic petit grains muscat nose discreetly rendered and lightly dosed. Sweet fruit. Clear, strong spirit. Overall, lightly imposed to present a wide range of dessert opportunities. 93/100.

Michigan’s first woman winemaker, Nancie Oxley, produces an astonishing range at its largest winery, all well crafted. Neat stuff. Both present and in harmony. One complex fruit wine. Yes, this works. Not too sweet. Good power and acid. Best buy. 93/100.

Glera based amaro spritz. Full red orange color, naturally. Amaro like bitter orange and botanicals mark the nose and makes almost as strong a statement as amaro straight. Sweet, with a nice bitter foil. This is a big success and value. An Aperol Spritz knockoff. 93/100.

Cellars at Hautvillers, as are Dom Perignon’s. 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.

Est. 1923; 70% parellada, 15% each xarello, macabeu; each summer since 1987, Perelada has hosted one of Europe's most prestigious music festivals; this cuvee is a tribute to its performers. The elegance of a parellada dominant cuvee. Nearer to a blanc de blancs style than last week's good Festival cuvee. And very dry on the nose. There's a good measure of yeast autolysis and lack of earthiness that echoes last week's cuvee. Yow, even drier than last week's Brut, which seemed Nature. This is an outstanding face of Cava at an outstanding price. 92/100. Well received by attendees. 'Lovely aromatic nose and flavor.' 'The Nature' part needs getting adjusted to.' 'Correct, stony cava nose.' 'Very dry austere acidity but ample fruit statement.' 'Structured. Not a party quaffer.'

85% glera, 15% pinot noir. 9 g/l RS. Light red orange. Pleasing nose of glera apple and pink pinot strawberry. Serious dryness and acidity. Mouthwatering aperitif. Both flavor and texture follow through. 92/100.

We’ve enjoyed and sold Oregon creamery Tillamook’s 2 year old Reserve Cheddar for many years. Seems it’s recently embarked on some even older cheddars. First whiff and taste here and I was in a new cheddar world, distinct from other old cheddars I’ve tasted from New England. I’m thrilled by its uniqueness. It’s about neither tang or ‘barnyard’ Something special.

That said, this 10 year old ups the ante without changing the theme. Very, very well aged and flavorful.

At Waterloo, Ontario. Dry cured, slow cured, cold wood smoked beef and pork salami seasoned with garlic and nutmeg.

The firm is in the Champagne-Ardenne area of France. Seeds for this mustard come from the Dijon area. Unique from the leading brands, and, less expensive.

Following top ratings from both Ann Arbor News and New York Times a decade or so back, Zoe went viral and became a steady fixture of AAWC sales.

I just can’t shake the great aroma of this. There’s a pound bag in the back office at VC, and it just won’t quit giving off its unique, earthy aroma. Same for the ounce bags up by the cash register. Hurry, before I buy them all!

Est. 1800s. Based on wheat flour, cracked wheat, and sunflower oil. Square shape.