Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine has a nice medium ruby tint in the glass, with a bit of brick red in the pour. The nose has plum and blackberry aromas, along with those of tobacco and purple flowers. The palate has a grip that won't turn loose, extremely firm tannins and wholehearted acidity. The overall impression is that of a savory wine that begs to be paired with steak, the fattier the better. — a day ago

Randy Fuller

9.7

This wine has a medium-dark ruby color in the glass. The nose is what I always look forward to in a Syrah. The big cassis note, the faint earth note, the slight herbal note. The combination of mint, eucalyptus, dirt, and funk provides the perfect backdrop to that dark purple juice. The palate is as big and bold as one might expect, maybe bigger and bolder. Dark fruit flavors are buried in a savory mound of earth and herb. The tannins are firm. I’m going to make a rib eye steak before this bottle becomes empty. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.6

This wine colors up a pale yellow-green in the glass, with plenty of frothy white bubbles. The nose is full of pears and apples. On the palate, citrus and toast dominate, while the acidity tingles. Aperitif? Sure. Pair it with potato chips? Why not? Cheese plate, salami, birthday cake? Yes, yes, if you must.
— a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

This wine has a medium tinted ruby color. The nose is a savory blast. The fruit is dark and muted by the aroma of pipe tobacco, earth, and black olives. The wine’s flavor profile has shades of black cherry and plum, again colored by the savory aspect of the palate. I expect to find some trace of wood, but there is none. The wine was fermented in cement, and half of it was aged that way, so the sip is very clean. The tannins are velvety and the acidity is lively. — 2 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

This wine has a light ruby red color. Its nose is bright and elegant, with aromas of pomegranate, cherry, and an herbal note that smells a bit like rosemary. The palate shows cherry, raspberry, and spice aromas, all cloaked in a delightful earthiness. The acidity is racy and fresh. The finish lasts awhile, and brings in a note of cherry candy. — 16 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.6

This wine has a beautiful golden color in the glass. Citrus, apricot, almonds and a floral note define the nose. The palate brings steely acidity and citrus flavors. The acidity is bracing, and the finish is long and delicious. Pair La Bernardine with white meats or seafood of any kind. It also goes nicely with a soft cheese. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

This wine has a medium-dark color. Its nose is as fruity as you like. Big, ripe, red berries are featured, along with tobacco, spice, and a bit of earthy funk. The tannins are firm and the acidity is fresh. The palate brings in cherry, black cherry, and blackcurrant for a pairing that will be wonderful with meat dishes. I slow-cooked short ribs with mine, while enjoying a glass or two in my easy chair. — 2 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.6

This wine has a medium ruby tint in the glass. The nose is unique. Strawberry fruit aromas come off extremely herbal, due to the one-third whole cluster fermenting. Vegetable aromas also play a part in this fabulous nose. The palate shows strawberry, raspberry, and beets, if you can believe it. A good earthy element sets the dial on “savory.” The tannins are gentle and the acidity is refreshing. The finish is very savory and delightfully long. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine is dark in the glass, with light barely getting through. The nose is dark as well, and when I sniffed it I got a blast of Cassis. The black currant and black berry aromas are forceful and a bit funky. Earth, tar, and cigars also play into the profile. The palate keeps the darkness rolling. The black fruit and forest floor are as brooding as one could wish. And the tannins …they are alive and well. Big acidity adds to the tingling mouthfeel. I’ve seen other reviewers say that this wine is not everyone’s cup, but those who shy away from it must not enjoy an adventure, because that’s what this wine is. — a month ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

This wine is tinted straw yellow in the glass. The aromatic nose features aromas of peach, apricot, and Meyer lemon, most noticeably the lemon. There is a fair amount of lanolin salinity to it as well. The palate is loaded with lemon, and carries a ton of acidity along with some refreshing salinity. The finish is very long and keeps the savory aspect of the wine in mind. Pair it with shellfish. — a month ago