Forest floor, blue flower, menthol and a whiff of crushed celery lead the nose. The linear palate offers pomegranate, star anise and coffee bean alongside fine-grained tannins, while bright acidity keeps it light on its feet. Kerin O’Keefe

Strong wood-spice aromas of sandalwood and incense float across the cranberry and thyme notes of the nose on this bottling. The woody character spreads through the palate, where cigar-box flavors coat the core of baked strawberry and cherry. Matt Kettmann

The nose is earthy, herbal and sour, like drinking an elegant cocktail on the porch of a cabin in the woods. The palate is instead full of cherries and plums and finishes salty and nutty, like an artisanal chocolate. The tannins are solid but navigable, and the acidity is substantial.

The wine is quite reserved on the nose to start, but with a decant it opens up nicely. The wine has aromas of red-cherry preserve, ripe plum, clove, anise and cinnamon. The palate is elegant with notes of dried leaves, dark chocolate and dark cherries. The tannins are already well integrated, giving the wine a magnificent texture. Jeff Porter

This is a barrel-forward offering of the variety. Aromas of café au lait, scorched earth, dark fruit and spice are followed by sumptuous dark fruit and barrel flavors. A thread of acidity runs throughout it. It needs time for all the pieces to come together. Sean P. Sullivan

Winemaker Matt Dees is considered one of the best winemakers anywhere, and this blend is ample reason to believe the hype. Intense, focused and dry but rich aromas of dark fruit, roasted wood, crushed rocks and wild herb enliven the nose, while the palate is weighty yet expertly tense. Flavors of dried red fruit, peppery spice and milk chocolate float into the finish.

Forty percent of this Cru is made in oak. Instantly it seems more complex, with more schist and flint, and a nutty character too, the gentle toasted almond very appealing. Mouth-filling and ripe, so much more weight here and more ripe juiciness than the Vaillons, quite a different style but then the finish is lean and super fresh, with the lick of salty acidity powering through.

The vineyard is in the area of Pachino and NeroSanlorè is made from grapes grown on albarello-trained vines that are 40-45 years old and the wine ages in wood barrels longer than the NeroJbleo. This 2009 has a rich aroma, fatter that its ‘brother’, more balsamic and brackish. The flavor is consistent with the bouquet, the tannins are slightly sweet and the acidity good.

Nose: The Gallina de Piel Mazape offers an enticing aroma of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, accompanied by hints of floral notes and a touch of spice.

Taste: On the palate, this wine showcases a vibrant and juicy character, with flavors of red berries and plums taking center stage. There is a subtle earthiness that adds depth, while the well-integrated tannins provide a smooth and velvety texture.

Palate: The wine's medium body and balanced acidity contribute to a refreshing and lively mouthfeel. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of red fruit flavors and a touch of spice.

With small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is a rounded and rich red with balanced acidity. Dark plum, berry and mocha highlight a soft, lush opulence of integrated oak with hints of baking spice and tobacco.

The nose on Feudo Montoni's Vrucara Nero d'Avola opens like an old book—leathery and dusty—with dried flowers and then peppery herbs. Cherries, strawberries, vanilla and cola come out on the palate, followed by more herbs and pepper notes. Integrated and elegant, with firm tannins and sparkling acid.

Francis Ford Coppola Eleanor Red

From vines with more than 80 years of age, the intensity of the fruit comes through handily. Lusty textures with a strong tannic backbone and broken stones accompany all the ripe, fresh, peppery red fruits. Give this perhaps a decade of age before pulling a cork.

Candied black cherries are accented by hints of tar and anise in this smoky, black-fruited Pinot Noir. It's ripe but elegantly muted by shades of earth and rose-petal perfume. Moderately full in body and zesty on the midpalate. Anna Lee C. Iijima

This wine is still young and firm with concentrated tannins as well as perfumed berry flavors. Its texture and dry core show the ripe fruits and the touches of wood aging that come through gently. Roger Voss

Cherries, plums, licorice, 5 Spice, and white pepper permeate the nose and palate of this ripe, concentrated, full-bodied, intense wine. Another year or two in the cellar should add a bit more roundness to the wine. The wine is produced from old vine Mourvedre that is close to 100 years of age!

This inky garnet wine features a nose of dark plum, caramel and lavender that set the stage for flavors of black currant, blackberry, vanilla, dark chocolate, clove and violet. It is smooth in the mouth, with opulent tannins and a note of orange zest on the bright finish. Mike DeSimone

Collard-Picard Cuvee Prestige Brut is an elegant and refined Champagne, showcasing the artistry of the Collard-Picard house. This cuvée blends Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, sourced from premier and grand cru vineyards, offering a brilliant balance of richness and finesse. It features a bright, golden hue with lively bubbles and an expressive nose of green apple, citrus fruits, and floral hints, complemented by a subtle bready undertone. On the palate, it's vibrant and fresh, with a creamy texture and flavors of ripe fruit, lemon zest, and a touch of minerality. The finish is long and crisp, leaving a delightful freshness. Perfect for special occasions or as an aperitif, this Champagne pairs beautifully with seafood, light appetizers, or on its own as a celebratory drink.

Deep ruby core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Delicate herbal aromas are supported by dark berries, some sea buckthorn and hints of orange zest. Very juicy concentrated palate with sweet strawberries, finely woven tannins and a fresh mineral finish with nutty hints.

Nose: The Cave Yves Cuilleron Cornas Le Village offers an enticing bouquet of dark fruits, including blackberries and plums, with hints of black pepper and smoked meat. There are also subtle notes of violets and earthiness.

Taste/Palate: On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety texture. The flavors of ripe black fruits dominate, accompanied by savory notes of bacon, black olives, and a touch of licorice. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure and balance, while the acidity adds freshness. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a pleasant impression of dark chocolate and spices.

Smoky and rocky on the nose, this wine offers juicy red and black fruit that turns almost candied red apple on the palate. Notes of coffee grinds and top soil are pointed up by the astringency of very tight tannins and razor-sharp acid.

Ca' La Bionda Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

The nose is intensely spicy and warm with chili pepper and highlighting an umami meatiness. Cherries, blackberries and chocolate on the palate nonetheless give way again to pepper notes, from fresh cracked black peppercorns to chilis, through a hot finish.

This delicious reserva is garnet-ruby in the glass, with a violet-colored rim. It has enticing aromas of ripe cherry, red plum and saddle leather. In the mouth, there are flavors of ripe red and black fruits, dried sage and thyme, pencil lead and cedar shavings. The tannins are velvety, the mouthfeel is voluptuous, and the finish goes on for days.

This vineyard designate has distinctive and palate-penetrating pine needle accents. It's tight and focused, mixing cranberry and tart raspberry fruit with a light suggestion of truffly umami. The balance and complexity argue for further bottle age. It wraps up with well-ripened tannins that add touches of black olive and black tea. Paul Gregutt

The aromas bring notes of fruit leather, cherry and wood spice. Smooth, medium-bodied dark-fruit flavors follow, with a tart finish. It all seems a bit dried out. Sean P. Sullivan

Ashes & Diamonds Rouge is an expressive and vibrant red wine that captures the essence of Napa Valley's terroir and winemaking tradition. Crafted with a blend of Bordeaux grape varieties, it reflects the estate's commitment to balance, finesse, and elegance. This wine likely showcases a deep ruby color and an aromatic bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and plum, complemented by hints of cedar, tobacco, and earthiness. On the palate, it offers a rich and velvety texture, with flavors of dark fruit, vanilla, and baking spices, supported by refined tannins and a refreshing acidity. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of fruit and spice. Ashes & Diamonds Rouge is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to hearty pasta dishes, and is sure to impress with its depth and complexity.

Medium deep garnet colour. Ripe yet fresh fruit with plum, wild berries, garrigue, tobacco and mild oak notes. The palate is medium bodied, warm and generous fruit, yet fresh and digest with ripe tannin, balanced oak and a long finish with generous spiciness.

A fruit-driven wine that balances a flinty character with flavors of green plums. It is fresh, light, poised, crisp and green.

Strong cedar, toast and clove aromas continue into the flavors of this lavishly oaked and moderately tannic wine, giving it a flashy profile that will be fine for casual occasions.

Medium golden yellow, silver reflections. Nuances of yellow apple, delicate pineapple, fine citrus zest, mineral touch. Medium complexity, white fruit, fine acid structure, subtle extract sweetness in the finish, well balanced, already developed and easy to drink, subtle floral honey in the aftertaste.

This wine's nose has an earthy/floral combination equal to a country meadow stroll. Wildflowers, rain-soaked soil and blackberries rise from the glass with an earthy perfume. Blueberry, black cherry and cedar flavors are almost outshone by silky tannins and a nutty shot of Nocino on the long finish.

Seared lemon peel, light peach and tart citrus-flesh aromas fire up the nose of this brisk bottling. The palate clings to a chalky, tense frame, which provides a textural balance to the fresh Meyer lemon flavor. Matt Kettmann

Plum, licorice, peppercorn and a hint of salt show in the bouquet of this balanced wine. It's full bodied, with well-integrated tannins. The vibrant palate delivers bright black-fruit flavors and peppery spice. It finishes long with leather notes. Jesica Vargas

Pale yellow /green colour. Lifted, green fruit with "catty" notes on the nose. The Palate is dry, mid-weight & slightly oily in texture. alcohol & acidity is balanced . Fruit & oak are nicely together.

This is an open-knit, polished and characterful bottling of The Signature, with heady, bright aromas of cherry chocolate, tomato pulp, red licorice and savory, earthy spices. The palate is powerful yet silky and harmonious, with chiseled, fine tannins, and lovely fruit purity and freshness. Still young and tightly wound now, it should cellar with grace for at least another seven to 10 years.

Fruity, spicy bouquet with an animal touch. Fresh after opening it seems a bit tilted. With aeration, this Cornas develops aromas of dark berries, coffee as well as spicy, herbal elements such as bay leaves and incense. Fruit present on the palate and impetuous in a positive way, very juicy, polished and gentle. This wine retains its wild, animalistic but nevertheless appealing character even over days and should probably mature for a few more years.

This wine is jammy, packed with blackberry fruits and sweetness. It also has intense acidity that shines through all the tannins to give a lighter edge. Drink from 2030. Roger Voss

Dense black cherry, chocolate and marzipan aromas convey a rich, ripe style of Toro, which Numanthia always is. Tight and concentrated on the palate, this tastes of savory black fruit and chocolate. An unyielding finish tastes of blackberry and coffee, all framed by tough lasting tannins. Michael Schachner