spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	Rich, with restrained intensity, this has aromas of toasted graham-cracker crumb, spiced orange marmalade, peach preserves and wilted rose. It feels slightly pudgy on the midpalate, with a tapering finish that ends on a buttered-caramel note.	Late Harvest	87	30	Virginia	Virginia	null	Petit Manseng	Tarara	null	null	null
US	This packs a whallop of acidity and tannins right off the bat, then the blackberry and cassis core kicks in, leading to a long, spicy finish. It will age, but the sharpness of the acidity may never disappear. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.	Woodstock Collection Black Widow	87	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	Cielo Malibu Estate Vineyards	null	null	null
Germany	Zesty lime skin and slaty mineral tones anchor this dry, fairly full-bodied Riesling firmly to the Mosel. A testament to a ripe vintage, it's supple and a bit dense in mouthfeel, but bristling tangerine acidity keeps it punchy and vibrant. It's attractive already, but it should gain complexity and harmony from 2020–2025.	Graach Josephshöfer Monopol Trocken Grosse Lage	93	52	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2015 Graach Josephshöfer Monopol Trocken Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel)
US	Aromas of jalapeno peppers, thistle and pine needles raise questions about ripeness while not exactly rolling out the welcome mat. That said, the wine is surprisingly sweet, with orange and lemon flavors. Finally, a thick texture runs in contrast to the lean nose, ultimately leaving one confused and asking: Is this really Sauvignon Blanc?	null	81	10	Oregon	Applegate Valley	Southern Oregon	Sauvignon Blanc	Eola Hills	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Eola Hills 2000 Sauvignon Blanc (Applegate Valley)
US	Mourvèdre (62%) takes the lead on this wine followed by Syrah (21%) and Grenache. It's aromatic and appealing, with notes of roasted meat, black pepper, herb and plum. The red- and black-fruit flavors are concentrated and bring a compelling sense of texture. Smoke and savory flavors linger on the finish. It's a standout at this price.	null	92	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Rhône-style Red Blend	Les Trouvés	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Les Trouvés 2014 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	With three years' aging, this has developed into an almond- and toast-flavored wine that has softened and rounded the fruit. It has turned into a serious wine, its rich structure allied to the acidity. Ready to drink.	Ammonites	90	37	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine Roblin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Roblin 2010 Ammonites (Sancerre)
France	86–88. Barrel sample. With a chemical aroma, this is a strange wine initially. It has some fruitiness, peach and spice flavors, but is soft with an almond and bitter aftertaste.	Barrel Sample	87	null	Bordeaux	Barsac	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Suau	null	null	null
US	Upfront aromas of cocoa, vanilla, sawdust and savory herb are followed by flavors of plum, cherry and barrel spice. The oak and fruit play equal roles, with the flavors a bit dialed back.	Three Legged	88	19	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Red Blend	Dunham	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Dunham 2015 Three Legged Red (Washington)
Portugal	This smooth, wood-aged wine is impressively ripe and stylish. Yellow fruit and pear flavors are spiced with nutmeg and toast from the wood, giving richness and a ripe character that are balanced by acidity. Drink this wine now.	Carvalhas Branco	91	30	Douro	null	null	Portuguese White	Quinta das Carvalhas	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta das Carvalhas 2015 Carvalhas Branco White (Douro)
France	This young wine has great potential. With powerful tannins and a dense texture, it is rich in black fruits and acidity. Concentrated and with a firm structure, the wine will age well. Produced from a blend that puts Bordeaux grapes with a small proportion of the local Abouriou, it will be ready in 2020.	Château Bazin	91	35	Southwest France	Côtes du Marmandais	null	Red Blend	Cave du Marmandais	null	null	null
US	Packed with juicy berry flavors, this outgoing wine blends great freshness and pure grape flavors with a lip-smacking texture of tannins and acidity that keep it well balanced. It resembles black berry, raspberry and boysenberry juices, has a tangy mouthfeel and lingering, tingly finish.	null	91	25	California	Mendocino	null	Zinfandel	Paul Dolan	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Paul Dolan 2013 Zinfandel (Mendocino)
US	Ripeness is both this wine's blessing and its challenge. It's super-fruit in jammy blackberries, blueberries, currants and cherries, brightened by that famous Edna Valley acidity. But it's all on the surface, without much complexity. So drink now.	Estate Edna Ranch	86	24	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Syrah	Tolosa	null	null	null
US	This is a very spicy, peppery wine, and while it's pretty good, it's rougher and more rustic than most of its peers in Anderson Valley. The cherry, cola and carob flavors are savory, but there's a quality to the tannins that's robust, to say the least. Could be a sleeper.	null	87	49	California	Anderson Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Cakebread	null	null	Cakebread 2005 Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
Spain	A sensuous sweet Sherry, this has the full monty of fig, date, licorice, root beer and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's naturally thick and sweet but also balanced, so it doesn't come across like a spoonful of syrup. Great as a dessert wine with cake or blue cheese, but also as a topping for vanilla or coffee ice cream.	Oxford 1.970	91	15	Andalucia	Jerez	null	Pedro Ximénez	Bodegas Dios Baco S.L.	null	null	null
Italy	Bright spice, tobacco and leather make for a warm, brooding personality that characterizes Mocali's gorgeous Brunello. But the fruit is by no means missing. In fact, loads of cherry and blueberry help to liven the wine's densely extracted mouthfeel.	null	93	40	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Mocali	null	null	null
US	This wine surprises by being so very pretty—unexpected from such a hot site. Lovely scents of raspberry, strawberry, mint and spice lift the nose; the palate is medium-bodied, nicely tart, perfectly balanced and long. The mix of sweet and tart red fruits lasts deliciously, with the spice adding grace notes. Though blended and aged in 100% new French oak barrels, the oak is muted, and the fruit shines through.	Stone Tree Vineyard Reserve	91	35	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Columbia Crest	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Columbia Crest 2007 Stone Tree Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	The wines from this producer always resemble one another aromatically in a unique way. There's bright wild strawberry and healthy handfuls of black and white pepper amidst an earthy, smoky edge. Young, firm, light on the tongue, the finish picks up substantial steam, a hit of herbal smoke there for the taking.	Suma Kaw	90	25	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Syrah	La Clarine Farm	Virginie Boone	@vboone	La Clarine Farm 2012 Suma Kaw Syrah (Sierra Foothills)
Germany	Savory smoke and nut tones contrast richly with extracted black cherry and berry flavors in this full-bodied Spätburgunder. While fine-grained tannins and a shock of cranberry acidity lend balance and grace, shades of toast and spice are still quite prominent. It's a powerful wine that should benefit well from cellaring until at least 2020.	SC Lahrer Kronenbühl Trocken	92	40	Baden	null	null	Spätburgunder	Wöhrle	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Wöhrle 2013 SC Lahrer Kronenbühl Trocken Spätburgunder (Baden)
US	This wine combines smoky, baked blackberry fruit with sweet vanilla accents. It's full bodied, soft and smooth on the palate, proving likably approachable.	Molly's Estate	87	42	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Wilson	null	null	null
US	This Sierra Foothills producer offers an estate-bottled and produced Zin with 15% Petite Sirah that's wanting in fruit and texture. A bit thin, there's not much in the way of aromatics or texture to hold on to.	null	80	29	California	California	California Other	Zinfandel	Wise Villa	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Wise Villa 2011 Zinfandel (California)
Italy	This wine brings the Trebbiano grape to a whole new level of sophistication. You'll get stone fruit, melon and apricot, but you'll also be rewarded with radically unique aromas of melted butter, brown sugar and crunchy crème caramel. The texture is smooth and firm and the wine's persistency can be counted in minutes.	Marina Cvetic	93	50	Central Italy	Trebbiano d'Abruzzo	null	Trebbiano	Masciarelli	null	null	Masciarelli 2004 Marina Cvetic (Trebbiano d'Abruzzo)
US	There's 3% each of Grenache and Petite Sirah in this wine that is quite ripe and straightforward in its fruity waves of blackberry, cherry and oaky chocolate. Firm tannins don't overwhelm, opting instead to support and structure. Black pepper leaves a lasting impression on the finish.	Old Vines Reserve	87	25	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	ZinPhomaniac	Virginie Boone	@vboone	ZinPhomaniac 2014 Old Vines Reserve Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
France	Ripe wine, pushing its toast, pear and apricot flavors. Smooth, with an English walnut taste, and green herb acidity. Ready to drink now.	null	87	14	Burgundy	Mâcon-Villages	null	Chardonnay	Louis Jadot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Louis Jadot 2009 Mâcon-Villages
Spain	Despite some grit and tar on the nose, this Rioja opens well with spicy cherry and plum aromas. A standard, mild palate is satisfactory, while lightly roasted slightly briny plum and berry flavors end with a hint of saltiness.	null	86	12	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Vaza	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Vaza 2013 Rioja
US	Just one barrel was made of this reserve. At first the new oak shines through, then as it opens out the wood becomes less noticeable and a complex array of spice, stem and iron filings comes into play. The fruit is light and textural, showing hints of sassafras and even a whiff of petrol.	Select Whole Cluster	92	150	Oregon	McMinnville	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Hyland	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Hyland 2012 Select Whole Cluster Pinot Noir (McMinnville)
France	Shows the wood from barrel fermentation and maturation a bit on the nose, but also plenty of citrus. It's broad, yet reined in a bit by oak spice right now, needing time to flesh out. Hard to say it's better than the excellent '04 version, but it's still excellent.	Au Coeur des Siècles	91	null	Rhône Valley	Hermitage	null	Marsanne	Cave de Tain	null	null	null
Australia	Made by Giaconda, this white is excellent but doesn't quite live up to the winery's other top-notch offerings. (But at half the price, how can you go wrong?) It has a tropical-fruit core and a medium-bodied, viscous mouthfeel. Finishes with some length, and a buttery-resiny feel.	Nantua Les Deux	90	45	Victoria	Victoria	null	White Blend	Giaconda	null	null	Giaconda 2001 Nantua Les Deux White (Victoria)
US	A good, robust Zin that defines the high alcohol, superripe style of Northern California. With more than 16% alcohol, it has a Portiness to the blackberries, coffee and anise. Drink this strongly flavored, dry wine with barbecue or beef-centered Latin fare.	Warm Springs Ranch Reserve	86	50	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Mazzocco	null	null	null
US	Cherry pie, cherry candy and dried ginger notes converge for a very approachable and inviting nose on this bottling from a sprawling vineyard in eastern Paso Robles. It's light in body, but solid red cherry, cedar and smoked chocolate flavors keep it lively.	Reserve	89	48	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Merlot	Broken Earth	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Broken Earth 2013 Reserve Merlot (Paso Robles)
US	Tough in tannins, with a minty, green streak to the cherries and blackberries. Tasty but hard now. Could develop with some time in the bottle. Try after 2010.	Artist's Series	85	28	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Stratton Lummis	null	null	Stratton Lummis 2005 Artist's Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	You have to have a great deal of faith to buy this wine, because right now it's almost undrinkable due to the tannins. They're as hard and firm as a brick wall, and whatever fruit there is, and there's plenty, is effectively hidden from the palate's pleasure. Discerning tasters will detect massive blackberries and black currants, buried deep down like pirate's treasure. It should develop quite well over the next ten or fifteen years.	Special Reserve	93	85	California	Diamond Mountain District	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Reverie	null	null	Reverie 2008 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain District)
Italy	I Bastioni is an impressive Chianti Classico with soft, round fruit flavors backed by plush density and pristine cherry aromas. It's a food-friendly wine that could match meat, potato or pasta dishes.	I Bastioni	88	22	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Collazzi	null	null	null
US	Almost dark enough, as well as fruity enough, to be a red wine, this tastes fresh and has a touch of candied character. The wine is medium bodied, resembles cherries and raspberries in flavor and carries enough acidity for good balance.	Dry	87	23	California	North Coast	North Coast	Rosato	V. Sattui	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	V. Sattui 2014 Dry Rosato (North Coast)
Italy	The Ruvei expression of Barbera d'Alba (from one of Piedmont's biggest and most historic producers) offers a simple, crisp and genuine red wine experience. A small percentage of Nebbiolo is added to a lush base of Barbera, resulting in a lighter, brighter wine.	Ruvei	86	17	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Marchesi di Barolo	null	null	null
Australia	Made with enough skin contact to yield a gentle coppery hue, this medium-bodied wine features aromas of cantaloupe, cherry and citrus. Cherry fruit on the palate is accompanied by vaguely Pinot Noir-like notes of dried bracken and moss, then glides to a long, silky finish. Drink now.	MWC	90	15	Victoria	Victoria	null	Pinot Gris	McPherson Wine Company	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	McPherson Wine Company 2015 MWC Pinot Gris (Victoria)
US	Intensely aromatic, this is a spicy, sublime and soft wine, elegant and unexpected, bright and alive and fresh instead of overbearing. Its rustic roots endear rather than distract, with an exuberance of blueberry at its core.	null	91	35	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Petite Sirah	Madrigal	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Madrigal 2011 Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
Italy	A wine that gives you everything you could possibly want: complexity, elegance, intensity and a long, creamy finish. Oreno is a 50-25-25 blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese (which prove to be perfect proportions in this case). It exhibits aromas of bright cherry, prune, plum, espresso grinds and cedar wood.	Oreno	94	85	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Tenuta Sette Ponti	null	null	null
Germany	Plump and succulent, this is a deceptively easy wine. Ripe apple, pear and melon flavors make it seem simple, but underneath the flesh is a spine of bright acids and slatey minerality. Zesty lime and ripe orange notes give length to the crisp, lingering finish. Both this wine and the auslese are great.	Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese	92	26	Mosel-Saar-Ruwer	null	null	Riesling	Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef)	null	null	null
US	An earthiness permeates this wine, from a wild site near the Pacific Ocean. Black tea, olive and crushed rock-influenced minerality keep it interesting as it goes, the tannins velvety though pronounced, especially on the finish.	Campbell Ranch	91	65	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Davis Family	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Davis Family 2013 Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	Shows the volume of this warmish, high mountain vineyard, with enormously ripe flavors of cherries, red currants and red plums, with elaborate sweet oak. Yet it preserves Pinot's silky delicacy. That juggling act, of balancing power with finesse, marks the best Pisoni Pinot Noirs. Fine now, and should slowly develop over the next six years.	Pisoni Vineyard	93	59	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Testarossa	null	null	null
Argentina	Earthy and leathery smelling, but very much on the light-bodied side for Malbec. The palate is angular and slightly acidic, with juicy, spicy red-cherry flavors. Racy and lean on the finish, with a final wash of cleansing acids.	Tarquino	84	10	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Argento	null	null	null
Italy	Structured and delicious, this opens with aromas suggesting underbrush, leather rose petal and a balsamic note. The juicy palate doles out raspberry compote, ripe red cherry, cinnamon and a sprinkling of white pepper. Firm velvety tannins provide the framework while a licorice note closes the lingering finish. Drink 2019–2025.	Cannubi	94	60	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Brezza	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Brezza 2012 Cannubi (Barolo)
US	Wisps of smoke and char add nuance to tart red cherry and violet notes on this aromatic wine. It's juicy and fresh on the palate, yet amasses bitter, velvet tannins that blanket the finish. Enjoy now with a good decant, or better yet, hold back till at least 2016.	null	88	24	New York	Long Island	Long Island	Cabernet Franc	Wölffer	null	null	null
Chile	Melon, pear and apple aromas are standard and sweet. The palate is soft, maybe a bit mushy, with banana, pear and tropical fruit flavors. Finishes easy and flat, with lasting tropical sweetness.	120	84	8	Central Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Santa Rita	null	null	null
Spain	Simple, nice and not trying too hard; this basic brut is graced with nice apple and citrus aromas. The palate is wet, juicy and classic, with crisp apple, green herb and melon flavors. Round, clean and just crisp enough.	Brut Reserva	87	10	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Segura Viudas	null	null	null
Italy	Enticing scents of wild rose, violet, perfumed berry and a whiff of aromatic herb unfold on this full-bodied red. The firm palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper, clove and anise framed in assertive but ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Better after 2019.	San Lorenzo di Verduno	92	66	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Fratelli Alessandria	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Fratelli Alessandria 2011 San Lorenzo di Verduno (Barolo)
Italy	Made from Montepulciano grapes and Visciola cherries, this highly unusual dessert beverage has overly sweet aromas of rose, hand soap and air freshener. The palate offers dense cherry and almond alongside fresh acidity that saves this from being too gooey.	Vi de Visciola	84	20	Italy Other	Vino da Tavola	null	Montepulciano	Vignamato	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Vignamato NV Vi de Visciola Montepulciano (Vino da Tavola)
Spain	Smells slightly exotic and different from the norm; the nose offers baked black-fruit scents, lemon peel, rubber and Eastern spices. Pure and driving on the palate, with good acidity and woodsy, complex flavors of blackberry, coffee and licorice. Snappy and pure on the finish; drink from 2011 through 2016.	Selección Especial	92	43	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Muga	null	null	null
Argentina	This is neutral on the nose except for green banana and white grapefruit hints. It feels melony, with flavors that match the mouthfeel in the form of melon and nectarine. This is flabby on the finish, needing more cut and zest.	Reservado	84	13	Other	San Juan	null	Torrontés	Callia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Callia 2011 Reservado Torrontés (San Juan)
Portugal	A lively, fresh, lightly sweet wine, with raspberry and caramel flavors. It is crisp, but soft with an easy balancing acidity.	Espirito Rosé	85	10	Tejo	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta da Lagoalva de Cima	null	null	null
US	There's not a lot of embellishment on this steely, tightly structured Chardonnay but its transparency is quite enthralling. The palate is bracing and mineral, offering zesty lemon and green apple flavors that seem to build in concentration and density in the mouth. The finish is long and saline.	null	91	35	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Chardonnay	N. Kendall Wines	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	N. Kendall Wines 2015 Chardonnay (Finger Lakes)
Chile	Smells a little feline at first, but it settles with air while still remaining spunky, herbal and typical of Los Lingues Carmenère. This is a true terroir wine; it has green pepper and leathery raspberry flavors along with a peppery, spicy finish. Best for those who really know the variety. First-timers may be surprised by its profound herbal character.	Los Lingues Gran Reserva	87	22	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Casa Silva	null	null	null
US	Stewed and vegetal, with hard, bitter tannins. This does not taste as if the grapes ripened sufficiently, and the extraction is such that green, bitter tannins are the main flavor.	null	81	32	Oregon	Columbia Valley (OR)	Oregon Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cathedral Ridge	null	null	null
US	Blended with 12% Grenache and 8% Roussanne, this direct and appealing wine suggests violets, raspberries and plum, with a vanilla top note (21% new American oak). The coffee and blue fruit flavors are rich and full, with vanilla notes lingering on the finish. It's a complete knockout for this price.	null	92	14	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Waterbrook	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Waterbrook 2012 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	A smooth, crisp Syrah-based Rhône blend, and a good value in a dry, full-bodied red wine. It has strong flavors of berries and cherries that veer into raisins, but not too much.	Cuvée	85	12	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Red Blend	Liberty School	null	null	null
France	This wine is structured although it does have plenty of ripe and full of berry fruits. Drink from 2017. The blend includes 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.	null	85	25	Bordeaux	Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Les Hauts de Palette	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Les Hauts de Palette 2012 Côtes de Bordeaux
US	This shows what extended aging can do for a vintage sparkling wine, as it gives off delicate, ripe, mellow aromas like toasted baguette, honey, toasted almonds, white tea and apple cider. The mouthfeel is elegant and smooth, while the bubbles are soft and slow. Enjoy this before or after dinner now; it's at its aging peak.	Late Disgorged Brut Blanc de Blancs	94	95	California	North Coast	North Coast	Chardonnay	Schramsberg	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Schramsberg 2004 Late Disgorged Brut Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay (North Coast)
US	Shows the weight, complexity and sheer deliciousness that this bottling almost always displays. Chardonnay fans will love the oaky, creamy flavors of pineapple tart, pear and lemon jam and buttered toast. The winemaker recommends pairing with black cod, and if you have a Chinese restaurant that makes a good version of this honey and soy inspired dish, it will be heaven.	null	92	26	California	Arroyo Grande Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Talley	null	null	null
US	Dry and crisp, this sparkler has spicy flavors of limes, pink grapefruit and spice, with a yeasty, fresh bread dough note. Good buy in a brut.	Brut	86	12	California	California	California Other	Sparkling Blend	Korbel	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a herbal, earthy wine with as many tannins as fruit at this stage. That gives it a dense, dusty texture that seeps into the ripe, sweet plum flavors. With the wood giving an extra push of richness as well as spice, it needs to age. Drink from 2017.	D. Fuas Reserva	89	7	Terras do Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Caves Velhas	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Caves Velhas 2013 D. Fuas Reserva Red (Terras do Dão)
Canada	Smooth and engaging, this offers classic varietal flavors in the context of a northern climate. Red licorice, coffee, tobacco, hemp and dried herbs are all in the mix, with some fruit leather and hints of violets.	null	90	38	British Columbia	Okanagan Valley	null	Syrah	Burrowing Owl	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Burrowing Owl 2013 Syrah (Okanagan Valley)
Australia	Smells and tastes like the fruit juice blends that kids drink—those mixes of peach, pear, apple, and other non-grape fruits. Add in an industrial-chalk note and you get a Shiraz that doesn't much taste like a Shiraz, or any red wine, for that matter.	Rams Leap	81	12	New South Wales	Mudgee	null	Shiraz	Canonbah Bridge	null	null	null
US	With a soft, silky mouthfeel and a great big burst of black pepper, this is a classic Sonoma Zin. It's ripe in blackberries and currants, with a briary taste of anise and wild chamomile. Good now with barbecue.	The Sophisticate	87	20	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Four Vines	null	null	Four Vines 2009 The Sophisticate Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
US	A pretty good price for a single-vineyard Chard from a great appellation. Unoaked, the wine is very crisp in acidity, with citrus, apricot and mineral flavors that finish dry and clean.	Cassidy Ranch	87	15	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Kopriva	null	null	null
US	Rather raw in the mouth, with a certain rustic nature. It is saved by rich tropical fruit, cashew and oaky flavors, and crisp, mouth-cleansing acidity.	Stampmaker's White Wine	85	18	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	White Blend	Concannon	null	null	null
France	This velvet-textured wine, smooth and soft, has power and density, but all the edges have already smoothed away, leaving sweet hedgerow berries, dark chocolate and mint.	Alter Ego de Château Palmer	89	null	Bordeaux	Margaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Palmer	null	null	null
France	Very pale onion skin-colored rosé. It has a rich character with its flavors of sweet strawberries and pink grapefruit. The aftertaste is light, soft, on the sweet side for a Brut.	Brut Rosé	87	60	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Pommery	null	null	null
US	Herb and barrel spice aromas are light, with a high-toned berry top note. The black-fruit flavors are smooth and sultry. You want more from the aromas but the flavors quickly compensate.	The Huntsman	89	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ross Andrew	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Ross Andrew 2013 The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Classic Gewürztraminer aromas of fresh lychee, pink grapefruit and roses abound on Dr. Frank's lovely bargain Salmon Run. Although full bodied with a plush, broad profile, it's spritzed with a gentle lemon acidity and bitter lime pith and rose potpourri finish. Would pair beautifully with spicy, herbacious Thai dishes, but might be hard to resist savoring on its own.	Salmon Run	87	12	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Gewürztraminer	Dr. Konstantin Frank	null	null	null
Chile	Apple and citrus aromas are accented by a floral hint of bath soap. This is a mid-level Chardonnay that's unexciting but not bad. Melon and pear flavors are low on oak and devoid of complexity.	Reserva	85	13	Maule Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Alto Los Romeros	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alto Los Romeros 2015 Reserva Chardonnay (Maule Valley)
Chile	While the nose on this sweetie isn't deep, it's lush, inviting and peachy as they come. The palate feels fresh and straightforward, and the flavor profile blends tropical fruit flavors with spice and honey accents. Overall this seems natural, easygoing and expressive.	Late Harvest	90	27	Curicó Valley	null	null	Gewürztraminer	Montes	null	null	null
Germany	Intensely herbaceous notes of fresh green leaves and stems add briskness to crisp red-plum and cherry flavors in this full bodied, yet keenly balanced wine. Wisps of violet on the palate and soft, furry tannins lend it an elegant feel.	Neipperger Schlossberg	87	51	Württemberg	null	null	Spätburgunder	Grafen Neipperg	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Grafen Neipperg 2009 Neipperger Schlossberg Spätburgunder (Württemberg)
US	A little thin in fruit, with modest citrus and melon flavors encased in proper acidity, with a touch of oak. Picks up steam on the finish, but could use a bit more concentration.	Spectrum Reserve	85	16	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	DeLorimier	null	null	null
France	91–93. Barrel sample. This is a rich and soft wine made predominantly from Merlot. The wine has good depth of flavor with fresh black currants and soft tannins.	Carruades de Lafite Barrel Sample	92	null	Bordeaux	Pauillac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Lafite Rothschild	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Lafite Rothschild 2012 Carruades de Lafite Barrel Sample (Pauillac)
Italy	This is characterized by distinctive notes of red cherry cola, root beer, chopped garden herb and toasted vanilla bean. The wine offers chewy tannins and vibrant fruit tones that are pure and intact. Drink this wine with wild boar or rabbit.	Tosco	90	30	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Villa Poggio Salvi	null	null	null
Spain	A holdover from 1999, this varietal single-vineyard Cabernet offers tree bark, molasses and prune on the nose, while the palate has raspberry flavors sitting front and center, with drying tannins in support. It's a woody and grabby wine, with vanilla notes toward the end. And at eight years old, it doesn't appear as though it will improve beyond where it's at now. So drink soon.	Vinya La Scala Gran Reserva	86	55	Catalonia	Penedès	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Pago Jean Leon	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pago Jean Leon 1999 Vinya La Scala Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Penedès)
US	A Rhône blend that will, in future vintages, not be varietally named, this is far from a standard Washington Syrah. It's threaded beautifully with nuances of fruit and spice from the Viognier coferment, Grenache and Mourvèdre that are included. Aromatic, spicy and weaving together chocolate, licorice, granite, roasted meat and berry flavors, it is both substantial and forward.	null	92	20	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Tulpen	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Tulpen 2007 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	In common with some other Muscadet producers, Sauvion labels cuvees by the soil type of the vineyard. Here the soil is of rocks and clay, giving a wine that has some weight and richness, but also has a tense mineral streak and green apple fruit flavors.	Château du Cléray Réserve Silico Argileux	89	null	Loire Valley	Muscadet Sèvre et Maine	null	Melon	Sauvion	null	null	null
US	Spicy in a complexity of ginger and vanilla-kissed oak, this wine is made from 15-year-old Wente selection vines. Layered in lemon, lime and green apple, it features a slab of tropical pineapple on the finish. Buttery dishes will pair well.	Wildwood Vineyard	87	30	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Kunde	null	null	null
US	Mulberry, wet rock and sagebrush show on the nose of this single vineyard bottling from a site owned by the Hahn family. The palate is tangy at first, revealing dark red fruit with a smoky kick as it opens, backed by hints of juniper and dust.	Doctor's Vineyard	91	67	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Testarossa	null	null	null
US	From a single vineyard on Snipes Mountain, this is a forceful, dark and liquorous version of Harrison Hill, which often carries more herbal accents. Here it's fruity and floral, with scents of rose petals and concentrated raspberry and cassis. Still young and showing its alcohol, it needs some hours of decanting.	Harrison Hill	90	75	Washington	Snipes Mountain	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	DeLille	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	DeLille 2007 Harrison Hill Red (Snipes Mountain)
Italy	Interesting and well structured, this can age a few years or more. Aromas of honey, stone fruit and butterscotch candy give this wine a sophisticated edge.	null	88	29	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Pinot Grigio	Villa Russiz	null	null	null
France	A white currant-flavored wine with soft but fresh acidity, layered with just a touch of spice. The wine is fruity, juicy, an easy drink as an aperitif or with fish.	null	84	9	Southwest France	Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne	null	Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine de Ballade	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Ballade 2007 Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc (Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne)
France	As rich and intense as the same producer's Non Vintage Brut, this is a ripe finely textured wine, its acidity giving great freshness to the red berry fruits. Grand Cru vineyards speak tellingly.	Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Rosé	90	45	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	P. Louis Martini	Roger Voss	@vossroger	P. Louis Martini NV Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Rosé (Champagne)
France	This powerful, perfumed wine shows as much structure as fruit. That gives it a strong presence, solid and dense. Its black plum and damson fruits have richness, spice and intense acidity. With the dark tannins, the wine will certainly age. Drink from 2018.	null	92	55	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Brown	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Brown 2011 Pessac-Léognan
Italy	Aromas of scorched earth, game, burned rubber and a funky whiff of barnyard waft out of the glass and carry over to the dense palate along with raisin, fig, licorice and a gamy note. It's rustic and extremely evolved with an abrupt, bitter finish.	Vigna Campo del Gatto	84	30	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Costa di Bussia	null	null	null
Argentina	On the nose, this smells of burnt oak, raisin and ultraripe cherry. The palate is compact and heavy, with chewy density. Baked, rooty flavors of cola, prune and chocolaty oak finish with thick, candied berry residuals.	null	88	16	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Durigutti	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Durigutti 2015 Malbec (Mendoza)
France	This wine is refreshing, its red fruit juice laced with acidity and a touch of herbs. Easy and light to drink.	Cuvée Victoria	85	16	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Andrieux & Fils	null	null	null
Australia	New to the American market, and worthy of a splashy debut. Plum fruit is deep and muscular on the nose, while the palate offers lifted berry flavors along with softer, more plush plums. Juicy and well structured, and probably not unlike your other favorite big South Australian Shirazes.	The Soloist	91	40	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz	Coriole	null	null	null
South Africa	A nose of herbs, kiwi, smoke and minerals gives this white an intriguing start. On the palate, it's crisp and clean, with flavors of tropical fruit, herbs and spice unfolding over a minerally backbone. Ageable and terroir driven.	null	87	30	Constantia	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Constantia Glen	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of chocolate, mocha and raisin lead the nose. The lean palate shows prune steeped in spirits, toast and a hint of cocoa alongside brisk acidity and raspy, almost gritty tannins that give this a rough finish.	null	86	45	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	460 Casina Bric	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	460 Casina Bric 2011 Barolo
Italy	A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo, this ripe red wine from Southern Italy opens with pungent aromas of Band Aid and rubber. Give it a little time and you will find more compelling aromas of rhubarb, sweet spice and cherry.	Tenuta Albrizzi	83	17	Southern Italy	Salento	null	Red Blend	Cantine Due Palme	null	null	null
Chile	Earthy plum and berry aromas come with hints of rubber and animal. This is a saturated chewy dark Malbec with salty blackberry and savory oak flavors. A spicy blackened well-oaked finish is balanced and healthy.	Elegido Gran Reserva	88	18	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Malbec	Valle Hermoso	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Valle Hermoso 2014 Elegido Gran Reserva Malbec (Colchagua Valley)
France	This is a beautifully fresh wine, very crisp and deliciously fruity. With attractive lemon and grapefruit flavors that are given a richer character by ripe apples, it's fragrant, lightly spicy and ready to drink.	La Grande Réserve du Moulin Sur Lie	89	16	Loire Valley	Muscadet Sèvre et Maine	null	Melon	Gadais Père et Fils	null	null	null
Italy	From one of the most celebrated Barolo crus, this small case production wine is tonic and buoyant and has a vertical delivery of wild berry, cherry cola, almond paste, Spanish cedar, licorice and espresso aromas. The mouthfeel is supple and round with a velvety feel. Drink after 2015.	Cannubi	92	147	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Gianni Gagliardo	null	null	null
Australia	This wine may lack the dramatic power of its top-flight brethren, but it still satisfies, delivering reasonably complex notes of cherries, rhubarb and olive carried by silky tannins and moderate alcohol. Drink this terrific value over the next year or two.	null	89	12	South Australia	South Australia	null	Shiraz	Milton Park	null	null	null
Italy	This wine announces its modern intentions with polished opening notes of vanilla, caramel and coffee from aging in small French oak barrels. The intense palate shows cherry and boysenberry fruit which lead into a long, very complex finish. Will gain more complexity with a few years in the cellar but may be drunk now for the appeal of its youthful fruit.	null	90	21	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Pio Cesare	null	null	null
US	From a cool site overlooking the ocean in Occidental, this is a feral, earthy wine, with a nose of garden patch, black tea and orange. Juicy at its core, it's structured in smooth tannin. Hints of new oak provide pleasant accents without overburdening the herbal and fruity core.	English Hill	90	48	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	The Withers Winery	Virginie Boone	@vboone	The Withers Winery 2014 English Hill Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Austria	Tender, friendly hints of juicy pear beckon. The palate follows with more oomph and lots of lemon freshness. There is a lovely textural element to the crisp midpalate and edges of peppery herbs everywhere that haunt you long after the lip-smacking finish.	Lion	90	24	Niederösterreich	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Sohm & Kracher	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Sohm & Kracher 2015 Lion Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)
Spain	A standard but solid Tempranillo is what you're looking at. The nose pushes red fruit and some American oak aromas like pickle and dill. The feel is fresh and young, but also a little fleshy and substantive. Finishes friendly and smooth.	null	85	10	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Darien	null	null	null

US

Rich, with restrained intensity, this has aromas of toasted graham-cracker crumb, spiced orange marmalade, peach preserves and wilted rose. It feels slightly pudgy on the midpalate, with a tapering finish that ends on a buttered-caramel note.

Late Harvest

87

30

Virginia

null

Petit Manseng

Tarara

null

US

This packs a whallop of acidity and tannins right off the bat, then the blackberry and cassis core kicks in, leading to a long, spicy finish. It will age, but the sharpness of the acidity may never disappear. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.

Woodstock Collection Black Widow

87

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

Cielo Malibu Estate Vineyards

null

Germany

Zesty lime skin and slaty mineral tones anchor this dry, fairly full-bodied Riesling firmly to the Mosel. A testament to a ripe vintage, it's supple and a bit dense in mouthfeel, but bristling tangerine acidity keeps it punchy and vibrant. It's attractive already, but it should gain complexity and harmony from 2020–2025.

Graach Josephshöfer Monopol Trocken Grosse Lage

93

52

Mosel

null

Riesling

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2015 Graach Josephshöfer Monopol Trocken Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel)

US

Aromas of jalapeno peppers, thistle and pine needles raise questions about ripeness while not exactly rolling out the welcome mat. That said, the wine is surprisingly sweet, with orange and lemon flavors. Finally, a thick texture runs in contrast to the lean nose, ultimately leaving one confused and asking: Is this really Sauvignon Blanc?

null

81

10

Oregon

Applegate Valley

Southern Oregon

Sauvignon Blanc

Eola Hills

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Eola Hills 2000 Sauvignon Blanc (Applegate Valley)

US

Mourvèdre (62%) takes the lead on this wine followed by Syrah (21%) and Grenache. It's aromatic and appealing, with notes of roasted meat, black pepper, herb and plum. The red- and black-fruit flavors are concentrated and bring a compelling sense of texture. Smoke and savory flavors linger on the finish. It's a standout at this price.

null

92

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Rhône-style Red Blend

Les Trouvés

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Les Trouvés 2014 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

With three years' aging, this has developed into an almond- and toast-flavored wine that has softened and rounded the fruit. It has turned into a serious wine, its rich structure allied to the acidity. Ready to drink.

Ammonites

90

37

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Roblin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Roblin 2010 Ammonites (Sancerre)

France

86–88. Barrel sample. With a chemical aroma, this is a strange wine initially. It has some fruitiness, peach and spice flavors, but is soft with an almond and bitter aftertaste.

Barrel Sample

87

null

Bordeaux

Barsac

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Suau

null

US

Upfront aromas of cocoa, vanilla, sawdust and savory herb are followed by flavors of plum, cherry and barrel spice. The oak and fruit play equal roles, with the flavors a bit dialed back.

Three Legged

88

19

Washington

Washington Other

Red Blend

Dunham

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Dunham 2015 Three Legged Red (Washington)

Portugal

This smooth, wood-aged wine is impressively ripe and stylish. Yellow fruit and pear flavors are spiced with nutmeg and toast from the wood, giving richness and a ripe character that are balanced by acidity. Drink this wine now.

Carvalhas Branco

91

30

Douro

null

Portuguese White

Quinta das Carvalhas

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta das Carvalhas 2015 Carvalhas Branco White (Douro)

France

This young wine has great potential. With powerful tannins and a dense texture, it is rich in black fruits and acidity. Concentrated and with a firm structure, the wine will age well. Produced from a blend that puts Bordeaux grapes with a small proportion of the local Abouriou, it will be ready in 2020.

Château Bazin

91

35

Southwest France

Côtes du Marmandais

null

Red Blend

Cave du Marmandais

null

US

Packed with juicy berry flavors, this outgoing wine blends great freshness and pure grape flavors with a lip-smacking texture of tannins and acidity that keep it well balanced. It resembles black berry, raspberry and boysenberry juices, has a tangy mouthfeel and lingering, tingly finish.

null

91

25

California

Mendocino

null

Zinfandel

Paul Dolan

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Paul Dolan 2013 Zinfandel (Mendocino)

US

Ripeness is both this wine's blessing and its challenge. It's super-fruit in jammy blackberries, blueberries, currants and cherries, brightened by that famous Edna Valley acidity. But it's all on the surface, without much complexity. So drink now.

Estate Edna Ranch

86

24

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Syrah

Tolosa

null

US

This is a very spicy, peppery wine, and while it's pretty good, it's rougher and more rustic than most of its peers in Anderson Valley. The cherry, cola and carob flavors are savory, but there's a quality to the tannins that's robust, to say the least. Could be a sleeper.

null

87

49

California

Anderson Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Cakebread

null

Cakebread 2005 Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)

Spain

A sensuous sweet Sherry, this has the full monty of fig, date, licorice, root beer and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's naturally thick and sweet but also balanced, so it doesn't come across like a spoonful of syrup. Great as a dessert wine with cake or blue cheese, but also as a topping for vanilla or coffee ice cream.

Oxford 1.970

91

15

Andalucia

Jerez

null

Pedro Ximénez

Bodegas Dios Baco S.L.

null

Italy

Bright spice, tobacco and leather make for a warm, brooding personality that characterizes Mocali's gorgeous Brunello. But the fruit is by no means missing. In fact, loads of cherry and blueberry help to liven the wine's densely extracted mouthfeel.

null

93

40

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Mocali

null

US

This wine surprises by being so very pretty—unexpected from such a hot site. Lovely scents of raspberry, strawberry, mint and spice lift the nose; the palate is medium-bodied, nicely tart, perfectly balanced and long. The mix of sweet and tart red fruits lasts deliciously, with the spice adding grace notes. Though blended and aged in 100% new French oak barrels, the oak is muted, and the fruit shines through.

Stone Tree Vineyard Reserve

91

35

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Columbia Crest 2007 Stone Tree Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

The wines from this producer always resemble one another aromatically in a unique way. There's bright wild strawberry and healthy handfuls of black and white pepper amidst an earthy, smoky edge. Young, firm, light on the tongue, the finish picks up substantial steam, a hit of herbal smoke there for the taking.

Suma Kaw

90

25

California

Sierra Foothills

Syrah

La Clarine Farm

Virginie Boone

@vboone

La Clarine Farm 2012 Suma Kaw Syrah (Sierra Foothills)

Germany

Savory smoke and nut tones contrast richly with extracted black cherry and berry flavors in this full-bodied Spätburgunder. While fine-grained tannins and a shock of cranberry acidity lend balance and grace, shades of toast and spice are still quite prominent. It's a powerful wine that should benefit well from cellaring until at least 2020.

SC Lahrer Kronenbühl Trocken

92

40

Baden

null

Spätburgunder

Wöhrle

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Wöhrle 2013 SC Lahrer Kronenbühl Trocken Spätburgunder (Baden)

US

This wine combines smoky, baked blackberry fruit with sweet vanilla accents. It's full bodied, soft and smooth on the palate, proving likably approachable.

Molly's Estate

87

42

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Wilson

null

US

This Sierra Foothills producer offers an estate-bottled and produced Zin with 15% Petite Sirah that's wanting in fruit and texture. A bit thin, there's not much in the way of aromatics or texture to hold on to.

null

80

29

California

California Other

Zinfandel

Wise Villa

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Wise Villa 2011 Zinfandel (California)

Italy

This wine brings the Trebbiano grape to a whole new level of sophistication. You'll get stone fruit, melon and apricot, but you'll also be rewarded with radically unique aromas of melted butter, brown sugar and crunchy crème caramel. The texture is smooth and firm and the wine's persistency can be counted in minutes.

Marina Cvetic

93

50

Central Italy

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo

null

Trebbiano

Masciarelli

null

Masciarelli 2004 Marina Cvetic (Trebbiano d'Abruzzo)

US

There's 3% each of Grenache and Petite Sirah in this wine that is quite ripe and straightforward in its fruity waves of blackberry, cherry and oaky chocolate. Firm tannins don't overwhelm, opting instead to support and structure. Black pepper leaves a lasting impression on the finish.

Old Vines Reserve

87

25

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

ZinPhomaniac

Virginie Boone

@vboone

ZinPhomaniac 2014 Old Vines Reserve Zinfandel (Sonoma County)

France

Ripe wine, pushing its toast, pear and apricot flavors. Smooth, with an English walnut taste, and green herb acidity. Ready to drink now.

null

87

14

Burgundy

Mâcon-Villages

null

Chardonnay

Louis Jadot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Louis Jadot 2009 Mâcon-Villages

Spain

Despite some grit and tar on the nose, this Rioja opens well with spicy cherry and plum aromas. A standard, mild palate is satisfactory, while lightly roasted slightly briny plum and berry flavors end with a hint of saltiness.

null

86

12

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Vaza

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Vaza 2013 Rioja

US

Just one barrel was made of this reserve. At first the new oak shines through, then as it opens out the wood becomes less noticeable and a complex array of spice, stem and iron filings comes into play. The fruit is light and textural, showing hints of sassafras and even a whiff of petrol.

Select Whole Cluster

92

150

Oregon

McMinnville

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Hyland

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Hyland 2012 Select Whole Cluster Pinot Noir (McMinnville)

France

Shows the wood from barrel fermentation and maturation a bit on the nose, but also plenty of citrus. It's broad, yet reined in a bit by oak spice right now, needing time to flesh out. Hard to say it's better than the excellent '04 version, but it's still excellent.

Au Coeur des Siècles

91

null

Rhône Valley

Hermitage

null

Marsanne

Cave de Tain

null

Australia

Made by Giaconda, this white is excellent but doesn't quite live up to the winery's other top-notch offerings. (But at half the price, how can you go wrong?) It has a tropical-fruit core and a medium-bodied, viscous mouthfeel. Finishes with some length, and a buttery-resiny feel.

Nantua Les Deux

90

45

Victoria

null

White Blend

Giaconda

null

Giaconda 2001 Nantua Les Deux White (Victoria)

US

A good, robust Zin that defines the high alcohol, superripe style of Northern California. With more than 16% alcohol, it has a Portiness to the blackberries, coffee and anise. Drink this strongly flavored, dry wine with barbecue or beef-centered Latin fare.

Warm Springs Ranch Reserve

86

50

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Mazzocco

null

US

Cherry pie, cherry candy and dried ginger notes converge for a very approachable and inviting nose on this bottling from a sprawling vineyard in eastern Paso Robles. It's light in body, but solid red cherry, cedar and smoked chocolate flavors keep it lively.

Reserve

89

48

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Merlot

Broken Earth

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Broken Earth 2013 Reserve Merlot (Paso Robles)

US

Tough in tannins, with a minty, green streak to the cherries and blackberries. Tasty but hard now. Could develop with some time in the bottle. Try after 2010.

Artist's Series

85

28

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Stratton Lummis

null

Stratton Lummis 2005 Artist's Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

You have to have a great deal of faith to buy this wine, because right now it's almost undrinkable due to the tannins. They're as hard and firm as a brick wall, and whatever fruit there is, and there's plenty, is effectively hidden from the palate's pleasure. Discerning tasters will detect massive blackberries and black currants, buried deep down like pirate's treasure. It should develop quite well over the next ten or fifteen years.

Special Reserve

93

85

California

Diamond Mountain District

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Reverie

null

Reverie 2008 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain District)

Italy

I Bastioni is an impressive Chianti Classico with soft, round fruit flavors backed by plush density and pristine cherry aromas. It's a food-friendly wine that could match meat, potato or pasta dishes.

I Bastioni

88

22

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Collazzi

null

US

Almost dark enough, as well as fruity enough, to be a red wine, this tastes fresh and has a touch of candied character. The wine is medium bodied, resembles cherries and raspberries in flavor and carries enough acidity for good balance.

Dry

87

23

California

North Coast

Rosato

V. Sattui

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

V. Sattui 2014 Dry Rosato (North Coast)

Italy

The Ruvei expression of Barbera d'Alba (from one of Piedmont's biggest and most historic producers) offers a simple, crisp and genuine red wine experience. A small percentage of Nebbiolo is added to a lush base of Barbera, resulting in a lighter, brighter wine.

Ruvei

86

17

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Marchesi di Barolo

null

Australia

Made with enough skin contact to yield a gentle coppery hue, this medium-bodied wine features aromas of cantaloupe, cherry and citrus. Cherry fruit on the palate is accompanied by vaguely Pinot Noir-like notes of dried bracken and moss, then glides to a long, silky finish. Drink now.

MWC

90

15

Victoria

null

Pinot Gris

McPherson Wine Company

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

McPherson Wine Company 2015 MWC Pinot Gris (Victoria)

US

Intensely aromatic, this is a spicy, sublime and soft wine, elegant and unexpected, bright and alive and fresh instead of overbearing. Its rustic roots endear rather than distract, with an exuberance of blueberry at its core.

null

91

35

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Petite Sirah

Madrigal

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Madrigal 2011 Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)

Italy

A wine that gives you everything you could possibly want: complexity, elegance, intensity and a long, creamy finish. Oreno is a 50-25-25 blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese (which prove to be perfect proportions in this case). It exhibits aromas of bright cherry, prune, plum, espresso grinds and cedar wood.

Oreno

94

85

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Tenuta Sette Ponti

null

Germany

Plump and succulent, this is a deceptively easy wine. Ripe apple, pear and melon flavors make it seem simple, but underneath the flesh is a spine of bright acids and slatey minerality. Zesty lime and ripe orange notes give length to the crisp, lingering finish. Both this wine and the auslese are great.

Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese

92

26

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

null

Riesling

Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef)

null

US

An earthiness permeates this wine, from a wild site near the Pacific Ocean. Black tea, olive and crushed rock-influenced minerality keep it interesting as it goes, the tannins velvety though pronounced, especially on the finish.

Campbell Ranch

91

65

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Davis Family

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Davis Family 2013 Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

Shows the volume of this warmish, high mountain vineyard, with enormously ripe flavors of cherries, red currants and red plums, with elaborate sweet oak. Yet it preserves Pinot's silky delicacy. That juggling act, of balancing power with finesse, marks the best Pisoni Pinot Noirs. Fine now, and should slowly develop over the next six years.

Pisoni Vineyard

93

59

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Testarossa

null

Argentina

Earthy and leathery smelling, but very much on the light-bodied side for Malbec. The palate is angular and slightly acidic, with juicy, spicy red-cherry flavors. Racy and lean on the finish, with a final wash of cleansing acids.

Tarquino

84

10

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Argento

null

Italy

Structured and delicious, this opens with aromas suggesting underbrush, leather rose petal and a balsamic note. The juicy palate doles out raspberry compote, ripe red cherry, cinnamon and a sprinkling of white pepper. Firm velvety tannins provide the framework while a licorice note closes the lingering finish. Drink 2019–2025.

Cannubi

94

60

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Brezza

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Brezza 2012 Cannubi (Barolo)

US

Wisps of smoke and char add nuance to tart red cherry and violet notes on this aromatic wine. It's juicy and fresh on the palate, yet amasses bitter, velvet tannins that blanket the finish. Enjoy now with a good decant, or better yet, hold back till at least 2016.

null

88

24

New York

Long Island

Cabernet Franc

Wölffer

null

Chile

Melon, pear and apple aromas are standard and sweet. The palate is soft, maybe a bit mushy, with banana, pear and tropical fruit flavors. Finishes easy and flat, with lasting tropical sweetness.

120

84

8

Central Valley

null

Chardonnay

Santa Rita

null

Spain

Simple, nice and not trying too hard; this basic brut is graced with nice apple and citrus aromas. The palate is wet, juicy and classic, with crisp apple, green herb and melon flavors. Round, clean and just crisp enough.

Brut Reserva

87

10

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Segura Viudas

null

Italy

Enticing scents of wild rose, violet, perfumed berry and a whiff of aromatic herb unfold on this full-bodied red. The firm palate offers juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper, clove and anise framed in assertive but ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Better after 2019.

San Lorenzo di Verduno

92

66

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Fratelli Alessandria

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Fratelli Alessandria 2011 San Lorenzo di Verduno (Barolo)

Italy

Made from Montepulciano grapes and Visciola cherries, this highly unusual dessert beverage has overly sweet aromas of rose, hand soap and air freshener. The palate offers dense cherry and almond alongside fresh acidity that saves this from being too gooey.

Vi de Visciola

84

20

Italy Other

Vino da Tavola

null

Montepulciano

Vignamato

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Vignamato NV Vi de Visciola Montepulciano (Vino da Tavola)

Spain

Smells slightly exotic and different from the norm; the nose offers baked black-fruit scents, lemon peel, rubber and Eastern spices. Pure and driving on the palate, with good acidity and woodsy, complex flavors of blackberry, coffee and licorice. Snappy and pure on the finish; drink from 2011 through 2016.

Selección Especial

92

43

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Muga

null

Argentina

This is neutral on the nose except for green banana and white grapefruit hints. It feels melony, with flavors that match the mouthfeel in the form of melon and nectarine. This is flabby on the finish, needing more cut and zest.

Reservado

84

13

Other

San Juan

null

Torrontés

Callia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Callia 2011 Reservado Torrontés (San Juan)

Portugal

A lively, fresh, lightly sweet wine, with raspberry and caramel flavors. It is crisp, but soft with an easy balancing acidity.

Espirito Rosé

85

10

Tejo

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta da Lagoalva de Cima

null

US

There's not a lot of embellishment on this steely, tightly structured Chardonnay but its transparency is quite enthralling. The palate is bracing and mineral, offering zesty lemon and green apple flavors that seem to build in concentration and density in the mouth. The finish is long and saline.

null

91

35

New York

Finger Lakes

Chardonnay

N. Kendall Wines

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

N. Kendall Wines 2015 Chardonnay (Finger Lakes)

Chile

Smells a little feline at first, but it settles with air while still remaining spunky, herbal and typical of Los Lingues Carmenère. This is a true terroir wine; it has green pepper and leathery raspberry flavors along with a peppery, spicy finish. Best for those who really know the variety. First-timers may be surprised by its profound herbal character.

Los Lingues Gran Reserva

87

22

Colchagua Valley

null

Carmenère

Casa Silva

null

US

Stewed and vegetal, with hard, bitter tannins. This does not taste as if the grapes ripened sufficiently, and the extraction is such that green, bitter tannins are the main flavor.

null

81

32

Oregon

Columbia Valley (OR)

Oregon Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cathedral Ridge

null

US

Blended with 12% Grenache and 8% Roussanne, this direct and appealing wine suggests violets, raspberries and plum, with a vanilla top note (21% new American oak). The coffee and blue fruit flavors are rich and full, with vanilla notes lingering on the finish. It's a complete knockout for this price.

null

92

14

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Waterbrook

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Waterbrook 2012 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

A smooth, crisp Syrah-based Rhône blend, and a good value in a dry, full-bodied red wine. It has strong flavors of berries and cherries that veer into raisins, but not too much.

Cuvée

85

12

California

Central Coast

Red Blend

Liberty School

null

France

This wine is structured although it does have plenty of ripe and full of berry fruits. Drink from 2017. The blend includes 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.

null

85

25

Bordeaux

Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Les Hauts de Palette

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Les Hauts de Palette 2012 Côtes de Bordeaux

US

This shows what extended aging can do for a vintage sparkling wine, as it gives off delicate, ripe, mellow aromas like toasted baguette, honey, toasted almonds, white tea and apple cider. The mouthfeel is elegant and smooth, while the bubbles are soft and slow. Enjoy this before or after dinner now; it's at its aging peak.

Late Disgorged Brut Blanc de Blancs

94

95

California

North Coast

Chardonnay

Schramsberg

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Schramsberg 2004 Late Disgorged Brut Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay (North Coast)

US

Shows the weight, complexity and sheer deliciousness that this bottling almost always displays. Chardonnay fans will love the oaky, creamy flavors of pineapple tart, pear and lemon jam and buttered toast. The winemaker recommends pairing with black cod, and if you have a Chinese restaurant that makes a good version of this honey and soy inspired dish, it will be heaven.

null

92

26

California

Arroyo Grande Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Talley

null

US

Dry and crisp, this sparkler has spicy flavors of limes, pink grapefruit and spice, with a yeasty, fresh bread dough note. Good buy in a brut.

Brut

86

12

California

California Other

Sparkling Blend

Korbel

null

Portugal

This is a herbal, earthy wine with as many tannins as fruit at this stage. That gives it a dense, dusty texture that seeps into the ripe, sweet plum flavors. With the wood giving an extra push of richness as well as spice, it needs to age. Drink from 2017.

D. Fuas Reserva

89

7

Terras do Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Caves Velhas

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Caves Velhas 2013 D. Fuas Reserva Red (Terras do Dão)

Canada

Smooth and engaging, this offers classic varietal flavors in the context of a northern climate. Red licorice, coffee, tobacco, hemp and dried herbs are all in the mix, with some fruit leather and hints of violets.

null

90

38

British Columbia

Okanagan Valley

null

Syrah

Burrowing Owl

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Burrowing Owl 2013 Syrah (Okanagan Valley)

Australia

Smells and tastes like the fruit juice blends that kids drink—those mixes of peach, pear, apple, and other non-grape fruits. Add in an industrial-chalk note and you get a Shiraz that doesn't much taste like a Shiraz, or any red wine, for that matter.

Rams Leap

81

12

New South Wales

Mudgee

null

Shiraz

Canonbah Bridge

null

US

With a soft, silky mouthfeel and a great big burst of black pepper, this is a classic Sonoma Zin. It's ripe in blackberries and currants, with a briary taste of anise and wild chamomile. Good now with barbecue.

The Sophisticate

87

20

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Four Vines

null

Four Vines 2009 The Sophisticate Zinfandel (Sonoma County)

US

A pretty good price for a single-vineyard Chard from a great appellation. Unoaked, the wine is very crisp in acidity, with citrus, apricot and mineral flavors that finish dry and clean.

Cassidy Ranch

87

15

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Kopriva

null

US

Rather raw in the mouth, with a certain rustic nature. It is saved by rich tropical fruit, cashew and oaky flavors, and crisp, mouth-cleansing acidity.

Stampmaker's White Wine

85

18

California

Central Coast

White Blend

Concannon

null

France

This velvet-textured wine, smooth and soft, has power and density, but all the edges have already smoothed away, leaving sweet hedgerow berries, dark chocolate and mint.

Alter Ego de Château Palmer

89

null

Bordeaux

Margaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Palmer

null

France

Very pale onion skin-colored rosé. It has a rich character with its flavors of sweet strawberries and pink grapefruit. The aftertaste is light, soft, on the sweet side for a Brut.

Brut Rosé

87

60

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Pommery

null

US

Herb and barrel spice aromas are light, with a high-toned berry top note. The black-fruit flavors are smooth and sultry. You want more from the aromas but the flavors quickly compensate.

The Huntsman

89

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ross Andrew

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Ross Andrew 2013 The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Classic Gewürztraminer aromas of fresh lychee, pink grapefruit and roses abound on Dr. Frank's lovely bargain Salmon Run. Although full bodied with a plush, broad profile, it's spritzed with a gentle lemon acidity and bitter lime pith and rose potpourri finish. Would pair beautifully with spicy, herbacious Thai dishes, but might be hard to resist savoring on its own.

Salmon Run

87

12

New York

Finger Lakes

Gewürztraminer

Dr. Konstantin Frank

null

Chile

Apple and citrus aromas are accented by a floral hint of bath soap. This is a mid-level Chardonnay that's unexciting but not bad. Melon and pear flavors are low on oak and devoid of complexity.

Reserva

85

13

Maule Valley

null

Chardonnay

Alto Los Romeros

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alto Los Romeros 2015 Reserva Chardonnay (Maule Valley)

Chile

While the nose on this sweetie isn't deep, it's lush, inviting and peachy as they come. The palate feels fresh and straightforward, and the flavor profile blends tropical fruit flavors with spice and honey accents. Overall this seems natural, easygoing and expressive.

Late Harvest

90

27

Curicó Valley

null

Gewürztraminer

Montes

null

Germany

Intensely herbaceous notes of fresh green leaves and stems add briskness to crisp red-plum and cherry flavors in this full bodied, yet keenly balanced wine. Wisps of violet on the palate and soft, furry tannins lend it an elegant feel.

Neipperger Schlossberg

87

51

Württemberg

null

Spätburgunder

Grafen Neipperg

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Grafen Neipperg 2009 Neipperger Schlossberg Spätburgunder (Württemberg)

US

A little thin in fruit, with modest citrus and melon flavors encased in proper acidity, with a touch of oak. Picks up steam on the finish, but could use a bit more concentration.

Spectrum Reserve

85

16

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

DeLorimier

null

France

91–93. Barrel sample. This is a rich and soft wine made predominantly from Merlot. The wine has good depth of flavor with fresh black currants and soft tannins.

Carruades de Lafite Barrel Sample

92

null

Bordeaux

Pauillac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Lafite Rothschild

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Lafite Rothschild 2012 Carruades de Lafite Barrel Sample (Pauillac)

Italy

This is characterized by distinctive notes of red cherry cola, root beer, chopped garden herb and toasted vanilla bean. The wine offers chewy tannins and vibrant fruit tones that are pure and intact. Drink this wine with wild boar or rabbit.

Tosco

90

30

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Villa Poggio Salvi

null

Spain

A holdover from 1999, this varietal single-vineyard Cabernet offers tree bark, molasses and prune on the nose, while the palate has raspberry flavors sitting front and center, with drying tannins in support. It's a woody and grabby wine, with vanilla notes toward the end. And at eight years old, it doesn't appear as though it will improve beyond where it's at now. So drink soon.

Vinya La Scala Gran Reserva

86

55

Catalonia

Penedès

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pago Jean Leon

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pago Jean Leon 1999 Vinya La Scala Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Penedès)

US

A Rhône blend that will, in future vintages, not be varietally named, this is far from a standard Washington Syrah. It's threaded beautifully with nuances of fruit and spice from the Viognier coferment, Grenache and Mourvèdre that are included. Aromatic, spicy and weaving together chocolate, licorice, granite, roasted meat and berry flavors, it is both substantial and forward.

null

92

20

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Tulpen

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Tulpen 2007 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

In common with some other Muscadet producers, Sauvion labels cuvees by the soil type of the vineyard. Here the soil is of rocks and clay, giving a wine that has some weight and richness, but also has a tense mineral streak and green apple fruit flavors.

Château du Cléray Réserve Silico Argileux

89

null

Loire Valley

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

null

Melon

Sauvion

null

US

Spicy in a complexity of ginger and vanilla-kissed oak, this wine is made from 15-year-old Wente selection vines. Layered in lemon, lime and green apple, it features a slab of tropical pineapple on the finish. Buttery dishes will pair well.

Wildwood Vineyard

87

30

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Kunde

null

US

Mulberry, wet rock and sagebrush show on the nose of this single vineyard bottling from a site owned by the Hahn family. The palate is tangy at first, revealing dark red fruit with a smoky kick as it opens, backed by hints of juniper and dust.

Doctor's Vineyard

91

67

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Testarossa

null

US

From a single vineyard on Snipes Mountain, this is a forceful, dark and liquorous version of Harrison Hill, which often carries more herbal accents. Here it's fruity and floral, with scents of rose petals and concentrated raspberry and cassis. Still young and showing its alcohol, it needs some hours of decanting.

Harrison Hill

90

75

Washington

Snipes Mountain

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

DeLille

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

DeLille 2007 Harrison Hill Red (Snipes Mountain)

Italy

Interesting and well structured, this can age a few years or more. Aromas of honey, stone fruit and butterscotch candy give this wine a sophisticated edge.

null

88

29

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Pinot Grigio

Villa Russiz

null

France

A white currant-flavored wine with soft but fresh acidity, layered with just a touch of spice. The wine is fruity, juicy, an easy drink as an aperitif or with fish.

null

84

9

Southwest France

Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne

null

Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine de Ballade

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Ballade 2007 Colombard-Sauvignon Blanc (Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne)

France

As rich and intense as the same producer's Non Vintage Brut, this is a ripe finely textured wine, its acidity giving great freshness to the red berry fruits. Grand Cru vineyards speak tellingly.

Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Rosé

90

45

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

P. Louis Martini

Roger Voss

@vossroger

P. Louis Martini NV Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Rosé (Champagne)

France

This powerful, perfumed wine shows as much structure as fruit. That gives it a strong presence, solid and dense. Its black plum and damson fruits have richness, spice and intense acidity. With the dark tannins, the wine will certainly age. Drink from 2018.

null

92

55

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Brown

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Brown 2011 Pessac-Léognan

Italy

Aromas of scorched earth, game, burned rubber and a funky whiff of barnyard waft out of the glass and carry over to the dense palate along with raisin, fig, licorice and a gamy note. It's rustic and extremely evolved with an abrupt, bitter finish.

Vigna Campo del Gatto

84

30

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Costa di Bussia

null

Argentina

On the nose, this smells of burnt oak, raisin and ultraripe cherry. The palate is compact and heavy, with chewy density. Baked, rooty flavors of cola, prune and chocolaty oak finish with thick, candied berry residuals.

null

88

16

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Durigutti

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Durigutti 2015 Malbec (Mendoza)

France

This wine is refreshing, its red fruit juice laced with acidity and a touch of herbs. Easy and light to drink.

Cuvée Victoria

85

16

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Andrieux & Fils

null

Australia

New to the American market, and worthy of a splashy debut. Plum fruit is deep and muscular on the nose, while the palate offers lifted berry flavors along with softer, more plush plums. Juicy and well structured, and probably not unlike your other favorite big South Australian Shirazes.

The Soloist

91

40

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz

Coriole

null

South Africa

A nose of herbs, kiwi, smoke and minerals gives this white an intriguing start. On the palate, it's crisp and clean, with flavors of tropical fruit, herbs and spice unfolding over a minerally backbone. Ageable and terroir driven.

null

87

30

Constantia

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Constantia Glen

null

Italy

Aromas of chocolate, mocha and raisin lead the nose. The lean palate shows prune steeped in spirits, toast and a hint of cocoa alongside brisk acidity and raspy, almost gritty tannins that give this a rough finish.

null

86

45

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

460 Casina Bric

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

460 Casina Bric 2011 Barolo

Italy

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo, this ripe red wine from Southern Italy opens with pungent aromas of Band Aid and rubber. Give it a little time and you will find more compelling aromas of rhubarb, sweet spice and cherry.

Tenuta Albrizzi

83

17

Southern Italy

Salento

null

Red Blend

Cantine Due Palme

null

Chile

Earthy plum and berry aromas come with hints of rubber and animal. This is a saturated chewy dark Malbec with salty blackberry and savory oak flavors. A spicy blackened well-oaked finish is balanced and healthy.

Elegido Gran Reserva

88

18

Colchagua Valley

null

Malbec

Valle Hermoso

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Valle Hermoso 2014 Elegido Gran Reserva Malbec (Colchagua Valley)

France

This is a beautifully fresh wine, very crisp and deliciously fruity. With attractive lemon and grapefruit flavors that are given a richer character by ripe apples, it's fragrant, lightly spicy and ready to drink.

La Grande Réserve du Moulin Sur Lie

89

16

Loire Valley

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

null

Melon

Gadais Père et Fils

null

Italy

From one of the most celebrated Barolo crus, this small case production wine is tonic and buoyant and has a vertical delivery of wild berry, cherry cola, almond paste, Spanish cedar, licorice and espresso aromas. The mouthfeel is supple and round with a velvety feel. Drink after 2015.

Cannubi

92

147

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Gianni Gagliardo

null

Australia

This wine may lack the dramatic power of its top-flight brethren, but it still satisfies, delivering reasonably complex notes of cherries, rhubarb and olive carried by silky tannins and moderate alcohol. Drink this terrific value over the next year or two.

null

89

12

South Australia

null

Shiraz

Milton Park

null

Italy

This wine announces its modern intentions with polished opening notes of vanilla, caramel and coffee from aging in small French oak barrels. The intense palate shows cherry and boysenberry fruit which lead into a long, very complex finish. Will gain more complexity with a few years in the cellar but may be drunk now for the appeal of its youthful fruit.

null

90

21

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Pio Cesare

null

US

From a cool site overlooking the ocean in Occidental, this is a feral, earthy wine, with a nose of garden patch, black tea and orange. Juicy at its core, it's structured in smooth tannin. Hints of new oak provide pleasant accents without overburdening the herbal and fruity core.

English Hill

90

48

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

The Withers Winery

Virginie Boone

@vboone

The Withers Winery 2014 English Hill Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Austria

Tender, friendly hints of juicy pear beckon. The palate follows with more oomph and lots of lemon freshness. There is a lovely textural element to the crisp midpalate and edges of peppery herbs everywhere that haunt you long after the lip-smacking finish.

Lion

90

24

Niederösterreich

null

Grüner Veltliner

Sohm & Kracher

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Sohm & Kracher 2015 Lion Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)

Spain

A standard but solid Tempranillo is what you're looking at. The nose pushes red fruit and some American oak aromas like pickle and dill. The feel is fresh and young, but also a little fleshy and substantive. Finishes friendly and smooth.

null

85

10

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Darien

null