With 13% merlot. Aged 16 months in barrels, 25% new. Ruddy dark ruby. Some mellowness of maturity. Good material and depth. Mellow indeed, with bottle bouquet forming. Ideal WA acidity. Dusting of fine tannins to resolve. But food may take those up. Good value. 91+/100.

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

Wine Enthusiast 92/100. My notes: Dark red violet. A nice and pure 2023 Napa cabernet. Vintage and winemaker styles are in synch. Yes, sweet and polished but not pandering. Delicious, really. And useful now. I like Clos de Napa--a lot. 92/100.

Tasting Panel 95: 'Richly appointed, with dark blue and purple fruit and a plush mouthfeel. Spiced red tea and sandalwood engage with chocolate on the finish.' By Far Niente.

Tasting Panel 92: 'Over delivers, showing an appealing combination of ripe Bing cherry and a tinge of tart blackberry. Well measured framing from ripe tannins provides evident o f impressive winemaking skill.

Tasting Panel 95: 'Chocolate covered cherries are cheerful and bright yet show a hint of tension and a defined structured. Tannins are evident but gentled by white pepper, pomegranate, and baking spices.'

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Go long on this elegant and balanced reserve wine, because it offers a lot of quality for a very reasonable asking price. The wine's first aroma wave features a potent bit of lilacs and hyacinth. When the floral show retreats, blackberries and an herb farm's worth rosemary and oregano arrive. Flavors are similar to the wine's aromas, with blackberries, marjoram, thyme, lavender and Darjeeling tea with a lemon twist holding court. The cherry on top here is a texture as smooth and slippery as Walton Goggins in a three-piece silk suit, sans shirt. Mercy.'

Tasting Panel 93: 'Cherry and red tea rise from the earth with floral tones of hibiscus and rose. Seductive notes of cinnamon toast accented by balsamic and nutmeg are coaxed out by vibrant acidity.'

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

Wine Spectator 92 - SMART BUY: 'Supple yet brambly, with expressive flavors of raspberry and black cherry highlighted by roasted sage, cracked pepper and licorice. Finishes with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2034.'

30% aged in seasoned French oak cooperage. Oh, boy, is that vigorous, penetrating. Cutting my nostrils to the quick. Yes, sauvignon extreme. Multi citrus fruits plus. Long finish. Best vintage yet. I can't enough of this. 94/100.

Tasting Panel 92: 'Ripe flavors of white melon with a squeeze of lime are balanced by fresh acidity that offers just the right bright edge for definition. $20.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Exhibits sprightly acidity and notes of white pepper that perk up green apple, lemon curd, and vanilla oak.'

Ace winemaker and consultant Thomas Rivers Brown brands. Seems like a lightly oaked, light malo cuvee. Cool RRV aspects suggest lower valley origins. Well crafted, well balanced; welcome body. Versatile at the table. 92/100

More oak here but nothing to excess. These are the real, measured, restrained TRB style. Good acid, cool SCT style, oak discreet and well integrated. 93/100.

Wine Spectator 95: 'A stunning wine, with plenty of power and detail. Offers Fuji apple and crunchy star fruit, plus a whiff of smoked and salted butterscotch to complement the notes of peach preserves, black cardamom and nutmeg, along with a touch of lemongrass. Toasted brioche and a bite of buttery shortbread leave a lasting impression. Drink now through 2038. $55.”

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'White melon, crisp nectarine and apple slice aromas mare cut by sea salt on the cohesive nose of this bottling. There's a sharper, crystalline focus to the palate, where citrus edges cut into the warmer cantaloupe and tropical touches, with lively acidity throughout. $30.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This is our classic style dry Chenin Blanc, more in the Loire style which we are famous for. The notes are white flowers, tropical fruits, white nectarine, nutmeg, and mineral on the nose. The flavors on the palate are juicy guava, peach, white grapefruit, and acidity rounding out the mouthfeel.'

Tasting Panel 93: 'Amped by brisk acidity, this wine is reminiscent of a style from the Italian Alps. Fresh aromas of Anjou pear are mirrored on the first sip. A steely undertone levels the field, uplifting notes of lemon verbena. $22.'

.7 RS. Majestic build, mountain largesse. Maturing slowly and evenly. Near dry, flavorful, structured. The best of CA riesling; few compare. 95/100. The current vintage retails for $35. Win-win situation: closeout price, more fulfilled wine.

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Textbook Malbec aromas of fresh blackberries and violets introduce a fresh palate, featuring energized acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and firm tannins. Balanced flavors of strawberries, red plums, and hints of cinnamon extend the finish.'

Average vine age 25 years; aged a year in French oak cooperage. Very dark maroon. Good and sweet and thick carmenere enhanced by barrel embellishments and duration. The acidity gives this lots of relief. Flavorful, lasting, marked by fine grained 'reserva' tannins. No herb, no earth. Now or later. 91+/100.

In the upper Awatere Valley. Yow! Cat pee on a gooseberry bush for sure, with a squeeze of white grapefruit thrown in. Palate even more telling. No mistaking it for Loire sauvignon. The right food matches will highlight its attributes. 92/100. Positive comments from attendees. 'Very typical and good.' 'Nice nose and flavor.' 'Great acid, balance, and length.'

Wine Spectator 92 - SMART BUY: 'An effusive style, with a wild berry mix and touches of pomegranate and cranberry mingling with toasted green tea, bay leaf, smoked paprika and cumin accents. Green cardamom, fennel seed and clove notes emerge on the finish on a firm and juicy frame. Drink now through 2037. $30.'

Elevation 2500'. Straw wine, 2-3 weeks on nets; acorns that fall amongst the bunches processed with the fruit. Drying reduces the yield by 85%. Fermentation lasts up to a year in seasoned French oak barrels. Old gold color. Thick, rich, loaded. Nuts and grains. Honeyed, concentrated, flavorful. Everlasting. Worth the effort. Warms on the way down. 99/100.

On clay and limestone; merlot (vines up to 90 years old), cab franc, malbec; aged 12-14 months in barrels and larger oak cooperage. Slightly racier and darker fruited than the 2022 tasted a few weeks back. Different style, for sure. The cooperage contributes more to this one. Yeah, sleeker than the 22. Still some astringency of youth or travel. A solid alternative though in need of more cellar time. 92+/100.

89% merlot, 7% cab sauv, 4% malbec. Half aged in new cooperage. This has Fronsac oomph and Canon class. Don't see Canon Fronsacs around much lately. I love Fronsac. Yes, Fronsac solidity and frankness. Full fine grained tannin, so plenty of cellar potential. 92+/100.

69% semillon, 24% sauvignon blanc, 7% sauvignon gris; average age of vines 20 years; 30% aged 6 months in barrels. Boy, do the barrels stand out. You don't get much of that short of Pessac Leognan blanc. The varietal set is well coordinated within itself and with the barrel tones. Ambitious. Full barrel exposure on the palate too. Even more so than Doisy Daene sec, though we tasted that two years older. I'm intrigued by the bouquet potential here. 92+/100. Very popular with attendees. WOTN votes; orders taken. 'Rich palate in a Sauternes estate's style.' Even better the next day: 'Light vanilla oak on the nose; sauvignon blanc comes through on the palate. Long finish. Will improve for years. Real value.'

The sauvignon has taken increasing command of the cuvee over recent vintages. Good move; sauvignon blanc is HOT. No denying colombard's green fruit nature, and it's right at home here. Good ripeness and richness this vintage. Lots of tangy sauvignon citrus. Really one of the most expressive and attractive vintages of this. Finish goes on and on. Great sweet-acid fruit balance. 92/100. Well liked by attendees, especially for the price. Many orders taken. 'Very nice nose. Very long and pleasant palate. Great value.' 'Very representative of sauvignon. Long finish that I enjoyed.' 'Lemony, creamy, long finish. Wow!'

Vines over 30 years old; 7 months on lees. That's a good, full, mineral laced Grandlieu Muscadet. Lots of nasal spiel. Carries over to the palate. Lots of body, texture, depth. Yes! Long finish. 92/100. High marks from attendees. 'Bracing, piquant, long lasting.' 'The acidity is perfect. Like it lots.' 'Smells and tastes like Muscadet; good freshness; very attractive.' 'Good concentration and acidity. Love the freshness!'

'Craie Argilo-Limoneuse'; vines planted 1990; native yeasts; yields under 3 tons per acre. Heavy Bottle Award. Dark appearance. Boy, that is one full, dense Saumur rouge. Loaded. More ease than the nose suggests. Still, there's extract grip. Good acid. Well balanced. Clinging. Cellar it. 92+/100. Well liked; WOTN candidate. Cellar potential widely noted. 'Classic cabernet franc with perfect tannins.' 'Lots of wine here.' 'Excellent. Easily WOTN. Put it down for awhile.' 'Great cab franc expression. Great acidity, grip.'

Grapes from Chateau de Valmer; demi sec. In tune with the series: mild, accurate, pleasant, well priced. Demi sec sweetness well balanced by cool vintage acidity. Quince, melon, and lime flavors. Nothing awesome about it, but what's not to like? Aperitif, fruit cocktail companion, and probably several sweeter seafood and poultry preps. Sushi included. 91/100. Enjoyed by attendees, whose comments jibed with mine. 'Very Vouvray, with nice fruit and balance.' 'Quince, mineral, acid. Pleasantly demi sec and useful.'

From chalky, flinty soils along the Cher. That's a Cher sauvignon, all right. Similar terroir basis as Sancerre but with a lighter, greener, fresher aspect. Very green fruited. Racy acidity. The cool vintage makes its mark here. This is distinct in the series. 91/100. Very popular with attendees. 'Wow, a mini Sancerre. Very classy. Nice balance. These have improved ever y new vintage.'

15 hectares spread over 50 plots; 40 year old vines; from a diversity of AOC soil types; small percentage aged in seasoned cooperage. Wow, one of the splashiest young showings for Daulny. Ripe and forward fruit but no lack of cool. This seems put together right. Very fruity and flavorful. Won't make old bones, so enjoy in the prime of its youth. 92/100. A couple noted cooperage influence. 'Classic; subtle citrus, mellow lemon.' 'Grass, ripe fruit, lemon; real volume here.' Next day: 'Silex/gunflint.'

From 50 year old vines near Gevrey Chambertin; yields 2 tons per acre. Medium to medium dark ruby. Boy, that runs deep and pinot luxurious, sweet and ventilating. The pinot is Cote de Nuits black plum, Gevrey stout. Even larger in the mouth because of substantial texture, extract. Seems stronger than 12%. Long, clinging finish. This has made considerable progress from a year ago. Plenty more in the tank too. 94+/100. Universal approval; WOTN; orders taken. 'Almost Gevrey stature. No need to age.' 'Dark fruits, berries spice; with air, coffee notes. Gevrey feral aspects. Lovely and approachable.' 'Lovely. Tannins are softened, so good now. Even better in 2-3 years.' 'Good structure, Burgundy character. One of the better Burgundies under $50 we've tasted this year.'

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

Est. 1861; highest and steepest vineyards of the AOC; on granite, schist, and andesite; the oldest vines (40+ years) go into this cuvee, which is commonly purchased by French embassies; Pavillon is the building, an old hunting lodge, and Chavannes the lieu dit; Shares its Art Deco label with Chateau Thivin, as the owning families are intermarried. Lush, almost extravagant. Rounder, more forthcoming than its distant relative Chateau Thivin at same age. Good CdB black fruit. Plenty of material. Light tannin. Will likely surpass the excellent 2022. 93+/100. Widely popular. Several WOTN votes. 'Oh, yeah; young but good stuff.' 'What a sense of balance!'

4th generation estate with vineyards in all four Chablis AOCs and cellars in the heart of Chablis village; vine age 2 to 65 years. Very fruity this cool vintage. Exceptionally so; unique and appealing. House style a factor too. Chalky, powdery palate. Good, 'race-y' acid this vintage. Good terroir grip at the end. 92/100. Well liked by attendees. 'Super rich nose and palate. Very Chablis! Lots of character at a reasonable price.' 'Bright bouquet; less ripe than we're used to recently. And more acidity. Chablis terroir present but not overbearing. Taste of history-'

Average age of vines 25 years. That smells like a Montmains. It's a little sweeter and fruitier than many a Premier Cru. Palate coincides. Range, depth, and extra interest of a Premier Cru. Well balanced conclusion. This simply paints the Montmains picture. 93+/100. All positive reviews. '1er Cru from the first sniff! What a terroir statement; you can smell the sea shells. Fine and ripe fruit too. Minerality and salinity carry the palate.' 'Wow! Complex, perfect acidity, depth.' Several mentions of peach on the nose.

40 year old vines. Contrasting. Fuller, deeper, more terroir bearing, more 'serious'. An illustrative tete a tete. Yes, this is 'more-ish' (but less fun). Almost 'woody', but there's none of that to its upbringing. Well balanced again. 93+/100. Again, everything positive. Vaillons edged out the Montmains. 'Both great wines.' 'Both are exemplary.' '1er Cru again. This has more edge. The structure is bracing!' 'Depth, structure, acidity, brightness. Good now; even better in 3-5 years.' 'Could spent all evening savoring either one.'

Full, light golden with age in barrel and bottle. Wow, that inimitable Burgundy chardonnay combo of barrel ferment, lees and stirring, and aging. Slam dunk Bourgogne blanc. Oodles of toast to complement its full and juicy chardonnay and terroir originals. Huge, mouth coating finish goes on and on. Fully up to a leading Cote de Beaune village chardonnay. Worth every penny. 95+/100.

At Davaye; est 1928; limestone soil; aged on lees until spring. The lees show. This has a certain nutty quality compared to previous vintages. And it's more about citrus than apple compared to past years. Neat. Ripe acidity in 2023. The unique flavor nature conveys what the nose reports. I'm having fun with this. 91/100.

Generations old estate now encompassing 30 acres; all jacquere; native yeasts. As young a jacquere as we've tasted. It's rich and true in varietal character if aromatically still a little subdued when cold and just opened. Yes, this really is a rich, ripe vintage of jacquere. Tangy in back too. Once it's warmed up, I'm sure it's ready to offer a full bounty of grape and zone characters. 92/100. Indeed, it was widely liked two hours later and reported even better the next day. 'Really fresh. Very jacquere and fairly rich. Mineral typicity.' 'Palate rich and just as fresh.' 'Delicious.'

Wine Spectator 93: 'An inviting, ripe and savory version, with a ripe core of black plum and berries layered with smoked meat, smoldering incense and wild herbs on a rich, round frame uplifted by salty acidity. Crushed iron and camphor stretch out on the meaty, satisfying finish. Drink now through 2030.'

Est. 16th century at Saint Victor la Coste in Gard on the right bank of the Rhone across from Avignon; grenache and syrah on cobbles over limestone. Freshness and coolness of the Gard, further cooled by its limestone underlayment. Wonderful fruit marriage; come hither. Yes, cool and linear; Gard all the way. Seems smoother than the good 2021. Light tannin; food will manage it. Good acidity. 91+/100. Seemed to grow more robust with aeration. Positive comments, including 'Initially a dense and earthy bouquet. More interest on the palate showing plum/prune and stewed raspberry. There is density here. Thinking winter fare. Benefitted from airing.'

80% grenache (planted 1948), 20% mourvedre; unfined, unfiltered. Dark red black. Powerful, grenache enveloped, mourvedre black cored. Classic PdD, always is. The extras the area's cobblestone soils deliver. Seems like a little brother to Chateauneuf. Family resemblance. Cool and clear black fruits. Old vines intensity. Alcohol adds both largesse and coolness. One of the best from this AOC. 92+/100. Well respected by attendees. Ripeness and weight noted. Mourvedre reduction and iron tone.

Wine Spectator 91: 'Gentle-edged and silky, with nicely ripe layers of plum sauce, cherry, alder smoke and incense. Wet earth and dried tobacco leaf notes add a lovely, savory dimension, while crushed iron shores up the full finish, stitched up with finely chiseled tannins. Elegant. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut and Mourvedre. Drink now through 2030. $38.'

Viognier, roussanne, marsanne, clairette, bourboulenc, grenache blanc. Ah, good to see the aromatic pair in the lead this vintage. Hasn't always been so lately. Others are body building. More about body and less about aromatics on the palate. That's just fine. This is providing endless entertainment. What I'm looking for here. Best vintage in years. 92/100.

30% sylvaner, 25% riesling, 20% pinot blanc, 10% muscat, 10% pinot gris, 5% gewurztraminer. Warmth of the vintage brings forth more aromatic expression early than the 2024 expressed. More like the 23 than the 24 at a young stage. Yes, more aromatic and textural personalities early on. This will be a good one. 91+/100.

Wine Spectator 92: 'A pretty, well-balanced Riesling, with stone and pith aromas leading to nectarine skin on the nose. Expands on the palate, with candied pineapple and agave flavors, while a streak of acacia honey runs through the core, bumping into fennel and carrot top along the way. On the drier side of auslese, this moves with focus and purity through the long finish. Drink now through 2038. $20.'

From some of the Mosel's oldest vines, including ungrafted vines; blauschiefer = blue slate. Very cool and racy riesling from about as far upstream as you can go and still be counted 'Mittel' Mosel. Walnut husk overtone I get from rieslings grown in slate. Wow, what texture, what extract. Mouth filling, mouth coating. Everlasting finish. Wish I could let this warm and breathe and study it for hours. 94+/100. Widely rated WOTN, its only drawback a vision of how much more there is to come. 'Lovely nose and palate but very young.' 'Mosel delicacy; light and fresh; very primary. Lovely wine in need of years.'

From Burgenland, on eastern Austria's Pannonian plain, the country's oldest winegrowing region; native yeasts; no malo; aged in large cooperage. As good and price worthy as ever. Right down the middle varietal character. Medium bodied. Well balanced. Light tannin. Wants food. 91/100.

Loess over gravel on an ancient course of the Danube; vines planted 1960-1980. Oh, the intensity of aroma and nostril fill and feel! Always one of my favorite gruves. Strong minerality, superior terroir. Just so relentlessly penetrating!/ No letdown in intensity on the palate. This writes the book on Wagram gruner. Flavorful, full textured, balanced, lasting. Lots of meal time apps. 93/100. Widely enjoyed by attendees, who are not normally gruner fans but have liked this one in past vintages too. 'Lots of really nice flavors; fruitier than the norm.''Minerals and white fruits.' 'Great appeal and great length.' 'This really delivers. 'My best gruve score in awhile.'

Est. 1929; cooperative with vineyards on south facing slopes along Lake Geneva. Pure Swiss chasselas green fruit nose. More high altitude lift than Alsace versions. The acidity isn't too aggressive. Standard level of expression and quality. Near quaffable. Ready for raclette, fondue. 91/100. Became more expressive with aeration. Well liked by attendees. 'Lovely nose, nice mineral palate.' 'Very attractive wine.' 'Fine, mineral driven bouquet. Palate follows nose.' 'Very intense for the varietal.' 'More acid than expected, as well as tonic tones.'

In Condado de Tea near the Mino river; from old vines in granite and slate soils. Very cool and ventilating. Mint and thyme. Unique in its field. Palate confirms. Wintergreen taste and breeziness plus green herb range. Indeed, nothing else quite like it. 92/100. Very well liked. 'Wonderful, rich, fresh nose. Very typical and long.' 'Old vines power. Fruit borders on unctuous, with spicy notes emerging. Excellent example.' 'Peach and bit of grapefruit. Good acidity. Mellow finish.' 'Citrus, mineral. Classic.'

Mountainous inland DOP east of Galicia; generations long winegrowers with very old, bush-trained vines; began domaine bottling in 2010; aged 3 months on the lees; Vinous 91/100. Full; nicely filled out. An excellent take on this aromatic variety, with old vines intensity. Large, round, perfumed, well balanced. Definite dinner wine volume and full texture. 92/100. Lots of positive comments. 'Lots of really good flavor. Very varietal.' 'Lives up to its VV billing. Full intensity and length, with acidity to balance the weight.'

80+ year old vines; aged 6 months on the lees; Suckling 91/100. Dark red violet. Oh, my, another luxury one. Old vines supply the beef, cool 2024 the uplifting bearnaise elegance. Yes, heft, substance, race. Good acid and fine grained tannin. More serious and enduring than your basic 'joven'. Will improve 2-3 years. 92/100. Widely enjoyed. 'Gobs of fresh fruit.' 'Lushly fruited. Real power. Black cherry, black pepper; later, iris. Good acidity, low tannin.'

80+ year old vines; aged 6 months in oak cooperage; Parker 91+/100. Inkier still. More evolved and more complex from the oak input. A beautiful example. Earns its feminine title. Yes, really big in flavor and texture thanks to the old vines. Material as well as charm. Will improve 3-5 years. 92+/100. Generally preferred to the Joven. 'Much different; more interesting. American oak shows.' 'Oak exposure evident; seems American oak. More serious, and in need of cellaring.'

100 year old vines at high elevation; aged a year in oak cooperage; Parker 92/100. Dark red violet. More evolved still from greater barrel and bottle age. The oak is well under control. Nose between aroma and bouquet in development. Plenty of fruit sweetness and flavor on the palate. Managed tannins, but significant. Cellar 2-3 years. 93+/100. An educational mencia 'vertical'. Widely judged best of the trio. 'More resilient. Should live even longer.' 'Benefits from extra barrel and bottle age. Structured but approachable.' Later in the evening, reported 'very popular.'

Est. 1852; 82% tempranillo, with graciano, mazuelo, garnacha; aged 2 years in American oak barrels. Deep crimson. Brighter and younger looking than the 2020. Oh, this is a tribute to power and precision welded together. The fruit and oak are equally well amalgamated. The nose spells 'great vintage'. Younger and fresher than the 2020. Takes up an equal amount of space on the palate. Both wood and fruit tannins come across nicely burnished. One of Rioja's over achievers here. Doesn't chase one off near term, because it has huge potential for longevity and bouquet. 95+/100. This got lots of high marks. 'Lovely vanilla. Sweet nose. Full and rich palate. Good flavors.' 'American oak for sure. Big fruit statement to match. Certainly in need of time.'

Parker 92: 'The younger wine here is the 2020 Vina Alberdi, a versatile version of the Haro reds. It was produced with Tempranillo fermented in stainless steel and matured in American oak barrels for two years (it's sold as Reserva in international markets and Crianza in Spain). It has a classical nose of ripe fruit, American oak and spices, the subtle notes of forest floor, still young. The palate is velvety and very balanced with polished tannins. Approachable but should also age. Drink 2024 - 2029.'

Parker 94: 'No 2018 was produced, so after the 2017 I tasted last year, we jumped to the 2019 Viña Ardanza Reserva, produced with a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. It fermented destemmed in stainless steel and aged in American oak barrels, 36 months for the Tempranillo and 30 months for Garnacha, and was blended before bottling. 2019 is a very good year for them, a small crop of powerful and concentrated wines when they produced all their brands, an exception. This is spicy, structured, balanced and powerful in this warm year. It's still very young and undeveloped, with the classical profile, generous in American oak aromas and flavors that should slowly integrate in the wine with years in bottle. For them, 2019 means a change in Ardanza, less spicy (but still quite spicy, with clove, vanilla and tobacco leaves) and with more fresh fruit from the Garnacha. Drink 2025 - 2038.'

This reads right for its varietal, and it costs much less than a Rueda version. Intense, accurate, bargain. Flavor strength and vigor keep up with the nose. Deal! 91/100.

35 day fermentation via native yeasts; aged 5 months on lees; unfined, unfiltered. Copper hue with an orange rim, Unique. Lightly scented and, like the appearance, something I've never experienced before. Kumquat-/ Good acid and like taste. Certainly holding up well. First look at the eva de los santos grape variety. I'll add it to my life list. 91/100.

18-50 year old vines; native yeasts; unfined, unfiltered. Purple colored for grape and region. A warm and spicy southern take on tempranillo. Appeals. Even spicier on the palate. Fine tannins add texture. Unique as well. 91/100.

Native yeasts. an Alto Piemonte white variety seldom seen recently. And a good version. Very fresh and expressive. Bursting with flavor too. Writes the book on the rare erbaluce. Bravo. 93/100.

Wine Enthusiast 95 - CELLAR SELECTION: 'This wine lives up to its name in the most literal and beautiful way possible, the floral quality here is not a suggestion; it is the whole personality. High-toned sour cherry and raspberry freshness and a touch of herbs keep everything focused and alive. Plush fruit on the palate with fine tannins and a lifted fruity energy that makes every sip feel like the vineyard itself is making a very convincing argument for its own existence. Drink Now ? 2045. $105.'

Estate bottled; aged 20 months in oak cooperage; Vinous 92/100. Medium dark ruddy red. Correct. B'co lift and elegance in tune with the vintage style. This is going to take some aeration. At opening, it's in something of an aromatic trough. Palate holds no surprises; follows the nose lock step. I like the balance, the finest grained of tannins, and the future of a classic B'co. 93+/100. Blossomed with aeration. WOTN votes. 'Real B'co character, decent price. Drinking nicely.' 'Strawberry, florals, structure, character.' 'Fruit dominant; rose elements. Real step up from a Nebbiolo d'Alba. Real volume.'

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Bright as a just-picked cherry, this Nebbiolo zips across the palate like lightning in a summer storm. Rose petals and almost-ripe raspberries dance with wisps of bay leaf, while tart cherries and red currants build like a wave, letting the savory herbs play between their bright beats. It's a lesson in how to make a serious wine sing for everyone's table.'

One year in barrels, 1/3 each new, once used, twice used. Dark red violet. Powerful, deep, Superiore concentrated. The alcohol is cooling. Alba like. Barrel influence shows. Pretty complex as well as intense stuff. Yes, cooling indeed. Well balanced, flavorful, full of extract. Long aftertaste. Melted tannins. Begs for food. 92+/100. Though too BIG for a small subset of attendees, most found it to their liking. 'Fairly varietal. Quite intense. Tannin calls for more bottle age.' 'Big wine with alcohol and barrel tones on nose. Palate even more black fruited, though there are red fruits too. Ambitious. Food wine.'

Four generation winery near Monferrato est. 1911; owns 75 acres of vines. Dark maroon. Fresh, sweet, uplifting. A positive relief after a Cotes du Rhone. In style with the series. Deliciously fruity and flavorful. Nice at its present cool temperature. There is a dusting of tannin though, accentuated by the cool. No problem. Great acidity too. Now or later. 91/100. Attendees enjoyed this. 'A serious wine for aging. Lots of fruit and acid but also bit of tannin.' 'Bright and youthful, with crisp acidity.'

Est. 1878; 10-25 year old vines in marl, clay, chalk; estate bottled. Heavy Bottle Award. Large scaled Gavi that reflects its heavy soil. Sure doesn't shy away. Full and well balanced. Uniquely full bodied. Take it to the table. I'm likin' this one. Long finish. 93+/100. WOTN candidate, led by 'One of the best Gavis I've had'. Praised for minerality, extract, just right fruit ripeness, acidity, balance, finish.

Lot of body and personality for a Dolomiti bianco. Outstanding, really. Palate up there too. Austere, stony bianco character. Plenty of body, texture. Well balanced. 92/100.

Est. 1869; at Tramin; housed in a former Jesuit monastery. Lightly reddish peels color. Very nutty grigio expression. Nice and generous. Good body and peels extract character. Spot on acidity, balance. A very satisfactory grigio for current use. 91/100. Popular with attendees; WOTN candidate. 'Very typical. Very nice quality. Balance and lots of flavor. Really good example.' 'Even more expressive after 24 hours, showing white fruits, notably pear, with a hint of spice in the background.'

Est. 1947; all garganega. That's a character-ful garganega nose that combines freshness with fullness. Won't quit. Sweetens up and takes on great flow in the palate. Good acid grip on finish. Come hither. Easy drinkin'. Great price. 92/100. WOTN candidate; orders taken. Real Soave nose and palate. Peach. Long. Really exemplary. Value.' 'Stone fruit padding. Fine balance. Delicious. Bargain.'

Dashing, racy, pungent, and penetrating. Exemplary of its genre. Mandarin and passion fruit. Oh, this one goes to eleven on the palate. Extreme raciness for 2023, with oodles of delightful flavors in full display. This is a great source; always has been. 93/100.

Sorbara and salamino. Dark rose color. Pleasing fruitcake lambrusco amabile nose. Good acid to counter the sweetness. Spicy aftertaste. Good value. 91/100.

At Montalcino; 75% merlot, 25% sangiovese; aged a year in 85% new and 15% seasoned oak barrels. Dark ruby. Oh, boy, is that rich in both fruit and oak. Near essential. Almost too much for the nose to handle. Yikes!/ The palate is just as unrelenting. The oak and fruit are skillfully interwoven. Tannin is not a barrier, but it's not absent, so there's cellar potential ahead. The acid is great. Helluva Super Tuscan. 94+/100. Widely respected and liked but thought to need more bottle age to complete oak integration. Attendees raved about its merlot intensity, definition, and beauties.

Barco Reale was a walled hunting park of the Medicis; 75% sangiovese, 10% canaiolo, 10% cab sauv, 5% merlot. Nose neat, sweet, and discreet, emphasizing sangiovese dried cherry and orange peel, with blacker fruits in the background. Great acid of course. A modicum of fine grained tannin. Can go right to the table all the same.The acid will be welcome with tomato sauces. 91/100.

75% sangiovese, 10% cab sauv, 10% canaiolo, 5% other. Aged a year in cooperage, half tonneaux, half casks. Medium to medium dark red brown. Good, forward vintage style. Not very aromatic but well poised. Yes, I like the weight and the softness of the tannins. Enough flavor to justify current service. Will continue to yield more over the coming weeks/months. 92+/100.

11th century roots; sangiovese, canaiolo, colorino; aged 6 months in barrels. That has Rufina lift. I like what the minor varieties add to the picture: more aromatic. Cooperage has a similar impact. Well crafted. Cool and casual in 2021. Good acid, light tannin. Medium bodied. In tune with series. 91+/100. Widely liked. 'Simply easy drinking; well priced.' 'Notably more aromatic than many Chiantis. Pleasantly aromatic on the palate too. Palate follows bouquet revealing good fruit with barrel influences. It is ready and displays some maturing elements.'

Dark ruby; always. Just as dark on the nose. Full bodied CC of the south. Barrel extras. Delivers in all respects. Oh, boy, and just as grand and ambitious on the palate. Felsina shows the way. Growth to go. 93+/100.

Est. 1970; the only Montalcino winegrowing cooperative, 94 strong today. Big, powerful, heavily framed classic. All about form and little about aroma at opening. As it should be. More forgiving--more fruit--as it warms in the mouth. The tannins are considerable but not really bearish. Has balance, but it's oh so backward aromatically. Great price for Brunello these days. For the cellar. 93++/100. Very popular. Red WOTN candidate. 'The real deal. Still tannic of course, but drinkable. And enjoyable. Value.' 'Cigar box/pipe tobacco nose. Lovely stuff. Solid structure; solid tannin. Complexity developing and will go further in the cellar.'

Cab sauv, merlot, cab franc, petit verdot. Lovely dark red violet. Oh, that's rich and deep. Classic Bolgheri Bordeaux dark fruits in an Italianate manner. Great acid, fine tannin, plenty of material, depth, breadth, potential. This is one helluva Bolgheri. 95+/100.

Est. 1984; an obscure Marche variety alleged to be a favorite of Frederick Barbarossa, who captured the Castello in 1167. Full and rich, even lavish black fruit. This is the real deal; spot on varietal character. Deep and velvety. Palate in full confirmation. The tannins are fully coated, and this is ready for the table. Couldn't ask for more from this variety. 92/100.

Early ripening, low yielding white grape variety likely native to Marche. Prominent peach and pear. A beauty. Flavors confirm. Good sweet/acid balance. Delicious and versatile. Suits as aperitif or with most fish and poultry fare. 92/100. An attendee favorite. WOTN for at least two. Aromatic richness and range, flavor intensity, fresh, bright acidity, minerality, balance and finish all praised. This is becoming a group-favorite variety.

Est. 1961; named after a medieval tower on the property, destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in 2025; Wine Enthusiast 92/100. Full ruby. Dark for age and grape. Nose as dark fruited as appearance. Delivers a LOT. Sweeter fruited than the nose would suggest, and that's enticing. Good acid behind so really well balanced. Medium bodied, full flavored. Light tannin. Food will take that up. 92+/100. Popular panel selection. 'Very attractive, pleasant nose and palate. Some complexity.' 'Bravo! Darkly fruited with barrel influence and pleasant development. Legit MdA with manageable tannins and balanced acidity. Food wine.'

Proprietary label of importer Bowler Wine; from a single Abruzzo winery's estate grown fruit, including some from old vines planted pergola abruzzese. It's rose colored, but the nose is real Cerasuolo: light bodied red, not rose. Range of red berries, including raspberry and strawberry. Yes, light red wine body and peels flavor concentration too. Full and totally satisfying. A steal in Cerasuolo. Long aftertaste. 92/100. Well liked; many orders taken. Sleeper of the tasting.

Dense, dark, and powerful. Real aglianico through and through. And again on the palate. Great 2021 acidity. The tannins are fine grained. Flavorful. Well balanced, so you could take it to the table. Will improve further in the cellar. 93+/100.

All nero d'avola; 15 year old vines. Dark red violet. That's one black and intense nero. Mary usually favors red fruit and finesse. Iconoclastic. Well, there's more bright and sweet red fruit on the palate. More like it. 92/100. The 'iconoclastic' nature of this MTS generated a lot of excitement, even WOTN votes. Orders taken. 'Never much cared for nero, but I love this. Very complex; lots of character. Lovely, deep, long fruit. Delish.'

Winery surrounded by 250 acres of vineyards in western Sicily near Marsala; aged four months on lees. Full bodied as well as relatively full scented for a grillo. That's Baglio d'Oro. Palate confirms both aspects. Full textured too. Wants to go to the table. 92/100. WOTN candidate; orders taken. 'Nose fragrant, floral. Palate sports fruit galore; high toned finish. Hefty for a grillo.' 'Rich, tropical toned nose with lots of aromatic interest. Rich palate too. Big dry extract. Food wine.' 'Nice, typical varietal character.'

Named for a valley in the Gallura region of northern Sardinia; 100% varietal; 20 year old vines. Heavy bottle. Nice and sweet and bright cannonau. Ideal fruit level. Medium bodied. Good freshness and flow. Well balanced and mighty tasty. I like this cannonau source. 91+/100. Attendees were keen on it, loving pungent RASPBERRY aromas and flavors. 'Deep, rich fruit, perfect tannin, great finish'. 'Will age beautifully!!!' 'Beautiful grenache, balanced. Freshness and balanced finish.'

12 to 25 year old vines in clay and schist at 2400' to 2600'; aged on fine lees 8 to 10 weeks. My how the cool vintage and grape variety cut a Chablis form challenging Santorini's performance. Has an attractive, subtle fruitiness too. Palate fruity too. Adequate acid and extract. Balance and length. Much better priced than the island's. 91/100. Well liked by attendees. 'Nice varietal character and balance. Chalky feel on finish.'

40% each greanche, clairette, 20% syrah. Average vine age 60 years. 12-48 hours' cold skin maceration; direct press; full malo. Full carmine. Almost a red wine appearance. Youthfully undeveloped nose but clearly sizeable. Yes, Tavel full bodied, with a trace of tannins even. This is going to go and grow well into 2027. 92+/100.

Est. 1922 in the limestone foothills of the Maures in southern Var; grenache, cinsault, carignan, syrah; vines 10 to 35 years old. Big surge of fruit as always, sporting more RED fruit than the Provence rose norm. Fresh and inviting. Medium bodied. Fruit lightens up a bit as the well chilled wine numbs my palate. Then, as it warms, it comes flowing out again. Long, fruity finish. Well balanced. The usual here. 91/100. Attendees noticed its relative 'red-ness'. All agreed it was fulfilled and ready to serve.

Wine Spectator 93: 'Dried lemon peel, Brazil nut and sel gris notes bristle with tension, and the energy sparkles in this bone-dry, well-cut version. $25.'

52%% chardonnay (including 4% 2016 reserve wine), 48% pinot noir; 6 gL dosage; disgorged 11/24; Wine Enthusiast 100/100 ? CELLAR SELECTION. The reserve wine and long en tirage sure show in the biscuity bottle bouquet. Yet everything is elegantly wrought. Plenty of fruit retention with proper proportion of white and red. Very fine mousse. Though it's a class CA sparkler, it won't be mistaken for Champagne except in the latter's ripest vintages. It's fruitier. 97/100. Loved by all. 'Super good. Super flavor and very long.' 'Full lees tones on the very penetrating and intense bouquet. A total WOW.' 'Honey and toast on nose. Great mousse. Lovely finish that goes on for miles.' 'I thoroughly enjoyed it.'

French Blue is a range of five Bordeaux wines made by ex pat American winemaker Stephanie Rivin; 80% merlot, 13% semillon, 7% muscadelle; a year en tirage; Tasting Panel 93/100. Clever encepagement and elevage blur out individual varietal characters and allow all of a year's yeast autolysis to make a clear and welcome statement. Bravo. Genuine low brut dryness. Good degree of 'yeastiness'. Eminently well balanced to the extent of even being come hither; i.e. one glass invites another. Multi purpose sparkler. 92//100. Well liked by attendees; orders taken. 'Pleasant and fresh fruit. Well made.' 'Fruit driven nose with a touch of lees influence. Fresh apple and a touch of red apple peel. Refreshing, ample.'

100th anniversary vintage; 40% xarello, 30% each macabeu, parellada; aged 15 months on lees. This has that great, new, easy to remove capsule system, but the direction is opposite from Champagne. A statement? Very elegant cava. No earthiness. Pleasing degree of yeast autolysis doughy character. Very dry. I'd label it Extra Brut. It marks a special milestone cava. About as classy as a cava can be at this modest price. Kudos. 92/100. Attendees agreed.

Est. 1867 at Canelli, near Torino. Base of estate grown cortese. 50 botanicals. Original 19th century recipe. My God, that's one complex bianco. Full sweetness balanced by bitter botanicals. Best bianco out there? Best in my memory. 97/100.