Editor, Private Wineaux; Wine Associate, Total Wine & More. Favorite reds: Madiran, Uruguayan Tannat, Lodi Petite Sirah, Chianti Classico Riserva. Favorite whit...
Dark ruby. Inviting nose of baked black cherry and hints of leather. Brighter cherry and softer leather on the medium full palate adding red apple peel, light tannins, and medium acidity. Finish is moderate and continues the palate before a quick drop off. Very nice and a value at under $50. Drink now through 2030. — a month ago
Bright straw yellow. Inviting nose of stony dried apple and citrus rind. Lean (with a touch of the rich) palate echoes the apple but leaves behind the citrus, replacing it with toasted fine white bread. Finish is moderately long and continues the palate. Excellent starter, but with enough heft for a main meal of seafood, pork, or poultry. Drink when you buy it. — 3 months ago
Light yellow gold. Abundant nose of baked quince in a wooden bowl. Smooth, medium palate confirms the nose adding fried banana and wilting magnolia blossom. Medium acidity. Lengthy, palate-continuing finish. Classic example of the ultimate Chardonnay expression. Ready for escargot, shellfish in cream sauce, or any hearty white wine fare. Drink now through 2029. — 6 days ago
Vibrant cherry pop in the glass. Pale pink mousse and fine persistent bubbles. Inviting nose of musty dried cherry. Confirmed on the medium palate which adds dark toast with bright acidity. Not much of a finish but what's there continues the palate before the sudden drop. Not a complex rosé Champagne, but sometimes that's what one wants. Drink now with shrimp cocktail or complex dishes like curry. It won't get in the way. — 2 months ago
Dark amethyst in the glass. Shy nose and medium palate of black cherry and patent leather. Hint of bitterness back palate. Bright, medium+ acidity. Very low tannins that only assert on the finish. Finish is moderate and continues the palate. Classic Sonoma PN lodged right in-between sipper and dinner wine. Will serve either purpose nicely -- especially if dinner has a bit of spice or heat -- though one could do better at the price for either. Drink now through 2029. — 20 days ago
Pale, water clear straw in the glass. Characteristically abundant nose of white flowers with an undertone of very ripe white peach. Firm acidity leads the light palate of honeysuckle and budding magnolia. The white peach remains subtle but present entry to flowery finish. A just off-dry (between Trocken and Kabinett) Muscat that's an excellent match for a wide range of foods. Cheeses, pork dishes, spicy Asian fare, fresh fruit… it's all good. Drink now with any of the above. — 3 months ago
Dark purple. Blackberries and patent leather on the inviting nose. Full-bodied palate echoes the nose adding, in addition, blackberry, cassis, and a hint of dark chocolate. Medium acidity. Medium tannins, mostly on the finish. A classic Argentine Malbec that checks off all the boxes. Enjoy with beef (of course), lamb, or hearty root vegetable dishes. Drink now through 2027. — 4 months ago
Byron C Mayes
Byron had this 4 days ago