Editor, Private Wineaux; Wine Associate, Total Wine & More. Favorite reds: Madiran, Uruguayan Tannat, Lodi Petite Sirah, Chianti Classico Riserva. Favorite whit...
Burnished gold in the glass. Shy nose and full palate of ripe red apples and canned cling peaches. Acidity is quite low for this variety and style (but this is New York, not Canada or Germany, so…). Finish is present. If the acidity co ULS balance the fruit and RS this would be great. As it is, pour it over some fruit (those canned peaches?) and enjoy it in a tipsy fruit cup, or use it to sweeten fresh lemonade. — 3 months ago
Dark red purple. Inviting nose and medium full, fruit-forward (for a European) palate of blueberry-blackberry compote. Bright medium acidity and medium minus tannins that mostly assert back-palate. Dark and slightly bitter finish (Touriga Nacional showing). Fine example of Portuguese non-Porto red. Ready for hearty entrées like roasted beef or pork. Drink now through 2028. — 4 months ago
Dark ruby with near black core. Classic anticipation-building nose of blackberry and graphite. Medium palate is disappointing and unstructured with moderate acidity and barely any tannins. Mercifully short finish. Everything they say about 2021 is true. It's drinkable but not what you want from commune-level Bordeaux. Did you buy a Wagyu burger? Drink now with that and pretend you're living it up! — 2 months ago
Dark red-purple with present magenta mousse. Red and blue grapey berries on the inviting nose. Echoed on the light, fizzy palate. High acidity (even after the bubbles have gone) and light but noticeable tannins more than compensate for the Amabile level sugar making a perfect accompaniment to lasagna, pizza, or pasta with whole tomato sauce especially when the tomatoes are extra ripe. Drink now with any of those or any light casual fare. — 3 months ago
Consumed 30-Mar-2025. Dark purple red. Nose is abundant and yields blackberry and blueberry compote. Juicy medium full palate echoes the nose with ashy blackberry taking the lead. Juicy acidity. Medium minus tannins. Lingering, dark finish. An Old World feel makes this Washington GSM blend a great choice for hearty meals year round from the grill to the hearth. Rich meat and vegetable stews will shine. Drink now through 2031. — 4 months ago
Dark transparent ruby. Abundant nose of rubbery new leather. Backgrounded on the medium palate by juicy black cherry and ripe cranberry. Medium plus acidity. Faint, "just enough" tannins. Classic NZ Pinot Noir with a good balance of fruit and earthy characteristics, though missing the slight salinity I normally find. Made for seafood, particularly salmon or firm crustaceans. Drink now — 2 months ago
Dark red purple. Abundant(!) nose of blueberry plum compote in a wooden bowl. Medium palate of juicy plums and blueberries supported by moderate tannins and surprisingly bright acidity. Moderately short finish. This is still a very good wine despite the overall weakness of the '21 vintage showing in all of its light bright glory. Prices make this an opportunity buy that'll show well with lighter cuts of beef, lamb, or even pork. Drink now and say that you had Clinet. — 3 months ago
Bright beige gold. Persistent small bubbles and lingering white mousse. Shy nose but rich yet focused palate of lemon, cling peach, and yellow apple layered like a Matryoshka doll. Just a hint of toast in the juicy, mouth-watering acidity which more than compensates for the Sec-level dosage. Medium short, fruity finish. This is a top tier selection for almost anything from a group toast to an intimate seafood dinner. Drink it when you buy it typically, but you could probably hold onto it for a bit longer if it's a recent disgorgement. — 4 months ago
Byron C Mayes
Byron had this a month ago