spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	The scents mingle rose petals, sandalwood and a touch of bitter greens. That dusting of incense continues on the palate, with Indian spices and tart red fruit. Tannins are firm and proportionate, with a bit of stem flavoring the finish.	One Toe Duck	87	30	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Ancient Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Ancient Cellars 2012 One Toe Duck Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
France	Based in Vougeot in the heart of the Côte d'Or, Labet makes a delicious Crémant, appley, crisp and fresh. Offers pretty flavors of kiwis, green plums and a touch of toast. Imported by Vintners Edge.	null	90	19	Burgundy	Crémant de Bourgogne	null	Champagne Blend	Francois Labet	null	null	null
US	From the color— unusually dark for Pinot Noir—to the deeply fruity, earthy aromas, you expect something big, massive and ageworthy, and the first sip confirms this impression. This is serious Pinot. It comes across deep and powerful in the mouth, suggesting plums, sweet blackberries and a hint of sun-warmed tomato, and finishes with a blast of complex oak and spice. Complex now, it calls for complex dishes—the best game birds you can find—and will probably be even better with some time in the cellar.	null	92	35	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Robert Mondavi	null	null	Robert Mondavi 1998 Pinot Noir (Carneros)
Spain	Dry and smooth, with balsam and cedar aromas wrapped around controlled fruit scents and toast. The wine is ripe and balanced, with hickory flavors adding a barbecued angle to the steady palate. Firm, structured and tasting of clove and woodspice on the finish. Drink now through 2011.	Crianza	90	19	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Solabal	null	null	null
France	Liversan makes a serious style of wine from its 125-acre vineyard, situated in the north of the Haut-Médoc. Dense, this is balanced between the black plum fruits and dry tannins. It's a wine for long-term aging, so drink from 2018.	null	90	26	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Liversan	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Liversan 2012 Haut-Médoc
France	This wine is smooth and ripe, with soft tannins that are already so well integrated. The texture is dense, full of blackberry fruits, full in the mouth and with a velvet final texture. Drink from 2017.	null	87	null	Bordeaux	Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Lafleur-Gazin	null	null	null
US	I'm not a huge Zinfandel fan, but this is a good one that shows the best qualities of Amador Zin. Dry and lusty, it shows delicious flavors of wild berries and thyme, with a touch of sweet oak, and the ripe, savory tannins that come from a perfectly warm vintage.	Clockspring Vineyard Old Vine	87	20	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Z-52	null	null	null
US	While the texture of this Pinot is silky and light, it's dramatic in flavor. The cherries, plums, pomegranates and persimmons are packed together into a dense core of taste, all spiced up with cinnamon, cloves and anise. Feels dramatic and complex, but young and fresh in acids and tannins. Give it 5–6 years.	Diopside	94	40	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Coghlan	null	null	null
Portugal	The Bacalhôa quinta is more famed for its Cabernet-based red. Here Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc continue the Bordeaux connection. A superrich wine, although the creamy, full texture is beautifully balanced with a good layer of citrus. Full-bodied, stylish.	Quinta da Bacalhôa Branco	90	24	Península de Setúbal	null	null	Portuguese White	Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal	null	null	null
Italy	It's black cherries and oak galore in this rich and very dark offering. Chocolate, espresso and sour plum flavors keep on coming and the mouthfeel is big but not bulky. The fruit is solid enough to make its presence felt through the intense toast on the long finish. Drinks nicely now; better in one or two years.	null	89	16	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Castello di Monastero	null	null	null
Spain	Good but a bit less concentrated and pure than most. There's a whiff of sulfur on the nose, and in the mouth the fruit is solid but basic. Apple and melon are the key flavors, while the finish is clean but unspectacular. At 40,000 cases this is a large-production wine by Rías Baixas standards.	null	85	null	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	La Val	null	null	null
US	Here's a nice, dry Pinot from Mount Eden Vineyards ideal for drinking now. It's gentle in the mouth, with soft tannins and a boost of acidity to highlight the raspberry and cola flavors.	null	88	35	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Domaine Eden	null	null	Domaine Eden 2010 Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)
US	Made from vines planted in 1965, David Hill's estate Riesling is aromatic and textural, with an interesting, nuanced character that brings apples, peaches, pears and passion fruit flavors in profusion. Despite 1.8% residual sugar, it has plenty of acid and alcohol, finishing with a creamy, lemony fade.	Estate	90	14	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Riesling	David Hill	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	David Hill 2007 Estate Riesling (Willamette Valley)
US	A 50-case release from Six Sigma, this Sauvignon Blanc is fleshy, dark and complex, complete with lime, lemon and guava tones. It'll stand up to creamy shellfish dishes or a platter of fresh oysters—an intense study in barrel-kissed Lake County Sauvignon Blanc.	Bootleg Limited Release	89	36	California	Lake County	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Six Sigma Ranch	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Six Sigma Ranch 2012 Bootleg Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County)
Italy	This is dark and brooding, with fragrances of blackberry, raisin and exotic spice. The palate delivers a ripe black-cherry flavor, with well-integrated notes of toast and espresso. Pair this with savory risotto dishes.	Campolieti	87	17	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso	null	Red Blend	Luigi Righetti	null	null	null
US	Fragrant, floral and pretty in every way, this wine is also meaty in intense texture and beauty, with a bold beguiling entry that mellows on the midpalate. Balanced acidity supports notes of honey, honeysuckle and pear, with a bite of green apple on the finish.	null	92	55	California	Bennett Valley	Sonoma	Viognier	Flanagan	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Flanagan 2016 Viognier (Bennett Valley)
US	Tastes grapey, with green table grape, pineapple, vanilla and spice flavors, and the finish is totally dry and crisp. It's a good, rich, savory wine, rather like a Pinot Gris, at a good price.	Old Vines	87	18	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Colombard	Y Rousseau	null	null	Y Rousseau 2009 Old Vines Colombard (Russian River Valley)
Chile	White fruit and floral aromas give it a pleasant but generic nose, while the fleshy palate delivers green fruit and bitter citrus flavors. There's not a lot of pleasantries or upside to the wine, but for straightforward citrus and apple cider it makes the grade.	null	83	10	Lontué Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Viña La Fortuna	null	null	null
US	From the fine Spring Mountain appellation, this has sweet-and-sour flavors of apricots, pineapples and brown sugar.	null	82	29	California	Spring Mountain District	Napa	Chardonnay	Keenan	null	null	Keenan 2006 Chardonnay (Spring Mountain District)
France	A light, fresh style, bringing out grapefruit flavors, herbaceous and crisp. The wine is pure green fruits, bright and bursting with thirst-quenching acidity.	null	85	7	Southwest France	Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne	null	White Blend	Domaine de Pellehaut	null	null	null
US	One sip is all it takes to know this is a terrific Pinot Noir. It's dry, silky and complex, and not only that, it will develop bottle nuance over the next six years. Rich and flamboyant in cherry pie filling, persimmon and mushu-plum sauce flavors, yet layered with earthy, foresty notes of mushrooms, soy sauce and balsam. You can drink it now, but give it an hour or two of decanting.	Cerise Vineyard	94	60	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Noir	Chronicle	null	null	null
US	With 20% Semillon, this is a very rich wine, partly barrel-fermented and aged on the lees. It's packed with ripe, fruity peaches, pineapples, green apples, melons, figs and dates. It's a little sweet, but zesty acidity comes to the rescue to provide balance and elegance.	null	88	25	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Duckhorn	null	null	null
US	Pretty and perfumed it exhibits dark cherry from start to finish. Spice and cola notes explode midway through, and that see-saw balance between fruit and spice persists into the finish. Round and soft, with a lean texture, it's very enjoyable.	null	90	36	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Noir	Philo Ridge	null	null	null
Spain	From Daphne Glorian, among the region's original new wavers, Clos Erasmus is simply one of the best, most typical Priorat wines out there. And while the '02 may not rank as a classic, it's still superb. Aromas of graphite, mineral and licorice dominate, backed by layered cherry, plum and earth notes. From four small vineyards around the town of Gratallops. About 450 cases made. Imported by European Cellars.	Tinto	93	125	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Grenache	Clos Erasmus	null	null	null
US	A tough, gritty wine not offering much richness. It's very dry and quite acidic, and the modest cherry flavors veer into tobacco, white pepper and sage.	null	84	18	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Sangiovese	Terra d'Oro	null	null	null
Italy	Heady aromas of yellow stone fruit, grapefruit and a touch of light baking spice lead the way. The full-bodied palate shows apricot, yellow peach, mineral and a hint of nutmeg alongside lively acidity that leaves a tangy finish.	null	87	10	Northeastern Italy	Trentino	null	Pinot Grigio	Mezzacorona	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Mezzacorona 2015 Pinot Grigio (Trentino)
France	One of the best vintages since the great 2002, this is a sophisticated, fruit- and yeast-driven wine. It has a delicate touch, with its white fruit flavors well integrated into the toasty and tangy texture. It will age for many more years.	Brut	94	89	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin	null	null	null
Italy	This opens with aromas suggesting toasted almond, Spanish broom and grapefruit. The bright, linear palate shows lemon zest, chopped herb and mineral alongside tangy acidity.	Misco Riserva	89	24	Central Italy	Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico	null	Verdicchio	Tenuta di Tavignano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Tenuta di Tavignano 2013 Misco Riserva (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico)
US	Lake County remains a serious place for Cabernet Sauvignon and Six Sigma is one of its better Cab practitioners. This 2007 version all rich and yeasty baked bread until it delves into black olive, dark plum and black tea flavors, finished by caramel and vanilla, all in all a refreshingly light touch.	null	88	42	California	Lake County	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Six Sigma Ranch	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Six Sigma Ranch 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County)
Greece	A meaty nose muddled by aromas of leather, sweat and coffee introduces a wine with dark, solid tannins and black fruit flavors. But the fruit is sweet and the palate smooth.	null	87	13	Naoussa	null	null	Xinomavro	Tsantali	null	null	null
Italy	This Chardonnay-based Brut expression matures for two years on the lees, and shows a creamy, dense personality. There are citrus notes with apricot, honey and white almond skin.	Brut	88	35	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Chardonnay	Barone Pizzini	null	null	null
US	A soft, robust Barbera with dark cherry flavors from beginning to end, and a pleasant level of minerality that levels off on the finish.	Estate	86	25	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Barbera	Lava Cap	null	null	null
France	Still showing its youthful fruity character, this concentrated wine is going to develop richness while always retaining its elegance. The acidity and structured fruit lend a strong sense of minerality, although it keeps its ripeness. Age for 3–4 years.	Champ Gain Premier Cru	92	72	Burgundy	Puligny-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Jean-Claude Boisset	null	null	null
Chile	Tight and crusty on the nose, with aromas of brandied cherry, berry and earth. It's a fruity wine no doubt, but also a bit tight and firm on the palate. With good length, structure and firmness, it should appeal to fans of wines that are decidedly not flat or flabby. To the contrary, Alcar is tightly woven yet ready to drink now.	Alcar de Terravid Special Selection	89	28	Maule Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Terravid	null	null	null
Argentina	Compared to the 2004, this wine seems less generous. The nose is solid, with licorice, spice, pepper and plum fruit. But the palate is kind of flat and bland, with plump but dull raspberry and strawberry fruit. For $30 you want more.	Medalla	84	30	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Trapiche	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Trapiche 2005 Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
France	Slightly funky notions appear first: There's a hint of reduction but this, thankfully, blows off. Underneath sits a very sprightly, very fresh wine that pits fruity apple mellowness against total, dry freshness. This has a concentrated core, the aromas are still a little tinged by the flinty, smoky hints of reduction but this will stand them in good stead for cellar age. Give this some time. Drink 2020–2030.	Hengst Grand Cru	93	46	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Barmès-Buecher	null	null	null
US	This Syrah tries to strike a balance between rich opulence and controlled elegance, and it largely succeeds. It's has exquisite tannins and fine acidity, finishing bone dry. The flavors are complex, immediately suggesting ripe blackberries, with notes of beef tartare, grilled wild mushrooms splashed with tamari, black pepper and minerals. You can draw analogies to the northern Rhône if you want. Will it age? Hard to say, but it's a great wine now.	Barrett Vineyard	93	75	California	Calistoga	Napa	Syrah	La Sirena	null	null	La Sirena 2007 Barrett Vineyard Syrah (Calistoga)
US	You get a big bang for your buck here. It's a terrifically fruity wine, packed with black cherry and blackberry flavors that are long and persistent through the finish. Soft in tannins, and so ripely sweet you could pour it over vanilla ice cream, but it's a dry wine.	Vintners Blend	86	10	California	California	California Other	Merlot	Ravenswood	null	null	null
France	Very fresh, crisp raspberry flavors are layered with acidity. This shows the bright red fruit character of 2007—light, fragrant, maybe finishing with some leanness.	Cuvée Tradition	86	null	Beaujolais	Juliénas	null	Gamay	Domaine du Clos du Fief	null	null	null
Argentina	Concentrated black fruit aromas are subtle and don't push real hard. It's jammy, deep and soft in the mouth, with sweet tannins and even sweeter core berry flavors and oak. Finishes smooth, with barrel influence and warmth. Very nice as always, but not as elevated and exact as prior vintages.	Catena Alta	90	50	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Bodega Catena Zapata	null	null	null
New Zealand	The Crossings continues to be a reliable source of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at a reasonable price. The 2009 seems almost sweet in its intensity of ripe nectarine fruit, but there's enough grapefruit for balance and just a trace of herb on the finish.	null	87	15	Awatere Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	The Crossings	null	null	null
Chile	Harsh, resiny oak aromas are devoid of fruit. This is flat, creamy and mushy in feel, with flavors of melon, powdered sugar and raw wood. The finish is resiny and candied.	Reserva	82	11	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Santa Carolina	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Santa Carolina 2013 Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)
Italy	This delicately sparkling dessert wine opens with scents of yellow stone fruit, citrus and white wild flower. On the softly foaming palate, notes of candied lemon drop, grapefruit and an herbal note accent yellow peach.	null	87	19	Piedmont	Moscato d'Asti	null	Moscato	Rinaldi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Rinaldi 2015 Moscato d'Asti
US	Fresh in tart strawberry, this Brice Jones' release hails from a vineyard 950 feet above the town of Annapolis, which is very near the coast. Its profile reflects its provenance, an earthy spiciness buoyed by tingling acidity and lengthy, leathery finish.	William Wesley	92	68	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Emeritus	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Emeritus 2012 William Wesley Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Portugal	Produced from Aragonez this is a soft wine, full of red-currant flavors as well as a touch of vanilla and caramel. It is an easy, refreshingly spicy wine, ready to drink now.	Pinta Negra	87	9	Lisboa	null	null	Rosé	Adega Mãe	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Adega Mãe 2016 Pinta Negra Rosé (Lisboa)
US	The vineyard is in the Santa Ynez Valley. The wine is dry, and offers some complexity with firm tannins and espresso, blackberry, lavender and peper flavors. There's a rustic edge, including a hot finish, that lowers the score.	Ambassador's Vineyard	84	25	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Syrah	Curtis	null	null	null
Germany	Toasted nut, smoke and slate aromas lend complexity and nuance to this high-pitched Riesling Sekt. Lemon-lime acidity and vivacious effervescence give the palate an electric feel, countered nicely by delicate swirls of sweet red apple and caramel. It's concentrated and boldly penetrating through a long finish.	Riesling Sekt Brut	92	50	Rheingau	null	null	Sparkling Blend	Robert Weil	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Robert Weil 2014 Riesling Sekt Brut Sparkling (Rheingau)
US	Tart, tight and delicately spicy, this offers unusual depth considering the cool vintage. Give it extra breathing time as it opens up slowly, showing lemony acidity, cranberry fruit and remarkable persistence.	Momtazi Vineyard	89	40	Oregon	McMinnville	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Kelley Fox	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Kelley Fox 2011 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir (McMinnville)
France	Full-bodied, relatively simple wine. It has fresh acidity, flavors of white stone fruits and almonds and an attractive citrus lilt. Ready for drinking.	Clos des Mollepierres	88	null	Burgundy	Rully	null	Chardonnay	Roux Père et Fils	null	null	null
France	Light, stalky wine with attractive classic black currant flavors and acidity. Light in character.	null	86	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Simard	null	null	null
US	This is a floral take on Merlot, in both scents and flavors; owing at least in part to the inclusion of 7% Petit Verdot. The wine gathers strength and fleshes out as it warms in the glass, and layers in darker notes with smoke and coffee and tar. A steely style, muscular and tight, it smoothes out nicely with breathing time, and shows excellent aging potential.	null	94	70	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Leonetti Cellar	null	null	null
France	Some richness, a good depth of flavor with wood smoothing out the rough edges of the lean tannins. The fruit is full of juicy black currant energy, while the acidity dominates the aftertaste.	Cuvée Prestige	86	20	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château les Croisille	null	null	null
US	Almost black in color, this full-bodied wine is bold in aroma, smelling like black pepper and blackberry, with a slightly earthy edge. It tastes dense, rich but dry. A thick coat of tannins leads to an astringent finish.	null	87	25	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Petite Sirah	Steiner Family Vineyards	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Steiner Family Vineyards 2012 Petite Sirah (El Dorado)
Chile	This Sauvignon Blanc looks only slightly more colorful than a glass of water. On the nose, it's crisp and green, while sharp acidity matched against a light body makes for a lean palate. Crisp salty citric flavors finish tight and linear.	Pedregoso Gran Reserva	87	13	Limarí Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Viña Tabalí	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Tabalí 2015 Pedregoso Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Limarí Valley)
France	Banana and ripe red-berry notes create the attractive open of this bright wine. It comes with a raw edge, but if slightly chilled it would make for a fine apéritif.	Nouveau	87	10	Beaujolais	Beaujolais-Villages	null	Gamay	Henry Fessy	null	null	null
Italy	Extra Dry Prosecco offers a delicate touch of sweetness and makes a great companion to spicy finger foods or appetizers. Bellussi's expression easily fits the bill and adds pretty aromas of stone fruit and dried grass along the way.	Extra Dry	86	15	Veneto	Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Bellussi	null	null	null
US	Peter Mondavi Sr. and his two sons, Peter Jr. and Marc have crafted a big, tannic and ageworthy wine. It's packed with massive blackberry fruit, with the hard tannins and minerality common of Howell Mountain. Don't even think of opening this before 2016; it should develop well beyond that.	null	94	150	California	Howell Mountain	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Aloft	null	null	Aloft 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)
Argentina	Jammy blackberry aromas come with a hint of brine and a rubbery note of latex. This is big and tannic on the palate, but also a touch clumsy. Stewed black-fruit flavors run short, while minty oak, grapy berry and toasty spice flavors drive the finish. Drink through 2020.	Altitud	90	26	Mendoza Province	Tupungato	null	Malbec	Andeluna	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Andeluna 2013 Altitud Malbec (Tupungato)
US	This is an abundantly ripe wine, big in oak and tannin, with a streak of earthy compost. A tinge of spearmint brightens the palate, while persistent acidity graces the close.	Estate	85	49	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Uptick Vineyards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Uptick Vineyards 2012 Estate Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	Pretty tannic now, with underlying fruity flavors of plum, blackberry, herbs and earth. Drinks very dry and a bit austere, and there's tartness in the dusty finish. May gain with an additional year or two of age.	null	85	19	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Merlot	Benziger	null	null	Benziger 1999 Merlot (Sonoma County)
US	Intriguing Asian spice, peanut brittle, pineapple and butter cream aromas comprise the bouquet of this round, well-integrated wine from Sonoma County's tiny Green Valley appellation. Everything flows smoothly into the lingering pineapple, butterscotch, pear and apple flavors in the finish. Top Value.	Cuvée Joy	90	30	California	Green Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Iron Horse	null	null	null
US	This wine comes from 35-year-old vines at French Creek Vineyard. Light aromas of spice and cream lead to a creamy palate marked with lighter-styled apple and stone-fruit flavors. It's a very pretty expression of the variety.	The Enchantress Old Vine	89	28	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Sleight of Hand	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Sleight of Hand 2014 The Enchantress Old Vine Chardonnay (Yakima Valley)
US	A berry scented wine that's loaded with fresh mint aromas and accented by toasty oak. The tannins are ripe and soft; the acidity bright.	Hargrave Vineyard	85	17	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Cabernet Franc	Castello di Borghese	null	null	null
Italy	Straightforward and a touch sharp, with cherry, earth and leather aromas. Red plum, pie cherry and vanilla flavors carry the palate toward a peppery, lean finish. Fresh enough but not very loving.	null	84	29	Tuscany	Vino Nobile di Montepulciano	null	Sangiovese	Tenuta Valdipiatta	null	null	null
France	Smoky and toasty, this is a structured wine. It has layers of black currant fruits, fresh acidity as well as firm tannins that overlay the juicy fruitiness. It needs to age. Drink from 2016.	null	88	16	Bordeaux	Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Chantemerle	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Chantemerle 2012 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
France	A classic vinification in tank and barrel has produced a ripe, full-bodied wine. It has ripe cherry and dark plum fruits; layers of wood-aging flavors give a complete, dense and concentrated wine. It will age, drink until 2020.	Château de Bellevue Climat les Charmes	89	24	Beaujolais	Morgon	null	Gamay	Loron et Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Loron et Fils 2011 Château de Bellevue Climat les Charmes (Morgon)
US	Here's a soft, juicy wine with melted tannins in the modern style and some nice blackberry flavors. It's young now, a saucy wine that hasn't yet fully come together. But all the pieces are there. Drink it at three or four years of age.	null	90	19	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Benziger	null	null	Benziger 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)
France	A ripe, raspberry flavored wine that is crisp while also very fruity. It has attractive acidity and a refreshing, juicy aftertaste that is irresistible. Drink now.	Gamay	86	15	France Other	Vin de Savoie	null	Rosé	Philippe Viallet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Philippe Viallet 2015 Gamay Rosé (Vin de Savoie)
France	A wine of promise, but still in its infancy. This grand cru, structured and still waiting to open to its full opulence, is packed with concentrated flavors. It's a powerhouse that needs at least five years to even begin to show its structure, ripe fruit and richness.	null	95	228	Burgundy	Bâtard-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Etienne Sauzet	null	null	null
US	A pretty good Chardonnay. Its a little pineapple juicy, and the oak is pretty strong, but a streak of minerality and crisp, clean acidity give just enough structure.	Heintz Ranch	85	25	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Dutch Bill Creek	null	null	Dutch Bill Creek 2007 Heintz Ranch Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
Italy	The wine has evolved quickly, and the color is showing some browning on the edge. Almost fully mature now, it shows aromas of marzipan, strawberries and roses. Complex and pretty, the wine has a solid midpalate, and the finish is shorter than I would have expected. Still a nice, well-made wine for lovers of older Nebbiolos.	Bricco S. Giacomo	88	29	Piedmont	Nebbiolo d'Alba	null	Nebbiolo	Giacomo Ascheri	null	null	null
US	Utilizing only ambient yeasts and bottled without fining or filtration, this is a showcase of winemaker Kim Engle's devotion to natural winemaking. Dry in style with savory apple, orange rind and a whiff of apple cider vinegar on the nose and palate, the finish is long with a pleasant orange pekoe tea note.	Dry Wild Yeast	86	18	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Bloomer Creek	null	null	null
US	Bone dry, this succulent, citrus-soaked Riesling is a textural marvel. Mixing grapefruit, lime and pear fruit flavors, its racy acidity underscores its complexity.	Estate	91	19	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Riesling	Elk Cove	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Elk Cove 2012 Estate Riesling (Willamette Valley)
Italy	Mildly grassy in the nose, with accents of fig, melon and citrus rind. It's got some hay and funky earthiness to the otherwise tangy, citrus-driven palate. The acidity isn't overpowering, so the mouthfeel is a bit creamy. Overall it's a good mainstream wine unlikely to offend anyone.	null	88	19	Northeastern Italy	Friuli Aquileia	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Foffani	null	null	Foffani 2000 Sauvignon Blanc (Friuli Aquileia)
Italy	This shows lovely floral aromas and hints of chocolate and berry. The palate offers ripe black cherry, spice and coffee, and while this is still tannic, the tannins are ripe and composed. This is already drinking well, so enjoy it soon.	La Foia Arborina	91	70	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Curto Marco	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Curto Marco 2009 La Foia Arborina (Barolo)
France	Firm and tannic, with a slightly worrisome astringency. If this comes into balance, this rating may look a couple points stingy in time. Shows an underbrush, briary side to its black cherry and plum flavors, then picks up coffee and spice notes on the finish. Imported by Vintus LLC.	Les Suchots Premier Cru	90	100	Burgundy	Vosne-Romanée	null	Pinot Noir	Lucien Le Moine	null	null	null
US	Chardonnay lovers with a penchant towards rich, buttery wines spiced with cinnamon and vanilla will appreciate this unabashedly oaky yet neatly balanced wine. It's enticingly creamy on the palate, but sunny streaks of Meyer-lemon acidity lend refreshment. Drink now–2018.	Barrel Fermented	89	17	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Chardonnay	Chateau Lafayette Reneau	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2013 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Finger Lakes)
US	Shows tart cranberry crispness in addition to richer cherry and raspberry fruit, but it's a fairly aloof wine now, with competing parts. Even though this isn't a single-vineyard Pinot, it needs time in the cellar, to let everything mellow. Give it 4–5 years.	null	90	46	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Williams Selyem	null	null	null
US	A whiff of leather opens this wine, which is well along its aging curve. There's a bitter edge to the tannins, along with some rounded cherry cola flavors.	null	83	38	Oregon	Willamette Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Lazy River	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Lazy River 2007 Pinot Noir
Portugal	From old, mixed planting vineyards in the Quinta do Vallado, this is an impressively complex blend of flavors, from rich spice, smooth tannins, the richest plum juice and a gorgeous, opulent texture. It is ripe, drinkable now, but likely to benefit from several years aging.	Reserva Field Blend	94	60	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta do Vallado	null	null	null
US	This vineyard is in the tenderloin of the appellation, where most Pinots cost far more. This is a pretty good wine that needs tinkering; it could be far better. It's rich in fruit, but is heavy, and could use more finesse.	Stonewall Vineyard	85	25	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Estancia	null	null	null
France	This fruity selection is full of apple, citrus and white peach notes. Its fruit is balanced by a crisp texture and a tang of orange zest. The wine is round and warm, fitting for a Chardonnay from southern Champagne.	Blanc de Blancs Brut	88	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Chardonnay	Veuve Doussot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Veuve Doussot NV Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)
US	Dark, oaky, and fine in every respect. Sonoma Valley, often underrated as Merlot country, lends the fruit a very deep and satisfying blackberry component, which is highlighted, in this case, by toasty oak. The tannins are soft and finely etched. Gorgeous stuff, quite lovely now, but the solid core of fruit indicates mid-term aging potential.	Massara Vineyard	92	25	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Merlot	Kenwood	null	null	null
US	A first for Animale, and a terrific success, despite the almost 16% alcohol. Bursting with ripe berry flavors, this complex and flat-out delicious wine goes well beyond its highly-extracted black fruit. Wet rock, chalk and mineral extend and enhance the finish, with a chocolaty kiss at the very end.	null	92	26	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Mourvèdre	Animale	null	null	null
Italy	Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with pretty aromas of crushed berry, violet and a whiff of menthol. The juicy palate offers black cherry, white pepper and licorice alongside firm but fine-grained tannins.	null	88	25	Tuscany	Chianti Superiore	null	Red Blend	Donatella Cinelli Colombini	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2012 Chianti Superiore
US	There's lots to admire in this well-ripened, elegant dinner wine. It has aromas of green olives, white chocolate, and plums, with a waft of smoky oak, while the flavors are spicy and fruity. Bone-dry, it's richly tannic and complex, with depth and interest.	null	92	26	California	Stags Leap District	Napa	Merlot	Steltzner	null	null	Steltzner 1999 Merlot (Stags Leap District)
Italy	A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Mammolo, this offers classic varietal scents of underbrush, wild berry, blue flower and a whiff of leather. The firm palate delivers dried black cherry, raspberry, white pepper and anise framed in tightly packed but mature tannins. Drink through 2020.	null	91	20	Tuscany	Vino Nobile di Montepulciano	null	Red Blend	Tenute del Cerro	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Tenute del Cerro 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Italy	This offers aromas and flavors of roasted coffee bean, toasted oak, ground black pepper and prune steeped in spirits. The palate has raspy tannins and lacks fruit richness, giving it a hard edge.	Canova	86	null	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Ressia	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Ressia 2012 Canova (Barbaresco)
US	This is a rich Pinot Gris. Tastes like it had the full-bore Chardonnay treatment, with oak and lees, giving it a creamy, sweet mouthfeel. The tangerine, pineapple and vanilla bean flavors are brightened with brisk acidity.	Trenton Station	88	20	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Gris	Joseph Swan Vineyards	null	null	null
France	With vineyards in the southern vineyards of the Aube, Vincent Couche makes a rich style of Champagne. This 2002 vintage, now maturing well, is ripe—almost opulent—in character. Its peach and apricot flavors shine at the fore, extended on the palate with a brisk, nervy texture.	Millésime Brut	91	54	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Vincent Couche	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Vincent Couche 2002 Millésime Brut (Champagne)
Italy	Packaged in a heavy, oversized black bottle, this brawny wine delivers power, bulging muscle and aromas that exaggerate in every way possible. The most noticeable feature (so noticeable, it knocks you in the face) is the wood element that comes off as fresh carpentry or wood shavings. The wine is heavy, syrupy and sweet tasting.	Vecchie Vigne	85	48	Southern Italy	Primitivo di Manduria	null	Primitivo	Vinosia	null	null	Vinosia 2006 Vecchie Vigne (Primitivo di Manduria)
Argentina	Jammy and generous smelling, with pastry and solid black-fruit aromas. Feels good and balanced for a young Malbec, with flavors of sweet plum, blackberry and a medicinal character. Plump and fruity on the finish, and steady wire to wire.	null	88	13	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Lexicon	null	null	null
US	Simple, soft and sweet, with the flavors of a cherry, chocolate, roasted nut and nougat health bar.	Estate	83	20	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Merlot	De Tierra	null	null	null
Italy	Nero Latino lacks harmony overall because of its rapid succession of unrelated aromas: Red apple is followed by mushroom, beets, strawberry, chocolate and smoke. It also has an extremely strong component of coffee rinds that appears on both the nose and in the mouth. It's not a wine for everyone.	Nero Latino	83	null	Southern Italy	Irpinia	null	Aglianico	Mier Vini	null	null	Mier Vini 2006 Nero Latino Aglianico (Irpinia)
Israel	This wine features a bouquet of cherry, pomegranate and freshly ground black pepper. It is well-balanced on the palate with flavors of pomegranate, strawberry, mace and anise. Smooth tannins are present into the bright yet lasting finish.	Espero	90	40	Galilee	null	null	Red Blend	Tulip Winery	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Tulip Winery 2013 Espero Red (Galilee)
Italy	Round and ripe, this opens with aromas of black plum, vanilla, mocha and earthy note of tilled soil. The one-dimensional palate doles out rich blackberry, plum and espresso along with a confectionary note.	N Zero	87	15	Southern Italy	Salento	null	Negroamaro	Cantine Menhir	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cantine Menhir 2012 N Zero Negroamaro (Salento)
France	Big and fruity, this wine is broad but without great definition. It offers weight, soft apple fruits and light acidity. Drink now.	null	85	19	Burgundy	Saint-Véran	null	Chardonnay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
US	Earthy, like some Napa Chards, with a sage and thyme edge to the pear and peach fruit. The wine also is a little soft. But there's an interesting minerality. Could develop bottle complexity over the next few years.	Brosseau Vineyard	87	39	California	Chalone	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Testarossa	null	null	Testarossa 2006 Brosseau Vineyard Chardonnay (Chalone)
Italy	There's a burnt or mature quality to the fruit here that resembles old spice, dried tobacco or carbon. The wine is lean and well shaped with good structure and some bitter berry flavors.	Palio	87	17	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Oriel	null	null	null
US	Scents of apple blossom, pear and honeycomb waft from this aromatic Pinot Blanc. Medium bodied in style, it's refreshingly tart with tangerine acidity balanced by fresh apple and pear flavors. Effortlessly quaffable.	Morris Vineyard	87	18	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Pinot Blanc	Heron Hill	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Heron Hill 2011 Morris Vineyard Pinot Blanc (Finger Lakes)

US

The scents mingle rose petals, sandalwood and a touch of bitter greens. That dusting of incense continues on the palate, with Indian spices and tart red fruit. Tannins are firm and proportionate, with a bit of stem flavoring the finish.

One Toe Duck

87

30

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Ancient Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Ancient Cellars 2012 One Toe Duck Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

France

Based in Vougeot in the heart of the Côte d'Or, Labet makes a delicious Crémant, appley, crisp and fresh. Offers pretty flavors of kiwis, green plums and a touch of toast. Imported by Vintners Edge.

null

90

19

Burgundy

Crémant de Bourgogne

null

Champagne Blend

Francois Labet

null

US

From the color— unusually dark for Pinot Noir—to the deeply fruity, earthy aromas, you expect something big, massive and ageworthy, and the first sip confirms this impression. This is serious Pinot. It comes across deep and powerful in the mouth, suggesting plums, sweet blackberries and a hint of sun-warmed tomato, and finishes with a blast of complex oak and spice. Complex now, it calls for complex dishes—the best game birds you can find—and will probably be even better with some time in the cellar.

null

92

35

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Robert Mondavi

null

Robert Mondavi 1998 Pinot Noir (Carneros)

Spain

Dry and smooth, with balsam and cedar aromas wrapped around controlled fruit scents and toast. The wine is ripe and balanced, with hickory flavors adding a barbecued angle to the steady palate. Firm, structured and tasting of clove and woodspice on the finish. Drink now through 2011.

Crianza

90

19

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Solabal

null

France

Liversan makes a serious style of wine from its 125-acre vineyard, situated in the north of the Haut-Médoc. Dense, this is balanced between the black plum fruits and dry tannins. It's a wine for long-term aging, so drink from 2018.

null

90

26

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Liversan

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Liversan 2012 Haut-Médoc

France

This wine is smooth and ripe, with soft tannins that are already so well integrated. The texture is dense, full of blackberry fruits, full in the mouth and with a velvet final texture. Drink from 2017.

null

87

null

Bordeaux

Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Lafleur-Gazin

null

US

I'm not a huge Zinfandel fan, but this is a good one that shows the best qualities of Amador Zin. Dry and lusty, it shows delicious flavors of wild berries and thyme, with a touch of sweet oak, and the ripe, savory tannins that come from a perfectly warm vintage.

Clockspring Vineyard Old Vine

87

20

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Z-52

null

US

While the texture of this Pinot is silky and light, it's dramatic in flavor. The cherries, plums, pomegranates and persimmons are packed together into a dense core of taste, all spiced up with cinnamon, cloves and anise. Feels dramatic and complex, but young and fresh in acids and tannins. Give it 5–6 years.

Diopside

94

40

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Coghlan

null

Portugal

The Bacalhôa quinta is more famed for its Cabernet-based red. Here Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc continue the Bordeaux connection. A superrich wine, although the creamy, full texture is beautifully balanced with a good layer of citrus. Full-bodied, stylish.

Quinta da Bacalhôa Branco

90

24

Península de Setúbal

null

Portuguese White

Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal

null

Italy

It's black cherries and oak galore in this rich and very dark offering. Chocolate, espresso and sour plum flavors keep on coming and the mouthfeel is big but not bulky. The fruit is solid enough to make its presence felt through the intense toast on the long finish. Drinks nicely now; better in one or two years.

null

89

16

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Castello di Monastero

null

Spain

Good but a bit less concentrated and pure than most. There's a whiff of sulfur on the nose, and in the mouth the fruit is solid but basic. Apple and melon are the key flavors, while the finish is clean but unspectacular. At 40,000 cases this is a large-production wine by Rías Baixas standards.

null

85

null

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

La Val

null

US

Here's a nice, dry Pinot from Mount Eden Vineyards ideal for drinking now. It's gentle in the mouth, with soft tannins and a boost of acidity to highlight the raspberry and cola flavors.

null

88

35

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Domaine Eden

null

Domaine Eden 2010 Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)

US

Made from vines planted in 1965, David Hill's estate Riesling is aromatic and textural, with an interesting, nuanced character that brings apples, peaches, pears and passion fruit flavors in profusion. Despite 1.8% residual sugar, it has plenty of acid and alcohol, finishing with a creamy, lemony fade.

Estate

90

14

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Riesling

David Hill

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

David Hill 2007 Estate Riesling (Willamette Valley)

US

A 50-case release from Six Sigma, this Sauvignon Blanc is fleshy, dark and complex, complete with lime, lemon and guava tones. It'll stand up to creamy shellfish dishes or a platter of fresh oysters—an intense study in barrel-kissed Lake County Sauvignon Blanc.

Bootleg Limited Release

89

36

California

Lake County

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Six Sigma Ranch

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Six Sigma Ranch 2012 Bootleg Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County)

Italy

This is dark and brooding, with fragrances of blackberry, raisin and exotic spice. The palate delivers a ripe black-cherry flavor, with well-integrated notes of toast and espresso. Pair this with savory risotto dishes.

Campolieti

87

17

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

null

Red Blend

Luigi Righetti

null

US

Fragrant, floral and pretty in every way, this wine is also meaty in intense texture and beauty, with a bold beguiling entry that mellows on the midpalate. Balanced acidity supports notes of honey, honeysuckle and pear, with a bite of green apple on the finish.

null

92

55

California

Bennett Valley

Sonoma

Viognier

Flanagan

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Flanagan 2016 Viognier (Bennett Valley)

US

Tastes grapey, with green table grape, pineapple, vanilla and spice flavors, and the finish is totally dry and crisp. It's a good, rich, savory wine, rather like a Pinot Gris, at a good price.

Old Vines

87

18

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Colombard

Y Rousseau

null

Y Rousseau 2009 Old Vines Colombard (Russian River Valley)

Chile

White fruit and floral aromas give it a pleasant but generic nose, while the fleshy palate delivers green fruit and bitter citrus flavors. There's not a lot of pleasantries or upside to the wine, but for straightforward citrus and apple cider it makes the grade.

null

83

10

Lontué Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Viña La Fortuna

null

US

From the fine Spring Mountain appellation, this has sweet-and-sour flavors of apricots, pineapples and brown sugar.

null

82

29

California

Spring Mountain District

Napa

Chardonnay

Keenan

null

Keenan 2006 Chardonnay (Spring Mountain District)

France

A light, fresh style, bringing out grapefruit flavors, herbaceous and crisp. The wine is pure green fruits, bright and bursting with thirst-quenching acidity.

null

85

7

Southwest France

Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne

null

White Blend

Domaine de Pellehaut

null

US

One sip is all it takes to know this is a terrific Pinot Noir. It's dry, silky and complex, and not only that, it will develop bottle nuance over the next six years. Rich and flamboyant in cherry pie filling, persimmon and mushu-plum sauce flavors, yet layered with earthy, foresty notes of mushrooms, soy sauce and balsam. You can drink it now, but give it an hour or two of decanting.

Cerise Vineyard

94

60

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Noir

Chronicle

null

US

With 20% Semillon, this is a very rich wine, partly barrel-fermented and aged on the lees. It's packed with ripe, fruity peaches, pineapples, green apples, melons, figs and dates. It's a little sweet, but zesty acidity comes to the rescue to provide balance and elegance.

null

88

25

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Duckhorn

null

US

Pretty and perfumed it exhibits dark cherry from start to finish. Spice and cola notes explode midway through, and that see-saw balance between fruit and spice persists into the finish. Round and soft, with a lean texture, it's very enjoyable.

null

90

36

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Noir

Philo Ridge

null

Spain

From Daphne Glorian, among the region's original new wavers, Clos Erasmus is simply one of the best, most typical Priorat wines out there. And while the '02 may not rank as a classic, it's still superb. Aromas of graphite, mineral and licorice dominate, backed by layered cherry, plum and earth notes. From four small vineyards around the town of Gratallops. About 450 cases made. Imported by European Cellars.

Tinto

93

125

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Grenache

Clos Erasmus

null

US

A tough, gritty wine not offering much richness. It's very dry and quite acidic, and the modest cherry flavors veer into tobacco, white pepper and sage.

null

84

18

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Sangiovese

Terra d'Oro

null

Italy

Heady aromas of yellow stone fruit, grapefruit and a touch of light baking spice lead the way. The full-bodied palate shows apricot, yellow peach, mineral and a hint of nutmeg alongside lively acidity that leaves a tangy finish.

null

87

10

Northeastern Italy

Trentino

null

Pinot Grigio

Mezzacorona

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Mezzacorona 2015 Pinot Grigio (Trentino)

France

One of the best vintages since the great 2002, this is a sophisticated, fruit- and yeast-driven wine. It has a delicate touch, with its white fruit flavors well integrated into the toasty and tangy texture. It will age for many more years.

Brut

94

89

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

null

Italy

This opens with aromas suggesting toasted almond, Spanish broom and grapefruit. The bright, linear palate shows lemon zest, chopped herb and mineral alongside tangy acidity.

Misco Riserva

89

24

Central Italy

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico

null

Verdicchio

Tenuta di Tavignano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Tenuta di Tavignano 2013 Misco Riserva (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico)

US

Lake County remains a serious place for Cabernet Sauvignon and Six Sigma is one of its better Cab practitioners. This 2007 version all rich and yeasty baked bread until it delves into black olive, dark plum and black tea flavors, finished by caramel and vanilla, all in all a refreshingly light touch.

null

88

42

California

Lake County

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Six Sigma Ranch

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Six Sigma Ranch 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County)

Greece

A meaty nose muddled by aromas of leather, sweat and coffee introduces a wine with dark, solid tannins and black fruit flavors. But the fruit is sweet and the palate smooth.

null

87

13

Naoussa

null

Xinomavro

Tsantali

null

Italy

This Chardonnay-based Brut expression matures for two years on the lees, and shows a creamy, dense personality. There are citrus notes with apricot, honey and white almond skin.

Brut

88

35

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Chardonnay

Barone Pizzini

null

US

A soft, robust Barbera with dark cherry flavors from beginning to end, and a pleasant level of minerality that levels off on the finish.

Estate

86

25

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Barbera

Lava Cap

null

France

Still showing its youthful fruity character, this concentrated wine is going to develop richness while always retaining its elegance. The acidity and structured fruit lend a strong sense of minerality, although it keeps its ripeness. Age for 3–4 years.

Champ Gain Premier Cru

92

72

Burgundy

Puligny-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Jean-Claude Boisset

null

Chile

Tight and crusty on the nose, with aromas of brandied cherry, berry and earth. It's a fruity wine no doubt, but also a bit tight and firm on the palate. With good length, structure and firmness, it should appeal to fans of wines that are decidedly not flat or flabby. To the contrary, Alcar is tightly woven yet ready to drink now.

Alcar de Terravid Special Selection

89

28

Maule Valley

null

Red Blend

Terravid

null

Argentina

Compared to the 2004, this wine seems less generous. The nose is solid, with licorice, spice, pepper and plum fruit. But the palate is kind of flat and bland, with plump but dull raspberry and strawberry fruit. For $30 you want more.

Medalla

84

30

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Trapiche

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Trapiche 2005 Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)

France

Slightly funky notions appear first: There's a hint of reduction but this, thankfully, blows off. Underneath sits a very sprightly, very fresh wine that pits fruity apple mellowness against total, dry freshness. This has a concentrated core, the aromas are still a little tinged by the flinty, smoky hints of reduction but this will stand them in good stead for cellar age. Give this some time. Drink 2020–2030.

Hengst Grand Cru

93

46

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Barmès-Buecher

null

US

This Syrah tries to strike a balance between rich opulence and controlled elegance, and it largely succeeds. It's has exquisite tannins and fine acidity, finishing bone dry. The flavors are complex, immediately suggesting ripe blackberries, with notes of beef tartare, grilled wild mushrooms splashed with tamari, black pepper and minerals. You can draw analogies to the northern Rhône if you want. Will it age? Hard to say, but it's a great wine now.

Barrett Vineyard

93

75

California

Calistoga

Napa

Syrah

La Sirena

null

La Sirena 2007 Barrett Vineyard Syrah (Calistoga)

US

You get a big bang for your buck here. It's a terrifically fruity wine, packed with black cherry and blackberry flavors that are long and persistent through the finish. Soft in tannins, and so ripely sweet you could pour it over vanilla ice cream, but it's a dry wine.

Vintners Blend

86

10

California

California Other

Merlot

Ravenswood

null

France

Very fresh, crisp raspberry flavors are layered with acidity. This shows the bright red fruit character of 2007—light, fragrant, maybe finishing with some leanness.

Cuvée Tradition

86

null

Beaujolais

Juliénas

null

Gamay

Domaine du Clos du Fief

null

Argentina

Concentrated black fruit aromas are subtle and don't push real hard. It's jammy, deep and soft in the mouth, with sweet tannins and even sweeter core berry flavors and oak. Finishes smooth, with barrel influence and warmth. Very nice as always, but not as elevated and exact as prior vintages.

Catena Alta

90

50

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Bodega Catena Zapata

null

New Zealand

The Crossings continues to be a reliable source of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at a reasonable price. The 2009 seems almost sweet in its intensity of ripe nectarine fruit, but there's enough grapefruit for balance and just a trace of herb on the finish.

null

87

15

Awatere Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

The Crossings

null

Chile

Harsh, resiny oak aromas are devoid of fruit. This is flat, creamy and mushy in feel, with flavors of melon, powdered sugar and raw wood. The finish is resiny and candied.

Reserva

82

11

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Santa Carolina

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Santa Carolina 2013 Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)

Italy

This delicately sparkling dessert wine opens with scents of yellow stone fruit, citrus and white wild flower. On the softly foaming palate, notes of candied lemon drop, grapefruit and an herbal note accent yellow peach.

null

87

19

Piedmont

Moscato d'Asti

null

Moscato

Rinaldi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Rinaldi 2015 Moscato d'Asti

US

Fresh in tart strawberry, this Brice Jones' release hails from a vineyard 950 feet above the town of Annapolis, which is very near the coast. Its profile reflects its provenance, an earthy spiciness buoyed by tingling acidity and lengthy, leathery finish.

William Wesley

92

68

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Emeritus

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Emeritus 2012 William Wesley Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Portugal

Produced from Aragonez this is a soft wine, full of red-currant flavors as well as a touch of vanilla and caramel. It is an easy, refreshingly spicy wine, ready to drink now.

Pinta Negra

87

9

Lisboa

null

Rosé

Adega Mãe

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Adega Mãe 2016 Pinta Negra Rosé (Lisboa)

US

The vineyard is in the Santa Ynez Valley. The wine is dry, and offers some complexity with firm tannins and espresso, blackberry, lavender and peper flavors. There's a rustic edge, including a hot finish, that lowers the score.

Ambassador's Vineyard

84

25

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Syrah

Curtis

null

Germany

Toasted nut, smoke and slate aromas lend complexity and nuance to this high-pitched Riesling Sekt. Lemon-lime acidity and vivacious effervescence give the palate an electric feel, countered nicely by delicate swirls of sweet red apple and caramel. It's concentrated and boldly penetrating through a long finish.

Riesling Sekt Brut

92

50

Rheingau

null

Sparkling Blend

Robert Weil

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Robert Weil 2014 Riesling Sekt Brut Sparkling (Rheingau)

US

Tart, tight and delicately spicy, this offers unusual depth considering the cool vintage. Give it extra breathing time as it opens up slowly, showing lemony acidity, cranberry fruit and remarkable persistence.

Momtazi Vineyard

89

40

Oregon

McMinnville

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Kelley Fox

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Kelley Fox 2011 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir (McMinnville)

France

Full-bodied, relatively simple wine. It has fresh acidity, flavors of white stone fruits and almonds and an attractive citrus lilt. Ready for drinking.

Clos des Mollepierres

88

null

Burgundy

Rully

null

Chardonnay

Roux Père et Fils

null

France

Light, stalky wine with attractive classic black currant flavors and acidity. Light in character.

null

86

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Simard

null

US

This is a floral take on Merlot, in both scents and flavors; owing at least in part to the inclusion of 7% Petit Verdot. The wine gathers strength and fleshes out as it warms in the glass, and layers in darker notes with smoke and coffee and tar. A steely style, muscular and tight, it smoothes out nicely with breathing time, and shows excellent aging potential.

null

94

70

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Leonetti Cellar

null

France

Some richness, a good depth of flavor with wood smoothing out the rough edges of the lean tannins. The fruit is full of juicy black currant energy, while the acidity dominates the aftertaste.

Cuvée Prestige

86

20

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château les Croisille

null

US

Almost black in color, this full-bodied wine is bold in aroma, smelling like black pepper and blackberry, with a slightly earthy edge. It tastes dense, rich but dry. A thick coat of tannins leads to an astringent finish.

null

87

25

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Petite Sirah

Steiner Family Vineyards

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Steiner Family Vineyards 2012 Petite Sirah (El Dorado)

Chile

This Sauvignon Blanc looks only slightly more colorful than a glass of water. On the nose, it's crisp and green, while sharp acidity matched against a light body makes for a lean palate. Crisp salty citric flavors finish tight and linear.

Pedregoso Gran Reserva

87

13

Limarí Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Viña Tabalí

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Tabalí 2015 Pedregoso Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Limarí Valley)

France

Banana and ripe red-berry notes create the attractive open of this bright wine. It comes with a raw edge, but if slightly chilled it would make for a fine apéritif.

Nouveau

87

10

Beaujolais

Beaujolais-Villages

null

Gamay

Henry Fessy

null

Italy

Extra Dry Prosecco offers a delicate touch of sweetness and makes a great companion to spicy finger foods or appetizers. Bellussi's expression easily fits the bill and adds pretty aromas of stone fruit and dried grass along the way.

Extra Dry

86

15

Veneto

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Bellussi

null

US

Peter Mondavi Sr. and his two sons, Peter Jr. and Marc have crafted a big, tannic and ageworthy wine. It's packed with massive blackberry fruit, with the hard tannins and minerality common of Howell Mountain. Don't even think of opening this before 2016; it should develop well beyond that.

null

94

150

California

Howell Mountain

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Aloft

null

Aloft 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)

Argentina

Jammy blackberry aromas come with a hint of brine and a rubbery note of latex. This is big and tannic on the palate, but also a touch clumsy. Stewed black-fruit flavors run short, while minty oak, grapy berry and toasty spice flavors drive the finish. Drink through 2020.

Altitud

90

26

Mendoza Province

Tupungato

null

Malbec

Andeluna

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Andeluna 2013 Altitud Malbec (Tupungato)

US

This is an abundantly ripe wine, big in oak and tannin, with a streak of earthy compost. A tinge of spearmint brightens the palate, while persistent acidity graces the close.

Estate

85

49

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Uptick Vineyards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Uptick Vineyards 2012 Estate Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

Pretty tannic now, with underlying fruity flavors of plum, blackberry, herbs and earth. Drinks very dry and a bit austere, and there's tartness in the dusty finish. May gain with an additional year or two of age.

null

85

19

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Merlot

Benziger

null

Benziger 1999 Merlot (Sonoma County)

US

Intriguing Asian spice, peanut brittle, pineapple and butter cream aromas comprise the bouquet of this round, well-integrated wine from Sonoma County's tiny Green Valley appellation. Everything flows smoothly into the lingering pineapple, butterscotch, pear and apple flavors in the finish. Top Value.

Cuvée Joy

90

30

California

Green Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Iron Horse

null

US

This wine comes from 35-year-old vines at French Creek Vineyard. Light aromas of spice and cream lead to a creamy palate marked with lighter-styled apple and stone-fruit flavors. It's a very pretty expression of the variety.

The Enchantress Old Vine

89

28

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Sleight of Hand

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Sleight of Hand 2014 The Enchantress Old Vine Chardonnay (Yakima Valley)

US

A berry scented wine that's loaded with fresh mint aromas and accented by toasty oak. The tannins are ripe and soft; the acidity bright.

Hargrave Vineyard

85

17

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Cabernet Franc

Castello di Borghese

null

Italy

Straightforward and a touch sharp, with cherry, earth and leather aromas. Red plum, pie cherry and vanilla flavors carry the palate toward a peppery, lean finish. Fresh enough but not very loving.

null

84

29

Tuscany

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

null

Sangiovese

Tenuta Valdipiatta

null

France

Smoky and toasty, this is a structured wine. It has layers of black currant fruits, fresh acidity as well as firm tannins that overlay the juicy fruitiness. It needs to age. Drink from 2016.

null

88

16

Bordeaux

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Chantemerle

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Chantemerle 2012 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

France

A classic vinification in tank and barrel has produced a ripe, full-bodied wine. It has ripe cherry and dark plum fruits; layers of wood-aging flavors give a complete, dense and concentrated wine. It will age, drink until 2020.

Château de Bellevue Climat les Charmes

89

24

Beaujolais

Morgon

null

Gamay

Loron et Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Loron et Fils 2011 Château de Bellevue Climat les Charmes (Morgon)

US

Here's a soft, juicy wine with melted tannins in the modern style and some nice blackberry flavors. It's young now, a saucy wine that hasn't yet fully come together. But all the pieces are there. Drink it at three or four years of age.

null

90

19

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Benziger

null

Benziger 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)

France

A ripe, raspberry flavored wine that is crisp while also very fruity. It has attractive acidity and a refreshing, juicy aftertaste that is irresistible. Drink now.

Gamay

86

15

France Other

Vin de Savoie

null

Rosé

Philippe Viallet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Philippe Viallet 2015 Gamay Rosé (Vin de Savoie)

France

A wine of promise, but still in its infancy. This grand cru, structured and still waiting to open to its full opulence, is packed with concentrated flavors. It's a powerhouse that needs at least five years to even begin to show its structure, ripe fruit and richness.

null

95

228

Burgundy

Bâtard-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Etienne Sauzet

null

US

A pretty good Chardonnay. Its a little pineapple juicy, and the oak is pretty strong, but a streak of minerality and crisp, clean acidity give just enough structure.

Heintz Ranch

85

25

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Dutch Bill Creek

null

Dutch Bill Creek 2007 Heintz Ranch Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

Italy

The wine has evolved quickly, and the color is showing some browning on the edge. Almost fully mature now, it shows aromas of marzipan, strawberries and roses. Complex and pretty, the wine has a solid midpalate, and the finish is shorter than I would have expected. Still a nice, well-made wine for lovers of older Nebbiolos.

Bricco S. Giacomo

88

29

Piedmont

Nebbiolo d'Alba

null

Nebbiolo

Giacomo Ascheri

null

US

Utilizing only ambient yeasts and bottled without fining or filtration, this is a showcase of winemaker Kim Engle's devotion to natural winemaking. Dry in style with savory apple, orange rind and a whiff of apple cider vinegar on the nose and palate, the finish is long with a pleasant orange pekoe tea note.

Dry Wild Yeast

86

18

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Bloomer Creek

null

US

Bone dry, this succulent, citrus-soaked Riesling is a textural marvel. Mixing grapefruit, lime and pear fruit flavors, its racy acidity underscores its complexity.

Estate

91

19

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Riesling

Elk Cove

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Elk Cove 2012 Estate Riesling (Willamette Valley)

Italy

Mildly grassy in the nose, with accents of fig, melon and citrus rind. It's got some hay and funky earthiness to the otherwise tangy, citrus-driven palate. The acidity isn't overpowering, so the mouthfeel is a bit creamy. Overall it's a good mainstream wine unlikely to offend anyone.

null

88

19

Northeastern Italy

Friuli Aquileia

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Foffani

null

Foffani 2000 Sauvignon Blanc (Friuli Aquileia)

Italy

This shows lovely floral aromas and hints of chocolate and berry. The palate offers ripe black cherry, spice and coffee, and while this is still tannic, the tannins are ripe and composed. This is already drinking well, so enjoy it soon.

La Foia Arborina

91

70

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Curto Marco

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Curto Marco 2009 La Foia Arborina (Barolo)

France

Firm and tannic, with a slightly worrisome astringency. If this comes into balance, this rating may look a couple points stingy in time. Shows an underbrush, briary side to its black cherry and plum flavors, then picks up coffee and spice notes on the finish. Imported by Vintus LLC.

Les Suchots Premier Cru

90

100

Burgundy

Vosne-Romanée

null

Pinot Noir

Lucien Le Moine

null

US

Chardonnay lovers with a penchant towards rich, buttery wines spiced with cinnamon and vanilla will appreciate this unabashedly oaky yet neatly balanced wine. It's enticingly creamy on the palate, but sunny streaks of Meyer-lemon acidity lend refreshment. Drink now–2018.

Barrel Fermented

89

17

New York

Finger Lakes

Chardonnay

Chateau Lafayette Reneau

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2013 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Finger Lakes)

US

Shows tart cranberry crispness in addition to richer cherry and raspberry fruit, but it's a fairly aloof wine now, with competing parts. Even though this isn't a single-vineyard Pinot, it needs time in the cellar, to let everything mellow. Give it 4–5 years.

null

90

46

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Williams Selyem

null

US

A whiff of leather opens this wine, which is well along its aging curve. There's a bitter edge to the tannins, along with some rounded cherry cola flavors.

null

83

38

Oregon

Willamette Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Lazy River

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Lazy River 2007 Pinot Noir

Portugal

From old, mixed planting vineyards in the Quinta do Vallado, this is an impressively complex blend of flavors, from rich spice, smooth tannins, the richest plum juice and a gorgeous, opulent texture. It is ripe, drinkable now, but likely to benefit from several years aging.

Reserva Field Blend

94

60

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta do Vallado

null

US

This vineyard is in the tenderloin of the appellation, where most Pinots cost far more. This is a pretty good wine that needs tinkering; it could be far better. It's rich in fruit, but is heavy, and could use more finesse.

Stonewall Vineyard

85

25

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Estancia

null

France

This fruity selection is full of apple, citrus and white peach notes. Its fruit is balanced by a crisp texture and a tang of orange zest. The wine is round and warm, fitting for a Chardonnay from southern Champagne.

Blanc de Blancs Brut

88

null

Champagne

null

Chardonnay

Veuve Doussot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Veuve Doussot NV Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)

US

Dark, oaky, and fine in every respect. Sonoma Valley, often underrated as Merlot country, lends the fruit a very deep and satisfying blackberry component, which is highlighted, in this case, by toasty oak. The tannins are soft and finely etched. Gorgeous stuff, quite lovely now, but the solid core of fruit indicates mid-term aging potential.

Massara Vineyard

92

25

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Merlot

Kenwood

null

US

A first for Animale, and a terrific success, despite the almost 16% alcohol. Bursting with ripe berry flavors, this complex and flat-out delicious wine goes well beyond its highly-extracted black fruit. Wet rock, chalk and mineral extend and enhance the finish, with a chocolaty kiss at the very end.

null

92

26

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Mourvèdre

Animale

null

Italy

Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this opens with pretty aromas of crushed berry, violet and a whiff of menthol. The juicy palate offers black cherry, white pepper and licorice alongside firm but fine-grained tannins.

null

88

25

Tuscany

Chianti Superiore

null

Red Blend

Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2012 Chianti Superiore

US

There's lots to admire in this well-ripened, elegant dinner wine. It has aromas of green olives, white chocolate, and plums, with a waft of smoky oak, while the flavors are spicy and fruity. Bone-dry, it's richly tannic and complex, with depth and interest.

null

92

26

California

Stags Leap District

Napa

Merlot

Steltzner

null

Steltzner 1999 Merlot (Stags Leap District)

Italy

A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Mammolo, this offers classic varietal scents of underbrush, wild berry, blue flower and a whiff of leather. The firm palate delivers dried black cherry, raspberry, white pepper and anise framed in tightly packed but mature tannins. Drink through 2020.

null

91

20

Tuscany

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

null

Red Blend

Tenute del Cerro

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Tenute del Cerro 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Italy

This offers aromas and flavors of roasted coffee bean, toasted oak, ground black pepper and prune steeped in spirits. The palate has raspy tannins and lacks fruit richness, giving it a hard edge.

Canova

86

null

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Ressia

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Ressia 2012 Canova (Barbaresco)

US

This is a rich Pinot Gris. Tastes like it had the full-bore Chardonnay treatment, with oak and lees, giving it a creamy, sweet mouthfeel. The tangerine, pineapple and vanilla bean flavors are brightened with brisk acidity.

Trenton Station

88

20

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Gris

Joseph Swan Vineyards

null

France

With vineyards in the southern vineyards of the Aube, Vincent Couche makes a rich style of Champagne. This 2002 vintage, now maturing well, is ripe—almost opulent—in character. Its peach and apricot flavors shine at the fore, extended on the palate with a brisk, nervy texture.

Millésime Brut

91

54

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Vincent Couche

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Vincent Couche 2002 Millésime Brut (Champagne)

Italy

Packaged in a heavy, oversized black bottle, this brawny wine delivers power, bulging muscle and aromas that exaggerate in every way possible. The most noticeable feature (so noticeable, it knocks you in the face) is the wood element that comes off as fresh carpentry or wood shavings. The wine is heavy, syrupy and sweet tasting.

Vecchie Vigne

85

48

Southern Italy

Primitivo di Manduria

null

Primitivo

Vinosia

null

Vinosia 2006 Vecchie Vigne (Primitivo di Manduria)

Argentina

Jammy and generous smelling, with pastry and solid black-fruit aromas. Feels good and balanced for a young Malbec, with flavors of sweet plum, blackberry and a medicinal character. Plump and fruity on the finish, and steady wire to wire.

null

88

13

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Lexicon

null

US

Simple, soft and sweet, with the flavors of a cherry, chocolate, roasted nut and nougat health bar.

Estate

83

20

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Merlot

De Tierra

null

Italy

Nero Latino lacks harmony overall because of its rapid succession of unrelated aromas: Red apple is followed by mushroom, beets, strawberry, chocolate and smoke. It also has an extremely strong component of coffee rinds that appears on both the nose and in the mouth. It's not a wine for everyone.

Nero Latino

83

null

Southern Italy

Irpinia

null

Aglianico

Mier Vini

null

Mier Vini 2006 Nero Latino Aglianico (Irpinia)

Israel

This wine features a bouquet of cherry, pomegranate and freshly ground black pepper. It is well-balanced on the palate with flavors of pomegranate, strawberry, mace and anise. Smooth tannins are present into the bright yet lasting finish.

Espero

90

40

Galilee

null

Red Blend

Tulip Winery

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Tulip Winery 2013 Espero Red (Galilee)

Italy

Round and ripe, this opens with aromas of black plum, vanilla, mocha and earthy note of tilled soil. The one-dimensional palate doles out rich blackberry, plum and espresso along with a confectionary note.

N Zero

87

15

Southern Italy

Salento

null

Negroamaro

Cantine Menhir

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cantine Menhir 2012 N Zero Negroamaro (Salento)

France

Big and fruity, this wine is broad but without great definition. It offers weight, soft apple fruits and light acidity. Drink now.

null

85

19

Burgundy

Saint-Véran

null

Chardonnay

Georges Duboeuf

null

US

Earthy, like some Napa Chards, with a sage and thyme edge to the pear and peach fruit. The wine also is a little soft. But there's an interesting minerality. Could develop bottle complexity over the next few years.

Brosseau Vineyard

87

39

California

Chalone

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Testarossa

null

Testarossa 2006 Brosseau Vineyard Chardonnay (Chalone)

Italy

There's a burnt or mature quality to the fruit here that resembles old spice, dried tobacco or carbon. The wine is lean and well shaped with good structure and some bitter berry flavors.

Palio

87

17

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Oriel

null

US

Scents of apple blossom, pear and honeycomb waft from this aromatic Pinot Blanc. Medium bodied in style, it's refreshingly tart with tangerine acidity balanced by fresh apple and pear flavors. Effortlessly quaffable.

Morris Vineyard

87

18

New York

Finger Lakes

Pinot Blanc

Heron Hill

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Heron Hill 2011 Morris Vineyard Pinot Blanc (Finger Lakes)