Before I tell you about some our most popular wines that are thankfully now back in stock, I had better take care of International Riesling Day, as it is celebrated tomorrow.

2018 Dr Loosen Dr L Riesling is a textbook introduction to the delicious character of quality Mosel riesling from Germany. Aromas of white peach, Granny Smith apple, Bosq pear, and lemon zest. Slightly sweet with clean, crisp, lip-smacking acidity that perfectly balances the citrus, stone fruit and wet slate flavours. Low in alcohol – only 8.5 per cent.

Very versatile with a wide range of foods. Try with your favourite spicy chicken or pork dish, smoked salmon, Asian salad or even barbecue. Fantastic on its own as well, ideal low alcohol sipper.

Here is the Wine Enthusiast’s opinion: “Pristine pink grapefruit and blossom notes extend from nose to finish in this fantastic value riesling. Zesty and spry, it offers concentrated citrus and guava flavours filigreed by crystalline cuts of slate and steel. It's delicious already but should hold through 2023. 90/100.” $19.85 (Stock #8577).

Bogle wines are rather a staple in our home and while paying particular attention to New Zealand during these days of the America’s Cup, I have found out that they are amongst the most asked for California wines in that far away land of wine, sheep and sailors. One reviewer there even calls them “mind-Bogle-ing wines”. For me Bogle just says ’I am Californian with all my sunshine and excitement and I am not trying to quieten this in any way by trying to be European, or anything else.’

2017 Bogle Phantom shows what happens when you combine petite sirah, zinfandel, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Enticing and enveloping, this mysterious apparition of ripe berry and relentless spice, returns to tantalise wine lovers. Emerging from the shadows with concentration and intensity, this wine will haunt you with every sip. Black pepper, juniper and cranberry spark your senses, while a rustic jamminess soothes your soul with its familiarity. Full-bodied flavours of black plums and berries bewitch the palate. Touches of cedar boxes and spice surround the finish. Wine Enthusiast rates it 90/100. $29.75 (Stock #8045).

2017 Bogle Essential Red is another heart-warming blend so appreciated on a chilly March evening. Here they offer a compelling blend of old vine zinfandel, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah that is aged in American oak, a wood that always gives me a cosy feeling. Reviewer Wilfred Wong awards it 88/100 and says that it “plays smoothly from start to finish”. $22.90 (Stock #8040).

For their 2018 Bogle Pinot Noir the winemakers have sourced fruit from the best growing regions in California for the varietal. The terroirs of the cool Russian River Valley, coastal Monterey hills and the unique Clarksburg Delta all grow fruit of character and distinction. Combined, the resulting wine is an elegant, classic pinot noir. Mr Wong also feels that this deserves 88/100 as he writes of “soft yet persistent aromas and flavours of black fruit and a hint of meatiness”.

I like to enjoy it when my wife bakes salmon for dinner. $23.80 (Stock #8046).

2019 Bogle Chardonnay is the epitome of a handcrafted wine: harvested by hand and whole cluster pressed, half of the grapes go directly into stainless steel tanks to retain their crisp, fresh nature. The other half are fermented in new American oak, where they age on the lees for eight months, with monthly stirring. The finished wine is blended together just before bottling, bringing together a complex yet delightful quaff.

Green apple and pear aromas classically characterise this wine as being from Clarksburg, while honeycomb and vanilla heighten the first impression. The rich, round entry rolls into a viscous and silky mouthfeel, surrounded by Asian pears and Honeycrisp apples. The finish lingers long and soft, like the wafting aromas of warm apple pie. This Bogle wine is certified sustainable by the California rules for sustainable wine-growing and proudly bears the symbol on the label. $21.55 (Stock #8035).

In the late 1960s Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions while searching for the ideal location for a vineyard. Raised on a South Dakota farm he was armed with an innate sense for the intricacies of climate, soil quality and location. He selected the Arroyo Secco appellation of Monterey County and released his first wine in 1974.

One of our most asked for wines is J Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon and we have just received the 2018 that offers velvety richness and supple tannins along with ripe cherries, black currants, vanilla and spice. Wine Enthusiast awards it 91/100 and says: “For an affordable wine that’s available almost everywhere in the country, this bottling is hard to beat. Fresh aromas of black currant, elderberry, lilac, pepper and charcoal lead into a rich palate of cassis, oak and charred beef, all lifted by herbs and peppercorns.” Wilfred Wong calls it “one of the most reliable cabernets in the marketplace”. $26.75 (Stock #7993).

As I write this on Monday morning, the wind is howling and the temperature outside is 61F and so I will end with one more wine that is quite warming with its full body. We will go to the 2019 J Lohr Riverstone Chadonnay. Their winemaker Kristen Barnhisel, has this to say about it: “Exhibits youthful hues of light straw. The enticing aromas are reminiscent of ripe orange, fresh nectarine, and hazelnut, which are complemented by the palate flavours of apricot, ripe peach, and honey. The rich texture and balance on the palate from ageing sur lie gives way to flavours of vanilla, citrus cream, and a hint of oak on the long finish.”

I will follow that with the opinion Wine Enthusiast magazine: “90/100. Opulent aromas of ripe pear, gardenia, apple and coconut show on the nose of this bottling. It's racy with acidity on the sip, where a tart lemon flavour leads into apple blossom, poached pear and pineapple, with a slight butter tone on the finish.” $24.40 (Stock #7988).

This column is an advertorial for Burrows Lightbourn Ltd. Contact Michael Robinson at mrobinson@bll.bm. Burrows Lightbourn have stores in Hamilton (Front Street East, 295-1554) and Paget (Harbour Road, 236-0355). Visit www.wineonline.bm