A new wine for Yangarra, I think, hand picked off their younger (10 years old) dry grown Grenache vines. Good old Yangarra, nailing it left, right, and centre these days. White peach, strawberry and rosehip, perhaps a little fennel. It’s light and soft, but flavoursome in a subdued way, fine crunch of acidity, a subtle chalky texture, and a pretty long, and pretty red apple and rosehip perfumed finish. Strong words, quietly spoken. Provence on a budget? Maybe. Spot on. Drink 2017 - 2019+

The Bordeaux outpost of the Jackson family winery has produced a rich wine in this vintage. It is structured with swathes of ripe black fruits. The tannins promise some serious aging for this complex ripe wine with its solid texture. Drink from 2023.

Here is one for fans of the no-additions wines. This 2016 Preservative Free (Pf) Shiraz has no added sulfur, acid or fining compounds. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is clean with youthful appeal, displaying crushed blackberry and blueberry notes plus earth and a mossy bark undercurrent. Medium-bodied, the palate offers crunchy, primary fruit flavors with lingering peppery notes on the chewy finish. I've erred on the side of caution for the drinking window here—drink it while it's this youthful and fresh!

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Shiraz has a broody tar and earth-scented nose with a core of blackcurrants and black plums plus a waft of garrigue. Medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with earthy, understated black fruit and earth flavors, framed by chewy tannins and finishing with some peppery characters coming through.

A little semillon goes a long way in this delicious quaff. Bright acidity but a mid-palate roundness that reminds us of melon and apples. Nice citrus aromas too.

This Picpoul from Copain in California's Russian River Valley opens with aromas of sweet melons and lemon zest, with a gentler acidity and a salinity reminiscent of green olives.

Wendy’s Great Eight Food and Wine Items for August! Rosè wine is all the rage this Summer -- for good reason! It's light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm evenings. One of my personal favorite rosès is Barrymore Rosè of Pinot Noir. The Barrymore on this label is actress Drew Barrymore via the Carmel Road Winery. Barrymore Rosè is a delicate wine with floral and light citrus aromas. It features red fruit flavors with hints of stone fruit and blood orange. It has a bright acidity that leads to a crisp, vibrant finish. I served this pink-hued wine well chilled with a grilled shrimp Caesar salad for a light Summer meal. The Barrymore Rosè paired very nicely with the sweetness of the grilled shrimp and the tart Caesar dressing.

Best Values Only five years ago, many were still avoiding dry rosé wines because “they didn’t go with anything.” Suddenly, rosés are the rage because they go with everything! From a vast tasting of rosés over the last two months, here are my selections as the best values in their respective price ranges.

Recommended from Chronicle's tasting panel: rosé to buy now Overall score: 18.4 (8.9 for quality, 9.5 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with three scores of at least 9. "Juicy red currants, orange peel." My score: 9.2. "Intense fruit, great acidity." Alcohol: 13.1 percent. The team of Kato and Barrymore nailed this one.

A structured cab with good bones. Deep cherry flavors, with herbs and spice in the mix. Lingering finish. 3½ stars.

Wine Pick - Can Tuscany rival Bordeaux The closest to the Arcanum was the 2011 Valadorna, 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, aged 1 year in 80% new French oak. It also had the rich concentration I typically associate with a fine, age worthy Bordeaux.

Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of cherry and tobacco and espresso. In the mouth, beautifully bright flavors of cherry and cedar mix with a touch of tobacco leaf and cola nut. Supple but muscular tannins wrap around the palate and gain strength in the finish. Excellent acldity and balance. Very delicious. A blend of 56% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. 9.0-9.5

Wine Pick - Can Tuscany rival Bordeaux You can imagine my pleasure in receiving a sample of the 2011 Arcanum so I could taste this wine in a more relaxed, non-blind setting. This 2011 blend is made up of 77% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petite Verdot and aged in new French oak for a year. Though the 14.% abv was comparable to Bordeaux, as was the concentration and nuances of new French oak, the wine seemed like a warmer climate than Bordeaux and the voluptuous nature of very ripe Cabernet Franc. The wine is black and dense with an aroma of black fruit, prune, spice, leather and black olive aromas.

The Wines of Oregon and Washington are Poised for Greatness on the World The Zena Crown Vineyard “Slope” Pinot Noir 2014 (SRP $100) is a subtly powerful wine whose impeccably balanced notes of cherry, flowers, licorice, plums, and Indian spices should continue to evolve for another two decades, minimum.

Can Tuscany rival Bordeaux The other two wines were the traditionally Sangiovese based wines from the region, including the 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Strado al Sasso and the 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva. In both these wines, the ripe cherry flavor of Sangiovese came through, yet with more elegance and balance than the baked earth rusticity sometimes associated with less quality oriented producers.

Can Tuscany rival Bordeaux The other two wines were the traditionally Sangiovese based wines from the region, including the 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Strado al Sasso and the 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva. In both these wines, the ripe cherry flavor of Sangiovese came through, yet with more elegance and balance than the baked earth rusticity sometimes associated with less quality oriented producers.

Noteworthy Northwest Pinot Siduri recently introduced their Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir from fruit grown at sister winery, Gran-Moraine, layered with fresh fig and ripe plum.

Happy Pinot Noir Day! Toasting This Morning on KXAS/NBC DFW Their Russian River Pinot Noir with warm days, and cool nights, creates a luscious wine with red fruit and sweet baking spice notes.

Happy Pinot Noir Day! Toasting This Morning on KXAS/NBC DFW From Siduri, and our friends, Texans Adam and Dianna Novy Lee, Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir from vineyards in Santa Barbara County with heavy influence from the Pacific creating concentrated fruit with small berries, for a bold, hearty wine.

3 Delicious Penner-Ash Releases Worth Hunting Down Fruit from Shea vineyards never disappoints. This 2015 is vibrant with layers of pomegranate, cherry, and spice, finishing with a toasty undertone; nicely balanced with finely grained tannins and great acidity. I paired this with a wild mushroom risotto and duck confit--an audacious pairing that will never let you down! Excellent.

Noteworthy Northwest Pinot There are few Willamette vineyards with as much character, or history, as Shea Vineyard. Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir reveals the subtle nuances of the vineyard, with layers of black plum and earthy mushroom.

3 Delicious Penner-Ash Releases Worth Hunting Dow Wow, this is an interesting Viognier with layers of orange blossom, citrus and honeysuckle notes. Its medium-bodied weightiness caries through to the clean, tangerine and honey flavored finish. This would make a perfect aperitif or it would pair well with Thai dishes or seafood accompanied with fruity compotes like apricots and peaches. Delicious!

The Wines of Oregon and Washington are Poised for Greatness on the World In Oregon, a similar sense of vinous diversity is manifesting itself. Indeed, the state may be best known for its world-class Pinot Noir, but its Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, and more are also making strides in both familiarity and prestige. (Check out the Penner-Ash Viognier 2016—SRP $30—for a delicious example: White-blossomed flowers, nectarine, fennel bulb, and honey mingle in this vibrantly fresh white.)

3 Delicious Penner-Ash Releases Worth Hunting Down A dry old vine Riesling that offers delicious nectarine, white flowers and floral notes. It finishes strong with apple and a hint of peach. Culinary pairings are endless, from Indian curry and spicy Asian foods to seafood and mustard-based dishes. Excellent.

Wind River & Mt. Brave on this Week's Wine & Film Podcast