Vinous 95: 'Has a divine bouquet, so pure and winsome, with floral red berry scents, beautifully integrated new oak and superb precision.'

Parker 91: 'Derived from old vines growing in deep gravel soils, the 2019 de Villegeorge is a terrific effort for this 12-hectare Avensan estate. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cigar wrapper, petals and sweet soil tones, it's medium-bodied, supple and concentrated, with powdery tannins and a seamless, complete profile. A fine value, it's well worth seeking out. Drink now-2042.'

Second wine of a Grand Cru Classe Chateau on the limestone plateau; 95% merlot, 5% cab franc from the property's younger vines; aged 15 months in once filled oak barrels. GCC and barrel aged nobility is clear. Very sophisticated for a second wine. And tres claret. Doesn't show its reported high alcohol level. Sweet and easy 2019 style. This has good flow already. No tannin obstacles. Class act. 93+/100.

At Saint Martial (Entre deux Mers); named for a pine tree on its grounds, the oldest in Bordeaux; 60% merlot, 20% each of the cabernets; Gold Medal - Paris; Gold Medal - Lyon. Wow, is that rich and powerful for claret. Full bodied and well balanced if you can appreciate the strength (15% according to the label). Otherwise, over the top. I can see the medals. It's a Show Wine. 91+/100.

On the causse calcaire plateau; 40 year old vines; all malbec; native yeasts; unfiltered. True black color. Firm but clearly pure and well concentrated Cahors malbec character. None of the pandering merlot component for early appeal. Deep and focused black and maraschino cherry notes. Again, it's clearly firm structured. And assuredly transparent. I've never had a Cahors remotely similar. I applaud both its classicism and originality. An honor to taste. 93+/100.

80% sauvignon blanc, 20% semillon. Bright sauvignon citricity in a user friendly vintage. And the usual semillon padding. In tune with a successful series. Lasting, refreshing finish. 91/100.

Gros manseng and sauvignon blanc. Subtle soft peachy scent of gros manseng countered by sauvignon citrus cut. Well assembled encepagement as usual. Again, plush meets tangy. Some baby fat to lose. The acid is still coated and the flavors unfulfilled. I have confidence..as well as case buyers of this. 91+/100. Enjoyed by attendees. 'Quite pleasant!' 'Peach tea.' 'Lovely fruit; easy drinking.'

Yves Bretonniere, 4th generation vigneron; versants = hillsides; on schist; average 30 year old vines; oldest 70 years; all selection massale. Native yeasts. Aged on lees through winter. I taste the dry whites after the reds to give them time to warm up, so this is quite some relief after a heavy New World syrah. Rather low key if accurate nose. More flavor. Yellow fruit joins green. And really perks up as it warms in the mouth. Not so low key after all. Classic Muscadet flavors and textures with sur lie augmentations. Highly drinkable. 91/100. Attendees agreed.

Cooperative of 20 winegrowers founded in 1957 at St. Romain sur Cher. Crisp Touraine sauvignon coming forth with aeration. Wow, burst of clear sauvignon citrus and soft tropical fruits flavors. The roundest and most forthcoming in the series. On the palate, this is a Touraine sauvignon 'fruit bomb' at a steal of a price. 91/100.

Est. 1991; on limestone, gravel, sand. Oh, boy is that stony and racy. A picture of Quincy and a model contrast to Sancerre of any terroir. Perhaps slightly softer than the 2021. I'm splitting hairs. Well, the palate is clearly softer than the previous vintage, as goes with the territory. I'm not complaining. It's well enough balanced, and, with the superior fruit ripeness, comes a broader flavor spectrum. Thanks, Peter, for this great discovery! 92/100. Attendees were keen on this. 'Pretty, stylish, very likeable.'

Generations old estate at Bue; one of the village's top sites. Speaks minerality and class if not a lot of sauvignon flair at opening and cold temperature. But, then, Grand Chemarins are not gushy sauvignons. It's the noble terroir thing, so I'm pleased with the presentation from the get go. Nice and snappy fruit acidity and grippy, textured, well extracted site expression. Wow, this just grows and grows as it airs and warm. In the scheme of things, bargain priced for a 'cru'. 94+/100. Super popular. Wine of the Night. 'Much richer and finer than the good regular cuvee.'

Est. 1984 at Maligny, just north of Chablis; 25 year old vines in Kimmeridgian limestone; David Creighton recommendation. That's the northern stuff, all right. Cool, crackling pinot from limestone. With 2020 frame and filling. Relative richness and roundness this vintage. The tannins are melted already. Great savor on a long finish. 92+/100. Wednesday group host Dave had enjoyed this at a restaurant and thought the group might too. Indeed, attendees did. Comments include 'unique, likeable, some pinot spice, smoke, umami.'

7th generation domaine at Auxey Duresses. Both vintage lift and old vines intensity make for an invigorating nasal experience. Not as structured as the 2020. More revealing, transparent, joyous. That combo of freshness and intensity carries over to the palate. A subtle oak complex adds to the total picture. No obtrusive tannins this vintage. Balanced, rangy, freshly acidic, and flavorful at this stage, nothing stands in the way of taking this to the table over the coming months. It's a summer sort of Burgundy vintage. Besides, a VV village wine at a Bourgogne price. 93/100. Wine of the Night for most attendees.

On clay loams and limestone; vineyard planted in 1985; aged ten months in barrels, 25% new. Dark red violet. New oak exotica to the fore. Really classy and complex oak extraa. Very concentrated old vines Givry statement fully evident too. Wow, this vastly exceeds the 2018 village wine's ambitions. Yes, powerful, complicated, large scaled. That combo marks it a red Burgundy deal at the price. 93+/100. 'Really rich and super long; delish; perfect now.' 'Voluminous, ripe, powerful; baking spices, barrel nuances; good acid.'

Parker 92: 'The 2021 Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes is a pretty, charming wine, bursting with aromas of sweet berries and plums mingled with peonies and potpourri. Medium-bodied, fleshy and giving, with powdery tannins and tangy acids, it also exhibits impressive concentration for the vintage. Drink now-2031.'

At Maligny (Chablis area); 300 years in the Lamblin family; from estate and purchased fruit. This is a Chablis ringer. Brisk, redolent of apple, citrus, and calcaire. The palate has good 2022 padding as well as compensating acidity. Long, well balanced follow through There are positive textural elements, giving balance of fruit sweetness and acidity. 92+/100. Attendees judged it a Chablis like bargain. Big time group favorite. Wine of the Night for many. 92+/100.

40 year old chardonnay vines on steep slopes of Kimmeridgian limestone; native yeasts; aged 10 months, 10% in seasoned cooperage. Oh, this is full; and northern Burgundian classic. Exceptionally full for vintage and AOC. Distinct from Chablis. It's a bit heavier. Body over finesse. Dazzling 2021 acid display gives full buoyancy. While the body holds true. A large northern Burgundy chardonnay indeed. Writes the book on Tonnerre. 93/100. White Wine of the Night for most attendees.

Est. 1984; bottling since 1990; 25 year old vines. Hmm, a sense of barrel influence? Fuller than last week's Petit but less forthcoming, aromatically. More padding in the 2022s than the 2021s. The acidity is certainly adequate though. More flavor than aroma as it warms in the mouth. Another one that's likely to blossom over the next couple of hours. Which it did. 92+/100.

Vines planted 1957 and 2009; from two lieux-dits: Creux de Tillet, La Chateille; same winemaking procedure as the Saint Romain blanc. The change to a front line Cote de Beaune terroir takes up the oak to a greater degree. After all, Auxey is Meursault's neighbor. And this shows some Meursault graininess, autumnal tones. Yes, more ample in respect to terroir, fruit, and oak, with greater harmony overall. I think this is more ageworthy. These really are Taupenot amply endowed. 94+/100. Judged a notch superior to the Saint Romain by all attendees.

Est. 1931; an association of 120 family vineyards; 53 plots in Montagny, including in a number of Premiers Crus; unwooded. Truly. Not a toothpick evident on the nose. It's Montagny chardonnay welcoming. Showing less of Chalonnais terroir's resin than wines of the appellations north of it. The nose builds in volume with aeration. And on the palate. The original levity is now replaced by real Chalonnais body, delivery, mealworthiness. At a price of Macon Villages these days. 92+/100.

Est. 1926; vines average 30 years. Nice and dry, aromatically low key, classic MV take on chardonnay. Full body and texture, and more flavor than aroma. Good acidity. Textbook Macon Villages at a bargain price these days. Will stock and feature. 91/100.

Wine & Spirits 93: 'Louis Barruol is the fourteenth generation to manage his family's domaine in Gigondas. He makes the trek north each year to buy fruit in Crozes, Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, fermenting the wines spontaneously with whole clusters. For this negociant label, Barruol and his importer, Kermit Lynch, blend the wines before bottling. This wine is a selection of terroirs with granite soil, the vines all older than thirty years, and in 2021 it's a mineral Crozes with plenty of black-olive spice integrated beautifully into the core of violet, rhubarb and plum flavor. A whiff of oak comes through at first but never goes so far as to mark the palate. An elegant stunner with seductive restraint. $42.'

Dark ruby. Love this Cave's range since before I first visited it decades back. They epitomize the blackness of Cairanne's fruit statement. Dry, deep, and well extracted. And way cheaper than most domaines' Cairannes. Oh, yeah, this is a dark fruited classic, alcohol-derived glycerol coating its fine tannins. It may be labeled Cotes du Rhone but, I'm telling you, this spells Cairanne. And a very good deal. 92/100.

Wine & Spirits 91 - BEST BUY: 'Based on viognier, this is crisp, faintly saline and refreshing, with plenty of high-tone lift above its oily texture. It had Alex Mares of Eleven Madison Park shaking off the winter blues: 'If I had a fish restaurant with a patio, I'd pour the #@%! out of this by the glass.'

Consistent winner, and the only domaine wine in good availability. Relatively lean nose in the cool 2021 vintage, yet it shows its usual PdD integrity and savor. Double that on the palate. Full of flavor and texture. Good vintage acidity. Regular fans will be pleased. 92/100.

Est. 1978; 65% grenache, 20% mourvedre, 10% cinsault, 5% syrah; in the northern CdP Chapouin, Coudoulet, and La Gardiole quartiers; aged a year in vats. Grenache to the fore, its sweetness diminished in this cool vintage. Well poised. Grenache strawberry and raspberry in the lead. Undercurrents of darker natures of mourvedre and syrah. Wears its alcohol well. Lack of bombast as usual. Now and/or later. 93+/100. Became more complex, showing notes of spices, orange peel, iron, and florals. Appreciated as forward and not overdone.

Limestone and sand soils. Surprisingly full color. And full personality. No shy picpoul, this one. Very bright acidity for the vintage (but not for picpoul!). Along with the flavor intensity. This really shines! Got to have it. 92/100.

50% carignan, 40% syrah, 10% grenache; average age of vines 40 years; carignan undergoes carbonic maceration; unfined, unfiltered. Dense color acquiring some ruddiness with age. Despite the predominance of black varieties, that characteristic Minervois elegance shines through. So you get it both ways: both amplitude and finesse. Sweet and round on the palate now at age four. Very flavorful. Good body and texture. One of the best vintages of this. And ready to drink. 91/100. Attendees too found this pleasantly mature and ready to serve.

The domaine sits on an old salt water lagoon between Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees foothills; Alain Junguenet selection. A little SUS upon opening. Can't suppress sauvignon citrus fruit aroma. Palate clear, as usual. The softer, riper style of Midi sauvignon, not without satisfying acidity and refreshment. In tune with the series, and well priced. 91/100. Nose cleared up after aeration, and this turned into a crowd pleaser. Comments include lovely nose and flavor, just good fun, food friendly.

35% niellucciu, 30% grenache, 15% sciaccarellu, 15% syrah, 5% mourvedre. That has depth and personality. Very giving. Sweet and full, though nothing to excess. Lovely poise. Both fresh and developing flavor aspects and a texture as generously endowed as the rest. Sweet fruited, and also racy. Great acid. Mouthfilling texture, fine tannin. Impressive value, good to serve now. 92/100.

American importer's brand made by Dopff & Irion at Riquewihr. One fresh and impact-ful pinot blanc. Nostril stretching. Though the palate is softer than the nose suggests, the vintage boosts pinot blanc's norm for acidity. Subtle green fruit flavors. Perfectly accurate, and one of the best in the series. Very versatile at the table. May The Furst Be With You. 91/100. Liked by attendees, who praised its varietal character, balance, ease, and meal time facilities.

Quite the full color. Oh, so honeyed and yet so brisk! Total VT concentration. Honey, peach,, nut. Persistent. Sweet and succulent. Perfect sweet-acid balance. Long. A privilege to taste. 97/100.

Wine & Spirits 95 - BEST BUY: 'Representing Carl Loewen's third generation of modern winemaking, Christopher Loewen leads a 37-acre estate steeped in a love for dramatic terraces, focused on sustaining old vines. Here, the estate's entry-level bottling overperforms its humble title. Alpine herbs and gravel jump out of the glass and lure you into an herbal and bright expression of riesling.'

Est. 1967; 70-80 year old ungrafted vines; 70% steep, south-facing vineyard. The nose is on the backward side at opening. Full kabinett sweetness. Nascent flavors expressive of the site if not outwardly 'spicy' yet. 2021 acidity somewhat coated by the RS, but not to the extent of 'baby fat'. Thus, balanced and promising. 91+/100. The acidity later came on stronger; judged 'brisk'. Attendees loved the bargain price. Orders taken.

Owned by the Diel family since 1802; at Dorsheim, lower Nahe; incorporates the produce of young vines from three Grosses Gewachs sites. Saturated with GG extract, age of vines aside. Wow, what a noseful from a textural aspect. Equally full bodied and textured on the palate. Terroir specific; not a fruity riesling. Yow. Little wonder critics make such a Big Deal about Diel. And look at the price compared to other wines from GG sites and style. 94+/100. Universally enjoyed. Wine of the Night for at least one attendee.

Five generation estate with vineyards in the four best villages of western Rheingau. Spatlese sweet. Adequate acidity, somewhat coated in youth. That peach-orange aspect of Rheingau riesling I appreciate. Will improve with mid term cellaring. One of most pleasing vintages of this wine in youth I've experienced since they went to screwcaps. 92+/100.

Fresh and crisp, crunchy green apple character. 2022's relative softness, so it's smooth flowing on the palate. Pleasing varietal intensity. Good value quaffer at under $10 the bottle equivalent. 90/100.

60% arinto, 30% azal, 10% loureiro. Big aromas of herbs and pear. 2022 softness meets a respectable acid level for balance and refreshment. After aeration, this impressed attendees for its richness, body, even glycerol. 'Good acid; minerality too; no light quaffer; for its overall impact, well priced'. 91/100.

Douro large, powerful, generous. I smell a deal. Indeed, full flavored and textured. Chewy extract. Competes with Douros at twice the price and more. Amazing value. 92/100.

Bright, minerally, granite based white Dao. I had a different one from the same vintage a couple of days ago, and it spoke the same language. White Dao sustains. Tangy, lemony flavor and good acidity. Well balanced wine at this stage begging for food. 91/100.

Nice and pointed, penetrating fresh lemon scent. Milder acidity than the 2021 of course, but perfectly adequate for refreshment. Spot on and well priced. 91/100.

Primarily from vines over 100 years old, including 130 year old pre phylloxera vines; 85% verdejo, 15% viura; at 900 meters, the highest and coolest lieu dit of Rueda; sandy soil. Subtly verdejo aromatic. Not complicated by sauvignon blanc as in many of today's versions. More varietal expression on the palate. This shows potential class, as its background story portends. Even textured. Wish I could taste this after more aeration. The potential for top class is here. Indeed, two hours later this became much more complex and revealing and thus popular with attendees. Good price too. 91+/100.

Tempranillo, garnacha, graciano, mazuelo; aged a year in barrels, 70% American, 30% French, and a year in bottle before release. Fully in tune with the series. It's classic Rioja Crianza thanks to including other players besides Gucci tempranillo and thanks to the predominance of the more pungent American oak barrels. The style is traditional, the fruit-barrel tete a tete just what I'm looking for in crianza. Yes, fruit sweetness retained, barrel extracts and expansion of the flavor-texture complexes. And the price-! Wow, why pay more? 92/100.

At El Ciego in Alavesa; 96% tempranillo, 4% graciano; aged 2 years in American oak barrels. Oh, this is classic Riscal. No braggart, just quiet confidence uttered. Alavesa sandy elegance. Perfect wood-fruit marriage. Fresh and forward 2019 style. Great acid. Totally coordinated presentation. Very fine grained tannins in back. Thanks to its harmony, this is going to improve many years in bottle. 93+/100. Well appreciated by attendees for its classicism. One notes: 'Maybe the best Riscal I've tasted'.

Vinous 93: 'A rich, heady wine, but it has found a way to maintain freshness and verve. It's one of the most refined and complete 2022s I tasted for this report. It's a big wine for sure, yet all the elements are so well balanced. Drink 2024-2037.'

Four generation winery near Monferrato; owns 75 acres of vines. Nice violet glow. Even more uplifting than the joyous 2020. Black cherry, peppercorn. Flavors confirm. Good varietal glycerol and vintage bright acidity. Put it right to use. Just a little tannin in back, accentuated by the cellar service temperature after half an hour under refrigeration. 91/100. Well liked overall for its fresh approach, readiness, and value. One commentator notes: 'Fresh, plummy, huge mid-palate surprise of chocolate, sesame; berry jam finish.'

50+ year old vines; perennial Wed Group favorite. Dark, glowing purple. The usual racy dolcetto fruit statement of this take, complemented and augmented by a cool vintage. Not only that, the aromas run deep too. Sweet and suave for the vintage. House style. Flavorful, mouthfillng, lasting taste. Aims to please. I prefer unambitious dolcettos of this ilk. 92/100.

Nebbiolo, dolcetto, barbera, albarossa, freisa, pinot nero. Skillful assemblage, all harmonious. Airs of cedar and spice point to a whole greater than the sum of the parts. This is really engaging, as well as priceworthy. The palate is also enticingly fruity-spicy and doesn't point to any grape variety in particular, unless it's albarossa, with which I'm not very familiar. I've been pleased with this cuvee before but never so much as in this vintage. Bright acidity plus extract-giving texture. 92/100.

The Berici hills hills rise between Verona and Vicenza, east of Soave; warmer microclimate than the lowlands, support olive trees as well as Bordeaux varieties, which have been planted there since the 1880s. A very pure, singular form of cabernet franc quite unlike anything from Bordeaux, Loire, or Eastern America. Juicy in the mouth and even more flavorful than aromatic, emphasizing its unique take on the varietal. Racy acidity and just a dusting of fine grained tannin. Well priced. 92/100. Widely popular for varietal ID (with an Italian accent) and kiss of oak.

Bright, dark, cheery red violet. Sweet raspberry and some peppery seeds. Spot on. Deliciously sweet, well foiled by 21 acidity. If the gas were still present, that would buffer the sweetness further. Exemplary, and..well priced. 92/100.

92% sangiovese, 8% merlot. 12-18 months in French oak cooperage. Ruddy red color. Sweet, ripe, glycerol laden sangiovese nose. Medium bodied and right. Good ease and flow of 2019. Spicy aroma. I smell a good value. Good acid foil to the glycerol. A trace of youthful bitterness in the back. Spicy aroma. Medium bodied, balanced, no tannin issues. Regular fans will be pleased. 91+/100.

In Greve; 90% sangiovese, 10% canaiolo; minimum 6 months in oak casks. This has Carpineto and vintage lift, clarity, freshness, lack of the usual dried cherry and orange zest aroma of many a Classico--as attractive as that is. Yes, it's sweet fruited. Modern? No, just house style. The palate is true-dry, the tannins fine grained, the acid proper. Even handed and upscale as usual. Upholds this estate's high standards. 92+/100. Wine Of The Night for many attendees, and considered ready to drink.

Dark red violet. Dense, purple fruited varietal statement. Not without cool and cherished violets overtones. Rich flavored and texture. This really delivers varietal character to an intense and thorough degree. Fine grained tannins give texture and are not at the level that they would interfere with current mealtime service. 92+/100.

Est. 2009; 50-60 year old vines at 1300-1800'; 40% aged in second year barriques. Heavy Bottle Award. Heavy aglianico build. Stuffed with varietal extracts. The aromas begin to soar after brief aeration. Full and flavorful. Fine example of the DOCG. Well balanced. Weighty, loaded. A worthy successor to the fine 2019. Will stand a little longer cellar time in order to augment breadth and depth. The goods are here. 93+/100.

Mellow, mature bouquet, warm and inviting. Yes, nicely softened now. All the same, good acidity for balance. At a comfortable stage, with light dash of tannin for texture. Modest 12.5% alcohol, and all the better for it. We enjoyed with a hamburger casserole. 91/100.

Oh, this is fresh and cool, and it has that special cannonau take on grenache specific to Sardinia. Carries over to the palate. This is just singular in its genre, as previous vintages conveyed too. A classic, and its own special take. 92/100.

A vineyard in the warmer reaches of southeastern Gavi planted in 1978. Apple and sage classic aroma set. And it penetrates well too. Good acid, good texture. Little of the vintage's plumpness, softness. This vies with the 2021 for refreshment, balance, classicism, and flavor delivery. 92/100. Very popular with attendees; orders taken. 'Wow, lovely wine; huge nose and palate.' 'With time, floral elements and peach/apricot aromatics developing.' 'Lush, smooth, full, inviting; a joy.'

Scion of Giovanni Voerzio at La Morra; vineyard planted 1982; sandy soil; 12 hour cryomaceration. This isn't very forthcoming upon opening. More revealing after aeration. Palate still tight and austere. Shows class and intrigue. And the price is right. Worth following. 91+/100. One attendee agreed and ordered a case.

Est. 1878; estate bottled. This has sauvignon gooseberry and grass aromatic, but subtly so, not in your face. It's always that way. I love it. Good acid to balance the 2022 relative plushness. Ultimately, totally harmonious and ready for the table, where it will prove more versatile than those gregarious NZ takes. 91/100. 'Gun flint' noted. Attendees appreciated its lack of aggressiveness. 'Very long and very easy to enjoy.'

Mainly from Colli Orientali. Friuli grigio body and light apple-wax-nut varietal character. Bursts open in the mouth. More body, more flavor, more grigio peels extracts. Fine acid, balance, texture. We've got ourselves a bargain here. 91/100. Attendee descriptors and compliments pretty much parallel mine. Continued to improve with aeration into the following day.

A rich and rightful saint george. Ideal nose of soft red and black fruits. Feels and flavors confirm. Good acid and fine grained, compensating tannin. This is really well assembled. 92/100.

Furmint, pinot blanc, welschriesling,, riesling, chardonnay. Fruity. At once, round and crisp. Yes, all of the above. A well assembled cuvee. Versatile at the table. 91/100.

Parker 93: 'The 2021 Arme Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. It has pretty tones of blueberries and black cherries with nuances of lavender, thyme and underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied, chalky and refreshing, with surprising depth of crunchy fruit and floral sparks across the long, juicy finish. Drink 2024-2034.'

A fresh combo of 2021 richness and lift. Lake cabernet round and mellow up front balanced by high elevation acid support. All aspects melded into an harmonious whole. 91/100.

Est. 1987. 150 acre estate near ever encroaching Silicon Valley. Heavy Bottle Award. There it is. That unique Santa Clara Valley take of cabernet. I'm going to miss it once the valley succumbs to urban sprawl. I don't know if they have green belt on place like Livermore. Great acid, great fruit clarity. Subtle if any oak. The feel and flavor is all SCV cabernet, stating fresh red fruit. Well balanced and long lasting. 92/100. More oak came forth after aeration (spice, vanilla, tobacco). Thought more Burgundian than Bordelais in approach.

2/3 petit verdot, 1/3 merlot. Full sense of presence but closed up aromatically, unusual for the vintage but not the origin. Good body and fresh acidity. I like the taste and texture. Petit verdot give without overabundant fruit richness. The terroir tempers that. An excellent value. 92+/100.

Rightly rich Paso merlot with great clarity thanks to the winemaker's hands off approach. I don't see much Paso merlot, so this pretty much defines the genre. Great acid for Paso. And fine tannin for texture. 92/100.

John Grochau discovered wine while bicycle racing for a French team in the Loire Valley; aged 9 months on lees in seasoned oak barrels. The bright, uplifting style of this Grochau cuvee. I doubt if anything like it could come out of California. Crisp griottes aroma. Fresh and fruity indeed. The lees add flavor and texture interest, and the neutral barrel's relative porosity contributes smoothness and a forward nature. Well balanced, flavorful, top notch vintage of this. 92/100. Widely liked by attendees for terroir, typicity, and overall quality.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'This is a brilliant appellation cuvee, starting with aromas of cinnamon, rosewater, red plum and strawberry on the nose. The palate lands with smooth, polished tannins, presenting creamy cherry sorbet, red flower and white pepper flavors, both juicy and restrained. $46.'

Oh, rich and a real deal. Ripe fruit and oak and AVA class and lift. Well developed at age seven. Smooth, strong, balanced. Not a fish pinot. 92/100. List price: $30.

Zinfandel, syrah, cab sauv, merlot. Smells like a good value. What is this, a young vines cuvee? Brightness and freshness of 2021. Sweet blackberry flavor. Maybe even a little RS. Generous and easy going. 91/100.

DCV dry and quite powerful. Heft, depth, and gathering aromatics. Even more flavor than aroma. Class, 'original' zinfandel. Impressive this vintage. Almost as full and complex as the single vineyard bottling. 92+/100.

Some spritz yet. Encouraging. Good richness while maintaining AVA coolness. Yes, richness spells partial malo. Great Anderson acidity. Full. Delivers both body and flavor. Long, cleansing aftertaste. 91/100. List price: $30.

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Subtle oak complexity, rich fruit flavors and a creamy texture add up to an outstanding wine.'

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Generous aromas of caramel, baked lemon, pie crust and hazelnut pick up a light, white-rock minerality on the complex nose of this bottling. Salted lemon, baked apple and honeysuckle flavors come together on the palate.'

Half each melon, pinot blanc. 50 year old La Puestra block vines; harvested early for high acidity; aged on lees until bottling. A nurseryman, Andrew Jones has stood in virtually every vineyard of the Central Coast. Not oaky like the Pinot Blanc Chalone Vineyard made decades back. Old vines intense. Convincing of both varietal components. Pure and delightful CA take. Oh, yes, this is fresh and uplifting, delicious and mealworthy. Great acid and old vines texture. Long finish. 92/100. Tied for WOTN thanks to its European styling.

60% vermentino, 40% grenache blanc. I can see the high ratings. Really expressive of vermentino. CA supersized as usual. Grenache blanc fills in the foundation. Yes, vermentino flavorful. Acid glycerol coated. Bitter trace of vermentino at the end. 91/100.

Full red black malbec color. And black cherry nose. I smell a value. Full and flavorful. Nothing fancy. An ample, straight forward Mendoza malbec for the money. 91/100.

Wine & Spirits 91: 'Rich and juicy, bursting with blueberry and blackberry flavors, this blend of equal parts tannat and malbec manages to present both varieties without overpowering either. Tense in its structure, it captures the syrupy-violet richness of malbec without losing the tannins of tannat, though those tannins take a few days to coalesce.'

Taylor Valley and Omaka Valley vineyards on old riverbed soils; 20% whole bunch fermentation. Good ripeness,; no herbal element; nicely structured and balanced. Relies on good fruit and not wood chips. Bravo!! Great entry level effort. With aeration, there's a bit of barrel influence, managed well. 92/100.

Tasting Panel 92: 'Easy to drink, with a balanced flavor profile, this wine is bright and perky from start to finish. Grapefruit and laurel notes, along with just-ripened pineapple, complement its racy acidity with tart overtones. $14.'

Suggestions of regional cabernet coolness and distinction. Correct. Oh, boy, this sure comes on stronger in the mouth. Flavorful wine of place. Well balanced, textured, lasting. Palate spells deal. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'Despite being Yalumba's entry-level Viognier, this is one of its most delicious white offerings. Highly aromatic, it wafts a perfume of honeysuckle, orchard blossom and fuzzy peach skin. The palate is more viscous than the nose implies, but there's enough acidity to keep it fresh. Peach and lemon flavors linger on the finish. Drink with Thai curry or a similarly bold Southeast Asian dish. $15.'

'The land of milk and honey'; 45% cab sauv, 40% merlot, 7% malbec, 5% cab franc, 3% petit verdot. Ripe and exotic after a Euro range. Seems some spicy woody extras. No brett/dekk. Large in the mouth. Structure, sweet fruit core, tannin for texture. Good length. Leans toward BBQ preparations. Fans will be pleased. 91/100.

The usual maintenance of freshness and display of such a variegated cuvee There's that sauvignon blanc thing again. There's got be a dollop of sauvignon in here. Or maybe it colombard shouting loud and clear. Plus berries to show the red fruit side. Plenty vital, for sure. Yes, sauvignon-like citrus and sweet berry red fruit. Unique. Juicy, rangy, well balanced. This is just plain delicious. 92/100. List price: $17.

60% grenache, 20% each cinsault, mourvedre. Heavy Bottle Award. This nose is low key upon opening. But it grows quickly into a full bodied Gigondas style of rose. Oh, yes, just minutes of aeration bring this to fulfillment. Full, rich, flavorful, and not as overpowering as some in the field. Cassoulet wine. 93/100. 'Huge wine.' 'Very expressive of Gigondas.' List price: $30.

First taste of this one, if I'm remembering right. More forthcoming on the nose than the cinsault rose preceding it. This really has a lot of nasal presence, both aroma and texture wise. Lots of dash and texture on the palate too. And flavor! Wow, what have I been missing-! Must stock and recommend. 92/100. List price: $16.

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Made with a base of manzanilla sherry, this faintly briny, bone-dry vermouth is ideal for the driest of dry martinis. Bold and savory dried-herb aromas lead into a tart, puckery palate with a faint bitter edge. Green apple mixes with thyme, chamomile and a hint of tarragon freshness.'

20%. Old gold color. Definitely amaro and high strength on the nose. The cortese basis gives lighter body and sweetness than many an amaro. Plenty sweet on the palate, with that amaro bitter foil. So balanced. I have a spot on the shelf for this one. 93/100.

Est. 1920 at Champillon, north of Epernay; 4 generation family negociant with 25 acres of its own vines in Premiers and Grands Crus. 58% chardonnay, 15% each the pinots, 12% red juice. There's a lot of red fruit here, The high pinot juice contribution makes its mark. An ample, meal worthy rose champagne. Lots of doughy bottle bouquet adds to the nose's complexity. A full rose of body and flavor and follow through. Doughy aftertaste Truly dry, full of both fruit and autolysis influences, this is the style of rose champagne I prefer. No aperitif, I'm taking it straight to the dinner table. 95/100. List price: $48.

France's oldest sparkling wine region; half each chardonnay, chenin blanc; methode traditionelle; zero dosage. Frothy, mousse-y. The mild characters of the varieties. Light toastiness. Toast and earth. I'd guess it's fully dry. The relatively mild acidity compared to Champagne gives it an innate softness. Pretty much right down the middle take on Limoux, and well priced. 91/100. Generally liked by attendees, especially as a good value. Orders taken.

40% xarello, 35% macabeo, 25% parellada. This has been reliable over the years. Good degree of doughiness. Straight down the middle styling. Nothing exaggerated. Yeah, good palate too. Fine mousse. Nice little dough, meal, biscuit. I've always enjoyed this as a good value cava with no earthiness. True brut. Good stuff. 91/100.

Wine Spectator 92: 'Intense aromas and flavors of black currant, violet, cedar and tobacco haunt this fresh, brooding red. A dose of oak adds tar and spice notes as this lingers on the finish. Powerful. $32 (750ml).'

Founded in 1890 in Cranston RI, Narragansett rose to become the best selling lager beer in New England, thanks in part to Boston Red Sox announcer Curt Gowdy's phrase 'Hi, Neighbor, have a 'Gansett!' Today the beer is contract brewed by Genesee in Rochester NY. Beer Advocate gives it the highest rating of all American heritage lagers. I suggest that's because it tastes of malt, not high fructose corn syrup like so many of its modern day rivals.

Very good. A lovely tart-apple aroma. Dry and balanced. Tells the tale. Ideal. 92/100.

'Belgiosioso Asiago begins with fresh milk gathered daily from our local farmers. Each wheel is handcrafted and aged over 5 months, producing a sweet, nutty flavor with a hint of sharpness that satisfies but never overpowers. Asiago has a wonderfully pronounced flavor that makes it incredibly appealing to many people.'

Parmigiano Reggiano is produced with different degrees of maturation: fresh milk is processed at 3 in the morning the day after collection, and the cheese wheels remain in brine for around 21 days before being transferred to the maturation plants, where they sit for between 12 and 30 months.

Smoked paprika from the La Vera valley in Western Spain is the key flavor to this delicious dry cured sausage. Garlic, pork and salt are the only other ingredients to this all natural sausage. It's the signature smoked paprika which makes Spanish chorizo unique in the world. These sausages are fully dry-cured and ready to slice and serve with your favorite cheese and wine ? or simmer them in red wine for an incredible appetizer.

Deeply rooted in traditional Italian value and uniquely crafted recipes perfected over generations, La Panzanella Artisanal Foods began as a bakery in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle in 1990. Its 'croccantini' (crunchy little bites) crispbread crackers, baked with EVOO, are unique and ultra versatile.

Wiki: 'Chocolove is a chocolate manufacturer with headquarters and a manufacturing facility in Boulder, Colorado, founded in 1995 by entrepreneur Timothy Moley. The company produces all-natural and organic chocolate bars. Chocolove imports chocolate and cocoa butter from Belgium to produce its chocolate.' Creamy organic salted peanut butter in 33% cocoa Belgian milk chocolate mark this new addition to its range.