Created by Caymus second generation Chuck Wagner to emulate the style of his father's homemade, everyday cabernet. Boy, it sure portrays the Caymus fashion for richness. At first sniff, I knew this fit the pattern. Then I relaxed and let it lead me to glass after glass with its generous, come hither demeanor. Not oaky like the $70 spread, it sure fulfills the fruit side of the formula. 92/100.

Tasting Panel 93: 'Luscious from the start, woith coffee and plum-skin tannins forming its backbone. Notes of black cherry and dark chocolate are memorable, as is the suede mouthfeel. $35.'

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Red and purple fruit syrup aromas meet with pencil shavings, violet, coffee and toasted nut aromas on the nose of this widely available and always reliable Cab. The palate is dry and layered in firm tannins that carry forth flavors of blackberry, oregano, coffee bean and marjoram, sliding into an elegant finish. $35.'

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is bright, lively, with aromas of dark plum, blueberry pie, clove, toasted vanilla, and notes of violets on the nose. The flavors on the palate are blackberry, boysenberry, orange cream, dried herbs, espresso, and supple tannins on the finish.'

25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in barrels, 25% new. Dry, young, and quite powerful on the nose. More fruit forgiveness, padding, flavor on the palate. That's more like it. I like the oak embellishments, already well absorbed. This will make a class bottle after 6 months' minimum additional aging. 92+/100.

Wine Spectator 94: - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 'Dynamic and precise, this features a core of steely acidity that frames expressive flavors of raspberry and guava, laced with crushed stone, forest floor and dusky spice notes that gather tension and richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033. $40.'

Rich for Sonoma Coast. And right. Plenty of pinot personality. Suave textured, good acidity. Flavorful. Generous. Lasting. Always a good bet. 92/100.

Cooler, crisper. Seems to show more barrel influence than the Riviera. Yes, more coolness and cut. Strong pinot character. Wine of place. Another consistently agreeable Pali vineyard bottling. 93/100.

60% syrah, 30% vaccarese, 10% mourvedre. Medium dark ruby. Sweet and racy vaccarese makes an impact here, and the syrah is no dullard. Very brightly rendered cuvee. The positive side of CA syrah. Kudos. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'This old vine Zinfandel is rich with aromas of spiced raspberry, strawberry, orange pekoe black tea, clove and vanilla on the nose. The mouthfeel is sumptuous with juicy tannins, aromas from the nose repeat on the palate as the delicious flavors in this wine. The finish is long and dry.'

Wine Spectator 93: 'Fragrant and vibrantly structured, with expressive raspberry, green peppercorn and roasted sage flavors that build richness and tension toward briary tannins. Drink now through 2031. $46.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Honeysuckle and pink grapefruit sweeten the palate on entry before a hint of salty Anjou pear takes the stage midway. Clean and charming.'

That good sense of dryness of a coastal-grown chardonnay. And the taste is coastal dry too. Fresh, smooth; good measure of balancing acidity. A deal. 90/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is lush, bright, with aromas of apple, Asian pear, guava, toasted oak, and notes of florals on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Yellow plum, peach, quince, clove, intertwined with orange peel, mineral, and a crisp finish. $20.'

Peachy varietal aroma. Flavor confirms, though on the more delicate side. Good acidity. Nicely structured. White WOTN. Numerous orders taken. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This wine is lively, bright, with aromas of citrus blossoms, Kaffir lime, quince, and notes of white flowers on the nose. The flavors on the palate are kumquat, yellow apple, dried coriander, Pink grapefruit peel, and a dry supple finish.'

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

44% cab sauv, 43% carmenere, plus cab franc, petit verdot, syrah. Dark maroon. Nicely balanced cuvee, varietal wise. Gran Reserva barrel extras here, from both time and extract standpoints. Rich and well balanced mouthful. Hits all the sweet spots. Well crafted indeed. 92/100.

Pale yellow. Dry, tight knit, racy, with lemon emphasis. Big burst of flavor trumps the nose. Plenty tangy. Textbook lesson in NZ sauvignon for beginners. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 95 - CELLAR SELECTION: 'A velvety, supple shiraz from both Barossa and Eden Valleys that oozes plum and blackberry jam appeal, with a lick of baking spice behind. It's as luxurious in texture as it is in aroma and flavor, the ripe tannins seamlessly tucked behind all the plush fruit, and a little alcohol heat creeping in and landing on the finish. The comparatively cool 2022 vintage makes for highly age-worthy wines and Struie is no exception. Drink 2025-2037. $55.'

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 Europhile 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.

Famille Martin; 80% merlot, 20% cab sauv; 2/3 aged a year in barrels. DIAM cork. Still youthful appearance; dense and dark red violet. Barrel influence is always clear in this cuvee, and it adds a large measure of sophistication that is not common in Blaye clarets. Seems as strong and generous as previous vintages. 2019 juiciness. Oak carries on. Always age worthy. Continues to impress me as a large and complex presentation for the price. 92+/100. Well liked by attendees. 'Lovely nose. Serious wine.' 'Some development; leather tones.' Rich and classy.' 'Nicely structured.' 'Some tannin still.'

In Entre Deux Mers; half each cab sauv and merlot, vines 20 years old. This is really substantial for vintage and region. I guess the unusually high cab sauv content can be thanked. Impressive nose. Yes, full bodied and cabernet tannic still. Perhaps some oak influence too. Geez, this is gonna get better and better, rare for a six year old, $15 bottle. Great deal, especially if the buyer shows patience. 91+/100.

75% semillon, 20% sauvignon blanc, 5% muscadelle; vine age 45-48 years; unfiltered. Semillon full, semillon waxy, old vines concentrated. Like last week's Ducasse from the same producer, this is epic semillon but here even larger and more intense. Some sulphur edge on the palate yet. And flavor suppression. No problem. This has the makeup and intensity to carry through. Top vintage here. 93+/100.

60% sauvignon, 30% semillon, 10% muscadelle. Different sauvignon region heard from. Smells farther south. And semillon roundness and muscadelle green fruit chime in loud and clear. Far superior to an earlier vintage of this tasted awhile back. Softer, rounder, fuller; all makes sense. Total harmony in varietal and all other respects. Bravo. 91/100.

At La Haye-Fouassiere; highest site of the commune, 35 year old vines on quartz sand over gneiss. This has 2020 solidity and depth. Definite terroir and mature vines statements too. Absolutely zero grey hairs. Yes, big time site, terroir, and vintage bulk in terms of Muscadet. Good balance and length. Wow, what a substantial Muscadet..and deal! 92+/100.

Est. 1948 at La Haye-Fouassiere; 2 acre walled vineyard, crown jewel of the estate; replanted in 1983; aged 2 years on lees and 5 years minimum in bottle before release; unfined. Heavy Bottle Award. Oh, my goodness! Such lees and extract nostril and sinus saturation! Yikes!/ Just as old vines and metamorphic soil concentration on the palate. Endless finish. Thanks to the winemaker's patience, it's good drinking today. Still, it will probably outlive me. 94+/100.

Chenin blanc. Medium yellow. A good, fresh vintage of this. Full, and AOC specific. 2023 combo of sweet fruit and fruit acidity poses just the right balance. Good stuff. I think it will improve too. 92+/100.

4th generation estate; 30 year old vines; 8 days' carbonic maceration. Intense, in your face gamay. Cranberry, raspberry, cherry. Yeah, about the most explicit in the series. Really concentrated for Loire gamay. No tannin. Cool it down for refreshment, and maybe to tune down its exuberance a little too. 92/100. Widely enjoyed by attendees. 'Real structure and concentration.' 'Good purity of fruit and good ripeness.' 'Should be better chilled.'

From 24 year old vines along the Cher tributary of the Loire 70 miles west of Sancerre. Surprising diversity of corks over this trio. Well, that is a really good, shrill, cutting sort of sauvignon nose. Unique indeed. I like it. Boy, just as expressive and incisive on the palate. No chardonnay divergence from pure sauvignon vigor. Well textured and long and juicy. I applaud this effort! 92/100.

Est. 1898; from 24 year old vines; 85% sauvignon blanc, 15% chardonnay. At 85% it can be labeled 'Sauvignon Blanc'. But sauvignon character is clearly tempered by the chardonnay content. Not for the worse, just different. The chardonnay adds textural breadth and depth. Pointed sauvignon aromatic citricity to the fore, the chardonnay playing a strong role in the textural aspects. Boy, this guy knows what he's doing! 92/100. Attendees noted that chardonnay added more richness and length.

From 10-65 year old vines; 85% sauvignon blanc, 15% chardonnay; Kermit Lynch selection. Well, here's the kingpin, and, true to form, it's less forward. But clearly fuller bodied. As it warms and airs, both varieties' contributions ease forth, in harmony. Yeah, this simply isn't as ready for prime time as the previous two Delaille wines. Its sense of presence both in the nose and on the palate set it apart and earn a premium. Postpone gratification. 91+/100. Attendees judged this the best of the trio.

15-20 year old vines on chalk/limestone soils of the Loire Valley. So explicit a candied cherry aroma as to suggest California pinot. Likable. Not sweet. Darker fruited on the palate. Dry, with good acidity. Little tannin. Smooth palate. Unique. 90/100. Attendees recognized and accepted its uniqueness, while not taking it serious. 'Very grapey.' 'No excesses. Gulpable.' 'Purely fruit driven pinot here. Decent party grade red.'

25+ year old vines on caillottes at Chavignol; aged 8 months on lees. Wow, ample and explicit expression of both variety and terroir. Simply has it all together, as usual. And 2023 assists, showing attributes of both 2021 race and 2022 richness, in harmony. And that's just the nose. Totally harmoniously on the palate too. Flavorful combo of 21 acid and 22 plumpness. A fine vintage here, but aren't they all? Worth every penny. And fully accomplished at present. 93/100. Widely appreciated. 'Excellent, great fruit, mineral, acid.' 'Yum!!' 'One of the best I've tasted recently.'

From 50 year old vines near Gevrey Chambertin; yields 2 tons per acre. Medium ruby. Much fuller and sweeter fruit than the appearance would suggest. That's Cote d'Or pinot! And Cote de Nuits black fruited too, particularly plum. Reads time in cooperage but no strong barrel extracts. Sweet fruit on the palate too, and good and racy fruit acidity. Beautifully balanced for aging to a complete bottle bouquet picture. Lingering aftertaste. 93+/100. Popular with attendees, though many felt it would improve markedly with more bottle age.

Est. 1877; vineyards in six Grands Crus, the most of any Beaujolais domaine; granite and schist soils; vines average 45 years. Classic black cherry Morgon nose. Plenty rich in fruit and GC material. The real deal. Oh, yes, even more explicit Morgon character in the palate. And great acidity. Flavor, balance, texture, length. Great price! 92/100. Attendees were really big on this. WOTN for one commentator.

Light and limpid. Each becoming progressively deeper colored. Seems to be oak involved by the nose, and it's positive. Doesn't overwhelm regionality. Palate suggests same. Really upscale, and likely a good ager. Lots of flavor, texture, length. Bravo. 93+/100.

The oak seems a bit more prominent and so is the fruit basis. Even more impressive, but more bottle age advised. Suaver, more 2022 like, though it might be more the cooperage influence than the vintage. A lot of material here. Needs time to level out. 93+/100.

Fuller, seemingly woodier, and more backward still. Speaks of old vines. Virtually Premier Cru significance. Yes, more-ish in every respect. Balanced enough to drink now, but there's so much more to come. Full, suave finish. 94+/100. Maybe it's just old vines, low yields, and long on lees aging that give me the 'woody' impression. I can't find much evidence of barrel use here in my internet research.

Est. 2013 at Prehy, 4 miles southwest of Chablis; vineyard at Prehy with 30-35 year old vines on Kimmeridgian limestone; native yeasts; malo; aged 10 months on lees in stainless steel. Subtle varietal aromas with a decided northern Burgundy bent. Sits comfortably on the palate, showing a combo of fruit richness and calcaire edge. A pleasant and versatile glass, not pushy at the table. 91+/100. Liked by attendees. White WOTN for at least one for its 'richness and aroma.' 'Pleasant, Chablis like, minerally, balanced.' 'Chablis bouquet, luxurious palate.'

14%. 25-30 year old vines. Is the alcohol overstated? I don't get burn or fullness on the nose. A little more give than the Perrusset that preceded it, but I suspect these Macons will show more when warmer and more fully aerated. Full fruit of 2023 and a choice village Macon. This is coming around as it warms in the mouth. Long, flavorful, balanced finish. More of all the good stuff than the decent 2022. 91+/100. Liked by attendees, who felt it would improve further with additional bottle age.

All jacquere; 6 generation family estate. Lovely and forthcoming jacquere pear like aroma. A plump and generous vintage here. 2023 sweet fruited on the palate too. Flavorful. Fine acidity for balance. The texture is more noted than ever this vintage. A plus. Due to generation change? I'm all for it. Best and most 'important' vintage yet. 92/100. Well liked by attendees, especially for its varietal accuracy and intensity.

60% marsanne, 40% roussanne; native yeasts; vinified in tonneaux, aged in seasoned barriques. That has the marsanne sort of earthy, mealy presence. Plenty of bulk. Roussanne contributes some dried peach aromas. I like its fidelity to AOC image. Ample palate presence, the alcohol level contributory, not dominant. Limitless bouquet potential for the patient. See again at age six plus. 93+/100. Developed butterscotch, oak vanillin, and marzipan with aeration. These are classic to northern Rhone marsanne-roussanne blancs with measured barrel influence.

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 for more bouquet complications. 93+/100.

Grenache, syrah, cinsault, carignan; clay-rich soil at 300 meters near Visan; 30 year old vines. That's a fresh and young one too. Warmer clime and higher alcohol show. Inviting nose. Round and gentle. Wears its spirit well. Good material and dry extract underlying all, and modicum of tannin in back. Has mid term cellar potential. 91/100.

60% grenache, 20% each syrah, mourvedre; 50 year old vines. Dark red black. Always is. Boy, this is a heavy. Emphasis on the black varieties. Rasteau like. Old vines concentrate. Full, lush fruit. Evident tannin under all that richness, and it's fine grained. A winter wine for sure. Serve with roasts and stews. 92+/100.

Est. 1923; grenache blanc, clairette, bourboulenc, roussanne, picpoul; vineyard at Roquemaure on the Right Bank. Wow, this surges forth on the nose. Mr. Big of CdR blancs. The whole package, all there, well coordinated. All the components hang together well. 2023 sweet/acid balance. Good body. Surely useful now. 91/100. Opened attendees' eyes, WIDE. 'Expressive nose; exceeds expectations.' 'Far better than I expected. Some acid, freshness, and surprising balance; nice aromatics.' 'More olfactory impressions than expected, especially without viognier.'

Wine Enthusiast 92/100. My notes: Grenache, mourvedre, syrah, carignan. Like the white, this is full. Pretty powerful too. Packed with fruit goodness, the varieties in sympathy with one another. Broad, rich, and deep in both flavor and texture. Prime time player. 92/100.

In your face southern syrah forcefulness. Black and frank. And good. There are hints of the classic syrah profile that marks those of the northern Rhone. Both sweet and black to the core. Well balanced. The tannins are at the right level to render them a plus. A very successful Med syrah. 91/100.

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.

At Wihr au Val, in the Munster Valley southwest of Turckheim whose slopes boast the highest altitudes in Alsace; 25 year old vines on decomposed granite at the bottom of south-facing slopes. Medium dark red. Riper and richer. Less fruity; a touch earthy. Not as much varietal ID. More about terroir. The taste and texture are pinot smooth and accommodating in youth. Good acidity. Light dusting of tannin. Likely to improve. 91+/100.

Est. 1580 at Equisheim; vines 10-25 years old. Heavy Bottle Award. Medium dark ruby. Different again. More reticent, but there's a deep and clear and bright pinot cherry sense lurking. Good richness. 2022 smooth yet with adequate acidity for balance. This has even more potential to improve in the bottle. I applaud the moderate alcohol levels in these. 91+/100.

Est. 1810; 350 acres at Guebwiller, half in Grands Crus; 80% from Grand Cru Bollenberg, 20% from Grand Cru Saering; aged 10 months in seasoned tuns. Medium red. This is fruity and pinot specific. Southern reaches and Grand Cru steep, south facing slopes work to fill this out. Plenty of material and richness. Oh, yes, this has body, sweetness, roundness, plentitude. While a distinctly Alsace take on pinot. Good sweet/acid balance. 93+/100.

Created in 1967 when Marie-Therese Rolly married Louis Gassmann; at Rorschwihr, north of Colmar; from neighboring Rodern on blue marl/granitic soil. Medium to medium dark red. I can see the soil distinction, smell the marl and granite contributions that make this unique. Love it. Good 2019 flow. Full of flavor. Inviting current meal time service. Decent acidity, if not a marked as in some of these. 91+/100.

Est. 1639; at Riquewihr; 23 year old vines; yields of 3 tons per acre. Medium red. A beautiful, stylish Hugel rendering. Plenty fruity and fully harmonious aromatics. Oh, yes, that Hugel suavity and balance. As generous in flavor as aroma. Good acidity, and the superior strength fulls it out well. Classic, I'd say. And ready to serve. 92/100.

Fifth generation; at Molsheim, near Strasbourg. Darkest of the lot, if not 'inky'. Full bodied and of more strength than many in the set. Plenty of material if in something of an aromatic trough at age seven. 2018 plump and smooth. More flavor than aroma and, again, good body. Light, fine grained tannin remains to suggest this will hold up at least months more while its nascent bouquet builds. I have confidence. Entertaining set. No two alike. 91+/100.

The most consumed wine on flights of the Graf Zeppelin fleet of dirigibles. Nice to find no SUS. Dirk's a great winemaker. This is classic to the series for its relative delicacy and freshness. Dirk Richter seems to be drying this up some over the years, as the market finds that style more to its liking Fresh, even brisk. Vigorous nostril tingle . It's not dry on the palate but drier than it used to be. Flavorful. Maintains acid verve. Flavorful and balanced. 91/100. Attendees enjoyed this. 'A nice wine with good acid and riesling character.'

Remarkably deeper in color despite same vintage and vineyard. Oh, that is more-ish. Much more richness, depth, aromatic range, substance, all. Proper feinherb level of sweetness vs acidity. Flavor and texture more prominent and lasting. 92+/100.

Just released from the Becker cellar; 34 g/l RS. 2008 dark and firm. How well these innate vintage characteristics have maintained themselves over 16 years. Not a lot of aroma/bouquet. Just significant SUBSTANCE. Clearly the sweetest of the trio (22, 21, 08), as stated. Much of its anticipated evolution has been retarded by storage in the cold Becker cellar. Though it's the oldest of the three, I'd be keeping it the longest. 94++/100.

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.'

Est. 1171; mainly from Gaisberg and Heiligenstein; vines under 15 years old. Impressive presence in the nostrils, both aroma and texture wise. Yes, flavorful, balanced. Just so comfortable on the palate. The flavors build through the finish. 93/100.

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.

At the southern edge of Galicia, on slopes overlooking the Avia River, the Carreiro family vineyards lie in the 'Golden Mile' of the DO, a singular terroir ideal for indigenous grape varieties like treixadura; minuscule yields. Surprisingly heavy bottle. This blossomed with aeration to become a group favorite. 'Sweet fruited; tropical notes, fruit cocktail; penetrating bouquet.' 'Crisp acid, good extract.' Very interesting; unique; nice wine.' 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.

Wine Spectator 91 - SMART BUY: 'Ripe black cherry and black plum fruit flavors are laced with lavish hints of vanilla, tar and cedar in this dark, deep red, animated by mandarin orange peel acidity. The lingering finish, trimmed by fine, taut tannins, offers medicinal herb and mineral details. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2035.'

85% tempranillo, 15% graciano; 20 months in French and American oak barrels. Just tasted the 2018, and what should appear? 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.'

Aged a year in French oak barrels. Very woody as usual. And strong. In your face Gil Jumilla style. Yes, the oak and the power. Old vines fruit concentration too. Can't fault its generosity. Woody aftertaste and long. Steakhouse red. 91/100.

45% monastrell, 45% cab sauv, 10% syrah. Aged a year in French and American oak barrels. Ruddier color with age. Even more oak, led by the frank American oak statement. But riper, richer fruit triumph over the wood. The French varieties ripen fully in Jumilla, that's for sure. Nice tete a tete, both filling a niche at good prices. 92/100.

9%; dry; all muscadelle. If it's muscadelle de bordelaise, it's not nearly as aromatic as the Bordeaux versions. But not out of character. The acidity is even more bracing than the nose suggests. Some astringency as well, which is not alien to the variety. Interesting and useful. 90/100.

Aged 62 months, 18 in cooperage. Medium dark red brown. The vintage's innate rich and ripe fruit survives its aging regimen. Earned bouquet and suavity too. Yes, 2019 fruit keeps it from being too dried out with age. Reasonably priced Barolo riserva with the proper character. Tannins pretty much melted away. More bottle bouquet to come, remarkably enough. 92+/100.

Wine Spectator 96: 'A beam of fresh cherry and strawberry permeates this graceful red, driven by a vibrant structure. Flashes of sun-kissed hay, iron and mint add depth as this cruises to a lingering conclusion. Very harmonious, with a chalky sensation on the long, complex aftertaste. Best from 2028 through 2050. $80.'

From Pietro Ratti's vineyards in Roero. The medium dark, red orange appearance of nebbiolo. A rich, dense take on this DOCG, which the appearance belies. Nebbiolo cherry, tar, rose, and glycerol. All over again on the palate. Good acid and only modest tannin, of the fine grained sort. Flavorful and long. Just a classic Ratti take on Langhe nebbiolo, neither modern nor old time. 92+/100.

Dark red violet. Moderately intense. Accurate Asti take ohn barbera. It has more give than an Alba version. Cherry and black pepper. Richer mouthful than the nose would suggest. Balance of acid and fruit sweetness. A bargain in its class. 91/100.

Piemonte winery best known for its old vines Barolo. Good cortese ID and concentration. Yes, pear and sage. Nice 2023 equilibrium, balance of ripe and tart. Flavorful and accurate. Decent, if not striking length and aftertaste. Good value Gavi. 91/100. This thrived with aeration. Maybe WOTN, value considered. Many orders taken. 'Lovely fresh fruit nose. Big delish flavor and great acid.' 'Yellow pear and florals. Weighty palate. Fresh acidity. Herbal essences developing.'

Sauvignon blanc and riesling, plus nascetta from a single vineyard in the village of Anascella in Novello. As always, my nose points out both the sauvignon and riesling, strange bedfellows that Vajra manages to marry well. And that back door johnny nascetta can't be denied. Masterful concoction. In youth, more confined and less demonstrative on the palate. The components are all there though. Great winemaking. 92+/100. Well liked by attendees. 'A lovely wine, even into the next day.' 'Peachy nose and palate; well delineated; grapefruit acidity.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Lemon-lime sorbet is accented by a sprig of thyme and stony minerality. Clean and focused, with summer pear and a hint of ginger. $14.'

All turbiana; 30 year old vines on white clay. Fuller bodied, aromatically less forthcoming. But accurate and nice. Swells with aeration. Yeah, that's a richer mouthful, and the flavors slowly emerge as it warms on the palate. Spot on too, and will wax big over the coming weeks. 91+/100. Even more aromatics came forth for attendees after aeration. Well liked. 'Lovely fruit and balance; very nice.'

Vineyards around Udine and Pordenone, close to the Adriatic. Oh, boy, super intense lime, mango, and passion fruit aromas, so pointed and penetrating. These are always the characteristics here but rarely with such vivacity. Almost as exuberant on the palate. Good acidity. My oh my, what a value. 92/100. Widely liked by attendees and considered a best buy.

Est. 1998; lambrusco variety named for its red peduncles; 12 g/l RS (dry). Very dark red violet. Good at a cool temperature. The aromatics are dampened some, but the gas is preserved, the wine refreshing, and no tannin issues. Truly dry, with good acidity. This will make a great 'cutting' experience to oily fare. Definitely serves a purpose. Goes where no other wine has gone before. 92/100.

Alicante nero (grenache), with mourvedre, carignan, sangiovese, and alicante bouschet. Medium carmine,/ A sweet smelling, well coordinated melange. Come hither. Sweet fruit on the palate too. Good acidity for balance. Flavorful and even handed through the finish. No brainer. 91/100. Popular with attendees for the very same reasons I expressed. 'Good fun.' 'Lots of flavor and doesn't need aging.' 'Spicy, peppery, and refreshing.' 'Good acid and little or no tannin.'

From Chianti Rufina. Rich red and black fruits. A modern, accessiable style of sangioves. Soo alluring on to sniff!/ Oh, year, big time rich, fruity, spicy palate, with just the right balance of fruit sweetness and acidity. Best vintage yet of this consistent winner. 91/100.

Est. 1996 in Bolgheri; vermentino vineyard planted 2003 in Maremma; 5% viognier. More body from its extra degree of alcohol. Very bright pit fruit varietal character, the viognier minority in sympathy and, to a degree, complexing. Plump and flavorful, with good acid and alcohol to counter its innate richness. Long lasting varietal flavor spectrum. Well priced in its field. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Aromas of peonies, rose petals, citrus blossoms, new leather and fresh fennel swirl together on a floral, saline nose, before a palate where wild cherries, strawberries and more citrus notes join the fun. On the finish, herbs take over for the flowers and work with taut tannins for a savory effect. $25.'

Est. mid 19th century; mainly prunolo gentile, with a little canaiolo and merlot; vines planted in 1970, 1993, 1997, and 2001; yields under 3 tons per acre. Lifted, plus dry, and elegant. I love this year after year. Yes, the ultimate elegance of prunolo gentile, right down to the cherished violets aromatics. Well balanced and ready to enjoy. 92/100.

Wonderfully keen varietal character in 2019. It's both intense and elegant. Bravo. And sweet fruited. With some oak spices and tannin as well as fruit tannin. Long and flavorful, well balanced. Well priced in its field. 95+/100.

Sangiovese, sagrantino, merlot. Very dark fruited for a sangiovese leading cuvee. Impressive. Cherry concentrate. Yeah, dark and dense. Flavorful and textured. Worth the price for sure. Spreads out all over the palate. 92+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 94/100. My notes:. Deeper color, ruddier with age. Grand scale and complexity that is sagrantino. Serious stuff. Big flavor concentration. Sweet fruit coats the tannin. Ambitious. Worth the price. 94+/100.

Dark red violet. Sweet style of Gran Sasso and that cherished extra violets aroma. In tune with the series, style and quality wise. Yes, sweet fruited, flavorful, generous, well balanced by acidity. And fine grained tannin. Lasting finish. Up to snuff. 92/100.

16 year old vines. Dark red violet. Really exceptionally concentrated for the vintage. Near essence of aglianico. Black and peppery varietal character with Campanian terroir. Just right. One of the densest vintages of this I've tasted. Thorough. Yes, fruity, spicy, peppery, vigorous, and always well priced. Great source. 92+/100. Very popular with attendees, as always; orders taken. 'Super lovely and rich nose and flavor. 'Very varietal and regional characters.' 'Rich, ripe, and warming.' Good acid, with requisite structure and proper tannins.' 'Delicious!'

Grown on the vineyards of the hilly countryside of Gibellina, 300 meters above sea level. Well, that's quite the personality laden grillo!/ More vinous than fruity on the palate. More conventional grillo. Still, this is a cut above many, and very fairly priced. Well balanced. Wide table-time uses. 91/100. Positive comments from attendees. 'Greenish nose; unique, interesting flavor; easy drinking.' 'Tropical fruit nose; mineral undertones; perfumed palate; approachable, entertaining.'

Est. 1239; one of the oldest wine cellars in Europe; furmint, pinot blanc, welschriesling,, riesling, chardonnay. Very nice symphony of grape varieties as always. One can lay back and just enjoy this as a quaffer or contemplate its multi aromatic statements. Good fun either way. The choices are both present on the palate too, shading toward the quaffing appeal. My best selling (Yugo) slavian wine. Case buyers. 91/100. Enjoyed by attendees and judged a good value in liter bottle.

Est. 1997; leading Georgian red variety; originating in Kakheti, it is now planted widely in other west Asia countries; a teinturier grape (red juice), it yields full colored wines of good acidity. Dark red violet. Plenty of dark fruited peels material as well as red juice. Well saturated black cherry-berry profile. Full and flavorful. Good acidity, balance, texture length. This variety just keeps on pleasing me. 91/100.

Vines averaging 30 years. Fresh, young, lovely strawberry aroma of Loire pinot. Good flavor confirmation that shows even more intensity. There's just the right body and equilibrium to make this a prime example of its genre. Kudos to the lightest of hippos. 93/100. Attendees became equally enthusiastic over this, though it took its time to express itself. Its ultra delicacy plus crisp acidity were highlights.

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.

90% grenache, 10% syrah. Baby pink. Elegant fruit forming in late summer. In tune with the series. Pretty rich as these go. Ready to enjoy. 90/100.

Deeper and more significant nose than the Penya rose. The fruit is somewhat retarded still on the nose. These usually take longer to fulfill. Fuller bodied. More texture. This is a damn good mouthful right now, well ahead of the usual progress this cuvee makes. Bravo. 92+/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.

Family NM est. 1985 at Reims; half the grapes sourced from estate vineyards in Grands and Premiers Crus; 35% each chardonnay, pinot noir, 30% meunier; 65% 2019, 35% reserve vintages; aged four years en tirage. Meunier gives its appley perspective to the cuvee. For the level of reserve wines and time en tirage, this is not as doughy as I expected. Good though. Well proportioned overall. It's high brut up front, but then the reserves and age en tirage chime in with agreeable dryness and yeast autolysis character. Pulls through on the finish. 93/100. Well liked by attendees. 'Fresh, rich, and good; decent price.' 'Appealing nose; apple tart.' 'Nice balance of reserve and base vintage components.' 'Quite pleasant autolysis notes.'