Buying Guide > All Wineries > O >

Oriel Wines

Sort By:

Oriel 2004 Sygnet Shiraz (McLaren Vale)

Cellar Selection

Price $75

Part of what is supposed to be a global ultrapremium wine brand, Oriel’s Sygnet Shiraz is a terrific effort, made with the help of John Duval (ex Penfolds). Bold aromas and flavors of red raspberries are underscored by hints of dark chocolate, vanilla and toasted coconut, and the wine is full-bodied and dense in the mouth, plushly textured and long on the finish… — J.C. (8/1/2008)

Oriel 2007 Midnight Rambler Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

Online Exclusive

Price $35

This is a very rich 100% Cabernet. It’s not particularly Rutherford-esque, if that means anything anymore, but it is a full-bodied, varietally true wine, with deep flavors of blackberries and blackcurrants. The tannins and acids, however, are awkward, suggesting a good six years in the cellar. — S.H. (12/22/2011)

Oriel 2001 Altezza Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Price $75

Here’s a nicely evolved Brunello with earthy tones that are often associated with the Sangiovese Grosso grape. You’ll get dried berry, blackberry, exotic spice and a playful touch of bacon fat that adds dimension and depth. The wine is thick and hearty on the palate, so try a pairing with lamb or game meat. — M.L. (3/1/2010)

Oriel 2005 Jocunda Red (Gigondas)

Price $35

Made by Louis Barruol of Saint-Cosme, this is a creamy-textured, dense blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. It delivers plum-scented fruit accented by baking spices and licorice and balancing its tannic heft with ample length. Drink now–2018. — J.C. (12/15/2009)

Oriel 2004 Ondine White (Sauternes)

Made at the Sauternes classed growth Château Guiraud, this is part of a worldwide range of wines under the Oriel brand. As it matures, its marmalade flavors are mellowing, giving a rich nut and honey wine, with bursts of acidity and the potential for another few years’ aging. — R.V. (6/1/2010)

Oriel 2006 Hugo Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Price $25

A robust, friendly Zinfandel, filled with the spices and briary fruits of this variety. Floods the mouth with blackberries, cherries, raspberries and something gamier, like mulberries, with intricacies of leather, tobacco, sandalwood and pepper. Delicious. — S.H. (12/15/2009)

Oriel 2004 Solona Syrah (Napa Valley)

Price $75

With tough, astringent tannins and crisp acidity, this Syrah is pretty locked down, even though it’s nearly 4 years old. It has the generous fruit typical of Napa Valley, with polished black currant, black cherry, pomegranate and orange flavors, but those tannins put a straitjacket on the wine. Could come around in a few years, but it’s hard to tell. — S.H. (11/1/2008)

Oriel 2006 Jasper Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Price $30

A very nice Pinot Noir, rich and vibrant, that needs smoky, grilled meat or a nice slice of Gouda to show its stuff. Dry and crisp in acidity, its flavors of black cherries, grilled black raspberries and cedary oak flood the palate, leading to a long, spicy finish. — S.H. (11/1/2008)

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Albariño Barbera Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Grüner Veltliner Italian Red Pinot Noir Red Blend Rhône-style Red Blend Sangiovese Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah Sparkling White Blend Zinfandel

Most Reviewed Regions

Napa Valley Russian River Valley Rutherford Sonoma Coast

2008 Rodney Strong Symmetry

Symmetry is Rodney Strong’s most important red wine, the one they pull…

(Sponsored)