For me, it's the nicest time of year: still warm, though not baking hot, with the leaves on the turn and the vineyards red and yellow and heady with fruit.
One of the original super Tuscans, this single-vineyard red contains 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc.
Michelle, like some other big wineries, has an ambitious program of single-vineyard reds, including some superb cabernets from the Canoe Ridge and Cold Creek vineyards in the Columbia Valley.
The vineyard's red Seraph, also $20, was much less satisfying.
The first vintage of Kenton Vineyard's red sold out in a jiffy, and those responsible will be unveiling a brand new sparkling white during the upcoming Devon Wine Week (May 24-June 1).
The northern vineyards produce red wines exclusively from the ruby-red syrah (shiraz) grape; the aromatic viognier grape is the most popular for white wines.
Dr. Naumberg's vineyard bottles sweet red table wine, merlot, seyval blanc and a rosé called "Doc's Own," with a drawing of his face on the label.
The vineyard produces six reds and six whites, all made with grapes from its own yards.
The question comes to mind because I have just retasted Pindar Vineyards' Mythology, its red Bordeaux-style blend, from the great 1997 vintage, and was again struck by its singular appeal.
High temperatures are already a reality in the Douro region, whose thriving vineyards produce port and red wines that carry Portugal's most prestigious classification.
