The fragrance immediately introduces itself with a buttery seductiveness. The palate reveals lemon zest, custard and pie crust with a hearty structure and a bright freshness. Pear and pomme fruits fuse alongside nectarines and vanilla cream for a final flourish that is plump and juicy.
A flamboyant bouquet bursts with lemon drop and kiwi and ripe honeydew, layered harmoniously with a veil of green bell pepper. Fresh and sun-kissed, the palate is a cavalcade of lime candy and white spice wrapped within a crisp, tangy, bitter finish. It is delightfully taut throughout.
A light, bright, refreshing Chardonnay, this shows more complexity than one would expect at its price level. Predominantly aged on fine yeast lees in steel tanks, it gains a bit of spiciness from a portion that was aged in oak. Vibrant acidity keeps this seeming as refreshing as cool climate Sauvignon Blanc, but with more restrained aromatics and broader versatility.
This 50/50 blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc is both well-conceived and nicely matured, with its screw cap closure preventing oxidation and preserving the wine so that its components could marry seamlessly over time. The Semillon component lends notes of ripe fig, with the Sauvignon providing a citrus-like edge and freshness in the finish.
This Cabernet teams with 19% Merlot for a wine that is sinewy and crunchy with a plethora of flavors, from rose petals and cassis to cranberry and a touch of sweet jerky. A final dusting of powdered chocolate offers a chef’s kiss. Tannins are sprite and drying, with a rustic quality. It is understated and delicious.
Cocoa nibs and red berry coulis with a touch of a humidor enter the conversation. Not unlike its namesake, there’s a softness on the mouthfeel that expresses lush candied red fruit. Composed of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, the firm tannins cushion rather than cudgel for a vinous study in finesse.
Juicy fruits of ripe melon and pineapple are on display right from the rip. A mineral heartbeat bleeds through, with a bright eccentric mandarin and lemon zest lift on the palate. There’s a softness that doesn’t forgo balance and tension. This is refined, elegant and the lower alcohol leaves you craving more. 8% abv.
This is a peaceful walk through the forest, with a bouquet blossoming with herbal undertones and loamy soil. Bright red fruits emerge on the palate with a rush of strawberry preserves and drying tannins with essence of rose petals. 8% abv.