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The classic Haro-styled red 2015 Viña Alberdi, sold abroad with the mention of Reserva and in Spain as Crianza, is a good introduction to the house style: balsamic reds with abundant notes of sweet spices and cigar ash, developed aromas of forest floor and a creamy twist making small concessions for a fresher and cleaner profile in the last few years but keeping the classic style. There are notes of ground tobacco and earth, and the palate is seamless and sleek, with polished tannins and a soft mouthfeel. JS 93 pts, RP 91 pts, -
Impressive, complex array of wild cherries, raspberries, garrigue herbs, lightly spiced pastry and stony, chalky minerals. Super-fresh florals. The palate has superb texture, roundness, completeness, depth and detail. Powerful yet elegant with powdery tannins and essence-like red fruit. Super-fleshy, supple and dense core, then strong at the edges. Layer upon layer peels away on the finish. Rhone Blend. JS 98 pts, JD 97 pts, RP 96 pts, D 93 pts. -
Fresh and pure, with a pretty beam of raspberry and cassis notes, flecked with savory, lavender and rooibos tea accents. A mineral edge adds length and tension on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2032. JS 93 pts. JD 92pts, WS 92pts, RP 90 pts. -
The 2015 Valadorna (65% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is a dark and thickly endowed red wine that boasts a rich and lasting grip on the palate. The bouquet offers depth and complexity with dark fruit, leather, cured tobacco and spice. There are also softer notes of chocolate and ground espresso beans. WA 95 pts -
The NV Brut La Française is based on 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier, all fermented in stainless steel and blended with 30% of reserve wines. It is a pure, fresh and well-structured Brut that seems more elegant, complex and round than the Brut Réserve. The persistent finish is clear, fresh and well structured, with refreshing lemon flavors and a nice grip. My sample was said to be bottled in 2014 and disgorged in March 2017 with nine grams of dosage. There is good length and tension here as well as sweet cherry aromas in the aftertaste. WW 93 pts, RP 91 pts, WS 90 pts. -
Powerfully Grenache on the nose: red cherry, wild strawberry, and star anise, with the Syrah providing a little tobacco-like herby savoriness. The mouth is deep and flavorful, with flavors of black cherry, pepper spice, and milk chocolate. Nice powdery Grenache tannins come out on the finish, leaving an impression of pithy cherry skin and wild herbs. Drink now and over the next decade. Blend: 53% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Counoise. WE 94 pts, RP 92 pts, WS 90 pts. -
Deep dark in glass with gorgeous aromas of blue fruit, pie crust and a touch of coconut husk. On the palate the rich texture combines well with the full-bodied tannins and ripe plum and cassis flavors. Layers of fruit intertwine with subtle secondary flavors of briar, cigar box and touch of graphite minerality. WS 91 pts, JS 90 pts. -
Wild and brambly with a wealth of mixed berries and dark chocolate. The palate has chalky tannins that are compressed and set like plaster. Chocolate and dark berries to finish. Drink or hold." JS 91 pts, JD 91 pts. -
This wine is incredibly expressive, youthfully polished and generous, effortlessly straddling the line between opulence and elegance. The warmth of the 2016 growing season added a luxurious undercurrent of power and gravitas, while an intuitive approach to vineyard and canopy management has ensured the wine retains its balance, freshness and verve. WE 95 pts, WW 93 pts, JD 93 pts -
Maroon in color with a garnet hue, this wine has an enticing nose of maraschino cherries, blackberry bramble and brisket with notes of clove and star anise. It’s mouthwatering with a juicy entry and has a fruity mid-palate of currant with toasted vanilla and roasted brown sugar character from American oak barrels. Structured tannins provide an elegant character with a long and expressive finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine will provide drinking pleasure through 2041. WW 92 pts, D 92 pts. -
Maroon in color with a garnet hue, this wine has an enticing nose of maraschino cherries, blackberry bramble and brisket with notes of clove and star anise. It’s mouthwatering with a juicy entry and has a fruity mid-palate of currant with toasted vanilla and roasted brown sugar character from American oak barrels. Structured tannins provide an elegant character with a long and expressive finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine will provide drinking pleasure through 2041. 95.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.7% Merlot, 0.4% Petit Verdot, 0.3% Malbec and 0.3% Cabernet Franc. WW 92 pts., D 92 pts. -
With a bouquet of cedar, spice, and sun-ripened blackberries, our Sonoma Zinfandel makes a strong first impression. Bold and richly textured on the palate with an intensity and purity of fruit reflected in notes of wild blueberries, plum, and black currants. A light dusting of tannins provides structure and a long finish that is boueyed by fresh juicy acidity. 100% Zinfandel. WE 90pts. WS 90pts, WW 90pts. -
The 2016 Brut Rosé has generous aromas of strawberry and orange zest. Its fruitful nose is complemented by notes of cinnamon, vanilla and watermelon. On the palate, there are juicy flavors of ruby grapefruit, stone fruit and raspberry compote, with soft touches of toasted hazelnut and shortbread cookie. The fruitful finish is fresh, with a bright clean acidity. WE 93 pts, WS 91 pts, JS 91 pts, RP 91 pts. -
Capturing the eye, charming the nose and enchanting the palate, the Roserock Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir has a velvety approach and focused structure. Balanced and long on the palate, the elegance shines through many layers of flavors. This is a wine that will be delicious young but that has a bright future. 100% Pinot Noir. JS 94pts, WS 93pts, RP 93pts, WE 92pts. -
Our classic California Zinfandel is dark purple-ruby, with a bright crimson hue. On the nose, concentrated aromas of blackberry and raspberry meld with clove and spice. Lush flavors of raspberry, blackberry jam, plums, and vanilla flood the palate, followed by touches of white pepper in the background. Plush and round tannins and great length make for a fresh and enticing finish. WW 90 pts, TP 90 pts. -
Aromas of fresh, ripe blueberries, ripe plum, and black currant intertwine with notes of cedar, vanilla, and pie crust. This medium-bodied wine is plush with flavors of plums, blueberries, and figs up front, leading to juicy red fruit on the mid-palate. Delicious now, its depth and structure provide long cellaring potential. 100% Merlot. JS 90pts, WS 90pts, WW 90 pts. -
Pale yellow with a green tinge to the hue. Aromas of yellow peach, mango with a slight citrus note intertwine seamlessly with vanilla and spice. The palate is rich and round, with the mango and vanilla fighting for the lime light, while the cream texture, vanilla and slight butter combine seamlessly. The balanced acidity closes out the finish bringing the multiple components into balance. 100% Chardonnay. WW 90pts -
Pale yellow in color, this wine offers a bouqet bursting with notes of flowers (hawthorn and jasmine) and yellow fresh fruits (drupe, peach and apricots). On the palate, it is medium-bodied and flavorsome, full of fruit, with clear mineral notes. 100% Gargenega. JS 90 pts. -
A powerful and elegant approach that is velvety and rich from start to finish. Excellent body with abundant but not overpowering tannin and well integrated alcohol, achieving a perfect balance on its journey through the front, mid and back palate before a long, savory end. Upon entry, leaves flavors of black forest fruits, blackberries and spices such as clove and black pepper. It has a long and harmonious aftertaste and a smoky finish that gives it great length. A round, complex and balanced wine that highlights the maximum potential of Tempranillo at its very best. WS 92 pts. -
Deep ruby in color, this wine boasts aromas of raspberry and blueberry perfumed with floral notes and touches of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, cherry and raspberry fruit comes forward with layers of cassis, blueberry, vanilla cream, spice, and a sweet note. The texture is smooth and silky with well-integrated tannins and good acidic weight. The wine finishes long and polished. Expressive and elegant, this exceptionally food-friendly wine will pair delightfully with a variety of dishes, from grilled T-bone steaks with chimichurri sauce, to miso-marinated sea bass or grilled salmon. For a perfect cheese pairing, Fiscalini Bandage Wrapped Cheddar, patterned after traditional English Cheddar, has the fullness, complexity, and ambition to match this wine.JD 91 pts, D 91 pts. -
Pale straw in color with green hues. Intense aromas reminiscent of fine dried herbs, white flowers, lemons and limes. Shows great length and depth on the palate with grapefruit and limes, fresh rosemary, white pepper and a hint of tropical fruit. The wine finishes with a soft natural acidity which balances the flavor intensity and a minerality that will reward medium to long-term cellaring. 100% Riesling. JS 94 pts, WE 92 pts, WW 92 pts. -
The Pessimist cuvée by the Daou Brothers is always a good value for those who love opulent fruit, and the 2018 offers loads of sweet blue fruits, white chocolate, violets, and toasted spice aromas and flavors. Based on 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, and 17% Syrah, it’s full-bodied, decadent, and rich while staying light on its feet. 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. JD 92pts -
The 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast comes from multiple sites on the Sonoma Coast and saw a touch of stems and 9 months on lees in 11% new French oak. Its ruby hue gives way to a pretty, strawberry, spice, and brambly, forest floor-laced Pinot Noir that has good acidity, plenty of sweet fruit, no hard edges, and a clean finish. It's well worth seeking out. JS 92pts, RP 91pts, WS 90pts, JD 90pts -
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Crossbarn comes from the superstar winemaker Paul Hobbs and is a solid value in 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet. Upfront violets, plums, exotic spices, and orange blossom notes all emerge from this expressive, medium to full-bodied, plush effort that has lots of charm. It has the vintage's slightly firm tannins yet should keep nicely for 7-8 years, if not longer. JS 93 pts, JD 91 pts, RP 90 pts. -
Owned and managed by the Harris family, Paradigm winery produced its first vintage in 1991 in Oakville with winemaker Heidi Barrett. Dark Cabernet color with beautiful aromas of black cherry, cassis, plums, 5-spice, vanilla. Big, ripe and mouthcoating across the palate. The flavors are similar to the aromas with ripe fruit, berry/cherry pie, moderate tannins, and nice length. This wine shows enough structure to be age-worthy yet soft and balanced enough to enjoy upon release. Flavors linger in this tasty dense wine. Tastes like Oakville. 2016 was rated 96 points. -
Reservas are produced only in vintages of exceptional quality, and the Ontañon Reserva comes from our most select vineyards on the slopes of the Sierra Yerga Mountains, just above the town of Quel in Rioja baja. The product of some of their oldest vines, Ontañon Reserva displays notes of deep, full fruit flavors but with ample acidity, minerality and earth notes drawn from the land where the fruit is grown. It has backbone, fine-laced acidity, structure and natural grape tannins that that will ensure its integrity for years to come. D 91 pts -
Aromas of white spring flower, Bartlett pear and citrus waft out of the glass. The racy, refreshing palate is full of energy, offering crisp yellow-apple, lemon drop and orange zest flavors balanced by vibrant acidity. A perlage of small, refined and continuous bubbles provides the silky backdrop. #1 Wine Enthusiast Wine of the Year 2019 WE 94 pts. JS 91 pts. -
The barrel sample of 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah, aging in 70% new French oak. Deep ruby-black in color, it gives up luscious crème de cassis, blackberry pie, kirsch, mint chocolate, vanilla bean, coffee and grilled meats scents with touches of tobacco and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, it offers intense, expertly managed, ripe fruits and loads of spices with a firm, finely grained frame and great freshness, finishing long and spicy. RP 95 pts -
The Spur 2017 is crafted from blending the classic Bordeaux varietals with Petite Sirah, which offers a distinctively California expression. Each varietal is farmed, harvested, and handcrafted individually to achieve their greatest expression prior to assembling the final blend. The 2017 vintage provides an aromatic profile of spiced cranberry, blueberry and clove with complementary notes of graham cracker and ripe blackberry. The dark fruit aromas carry through to the palate which is framed by fine tannins, and a rich, lasting, and elegant mouthfeel. Enjoy through 2025. Blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petite Sirah, 13% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot. WE 90 pts. -
The aroma of this wine is compelling, virtually reaching out and grabbing our attention. Yellow peach, melon, guava and crisp Fuji apple are accented with hints of tropical mango and pineapple. Lime, Minneola tangelo and orange blossom lend citrus notes. Accents of dry summer grass, vanilla-toned panna cotta and toasted crème brûlée create complexity. An underlying minerality adds further sophistication.The rich palate coats the tongue balanced with hints of yummy Creamsicle and Ruby Red grapefruit. Refreshing acidity and a mouthwatering finish cap the sensual experience of this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Ws 93 pts, RP 92 pts. -
Fresh, bright aromas and the taste of white peach, this wine has a vibrant acidity balanced by the lush flavors of fully ripe fruit. 100% Chardonnay. WW 90pts -
This opens beautifully to reveal violets, blueberries, licorice, citrus, oyster shell and orange rind. So velvety and polished, but with real depth and structure. Medium-to full-bodied with delightful fruit and a long finish. Drink in 2021 but already so satisfying. JS 95 pts, D 90 pts. -
This wine is made with fruit from the 130-hectare Tignanello estate and is Sangiovese with a smaller part Cabernet Sauvignon. The Marchesi Antinori 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori is a dark and sultry expression with a higher degree of evident richness and concentration in this vintage that produced smaller, more compact berries. The tannins stand out tallest here, and there is some bitterness that is more in line with my expectations of the vintage. In fact, among these new Marchesi Antinori releases from 2017, this wine most accurately reflects the hot vintage especially in terms of mouthfeel. There is a pretty menthol note on the close. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, and the wine ages in French and Hungarian oak barrels for one year. JS 94 pts, RP 92 pts. -
Classically chic, Lucy is a sophisticated rosé that you can take just about anywhere. Easy on the wallet, ripe with pinot noir character, and refreshingly versatile, this irresistible rosé is a perennial favorite amongst wine critics and backyard BBQ enthusiasts alike. 100% Pinot Noir. V 92 pts, RP 90 pts. -
A deep and rich ruby color, the 2017 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir impresses from the moment it’s poured. Notes of Bing cherry, violets, and blackberry crisp shine within this purity, and aromas of orange blossom and cedar add enticing complexity. The ample rainfall of the 2017 season energized the vines at Garys’ Vineyard, resulting in a wine of incredible concentration and freshness from the start. Bright, juicy flavors of black cherry, plum, and baking spice add impressive volume on the palate, while soft, supple tannin gives the wine a well-rounded structure. Lively acidity swirls amongst the fruit flavors, adding brightness that bursts from start to finish while hinting at a graceful, long life in bottle. 100% Pinot Noir. WE 97 pts, RP 95 pts, JD 94 pts, WS 92 pts.
