Brought in to compensate for the flawed Sancerre yesterday. Strong lychee note in addition to gooseberry and a touch of grass. Not as harsh as many NZ SBs. Good acid but also a fair amount of body. A touch too bitter on the finish, forcing the finish to retreat entirely to the throat. Excellent, but not outstanding. And criminally overpriced these days. 13.5%, $33.

A little smoky/warm. Nose has a worrying note a "cheap red wine" (a headache lurks). Fortunately, this is only a minor element once it's in the mouth - pretty pleasant, a little residual sugar. Fatter than many rosés, and a touch too alcoholic, but not half bad. 14%, $13.

Darker than I expected. Quite a rich nose - warm plum, redcurrant, baked strawberries. A touch too late (read: empty) on the palate, but actually very pleasant. A touch of volatile acidity, but excellent balance. 13%, $22.

SO GOOD! This nose is dominated by sweet ripe plum flesh, spicy wood and a gentle floral note. Light to medium tannin, a touch spiky, warm and elegant fruit, and a fair amount of oak - verging on too much for me, but just about staying in check. Not overdone in any way, this handles its 14.5% alcohol like a champ. Drinking beautifully now but still plenty of room to grow. 1288 cases. 14.5%, $48.

Pretty interesting nose dominated by cherry drops, with a touch of oak. A bit vinous, not in a good way. Shows pretty well on the palate - this cherry drop note running through the whole thing and re-emerging on the finish is really - to me - what keeps this from being just another drinkable but dreary Barbera d'Asti. 13.5%, $24.

Not the best wine of the evening but possibly my favorite. A little funky on the nose, slightly vegetal - almost like Im smelling the vine. In contrast to the claims of this being past it, I actually think this needs a little more time. This is a Goldilocks wine for me - everything is juuuust right. Perfectly ripe - not overripe - fruit, potential for improvement, lots of ripe raspberry and cranberry but something deeper, too. Not too alcoholic either, and a pretty fair price in my book - 12%, $26.

By rights I should be scoring this higher. After 1 hour's decanting: lovely savory, meaty nose, a touch oxidized, a touch raisined. Very high acid, but kept in check by the rich, spicy fruit. Medium chalky tannins. But too hot and uninspiring. This wine is technically virtually flawless but it does not grab me. Of all this wines this evening, I did not find myself craving more of this. 14.5%, $33.

Musky, leathery, baked fruit, balsamic, and - I rarely use this descriptor, but it really is appropriate here - pencil shavings. Still feels like a baby, but already stunning. Bold, tannic, peppery, warm & rich. Should improve further. 14%, $64.

I remain unconvinced by this line. Overripe fruit (lots of blackberry) and blood come through on the nose and palate. Too hot - alcohol is totally out of whack on this one. 93% Merlot, 3% Cab. Franc, 2% Cab. Sauv., 2% Malbec. 14.5%, $23.

Touch of blackcurrant, but otherwise not much going on on the nose. Classic Cali Cab profile but feels a little dilute. Not as hot as the Merlot, but not as great an intensity of fruit, either. Surprisingly short finish. Better balanced than the Merlot. Very pleasant but not much more. Another disappointing wine from Mondavi. 75% Cab Sauv., 11% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc, 2% Syrah, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec. 14.5%, $25.

Black grape + cranberry + plum nose. Pretty vanillic - plenty of oak. Very juicy, fruity palate - tastes a lot like candy. Extremely tasty if you like that kind of thing. A little over-the-top for me, but excellent stuff regardless. 100% Zinfandel. 14.5%, $29.

Whole peppercorns and spicy spicy fruit. Very vibrant - plenty of acidity, medium tannin, perfect low-medium oaking. I rarely call wines elegant, but this is a beauty, and so youthful! A shame it's so expensive. 13.5%, $125.

Very intense. Almond, prune, plum skin, raisined, very fruity and delicious. Very alcoholic - if a wine is going to be this overpowering, it had better be absolutely mind-bogglingly delicious. This doesn't quite manage. 15%, $86.