BUYINGGUIDE
126 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | OCTOBER 201996
Lester 2016 Mercurio Lester Family Vine-
yards Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains).
Aromas of game, crushed slate, pomegranate, rasp-
berry and pine kick off the nose. The palate is loaded
with flavors of forest floor, eucalyptus and tarragon,
framed by touches of plum and lavender and finish-
ing on nutmeg. Editors’ Choice. —M.K.
abv: 14.1% Price: $5596
Renato Ratti 2015 Marcenasco (Barolo).
Enticing scents of ripe wild berry, star anise,
menthol and fragrant blue flower mingle with whiffs
of camphor and espresso. The smooth, precise pal-
ate offers crushed raspberry, Marasca cherry, lico-
rice and dried botanical herbs alongside fine-grained
tannins. Fresh acidity lifts the finish. Enjoy through- LUX Wines. Editors’ Choice. —K.O.
abv: 14% Price: $50
95
Domaine Serene 2016 Côte Sud Vineyard
Chardonnay (Dundee Hills). This is a stand-
out single-vineyard Chardonnay from this producer
that’s packed with tones of spicy tree fruits, almond
paste, butter and toasted nuts. The flavors are
seamless and lingering, with a lively finish that sug-
gests it will age gracefully for up to a decade. Drink
through 2029. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.
abv: 13.8% Price: $8095
Spottswoode 2016 Lyndenhurst Cabernet
Sauvignon (Napa Valley). This wine contin-
ues to overdeliver on its price point, offering elegant
yet powerful aromas of fig, forest floor and earth.
Firm tannins offer grip around flavors of black cur-
rant, sage, cedar and flint, with spicy clove lingering
on the finish. Editors’ Choice. —V.B.
abv: 14.5% Price: $8594
Calera 2016 Jensen Vineyard Pinot Noir (Mt.
Harlan). Strong aromas of black cherry and
Christmas spice are plump on the nose, while the
palate is minty and earthy, combining sagebrush,
raspberry and cranberry flavors. From a brand that
was recently purchased by Duckhorn, this is a com-
plex, layered wine. —M.K.
abv: 14.8% Price: $9594
Domaine Serene 2016 Triple S Vineyard
Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills). A bright baking-
spice aroma instantly captures your attention, lead-
ing into high-toned raspberry and blackberry notes.
The flavors penetrate deeply on the palate, while the
focus and length of the wine make it a fine candi-
date for cellaring. Drink now–2030. Cellar Selec-
tion. —P.G.
abv: 14.3% Price: $9594
Fontanafredda 2015 del Comune di Ser-
ralunga d’Alba (Barolo). Aromas of wood-
land berry, rose, eucalyptus and forest floor are
front and center. Elegant yet structured, the focused
palate offers juicy cranberry, wild cherry and star
anise accompanied by fine-grained tannins. Drink
2021–2027. Taub Family Selections. Editors’
Choice. —K.O.
abv: 14% Price: $4594
Fontanafredda 2015 Proprietà in Fon-
tanafredda (Barolo). Aromas of camphor,
rose and star anise mingle with whiffs of woodland
berry and tilled earth on the nose. Precise and pol-
ished, the elegantly structured palate delivers juicy
Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, white pepper
and cinnamon, while fine-grained tannins provide
support. It’s balanced by fresh acidity. Drink 2022–- Taub Family Selections. —K.O.
abv: 14% Price: $99
94
J. Davies 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Dia-
mond Mountain District). This wine has a
supple succulence of black fruit on the midpalate
that’s accented by earthy, savory spice. Dark cherry
and plum take on bolder, concentrated richness
as the wine opens, with expansive, grippy tannins
lending support. Enjoy 2026–2031. Cellar Selec-
tion. —V.B.
abv: 14.7% Price: $155