Firm and spicy, with complex cola, dark berry, cedar and crushed rock notes, this is slow to unfold and should gain with time in the cellar.

There's brisk, firm fruit behind this wine, but for now it presents oak, tough and wooden as a tobacco store Indian. It's tight, with a spiciness that lasts. The fruit should come forward with time.

The dark ruby/purple-colored wine exhibits a dense, austere, Bordeaux-like structure, rich, sweet cassis fruit intermixed with earth, licorice, and roasted herbs, medium body, and abundant tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2015.

Tightly wound, tannic and firm, with exotic cherry-berry flavors and tannins that clamp down on the finish.

Deep ruby. Aromas of blackberry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Sweet black fruit flavors are complicated by mocha, tobacco and pepper, with oakiness growing as the wine opened in the glass. I find this a bit overripe/underripe in character. Boasts good stuffing but finishes with slightly gritty tannins and a faint greenness.

Liberated, Monterey (California) Pinot Noir 2013 ($20): If you’re used to big, overwrought Pinot--the kind that throbs with too much sweet fruit and alcohol--this probably won’t be your glass of happiness. But if you share my preference for more delicate, subtly styled Pinot Noir you might want to try Liberated. Pale amethyst in color and redolent of strawberry aromas and flavors bolstered by an elusive hint of damp earth, this is a gentle, pleasing wine that is particularly good with uncomplicated foods such as pizza, pasta with tomato based sauce, and the like.

Smooth and juicy clean, round flavors of melon and citrus; fresh and balanced.

The 2010 Merlot bursts from the glass with juicy red cherries, flowers and sweet spices. A sleek, racy wine, the 2010 shows good length and definition but it is also distinctly sweet. There is good energy and complexity in the glass, but the wine's sweetness is at times a bit distracting.

Aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, licorice pastille, chocolate, menthol and smoke. Smooth and supple but a bit dry, with restrained flavors of red currant and spicecake showing some alcoholic warmth. Finishes with firm, slightly drying tannins.

The 2009 Merlot is a mid-weight wine laced with soft red fruit, spices, French oak, licorice and worn-in leather. The wine's modest structure suggests it is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.

Fans of austere Cabernet will find this alluring and trim from the get-go, with dry, savory herb, berry, graphite and dusty earth flavors. Clean and balanced. Drink now through 2027. 2,300 cases made.

Softer than the 2007, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an elegant offering displaying notes of minerals, black currants, unsmoked cigar tobacco and herbs. This medium to full-bodied Cabernet is ideal for drinking over the next decade. Since being acquired by Jess Jackson, La Jota Vineyard Co. has been a work in progress. The very strong 2007s have been followed by very good 2008s, so, hopefully, this well-known estate, which made some phenomenal wines in the mid-nineties, is back on track.

This pink colored wine from La Crema opens with a faint wet stone and watermelon bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and easy to drink. The flavor profile is a mineral infused strawberry and watermelon with a hint of hint pepper. The finish is dry and refreshing. This wine would pair well with a spinach salad with goat cheese and walnuts. Very good.

Soft and delicate, with supple strawberry and cranberry flavors.

Soft and delicate, with supple strawberry and cranberry flavors.

This golden straw colored Pinot Gris has an inviting citrus fruit bouquet that includes vanilla and light wet stone. I also detected hints of peaches. This light bodied wine from Monterey is smooth with a lemon, lime, citrus and melon palate with a dash of green apple. I enjoyed the vibrant and balanced acidity. The finish was slightly dry and faded away nicely. This is an easy-going Pinot Gris and will be a crowd pleaser. I would serve it at your next gathering with light appetizers and/or cheese and crackers. 88 points. Very good.

La Crema's new pinot gris release is a charming wine that offers up juicy notes of melon and pear, with excellent balance and above average length on the finish. Serve it as a quaffer or with mild grilled fish dishes.

Tight and crisp, with firm, detailed tannins, the core of cherry, strawberry and tealike notes will benefit from short-term cellaring as this is a well-balanced, concentrated young wine.

…deep spicy aroma of dark berries; then confirmed by the potent tannins and taut structure. Strawberry and mulberry flavors are trying hard to show themselves, and ma be more forthcoming with a few years in the bottle.

Offers a nice balance between its ripe blackberry, cola and spicy flavors and ripe bit firm tannins. Picks up traces of tea, spice and earthiness on the finish.

"Hits a lot of the right notes, with its ripe plum and cherry flavors, picking up a trace of oak and spice on the finish. Best to let it soften a bit." (Also appeared 3/31/96).

"Great intensity, extracted and full-bodied. Ripe raspberry, melon and faint spice notes. Lush and creamy in texture, displaying power and grace from start to finish." Cellar Selection.

The 2017 Sonoma Coast PN rated 88 McD and the Chard was 89 points. Both are sold under $20.

The 2017s From Sonoma Moving to the reds, the 2016 Pinot Noir (brought up in close to one-third new French oak) has loads of upfront charm and texture as well as classy notes of spice, cola, darker fruits, and peppery herbs. It’s nicely balanced and offers loads of pleasure. Drink it over the coming 2-4 years.

This is a great value for a wine of esteemed provenance. It is tannic and savory with a delicately fruity profile of citrus, black tea and rose. Balanced, it shows varietal character for a fair price.