The Best Wines To Enjoy Under Lockdown: From Esoteric To UbiquitousEvery Pinot Noir lover is constantly hunting for the definitive wine that delivers pleasure and value in equal spades. For this much-loved grape can run to thousands of pounds, yet it often disappoints (yes, even expensive bottles) as much as it delights. Thankfully, this wonderful example from California falls into the latter category. The supple tannins, the generous mouthfeel, the lush, scented berry fruit – there is nothing to dislike. It deserves 5 star treatment; try La Crema with duck.

The Best Wines To Enjoy Under Lockdown: From Esoteric To UbiquitousA fantastic St-Emilion that really punches above its price point. The 2015 is a standout example from this lovely property, owned by Californian wine magnet Barbara Banke. Expect ripe, supple tannins married to aromas of black fruits, plum and spice, with blackcurrant, blackberry and mocha on the palate.

The 2016 Pinot Noir also received neutral-oak treatment so the cherry, fig and white truffle aromas and flavours shine.

The 2017 Chardonnay has aromas and flavours of lemon drop, ginger and sea salt.Unlike some over-oaked Cali Chards, the Brewer-Clifton remains bright and elegant because the wine was aged in used oak barrels, which imparts buttery texture, but no overpowering wood.

National Chardonnay Day is coming up on May 21 along with some much needed warm weather. Here are three favourite Chardonnay selections from Jackson Family Wines .Celebrate along with us and enjoy this selection of wines to match every price point!

National Chardonnay Day is coming up on May 21 along with some much needed warm weather. Here are three favourite Chardonnay selections from Jackson Family Wines .Celebrate along with us and enjoy this selection of wines to match every price point!

National Chardonnay Day is coming up on May 21 along with some much needed warm weather. Here are three favourite Chardonnay selections from Jackson Family Wines .Celebrate along with us and enjoy this selection of wines to match every price point!

What makes this a standout is its generous, high-toned fruit coupled with its crisp acidity. It has flavors of cherry, cracked black pepper and a hint of cranberry. It finishes crisp with a note of wild strawberry. Bright and balanced, it can stand up to the flavors in a juicy burger –– the perfect wine for those grilling on Memorial Day.

8 Red Wines Worth Splurging On This Spring It’s no surprise that France’s Bordeaux region makes outstanding wine. But I was absolutely blown away by this wine’s rich, subtle flavors – which ranged from roasted blackberries and roasted almonds along with a hint of dark chocolate. Let me add that the 2012 vintage is also outstanding but you’ll likely have an easier time finding the 2016 vintage, which is drinking great right now. Just make sure to give this wonderful wine time to breathe (about 30 minutes to 1 hour) after opening the bottle.

8 Red Wines Worth Splurging On This Spring Siduri Winery makes several different powerful Pinot Noir wines, but I especially enjoyed this earthy yet elegant red wine. As you might expect from a younger California Pinot Noir, the fruit flavors (hint of raspberry and blackberry) take center stage at first. But within a few minutes, those flavors become more muted and more complex, intense flavors begin to emerge. A truly wonderful wine ready to enjoy now.

8 Red Wines Worth Splurging On This Spring Another complex Pinot Noir from California’s superb Sonoma County. While it’s difficult to make broad generalizations when talking about two of California’s most famous wine growing regions, I find that many Sonoma County wines often have an earthier, more full-bodied finish compared to wines from neighboring Napa Valley. But this subtle, silky Pinot defies such expectations. Here, the flavors (including raspberry) are softer and more understated. I was especially impressed by how well this light, refreshing red wine tastes at this young age. A perfect summer afternoon red wine.

20 Pick-Me-Up Gifts to Send During COVID-19Special occasion coming up? Send bubbly! This sparkling rosé is a party in a bottle with delicate notes of ginger, strawberry and lemon meringue.

2017 Jackson Estate Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap ($40): There is a faint Burgundian note in the initial whiff of this otherwise rustic, beet-scented, blackberry-tasting winner. The same large company that makes various good-value Vintners Reserve bargains has invested in this relatively new appellation and the project has yielded here proof that the region has special properties. The fruit here is broad, and the mid-palate richer than some who make a slightly more “wild” version of PN. Instead, there is a succulence to the palate, which means it’s a bit more approachable than some of the “Gap” PNs that go for slightly more rusticity. The company has also released a 2018 Pinot called “Cloud Landing,” which is slightly more impressive, but because it’s a year younger, it’s slightly harder to evaluate. And the fact is, that wine is $55. The 2017 is actually good value, comparing favorably to $50 to $60 Pinots. The 2018 is primarily going to be sold to restaurants, but because most such places are closed, it will benefit from additional bottle time.

2017 Jackson Estate Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap ($40): There is a faint Burgundian note in the initial whiff of this otherwise rustic, beet-scented, blackberry-tasting winner. The same large company that makes various good-value Vintners Reserve bargains has invested in this relatively new appellation and the project has yielded here proof that the region has special properties. The fruit here is broad, and the mid-palate richer than some who make a slightly more “wild” version of PN. Instead, there is a succulence to the palate, which means it’s a bit more approachable than some of the “Gap” PNs that go for slightly more rusticity. The company has also released a 2018 Pinot called “Cloud Landing,” which is slightly more impressive, but because it’s a year younger, it’s slightly harder to evaluate. And the fact is, that wine is $55. The 2017 is actually good value, comparing favorably to $50 to $60 Pinots. The 2018 is primarily going to be sold to restaurants, but because most such places are closed, it will benefit from additional bottle time.

The 2017 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir begins with very pleasant aromas of red and black cherry, cola, roasted coffee, vanilla and a hint of rhubarb and cranberry. The medium-bodied wine tastes wonderfully smooth, balanced and is full of flavors of black cherry cola, strawberry, a little earth, a little oak and even a bit of minerality. This is a super easy and fun to drink wine. A nice streak of spice, licorice and even a little citrus zest lead into the dry, very long finish. Excellent!We’ve featured this wine a number of times over the years and that is simply because it is so consistently delicious. The 2017 is no different in that regard.

Wines of the weekThe nose on this pale-straw coloured Sonoma Chardonnay offers a complex combination of red apple, fresh pear, ripe cantaloupe and tropical fruit, as well as subtle vanilla and spice. On the medium-bodied palate those components come through beautifully, with those latter elements adding texture and richness. A stylish example of what can be done with this grape in California, and worth trying while it’s on sale (it’s regularly $29.07). It’s also one of the products available for delivery from Liquor Marts. 4.5/5

Off the vine: Wines you can celebrate withLa Crema Winery in California’s Russian River Valley is a highly regarded producer of both Pinot Noir and sparkling wine. The winery is celebrating 40 years with a stunning Pinot Noir. Bright red in color with rosewood and cedar aromas, this rich and concentrated wine is jammed packed with ripe fruit flavors such as black cherry and plum. Medium to full bodied with good depth and sharp, crisp acidity.

Lots of density; bold terroir and heavy tannin.

Big red fruit and some spice; vanilla edge.

Brisk acidity, floral, boldly peachy and apricot dusted.

More complex, bright red and dark black fruit in balance; intense but fruity, remarkably dense.

Iconic Oregon pinot noir, lightly herbal, graphite, well-balanced.

Lots of florals, honeysuckle, quite perfumed.

California Chardonnays: Ripe for Rediscovery or Just Overripe?It’s time to take another look at a wine both popular and maligned. Our wine columnist did and found a few crisp, bright, affordable bottles.The lush, beautifully balanced 2018 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay, one of the top wines in my group, tasted like a wine at a higher price point. It’s made from a mix of purchased and estate fruit, the latter sourced from Mr. Stewart’s best Chardonnay vineyards.This lush, creamy wine could pass for a much pricier bottling. Marked by floral and citrus aromas and a firm mineral edge, it’s aged in French oak and sourced from some of the winery’s top Chardonnay vineyards.

The 8 Best Red Wines to Drink in 2020From loveable classic varietals to funky natural bottlesBest to Pair with Red Meat: Stonestreet 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate VineyardsSometimes you just need a big red wine, there’s simply no way around it. If you’re serving a steak dinner, prime rib, or pot roast, you should look for a tannic and powerful wine to stand up to it. For those nights, the 2016 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s Alexander Valley will do the job nicely.The high tannins make it a great match for rich red meats, and the dark fruits will complement the carmelized and smoky flavors from a grill or other high heat cooking. Aged for 19 months in oak barrels, this bottle packs the flavors of cooked dark fruits like cassis and plums, paired with warm vanilla and baking spices.