US Rhone Varietal Reviews

Opaque black ruby color. Attractive aromas and flavors of toasted coconut flakes in buttercream, dill pickle, chocolate berries and nuts, and delicate spices with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-full body and a tingling, interesting, long finish that shows accents of black raspberry and coconut cream pies, praline, sweet and peppery spices, and nutskins and bark with fine, woody tannins and heavy oak flavor. A delicious and supple petite sirah that is good to go.

Dark black violet color. Aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, vanilla bean, white chocolate, fresh summer tomato, heirloom leather jacket, and fresh mint with a round, vibrant, fruity medium body and a tingling, compelling, medium-long finish manifesting notes of cinnamon-sugar with well-integrated, medium tannins and light oak flavor. A lip smacking Rhone varietal blend from Monterey; you may need more than one bottle!.

Dark black violet color. Perfumed aromas of candied violet, star anise, dark chocolate, grass cuttings, fig, walnut, and incense with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long eucalyptus, blackberry coulis, herbs de Provence, and peppercorns finish with chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A spicy and perfumed Rhone blend with great body.

Light dusty garnet color. Roasted, fruity aromas and flavors of milk chocolate, smoked nuts, and toasty berry cake with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a polished, delightful, medium-long finish with nuances of chocolate toffee and citrus, grilled apple, creme brulee, and marinated beets and carrots with fine, chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A great combination of sweet and savory fruit and smoky, creamy oak makes this a delight to drink.

Dark garnet black color. Attractive aromas and flavors of banana and coconut cream pies, blueberry cobbler, sassafras, and smoked bacon and nuts with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, long finish evoking touches of black raspberry gelato, spiced caramel nut brittle, and chocolate orange peels with fine, dusty tannins and light oak flavor. A plush, complex and attractive syrah that will be amazingly versatile.

Black garnet color. Aromas of cocoa dusted cherry pie, root beer float, and cardamom pudding with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity full body and a sleek, interesting, medium-long leather, baking spices, sea salt, and grilled figs finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich and spicy syrah with staying power; cellar.

Nearly opaque black ruby color. Attractive, complex aromas and flavors of chocolate fondue cherries and nuts, smoked peppercorn, cedar, and clay with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an interesting, long finish with accents of creme brulee, chocolate orange peels, spiced berries, and pepper with silky, soft tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bright, juicy, lively syrah with a great style and sense of place.

Opaque black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of pomegranate molasses, dark chocolate blackberries, spiced tea, and tobacco with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-long finish revealing notes of cranberry-coconut custard pie, cherry gum and cola, pink peppered tangerines and pears, and spiced dried fruits and nuts with dusty, earthy tannins. A rich and concentrated California red wine for fans of big flavors and bold meaty pairings.

Brilliant black violet color. Fruity aromas of black raspberry, chocolate truffle, and strawberry soda with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a peppery, appealing, medium-long key lime pie with blackberry glaze, no. 2 pencil, and white pepper finish. A soft and juicy grenache-dominated blend that entices with sweet berry notes; gulp.

Light ruby garnet color. Sweet, confected aromas and flavors of milk chocolate, strawberry-rose hip jam, vanilla-rhubarb compote, coconut cream pie, and peony petals with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and an even, complex, long finish that exhibits notes of hazelnut mocha creme and ginger tea. A fabulously fruity grenache with sweet complexity and a charming finish; a delicious party icebreaker.

Bright violet color. Aromas of sweet berry melange, blueberry pie, peach coulis, and key lime custard with a velvety, bright, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length graham cracker with huckleberry jam finish. Piles of berries abound in this pure and juicy grenache that will appeal to Beaujolais nouveau drinkers.

Golden yellow color. Smoky aromas and flavors of carnation, ripe yellow peach, stewed tomatoes on sourdough, bruised apple, boiled artichoke, and mushrooms in orange sauce with a velvety, bright, dryish medium body and an even, refreshing, medium-length finish displaying accents of overripe pineapple and honey with a suggestion of oak flavor. A mysterious and intriguing viognier with loads of savory character; enjoy with food.

Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of warm cherry pie, strawberry danish, molasses, ground pepper, smoked meats, and carob chip cookies with a velvety, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish. A smoky grenache for tasty summer pairings.

Clear golden yellow color. Toasty aromas of lemon blossom, honeyed apricot, caramel with lemon zest, buttered popcorn, banana chips, and spray roses with a round, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-length melba toast with orange marmalade and toasted almond slivers finish with coating tannins and moderate oak flavor. A toasty rogue valley viognier with gobs of charming fruit and oak.

Nearly opaque deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of conditioned leather, dried berries, waxy honeycomb, and dried flowers with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, delightful, relaxed finish with notes of blackberry custard, nut brittle, and cedar with well-integrated, silky tannins. A nuanced and attractive petite sirah that is drinking beautifully now.

Opaque deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of melted dark chocolate, dried flowers and meat, buttery berry pie crust, and toasted sesame and walnut oils with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, medium-length finish displaying notes of craisin, spiced pomegranate and mulberry, spinach, and cedar bark with barky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A big, chewy petite sirah that will navigate a steak house menu well.

Medium garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of dark chocolate coconut macaroon, dolmades, oven roasted tomato, and cherry wood with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, medium-length finish that exhibits impressions of craisin, spiced nuts, and cedar with leafy, dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. A chewy, well oaked syrah for a well marbled steak.

Nearly opaque ruby black color. Complex, interesting aromas and flavors of fresh cracked black pepper, dried fruits and figs in a cedar crate, pomegranate vinaigrette and cajeta, and meats and tobacco dehydrating in a brick oven with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, layered, long finish with notes of honeyed craisins, chocolate custard and nuts, candied oranges, and peppery spice with fine, dusty tannins and light oak flavor. A tantalizingly savory, spicy, meaty and complex syrah to compliment an adventurous meal.

Opaque black garnet color. Toasty, oaky aromas and flavors of ghee, roasted coffee beans nuts, and schmaltz chocolate chip cookie with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, breezy finish with notes of berry tart, ground nuts, coffee, and earth with chewy, earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid petite sirah that will stand up to a juicy steak.

Opaque ruby black color. Exotic, interesting aromas and flavors of añejo tequila, spiced craisins and yams, bouillon, and geranium with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish revealing accents of caramelized pecans and vanilla cream with well-integrated, soft tannins and light oak flavor. An intriguing flavor ride with fun twists and turns.

Opaque black ruby color. Interesting aromas and flavors of dark chocolate rice bar and nuts, roasted cherries, beeswax, and lit cigar and black pepper with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, appealing, medium-long finish that presents accents of mocha latte, black walnut gelato, pomegranate, and cedar bark and mulch with firm, woody tannins and heavy oak flavor. A brawny, chewy petite sirah that needs some time or a thick marbled steak; decant.

Golden straw color. Aromas of honeysuckle, apricot jam, orange marmalade, caraway, and cracked pepper with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an even, brisk rye crisps, straw, iced tea, honeycomb, and lemon spritz finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A plush yet spicy viognier with loads of pairing possibilities.

Clear dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of sundried tomato with wax, honeyed berries, toffee, and beet and tomato juice with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and an even, engaging, medium-long finish that exhibits notes of borscht, orange caramel fudge, peach creme brulee, and pepper sauce with light oak flavor. An interesting combination of sweet and savory notes makes this tasty, juicy red a versatile choice.

Opaque black garnet color. Smoky aromas and flavors of smoked marzipan, bacon, chocolate chip cookies, and embers with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and an appealing, medium-long finish that presents notes of grilled tomato, cream soda, and steamed milk with moderate oak flavor. A smoky vanilla-bomb of a syrah with mysterious appeal.

Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit supremes in syrup, mint tea, jute, and thai basil with an medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish conveying notes of fennel vinaigrette. An interesting rousanne that will be fun to pair with.

Violet color. Aromas of violet pastilles, raspberry jam, sweet aniseed, roobois tea, and cinnamon mole with a fruity medium body and a peppery, snappy white pepper and raspberry marinade finish with well-integrated, medium tannins. A smooth sipping berry bomb that is sure to delight.

Silvery straw color. Aromas and flavors of grape gummies, iced tea with lemon, plastic wrapped orange slices, and juniper with a supple, lively, petillant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a peppery, medium-length finish conveying accents of wax paper with no oak flavor. A vibrant, dry-yet-fruity white for daytime imbibing.

Medium golden yellow color. Toasty aromas of tinned pineapple, candied lemon wheels, marigold, and roasted cashew with a round, bright, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, medium-length lemon butter and baked apricot finish with moderate oak flavor. A solid viognier with a wide range of pairing possibilities.

Pale straw green color. Aromas of honeydew melon, pressed flowers, and apple with a satiny, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a sleek, buoyant straw and white peach finish. A mild and approachable viognier with great versatility.

Medium golden yellow color. Oaky aromas and flavors of roasted nuts, buttered popcorn, wool, sage, and dandelion with a round, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with notes of Greek yogurt with honey, walnut skin, and peach pie filling with soft tannins and heavy oak flavor. A buttery viognier for fans of Cali chardonnay.