This moderately oaked Oregon chardonnay is decidedly dry, brisk with initial notes of dried grasses, lemon peel, and a sizable melon component. It’s a bit flat on the palate, with notes of gooseberry and more lemon peel, leading the way to an oddball conclusion that evokes licorice, a touch of dry leather, and a hint of petrol. The wine doesn’t offer much in the way of typical chardonnay character, finishing in notes of sesame and milk chocolate — finally showing a hint of vanilla on the fade-out.

Wine Press: 6 wines worth splurging on for Father’s DayFans of dry, austere, red wines will love this understated yet intense red wine from France’s famed Bordeaux region. Made with grapes from 40 to 50 year old vines in limestone-rich soil, then aged for in French Oak for 12 months, this wine has a flinty yet earthy finish, with notes of dried blackberries and roasted almonds as well as a slightly smoky finish and a dash of sea salt. The only problem you’ll probably have with this wine is you might be tempted to age it for another 5 to 10 years. But good luck resisting the urge to open a bottle this coming weekend with your dad.

Lifted fresh herbs on the nose which distinguished this Pinot Noir from the others and the multifaceted fresh red fruit (raspberries, strawberries and red cherries) that danced along the palate leaving a wafting aroma of freshly picked basil and ripe strawberries in one’s head.

This wine seemed to express so many facets of North Coast Pinot Noir with its gorgeous nose of wild flowers, layers of red, black and blue fruit that had hints of mossy tree bark and black tea leaves with velvety tannins. And although very complex, it had a lovely purity of expression of pristine red cherries on the finish.

Darker fruit with loamy earth and dried orange peel that had inviting juicy fruit flavors balanced by a linear body with an energetic drive.

An enchanting nose with pretty lilac notes and red cherries with an exquisitely etched tannic structure that gave a beautiful shape to this wine.

Baklava and allspice aromas with fresh apples and a creamy texture on the palate with mouthwatering acidity.

A bright nose with smoky minerality and roasted almonds that had a broad body with juicy stone fruit and expressive finish.

2 blocks, 2 clones, 1 awesome display of black raspberry and cardamom.

More rich than fresh, and wowing with lemon curd, toast, and verbena action.

The 42 Best Syrahs to Buy Right NowEstate-grown in northern McLaren Vale, this is excellent, with iron filings and black tea amped with blackberries, blueberries, and camphor. These find a counterpoint on the palate in flavors of blackberries, kirsch, seriously structuring and mineral-flecked tannins, and a finish marked by more of that camphor. Needs time, but will be wonderful. Drink 2025 - 2045+.

The 42 Best Syrahs to Buy Right NowThere is a real sense of freshness to the nose, a sea breeze character that further enlivens aromas of brambly berries and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is just as bright, with black raspberries, blackberries, and cherries, all energetic with minerality and mouthwatering with lengthy acidity, chamomile, and sweet spice. Whether you drink this now or into the 2030s, its pleasures will be substantial.

All the herbs you want with none of the green that you don’t.

Spirited Zine’s 2021 Father’s Day Gift GuideFather and son vignerons—Pierre and Nicolas Seillan produce this selection at Château Lassègue where ornate sundials adorn the façade of the 18th century château. This symbol of perfect sun exposure represents the message of the wines from the estate and can be found on the label. Lassègue is the flagship wine of the estate and is Saint-Émilion at its most opulent. Old vines grow on the south/southwest hills which are the prolongation of the Côte de Saint-Émilion, and whose soils of clay and limestone add exquisite minerality to their fruit. Rich, aromatic Cabernet Franc married to the dense concentration of old vine Merlot and seasoned with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon results in a wine that is at once powerful and elegant.

The 2016 Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Noir displays aromas of red currant and dark cherries. It's precisely what I would expect from this cool-climate Pinot. Flavors of black plum, pomegranate, and cranberry come through. The wine presents a delicate structure and refined tannins.

The 2017 Saralee's Chardonnay is aromatic and flavorful. Notes of lightly toasted oak in the nose are followed by Gravenstein apple, Meyer lemon, and baked pear. A hint of herbacious flavors adds to its complexity.

Smoke, wood and evergreen aromas. Apple, pear and minerals on the palate. Lingering finish. An unusual chard. Very good.

The notes in Cambria Katherine's Vineyard 2017 and La Crema Sonoma Coast 2018 are of citrus blossom with a touch of peach. Apparently the effect of the climate is to lengthen the growing period, which gives depth to the flavours. Deliciously different.

The notes in Cambria Katherine's Vineyard 2017 and La Crema Sonoma Coast 2018 are of citrus blossom with a touch of peach. Apparently the effect of the climate is to lengthen the growing period, which gives depth to the flavours. Deliciously different.

Full-bodied but balanced, fruit for this bottling is sourced from six specialized sites in the Alexander Valley – well-suited for grapes in the Bordeaux family. Cherries, chocolate, tobacco, graphite, leather and herbs suggest a ripe, savoury expression that rides the line between New and Old World.

Some options to help celebrate Mother's DayLa Crema 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé “Monterey” - recommended

The tasting began with the first sauvignon blanc vintage from a known producer of Sonoma County pinot noir and chardonnay. After winemaker McAllister, with roots in New Zealand, joined La Crema, it was only a matter of time. Sourced from the warmer north County vineyards, the 2020 La Crema Sauvignon Blanc Knights Valley is partially barrel-fermented in neutral oak for 28 days, which gives the wine, according to Craig, more texture with minimal oak notes. A vibrant bouquet of tropical and stone fruits with floral hints carried through the flavors and a long finish. Craig pairs this wine with oysters, ceviche and fried fish.

On the nose, there are warm spicy notes with bright red fruit. The structure is wonderful and the wine is well balanced, fresh and lively. Notes of spice and cedar coat the palate. Produced from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon this Chianti Classico Riserva has bright acidity and a distinct minerality that makes you salivate and invites you to keep on drinking. You will enjoy pouring this wine again and again.

Splendid Red, White, Rosé and Bubbly Wines To Serve During BBQ SeasonFrom the foothills of this appellation comes this versatile blend of 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc from Ch. Lassègue’s second label. This vintage is aged only 12 months in French oak, which gives it a lightness that allows for a slightly chilled serve. It’s fantastic with barbecued chicken, or even hot dogs!

Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Brut RoséJackson Family Wines has built itself into a luxury winemaking conglomerate in recent years under the savvy leadership of Barbara Banke, widow of company founder Jess Stonestreet Jackson. Banke’s portfolio of investments in Oregon’s Willamette Valley exhibits an appreciation for elegance, as evidenced by this spot-on charmer clad in golden-tinged pink, which caresses the palate with delicate raspberry and strawberry notes.