Wine Reviews

Pale straw color with a slight green tinge, the aromatics show good intensity and range, showing aromatics of Bosc pear, Meyer lemon and green apple, very refined and elegant, highly nuanced, good presence on the palate, yet subtle, moderate acidity, slight oak note, well balanced, quite compelling, but in an understated manner, nice length on the finish. The fruit quality is excellent, along with highly skilled winemaking. It would be interesting to see how this wine develops with a few years of aging.

The maritime influence of this AVA, located in the Sacramento River Delta, create a fine climate for this striking Chardonnay. Aged 16 months in neutral French and American oak offers a spiced toasty character. Vanilla and pineapple upside down cake lead to a line of wet stone. Vivid notes of tangerine and nutmeg ring true, thanks to its fine acid structure.

A Musqué clone Sauvignon Blanc with a charming bouquet of lemon verbena and lychee. Brisk and bright, with Gala apple, Asian pear, and fresh garden herbs. A hint of mango and vanilla custard on the finish gives it weight.

Saturated notes of black currant, white pepper, soy sauce, and brush are prominently served on a suede/leather platform. A striking single vineyard red, rich and ripe, with cigar leaf and spiced cedar.

The blend here consists of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre, and the complex flavors aren’t purchased at the price of any coarse or astringent texture. Fruit notes include predominant black tones recalling Bing cherries and blackberries as well as red undertones akin to raspberries and red currents. Both the price and the components make this a contender for many Côtes-du-Rhône releases, and this will come out on top in many direct comparisons.

Chenin from South Africa is surely among the most delicious of the world’s relatively affordable whites, and this is a strong case in point. Scents of wild honey lead into ripe fruit notes recalling apple pie filling that are lightly sweet but very effectively balanced by a firming edge of citrus acidity. Excellent as a stand-alone sipper but also promising for many spicy dishes.

A well grown and smartly styled Sauvignon Blanc, this shows plenty of varietal character. It is bright and refreshing, but without an acidic edge that will be too tart for almost anyone. Medium-bodied with flavors recalling melons and citrus fruits, this will prove broadly popular and successful with many foods.

Red fruit notes recalling cranberries and pie cherries are bright and flavorful, but also soft and broad on the palate, thanks to very fine-grained tannins.