"This rather distinctive version offers a fun burst of blood orange, damson plum and bitter cherry notes backed by singed clove, red tea and orange zest hints that skitter throughout. There's some youthful grip to shed on the taut, lively finish."

“A fruit-driven offering, with plum pâte de fruit, maraschino cherry and steeped boysenberry notes pumping through, coated with black licorice and backed by an alluring flash of singed apple wood. The fruit turns to mulled in feel on the long, plush finish. Lots to like here.”

“An expressive white, with a savory, minerally edge that’s distinctive and crisp, imparting elegance and restraint to the core fruit flavors.”

“Bright and focused, the 2019 bristles with energy. Strong Cabernet inflections give this mid-weight red tons of aromatic presence to match its mid-weight personality. Dark red/blue fruits, mint, blood orange, spice, leather and mocha are some of the notes that emerge over time. Like all the best wines here, the Belle Cousine offers outstanding focus, clarity and freshness.”

“The purity of the flavors is remarkable. Bright dark fruit, flowers, spice, mint and leather are all finely knit in a Syrah that impresses with its delineation and total class. The 2019 is such a sensual wine that it will be tempting early, but I have seen these Syrahs blossom with time. I expect that will be the case here as well.”

“Shows great focus and tension, along with the natural richness that is so characteristic of this site. Lemon confit, honeysuckle, white flowers and a kiss of French oak all grace this attractive Chardonnay from Hyde De Villaine. There's real depth and intensity here.”

“Wonderfully rendered, with a lush and inviting wave of griotte, plum puree and raspberry coulis notes that stretch out, while notes of anise, wood spice and red tea fill in. The sleek mineral underpinning adds subtle contrast to the very expressive fruit. Lovely.” 

"This stunning version offers a pure beam of white nectarine, mango and ripe Bartlett pear flavors that mingle with notes of pound cake, toasted, salted hazelnut and nutmeg on a supple, rich frame, which draws focus from a bright thread of acidity."

Lots of straw, cooked apple, citrus and peach. Hints of jasmine and light vanilla cream. Full-bodied with nice layering and purity and a round,creamy textured.

Lots of violets, roses and hibiscus with some dried strawberry on the nose. Full-bodied with smoky, smooth tannins and lovely balance and freshness. Hints of smoked meat to the fruit. Firm and bright.

Elegantly fruity, with tropical nuances to the rich white fruit and spice flavors that are well-structured. Tangerine hints midpalate lead to a spicy finish that offers brioche accents.

Silky tannins add to its sheer appeal. Dark blue/purplish fruit, spice, licorice and menthol are some of the many notes that open in the glass. This distinctly Pinot-leaning Syrah delivers the goods.

It is bold but also rustic, with brawny tannins that add to an impression of wildness. Dark fruit, tobacco, chocolate, spice and strong savory accents fill out the layers.

A solid wine with tile, iron, spice, clove and strawberry character. Full-bodied and very chewy but shows freshness and brightness….Flavorful finish.

Opulent aromas of cooked apple, lemon rind, light praline and stone. Full-bodied with linear and lively acidity that runs through the wine. Energetic and bright with tightness and structure. Steely.

Meat and spice with some pepper and fresh herbs. Tea leaf and tobacco, too. Attractive dark fruit. Raspberries, some blackberries and orange zest. Medium-to full-bodied with round, tight tannins and a fine finish. Shows pretty texture

Aromas of blackcurrants and sweet tobacco with some dried earth. Hints of dried herbs, too. Medium-to full-bodied with black olive and blueberry and hints of firm, chewy tannins. Fresh and juicy finish.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Ygnacia Hyde Vineyard is stellar. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal and spice all soar out of the glass. Effusive and silky, with tremendous presence, the Ygnacia is a real charmer. Readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine.

"Lots of straw, cooked apple, citrus and peach. Hints of jasmine and light vanilla cream. Full-bodied with nice layering and purity and a round,creamy textured."

Dried raspberry and strawberry with bark and black tea on the nose. Medium to full body and firm, silky tannins. Stone and salt-cube undertones. Savory finish. Turns rich and decadent at the end. Drink or hold.