Cellar Notes on WYPR

Early Autumn is a transitional period, and so when we make the change from light summer whites to full bodied wines, Viognier is a natural choice.

We’ve seen this California winery start to lead the way in great value wines. Mollie takes a look at The Paring Wines, which are stunning bargains, line priced at $25.

Once the source of cheap jug wine, Lodi County has emerged as a reliable producer of high quality zinfandel. Al looks at three favorites.

Cellar Notes new co-host Mollie McConnell takes a look at one of the greatest of all white grapes, Riesling. She samples dry versions from three great areas.

It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on Italy. New co-host Mollie McConnell joins Hugh and Al for a quick look-see.

A growing number of people are finding it a good idea to switch to non-alcoholic beer. But are any of them any good?

Often caught in the shadow of California, the wines of Washington and Oregon continue to improve and impress. Al takes a look.

Looking for high quality wine at bargain prices? Hugh has found a wine operation that does just that.

Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60

Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite

VALUE = exceptional quality for the money

90+ Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Lot #130 ’23 *** $ SUPER VALUE

(Rich, full bodied, creamy Russian River chard, lots of citrus and stone fruit notes)

90+ Cotes de Provence Rosé, Lot #132 ’23 ** $ VALUE

(Elegant, pale rosé, very fresh aroma and flavors, juicy with mineral finish)

WINE OF THE WEEK

90+ Haut Médoc Lot #202 *** $ SUPER VALUE

(Bordeaux blend, with classic violets, plum, lead pencil and cedar notes throughout)

Red wines in summer come in all sorts of varieties. From light to full-bodied, there’s something available for every occasion. Al samples a few.

The Rhone is renowned for its red wines, but its whites have a place at the table. Hugh looks at this influential style that has spread beyond France.