Elizabeth Smith

9.4

The 2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc, Saint Helena ($60), is one of those wines that tastes so darn good, you know that the written word won’t do it justice. It’s crafted from 100% organic, 100% estate cabernet franc from our loamy soils. It’s powerful, yet retains a sense of balance and elegance from Old World, hands-on production techniques, from vineyard, to tank, to barrel, to bottle. Black fruits, vanilla, and spices envelope the palate. The finish goes on forever and frankly, I don’t want to stop sipping it. This wine is the result of outstanding terroir, vineyard management, and winemaking that I am blessed to witness on a daily basis. Who's in for some cabernet franc pleasure? Mark my words, it would be even better if we were drinking it together. #napavalley #sthelena #napavalleywines #ehlerslove — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

8.5

Recalling memories of #garnachaday with this garnacha from Castillo de Monséran, Cariñena DO. A vivid, red-magenta color in the glass, this value-priced (under $10) wine is easy to drink, with bright cherry-berry flavors and soft tannins. Pair this charcuterie, cheese, and autumn celebrations. November 2016 Wine Enthusiast Best Buy, scorekeepers! — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

9.5

A few months ago while changing fulfillment centers, we discovered a few remaining cases of the 2013 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc. The cool thing about our wines is that they're made so well, they last longer than perhaps expected. This Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc is simply stunning two vintages later, with mouthwatering fruit, a textured palate, and lively acid. I need to hold back a bottle or two of 2015, it seems. Fantastic. — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

9.0

What pairs with a rainy, cold night by the fire? Flora Springs Winery Petit Verdot. Dark and brooding, spicy and plush, this 100% Petit Verdot is from their Crossroads Vineyard in Oakville and their Pope Valley vineyard. It's aged 19 months in seasoned French oak. Only 210 cases made exclusively for sale at the winery. $50. — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

9.2

I live on the edge of ABC (All But Chardonnay, except Chablis and unoaked Chardonnay, that is), until this lovely 2014 Stoller Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay (sample, $35). Holy deliciousness, Batman! The 11 months in French oak add a beautiful texture and backbone to a citrus- and tree-fruit driven wonder on the palate. I'm especially drawn to the lime finish. If only all oaked Chardonnays could be like this one. The pairing: Baked Steelhead trout. — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

9.0

I love when I taste a wine and its bright berry flavors, structure, and cool-climate acidity reveal such a strong sense of place that you can't shake it. You sip and savor Finger Lakes Wine terroir and return to that very spot, Anthony Road Winery, and recall memories of years gone by. — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

8.8

While counting and reorganizing wine today, i discovered the 2015 Pike Road Wines Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley ($15, sample) while looking for something to pair with a pork chop, which works well with both white and softer, fruitier red wines. I tasted this and holy moly! This wine reminds me why I should seek out more Pinot Gris (after I've made room in my closet). Its luscious aromas and flavors of tropical fruits, sour apple, lime, and spice, are just what I needed. — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

9.0

It's been a while since I had an Oregon Pinot Noir, so I decided to open this to reacquaint myself. Not at all shy or subtle, this is one sultry, silky, smoky, and spicy Pinot Noir, intensely flavored with tart fruits like cranberry and plum, and a peppery finish. — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

8.8

This is a whole lotta wine for its $10 price point. Lush and weighty on the palate, yet also clean and crisp, it showcases a broad spectrum of white fruits, like pear, white peach, white nectarine, and lychee. — 8 years ago

Elizabeth Smith

8.8

This is no wimpy merlot. It's dark, dense, and dusty, strutting its stuff with warm climate black fruit, bitter chocolate overtones, baking spices, Rutherford dust terroir, and a lingering finish. This merlot really wants to be its big brother, the Bosché Cabernet Sauvignon. — 8 years ago