Byron C Mayes

8.9

Bright yellow gold. Nose of baked quince and light butterscotch. Echoed on the full-bodied palate with a good backbone of medium plus acidity wrapped up inside. A rare bird in California Chardonnays in that it gives body, fruit, oak, and food-friendly freshness without overloading in any of them. I’m not always a fan of Wagner family works, but this under-the-radar Chardonnay is actually a good representation of the style. Good enough at regular price, but a steal when it’s on sale. Drink now through 2021. — 4 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

This Vin de France (not Bordeaux, though by a fine Bordeaux producer) is a bright and deep gold in the glass. Nose is shy but yields dark peach and dried flowers. The medium-bodied palate echoes the nose adding grapefruit rind, fresh straw, and a sharp brûlée. Acidity is as firm as they come placing this squarely in the realm of Le Sud-Ouest. As such, it cries out for foods of the richer kind. Roasted poultry, cassoulet, firm white fish, cream sauces, soft to medium cheeses; all would be excellent pairs. Now through 2025. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

8.6

Dark but clear ruby purple in the glass. Abundant nose of blueberries, red berries, and a hint of pie crust. Confirmed on the berry cobblery palate with medium plus acidity wrapped in a medium body. Medium minus tannins allow the fruit to shine through. A classically food-friendly central Italian red that should satisfy your craving for a solid Rosso at a good price. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Deep purple red in color. Nose of black cherry and plum. Palate matches the nose with cassis and a bit of rooibos, ending with a classic Tuscan tarry finish. Medium plus acidity and tannins cry out for food (natch). What can I say? It’s an Italian red that ticks off all of the boxes. Drink now through 2025. — 16 days ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Deep ruby purple with color to the rim. Nose and palate of black currant and other dark fruit. Fine medium plus tannins and medium acidity steer the medium full body to a lengthy, tarry finish. Aboard close to Bordeaux as the New World gets. That this is still going strong 16 years on is a testament to what’s happening in the Columbia Valley and has bee for years. Enjoy with classic Cabernet fare. — 20 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Ramian Estate’s Page One “Garnacha” rosé is a deep, vibrant red in the glass. Earthy red cherry on the nose. On the palate, subdued red fruit — definitely past it’s prime — but fruit nonetheless. Enough to make it a worthy drink 14 years on. Acidity (medium plus) is still going strong though, and that’s what holds this together. This rosé has always drunk more like a light red, and that it’s still showing well now confirms pst experience. If you still have some, you can feel comfortable drinking now. Like a New World Tavel, this rosé has taken well to the cellar. Drink up. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

8.6

The Prototype Pinot Noir is transparent amethyst in the glass. Abundant nose of black cherry. Echoed on the somewhat oaky palate with hint of vanilla and a bit of dark raspberry on the finish. Medium light body. Medium acidity. Medium minus tannins. All in all, a pretty good Pinot Noir quaff for the price. Enjoy with lighter outdoor summer fare. Grilled salmon is of course a natural. — 2 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Deep purple red in the glass. Abundant nose of cassis and black cherry. Echoed on the palate with firm but forgiving tannins, medium acidity, and a dark tarry and long finish. I’ve always said that Washington is the New World bridge between California and Bordeaux, and this is a classic example of how. New World fruit with an Old World ethos. Take this anywhere you’d take Left Bank Bordeaux OR a Napa Cab. Drink now through 2026. — 17 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Not sure what Delectable is doing, but the name of this wine is “Chevalier de Lafoux Sainte Anne.” Pale salmon color, typical of the genre. Shy nose of pear and ripe melon. Echoed on the medium light palate as Bosc and cantaloupe. Medium acidity as expected in the classic (current) Provençal style, and a surprisingly long finish. Winemaker Régine Sumiere’s classic Côte is a great sipper, but will also hold its own with a variety of “zingy” foods. I’m enjoying with grilled salmon. Salade Niçoise is a natural pair. — 23 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Star bright straw gold in the glass. Persistent fine bubbles and quickly dissipating mousse. Abundant, typically Moscato nose of white flowers and peaches. On the palate, typically Moscato flavors echo the nose, only wrapped in a dry medium body and bright acidity. Asti Secco is Moscato for folks who still insist that they “don’t like sweet” wines (liars). With a flavor profile that’s as much at home on the brunch buffet as in the picnic basket or at the bar, this is a sparkler for everyday drinking. — a month ago