Signaling its smoothness, this blend of 90% Merlot and 5% each Malbec and Syrah is scented with smoky raspberry, cherry, and cocoa plus a hint of sandalwood. In the mouth, bright acidity meets a soft texture, sweet tannins, and notes of dusty plum followed by a forest-tinged finish.
Clean, clear notes of pear, apricot, and papaya are entwined with white flowers on the nose and palate of this succulent yet dignified wine before they’re lifted on the finish by a mixture of lemon and herb.
The vinous equivalent of a conga line: lively and kicky. Heady aromas of caramelized pineapple and mango pudding reverberate on the creamy palate with bright lemon meringue and key lime, accented by a bite of peach and green banana on the finish.
This delightful Pinot Noir from the Cakebread family offers a savory start of Mediterranean herbs, dark plum, sandalwood, and black tea. Juicy, unfolding with dusty cocoa-cherry on the long finish.
This mature Chardonnay shows stamina and grace. Melted butter, pecans, chamomile, and lemon cookies are prominent flavors. There’s just enough acidity to hold it up.
I haven’t returned to this wine since purchasing lots of it as a university undergraduate, but tasting it now tells me I’ve been away too long. It features pure and expressive fruit recalling Bing cherries with a pleasant hint of sweetness balanced out by just enough fine-grained tannin to firm the finish without turning astringent. It was a pleasure to reunite with an old friend that has improved over the years.
Soave” and “Bolla” were nearly synonymous in the USA decades ago, which entailed a giant market share but also a near absence of healthy competition. Now there’s lots of competition, but Bolla raised its game to meet the challenge. This 2023 rendition shows notably more concentration than releases from releases of yesteryear, with very pleasant flavors of ripe pear and white melon. Its attractive price makes it a formidable player in its category.
From Brandlin’s historic Mount Veeder estate, and planted to the prestigious d’Yquem Clone, this stellar white was aged 11 months in lightly toasted, large format, 50% new French oak barrels. Within its exquisitely glossy frame, it denotes a salty and tart white grapefruit. Armed with a textural tension, it still possesses volume and is adorned with peach and flinty pear. Plumeria enriches the presence of its delicate nature.