This is a soft, juicy, Rioja with berry and vanilla flavors wrapped gently in leather and a touch of tobacco. The finish falls off quickly, but this is a very reasonably priced Rioja Reserva, and at $12 a bottle why-read more-
Remarkably light-colored for an Australian Shiraz, ruby and opaque rather than deep and dark. The nose is incredibly floral and aromatic. Completely smooth, like drinking silk. Blackberry, chocolate, and baking spices. Substantial, but with understated tannins. Absolutely easy to drink-read more-
This big fruit bomb delivers powerful blackberry and spice with an alcohol punch at 15.5 percent. They have too much fun with the name "it will rock your world, etc." but it's big wine. Fruit bomb has become a derisive-read more-
Opens with light floral underlain by apricot. Fresh, light fruit flavors of apricot, peach, with pineapple and tangerine peel in the long finish. Beautifully balanced. Light-medium body. Still young. WHO: Château Coutet WHAT: Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc WHERE: Sauternes-Barsac, Appellation-read more-
Lesec’s blend of Syrah and old vine Grenache (80%) is about as good as it gets for under $15. This beautiful wine is aged in stainless steel for great drinkability. It has a bit of an herbal and spice characteristic-read more-
The nose has ground espresso and cocoa powder, blackberries, and some leather. The palate comes at you with waves of flavors. Blackberries and coffee, plums, all make up the attack. Fruits sweeten on the mid-palate, adding some blueberry to the-read more-
The dense, dark garnet color was enlivened in the nose by fresh garden herbs, forest leaves and a black and red fruit complexity, complemented by the more savory loam, anise and truffle notes. The palate is where the complexity of-read more-
Rich but well-balanced dark fruit, an acid spine the gobs of fruit could hang from in comfort. It drew oohs and ahs from the crowd. WHO: Star Lane Vineyard WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon WHERE: Santa Ynez Valley, California WHEN: 2005 HOW-read more-