Rich aromas of chocolate covered cherries waft up from the glass. They lead on the palate, too, quickly followed by raspberry, milk chocolate, and leather. Smooth, fine-grained tannins and just enough acidity to keep the balance offer a lovely mouth-feel. Red fruit and chocolate linger. This is an opulent, round,
Plums and brambles show on the nose. The palate brings plums, black currant, and chocolate covered cherries, with dust and leather in the background. Tannins are smooth, barely dusty and well integrated. Drink with ropa vieja. Recommended. 89 points. DBH WHO: Zolo WHAT: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Merlot WHEN: 2016 DESIGNATION: Signature Red
There is more blueberry pie than cherry pie in this fruit-forward, silky Merlot. Coffee and chocolate add depth and interest on the mid-palate, through the finish. Drink with a good bone-in strip. Highly Recommended. 92 points. DBH WHO: Murrieta’s Well WHAT: Merlot WHEN: 2014 DESIGNATION: Small Lot WHERE: Livermore Valley, California HOW MUCH: $44
Waxy black fruits, cherries, and leather are followed by milk chocolate. Sweet fruit and pastry create a simple crowd-pleaser at a reasonable price. Drink with barbecue pork sandwiches. Recommended. 87 points. DBH WHO: Pedroncelli WHAT: Zinfandel WHEN: 2014 DESIGNATION: Mother Clone WHERE: Dry Creek Valley, California HOW MUCH: $17 (media sample) POINTS: 87
Classic Cabernet aromas of black currant, blackberry, and plum float up from the glass. Black fruit, plums first, black currant second, lead on the palate. Cloves, espresso, and unsweetened chocolate give depth and layers of flavor. Tannins are firm, acids in balance. This is a classic Napa Cabernet at an
The nose is deep, with freshly-turned earth under rich black cherry and ripe strawberry. It is just as deep on the palate, adding leafy herbs and cola. This is a rich, complex Pinot that drinks well above its price point. Drink with duck. Highly Recommended. 90 points. DBH WHO: Talbott
The nose is redolent with blackberry, black currant, plum, and baking spices. Spices take the lead on the palate, with cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg, followed by black currant and plum. A bit of meaty smokiness from the Syrah comes out on the mid-palate. Tannins are muscular. The four different grapes
Aromas are remarkably rich and toasty, blackberry, toasted oak, and hints of black pepper. The palate is surprisingly soft, with blackberry, black plum, leather, milk chocolate, and pepper. Tannins are smooth with barely a bite. This is fruit-forward, complex, and pillow soft. Drink with pork medallions with mushrooms. Recommended. 89