Premier: Wine Made Easy

This blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah has a very rustic peasant quality with a balanced display of cherry fruit and smokiness akin to BBQ. My colleague Paul makes an amazing ratatouille that goes seamlessly with this wine. Ask him for his recipe when you come in to buy the wine; they both are well worth trying.

This 2009 Cotes du Rhone exemplifies the superiority of the vintage as a whole. Kirsch hits the nose first and foremost with nutty caramel underneath and a barely noticeable raisin quality. Apple skin tannins accompany the kirsch (cherry) on the tongue with a smidge of sweet rye bread toast. The finish is at least 30 seconds long. The finish leaves raspberry, strawberry and a touch of anise lingering on the palate. The wine held up for a second day with no loss of enjoyment. Put some lamb chops on the grill and open a bottle or three with friends and family.

Let this surprising beauty breathe for about 25 minutes and you will be awed. Aromas of cherries, anise, fennel and just a touch of spearmint all waft up over the next half hour. The aromas together reminded me of red licorice from my childhood at the old candy store three blocks from the house I grew up in. Tastes of red licorice and dark roast coffee beans covered in dark chocolate dominate the first period of time, but later rosemary, thyme and raspberries are much more in evidence. This wine is an almost perfect balance between fruit bomb shiraz and northern syrah. Drink it over the next couple years.

So often an Australian Shiraz is just a shadow of its former self at five or six years old. The Victor Shiraz is still definitely Australian, but leaning toward the old world with a taste of charcuterie (sausage). This taste sets it apart from most other Australian Shiraz in the price range.

A perfect wine for the weather and foods of holidays from now until the new year. Copious amounts of red and black fruits equally matched with spicy tannins. This concentrated Napa Valley Claret eclipses the nearly unquaffable Claret (Chateau Thames Embankment) “enjoyed” by one of my favorite fictional characters, Horace Rumpole. His character might not have been so gruff had he enjoyed this wonderful wine. Enjoy the perfect match: this wine with your own touch of England this holiday season, standing rib roast with Yorkshire pudding on the side.

Mangoes, nectarines and limes on the nose and palate. Just a hint of oak in the background gives this wine harmonious balance and the respect it deserves. It is the Chardonnay to bridge the gap between oak and non-oak lovers. It is a veritable United Nations of Chardonnays.

Aromas of flowering citrus give bloom to flavors of nectarines, tangerines and jostaberries. Clean and crisp, but with a broad, lasting finish that places this wine in the realm of premium, world class Sauvignon Blanc — without the inflated price. Enjoy on its own or with grilled vegetables, chicken, fish and shellfish.

The color is greenish-gold. Aromas of pineapples and pears with a touch of yeast from the lees. The alcohol ebbs and flows within a very pleasant range on the tongue. Think of warm homemade applesauce with a dollop of apple butter and a touch of cinnamon spice sprinkled on top. It has a firm weight in the mouth without being heavy. The long finish is punctuated by wisps of oak and wild raspberries.