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
I went to Valpolicella to learn about the region's most expensive, highly regarded wine: Amarone. Made from dried grapes, this wine is hotter than ever and the Italian press now gathers annually to taste new Amarone releases. I tagged along, hoping to discover what I have been missing. Instead, I
Black cherry and smoke come out on the nose. On the palate, sweet black cherry and blueberry are joined by vanilla pastry. A bit of tartness comes out on the mid-palate and rolls into the finish. Simple, inexpensive, and straightforward, without the manipulation often found at this price point. Drink
Freshly cut pears and Meyer lemon waft up from the glass. Citrus takes the lead on the palate, white grapefruit and lemon, with pear and hints of toasted hazelnut in the background. White grapefruit lingers on the finish. This is a tart, palate-cleansing wine, something to drink between bites of