Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Attractive minty, floral and chocolaty aromas lead to a mouthful of rich, creamy black fruits and dark chocolate in this seductive, full-bodied wine. The hefty tannins are well-integrated for a velvety texture. $30.'

Wine Spectator 94: 'Elegant yet dynamic, this multilayered red reveals detailed cherry and red plum flavors that are laced with savory forest floor and mineral flavors, which build intensity toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2031. $40.'

Wine Enthusiast 95 - #4 TOP 100: 'Even Greg Brewer's appellation cuvée carries his hallmark, addictive combination of sensory sensations. Light in the glass, it begins with aromas of fresh strawberry, red plum, wild thyme and chaparral spice on the nose. The palate snaps with refreshing acidity, powering through vibrant red fruit, earthy herb and peppery spice flavors. Delicious, fun, memorable.'

Wine Spectator 92 - SMART BUY: 'This pretty white is graceful yet rich, with floral lemon, Anjou pear and toasty spice flavors that linger on the plush finish. $25.'

Wine Enthusiast 93 - TOP 100: 'Tempting spicy, earthy, toasted oak aromas lead to densely layered pears, almonds, wood char and crème brûlée flavors that fill the palate and echo for minutes on the finish. The wine is full-bodied, almost thick in texture and powerful in flavor.'

60% vermentino, 40% grenache blanc. I can see the high ratings. Really expressive of vermentino. CA supersized as usual. Grenache blanc fills in the foundation. Yes, vermentino flavorful. Acid glycerol coated. Bitter trace of VM at the end. 91/100.

Full red black malbec color. And black cherry nose. I smell a value. Full and flavorful. Nothing fancy. An ample, straight forward Mendoza malbec for the money. 91/100.

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

Tasting Panel 92: 'Easy to drink, with a balanced flavor profile, this wine is bright and perky from start to finish. Grapefruit and laurel notes, along with just-ripened pineapple, complement its racy acidity with tart overtones. $14.'

There's a certain freshness of the Limestone Coast here. It's 14.5% strength, but it doesn't show. The nose is cool, not hot. Yes, rich and sweet fruited but not strong. Good presence. Wants food. 91/100.

Tasting Panel 92: 'Blessed with high-toned acidity, a rush of mocha and blueberry makes for an impressive mouthfeel. Lavender leaps into the fray on the midpalate, disarming the senses and regaling an elegant finish.'

At Saint Martial (Entre deux Mers); named for a pine tree on its grounds, the oldest in Bordeaux; 60% merlot, 20% each of the cabernets; Gold Medal - Paris; Gold Medal - Lyon. Wow, is that rich and powerful for claret. Full bodied and well balanced if you can appreciate the strength (15% according to the label). Otherwise, over the top. I can see the medals. It's a Show Wine. 91+/100.

Seems plenty of waxy, lemon curd semillon to the fore. A good presentation. Semillon padding, sauvignon briskness and cut. Well proportioned and generous. 91/100.

90% merlot, 10% cab sauv; clay, limestone, flint, and boulbene soils. Dark red black. A nice and plump, ripe merlot nose. No shades of green. All fruit, all the time. Oh, yes, this is sweet, smooth, and inviting. The Right Bank Bordeaux maker could learn from this. Well balanced, good acid, no tannin to speak of even in 2020. No pretense, all pleasure. Mary's got it down. 91/100. Attendees dubbed it a 'Beaujolais-like Bordeaux'. 'Fruit driven, juicy, gulpable, easy to like.'

60% gros manseng, 40% petit manseng on a rare band of Triassic limestone; native yeasts; aged 6 months in seasoned barrels. Dense, mineral saturated nose. Terroir dominates what are usually pretty aromatic varieties. That carries over to the palate. Jawbreaker extract. If you're looking for fruit, look elsewhere. This is all about grip, texture. I'm thinking oysters. The wine itself is almost briny. 92/100. List price: $36.

Est. 1915; average vine age: 37 years. A good and mossy Muscadet. Yeah, I love that terrarium bent to its aroma profile. Only found in Muscadet. Yes, green stuff like nowhere else. Great acid this vintage; well exceeds the norm and is so refreshing and ready for a mound of fresh oysters. The Gras Moutons series continues to excel. 92/100. Others too praised the exceptional level of acidity, a mark of so many 2021 Euro dry whites.

Might be the best vintage I've nosed. It talks both chenin plumpness and briskness. Indeed, the flavors are true and the mouthfeel is sweet/tart. Several past versions, tasted older, were already passe. This is 'a point'. 91/100.

From chalky, flinty soils along the Cher. Also low key and accurate. (These samples are still pretty cold.) Keen edge of a Cher sauvignon. More richness in the mouth. Subtle citrus notes and fine acidity. This will please and prove versatile in both aperitif and mealtime roles for its balance and lack of sauvignon aggressiveness. A VERY useful sauvignon. Long finish, where light stone and soft tropic fruits add to the flavor range. 92/100. White Wine of the Night for most attendees.

75% sauvignon blanc, 25% chardonnay. Properly pale with green glints. Every bit as typical and wholesome as when last tasted weeks back. Right on combo. The chardonnay tones down the sauvignon. Tropical fruit flavors arise on the palate. Great, tangy acidity. Lots of flavor length. 92/100.

Nose certainly tells of Savigny griottes. A crisper, cooler, more lifted take this vintage. A very pure expression. Good flow and flavor. Good acid of course. Some tannin in back, including perhaps some wood tannin, though the aromas and flavors are not particularly barrel derived. Mid term ager. Lasting, flavorful finish. 92+/100. Oak spices later emerged. Judged to be drinking well already.

At Maligny (Chablis area); 300 years in the Lamblin family; from estate and purchased fruit. Upon opening, sulphur masks both aromas and flavors. There are some positive textural elements, giving balance of fruit sweetness and acidity. Points to possibilities following aeration. And did they ever materialize! Completely cleared up to reveal a Chablis like bargain. Big time group favorite. Wine of the Night for many. It happens! 92+/100.

60% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% carignan. This has lift and richness and personality. All the positive features of past vintages rolled into one. Good acid, material, tannin. Adds up to BALANCE. Delivers! 91/100.

Consistent winner, and the only domaine wine in good availability. Relatively lean nose in the cool 2021 vintage, yet it shows its usual PdD integrity and savor. Double that on the palate. Full of flavor and texture. Good vintage acidity. Regular fans will be pleased. 92/100.

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 94: 'This blockbuster packs a lot of power and stuffing, with a generous outpouring of black raspberry ganache, dark cherry and licorice. Savory acidity and an herbal thread weaves through while chalky tannins and notes of toasty apple wood, cast iron and smoked meat echo on the finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Drink now through 2035. $54.'

American importer's brand made by Dopff & Irion at Riquewihr. One fresh and impact-ful pinot blanc. Nostril stretching. Though the palate is softer than the nose suggests, the vintage boosts pinot blanc's norm for acidity. Subtle green fruit flavors. Perfectly accurate, and one of the best in the series. Very versatile at the table. May The Furst Be With You. 91/100. Liked by attendees, who praised its varietal character, balance, ease, and meal time facilities.

Pale yellow with green glints. Fresh, floral, mineral driven. Rich, racy, flavorful, harmonious, full textured. A great source. 93/100.

Five generation estate with vineyards in the four best villages of western Rheingau. Surprising lack of SUS, which usually mars just opened Krayer bottles. Maybe they're learning to lighten up. Or maybe it will come out later, paradoxical yet occurring lately with some regularity. Spatlese sweet. Adequate acidity, somewhat coated. That peach-orange aspect of Rheingau riesling I appreciate. Will improve with mid term cellaring. One of most pleasing vintages of this wine in youth I''ve experienced since they went to screwcaps. 92+/100. Sulphur issues never emerged, and attendees were all in favor of this one.

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.

Est. late 19th century; negramole; from Portugal's riviera; new to market region. Sweet and warm and southern. Smooth. Unique. Good fruit, acidity, and very light touch of tannin. Balanced and lasting. 91/100. Now in my 60th year in the wine trade, this is the first time I've tasted an Algarve wine.

Sporting nice and plump orchard fruit for vintage and age. Yes, 2021 acid zing wrapped in plush fruit goodness. Accurate varietal aromatics. Satisfying length. 91/100.

Est. 1649; revitalized 1980; at Getaria, overlooking the sea; 90% hondarrabi zuri, 10% hondarrabi beltza; vineyards planted 1915 - 2000; indigenous yeasts. Full, wildly scented, and very brisk. Tells the tale. The old vines really add to its body and aromatic profile. Wow, rich and flavorful too. We've had some nice ones lately. This one may take the cake. The acidity does a rightful balancing act. Long, tasty finish. 92/100. Attendees agreed that this is one of the best txakolis tasted in 2023.

90% tempranillo, 10% merlot. At 900 meters. RDD dry and firm. Very expressive of tempranillo. Real RDD. Good acid, dryness, firmness. Real indeed. And a really good deal! 91/100.

At El Ciego in Alavesa; 96% tempranillo, 4% graciano; aged 2 years in American oak barrels. Oh, this is classic Riscal. No braggart, just quiet confidence uttered. Alavesa sandy elegance. Perfect wood-fruit marriage. Fresh and forward 2019 style. Great acid. Totally coordinated presentation. Very fine grained tannins in back. Thanks to its harmony, this is going to improve many years in bottle. 93+/100. Well appreciated by attendees for its classicism. One notes: 'Maybe the best Riscal I've tasted'.

Half garnacha, half carignan, grown in llicorella soils by the Gine family, long-time farmers in Gratallops. Dark red black. Oh, that's a big, broad beamed Priorat nose. The alcohol is noticeable, and positive. This really attacks the nostrils and shakes one's nose for attention. Sweet in the mouth. Strength assuaged by same. Building, lasting flavor set. Tannins are either coated or melted. Warmth of alcohol on the finish. All Priorat, all the time. 94+/100.

Dates from the Napoleonic era; all vespolina; native yeasts; aged 8 months in oak tonneaux. Heavy Bottle Award. Mature in color and bouquet. Rich and right. Great acid here. Considerable tannin. Comes with the territory. Mouthfilling, well textured. This requests another year or two in bottle for top fulfillment. 92+/100. List price: $27.

Proper medium red orange varietal color. Yes, and the right dried cherry and orange zest grignolino aroma. Good acid and race. Some fine tannin. Begs for food. This is entirely accurate. 91+/100.

The Berici hills hills rise between Verona and Vicenza, east of Soave; warmer microclimate than the lowlands, support olive trees as well as Bordeaux varieties, which have been planted there since the 1880s. A very pure, singular form of cabernet franc quite unlike anything from Bordeaux, Loire, or Eastern America. Juicy in the mouth and even more flavorful than aromatic, emphasizing its unique take on the varietal. Racy acidity and just a dusting of fine grained tannin. Well priced. 92/100. Widely popular for varietal ID (with an Italian accent) and kiss of oak.

Est. 1906; half each cortese, garganega; hillside (colle) vineyard capped with lime trees (tigli). A little sulphur upon opening, but it can't suppress the exceptional exuberance of this vintage's version of a longtime favorite. Flavorful as well as aromatic. The lime association cannot be denied. And much, much more in the way of aromas and flavors classic to these two great white varieties of Italy's north. In a relatively ripe vintage, perfectly adequate fruit acidity. Feels and flavors persist on a long finish. Will surely satisfy perennial fans. 92/100. Widely liked by attendees.

Good, full, bright ruby color. Classic cranberry-orange relish aroma. Plus red cherry. Great 2021 acid makes this a really juicy example. Full of flavor and texture. No tannin issues. Ideal, and ready to serve. 92/100.

Full and satisfying grigio body. In the mouth, acid, body, balance. Good price. 91/100.

92% sangiovese, 8% merlot. 12-18 months in French oak cooperage. Ruddy red color. Sweet, ripe, glycerol laden sangiovese nose. Medium bodied and right. Good ease and flow of 2019. Spicy aroma. I smell a good value. Good acid foil to the glycerol. A trace of youthful bitterness in the back. Spicy aroma. Medium bodied, balanced, no tannin issues. Regular fans will be pleased. 91+/100.

Wine Spectator 92 - SMART BUY: 'A racy style, delicate and elegant, but not fragile, offering strawberry, cherry, hibiscus, mineral and wild herb flavors. Firmly structured, with subtle fruit notes prevailing on the finish. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Best from 2025 through 2036. $27.'

Wine Spectator 93: 'A savory version, revealing cedar, tomato leaf, tobacco and earth tones surrounding black cherry and plum fruit. Beefy, with a dense structure and well-integrated tannins. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2025 through 2037.'

Fresh, bright 2021. Exceptional for its genre. Yeah. Vintage crunchiness, varietal cherry flavor. GREAT acid. Full flavor and feel. Super food wine. 92/100.

Furmint, pinot blanc, welschriesling,, riesling, chardonnay. Fruity. At once, round and crisp. Yes, all of the above. A well assembled cuvee. Versatile at the table. 91/100.

A rich and rightful saint george. Ideal nose of soft red and black fruits. Feels and flavors confirm. Good acid and fine grained, compensating tannin. This is really well assembled. 92/100.

30 year old vines; no malo. Dry, well structured, full bodied Joguet style, be it red or rose. Serious dinner rose. Nice big burst of flavor appeal. Wow, this is Joguet personified. What a satisfying mouthful, flavor- and body- wise. Lasting flavor too. Likely to thrive up until the 2023 release. 92/100. Attendees were impressed with its size, structure, and solidity.'A rose for the table.' List price: $30.

Lieu dit La Moutte, on the medium terraces of the Gigondas slope; 80% cinsault planted 1970; 20% syrah planted 2000. Upon opening, some apple blossom fermentation aromas even as it starts year two. Carry over on the palate. I guess it just needs more bottle age. Let's see what additional aeration does. Seems to have worked in its favor. Attendee comments included 'lovely nose', 'big, sturdy', 'not a bully but big boned', 'will be even better in a year'. 92+/100.

Est. 1920 at Champillon, north of Epernay; 4 generation family negociant with 25 acres of its own vines in Premiers and Grands Crus. 58% chardonnay, 15% each the pinots, 12% red juice. There's a lot of red fruit here, The high pinot juice contribution makes its mark. An ample, meal worthy rose champagne. Lots of doughy bottle bouquet adds to the nose's complexity. A full rose of body and flavor and follow through. Doughy aftertaste Truly dry, full of both fruit and autolysis influences, this is the style of rose champagne I prefer. No aperitif, I'm taking it straight to the dinner table. 95/100. List price: $48.

Macabeu, xaello, parellada. 15 months en tirage. Paler, with a slight copper cast. Much more lees autolysis character. This really delivers an attractive degree of grainy bouquet. Yes, mealy-grainy on the palate too. Well priced for this much bottle bouquet character. 92/100.

All merlot; founders first tasted prosecco on the German island of Sylt in the North Sea; they contracted with a 105-year-old Veneto family winery to make their prosecco and rose. Light red fruit aroma. Truly dry. Fine mousse for charmat. Yeah, this is one dry Veneto sparkler. The way the Italians prefer them. Not a lot of flavor impact. Very fine mousse feel. Exceptionally versatile at the table. 91/100. Enjoyed by all. Judged 'serious' for its dryness; all the while 'pleasant' for its refreshing acidity and length.

20%. Old gold color. Definitely amaro and high strength on the nose. The cortese basis gives lighter body and sweetness than many an amaro. Plenty sweet on the palate, with that amaro bitter foil. So balanced. I have a spot on the shelf for this one. 93/100.