New Release Wine Reviews

Deep purple color. Fruity, floral aromas of sugared plums, pressed violet, honeycomb, sweet cigars, and dark chocolate with a round, vibrant, sweet medium body and a smooth, layered, long ginger, saffron, dried figs, mint creme, and molasses cookies finish with well-integrated tannins and light oak flavor. A delightful and nuanced Dessert Wine to finish an excellent meal; just lovely.

Awards: 2017 Best Dessert Wine

Black garnet color. Aromas of sweet nutmeg, ripe dark fruits, violet pastille coasted aniseed, maple, and rich fruitcake with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long earth, dried figs, dark, and smoky caramel finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A complex Bordeaux that will age with grace.

Yellow straw color. Fresh, tropical aromas of passionfruit custard, starfruit and grapefruit coulis, fresh snap pea, iris, and mango candies with a lively, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, distinctive, medium-long wet stones, apricot stone, and aloe vera finish with fine, fruit tannins and no oak flavor. A cheerful, elegant sauvignon blanc with a great finish and ample finesse.

Black garnet color. Mature aromas of polished wood furniture, cured meats, fresh berry jam, and imported cheese with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, distinctive, medium-long red cassis, cinnamon, and black tea finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A super-satisfying and balanced cabernet for excellent dinners.

Dusty dark garnet color. Earthy aromas of plump chocolate drizzled prunes, figs, bacon in cherry mostarda, and leather belt with a velvety, vibrant, dryish medium body and a captivating, medium-long cherry skins, dried violet, cigar box, cedar, and allspice finish with well-integrated tannins and light oak flavor. A drink-it-now Chianti with great integration and food-friendly spunk.

Garnet black color. Herbal, spicy, fruity aromas and flavors of menthol-mint, chocolate mint cookie, blackberry chutney, and cherry cola with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a graceful, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of cassis preserves and exotic spices with well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A wonderfully herbal shiraz that will shine with spicy meat dishes.

Garnet black color. Spicy, herbal aromas and flavors of chocolate mint, spicy berry pie, caramel buttercream, and pepper with a silky, vibrant, fruity medium body and a graceful, intriguing, medium-long finish with notes of eucalyptus honey, cocoa-dusted nuts, and cola float with soft, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A delicious spicy, minty shiraz that is sure to please.

Dark dusty garnet color. Funky aromas and flavors of raspberry lambic, pomegranate aril, and polished leather furniture with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, appealing, medium-length finish with notes of bramble with well-integrated, medium tannins and light oak flavor. A vibrant French wine for fans of lambic beers.

Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of raspberry jam, cherry-apple cider vinaigrette, crushed walnuts, and polished shoes with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a long finish with impressions of fresh tart plum and graphite with light oak flavor. A bright and tangy Blaye to complement rich foods.

Dark dusty ruby color. Elegant aromas of fennel, dried cassis, coconut, and fine leather with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, medium-long black cherry, honey-menthol, rose, and coriander seed finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A delicious Bordeaux with subtle hints of herbal freshness; lovely terroir, concentration and length.

Silvery emerald straw color. Tropical aromas of underripe peaches, citron, passion fruit, rolled fondant, sea spray, and fresh grass with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a graceful, refreshing, medium-length white pepper and banana leaf finish with soft, fruit tannins and no oak flavor. A light-on-its-feet French white that will be a lovely oyster wine.

Black garnet color. Aromas of dates, cherries in porridge, black pepper, and creme de violette with a velvety, vibrant, fruity full body and a peppery, complex, medium-long vanilla gelato, berries in white chocolate, graphite, and black pepper finish with medium, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A serious cab full of complexities.

Deep purple color. Oaky aromas of smoked vanilla bean, toasty cigar box, and dried cherries and raspberries with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length kiwi relish, chocolate muffin, and cinnamon-honey finish with heavy oak flavor. A yummy, velvety Zin that will easily win you over.

Ruby color. Aromas of dried figs and dates, curry powder, cured meats, and rose petals with a chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long vanilla fondant, shale, and dried raspberry finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak flavor. A high quality Columbia Valley cabernet for great meals.

Bright amber color. Complex aromas of sweet apricot, orange marmalade, honey drizzle, and maraschino cherry pit with a round, crisp, moderately sweet medium body and a seamless, complex, medium-length cumin, coriander, and allspice finish. A fantastically delicious sweet and spicy Grüner oozing with complex charm.

Dark dusty garnet color. Elegant aromas of marasca cherry, dried peach, curry, orchard blossoms, and cured meats with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, intricate, medium-long cinnamon tisane, pomegranate, and thicket finish with coating, dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bright, elegantly fruity nose entices in this crowd-pleasing Bordeaux.

Clear burnt sienna color. Earthy aromas and flavors of berry-citrus relish, mint cream, marinated root vegetables, and piney herbs with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a captivating, medium-long finish that shows overtones of pomegranate and cedar mulch with moderate oak flavor. A nice old world style Barolo with classic flavors and style.

Black ruby color. Aromas of suede, black tea, and chocolate genache with a velvety, dry-yet-fruity full body and a peppery, interesting, medium-length toasted hazelnut, cinnamon creme, clove, and vanilla taffy finish with well-integrated, chewy tannins and heavy oak flavor. A leathery Cab with aging potential.

Black garnet color. Interesting aromas of grape leaves, beets, charcoal, vanilla, and orange peels with a slightly chewy, crisp, medium-full body and a peppery, interesting, breezy dry rub, fennel fronds, and black pepper finish with chewy, firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A slightly savory wine with big structure for rich meals.

Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of dried berries and nuts with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length finish with notes of toffee and baking spices with no oak flavor. A nice chewy red blend that will be very versatile.

Deep purple color. Aromas of peppered grilled berries and seven layer bar with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a peppery, appealing, medium-long mouthwatering tart raspberry and coconut creme finish with cottony tannins. A fresh a fruity style of Tempranillo with great structure and acidity.

Bright black garnet color. Creamy, minty aromas and flavors of berries in mint cream, nougat, mincemeat, and herbs with a silky, vibrant, fruity medium body and an interesting, medium-long finish with notes of cherry compote and acacia honey. A very ripe and fruity primitivo for sipping or the table.

Emerald straw color. Funky aromas of ripe pineapple, apricot, candied peach, orange flower water, and iced tea with lemon with a satiny, crisp, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a captivating, brisk beeswax finish with soft, fruit tannins and no oak flavor. A summery, complex Moscato that will have you asking for a second glass.

Bright light amber color. Floral aromas and flavors of lychee preserve, glazed apricot, honey, allspice, sweet pea blossom, and cherry blossom with a satiny, crisp, sweet medium body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length finish revealing notes of golden kiwi with silky tannins. A decadent dessert wine that will be excellent after a good meal.

Deep purple color. Interesting aromas of black raspberry, tomato, basil, and patent leather with a satiny, crisp, medium body and a hot, cheery cherry soda, nutskins, and baking spices finish with moderate oak flavor. A tasty Tuscan red for delicious pairings.

Medium ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of sesame, nuts and berries, dusty wood, and fine herbs with a silky, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, delightful, medium-long finish displaying shades of pomegranate, craisin, and earth with moderate oak flavor. A spot on Barolo with classic style and mouthwatering acidity.

Golden straw color. Creamy aromas of ghee, lemon curd on yogurt, vanilla wafer, cinnamon dusted dried apple slices, white peppercorns, and matchstick with a velvety, bright, fruity medium body and a rapid sweet and sour mix, graham cracker, toasted marshmallow, and grilled pineapple finish with soft tannins and light oak flavor. A robustly fruity and balanced chardonnay with bright acidity and a crowd pleasing style.

Straw color. Fresh aromas and flavors of almond peach cake, white flowers, fresh tangerine zest, and pastry cream with a round, bright, light body and a smooth, captivating, medium-length finish with overtones of green apple with soft, fruit tannins and no oak flavor. A fresh and charming pinot grigio with elegant flavors.

Black violet color. Aromas of cherry preserves with mango, cola, chocolate cake, and dill cucumber salad with a glycerous, crisp, fruity medium body and a tingling, breezy carob chips and black licorice finish with medium tannins and light oak flavor. A delightfully fruity and engaging Italian red blend that is sure to satisfy.

Straw color. Aromas of waxy ripe fruit, lavender, lemon scone, and rubber plant leaf with a satiny, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a smooth, amusing, medium-length tangerine, lemon bar, and wet slate finish with fine, fruit tannins and no oak flavor. An elegant, crisp, clean wine with exceptional minerality.

Violet color. Aromas of smoked tomatoes, black pepper, and jambon de paris with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity full body and a layered, medium-long dried figs, prune, and silt finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A big, smoky, peppery Cab.

Black violet color. Oaky, fruity aromas of cigar wrapper, blueberries in cream, freshly baked muffins, and nutmeg with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, intriguing, medium-length coriander and vanilla gelato finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A voluptuous and smooth wine that will bring a layer of sensuality to dinner.

Black violet color. Fruity, attractive aromas and flavors of fresh blueberry jam, rosemary, flaky pie crust, and vanilla bean with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, breezy finish with notes of violet petals and nutmeg with light oak flavor. An appealing, bright and fruity Merlot for anytime sipping.

Dusty dark violet color. Aromas of sesame candy, spray roses, persimmon, papery onion skins, and sweet anise with a chewy, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and a crisp dry earth, silt, dates, salted milk chocolate, and berry tart finish with papery tannins and light oak flavor. A dry and earthy Barbaresco for rich meals.

Brick red color. Aromas and flavors of tar, dried cherries, lemon herb soap, dark roasted nuts, eucalyptus leaf, and peony petals in syrup with a tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, crisp finish evoking accents of persimmon, artisan parchment and ink, toffee, and mineral powder with papery tannins and moderate oak flavor. A youthful barolo that will benefit from a long slumber in the cellar.

Black garnet color. Interesting aromas and flavors of oak, sundried tomato, baked bell pepper, and warm red fruits with a lightly tannic, crisp, dryish medium-full body and a captivating, medium-long finish displaying notes of leather and black licorice with chewy, earthy tannins and heavy oak flavor. A dry red fit for juicy steaks.

Black garnet color. Rustic aromas of sautéed peppers and mushrooms, smoked berries, grilled vanilla beans, stewed greens, and raisin cake with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a medium-long molasses, Worcestershire sauce, tobacco, and coriander finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A lengthy, chewy, mouth-filling Amarone for carnivorous pairings.

Dusty deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate wafers, dark purple fruits in cream, and clove with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium-full body and a peppery, delightful, medium-length finish with touches of allspice, oak, and vanilla bean with medium tannins and heavy oak flavor. A fruity wine with a huge backbone of oak; oak heads should happily drink now, others should cellar.

Dark dusty violet color. Aromas and flavors of marinated blackberry leaf, fountain pen ink, herbs de provence, and green peppercorn with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with overtones of chocolate milkshake and pomegranate. A juicy gulper for anytime sipping or upscale pizza pairings.

Garnet black color. Roasted, earthy aromas and flavors of chocolate roasted nuts, mulberry preserves, peppery spice, and mossy earth with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with notes of sour cherry chutney, creme brulee, and cedar bark with fine, dusty tannins and light oak flavor. A nice tangy, earthy syrah that will shine at the table.

Deep purple color. Rustic aromas of ripe sour cherries, strawberry, green peppercorn, and leather with a chewy, crisp, dry medium body and a medium-length quercus finish with medium, barky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A table-ready red for weeknight meals.

Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of pickled sundried tomatoes, candle wax, smoked ham, mustard vinaigrette, olive tapenade, and sweet tobacco with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length ink soaked leather, dried cherries, raisin paste, and caramelized carrots finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A very interesting Valpolicella with great earthy flavors, well-tempered acidity, and fine balance.

Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of crushed blackberries, roasted sweet potatoes with cumin, green pepper, and celery with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry medium body and a stimulating, medium-long finish with accents of dark chocolate with cottony tannins and moderate oak flavor. A great choice for the cellar.

Ruby color. Earthy aromas of stewed greens, berry vinaigrette, white cabbage, and prunes with a slightly chewy, dry medium-full body and a tingling, engaging, medium-length carrot, cherry candy, sun crisped earth, and cedar plank finish with earthy, dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. A savory, terroir-driven Priorat to drink ASAP.

Black garnet color. Mature aromas of dried dark fruit, cedar, kiwi relish, and leather patina with a velvety, crisp, dryish medium-full body and a warming, stimulating, breezy magnolia finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid cab for big wine lovers; cellar.

Dark dusty garnet color. Rustic aromas of leather saddle, hay barn, beets, kalamata olive, dried cherries, peach scone, and autumn leaves with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, compelling, medium-length dried fig, black pepper, and chocolate raspberry fudge finish with crunchy tannins. A tasty and crowd-pleasing Bordeaux for any time.

Dusty ruby black color. Aromas of cherry preserves, black licorice, cheese rind, and white pepper with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and an effortless, interesting, medium-length plum butter, cinnamon puff pastry, ink, and cumin finish with medium, crunchy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A versatile Bordeaux Supèrieur that hits all the right notes.

Nearly opaque ruby black color. Woody aromas and flavors of melted chocolate, bacon, peppercorn and dried tomato, and cedar with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a graceful, complex, long finish with notes of dried cherries, nuts, and pumice with fine, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A delicious old world style primitivo with harmony and a nice sense of place.

Bright ruby black color. Fruity aromas of raspberry and blackberry cobbler, blackberry leaf, and dried orange peel with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a medium finish. A juicy, fruity Malbec that will please Chilean and Argentinean wine lovers alike.

Bright garnet black color. Fruity, earthy aromas and flavors of berry-vanilla compote with dark chocolate shavings, damp forest, wet leaves, and fresh diced green pepper with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, breezy finish that exhibits nuances of berry fruit leather, rum raisin, charred oak, and nutskin with moderate oak flavor. A fruity cab for effortless pairings.

Straw color. Aromas of nougat, ocean fresh kelp, white grape gummies, and orange soda with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a tingling, brisk sliced lemons, fresh linen, and green pear finish with soft, fruit tannins and no oak flavor. A white wine crusher for hot days and pre-meal quaffing.

Opaque ruby black color. Interesting aromas and flavors of chocolate nuts and berries, banana nut muffin, grilled pomegranate, and honeycomb with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a sleek, delightful, medium-long finish that presents accents of chocolate orange peel and meringue with light oak flavor. A bright, satisfying Chianti with ample fruit and nice integration of flavors.

Dusty garnet color. Rustic aromas and flavors of dried strawberry, smoky leather, green pepper, and ginkgo with a round, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, engaging, medium-length finish that exhibits shades of country earth and pencil shaving with moderate oak flavor. A tasty St. Emilion full of earthy intrigue.

Medium brushed amber color. Interesting, fruity aromas and flavors of spiced bananas foster, toasty berry tart, wax, and salt water taffy with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, interesting, long finish with notes of dried cherries, delicate spices, and vanilla cream with light oak flavor. A charming, fruit driven Italian red.

Nearly opaque dusty garnet color. Interesting, attractive aromas and flavors of olive and pepper tapenade, pomegranate relish peppercorn, and pencil shavings with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, charming, medium-long finish with overtones of chocolate cranberries, exotic spiced nuts, and citrus custard with fine, chewy tannins and light oak flavor. An amazingly rich and exotic roller coaster of flavors.

Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of marinated berries and tomatoes, orange blossoms, and hint of mint and spice with a silky, tangy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, appealing, medium-long finish that shows notes of sour cherries and creme Anglaise with well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bright, mouthwatering Barolo that will compliment a fine meal.

Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of blueberries, violets, earth, stewed peppers with tomatoes, and sweet tobacco with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an even, breezy finish with nuances of vanilla nougat with soft tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. An easy drinking, fruit-forward red for the table.

Opaque black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of honeycomb, berry scone, and pistachio gelato with a silky, bright, fruity medium body and an effortless, interesting, medium-long finish manifesting impressions of cherry compote, toffee, and cocoa with chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A juicy, fruit forward Barbera that is sure to please.

Pale dark garnet color. Tropical, interesting aromas and flavors of tropical fruit salad, banana taffy and muffin, and pencil shavings with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-long finish that exhibits notes of nuts, sour cherry, and delicate spice with light oak flavor. A lovely delicately tropical Italian red with a distinctive personality.

Pale yellow straw color. Citrusy aromas of lemon bar, wool, poached apple, and plantain with a crisp, finely carbonated, dry light body and a tingling, brisk finish with crunchy tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A crisp sparkler for cheese and hors d’ouevres.

Nearly opaque ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of white peppercorn, mint cream, spicy berry compote, and pencil shavings with a satiny, bright, fruity medium body and a polished, medium-length finish with impressions of vanilla gelato and root beer with light oak flavor. A fun, flavorful petite sirah with snappy spiciness.

Nearly opaque garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of melted wax, berry compote, and chocolate pistachio brittle with a supple, bright, fruity medium body and an effortless, delightful, medium-length finish that presents elements of coconut creme brulee, cherry preserves on raisin toast, and nougat with fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. A super ripe, fruit-driven Sicilian red that will cover a lot of bases.

Yellow straw color. Fruity aromas of butter poached apple, dried pineapple, and cantaloupe with a supple, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, engaging, breezy roasted and glazed nuts, caramelized delicata squash, and star anise finish with fruit tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A new world styled Chardonnay from France.

Opaque ruby black color. Fruity aromas and flavors of pistachio nougat, salt water taffy, and craisins with a silky, bright, fruity medium body and a seamless, medium-long finish with notes of chocolate mint, spice, and cedar with light oak flavor. A juicy, fruity Amarone.

Medium brown brick red color. Aromas and flavors of nuts, pomegranate vinegar, and dried tomato with a supple, bright, dryish medium body and a peppery, interesting, long finish evoking notes of cream and honeyed nuts. A racy Barolo for the table.

Bright brown brick red color. Fruity aromas and flavors of dried berries, vanilla scone, chocolate toffee, and banana chips with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, appealing, breezy finish that presents impressions of rice pudding, hint of mint and eucalyptus, and cedar with well-integrated tannins and light oak flavor. A solid Chianti that will be versatile.

Dark brown brick red color. Aromas of egg salad, lime spritz, pickling spices, fresh hide, fennel, and india ink with a silky, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, quick sun dried tomato and sawdust finish with moderate oak flavor. A food-friendly Blaye for weeknight meals.

Nearly opaque garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of pencil eraser, dark berry pie, chocolate fondue, and sage with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a carefree finish imparting accents of vanilla yogurt nuts and singed cedar. A very smoky, savory red for grilled meats.

Pink coral color. Aroma of wild strawberry with a soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a silky, brisk dill pickle relish, watermelon, cherry stone, and ripe plantain finish with no oak flavor. A pink quaffer for channeling the south of France.

Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of fresh broccoli, clove, wood chips, and menthol with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, cheery finish with clunky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A funky cab for the table.

Golden yellow color. Aromas of butterscotch syrup, pear vinaigrette, and salt with a glycerous, tangy, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, cheery finish with soft tannins and no oak flavor. A tangy white worthy of a good quaffing session.

Dusty siam color. Funky, vegetal aromas and flavors of borscht, brown butter roasted nuts, well foraged forest floor, and wax and tar with a supple, vibrant, dryish medium body and a peculiar, medium-length finish with touches of pomegranate and nutskin with moderate oak flavor. A very rustic Brunello for game.