48% merlot, 25% cab franc, 18% petit verdot, 9% cab sauv. Dark red violet. Distinctively Red Mt. black, sweet, and powerful. Barrel extras. I love the nose. Sweet and flowing fruit appeal. Well balanced. Flavorful taste and aftertaste. Nice, subtle barrel complex. Melted tannin. Take it to the table. 92+/100.

49% cab sauv, 39% merlot, 5% each malbec, petit verdot; 2% cab franc. Aged 20 months in French, Eastern Europe, and American oak, 20% new. Dark red black color. Cabernet meaty, somewhat Paso sweet. Barrel tempered. A well rendered cuvee--always is. Good acid and balance. Not Paso sweet on the palate. Consistent. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Pleasing and accessible aromas of black cherry, oregano,, smoke and wet loam show on the nose.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This dazzler is packing some brawny tannins to back rich flavors of red raspberries, bittersweet dark chocolate and a meaty quality similar to baked Thai chicken. Very difficult to beat for 20 dollars.'

A lot of oak spice intrigue to complement the rich, bold SLH and Pisoni approach to pinot. Has what it takes to justify the tariff. Complex of oak, fruit, and AVA savors. Hard to image the single vineyard cuvees could be much better than this. 94/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'Pay attention to the rise of Gamay in the Santa Lucia Highlands, because the grape shows tremendous character and charm in the appellation. Tightly woven aromas of dark cherry, boysenberry, rosewater and lilac lead from the nose into a juicy palate, where lovely cherry and berry flavors are lifted by candied lilac and a loamy minerality.'

Wine Spectator 91: 'Generous and zesty, with lively raspberry, smoked pepper and sweet anise flavors that pick up speed toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031. $28.'

Wine Spectator 92: 'Savory and refined, with well-built huckleberry and pomegranate flavors that take on smoky meat and black pepper accents, finishing with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. $30.'

Tasting Panel 93: 'Velvety notes of black cherry, coffee bean, and mocha line the mouth as dark plum, black olive, and black pepper wrap around a core of sleek tannins.'

Wine Spectator 93: 'Captures the best of Paso Robles Zinfandel, deeply structured and appealingly briary, with notes of bright cherry, brown baking spices and orange peel that finish with fleshy tannins. Drink now through 2032.'

Wine Enthusiast 93 - HIDDEN GEM: 'Complex and elegantly composed, this delicious and appetizing wine seamlessly blends crisp citrus, ripe cantaloupe, minerals and subtle spices backed by mouthwatering acidity. Best through 2028.'

Gold Medal - MI Wine Collaborative Judging. Clear of barrel influence, and crisp. Light citrus and apple. Very nicely balanced. No evident malo or wood. Cool climate and in tune with the best MI chardonnay made in the same mold. Lingers and refreshes. Best vintage yet in this series. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 95: 'This smooth, harmonious, silky wine offers a seamless melange of apples, peaches, almonds and vanilla, while subtle acidity persists on the palate and helps the fruit flavors echo on the finish.'

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Beautifully layered, creamy and rich but also balanced by toasty oak and acidity, this wine fascinates from the first of toasted baguette to the rich palate of figs, poached pears and pastry cream and the lingering, lazy finish. $38.'

Pearly appearance. A lightly fragrant and proper OR viognier aroma. And flavor. Good body, acid, texture, balance. Surely versatile at the table. 92/100.

10.5%; 88% picpoul from Beeswax, Rava, and Sweetwater vineyards, 12% vermentino from Creston Ridge vineyard. Well conceived, well executed. The modest alcohol level is appreciated. CA coaxes more aromatic properties from picpoul than Pinet. Still, the vermentino plays more than a minor role in same. Honey, pear, flowers. Even more bountiful and welcome flavors than aromas. Kudos to the winegrower and winemaker alike. Pretty long finish, well balanced. 92/100.

Ungrafted vines planted in 1986. My goodness, that is expressive! Suggestions of barrel influence even, though it's probably lees aging talking. Positively pungent pinot gris. Full bodied and textured and flavored. Round and powerful. The power more than the acid seems to supply the balance. Unique among its peers--or any pinot gris in the world, I suppose. Demands rich fare. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This is a stunning Riesling value, with wonderful aromas of nectarine, rose water, orange sorbet and a hint of clove.'

Tasting Panel 91: 'Highly expressive aromas are reminiscent of red fruit like cherry and strawberry with a touch of spice. This is a smooth juicy, crisp, full-bodied wine with a pleasant mouthfeel, great varietal character, and a delightful finish.'

Wine Spectator 91: 'Complex and engaging, showing citrus peel, mountain herb and mineral notes amid a floral-tinged core of red berries, enlivened by fresh acidity and lingering around slightly chalky tannins. Drink now through 2030.'

Wow, dark, hearty, powerful. This is one loaded malbec, well worth the premium price. The palate is equally well endowed with flavor, texture, and strength. Useful now. 92/100.

Wine Spectator 91: 'Shows appealingly fresh, juicy and vibrant cranberry, strawberry and raspberry flavors, with firm matcha notes. Reveals white pepper and lavender accents on the finish, where the texture takes on an appealing creamy edge.'

Wine Spectator 95 - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 'Distinctive, succulent and wonderfully complex, offering stone fruit flavors on a rich, smooth and mouthwateringly juicy frame, with notes of honeysuckle, honey-preserved ginger, creamy lemon curd, ripe mango and flowers. Hints of spices linger on the long, expressive finish.'

Red-black cab sauv color. The form and depth of Coonawarra cabernet. And the class. Yes, structure confirmed. Good regional acidity. Tannin to shed and flavor development to earn. Well poised, well priced. 92+/100.

Medium dark, slightly ruddy red. Swartland sweetness to the nose. A rightful Cape take on cinsault. Yes, sweet cherry-orange cinsault character. A textbook example. 91/100.

Dark. Gaining a ruddy cast. Cussac's Saint Julien like sweet roundness. A 2016 softening nicely now on the nose. Good 16 structure and linear style. Flavorful. Good acid. Still some tannin to shed. Well poised. 92+/100.

Second wine of Grand Cru Malartic Lagraviere; 83% merlot, 12% cab sauv, 5% petit verdot; 16 months in barrels, 25% new; Decanter 91/100. Dark ruby and earning some rim ruddiness. Well, the sweetness of merlot, the black earth impression I get from good Graves clarets, though, of course, that's not the terroir. Nice flow of 2019. Barrel contributions are now nicely absorbed. Has vintage and Malartic stylishness about it. And a promising, mid term development potential. 92+/100. Well liked: 'really good; classy; very rich, long flavors; great value.'

By the de Bouards of Chateau Angelus. From vineyards they own in Castillon and Saint Colombe on clay-limestone slopes. Rises above its humble appellation. Angelus sophistication airs. Good barrel elevage. Yes, complicated, princely, pleasure giving already. Worth the price. 93+/100.

Vigneron at Rimons, Entre deux Mers; 50% merlot, 25% each of the cabernets; 30 year old vines. Her wines are nothing if not elegant, and this claret suits the series. It's not as sweet and ripe and many a 2018. It has classic claret refinement, moderation. That's an harmonious presentation of varietals. Balance of sweet/acid too. A little fine tannin to resolve, but it won't interfere with table service at present. Bravo. 91+/100.

By the family behind Pomerol's Vieux Chateau Certan. Lemon yellow. Full bodied. Aging gracefully. Impression of time in cooperage. Palate echoes all. This has body and texture for food. A hand sell due to a five year old vintage on the label. That's what we do. 91/100.

Half each sauvignon blanc, colombard. I believe it used to be all colombard. Sauvignon enriches this nicely. Maybe all colombard would have been too lean in cool 2021. Well, there's good cut here. I mean, both varieties are known for crispness. Strange to see sauvignon in something of a 'softener' role. I take pleasure in the perplexing paradox. 91/100.

Primarily of Loire origin. Very fruity. Stone fruit more than citrus. Unique and attractive. Yes, stone fruit emphasis on the palate too. Won't be denied. Appealing approach to sauvignon. 90/100.

From gravel and sand soils at Cravant les Coteaux on the Vienne; planted between 1985 and 1988. Fresh and crisp 2021 and cuvee style. This is from the lightest soil strata and made to be enjoyed early. Sure plays the role on the nose. Good sweetness to the fruit too. Good 2021 acid, while the fruit is admirably ripe, not green. Suave and inviting. No tannin. Could serve cool. 91/100.

Dry, dusty nose. Quince to the fore. Promising nasal texture play. The palate is equally dry, chalky. Calcaire talking. Lime joins quince. Quite the fine cooperative effort. Got to have it. 92/100.

At Bois l'Abbaye - Bue; 35-40 year old vines on the slopes Grand Chemarin, Petit Chemarin, Chene Marchand. Relative richness of the Bue slopes. Indeed, this is quite the big boy, emulating if not quite matching Jean-Max Roger's. Ripe and round and flavorful in 2022. Plenty of body and texture. A certain peachiness that carries one into a Pouilly Fume. Rallying acidity at the end to supply welcome balance. And length. Good show. Worth the price, which is no longer 'premium' for Sancerre these days. 93/100.

A style apart. Emphasizes freshness, briskness. Nostril penetrating. Always is. Plenty of acid and body here too. More of a citrus than peach leaning. Damn good. Indeed, a highlight in the series. 93/100.

Deep maroon. A rich, round and distinctive take on gamay. Smell the granite! One of the most generous of Serol's I've nosed. Great acid cut, especially for the vintage. Tangy and lasting. To the table you must go. 92/100.

Est. 2019 by the Henri Gouges family to extend its talents beyond the borders of its Nuits Saint Georges estate; from the base of the vineyard Des Petits Chaliots at Nuits Saint Georges. Cork reads 'Bourgogne Cote d'Or'. Dark purple color typical of a Gouges wine. Oh, this is sweet and all enveloping, especially for 2020. Spicy too. Barrel influenced in the best way. My first Gouges negoc wine. I'm impressed. It's not as backward as the young estate wines. Yes, lusher, more forward. 20 structure and tannin all the same. Deal. 94+/100.

Est. 1980; vineyard in the northwest sector next to Clos des Mouches; vines average 40 years; aged 15 months in barrels, 30% new; unfined, unfiltered. Beaune soft, broad, and, as always, an undefinable take on pinot. It does bear a resemblance to Clos des Mouches I've tasted. Great acidity, considerable but fine-grained tannins. Premier Cru stature, significance. And that Girardin combo of tradition and modernity. Not abrasive; still, there's lots of aromatic growth to go. 94+/100. Wine of the Night. Many orders taken.

Fresh, bright, Grand Cru large. That special something about Cote de Brouilly, hard to define but always present here in spades. Everything just lays together right in 2022. Yeah, it's a sort of cherry-cranberry amalgam. Both GC weight and lift as well. A can't miss source. 93/100.

Sauvignon blanc from the Auxerre area near Chablis; vines average 15 years; aged 4 months on lees. The rounder, richer take on sauvignon versus Loire versions. The goods are there. On the palate, that juicy sauvignon combo of citrus and soft tropical fruits materializes, and it's delicious to taste. 2021 supplies the acidity. I like the price too, modest today for its genre. Very satisfactory overall. 91/100.

Vineyard. between Milly and Fleys; 25 year old vines. Nice and fresh, unabashedly unwooded, and nearly as crisp as the 2021. Calcaire notions. Lemony flavor. Brisk acid. Ready to take to the table. A tyro's guide to Chablis. 91/100.

Following the village Chablis, fuller color. Fuller nose. More volume, depth, spread, aromatic interest. Yes, that step up to Premier Cru oomph. And there's more to come. I'd be cellaring this at least six months to get my money's worth, as reasonably priced a Premier Cru that it is. 92+/100.

From a site that is mostly Premier Cru and sits just up-slope from Meursault Vireux; 20 months in barrels; unfined, unfiltered. Tasted after Dupont's 2020 Bourgogne Blanc, Meursault related too, for sure. With more high elevation Auxey lift. The oak is more apparent here, and I don't mind that a bit. Kind of a shame not to spread these two gems over a couple of tastings. Still, the immediate comparison is illustrative. More acidity at the higher elevation. Oak well integrated, though some wood tannin is evident. Well balanced for the present; loads ahead for the future. 96+/100.

At Buxy. Quite a full bodied aligote, as Chalonnais versions are apt to be. 2020 delivery, earned suavity, and hale and hearty at age three. Yes, even an air of sophistication. Perhaps some barrel influence. Good power, really. I may be talking myself into stocking this. 91/100.

Cooperative of 40 winegrowers est. 1928; AOC est. 1998. Shy nose. Some herbal aspects. More amplitude on the palate. And roundness and ripeness for 2021. A serious wine, balanced and distinctive; unlike any other Macon Cru. And reasonably priced. 91+/100.

Wine Spectator 92: 'A generous, alluring red, with red currant and cassis amped up with sweet spices, tarragon and singed cedar. Reveals cured salumi notes that add earthy, animal richness to the dense palate, firmed up by savory acidity and slightly chewy tannins. Offers a spine of iron that reins in the lushness. Drink now through 2030.'

Full dark red violet despite the cool year. Oh, cool 2021 is working to Cornas' advantage. This has lift and race, and a more northern Rhone Septentrionale demeanor. I love it. Yes, not the usual young Cornas bearish take. There's enough forward ease and flow to suggest present service with game. The bouquet will come later. 94+/100.

80% grenache, 20% syrah; at Tulette near Visan on the Left Bank. Rich and ripe and forward 2019 style. Spot on. With good acid cut. Well balanced. Little tannin. Wants food. 91/100.

50% roussanne, 20% grenache blanc, 20% viognier, 10% bourboulenc, vines averaging 55 years. Well conceived encepagement. Roussanne in the lead, peachy and padded. Grenache blanc adding to the bulk, viognier to the perfume. Tempered by bourboulenc green fruit. Works!/ Totally harmonious cuvee, the bourboulenc even a stronger player on the palate. And the alcohol is modest by appellation standards, which makes it more flexible at the table. Choose either finny or feathered friends. 91/100.

Terraced vineyards on the Dentelles massif; 50% grenache, 40% syrah, 10% mourvedre; unfiltered. Dark red violet. No problem reaching full alcohol potential this cool year. Conceals it well on the nose. Good power and presence on the palate. Good acidity too. 91+/100.

Wine Spectator 93: 'A generous and polished red, with lush layers of red cherry compote, boysenberry, licorice and violet. Polished and voluptuous on the creamy palate, with tarragon notes. Well-built, with fine-grained tannins and graphite driving the long, svelte, cedar-kissed finish. Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. Best from 2026 through 2032. $45.'

Wine Spectator 92: 'Round and softened by time, this wine's bottle aging has brought out softened tobacco notes that layer over cherry and bitter almond skin. Reveals orange peel acidity and cocoa bean on the palate, with campfire and olive tapenade accents. Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. Drink now through 2028. $62.'

One third each. Good harmony of the three. This sits right. 2021 cool and of moderate alcohol (13%). Rangy prospects at the table. 91/100.

Near as I can derive, it's niellucciu. The Clos doesn't seem to grow any mainland grapes. Medium dark ruby. Fresh, deep, and satisfying rouge, crisp edged, smooth centered. Delicious freshness and flavor set unto its own. Long and balanced and tasty finish. Got to have it. 91/100.

A lighter ruby cast. Limpid. More red than black fruit. Again, the combo of crisp and smooth. These are entirely illustrative of varietals and terroir, and bargain priced. Yields its fruit character even easier. Very bright in both flavor and acidity. Got to have both. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'There is a beautiful harmony ibn this white, between the well-defined flavors of apricot, cantaloupe, baked pear and all-spice, and its prominent acidity that lends it a vivid structure.'

Subregion on the Mino, 30 miles from the Atlantic. The greater softness of 2022 noted versus the super crisp 2021. It's flattering. Pungent honeysuckle and orange blossom varietal aromas. Juicy palate reads it's not so soft after all. Harmonious flavors and texture. Just lays so right on the palate. 91/100. Appreciated by the group for both its accuracy and pungency.

Wine Spectator 91: 'Crushed blackberry and boysenberry fruit is dark and ripe in this red, accented by hints of dried lavender, woodsy spices and a subtle underpinning of loamy earth and mineral. Fresh, with light, creamy tannins. Drink now through 2026.'

Wine Enthusiast 94 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'Aromas of anise, cassis and black raspberry with a touch of smoked charcuterie. $32.'

Vinous 91: 'Pale, green-hued yellow. An incisive bouquet evokes Meyer lemon, nectarine and pungent flowers, and a minerally accent builds with air. Energetic citrus and orchard fruit flavors are underscored by a vein of chalky minerality and turn deeper through the midpalate. Spreads out steadily on the long, silky finish, which echoes the citrus fruit and floral notes. Drink now-2025.'

35 year old vines. 18 months in American oak. Now we're getting somewhere. This has distinct barrel aged attributes and the traditional integrity of AMERICAN oak barrels in Rioja. Bravo. Yeah, more abundant oak and fruit characters than the crianza shows. In harmony. Good price too. Long, balanced finish. 93+/100.

Sweet and sassy. One of the best vintages of this. Cool 2021 supplies the sassy part. The palate echoes its varietal, regional, and vintage properties. Not as alcoholic as some vintages. Virtually a quaffer in 21. 91/100.

Cabernet dark red black. Clear, cool, high altitude take. Logical Navarra cabernet. Dark cabernet blackberry fruit. Yes, clear and cool. Fine tannin. Good acid. Well balanced. Useful now. 91/100.

85% grenache, 15% cab sauv. The warmth of grenache even in a cool zone and vintage. Great 2021 acidity. Good grip and backbone of the cabernet component. More-ish, thanks to the cuvee's makeup. Also good drinking now. 91+/100.

Wine Spectator 92: 'Delivers a whiff of grilled beef that gives way to flavors of cherry, raspberry, rose hip and mineral. Compact, even austere, as assertive tannins emerge on the resonant finish. Best from 2026 through 2045. $40.'

From vineyards in Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso. That's sweet smelling, round, viscous. More forward appeal than recent vintages. Cherry, tar. The palate reflects the good nebbiolo glycerol level too. Suave, yielding. Yes, indeed, I like it better than the recent run, which was well rated by critics all the same. Not particularly tannic. Still, there's promise it will fill out further with more bottle age. 92+/100. According to the attendee that took the partial bottle home, it improved into the next day and was enjoyed with a hearty bean soup.

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Hits it on all levels with aromas of plum, mixed berries in all their forms from fresh to preserved, wildflowers and dried herbs. $25.'

Wine Spectator 92: 'A mouthwatering white, with vivacious acidity buoying flavors of pineapple, pink grapefruit granita and hints of fresh tarragon, fleur de sel and almond blossoms. Well-knit and stylish, with the flavor range persisting on the long finish. Drink now through 2028. $42.'

All kerner; schist, gneiss, and quartzite soils at 650-800 meters; native yeasts. Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Ripe stone and orchard fruits bound out of the glass while subtle hints of dried flowers, spice and wet slate gently follow the upfront fruit notes.'.

Est. 1848; fifth generation family estate, one of the oldest in South Tyrol. I can sense the body and grey peels extracts of grigio. On the palate, the varietal character blossoms as the wine warms in my mouth. It's still not terribly expressive yet, but there's such a sense of harmony that I have total confidence in its coming to full fruition in a matter of weeks. 91+/100. Well liked by attendees and reported to stay at the same high plateau into the next day.

In Cormons, Collio Goriziano. 50 year old vines. 40% friulano, 40% pinot bianco, 20% malvasia istriana. This has a 2018 and old vines richness to it. Friulano distinction tweaked by the malvasia strain. Pinot bianco along for the ride. Good acid for vintage and a lots of textural mouth spiel. Would like to try with carbonara. 93/100.

50 year old vines. A little spritz still--surprise. Varietal character and old vines oomph. Silky. Good acid again. Younger and simpler in presentation. Good example. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 96 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'Shows a fresh nix of strawberry, boysenberry and pomegranate that gives way to intense floral notes, wild herbs and game.'

Wine Spectator 94 - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 'his classy red is notable for the supple texture as much as the cherry, plum, loam, mineral and spice flavors. Dense, vibrant and complex, with fine balance and a long, fruity, minerally aftertaste. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2045. $53.'

Wine Spectator 93: 'A complex red, with a core of cherry and strawberry fruit framed by almond, loamy earth and iron notes. Silky yet solidly built, with excellent balance and a long, fruit? and mineral-tinged aftertaste. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Best from 2025 through 2033.'

In the southwest sector; aged 10 months in barrels. Plenty of both richness and flash in the forward 2018 vintage as it nears age 5. One of the more pliant RdMs I've nosed. I like it. Yes, this has already earned a degree of suavity while retaining the dry, astute form of brunello. The tannins are melting away nicely. A now or later, win-win opportunity. 91+/100. List price: $27.

Light gold hue. Settling into a mellow honey and nuts bouquet. Actually, fresher than the last time I tasted it. Dry. Well balanced. Quite flavorful. Certainly meal worthy. At a good stage. 91/100.

Surprisingly, a shade paler. Even more of the honey-nut granola sort of thing. Superior acidity of 2016 keeps it brisk and bright. Considerable bulk too. Nectar on aftertaste, though no sweetness. Another meal time candidate. 92/100.

Boy, that's got a lot of dry extract. A nose you can feel. Mouthfilling too. The weightiest and most textured of the lot. 91+/100.

40 year old vines; aged 3 months on lees. Soft, ample, agreeably balanced presentation renders this entirely appealing in youth. And the palate confirms its welcoming, open armed approach. Aroma and flavor both subtle and correct. Adequate acidity for refreshment. Virtually a quaffer. 91/100. Aromatics blossomed and spread out as this aired, winning attendees' admiration as have previous vintages.

From the hilly section of the region. Welcome moderation at 12%. Spot on cool year monte with lots of classy varietal character. Good race and ripeness both. Yeah, both, plus extract, texture, flavor, balance, acid for food. 91/100.

Of aglianico; Campania's leading red wine DOCG. Aged a year in French barriques and a year in Slavonian oak casks. Well, both the oak and the stoutness of Taurasi to handle that much oak are well illustrated. And the sweetness of 2018 ripe fruit. Great acid for 2018. All bodes well for long life in the cellar at a bargain price as Taurasis go. 93+/100.

That''s accurate and 2021 crisp and subtle. Hint of honey flavor. Dry and brisk in 2021. Another good example of its varietal. 92+/100.

Est. 1895; all negroamaro; aged 6 months in barriques. The name has geographic meaning; it's not appassimento. Sweet and dark fruited negroamaro with extra freshness and lift thanks to the cool vintage. In tune with the series and tweaked by the vintage. Sweet fruited and delicious. Always is. Superior acidity this year. Suave, well balanced, ready for service. What's not to like-! 91/100.

40% grenache, 25% cab sauv, 20% syrah, 10% cinsault, 5% rolle. Good to get my first taste of this a week before autumn. It's never fulfilled in spring, and, as we learned latest with the 2021, it blossoms throughout its second year in bottle. Fully expresses the quality and nature of the cuvee. If you're going to use cabernet sauvignon in a rose, I guess this is the way to do it. Fruity and harmonious on the palate too. The soft and forward nature of 2022. Not wanting for balancing acidity though. Good juice. 92/100. As in past vintages, well liked by all.

From 40 year old barbera vines. Full and berry-cherry scented. Good clarity and intensity. Full red berry-cherry flavors. Body and texture and acid for food. Especially great, juicy acid this vintage. At a delightful stage. Stamps barbera a worthy rose grape variety. 92/100. List price: $22.

Pinot noir, malbec. Light red orange. Abundant red fruit and bottle bouquet attributes. All the class and generosity of the best Argentine sparkling wines. Fully dry nature austerity can't suppress the original fruit exuberance, tempered by well earned bottle aging sophistication. Hand sell, unfortunately. A smart sommelier could win a lot of friends with this as a glass pour. 92/100.

Est. 1907; 80% chardonnay, 20% aligote; 3 years en tirage; disgorged 12/22; .5 g/.l; Becky Wassermann selection. Creamy yellow. Very sophisticated thanks to long on lattes aging. I like the brisk play of aligote in this. Dry, blanc de blancs elegant. Nice lemony fruit to complement the autolysis complex. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Juicy Red Delicious apple and a hint of smoke on the nose usher you into this wine. At first sip, though, red berries like cherry and cranberry take center stage. The apple, smoke and a delightful hit of pepper are supporting players. A bracing back palate acidity offers a palate-cleansing sensation, but the finish on this wine is gently fruity and ultimately savory. $30.'

Tasting Panel 94: 'In a word, suave, from the pinpoint perlage onward. The slightest tinge of bread dough on the nose is quickly superceded by honeyed apple, lemon chiffon, and lime leaf along with hints of fig, white flowers, and the salinity that, following a zing of acidity, rings on the minerally midpalate before touches of peach and almond come into play. Of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, it's an expression of clarity and confidence. $46.'

Tasting Panel 93: 'This lively, juicy Slovenian bubbly should give Prosecco a run for its money. At its core, ripe apple seesaws with salty minerality, but all around it, fruit flits in and out: creamy honeydew up front, sweet pluot on the midpalate, bright lemon drop on the zesty finish. What fun. $19.'

Wine Enthusiast 94 - TOP 100: 'The sweet vanilla aroma is echoed on the palate, where it's accompanied by perky pops of allspice, ginger and clove heat, gliding into a smooth finish tinged with almond. This is a blend of bourbons aged between three and six years. $60.'

Wine Enthusiast 96 - TOP 100: 'This Cognac has a deep amber hue and bold allspice and caramel aromas. The palate opens with concentrated caramel and toffee, winding into a deep, warming finish dusted with espresso, black pepper and clove. $77.'

Tasting Panel 95: 'This sleek, sultry blend of 16- and five-year-old rums ages an additional two years in bourbon barrels. The sumptuous perfume of resin and Luxardo cherry is stunning. Sensuous notes of sassafras, yellow raisin, plum pudding, dried apricot, and date layer the complex profile.'

Tasting Panel 95: 'Exceptionally smooth, rich, and deep with complex, dignified flavors; the Scots show the English how it's done with this Double Gold winner at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. $35.'

Tasting Panel 99: 'Invests in the senses with aromas of gardenia, ginger, and green tea. Lime and patchouli deliver a flush of flavor at first sip. Stunning agave notes are coated with caramel apple that generously spreads, incorporating a flow of exotic florals.'

Tasting Panel 93: 'Surprisingly complex, with brisk herbal aromas of freshly sliced jalapeno joining an authentic pineapple perfume, you might ready yourself for a foray into picante territory. But its 'bite' is balanced. The palate's not too spicy, and though the ripeness of the pineapple is evident, it's not too sweet either, complemented by side notes of chamomile and lemon tea. We're impressed!'

Wine Enthusiast 96 - TOP 100: 'This vodka smells like cucumber and tomato water, making it both bold and savory on the nose. The palate is more subtle and lightly sweet, with a juicy cucumber note and finishing with a hint of celery salt. Mix into Bloody Marys.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This familiar workhorse liqueur is clear in the glass and offers a juicy orange flesh aroma. The sweet palate has a familiar orange flavor and finishes cleanly, with just a hint of warm spice.'