spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Portugal	Chocolate aromas dominate this richly endowed wine. It offers black chocolate flavors as well, plus powerful tannins and juicy acidity. Dense and full bodied, its wood flavors still show through the rich fruit. Drink from 2017.	Reserva	91	38	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Herdade de Medeiros	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Herdade de Medeiros 2011 Reserva Red (Alentejano)
Italy	Aromas of blue flower, mature black fruit, underbrush and subtle oak lead the nose of this Taurasi. The palate offers solid tannins and flavors of mature plum, stewed prune and plum cake, accented by a hint of allspice.	null	89	45	Southern Italy	Taurasi	null	Aglianico	Pietracupa	null	null	null
Morocco	This wine offers aromas of rose petal and geranium with a hint of lemon. It is full on the palate, with flavors of toasted pineapple, white peach, lilac and Turkish delight. The smooth finish is marked by savory touches, with a nice balance of fruit and floral flavors.	Un-Oaked	88	18	Zenata	null	null	Chardonnay	Ouled Thaleb	null	null	null
Italy	Dry enough, but still just a touch sweet and candied, and doesn't that fit the model for extra dry? Full in the mouth, with citrus, a spot of mineral and purity. It's quite simple, but still it has just enough of an elevated quality to rank with the best of the bunch. Imported by VinUS Inc.	Extra Dry	88	12	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Foss Marai	null	null	null
US	Full-bodied, thick in the mouth, soft and a little clumsy, this Syrah is marked by cherry, berry, chocolate and oak flavors. It's not going to get any better with age.	Estate	84	28	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Deerfield Ranch	null	null	Deerfield Ranch 2006 Estate Syrah (Sonoma Valley)
US	A Blanc de Noir made in a traditional method from half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir grapes, this is peach colored, dry and frothy in sandalwood and savory raspberry fruit.	The Gala	86	33	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Sparkling Blend	Peltier	null	null	null
Australia	Offers sun-warmed, fresh golden apple and caramel aromas. Apple flavors come through as well but the texture is odd, like sawdust and mineral. I didn't enjoy this bottling quite as much as E&T;'s unwooded Chardonnay, but those who prefer caramel to fresh fruit and acidity will feel differently. Imported by Scott Street Portfolio.	null	85	16	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Chardonnay	Evans & Tate	null	null	null
France	A cool wine, full of citrus as well as green apple flavors. The wine is bright, crisp and refreshing in its acidity. Almonds and white fruits add to the attractive mix.	null	87	16	Burgundy	Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune	null	Chardonnay	Nuiton-Beaunoy	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Nuiton-Beaunoy 2011 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune
US	Toasty and crisp, it showcases pretty cherry fruit as the main attraction. There's trace bitterness in the oak tannins, but ample breathing time will help to smooth it out.	Shellback	87	25	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Eight Bells	null	null	null
Italy	This Riserva Syrah exhibits aged aromas of spice, old leather and dried pipe tobacco. Tertiary aromas (the tones that develop as the wine ages) are already showing, so you'd better drink up now. The finale is marked by loads of succulent black currant and plum.	Delia Nivolelli Riserva	90	38	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Syrah	Caruso & Minini	null	null	Caruso & Minini 2006 Delia Nivolelli Riserva Syrah (Sicilia)
US	Nice and dry, with a silky texture and firm, fine acidity. Good application of oak, too. This elegant young Pinot Noir brims with raspberry and cherry flavors. A little direct now, but could gain traction with a few years in the cellar.	Bien Nacido Vineyards	89	38	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Stephen Ross	null	null	Stephen Ross 2009 Bien Nacido Vineyards Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
South Africa	Focused flavors of mint and black currant come together in this distinctive Cabernet. There's a touch of oak too that adds spice, and the overall character is elegant. The wine will benefit from some aging to further integrate its parts.	null	87	41	Stellenbosch	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Thelema	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Thelema 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)
Chile	Brambly aromas are restrained and slightly floral. Feels fresh and easy to drink, with medium body weight and a mix of strawberry, raspberry, tomato and herbal-tea flavors. Finishes mellow and consistent. Very nice Pinot Noir for the money.	Reserva	88	14	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Veramonte	null	null	null
US	Meyer lemon and a hint of fresh herbs—lemon verbena, tarragon and cilantro—elevate this polished and textural effort. There's a nice long finish; a fine bottle, especially at this price.	null	89	12	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Lujon	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Lujon 2012 Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)
US	Quite an impressive young Chardonnay, with brisk acidity, a tangy minerality and a bone dry finish. You'll find suggestions of pineapple, Meyer lemon, lime and kiwi flavors, with a kiss of smoky oak. Chill it well, then savor it as it warms in the glass.	Estate Grown	92	28	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	J Vineyards & Winery	null	null	null
US	Here's a rich, lively wine marked by grassy, citrus flavors veering into ripe figs, and shaped by barrel fermentation and oak notes. It has a nice, creamy, leesy texture, and is dry and spicy.	Terre Vermeille Vineyard	88	17	California	Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Sauvignon Blanc	Stefan Daniels	null	null	null
Italy	This compact Aglianico embraces a traditional style with a leaner appearance and elegant tones of bramble, forest berry and balsam notes that recall cola and dried mint. It tastes fresh and offers enduring notes of berry fruit on the finish. Made with grapes from 70-year-old vines.	Satyricon	90	null	Southern Italy	Irpinia	null	Aglianico	Tecce	null	null	Tecce 2004 Satyricon Aglianico (Irpinia)
US	Rounder and more fruity than the inaugural 2007 Pinot Gris, this has succulent green apple and Bosch pear flavors balanced against crisp, refreshing acids.	null	88	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Pinot Gris	Mercer	null	null	null
US	Good, fleshy flavors of tart cherries in this dry wine. Yet it lacks structural integrity, as it is too soft and melted. Drink now.	Artist Collection	85	39	California	High Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Tempranillo	Imagery	null	null	null
France	This is a ripe, fruity wine with its black-currant fruit and balanced sweet tannins. It has a fine elegant texture and juicy acidity. All these elements promise a wine that will be delicious to drink from 2019. The daughters of owners Bernadette Faure and Alain Aubert oversee vineyards, winemaking and marketing.	null	91	25	Bordeaux	Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Hyot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Hyot 2014 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
US	High in acidity with a voluptuously sleek and supple body, this is a smoothly tamed wine. It's youthful and structured, with a mix of citrus, black cherry and cola. Medium bodied, it's memorably balanced and possesses subtle power.	Hyde Vineyard	95	70	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Patz & Hall	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Patz & Hall 2013 Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)
Spain	Starts out pretty good and fruity, but becomes more challenged with time. There's a truckload of early raspberry fruit, but it turns more sharp and piercing the more time it sits. Lengthy and potent, but not elevated.	null	84	12	Central Spain	La Mancha	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Finca Antigua	null	null	null
France	From one of the old Provence estates, this is a concentrated herbal wine. It has plenty of spice as well as full red fruits and balanced acidity. This is a fine wine, packed with taste. Drink now.	null	89	26	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château Saint-Maur	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Saint-Maur 2016 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
US	Made from the Italian varieties of Dolcetto, Refosco and Nebbiolo, this wine is very dry, tannic, acidic and extracted in blackberry and cherry jam and stewed prune flavors. It's a rough, rustic wine that finishes a little hot. Needs rich meat stews to tame it.	La Vita	86	60	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Red Blend	Bargetto	null	null	null
US	Syrupy red cherry, hibiscus and fruit-punch aromas show on the nose of this good-deal wine, along with touches of graphite and crushed potpourri. It's broad and a touch ripe on the palate, with pomegranate and marjoram notes.	null	86	17	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Edna Valley Vineyard	null	null	null
Chile	The nose on this average SB is bland and neutral, but inoffensive. A fleshy, normal feeling palate leads to slightly dilute flavors of scallion, mustard green and apple. This finishes mellow and slightly pithy, with nothing in particular standing out.	Cuvée Tradition	85	13	Rapel Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Château Los Boldos	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Château Los Boldos 2012 Cuvée Tradition Sauvignon Blanc (Rapel Valley)
Italy	Campania's celebrated Feudi di San Gregorio recently unveiled a new, revamped style for its white wines. This debut vintage delivers gorgeous tones of peachy cream and sophisticated mineral tones. It's an oak-fermented expression of Greco di Tufo from 15-year-old vines.	Cutizzi	90	33	Southern Italy	Greco di Tufo	null	Greco	Feudi di San Gregorio	null	null	Feudi di San Gregorio 2006 Cutizzi (Greco di Tufo)
Argentina	Melony aromas and a simple mouthfeel render this an enjoyable Torrontés. Melon, apricot and lychee flavors all fit the bill, while the palate is round and viscous. Drink now.	Amauta Absoluto	86	17	Other	Cafayate	null	Torrontés	El Porvenir	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	El Porvenir 2015 Amauta Absoluto Torrontés (Cafayate)
Chile	Gritty, narrow aromas of cherry and red plum smell rubbery, like latex. The palate smacks down with acidic bite along with sweet red fruit flavors, toast and heat. Feels lean and rough; tastes good enough.	null	84	9	Limarí Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Tamaya	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Tamaya 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Limarí Valley)
Argentina	For a big brand, Alamos knows how to deliver quality at a fair price. This vintage is exemplary for its sweet black plum and graham cracker bouquet and lush, deep palate. The fruit is tasty, balanced, dark in nature and just a little bit spicy. For a basic-priced Malbec it more than gets the job done.	null	89	13	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Alamos	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alamos 2009 Malbec (Mendoza)
Italy	Made using Mondeuse grapes that were farmed on the slopes of Mt. Etna, this shows an elegant, etched quality, with a mineral nuance that's backed by cassis, licorice, tobacco and dark fruit. The tannins are tight and polished.	L'Ardenza	90	48	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Mondeuse	Cottanera	null	null	Cottanera 2007 L'Ardenza Mondeuse (Sicilia)
US	This is a smooth, dark and rich wine, made from the heart of the appellation in an agreeable year. Balanced, it offers blackberry, cassis and a touch of silky texture, finishing with elegance.	Estate Grown	90	150	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hewitt	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Hewitt 2012 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
Italy	White cherry, raspberry, almond skin and cola describe the simple bouquet of this easy-going red. On the palate, it's crisp and lean.	null	84	14	Veneto	Valpolicella	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Zanoni	null	null	null
Italy	This offers scents and flavors that recall stewed prune, raisin and black pepper. It's still tight, with aggressive tannins that leave a firm clenching finish. Give it a few years to let the tannins unfurl then drink up to capture the remaining fruit.	Nirvasco	87	50	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Bersano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Bersano 2012 Nirvasco (Barolo)
US	A very nice example of a dry Gewürz. Name an exotic spice, and you'll find it here, especially cinnamon. The fruit is all about oranges, pears and lychee, while acidity is brisk and fine. Will challenge home chef and sommelier pairing talent. Pork and stewed fruit come to mind.	Estate Vineyard	90	23	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Gewürztraminer	Gundlach Bundschu	null	null	null
Italy	Shy when first opened, this wine reveals grapefruit and pineapple scents with a little air. The medium-bodied palate has a tangy quality, offering juicy peach and citrus flavors, accompanied by fresh acidity.	null	89	27	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Sauvignon	Villa Russiz	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Villa Russiz 2015 Sauvignon (Collio)
US	This is sleek and stylish, with polished and bright raspberry and cherry candy flavors, spiced up with sharp acids and finished with some chewy tannins. The wine is just this side of high-toned, bright and assertive, and the fruit flavors are penetrating and last through a considerable finish.	null	89	24	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Robert Karl	null	null	null
Slovenia	Ebulliently perfumed with heady white florals that blow off to reveal a luscious, white peach nose, this dry, full-bodied Traminer is a bit high in alcohol, but plush and pleasant on the palate with yellow peach, tangerine and waxy lanolin notes.	g-Pullus	85	20	Štajerska	null	null	Traminer	Pullus	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Pullus 2008 g-Pullus Traminer (Štajerska)
France	This blend of Marsanne and Roussanne comes across as something of a hybrid between Hermitage and Burgundy. It has grilled peach, citrus and smoke notes, ample weight and a long, hazelnut-tinged finish. Drink it over the next 6–8 years.	Domaine Mule Blanche	92	42	Rhône Valley	Crozes-Hermitage	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Paul Jaboulet Aîné	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2010 Domaine Mule Blanche White (Crozes-Hermitage)
South Africa	A nose of deep spice and balanced flavors of cherry and blackberry give this an appealing, approachable character. Unfolds smoothly and sleekly on the palate, and finishes with finesse.	null	87	15	Coastal Region	null	null	Shiraz	Fairview	null	null	null
US	A wine for the faithful, this is tasty and light bodied. It does a nice job of combining fresh, fruity aromas with appealing black-cherry flavors and a moderately tannic, appetizing texture.	null	86	15	California	North Coast	North Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Monogamy	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Monogamy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast)
France	Made with 25% Mourvèdre, this blend benefits from that grape's intense perfume and structure. It is rich with red fruits and tannins, both of which suggest a wine that could age a few months. It is full bodied and does need food to be fully appreciated. Drink at its best at the end of 2016.	Mas de la Rouvière	91	20	Provence	Bandol	null	Rosé	Domaines Bunan	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaines Bunan 2015 Mas de la Rouvière Rosé (Bandol)
France	With plenty of tannins balanced by ripe fruits, this is a concentrated, dark wine. It is rich with density and weight. The red-berry flavors are developing. Drink this wine, with its good potential, from 2019.	Les Peuillets Premier Cru	92	null	Burgundy	Savigny-lès-Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine d'Ardhuy	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine d'Ardhuy 2014 Les Peuillets Premier Cru (Savigny-lès-Beaune)
US	With good acidity, a silky mouthfeel and a dry finish, this is a pretty good Pinot Noir. It's more balanced than many Pinots costing two or three times as much, which makes it a great value. The flavors are of raspberries, cherries and red currants, with a touch of oak.	null	88	13	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Masked Rider	null	null	null
Argentina	Spunky dark fruit aromas open the show, with leather, cheese and mocha coming in later. The palate is a little grabby and acidic, but the juicy flavors of plum, wild berry, citrus and cassis are good. Finishes with some bounce in its step due to full acidity, and overall it maintains freshness and zest. Malbec with smaller doses of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot.	Infinito	88	30	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Red Blend	Sur de los Andes	null	null	null
US	This wine is refreshing, seemingly light in body and texture. Fresh and fruity in flavor, it makes a good house wine to keep in stock.	Primo Rosso	88	11	California	Mendocino County	null	Red Blend	Monte Volpe	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Monte Volpe 2013 Primo Rosso Red (Mendocino County)
Chile	Powerful from the start, this has an herbal berry aroma, with a rubbery hint and a lactic element. The palate is chewy, dense and rubbery, with creamy, milky flavors of blackberry, carob, vanilla and plastic. Generally speaking, this wine is full and solid.	Gran Reserva	87	15	Curicó Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	V Norte	null	null	null
France	If you want spicy Gewurztraminer then go no further. This has lychee, sweet spice and apricot notes with just a touch of honey. It's not quite dry, as its richness propels it into a richer category. Drink now and over the next year or two.	null	91	20	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Domaine Jean-Luc Mader	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Jean-Luc Mader 2011 Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
France	One of a number of brands owned by the Union Champagne cooperative, this Champagne is an easy drinking wine, with good acidity and attractive freshness. It is not a wine for bottle aging, but its good price makes it a great buy. Imported by De Saint Gall.	Premier Cru Brut	88	35	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	De Saint Gall	null	null	null
Austria	Intensely peppery, this wine is aromatic with notes of black currants. Fruit flavors are marked with lemongrass spiciness and tense acidity. The wine is light in body, with a refreshing character that's going to be just right as an aperitif. Screwcap.	null	88	null	Niederösterreich	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Graf Hardegg	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Graf Hardegg 2012 Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)
France	In its bottle reminiscent of an old-style gin bottle, this is certainly a stand-out in terms of appearance. The wine is less interesting, pale in color, fat in style.	Eternelle Favorite	85	22	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château de Saint-Martin	null	null	null
France	Rich and full in the mouth, this is a ripe, tropical fruit flavored wine. With a year in bottle, the herbaceousness has softened and become rounded. The wine is still tangy and mineral at the end, and could age further, but is ready to drink now.	null	90	29	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Château de Sancerre	null	null	null
South Africa	Bright, vibrant aromas of red berry and flowers leads on this rosé. Its easygoing, fresh and fruity character will pair well with almost any food, and good minerality ensures it's not too sweet.	Rosé	86	12	Stellenbosch	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Mulderbosch	null	null	null
US	Great vineyards, great winery, great vintage: There's lots to like about this big, bold, fruity wine that manages to be complex and elegant at the same time. Masses of blackberry, black currant and violets, with smoke and vanilla from oak aging. What's hard to convey is the balance, richness, harmony and depth of flavor, which are really stunning. Age it for a few years if you want, but it's at or near its delicious best now.	null	93	35	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Stag's Leap Wine Cellars	null	null	null
Italy	A serious contender with sophisticated notes of leather, barnyard and cedar wrapped up in toasty vanilla oak. A hint of char adds an edge to a streamlined palate infused with earth, mushroom and strawberry tones. A slight lack of persistence takes it out of the top flight. Fully mature, drink now.	Amistà	89	33	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti Superiore	null	Barbera	Massimiliano Vivalda	null	null	null
US	True to the ambitious Damiani style, this wine has tightly packed fruit tones with a generous overlay of vanilla and mocha from toasty new oak. Intoxicating flavors of caramelized pineapple and boysenberry frame the dense palate while refined tannins provide a counterbalance to the dense fruit. The finish is moderately long and slightly drying, winding up with a chocolate note. Best 2011–2013.	null	88	27	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Meritage	Damiani	null	null	null
France	Cigar-box aromas and a rich character give this wine a sense of perfumed concentration. It is young, with a stalky character still evident. The structure is firm, and the blackberry fruits still coming together. Give this wine until 2017 before drinking.	null	90	23	Provence	Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire	null	Provence red blend	Mas de Cadenet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Mas de Cadenet 2013 Red (Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire)
US	Outside of the vineyard, wines like this are what built the company's production to reach 12 million cases per year. Plump and low in acid, with baked black-cherry flavors accented by earth and dried herbs, it just may be the Merlot poured by the glass at your neighborhood hangout.	null	84	6	California	California	California Other	Merlot	Delicato	null	null	null
France	Melon and peach aromas start out fine but lose clarity. Citrus flavors that aren't quite full precede mild lemon and banana on the tail end. Nondescript and turns hot at the end. Kosher.	Estate Bottled	81	14	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays de L'Aude	null	Chardonnay	Abarbanel	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Abarbanel 2001 Estate Bottled Chardonnay (Vin de Pays de L'Aude)
France	With its mouthwatering, crisp, fresh fruit flavors and minerality, this wine layers acidity and its tight yellow fruits. It could be austere, but for the rich pineapple and apricot flavors and the full, ripe finish. An impressive wine, it would certainly repay aging.	Champ Gain Premier Cru	93	null	Burgundy	Puligny-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Olivier Leflaive	null	null	null
Spain	Starts with a big, dusty nose of cherry, blackberry and forest notes. Fresh and proper on the palate, with plum and boysenberry. Finishes with vanilla and toffee, while the feel is warm and round. Very functional and moderately complex.	Reserva	88	20	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Vallobera	null	null	null
US	A good rosé, crisp and light-bodied. It has rich strawberry, orange zest, vanilla and spice flavors. Nice and silky in the mouth, as a blush wine should be, but it's a little on the sweet side.	Vin Gris	89	16	California	California	California Other	Rosé	Birichino	null	null	Birichino 2012 Vin Gris Rosé (California)
US	This exquisitely crafted model of balance offers lemon-bar meringue and baked pear on the nose before revealing a tightrope of minerality and lush concentration on the palate, weighted perfectly against each other. Fleshy and delicious, the wine has so much fine fruit to offer now it'd be shame to wait, yet it will clearly hold onto its beauty with age.	Richard Dinner Vineyard	95	75	California	Sonoma Mountain	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Paul Hobbs	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Paul Hobbs 2012 Richard Dinner Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Mountain)
US	Doug Margerum delivers his annual crowd-pleaser with this bottling, which evokes ripe apple, sweet stone fruit and grapefruit pith on the nose. Chalky texture and racy acidity mark the palate, providing the perfect framework for sour kumquat flavors and a cement-like minerality.	Sybarite	88	21	California	Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Margerum	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Margerum 2015 Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
New Zealand	In 2008, the Block 3 tannins are so silky and refined they give a soft, luscious character to the wine that's incredibly appealing. Spice, black cherry and cola notes finish long and complex. Drink now–2015.	Block 3	93	80	Central Otago	null	null	Pinot Noir	Felton Road	null	null	null
Spain	Soft, chunky and fading fast, with aromas of asparagus and canned green beans. The palate is flat as a board, with vegetal flavors and bitterness on the finish. Barely worth a sip at this point in its evolution.	null	80	15	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Verdejo	Aromal	null	null	null
US	A light style of Petite Sirah, this is softly drinkable now, offering a wealth of cherry, mocha and tobacco flavors and gentle tannins.	null	85	13	California	North Coast	North Coast	Petite Sirah	Fleur	null	null	Fleur 2009 Petite Sirah (North Coast)
US	This 100% varietal wine brings notes of fresh herbs, red fruit, vanilla and clove. It's supple, textured and soft in feel with a captivating sense of balance, well-framed acidity, and lightly chalky tannins.	null	93	32	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Franc	Dumas Station	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Dumas Station 2012 Cabernet Franc (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
Italy	This hearty Brunello is packed tight with Christmas spice, vanilla bean, freshly ground espresso, black fruit and smoky mesquite. It's a thickly extracted, sophisticated and delicious wine that lasts a very long time on the palate.	null	92	40	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Molino di Sant'Antimo	null	null	null
Italy	Monsordo is an innovative concept and is a premier example of a modern, international wine with unmistakable roots in Piedmont. Fruit used here includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Nebbiolo and the overall effect it that of harmony and power. The wine is packed tight with red fruit, spice and tobacco and its texture is smooth, dense and rich. Very nice.	Monsordo	92	38	Piedmont	Langhe	null	Red Blend	Ceretto	null	null	null
Israel	Deep ruby to the eye, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot has a bouquet of coffee and black currant preserves. It offers a frankly gorgeous interplay between fruit and cool herbal flavors, with black cherry joined on the palate by licorice, eucalyptus, butterscotch and flint. The drawn-out finish offers a surprisingly bright burst that inspires taking the next sip.	Grand Vin	92	75	Haut-Judeé	null	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Domaine du Castel	null	null	null
US	Virtually identical with Pinot Noir, and quite a good one at that. Shows cool-climate influence in the translucent color, vital acidity and pure flavors of raspberries and persimmons, accented with smoky oak.	Van der Kamp Vineyard	90	24	California	Sonoma Mountain	Sonoma	Pinot Meunier	Novy	null	null	Novy 2010 Van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Meunier (Sonoma Mountain)
France	Beautifully pale in color, this is serious rosé. Its rich and dry character and its red cherry and raspberry flavors are tied together by the finest acidity. Like most Bollinger Champagnes, this needs food.	Rosé Brut	91	100	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Bollinger	null	null	null
US	Red plum, dark cranberry, composting rose petals, dried ginger and earthy mushrooms show on the slightly funky, slightly sweet nose of this bottling. The palate begins with a sour plum skin and tart raspberry kick, then leads into a core with hints of pine needle, juniper and turned loam.	Annie Dyer	92	50	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Lincourt	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Lincourt 2014 Annie Dyer Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
France	A rich but well balanced wine, this features ripe flavors and integrated tannins. A juicy black-currant note sits with the dusty structure, with fragrant acidity on the finish. The Château Sainte-Barbe is at the end of the promontory that lies between the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers just before they meet.	null	86	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Merlot	Château Sainte-Barbe	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Sainte-Barbe 2010 Bordeaux
US	The nose of this Merlot is lush and seductive with whiffs of vanilla, mocha and spice melding into rich blackberry preserves. By contrast, the palate is quite restrained and mineral in character with flavors of tart, crisp berries and cherries lined with fine, dusty tannins. A happy medium of ripeness balanced with nuance and structure.	null	88	19	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Merlot	Keuka Spring	null	null	null
US	Made from a majority of Merlot rounded out by other red Bordeaux varieties, this wine leans savory, featuring mushroom and leather within a suggestion of Martini olive water. The fruit is more shy, revealing black currant at best, with a flat, ghost-like finish.	Pauline's Cuvée	85	30	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Atalon	null	null	null
Argentina	Spicy red-plum aromas are dry and gritty, but fresh. This firm feeling Cab holds its own on the palate, which is tannic and a bit sandpapery. Tight, juicy flavors of spicy plum finish long, dry and mildly salty tasting.	Estate Bottled	85	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Bodega Carmine Granata	null	null	null
US	Fascinating; this was co-fermented with 7% whole cluster Roussanne, then blended with another 4% Viognier. Inky, vivid, saturated and loaded with appealing scents of meat, smoke, cedar, pencil shavings, blackberry, black cherry and much more, this is Washington's answer to Barossa Shiraz. Yet the alcohol remains a sensible 14.3%, and the wine has impeccable balance.	Block 17	92	35	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Alexandria Nicole	null	null	null
US	Masut is making a surprisingly strong case for warm-climate Pinot, as evidenced by this very good wine. No problems getting the fruit ripe in cherries and blackberries, and the balance of alcohol, tannins, acids and oak is fine. A winery to watch.	Block 7	90	50	California	Redwood Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Noir	Masút	null	null	null
Italy	A beautiful wine from a classic vintage, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon offers harmony, intensity and elegance. Berry and dark fruit aromas are enhanced by smooth texture, fine tannins and balanced acidity.	Ghiaie della Furba	92	50	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Capezzana	null	null	null
US	Beef jerky, dried mushrooms, black pepper, pencil lead, black olive and elderberry swirl into a memorable nose on this wine by professorial vintner Wes Hagen. It's incredibly alive on the palate, delivering soy and deeply tart cranberry-cherry juice flavors, and needs until late 2015 to emerge as an even more solid sipper.	Estate	92	59	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Clos Pepe	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Clos Pepe 2013 Estate Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
South Africa	A nose of minerals, black fruit and dried lavender is the start of this stylish wine from Black Rock. On the palate, assertive flavors of blueberry, cherry and spice are lifted by fresh minerality. The finish is clean but lingering. An intriguing wine that offers elegance with an exotic touch.	Red Blend	89	24	Swartland	null	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Black Rock	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Black Rock 2006 Red Blend Red (Swartland)
Italy	This elegant, medium-bodied Nebbiolo starts off with aromas of berry, herb, leather and violet. The savory, polished palate delivers wild raspberry, mint, cake spice and a balsamic note alongside velvety tannins. Drink through 2018.	Montagliato	92	28	Piedmont	Nebbiolo d'Alba	null	Nebbiolo	Principiano Ferdinando	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Principiano Ferdinando 2012 Montagliato (Nebbiolo d'Alba)
France	The purest Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, with dark chocolate and intense dark berry flavors. The tannins are so enveloped by the fruit and yet they promise great aging. At this stage, wood shows through the fruit, but the texture is so rich and opulent that it should easily become integrated.	null	96	1,300	Bordeaux	Pauillac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Mouton Rothschild	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Mouton Rothschild 2009 Pauillac
South Africa	Sweet aromas and flavors of peach and lychee are accented by a hint of fresh rose petals. A soft spritz in the mouth cleans up the finish. Drink now.	null	83	5	Western Cape	null	null	Moscato	Chaza	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Chaza NV Moscato (Western Cape)
US	The definitive Dry Creek Zinfandel. It has tons of spices, wild berries and cherries and sweetly smoked sandalwood. Handles its high alcohol well, with the heat accenting the peppers. A lusty, complex Zin to drink now.	Old Vine	91	28	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Puccioni	null	null	null
US	Opening with perfumy aromatics amid a core of cassis liqueur, this is a nicely balanced, easy-to-drink Cab that has concentration and finesse. With smatterings of Merlot, Syrah and Mourvèdre, it drinks well and will pair well, a serviceable choice for gatherings big and small.	null	87	15	California	North Coast	North Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Josh Cellars	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Josh Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast)
Portugal	A dark colored red that is firmly tannic as well as ripe and fruity. The wine is spicy and earthy, redolent of dried fruits, like figs and red berries. With its solid texture, it can age; drink from 2015.	Pedras do Monte	87	8	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese Red	DFJ Vinhos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	DFJ Vinhos 2010 Pedras do Monte Red (Lisboa)
Australia	Has whole wheat aromas. The palate deals juicy fruit and nicely textured, youthful tannins. Medium-sized and built for the long haul; aging John Riddoch for 20 years is common down under.	John Riddoch	90	45	South Australia	Coonawarra	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Wynns Coonawarra Estate	null	null	null
Italy	Here a fun, fresh and bright Barbera (aged in large oak casks) that shows good integrity of fruit and an easy, informal personality. Pair this wine with risotto cooked with cream of asparagus.	Le Gagie	87	19	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti	null	Barbera	Tenuta La Meridiana	null	null	Tenuta La Meridiana 2008 Le Gagie (Barbera d'Asti)
US	Aromas of espresso and burnt biscotti entice on this dark yet elegant Cab. On the palate, fresh violets linger amidst layers of ripe black fruit, smoke and char towards a stout, moderately tannic finish. Quite pleasant now, but could improve with 3–5 years of bottle aging.	null	87	32	Virginia	Virginia	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Annefield Vineyards	null	null	null
US	Mild with raspberry flavor and soft, integrated oak and tannin, this full-bodied wine is comprised entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon and imparts a characteristic Rutherford dustiness on the palate.	Rutherford Estate Vineyard	88	90	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Conn Creek	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Conn Creek 2013 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
Spain	Robust in color and aromas, this ripe varietal Tempranillo deals a shot of coconut-laced oak along with more subtle scents of crushed stones, brick and prune. High-toned acidity is just what a ripe palate requires, while toasty, woody flavors of dark plum and blackberry finish spicy and chocolaty, with a reverb of bracing acidity. Drink through 2025.	Finca El Rincón de Clunia	92	55	Northern Spain	Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León	null	Tempranillo	Clunia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Clunia 2012 Finca El Rincón de Clunia Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León)
US	As the name implies, this is a soft wine, with gentle tannins and acids. It's ripe in cherry and blackberry jam flavors that finish simple and sweet.	Liquid Velvet	84	20	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Lockwood	null	null	null
US	Flavors of sour grapefruit and almond are somewhat masked by the amped-up oak.	null	82	27	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Taj	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Taj 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma Coast)
Spain	A bit sharp, stemmy and sour smelling. But the fruit flavors are solid and the herbal cherry and plum character that leads the palate improves with airing. Herbal on the finish; standard as a whole.	null	83	11	Levante	Yecla	null	Monastrell-Syrah	Evine	null	null	null
US	From a Pinot Noir specialist in the heart of the Russian River Valley, this white is equal parts floral and fruity, shy and dry, with a succulent layering of lime, grapefruit and fig. A medium level of acidity wraps itself around a viscous core, keeping the wine fresh on the palate. It's the right kind of weighty, finishing with ginger and honey.	Estate Grown Estate Bottled	90	18	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Gris	Balletto	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Balletto 2013 Estate Grown Estate Bottled Pinot Gris (Russian River Valley)
US	This Pinot Grigio is simple and sweet. It tastes like a mixture of sugared fruit juices, brightened with lively acidity.	Coastal Series	82	13	California	California	California Other	Pinot Grigio	Arrow Creek	null	null	null
US	Bill Easton's Mourvèdre features a combination of bright, ripe strawberry and savory herbal tea. It is medium bodied, with a distinctly peppery finish.	null	88	25	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Mourvèdre	Terre Rouge	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Terre Rouge 2009 Mourvèdre (Sierra Foothills)

Portugal

Chocolate aromas dominate this richly endowed wine. It offers black chocolate flavors as well, plus powerful tannins and juicy acidity. Dense and full bodied, its wood flavors still show through the rich fruit. Drink from 2017.

Reserva

91

38

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Herdade de Medeiros

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Herdade de Medeiros 2011 Reserva Red (Alentejano)

Italy

Aromas of blue flower, mature black fruit, underbrush and subtle oak lead the nose of this Taurasi. The palate offers solid tannins and flavors of mature plum, stewed prune and plum cake, accented by a hint of allspice.

null

89

45

Southern Italy

Taurasi

null

Aglianico

Pietracupa

null

Morocco

This wine offers aromas of rose petal and geranium with a hint of lemon. It is full on the palate, with flavors of toasted pineapple, white peach, lilac and Turkish delight. The smooth finish is marked by savory touches, with a nice balance of fruit and floral flavors.

Un-Oaked

88

18

Zenata

null

Chardonnay

Ouled Thaleb

null

Italy

Dry enough, but still just a touch sweet and candied, and doesn't that fit the model for extra dry? Full in the mouth, with citrus, a spot of mineral and purity. It's quite simple, but still it has just enough of an elevated quality to rank with the best of the bunch. Imported by VinUS Inc.

Extra Dry

88

12

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Foss Marai

null

US

Full-bodied, thick in the mouth, soft and a little clumsy, this Syrah is marked by cherry, berry, chocolate and oak flavors. It's not going to get any better with age.

Estate

84

28

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Deerfield Ranch

null

Deerfield Ranch 2006 Estate Syrah (Sonoma Valley)

US

A Blanc de Noir made in a traditional method from half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir grapes, this is peach colored, dry and frothy in sandalwood and savory raspberry fruit.

The Gala

86

33

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Sparkling Blend

Peltier

null

Australia

Offers sun-warmed, fresh golden apple and caramel aromas. Apple flavors come through as well but the texture is odd, like sawdust and mineral. I didn't enjoy this bottling quite as much as E&T;'s unwooded Chardonnay, but those who prefer caramel to fresh fruit and acidity will feel differently. Imported by Scott Street Portfolio.

null

85

16

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Chardonnay

Evans & Tate

null

France

A cool wine, full of citrus as well as green apple flavors. The wine is bright, crisp and refreshing in its acidity. Almonds and white fruits add to the attractive mix.

null

87

16

Burgundy

Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

null

Chardonnay

Nuiton-Beaunoy

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Nuiton-Beaunoy 2011 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

US

Toasty and crisp, it showcases pretty cherry fruit as the main attraction. There's trace bitterness in the oak tannins, but ample breathing time will help to smooth it out.

Shellback

87

25

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Eight Bells

null

Italy

This Riserva Syrah exhibits aged aromas of spice, old leather and dried pipe tobacco. Tertiary aromas (the tones that develop as the wine ages) are already showing, so you'd better drink up now. The finale is marked by loads of succulent black currant and plum.

Delia Nivolelli Riserva

90

38

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Syrah

Caruso & Minini

null

Caruso & Minini 2006 Delia Nivolelli Riserva Syrah (Sicilia)

US

Nice and dry, with a silky texture and firm, fine acidity. Good application of oak, too. This elegant young Pinot Noir brims with raspberry and cherry flavors. A little direct now, but could gain traction with a few years in the cellar.

Bien Nacido Vineyards

89

38

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Stephen Ross

null

Stephen Ross 2009 Bien Nacido Vineyards Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)

South Africa

Focused flavors of mint and black currant come together in this distinctive Cabernet. There's a touch of oak too that adds spice, and the overall character is elegant. The wine will benefit from some aging to further integrate its parts.

null

87

41

Stellenbosch

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Thelema

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Thelema 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)

Chile

Brambly aromas are restrained and slightly floral. Feels fresh and easy to drink, with medium body weight and a mix of strawberry, raspberry, tomato and herbal-tea flavors. Finishes mellow and consistent. Very nice Pinot Noir for the money.

Reserva

88

14

Casablanca Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Veramonte

null

US

Meyer lemon and a hint of fresh herbs—lemon verbena, tarragon and cilantro—elevate this polished and textural effort. There's a nice long finish; a fine bottle, especially at this price.

null

89

12

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Lujon

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Lujon 2012 Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)

US

Quite an impressive young Chardonnay, with brisk acidity, a tangy minerality and a bone dry finish. You'll find suggestions of pineapple, Meyer lemon, lime and kiwi flavors, with a kiss of smoky oak. Chill it well, then savor it as it warms in the glass.

Estate Grown

92

28

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

J Vineyards & Winery

null

US

Here's a rich, lively wine marked by grassy, citrus flavors veering into ripe figs, and shaped by barrel fermentation and oak notes. It has a nice, creamy, leesy texture, and is dry and spicy.

Terre Vermeille Vineyard

88

17

California

Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Sauvignon Blanc

Stefan Daniels

null

Italy

This compact Aglianico embraces a traditional style with a leaner appearance and elegant tones of bramble, forest berry and balsam notes that recall cola and dried mint. It tastes fresh and offers enduring notes of berry fruit on the finish. Made with grapes from 70-year-old vines.

Satyricon

90

null

Southern Italy

Irpinia

null

Aglianico

Tecce

null

Tecce 2004 Satyricon Aglianico (Irpinia)

US

Rounder and more fruity than the inaugural 2007 Pinot Gris, this has succulent green apple and Bosch pear flavors balanced against crisp, refreshing acids.

null

88

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Pinot Gris

Mercer

null

US

Good, fleshy flavors of tart cherries in this dry wine. Yet it lacks structural integrity, as it is too soft and melted. Drink now.

Artist Collection

85

39

California

High Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Tempranillo

Imagery

null

France

This is a ripe, fruity wine with its black-currant fruit and balanced sweet tannins. It has a fine elegant texture and juicy acidity. All these elements promise a wine that will be delicious to drink from 2019. The daughters of owners Bernadette Faure and Alain Aubert oversee vineyards, winemaking and marketing.

null

91

25

Bordeaux

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Hyot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Hyot 2014 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

US

High in acidity with a voluptuously sleek and supple body, this is a smoothly tamed wine. It's youthful and structured, with a mix of citrus, black cherry and cola. Medium bodied, it's memorably balanced and possesses subtle power.

Hyde Vineyard

95

70

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Patz & Hall

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Patz & Hall 2013 Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)

Spain

Starts out pretty good and fruity, but becomes more challenged with time. There's a truckload of early raspberry fruit, but it turns more sharp and piercing the more time it sits. Lengthy and potent, but not elevated.

null

84

12

Central Spain

La Mancha

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Finca Antigua

null

France

From one of the old Provence estates, this is a concentrated herbal wine. It has plenty of spice as well as full red fruits and balanced acidity. This is a fine wine, packed with taste. Drink now.

null

89

26

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château Saint-Maur

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Saint-Maur 2016 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

US

Made from the Italian varieties of Dolcetto, Refosco and Nebbiolo, this wine is very dry, tannic, acidic and extracted in blackberry and cherry jam and stewed prune flavors. It's a rough, rustic wine that finishes a little hot. Needs rich meat stews to tame it.

La Vita

86

60

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Red Blend

Bargetto

null

US

Syrupy red cherry, hibiscus and fruit-punch aromas show on the nose of this good-deal wine, along with touches of graphite and crushed potpourri. It's broad and a touch ripe on the palate, with pomegranate and marjoram notes.

null

86

17

California

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Edna Valley Vineyard

null

Chile

The nose on this average SB is bland and neutral, but inoffensive. A fleshy, normal feeling palate leads to slightly dilute flavors of scallion, mustard green and apple. This finishes mellow and slightly pithy, with nothing in particular standing out.

Cuvée Tradition

85

13

Rapel Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Château Los Boldos

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Château Los Boldos 2012 Cuvée Tradition Sauvignon Blanc (Rapel Valley)

Italy

Campania's celebrated Feudi di San Gregorio recently unveiled a new, revamped style for its white wines. This debut vintage delivers gorgeous tones of peachy cream and sophisticated mineral tones. It's an oak-fermented expression of Greco di Tufo from 15-year-old vines.

Cutizzi

90

33

Southern Italy

Greco di Tufo

null

Greco

Feudi di San Gregorio

null

Feudi di San Gregorio 2006 Cutizzi (Greco di Tufo)

Argentina

Melony aromas and a simple mouthfeel render this an enjoyable Torrontés. Melon, apricot and lychee flavors all fit the bill, while the palate is round and viscous. Drink now.

Amauta Absoluto

86

17

Other

Cafayate

null

Torrontés

El Porvenir

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

El Porvenir 2015 Amauta Absoluto Torrontés (Cafayate)

Chile

Gritty, narrow aromas of cherry and red plum smell rubbery, like latex. The palate smacks down with acidic bite along with sweet red fruit flavors, toast and heat. Feels lean and rough; tastes good enough.

null

84

9

Limarí Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tamaya

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Tamaya 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Limarí Valley)

Argentina

For a big brand, Alamos knows how to deliver quality at a fair price. This vintage is exemplary for its sweet black plum and graham cracker bouquet and lush, deep palate. The fruit is tasty, balanced, dark in nature and just a little bit spicy. For a basic-priced Malbec it more than gets the job done.

null

89

13

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Alamos

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alamos 2009 Malbec (Mendoza)

Italy

Made using Mondeuse grapes that were farmed on the slopes of Mt. Etna, this shows an elegant, etched quality, with a mineral nuance that's backed by cassis, licorice, tobacco and dark fruit. The tannins are tight and polished.

L'Ardenza

90

48

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Mondeuse

Cottanera

null

Cottanera 2007 L'Ardenza Mondeuse (Sicilia)

US

This is a smooth, dark and rich wine, made from the heart of the appellation in an agreeable year. Balanced, it offers blackberry, cassis and a touch of silky texture, finishing with elegance.

Estate Grown

90

150

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hewitt

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Hewitt 2012 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

Italy

White cherry, raspberry, almond skin and cola describe the simple bouquet of this easy-going red. On the palate, it's crisp and lean.

null

84

14

Veneto

Valpolicella

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Zanoni

null

Italy

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

Nirvasco

87

50

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Bersano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Bersano 2012 Nirvasco (Barolo)

US

A very nice example of a dry Gewürz. Name an exotic spice, and you'll find it here, especially cinnamon. The fruit is all about oranges, pears and lychee, while acidity is brisk and fine. Will challenge home chef and sommelier pairing talent. Pork and stewed fruit come to mind.

Estate Vineyard

90

23

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Gewürztraminer

Gundlach Bundschu

null

Italy

Shy when first opened, this wine reveals grapefruit and pineapple scents with a little air. The medium-bodied palate has a tangy quality, offering juicy peach and citrus flavors, accompanied by fresh acidity.

null

89

27

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Sauvignon

Villa Russiz

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Villa Russiz 2015 Sauvignon (Collio)

US

This is sleek and stylish, with polished and bright raspberry and cherry candy flavors, spiced up with sharp acids and finished with some chewy tannins. The wine is just this side of high-toned, bright and assertive, and the fruit flavors are penetrating and last through a considerable finish.

null

89

24

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Robert Karl

null

Slovenia

Ebulliently perfumed with heady white florals that blow off to reveal a luscious, white peach nose, this dry, full-bodied Traminer is a bit high in alcohol, but plush and pleasant on the palate with yellow peach, tangerine and waxy lanolin notes.

g-Pullus

85

20

Štajerska

null

Traminer

Pullus

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Pullus 2008 g-Pullus Traminer (Štajerska)

France

This blend of Marsanne and Roussanne comes across as something of a hybrid between Hermitage and Burgundy. It has grilled peach, citrus and smoke notes, ample weight and a long, hazelnut-tinged finish. Drink it over the next 6–8 years.

Domaine Mule Blanche

92

42

Rhône Valley

Crozes-Hermitage

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2010 Domaine Mule Blanche White (Crozes-Hermitage)

South Africa

A nose of deep spice and balanced flavors of cherry and blackberry give this an appealing, approachable character. Unfolds smoothly and sleekly on the palate, and finishes with finesse.

null

87

15

Coastal Region

null

Shiraz

Fairview

null

US

A wine for the faithful, this is tasty and light bodied. It does a nice job of combining fresh, fruity aromas with appealing black-cherry flavors and a moderately tannic, appetizing texture.

null

86

15

California

North Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Monogamy

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Monogamy 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast)

France

Made with 25% Mourvèdre, this blend benefits from that grape's intense perfume and structure. It is rich with red fruits and tannins, both of which suggest a wine that could age a few months. It is full bodied and does need food to be fully appreciated. Drink at its best at the end of 2016.

Mas de la Rouvière

91

20

Provence

Bandol

null

Rosé

Domaines Bunan

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaines Bunan 2015 Mas de la Rouvière Rosé (Bandol)

France

With plenty of tannins balanced by ripe fruits, this is a concentrated, dark wine. It is rich with density and weight. The red-berry flavors are developing. Drink this wine, with its good potential, from 2019.

Les Peuillets Premier Cru

92

null

Burgundy

Savigny-lès-Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine d'Ardhuy

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine d'Ardhuy 2014 Les Peuillets Premier Cru (Savigny-lès-Beaune)

US

With good acidity, a silky mouthfeel and a dry finish, this is a pretty good Pinot Noir. It's more balanced than many Pinots costing two or three times as much, which makes it a great value. The flavors are of raspberries, cherries and red currants, with a touch of oak.

null

88

13

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Masked Rider

null

Argentina

Spunky dark fruit aromas open the show, with leather, cheese and mocha coming in later. The palate is a little grabby and acidic, but the juicy flavors of plum, wild berry, citrus and cassis are good. Finishes with some bounce in its step due to full acidity, and overall it maintains freshness and zest. Malbec with smaller doses of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot.

Infinito

88

30

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Red Blend

Sur de los Andes

null

US

This wine is refreshing, seemingly light in body and texture. Fresh and fruity in flavor, it makes a good house wine to keep in stock.

Primo Rosso

88

11

California

Mendocino County

null

Red Blend

Monte Volpe

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Monte Volpe 2013 Primo Rosso Red (Mendocino County)

Chile

Powerful from the start, this has an herbal berry aroma, with a rubbery hint and a lactic element. The palate is chewy, dense and rubbery, with creamy, milky flavors of blackberry, carob, vanilla and plastic. Generally speaking, this wine is full and solid.

Gran Reserva

87

15

Curicó Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

V Norte

null

France

If you want spicy Gewurztraminer then go no further. This has lychee, sweet spice and apricot notes with just a touch of honey. It's not quite dry, as its richness propels it into a richer category. Drink now and over the next year or two.

null

91

20

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Domaine Jean-Luc Mader

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Jean-Luc Mader 2011 Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

France

One of a number of brands owned by the Union Champagne cooperative, this Champagne is an easy drinking wine, with good acidity and attractive freshness. It is not a wine for bottle aging, but its good price makes it a great buy. Imported by De Saint Gall.

Premier Cru Brut

88

35

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

De Saint Gall

null

Austria

Intensely peppery, this wine is aromatic with notes of black currants. Fruit flavors are marked with lemongrass spiciness and tense acidity. The wine is light in body, with a refreshing character that's going to be just right as an aperitif. Screwcap.

null

88

null

Niederösterreich

null

Grüner Veltliner

Graf Hardegg

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Graf Hardegg 2012 Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)

France

In its bottle reminiscent of an old-style gin bottle, this is certainly a stand-out in terms of appearance. The wine is less interesting, pale in color, fat in style.

Eternelle Favorite

85

22

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château de Saint-Martin

null

France

Rich and full in the mouth, this is a ripe, tropical fruit flavored wine. With a year in bottle, the herbaceousness has softened and become rounded. The wine is still tangy and mineral at the end, and could age further, but is ready to drink now.

null

90

29

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Château de Sancerre

null

South Africa

Bright, vibrant aromas of red berry and flowers leads on this rosé. Its easygoing, fresh and fruity character will pair well with almost any food, and good minerality ensures it's not too sweet.

Rosé

86

12

Stellenbosch

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Mulderbosch

null

US

Great vineyards, great winery, great vintage: There's lots to like about this big, bold, fruity wine that manages to be complex and elegant at the same time. Masses of blackberry, black currant and violets, with smoke and vanilla from oak aging. What's hard to convey is the balance, richness, harmony and depth of flavor, which are really stunning. Age it for a few years if you want, but it's at or near its delicious best now.

null

93

35

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

null

Italy

A serious contender with sophisticated notes of leather, barnyard and cedar wrapped up in toasty vanilla oak. A hint of char adds an edge to a streamlined palate infused with earth, mushroom and strawberry tones. A slight lack of persistence takes it out of the top flight. Fully mature, drink now.

Amistà

89

33

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti Superiore

null

Barbera

Massimiliano Vivalda

null

US

True to the ambitious Damiani style, this wine has tightly packed fruit tones with a generous overlay of vanilla and mocha from toasty new oak. Intoxicating flavors of caramelized pineapple and boysenberry frame the dense palate while refined tannins provide a counterbalance to the dense fruit. The finish is moderately long and slightly drying, winding up with a chocolate note. Best 2011–2013.

null

88

27

New York

Finger Lakes

Meritage

Damiani

null

France

Cigar-box aromas and a rich character give this wine a sense of perfumed concentration. It is young, with a stalky character still evident. The structure is firm, and the blackberry fruits still coming together. Give this wine until 2017 before drinking.

null

90

23

Provence

Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire

null

Provence red blend

Mas de Cadenet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Mas de Cadenet 2013 Red (Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire)

US

Outside of the vineyard, wines like this are what built the company's production to reach 12 million cases per year. Plump and low in acid, with baked black-cherry flavors accented by earth and dried herbs, it just may be the Merlot poured by the glass at your neighborhood hangout.

null

84

6

California

California Other

Merlot

Delicato

null

France

Melon and peach aromas start out fine but lose clarity. Citrus flavors that aren't quite full precede mild lemon and banana on the tail end. Nondescript and turns hot at the end. Kosher.

Estate Bottled

81

14

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays de L'Aude

null

Chardonnay

Abarbanel

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Abarbanel 2001 Estate Bottled Chardonnay (Vin de Pays de L'Aude)

France

With its mouthwatering, crisp, fresh fruit flavors and minerality, this wine layers acidity and its tight yellow fruits. It could be austere, but for the rich pineapple and apricot flavors and the full, ripe finish. An impressive wine, it would certainly repay aging.

Champ Gain Premier Cru

93

null

Burgundy

Puligny-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Olivier Leflaive

null

Spain

Starts with a big, dusty nose of cherry, blackberry and forest notes. Fresh and proper on the palate, with plum and boysenberry. Finishes with vanilla and toffee, while the feel is warm and round. Very functional and moderately complex.

Reserva

88

20

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Vallobera

null

US

A good rosé, crisp and light-bodied. It has rich strawberry, orange zest, vanilla and spice flavors. Nice and silky in the mouth, as a blush wine should be, but it's a little on the sweet side.

Vin Gris

89

16

California

California Other

Rosé

Birichino

null

Birichino 2012 Vin Gris Rosé (California)

US

This exquisitely crafted model of balance offers lemon-bar meringue and baked pear on the nose before revealing a tightrope of minerality and lush concentration on the palate, weighted perfectly against each other. Fleshy and delicious, the wine has so much fine fruit to offer now it'd be shame to wait, yet it will clearly hold onto its beauty with age.

Richard Dinner Vineyard

95

75

California

Sonoma Mountain

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Paul Hobbs

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Paul Hobbs 2012 Richard Dinner Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Mountain)

US

Doug Margerum delivers his annual crowd-pleaser with this bottling, which evokes ripe apple, sweet stone fruit and grapefruit pith on the nose. Chalky texture and racy acidity mark the palate, providing the perfect framework for sour kumquat flavors and a cement-like minerality.

Sybarite

88

21

California

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Margerum

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Margerum 2015 Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)

New Zealand

In 2008, the Block 3 tannins are so silky and refined they give a soft, luscious character to the wine that's incredibly appealing. Spice, black cherry and cola notes finish long and complex. Drink now–2015.

Block 3

93

80

Central Otago

null

Pinot Noir

Felton Road

null

Spain

Soft, chunky and fading fast, with aromas of asparagus and canned green beans. The palate is flat as a board, with vegetal flavors and bitterness on the finish. Barely worth a sip at this point in its evolution.

null

80

15

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Verdejo

Aromal

null

US

A light style of Petite Sirah, this is softly drinkable now, offering a wealth of cherry, mocha and tobacco flavors and gentle tannins.

null

85

13

California

North Coast

Petite Sirah

Fleur

null

Fleur 2009 Petite Sirah (North Coast)

US

This 100% varietal wine brings notes of fresh herbs, red fruit, vanilla and clove. It's supple, textured and soft in feel with a captivating sense of balance, well-framed acidity, and lightly chalky tannins.

null

93

32

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Franc

Dumas Station

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Dumas Station 2012 Cabernet Franc (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Italy

This hearty Brunello is packed tight with Christmas spice, vanilla bean, freshly ground espresso, black fruit and smoky mesquite. It's a thickly extracted, sophisticated and delicious wine that lasts a very long time on the palate.

null

92

40

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Molino di Sant'Antimo

null

Italy

Monsordo is an innovative concept and is a premier example of a modern, international wine with unmistakable roots in Piedmont. Fruit used here includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Nebbiolo and the overall effect it that of harmony and power. The wine is packed tight with red fruit, spice and tobacco and its texture is smooth, dense and rich. Very nice.

Monsordo

92

38

Piedmont

Langhe

null

Red Blend

Ceretto

null

Israel

Deep ruby to the eye, this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot has a bouquet of coffee and black currant preserves. It offers a frankly gorgeous interplay between fruit and cool herbal flavors, with black cherry joined on the palate by licorice, eucalyptus, butterscotch and flint. The drawn-out finish offers a surprisingly bright burst that inspires taking the next sip.

Grand Vin

92

75

Haut-Judeé

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Domaine du Castel

null

US

Virtually identical with Pinot Noir, and quite a good one at that. Shows cool-climate influence in the translucent color, vital acidity and pure flavors of raspberries and persimmons, accented with smoky oak.

Van der Kamp Vineyard

90

24

California

Sonoma Mountain

Sonoma

Pinot Meunier

Novy

null

Novy 2010 Van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Meunier (Sonoma Mountain)

France

Beautifully pale in color, this is serious rosé. Its rich and dry character and its red cherry and raspberry flavors are tied together by the finest acidity. Like most Bollinger Champagnes, this needs food.

Rosé Brut

91

100

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Bollinger

null

US

Red plum, dark cranberry, composting rose petals, dried ginger and earthy mushrooms show on the slightly funky, slightly sweet nose of this bottling. The palate begins with a sour plum skin and tart raspberry kick, then leads into a core with hints of pine needle, juniper and turned loam.

Annie Dyer

92

50

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Lincourt

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Lincourt 2014 Annie Dyer Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

France

A rich but well balanced wine, this features ripe flavors and integrated tannins. A juicy black-currant note sits with the dusty structure, with fragrant acidity on the finish. The Château Sainte-Barbe is at the end of the promontory that lies between the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers just before they meet.

null

86

13

Bordeaux

null

Merlot

Château Sainte-Barbe

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Sainte-Barbe 2010 Bordeaux

US

The nose of this Merlot is lush and seductive with whiffs of vanilla, mocha and spice melding into rich blackberry preserves. By contrast, the palate is quite restrained and mineral in character with flavors of tart, crisp berries and cherries lined with fine, dusty tannins. A happy medium of ripeness balanced with nuance and structure.

null

88

19

New York

Finger Lakes

Merlot

Keuka Spring

null

US

Made from a majority of Merlot rounded out by other red Bordeaux varieties, this wine leans savory, featuring mushroom and leather within a suggestion of Martini olive water. The fruit is more shy, revealing black currant at best, with a flat, ghost-like finish.

Pauline's Cuvée

85

30

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Atalon

null

Argentina

Spicy red-plum aromas are dry and gritty, but fresh. This firm feeling Cab holds its own on the palate, which is tannic and a bit sandpapery. Tight, juicy flavors of spicy plum finish long, dry and mildly salty tasting.

Estate Bottled

85

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bodega Carmine Granata

null

US

Fascinating; this was co-fermented with 7% whole cluster Roussanne, then blended with another 4% Viognier. Inky, vivid, saturated and loaded with appealing scents of meat, smoke, cedar, pencil shavings, blackberry, black cherry and much more, this is Washington's answer to Barossa Shiraz. Yet the alcohol remains a sensible 14.3%, and the wine has impeccable balance.

Block 17

92

35

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Alexandria Nicole

null

US

Masut is making a surprisingly strong case for warm-climate Pinot, as evidenced by this very good wine. No problems getting the fruit ripe in cherries and blackberries, and the balance of alcohol, tannins, acids and oak is fine. A winery to watch.

Block 7

90

50

California

Redwood Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Noir

Masút

null

Italy

A beautiful wine from a classic vintage, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon offers harmony, intensity and elegance. Berry and dark fruit aromas are enhanced by smooth texture, fine tannins and balanced acidity.

Ghiaie della Furba

92

50

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Capezzana

null

US

Beef jerky, dried mushrooms, black pepper, pencil lead, black olive and elderberry swirl into a memorable nose on this wine by professorial vintner Wes Hagen. It's incredibly alive on the palate, delivering soy and deeply tart cranberry-cherry juice flavors, and needs until late 2015 to emerge as an even more solid sipper.

Estate

92

59

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Clos Pepe

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Clos Pepe 2013 Estate Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

South Africa

A nose of minerals, black fruit and dried lavender is the start of this stylish wine from Black Rock. On the palate, assertive flavors of blueberry, cherry and spice are lifted by fresh minerality. The finish is clean but lingering. An intriguing wine that offers elegance with an exotic touch.

Red Blend

89

24

Swartland

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Black Rock

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Black Rock 2006 Red Blend Red (Swartland)

Italy

This elegant, medium-bodied Nebbiolo starts off with aromas of berry, herb, leather and violet. The savory, polished palate delivers wild raspberry, mint, cake spice and a balsamic note alongside velvety tannins. Drink through 2018.

Montagliato

92

28

Piedmont

Nebbiolo d'Alba

null

Nebbiolo

Principiano Ferdinando

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Principiano Ferdinando 2012 Montagliato (Nebbiolo d'Alba)

France

The purest Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, with dark chocolate and intense dark berry flavors. The tannins are so enveloped by the fruit and yet they promise great aging. At this stage, wood shows through the fruit, but the texture is so rich and opulent that it should easily become integrated.

null

96

1,300

Bordeaux

Pauillac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Mouton Rothschild

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Mouton Rothschild 2009 Pauillac

South Africa

Sweet aromas and flavors of peach and lychee are accented by a hint of fresh rose petals. A soft spritz in the mouth cleans up the finish. Drink now.

null

83

5

Western Cape

null

Moscato

Chaza

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Chaza NV Moscato (Western Cape)

US

The definitive Dry Creek Zinfandel. It has tons of spices, wild berries and cherries and sweetly smoked sandalwood. Handles its high alcohol well, with the heat accenting the peppers. A lusty, complex Zin to drink now.

Old Vine

91

28

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Puccioni

null

US

Opening with perfumy aromatics amid a core of cassis liqueur, this is a nicely balanced, easy-to-drink Cab that has concentration and finesse. With smatterings of Merlot, Syrah and Mourvèdre, it drinks well and will pair well, a serviceable choice for gatherings big and small.

null

87

15

California

North Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Josh Cellars

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Josh Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast)

Portugal

A dark colored red that is firmly tannic as well as ripe and fruity. The wine is spicy and earthy, redolent of dried fruits, like figs and red berries. With its solid texture, it can age; drink from 2015.

Pedras do Monte

87

8

Lisboa

null

Portuguese Red

DFJ Vinhos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

DFJ Vinhos 2010 Pedras do Monte Red (Lisboa)

Australia

Has whole wheat aromas. The palate deals juicy fruit and nicely textured, youthful tannins. Medium-sized and built for the long haul; aging John Riddoch for 20 years is common down under.

John Riddoch

90

45

South Australia

Coonawarra

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wynns Coonawarra Estate

null

Italy

Here a fun, fresh and bright Barbera (aged in large oak casks) that shows good integrity of fruit and an easy, informal personality. Pair this wine with risotto cooked with cream of asparagus.

Le Gagie

87

19

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti

null

Barbera

Tenuta La Meridiana

null

Tenuta La Meridiana 2008 Le Gagie (Barbera d'Asti)

US

Aromas of espresso and burnt biscotti entice on this dark yet elegant Cab. On the palate, fresh violets linger amidst layers of ripe black fruit, smoke and char towards a stout, moderately tannic finish. Quite pleasant now, but could improve with 3–5 years of bottle aging.

null

87

32

Virginia

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Annefield Vineyards

null

US

Mild with raspberry flavor and soft, integrated oak and tannin, this full-bodied wine is comprised entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon and imparts a characteristic Rutherford dustiness on the palate.

Rutherford Estate Vineyard

88

90

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Conn Creek

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Conn Creek 2013 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

Spain

Robust in color and aromas, this ripe varietal Tempranillo deals a shot of coconut-laced oak along with more subtle scents of crushed stones, brick and prune. High-toned acidity is just what a ripe palate requires, while toasty, woody flavors of dark plum and blackberry finish spicy and chocolaty, with a reverb of bracing acidity. Drink through 2025.

Finca El Rincón de Clunia

92

55

Northern Spain

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León

null

Tempranillo

Clunia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Clunia 2012 Finca El Rincón de Clunia Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León)

US

As the name implies, this is a soft wine, with gentle tannins and acids. It's ripe in cherry and blackberry jam flavors that finish simple and sweet.

Liquid Velvet

84

20

California

California Other

Red Blend

Lockwood

null

US

Flavors of sour grapefruit and almond are somewhat masked by the amped-up oak.

null

82

27

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Taj

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Taj 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma Coast)

Spain

A bit sharp, stemmy and sour smelling. But the fruit flavors are solid and the herbal cherry and plum character that leads the palate improves with airing. Herbal on the finish; standard as a whole.

null

83

11

Levante

Yecla

null

Monastrell-Syrah

Evine

null

US

From a Pinot Noir specialist in the heart of the Russian River Valley, this white is equal parts floral and fruity, shy and dry, with a succulent layering of lime, grapefruit and fig. A medium level of acidity wraps itself around a viscous core, keeping the wine fresh on the palate. It's the right kind of weighty, finishing with ginger and honey.

Estate Grown Estate Bottled

90

18

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Gris

Balletto

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Balletto 2013 Estate Grown Estate Bottled Pinot Gris (Russian River Valley)

US

This Pinot Grigio is simple and sweet. It tastes like a mixture of sugared fruit juices, brightened with lively acidity.

Coastal Series

82

13

California

California Other

Pinot Grigio

Arrow Creek

null

US

Bill Easton's Mourvèdre features a combination of bright, ripe strawberry and savory herbal tea. It is medium bodied, with a distinctly peppery finish.

null

88

25

California

Sierra Foothills

Mourvèdre

Terre Rouge

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Terre Rouge 2009 Mourvèdre (Sierra Foothills)