Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark transparent ruby. Abundant nose of rubbery new leather. Backgrounded on the medium palate by juicy black cherry and ripe cranberry. Medium plus acidity. Faint, "just enough" tannins. Classic NZ Pinot Noir with a good balance of fruit and earthy characteristics, though missing the slight salinity I normally find. Made for seafood, particularly salmon or firm crustaceans. Drink now — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Dark red-purple with present magenta mousse. Red and blue grapey berries on the inviting nose. Echoed on the light, fizzy palate. High acidity (even after the bubbles have gone) and light but noticeable tannins more than compensate for the Amabile level sugar making a perfect accompaniment to lasagna, pizza, or pasta with whole tomato sauce especially when the tomatoes are extra ripe. Drink now with any of those or any light casual fare. — 2 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark red purple. Inviting nose and medium full, fruit-forward (for a European) palate of blueberry-blackberry compote. Bright medium acidity and medium minus tannins that mostly assert back-palate. Dark and slightly bitter finish (Touriga Nacional showing). Fine example of Portuguese non-Porto red. Ready for hearty entrées like roasted beef or pork. Drink now through 2028. — 3 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.5

Burnished gold in the glass. Shy nose and full palate of ripe red apples and canned cling peaches. Acidity is quite low for this variety and style (but this is New York, not Canada or Germany, so…). Finish is present. If the acidity co ULS balance the fruit and RS this would be great. As it is, pour it over some fruit (those canned peaches?) and enjoy it in a tipsy fruit cup, or use it to sweeten fresh lemonade. — 2 months ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Bright beige gold. Persistent small bubbles and lingering white mousse. Shy nose but rich yet focused palate of lemon, cling peach, and yellow apple layered like a Matryoshka doll. Just a hint of toast in the juicy, mouth-watering acidity which more than compensates for the Sec-level dosage. Medium short, fruity finish. This is a top tier selection for almost anything from a group toast to an intimate seafood dinner. Drink it when you buy it typically, but you could probably hold onto it for a bit longer if it's a recent disgorgement. — 3 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark amber. Treacle, toffee, and tangelo on the inviting nose and full, rich palate. "Rich" meaning "sweet," of course, but well balanced with medium, citrusy acidity. Naturally, a lengthy finish. You got cheese? Nuts? Dried fruit? Here's your fourth for dessert. Drink now through whenever. — 3 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Dark red purple. Abundant(!) nose of blueberry plum compote in a wooden bowl. Medium palate of juicy plums and blueberries supported by moderate tannins and surprisingly bright acidity. Moderately short finish. This is still a very good wine despite the overall weakness of the '21 vintage showing in all of its light bright glory. Prices make this an opportunity buy that'll show well with lighter cuts of beef, lamb, or even pork. Drink now and say that you had Clinet. — 2 months ago

Byron C Mayes

Byron had this 3 months ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Consumed 30-Mar-2025. Dark purple red. Nose is abundant and yields blackberry and blueberry compote. Juicy medium full palate echoes the nose with ashy blackberry taking the lead. Juicy acidity. Medium minus tannins. Lingering, dark finish. An Old World feel makes this Washington GSM blend a great choice for hearty meals year round from the grill to the hearth. Rich meat and vegetable stews will shine. Drink now through 2031. — 3 months ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Deep gold; color more typical of a dessert white. Inviting nose and medium full palate of white rose, dried peach, and polished balsam. Medium plus acidity wrapped in rich floral fruit. Wonderful Tuscan white for pork, veal, or primavera. Great alternative to middleweight Chardonnay. Drink now. — 3 months ago