Editor, Private Wineaux; Wine Associate, Total Wine & More. Favorite reds: Madiran, Uruguayan Tannat, Lodi Petite Sirah, Chianti Classico Riserva. Favorite whit...
Bright green gold. Shy nose and bright, medium light palate of green apple, lime rind, and chalky lemon zest. Bright and balanced medium acidity from entry to (short-ish) finish makes this an ideal accompaniment to seafood and light spring and summer fare, as well as a refreshing by-the-glass sipper. Mary J. is getting some great advice in her wine ventures. This holds its own in an increasingly crowded SB field. Drink now. — 9 days ago
Dark purple with near black core. Inviting nose and medium palate of blackberry and ripe plum with a dark graphite streak entry to finish. Mevushal,* but without the "burned" notes (Syrah and Petit Verdot are good for covering that up). Medium plus acidity. Medium tannins. Excellent, food-friendly red from Israel's Judean Hills. Dark fruit and juicy acidity make this a perfect match for grilled meats and a wide range of comfort foods. A perfect wine for the observant and non-observant to share. Drink now through 2028.
*Maintains its Kosher status even if served by a non-observant person. — 13 days ago
Deep green gold with bright silver highlights. Shy but inviting nose of yellow apple, echoed on the full-bodied palate with added dry clover honey and a anise-tinged cement. Medium acidity. Moderate length finish. Classic, full-bodied Alsatian. Dry but still flavorful. A complement to pretty much any white wine fare, but pork tenderloin just sings! Drink now through 2029. — a day ago
Bright, pale salmon orange. Shy nose and medium light palate underripe peach, dried strawberry, citrus pastels, and honeysuckle nectar, layered with other juicy fruity and floral notes. Medium acidity from entry to the moderate, red licorice finish. The gastronomic rosé from Regine Sumaire's flagship Château makes an excellent sipper, but shines when paired with food. Spring and summer fare (salade Niçoise is a classsic) of course, but anywhere you want a refreshing, light companion. Drink now. — 4 days ago
Deep gold. Opulent, Sauternes-like nose of baked quince and vanilla. Bright acidity leads the medium full palate layered with citrus rind, vanilla, baked quince, and magnolia blossom adding a hint of balsam in the lengthy finish. "Elegant and refined" is an understatement! A wonderful Bordeaux Blanc for your main course of trout almandine, roasted fowl, or Tandoori salmon (to name a few). Drink now through 2027. — 15 days ago
Dark, glass-clinging, near black purple. Inviting nose of blueberry and blackberry cobbler. Echoed on the full palate with a bit of smoky ash on the lengthy finish. Medium tannins (warm climate at work), and medium acidity (ditto). Far fruit-forward PS that just right for cookouts and sit down steak dinners. Drink now through 2026. — 2 days ago
Dark garnet purple. Stewed plum and blueberry on the inviting nose. Medium full, fruit-forward palate of blueberry compote, red plum, red apple, and blackberry with a hint of red licorice on the finish. Medium acidity. Next to no tannins. A pleasant fruity red that’s a good match for barbecue, burgers, and other spring and summer fare. Drink now. — 3 days ago
Classic volcanic red. Dark garnet. Abundant nose of blackberry tea, brick, and red apple peel. Echoed on the medium palate with juicy medium plus acidity and fine, earthen medium tannins. Palate continues through the dark and lengthy finish. What Etna is all about. Juicy, earthen fruit that's a fine accompaniment to almost any red wine (and some white wine) fare. Great alternative to Pinot Noir or Garnacha. Drink now through 2026. — 10 days ago
Beige gold with white mousse and fine, persistent bubbles. Shy nose and medium light palate of just ripe yellow apple with a crumbly mineral streak typical of Valdobiadenne. Medium plus acidity wrapped in a velvety mouthfeel. Not sure where others are getting “sweet” from as this is a classic Extra Dry style that actually leans toward Brut. While not the best example, the price (under $13) makes this a great entry into DOCG level Prosecco. Drink it when you buy it. — 16 days ago
Byron C Mayes
Star bright green gold. Green apple, white peach, and pink flowers on the inviting nose and medium palate. Mouthwatering medium plus acidity entry to finish which is surprisingly long, though faint, and extends the more mineral aspects. Germany is the largest producer of Pinot Blanc and this is a very good intro to the variety. Great with rich pasta or egg dishes. And pork of course, because… Germany. Drink now through 2025. — 11 hours ago