The three Chardonnays are well delineated. This is very deep-flavoured and complete.
Beautiful balance and slightly bitter on the end, in a good way. A complex, slightly spicy
wine. The 'regular' Capensis is probably more refreshing and burgundian. Though this
comment would doubtless infuriate winemaker Graham Weerts who is trying not to ape
any other wine style but produce something ineffably South African.

This is a new expression from Tenuta di Arceno—a limited-production Chianti Classico wine cultivated at high elevation (1800 feet)—the name is a nod to the wolves that wander the vineyard parcels. The palate is rich and supple with black cherry and spice notes. A lingering finish and satiny tannins make it a pleasure to drink now.

La Crema’s Monterey bottling (the winery makes Chardonnays from several regions) hits an ideal balance between the rich-and-oaky and lean-and-crisp schools of Chardonnay, with a mix of tropical and orchard fruit flavors.

Aromas of bright cherries, raspberries and a hint of sweet oak. Bright and juicy flavours of cherry and raspberry have a nice citrus backbone and barely perceptible tannins. Excellent acidity and balance. (AY) 14.2%

From the Yamill-Carlton region of Oregon, this balanced and understated chardonnay has bright acidity but a creamy finish. Apple, spice and vanilla notes

A bit deeper and richer than many Oregon pinot noirs. Ripe cherry and berry notes with a pleasant hint of oak.

This wine showcases Kelli Anne Vineyard, one of La Crema’s prizes on the banks of the Russian River. It gets bright sunny days and foggy mornings which produces crisp, bright Chardonnay. It’s sunny but icy, with delicate notes of white flowers and pear balanced out by a backbone of brioche. $55

One positive feature about merlot is its approachability and ripeness that blends so well with autumn fare, particularly grilled meats. This dandy has excellent structure, floral aromas and fresh plum flavors with a hint of cedar and sage.

Made from 91% Cabernet and 9% Merlot, this tastes like it is made from 200% Cabernet, given it is the essence of the grape in high definition. Oak plays a delicious supplementary role, but the fruit is King. And, instead of being a hulking monster, it is definitely bold and forthright, but it is also exceptionally civilised.

The Mt Brave vineyard was established many decades ago at high altitude on Mt Veeder between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Above the fog line, the vines receive plenty of morning sunshine, but the nutrient-poor, gravelly soils give small grapes with concentrated flavours. What an extraordinary wine is this Merlot – practically perfect in every way. Deep purple-black in hue, the wine exudes morello cherry and black plum fruit with perfumed aromatics and gentle toast accents. Vibrant flavours across the full-bodied palate are in seamless balance with good freshness and silky tannins. Opulent but elegant, the wine is complete, textured and layered, revealing a sequence of flavours towards the lingering finish. Sensational.

 Sourcing grapes from one of the oldest cabernet franc vineyards in Napa Valley, this wine has durability. Intense raspberry, dried sage and black pepper aromas are followed by dense dark fruit flavors and firm tannins.

 If you have given up on merlot, try this from one of the most venerable merlot producers that never wavered from producing the maligned grape variety. Great structure, yet approachable fresh plum note with hints of cedar and sage.

The Mt Brave vineyard was established many decades ago at high altitude on Mt Veeder between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Above the fog line, the vines receive plenty of morning sunshine, but the nutrient-poor, gravelly soils give small grapes with concentrated flavours. What an extraordinary wine is this Merlot – practically perfect in every way. Deep purple-black in hue, the wine exudes morello cherry and black plum fruit with perfumed aromatics and gentle toast accents. Vibrant flavours across the full-bodied palate are in seamless balance with good freshness and silky tannins. Opulent but elegant, the wine is complete, textured and layered, revealing a sequence of flavours towards the lingering finish. Sensational.

 Sourcing grapes from one of the oldest cabernet franc vineyards in Napa Valley, this wine has durability. Intense raspberry, dried sage and black pepper aromas are followed by dense dark fruit flavors and firm tannins.

Established in 1886, Freemark Abbey was the 16th bonded winery in California. The only producer to have both a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay in Steven Spurrier ’s 1976 ‘Judgment of Paris’ tasting, which catapulted Napa Valley into the international spotlight, Freemark Abbey’s ‘classic’ wines have long been recognised as exceptional. Fashioned by Freemark Abbey head winemaker Kristy Melton, the wine is deep ruby in colour, showing red plum and ripe blackcurrant fruit with touches of vanilla buttercream, exotic spices, leather and violet. On the palate, brisk acidity and linen tannins frame the flavours. Packed with layers and textures, the wine will be superb served with a lamb and barley stew with dried figs and olives.

Medium gold color; lemon-lime, peach, pear, pineapple, some green apple, orange blossom, jasmine, oak, vanilla, spice, minerality on the nose and palate.

Vanilla and praline on the nose. Tasted alongside the Kershaw Chardonnays, the Silene seemed quite sweet and loose by comparison. More California in style. Much softer. Round and dimpled. Melon and cashew-nut butter. Good length. Approachable. (TC)

Made with 100 percent pinot noir grapes, this fun, refreshing wine doesn’t take itself too seriously. But don’t let its playful side fool you. It’s filled with wonderful fruit-like flavors, especially hints of strawberry, watermelon, peach and raspberry. It’s also slightly flinty which means it will hold its own just fine with a wide range of foods, including salmon, shrimp and watermelon.

A very enjoyable sipping Pinot with a nice, but light, cherry flavors – a companionable drink that doesn’t try to overpower.  

The wine showed a pale straw color. Apple, lemon, peach and oak all arrived on the nose. Apple, lemon curd and honey led off the rich palate followed by notes of pear and oak. The wine exhibited bright acidity and good balance. It was light-bodied and demonstrated good length. This wine would pair very well with a Thai green curry with shrimp.

This wine hails from the Sonoma Mountain AVA and the high elevation gives it great acidity and structure. The nose is high-toned, with aromas of cherries, earth and leather. The palate is medium-bodied and grippy, with an upright, sturdy finish perfectly showing off the terroir of this region.

The Saralee Pinot opens with a deep, elegant and generous aroma of dark berries and cherries intertwined with oriental spices on the nose. Medium bodied and
silky on the palate, this is a juicy, intense and elegant Pinot with soft tannins and a long saline finish. This modern, well-made Pinot is open and ready to drink upon release.

From one of Sonoma County’s pioneering wineries the Matanzas Creek Merlot opens with an engaging, charming nose of blueberry, plum and cedar aromas. The palate is slender and elegant, with an impressively vivacious touch of acidity running through the refined, graceful finish. This should drink well for a decade with proper cellar treatment.

Dry to off-dry white, medium lemon color. The medium-intense nose sits delicately in the glass with scents of a fresh summer garden (fresh flowers and fruits), orchard fruits (apples, pears), sweet vanilla and a bright note of fresh lemons. On the palate, this wine brings a lovely blend of apples and pears with a bit of sweetness and a creamy, slightly buttery edge of vanilla or butter which has the aroma of soft cheese. Full-bodied with medium acidity, the wine is nicely balanced and finishes with just a touch of toasted oak (leaving hints of buttered toast on the tongue). Lemon curd can be tasted on the initial flavors as well as on the finish where it lingers with honey, lively fruit and some floral notes. This Chard really hits above its price point and pairs exceptionally well with creamy or fried foods. It’s surprising to find a “general” California with such a balance of flavors. Try it out if you’re a fan of Chardonnay! Very good!