You won't go wrong with this forward pinot gris from California. Using grapes from several California appellations, it is blended with roussanne, gruner veltliner, chardonnay, viognier and albarino. It may not have the classic pinot gris profile with that mélange, but it's unquestionably delicious — and a tad sweet.

Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of licorice, dark chocolate, and black cherry fruit. In the mouth, gorgeously supple flavors of black cherry and plum have a juicy brightness to them thanks to excellent acidity. Wonderfully well-integrated oak hangs very much in the background, letting flavors of cherry cola, plum, and cocoa powder wash over the palate and linger for a long time in the finish with a touch of licorice root. Excellent. A blend of 85% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol. Score: around 9.5.

Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of cherry, plum, and green herbs. In the mouth, gorgeously plummy flavors have a wonderful brightness and a gorgeous floral overtone of violets above a dark cherry and cocoa powder core of fruit. Thick, powdery tannins muscle in for some attention as the wine soars through the finish. The oak hangs nicely in the background letting the fruit and earth do its thing. A blend of 68% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol. Score: around 9.5.

Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, plum and violets. In the mouth, the wine tastes of bright black cherry and cassis, with juicy pops of unripe blackberry thanks to excellent acidity. A gorgeous floral, herbal note lingers in the finish along with fine grained, muscular tannins. A very young wine that will resolve nicely with some time. 14.5% alcohol. 4333 cases made. Score :between 9 and 9.5

A rich, stylish effort, with a seductive overlay of smoky, toasty oak to the ripe pear, fig, nectarine and melon flavors, gaining depth and length on the finish.

Appealing, with a rich, juicy core of intense fruitiness, offering tiers of melon, citrus and tropical fruit. Very clean, pure and focused.

Silky and elegant with plum, cassis and spice; smooth, lush and rich with balance and a long, toasty finish.

Smooth and juicy with black raspberry, blackberry and plenty of spice; rich, softly tannic and complex; tangy structure and velvety texture; long and lush.

Lush and smooth with round, polished flavors of citrus and white peach; elegant, rich with minerality and finesse; long and lovely.

Silky and elegant with citrus and white peach; smooth, fresh and balanced.

Dark and juicy with lush texture, blackberry and cherry fruit; dense, rich and balanced with lovely notes of earth, spice and complexity; long and stylish.

An approachable chardonnay that over-delivers. Nice tropical notes coupled with bright acidity. Notes of apple, lemon, pear and a hint of vanilla. Nice length.

Beautifully balanced and vibrant. Ripe and tart cherry aromas: love that this doesn't lead with chocolate for oak aging. Thank-you.

Medium-deep ruby color; earthy, cherry and oak aromas; rich, deep black cherry flavors with savory earth notes; good structure and balance, long finish. Generous and rich Pinot with nice fruit.

Medium ruby color; gentle, rich, dark cherry and oak aromas; rich, plum and spiced cherry flavors with cola notes; soft and silky texture; good structure and balance; long finish. Supple and well-balanced Pinot with deep flavors.

Medium ruby color; complex, spiced plum and cherry aromas with earth notes; full bodied, rich and focused plum and cherry flavors; good structure and balance; long finish. This Pinot has really focused flavors and a long persistent finish.

Medium ruby color; lively cranberry and floral aromas; complex, layered cherry and strawberry flavors on a lithe, silky frame; good structure and balance; long finish. Complex and layered Pinot that deepens with time in the glass.

Medium-deep ruby color; earthy, spicy aromas with dark cherry notes; rich though tight black cherry flavors with savory spice and grilled game notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Rich, tight flavors highlight this Pinot.

Medium-deep ruby color; rich and forward aromas of cherry and spicy oak; deep, vibrant black cherry flavors with spice and dark chocolate notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Deep, rich Pinot with a lot of spice and structure.

Medium ruby color; bright, earthy, cherry cola aromas; rich, lively cherry and plum flavors with spicy oak notes; silky texture; good structure and balance; long finish. This is a Pinot with lively and juicy flavors.

Medium ruby color; complex, deep cherry nose with spice and savory notes; rich, roasted black raspberry and cherry flavors with earthy notes; good structure and balance; long finish. A firm and supple Pinot with nice structure.

Medium ruby color; bright, lively cherry aromas with spiced cola and oak notes; focused, bright cherry and plum flavors with strawberry and cocoa accents; good structure and balance; long finish. This Pinot feels good in the mouth -- lots of flavor and light on its feet.

Medium ruby color; tight, earthy nose with cherry and spice notes; firm, black cherry flavors, with tea and cola notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Earthy, tight Pinot; this one needs time to open up.

Medium ruby color; full black cheery aromas with savory spice and herb notes; some black cherry flavors with tea and mushroom notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Good fruit and earthiness highlight this Pinot.

Medium ruby color; rich, focused earthy and cherry aromas; rich, ripe blackberry flavors with cola and herb accents; good structure and balance; long finish. Ripe, rich Pinot with earthy notes that are perfect for mushroom pasta.