Wine Reviews

Stunning and expressive, showing crisp flavors of cherry, pomegranate and raspberry, with hints of peppery rose petals, fresh loam and palo santo, plus a touch of dried thyme. Notes of Pu’er tea linger on the velvety finish.

This historic estate in the Douro Superior has produced a beautifully silky Port. Under the tannins and dark black fruits, the balance of sweetness and the Vargellas signature violet flavors give a wine with great longevity and concentration.

A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up

Intense peppery nose of ripe red and dark fruit, cured meat, dried rose hips, cedar and hints of tar. Full-bodied, structured and nicely framed with firm, compact tannins. Broad and textural, with delicious, succulent fruit underneath. Long and balanced

A deep, complex bouquet of white fruits, jasmine, flowers, honeysuckle, ripe orchard fruits and spices introduces the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Clos de Beauvenir, a full-bodied, round wine with a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids, a layered palate and a long, delicate, ethereal finish enhanced by a delicate phenolic aftertaste.