Humus, pomegranate, and cola waft up on the nose. Black cherry, cola, and mushrooms give brightness and depth to the palate. Citrus peel and spices add layers on the mid-palate. Tannins are structured, acids in balance. Drink with pork medallions. Highly Recommended. 92 points. DBH WHO: Rodney Strong WHAT: Pinot Noir
Cherries and white pepper pop on the nose. Raspberry and vanilla come through on the palate. Fruity and soft on the palate, this would pair well with duck confit flatbread. Recommended. 88 points. DBH WHO: Carlos Serres WHAT: Tempranillo WHEN: 2015 DESIGNATION: Old Vines WHERE: Rioja, Spain HOW MUCH: $10
The nose smells like a fine chocolate bar with black cherries. Darker fruit, blueberries and boysenberries, show on the palate, joined by vanilla and rose petals. Mint and tobacco leaf show on the mid-palate. Tannins are a bit rigid in this young wine. Drink with a good burger with onion
The nose is rich and sweet, with aromas of blueberry pie filling, vanilla, and nutmeg. The mouth-feel is pillow-soft. Flavors of blueberry pie and black cherries are followed with black tea and milk chocolate. Drink with filet. Highly Recommended. 90 points. DBH WHO: Murrieta's Well WHAT: Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon,
The nose shows rich aromas of black fruit and spices. Boysenberry and elderberry lead on the palate, backed by graphite and milk chocolate. Fine-grained tannins and black fruit are bigger than acids, giving an opulent mouth feel. Drink with a well-seared T-bone. Highly Recommended. 93 points. DBH WHO: Murrieta's Well
Black currant and plums waft up on the nose. The palate offers black fruit and vanilla with dusty tannins. Drink with bistecca fiorentina. Highly Recommended. 90 points. DBH WHO: Alcance WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon WHEN: 2014 DESIGNATION: Gran Reserva WHERE: Valle del Maule, Chile HOW MUCH: $18 (media sample) POINTS: 90
Deep, rich aromas of blackberry, tar, and seared beef fat roil up from the glass. Blackberry explodes on the palate, paired with loads of violent and a mid-palate of black currant. Tannins are silky, and violent linger forever. With rich fruits, impressive florals, and terrific structure, this would pair perfectly
The color is lovely, a true pink. Strawberries, orange peel, and citrus blossoms come out on the nose. Citrus is more pronounced on the palate, tangerines and orange peel, strawberries and lime, with a leafy herb background. This pretty rosé offers layers of fruit with a herbal background adding depth.
