Ratings & Reviews

Publisher's Picks

This blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre is savory, with opening notes of black raspberry pulled from the soil. Dried herbs, coffee, cherry liqueur, and sweet earth are integrated with a bright acidity and end notes of cedar.

CRUSH: Best Imports

Teeth-grabbing, dusty tannins align with a creamy density, bathe the palate in black coffee, lavender, graphite, and Black Forest cake. Plush, crushed boysenberries and sweet soil emphasize a suede-lined mouthfeel.

Grilled beef, tea-like herbs, black cherries, and tobacco are expressed through an earthy foundation. Fine acidity is present, with grainy tannins and a spiced cedar finish

A bee sting of black pepper and a rush of graphite are enveloped by sturdy tannins. Haunting notes of blackberry husk, olive nuances, and plum are framed by an austere mouthfeel.

CRUSH: Best Imports

Allspice and cherries in aspic frame notes of dried sage and tobacco. Espresso and mesquite are meaty textures, with an edgy graphite finish.

Publisher's Picks

Dusty blackberries and cherries are slathered over graphite and oak, with layers of vanilla, coconut, and espresso. Juicy and energetic

Luscious, with creamy plum and violets that lather the palate. Fennel, white pepper, melted dark chocolate, and roasted coffee are complex layers of flavors and textures. Elegant and revelatory, with a finish of crushed olives and dusty blueberries.

Old vine Tempranillo offers mouth-coating, intense notes of licorice and graphite. Layers of black fruit, espresso, and tarry tannins ensue. Broad and powerful, with an elegant stance.

CRUSH: Best Imports

Cherries, dried flowers and cedar on the nose. The palate is fleshy, with firm, fine grained tannins, composed fruit, a sense of freshness and a warmish finish. Drink or hold.

Admirably moderate in style, this covers all the varietal bases—citrus, tropical, and herbal—as it weaves together notes of white grapefruit and pomelo, passion fruit and lychee, and bell pepper and lemongrass. A whiff of white pepper, a soft midpalate stroke of honeysuckle, and a splash of lemon tea on the finish speak to its charisma. 

Scents of both fleshy Bosc and crisp Asian pear set the tone for this lighthearted expression, whose smooth mouthfeel—supported by flavors of pineapple, guava, and even a bit of coquito nut—is punctuated by a curlicue of citrusy acidity with each sip.

Best Buy

This region is not known for Bordeaux varietals. We are noticing more winemakers using others classic grapes long forgotten from the region. Aromas are notes of blackberry, dark cherry, thyme, toasty vanilla, and florals on the nose. The flavors are bold, concentrated dark berries, citrus peel, chocolate, coriander, supple tannins and a long finish.

Hidden Gem

This is another lesser-seen varietal coming out of the foothills. High-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon with aroma’s of blackberry, boysenberry star anise, allspice, and toasted vanilla on the nose. The flavors on The flavors on the palate are concentrated, lush, blue fruits, dark plum, Sage, tobacco, and grippy tannins on the finish. 

Best Buy

Mint and wild red berries with freshly cut flowers drifting through like someone just walked past with a bouquet. Strawberries and raspberries with all their seeds intact, fine tannins that barely graze the palate just enough to remind you they exist. Fresh, elegant and exactly the kind of wine that makes an ordinary week feel considerably better.  -Jeff Porter

Gold Medal

Aromas of white flowers, honeydew, and lime leaf lead to a fresh palate with balanced acidity, subtle minerality, and a clean, expressive finish.

Elegance is on display as the liquid flows gently across the palate, offering freshness and clarity of juicy blackberry. Black tea enters mid-point, adding length with plum skins and a pinch of black pepper.