Editor, Private Wineaux; Wine Associate, Total Wine & More. Favorite reds: Madiran, Uruguayan Tannat, Lodi Petite Sirah, Chianti Classico Riserva. Favorite whit...
Clear dark ruby with magenta highlights. Black cherry and blackberry on the inviting nose. Confirmed strongly on the palate which adds red apple peel and a hint of oak on the medium palate. Firm juicy medium plus acidity and dusty medium minus tannins support a solid, cool climate Pinot Noir that's ready for most spring to autumn fare. Finish is moderately long and continues the palate. Drink not through 2027 — a month ago
Dark blackish purple. Herby blackberry on the inviting nose. Confirmed on the medium (lighter than it looks) palate which adds a hint of black cranberry and medium plus tannins, supported by medium acidity. Finish is short-ish and continues the palate. Excellent intro to Georgia's signature dry red. Eastern European or Mediterranean dishes make perfect matches, but equally at home with American cookout fare. Drink now. — a month ago
Pale salmon pink; fine, persistent bubbles. Dried strawberries, cantaloupe, and bitter cherry on the nose, adding toasted brioche and an ashen quality on the medium palate. Mouthwatering high acidity (of course) from entry to moderate finish. Fine example of Italy's true answer to Champagne. Great as a starter or accompaniment to salmon, roasted poultry, and other light to medium fare. Drink it when you buy it. — 23 days ago
Bright gold. Minerally lemon bubblegum on the inviting nose and medium full palate which adds bracing acidity, citrus oil, and white pepper. Finish is moderately long and continues the palate. — a month ago
Not a sangria. This is an aperitif (a la Lillet). Bright red. Grapefruit ale strawberry candy on the nose and (less sweet than expected), lightly fizzy palate. A touch of sweet. A touch of bitter. Just enough acidity. Put it all together and you've got a tasty aperitif that works with tapas, olives, pickles, and other meal starters. — a month ago
Bright and clear deep gold. Inviting nose and medium full palate of minerals, tart yellow apple, and birch. Medium plus acidity. Light, oak-generated tannins. Lengthy continuing finish. A burly Albariño that drinks like a White Burgundy. Take it to similar places. Drink now through 2026 or so. — 24 days ago
Bright pale gold with a wee bit of haze (unfiltered?). Strong mineral and green apple on the inviting nose. Brisk acidity leads the medium palate which yields layers of ripe green apple, grapefruit rind, wet stone, Melba toast, and others. Finish is stony and lingering. Amazing example of GG Riesling from a premium VDP producer. Ready for a wide range of foods from fish to pork. Upscale of course. Drink now through 2040. — a month ago
Bright yellow gold. Inviting nose of dried pineapple and yellow flowers. Firm acidity leads the medium full palate which confirms the nose and adds French oak inspired vanilla, white pepper and a hint of honeyed green apple. Oaky, pome-y notes continue on the moderate finish. A rare, Burgundian style Chardonnay from Carneros which makes it not quite what one would expect from the appellation (especially if one is a Rombauer or Lloyd drinker), but an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of heartier white wine fare. Drink now through 2027. — a month ago
Byron C Mayes
Dark, glass-clinging purple with near black core. Inviting nose and medium full palate of blackberries, brambles, and red apple. Juicy medium plus acidity. Present but accommodating medium tannins. Moderate, palate-continuing finish. Lighter than Tempranillo-based Riojas but without the herbiness of Garnacha, this is an excellent potential pairing with a wide range of foods. Drink now through 2026. — 16 days ago