June 2017 - New Release Wine

Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of cassis, plum, blackberry, and eucalyptus with an lively, dry-yet-fruity full body and a refreshing, medium-long finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. A juicy Shiraz with bold fruit flavors.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright light garnet color. Fruity, spicy aromas of raspberry, caramel, ginseng, and basil and cinnamon with a full body and a complex, medium-long root beer, tomato leaf, and cracked spices finish with earthy, woody tannins and moderate oak. A luscious Brunello for special occasions.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of cassis, plum, coconut, and peppercorn with an lively, dry medium-to-full body and an amusing, medium-length finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. A nice Shiraz with pleasing herbal accents.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dusty brown brick red color. Savory, mature aromas of shitake mushroom, dried parsley, dried cherry, and jasmine tea with a round, lively, dry medium body and a charming, medium-long strawberry, licorice, dark chocolate, and lilac bush and smoked tar finish with well-integrated, papery tannins and moderate oak. A singing Barolo with great umami notes and a big licorice palate.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright garnet black color. Toasty, attractive aromas and flavors of berry pie crust, caramelized bacon, toffee, and leather with a silky, tangy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length boysenberry jam, cocoa-dusted nuts, and minerals finish with silky, fine tannins and light oak. A silky, satisfying cabernet with a great sense of place.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, cassis, and vanilla with a lively, dry full body and a complex, medium-long finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak. Rich meals are made for a wine like this.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark garnet black color. Inviting aromas and flavors of leather, thyme, plum, and forest floor and mushroom with a tannic, vibrant, dryish full body and a warming, distinctive, medium-long root beer, tobacco, yellow bell pepper, and smoked meats and chocolate ganache finish with firm, well-integrated tannins and heavy oak. A great big cab for Napa lovers.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark ruby black color. Attractive aromas of black currant, tar, rose, and ripe strawberry with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an engaging, medium-length chocolate covered toasted coconut, dried dark purple fruits, slate, and mocha and tobacco finish with well-integrated, earthy, grippy tannins. A nice earthy, complex red.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry, eucalyptus, and coconut with an vibrant, dry full body and a nuanced, long finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak. A complex and mature wine for special occasions.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Medium brick red color. Toasty, spicy aromas of toasted cinnamon loaf and stewed tomatoes, clove and buttercream, dried cherries and espresso bean, and caramelized bacon with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an appealing, medium-length cherry fruit leather, autumn leaves, pumpkin muffin, and spiced pear and caramelized nuts finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak. A fantastic fruity yet earthy Pinot Noir that craves autumn dinners.

Date Tasted: 5/5/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Brick red color. Interesting aromas of cedar spice and herb box, cranberry chutney, cherry pipe tobacco and cough drops, sassafras, and licorice and menthol with a supple, tangy, fruity medium body and a smooth, intricate, medium-long grilled fruits and berries, incense, nutskin, and minerals finish with crunchy tannins and moderate oak. A wonderfully complex and enticing Nebbiolo with lots of subtle flavors and great chewy texture for the table.

Date Tasted: 5/18/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Ruby black color. Aromas of smoked tomato and cedar with a tannic, lively, dryish medium-to-full body and a peppery, refreshing, medium-long cherry custard, red and black licorice, and ground black pepper finish with crunchy, firm tannins. A savory-yet-fruity wine with big tannins for rich meals.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Brilliant straw green color. Aromas of dried apple slices, ripe peach and banana, soda bread with butter, and caramel with a round, crisp, fruity sweet medium body and an appealing, medium-length cinnamon, toasted marshmallow, and walnut liqueur finish with well-integrated, coating tannins and moderate oak. A toasty and pleasing Chardonnay with a rich mouthfeel and pleasant acidity.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright light garnet color. Aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries, green twigs, clay, and lemon pith with a tangy, dry full body and an interesting, swift finish with earthy, woody tannins and light oak. A nice Grenache with bright fruit up front leading to a rich midpalate.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale golden straw color. Fruity aromas of lemon rind, summer peach, fresh orange, and garden grass with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length tart lemon sorbet and star fruit, white peach puree, shortbread, and chalk finish with silky, fruit tannins and no oak. A lovely Pinot Grigio with zippy acidity.

Date Tasted: 5/5/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale straw green color. Complex, clean aromas and flavors of citrus peel melange, white flowers, and nectarine with a glycerous, racy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an intricate, medium-long wet stone, lemon bar, rose petal, and marmalade finish with coating, silky tannins. A snappy and sophisticated dry Riesling.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale old gold color. Inviting, fruity aromas of underripe peach, lemon coulis and cantaloupe, apricot marmalade, and vanilla whipped creme with a round, crisp, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity light body and a medium-length peach skins, pickled melon, and citrus relish finish with fine, fruit, well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak. A snappy and peachy number for special daytime parties or summer soirees.

Date Tasted: 5/5/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Yellow straw color. Fresh, fruity aromas of nougat, peach meringue, spiced pear skin, and wet stones with a silky, racy, fruity medium body and a tingling, stimulating, medium-long cedar and birch, bbq rub, kiwi, and pepper finish with fine tannins. A nice zippy Arneis with tangy fruit and balancing minerality; will be great with shellfish.

Date Tasted: 5/18/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright dusty garnet color. Aromas of blackberries, planked cedar, butter cream, and turned earth with a vibrant, dry full body and a medium-length finish with earthy, woody tannins and moderate oak. A rich cabernet with layered and nicely integrated flavors.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark brown brick red color. Aromas and flavors of red plum, harissa, moist tobacco and grass, and cherry cola and anise with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a layered, medium-length marasca cherry skins, dates, wintergreen, and jerk seasoning finish with well-integrated, firm tannins and moderate oak. A robust and rustic cabernet sauvignon for rich meals.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark dusty garnet color. Rustic aromas of smoke and banana peel with a slightly chewy, lively, dryish medium body and a cheery underripe raspberry and vanilla and earth finish with medium, earthy tannins. A fresh and fruity, easy drinking red wine with just a hint of earth.

Date Tasted: 5/18/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Light straw green color. Floral aromas of lily and orange slices and nectarine with a round, racy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an engaging, medium-length key lime spritz, salted marcona almond, and biscuit finish with fine, fruit tannins. A vibrant and tangy floral white wine with zippy salinity.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dusty dark garnet color. Earthy, elegant aromas of raisin, rose bouquet, and fallen leaf with a tannic, tart, dry medium body and an engaging, medium-length cranberry and forest floor finish with coarse tannins and moderate oak. A zippy Barolo to age gracefully.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale straw color. Floral, citrusy aromas and flavors of orange cream, peach, melon, and honeysuckle with a silky, lively, off-dry light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long honeyed apricot and green apple finish with fine tannins and no oak. A delicious, very fruity, off-dry Riesling with wide appeal and versatility.

Date Tasted: 3/13/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark dusty garnet color. Fresh, fruity aromas and flavors of vanilla whipped cream, fresh blueberries and strawberries, milk chocolate, and roasted pistachio and black licorice with a velvety, lively, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, medium-length lavender finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak. A juicy cab based blend bursting with berry-vanilla flavors.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of meringue, citrus zest, sugar cookie, and ocean with a silky, vibrant, fizzy, dryish light body and a tingling, short almond skins finish with fine, fruit tannins. A crowd pleasing Prosecco.

Date Tasted: 5/5/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of meyer lemon, honeydew melon, toasted yeast, and crushed gravel with an crisp, dry full body and an interesting, quick finish with earthy tannins and a suggestion of oak. A rich yet easy drinking new world sauvignon blanc with blossoming flavors.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of meyer lemon cream, pressed linen, lemon head candy, and toasted lees with a lively, finely carbonated, dry medium-full body and a brisk finish with cottony tannins and no oak. A balanced rosé with jazzy, uplifted flavors.

Date Tasted: 4/17/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright dusty garnet color. Interesting aromas and flavors of chocolate dried fruits and nuts, herbal honeycomb, malted vanilla taffy, and bit of rubber with a supple, bright, fruity light-to-medium body and a medium-to-long cherry pie, watermelon sorbet, and nuts finish with soft tannins. A nice, smooth, fruity easy-drinking cabernet for Pinot fans.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Light silvery straw color. Fruity, floral, exotic aromas and flavors of kiwi and guava, grapefruit, fresh white blossom, and lychee flesh with a velvety, crisp, dryish medium body and a warming, amusing, medium-length white peach and dried papaya, coriander, and starfruit finish with well-integrated, fine tannins. An exotic floral wine with intoxicating aromas.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Nearly opaque ruby black color. Aromas of ripe black currants, under ripe cacao berries, green olives, planked cedar, and clay with a bright, dry full body and a complex, brisk finish with woody, earthy tannins and moderate oak. An intriguing cabernet with attractive green flavors.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright golden yellow color. Nutty aromas of marzipan, grilled meyer lemon, and peach yogurt with a vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a cheery bechamel and fresh herbs finish with fine, fruit tannins. A refreshing Spanish white with a savory edge.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright straw color. Aromas and flavors of apple skin, ground walnut, and lemon curd with a supple, bright, dryish light body and a breezy marinated grape leaf finish with no oak. An ethereal texture makes this a crowd-pleasing Chablis.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Clear dark ruby color. Aromas and flavors of dried lavender and rose, charcoal, and aromatic barks with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry light-to-medium body and an appealing, medium-length forest berry, earthy tar, and smoked cured meat finish with dusty, papery tannins. An earthy Nebbiolo for steak.

Date Tasted: 5/18/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark violet color. Aromas of blueberry compote, farmyard, and jerky with a chewy, lively, dryish medium-to-full body and a peppery, medium-length dark chocolate, fresh oregano, mixed peppercorn, and green pepper salsa finish with woody tannins and heavy oak. A rustic Syrah.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale straw green color. Sweet aromas and flavors of honey, sweet pea blossom, and fruit cocktail syrup with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a refreshing, medium-length chopped nuts and pineapples in syrup finish with silky, fruit tannins and no oak. A very fruity sweet sparkler.

Date Tasted: 5/5/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of roasted beech mushrooms, black currants, huckleberries, planked oak, and potters clay with a crisp, dry full body and a distinctive, easy finish with earthy, woody tannins and moderate oak. Earthy mushroom notes dominate in this pleasant cabernet sauvignon.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright ruby garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cherry berry, lemon pith, pressed linen, and bubble gum dust with an lively, finely carbonated, moderately sweet medium body and an engaging, breezy finish with cottony tannins and no oak. A sweet and inviting dessert wine.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Yellow color. Floral aromas of fresh lemon peel, exotic flowers, and kiwi with a round, lively, off-dry light-to-medium body and an even, relaxed almond meal and peach nectar finish with fruit, fine tannins. An easy-drinking daytime Riesling.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright straw color. Aromas of roasted and buttered almonds and banana-vanilla pudding with a supple, crisp, fruity medium body and an interesting, medium-length candied nuts, apple butter, toasty oak, and baked apple-cinnamon finish with well-integrated tannins and heavy oak. A nuanced California Chardonnay with nice length.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate nuts, dark berries, and pickle with a silky, bright, fruity medium body and a smooth, snappy sour cherry custard and vanilla nuts finish with fine, silky tannins and a suggestion of oak. A nice everyday cab sipper.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dusty ruby color. Toasty aromas and flavors of roasted nuts, cedar, and berry pie crust with a silky, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a brisk green apple and honey finish with dusty tannins and moderate oak. An easy-going Cab.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of dried pineapple, lychee preserve, banana gelatin, and dried flowers with an bright, fruity medium body and an interesting, medium-long dried wildflowers, vanilla creme Anglaise, and orange creamsicle finish with fine, coating tannins and moderate oak. A fruit dominated Gewürz for sunny days.

Date Tasted: 5/3/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Deep purple color. Fruity aromas and flavors of vanilla raspberry liqueur, white chocolate, black stone, and violet candy with a supple, bright, fruity sweet medium body and an effortless, cheery boysenberry compote and sweet potato relish finish with silky tannins and a suggestion of oak. A juicy, fruity quaffer.

Date Tasted: 4/28/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale straw green color. Exotic aromas and flavors of spring garden, asian pear, and hazelnut with a round, crisp, fruity medium body and an engaging, medium-length orange blossom water and fruit cocktail finish with silky tannins and no oak. An aromatic, everyday Riesling.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dusty garnet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of berry pie and chocolate toffee with a supple, tangy, fruity medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-length cherry custard and nuts finish with light oak. A nice juicy cab with plenty of fruit.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale straw color. Citrusy, grassy aromas and flavors of grapefruit skin, parsley and chive, lime peel, and jasmine with a silky, crisp, dry thin body and a breezy nougat and flint finish with fine, fruit tannins. A friendly, fresh and citrusy Bordeaux blanc.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Light straw green color. Fresh, fruity aromas of fresh green pear, yellow apple, gravel, and melon and mango with a satiny, bright, fruity light-to-medium body and a breezy lemon spritz, cinnamon yogurt drizzle, and butterscotch finish with silky tannins and a suggestion of oak. A delicate wine French white.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright ruby black color. Jammy aromas and flavors of violet, grape jam, bramble, and licorice and dust with a tannic, bright, dryish medium-to-full body and a medium-length finish with clunky tannins. A chewy wine to stand up to steak.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark violet color. Aromas of black currants, potters clay, planked oak, and turned earth with a crisp, dry full body and a captivating, quick finish with dusty, woody tannins and moderate oak. Cellar this wine or let it breathe to reveal its full potential.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Garnet black color. Savory aromas and flavors of dusty shelf and cherry candy, diced bell pepper and beets, smoked and grilled meat, and dill with a chewy, crisp, dryish full body and a tingling, charming, medium-long beets and chocolate ganache finish with coating, grippy tannins and moderate oak. A dry savory wine.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright light garnet color. Floral aromas of dried roses, wet leaves, and proscuitto with a tannic, lively, dryish light-to-medium body and a delightful, medium-length distant raspberry and sour cherry, charcoal, mint, and tar finish with papery tannins and moderate oak. A nice Barolo with a deep floral nose.

Date Tasted: 5/18/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Clear dark ruby color. Dusty aromas of antique book, dried rose bud, thyme, and struck match with a chunky, lively, dry light-to-medium body and an engaging, medium-length mixed berries and tar finish with papery, grippy tannins and moderate oak. Drink now or lay this bottle down to create magic in a few years.

Date Tasted: 5/18/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Ruby black color. Dusty aromas of dusty road, mud facial mask, blackberry bush, and plum with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish medium body and an interesting, medium-length plum, tomate de arbol, volcanic ash, and allspice and cumin finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak. A french-styled, terroir driven Chilean Malbec.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of tart cherries, stems, wet leaves, and dried canvas and gravel with a crisp, bone-dry full body and an interesting, momentary finish with earthy, leafy tannins and light oak. Let this wine aerate to reveal its tangy yet integrated flavors.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dull light garnet color. Inviting aromas and flavors of raspberry preserve with violet liqueur, dark chocolate truffle, and strawberry and peach with a chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a delightful, medium-length Proscuitto finish with well-integrated, grippy tannins and moderate oak. A delicious wine with juicy fruit flavors and a satisfying texture.

Date Tasted: 5/5/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Medium yellow straw color. Toasty aromas and flavors of butter, apple butter, crumpet with lemon curd, and toasted marshmallow with a supple, bright, dryish medium body and a tingling, medium-length toasted nut butter finish with silky, fruit tannins and moderate oak. A Sonoma Chardonnay that hits every mark; crowd pleasing.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark indigo color. Aromas and flavors of ripe wild strawberry, shortcake, and cherry concentrate with a slightly chewy, bright, fruity medium-full body and a crisp fig balsamic, cherry vanilla custard, and black currant finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak. An ultra-fruity and approachable cabernet with lip-smacking tannins.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright straw color. Green aromas of pear blossom and english garden with a silky, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a breezy fresh pear and underripe peach, almond nougat, citrus sorbet, and white tea finish with silky tannins and a suggestion of oak. A nice spring wine with blossoming flavor.

Date Tasted: 5/4/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Medium violet color. Aromas of plum, jasmine, and grassy lawn with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a crisp chocolate chiffon pie, mixed berry compote, and dillweed finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. An easy drinking Malbec for the table.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dusty light garnet color. Earthy aromas of red cherry, cola, and fruit punch with a tannic, dry light-to-medium body and an interesting, medium cinnamon and cranberry and lavender finish with dusty, earthy, grippy tannins. A light yet well structured wine for rich dinners.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Medium ruby black color. Hot, jammy aromas of berry cobbler and sweet paprika with a round, bright, fruity medium-full body and a hot, medium-length mixed berry jam, dark chocolate spread, and sweet tobacco finish with medium, chewy tannins and heavy oak. A big, fruit forward red blend with approachable tannins.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright straw green color. Aromas and flavors of stone fruits, laurel blossoms, mango cream, and key lime pith with a lively, dry medium-to-full body and an interesting, fast finish with papery tannins and no oak. A wine with an exceptionally complex nose, one to sip on the porch.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright straw color. Toasty aromas of apple compote, toasty pie crust, and roasted peanuts with a soft, bright, dryish light body and a polished, interesting, medium-length bitter almond and vanilla marshmallow fluff finish with cottony tannins and moderate oak. A food friendly Chardonnay with big vanilla notes.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright straw color. Confected aromas of lemon meringue pie, toasted nut brittle, fruit cocktail, and dried apricot with a soft, flat, dryish thin body and a short ripe banana finish with soft, fruit tannins and moderate oak. An easy-going quaffer.

Date Tasted: 5/2/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright light gold color. Aromas of baked yellow apples, toasted yeast and buttercream, dried leaves, and turned earth with an lively, finely carbonated, dry full body and an interesting, brisk finish with earthy tannins and no oak. A wine that serves as a nice study in subtle earthy accents.

Date Tasted: 4/17/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright brick red color. Woody aromas of oak box and smoked clove with a slightly chewy, bright, dry light-to-medium body and a warming, breezy dried cherry, tobacco, and leather finish with grippy tannins and moderate oak. An easy-going Barolo for the table.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of #2 pencil, dried cranberry, cherry jam, and vanilla icing with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a breezy cherry jam, chocolate chew, and mint jelly finish with medium, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A straightforward cabernet for serving a crowd.

Date Tasted: 5/5/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale green straw color. Aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, and white flowers with a bright, off-dry light body and a breezy peach, apricot, and lilies finish with fine tannins and no oak. A slightly off-dry wine for light dinner pairings.

Date Tasted: 5/8/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of fresh sliced jalepeño, dark berry, pencil eraser, and black cherry soda with a round, bright, fruity sweet full body and a brisk mixed berry pie, mustard seed, and vanilla custard finish with medium tannins and heavy oak. An almost off-dry big red blend for the table.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Straw green color. Exotic, floral aromas and flavors of wildflowers and honey, lychee and kiwi, pickle watermelon rind, and tangerine zest with a supple, soft, off-dry light-to-medium body and a quick fruit cup, lemon cream pie, and petrol finish with soft, fruit tannins. A off-dry summer crusher with big lychee notes.

Date Tasted: 5/3/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Light golden straw color. Fruity aromas and flavors of almond creme, orange blossom, soft white peach, and green apple with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a breezy underripe honeydew and basil finish with fine, fruit tannins and no oak. A versatile, everyday wine.

Date Tasted: 5/10/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark ruby black color. Aromas of blueberry jam and green pepper with a chewy, bright, fruity medium body and a brisk leather, tobacco, and cinnamon raisin bread finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak. A straightforward cabernet for a crowd.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright dusty garnet color. Fruity, complex aromas and flavors of blackberry, cola, dusty rose petal, and green tea with a tannic, tangy, dry light body and a subtle, medium-long baking chocolate, dried lemon wheel, raisin bread, and clove and anise finish with harsh, earthy tannins and moderate oak. An entry level Barbaresco that hits all the right notes.

Date Tasted: 5/18/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Bright brick red color. Aromas and flavors of raisin, apricot skin, and barnyard with a tannic, lively, dry light body and a delightful, medium-long dark purple fruit, dried rose petals, horse blanket, and clove finish with chewy tannins. A chewy, rustic Barolo that may develop more character after cellaring.

Date Tasted: 6/18/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark dusty garnet color. Pungent aromas of dried peppers, fertile earth, plum, and wool with a chewy, bright, dryish medium-full body and a cheery cocoa powder, cinnamon powder, cigar box, and raisin finish with firm tannins and moderate oak. A savory cab for the table.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark brick red color. Odd, vegetal aromas and flavors of charred green beans, edamame, ash, and wool with a gritty, bright, dryish medium-to-full body and a medium-length berry fruit leather and aspirin finish with chalky tannins and moderate oak. A smoky wine for the table.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Dark brick red color. Odd, vegetal aromas and flavors of charred green beans, edamame, ash, and wool with a gritty, bright, dryish medium-to-full body and a medium-length berry fruit leather and aspirin finish with chalky tannins and moderate oak. A smoky wine for the table.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Light yellow straw color. Cheesy aromas of cheddar scone, lemon curd, and dark apple butter with a glycerous, soft, dry thin body and a smooth, brief dried apple chip, lemon spritz, and english muffin finish with fine tannins and a suggestion of oak. A funky wine.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Medium bright gold color. Aroma, quality aromas of dandelion, lemon balm and apricot, chamomile, and passionfruit and petrol with a watery body and a swift pecan finish with fruit tannins. An accessible ice wine with a pretty nose; try it on ice.

Date Tasted: 5/12/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab

Pale straw color. Interesting aromas of new sneakers, baked apples, and crushed pineapple with a supple, bright, dryish thin body and a cheery fallen golden delicious apple and spent oregano finish with soft, fruit tannins. An interesting wine for pairing with spicy, smoky foods.

Date Tasted: 5/3/2017 in our Chicago tasting lab