Dear Santa: I have been a good boy this year. I drank up all the wine in my glass because it would be a waste to leave it when there are poor people in the world going around sober. As I sipped, I pondered. So I have a few ideas
Dusty cherry aromas rise up from the glass. Raspberry and cranberry roll through the palate, supported by brambles and sage. Drink with roast pork loin. Recommended. 88 points. DBH WHO: Davis Bynum WHAT: Pinot Noir WHEN: 2016 DESIGNATION: Jane's Vineyard WHERE: Russian River Valley, California HOW MUCH: $27 POINTS: 88
Aromas of black currant, blackberries, cedar and tobacco leaf flow from the glass. Red fruit makes an appearance on the palate, raspberries adding to black plumbs and black currant. It is elegant and smooth, with hints of clove and spices. Drink with Kansas City Strip and bleu cheese mash. Highly
Aromas of melon and pear waft up from the glass. The palate offers lush peaches and pears, with Meyer lemon and zest. Acidity is zesty, and the finish ends with white florals, lily and gardenia. Drink with fresh trout. Recommended. 89 points. DBH WHO: Dry Creek Vineyard WHAT: Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon
Blackberry, blueberry, and a bit of cherry rise up from the glass. Blueberry and cherry, fresh and candied, lead on the palate. More depth, with bramble and leather, come out on the mid-palate. Tannins and mouth-feel are round and opulent. Drink with duck. Recommended. 88 points. DBH WHO: Rodney Strong
The nose offers aromas of raspberry, with red currant and cranberry. The delicate nose conceals a rich, sweet palate filled with cherries and raspberries, maple and a touch of mint. Tannins are mouth-filling, drying, and ready for rack of lamb. Highly Recommended. 92 points. DBH WHO: Dry Creek Vineyard WHAT:
Black fruit, brown sugar, and a single tendril of wood smoke roil up from the glass. The palate is big, chewy, mouth-filling, with black and blue fruit, molasses, and pepper. Pencil lead and blackberries dominate the finish. Tannins are firm but well-tamed. Drink with beef ribs. Highly Recommended. 93 points.
This is an absolutely ebullient wine, lively, exciting, with sweet cherries and blueberries dancing across the palate, cassis on the mid-palate, mint and rich earth running throughout. It is full-bodied and chewy, and lusciously fat. Drink with filet mignon with truffle butter. Very Highly Recommended. 96 points. DBH WHO: Ridge