I had the pleasure of tasting with Scott Palazzo on a recent trip of his to Nashville. His entire lineup was outstanding (including his beautiful, classic “Right Bank” blend and Cabernet Franc). This sneaky gem, though, was a surprise: a predominantly Semillon-based Bordeaux blanc style wine. Stones, white flower pollen, and hints of salt water build a solid scent, but it’s the mouthfeel of this wine that paints it as this beautiful enigma. It’s full and sumptuous but feels weightless in the mouth, as if defying gravity. The core is a nucleus of rich peardrop with touches of mango which seems enveloped in a forcefield of crystalline pebble rainwater that glides each sip seamlessly off your palate. Layers of subtleties with a clean profile also make it suitable for tons of food occasions. A unique adventure of a wine. 92 pts.

Normally there’s some space between reviews, but this Russian River Valley gem was a standout from a tasting this afternoon. Lovely wafts of fresh dark roses and ripe red berries carry the aromas, transitioning into an incredibly elegant, soft cherry and strawberry palate that keeps the floral elements lingering. The acidity on this wine is phenomenal, helping the wine dance pirouettes in your mouth. This may be the most refined and complete California pinot noir I’ve had in a long time; seductive in profile, yet coy and uplifting in presence. It’s absolutely gorgeous. 93 pts.

(Madiran; 60% Tannat, 40% Cabernet Franc) Attractive nose of campfire smoke, spiced blackberries, dates, and prunes with slight floral hints of violets; lingering bursts of sweet clove dance throughout. There’s a sappy yet dry/stalky composure to the mouthfeel, showing red and black plums, craisins, black olives, and a dusting of soft, dark clay. Tannins (as to be expected from Tannat) show their grip, but it does retain a good acid balance. A nice offering but comes across somewhat as a solid boxer that lacks a decisive finishing blow. The value here, though, is superb. 89+ pts.

The Triple C, a Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Carmenere blend, was my first big Chilean infatuation (I started with the 2007 vintage, however). Here, there’s a fantastic nose of black olive, burnt balsamic reduction with prunes, and charred black cherries amid hints of celery, graphite, and asparagus. Palate transitions into a fruitier wave of smoky cherry & black raspberry pie with touches of red salsa and subtle notes of baking spices. The palate is a touch candy-er and more jammy than the sensational 2007…but even though it’s a bit less my taste because of it, that result probably makes it appealing to more drinkers. The ’07 is still the better vintage, in my view, but this is pretty rock solid and wonderfully balanced. 92+ pts.

Chilean Syrah from perhaps the most preeminent producer in Coquimbo. This is an intensely concentrated, near-black, purple beast. And, by “beast” I’m also hinting at an explosive nose of cured venison and boar meat. Underneath that, you find notes of bitter black cherries and blackberries with good old boldo making its usual appearance. The palate is incredibly rich and ripe…perhaps too ripe. Loads of blackberry and blueberry pie fruit splash up front before the mid palate swings through with the aforementioned meat flavors. Lingering notes of black pepper and boldo mix very nicely. Delicate tannins and relatively bright acidity lead me to think this could be more refined if given a few years. In the meantime, I think new world powerbomb fans will love the lush fruit palate. 92 pts.

The nose is both interesting and bewildering: it’s a base of bitter raspberry mocha with a splash of crème de menthe followed by spearmint leaf and a stalky vegetal note. The mouthfeel is a bit on the thinner side, and while the red chalky elements I’m perhaps compelled to associate with Coonawarra do flicker in conjunction with the fruit, it feels as if there are noticeable traces of imbalanced acidification that linger uncomfortably. A lot of nifty components here, but they don’t seem to be coming together. 82 pts.

Under-ripened green notes hold back what could be an otherwise beautiful offering here. The nose smacks of hearty classic boldo and basil leaf with molasses-baked plum; the entire meat-oriented, dessicated spice rack could be making a cameo here also. Velvety, dusty blackberries and dark plums taking their rite of passage into prunehood hold a good core of the palate but as much as I have a fondness for the leafy spice elements of Chilean wines, it comes across slightly imbalanced here, not letting the fruit shine through sufficiently. Every other sip or so seems to hint at an untapped potential, lost either specifically in this bottle or in this specific vintage (and/or perhaps in it being just past its prime). 86 pts.

I love the region of Alsace. It has always been a consistent go-to for me for dry white wines, but recently the Pinot Noir’s of the region have been catching my attention. Many are quaffable, especially when slightly chilled, but some can really hold their own. I think Laurent Barth has produced a great biodynamic sipper here. While not overly complex, the wine shows a very aromatic character with notes of fresh strawberry, muddled cherry, and rhubarb. There is a backbone of minerality that really emphasizes the region, and an ever so slight petillance that keeps you coming back for more. Wet rock, compost, and the quintessential potpourri make this Pinot Noir exceptionally drinkable. A wine meant more for drinking with a meal rather than long contemplation- I am a fan. 89pts.

(Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.) Where old worlders and new worlders collide. Nose of raisinated plums & blackberries, burnt cedar, and toasted dark herbs & pepper dusted upon fresh black mulch over farmstead soil. On the palate, tobacco & bitter dark chocolate meld with balsamic-soaked black cherries & black raspberries amid rainforest underbrush. If not for hints of candied fruit, this could get pegged for a very ripe-year Bordeaux. Solid acidity and tannins, although the alcohol is a bit sharp. 92.