Your Guide To Braising With WineFilet mignon and oxtail boulangerie with 2016 Château Lassègue, “a richer-style Saint Emilion [that’s] a classic pairing,” Puglia believes, with notes of plum, black cherry and cassis, and a subtle minerality that plays off the coffee bean aromas in the finish.

12 Spectacular Wines for 2020Wow wines and the stories behind them.11. Lassègue Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 From Château Lassègue situated at the southwest hills of Côte de Saint-Émilion, this opulent Merlot-dominant blend with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 40-50 years old vines. With expressive aromas of violet, blackberry and dark cherry fruit, this Right Bank Bordeaux has nice acidity, elegant tannins and a chalk dust-like minerality on the finish. Lassègue’s iconic label pictures the ornate sundials which decorate the façade of the 17th century château of Lassègue.

12 Spectacular Wines for 2020Wow wines and the stories behind them.8. Vérité Le Désir 2016 Made from 50 micro-crus grown in Sonoma’s Bennett Valley, Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Chalk Hill, which are all separately harvested, fermented and aged, Le Désir is an artwork of blending by vigneron Pierre Seillan. Frenchman Seillan perfected his micro-cru philosophy during his five decades making wines in California and France. Receiving a 99-point score from Lisa Perrotti-Brown of Robert Parker Wine Advocate, this Cabernet Franc dominant blend with Merlot and Malbec, made in collaboration with his daughter Hélène Seillan, has aromas of rose, thyme, black fruit, star anise and clove and strong minerality, fine tannins, lively acidity, and intensity in the finish.

5+ Wines to Help You Wind Your Way Through WinterA classic red beauty. Renowned vigneron Pierre Seillan and his son Nicolas harvest fruit (Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon) from their south by southwest-facing hillside vineyards to produce Lassègue, which has become known for its simple elegance, striking balance and rich complexity. The 2011 is an austere, full vintage, with notes of ripe blackberries and aromas of leather, baking spices and graphite. This polished wine features a velvety softness with silky tannins that move in crescendo towards a pressingly long finish. A classic expression of Saint-Émilion, Lassègue offers both brightness and sophistication to grace your table any time of year.

Taster’s notes: Smooth, rich and juicy, plum, red currant, walnut, full body, fresh acidity, velvety tannins, elegant structure, persistent red-fruit finish.

Wine of the WeekThis Grand Cru from Saint-Emilion is deep red in color with black cherry, currants and spice aromas. Medium bodied along with ripe, plush fruit and crisp acidity.

This off-dry wine has the right touch of sweetness to balance the crisp acidity and make for a delicious, round wine with stone fruit flavors.

Strawberry and a tiny note of raspberry, with red rose on the nose. Very nicely balanced with with a lift of lemon.

This Pinot Noir-based rosé from Willamette Valley is light and austere with white strawberry, pink grapefruit, and fleshy lemon.

Also from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Gran Moraine (part of the Jackson Family Wines‘ Oregon collection) bottles this small-lot wine of sparkling Pinot Noir and releases it once annually. Aromatics run the show in the clean and crisp bubbler, with rose petal, just-ripe strawberry, brioche and pear notes transferring to the palate. Orange and tropical fruits meld with sharp acidity that makes this a match-made for triple cream cheese.

This is a bold styled pinot noir that can stand up to pretty much all meat dishes. Big cherry elements in a soft tannin structure, this wine is a delight to drink.

Tasting Notes: Les Cadrans de LassègueColor: Beautiful bright red.Aromas: An earthy scent, along with sweet and tart cherry pie notes and a hint of iron. When slightly chilled, even more of the fruit characteristics came out. Taste: Dry and slightly spicy with hints of smokiness; very savory, with a slight chalkiness on the finish; well-balanced by the fruity flavor of black cherries. The well-integrated, medium-low tannins are fine and silky-textured. The wine’s bright acidity paired beautifully with sweet, tart tomatoes and buttery, creamy cheese.

Chilled Red Wines: A Trend That's Here To Stay?A Few Chill-Worthy Reds Les Cadrans de Lassègue 2016. This delicious red Bordeaux is made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Lush and opulent, the wine’s freshness and fruit are enhanced by a slight chill. Read more about the wine here, and pair it with tomato, basil and burrata salad.

The second label from Château Lassègue in Bordeaux, this is an affordable Saint-Emilion Grand Cru wine. It has a wonderful nose of violets, cherry, pomegranate and prosciutto. Fresh on the palate with more cherry, cranberry and a pleasing amount of acidity. A delightful wine, it’s made predominantly from merlot and is particularly good with a tomato and goat cheese tart.

For those who prefer a New World style, here is a Pinot with more fruit in the bottle. The 2017 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir shows bold, ripe cherry fruit flavors with smooth tannins and an easy-drinking medium body. La Crema is a popular California label that is approachable, with solid brand consistency. This is a crowd-pleasing Pinot that is widely available and perfect for entertaining.

Wines to discoverA wine column wouldn’t be complete without highlighting a few incredible discoveries, so check out the choices below, hand-picked as some of the top wines to delve into right now.Brewer Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2016

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Wine of the Week: Beat the heat with sauvignon blancs Every time I try the 2018 Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, I am momentarily transported back to a porch overlooking the Russian River Valley. The wine is partially fermented in neutral oak and has a touch of Semillon blended, which accents the charming scents of white peaches, melon and nectarines in the bouquet.Bright flavors of melon, Lychee and passion fruit dominate on the front of the palate, while grilled nectarine notes accent the crisp finish. Enjoy with your favorite rocking chair or hammock.

If you need a change from the Red Blends you're currently drinking, give this Bordeaux blend from Italy a chance. It has the powerful depth of fruit and grippy tannins you love and heightens everything on the palate with good acidity. This is a wonderfully balanced wine that can go a few more years in the bottle, but can also be enjoyed now.