Bloody hell, this has grip. Acidity and texture in a cubist pleochroism. Pomelo. Lime flowers. Cold concrete floor. An almost hidden lode of smoke. The persistence, intensifying sense of polarised light. White-knuckle tension in a wine that will need time. (TC)

The most perfumed and succulent of the four 2023 single-vineyard Pinots we tasted. Bright, vibrant, lapidary snapshots of red: hibiscus, cranberry, pomegranate crackle and crunch. A purity of fruit that glows but does not eclipse the granite line. Iridescent tannins that seem to move through the wine with chatoyant slip. (TC)

Broader than Tarraford, it's still a wine that dances and sparkles, throwing brilliant edges into a thrilling jubilation of flavours and complexity. Quinine, bergamot, quince soaked in blood-orange juice. Galangal, salty pickled lemon. There is a sweet note of freshly churned butter that slicks in at first under a tumbling halo of citrus flowers and then shines the finish into a creamy slick of moreishness. (TC)

Tap-dancing with haptic energy so intense you can almost hear. So bright it’s scintillating, flaring like phosphorescence. Orange pith and orange blossoms. Lovely nuttiness ever-so-gently framing the fantastic fruit. A little curlicue of green-olive bitterness. Like a kiss. (TC)

The deep, dark garnet color reveals the depth and concentration of fruit within this wine. The perfumed elements are subtle as it speaks to you through its power and strength. The core has a framework of crushed violets, black raspberry compote and dark spiced plums interwoven with hints of star anise, sandalwood, and a whisper of minerality. There is a delicate thread of acidity and finely sculptured tannins in this muscular wine that will all integrate over time. Your patience will be rewarded as this wine gracefully ages with some additional time in the bottle.

2022 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir is an impressive interpretation from this storied vineyard. It has a lovely color of ruby with light hues. There is purity in the glass bursting with layers of rich red fruit, candied Bing cherry, cranberry, cinnamon, a hint of herbs and wet stone aromas. The palate is fuller bodied, plush and ultra complex with silky tannins and acidity that weaves through with precision, giving terrific balance. There is some minerality present which keeps the flavors fresh and juicy through to a long, delicious finish. A truly fantastic Pinot Noir to drink on its own or with a variety of salmon, chicken or beef dishes!

The Soberanes Vineyard was planted and farmed by the Pisoni and Franscioni families in 2006. It spends 10 months in 40% New French Oak Barrels. The glistening garnet rim reveals alluring high-toned aromatics of crushed red raspberries and white garden flowers. The gorgeous layers of succulent ripe fruits take center stage with a creamy mid-palate offering an endless concentration of orchard berries, creme de cassis and black plum puree woven together with a hint of finely chiseled stones giving it lift, along with black tea, vanilla and melted chocolate. The finish is long and graceful. This is an impressive piece of craftsmanship by Siduri.

The 2022 Siduri Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of those cerebral wines that cause you to pause. The delicate floral bouquet unveils a more sophisticated framework of complex flavors. Within the core is a tapenade of pomegranate, cranberry compote, rhubarb, savory herbs with dried sage, ground clove and underbrush. You immediately appreciate the delicate underpinning of fruit but are taken aback by its savory elements of tilled earth and stony minerality. There is plenty of enjoyment in this wine, but you must be patient as it evolves in the glass.

This wine features strawberry, cranberry, and earthy tones with a soft, elegant finish. At an average price of $25 it’s also one of the top values in California Pinot Noir.

When talking about Grenache, the question of vine age often comes to the fore, with vineyards around the world demonstrating that old Grenache vines can create wines of impressive complexity and depth. It should come as no surprise, then, that this year’s award for the variety went to a wine built on old vines. Fraser crafted Yangarra Estate Old Vine Grenache 2021, securing this year’s top award for the variety.

If you love rosé, this is an excellent sparkler to seek out. Brimming with notes of fresh strawberry and raspberry on the nose, it opens on the palate to bright cherry cordial with a touch of orange peel, and a dry tart cherry finish. Very refreshing, and with a medium-body, it can stand up to heartier food dishes. Made from pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, aged 3 years in bottle. $60, 0.5%RS (dry).

Silky and refined, this marvelous pinot noir is a blend from six different AVA’s in the Willamette Valley—making it almost a “Best of” expression. Ample cherry-raspberry fruit and savory freshness make this a go-to pinot for just about anything. delivers on $60

Made in an elegant style, this sparkling wine has lime aromas and citrus, tangerine flavors.

Having just been named American Winery of the Year, La Crema is known for producing high quality, sustainably-made wines and this newest addition to its portfolio is no exception. The La Crema Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is fruit-forward, elegant and approachable, the perfect wine for gifting to friends and family this holiday season. And on top of that, La Crema is a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, as a long term partner of Equality California and a sponsor of pride events across the country including Aspen Gay Ski Week, Miami Pride, Palm Springs Pride, Capital Pride and Gay Wine Weekend, among others.

Rhubarb, fresh strawberries and strawberry leaf tickle the nose. On the palate, it delivers flavors of strawberries and cream, strawberry soda and subtle notes of rhubarb and raspberry seed. A sharp entry leads to a creamy, mouthwatering mid-palate, evolving into a long, satisfying ending.

Plusher textured & more touch more demurely flavoured 2023, from same Koelenhof old bushvines as expressive 2022 (93 pts). Baked apple & almond notes woven into creamy lees substrate. Similar wild ferment in older oak & ceramic vessels.

Similar smooth texture & savoury-salty nuance to succulent summer fruits in 2023, from same Swartland
site as last 2021 (93 pts). All lifted by fresh acid & some clean minerality. Fermented in a range of oak
barrels & amphora, aged 10 months.

Juicy red fruit & white pepper spice in vivacious 2023. Older oak, 9 months, provides integrated
backdrop, allowing fruit centre stage. Not weighty or intense, but loads of character, still youthful & vital,
lots of life ahead. One to watch.

From Banghoek home-farm, 2020 displays the most intensity, breadth & structure of the chardonnays,
even in riper year. Riveting freshness & zesty, lingering mandarin flavours to the fore, a perfect foil
for serious oaking, 50% new. More expressive in youth than 2019 (95 pts), as distinguished & age
worthy.

Classically styled, as ever, even more structured in fine 2021 vintage. Fruit from five W Cape sites,
barrel fermented/10 months (as Fijnbosch), 40% new, adding toasty enhancement to bright, tangy
citrus & ripe pear flavours, thrilling intensity & freshness. A youthful beauty that deserves cellaring

Mostly brought-in Stellenbosch fruit plus Fijnbosch grapes in 2022. Sleek, succulent, with gentle
greengage, melon & citrus notes. Layers of flavour, creamy lees & toasty nuances from intricate
vinification in array of vessels: oak barrel, 30% new, foudre & ceramic pot. All elements in harmony,
elegantly styled & already tempting but with greater rewards for the patient.

La Crema Cabernet is from Sonoma and it is a potpourrie of scents. The wine had lots of black berry and medium tannins. It can go with a variety of meats and sauces. $45

Composed of fruit from carefully selected, sustainably farmed vineyard blocks across Alexander Mountain, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Bennet Valley, La Crema’s cab exhibits a velvety mouthfeel and ripe berry flavors. It is approachable, in both sipping and price point, yet bold enough to stand up to the Thanksgiving spread and discerning guests. Notes of blackberry, cocoa, and a supporting touch of oak bring out the savory flavors in roasted vegetables and an array of meats like pork and lamb, making it a versatile choice for the table.

Blackberry and leather aromas with juicy black cherry and blueberry flavors with a dash of espresso.