Byron C Mayes

8.9

Star bright straw gold in the glass. Abundant nose of stone fruit and typically South African straw. Bright, medium-bodied palate confirms the nose adding a slight floral notes. Medium plus acidity and that straw-like earthy note make this classic SA SB a natural all-around food wine that’s just as good as an easy sipper. — 3 hours ago

Byron C Mayes

8.7

Star bright straw gold. Shy nose of yellow apple and spice. Full bodied palate echoes the nose with added oak and medium plus acidity. Very well balanced with fruit and oak and acidity all present and playing their roles without overwhelming the others. Priced like a sipper; drinks like a table wine. Enjoy with most classic white wine foods (fish, poultry, pork, etc.). — 2 days ago

with Jay

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Deep dark purple with slight garnet tinges in the glass. Abundant and bosomy nose of red currant and cherry pipe tobacco. Echoed on the full-bodied palate with plum and (as my dinner partner noted) a shade of beets. Medium plus tannins. Medium acidity. This is one big wine. As much so now as when it was young. Hearty omnivore fare will serve it well as would, frankly, a few more years laying down. No really. 2025 is not out of the question. — 15 days ago

with Jay

Byron C Mayes

8.7

Bright red purple in the glass. Nose of plum and cassis. Medium bodied, fruit-forward palate echoes the nose. Medium tannins and acidity round it all out. A food wine for sure (but that’s true for most Cabs in my not-so-humble opinion), at a price that will let you “upscale” your most everyday meals. I’m having mine with a NY strip that was on sale. — a day ago

Byron C Mayes

8.6

Star bright yellow gold. Tropical fruit banana, mango) leads the nose. Likewise the full-bodied, fruit-forward palate where it’s joined by juicy medium acidity. Fruit is maintained through the relatively short (but still bright) finish. This is definitely an easy drinking sipper (with a great QPR), but it will hold its own with everyday meals. I’m enjoying it with breaded pork chops, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. — 3 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Hazy garnet red in the glass. Medium nose of blackberry and light earth. Full-bodied palate of blackberry, earth, and a surprising bit of cling peach (Viognier?) on the finish. Juicy only begins to describe it. Medium tannins and medium acidity. I think I actually like this better now than in its youth. Where there was smelly rubber and dark-to-black fruit, there is now a lush and ripe mouthful of juicy dark stone fruit that works both on its own and supporting a meal. Enjoy now. — 6 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Deep red purple in the glass. Abundant nose of belt leather and ripe plum. Full body on the palate which yields plum, leather, and a bit of white flowers. Next to no tannins and medium minus acidity combine with the up-front fruit to make this a great wine for spicy foods. Hot chili? Spicy picadillo? Generally capsaicinous meats? Here’s another go-to red! — 16 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.6

Bright gold. Shy nose of vanilla and baked quince. Echoed on the full-bodied palate with tropical fruits and a hint of… licorice? Not a lot of butter, but the medium acidity makes it a great foil for buttery foods. Lobster, crab cakes, roasted poultry, buttered rice, and the lot will be well served with this one. Drink now. — 2 days ago

with Jay

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Star bright straw gold. Abundant nose of baked apple and white flowers. Medium full palate echoes the nose adding white pepper on the finish. A backbone of bright acidity runs through it all yielding a (typically Italian) great food wine. Enjoy with pastas and white or pink tomato sauces, frito misto, or bright chicken or fish dishes. — 5 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Star bright straw gold with fine bubbles and persistent white mousse. Green apple tart on the nose. Echoed on the bright palate which adds a slight citrusy note. Finish is long and toasty. A wonderful and well-priced offering from the American arm of Pommery house. Enjoy with everyday fare and save the god stuff for “special” times. — 15 days ago

with Jay