Byron C Mayes

8.9

Bright beige gold. Inviting nose of underripe yellow apples and honey. Nose is confirmed on the medium-bodied palate which adds orange rind, wet stone, and firm but approachable acidity. Finish is brief and continues the palate. Excellent South American (Uruguayan) take on Albariño that's a great match for fried foods -- I had mine with KFC -- and winter white wine fare. Drink now through 2026 (but mostly now). — 6 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Deep gold. Abundant nose of dried apricots. Confirmed on the big full palate which adds white pepper and lots of vanilla bean. Acidity is moderate, but enough to compensate for the massive dollop of oak and apricot. Lengthy, continuing finish. The new entry point for the oaky Carneros style. Enjoy with hearty seafood or poultry dishes. Drink now. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

9.3

Dark ruby red purple. Raisins and blackberries on the abundant nose. Confirmed on the palate adding white(!) cherry, lightly cured tobacco, medium minus acidity, and next to zero tannins. Great red dessert wine that's light enough to pair with dark chocolate mousse. Hold for a long time, but finish it when you open it. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Dark garnet. Inviting nose and full palate of black cherries and violets in a rough wooden bowl. Medium plus acidity. Firm but forgiving French oak enhanced tannins. Moderately long finish that continues the palate with some emphasis on the oak. A nice entry into Brunello for the uninitiated and reflective of the excellent 2018 vintage. Hardcore fans might want to spend a bit more (US$49/750ml) for what they're used to. Drink now through 2028 with hearty beef dishes. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

8.3

Transparent dark ruby. Black cherry and vanilla on the inviting nose. Lots of oak which overpowers the nose aromas on the medium palate. Light tannins. Moderate acidity. Bitter burned licorice aftertaste on the moderately long finish. Probably best with sweet creamy cheeses. Didn't work with anything I had tonight (salmon, roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts) and can't really see it on its own. Drink now. — 12 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Beigey gold. Dried quince and baked pineapple on the abundant nose. Palate confirms both adding banana chips, dried honeysuckle, and old white spices. Typically low acidity (but still enough for balance and pairing). Lingering finish that continues the palate. A nice Mediterranean Viognier in a "baby Condreiu" style. Drink now in place of Chardonnay with a wide range of foods. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

8.8

Dark, near black garnet red. Abundant nose and medium full palate of black cherry, overripe blueberry, and pipe tobacco. Medium acidity. Medium minus(!) tannins. A Grand Reserva should be a bit more structured than this, but it's still a substantial drink that works well with full beef dishes or hard cheeses (Manchego is, of course, a natural). Drink now through 2026. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

A year and four months later, previous notes apply. Feels a bit more lush than first described, but that could be the pairing (eggs Benedict and potatoes). — 18 days ago

Byron C Mayes

9.2

Dark purple with near black core. Violets and leather on the abundant nose. Confirmed on the full palate with black pepper, blackberries,and black earth. Dusty medium plus tannins assert fro entry. Juicy medium acidity cuts through despite all of that big stuff going on around it. Black fruit is there but something seems to pull back on its presence. Finish is lengthy and continues the palate adding a hint of menthol (probably the French oak). This "Big G" can give a lot of CdP a significant run for the money. The body and dark fruit (and price) call out for a hearty meal, but don't pass it by with a heady cheese and charcuterie plate. Drink now through 2037. — 20 days ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Green gold with fine persistent bubbles. Shy but inviting nose and light palate of ripe yellow apple and lightly singed toast. A hint of mineral and citrus rind weave in and out. Finish is loony and continues the palate without the bitterness that can show in some DOC Proseccos. Drink when you buy it as an excellent starter with antipasti or crudite. — a month ago