Plums and hints of Christmas spice are redolent on the nose. Plums and blueberries lead on the palate, with the blueberry pie bursting through on the mid-palate. A touch of green pepper makes an appearance toward the finish. Drink with a steak sandwich. Recommended. 85 points. DBH WHO: Martin Ray
The nose shows the clear Cuban cigar benchmark for North Fork Cabernet Franc. Raspberry is the predominant flavor, with tobacco and vanilla on the mid-palate. This is an interesting food wine, one that will enhance, rather than compete against, most meats. Drink with lamb chops. Recommended. 88 points. DBH WHO:
The color is dark purple, almost opaque at the center. Black and red fruits mix on the nose with baking spices and hints of vanilla. Blackberry leads on the palate, backed by black cherry. Baking spices, vanilla, and licorice come through on the mid-palate. Tannins are chewy. This is a
Aromas of cocoa and blackberries absolutely leap out of the glass. Black cherries and chocolate, then blackberries and hints of tobacco, make a rich palate. Tannins are a bit dusty and the finish drops just a bit too quickly. Drink with flank steak. Recommended. 88 points. DBH WHO: Viluko Vineyards
The nose offers honeysuckle and citrus blossoms. Tropical fruit comes out on the palate, guava and papaya, with Meyer lemon on the mid-palate. This wine is intensely tropical and floral, and remarkable for the price. Drink with ham and pineapple. Recommended. 89 points. DBH WHO: Cameron Hughes WHAT: Chardonnay WHEN:
Boysenberry and blackberry are joined by brambles on the nose. On the palate, huge fruit is joined by pencil lead unsweetened and milk chocolate, and hints of espresso. Mouth-feel is huge and round, tannins are dusty. Drink with a bone-in Strip. Highly Recommended. 93 points. DBH WHO: Silverado Vineyards WHAT: Cabernet
Sweet cherry and strawberry, red licorice, and rose petals all come through on the nose. A whole fruit bowl of red berries roll across the palate, from sweet strawberry to tart raspberries. Freshly-turned earth, red licorice, hints of vanilla, and even a closing touch of saline, all add to the
Herbs, and earth and seared beef fat show on the nose, along with blackberries. On the palate, blackberries lead, and a complex array of flavors, dancing in an out on the palate, offer accompaniment. Seared beef fat, pencil lead, violets, pepper, and leafy herbs all play a role. This is