The Siduri Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2018 had raspberry, black cherry and spice rack flavors, while the plush mouthfeel of the Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018 had darker fruits and mountain scrub notes.

The Siduri Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2018 had raspberry, black cherry and spice rack flavors, while the plush mouthfeel of the Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018 had darker fruits and mountain scrub notes.

We also tried the 2018 Naissance Napa Valley sauvignon blanc from Galerie Wine; a perfect wine to enjoy on a group video chat from your lanai.This low-production wine is aged using three methods: stainless steel tank, concrete egg and neutral oak barrels. It is aromatic, tropical and fresh, with nicely balanced grapefruit on the finish.

Very dark purple in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, graphite and black plum. In the mouth, black cherry, tobacco leaf and pencil shavings mix with darker earthier notes of licorice and dried flowers. Excellent acidity and muscular tannins.

La Crema is always reliable for a straightforward but unsurprising bottle of pinot noir, and this Monterey-sourced bottling offers few twists for the drinker. Notes of cola on the nose are counterbalanced by a fairly meaty, often doughy body, where notes of black pepper interplay with a core of raspberry, cherry, and some rhubarb. Easygoing and uncomplicated — and about as expected for a wine at this price level.

Few people would dispute the assessment that Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County, is one of the premier regions in California — if not the planet — for growing chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. Of course a lot can happen between the conjunction of nature and human beings in the vineyard and what ends up on the bottling line. La Crema Chardonnay 2017, Russian River Valley, is unfortunately a prime example of that premise. The color is medium straw-gold; the wine indeed displays more density, more complexity that the two models mentioned above, but it also reveals an insidious oak influence that skews its character toward burnt sugar, strident baking spices, roasted citrus flavors and toasted coconut qualities. I know that some people — to my great perplexity — like this style of chardonnay, and for them I bestow a rating of Very Good+ on this wine. It ain’t for me though.

The geographical range narrows somewhat here, though Sonoma Coast is still a vast area that actually makes no sense as a unified appellation; the topography and soil are too varied. Still, this region produces many fine examples of chardonnay and pinot noir. The example here displays a pale straw-gold hue that practically shimmers in the glass; classic notes of pineapple and grapefruit, yes, but infused by hints of jasmine and honeysuckle, quince and ginger, with spare touches of cloves and nutmeg; for the price, this is a chardonnay that delivers superb tone and presence on the palate, as well as keen acidity and a plangent element of limestone minerality that dominates the drawn-out finish. 13.5 percent alcohol. Drinking beautifully now and through, I estimate, 2023 or ’24.

The color is medium straw-gold; aromas of ripe pineapple and grapefruit reveal a touch of baked apple and quince, with a bit of cloves in the background; bright acidity balances tasty citrus and stone-fruit flavors with a tide of limestone minerality and slightly creamy oak that defines the finish. 13.5 percent alcohol. A shoo-in for restaurant and bar by-the-glass programs.

What to Drink Now: Wine During a PandemicWild yeast fermented and concrete egg aged, from estate-grown fruit in Australia’s McLaren Vale, Yangarra Roux Beaute Roussanne is well rounded, fresh, and lively, with spicy ginger, apricot, honey, and tangerine.

What to Drink Now: Wine During a PandemicFrom Santa Maria Valley Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay opens with aromatic citrus blossom followed by mandarin and green fig.

Brambles, oak spice on the nose. Cherry, cola, pencil, minerality on the palate. A bit hot, but with a lingering finish. Good plus.

Light reds, rich whites pair well with Easter fareCalifornia pinot noir can be very rich and flavorful, and strong enough to cross over to lamb and kielbasa. One of those is Cambria Clone 4 Santa Maria Valley 2015 Pinot Noir, with spicy cocoa smells and an earthy, cherry character with a very soft landing.

Valadorna IGT Toscana 2013 is a blend based on Merlot grapes that enhances the complexity and mineral richness of the terroir from which it comes. The wine exalts aromas of exotic spices, predominating jasmine, cumin and vanilla bean. The palate has soft and long tannins, accompanied by a fresh acidity. Excellent in combination with lamb dishes, typical of the traditional Easter menu. A wine suitable for lovers of the oenological excellence of Chianti Classico, one of the most fascinating areas of Tuscany. Valadorna IGT Toscana 2013 was awarded the THREE GLASSES by the Gambero Rosso guide "I Vini d'Italia 2019".

Best of Bordeaux: Six affordable fine wines from France’s preeminent wine regionChâteau Lassègue is one of Saint-Émilion’s best-value wines. Purchased in 2003 by Jackson Family Wines – a wealthy Californian wine dynasty – Lassègue is run in partnership with senior winemaker Pierre Seillan. Their investment has paid massive dividends: the style is lush yet refined, with wallet-friendly prices.

Freemark Abbey - A Change In Winemakers, Not In StyleAnother single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Freemark Abbey; the Sycamore Vineyard is slightly more than a mile south of Bosché, and is situated up against the Mayacamas Mountains. Bright, deep ruby red; aromas of black cherry, blackberry and violets. Excellent ripeness, subdued wood notes, good acidity. Silky tannins and balanced acidity. Peak in 10-12 years. Excellent

Freemark Abbey - A Change In Winemakers, Not In StyleThis Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bosché vineyard in Rutherford has been the signature wine of Freemark Abbey for more than three decades. Bright, deep ruby red; aromas of black currant, black cherry and violets. Rich mid-palate, excellent persistence. Lovely wine, with beautiful complexity as well as impressive depth in the finish. Excellent persistence, good acidity. Approachable now, but this will be more impressive with additional time in the bottle. Peak in 12-15 years, perhaps longer. Outstanding

Freemark Abbey - A Change In Winemakers, Not In StyleAromas of black cherry, raspberry and red poppy. Medium-full with very good concentration. Quite harmonious, with round, elegant tannins and good acidity. Very well made, this offers bright, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon fruit that is very appealing. Approachable now, but best to wait another year or two, with peak drinking in 7-10 years. Excellent

Freemark Abbey - A Change In Winemakers, Not In StyleBright ruby red; aromas of black cherry and red flowers. Medium-full - 60% of the fruit is from Howell Mountain - the tannins are quite soft and the wine is nicely structured. Balanced acidity, elegant finish. Enjoyable now- drink over the next 5-7 years. Excellent

Freemark Abbey - A Change In Winemakers, Not In StyleLight yellow; aromas of lemon peel, orange blossom, and a hint of grapefruit. Medium-bodied, elegant, with finesse; a subdued style. Good acidity and nicely balanced; oak notes are nicely integrated. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Very Good

Freemark Abbey - A Change In Winemakers, Not In StyleTextbook varietal aromas of grass and light herbs (coriander, basil), with delicate notes of melon and pear. Medium-bodied, with very good freshness; touch of spearmint on the palate. Medium-bodied, this is clean and nicely balanced with good acidity. Refreshing - enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Very Good

Find a Beauty of A Sleeper WineMy friend Alan contributed two wines he considers sleepers, as well: the 2015 Capensis Chardonnay, a Chardonnay from the Western Cape of South Africa...

Enjoy Italy's Best Wines at HomeTenuta di Arceno had a terrific offering of a Chianti Classico and two Super Tuscans, one Merlot-dominant (2013 Valadorna) and one Cabernet Franc-dominant (2013 Arcanum). Both were delicious but I favored the Valadorna which was a blend of 74% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Full of ripe plum, blueberry, and sweet spice, this wine showcased Merlot at its finest.

Enjoy Italy's Best Wines at HomeTenuta di Arceno had a terrific offering of a Chianti Classico and two Super Tuscans, one Merlot-dominant (2013 Valadorna) and one Cabernet Franc-dominant (2013 Arcanum). Both were delicious but I favored the Valadorna which was a blend of 74% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Full of ripe plum, blueberry, and sweet spice, this wine showcased Merlot at its finest.

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc - North Coast NectarDry, delicious and highly recommended, the Murphy-Goode North Coast The Fumé Sauvignon Blanc.The 2018 Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc begins with very pleasing aromas of lemongrass, citrus and a little tropical fruit. Tasting the wine reveals a smooth, slightly creamy texture from the deft addition of barrel fermentation to 13% of the juice. You’ll also find refreshing notes of pear, pineapple and citrus with a bit of a herbal touch and bright acidity in this tasty wine. It finishes crisply and with surprising length silently begging you to take another sip.This is a great option for seafood, spicy foods or just sitting on the porch in warm weather. Highly Recommended!

This is a wine with personality and attitude. Not a 'pretty pretty' Pinot but shows the grape’s wildest face, with soy, spice and rosehips and a hint of ferrous bloodiness layered on top of wild strawberries. The tannins, though fine, are raspy, the acidity focused and taut. Drinking Window 2025 – 2042.