This is one of those wines where your nose is in the glass for ages, enjoying the complex array of aromas that range from raspberries to dates, perfumed bark to polished wood, pressed flowers to fresh mushrooms...

With the 2016 still being held for release down the road as it slowly comes into focus, today it's the 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta that is being released into the market. This is dark, sultry and...

Just about perfection in a glass, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier reveals a deep purple color as well as extraordinary notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, smoked meats, incense, and dried flowers...

A beautiful red with rather flamboyant fruit, showing crushed berries, flowers and some chocolate and walnut undertones. It’s full-bodied and layered. Creamy texture. Drink or hold.

Cabernet Franc (42%) is in the lead on this wine, with Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), Petit Verdot (17%) and Merlot following. Brooding aromas of black currant, anise, dried and fresh herb, scorched earth and boysenberry lead...

The 2017 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Il Bugiardo displays an inviting mix of blackberries, sage, roses, chalk dust and hints of camphor. This is full-bodied with depths of silky textures and a dense core of...

Even better (as well as a perfect wine), the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Collection Charles Giraud checks in as a nominal blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre that was brought up in demi-muids. It reveals a deep purple...

A cuvée made for winemaker Brennen Leighton's wife and a field blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 5% Syrah, the 2017 Gratitude ranks with the finest Mourvèdres to come from the state. Awesome notes of black...

I’ve always loved the Two Acres cuvée from Officer, and his 2017 Two Acres doesn’t disappoint, although I think it’s a small step back from the 2016. Mostly Mourvèdre from deep loam and clay soils, it offers tons of...

Dark, bright-rimmed violet. Dark berries, cherry pit and licorice on the pungent nose, along with an emerging floral nuance. Broad and fleshy, showing very good depth and a hint of smokiness to bitter cherry and cassis...

A valpo with lots of crushed-berry, chocolate and walnut aromas and flavors. So much fruit, yet it’s tight with form and focus. Lightly chewy and polished. Delicious now.

As always, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache (from La Serres, La Crau, and La Guigasse) that was not destemmed and was brought up all in used demi-muids. It's an extraordinary wine, offering...

Dense tannins mark this wine out. It has a dry core that still dominates the black fruits. A juicy character does pervade the wine, giving promise for the long-term future. Drink this wine from 2025. — Roger Voss

A very beautiful, succulent red, showing lavender, sage, conifer and rosemary with black and blue fruit. Full-bodied with firm, lightly chewy tannins and a sturdy, very elegant finish. 80% cabernet franc, 17% merlot and...