Reviews

Only a slight quiver of smokiness intrudes on the wet chalk and lemon nose of this wine. The palate is striking in its serenity and balance, an apt representation of the ripe 2018 vintage. It offers immense juiciness but somehow, the age-old limestone complexity takes the lead, affirming that over the years, only depth will matter. Nonetheless, the wine has immense charm, smooth texture and absolute freshness. ANNE KREBIEHL MW

But just as delicious and seven dollars less is the 2018 Joliesse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from California (Vintages 16564, $17). So, if you’re a J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet fan, this wine is worth grabbing. About 2,000 cases of this wine were released Oct. 31, so there’s still some around, and it’s a lovely bottle. Expect heady scents of blackcurrant liqueur, blackberry cobbler and melting dark chocolate that lead to a lush, saturated entry. Swirling flavours of black cherries and cream, chocolate and cedar, and a touch of black coffee on the finish balance lively fruit with a touch of tension. An easy-drinking Californian that’s sure to please. Pour a glass of this with your favourite takeout cheeseburger for immediate pleasure.

Dense purple-black in colour; cedary, black fruits on the nose with evident spicy oak; medium to full-bodied, dry, juicy, ripe black plum and blackcurrant flavour; well-balanced and lingering.

This plush blend of Grenache and Syrah offers rich blueberry and mulberry flavors lifted by hints of wild mint, crushed stone and smoke. Enveloped by fine, feathery tannins, it's welcoming in its youth but concentrated enough to drink well through 2030. -ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA

Plump, pristine cassis and mulberry flavors maintain transparency in this unoaked blend of Grenache and Syrah. It's decadent and ripe but briskly balanced on the midpalate. Silky, integrated tannins accentuate its immediately enjoyable style. -ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA

Liquorice, spice and herbal aromas with a hint of reduction cede to a juicy, concentrated and layered palate with notes of spicy oak and blackberry. Classy, long and focused.

Lovely brambly nose and crunchy red berry palate. This is beautifully balanced and very drinkable even in its youth with very good length. Quite a charmer and great value for money.

Delicate aromas of lifted floral, pepper and herbal notes, lead on to Morello cherry and soft spice on the palate.
 

This ripe red shows good drive, letting cassis, cherry and plum puree notes race along, with a graphite spine for support, while light toast, savory and apple wood details dot the finish. Drink now through 2026. — JM

The 2018 Secret Blend is composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc. The nose is a little closed to begin, offering glimpses at broody charcoal, fertile loam and truffle-inspired scents over a core of cassis, black plums and boysenberries with hints of lilacs, Indian spices and Provence herbs. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy texture and bags of freshness, finishing long and spicy. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown