Editor, Private Wineaux; Wine Associate, Total Wine & More. Favorite reds: Madiran, Uruguayan Tannat, Lodi Petite Sirah, Chianti Classico Riserva. Favorite whit...
Bright straw gold. Abundant nose of minty baked quince. Surprisingly complex medium palate confirms the nose with eucalyptus replacing the mint and adding hints of orange and white pepper. Medium acidity. The wine is clearly oaked (French, of course), but the oak is well integrated, adding an "equal partner" flavor component instead of an added feature. Moderately long finish continues the palate. Reminiscent of Petit Chablis without the inherent disappointment. Drink now with poultry, weighty fish, and pot pie. — 20 days ago
Bright beige gold. Abundant nose and medium palate of crisp red apple, white flowers, honey, and a hint of flinty mineral. Medium acidity, slightly low for the appellation. Medium long finish. Excellent Rhein Range Riesling that's great with a spicy leaning (think chipotle or ancho chile) fare as well as fresh fruit and fruit based desserts. Drink now for the fruit, by 2037 for the development. — a month ago
Star bright yellow gold. Persistent fine bubbles and white mousse. White roses and green apples on the nose. Medium palate echoes the nose adding a bit of toast up front and a big burst of cool orange marmalade and red apple mid palate. Moderate finish continues the palate. Wonderful starter for any fine meal. Dining partner and I enjoyed it with roquito peppers, black olives, and sun dried tomatoes. Drink now through 2030. — 5 days ago
Dark purple with opaque black core. Inviting nose and medium full palate of black currant, ripe blackberries, and new leather. Medium tannins that gain assertiveness over time. Medium plus acidity. Syrah as it was intended to be. Ready for all sorts of dinner from beef roast to (yes) hearty salmon preparations. Drink now through 2029. — 19 days ago
Anam Cara
Clear dark ruby. Shy nose and medium palate yield dried black cherries, marzipan, and a hint of white pepper. Faint but present medium minus tannins. Juicy streak of medium acidity, particularly assertive back palate. New World fruit with Old World structure marks a classic Willamette via Chehalem PN. Suitable a a light red sipper, it's at it's best with a fine meal. Pacific salmon is a natural as is American Thanksgiving. Drink now through 2029. — a month ago
Star bright pale gold. Fine persistent bubbles and quickly dissipating white mousse. Inviting nose of ripe pear and candied brioche. Confirmed on the medium palate which adds light white pepper and baked green apple. Finish is moderate and continues the palate. Form acidity, of course, but not in an aggressive way. Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco yield a Blanc de Blancs sparkler light enough for a starter but with enough weight to support light to medium fare. Drink now — 17 days ago
Glass-clinging red purple. Abundant nose of purple plum and roses, adding a bit of graphite when echoed on the full bodied palate. Medium acidity. Fuzzy medium tannins. Finish takes on a dark, charred note but is still noticeably fruity. The definition of Washington (Walla Walla) Cabernet: New World fruit with Old World structure. Enjoy with steaks, grilled meats and vegetables, and American beef stew. Drink now through 2028. — 23 days ago
Star bright straw gold. Abundant nose of honeysuckle and lime. Tingly medium plus acidity leads the light palate which confirms the nose and adds a stern backbone of chalky mineral. A bit racy for sipping on its own, but a good accomplishment to medium spring and summer dishes. Much more approachable on the second day. Drink now. — a month ago
Byron C Mayes
Bright and deep yellow gold. Inviting nose of tangelo and cedar. Medium palate confirms the nose adding a mentholesque note and yellow fruit. Low acidity (that brightens up mid palate) leads to a smooth mouthfeel that almost drinks like a red. Lingering orangey finish. Gorgona is a prison island where the inmates -- in the last year of their sentence -- work in the vineyards and winery to develop skills that will help them reintegrate into society. The wine is a direct result of that program, and if it's any indication those inmates are on the right track. Drink now through 2028. — 5 days ago