$16.95 – Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2018

A repeat from last year’s list. Winemaker Shiraz Mottiar has a special knack for knocking rosé out of the park, even at the winery’s iconic, entry-level Ladybug. The 2018 vintage—a more evenly weighted blend than last year, featuring 45% Cab Franc, 35% Gamay Noir and...

$16.95 – Wolf Blass 2017 Shiraz

Dense, almost inky maroon/purple. On the nose, there’s a light dusting of pepper overtop a rich, plummy, mulberry/blackberry base. The pepper is mostly gone, though, by the time it reaches your lips, at which point an earthy dark fruit assumes the reins in this nicely...

$14.95 – Wakefield Promised Land 2017

Plump and juicy, with a 14% alcohol that complements the arrangement. A little wet forest floor, plums and currants on the nose, leading to a more fleshy red berry palate in this soft Shiraz. I recommend a slight chill to pull away some of the chocolate sweetness. Not...

$14.95 – Vineland Estate Cabernet Franc 2017

In many ways, this is winemaker Brian Schmidt’s defining wine each vintage. I have written many times that it is the measure of the vintage at Vineland Estates, the one wine you can judge a portfolio by, or at least get a feel for all the wines that come before and...