Deep ruby-plum in colour, with a spicy beetroot-and-tobacco nose; medium-bodied, elegant, richly extracted cherry flavour that fills the palate. Firmly structured.
Their hillside vineyards along the eastern side of the Silverado Trail offer a variety of exposures, which enhances complexity, as does the inclusion of Cab Franc (12%). Features classic blackcurrant intertwined with a fine herbal thread. Loads of mouth-filling sweet black fruits, complemented by a warm spiciness and supported by ripe, well-polished tannins. Cellar over the next 10 years.
This well-established winery from the Columbia Valley in Washington State has always delivered quality wine at a great price. The 2010 Chardonnay follows that path with Granny Smith apple, citrus, butterscotch cream and vanilla notes on the nose. It’s soft and lush on the palate with apple, lemon rind and pear fruit joined by vanilla toast and creamy caramel notes.
A nose of fresh grapefruit, kiwi, tropical fruits and hints of grass. It’s lively and fresh on the palate with citrus-grapefruit fruit, summer herbs and a tangy-zesty finish.
With a name like Uvaggio Moscato Secco you’d expect the wine to come from Italy, perhaps Veneto. In fact, it comes from Lodi. The Muscat grape is highly perfumed with notes of cardamom and lilac and flavours of orange, melon and mango that finish refreshingly dry.
This is a magnificent Chardonnay from the coolest part of the Green Valley. Straw-coloured, with a nose of toasted Meyer lemons and oak spice. It’s full-bodied and well extracted with sweet citrus and pineapple flavours. Great intensity and length.
They don’t get much better than this from the Stags’ Leap District. Dense purple-black colour, which speaks to the concentration of fruit on the nose and on the palate. Spicy blackberry, blackcurrant and chocolate flavours firmly structured with supple tannins. Needs time in bottle, 3 to 5 years.