Cab sauv, syrah, merlot, petit verdot; 16 months in barrels, 10% new. Dark maroon. Good and dense red cuvee with barrel leavening. No variety stands out, which is proper. Spunky acidity and lots of flavor. Well balanced and lasting. Versatile again. Deal. 92/100.

Tasting Panel 91: 'Big notes of berry cobbler, bacon fat, and coffee bean are seasoned with allspice. Ample acidity would help it pair with a plethora of cuisines. $21.'

Decanter 93/100.

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'This is such a fun, enjoyable and satisfying Cab Franc. Aromas of fresh strawberry, cherry and peppery herbs show on the nose. The lightly bodied palate is bursting in crisp, lovable red raspberries and then dusted in white pepper for extra intrigue. $25.'

Wine Spectator 93 - #2 TOP 10 VALUES OF 2025: 'Supple and elegantly structured, with expressive flavors of red currant, tobacco and toasty spices that linger toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032.'

Wine Spectator 92 - #4 TOP 10 VALUES OF 2025: 'An approachable wine that captures the essence of Willamette Valley, with supple raspberry and cherry flavors that are laced with cinnamon and smoky spices as this persists toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032.'

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

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This wine is rich and spicy with aromas of ripe strawberry, Bing cherry, raspberry, coriander and toasted oak. The opening flavors on the palate are boysenberry, blueberry and blood orange zest, which then slide into cumin, dried bittersweet chocolate and espresso. Pair with stuffed grilled porkchop, roasted carrots, turnips and ginger glaze. $15.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This juicy and lively Pinot jumps from the glass with aromas of crushed raspberry, black plum, cinnamon and licorice on the nose. The palate delivers velvety mouthfeel with rich tannin, smooth acidity and flavors of baked cherry, spiced plum compote, cola spice and roses echoing across the finish. $45.'

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'Wet stone and light herb aromas give depth to the dark plum core on this nose of this bottling. The palate is satisfyingly rich and softly layered in baked plum, berry, mace and star anise flavors. $20.'

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Wild strawberry, red plum and cinnamon aromas make for an excitingly sharp nose on this vibrant style of Pinot Noir. The palate is packed with peppery spices that enliven the crisp raspberry flavors, all flying across the tongue with refreshing glee.' $25.'

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'As the Talley family's entry-level brand, this is a very exciting indication of what to expect in the 2023 wines. This bottling offers crunchy raspberry, red currant, white pepper, sansho pepper and dewy sage on the dynamic nose. The palate is awash in a zippy acidity that enlivens the thyme, bay leaf and raspberry flavors.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This soft and elegant blend of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties displays aromas of blackberry, violets and cherry liqueur on the nose. The palate is a spicier affair, with flavors of plum skin, cocoa, black pepper and cassis lingering across a richly tannic finish. $36.'

Jeb Dunnock 95: 'Made from Portuguese varieties not recognized by the trade bureau, the backbone of the 2023 Cachudo La Marea Pierce Ranch is Arinto Cachudo, thus the name. The wine has tremendous verve and energy, a light-bodied crispness that conjures up the sea. The grainy texture suggests lanoline or fresh wool. Together it's intriguing and compelling, a vibrantly herbaceous experience that's completely foreign in California.'

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

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'This chillable red is very light in the glass, offering strawberry, cherry and turned loam aromas. The palate zips with acidity and holds tight with a grippy texture, framing raspberry, tart cranberry and white pepper flavors. $25.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This predominantly white-wine house puts out a couple vibrant reds like this one, which entices the nose with raspberry, pomegranate, rose petal and peppercorn aromas. The palate is brisk with strawberry and yuzu flavors. $25.'

Wine Enthusiast 90: 'This wine is sumptuous, dense, with aromas of boysenberry, brown sugar, sweet bacon, African violet on the nose. The palate glides into mouthwatering lingonberry, blueberries, orange-blossom honey, dried herbs and vanilla cream. The finish is dried sweet tobacco leaves, sarsaparilla and chili chocolate. Aerate and pair with pulled pork. $15.'

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'This wine is deep, opulent, with aromas of blackberry jam, blueberry pie, cinnamon, orange peel, toasted vanilla cream, and notes of violet on the nose. The flavors on the palate are juicy boysenberry coulis, huckleberry, orange cream, maple, clove, and a dry supple silky finish. Decant and Enjoy. Pair with Lamb Shank.'

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'This wine is fresh and zesty with aromas of green apple, guava, citrus and notes of spearmint. The flavors on the palate are pear, quince and white grapefruit zest, underscored by layers of sedimentary rock and a dry mineral finish. Pair with fried calamari. $15.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This wine is fresh, lively with aromas of candied lime, green papaya, vanilla and white flowers on the nose. The midpalate has flavors of citrus blossom, jalapeño, lime zest, dried herbs, mineral and a dry finish. Pair with fish and chips.'

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

Wine Enthusiast 90: 'The glass begins with flashes of pineapple, papaya, honeysuckle and sandalwood on the nose. The flavors on the palate are decadent yellow apple and caramelized orange, morphing into hazelnut cream, with a strong minerality and silky dry finish. Pair with seafood pasta with cream sauce. $15.'

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

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

Wine Spectator 90 - #5 TOP 10 VALUES OF 2025: 'A vibrant and expressive white, with a mix of nutmeg-scented pear, Fuji apple and peach flavors that are delicate and precise but not shy on concentration and generosity. Sleek, precise acidity and hints of lemon meringue linger on the finish.'

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Fresh, lively with aromas of ripe apple, pineapple, notes of guava, banana, toasted oak, and orange blossom honey on the nose: the flavors on the palate are baked pear, nectarine, grapefruit with dried herbs, a layered mineral, and a mouth-watering finish. pair with roasted petrole, ginger, sugar snap peas. $15.'

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

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

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'This is a very exciting wine, starting with its light pink-orange color and continuing into the pink grapefruit, Asian pear and Pink Lady apple aromas. The palate is where it takes off, zipping through all the pink flavors, from stonefruit to grapefruit, proving quite invigorating. Serve with dim sum if you're lucky. $23.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Though showing a copper-orange color in the glass, this skin-contact blend of 33% Pinot Blanc, 30% Pinot Gris, 20% Sylvaner, 10% Riesling and 7% Gewurztraminer remains fresh and floral on the nose, offering honeysuckle, gardenia and bubblegum aromas. The palate is lightly bodied but sports a subtle leather texture, as ripe lemon and guava flavors arise. $24.'

From Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo; 10% aged in American oak cooperage; unfined, unfiltered; by ace CA winemaker Paul Hobbs. Red-black malbec color. Up to the high standards of this series. Large, concentrated, power matched, and a beautiful example of American oak influence when not overdone. Hobbs is a master. Black cherry malbec fruit concentrate but not too sweet thanks to the drying barrel influence. Certainly as generous as the fine 2023, if not as complex yet. It will be. 93+/100.

Est. 1892; low yield vintage with ideal harvest conditions; bottled 3/5/25. This is much more than your basic Marlborough sauvignon. Always is. Terroir over tropics. Bulk over frivolity. And aromatic depth. Just a lovely, subtle set of sauvignon citrus notes. Great acid. Full presence. Endless finish. I've always liked these, never more so than this vintage. 93/100. Most popular NZ sauvignon ever with attendees. 'Distinctive palate. Unique take on NZ sauvignon. Great balance.' 'Pleasant green tones of fruit and herbs. Hint of anise. Rich and ripe palate. Not your typical tropical NZ sauvignon.'

Wine Spectator 93 - SMART BUY: 'A vibrant white, with an intense, fragrant and mouthwatering mix of Key lime, passion fruit and grilled pineapple flavors, accented by hints of lemon verbena, lemongrass and freshly grated ginger, plus a note of crunchy sea salt that lingers on the sleek frame. $20.'

Tasting Panel 93: 'Intense aromas of straw, grapefruit, and elderflower appear on the palate with their vibrancy intact. Pineapple upside down cake, chervil, green tea, and glistering notes of lime zest are momorable. Elegant, with a lovely presence.'

Website claims the 2022 is from a 15 year old vineyard in Grampians, Victoria, west of Melbourne; both website and bottle label state 'Western Australia' - huh? Aged 10 months in seasoned French oak cooperage. Dark ruby. Attractive richness that speaks Victoria louder than Perth. Nice purity; not a bit too strong or sticky. Glycerol adds smoothness that tempers the potential burn of its strength. Never tasted an Aussie shiraz quite like it. Surpasses expectations. Balanced, lasting finish. 91/100.

All semillon; no oak, no malo. Smells full for its moderate alcohol content. Semillon waxy. Deep seated fruit. Semillon lemon curd and custard flavors. Good acidity and even better extract grip. Balanced and lasting. Good body. Surely versatile at the table. And will carry on. One of the better vintages in a proud series. 92+/100.

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.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Barrel sample. This is a fine wine, properly concentrated and with ripe black fruits. The acidity and tannins are promising.'

Decanter 95: 'Hails from clay/limestone soils at the highest point in the Gironde, in Bordeaux, and it is utterly incredible. It will amaze all who taste it, and it is certainly 2025's finest value French Sauvignon Blanc!'

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

Five generation domaine at Loges; small stones over limestone and clay; 30 year old vines. Natural yeasts. 5 months on barrel lees. Distinctly traditional Pouilly Fume all the way. Full contrast from Sancerre terroirs. Large, serious, deep, reserved. More flavor than aroma at this stage. Still, it speaks more of significance and potential than of present generosity. Balanced and lengthy. One of the best vintages of this. Worth keeping mid term. 93+/100. Favorable attendee comments as the nose became more revealing after breathing. The 'peach' signature of Pouilly Fume emerged with aeration.

50 year old vines in the climat Aubuzes adjacent to Santenay; aged a year in barrels, 15% new. Dark ruby. Oh boy, that's old vines concentrated. Barrel extracts and sojourn add complexity and do not dominate the fruit. Abundant fruit and barrel contributions on the palate too, both flavor and texture wise. Tannin for longevity. An absolute STEAL in today's market. Might be even better than the well appreciated 2022. 93+/100. Huge hit; many WOTN votes; bottle emptied (which rarely happens); many orders taken. 'Real deal Burgundy. Lots of fruit and nice touch of oak. Excellent wine and value.' 'Oh, boy! Lovely pinot fruit with a touch of oak underpinning. Very enjoyable now and better in a year or two, which acidity and fine tannin support. Delish!'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'I enjoy sharing wine with friends, but I might keep this bottle for myself. Black raspberry, rhubarb and rosehip open on the floral nose that is dusted in violet blossom, dried field grass and hibiscus. Delicious herbal savoriness infuses the palate with delicate red-and-black fruit that gives its all to the lingering finish that goes on for days.'

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'A beautiful, savory nose lifts from the glass with red fruit in the lead. Red cherry, red raspberry, dried field grass and pencil shavings stand tall. The palate delivers with layered complexity that shows through in every part of the wine. Another glass please.'

The domaine uses no new barrels; mostly once and twice filled from Domaine Leclerc. First taste of a Trapet white; we've enjoyed many a red. Wow, that has the fullness and relative austerity of a Cote de Nuits white. Makes me wonder if some pinot beurot (gris) is involved. As it warms and airs, barrel influences come forth. Good ripe/acid balance of 2023. This is unique, fully intriguing, and, I suspect, age worthy. 92+/100. A tried and true fan of Trapet's red wines notes: 'Wow! One of the most memorable wines of recent years. Unique for its almost sweet character. I can see your question about the presence of pinot gris ? known as pinot beurot in Bourgogne. Lots of oak but well integrated. Super long flavor. Quite an amazing wine and great value. Reminds me in some ways of the Dupont-Fahn wines.'

Est 1831; from calcareous clay; aged 8 months in neutral vessels. One intense aligote that speaks for its terroir. I'll bet the vines are old; it has an almost 'woody' aspect to it. Maybe that's a lees effect. More fluid on the palate than the nose suggests. Good aligote dryness and acidity. A solid example at a good price these days. 91/100.

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

On dark Jurassic limestone and black marl with a pebbly topsoil layer of scree; no malo; 40 years of winegrowing and generations in the vine nursery business; 25% of Chablis' post phylloxera chardonnay vines came from the Vullien nursery This is full, especially for jacquere and altitude. More mineral than fruit. Even flow on palate, and material and texture in support. Always one of the best textured of its genre. Has grip, as well as soft fruit forgiveness. Steady winner. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92/100. My notes: A step up in appellation; used to be Ardeche. Not that much more expensive, so now one of the cheapest at this level. Less reductive than usual, but I think I usually assess these at a younger age. More class too. Maybe it's a vines age factor. Full northern Rhone syrah character. Full body. Fine 2021 acid. Fine grained tannin for aging. This is the best of the series so far and much the upscale take. Wow. Deal. 92+/100.

16th century roots; from two plots at the base of the slope, one planted in 1919, the other in 2004; barrel aged a year, 25% new, 20% second year, 55% third year. Heavy duty Cornas take on syrah. Smells stronger than its label statement. The oak is apparent, lifting, complexing. Rich and savory fruit-oak melange. Carries well into the back of the palate and coats the tongue with fine grained tannin. More youthful than the Courbis St. Joe we had awhile back. Promises full complexity with cellaring. 93+/100. Super popular with attendees for both now and later.

60% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% mourvedre; vines 37 and 65 years old; pebble covered clay-limestone. Abundant 2022 fruit of all three varietal natures, well knit together. Gentler than normal. Less tannin; more fruit. That's 2022. The alcohol is well contained. Even on a muggy day, this is not hard to swallow. 92/100.

On the north side of the La Crau plateau; sandy soil yields elegant wines; a young-vines cuvee; 80% grenache, 20% syrah. Oh, smell the power, and the concentration to match. Very large for a so called 'elegant' young vines cuvee. I guess that's just Chateauneuf. There is charm too though, and it builds with aeration. Sweet fruit tempers its power; no heat at all on the palate. A substantial representative of a series I love. Love the price too. 93+/100.

Jeb Dunnock 92/100. My notes: Grenache blanc, clairette, viognier. This is really full, almost pushy. And I like that. Weighty grenache blanc to the fore with the subtle perfumes of the others in the background. Good balance of acid and GB glycerol. Plenty of body that the nose promised. Lasting. Versatile at the table. 92/100.

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

At Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg. PG paraffin up front; that's a good sign. Underlying nuttiness. Promising nose; some vintages are meeker. Yes, apple, nut, wax PG flavors. Dry too. And the acid is up to the call. This fills the varietal bill and is the best vintage of the series I've tasted. 91/100. Widely liked by attendees, even a WOTN contender. 'Very Alsace, with nice fruit.' 'Smells like pinot gris!' 'White fruit and wax, with some baking spice too.' 'Smooth varietal palate with enough acid to keep it fresh.'

Vom Boden selection: 'If we consider the holy trilogy of the Nahe (Donnhoff, Emrich-Schonleber and Schafer-Frohlich), Emrich-Schonleber for me rests somewhere in the center. They are neither as baroque and lavish as Dönnhoff, nor as fiercely angular as Schäfer-Fröhlich. There is a balance, a center to the best of their wines that is about as perfect and meditative as Riesling ever gets: texture and glycerin matched to a chiseled, yet glossy and ultra-fine architecture.' The dryness, crispness, and underlying terroir and exposure of 2024 Nahe riesling. Explodes on the palate the race expected of this cuvee. Oh my, for its harmony of feels and flavors, I'm just grasping and gasping for a mealtime setting. This is riesling as food wine. 92/100. Well received by attendees. ' 'Fruit tea nose.' 'Fine fruit acidity. Big time length. Needs time.'

James Suckling 94: 'A striking, barely off-dry Riesling with notes of bergamot, oranges, apple, peach, and minerality, showcasing excellent structure, delicate spritz, and a long, graceful finish from a blend of Rheingau sites.'

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

Dark maroon. Encouraging. Sweet, red-black fruit aroma. Large presence. Inviting, with further encouragement. Plum and elderberry ruby port like flavors without the sweetness and power. Well balanced, well textured, flavorful. I'll be stocking. 92/100. List price: $20.

Touriga nacional, jaen, alfrocheiro. Aged eight months in heavily toasted barrels. Holding youthful color. Dao minerality. Solid granite foundation. Nice and dry and neat in cool 2021. Not as overtly fruity as the 2020.Charred wood extras; shades of bourbon. Sweetens up on the palate. Solid Dao structure. Rich fruit up front, mineral foundation in support. Less tannin and more acid than the delicious 2020. Same winemaker's hand, different growing season conditions. Very long, balanced finish. A worthy successor and equally awesome value. 92/100. Liked by many attendees and considered ready to drink.

Bright, minerally, granite based white Dao. I had a different one from the same vintage a couple of days ago, and it spoke the same language. White Dao sustains. Tangy, lemony flavor and good acidity. Well balanced wine at this stage begging for food. 91/100.

Aragonez, syrah, trincadeira, alicante bouschet. Aged eight months in seasoned barriques. Plenty of sweet and generous, youthful fruit still and good and spicy barrel contributions. Yes, this is fruity, sweet tasting. Rich, savory, enticing. A great value. 91/100.

Est. 1996; hondarribi zuri. Full and fragrant and fruity. Exemplary of the variety. Very juicy, tangy, cleansing, refreshing. Great acid. Ready to serve. Tailor made for fresh fish, the signature cuisine of Basque country. Who cares if it's mid winter in these parts? Do it! Geez, good as it gets. And cheaper than much of the competition these days. 92/100. Attendees agreed. Multiple WOTN votes. 'Best version I've had.' 'Very expressive varietal character, great balance.' 'Rich and flavorful.' 'Great acidity and varietal presence.' 'As good an example as I've ever tasted.'

From the southeast subzone with the poorest soils and highest altitude of the DO; vines planted between 1900 and 1956 on original rootstock in sandy soil resistant to phylloxera; fermented and aged on lees in seasoned French oak puncheons and demi muids. A large charge of classic old vines verdejo expression uncomplicated by the minor but pungent (albeit sympathetic) sauvignon component of many a Rueda these days. Slam dunk old vines verdejo nose. Oh, and the palate is equally thorough. Full bodied, concentrated, classic..no, DEFINITIVE. I've had many a vintage of this and, despite this one's youthful edge, it's still the most impressive yet. Of course, the vines do get older every year. 93+/100. An attendee favorite. 'Great varietal nose and flavor; long, with really nice acid.' 'Lots to like here; crisp acidity, fine length.' 'Peach, pineapple, tropicals, florals.'

Owned by La Rioja Alta; 3 vineyards at 2400'; aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 75% new, 25% once used. 2021 fresh and tart smelling. Little sign of new barrels. Well, there's barrel earned roundness and rich extra dimension though. Also both wood and fruit tannins. Plenty of 2021 acid. Long, chewy finish. Perplexing; not at all like the 2020 Crianza. Intriguing cellar potential. 92+/100.

Parker 92: 'The 2019 El Anden de la Estación is a new red that takes advantage of the Barrio de la Estacion, the train station neighborhood of Haro. It's a Crianza with less extraction, looking for the elegance and finesse of the classical Rioja wines. It's a blend of Tempranillo from their younger vines and Garnacha (that they buy) that matured in French and European barrels for 14 months. It's a quaffable red with lots of Garnacha character (it might represent up to 30% of the blend, by far the highest in Garnacha from the portfolio). It's floral, juicy and expressive, very open and approachable. This is delicious and still quite complex. Drink now - 2026. $24.'

Wine Spectator 92 - #1 TOP 10 VALUES OF 2025: 'This is fresh and minerally up front, opening to reveal a fine mesh of chopped cherry and plum skin flavors, with fragrant hints of ground coffee, smoked paprika and dried marjoram. Sculpted tannins define the long, slightly chewy finish. Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2035.'

35-60 year old vines; yields of under 2 tons per acre; aged 5 months in new Bordeaux barrels. Heavy Bottle Award. Also high altitude but much farther south from the Navarra that preceded it, this is one high octane garnacha..always is. Big time concentration thanks to old vines and low yields. Sweet and round and rich, enough to assuage the high alcohol, which gives body and stamina. Mouthfilling and lasting. Steakhouse garnacha. 93+/100. List price: $22.

35-60 year old vines; yields of under 2 tons per acre; aged 5 months in new Bordeaux barrels. Heavy Bottle Award. Also high altitude but much farther south from the Navarra that preceded it, this is one high octane garnacha..always is. Big time concentration thanks to old vines and low yields. Sweet and round and rich, enough to assuage the high alcohol, which gives body and stamina. Mouthfilling and lasting. Steakhouse garnacha. 93+/100. List price: $43.

In Calatayud, Aragon, birthplace of garnacha; iron rich red and black slate soils at 3000+'; old clones; vines planted 1965 ? 1990. Dark red violet. Plenty of presence on the nose but not much aroma forthcoming. Sweet fruit coats the high alcohol. Works. A grenache of place. Well textured. Well balanced. Lingering. Good price. 91/100. Positive comments from attendees. 'Black cherry in dark chocolate and spirit. Palate goes black raspberry and cherry cordial. Baked black soil.'

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Poise and precision transform this affordable red wine into a serious contender with those twice its price. Beautiful transparency and a mineral element throughout marry with flowering herbs and chalky length. A delight.'

Parker 93: 'The 2023 Clos Lojen is even more of a bargain than in previous years, as the price is the same and the quality is even higher!! It started being produced with 40-year-old vines, but those are by now 60 years old (I saw some of them, and they were REALLY impressive!); so, there's more depth and complexity; the vines are wiser (they've been tended nicely..) and manage to keep the freshness and approachability. They started harvesting the last week of August, and the result was 12.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.4 grams of acidity. The full clusters fermented in 4,500-liter oak vats and matured in foudres of different sizes—4,500, 10,000 and 15,000 liters—and lasted six months. The wine is fruit-driven, juicy, complex and spicy, balanced and tasty, textured and with a chalky feeling. This is way beyond what the price might suggest. Drink now-2030.'

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.

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

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Mango, pineapple, and tart grapefruit swirl together with a soft lift of jasmine, giving the wine a sun-soaked yet focused aromas. The texture is plump and mouth-filling; key lime colliding with pineapple cream pie, all wrapped in citrusy tension. A zesty finish keeps it tight and fresh on the salty finish. $27.'

60% merlot, 40% corvina; appassimento. Sweet as a nut. Each varietal's character comes through, in tandem. Easy flow and gentle appassimento sweetness balanced by good strength and acidity. One of the best vintages of a solid series. Long aftertaste. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'This Soave is a masterclass in finesse, with layers of texture that unfold like the pages of a well-crafted novel. Each sip reveals a new chapter, a new depth to explore. The wine's mouthwatering acidity is like a lively conversation, keeping you engaged and thirsty for more. This is a serious wine, with a taut and firm structure that suggests it will only improve with age. Orchard fruits take the lead, but they're not alone—a serious mineral bent joins the party, adding a rocky, almost austere edge. This Soave is really good a wine to remind one to appreciate the finer things in life. $17.'

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. late 1960s; from varieties lambrusco marani, lambrusco salamino, ancellotta; frizzante. Deep red violet. Nice and frothy. Overchilled to start, so not very aromatic. Warming in the mouth helps. Red raspberry creme. Good acid. Mild alcohol. Attractive fizz. Class act with surprising meal time apps. I'm thinking andouillettes. 91/100. Upset of the year so far. The panel is usually not into Lambruscos, but this one was a big and widespread hit, in part for its dryness. The aromatics came on strong too. 'Black cherry and dark chocolate nose; cocoa powder and floral palate.' 'Good volume, acid, balance.'

Vineyard planted in 1964; Italy's oldest syrah vineyard; aged 18 months in French barriques. Tasted after a 2016 Cornas. Same age, just as clearly syrah, and certainly sporting a different terroir impact. Nice juxtaposition. Aged in smaller cooperage, this shows more advanced development and more barrel influence. Equally engaging. Yes, Italianate syrah at its best, clearest, most concentrated. More structure than the fine 2015. Tannins largely melted, but bouquet development potential evident. 93+/100. List price: $39.

50% sangiovese, 25% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot; in Greve; vine age 7-32 years; aged a year in large Slavonian oak cooperage. Well put together Super Tuscan. There's the sangiovese dried cherry and orange peel basis as well as the darker aspect of cabernet and sweeter demeanor of merlot. And cooperage time to meld all together. Yes, a complex of varietal flavors in an harmonious presentation. No tannin issues. Good acid. Useful now. Likely to gather more bottle bouquet if cellared further. 92+/100.

11th century roots; sangiovese, canaiolo, colorino; aged 6 months in barrels. A cool, crisp, bracing nose. A Chianti with Rufina race and vintage structure. Exceptional flow for this usually firm cored vintage. I guess that at age five its wines are finally loosening their grip. Even handed, with light tannin and good acid, it begs for food. 91/100. WOTN; orders taken. ' 'Wow. This is what I want all mature Chianti to smell and taste like.' 'Super long.' 'Ready now and unbelievably delicious.'

Wine Spectator 93 - #3 TOP 10 VALUES OF 2025: 'This red is sleek and engaging, offering cherry, raspberry, blackberry and mineral aromas and flavors. Harmonious, with beautifully integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and detailed. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2038.'

Wine Spectator 92: 'Vibrant and bursting with cherry, strawberry and rose flavors, this red also shows a solid structure. Remains fresh and balanced while playing out on the long, fruit-, earth? and mineral-filled aftertaste. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2038. $26.'

Decanter 94/100.

Dark, with youthful appearance. Oh, this runs deep. And it's full of the desirable montepulciano violets aroma. Exemplary Piceno. Yes, dark fruited, well textured, well built. Flavors need a few more months to develop and spread out. Just enough tannin to support that. Love Piceno, love de Angelis. 92+/100.

Negroamaro, malvasia nera. There's a sense of time in cooperage both from the warm spices standpoint and the rounding out from cooperage porosity. Spreading out as it airs to earn the descriptor 'complex'. Big on the mouth. Volume, texture, flavor, absolute presence. Ambitious beyond its price point. 93+/100. Great new source!

From Chirchiaro, 25 miles west of Marsala; 20 year old vines at 1600'; aged for a few months on the lees. A range I've long enjoyed for the forcefulness of its varietal characters, and here's proof positive. This is about as expressive as grillo gets. Suggestions of orchard fruit aromas even. Yes, nicely rounded and sweetly flavorful, especially for the cool vintage. Just a delicious, come hither dry white wine. One glass invites another. The alcohol content is smartly moderate. 91/100.

Est. 2003 in the Gallura region. Well, this is much more to my ken. The darker cannonau form of grenache, true to origin and type. Savory in both flavor and texture. A rightful DOC rep at an attractive price. Rich, long, and satisfying from front to back. Will stock and recommend. 91+/100. Like Zanatta's vermentino, attendees were widely attracted to this. 'Very lovely nose and palate. Long.' 'Florals; raspberry pie, complexity.'

Est. 2003 in the Gallura region. The aromnatics were sulphur suppresses when I tasted it just after pulling the cork. It showed good body though. I hoped that when the panel tasted it after a couple hours' aeration, the issue will have cleared up. It sure did; big time attendee favorite. No mention of SO2 even by the most sensitive. 'Super unique. Thanks to terroir-' 'Weighty, bright; minty-herbal.' 'Floral lift as well as viscosity; good length.'

Country: Georgia; region: Kakheti; AOC Kindzmarauli; semi sweet; 35 g/L RS. Smells sweet. A sundae with dried cherries and nuts. Palate confirms stated sweetness level. Boy, saperavi is a trouper in these parts, dry or sweet. Good acid and very light dusting of tannin keep it from getting sloppy sweet. Sweet reds are still popular east of the EU. 91/100. Attendees liked this. 'Juicy black fruits: prune, plum, pastry fruit filling.' 'Lightly sweet.' 'Acidity prevents cloying.' 'Decent flavor; nice balance.'

Grenache (50%, softness and high aromatic potential) ? mourvedre, old vines carignan and syrah (17%, color, spicy aromas and fullness) ? clairette (6%, floral aromas) ? picpoul and bourboulenc (7%, flower aromas and liveliness) ? cinsault (20%, delicacy); average age of vines 35 years. A good and full scarlet Tavel color. Yes, and body, stature, and full and variegated fruit complex that is Tavel. This one in particular. Look at the encepagement. Rich and full in the mouth--no surprise for Tavel. A well balanced and flavorful presentation. 92+/100. This appealed to attendees likewise. 'Very Tavel.' 'Terroir driven; cherry and strawberry emerging with air.' 'Well structured; good acidity; likely to improve in the coming months.'

The domaine sits on an old salt water lagoon between Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees foothills, between Corbieres and Minervois; the unique terroir allows vines to be grown on their own rootstock. Not billed as a rose, but that's what it is. Medium salmon color. Well that grenache gris body really stands out. I'm surprised by the moderate alcohol statement. One generous rose nose. Mighty giving in flavor and texture too. Balanced and long lasting tastes. Deal. 91/100. 'Nice wine and well liked,' reports a commentator.

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

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.

Decanter 91/100. My notes: Delicate, leesy nose. Very dry, with light bottle bouquet. Good mousse. 91/100.

RM est. 1856 at Vertus, Cote des Blancs; average vine age 40 years; 30% of the vins clair aged 6 months on lees in Burgundian barrels; from 3 consecutive vintages plus 20% reserve wines; cuvee made up of both malo and no malo components; zero dosage; disgorged 1/24. Blanc de Blancs finesse all the way. Oh, such finesse and fine mousse. The palate carries on the theme and adds a more pronounced statement of yeast autolysis doughiness. Light as a feather above, with that bottle bouquet undertow working its depths. Yow, first class. 97/100. Well liked by all attendees, including WOTN votes. 'Apple driven nose; balanced lees component; fine BdB weight with enough substance too.' 'Lots of flavor; very dry.'

16.5%. 1/3 each grillo, inzolia, catarratto. 30 botanicals here. Floral and sweet. Spice aromas of ginger, anise, brown spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg. Tonic, rosy, herbal, spicy, unique, creamy, sweet, balanced. Yikes! Hugely complex! 95/100.

Sweet and surging red fruits and vermouth botanicals. Wow, sweet and mouthfilling. Rich, spicy fruit. Sweet-bitter harmony at close. 97/100.