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 day ago

Byron C Mayes

9.2

Deep gold. Fine persistent bubbles, even in a non-sparkling glass. Lime rind and green apple on the shy nose. Confirmed on the bright, medium palate which adds dark white bread toast and a hint of ash. Finish is moderate with a note of minerally yellow apple. Excellent complex Champagne to accompany rich seafood dishes. Drink now through 2032. — a month ago

Byron C Mayes

Byron had this 3 months ago

Byron C Mayes

Byron had this 3 months 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. — 2 days ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Clear, dark ruby. Abundant nose of cherry lozenges and the coating on marzipan. Echoed on the medium palate which adds juicy blackberry, bright acidity, and "just enough" medium minus tannins. Finish is moderately long and continues the palate in a slightly darker mode. An excellent example of NZ Pinot Noir that's ready for any dish you can throw at it. Seafood, poultry, roast pork, and of course American Thanksgiving. Drink now. — 24 days ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Dark, slightly clingy purple with near opaque core. Inviting nose and full-bodied palate yield ashen blueberry, ripe black plum, and light graphite. Velvety medium plus tannins buffeted by light French oak. Finish is lengthy and dark chocolate infused. Well-structured but still with rich warm-climate fruit. An excellent food--friendly Merlot that can spar with the best of the Right bBank. Drink now through 2030 with a Porterhouse or beef stew. — 3 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark, near black purple with dark magenta mousse. Black grapes on the nose; confirmed on the fizzy, medium palate with ash and fine, dusty tannins. Frizzante bubbles and medium acidity make this an excellent choice for casual red wine fare. Lasagna is its natural pair, but a great match for pizza, chicken parm, or brunch with beef. Drink it when you buy it, of course. — 13 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Transparent ruby. Shy nose and medium light palate of black cranberry and light silky oak. Medium acidity and next to zero tannins. Moderate finish. Light yet flavorful, Nostru shows why this is the red that Sicilians drink with seafood. You can also enjoy it with lighter cuts of beef or pork. Drink now. — 2 months ago

Byron C Mayes

9.1

Dark ruby. Inviting nose and medium palate of bitter black cherry, black tea, and lightly oaky vanilla. Medium acidity. Velvety medium tannins. Classically smooth RRV Pinot Noir that’s a match for all upscale fare. Drink now through 2030. — 3 months ago