Byron C Mayes

9.0

The new Family Reserve is a clear ruby in the glass with color to the rim. Somewhat shy nose of black cherry and weak tea. Palate is medium bodied and confirms the nose with medium acidity and medium tannins throughout. Wow! The good folks at Coelho brought their A-plus game to this one! A super elegant PN that will serve every purpose you have for Pinot Noir, including holding if you wish. Classic pairs are its friend. Unusual pairs will sing too. Drink now through 2026. — a day ago

with Jay

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Bright but deep salmon orange in color. Abundant nose of orange rind and terra cotta. Firm acidity supports the medium palate of orange rind, pottery, and brown spices. Soft tannins on the lengthy finish. A classic “orange” wine that’s a perfect foil for heavier “white wine” foods. Roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, game fowl, and root vegetables would compliment nicely. Drink by 2024. — 15 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.5

Yellow gold in color. Full nose of dried flowers and baked apple. Medium full palate yields the same adding citrus rind, hay, and a hint of lanolin. Sturdy backbone of acidity supports it all. It’s showing it’s age with a wee bit of oxidation but in a way that adds interest. This bottle is still going strong. I imagine a younger version would be simply stellar! Drink up now. — 20 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Deep ruby garnet in the glass. Surprisingly abundant nose of black fruit and leatherette. Big ol’ mouthfeel and body confirm the nose with dark plum added mid-palate and a hint of licorice on the lengthy finish. Medium acidity and medium minus tannins (as expected from vintages around this era). A wonderful Aussie supporter for barbecue, beef, both, or other hearty fare. And if you have a current vintage, take heart in knowing you don’t have to drink up now. This one’s old enough to vote, and its ballot is valid. — 4 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.7

This Rioja Blanco is 100% Viura. Light nose of baked quince and dried yellow flowers. Medium light bodied palate yields same with a hint of grapefruit zest. Medium acidity rounds it all out. A great white for complex and mildly spicy dishes. Paella would be a particular friend. — 10 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Vibrant pink with magenta highlights. Abundant, bosomy nose of red cherries with a hint of must. Medium-bodied palate echoes the nose with mouth-watering bright (medium plus) acidity. A juicy, fresh rosé that’s ready for food. Full meal salads, seasoned salmon, or pretty much anything you’d serve in spring or summer will be well complimented. Stop reading and get some! — 18 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.6

Dark purple no clear garnet in the glass. Abundant, fruity nose of berry compote and vanilla cream. Echoed on the palate wrapped in a medium full body and medium acidity. A true “barbecue Cab” just waiting for your pairing with pulled pork, shirt ribs, brisket, or any other BBQ meat (Texas or Carolina style). — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Star bright pale straw in color. Nose of citrus rind and stone, confirmed on the medium light palate adding soft guava with medium plus acidity. Finish is average for the variety (medium short). A slightly brighter example of Chilean SB from the first family of Bordeaux. Naturally food-friendly, but with enough bright fruit to make a refreshing sipper. But food is its real friend. Serve with opening salads, white flesh fish, or rich poultry casseroles (which is what I’m pairing with). Drink by 2021. — 5 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.5

Deep reddish purple. Nose seems somewhat shy (but admittedly my nose is out of whack). Juicy, medium-light palate yields black cherry with a hint of vanilla oak on the finish. Medium minus acidity(!). Medium tannins. A simple quaff with a touch of sweetness (despite the 13.5% ABV) that will serve spicier foods in particular very well. Drink it when you buy it. — 8 days ago

with Jay

Byron C Mayes

8.4

Dark ruby purple. Dark purple to black fruit on the nose. Medium-bodied palate yields the same dark fruit — black- and blueberry and black cherry in particular — with an oaky sheen and medium plus acidity. A good, cheap, quaff that’s bright enough to make a decent food wine. But then, it *is* Italian (Terre Siciliane, not Veneto). — a month ago