Reviews

The No. 17 (Cabernet Franc) is bursting at the seams with blackberry jam, espresso, chocolate, spice, new leather and menthol. Potent and yet well-balanced for such a big wine, the 2018 has much to recommend it. This ample, full-throttle wine will drink beautifully for another decade or so.

Notes of lemon-flecked cornmeal and ripe Mirabelle are distinct but subtle on the nose of this wine. The palate adds juicy pear to the Mirabelle richness. Yeastiness anchors the fruit while gentle lemon provides freshness. This wine is rounded and harmonious, with a bright finish. ANNE KREBIEHL MW

Subtle pear, hazelnut and lemon shimmer on this wine's shy nose. The palate brings in roundness and ripeness, think luscious Mirabelle with a touch of honey. Juicy and ripe lemon pervades all with its freshness while a smooth texture adds a balmy background. The wine has lovely harmony and balance. ANNE KREBIEHL MW

Subtle smoke wraps itself around light notions of ripe Mirabelle on this wine's nose. Gentleness also defines the palate where well-captured ripeness is met with smoothest texture and a little smokiness, all illuminated by pure lemon freshness. This wine has a lovely balance and much elegance. 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

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