Randy Fuller

9.8

This wine is dark ruby in color. The nose offers beautiful aromas of black fruit, cassis, earth, tobacco, and anise. It’s lush. The palate is exquisite, with blackberry, blueberry, and plum flavors. There is some minerality, but it's the fruit that shows out. It is a magnificent Bordeaux, of a vintage that I'm told is much better than previous years. The tannic grip is remarkable, and the finish leaves one wanting another glass. Steak, as fatty as you can get it, is the pairing for this wine. — 2 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine gives a pale golden color in the glass. The nose is more subdued than I expected. There is lemon, mango, almond, and minerality available to smell. The palate is more forceful, and a delight besides. Citrus minerals are joined by salinity and a racy acidity, which begs for a food pairing. Seafood is a natural pairing choice, but I loved it with dolmas and hummus. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.6

This wine has a yellow-tint to it. The nose brings some of that buttery popcorn aroma, which is joined by Meyer lemon, tangerine, lime, vanilla, and apricot. The flavors are delicious. Citrus, vanilla, pear, and a wealth of minerality make for a delightful drinking experience. The palate also features a tangy, food-friendly acidity. This is an elegant wine. Don’t waste it on a ham sandwich. Make something nice for yourself. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine is slightly frizzante upon pouring, the purple bubbles dissipating quickly. A whiff reveals fragrant, ripe cherries and concord grapes. The palate is soft and round, full of fresh fruit, a touch of earth and some tingly acidity. Complexity is not the issue here, as it might be with other Lambruscos. This is an extremely drinkable and food-friendly wine. A true bargain. — 4 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.6

This wine has a medium-dark ruby color. It showed a bit of brown on the pour, but only a hint around the rim in the glass. The nose is laden with black fruit and cassis. A note of spice also comes forth. The palate is quite gentle, with fine tannins and that boatload of dark fruit. Pair it with pork. — 19 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine is a dark indigo in the glass. The nose features abundant black and blue berry aromas, earthy minerality and black pepper. The palate has plenty of that dark fruit, along with a savory streak of tar. The tannins are quite firm, even after the bottle was open for a day. Acidity adds brightness that counterpoints the dark flavors. The finish is long and savory. I used it in making a short rib stew, but enjoyed it more when I paired it with the dish. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

This wine has a medium-dark tint. The nose shows minerality and coffee notes. The palate brings a sense of Pinot Noir, but on the rustic side. — 8 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

The wine has a medium-light ruby color. The aromatic nose is nearly all minerals, with raspberry and black pepper notes. The palate is smooth and savory, with tart red fruit flavors. The taste reminds me of a very Burgundian Pinot Noir or a Schiava from Italy’s Alpine region. The tannins are quite relaxed, and the acidity is on the tame side, too. It is a tasty wine, though. Pair it with soft cheese or a fruit plate. — 10 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

This wine is medium-dark ruby in the glass. I found the nose to be subdued, but notes of ripe cherries and redcurrant berries came through. I’d like to say that I noticed the effect of the chestnut barrels used, but they were half as large as the oak casks. My olfactory sense isn’t all that sharp, anyway. The palate is medium weight and a bit tart, showing raspberry and currant flavors. The tannins are medium firm and the acidity is bright. The medium finish carries tart fruit after the sip. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

This wine has a salmon pink color in the glass, and in the clear bottle. There is a hefty dose of pinkish-white foam on the pour. The nose is complex, shoring aromas of cherry, apple, Meyer lemon, and tangerine, all with an earthy minerality. The palate is sweet and delicious. Flavors of strawberry, cherry, peach, and quince are a treat, as is the zesty acidity. You can pair it with a mild cheese, a fruit tart, or a bag of potato chips, if you like. But it is really made for sipping, and is quite enjoyable that way.
— a month ago