Editor, Private Wineaux; Wine Associate, Total Wine & More. Favorite reds: Madiran, Uruguayan Tannat, Lodi Petite Sirah, Chianti Classico Riserva. Favorite whit...
Pale salmon pink; fine, persistent bubbles. Dried strawberries, cantaloupe, and bitter cherry on the nose, adding toasted brioche and an ashen quality on the medium palate. Mouthwatering high acidity (of course) from entry to moderate finish. Fine example of Italy's true answer to Champagne. Great as a starter or accompaniment to salmon, roasted poultry, and other light to medium fare. Drink it when you buy it. — a month ago
Clear dark ruby with magenta highlights. Black cherry and blackberry on the inviting nose. Confirmed strongly on the palate which adds red apple peel and a hint of oak on the medium palate. Firm juicy medium plus acidity and dusty medium minus tannins support a solid, cool climate Pinot Noir that's ready for most spring to autumn fare. Finish is moderately long and continues the palate. Drink not through 2027 — a month ago
Star bright straw gold with fine, persistent bubbles. Nose and light palate of baked red apple, honeysuckle, and brioche toast. Bright acidity. Lingering, ashy but continuing finish. Extra dry on the sparkling scale, this is a more flavorful alternative to Prosecco. Excellent on its own, or as the "kick" in a mimosa or Bellini. Drink it when you buy it. — 12 days ago
Dark, glass-clinging purple with near black core. Inviting nose and medium full palate of blackberries, brambles, and red apple. Juicy medium plus acidity. Present but accommodating medium tannins. Moderate, palate-continuing finish. Lighter than Tempranillo-based Riojas but without the herbiness of Garnacha, this is an excellent potential pairing with a wide range of foods. Drink now through 2026. — a month ago
Bright and clear deep gold. Inviting nose and medium full palate of minerals, tart yellow apple, and birch. Medium plus acidity. Light, oak-generated tannins. Lengthy continuing finish. A burly Albariño that drinks like a White Burgundy. Take it to similar places. Drink now through 2026 or so. — a month ago
Bright gold. Minerally lemon bubblegum on the inviting nose and medium full palate which adds bracing acidity, citrus oil, and white pepper. Finish is moderately long and continues the palate. — 2 months ago
Byron C Mayes
Dark, glass-clinging reddish purple with near opaque core. Lush, inviting nose of baked plum and dark berry cobbler. Equally lush, full palate echoes the nose adding juicy red plum, blackberry, and fruit ash. Velvety medium tannins entry to finish. Medium acidity. Lengthy, dark finish. Can't really go wrong with Pomerol, and this wine is further evidence of that. A good solid vintage from the house that put Michel Rolland on the map. Drink now through 2029. — 5 days ago