spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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France	Juicy dark plum, cherry and boysenberry are upfront on the nose, with additional seductive hints of purple violet and vanilla. The palate is plush and fruit-forward, with ample acidity and medium tannins that lend pleasant structure. Accents of sweet spice grace the finish.	Samsó Seulle	87	23	France Other	Vin de France	null	Cinsault	Frédéric Brouca	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Frédéric Brouca 2013 Samsó Seulle Cinsault (Vin de France)
US	Not from old vines, but cloned from them in the pursuit of complexity. This is a very young, backward Zin, dominated by dusty, earthy notes, like a whiff of south-facing barnboard under a hot summer sun. There are some fruity, spicy flavors, but the flavors are similarly closed, and moderate tannins and high acidity produce a scouring texture. Might be more user-friendly with a few years of aging.	Heritage Clone	85	15	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Dry Creek Vineyard	null	null	Dry Creek Vineyard 1998 Heritage Clone Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
Spain	On first take, this smells like prunes, with little vitality. In the mouth, however, there's more pulse than the nose indicates, as tomato-like acidity drives the palate toward a mix of cherry tomato, red plum and oak flavors. A fresh but mild tasting finish ensures that this blend can accompany food without a problem.	Edición Limitada	87	15	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Red Blend	Príncipe de Viana	null	null	null
Spain	The nose on this no-dosage rosé is neutral except for a touch of brine and nuttiness. The palate is fresh, sharp and a touch rough. Flavors of dried red fruits are matched by briny notes and popcorn, while the finish tastes toasty and briny.	Privat Rosé Brut Nature	88	21	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Alta Alella	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alta Alella 2011 Privat Rosé Brut Nature Sparkling (Cava)
Italy	What a wonderful wine to pair with game hen or roasted quail. This delicate and elegant expression boasts a superripe lining of strawberry and blueberry jam that gives this wine a youthful, more approachable quality.	null	90	43	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Rizzi	null	null	Rizzi 2006 Barbaresco
US	Classic Dundee Hills, it has concentrated black cherry fruit at the core. It's smooth, supple, balanced and forward, immediately engaging, though with enough stuffing to age through 2019. Light streaks of root beer and dark chocolate thread through the finish.	Stoller Vineyards	90	50	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Chehalem	null	null	null
France	So pale, this wine is almost white. The fruit and the red-berry flavors are definitely those of a rosé, a fruity, full wine with a touch of spice as well as a tight, mineral texture. Weight and ripeness are balanced by a fresh, crisp aftertaste. Drink now.	Château de Selle	90	50	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Domaines Ott	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaines Ott 2014 Château de Selle Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
Australia	Savvy shoppers may be able to find this for about $20, making it an excellent deal in a full-bodied, structured red wine. Cassis, vanilla and plum notes mark the nose and palate, finishing with a flourish of dusty-textured tannins. Drink now–2025.	Shotfire	92	23	South Australia	Barossa	null	Shiraz	Thorn Clarke	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Thorn Clarke 2013 Shotfire Shiraz (Barossa)
US	Lightly seared lemons, cut pear and a touch of butter show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is simple and easy to drink with light apple, nectarine and lime touches.	null	85	11	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Cycles Gladiator	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Cycles Gladiator 2014 Chardonnay (Central Coast)
France	Anglophiles will enjoy this wine with its royal coat of arms on the label. The wine itself is less grand, although attractive with its black-currant fruits. At the moment, dry tannins are also a strong presence, and they will soften over the next few years. Drink from 2018.	null	89	18	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Victoria	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Victoria 2013 Haut-Médoc
Italy	This is an attractive wine with fresh tones of stone fruit, almond and a slight touch of vanilla. The Friulano grape exhibits very good structure and texture, which makes it a natural pairing partner to a wide range of foods.	Zuc di Volpe	87	38	Northeastern Italy	Colli Orientali del Friuli	null	Friulano	Volpe Pasini	null	null	Volpe Pasini 2007 Zuc di Volpe Friulano (Colli Orientali del Friuli)
Spain	Big and sultry as always, with bacon, smoke, black fruit and a full rack of spices making for a wonderful bouquet. Concentrated and ripped for a 2007, with blackberry, clove, pepper, cinnamon and vanilla flavors. And then comes tobacco and more spice on the finish, which is grabby but understandable because it's so young. Best from 2012 through 2019.	Malleolus de Valderramiro	93	176	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tinto Fino	Emilio Moro	null	null	null
US	Underripe melon meets butterscotch on the nose. The round palate shows banana-lemon yogurt with streaks of caramel, leading to a toasted vanilla finish.	null	86	29	Colorado	Colorado	null	Chardonnay	Sutcliffe	Alexander Peartree	null	Sutcliffe 2012 Chardonnay (Colorado)
Argentina	Dry and lightly balsamic on the nose, with solid fruit aromas that show a marginal level of stem. The palate is stacked with black cherry and blueberry along with full tannins. The finish, however, is surprisingly silky, with chocolate and coconut flavors. A deep, nice, layered wine that has a lot going for it.	Alzamora	89	30	Other	San Juan	null	Malbec	Casa Montes	null	null	null
Germany	With a nose that's quite neutral, the sun-kissed, fruity flair of this dry Riesling surprises. It's a juicy, straightforward wine but briskly, elegantly composed as well. Drink now.	3 Stones Niederhäuser Dry	88	21	Nahe	null	null	Riesling	Mathern	null	null	null
Italy	Despite a veneer of toasty French oak, this wine shines with complex layers of fruit. Black cherries lead the way, accented by hints of bacon, dried herbs and spices. This is as graceful a medium-weight wine as we've tasted, satiny-smooth and filled with finesse.	Schidione	93	125	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Sangiovese	Castello di Montepò	null	null	null
Portugal	A very dry wine, perfumed with violets and geranium aromas. The wine is firm, dark and dense, but that perfume is off-putting. The tannins though are impressive, solid and powerful.	Late Bottled Vintage	88	25	Port	null	null	Port	Quinta de Ventozelo	null	null	null
France	With up-front spiciness, this is an attractive, light and fragrant wine. There is no complexity, just pleasant off-flavors of honey and lychees. Drink now.	Cuvée Saint-Jacques	88	20	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Frédéric Mallo	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Frédéric Mallo 2010 Cuvée Saint-Jacques Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
France	This is a ripe, fruity, creamy Chardonnay-based sparkler. It has a tropical fruit flavor, with some sweetness from both the fruit and the high dosage. It's in a full-bodied, attractive apéritif style.	Blanc de Blancs Brut	85	20	Burgundy	Crémant de Bourgogne	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Luquet	null	null	null
Portugal	Attractively touched by wood, this is a round and spicy wine. A yellow fruit flavor is edged with a kiwi note, lending a good balance between richness and crispness. Ripe and full, this could age a year or two.	Monte Cascas Colheita	89	null	Douro	null	null	Portuguese White	Casca Wines	null	null	null
Portugal	This top wine from Quinta Vale Dona Maria comes from a small parcel of old vines on the estate close to the river Torto. Foot treading in lagars give the wine its richness and sumptuous character. It also provides tannins that are cushioned by the superripe black fruits and acidity. This long-term wine shouldn't be touched until 2020.	Vinha do Rio	95	150	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta Vale Dona Maria	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta Vale Dona Maria 2012 Vinha do Rio Red (Douro)
South Africa	A complex blend of 75% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault, 8% Cab Sauv, 6% Gren and 1% each of Carignan and Mourvèdre, this is a concentrated and flavorful selection that's brimming with raspberry sauce and dark berry fruit aromas and flavors. Framed by black tea, sweet spice and vanilla bean accents, the mouth is firmly structured with medium tannins and acidity, ending on a soft, roasty note.	Secateurs	90	17	Coastal Region	null	null	Red Blend	A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2010 Secateurs Red (Coastal Region)
US	A perfect summer blush wine. Made in the style of the southern Rhône, it's rich in strawberry, raspberry, rosehip tea, vanilla and spice flavors, brightened with zesty acidity. Just delicious with smoked meats, tempura, ahi tuna tartare.	Rosato	90	21	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Rosé	Swanson	null	null	null
France	This soft, smooth and creamy wine has attractive spice and vanilla from the wood aging, along with light citrus and peach flavors. Ripe and full in the mouth, it has a touch of minerality at the end to give a fine texture. It is ready to drink.	null	87	18	Burgundy	Bourgogne	null	Chardonnay	Louis Jadot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Louis Jadot 2012 Bourgogne
Australia	Round, velvety and mouthfilling, this is a satisfying Merlot at a bargain price. Aromas of black cherries and herbs fold in hints of cinnamon and mocha, while the flavors are generally fruity, but with a slightly tomatoey note. Soft on the finish. Drink now.	The Reserve	86	11	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	Merlot	Yellow Tail	null	null	null
Germany	Schloss Saarstein's auslese is remarkably consistent year to year, testament to the greatness of the site and the quality of the farming and winemaking. The 2008 features cool, slate-driven scents softened just slightly by hints of superripe apples and ripe apricot. This medium-bodied wine is clean and tightly focused, with the sweetness admirably balanced by crisp acids. Should age 15 years or more.	Serrig Schloss Saarsteiner Auslese 375 ml	93	56	Mosel-Saar-Ruwer	null	null	Riesling	Schloss Saarstein	null	null	null
France	A fresh wine, with some of the richness of the vintage showing in up-front red berry fruits. The tannins are already well integrated, allowing the wine to show a softer side. It is for medium-term aging.	null	88	59	Bordeaux	Margaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Grand Tayac	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Grand Tayac 2009 Margaux
US	Easy to drink, with plenty of charm, this shows orange, lime and tropical fruit flavors, brightened with crisp acidity.	null	85	10	California	California	California Other	Sauvignon Blanc	Bogle	null	null	null
France	This wine is crisp and fruity. It has attractive acidity, a nice touch of spice and a backbone of minerality. The juiciness leaves a bright, crisp aftertaste.	null	86	35	Burgundy	Pouilly-Fuissé	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Ferret	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Ferret 2014 Pouilly-Fuissé
Italy	This has a touch of ripe fruit, with pretty nuances of cherry, wild berry and cassis. It also delivers austere tones of smoked spice, leather and tar with an attractive fullness to the otherwise structured finish.	null	90	43	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Beni di Batasiolo	null	null	Beni di Batasiolo 2007 Barolo
US	This easy-drinking wine is full of fruit in the aromas and flavors and has a smooth, non-tannic texture and full body. Its concentrated raspberry and red cherry aromas are followed by ripe plum and cherry flavors, with juicy acidity.	Shake Ridge Vineyards	89	29	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Barbera	Yorba	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Yorba 2012 Shake Ridge Vineyards Barbera (Amador County)
Chile	La Playa is now sourcing its reserve-level Chardonnay from Limarí in the north of Chile, and the wine shows terroir characteristics of citrus flavors and aromas topped by dancing acidity. Expect green apple and citrus to take the lead, and at the end the wine finishes tart but fresh. No dead weight here.	Block Selection Reserve	86	11	Limarí Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	La Playa	null	null	null
Spain	There's a reason Airén is used as a base grape for brandy and Sherry wines, and it's because it's not up to table-wine quality, even at the value price point. This wine is corny and lacks freshness. It's dull, wayward and offers little to no structure. Barely drinkable.	Airén	80	9	Central Spain	Vino de la Tierra de Castilla	null	Airen	Sierra Virgen	null	null	null
US	A soft and simple Cabernet, with jammy blackberry, currant and sweet oak flavors. The finish is long and spicy. Drink up.	null	84	24	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Summerland	null	null	Summerland 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
France	Wonderfully fruity, this is a clean, crisp and food-friendly rosé. It poised and elegant, with a ripe fruit character that's balanced by taut acidity and lime zest flavor.	Corail	90	20	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château de Roquefort	null	null	null
US	The first vintage to see Aglianico (8%) blended in, this wine brings aromas and flavors of leather, sour cherry, earth and flowers. Seeing only neutral puncheons and oval botti, it's fresh and focused, coating the palate with textured fruit flavors brightened by tart acids and backed by firm tannins. It's both appealing and serious.	null	93	65	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sangiovese	Leonetti Cellar	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Leonetti Cellar 2012 Sangiovese (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
US	Okay for everyday drinking, but a little soft and heavy, with sweet, jammy raspberry flavors and a touch of green unripeness. It's also hot in the finish.	Solomon Hills	83	39	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Deep Sea	null	null	null
US	This is a Cabernet prototype from an up-and-coming vineyard. The brooding aromas of anise, cassis and barrel spice seem quite locked up at present. The black cherry and fine grained, highly structured tannins show an exquisite sense of balance that persists through the finish.	Sal May's Discovery Vineyard	91	55	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Two Vintners	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Two Vintners 2013 Sal May's Discovery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)
US	This fascinating wine has a deep gold color, aromas like toasted nuts, flavors like apricots and a rich but tangy texture. Winemaker Pietro Buttita fermented it with the skins like a red wine and aged it without oak. It would be fun to try with a chunk of Pecorino or some liver pate on toast.	null	90	20	California	Lake County	null	Vermentino	Rosa d'Oro	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Rosa d'Oro 2013 Vermentino (Lake County)
US	Production has more than tripled in the past three vintages for this wine. This is a full-throttle, tannic young wine, with muscle and verve, but lacking finesse. The midpalate offers cherries, earthy tannins and stem flavors.	null	87	38	Oregon	McMinnville	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Hyland	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Hyland 2014 Pinot Noir (McMinnville)
US	Scents of red licorice and candied ruby grapefruit and red berry portend the sweetness of this wine. The palate feels slack, and it comes with noticeable residual sugar. Delicate tannins lend the finish light traction.	Riverboat Smooth Sweet	81	7	Missouri	Missouri	null	Red Blend	Les Bourgeois	null	null	null
France	Showing some wood-aging aromas, this is a rich, tropical fruit-flavored wine balanced by acidity that goes with its peach and mango flavors. Ready to drink, it will be even better in 2015.	Cuvée Spéciale	88	23	Burgundy	Viré-Clessé	null	Chardonnay	Domaine André Bonhomme	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine André Bonhomme 2012 Cuvée Spéciale (Viré-Clessé)
Chile	With full oak and pineapple aromas along with a big mouthful of spicy apple and pear fruit, this is no weakling. On the contrary, it's full and meaty, with a lot of texture and extract. The feel is healthy even if the acidity is on the low side. A very good wine to drink now; it probably won't age that well.	Reserve	88	14	Central Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Valdivieso	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Valdivieso 2001 Reserve Chardonnay (Central Valley)
France	The richness of the vintage is very apparent in this full-bodied wine. With weight, structure and dark black fruits, it is textured and showing some vanilla and spice. Smooth, developing well and ready to drink in 2014.	null	88	null	Southwest France	Buzet	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Lionel Osmin & Cie	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Lionel Osmin & Cie 2010 Red (Buzet)
France	Rich, creamy and lush, this is like no other Clape Cornas before or since. Jammy raspberry fruit coats the palate, yet without seeming simple or heavy because there's also a remarkable sense of minerality and balance. Long on the finish, buffered by soft tannins. As this ages, expect to see some of the jamminess recede and more of the minerality emerge. Drink 2010–2025, possibly longer.	null	94	82	Rhône Valley	Cornas	null	Syrah	Auguste et Pierre-Marie Clape	null	null	null
US	Tastes way too oaky, with a plaster of sweet vanilla and caramelized charcoal. The underlying pineapple fruit just isn't strong enough to support all that wood.	null	82	19	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Chardonnay	San Simeon	null	null	San Simeon 2005 Chardonnay (Monterey)
US	A bit soft and jammy, with somewhat simple flavors of raspberries, cherries and even white chocolate. But those flavors are delicious. Makes you wonder if some of these Dijon clones are better for blending, instead of bottling on their own.	Clone 115	87	48	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Cambria	null	null	null
France	With its tannins, the wine is firm, tight and dark. The black fruit flavors are just beginning to come through. It has power and structure and certainly needs to age. Drink from 2017.	Epenots Premier Cru	88	95	Burgundy	Pommard	null	Pinot Noir	Louis Latour	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Louis Latour 2011 Epenots Premier Cru (Pommard)
US	Inky in the glass and thick on the nose with deep blueberry and concentrated violet petals, this bottling is a study of richness and extraction, and would grab anyone's attention in one whiff. Lavish flavors of blueberry and blackberry mesh with fudge, mocha and espresso on the palate, which hangs on extremely soft tannins and a boisterous acidity.	Lock Vineyard	94	40	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Écluse	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Écluse 2013 Lock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
South Africa	Cabernet and Pinotage give this a hearty edge, but balanced oak and vanilla flavors soften the punch. Add to the toast a mélange of blackberry, plum and currant flavors and the result is a classic wine with character.	Akira	86	16	Stellenbosch	null	null	Red Blend	Umkhulu	null	null	null
New Zealand	Already showing a bit of evolution in its bricking color and aromas of dried cherries and brown sugar, this should be consumed over the next couple of years. It's still reasonably round and supple, with an admirably silky finish.	Falveys Vineyard	89	23	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Omaka Springs	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Omaka Springs 2010 Falveys Vineyard Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
US	Sumptuous and hedonistic, this perfumed single-vineyard bottling shines a spotlight on luscious grapefruit, guava and pineapple flavors. It's decadently fruity, but crisp acidity and a delicate crushed-mineral undertone keep it fresh and invigorating.	Magdalena Vineyard	93	36	New York	Seneca Lake	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Hermann J. Wiemer	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Hermann J. Wiemer 2014 Magdalena Vineyard Riesling (Seneca Lake)
US	The blend includes 4% each Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It was aged in 80% new oak, but retains its lovely, sweetly floral nose and luscious, berry fruit flavors. Yes, there is plenty of toasty oak goodness, but it's layered in with the fruit and soil flavors. Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable bottle right now, with a good decade or more of aging potential.	null	93	35	Oregon	Walla Walla Valley (OR)	Oregon Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ellanelle	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Ellanelle 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (OR))
Austria	For an ice wine, this is relatively rich. But it certainly doesn't take away from the pure acidity that lifts the sweet fruit, giving the ripe peach and dried apricot flavors a great frame. It is ready to drink now, but another year and it will be even better focused.	Eiswein	90	52	Burgenland	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Höpler	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Höpler 2004 Eiswein Grüner Veltliner (Burgenland)
France	A wine that is hard right through, missing out on the fruit. It has a bitter extracted taste that brings out dark chocolate flavors. It's unlikely to soften much.	null	83	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Estèphe	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château L'Argilus du Roi	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château L'Argilus du Roi 2011 Saint-Estèphe
US	Light, grapey and fruity, this might be a nouveau wine or a Grenache. But it's southern Oregon Merlot, so the tannins are substantial, and far outrace the fruit. Some sweaty aromas compete with the tannins and herbal notes.	null	81	20	Oregon	Umpqua Valley	Southern Oregon	Merlot	Melrose	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of mature black plum, tilled earth, smoke and cake spice lead the nose on this robust wine. The palate delivers ripe blackberry, black cherry, licorice and peppercorn alongside hearty tannins.	Casili Riserva	88	24	Southern Italy	Salice Salentino	null	Red Blend	Tenute Mater Domini	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Tenute Mater Domini 2009 Casili Riserva Red (Salice Salentino)
Italy	There's a thick, creamy element to this wine that is reinforced by aromas of ripe berry, vanilla and milk chocolate. This is a raw, chewy wine with a soft, smooth temperament and a touch of crisp acidity on the close.	null	88	null	Piedmont	Barbera del Monferrato Superiore	null	Barbera	Olivetta	null	null	null
US	Barrel flavors of toast and chocolate cover light strawberry fruit. It's pleasant enough, but the flavors have not yet jelled. Give it until 2016 to age.	Red Willow Vineyard	86	25	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Eight Bells	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Eight Bells 2011 Red Willow Vineyard Merlot (Yakima Valley)
France	Young, herbaceous wine, very fruity and lightly perfumed. It is crisp and delicate, with its citrus and pineapple fruits already lively and fresh.	null	85	14	Bordeaux	Entre-Deux-Mers	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Allégret	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Allégret 2012 Entre-Deux-Mers
Argentina	Undefined black fruit aromas are average at best, while the cherry fruit is decent but citric. This wine shows too little to warrant much attention; it's brittle but persisent, with thin, cleansing acids throughout.	null	82	12	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	St. Lucas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	St. Lucas 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
France	87–89. Barrel sample. With firm tannins along with acidity and freshness, this is a lively, smoky wine, finishing with intense juicy acidity.	La Chapelle de Potensac Barrel Sample	88	null	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Potensac	null	null	null
Germany	Smoke and earth lend a savory tone to fresh apple and lemon aromas on this dry, intensely concentrated Riesling. It's bold and weighty on the palate, but energized by a strike of lemon-lime acidity and soft white peach tones that linger on the finish.	Johannisberg Wallhausen Trocken GG	89	68	Nahe	null	null	Riesling	Prinz Salm	null	null	null
New Zealand	Lighter than most Marlborough 2005 Pinot Noirs, but this still packs plenty of flavor. It's a snappy, fresh Pinot with slightly peppery notes that call to mind pepper-dusted cherries. Finishes crisp and clean.	Ram's Reserve	84	16	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Dyed-In-The-Wool	null	null	null
US	Fairly standard Pinot, but with some silky qualities of interest. It's dry and tart, but with ripe cranberry, raspberry, vanilla and spice flavors. A very tasty wine for drinking now.	null	86	26	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Robert Mondavi	null	null	null
US	A well-made, delicious Pinot Noir. While it's a bit heavy for this variety, almost like a Grenache, there's no denying the wealth of cherry, licorice, bacon and cola flavor. Should hold well in the bottle over 3–5 years.	The Racing Line	89	34	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	The Line	null	null	null
US	With a fresh, jammy, blackberry flavor, this is a nice Syrah to drink now. It's a big wine, full bodied, tannic and bone dry. On its own, it's a bit tough, but pair it with rich, oily lamb, beef and game dishes and it will rise to the occasion.	null	86	20	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Syrah	Santa Barbara Winery	null	null	Santa Barbara Winery 2009 Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)
US	This is a richer style of Sauvignon Blanc, as would be expected from the Daou brothers, but is a fresher style than the last vintage. Aromas of toast, oak and yellow fruit prove quite seductive, and the palate proves grippy with dried lemon peels and cut-grass touches. There's just a hint of smoke on the sip.	null	91	50	California	Adelaida District	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Daou	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Daou 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Adelaida District)
France	Soft, ripe, dominated by peaches, pears and a rounded, toasty character. The spice is dominant, giving the wine an exotic edge. The more rounded style gives concentration as well as a fine, finishing velvet texture.	null	86	null	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Tour de Mirambeau	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Tour de Mirambeau 2006 Bordeaux Blanc
US	The latest Artist Series Cab is mostly old vine Champoux vineyard fruit, and displays single-vineyard character as a result. Big, powerful, full, round black cherry fruit grabs the center, just on the edge of jammy, supported with juicy acidity. This wine is still quite young and edgy, but will reward cellaring over a decade or more, as is usually the case with Woodward Canyon Cabs.	Artist Series #16	91	49	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Woodward Canyon	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Woodward Canyon 2007 Artist Series #16 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)
Austria	While the nose discloses little, the palate displays an array of apricot, sharp arugula and white pepper with some grapefruit zest. Focused and streamlined, this wine delivers lip-smacking freshness, great concentration and a super-clean finish. Drink as of 2016.	Lamm Reserve	93	null	Kamptal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Jurtschitsch	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Jurtschitsch 2012 Lamm Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal)
Italy	A blend of 65% Grillo and 35% Carricante, this offers subtle aromas of ripe orchard fruit, wild flower and a whiff of almond. The vibrant, savory palate boasts green apple, creamy white peach, citrus and aromatic herb alongside an energizing mineral vein. It finishes crisp and clean.	Peloro Bianco	92	20	Sicily & Sardinia	Terre Siciliane	null	White Blend	Le Casematte	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Le Casematte 2015 Peloro Bianco White (Terre Siciliane)
France	This is an elegant and stylish wine that's full of lively acidity, red berry fruitiness and soft tannins. The wine is well integrated, with just a touch of gaminess and bright acidity on the finish. It is ready to drink.	null	92	40	Provence	Bandol	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Chateau de Pibarnon	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Chateau de Pibarnon 2008 Red (Bandol)
Italy	This Brunello opens with a sweet nose of bright cherry fruit, mocha and vanilla bean. The wine's flavors are more savory, with some background notes of forest floor and wild mushroom. The mouthfeel is firm and steady, but also fresh and compact.	null	92	50	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Camigliano	null	null	Camigliano 2007 Brunello di Montalcino
US	This is a thickly concentrated and powerfully full-bodied wine, spicy in clove and cinnamon as well as a lingering note of cola. The fruit leans into blackberry and black cherry, with a pronounced weedy, herbal undertone.	Reserve	88	55	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Acacia	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Acacia 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir (Carneros)
US	The 2006 Chardonnay is another excellent bottle from this Oregon négociant, offering ripe and luscious fruit flavors of pear, apple, quince and kiwi. As the wine broadens out across the palate, streaks of spice, nutmeg, honey and graham cracker appear. It retains its acidic underpinnings through a generous, creamy finish.	null	90	16	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Chardonnay	A to Z	null	null	null
Portugal	Always an elegant wine, the Aragonez shows its beautiful smooth fruit, flavors of blueberries with leathery tannins and fine acidity. With its structure it could age, but there's no need to wait.	Aragonez	89	45	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Cortes de Cima	null	null	null
Chile	Lightly herbal and scratchy on the nose, this somewhat sharp Merlot is linear and piercing, with bright, semitart flavors of raspberry, cherry pie and herbs.	Reserva	85	10	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Merlot	Caliterra	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Caliterra 2014 Reserva Merlot (Colchagua Valley)
US	This light and pleasant rosé comes exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Cool fermented in stainless steel, it shows delicate strawberry flavors, and a finishing wash of mineral.	Rosé of	86	17	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Carabella	null	null	null
Chile	Toasty pear and apple aromas are lush and nice for Chilean Chardonnay. The palate shows good grip and a solid feel, while the flavors of smoky apple, bacon, toast and citrus blend nicely. Racy and juicy on the finish.	Gran Reserva	88	17	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Morandé	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Morandé 2011 Gran Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)
New Zealand	The proprietor—you guessed it, Allan Scott—doesn't like herbaceousness in Sauvignon Blanc and you can tell from the ripeness and lack of green flavors in his wine. Instead, there's mild grapefruit coupled with melon and passion fruit.	null	87	15	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Allan Scott	null	null	null
Spain	Very colorful and properly ripe, with lush berry aromas backed by coffee notes. The palate is lush and balanced, with deep blueberry, black cherry and cola notes. A truly committed wine with a smooth, unctuous finish as the final chapter.	null	90	15	Levante	Jumilla	null	Syrah	Alceño	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	null
US	Not showing well, with a heavy fullness of jammy berry-cherry fruit and strong tannins. Sweet oak sticks out like a sore thumb. Its future is hard to predict. Most wines that age gracefully start out impressive. This one just tastes overwrought. The score reflects crossed fingers for improvement.	null	87	60	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Penché	null	null	Penché 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	With rich tiers of blackberries, cherries, currants and sandalwood, this Petite Sirah also has a salt and pepper meatiness to it, like a great hamburger. Its sturdy tannins will play well with roasts. Should hold for some years, but if you open it now, give it plenty of time to breathe.	null	88	35	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Petite Sirah	RustRidge	null	null	RustRidge 2007 Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
Italy	Banana, exotic fruit, citrus and almond tones best describe this Insolia-Chardonnay blend. It's lightweight but fresh in the mouth and a perfect wine for a summer garden lunch. Imported by J. V. Importers.	Impronta	86	20	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	White Blend	Natura Iblea	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of ripe plum, blue flower, tilled soil, truffle and a whiff of exotic incense lead the nose on this full-bodied wine. The juicy, chewy palate delivers mouthfuls of fleshy wild cherry, crushed black raspberry, baking spice and grilled herb framed in firm, velvety tannins. It's already delicious. Drink 2018–2023.	null	93	70	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Ridolfi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Ridolfi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
France	A touch of earthy peach appears on the nose. The palate repeats that earthy peach theme and adds some lemon freshness. This is aromatic, off dry and should be drunk while flavors are at their peak.	null	87	25	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Domaine Mersiol	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Mersiol 2015 Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
US	Syrupy and dense, this is a burly wine, soft but powerful, that keeps coming back to the theme of blackberry syrup. Velvety tannins buoy the midpoint, before it finishes in a burst of intense ripeness.	Rattler Rock Old Vine	86	33	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Truett Hurst	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Truett Hurst 2012 Rattler Rock Old Vine Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
Chile	This Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère blend is a green machine with a pyrazine-led explosion of green bean and bell pepper aromas. Robust and grabby on the palate, this tastes heavily of herbal plum and canned green bean, while a minty finish includes flavors of olive and bitterness. This feels right but smells and tastes extremely green.	B	85	39	Maule Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Balduzzi	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Balduzzi 2010 B Red (Maule Valley)
Spain	Initially, this comes across as being baked out and tired, but give it time to spread out and it reveals mature, earthy, leafy aromas and a round palate with choppy, firm tannins. Earthy flavors of dried cherry, Christmas spices and chocolate yield to licorice on the finish. Drink now.	Terra de Fic 2	90	null	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Red Blend	Ferré I Catasús	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Ferré I Catasús 2008 Terra de Fic 2 Red (Priorat)
Argentina	One of the most untouched, terroir-driven Malbecs made in Argentina is Achaval-Ferrer's Altamira. It's harvested about three weeks earlier than most high-end fruit, resulting in core raspberry flavors and a certain redness of character. The wine is unfined and cloudy but still very clear on the palate, with length, power and class. Best from 2009–2012.	Finca Altamira	92	112	Mendoza Province	La Consulta	null	Malbec	Achaval-Ferrer	null	null	null
Italy	Cherry and vanilla are this ripasso's most prominent aromas but if you dig deep you will uncover Spanish cedar, blueberry tart, maple syrup and Indian spice. The wine has a bright personality and offers loads of ripe fruit in the mouth. Imported by Solstars Inc.	null	88	20	Veneto	Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena Superiore	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Tezza	null	null	null
France	This smooth, wood-aged blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah gives both spice and rich tannins. In the Provence warmth, they have blossomed together to give a wine that is ripe and full-bodied while keeping refreshing acidity at the end.	Cuvée Christine	88	40	Provence	Var	null	Cabernet-Syrah	Château de Palayson	null	null	null
Italy	Very citrusy, with freshly squeezed lemon-lime flavors that leave room for more delicate floral overtones. Perky, snappy and fresh, with not too long a finish. Imported by Domaine Select Wine Estates.	Brut Convivio Rivalta	86	18	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Rivalta	null	null	null
Australia	Marked by fragrant plum aromas, this silky-textured wine adds cherries, anise and vanilla to the mix on the palate. It's medium in body, but round, with a long, complex finish. A delicious Shiraz to drink over the next 2-3 years.	null	89	16	Western Australia	Frankland River	null	Shiraz-Viognier	Rocky Gully	null	null	null
Italy	This bright pink-colored rosé sparkler is packaged in a nifty ribbed bottle that will surely impress your guests. This is an easy and informal wine—perfect for entertaining with friends—with sweet aromas of berry fruit and raspberry.	Roös Brut Rosato	86	null	Veneto	Veneto	null	Sparkling Blend	Foss Marai	null	null	null
US	Fruit-forward and luxurious, this is an estate-grown wine. Savory and soft, it traffics in dried cranberry and cherry besides a taste of truffle and black tea. Fresh and vibrant on the palate, it ends in a flush of caramel.	East Slope	93	90	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Donum	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Donum 2012 East Slope Pinot Noir (Carneros)
Australia	Tropical—the flavors are reminiscent of mango and guava—but lacking in intensity. It's cleanly made, showing just a hint of warmth on the finish.	null	83	5	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	Chardonnay	Kelly's Revenge	null	null	null
US	Tightly wound purple fruits are decorated by peppercorn, roasted lamb and a tarry touch on the nose of this bottling by Bob Lindquist, which also includes small bits of Tempranillo and other varieties. The cool climate character is carried to the sip as well, where charred black-currant, white-pepper, rosemary and grilled-beef flavors abound.	null	88	20	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Syrah	Qupé	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Qupé 2014 Syrah (Central Coast)

France

Juicy dark plum, cherry and boysenberry are upfront on the nose, with additional seductive hints of purple violet and vanilla. The palate is plush and fruit-forward, with ample acidity and medium tannins that lend pleasant structure. Accents of sweet spice grace the finish.

Samsó Seulle

87

23

France Other

Vin de France

null

Cinsault

Frédéric Brouca

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Frédéric Brouca 2013 Samsó Seulle Cinsault (Vin de France)

US

Not from old vines, but cloned from them in the pursuit of complexity. This is a very young, backward Zin, dominated by dusty, earthy notes, like a whiff of south-facing barnboard under a hot summer sun. There are some fruity, spicy flavors, but the flavors are similarly closed, and moderate tannins and high acidity produce a scouring texture. Might be more user-friendly with a few years of aging.

Heritage Clone

85

15

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Dry Creek Vineyard

null

Dry Creek Vineyard 1998 Heritage Clone Zinfandel (Sonoma County)

Spain

On first take, this smells like prunes, with little vitality. In the mouth, however, there's more pulse than the nose indicates, as tomato-like acidity drives the palate toward a mix of cherry tomato, red plum and oak flavors. A fresh but mild tasting finish ensures that this blend can accompany food without a problem.

Edición Limitada

87

15

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Red Blend

Príncipe de Viana

null

Spain

The nose on this no-dosage rosé is neutral except for a touch of brine and nuttiness. The palate is fresh, sharp and a touch rough. Flavors of dried red fruits are matched by briny notes and popcorn, while the finish tastes toasty and briny.

Privat Rosé Brut Nature

88

21

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Alta Alella

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alta Alella 2011 Privat Rosé Brut Nature Sparkling (Cava)

Italy

What a wonderful wine to pair with game hen or roasted quail. This delicate and elegant expression boasts a superripe lining of strawberry and blueberry jam that gives this wine a youthful, more approachable quality.

null

90

43

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Rizzi

null

Rizzi 2006 Barbaresco

US

Classic Dundee Hills, it has concentrated black cherry fruit at the core. It's smooth, supple, balanced and forward, immediately engaging, though with enough stuffing to age through 2019. Light streaks of root beer and dark chocolate thread through the finish.

Stoller Vineyards

90

50

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Chehalem

null

France

So pale, this wine is almost white. The fruit and the red-berry flavors are definitely those of a rosé, a fruity, full wine with a touch of spice as well as a tight, mineral texture. Weight and ripeness are balanced by a fresh, crisp aftertaste. Drink now.

Château de Selle

90

50

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Domaines Ott

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaines Ott 2014 Château de Selle Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

Australia

Savvy shoppers may be able to find this for about $20, making it an excellent deal in a full-bodied, structured red wine. Cassis, vanilla and plum notes mark the nose and palate, finishing with a flourish of dusty-textured tannins. Drink now–2025.

Shotfire

92

23

South Australia

Barossa

null

Shiraz

Thorn Clarke

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Thorn Clarke 2013 Shotfire Shiraz (Barossa)

US

Lightly seared lemons, cut pear and a touch of butter show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is simple and easy to drink with light apple, nectarine and lime touches.

null

85

11

California

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Cycles Gladiator

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Cycles Gladiator 2014 Chardonnay (Central Coast)

France

Anglophiles will enjoy this wine with its royal coat of arms on the label. The wine itself is less grand, although attractive with its black-currant fruits. At the moment, dry tannins are also a strong presence, and they will soften over the next few years. Drink from 2018.

null

89

18

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Victoria

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Victoria 2013 Haut-Médoc

Italy

This is an attractive wine with fresh tones of stone fruit, almond and a slight touch of vanilla. The Friulano grape exhibits very good structure and texture, which makes it a natural pairing partner to a wide range of foods.

Zuc di Volpe

87

38

Northeastern Italy

Colli Orientali del Friuli

null

Friulano

Volpe Pasini

null

Volpe Pasini 2007 Zuc di Volpe Friulano (Colli Orientali del Friuli)

Spain

Big and sultry as always, with bacon, smoke, black fruit and a full rack of spices making for a wonderful bouquet. Concentrated and ripped for a 2007, with blackberry, clove, pepper, cinnamon and vanilla flavors. And then comes tobacco and more spice on the finish, which is grabby but understandable because it's so young. Best from 2012 through 2019.

Malleolus de Valderramiro

93

176

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tinto Fino

Emilio Moro

null

US

Underripe melon meets butterscotch on the nose. The round palate shows banana-lemon yogurt with streaks of caramel, leading to a toasted vanilla finish.

null

86

29

Colorado

null

Chardonnay

Sutcliffe

Alexander Peartree

null

Sutcliffe 2012 Chardonnay (Colorado)

Argentina

Dry and lightly balsamic on the nose, with solid fruit aromas that show a marginal level of stem. The palate is stacked with black cherry and blueberry along with full tannins. The finish, however, is surprisingly silky, with chocolate and coconut flavors. A deep, nice, layered wine that has a lot going for it.

Alzamora

89

30

Other

San Juan

null

Malbec

Casa Montes

null

Germany

With a nose that's quite neutral, the sun-kissed, fruity flair of this dry Riesling surprises. It's a juicy, straightforward wine but briskly, elegantly composed as well. Drink now.

3 Stones Niederhäuser Dry

88

21

Nahe

null

Riesling

Mathern

null

Italy

Despite a veneer of toasty French oak, this wine shines with complex layers of fruit. Black cherries lead the way, accented by hints of bacon, dried herbs and spices. This is as graceful a medium-weight wine as we've tasted, satiny-smooth and filled with finesse.

Schidione

93

125

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Sangiovese

Castello di Montepò

null

Portugal

A very dry wine, perfumed with violets and geranium aromas. The wine is firm, dark and dense, but that perfume is off-putting. The tannins though are impressive, solid and powerful.

Late Bottled Vintage

88

25

Port

null

Port

Quinta de Ventozelo

null

France

With up-front spiciness, this is an attractive, light and fragrant wine. There is no complexity, just pleasant off-flavors of honey and lychees. Drink now.

Cuvée Saint-Jacques

88

20

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Frédéric Mallo

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Frédéric Mallo 2010 Cuvée Saint-Jacques Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

France

This is a ripe, fruity, creamy Chardonnay-based sparkler. It has a tropical fruit flavor, with some sweetness from both the fruit and the high dosage. It's in a full-bodied, attractive apéritif style.

Blanc de Blancs Brut

85

20

Burgundy

Crémant de Bourgogne

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Luquet

null

Portugal

Attractively touched by wood, this is a round and spicy wine. A yellow fruit flavor is edged with a kiwi note, lending a good balance between richness and crispness. Ripe and full, this could age a year or two.

Monte Cascas Colheita

89

null

Douro

null

Portuguese White

Casca Wines

null

Portugal

This top wine from Quinta Vale Dona Maria comes from a small parcel of old vines on the estate close to the river Torto. Foot treading in lagars give the wine its richness and sumptuous character. It also provides tannins that are cushioned by the superripe black fruits and acidity. This long-term wine shouldn't be touched until 2020.

Vinha do Rio

95

150

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta Vale Dona Maria

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta Vale Dona Maria 2012 Vinha do Rio Red (Douro)

South Africa

A complex blend of 75% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault, 8% Cab Sauv, 6% Gren and 1% each of Carignan and Mourvèdre, this is a concentrated and flavorful selection that's brimming with raspberry sauce and dark berry fruit aromas and flavors. Framed by black tea, sweet spice and vanilla bean accents, the mouth is firmly structured with medium tannins and acidity, ending on a soft, roasty note.

Secateurs

90

17

Coastal Region

null

Red Blend

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2010 Secateurs Red (Coastal Region)

US

A perfect summer blush wine. Made in the style of the southern Rhône, it's rich in strawberry, raspberry, rosehip tea, vanilla and spice flavors, brightened with zesty acidity. Just delicious with smoked meats, tempura, ahi tuna tartare.

Rosato

90

21

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Rosé

Swanson

null

France

This soft, smooth and creamy wine has attractive spice and vanilla from the wood aging, along with light citrus and peach flavors. Ripe and full in the mouth, it has a touch of minerality at the end to give a fine texture. It is ready to drink.

null

87

18

Burgundy

Bourgogne

null

Chardonnay

Louis Jadot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Louis Jadot 2012 Bourgogne

Australia

Round, velvety and mouthfilling, this is a satisfying Merlot at a bargain price. Aromas of black cherries and herbs fold in hints of cinnamon and mocha, while the flavors are generally fruity, but with a slightly tomatoey note. Soft on the finish. Drink now.

The Reserve

86

11

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

null

Merlot

Yellow Tail

null

Germany

Schloss Saarstein's auslese is remarkably consistent year to year, testament to the greatness of the site and the quality of the farming and winemaking. The 2008 features cool, slate-driven scents softened just slightly by hints of superripe apples and ripe apricot. This medium-bodied wine is clean and tightly focused, with the sweetness admirably balanced by crisp acids. Should age 15 years or more.

Serrig Schloss Saarsteiner Auslese 375 ml

93

56

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

null

Riesling

Schloss Saarstein

null

France

A fresh wine, with some of the richness of the vintage showing in up-front red berry fruits. The tannins are already well integrated, allowing the wine to show a softer side. It is for medium-term aging.

null

88

59

Bordeaux

Margaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Grand Tayac

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Grand Tayac 2009 Margaux

US

Easy to drink, with plenty of charm, this shows orange, lime and tropical fruit flavors, brightened with crisp acidity.

null

85

10

California

California Other

Sauvignon Blanc

Bogle

null

France

This wine is crisp and fruity. It has attractive acidity, a nice touch of spice and a backbone of minerality. The juiciness leaves a bright, crisp aftertaste.

null

86

35

Burgundy

Pouilly-Fuissé

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Ferret

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Ferret 2014 Pouilly-Fuissé

Italy

This has a touch of ripe fruit, with pretty nuances of cherry, wild berry and cassis. It also delivers austere tones of smoked spice, leather and tar with an attractive fullness to the otherwise structured finish.

null

90

43

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Beni di Batasiolo

null

Beni di Batasiolo 2007 Barolo

US

This easy-drinking wine is full of fruit in the aromas and flavors and has a smooth, non-tannic texture and full body. Its concentrated raspberry and red cherry aromas are followed by ripe plum and cherry flavors, with juicy acidity.

Shake Ridge Vineyards

89

29

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Barbera

Yorba

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Yorba 2012 Shake Ridge Vineyards Barbera (Amador County)

Chile

La Playa is now sourcing its reserve-level Chardonnay from Limarí in the north of Chile, and the wine shows terroir characteristics of citrus flavors and aromas topped by dancing acidity. Expect green apple and citrus to take the lead, and at the end the wine finishes tart but fresh. No dead weight here.

Block Selection Reserve

86

11

Limarí Valley

null

Chardonnay

La Playa

null

Spain

There's a reason Airén is used as a base grape for brandy and Sherry wines, and it's because it's not up to table-wine quality, even at the value price point. This wine is corny and lacks freshness. It's dull, wayward and offers little to no structure. Barely drinkable.

Airén

80

9

Central Spain

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

null

Airen

Sierra Virgen

null

US

A soft and simple Cabernet, with jammy blackberry, currant and sweet oak flavors. The finish is long and spicy. Drink up.

null

84

24

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Summerland

null

Summerland 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)

France

Wonderfully fruity, this is a clean, crisp and food-friendly rosé. It poised and elegant, with a ripe fruit character that's balanced by taut acidity and lime zest flavor.

Corail

90

20

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château de Roquefort

null

US

The first vintage to see Aglianico (8%) blended in, this wine brings aromas and flavors of leather, sour cherry, earth and flowers. Seeing only neutral puncheons and oval botti, it's fresh and focused, coating the palate with textured fruit flavors brightened by tart acids and backed by firm tannins. It's both appealing and serious.

null

93

65

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sangiovese

Leonetti Cellar

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Leonetti Cellar 2012 Sangiovese (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

US

Okay for everyday drinking, but a little soft and heavy, with sweet, jammy raspberry flavors and a touch of green unripeness. It's also hot in the finish.

Solomon Hills

83

39

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Deep Sea

null

US

This is a Cabernet prototype from an up-and-coming vineyard. The brooding aromas of anise, cassis and barrel spice seem quite locked up at present. The black cherry and fine grained, highly structured tannins show an exquisite sense of balance that persists through the finish.

Sal May's Discovery Vineyard

91

55

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Two Vintners

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Two Vintners 2013 Sal May's Discovery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)

US

This fascinating wine has a deep gold color, aromas like toasted nuts, flavors like apricots and a rich but tangy texture. Winemaker Pietro Buttita fermented it with the skins like a red wine and aged it without oak. It would be fun to try with a chunk of Pecorino or some liver pate on toast.

null

90

20

California

Lake County

null

Vermentino

Rosa d'Oro

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Rosa d'Oro 2013 Vermentino (Lake County)

US

Production has more than tripled in the past three vintages for this wine. This is a full-throttle, tannic young wine, with muscle and verve, but lacking finesse. The midpalate offers cherries, earthy tannins and stem flavors.

null

87

38

Oregon

McMinnville

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Hyland

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Hyland 2014 Pinot Noir (McMinnville)

US

Scents of red licorice and candied ruby grapefruit and red berry portend the sweetness of this wine. The palate feels slack, and it comes with noticeable residual sugar. Delicate tannins lend the finish light traction.

Riverboat Smooth Sweet

81

7

Missouri

null

Red Blend

Les Bourgeois

null

France

Showing some wood-aging aromas, this is a rich, tropical fruit-flavored wine balanced by acidity that goes with its peach and mango flavors. Ready to drink, it will be even better in 2015.

Cuvée Spéciale

88

23

Burgundy

Viré-Clessé

null

Chardonnay

Domaine André Bonhomme

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine André Bonhomme 2012 Cuvée Spéciale (Viré-Clessé)

Chile

With full oak and pineapple aromas along with a big mouthful of spicy apple and pear fruit, this is no weakling. On the contrary, it's full and meaty, with a lot of texture and extract. The feel is healthy even if the acidity is on the low side. A very good wine to drink now; it probably won't age that well.

Reserve

88

14

Central Valley

null

Chardonnay

Valdivieso

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Valdivieso 2001 Reserve Chardonnay (Central Valley)

France

The richness of the vintage is very apparent in this full-bodied wine. With weight, structure and dark black fruits, it is textured and showing some vanilla and spice. Smooth, developing well and ready to drink in 2014.

null

88

null

Southwest France

Buzet

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Lionel Osmin & Cie

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Lionel Osmin & Cie 2010 Red (Buzet)

France

Rich, creamy and lush, this is like no other Clape Cornas before or since. Jammy raspberry fruit coats the palate, yet without seeming simple or heavy because there's also a remarkable sense of minerality and balance. Long on the finish, buffered by soft tannins. As this ages, expect to see some of the jamminess recede and more of the minerality emerge. Drink 2010–2025, possibly longer.

null

94

82

Rhône Valley

Cornas

null

Syrah

Auguste et Pierre-Marie Clape

null

US

Tastes way too oaky, with a plaster of sweet vanilla and caramelized charcoal. The underlying pineapple fruit just isn't strong enough to support all that wood.

null

82

19

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Chardonnay

San Simeon

null

San Simeon 2005 Chardonnay (Monterey)

US

A bit soft and jammy, with somewhat simple flavors of raspberries, cherries and even white chocolate. But those flavors are delicious. Makes you wonder if some of these Dijon clones are better for blending, instead of bottling on their own.

Clone 115

87

48

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Cambria

null

France

With its tannins, the wine is firm, tight and dark. The black fruit flavors are just beginning to come through. It has power and structure and certainly needs to age. Drink from 2017.

Epenots Premier Cru

88

95

Burgundy

Pommard

null

Pinot Noir

Louis Latour

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Louis Latour 2011 Epenots Premier Cru (Pommard)

US

Inky in the glass and thick on the nose with deep blueberry and concentrated violet petals, this bottling is a study of richness and extraction, and would grab anyone's attention in one whiff. Lavish flavors of blueberry and blackberry mesh with fudge, mocha and espresso on the palate, which hangs on extremely soft tannins and a boisterous acidity.

Lock Vineyard

94

40

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Écluse

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Écluse 2013 Lock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)

South Africa

Cabernet and Pinotage give this a hearty edge, but balanced oak and vanilla flavors soften the punch. Add to the toast a mélange of blackberry, plum and currant flavors and the result is a classic wine with character.

Akira

86

16

Stellenbosch

null

Red Blend

Umkhulu

null

New Zealand

Already showing a bit of evolution in its bricking color and aromas of dried cherries and brown sugar, this should be consumed over the next couple of years. It's still reasonably round and supple, with an admirably silky finish.

Falveys Vineyard

89

23

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Omaka Springs

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Omaka Springs 2010 Falveys Vineyard Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

US

Sumptuous and hedonistic, this perfumed single-vineyard bottling shines a spotlight on luscious grapefruit, guava and pineapple flavors. It's decadently fruity, but crisp acidity and a delicate crushed-mineral undertone keep it fresh and invigorating.

Magdalena Vineyard

93

36

New York

Seneca Lake

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Hermann J. Wiemer

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Hermann J. Wiemer 2014 Magdalena Vineyard Riesling (Seneca Lake)

US

The blend includes 4% each Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It was aged in 80% new oak, but retains its lovely, sweetly floral nose and luscious, berry fruit flavors. Yes, there is plenty of toasty oak goodness, but it's layered in with the fruit and soil flavors. Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable bottle right now, with a good decade or more of aging potential.

null

93

35

Oregon

Walla Walla Valley (OR)

Oregon Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ellanelle

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Ellanelle 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

Austria

For an ice wine, this is relatively rich. But it certainly doesn't take away from the pure acidity that lifts the sweet fruit, giving the ripe peach and dried apricot flavors a great frame. It is ready to drink now, but another year and it will be even better focused.

Eiswein

90

52

Burgenland

null

Grüner Veltliner

Höpler

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Höpler 2004 Eiswein Grüner Veltliner (Burgenland)

France

A wine that is hard right through, missing out on the fruit. It has a bitter extracted taste that brings out dark chocolate flavors. It's unlikely to soften much.

null

83

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Estèphe

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château L'Argilus du Roi

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château L'Argilus du Roi 2011 Saint-Estèphe

US

Light, grapey and fruity, this might be a nouveau wine or a Grenache. But it's southern Oregon Merlot, so the tannins are substantial, and far outrace the fruit. Some sweaty aromas compete with the tannins and herbal notes.

null

81

20

Oregon

Umpqua Valley

Southern Oregon

Merlot

Melrose

null

Italy

Aromas of mature black plum, tilled earth, smoke and cake spice lead the nose on this robust wine. The palate delivers ripe blackberry, black cherry, licorice and peppercorn alongside hearty tannins.

Casili Riserva

88

24

Southern Italy

Salice Salentino

null

Red Blend

Tenute Mater Domini

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Tenute Mater Domini 2009 Casili Riserva Red (Salice Salentino)

Italy

There's a thick, creamy element to this wine that is reinforced by aromas of ripe berry, vanilla and milk chocolate. This is a raw, chewy wine with a soft, smooth temperament and a touch of crisp acidity on the close.

null

88

null

Piedmont

Barbera del Monferrato Superiore

null

Barbera

Olivetta

null

US

Barrel flavors of toast and chocolate cover light strawberry fruit. It's pleasant enough, but the flavors have not yet jelled. Give it until 2016 to age.

Red Willow Vineyard

86

25

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Eight Bells

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Eight Bells 2011 Red Willow Vineyard Merlot (Yakima Valley)

France

Young, herbaceous wine, very fruity and lightly perfumed. It is crisp and delicate, with its citrus and pineapple fruits already lively and fresh.

null

85

14

Bordeaux

Entre-Deux-Mers

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Allégret

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Allégret 2012 Entre-Deux-Mers

Argentina

Undefined black fruit aromas are average at best, while the cherry fruit is decent but citric. This wine shows too little to warrant much attention; it's brittle but persisent, with thin, cleansing acids throughout.

null

82

12

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Lucas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

St. Lucas 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)

France

87–89. Barrel sample. With firm tannins along with acidity and freshness, this is a lively, smoky wine, finishing with intense juicy acidity.

La Chapelle de Potensac Barrel Sample

88

null

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Potensac

null

Germany

Smoke and earth lend a savory tone to fresh apple and lemon aromas on this dry, intensely concentrated Riesling. It's bold and weighty on the palate, but energized by a strike of lemon-lime acidity and soft white peach tones that linger on the finish.

Johannisberg Wallhausen Trocken GG

89

68

Nahe

null

Riesling

Prinz Salm

null

New Zealand

Lighter than most Marlborough 2005 Pinot Noirs, but this still packs plenty of flavor. It's a snappy, fresh Pinot with slightly peppery notes that call to mind pepper-dusted cherries. Finishes crisp and clean.

Ram's Reserve

84

16

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Dyed-In-The-Wool

null

US

Fairly standard Pinot, but with some silky qualities of interest. It's dry and tart, but with ripe cranberry, raspberry, vanilla and spice flavors. A very tasty wine for drinking now.

null

86

26

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Robert Mondavi

null

US

A well-made, delicious Pinot Noir. While it's a bit heavy for this variety, almost like a Grenache, there's no denying the wealth of cherry, licorice, bacon and cola flavor. Should hold well in the bottle over 3–5 years.

The Racing Line

89

34

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

The Line

null

US

With a fresh, jammy, blackberry flavor, this is a nice Syrah to drink now. It's a big wine, full bodied, tannic and bone dry. On its own, it's a bit tough, but pair it with rich, oily lamb, beef and game dishes and it will rise to the occasion.

null

86

20

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Syrah

Santa Barbara Winery

null

Santa Barbara Winery 2009 Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)

US

This is a richer style of Sauvignon Blanc, as would be expected from the Daou brothers, but is a fresher style than the last vintage. Aromas of toast, oak and yellow fruit prove quite seductive, and the palate proves grippy with dried lemon peels and cut-grass touches. There's just a hint of smoke on the sip.

null

91

50

California

Adelaida District

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Daou

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Daou 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Adelaida District)

France

Soft, ripe, dominated by peaches, pears and a rounded, toasty character. The spice is dominant, giving the wine an exotic edge. The more rounded style gives concentration as well as a fine, finishing velvet texture.

null

86

null

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Tour de Mirambeau

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Tour de Mirambeau 2006 Bordeaux Blanc

US

The latest Artist Series Cab is mostly old vine Champoux vineyard fruit, and displays single-vineyard character as a result. Big, powerful, full, round black cherry fruit grabs the center, just on the edge of jammy, supported with juicy acidity. This wine is still quite young and edgy, but will reward cellaring over a decade or more, as is usually the case with Woodward Canyon Cabs.

Artist Series #16

91

49

Washington

Washington Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Woodward Canyon

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Woodward Canyon 2007 Artist Series #16 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington)

Austria

While the nose discloses little, the palate displays an array of apricot, sharp arugula and white pepper with some grapefruit zest. Focused and streamlined, this wine delivers lip-smacking freshness, great concentration and a super-clean finish. Drink as of 2016.

Lamm Reserve

93

null

Kamptal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Jurtschitsch

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Jurtschitsch 2012 Lamm Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal)

Italy

A blend of 65% Grillo and 35% Carricante, this offers subtle aromas of ripe orchard fruit, wild flower and a whiff of almond. The vibrant, savory palate boasts green apple, creamy white peach, citrus and aromatic herb alongside an energizing mineral vein. It finishes crisp and clean.

Peloro Bianco

92

20

Sicily & Sardinia

Terre Siciliane

null

White Blend

Le Casematte

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Le Casematte 2015 Peloro Bianco White (Terre Siciliane)

France

This is an elegant and stylish wine that's full of lively acidity, red berry fruitiness and soft tannins. The wine is well integrated, with just a touch of gaminess and bright acidity on the finish. It is ready to drink.

null

92

40

Provence

Bandol

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Chateau de Pibarnon

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Chateau de Pibarnon 2008 Red (Bandol)

Italy

This Brunello opens with a sweet nose of bright cherry fruit, mocha and vanilla bean. The wine's flavors are more savory, with some background notes of forest floor and wild mushroom. The mouthfeel is firm and steady, but also fresh and compact.

null

92

50

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Camigliano

null

Camigliano 2007 Brunello di Montalcino

US

This is a thickly concentrated and powerfully full-bodied wine, spicy in clove and cinnamon as well as a lingering note of cola. The fruit leans into blackberry and black cherry, with a pronounced weedy, herbal undertone.

Reserve

88

55

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Acacia

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Acacia 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir (Carneros)

US

The 2006 Chardonnay is another excellent bottle from this Oregon négociant, offering ripe and luscious fruit flavors of pear, apple, quince and kiwi. As the wine broadens out across the palate, streaks of spice, nutmeg, honey and graham cracker appear. It retains its acidic underpinnings through a generous, creamy finish.

null

90

16

Oregon

Oregon Other

Chardonnay

A to Z

null

Portugal

Always an elegant wine, the Aragonez shows its beautiful smooth fruit, flavors of blueberries with leathery tannins and fine acidity. With its structure it could age, but there's no need to wait.

Aragonez

89

45

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Cortes de Cima

null

Chile

Lightly herbal and scratchy on the nose, this somewhat sharp Merlot is linear and piercing, with bright, semitart flavors of raspberry, cherry pie and herbs.

Reserva

85

10

Colchagua Valley

null

Merlot

Caliterra

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Caliterra 2014 Reserva Merlot (Colchagua Valley)

US

This light and pleasant rosé comes exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Cool fermented in stainless steel, it shows delicate strawberry flavors, and a finishing wash of mineral.

Rosé of

86

17

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Carabella

null

Chile

Toasty pear and apple aromas are lush and nice for Chilean Chardonnay. The palate shows good grip and a solid feel, while the flavors of smoky apple, bacon, toast and citrus blend nicely. Racy and juicy on the finish.

Gran Reserva

88

17

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Morandé

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Morandé 2011 Gran Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)

New Zealand

The proprietor—you guessed it, Allan Scott—doesn't like herbaceousness in Sauvignon Blanc and you can tell from the ripeness and lack of green flavors in his wine. Instead, there's mild grapefruit coupled with melon and passion fruit.

null

87

15

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Allan Scott

null

Spain

Very colorful and properly ripe, with lush berry aromas backed by coffee notes. The palate is lush and balanced, with deep blueberry, black cherry and cola notes. A truly committed wine with a smooth, unctuous finish as the final chapter.

null

90

15

Levante

Jumilla

null

Syrah

Alceño

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

US

Not showing well, with a heavy fullness of jammy berry-cherry fruit and strong tannins. Sweet oak sticks out like a sore thumb. Its future is hard to predict. Most wines that age gracefully start out impressive. This one just tastes overwrought. The score reflects crossed fingers for improvement.

null

87

60

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Penché

null

Penché 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

With rich tiers of blackberries, cherries, currants and sandalwood, this Petite Sirah also has a salt and pepper meatiness to it, like a great hamburger. Its sturdy tannins will play well with roasts. Should hold for some years, but if you open it now, give it plenty of time to breathe.

null

88

35

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Petite Sirah

RustRidge

null

RustRidge 2007 Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)

Italy

Banana, exotic fruit, citrus and almond tones best describe this Insolia-Chardonnay blend. It's lightweight but fresh in the mouth and a perfect wine for a summer garden lunch. Imported by J. V. Importers.

Impronta

86

20

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

White Blend

Natura Iblea

null

Italy

Aromas of ripe plum, blue flower, tilled soil, truffle and a whiff of exotic incense lead the nose on this full-bodied wine. The juicy, chewy palate delivers mouthfuls of fleshy wild cherry, crushed black raspberry, baking spice and grilled herb framed in firm, velvety tannins. It's already delicious. Drink 2018–2023.

null

93

70

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Ridolfi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Ridolfi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino

France

A touch of earthy peach appears on the nose. The palate repeats that earthy peach theme and adds some lemon freshness. This is aromatic, off dry and should be drunk while flavors are at their peak.

null

87

25

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Domaine Mersiol

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Mersiol 2015 Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

US

Syrupy and dense, this is a burly wine, soft but powerful, that keeps coming back to the theme of blackberry syrup. Velvety tannins buoy the midpoint, before it finishes in a burst of intense ripeness.

Rattler Rock Old Vine

86

33

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Truett Hurst

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Truett Hurst 2012 Rattler Rock Old Vine Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

Chile

This Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère blend is a green machine with a pyrazine-led explosion of green bean and bell pepper aromas. Robust and grabby on the palate, this tastes heavily of herbal plum and canned green bean, while a minty finish includes flavors of olive and bitterness. This feels right but smells and tastes extremely green.

B

85

39

Maule Valley

null

Red Blend

Balduzzi

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Balduzzi 2010 B Red (Maule Valley)

Spain

Initially, this comes across as being baked out and tired, but give it time to spread out and it reveals mature, earthy, leafy aromas and a round palate with choppy, firm tannins. Earthy flavors of dried cherry, Christmas spices and chocolate yield to licorice on the finish. Drink now.

Terra de Fic 2

90

null

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Red Blend

Ferré I Catasús

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Ferré I Catasús 2008 Terra de Fic 2 Red (Priorat)

Argentina

One of the most untouched, terroir-driven Malbecs made in Argentina is Achaval-Ferrer's Altamira. It's harvested about three weeks earlier than most high-end fruit, resulting in core raspberry flavors and a certain redness of character. The wine is unfined and cloudy but still very clear on the palate, with length, power and class. Best from 2009–2012.

Finca Altamira

92

112

Mendoza Province

La Consulta

null

Malbec

Achaval-Ferrer

null

Italy

Cherry and vanilla are this ripasso's most prominent aromas but if you dig deep you will uncover Spanish cedar, blueberry tart, maple syrup and Indian spice. The wine has a bright personality and offers loads of ripe fruit in the mouth. Imported by Solstars Inc.

null

88

20

Veneto

Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena Superiore

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Tezza

null

France

This smooth, wood-aged blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah gives both spice and rich tannins. In the Provence warmth, they have blossomed together to give a wine that is ripe and full-bodied while keeping refreshing acidity at the end.

Cuvée Christine

88

40

Provence

Var

null

Cabernet-Syrah

Château de Palayson

null

Italy

Very citrusy, with freshly squeezed lemon-lime flavors that leave room for more delicate floral overtones. Perky, snappy and fresh, with not too long a finish. Imported by Domaine Select Wine Estates.

Brut Convivio Rivalta

86

18

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Rivalta

null

Australia

Marked by fragrant plum aromas, this silky-textured wine adds cherries, anise and vanilla to the mix on the palate. It's medium in body, but round, with a long, complex finish. A delicious Shiraz to drink over the next 2-3 years.

null

89

16

Western Australia

Frankland River

null

Shiraz-Viognier

Rocky Gully

null

Italy

This bright pink-colored rosé sparkler is packaged in a nifty ribbed bottle that will surely impress your guests. This is an easy and informal wine—perfect for entertaining with friends—with sweet aromas of berry fruit and raspberry.

Roös Brut Rosato

86

null

Veneto

null

Sparkling Blend

Foss Marai

null

US

Fruit-forward and luxurious, this is an estate-grown wine. Savory and soft, it traffics in dried cranberry and cherry besides a taste of truffle and black tea. Fresh and vibrant on the palate, it ends in a flush of caramel.

East Slope

93

90

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Donum

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Donum 2012 East Slope Pinot Noir (Carneros)

Australia

Tropical—the flavors are reminiscent of mango and guava—but lacking in intensity. It's cleanly made, showing just a hint of warmth on the finish.

null

83

5

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

null

Chardonnay

Kelly's Revenge

null

US

Tightly wound purple fruits are decorated by peppercorn, roasted lamb and a tarry touch on the nose of this bottling by Bob Lindquist, which also includes small bits of Tempranillo and other varieties. The cool climate character is carried to the sip as well, where charred black-currant, white-pepper, rosemary and grilled-beef flavors abound.

null

88

20

California

Central Coast

Syrah

Qupé

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Qupé 2014 Syrah (Central Coast)