The 2017 Le Lucere is a polished Brunello from San Filippo, showcasing an elegant side of Sangiovese. With high praise from critics and a cult-like following, this wine brings layered aromatics, refined tannins, and a long, savory finish. Though we came in slightly below the consensus, it’s undeniably well-crafted.
Kermit Lynch strikes again. At $25, the 2021 Patrimonio Rosé from Domaine Giacometti delivers exactly what you’d want from a Corsican rosé: crisp fruit, subtle mineral tension, and a whole lot of Mediterranean charm. It’s light enough for lazy beach days but layered enough to keep your palate interested.
The 2019 Martin Woods Rosé is not your average pink wine. Made from an eclectic blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling, it’s as much a snapshot of Willamette Valley’s cool-climate charm as it is a breezy, food-friendly sipper. Layered, zippy, and quietly complex.
The 2019 Melville Estate Syrah is a striking example of cool-climate Syrah from California’s Sta. Rita Hills. With layers of black pepper, dark berries, and a touch of smoky intrigue, this wine balances power and finesse. It’s structured, aromatic, and built to age, making it a compelling choice for Syrah
A bold blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah from California’s Sta. Rita Hills, the 2019 Second Street Cuvée leans into ripe black fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. With pronounced aromatics, firm tannins, and elevated alcohol, this wine shows off the region’s warmer tendencies while retaining structure for near-term cellaring.
From a breezy, coastal vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, this 2021 Pinot Noir delivers savory aromatics, firm structure, and persistent length. Winemaker Samra Morris builds a detailed, site-reflective wine that balances ripe black cherry fruit with herbaceous and earthy notes. A poised expression suited for decanting or mid-term cellaring.
The 2020 Hidden Asset from Santa Barbara County is a full-bodied red blend that showcases black fruit, spice, and savory complexity. Aged in French oak for 16 months, it brings structure and depth without veering into excess. Approachable now, it’s built to evolve through 2035.
The 2019 Wädenswil Block Pinot Noir from Irvine & Roberts showcases what makes Oregon’s Rogue Valley so special. With layers of black cherry, olive, and cedar, this wine balances elegance and complexity, making it a rewarding sip now and a promising bottle for the cellar. It’s a gem worth exploring.
Blending Sangiovese with Bordeaux varietals, the 2022 Cielo Rubio offers a structured, full-bodied take on the Super Tuscan model, reimagined in California’s Central Coast. With pronounced aromatics and firm tannins, this wine favors a measured decant and cellaring potential through 2037.
Bursting with ripe peaches, juicy pears, and hints of sweet honeysuckle, the 2016 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Florimont” from Alsace strikes a perfect balance between richness and elegance. Samuel Tottoli’s craftsmanship shines in this vibrant yet sophisticated white, promising enjoyment now through the next decade.
The 2020 Syrah Gamma from Ampelos Cellars delivers a structured, cool-climate take on Syrah, shaped by biodynamic farming and native fermentation. Ripe black fruit meets savory depth, supported by firm tannins and a long finish. It’s a grounded expression of Sta. Rita Hills has the structure to evolve through 2035.
A bold, full-throttle Cabernet from Santa Barbara County, the 2017 Dark Water Reserve is a masterclass in structure and intensity. With rich layers of black fruit, graphite, and violet, this wine doesn’t hold back, and neither does the winemaker behind it.
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