Based on its level of detail and capacity for improvement with additional time in bottle, this is better than most $50 Chardonnays even without price considered. Barrel notes recalling baking spices, cloves, and natural vanilla are prominent but very appealing and in balance with the fruit, which is rich and ripe but energized by lively, well-integrated acidity. Impressive wine from an advantageously cool vintage.
There’s a “house style” at Cuvaison that’s exemplified in this Pinot, which was so carefully grown and made that it is already seamlessly, obviously delicious. A longstanding verity is that superb wines are superb from the outset, and this is one of them.
Although this wine expresses unmistakable varietal character, its herbal aromatics are restrained rather than pungent, its fruit is very nicely ripened with a balance of citrus and melon flavors, and its acidity is refreshing but not overly tart. Sauvignon Blanc is successful but often still polarizing, so finding a rendition that will please almost everyone is quite valuable.
This Cabernet (with Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc rounding out the 86% Cab) rolls across the palate with ripe notes of cassis, toasty vanilla, and dried oregano. It all finishes with a nod in the direction of cafe mocha, making it well suited to braised meats.
Distinctive for its origins in Washington rather than being generic or formulaic, this Cab offers pleasantly leafy aromas and medium-bodied fruit with notes of dark cherries and moderately ripened berries. Structure from oak and tannins is proportional to the fruit’s intensity, enabling this to pair successfully with anything from a roast chicken to lamb chops.
A dry table wine made from a blend of classic Port varieties, this medium-bodied, showing delicious red and black fruit tones with excellent purity and proportionality. If tasted blind, it could be mistaken for a $25 wine from the southern Rhône. Wisely released with some bottle age, this is ready to rip and an amazingly complete wine for $15.
Premium Port Wines
A dry table wine made from a blend of classic Port varieties, this medium-bodied, showing delicious red and black fruit tones with excellent purity and proportionality. If tasted blind, it could be mistaken for a $25 wine from the southern Rhône. Wisely released with some bottle age, this is ready to rip and an amazingly complete wine for $15.
Black currant, mint, and coffee-washed oak characterizes the immediate, pleasurable notes from this big-boned, luxurious red. A foundation of graphite supports supple tannins, with a chalky base. Mediterranean scrub seasons earth tones and the finish of dried violets leaves a trace of sweetness on the palate.