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
118,664	US	A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine opens with reserved aromas of herbs and assorted barrel spices, with blackberry lurking in the background. The plimp black-fruit flavors have depth and immediate appeal.	91	40	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
118,447	France	This fruity, black-currant-flavored wine comes from a blend of Merlot and Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc. A strong, smoky tannin character lies under the fruit and makes the wine both structured and fresh, with blackberry acidity at the end. This promises some aging; drink from 2017. An Alliance Bourg member.	87	19	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
61,653	Argentina	Murky aromas of herbal black fruits and coffee grinds are funky. A scattered mouthfeel and herbal, spotty flavors of plum and currant finish briny. Overall, this is interesting and good but odd, with can't-miss herbal notes.	87	29	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
81,764	US	Very fruity, with jammy or pie-filling flavors of red cherries, raspberries, cola and sweet cedar, sprinkled with cinnamon, anise and melted butter. The tannic structure is rich and refined, suggesting moderate ageability.	90	38	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
103,769	US	Pulled together with fruit from a mix of estate vineyards, this wine boasts delicate flavors of raspberry and pomegranate with light accents of barrel toast, along with substantial acidity. It's tart, clean and simple.	87	30	Oregon	Pinot Noir
28,196	US	Firmly tannic and dry, this Cabernet, which was blended with a little Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, is one for the cellar. The tannins are tough and astringent, but when they melt away over the next decade or so, they'll leave behind sweet currants, cedar and violets.	92	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
51,435	France	This is a fruity, lightly structured wine. With perfumed red berries and tight acidity, it is all about fruitiness and freshness. It needs to fill out and to become as rich as its potential suggests. Drink from 2018.	88	23	Loire Valley	Pinot Noir
3,478	France	Good density here, with tannins that spring from bright berry fruits. The acidity is certainly present, but it has weight behind it, giving potential richness balanced by wood.	88	17	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
115,108	US	A lovely off-dry Riesling that's crisply elegant. This is the kind of wine that shows why Riesling is experiencing an uptick. With apricot, citrus, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors, it's a great wine to drink with slightly sweet, spicy foods like Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese or Middle Eastern.	88	9	California	Riesling
105,342	US	Briny, with a hint of salted caramel, this is a high-toned white wine, refreshing in lemon and pear notes, with a slight suggestion of orange peel that's entirely welcoming. Focused and crisp throughout, it remains vibrant amid a creaminess to the mouthfeel, finishing with the right balance of both.	90	22	California	Viognier
50,900	US	Though not labeled as such, this could be a varietal Cabernet Franc (80%). Dried herb, tobacco and wood spice aromas lead to well balanced, expressive dried black cherry flavors that stretch out on the finish. The aromas and flavors don't quite sync up but it still brings a lot of appeal.	90	38	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
88,072	Italy	Made with Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of pressed flower, ripe orchard fruit, nut and a whiff of citrus. The linear palate offers toasted oak, mature apricot and candied orange zest. It closes on a note of bitter almond.	90	80	Northeastern Italy	White Blend
107,732	US	A two-barrel selection consisting of the favorite sweeter barrel from each of the two estate vineyards. Intense, bright and focused, with candied lemon/lime fruit flavors. The power and concentration of the wine is remarkable.	95	32	Oregon	Riesling
4,865	US	Made from vines well over 100 years old on the Kunde Estate, this wine is tight and youthful in dry, dusty and grippy tannin, with thick, extracted flavors of red berry and cherry. A streak of pencil lead and fig provides further intrigue and complexity around a full-bodied elegance.	87	50	California	Zinfandel
32,506	France	This Moueix-owned premier grand cru classé property quietly goes about producing great wines. The 2000 is a complete success, with its aromas of red berry fruits and sweet wood, its flavors cedar and truffles alongside the fine, elegant tannins. It will age slowly and reveal layers of complexity over the years.	93	87	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
11,566	US	From Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard, this blend of three clones shows plump red-plum and hibiscus aromas on the nose as well as sharp cinnamon, cola and sumac spices. That tangy sumac character extends to the sip, where tart raspberry makes the eyes water. Also present are fine-grained tannins and a slight touch of Early Grey tea.	91	45	California	Pinot Noir
99,667	US	A bit heavy in body, and very extracted, this single-vineyard Pinot from Boonville has jammy flavors of cherries, raspberries and currants. Extensive new oak adds layers of caramelized meringue. Tasty, although a bit obvious, the wine should hold its own for 5 years.	89	55	California	Pinot Noir
71,538	France	Produced from biodynamically grown grapes, the wine is structured with firm tannins and an austere character. The sixth generation of the Hubert family at the estate has made a wine that will need time for the acidity and the structure to soften. From 2019, it will have richness and a more full-bodied character.	87	19	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
64,290	US	This starts out with cranberry and dark cherry flavors, with a hint of blackberry. It has good tannin structure but not much depth. Simple, it's ready to drink now.	84	14	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
107,959	France	While the wine is light, it has a good balance between its dry tannins and attractive black currant fruitiness. With good structure, it will age over the medium term, so drink from 2016.	86	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
91,967	US	Tough and earthy, with gritty tannins framing tobacco, black cherry and oak flavors. A good everyday Cab from this warmish appellation.	84	36	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
88,870	Italy	Biondi-Santi performs exceptionally well in elegant vintages like 2006. This wine is balanced and fresh, with lingering notes of wild berry, white cherry, cola, spice and dark chocolate. Age this wine 10 years or more.	94	900	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
96,622	France	I know Bordeaux isn't known for being fruit-driven, but this paucity of fruit in a wine that's 50% Merlot (from a vintage that favored this variety's development) is hard to fathom. Leather and old wood combine with earth and mushrooms. There's decent weight and intensity here, so if these are flavors you look for this is an example to seek out.	82	10	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
123,365	Spain	Lightly toasted aromas of apple and lime are mellow. This feels fresh and citrusy, with lime, orange and tropical fruit flavors. A steady, sturdy finish comes with a mild salty note of sea brine.	89	21	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
8,390	US	This single-clone, estate-grown wine shows exemplary concentration. Deeply sculpted fruit flavors roll from peach to papaya, with streaks of buttery caramel. Everything is in proportion, with a most pleasing finish.	92	28	Oregon	Chardonnay
30,451	US	The 2005 Pinot Noir from Honeywood is a dead ringer for—guess what!—the 2004 Pinot Noir from the same winery. Soft entry, herbal and somewhat stemmy mid-palate, tannic, slightly hot finish.	83	24	Oregon	Pinot Noir
19,968	France	Fine, fresh white Bordeaux from this Entre-deux-Mers property. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, just touched by wood, with spice and melon flavors brightened by citrus.	88	16	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
77,674	US	The fruity, jammy forwardness of this Pinot makes you think it will develop in the cellar, but it's a little too soft for extended aging. So give it a good decanting, and enjoy the raspberries, cherries and opulent new oak over the next year or two.	88	60	California	Pinot Noir
85,757	US	This is a bright, effusive, full-bodied wine, with underlying acidity that keeps it fresh in the glass. Apple and pear flavors combine with firm texture, providing weight and breadth.	90	34	California	Chardonnay
61,804	France	This gentle blend of Aligoté and Chardonnay shows yellow fruit flavors. It has a crisp edge to its round smoothness. Drink now.	85	12	Burgundy	White Blend
116,066	US	The blend is Syrah, Merlot and Malbec. The wine is full-bodied, dry and tannic, and not showing well now, despite a wealth of blackberry jam, cassis liqueur, grilled meat and black pepper flavors. It's fancy in oak and feels lush, but those tannins are stubborn. Age until at least 2022.	90	42	California	Red Blend
83,210	US	Blue-fruit aromas are front and center along with notes of herb and barrel spice. The palate shows restraint and suppleness that continues through the sweet fruit flavors on the finish. It's an intriguing, stylistically unique offering of this variety.	91	55	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
66,515	US	Perhaps it's simply too young, but this latest Pinot Gris from Deer Creek does not show the complexity of recent vintages. It's loaded with fresh apple-juice snap and flavor and a squeeze of lemon. Clean and fruit-centric, there's nothing at all wrong with it, and it's a fine thirst-quencher for a hot summer afternoon.	88	25	Oregon	Pinot Gris
49,439	US	From a very cool vintage, this wine takes full advantage of the flavors the year delivered. Bracing and fresh, with a lively mix of lime and citrus fruits, its vivid acidity and a wash of wet rock, give it life and length across the palate. Complex and textural, this is a lovely wine.	91	20	Washington	Chardonnay
65,450	Italy	This blend of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon opens with bell pepper, cassis and grilled herb aromas. The palate offers ripe black currant, anise, sage and mocha flavors, buttressed by crunchy tannins. Drink through 2020.	88	27	Tuscany	Red Blend
106,121	US	Ripeness abounds in this densely plummy Pinot Noir. Full bodied and plush in style, its fruit profile suggests notes of maturity—flavors of prune and dried cherry glazed in sweet balsamic. The finish is a bit earthier, lingering on notes of spice and forest floor.	87	25	New York	Pinot Noir
11,126	US	This wine kicks off with awesome aromatics of jasmine flowers, white beach, green tea and Rainier cherry. The palate is clean and crisp with ripe honeydew melon, Gala apple and Anjou pear flavors that are pleasant but simple.	87	16	California	Sauvignon Blanc
69,521	Italy	This inky wine opens with black concentration and rich aromas of mature cherry, almond paste, spice, blackberry and plum. Integrated wood tones of leather and toasted coffee complete the picture and help render soft but structured tannins. Drink after 2015.	94	65	Tuscany	Red Blend
53,037	US	Here's a big, lush Cab, appealing now for its jammy blackberry, cherry, currant and chocolate flavors. But the tannins make for an unsettled astringency that needs rich meats to cut through. Fine now with complex beef dishes, but better after 2010.	88	36	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
113,920	US	Soft and melted, with sugary sweet berry jam flavors side by side with green mint. Unbalanced, but drinkable.	80	18	California	Syrah
100,083	US	This is a good everyday wine if you're looking for something dry, full-bodied and fruity. It's not particularly identifiable as Merlot, but it's easy to drink, with berry and currant flavors and a nice tug from the tannins.	85	15	California	Merlot
22,124	France	This is intensely minerally and very tight. It has a real steely character, with its acidity packed tight into the concentrated texture, making this dense wine likely to age over three years.	91	45	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
26,648	US	Winemaker Molly Lyman takes a delicate approach to this 100% varietal estate wine, from a longstanding vineyard in the Chiles Valley. From a block named for a farming family linked to the site, Las Flores is sanguine in cranberry and graphite, food-friendly, with a lightness despite its pronounced plum, cassis and oak.	91	75	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
70,159	US	Made from Syrah, Grenache and a splash of Viognier, this wine is in a transitional state. The raspberry, cherry and blackberry fruit flavors are just turning the corner from primary to more aged bottle characteristics. Notes of mushrooms and beef carpaccio are beginning to emerge. You can drink it now, but it will be fascinating, if a little risky, to see what the wine does in five years.	89	40	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
129,754	France	Balancing fruit and ripe spice, it merits a place at the table rather than just serving as an apéritif. It has peach, lychee and a just off-dry character that allows for acidity. Drink now	87	25	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
120,425	US	Polished but concentrated, fruity but complex, this beautifully shaped wine is simply delicious. While fairly full-bodied, it has an elegant texture, focused black-cherry flavors, harmonious and moderate oak notes. This is so tempting to drink now, but will be best after 2019.	93	48	California	Pinot Noir
4,699	Spain	This Crianza is strapping on the nose, with fairly big but not overdone black-fruit aromas. A ripe, chewy palate with moderate tannins holds peppery wild berry flavors that settle on plum. A dark, toasty, peppery finish is mild and smooth. Overall, this offers a lot to like.	91	20	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
96,669	Italy	This Riesling from Piedmont has a fragrance of white spring flowers accented by a hint of honey and beeswax. The palate is nervy and fresh, showing ripe pear, white pepper, clove and honey notes.	87	25	Piedmont	Riesling
112,673	US	All kinds of fantastic things swirl together in this complex, intricate Pinot Noir, but it's too young to touch for a while. The '09 vintage was a great one for Arista's Pinots, and this bottling is their best, a small-production blend of four vineyards. Purists will object that it's a little too forward in sweet fruit, but the raspberries and cherries have interesting cola and mushroom complexities that sing of the soil, while lots of new oak adds rich layers of toast. Beautiful, but needs 4–5 years to begin to come around.	94	68	California	Pinot Noir
61,730	US	Good grip and detail highlight this vineyard designate. Smoke, pipe tobacco, a whiff of cigar and a spicy edge bringing in cinnamon and clove are all well-matched to the ripe, plush fruit. Length and complexity make this a standout.	93	55	Oregon	Pinot Noir
116,370	Italy	A blend of Cataratto and Grillo, Cariddi is a fresh and easy white wine with mild tones of citrus, stone fruit and pear. Pair it with raw fish or smoked salmon.	85	12	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
32,460	France	A structured wine from the Chadronnier family, it is full of tannins and also full of sweeping black-fruit flavors. It is perfumed, rich and concentrated. Don't drink until at least 2020 to get the full generosity of the wine.	90	50	Bordeaux	Merlot
49,927	US	Soft, fruity and tannic, this has jammy blackberry, blueberry and currant flavors. It's ripe and tasty, but rustic, with some less-than-ripe mint flavors and edgy tannins.	85	25	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
24,292	Italy	From the northern-most, mountainous region of Italy, this cool-climate Pinot Grigio delivers pristine aromas of citrus, stone fruit, kiwi and white flower. It shows lively, zesty tones in the mouth with a touch of crisp acidity on the close.	88	23	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
100,518	US	This medium-bodied wine smells sweet but tastes dry. Vivid fruit aromas and flavors, and a lively, tangy mouthfeel add lots of personality. It smells like apples and honey and tastes like crisp apples and citrus.	88	15	California	Pinot Grigio
42,450	US	This is a lean Dominus, showing the difficulties of the vintage. It's dry and tannic, with black currant, cherry and cassis flavors that are wrapped in strong, hard tannins. It's a good wine, but lacks the r ich complexity you expect from this property.	88	179	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
39,376	France	This wine is full of all the right elements, from juicy acidity to black currant fruit and a supporting layer of tannins. It has weight, concentration and delicious spice and berry flavors. Drink from 2020.	91	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
66,748	US	A beautiful Cabernet, made in an elegantly approachable way. Dry and smooth, it shows complex flavors of blackberries, currants and dried herbs, wrapped into rich, dusty tannins. The alcohol level is quite high, but balanced, in a California way.	92	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
48,325	France	Made mainly from Pinot Noir, this is a full wine, intensely fruity and ripe. Apple and sweet lime flavors give a rich feeling, while a touch of minerality adds the proper texture and balance. Drink now.	90	50	Champagne	Pinot Noir
35,739	Italy	Oak, roasted coffee bean and star anise aromas lead the nose. On the palate, notes of fennel, licorice, mocha and espresso lend depth to a core of dried cherry while firmly delineated tannins provide the framework. Drink after 2020.	91	50	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
62,119	US	Bright and spicy, this has flavors of melon and pear. Balanced throughout, it finishes with a lightly toasty accent. Superb winemaking shines here.	91	19	Oregon	Pinot Gris
47,914	US	This vineyard was planted specifically for the No Girls project. The wine is fresh, fragrant and intensely floral, with a mix of rosewater and orange zest. Elegant, with a delicate, lacy texture, the flavors are savory and salty, braced with stiff, lightly peppery tannins. Notes of funk and mushroom come into play as it finishes gracefully and with unexpected length.	95	65	Oregon	Grenache
37,290	Spain	This wine's ripe berry aromas are accompanied by creamy oak, pepper and licorice notes. It feels choppy yet built to last, with spicy, lightly herbal berry and plum flavors and an abrasive but fresh finish, suggesting it will not suffer from further aging. Drink through 2024.	91	58	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
26,351	France	Savigny-lès-Beaune often shows the softer side of Pinot Noir. This wine has juicy red-cherry and raspberry flavors that balance the gentle, dry tannins. The low-yielding old vines from which the fruit was sourced give this selection extra concentration. This will benefit from medium-term aging.	90	58	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
109,599	US	A négociant effort, this was done entirely in stainless steel and neutral oak. Tart and light, it has simple strawberry fruit with a touch of spice. It offers no tricks, just straight-ahead Pinot at a modest price for Oregon.	87	20	Oregon	Pinot Noir
107,902	Portugal	With minty wood flavors, this wine is smooth and polished. It offers berry fruits from the blend of 10 varieties in this old-vine vineyard. With spice and some firm tannins in the background, it is ready to drink.	90	18	Douro	Portuguese Red
26,456	US	A standout among the winery's single-vineyard selections, this big-boned effort brings flavors of chewy cherry alongside a citrus highlight and a definite underpinning of wet stone and clay. Texturally compelling, it should age gracefully through 2024.	93	60	Oregon	Pinot Noir
79,683	US	Pretty dark and full-bodied for a rosé, and too extracted and heavy in cherry-berry flavors to be considered elegant. It's almost a red wine you could drink at room temperature.	82	10	California	Rosé
36,381	Spain	Charred and oaky smelling at first, this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend transitions to caramel and marshmallow aromas as it breathes. Hard tannins pinch like a vise, while herbal dark-berry flavors show a note of juniper and green in front of a toasty, long, rugged finish.	88	24	Catalonia	Red Blend
28,922	US	Too oaky, with dominating tastes of buttered toast that swamp the pineapple and orange fruit. The oak follows through in a sweet, caramelized finish.	83	16	California	Chardonnay
113,727	US	Union Wine Company, which now owns Amity, makes a number of good-value, well-structured Pinots. Add this one to the list. Aged 11 months in 15% new French oak, it's pleasingly fruity (raspberry and cherry) but doesn't stop there. The touch of barrel-aging adds coffee and caramel highlights.	88	25	Oregon	Pinot Noir
26,106	US	For 40 bucks, this is a sumptuous, lush young wine that offers all the fancy fruit and oak you expect from an upscale Napa Cab.	91	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
68,799	US	This wine is marked by a woody, herbal undertone that evolves into cardamom and clove. Fruitier, full-bodied waves of cherry, wild strawberry and vanilla play out on the boisterous, boldly built palate.	86	55	California	Pinot Noir
44,843	US	The white wines in the Wine By Joe portfolio are fresh, well-made and offer exceptional value. It's tougher to do with Oregon Pinot Noir. This thin, disjointed and simple wine has aggressive vegetal character and unappealing earthiness.	84	19	Oregon	Pinot Noir
72,140	US	Pale copper colored, this wine is more focused on mineral than fruit expression, with aromas of wet stone out in front of citrus rind. The medium-bodied flavors dance lightly on the palate but still show concentration, texture and balance.	90	45	Washington	Rosé
3,211	Spain	Scratchy plum and raspberry aromas are fresh and forward, while the mouthfeel follows suit; it's juicy, with narrowing acidity and brightness. Flavors of raspberry, plum and cherry end zesty and long, with crisp acidity maintaining focus. This is a blend of Carignan (Mazuelo), Garnacha and Syrah.	88	13	Catalonia	Red Blend
42,295	Argentina	Baked aromas of raisin are not uncommon for this winery's reds. This has Amarone-like weight backed by flavors of prune, black pepper and medicinal cherry. Heat is a factor on a grapy finish. This Cabernet-Malbec blend doesn't tread lightly.	85	20	Mendoza Province	Red Blend
48,953	US	Plush and dusty, this splendid Merlot offers unusual depth and texture, even for Washington versions of the much-maligned grape. Along with black cherry fruit come highlights of herb and olive, spicy oak and rich earth. The density and detail carry through a long finish.	92	52	Washington	Merlot
84,188	Italy	With a beautiful, newly inaugurated winery in place, Rocca di Montemassi's Sangiovese-based Le Focaie will be a wine to watch in the future. This vintage showcases sweet, plump cherry, vanilla and well-integrated oak nuances. A plush, velvety feel characterizes the mouth.	88	11	Tuscany	Sangiovese
53,074	US	With fruit hailing mostly from Sonoma (83%), this Overlook also sources from Monterey (11%) and Santa Barbara counties (6%) to craft a barrel-influenced wine that's intense in caramel, lemon and vanilla sugar, rich yet balanced.	89	23	California	Chardonnay
24,219	US	Betz Family's Merlot-based blend offers sleek plum and cassis fruit, with a tart, sappy, yet penetrating presence. Despite some years in bottle, the acids seem to out-run the fruit, though that may bode well for cellaring.	90	55	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
32,333	France	A deliciously soft, smoky wine, the tannins a hint behind the rounded fresh berry and red-plum fruits. There is a great juicy character to go with the fresh acidity and the final, drier structure.	91	51	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
111,551	US	Rich and buttery, this has smoky oak and toast flavors that frame the pineapple and orange jam notes. Not overly complicated, this is made in a way that appeals to Chardonnay lovers. Production was a hefty 16,500 cases.	86	25	California	Chardonnay
121,598	US	Off-dry and minty, with a strong streak of wintergreen, this simple, fruity Riesling offers fruit flavors of green apple and a bit of waxy lemon.	85	15	Washington	Riesling
72,799	US	Inky black in hue, this dry, full-bodied wine has hard tannins and a sweet black-currant flavor, which makes it a great selection to pair with steak. If you drink it now, give it a few hours of decanting.	88	36	California	Malbec
106,958	US	Tastes unevenly ripened, with vegetal notes alongside the berries. Also feels overly soft and hot in alcohol.	82	25	California	Zinfandel
77,971	US	A bright, floral fragrance invites one to further explore this softly structured wine. It's layered with ripe red fruit, leather and pepper flavors that are carried into the finish by tight, grippy tannins.	90	42	California	Petite Sirah
93,510	US	A fine Zin from some of Sonoma's best vineyards. Briary and rustic, it brims with dry, savory flavors of wild berries, cherries and spices, with a rich finish that goes on for a good 30 seconds.	88	14	California	Zinfandel
116,728	France	This is a rare red wine in this Loir Valley appellation, wood aged and rich. A blend of Pineau d'Aunis with Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, it is densely textured and full of spice as well as blackberry fruit. Full in the mouth, replete with fruit, it is ready to drink.	89	16	Loire Valley	Red Blend
7,417	France	Those who seek out Gewürztraminer for its intense, exotic nose will want to look elsewhere. Despite the subtle aromatic profile, the rich palate is bursting with flavors of rose water, spice and cloves. It finishes fairly dry, with just a hint of residual sugar.	86	17	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
31,556	US	Co-fermented with 5% Roussanne, this wine comes from Morrison Lane Vineyard. It's brightly aromatic, with blueberry jam, huckleberry and spice notes. The palate is soft and textured, delivering rich fruit flavors and a long finish that shows some warmth.	90	60	Washington	Syrah
124,505	France	Vines situated in the heart of the village give this wine its ripe, generous berry flavor. The tannins, while firm, are integrated into the bold fruitiness. This round while structured wine has good acidity to balance the richness. Drink from 2019.	90	80	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
16,661	Argentina	Briary and powerful smelling, with leathery aromas of blackberry and dark plum, this heavily extracted Malbec is grabby and tannic. Earthy, roasted blackberry and leathery flavors end with simmering heat. This is a big, fruity and gripping Malbec.	85	13	Mendoza Province	Malbec
45,204	US	So acidic, it's almost sour, and the cherry and cranberry fruit isn't rich enough to offset that tartness. As a result, it feels unbalanced and uncomfortable.	84	35	California	Pinot Noir
17,377	US	This is a rich-textured, full-bodied wine with lots of dark fruit flavors and thick tannins softened by a touch of sweetness. It has a very dark color, strawberry and blackberry aromas and darker, more concentrated flavors including dark chocolate and blueberry.	88	25	California	Red Blend
9,346	Italy	Firm and spicy, this blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot opens with aromas of black plum, crushed violet and kitchen spices. The juicy palate delivers ripe black cherry, licorice and clove alongside a backbone of tightly wound but refined tannins. Drink 2016–2020.	89	35	Tuscany	Red Blend
46,161	US	From a 25-acre site on the western flank of Rutherford, this wine includes 2% Malbec. With sanguine cassis, cranberry and cinnamon touches, it's a soft, round and velvety expression of the hearty variety, finishing with notes of coffee and dark chocolate.	94	85	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
58,152	US	A light wine, this shows mostly flavors of earth, forest floor and dried wood, rather than fruit. The finish leaves a sour aftertaste.	84	20	Oregon	Pinot Noir
68,036	Italy	Aromas of French oak, toast and oak-driven spice dominate the nose. The taut palate offers red cherry, licorice, clove, toasted hazelnut and coffee alongside firm tannins that leave a grippy finish.	88	42	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
8,315	US	This impressive white was fermented in equal parts concrete and stainless steel, retaining a lush texture and vibrant minerality. Night-blooming jasmine exudes from the glass before revealing well-defined layers of spiced lemon, peach and white pepper.	92	22	California	Pinot Gris

118,664

US

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine opens with reserved aromas of herbs and assorted barrel spices, with blackberry lurking in the background. The plimp black-fruit flavors have depth and immediate appeal.

91

40

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

118,447

France

This fruity, black-currant-flavored wine comes from a blend of Merlot and Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc. A strong, smoky tannin character lies under the fruit and makes the wine both structured and fresh, with blackberry acidity at the end. This promises some aging; drink from 2017. An Alliance Bourg member.

87

19

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

61,653

Argentina

Murky aromas of herbal black fruits and coffee grinds are funky. A scattered mouthfeel and herbal, spotty flavors of plum and currant finish briny. Overall, this is interesting and good but odd, with can't-miss herbal notes.

87

29

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

81,764

US

Very fruity, with jammy or pie-filling flavors of red cherries, raspberries, cola and sweet cedar, sprinkled with cinnamon, anise and melted butter. The tannic structure is rich and refined, suggesting moderate ageability.

90

38

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

103,769

US

Pulled together with fruit from a mix of estate vineyards, this wine boasts delicate flavors of raspberry and pomegranate with light accents of barrel toast, along with substantial acidity. It's tart, clean and simple.

87

30

Oregon

Pinot Noir

28,196

US

Firmly tannic and dry, this Cabernet, which was blended with a little Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, is one for the cellar. The tannins are tough and astringent, but when they melt away over the next decade or so, they'll leave behind sweet currants, cedar and violets.

92

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

51,435

France

This is a fruity, lightly structured wine. With perfumed red berries and tight acidity, it is all about fruitiness and freshness. It needs to fill out and to become as rich as its potential suggests. Drink from 2018.

88

23

Loire Valley

Pinot Noir

3,478

France

Good density here, with tannins that spring from bright berry fruits. The acidity is certainly present, but it has weight behind it, giving potential richness balanced by wood.

88

17

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

115,108

US

A lovely off-dry Riesling that's crisply elegant. This is the kind of wine that shows why Riesling is experiencing an uptick. With apricot, citrus, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors, it's a great wine to drink with slightly sweet, spicy foods like Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese or Middle Eastern.

88

9

California

Riesling

105,342

US

Briny, with a hint of salted caramel, this is a high-toned white wine, refreshing in lemon and pear notes, with a slight suggestion of orange peel that's entirely welcoming. Focused and crisp throughout, it remains vibrant amid a creaminess to the mouthfeel, finishing with the right balance of both.

90

22

California

Viognier

50,900

US

Though not labeled as such, this could be a varietal Cabernet Franc (80%). Dried herb, tobacco and wood spice aromas lead to well balanced, expressive dried black cherry flavors that stretch out on the finish. The aromas and flavors don't quite sync up but it still brings a lot of appeal.

90

38

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

88,072

Italy

Made with Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of pressed flower, ripe orchard fruit, nut and a whiff of citrus. The linear palate offers toasted oak, mature apricot and candied orange zest. It closes on a note of bitter almond.

90

80

Northeastern Italy

White Blend

107,732

US

A two-barrel selection consisting of the favorite sweeter barrel from each of the two estate vineyards. Intense, bright and focused, with candied lemon/lime fruit flavors. The power and concentration of the wine is remarkable.

95

32

Oregon

Riesling

4,865

US

Made from vines well over 100 years old on the Kunde Estate, this wine is tight and youthful in dry, dusty and grippy tannin, with thick, extracted flavors of red berry and cherry. A streak of pencil lead and fig provides further intrigue and complexity around a full-bodied elegance.

87

50

California

Zinfandel

32,506

France

This Moueix-owned premier grand cru classé property quietly goes about producing great wines. The 2000 is a complete success, with its aromas of red berry fruits and sweet wood, its flavors cedar and truffles alongside the fine, elegant tannins. It will age slowly and reveal layers of complexity over the years.

93

87

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

11,566

US

From Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard, this blend of three clones shows plump red-plum and hibiscus aromas on the nose as well as sharp cinnamon, cola and sumac spices. That tangy sumac character extends to the sip, where tart raspberry makes the eyes water. Also present are fine-grained tannins and a slight touch of Early Grey tea.

91

45

California

Pinot Noir

99,667

US

A bit heavy in body, and very extracted, this single-vineyard Pinot from Boonville has jammy flavors of cherries, raspberries and currants. Extensive new oak adds layers of caramelized meringue. Tasty, although a bit obvious, the wine should hold its own for 5 years.

89

55

California

Pinot Noir

71,538

France

Produced from biodynamically grown grapes, the wine is structured with firm tannins and an austere character. The sixth generation of the Hubert family at the estate has made a wine that will need time for the acidity and the structure to soften. From 2019, it will have richness and a more full-bodied character.

87

19

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

64,290

US

This starts out with cranberry and dark cherry flavors, with a hint of blackberry. It has good tannin structure but not much depth. Simple, it's ready to drink now.

84

14

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

107,959

France

While the wine is light, it has a good balance between its dry tannins and attractive black currant fruitiness. With good structure, it will age over the medium term, so drink from 2016.

86

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

91,967

US

Tough and earthy, with gritty tannins framing tobacco, black cherry and oak flavors. A good everyday Cab from this warmish appellation.

84

36

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

88,870

Italy

Biondi-Santi performs exceptionally well in elegant vintages like 2006. This wine is balanced and fresh, with lingering notes of wild berry, white cherry, cola, spice and dark chocolate. Age this wine 10 years or more.

94

900

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

96,622

France

I know Bordeaux isn't known for being fruit-driven, but this paucity of fruit in a wine that's 50% Merlot (from a vintage that favored this variety's development) is hard to fathom. Leather and old wood combine with earth and mushrooms. There's decent weight and intensity here, so if these are flavors you look for this is an example to seek out.

82

10

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

123,365

Spain

Lightly toasted aromas of apple and lime are mellow. This feels fresh and citrusy, with lime, orange and tropical fruit flavors. A steady, sturdy finish comes with a mild salty note of sea brine.

89

21

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

8,390

US

This single-clone, estate-grown wine shows exemplary concentration. Deeply sculpted fruit flavors roll from peach to papaya, with streaks of buttery caramel. Everything is in proportion, with a most pleasing finish.

92

28

Oregon

Chardonnay

30,451

US

The 2005 Pinot Noir from Honeywood is a dead ringer for—guess what!—the 2004 Pinot Noir from the same winery. Soft entry, herbal and somewhat stemmy mid-palate, tannic, slightly hot finish.

83

24

Oregon

Pinot Noir

19,968

France

Fine, fresh white Bordeaux from this Entre-deux-Mers property. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, just touched by wood, with spice and melon flavors brightened by citrus.

88

16

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

77,674

US

The fruity, jammy forwardness of this Pinot makes you think it will develop in the cellar, but it's a little too soft for extended aging. So give it a good decanting, and enjoy the raspberries, cherries and opulent new oak over the next year or two.

88

60

California

Pinot Noir

85,757

US

This is a bright, effusive, full-bodied wine, with underlying acidity that keeps it fresh in the glass. Apple and pear flavors combine with firm texture, providing weight and breadth.

90

34

California

Chardonnay

61,804

France

This gentle blend of Aligoté and Chardonnay shows yellow fruit flavors. It has a crisp edge to its round smoothness. Drink now.

85

12

Burgundy

White Blend

116,066

US

The blend is Syrah, Merlot and Malbec. The wine is full-bodied, dry and tannic, and not showing well now, despite a wealth of blackberry jam, cassis liqueur, grilled meat and black pepper flavors. It's fancy in oak and feels lush, but those tannins are stubborn. Age until at least 2022.

90

42

California

Red Blend

83,210

US

Blue-fruit aromas are front and center along with notes of herb and barrel spice. The palate shows restraint and suppleness that continues through the sweet fruit flavors on the finish. It's an intriguing, stylistically unique offering of this variety.

91

55

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

66,515

US

Perhaps it's simply too young, but this latest Pinot Gris from Deer Creek does not show the complexity of recent vintages. It's loaded with fresh apple-juice snap and flavor and a squeeze of lemon. Clean and fruit-centric, there's nothing at all wrong with it, and it's a fine thirst-quencher for a hot summer afternoon.

88

25

Oregon

Pinot Gris

49,439

US

From a very cool vintage, this wine takes full advantage of the flavors the year delivered. Bracing and fresh, with a lively mix of lime and citrus fruits, its vivid acidity and a wash of wet rock, give it life and length across the palate. Complex and textural, this is a lovely wine.

91

20

Washington

Chardonnay

65,450

Italy

This blend of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon opens with bell pepper, cassis and grilled herb aromas. The palate offers ripe black currant, anise, sage and mocha flavors, buttressed by crunchy tannins. Drink through 2020.

88

27

Tuscany

Red Blend

106,121

US

Ripeness abounds in this densely plummy Pinot Noir. Full bodied and plush in style, its fruit profile suggests notes of maturity—flavors of prune and dried cherry glazed in sweet balsamic. The finish is a bit earthier, lingering on notes of spice and forest floor.

87

25

New York

Pinot Noir

11,126

US

This wine kicks off with awesome aromatics of jasmine flowers, white beach, green tea and Rainier cherry. The palate is clean and crisp with ripe honeydew melon, Gala apple and Anjou pear flavors that are pleasant but simple.

87

16

California

Sauvignon Blanc

69,521

Italy

This inky wine opens with black concentration and rich aromas of mature cherry, almond paste, spice, blackberry and plum. Integrated wood tones of leather and toasted coffee complete the picture and help render soft but structured tannins. Drink after 2015.

94

65

Tuscany

Red Blend

53,037

US

Here's a big, lush Cab, appealing now for its jammy blackberry, cherry, currant and chocolate flavors. But the tannins make for an unsettled astringency that needs rich meats to cut through. Fine now with complex beef dishes, but better after 2010.

88

36

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

113,920

US

Soft and melted, with sugary sweet berry jam flavors side by side with green mint. Unbalanced, but drinkable.

80

18

California

Syrah

100,083

US

This is a good everyday wine if you're looking for something dry, full-bodied and fruity. It's not particularly identifiable as Merlot, but it's easy to drink, with berry and currant flavors and a nice tug from the tannins.

85

15

California

Merlot

22,124

France

This is intensely minerally and very tight. It has a real steely character, with its acidity packed tight into the concentrated texture, making this dense wine likely to age over three years.

91

45

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

26,648

US

Winemaker Molly Lyman takes a delicate approach to this 100% varietal estate wine, from a longstanding vineyard in the Chiles Valley. From a block named for a farming family linked to the site, Las Flores is sanguine in cranberry and graphite, food-friendly, with a lightness despite its pronounced plum, cassis and oak.

91

75

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

70,159

US

Made from Syrah, Grenache and a splash of Viognier, this wine is in a transitional state. The raspberry, cherry and blackberry fruit flavors are just turning the corner from primary to more aged bottle characteristics. Notes of mushrooms and beef carpaccio are beginning to emerge. You can drink it now, but it will be fascinating, if a little risky, to see what the wine does in five years.

89

40

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

129,754

France

Balancing fruit and ripe spice, it merits a place at the table rather than just serving as an apéritif. It has peach, lychee and a just off-dry character that allows for acidity. Drink now

87

25

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

120,425

US

Polished but concentrated, fruity but complex, this beautifully shaped wine is simply delicious. While fairly full-bodied, it has an elegant texture, focused black-cherry flavors, harmonious and moderate oak notes. This is so tempting to drink now, but will be best after 2019.

93

48

California

Pinot Noir

4,699

Spain

This Crianza is strapping on the nose, with fairly big but not overdone black-fruit aromas. A ripe, chewy palate with moderate tannins holds peppery wild berry flavors that settle on plum. A dark, toasty, peppery finish is mild and smooth. Overall, this offers a lot to like.

91

20

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

96,669

Italy

This Riesling from Piedmont has a fragrance of white spring flowers accented by a hint of honey and beeswax. The palate is nervy and fresh, showing ripe pear, white pepper, clove and honey notes.

87

25

Piedmont

Riesling

112,673

US

All kinds of fantastic things swirl together in this complex, intricate Pinot Noir, but it's too young to touch for a while. The '09 vintage was a great one for Arista's Pinots, and this bottling is their best, a small-production blend of four vineyards. Purists will object that it's a little too forward in sweet fruit, but the raspberries and cherries have interesting cola and mushroom complexities that sing of the soil, while lots of new oak adds rich layers of toast. Beautiful, but needs 4–5 years to begin to come around.

94

68

California

Pinot Noir

61,730

US

Good grip and detail highlight this vineyard designate. Smoke, pipe tobacco, a whiff of cigar and a spicy edge bringing in cinnamon and clove are all well-matched to the ripe, plush fruit. Length and complexity make this a standout.

93

55

Oregon

Pinot Noir

116,370

Italy

A blend of Cataratto and Grillo, Cariddi is a fresh and easy white wine with mild tones of citrus, stone fruit and pear. Pair it with raw fish or smoked salmon.

85

12

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

32,460

France

A structured wine from the Chadronnier family, it is full of tannins and also full of sweeping black-fruit flavors. It is perfumed, rich and concentrated. Don't drink until at least 2020 to get the full generosity of the wine.

90

50

Bordeaux

Merlot

49,927

US

Soft, fruity and tannic, this has jammy blackberry, blueberry and currant flavors. It's ripe and tasty, but rustic, with some less-than-ripe mint flavors and edgy tannins.

85

25

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

24,292

Italy

From the northern-most, mountainous region of Italy, this cool-climate Pinot Grigio delivers pristine aromas of citrus, stone fruit, kiwi and white flower. It shows lively, zesty tones in the mouth with a touch of crisp acidity on the close.

88

23

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

100,518

US

This medium-bodied wine smells sweet but tastes dry. Vivid fruit aromas and flavors, and a lively, tangy mouthfeel add lots of personality. It smells like apples and honey and tastes like crisp apples and citrus.

88

15

California

Pinot Grigio

42,450

US

This is a lean Dominus, showing the difficulties of the vintage. It's dry and tannic, with black currant, cherry and cassis flavors that are wrapped in strong, hard tannins. It's a good wine, but lacks the r ich complexity you expect from this property.

88

179

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

39,376

France

This wine is full of all the right elements, from juicy acidity to black currant fruit and a supporting layer of tannins. It has weight, concentration and delicious spice and berry flavors. Drink from 2020.

91

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

66,748

US

A beautiful Cabernet, made in an elegantly approachable way. Dry and smooth, it shows complex flavors of blackberries, currants and dried herbs, wrapped into rich, dusty tannins. The alcohol level is quite high, but balanced, in a California way.

92

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

48,325

France

Made mainly from Pinot Noir, this is a full wine, intensely fruity and ripe. Apple and sweet lime flavors give a rich feeling, while a touch of minerality adds the proper texture and balance. Drink now.

90

50

Champagne

Pinot Noir

35,739

Italy

Oak, roasted coffee bean and star anise aromas lead the nose. On the palate, notes of fennel, licorice, mocha and espresso lend depth to a core of dried cherry while firmly delineated tannins provide the framework. Drink after 2020.

91

50

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

62,119

US

Bright and spicy, this has flavors of melon and pear. Balanced throughout, it finishes with a lightly toasty accent. Superb winemaking shines here.

91

19

Oregon

Pinot Gris

47,914

US

This vineyard was planted specifically for the No Girls project. The wine is fresh, fragrant and intensely floral, with a mix of rosewater and orange zest. Elegant, with a delicate, lacy texture, the flavors are savory and salty, braced with stiff, lightly peppery tannins. Notes of funk and mushroom come into play as it finishes gracefully and with unexpected length.

95

65

Oregon

Grenache

37,290

Spain

This wine's ripe berry aromas are accompanied by creamy oak, pepper and licorice notes. It feels choppy yet built to last, with spicy, lightly herbal berry and plum flavors and an abrasive but fresh finish, suggesting it will not suffer from further aging. Drink through 2024.

91

58

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

26,351

France

Savigny-lès-Beaune often shows the softer side of Pinot Noir. This wine has juicy red-cherry and raspberry flavors that balance the gentle, dry tannins. The low-yielding old vines from which the fruit was sourced give this selection extra concentration. This will benefit from medium-term aging.

90

58

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

109,599

US

A négociant effort, this was done entirely in stainless steel and neutral oak. Tart and light, it has simple strawberry fruit with a touch of spice. It offers no tricks, just straight-ahead Pinot at a modest price for Oregon.

87

20

Oregon

Pinot Noir

107,902

Portugal

With minty wood flavors, this wine is smooth and polished. It offers berry fruits from the blend of 10 varieties in this old-vine vineyard. With spice and some firm tannins in the background, it is ready to drink.

90

18

Douro

Portuguese Red

26,456

US

A standout among the winery's single-vineyard selections, this big-boned effort brings flavors of chewy cherry alongside a citrus highlight and a definite underpinning of wet stone and clay. Texturally compelling, it should age gracefully through 2024.

93

60

Oregon

Pinot Noir

79,683

US

Pretty dark and full-bodied for a rosé, and too extracted and heavy in cherry-berry flavors to be considered elegant. It's almost a red wine you could drink at room temperature.

82

10

California

Rosé

36,381

Spain

Charred and oaky smelling at first, this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend transitions to caramel and marshmallow aromas as it breathes. Hard tannins pinch like a vise, while herbal dark-berry flavors show a note of juniper and green in front of a toasty, long, rugged finish.

88

24

Catalonia

Red Blend

28,922

US

Too oaky, with dominating tastes of buttered toast that swamp the pineapple and orange fruit. The oak follows through in a sweet, caramelized finish.

83

16

California

Chardonnay

113,727

US

Union Wine Company, which now owns Amity, makes a number of good-value, well-structured Pinots. Add this one to the list. Aged 11 months in 15% new French oak, it's pleasingly fruity (raspberry and cherry) but doesn't stop there. The touch of barrel-aging adds coffee and caramel highlights.

88

25

Oregon

Pinot Noir

26,106

US

For 40 bucks, this is a sumptuous, lush young wine that offers all the fancy fruit and oak you expect from an upscale Napa Cab.

91

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

68,799

US

This wine is marked by a woody, herbal undertone that evolves into cardamom and clove. Fruitier, full-bodied waves of cherry, wild strawberry and vanilla play out on the boisterous, boldly built palate.

86

55

California

Pinot Noir

44,843

US

The white wines in the Wine By Joe portfolio are fresh, well-made and offer exceptional value. It's tougher to do with Oregon Pinot Noir. This thin, disjointed and simple wine has aggressive vegetal character and unappealing earthiness.

84

19

Oregon

Pinot Noir

72,140

US

Pale copper colored, this wine is more focused on mineral than fruit expression, with aromas of wet stone out in front of citrus rind. The medium-bodied flavors dance lightly on the palate but still show concentration, texture and balance.

90

45

Washington

Rosé

3,211

Spain

Scratchy plum and raspberry aromas are fresh and forward, while the mouthfeel follows suit; it's juicy, with narrowing acidity and brightness. Flavors of raspberry, plum and cherry end zesty and long, with crisp acidity maintaining focus. This is a blend of Carignan (Mazuelo), Garnacha and Syrah.

88

13

Catalonia

Red Blend

42,295

Argentina

Baked aromas of raisin are not uncommon for this winery's reds. This has Amarone-like weight backed by flavors of prune, black pepper and medicinal cherry. Heat is a factor on a grapy finish. This Cabernet-Malbec blend doesn't tread lightly.

85

20

Mendoza Province

Red Blend

48,953

US

Plush and dusty, this splendid Merlot offers unusual depth and texture, even for Washington versions of the much-maligned grape. Along with black cherry fruit come highlights of herb and olive, spicy oak and rich earth. The density and detail carry through a long finish.

92

52

Washington

Merlot

84,188

Italy

With a beautiful, newly inaugurated winery in place, Rocca di Montemassi's Sangiovese-based Le Focaie will be a wine to watch in the future. This vintage showcases sweet, plump cherry, vanilla and well-integrated oak nuances. A plush, velvety feel characterizes the mouth.

88

11

Tuscany

Sangiovese

53,074

US

With fruit hailing mostly from Sonoma (83%), this Overlook also sources from Monterey (11%) and Santa Barbara counties (6%) to craft a barrel-influenced wine that's intense in caramel, lemon and vanilla sugar, rich yet balanced.

89

23

California

Chardonnay

24,219

US

Betz Family's Merlot-based blend offers sleek plum and cassis fruit, with a tart, sappy, yet penetrating presence. Despite some years in bottle, the acids seem to out-run the fruit, though that may bode well for cellaring.

90

55

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

32,333

France

A deliciously soft, smoky wine, the tannins a hint behind the rounded fresh berry and red-plum fruits. There is a great juicy character to go with the fresh acidity and the final, drier structure.

91

51

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

111,551

US

Rich and buttery, this has smoky oak and toast flavors that frame the pineapple and orange jam notes. Not overly complicated, this is made in a way that appeals to Chardonnay lovers. Production was a hefty 16,500 cases.

86

25

California

Chardonnay

121,598

US

Off-dry and minty, with a strong streak of wintergreen, this simple, fruity Riesling offers fruit flavors of green apple and a bit of waxy lemon.

85

15

Washington

Riesling

72,799

US

Inky black in hue, this dry, full-bodied wine has hard tannins and a sweet black-currant flavor, which makes it a great selection to pair with steak. If you drink it now, give it a few hours of decanting.

88

36

California

Malbec

106,958

US

Tastes unevenly ripened, with vegetal notes alongside the berries. Also feels overly soft and hot in alcohol.

82

25

California

Zinfandel

77,971

US

A bright, floral fragrance invites one to further explore this softly structured wine. It's layered with ripe red fruit, leather and pepper flavors that are carried into the finish by tight, grippy tannins.

90

42

California

Petite Sirah

93,510

US

A fine Zin from some of Sonoma's best vineyards. Briary and rustic, it brims with dry, savory flavors of wild berries, cherries and spices, with a rich finish that goes on for a good 30 seconds.

88

14

California

Zinfandel

116,728

France

This is a rare red wine in this Loir Valley appellation, wood aged and rich. A blend of Pineau d'Aunis with Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, it is densely textured and full of spice as well as blackberry fruit. Full in the mouth, replete with fruit, it is ready to drink.

89

16

Loire Valley

Red Blend

7,417

France

Those who seek out Gewürztraminer for its intense, exotic nose will want to look elsewhere. Despite the subtle aromatic profile, the rich palate is bursting with flavors of rose water, spice and cloves. It finishes fairly dry, with just a hint of residual sugar.

86

17

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

31,556

US

Co-fermented with 5% Roussanne, this wine comes from Morrison Lane Vineyard. It's brightly aromatic, with blueberry jam, huckleberry and spice notes. The palate is soft and textured, delivering rich fruit flavors and a long finish that shows some warmth.

90

60

Washington

Syrah

124,505

France

Vines situated in the heart of the village give this wine its ripe, generous berry flavor. The tannins, while firm, are integrated into the bold fruitiness. This round while structured wine has good acidity to balance the richness. Drink from 2019.

90

80

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

16,661

Argentina

Briary and powerful smelling, with leathery aromas of blackberry and dark plum, this heavily extracted Malbec is grabby and tannic. Earthy, roasted blackberry and leathery flavors end with simmering heat. This is a big, fruity and gripping Malbec.

85

13

Mendoza Province

Malbec

45,204

US

So acidic, it's almost sour, and the cherry and cranberry fruit isn't rich enough to offset that tartness. As a result, it feels unbalanced and uncomfortable.

84

35

California

Pinot Noir

17,377

US

This is a rich-textured, full-bodied wine with lots of dark fruit flavors and thick tannins softened by a touch of sweetness. It has a very dark color, strawberry and blackberry aromas and darker, more concentrated flavors including dark chocolate and blueberry.

88

25

California

Red Blend

9,346

Italy

Firm and spicy, this blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot opens with aromas of black plum, crushed violet and kitchen spices. The juicy palate delivers ripe black cherry, licorice and clove alongside a backbone of tightly wound but refined tannins. Drink 2016–2020.

89

35

Tuscany

Red Blend

46,161

US

From a 25-acre site on the western flank of Rutherford, this wine includes 2% Malbec. With sanguine cassis, cranberry and cinnamon touches, it's a soft, round and velvety expression of the hearty variety, finishing with notes of coffee and dark chocolate.

94

85

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

58,152

US

A light wine, this shows mostly flavors of earth, forest floor and dried wood, rather than fruit. The finish leaves a sour aftertaste.

84

20

Oregon

Pinot Noir

68,036

Italy

Aromas of French oak, toast and oak-driven spice dominate the nose. The taut palate offers red cherry, licorice, clove, toasted hazelnut and coffee alongside firm tannins that leave a grippy finish.

88

42

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

8,315

US

This impressive white was fermented in equal parts concrete and stainless steel, retaining a lush texture and vibrant minerality. Night-blooming jasmine exudes from the glass before revealing well-defined layers of spiced lemon, peach and white pepper.

92

22

California

Pinot Gris