The 2019 No. 8 is a blend of 88% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre and 3% Viognier, made with 45% whole clusters. Fruit comes from several vineyards including White Hawk, Larner, Harrison-Clarke and Alta Mesa. It was matured for 22 months in... Read More
You get amazing value with the 2015 Non Confunditur by the celebrated Argiano estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. The wine is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It presents a mid-weight approach with bright berry... Read More
A dense red, evoking cherry and raspberry flavors, with earth and mineral accents. Tightly wound, offering dusty, well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish of spice and red fruit. Best from 2015 through 2028.-BS
I was surprised by the varietal purity of the 2019 Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon despite being blended with some 9% Carmenere, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, which probably adds complexity and more Bordeaux character... Read More
The full-bodied, silky-textured 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is an equal-parts blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc and Roussanne, part of which went into oak (30%). Tropical notes of banana and papaya... Read More
The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Extrait is a stunning blend of 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc, matured in concrete and demi-muids. This medium to full-bodied wine is lush and creamy on the palate yet stays zesty and fresh,... Read More
There was a little more ripeness and concentration in the 2017 Clos de Los Siete, a harmonious and nicely crafted blend of 52% Malbec, 21% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. When tasted... Read More
Because no Riserva was bottled in 2017, Rabajà fruit went to this wine instead. The Giuseppe Cortese 2017 Barbaresco Rabajà offers tart fruit aromas of white cherry, red currant and blue flower. There are pretty dustings of crushed... Read More
The 2010 Cote Rotie Seigneur de Maugiron has fleshed out since last year offering notes of black olives, garrigue, licorice, forest floor, bacon fat, raspberries and black currants. This medium-bodied Cote Rotie veers more toward... Read More