Mary Ewing-Mulligan, Contributor

Emblem, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Emblem is a brand name for wines produced by the Michael Mondavi family, and this wine is one of the brand’s finest. ...

Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 ($60): There’s something to be said for...

Concannon is an historic California winery but -- perhaps because it is in Livermore Valley rather than one of the sexier...

This is a Heidi Barrett Cabernet Sauvignon, which is to say that expectations run high, because Barrett is one of the most...

This is a well-priced and very drinkable Pinot Noir from a California winemaker whose influence extends wide as both a producer...

In a blind tasting, this wine is intriguing because it can seem rather European in style. The wine’s complex,...

Dry Creek Vineyard, Russian River Valley (California) Chardonnay DCV Estate Block 10, 2012 ($30): Now that the era of...

Charles Heintz Vineyards & Winery, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2012 ($48): Even if you have never encountered...

Aia Vecchia, Toscana (Italy) Vermentino 2013 (Dalla Terra, $12): If I had to name my favorite native Italian white grape...

Ponzi Vineyards, Willamette Valley (Oregon), Pinot Gris 2013 ($17): Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape in...

Château Lassègue, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru “Lassègue” 2005 (Sovereign Wine Imports, $150): ...

La Sirena, Napa Valley 72%-Paso Robles 28%, Moscato “Azul,” 2012 ($30): I first tasted this wine at a luncheon...