GroNLP/ik-nlp-22_winemag · Datasets at Hugging Face

index int64 1 130k	country stringclasses 8 values	description stringlengths 34 829	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 3.3k	province stringclasses 21 values	variety stringlengths 4 26
117,581	US	Showing Talley's distinctive elegance and brilliant structure, this Chard is a blend of the Rincon and Rosemary's vineyards. The wine's architecture really makes it special, with acidity and dusty tannins providing the bare bones to the lemon, lime, pineapple and mango fruit. A great wine to have with food.	90	26	California	Chardonnay
55,018	US	Dark plum and black currant fruit meet light licorice spice, violet and cedar aromas on the dense and dark nose of this bottling. The flavors are very wound-up and shy still, with char, loamy earth and floral notes. A core of cassis hides behind a veil of stiff tannins, and acidity pops on the finish.	89	30	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
122,793	US	Young, supple and stylish, this mixes notes of berry, plum and cassis, demonstrating poise and richness. The barrel flavors are smoothly integrated; the finish is rich and dark, with a strong streak of cacao.	93	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
39,014	France	Red-jelly fruit flavors suggest the fruit for this wine was superripe. That gives an unbalanced character between the tannins and the fruit. Acidity at the end is a more hopeful sign.	85	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
117,818	France	Soft and ripe, it has attractive peach and pear fruits and a lively shot of lemon acidity. It's rounded, rich and ready to drink.	86	25	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
78,585	US	Jammy blue fruit and cherries immerse themselves within a context of inviting and densely packed earth in this coastal, estate-grown wine. Spicy acidity and pronounced wood add additional weight and complexity as the texture takes on velvety lushness that's fully balanced and considerate.	94	52	California	Pinot Noir
128,834	US	A blend of fruit from Boushey, Ciel du Cheval and Seven Hills vineyards, this wine opens with aromas of plum, Asian spices, licorice, dark fruit and light barrel spices. The palate is rich, full bodied and velvety, with abundant coffee flavors and a mesmerizing sense of texture.	92	50	Washington	Grenache
55,246	US	Nearing the age of four years, this Cabernet remains hefty in tannins, but it's not undrinkable, because those tannins are soft and lush. In fact, they're an integral part of the network that makes the wine so interesting, which also includes the classic Cabernet flavors of blackberries and cassis. Drink this elegant wine over the next six years.	91	60	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
111,935	France	This crisp, dry wine is full of bright red fruit and has a bite of attractive acidity. It refreshes with a lift of red currant fruit on the finish. Drink now.	86	20	Bordeaux	Rosé
86,064	US	Bursting with sweet cherry fruit scents and flavors, this rich and sensuous Cab has the broad palate appeal of many Washington Merlots. Tannins are medium-grained; and the persistent finish is toasty with a trail of mocha.	90	32	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
8,340	France	This wine is at just the right moment of maturity. It's on the dry side, but with just a touch of rich honey flavor. It is ripe, full in the mouth, finely perfumed and ready to drink now.	87	20	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
65,326	US	Forward and fruity, this medium-bodied wine shows good balance and varietal spice—white pepper and roasted coffee—along with delicious cherry/berry fruit. —P.G.	88	28	Washington	Syrah
95,801	US	This is almost all varietal, with just smidgeons of Merlot and Malbec (2% each) blended in. It displays an appealing mix of fruit and barrel, with aromas and flavors of coffee, spice, pencil lead, herbs and cherry, showing a sense of vibrancy and richness.	90	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
102,319	US	This appealing wine offers vanilla, café au lait, black currant, herbs and pepper. Silky-soft black olive flavors show good concentration and length backed by dry tannins.	88	36	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
87,896	France	This is concentrated, with black plum and damson flavors that are balanced by firm, dense tannins. It has a dry, solid core, with a more perfumed character that merges with the acidity.	88	55	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
54,980	France	Very ripe, powerful and extracted, the wine has a bitter edge, a dark and tannic structure and a dense texture. With its edge of cocoa and layers of wood over the blackberry fruits, it's a wine that will need a while before drinking. Drink from 2016.	90	35	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
18,742	US	Comprised of 65% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah and 15% Petite Sirah, this is a round, juicy and bright blend made from organically grown grapes. Earthy and with a Good & Plenty-like aroma, it's focused and medium in body. The finish provides pepper and spice in equal measure.	88	37	California	Red Blend
27,730	US	Hot in high alcohol, which gives a burn that accentuates the pepper spice and makes it fierce. Yet it's fully dry and rich in blackberry, blueberry, anise and tobacco flavors. Defines the California superripe Zinfandel style.	87	22	California	Zinfandel
102,820	France	Smoky aromas and layers of tannin and fruit give this wine great complexity. It is smooth, juicy and fresh while also having perfumed tannins and an elegant, lightly mineral structure from the Cabernet Franc. The wine's cherries and red berries are still encased in the structure, allowing it to develop slowly. Drink from 2024.	95	500	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
118,155	US	Extremely pale in color and dilute in flavor, this might be reminiscent of watermelon, and could go down easily on a warm day. But there's not much here in the way of actual flavor.	83	18	Oregon	Rosé
12,537	US	Barrel-fermented, this is medium-sized all the way around, offering medium acidity, texture, body and finish. Flavors are autumnal in juicy lemon-lime, Golden Delicious apple and creamy pear.	88	30	California	Chardonnay
116,639	US	Reserved aromas of ripe red apple, cherry, dried herbs and spice are followed by quite ripe black fruit flavors speckled with vanilla and cocoa notes. It doesn't all come together perfectly but still provides interest.	87	60	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
15,620	US	The new oak on this Cab Franc is strong. So is the fruit, which suggests red cherries and blackberries so ripe the juice runs down your chin. But the wood and fruit haven't come together. They're slugging it out for supremecy. No reason to have to choose between them. Give it 6–8 years in a good cellar and let everything come together.	92	62	California	Cabernet Franc
8,406	US	Whiffs of wood smoke, black pepper and clove bring an exotic touch to this dry, medium-bodied and tautly balanced wine. It stops just short of full ripeness, but has ample enough blackberry and black olive flavors to taste complete and to reverberate on the finish. It has great varietal character, and will be interesting to age through 2019.	92	32	California	Syrah
107,912	France	The short oak aging has broadened this already ripe wine. The touch of toast is balanced by the yellow fruits and rich acidity. It is full, concentrated, mineral textured and ready to drink.	90	30	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
50,474	US	Zinfandels from the large Clockspring vineyard are made by a variety of wineries, and they vary in quality. This one shows very ripe blackberry, cherry, tangerine, cola and date flavors, and is dry. The tannins are intricate, with a jalapeño pepper finish.	86	9	California	Zinfandel
19,099	US	Abundant fresh floral aromas such as violet and lilac show on the nose of this bottling, with black plum and candied grape notes. The palate is straightforward, all tangy plum flavors, enhanced by dried herb, soy and reductive tar notes.	87	25	California	Syrah
19,883	Spain	A light, elegant berry aroma transitions to notes of plum and blackberry with airing. Smooth and nice in terms of mouthfeel, it has balsamic-touched flavors of lightly stewed berry, earth and chocolate. This is a proper Rioja for near-term drinking.	89	25	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
31,828	France	Ripe fruit, juicy acidity and a fine balance of tannins give this wine great potential. It's full of blackberry flavors as well as some solid, structured tannins. Drink from 2020.	90	17	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
32,837	France	From vineyards in the Aube region, this soft and smooth wine has a fruity element that is shaped by a steely texture and fresh acidity. This attractive wine is balanced, full bodied and fruity at the same time and is ready to drink.	87	45	Champagne	Champagne Blend
50,762	US	Pretty aromas of pure Pinot fruit, a mix of cola, earth, cherry and root beer introduce this estate bottling. Still a bit tight, perhaps even bottle shocked, it nonetheless opens up with breathing time into a balanced, elegant and stylish effort.	89	60	Oregon	Pinot Noir
16,956	US	Super-delicious, a soft, luscious wine whose cherry, raspberry and cocoa flavors are wrapped into velvety tannins. Made even richer by the vanilla and toasty caramel of oak barrels. Defines ready-to-drink Napa Valley Merlot.	90	28	California	Merlot
110,723	Italy	This structured blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon opens with slightly evolved aromas of prune, underbrush and a hint of leather. The rich palate delivers lush plum, black cherry and coffee accented with notes of Mediterranean herbs alongside solid but ripe tannins. Drink 2014–2019.	89	43	Tuscany	Red Blend
50,523	Italy	A blend of 70% Carricante, 15%, Catarratto and 15% Grillo this offers aromas of dried Spanish broom, candied lemon peel and a hint of butterscotch. The ripe palate offers mature apple, candied ginger and mineral, with a note of bitter almond on the close. Made without added sulfites.	89	32	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
23,161	US	Fully ripened, this shows spicy highlights of cinnamon and hot red pepper candy. Plums and cherries are also here in abundance, and the wine sails into a smooth, satisfying café crême finish.	90	35	Oregon	Cabernet Franc
47,162	US	Concentrated and elusively complex in cherry, red currant and sandalwood flavors, with a hint of red tomato and bloody red meat that testifies to the cool vintage. It's a big, dense wine, but also quite tannic, and a little high in alcohol, giving it a full body. A bit ungainly now, but impressive nonetheless for sheer power. Give it six years in the cellar.	92	44	California	Pinot Noir
66,871	US	This elegant wine is spicy and aromatic, with pretty floral highlights. Orange peel, rosewater, cherry soda and clean, refreshing acidity are all in play. The lingering finish is a bonus.	92	48	Oregon	Pinot Noir
82,182	US	Fermented entirely in concrete egg, this is a light, clear red exuberant in earthy cherry and cassis. Ethereal, it offers spice and plenty of length around a shy body, a bite of fruit on the finish. Made in small quantities at a fair price, it's one to try for its sheer rarity alone, a good example of another light-bodied red that can do well in the appellation.	90	20	California	Grenache
116,711	US	Smells and tastes Porty, with caramelized raisin and black currant flavors. And with nearly 17% alcohol, it's hot.	81	29	California	Zinfandel
43,904	Spain	Aromas of roasted earth, leather and fine oak are more out-front than berry fruit, and that's the way it should be for a Gran Reserva. This feels bold, lively and still a touch bumpy. Chocolaty oak and vanilla notes rest comfortably on top of ripe berry and black-plum flavors, while the finish is persistently earthy and chocolaty. Drink through 2028.	93	37	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
12,383	US	Shy aromas of graphite, rust, dried black cherries and a slightly sour element greet the nose on this wine. The palate offers rose petal and cherry flavors, proving a tad one-dimensional but easily quaffable.	85	15	California	Pinot Noir
96,689	US	A bit on the tough and chewy side, this is a decent effort in a difficult year. There is a minty, cherry candy core, with some rougher and earthier, leafier tannins surrounding.	85	25	Oregon	Pinot Noir
122,916	US	A larger offering from the producer, this is made predominantly from Pinot Noir, with smaller additions of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier. Bright in lemony acidity, it shows texture and a lasting, rich mousse drizzled in raspberry and cherry.	89	24	California	Sparkling Blend
35,415	Italy	A nice surprise from the Chianti Colli Senesi wine region, this Sangiovese-based wine is fresh and bright, and it comes with berry aromas that are followed by blue flower and wet earth notes.	88	13	Tuscany	Sangiovese
13,405	US	A bit rustic and heavy, with extracted jammy fruit but lacking a certain vivacity and sharpness in the mouth. Good enough for the price. Production was 12,500 cases.	86	19	California	Zinfandel
20,772	Argentina	Rusty in color, with rubbery, chemical aromas. Feels tight, tannic and clampy, with hard, compromised flavors and bitterness to the finish. Astringent and just not that appealing.	82	22	Mendoza Province	Sangiovese
9,651	US	Surprisingly shy in aromas at first, this eventually releases pleasing elements of mace, nutmeg, star anise and red cherry. The palate is softly lush and earthy, with black rocks, heavy black plum, hoisin sauce, boysenberry and a cola character. With quite strong structure, this will smooth and grow more delicious with time. Drink 2018–2028.	91	64	California	Pinot Noir
125,847	Italy	Costa Russi presents a dark wall of ripe fruit and an exotic spice shading that give momentum and power to the finish. There are also notes of plum, dark chocolate, tobacco, licorice and tar. The quality of the tannins is firm and polished; this should evolve over many years to come.	95	495	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
12,855	Australia	Really nicely done, with bold cassis aromas tinged with hints of tomato leaf and vanilla and then waves of cassis, vanilla and dried spices on the palate. It's full bodied and lushly textured, with a long, velvety feel to the finish. Best from 2010–2020.	91	20	South Australia	Cabernet Sauvignon
38,711	US	Made from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, this wine is overripe. Although it's dry and the tannins are fine, it's dominated by raisiny flavors.	83	44	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
50,817	US	A brilliant Pinot Noir, grown organically from the winery's new vineyard in a cool part of the coastal mountains. More tannic and acidic than Pinots from the estate vineyard in Green Valley, it offers lush, deep flavors of cherries, black raspberries, gingersnap cookies and almond biscotti. Just terrific, and will take a few years of bottle age in a cool cellar.	94	49	California	Pinot Noir
99,524	US	This is a respectable effort; seems to be oxidizing quickly, but it is elegant and clear, with a tartness that is reminiscent of Counoise. Nicely aromatic, with the rose petal and light tobacco leaf scents of the Italian grape.	89	38	Washington	Nebbiolo
18,169	Italy	Aromas of underbrush, wild flower, leather and ripe berry lead the nose. The juicy palate offers black cherry, cinnamon, anise and a hint of game alongside fresh acidity and velvety tannins. Drink through 2017.	90	18	Tuscany	Red Blend
82,376	US	Aromas of grapefruit and honeysuckle get the attention right away. Flavors of peach and honey, a soft and smooth texture, good acidity, full body and a touch of sweetness finish the picture. This certainly gives maximum fruitiness.	86	22	California	Viognier
28,672	US	This is a serviceable, if nondescript Chardonnay. In a highly competitive category it doesn't stand out in any way. It's just a light expression of apple flavors, with a quick finish that leaves a slight impression of glue.	85	20	Oregon	Chardonnay
97,858	US	Tight black cherry and black-olive aromas meet with mocha and loam on the juicy, approachable nose of this bottling from the northern edge of Paso. The lively blackberry and boysenberry-juice flavors of the palate are framed by a chalky texture and bright acidity, rounded out by crushed gravel and cocoa dust.	89	18	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
128,073	US	This 100% varietal wine opens with beautifully lush aromas of blackberry and licorice, before a seamless, soft layering of leather comes in. Soft tannins mark the midpalate, followed by a finish steeped in smoky vanilla and herb.	88	26	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
46,374	Australia	A lovely, complex example of why McLaren Vale Grenache deserves more of our attention. Like the last days of summer, this wine smells of drying flowers still on their stalks. Tart cherries, dried leaves, and medicinal herbs come through on the palate, which finishes smokey, like the dying embers of the last barbecue of the season.	91	40	South Australia	Grenache
10,710	Argentina	A flat luster and mild aromas of wood and almost stale fruit get this wine off to a slow start. A full palate is sketchy in terms of acidity and balance, while this tastes cidery, with a bitter flavor of grapes skins on the finish.	84	20	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
26,349	US	This Bordeaux-style blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. It's high-toned, and it comes with a pungency that brightens the highly extracted, sweet-tasting berry fruit. It has lots of appeal, but you must like wines that have a volatile edge.	90	42	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
53,827	France	A bright and fruity wine that is herbal in character although with a riper apricot and green plum character running alongside. It is an easy-drinking wine, lightly tangy, and crisp with acidity at the end.	86	14	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
94,001	US	Whiffs of blossom and preserved red cherry lend delicate perfume to this exceptionally light-footed Pinot Noir. Tart cranberry and raspberry flavors are refreshing and crisp, but almost ephemeral in concentration. The finish is swift. Drink now.	85	15	New York	Pinot Noir
15,363	Italy	This begins with aromas of overripe plum, nail polish remover, fig, raisin, nutmeg, vanilla, resin and sweet oak. The dense, warm palate delivers chocolate, coffee, vanilla, plum and sweet oak alongside searing alcohol. It's already tired and evolved, and almost past its prime.	86	49	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
36,341	US	An impressively dark, powerfully structured and deeply flavored wine, this Malbec brims with explosive blackberry, black currant, crushed peppercorn and leather flavors. With its big-time tannins and dry, balanced mouthfeel, it's a great wine for steak.	88	28	California	Malbec
23,689	France	With vines close to the Garonne river south of Bordeaux, this small vineyard has produced a light and fruity wine with red berry flavors. It's soft, just lightly tannic and ready to drink now.	87	18	Bordeaux	Merlot
100,349	France	A subdued nose leads onto a very lively palate dominated by foaming, big and frothy bubbles. There is an edge of bitterness but the fruit flavors are fresh and reminiscent of red apple and forest berries. Drink soon.	87	32	Alsace	Pinot Noir
19,767	US	There's plenty of nuance to enjoy, with aromas of exotic spice, flowers, raspberry, orange peel and huckleberry, showing more on each swirl. The palate is polished and flavorful, showing a masterful touch.	91	65	Washington	Syrah
82,356	US	Woodsmoke, bramble and sharp raspberry sorbet aromas show on the nose of this appellation blend from winemaker Kevin Law and actress Challen Cates. Sour cranberry and tart plum skin flavors show on the palate, along with darker nutmeg-like spices.	90	38	California	Pinot Noir
76,577	US	This was fermented with 50% whole clusters, which slows down and evens up the process. Along with rich flavors of black raspberry fruit, it's dense with savory herbs and marvelous details of earth and forest floor. Delicious now, but just wait until 2020–2022!	95	45	Washington	Grenache
97,033	US	This Riesling's bold blossomy perfume accents honey and apple flavors on the palate. It's not deeply concentrated but its delicate sweetness and fresh cutting acidity are invigorating.	88	15	New York	Riesling
92,775	US	This Cabernet Sauvingon, Syrah and Merlot dominant blend offers aromas of wet copper, zesty spice and herb that are followed by a silky soft, flavorful palate. It brings a lot of easy-drinking pleasure.	87	25	Washington	Red Blend
88,503	US	This very ripe and full-bodied wine has aromas like vanilla and baking spices, sweet cherry flavors and a smooth and rounded texture. A luscious cherry-pie impression lingers on the finish.	88	28	California	Zinfandel
94,997	Italy	Perfumed berry, fragrant purple flower, menthol and tilled soil aromas lead the nose. The taut, rather lean palate offers dried black cherry, white pepper, leather and grilled sage accompanied by assertive, angular tannins that grip the finish.	88	20	Tuscany	Red Blend
100,150	US	This white will appeal greatly to those who prefer stainless-steel treatment, with its tangle of sour apple, sharp acidity and full but not heavy texture. It gets better in the glass, softening that sharpness and tang, opening up to elements of melon and lime.	90	39	California	Chardonnay
35,102	Italy	Aromas of beeswax, lychee and fragrant white flowers take center stage in this wine. The juicy palate offers ripe Bartlett pear and lemon drop alongside fresh acidity.	87	17	Northeastern Italy	Riesling
57,921	US	This is an exuberant, happy wine, filled with sunny summer flavors of cherries, blueberries and blackberries. The blend is based on Zinfandel and Grenache. It's rich and soft in tannins and easy to drink. The alcohol is a little high, but nothing that barbecue can't handle.	89	42	California	Red Blend
57,698	Italy	This plush, rich expression of Pinot Grigio from northeast Italy would pair with white meat, seafood risotto or spicy dishes from the Far East. The mouthfeel is smooth, rich and long-lasting.	90	28	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
85,431	US	This is quite delicious, bright and tasting of fresh-squeezed oranges and tangerines. Fruity, forward and lush, it's really quite charming. The aromas convey light hints of rose petals, jasmine and honey; the fruit an intriguing mix of ripe pear, papaya and apricot.	90	20	Washington	Viognier
31,204	Italy	This edition of Sapaio (a hearty blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) shows ripe fruit nuances of cherry, blackberry, dark spice and moist tobacco. The wine boasts a soft, thick and velvety feel and would pair with any winter meat dish.	93	70	Tuscany	Red Blend
101,054	Italy	With an amazingly large case production, you should have absolutely no problem finding this well valued Italian sparkler at the retailer nearest you. It offers toasted bread, lemon curd and toasted almond on the fresh finish.	89	14	Northeastern Italy	Chardonnay
22,406	US	Whiffs of spice and dark toast lend warmth to ripe black cherry aromas on this Syrah-Viognier blend. The palate is brisk with tart cassis and plum flavors wrapped up tightly within layers of mouthfilling tannins.	87	24	New York	Syrah
89,730	France	The heady aromatic scent of fresh tangerine peel takes turns with the refreshing perfume of green Seville oranges. The palate takes these enticing aromas and bundles them into one arrow-like force of concentrated freshness. This is a high-wire act of piercing brightness and layered citrus aroma. This is like a self-generating well of freshness that convinces with its luminosity, raciness and rapier-like purity of citrus flavors. Everything is heightened: Fruit, dryness, freshness and vibrant verve. It is tempting but it would be a shame to drink this now. Keep this genie in its bottle for a while longer, if only to see what fascinating direction it takes. This is wondrous. Drink 2022–2037.	97	50	Alsace	Riesling
70,711	Portugal	This is a balanced, ripe wine. Soft tannins support the fruit well, offering some good potential. It is ready to drink, fruity and with acidity in the aftertaste.	87	29	Douro	Portuguese Red
59,310	US	The best of a lineup of single varietal red wines, this melds raspberry and cassis fruit flavors into a wrapping of earth and licorice. The dark and roasted accents continue through the finish with earthy tannins and a hint of stem.	89	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
69,915	US	There's a lifeless, generic quality to this wine that steals the variety's more common sense of joy and earthy red fruit, but it suffices as general red wine.	83	20	California	Pinot Noir
116,063	US	Dark in color and deeply flavored, as the name suggests, this blend has evocative blackberry, currant, grilled meat, black pepper and oak flavors. It's also tannic, suggesting cellaring until 2019.	90	54	California	Red Blend
16,717	US	Buttery vanilla, cherry and plum notes give this wine a plush backdrop of fruit and rich, round texture. With small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, it reveals additional cedar and graphite components before unleashing a lasting chocolate flavor on the finish.	90	36	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
63,705	France	This is a ripe, creamy wine with fresh currant and ripe peach fruits. It is lightly tangy, although its main strength is the refreshing fruitiness. Bright and crisp at the end, it is ready to drink.	88	25	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
39,719	US	The Limit seems to refer to bringing this Chard to the edge of oaky ripeness. Whether it goes beyond it is debatable. It's enormously rich and ripe in oranges, apricots, mangoes and oak, with good acidity and a creamy texture.	87	45	California	Chardonnay
20,824	Italy	This was a hot vintage, but this beautifully elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot boasts enormous purity of fruit and deep layers of penetration and intensity. It is a more fruit-forward version of the wine, but it does offer drying minerals and bright fruit flavors with tight tannins to keep it balanced.	91	64	Northeastern Italy	Red Blend
28,731	US	Sweet and simple, this easy blush wine has strawberry, brown sugar and vanilla flavors.	84	12	California	Rosé
52,987	US	A fruit-forward wine whose deliciousness makes it immediately appealing. The blend of warmer and cooler vineyards gives a tantalizing balance of crisp acidity and ripe cherries. There are deeper notes of mushrooms that give it an earthy richness.	91	42	California	Pinot Noir
71,604	US	This is one of the better Tempranillos from Washington, with concentrated boysenberry, blueberry and raspberry fruit anchoring the flavors. It carries a nice whiff of bacon fat and is buoyed by a natural minerality.	90	30	Washington	Tempranillo
97,027	US	Juicy red fruit defines this blend of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Supportive tannins accent its cedar, oak and raisin notes.	88	35	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
125,618	France	Deliciously attractive wine, crisp and clean as possible. It has a light caramel edge along with a more fruity aspect. To finish, the wine is light and bright.	86	15	Provence	Rosé
28,349	US	This affordable wine is smooth and deeply fruity, rather full bodied, and quite enjoyable for the ripe blackberry and boysenberry flavors. Not as tannic as some, it still has a moderately gripping texture that will be perfect with grilled meat.	89	16	California	Petite Sirah
87,461	France	This ripe, medium-sweet Champagne is balanced and attractively fruity. It offers good contrast between acidity, rich apple and pear flavors, and a modicum of sweetness. It would work well as an apéritif or with some fish dishes.	86	56	Champagne	Champagne Blend
955	Italy	This offers scents and flavors that recall stewed prune, raisin and black pepper. It's still tight, with aggressive tannins that leave a firm clenching finish. Give it a few years to let the tannins unfurl then drink up to capture the remaining fruit.	87	50	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
51,719	US	This ripe, boldly made wine offers a rich tease of Dr Pepper that pleases the palate, before complex characteristics takes over. Black tea, forest floor, currant and spicy acidity are memorably interwoven with dense black fruit.	92	42	California	Pinot Noir
8,141	US	This wine's oaky entry derives from 10 months aging in French and American oak. It's creamy and voluptuous in style, with simple flavors of apple and a moderately long finish.	87	25	California	Chardonnay

117,581

US

Showing Talley's distinctive elegance and brilliant structure, this Chard is a blend of the Rincon and Rosemary's vineyards. The wine's architecture really makes it special, with acidity and dusty tannins providing the bare bones to the lemon, lime, pineapple and mango fruit. A great wine to have with food.

90

26

California

Chardonnay

55,018

US

Dark plum and black currant fruit meet light licorice spice, violet and cedar aromas on the dense and dark nose of this bottling. The flavors are very wound-up and shy still, with char, loamy earth and floral notes. A core of cassis hides behind a veil of stiff tannins, and acidity pops on the finish.

89

30

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

122,793

US

Young, supple and stylish, this mixes notes of berry, plum and cassis, demonstrating poise and richness. The barrel flavors are smoothly integrated; the finish is rich and dark, with a strong streak of cacao.

93

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

39,014

France

Red-jelly fruit flavors suggest the fruit for this wine was superripe. That gives an unbalanced character between the tannins and the fruit. Acidity at the end is a more hopeful sign.

85

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

117,818

France

Soft and ripe, it has attractive peach and pear fruits and a lively shot of lemon acidity. It's rounded, rich and ready to drink.

86

25

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

78,585

US

Jammy blue fruit and cherries immerse themselves within a context of inviting and densely packed earth in this coastal, estate-grown wine. Spicy acidity and pronounced wood add additional weight and complexity as the texture takes on velvety lushness that's fully balanced and considerate.

94

52

California

Pinot Noir

128,834

US

A blend of fruit from Boushey, Ciel du Cheval and Seven Hills vineyards, this wine opens with aromas of plum, Asian spices, licorice, dark fruit and light barrel spices. The palate is rich, full bodied and velvety, with abundant coffee flavors and a mesmerizing sense of texture.

92

50

Washington

Grenache

55,246

US

Nearing the age of four years, this Cabernet remains hefty in tannins, but it's not undrinkable, because those tannins are soft and lush. In fact, they're an integral part of the network that makes the wine so interesting, which also includes the classic Cabernet flavors of blackberries and cassis. Drink this elegant wine over the next six years.

91

60

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

111,935

France

This crisp, dry wine is full of bright red fruit and has a bite of attractive acidity. It refreshes with a lift of red currant fruit on the finish. Drink now.

86

20

Bordeaux

Rosé

86,064

US

Bursting with sweet cherry fruit scents and flavors, this rich and sensuous Cab has the broad palate appeal of many Washington Merlots. Tannins are medium-grained; and the persistent finish is toasty with a trail of mocha.

90

32

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

8,340

France

This wine is at just the right moment of maturity. It's on the dry side, but with just a touch of rich honey flavor. It is ripe, full in the mouth, finely perfumed and ready to drink now.

87

20

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

65,326

US

Forward and fruity, this medium-bodied wine shows good balance and varietal spice—white pepper and roasted coffee—along with delicious cherry/berry fruit. —P.G.

88

28

Washington

Syrah

95,801

US

This is almost all varietal, with just smidgeons of Merlot and Malbec (2% each) blended in. It displays an appealing mix of fruit and barrel, with aromas and flavors of coffee, spice, pencil lead, herbs and cherry, showing a sense of vibrancy and richness.

90

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

102,319

US

This appealing wine offers vanilla, café au lait, black currant, herbs and pepper. Silky-soft black olive flavors show good concentration and length backed by dry tannins.

88

36

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

87,896

France

This is concentrated, with black plum and damson flavors that are balanced by firm, dense tannins. It has a dry, solid core, with a more perfumed character that merges with the acidity.

88

55

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

54,980

France

Very ripe, powerful and extracted, the wine has a bitter edge, a dark and tannic structure and a dense texture. With its edge of cocoa and layers of wood over the blackberry fruits, it's a wine that will need a while before drinking. Drink from 2016.

90

35

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

18,742

US

Comprised of 65% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah and 15% Petite Sirah, this is a round, juicy and bright blend made from organically grown grapes. Earthy and with a Good & Plenty-like aroma, it's focused and medium in body. The finish provides pepper and spice in equal measure.

88

37

California

Red Blend

27,730

US

Hot in high alcohol, which gives a burn that accentuates the pepper spice and makes it fierce. Yet it's fully dry and rich in blackberry, blueberry, anise and tobacco flavors. Defines the California superripe Zinfandel style.

87

22

California

Zinfandel

102,820

France

Smoky aromas and layers of tannin and fruit give this wine great complexity. It is smooth, juicy and fresh while also having perfumed tannins and an elegant, lightly mineral structure from the Cabernet Franc. The wine's cherries and red berries are still encased in the structure, allowing it to develop slowly. Drink from 2024.

95

500

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

118,155

US

Extremely pale in color and dilute in flavor, this might be reminiscent of watermelon, and could go down easily on a warm day. But there's not much here in the way of actual flavor.

83

18

Oregon

Rosé

12,537

US

Barrel-fermented, this is medium-sized all the way around, offering medium acidity, texture, body and finish. Flavors are autumnal in juicy lemon-lime, Golden Delicious apple and creamy pear.

88

30

California

Chardonnay

116,639

US

Reserved aromas of ripe red apple, cherry, dried herbs and spice are followed by quite ripe black fruit flavors speckled with vanilla and cocoa notes. It doesn't all come together perfectly but still provides interest.

87

60

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

15,620

US

The new oak on this Cab Franc is strong. So is the fruit, which suggests red cherries and blackberries so ripe the juice runs down your chin. But the wood and fruit haven't come together. They're slugging it out for supremecy. No reason to have to choose between them. Give it 6–8 years in a good cellar and let everything come together.

92

62

California

Cabernet Franc

8,406

US

Whiffs of wood smoke, black pepper and clove bring an exotic touch to this dry, medium-bodied and tautly balanced wine. It stops just short of full ripeness, but has ample enough blackberry and black olive flavors to taste complete and to reverberate on the finish. It has great varietal character, and will be interesting to age through 2019.

92

32

California

Syrah

107,912

France

The short oak aging has broadened this already ripe wine. The touch of toast is balanced by the yellow fruits and rich acidity. It is full, concentrated, mineral textured and ready to drink.

90

30

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

50,474

US

Zinfandels from the large Clockspring vineyard are made by a variety of wineries, and they vary in quality. This one shows very ripe blackberry, cherry, tangerine, cola and date flavors, and is dry. The tannins are intricate, with a jalapeño pepper finish.

86

9

California

Zinfandel

19,099

US

Abundant fresh floral aromas such as violet and lilac show on the nose of this bottling, with black plum and candied grape notes. The palate is straightforward, all tangy plum flavors, enhanced by dried herb, soy and reductive tar notes.

87

25

California

Syrah

19,883

Spain

A light, elegant berry aroma transitions to notes of plum and blackberry with airing. Smooth and nice in terms of mouthfeel, it has balsamic-touched flavors of lightly stewed berry, earth and chocolate. This is a proper Rioja for near-term drinking.

89

25

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

31,828

France

Ripe fruit, juicy acidity and a fine balance of tannins give this wine great potential. It's full of blackberry flavors as well as some solid, structured tannins. Drink from 2020.

90

17

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

32,837

France

From vineyards in the Aube region, this soft and smooth wine has a fruity element that is shaped by a steely texture and fresh acidity. This attractive wine is balanced, full bodied and fruity at the same time and is ready to drink.

87

45

Champagne

Champagne Blend

50,762

US

Pretty aromas of pure Pinot fruit, a mix of cola, earth, cherry and root beer introduce this estate bottling. Still a bit tight, perhaps even bottle shocked, it nonetheless opens up with breathing time into a balanced, elegant and stylish effort.

89

60

Oregon

Pinot Noir

16,956

US

Super-delicious, a soft, luscious wine whose cherry, raspberry and cocoa flavors are wrapped into velvety tannins. Made even richer by the vanilla and toasty caramel of oak barrels. Defines ready-to-drink Napa Valley Merlot.

90

28

California

Merlot

110,723

Italy

This structured blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon opens with slightly evolved aromas of prune, underbrush and a hint of leather. The rich palate delivers lush plum, black cherry and coffee accented with notes of Mediterranean herbs alongside solid but ripe tannins. Drink 2014–2019.

89

43

Tuscany

Red Blend

50,523

Italy

A blend of 70% Carricante, 15%, Catarratto and 15% Grillo this offers aromas of dried Spanish broom, candied lemon peel and a hint of butterscotch. The ripe palate offers mature apple, candied ginger and mineral, with a note of bitter almond on the close. Made without added sulfites.

89

32

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

23,161

US

Fully ripened, this shows spicy highlights of cinnamon and hot red pepper candy. Plums and cherries are also here in abundance, and the wine sails into a smooth, satisfying café crême finish.

90

35

Oregon

Cabernet Franc

47,162

US

Concentrated and elusively complex in cherry, red currant and sandalwood flavors, with a hint of red tomato and bloody red meat that testifies to the cool vintage. It's a big, dense wine, but also quite tannic, and a little high in alcohol, giving it a full body. A bit ungainly now, but impressive nonetheless for sheer power. Give it six years in the cellar.

92

44

California

Pinot Noir

66,871

US

This elegant wine is spicy and aromatic, with pretty floral highlights. Orange peel, rosewater, cherry soda and clean, refreshing acidity are all in play. The lingering finish is a bonus.

92

48

Oregon

Pinot Noir

82,182

US

Fermented entirely in concrete egg, this is a light, clear red exuberant in earthy cherry and cassis. Ethereal, it offers spice and plenty of length around a shy body, a bite of fruit on the finish. Made in small quantities at a fair price, it's one to try for its sheer rarity alone, a good example of another light-bodied red that can do well in the appellation.

90

20

California

Grenache

116,711

US

Smells and tastes Porty, with caramelized raisin and black currant flavors. And with nearly 17% alcohol, it's hot.

81

29

California

Zinfandel

43,904

Spain

Aromas of roasted earth, leather and fine oak are more out-front than berry fruit, and that's the way it should be for a Gran Reserva. This feels bold, lively and still a touch bumpy. Chocolaty oak and vanilla notes rest comfortably on top of ripe berry and black-plum flavors, while the finish is persistently earthy and chocolaty. Drink through 2028.

93

37

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

12,383

US

Shy aromas of graphite, rust, dried black cherries and a slightly sour element greet the nose on this wine. The palate offers rose petal and cherry flavors, proving a tad one-dimensional but easily quaffable.

85

15

California

Pinot Noir

96,689

US

A bit on the tough and chewy side, this is a decent effort in a difficult year. There is a minty, cherry candy core, with some rougher and earthier, leafier tannins surrounding.

85

25

Oregon

Pinot Noir

122,916

US

A larger offering from the producer, this is made predominantly from Pinot Noir, with smaller additions of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier. Bright in lemony acidity, it shows texture and a lasting, rich mousse drizzled in raspberry and cherry.

89

24

California

Sparkling Blend

35,415

Italy

A nice surprise from the Chianti Colli Senesi wine region, this Sangiovese-based wine is fresh and bright, and it comes with berry aromas that are followed by blue flower and wet earth notes.

88

13

Tuscany

Sangiovese

13,405

US

A bit rustic and heavy, with extracted jammy fruit but lacking a certain vivacity and sharpness in the mouth. Good enough for the price. Production was 12,500 cases.

86

19

California

Zinfandel

20,772

Argentina

Rusty in color, with rubbery, chemical aromas. Feels tight, tannic and clampy, with hard, compromised flavors and bitterness to the finish. Astringent and just not that appealing.

82

22

Mendoza Province

Sangiovese

9,651

US

Surprisingly shy in aromas at first, this eventually releases pleasing elements of mace, nutmeg, star anise and red cherry. The palate is softly lush and earthy, with black rocks, heavy black plum, hoisin sauce, boysenberry and a cola character. With quite strong structure, this will smooth and grow more delicious with time. Drink 2018–2028.

91

64

California

Pinot Noir

125,847

Italy

Costa Russi presents a dark wall of ripe fruit and an exotic spice shading that give momentum and power to the finish. There are also notes of plum, dark chocolate, tobacco, licorice and tar. The quality of the tannins is firm and polished; this should evolve over many years to come.

95

495

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

12,855

Australia

Really nicely done, with bold cassis aromas tinged with hints of tomato leaf and vanilla and then waves of cassis, vanilla and dried spices on the palate. It's full bodied and lushly textured, with a long, velvety feel to the finish. Best from 2010–2020.

91

20

South Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon

38,711

US

Made from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, this wine is overripe. Although it's dry and the tannins are fine, it's dominated by raisiny flavors.

83

44

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

50,817

US

A brilliant Pinot Noir, grown organically from the winery's new vineyard in a cool part of the coastal mountains. More tannic and acidic than Pinots from the estate vineyard in Green Valley, it offers lush, deep flavors of cherries, black raspberries, gingersnap cookies and almond biscotti. Just terrific, and will take a few years of bottle age in a cool cellar.

94

49

California

Pinot Noir

99,524

US

This is a respectable effort; seems to be oxidizing quickly, but it is elegant and clear, with a tartness that is reminiscent of Counoise. Nicely aromatic, with the rose petal and light tobacco leaf scents of the Italian grape.

89

38

Washington

Nebbiolo

18,169

Italy

Aromas of underbrush, wild flower, leather and ripe berry lead the nose. The juicy palate offers black cherry, cinnamon, anise and a hint of game alongside fresh acidity and velvety tannins. Drink through 2017.

90

18

Tuscany

Red Blend

82,376

US

Aromas of grapefruit and honeysuckle get the attention right away. Flavors of peach and honey, a soft and smooth texture, good acidity, full body and a touch of sweetness finish the picture. This certainly gives maximum fruitiness.

86

22

California

Viognier

28,672

US

This is a serviceable, if nondescript Chardonnay. In a highly competitive category it doesn't stand out in any way. It's just a light expression of apple flavors, with a quick finish that leaves a slight impression of glue.

85

20

Oregon

Chardonnay

97,858

US

Tight black cherry and black-olive aromas meet with mocha and loam on the juicy, approachable nose of this bottling from the northern edge of Paso. The lively blackberry and boysenberry-juice flavors of the palate are framed by a chalky texture and bright acidity, rounded out by crushed gravel and cocoa dust.

89

18

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

128,073

US

This 100% varietal wine opens with beautifully lush aromas of blackberry and licorice, before a seamless, soft layering of leather comes in. Soft tannins mark the midpalate, followed by a finish steeped in smoky vanilla and herb.

88

26

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

46,374

Australia

A lovely, complex example of why McLaren Vale Grenache deserves more of our attention. Like the last days of summer, this wine smells of drying flowers still on their stalks. Tart cherries, dried leaves, and medicinal herbs come through on the palate, which finishes smokey, like the dying embers of the last barbecue of the season.

91

40

South Australia

Grenache

10,710

Argentina

A flat luster and mild aromas of wood and almost stale fruit get this wine off to a slow start. A full palate is sketchy in terms of acidity and balance, while this tastes cidery, with a bitter flavor of grapes skins on the finish.

84

20

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

26,349

US

This Bordeaux-style blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. It's high-toned, and it comes with a pungency that brightens the highly extracted, sweet-tasting berry fruit. It has lots of appeal, but you must like wines that have a volatile edge.

90

42

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

53,827

France

A bright and fruity wine that is herbal in character although with a riper apricot and green plum character running alongside. It is an easy-drinking wine, lightly tangy, and crisp with acidity at the end.

86

14

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

94,001

US

Whiffs of blossom and preserved red cherry lend delicate perfume to this exceptionally light-footed Pinot Noir. Tart cranberry and raspberry flavors are refreshing and crisp, but almost ephemeral in concentration. The finish is swift. Drink now.

85

15

New York

Pinot Noir

15,363

Italy

This begins with aromas of overripe plum, nail polish remover, fig, raisin, nutmeg, vanilla, resin and sweet oak. The dense, warm palate delivers chocolate, coffee, vanilla, plum and sweet oak alongside searing alcohol. It's already tired and evolved, and almost past its prime.

86

49

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

36,341

US

An impressively dark, powerfully structured and deeply flavored wine, this Malbec brims with explosive blackberry, black currant, crushed peppercorn and leather flavors. With its big-time tannins and dry, balanced mouthfeel, it's a great wine for steak.

88

28

California

Malbec

23,689

France

With vines close to the Garonne river south of Bordeaux, this small vineyard has produced a light and fruity wine with red berry flavors. It's soft, just lightly tannic and ready to drink now.

87

18

Bordeaux

Merlot

100,349

France

A subdued nose leads onto a very lively palate dominated by foaming, big and frothy bubbles. There is an edge of bitterness but the fruit flavors are fresh and reminiscent of red apple and forest berries. Drink soon.

87

32

Alsace

Pinot Noir

19,767

US

There's plenty of nuance to enjoy, with aromas of exotic spice, flowers, raspberry, orange peel and huckleberry, showing more on each swirl. The palate is polished and flavorful, showing a masterful touch.

91

65

Washington

Syrah

82,356

US

Woodsmoke, bramble and sharp raspberry sorbet aromas show on the nose of this appellation blend from winemaker Kevin Law and actress Challen Cates. Sour cranberry and tart plum skin flavors show on the palate, along with darker nutmeg-like spices.

90

38

California

Pinot Noir

76,577

US

This was fermented with 50% whole clusters, which slows down and evens up the process. Along with rich flavors of black raspberry fruit, it's dense with savory herbs and marvelous details of earth and forest floor. Delicious now, but just wait until 2020–2022!

95

45

Washington

Grenache

97,033

US

This Riesling's bold blossomy perfume accents honey and apple flavors on the palate. It's not deeply concentrated but its delicate sweetness and fresh cutting acidity are invigorating.

88

15

New York

Riesling

92,775

US

This Cabernet Sauvingon, Syrah and Merlot dominant blend offers aromas of wet copper, zesty spice and herb that are followed by a silky soft, flavorful palate. It brings a lot of easy-drinking pleasure.

87

25

Washington

Red Blend

88,503

US

This very ripe and full-bodied wine has aromas like vanilla and baking spices, sweet cherry flavors and a smooth and rounded texture. A luscious cherry-pie impression lingers on the finish.

88

28

California

Zinfandel

94,997

Italy

Perfumed berry, fragrant purple flower, menthol and tilled soil aromas lead the nose. The taut, rather lean palate offers dried black cherry, white pepper, leather and grilled sage accompanied by assertive, angular tannins that grip the finish.

88

20

Tuscany

Red Blend

100,150

US

This white will appeal greatly to those who prefer stainless-steel treatment, with its tangle of sour apple, sharp acidity and full but not heavy texture. It gets better in the glass, softening that sharpness and tang, opening up to elements of melon and lime.

90

39

California

Chardonnay

35,102

Italy

Aromas of beeswax, lychee and fragrant white flowers take center stage in this wine. The juicy palate offers ripe Bartlett pear and lemon drop alongside fresh acidity.

87

17

Northeastern Italy

Riesling

57,921

US

This is an exuberant, happy wine, filled with sunny summer flavors of cherries, blueberries and blackberries. The blend is based on Zinfandel and Grenache. It's rich and soft in tannins and easy to drink. The alcohol is a little high, but nothing that barbecue can't handle.

89

42

California

Red Blend

57,698

Italy

This plush, rich expression of Pinot Grigio from northeast Italy would pair with white meat, seafood risotto or spicy dishes from the Far East. The mouthfeel is smooth, rich and long-lasting.

90

28

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

85,431

US

This is quite delicious, bright and tasting of fresh-squeezed oranges and tangerines. Fruity, forward and lush, it's really quite charming. The aromas convey light hints of rose petals, jasmine and honey; the fruit an intriguing mix of ripe pear, papaya and apricot.

90

20

Washington

Viognier

31,204

Italy

This edition of Sapaio (a hearty blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) shows ripe fruit nuances of cherry, blackberry, dark spice and moist tobacco. The wine boasts a soft, thick and velvety feel and would pair with any winter meat dish.

93

70

Tuscany

Red Blend

101,054

Italy

With an amazingly large case production, you should have absolutely no problem finding this well valued Italian sparkler at the retailer nearest you. It offers toasted bread, lemon curd and toasted almond on the fresh finish.

89

14

Northeastern Italy

Chardonnay

22,406

US

Whiffs of spice and dark toast lend warmth to ripe black cherry aromas on this Syrah-Viognier blend. The palate is brisk with tart cassis and plum flavors wrapped up tightly within layers of mouthfilling tannins.

87

24

New York

Syrah

89,730

France

The heady aromatic scent of fresh tangerine peel takes turns with the refreshing perfume of green Seville oranges. The palate takes these enticing aromas and bundles them into one arrow-like force of concentrated freshness. This is a high-wire act of piercing brightness and layered citrus aroma. This is like a self-generating well of freshness that convinces with its luminosity, raciness and rapier-like purity of citrus flavors. Everything is heightened: Fruit, dryness, freshness and vibrant verve. It is tempting but it would be a shame to drink this now. Keep this genie in its bottle for a while longer, if only to see what fascinating direction it takes. This is wondrous. Drink 2022–2037.

97

50

Alsace

Riesling

70,711

Portugal

This is a balanced, ripe wine. Soft tannins support the fruit well, offering some good potential. It is ready to drink, fruity and with acidity in the aftertaste.

87

29

Douro

Portuguese Red

59,310

US

The best of a lineup of single varietal red wines, this melds raspberry and cassis fruit flavors into a wrapping of earth and licorice. The dark and roasted accents continue through the finish with earthy tannins and a hint of stem.

89

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

69,915

US

There's a lifeless, generic quality to this wine that steals the variety's more common sense of joy and earthy red fruit, but it suffices as general red wine.

83

20

California

Pinot Noir

116,063

US

Dark in color and deeply flavored, as the name suggests, this blend has evocative blackberry, currant, grilled meat, black pepper and oak flavors. It's also tannic, suggesting cellaring until 2019.

90

54

California

Red Blend

16,717

US

Buttery vanilla, cherry and plum notes give this wine a plush backdrop of fruit and rich, round texture. With small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, it reveals additional cedar and graphite components before unleashing a lasting chocolate flavor on the finish.

90

36

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

63,705

France

This is a ripe, creamy wine with fresh currant and ripe peach fruits. It is lightly tangy, although its main strength is the refreshing fruitiness. Bright and crisp at the end, it is ready to drink.

88

25

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

39,719

US

The Limit seems to refer to bringing this Chard to the edge of oaky ripeness. Whether it goes beyond it is debatable. It's enormously rich and ripe in oranges, apricots, mangoes and oak, with good acidity and a creamy texture.

87

45

California

Chardonnay

20,824

Italy

This was a hot vintage, but this beautifully elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot boasts enormous purity of fruit and deep layers of penetration and intensity. It is a more fruit-forward version of the wine, but it does offer drying minerals and bright fruit flavors with tight tannins to keep it balanced.

91

64

Northeastern Italy

Red Blend

28,731

US

Sweet and simple, this easy blush wine has strawberry, brown sugar and vanilla flavors.

84

12

California

Rosé

52,987

US

A fruit-forward wine whose deliciousness makes it immediately appealing. The blend of warmer and cooler vineyards gives a tantalizing balance of crisp acidity and ripe cherries. There are deeper notes of mushrooms that give it an earthy richness.

91

42

California

Pinot Noir

71,604

US

This is one of the better Tempranillos from Washington, with concentrated boysenberry, blueberry and raspberry fruit anchoring the flavors. It carries a nice whiff of bacon fat and is buoyed by a natural minerality.

90

30

Washington

Tempranillo

97,027

US

Juicy red fruit defines this blend of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Supportive tannins accent its cedar, oak and raisin notes.

88

35

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

125,618

France

Deliciously attractive wine, crisp and clean as possible. It has a light caramel edge along with a more fruity aspect. To finish, the wine is light and bright.

86

15

Provence

Rosé

28,349

US

This affordable wine is smooth and deeply fruity, rather full bodied, and quite enjoyable for the ripe blackberry and boysenberry flavors. Not as tannic as some, it still has a moderately gripping texture that will be perfect with grilled meat.

89

16

California

Petite Sirah

87,461

France

This ripe, medium-sweet Champagne is balanced and attractively fruity. It offers good contrast between acidity, rich apple and pear flavors, and a modicum of sweetness. It would work well as an apéritif or with some fish dishes.

86

56

Champagne

Champagne Blend

955

Italy

This offers scents and flavors that recall stewed prune, raisin and black pepper. It's still tight, with aggressive tannins that leave a firm clenching finish. Give it a few years to let the tannins unfurl then drink up to capture the remaining fruit.

87

50

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

51,719

US

This ripe, boldly made wine offers a rich tease of Dr Pepper that pleases the palate, before complex characteristics takes over. Black tea, forest floor, currant and spicy acidity are memorably interwoven with dense black fruit.

92

42

California

Pinot Noir

8,141

US

This wine's oaky entry derives from 10 months aging in French and American oak. It's creamy and voluptuous in style, with simple flavors of apple and a moderately long finish.

87

25

California

Chardonnay