Hint of oak, flavors of blackberries and chocolate, smooth.

Full-bodied, rich and complex Californian Cabernet from Alexander Mountain Estates, with classic aromas of blackberry, cassis and blackcurrant wrapped in a judicious weave of smoky oak. Great candidate for the cellar. A wine that almost jumps out of the glass with its vibrant character. The mountain terroir of the vineyards shows through in the depth and complexity of this wine. Superb craftsmanship. Try it with rare filet mignon for an exquisite sensory experience. The grapes for this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon grown at an altitude of 400 to 2,400 feet which imparts freshness and balance.

With precious old dry-farmed vines first planted in 1946, Yangarra Estate in McLaren Vale was taken over in 2000 by the late, great Californian Jess Jackson and his wife, Barbara Banke, of Kendall-Jackson Fame. With state-of-the art growing practices and a spanking new winery, Yangarra is producing excellent offerings, including this 2012 shiraz. It’s full-bodied and even hints at good-quality Napa cabernet, with its concentrated blackcurrant fruit and harmonious structure, enriched by chocolate, black pepper and a coffee-mocha quality framed by bright acidity.

Pleasantly bitter and tarry. in Australian Shiraz. Juicy, full-bodied and layered. Drink with hamburgers or steak. Finishes with tart blackberries, pepper and spice. The McLaren Vale region in Australia is known for top-notch Shiraz like this one. Pair with hamburgers.

80-year-old Carignan bushvines were picked two weeks early in this particularly hot, dry year when the crop was 20% down. Aged in 'neutral French oak' for 18 months. Mid crimson. Medium intensity elderberry nose. Pretty tart and uncompromising on the palate. It finishes with the same sort of sucky-stony character as the Bravura bordeaux blend but doesn't have nearly as much fruit on the mid palate.

Vines eight to 12 years old and mainly on clay loam. Aged in 'neutral French oak' for 18 months. Very deep purple. On the nose you wouldn't be surprised to be told this wine came from the Napa Valley with full black cherry ripeness. But on the palate there is real minerally edge and freshness. (The back label and part of the tech spec mentions Carmenère but not the main assemblage information.) It certainly tastes as though there could be some Carmenère in there but there is nothing aggressively green. Lots to chew on on the finish but nothing drying about it. A bordeaux blend with real character.

Winemaker David Ready Jr. loves to name his wines after playing cards and poker. The Single Deck uses grapes from the producer's Kelli Anne Vineyard. The wine has opulent tropical fruit notes with a dash of vanilla and oak.

This beauty that exhibits an enticing honey/floral nose was aged in French oak barrels. Very round , smooth and unctuous in the mouth with tropical fruit flavors and toasty notes. Absolutely delicious!

There is good reason K-J does so well with its chardonnay. Very clean, well made, balanced and delicious. Grapes for this wine come from five counties, so don't expect something site specific.

Everybody knows by now that inexpensive Pinot Noir is a very dicey category, but this wine is highly successful even at this just-released stage. It shows open, juicy fruit, but that “juicy” quality isn’t “grapey” or obvious. Some subtle savory undertones and the faintest whiff of wood provide counterpoints to the fruit, giving this a layered character. Pair with grilled salmon or most chicken dishes and this will sing.