Rich in texture with a great depth of full-bodied and tangy flavors of apple and pear with an accent of eau-de-vie with light...
Grosgrain, Walla Walla Valley (Columbia Valley, Oregon) Stoney Vine Vineyard “Stonewashed” 2022 ($50)
The 2021 Stonewashed entices with classic savory aromas of dried herbs and black plum skin, interwoven with notes of spiced...
J. Wilkes Wines, Highlands District – Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($40)
This is very ripe and soft for Cabernet from anywhere, even Paso Robles, but the style will suit many tasters. If I were...
Domaine d’Ourea, Gigondas (Rhône Valley, France) 2021 ($33, Thomas Calder Selections)
Adrien Roustan founded this property, named after the god of mountains, inspired by its high-altitude plot in Gigondas. With...
Papapietro Perry, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Nunes Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 ($66)
For fans of a tart, cranberry-driven style this starts cranberry, stays cranberry and finishes cranberry, with hints of orange...
Miguel Torres, Maule Valley (Chile) Brut Rosé “Estelado” NV ($19)
Pais is a red grape variety that until recently was the most widely planted variety in Chile. This iteration shows that it is...
Hoffmann Vineyards, Lujan de Cuyo DOC (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec “Reserve Especial” 2021 ($20)
This is a great value in a Malbec from what has come to be its favorite spot to grow on our planet. It shows blackberry fruit...
Auteur, Sonoma Coast (California) Chardonnay 2022 ($50)
Sometimes a wine’s flavors are seamless, but in many cases it is just as enjoyable to find one you can enjoy part-by-part, as is...
Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) Brut Sparkling Wine NV ($32)
There’s a song from my youth that has a chorus lyric that defines this wine for me. It goes “We’re still havin’ fun, and you’re...
Dossier Wine Collective, Columbia Valley (Washington) Viognier “Flagship” 2022 ($58)
Most American (and many French) Viogniers accent the grape’s fragrant and fruity characteristics, but this one hearkens more to...
Bodegas Riojanas, Rioja Reserva (La Rioja, Spain) “Monte Real de Familia” 2019 ($23, Bodegas Riojanas USA)
Although Rioja Reserva wines spend only a year in barrel, like Crianza bottlings, the source of the grapes is typically better...
Bodegas Riojanas, Rioja Crianza (La Rioja, Spain) “Monte Real” 2021 ($16, Bodegas Riojanas USA)
Established in 1890, Bodegas Riojanas is one of the traditional producers of Rioja, so it’s not surprising that they label their...