Souverain Merlot 2014
Fruit-lovers rejoice. The 2014 Souverain Merlot is an overturned basket of berries—blueberries, blackberries, black cherries tinged with spice and vanilla. It’s equally expressive on the palate without being heavy, the fruit here is more or less hugged by nimble and fine tannins that express something along the lines of black tea at the close. A […]
Ferraton Pere & Fils Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Rosè 2016
Like the perfect accessory, Ferraton Pere & Fils’ 2016 Samorëns Rosé matches my reading glasses. I sit here in my studio, pondering this Provencal pink, I am reminded of how much I love these wines despite a long, chilly spring in the Willamette Valley. It’s a wine that manages to be energetic and delicate all […]
Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Lavishly perfumed with sumptuous blackberry, black currant, lavender pastille, camphor and, interestingly a dusting of talcum powder. On the palate, this Cab-dominant blend is classic Washington State in expression, medium weight, with a juicy black fruit core. That chalky note reemerges towards the finish, giving the impression that the tannins are slightly powdery and fine. […]
Ellipsis Red Hills Lake County Petite Sirah 2013
A deep plunge, Ellipsis’ 2013 Red Hills Lake County Petite Sirah is subdued on the nose. What it lacks in aromatic intensity, it makes up for on the palate. The effect is enveloping—a surge of black fruit, powerful and baritone in tempo, shot through with swirling embers, dried herbs, cedar, spice and a well-structured acidic […]
Herdade do Esporão Douro Minas Quinta dos Murças 2015
From the steeply terraced hillsides of the Douro is this classic and expressive blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão. Layered aromas of plums and black cherries form the foundation, with lively spice and incense notes gliding over the top. On the palate, fruit is restrained by mouth-coating tannins and […]
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône 2013
A wine I return to year after year, simply because it’s such a stellar value. Belleruche is one of Chapoutier’s entry-level labels, a tempting and fleshy blend of classic Rhône varietals: Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette, and Bourboulenc. It’s rife with pear and stone fruit with the merest twist of lemon peel, fennel and white […]
Herencia Altés Terra Alta L’Estel 2015
A blend of 50% Samsó, 25% Garnacha Negra, and 25% Syrah, Herencia Altés L’Estel has a dark undercurrent running through it—preserved meat, matchstick, flint, dried blood and spice swirl about this wine like a secret waiting to be told—a beguiling top note anchored in black cherries, blackberries, and juicy ripe plums. L’Estel is aged five […]
Bertani Bertarose Chiaretto Venezie IGT 2016
A beguiling blend of 75% Molinara and 25% Merlot grown in grown calcareous-clay soils in steep hillside vineyards overlooking Lake Garda, Bertani Bertarose Chiaretto 2016 is endowed with aromas of pie cherries and tart red currants swirl within a fine mineral net. On the palate, it’s as lean and crisp as any Provence rosé, with […]
Troon Blue Label Longue Carabine 2014
A bit of a kitchen sink blend, reminiscent of some of the complex whites I’ve run across from South Africa—Troon’s Longue Carabine 2014 is composed of 43.81% Marsanne, 27.35% Viognier, 12.65% Vermentino, 8.79% Riesling, 5.0% Roussanne, and 2.4% Sauvignon Blanc, all from the Applegate Valley—offers cadence in its aromatic range. Bruised pear, yellow apple, star […]
Dinastía Vivanco Rioja Crianza Selección de Familia 2013
Smooth and open-hearted, Dinastia Vivanco’s Crianza Rioja 2013 is an effortless plunge in to ripe plums, juicy black cherries, vanilla, wafting anise and lavender notes followed by a daub of earthy soulfulness. Composed of 100% Tempranillo, this is a fresh, round Crianza framed in black tea and ripe tannins. Easy to drink and even easier […]