2012 J Vineyards Pinot Gris, California
Utilizing special blocks of Pinot Gris from around California, the J bottling has quickly established itself as the best-selling high-end Pinot Gris in America — and this vintage will not disappoint. Brilliant light straw color. Perfumed aromas of… Read more
2010 Clos Marie L’Olivette Pic Saint Loup, Languedoc, France
Half Syrah and half Grenache, this value vino picks up a certain savoriness from the vineyard, which is not far from the ocean’s salty breeze. But whereas Clos Marie’s Manon white bottling shows more of a saline quality, this savoriness merely… Read more
2012 Sbragia Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley
Clear light straw color. Floral aromas of white flowers, citrus blossom and cotton lead to scents of lemon, grapefruit and fleshier tropical fruits. The wine is juicy on the palate, showing sweet/tart citrus with a touch of green apple. The sweet… Read more
2006 Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva, Spain
Intense and vivid, with cool summer berries and warm American oak, this Rioja Reserva is a relative steal at the price. Acidic strawberries keep things lively, while deeper, darker elements of forest pine and damp mushrooms add depth and savor…. Read more
2011 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Australia
Nearly transparent garnet color, with orange shadings, lightening at the rim. The nose has notes of smoked oak and dried orange peelings that frame delicate, perfumed cranberry and sour cherry fruit. The wine is feminine and silky in the mouth,… Read more
2012 Gustafson Rosé of Syrah, Heritage Tree Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
Brilliant pale pink carnation color. Aromas of fresh watermelon and cherry lead to tart cherry flavors that stay through to the finish. In the mouth, the wine is dry, showing crisp acidity. Clean and balanced, this is an excellent example of New… Read more
2009 Leeuwin Estate ‘Siblings’ Shiraz, Margaret River, Australia
Translucent dusty ruby color, lightening at the edges. Polished leather, floral eucalyptus, briary dark berries, beeswax and vanilla interplay in the forward nose. The dark berry fruit follows through in the mouth, picking up earthy black olive,… Read more
2012 Kenwood Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley
Light straw color. Sweet, floral aromas of honeysuckle, tangerine, banana, papaya and Creamsicle waft from the glass. These flavors follow through in the mouth. Nicely balanced and full of fruit, this is the quintessential summer quaffer, ready to… Read more
2010 Maddalena Chardonnay, Monterey County
Crisp and fruity, this wine has lots of character, from citrus and apple to tropical fruit aromas and flavors. A small percentage of the juice sees oak barrels for aging — just enough to round out the sharper acid edges. Year in and year out, a… Read more
2011 Frisk ‘Prickly’ Grenache, Lodi
This off-dry rosé, made from 100% Grenache grapes, shows a vibrant salmon color with glints of light orange. Strong fruit aromas of buttered strawberry, red cherry and banana lead to a juicy explosion of fresh fruit salad in the mouth…. Read more
