Blended with small amounts of Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this is an approachable, well-made appellation wine that shows a backbone of structure and power. Supple tannins wrap around a thick midpalate of black and red currant, cassis and toasted oak, finishing in clove and cedar.

Medium ruby color. The nose has a nice spicy-floral kick, with white pepper, rhubarb, cola and leather over top of raspberries and strawberries. Juicy and fresh on the palate with smooth, light tannins and vibrant acidity, making for a balances, refreshing wine. Tangy raspberry and spiced cranberry relish flavors play well with tones of white pepper, rhubarb and tomato leaf. Nuanced cola and light roast coffee tones. Accessible but complex, solid value.

Vivid green-apple and kiwi flavors complement the crisp balance of this deceptively full-bodied wine. Snappy acidity keeps it very fresh and lively on the palate.

A classic style of California Chardonnay, this bottling begins with buttery aromas along with fresh lemon zest on the nose. The palate pairs the butter and lemon with ripe peach flavors.

Dried cherry, cola and summer sausage aromas show on the nose of this countywide blend. Ripe cherry and berry flavors are pleasant on the palate, balanced by a persistent acidity.

Full-bodied and quite ripe-tasting, this generous, fruity wine has a soft texture and almost-sweet finish.

Floral aromatics provide an earthiness of compost and violet to this wine, thick in tannin and robustly layered in clove, cedar and plum.

Uncorking the Classics
Top sommeliers pick 20 brilliant bottles from historic wine regions.
McLaren Vale, Nadine Brown
This wine is one that made me stop and say, "Wait, what is this?" It's got that Roussanne richness but also brilliant acid and this very faint touch of funk.

Succulent, packed with black cherry and blackberry flavors allied to a dense foundation of tannins. Offers leather, licorice, earth and oak spice details, and finishes long and balanced. Sophisticated and complex. Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2037.

This has lift and drive, with a racy-edged set of pomegranate, blood orange and red currant coulis flavors that are well-defined and course through, while red tea, mineral and savory accents add mouthwatering range through the finish. Shows nice coiled-up energy for cellaring, too. Drink now through 2032.

Packed with bramble-laced blackberry and mulberry fruit, this has excellent energy from start to finish, with mouthwatering anise and apple wood notes in the background. Shows a subtle singed sandalwood edge that provides a touch of perfume. Distinctive and delicious. Drink now through 2030.

Stunning, with terrific focus and intensity to the core of Earl Grey tea, firm, juicy cherry, raspberry and white pepper flavors. Notes of clove and green cardamom linger on the finish, with a touch of salted caramel. Drink now through 2034. From Australia.

A salty, savory version, this red offers woodsy underbrush and loam notes, along with sanguine, iron, leather and meaty cherry aromas and flavors. Lively and balanced, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and herbs. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2029.

Lively and vibrant, with fresh cherry and rhubarb flavors accented by green tea and spice. Lingers on the supple finish. Drink now through 2030.

This is mellowing nicely, with plum and black cherry flavors fading while earth, mushroom, tobacco, spice and woodsy notes are emerging. Harmonious, ending with lingering savory accents. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2030.

Delivers a long beam of raspberry and mulberry coulis notes carried by fresh, nicely embedded acidity, while black tea, dried anise and rooibos notes add fuel for the finish. Shows really nice energy. Drink now through 2029.

This offers some alluring red currant, raspberry and blood orange coulis notes that are stitched together with fine acidity, while flecks of savory, incense and red tea fill in judiciously through the finish. Shows nice length and detail. Drink now through 2029.

A solidly built red hallmarked by violet, black cherry and blackberry, with leather, earth and menthol accents that add interest. Ends with a firm grip of tannins. A potential match for steak or lamb, this needs a bit more time in the bottle. Best from 2025 through 2038.

This crackles with juicy and well-defined black cherry, pomegranate and boysenberry fruit flavors on a nicely open-knit frame, while anise and apple wood accents line the finish. Drink now through 2028.

A touch earthy in aroma initially, giving way to cherry, blackberry, violet and iron flavors. Taut, well-sculpted and vibrant, with a dense base of tannins elevating the finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Rich and dense, this is saturated with plum, blackberry, coffee and spice flavors. The juicy finish reveals a touch of earth. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2027.

Delivers lively raspberry and pomegranate flavors infused with a mouthwatering savory streak, ending with red tea and mineral notes on the finish. Structured but with an open feel. Drink now through 2024.

Ripe but restrained and focused, with mulberry and raspberry puree notes driving through, this delivers fresh acidity against a backdrop of red licorice and tea. Subtle savory freshness adds perk to the finish. Drink now through 2025.

A juicy, crowd-pleaser style, with a mix of blood orange, cherry and boysenberry notes backed by brambly energy on the finish. Drink now through 2024.

Ripe and direct, revealing raspberry and red licorice notes that roll through, with sweet spice and toast on the finish. Drink now.