spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	While this wine allows plenty of room for ripe voluptuousness, it opens in a light, sublime sense of green apple and lime zest, with a nice tension of acidity on the balanced palate. A slight hint of ginger and lemongrass tease in the background.	null	91	28	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Ektimo Vineyards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Ektimo Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
US	The somewhat light red-purple color does not mean that this medium-bodied wine lacks flavor. Toasty, smoky, caramel aromas from oak carry over to the bold and almost sweet flavors, powering over moderate raspberry and plum undertones.	null	88	12	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Zinfandel	Castle Rock	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Castle Rock 2012 Zinfandel (Lodi)
US	Aromas are light, with notes of matchstick, herb and cherry. The cherry and plum flavors are sweet and generous, providing easy-drinking appeal.	Limited Release Kentucky Derby	87	12	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	14 Hands	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	14 Hands 2014 Limited Release Kentucky Derby Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	This shows obvious toasted oak aromas along with notes of black fruit. The palate offers oak-driven flavors of chocolate, espresso and vanilla that spice up the dark berry core, along with bracing yet round tannins.	Clemente VII	87	22	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Castelli del Grevepesa	null	null	null
Spain	Have you ever tried varietal Baboso Negro from the island of Tenerife? Give it a shot and you'll likely be impressed, as I was. Cherry and plum aromas are in the red zone, while this wine feels crisp and fresh, with edge. Salty raspberry and plum flavors end with racy snap. This is a versatile and elegant food wine; drink through 2020.	Los Pasitos	92	45	Spanish Islands	null	null	Babosa Negro	Suertes del Marqués	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Suertes del Marqués 2015 Los Pasitos Babosa Negro
France	The blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat allows this wine to be released young and for the tannins to be accessible. It's young and fresh, Nouveau in its style, going for bright berry fruits and lively acidity.	Magenta	86	11	Southwest France	Madiran	null	Tannat-Cabernet	Château Peyros	null	null	null
US	Way too oaky. Like drinking toothpicks, with its charred, wood flavors and oak tannins. The wine is dry and the underlying blackberry and cherry sour candy fruit is just fine, but the oak dominance makes you wonder if the wine will ever age.	Franklin Vineyard	86	75	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Rutherford Ranch	null	null	null
US	Easy drinking Zin, with good flavors of wild berries and spices wrapped in a creamy texture. Even though the wine is fully dry, it has a softness, almost a butteriness, that is almost sweet. Turns real long on the finish, with a ripe fruitiness that lasts.	Old Vines	88	28	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Zinfandel	Ledson	null	null	null
Italy	This is a classically crafted wine made by one of Montepulciano's most historic estates. It has an alluring bouquet of violet, rose petal, cassis and nutmeg. The palate delivers an intense wild-cherry flavor layered with white pepper and cinnamon, all impeccably balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Caffo Beverages Inc, Kiwi Distributing.	null	94	29	Tuscany	Vino Nobile di Montepulciano	null	Red Blend	Contucci	null	null	null
South Africa	Here's a fresh and attractive unoaked Chardonnay with vibrant flavors of pear, sweet clementine, yellow florals and crunchy peach. There's an impression of effervescence from the forward acidity, and the finish is long but remarkably crisp.	Sans Barrique	87	21	Walker Bay	null	null	Chardonnay	Bouchard Finlayson	null	null	null
US	No fruit sources are cited, but the vintage and the herbal undertones suggest Yakima Valley grapes. It's a well-crafted wine that softens the tannins enough to give the shy red fruit a chance to shine. Pale cherry flavors are balanced against the acids and tannins; with no tricks or frills.	null	86	11	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Castle Rock	null	null	null
Germany	A Riesling with an enticing nose of honeysuckle and other summer blossoms, stone fruit and focused stony minerality. There's a wonderfully taut palate, fantastically racy and refreshing, with layers of persistent flavor intensity. The minerality stays with you all the way to a very long lingering finish.	Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett	92	null	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Joh. Jos. Prüm	null	null	null
Chile	A clean, basic red wine that's focused on standard berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Fresh but simple, with limited raspberry and cherry flavors along with a touch of vanilla. Competent but entirely regular.	120	84	8	Central Valley	null	null	Merlot	Santa Rita	null	null	null
US	Occupying the bottom rung (in terms of cost) of the Columbia Crest ladder, Two Vines wines are generally light, quite clean and simple, with a minimum exposure to oak. This fits the mold, with flavors of strawberry chews and cotton candy. The tannins are also light and herbal, with an earthy, pleasantly leafy finish.	Two Vines	85	8	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Columbia Crest	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Columbia Crest 2005 Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	There's a sweet element to the nose of this beautiful Sicilian rosé that recalls raspberry and almond marzipan. The wine glides clean over the plate with easy freshness and leaves small berry nuances on the close.	La Bambina	86	15	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Rosé	Cantine Barbera	null	null	null
US	Good concentration and a classic Oregon Pinot mix of herb and fruit characterize this winning effort. Dried herb, thistle, berry, cherry and a Dr. Pepper streak are all in the mix, with hints of earth and stem.	Estate	89	28	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Blakeslee	null	null	null
US	Inky dark and compressed, this is a concentrated expression of juicy black fruit and licorice. With sizable, powerful tannin, it needs time to decompress, a leathery texture requiring patience to soften. Cellar through 2020.	null	90	90	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Covenant	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Covenant 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Italy	Not very expressive, but this wine's fragrance does reveal delicate aromas of rose and berry, which carry over to the palate. It doesn't have quite enough fruit richness to support the vigorous, almost aggressive, bubbles and drying finish.	Essence Rosé	86	32	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Sparkling Blend	Antica Fratta	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Antica Fratta 2009 Essence Rosé Sparkling (Franciacorta)
Germany	Ripe, juicy flavors of pink grapefruit and peach are accented by sprightly hints of lemon and cherry blossom in this moderately sweet, delicate Riesling. A shock of lemon-lime acidity and a zesty mineral tone lingers long on the finish.	Spätlese	91	31	Rheingau	null	null	Riesling	Schloss Vollrads	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Schloss Vollrads 2012 Spätlese Riesling (Rheingau)
US	A finish of sugary sweetness marks this Chard. It was grown in prime coastal regions, which accounts for the crisp acidity and long hangtime flavors of pineapples, green apples, Meyer lemons, kiwi fruit and spicy oak.	Vintner's Reserve	85	12	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Kendall-Jackson	null	null	null
Argentina	Rubbery and murky on the nose, with acid-propelled red-fruit flavors that are at once generic but also sharp-edged. Throughout this it's an angular wine with boldness but not much levity. Can't see it capturing much of a crowd at $30.	null	83	30	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Oyikil	null	null	null
France	A big step up from Jaboulet's La Petite Chapelle, this is on a par with some of Jaboulet's past efforts. It's richly concentrated, yet nuanced, with notes of blood and mineral added to ripe cassis fruit and accented by hints of vanilla and spice. The tannins form an almost creamy texture in the mouth, and the finish lingers a good long time. Drink 2012–2025.	La Chapelle	93	215	Rhône Valley	Hermitage	null	Syrah	Paul Jaboulet Aîné	null	null	null
Portugal	Not many wines come from Bucelas today, as its vineyards get eaten up by the northern Lisbon suburbs. This Arinto-based wine suggests there should be some more of this ultra-crisp white, which bears a passing resemblance to a Vinho Verde in its super-fresh apple and grapefruit flavors.	Prova Régia	87	10	Bucelas	null	null	Arinto	Companhia das Quintas	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Companhia das Quintas 2007 Prova Régia Arinto (Bucelas)
US	Aromas of yellow apple, Bosc pear and melon lead to a textured, flavorful palate and a finish that lingers. It's a spot-on example of the variety and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.	null	88	12	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Charles & Charles	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Charles & Charles 2015 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	Delicate aromas suggesting chopped herb, star anise, new leather and a whiff of blue flower slowly emerge in the glass. The taut, ethereal palate shows sour cherry, raw strawberry, licorice and white pepper notes hemmed in by firm acidity and youthful tannins. Drink 2023–2030.	Monvigliero	90	49	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Sordo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Sordo 2013 Monvigliero (Barolo)
France	Soft notes of russet pear peel and peach contract into a tight, refreshing, lemony citrus structure. Some residual carbon dioxide underlines the freshness with a tiny bit of spritz. This is pure, clean-cut, fresh Riesling for immediate drinking and total refreshment.	null	90	26	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Zind-Humbrecht	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2013 Riesling (Alsace)
Spain	Deep and secure on the nose, with richness and a strong whiff of fresh leather. The palate is serious as it deals black fruit and spice. Chocolate and rugged tannins carry the hard, almost grabby finish. A power¬ful but approachable blend.	El Miracle 120	86	10	Levante	Valencia	null	Tempranillo Blend	Vicente Gandia	null	null	null
France	Soft, with fat flavors that fill out in the glass. This has a crisp edge to it, though, hinting at mineral, while keeping the ripe pear flavors. The aftertaste shows some of the characteristic Chenin Blanc nuttiness.	null	87	12	Loire Valley	Touraine Mesland	null	Chenin Blanc-Chardonnay	Château Gaillard	null	null	null
US	A standout amid a number of excellent red wines from winemaker Anthony Nappa, this unoaked Cabernet Franc (made with indigenous yeast) shines a spotlight on Cabernet Franc's raw, somewhat vulnerable expression. It's unabashedly herbal and green, almost minty, yet simultaneously luscious and berried in flavor. It's fleshy in its suppleness, yet elegantly framed within a structure of taut tannins and acidity.	Bordo	92	20	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Cabernet Franc	Anthony Nappa	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Anthony Nappa 2014 Bordo Cabernet Franc (North Fork of Long Island)
US	This best-of-barrels blend shows the powerful tannins and dryness that mark all of Turnbull's 2009 Cabernets. It's a huge wine, powerful and concentrated in blackberries, black currants and sweet dark chocolate, with notes of spices on the long, dry finish. Drink it now, with the best beef entrée you can find. It should slowly develop bottle-age characteristics over the next 8–10 years, at a minimum.	Estate Grown Black Label	95	100	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Turnbull	null	null	null
Austria	A lovely, lively, brittle wine, its delicate fruit flavors featherlight over the palate. The structure is here, but the acidity and the green, perfumed fruits are more dominant. The aftertaste is bright and fresh.	Vom Stein Trocken	88	40	Wachau	null	null	Riesling	Nikolaihof	null	null	null
US	This is Walla Walla Vintners' signature wine, and it is a classic: rich and oaky, sculpted but also chewy, with big cherry and baking chocolate flavors. There is an unusual flavor streak running through that tastes a bit like Thanksgiving turkey, believe it or not, but it's good. Tannins are polished and the toffee and chocolate finish ends things on a sweet and creamy note.	null	91	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Franc	Walla Walla Vintners	null	null	null
France	This Soussans estate has produced a well-structured 2001, filled with black fruit, underscored by tannins. It has flavors of spice, some herbs and dark, dry tastes. The layers of wood are there, but do not dominate.	null	87	null	Bordeaux	Margaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Deyrem Valentin	null	null	null
US	This feels over-cropped, dilute, with more than a little tomato leaf and vegetable among its rather delicate scents and flavors. In this price range, from this excellent vintage, you might expect more ripeness and concentration. It's perfectly pleasant, but drinks like a village wine, not a premier cru.	Olson Estate Vineyard	87	55	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Torii Mor	null	null	null
France	Heavy-handed Champagne, and rather overblown. The fruit has flavors of ripe apples, with strong hints of sweetness from the dosage.	Orgueil de France Brut	83	100	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Charles Lafitte	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Charles Lafitte 1989 Orgueil de France Brut (Champagne)
New Zealand	A tribute to the family's Austrian heritage, this oddity—it's made from Zweigelt—features perfumed strawberry fruit, crisp acidity and soft tannins. Drink now. Imported by Robert Whale Selections Inc.	Sylvia	86	null	Nelson	null	null	Zweigelt	Seifried	null	null	null
US	Coming in at 159g/L residual sugar, this wine is über-aromatic, with notes of dried apricot, pineapple, flowers, and honey, showing layer of complexity. Given the richness of the aromas, the palate is surprisingly deft and light on its feet, displaying a lot of grace and detail to the sugary-sweet flavors.	Botrytis Single Berry Select Late Harvest	91	30	Idaho	null	null	Riesling	Koenig Vineyards	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Koenig Vineyards 2014 Botrytis Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling
Chile	While this smells a touch green and scratchy, there's enough berry and plum to the nose to get it going in a good way. Fresh and medium-bodied, this tastes of medicinal cherry and plum along with herbs. The finish tastes similar.	Vitral	87	13	Chile	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Viña Maipo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Maipo 2014 Vitral Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
US	This is one of the best Bordeaux-style blends Wellington has ever produced. Although it still has plenty of life ahead, perhaps as much as 10 more years, its soft tannins and sweet black-currant flavor make it drinkable now. Only 471 cases were produced, but it's worth the hunt.	Victory Reserve	94	60	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Meritage	Wellington	null	null	null
US	Crushed herbs, a whiff of barrel smoke and rustic elderberry aromas arise on this nose of this wine. There are plenty of dark elements to the palate, from bittersweet chocolate, black cherries and blackberries to charred beef and dried anise, all held together by sticky tannins.	Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyards 4-Block Blend	87	29	California	South Coast	South Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	South Coast	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	South Coast 2012 Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyards 4-Block Blend Cabernet Sauvignon (South Coast)
US	Impressive from start to the very long finish, and even better than the splendid '06. Rich and full-bodied, this Bordeaux blend is marked by soft, sweet tannins and concentrated, oak-infused flavors of blackberries, black currants and chocolate, with complexing notes of olives and smoked meats. Should develop for up to a decade.	Alden Perry Reserve	94	55	California	Mount Veeder	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Yates Family Vineyard	null	null	null
Italy	Fabiano's newest Ripasso opens with bright cherry aromas followed by spice, clove, black pepper and pressed rose petal. The wine boasts a soft, steady feel in the mouth and relatively smooth texture overall.	null	88	null	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Fabiano	null	null	Fabiano 2008 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso
France	From sandy soil full of iron oxide, this blend of a range of Southwest grapes comes from a vineyard close to the Atlantic coast. It is a delicious fruity wine with lively acidity, green-fruit and citrus flavors plus a juicy zesty aftertaste. Drink this refreshing wine now.	Sables Fauves	86	12	Southwest France	Landes	null	White Blend	Domaine de Laballe	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Laballe 2016 Sables Fauves White (Landes)
France	This dark-colored wine is firm and marked by sweet fruit flavors. It has a hint of banana that accompanies its red fruit flavors, which sit awkwardly with the dense texture. Already mature, the wine has a ripe, soft finish.	Sélection	87	null	Beaujolais	Moulin-à-Vent	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
US	Lightly minty and peachy in aroma, this wine also delivers rich butter, vanilla and pear flavors and a smooth texture on the palate. A butterscotch note lingers on the finish.	Morning Fog	89	15	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Wente	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Wente 2015 Morning Fog Chardonnay (Livermore Valley)
France	This wine is light for its appellation and year, but fresh and packed with raspberry and black plum flavors alongside very present acidity. Currently, the tannins are hard edged, bitter, needing time to soften out.	null	89	null	Burgundy	Echézeaux	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine François Lamarche	null	null	null
Chile	This is a dark, concentrated blend with minty oak, lactic aromas, boysenberry and blackberry on the bouquet. The palate is muscular and clampy, with resiny, oak-based grab to go with full tannins. Flavors of boyseberry, chocolate, toast and oak end in a warm, oaky finish. Drink now through 2016.	Antu Mountain Vineyard	89	19	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère	Ninquén	null	null	null
US	Just-plucked blueberry, cedar and fermenting-grape aromas show on the dusty nose of this dark and heavy bottling. Boysenberry, turned earth and coffee beans show on the palate that is framed by chalky tannins, finishing on a touch of vanilla.	Synnove	87	44	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Petit Verdot	Midnight	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Midnight 2012 Synnove Petit Verdot (Paso Robles)
Italy	This wine gives the impression of having been pushed just a bit too far, with a nose and palate dominated by vanilla and mocha notes imparted by small oak barrels. Nonetheless, black cherry and strawberry flavors manage to peek through on the palate, supporte by a cushion of lush tannins. A bright cherry note makes for a nice finish.	Ciabot Camerano	86	20	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Marcarini	null	null	null
Austria	Properly rustic, this has firm and dry tannins, a powerful structure to go with the wood aging and black plum flavor. It has pepper, spice and toast notes, with layers of acidity. The finish is very dry and firm. Screwcap.	Reserve	90	43	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Gunter Triebaumer	null	null	null
US	Rustic, harsh, a little unripe, the wine is thankfully dry and low in alcohol, and is certainly affordable, but that's not enough. It lacks fruit, charm and drinkability.	null	81	10	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Renwood	null	null	null
Turkey	Deep ruby in the glass, it offers aromas of black cherry and butterscotch. Smooth, seamless tannins encase flavors of black cherry, cherry cola, herbes du Provence and orange zest. The well-integrated flavors hold on through the smooth finish, which is punctuated by a closing burst of mint.	Prestige	90	40	Ankara	null	null	Kalecik Karasi	Kavaklidere	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Kavaklidere 2009 Prestige Kalecik Karasi (Ankara)
US	Winemaker Steve Law hails from Scotland and honors his heritage with a nod to his “thirsty neighbors,” who will only gain further thirst after enjoying this Syrah. Pure to Law's cool-climate winemaking sensibilities, this offers a leathery tribute to peppery spice and bright fruit.	Drouthy Neebors	93	35	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Syrah	MacLaren	Virginie Boone	@vboone	MacLaren 2011 Drouthy Neebors Syrah (Sonoma County)
US	From the renowned vineyard's F Block comes a wine with plump wild berries, pencil lead and juniper on a tightly woven nose. Certain to last for years and evolve steadily over that time, the palate now shows lavender, elderberry, elderflower, cranberry essence and a touch of black tea. Drink 2018–2028.	Bien Nacido Vineyard	90	55	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Fess Parker	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Fess Parker 2013 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
US	This is a tiny production wine, nutty on the nose in almond paste and an intensity of forest floor and earth. Still gritty in its youth, it shows a soft and delicate nature at its core, accented in rose petal and a persistent streak of minerality complemented by a richness of deep dark red cherry.	Precioso	91	75	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Keller	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Keller 2014 Precioso Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Fox Run's Meritage highlights Merlot's rich, ripe black cherry flavor with Cabernet's taut acidity and herbaceous flair. It's rigidly tannic still, but should mature elegantly over the next 3–5 years.	null	88	40	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Meritage	Fox Run	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Fox Run 2010 Meritage (Finger Lakes)
US	This has the look and feel of a fine white Burgundy, with expressive acidity, pinpointed oak, rich creaminess and a certain stony minerality. Yet the fruit is pure California, tropical and succulent. The wine is from the Pisoni family.	null	90	40	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Lucia	null	null	null
Spain	The first whiff of this Rioja is full of oaky char, shoe polish, raw leather and can't-miss wood resin. With airing the nose cedes chocolate and berry scents. This is plump, chewy and a touch resiny feeling on the palate, with baked berry, savory notes, grilled meat flavors and saltiness. A roasted, rubbery finish is apropos.	Belezos	87	14	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Zugober	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Zugober 2010 Belezos (Rioja)
Spain	Ripe, dark, a little oily and totally compelling from an aromatic standpoint. The palate is right where it should be, as neither the tannins nor the acidity are out of whack. Boysenberry, blackberry and plum flavors carry an herbal touch, and the finish is layered, with a lasting impression of coffee.	Reserva	90	32	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo Blend	Conde de Siruela	null	null	null
France	Showing the structure of Gevrey-Chambertin and the ripe fruit of the 2009 vintage, this bottling is immediately opulent and seductive. With its red plum flavor and balanced tannins and acids, this is a solid wine to drink now.	null	90	50	Burgundy	Gevrey-Chambertin	null	Pinot Noir	Jaffelin	null	null	null
US	This wine blends all 12 clones of Pinot Noir grown on the property, to tremendous effect. Sanguine, it traffics in pretty pomegranate and cranberry, with a quenching taste of kirsch-like cherry. Lightly spiced, it delivers an end note of milk chocolate on the lengthy finish, a stellar, drinkable wine from start to finish.	Wayfarer Vineyard Estate Grown	94	90	California	Fort Ross-Seaview	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Wayfarer	null	null	null
Italy	Jèma (a 100% expression of Corvina, one of the main grapes used in Amarone) is a new wine from the folks at Cesari that offers oak-driven notes of spice and sweet tobacco backed by blackberry, cassis and plum. In the mouth, the wine shows an elegant, almost delicate side.	Jèma	90	49	Veneto	Veronese	null	Corvina	Cesari	null	null	Cesari 2005 Jèma Corvina (Veronese)
France	A perfumed, aromatic wine, dry yet full of fresh, fragrant white fruit flavors. A steely edge is followed by hints of currants and a complex, still-youthful texture. Drink from 2015.	Osterberg Grand Cru	91	38	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Cave de Ribeauvillé	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Cave de Ribeauvillé 2010 Osterberg Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace)
Italy	Here's a beautiful expression of Barolo with finely textured tannins, bright acidity, drying talc powder or mineral notes and tons of fresh berry and cherry intensity. This is a particularly refined and elegant wine that, when aged a few more years in the bottle, will pair with veal, pork or beef.	Serralunga	92	48	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Palladino	null	null	null
South Africa	There's a nice herbal earthiness here, giving a rustic and intriguing feel to this otherwise ripe, dark-fruit-dominant wine. Black plum, cherry and berry fill the midpalate, while tobacco and pepper spice take center stage on the finish. Approachable and lively now with good balance and soft tannins.	Silkbush Mountain Vineyards	88	15	Breedekloof	null	null	Pinotage	Lions Drift	null	null	null
Germany	Whiffs of smoke, spice and nut oil add an alluring maturity to this Riesling. The palate is gorgeously fruity, with loads of concentrated sweet peach, dried apricot and honey flavors, but it's honed and steely, with a long laser-beam finish.	Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese	90	25	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	S.A. Prüm	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	S.A. Prüm 2010 Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)
Italy	This opens with subdued aromas of menthol, dried herb and spiced plum. The palate is rather evolved, offering dried cherry, coffee, clove and a hint of black tea framed in close-grained tannins that grip the finish. Drink sooner rather than later to capture what fruit remains.	Riserva	86	48	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	Stomennano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Stomennano 2009 Riserva (Chianti Classico)
France	A wine relatively high in red-currant-like acidity. It does have a rustic side to it, although the fruit has potential richness and should come through in 2–3 years.	La Perrière	87	null	Burgundy	Mercurey	null	Pinot Noir	Roux Père et Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Roux Père et Fils 2010 La Perrière (Mercurey)
Italy	This opens with intense aromas of cherry liqueur and black licorice. It shows great purity and freshness with subtle but firm tannins on the finish.	Bricco Medica	88	48	Piedmont	Roero	null	Nebbiolo	Cascina Val del Prete	null	null	null
US	Quite yellow in color, nearing orange, this oxidative-style wine shows quinine, walnuts and preserved lemons on the very concentrated, oily nose. The texture is sticky, with flavors of seared lemons and orange oil, yet it retains a lime-skin liveliness. It's quite an interesting bottling for fans of the style.	Sierra Mar Vineyard	88	40	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Bernardus	null	null	null
US	Enormously ripe, with jammy blackberry, cherry, plum, mocha and peppery spice flavors that finish dry. Feels heavy and soft in the mouth, and could use greater elegance and brightness.	Keefer Ranch Vineyard	86	48	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	A.P. Vin	null	null	A.P. Vin 2007 Keefer Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
France	While Colombo's Les Abeilles is a more traditional Rhône blend, this offering marries 70% Viognier with 30% Roussanne. The result is a medium-bodied wine hinting at honeyed peaches and tinged with anise that seems to be on a fast-developing course. Drink it over the next several months.	La Redonne	86	17	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Jean-Luc Colombo	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Jean-Luc Colombo 2008 La Redonne White (Côtes du Rhône)
US	This is an enticingly fragrant wine with notes of pear and melon. It drinks off dry with sweet fruit flavors that linger on the finish.	null	87	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chenin Blanc	Kyra	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Kyra 2013 Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	There is fine acidity here, black currant fruit and firm tannins. The combination works well, giving fruitiness and structure. The result is a wine with aging potential, freshness and an attractive, juicy aftertaste.	Château Dubory	88	17	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Supérieur	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Chateau de Launay	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Chateau de Launay 2011 Château Dubory (Bordeaux Supérieur)
US	A crisp bouquet of orange zest marks the opening of this wine, an unexpected twist to the narrative of dried cranberry, blackberry and cloves. On the palate, this full-bodied wine offers ample weight and richness, before a wealth of dry tannins feature on the finish.	Double Lariat Limited Production	92	45	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Jamieson Ranch	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Jamieson Ranch 2013 Double Lariat Limited Production Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	This comes from the oldest estate vineyard, now reaching full maturity. Tart citrus flavors underscore pretty strawberry, drifting into a hint of well-ripened preserves. There's a light touch with the new oak, keeping the wine in perfect balance. Drink now through 2020.	Côte Sud Vineyard	91	85	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Domaine Serene	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Domaine Serene 2011 Côte Sud Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
Spain	In this heavy wine, stewy, baked aromas of raisin and prune are smothered in oak. On the palate, there's a reverb of oak and baked black-fruit flavors, while the finish feels and tastes resiny.	null	85	16	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Maitea	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Maitea 2014 Ribera del Duero
Italy	Enticing and very feminine, here is a wine with deeply fragrant floral tones of violet, lilac and jasmine. Firm but yielding with crisp acidity and impressive length. Pair with lamb with mint sauce.	St. Valentin	90	50	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Nero	Cantina Produttori San Michele Appiano	null	null	null
Germany	Initial aromas of smoke and earth dissipate to reveal scents of rich, honeyed peaches and spice. The palate is bright and sweet with ripe, juicy stonefruit and preserved quince, accented by hints of fresh herbs and ramps. An unusual harmony of sweet and savory, it finishes long and complex.	Abstberg Spätlese	89	40	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Maximin Grünhäuser	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Maximin Grünhäuser 2011 Abstberg Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)
US	A little heavy, thick and jammy, like melted blackberry jelly mixed with alcohol. Okay with pizza, burgers and such.	null	83	18	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Kunde	null	null	Kunde 2005 Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
Spain	Ripe and soft on the nose, this blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah is so easygoing that it lacks pop up front. Plump and fruity on the palate, this is low on structure and acidity. Jammy raspberry and strawberry flavors end in friendly fashion, but with low definition. Drink now.	Las Gravas	88	32	Levante	Jumilla	null	Red Blend	Casa Castillo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Casa Castillo 2012 Las Gravas Red (Jumilla)
US	Black as a moonless night, dense in structure, tannic, bone dry and super-peppery, this Syrah isn't offering much relief right now. In all likelihood it will emerge from its cocoon in a few years to offer a wealth of ripe blackberry, currant and carob fruit.	Jack London Vineyard	88	25	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Kenwood	null	null	null
Italy	This late-harvested Falanghina opens with intense aromas of fragrant white flowers punctuated by whiffs of mature stone fruit. The concentrated palate delivers dried apricot and candied citrus flavors, accented by aromatic herbs. It ends with a soft hazelnut nuance.	Cesco dell'Ermo	88	25	Southern Italy	Falanghina del Sannio	null	Falanghina	Cantina del Taburno	null	null	null
Italy	A 60-40 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, this easy-drinking and affordable wine offers a nice ensemble of cherry, cassis, spice and leather. Pair this wine with pasta alla norma (short pasta with fried eggplant and salty ricotta cheese).	Cuccaia	86	16	Tuscany	Montecucco	null	Red Blend	Piandibugnano	null	null	null
US	Blueberries and black cherries meet with rose petals, dark chocolate, brown spice and black tea on the nose of this bottling from a historic vineyard. The mouthfeel is soft with creamy tannins that grow grippier across the sip, showing cedar, black-cherry mousse, baking spice and a tinge of acidity.	null	89	20	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Merlot	Rancho Sisquoc	null	null	null
US	The Arcus estate vineyard includes plantings from 1973 and is easily the best wine made at Archery Summit. The fruit flavors weave together black cherry, fig and currant, beautifully integrated with the bacon fat notes from the new French oak. It's well-balanced and does not show the rough tannins that affect the rest of the lineup. This is a solid, somewhat blocky wine, substantial and delicious, and quite likely to improve over the next six to eight years.	Arcus Estate	90	85	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Archery Summit	null	null	null
US	Feels and tastes like a Chardonnay, with some smoky oak influences and a medium-weight body framing orange, pear, green apple, white flower and vanilla flavors. Delicious and easy to drink now.	null	88	26	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Blanc	Artesa	null	null	Artesa 2010 Pinot Blanc (Carneros)
Chile	This unusual combo of Malbec and Syrah starts with hickory and campfire aromas and then medicinality enters the picture. The palate is choppy and features many holes in the road, but there's also solid black fruit flavors along with cocoa and berry syrup on the finish. In addition, the acidity seems high.	null	84	13	Maule Valley	null	null	Malbec-Syrah	Las Lomas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Las Lomas 2007 Malbec-Syrah (Maule Valley)
Spain	A good effort from a weak vintage. This Bierzo has sweet, rich, fulfilling aromas along with a soothing palate that's not overly acidic. As a whole, the wine's cola and blackberry flavors show themselves nicely, while the finish is chocolaty and long. A good wine from a sketchy year.	null	87	13	Northern Spain	Bierzo	null	Mencía	Gotin	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Gotin 2007 Mencía (Bierzo)
Italy	Peach and pear notes vie with almond skin scents in the bouquet of this mainstream Pinot Grigio. It's medium-bodied and plump in the mouth, with pear and citrus flavors that yield a fresh, clean finish.	null	84	8	Northeastern Italy	Vigneti delle Dolomiti	null	Pinot Grigio	Mezzacorona	null	null	null
France	This ripe wine is firm, with a core of dry tannins. Over this are delicious, juicy red-berry fruit flavors and acidity. The wine is still softening out, with fruit coming forward. It will be ready to drink from 2017. The property has been in the family for six generations; Robert Filliatreau is the current owner. Wine is vinified by Châteaux Solidaires co-operative.	null	88	null	Bordeaux	Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Beaumont les Pierrières	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Beaumont les Pierrières 2012 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
France	This crisp, fresh wine is perfumed and fragrant, tasting of apples. It is light and already accessible, with a bright lemon-zest flavor, followed by a white fruit note and a delicious citrus character on the finish.	null	87	null	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Hugel	null	null	null
Argentina	Foxy, candied red-fruit aromas settle on raspberry. The palate is pushy and fiery, with medicinal berry flavors that taste sweet. Bright acidity makes the finish choppy.	Made with Organic Grapes	82	11	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Tempranillo	Santa Julia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Santa Julia 2013 Made with Organic Grapes Tempranillo (Mendoza)
Chile	Big and hefty to start with, offering roasted berry, leather and black olive aromas as well as a whiff of wet dog. The palate is full and soft, with sweet fruit, candied oak and minty, herbal flavors. Finishes spicy and a bit funky.	Estate Collection	85	9	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Viu Manent	null	null	null
France	Aromatic wine that shows fresh red berry fruits and a light texture. This is perfect apéritif material, its fruit bright and forward.	Arbaude	85	15	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Mas de Cadenet	null	null	null
Italy	Villa Puccini's Sangiovese (with 10% Merlot) offers a neutral nose with soft aromas of ripe cherry, prune, plum and spice. The wine's texture is supple and plush, making this a perfect choice for pizza or take-home dinners.	null	85	null	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Sangiovese	Villa Puccini	null	null	Villa Puccini 2005 Sangiovese (Toscana)
US	Like a bag of trail mix, this has scents of dried apple, walnut and toasted grain. Medium to full bodied, the mouthfeel is easy and pliant, with a broad orchard-fruit flavor. The acids pick up some vigor on the finish, giving the wine a lifted quality.	null	83	18	Virginia	Virginia	null	Chardonnay	Annefield Vineyards	null	null	Annefield Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay (Virginia)
France	A soft, rather soapy wine, it displays light fruits and gentle tannins. It is unfocused, with just some juicy aftertaste to give some interest.	null	84	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Bellevue	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Bellevue 2011 Bordeaux
France	Rich, complex and quite leesy, it has a mature aroma and texture to it—it’s almost thick and doughy. The fruit is in the orange and grapefruit range, with a bit of pear poking through. It’s a good idiosyncratic Champagne, but it may not be for everyone, as it definitely has a mature style all its own.	Special Cuvée Brut	89	45	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Bollinger	null	null	Bollinger NV Special Cuvée Brut (Champagne)
Italy	Tropical fruit and citrus lead the nose on this lively white. The palate offers passion fruit, nectarine zest and white peach alongside crisp acidity that gives a clean finish.	Grillo-Sauvignon	86	15	Sicily & Sardinia	Terre Siciliane	null	White Blend	Barone Montalto	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Barone Montalto 2013 Grillo-Sauvignon White (Terre Siciliane)

US

While this wine allows plenty of room for ripe voluptuousness, it opens in a light, sublime sense of green apple and lime zest, with a nice tension of acidity on the balanced palate. A slight hint of ginger and lemongrass tease in the background.

null

91

28

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Ektimo Vineyards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Ektimo Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

US

The somewhat light red-purple color does not mean that this medium-bodied wine lacks flavor. Toasty, smoky, caramel aromas from oak carry over to the bold and almost sweet flavors, powering over moderate raspberry and plum undertones.

null

88

12

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Zinfandel

Castle Rock

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Castle Rock 2012 Zinfandel (Lodi)

US

Aromas are light, with notes of matchstick, herb and cherry. The cherry and plum flavors are sweet and generous, providing easy-drinking appeal.

Limited Release Kentucky Derby

87

12

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

14 Hands

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

14 Hands 2014 Limited Release Kentucky Derby Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

This shows obvious toasted oak aromas along with notes of black fruit. The palate offers oak-driven flavors of chocolate, espresso and vanilla that spice up the dark berry core, along with bracing yet round tannins.

Clemente VII

87

22

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Castelli del Grevepesa

null

Spain

Have you ever tried varietal Baboso Negro from the island of Tenerife? Give it a shot and you'll likely be impressed, as I was. Cherry and plum aromas are in the red zone, while this wine feels crisp and fresh, with edge. Salty raspberry and plum flavors end with racy snap. This is a versatile and elegant food wine; drink through 2020.

Los Pasitos

92

45

Spanish Islands

null

Babosa Negro

Suertes del Marqués

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Suertes del Marqués 2015 Los Pasitos Babosa Negro

France

The blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat allows this wine to be released young and for the tannins to be accessible. It's young and fresh, Nouveau in its style, going for bright berry fruits and lively acidity.

Magenta

86

11

Southwest France

Madiran

null

Tannat-Cabernet

Château Peyros

null

US

Way too oaky. Like drinking toothpicks, with its charred, wood flavors and oak tannins. The wine is dry and the underlying blackberry and cherry sour candy fruit is just fine, but the oak dominance makes you wonder if the wine will ever age.

Franklin Vineyard

86

75

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rutherford Ranch

null

US

Easy drinking Zin, with good flavors of wild berries and spices wrapped in a creamy texture. Even though the wine is fully dry, it has a softness, almost a butteriness, that is almost sweet. Turns real long on the finish, with a ripe fruitiness that lasts.

Old Vines

88

28

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Zinfandel

Ledson

null

Italy

This is a classically crafted wine made by one of Montepulciano's most historic estates. It has an alluring bouquet of violet, rose petal, cassis and nutmeg. The palate delivers an intense wild-cherry flavor layered with white pepper and cinnamon, all impeccably balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Caffo Beverages Inc, Kiwi Distributing.

null

94

29

Tuscany

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

null

Red Blend

Contucci

null

South Africa

Here's a fresh and attractive unoaked Chardonnay with vibrant flavors of pear, sweet clementine, yellow florals and crunchy peach. There's an impression of effervescence from the forward acidity, and the finish is long but remarkably crisp.

Sans Barrique

87

21

Walker Bay

null

Chardonnay

Bouchard Finlayson

null

US

No fruit sources are cited, but the vintage and the herbal undertones suggest Yakima Valley grapes. It's a well-crafted wine that softens the tannins enough to give the shy red fruit a chance to shine. Pale cherry flavors are balanced against the acids and tannins; with no tricks or frills.

null

86

11

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Castle Rock

null

Germany

A Riesling with an enticing nose of honeysuckle and other summer blossoms, stone fruit and focused stony minerality. There's a wonderfully taut palate, fantastically racy and refreshing, with layers of persistent flavor intensity. The minerality stays with you all the way to a very long lingering finish.

Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett

92

null

Mosel

null

Riesling

Joh. Jos. Prüm

null

Chile

A clean, basic red wine that's focused on standard berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Fresh but simple, with limited raspberry and cherry flavors along with a touch of vanilla. Competent but entirely regular.

120

84

8

Central Valley

null

Merlot

Santa Rita

null

US

Occupying the bottom rung (in terms of cost) of the Columbia Crest ladder, Two Vines wines are generally light, quite clean and simple, with a minimum exposure to oak. This fits the mold, with flavors of strawberry chews and cotton candy. The tannins are also light and herbal, with an earthy, pleasantly leafy finish.

Two Vines

85

8

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Columbia Crest 2005 Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

There's a sweet element to the nose of this beautiful Sicilian rosé that recalls raspberry and almond marzipan. The wine glides clean over the plate with easy freshness and leaves small berry nuances on the close.

La Bambina

86

15

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Rosé

Cantine Barbera

null

US

Good concentration and a classic Oregon Pinot mix of herb and fruit characterize this winning effort. Dried herb, thistle, berry, cherry and a Dr. Pepper streak are all in the mix, with hints of earth and stem.

Estate

89

28

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Blakeslee

null

US

Inky dark and compressed, this is a concentrated expression of juicy black fruit and licorice. With sizable, powerful tannin, it needs time to decompress, a leathery texture requiring patience to soften. Cellar through 2020.

null

90

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Covenant

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Covenant 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Italy

Not very expressive, but this wine's fragrance does reveal delicate aromas of rose and berry, which carry over to the palate. It doesn't have quite enough fruit richness to support the vigorous, almost aggressive, bubbles and drying finish.

Essence Rosé

86

32

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Sparkling Blend

Antica Fratta

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Antica Fratta 2009 Essence Rosé Sparkling (Franciacorta)

Germany

Ripe, juicy flavors of pink grapefruit and peach are accented by sprightly hints of lemon and cherry blossom in this moderately sweet, delicate Riesling. A shock of lemon-lime acidity and a zesty mineral tone lingers long on the finish.

Spätlese

91

31

Rheingau

null

Riesling

Schloss Vollrads

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Schloss Vollrads 2012 Spätlese Riesling (Rheingau)

US

A finish of sugary sweetness marks this Chard. It was grown in prime coastal regions, which accounts for the crisp acidity and long hangtime flavors of pineapples, green apples, Meyer lemons, kiwi fruit and spicy oak.

Vintner's Reserve

85

12

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Kendall-Jackson

null

Argentina

Rubbery and murky on the nose, with acid-propelled red-fruit flavors that are at once generic but also sharp-edged. Throughout this it's an angular wine with boldness but not much levity. Can't see it capturing much of a crowd at $30.

null

83

30

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Oyikil

null

France

A big step up from Jaboulet's La Petite Chapelle, this is on a par with some of Jaboulet's past efforts. It's richly concentrated, yet nuanced, with notes of blood and mineral added to ripe cassis fruit and accented by hints of vanilla and spice. The tannins form an almost creamy texture in the mouth, and the finish lingers a good long time. Drink 2012–2025.

La Chapelle

93

215

Rhône Valley

Hermitage

null

Syrah

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

null

Portugal

Not many wines come from Bucelas today, as its vineyards get eaten up by the northern Lisbon suburbs. This Arinto-based wine suggests there should be some more of this ultra-crisp white, which bears a passing resemblance to a Vinho Verde in its super-fresh apple and grapefruit flavors.

Prova Régia

87

10

Bucelas

null

Arinto

Companhia das Quintas

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Companhia das Quintas 2007 Prova Régia Arinto (Bucelas)

US

Aromas of yellow apple, Bosc pear and melon lead to a textured, flavorful palate and a finish that lingers. It's a spot-on example of the variety and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

null

88

12

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Charles & Charles

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Charles & Charles 2015 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

Delicate aromas suggesting chopped herb, star anise, new leather and a whiff of blue flower slowly emerge in the glass. The taut, ethereal palate shows sour cherry, raw strawberry, licorice and white pepper notes hemmed in by firm acidity and youthful tannins. Drink 2023–2030.

Monvigliero

90

49

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Sordo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Sordo 2013 Monvigliero (Barolo)

France

Soft notes of russet pear peel and peach contract into a tight, refreshing, lemony citrus structure. Some residual carbon dioxide underlines the freshness with a tiny bit of spritz. This is pure, clean-cut, fresh Riesling for immediate drinking and total refreshment.

null

90

26

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2013 Riesling (Alsace)

Spain

Deep and secure on the nose, with richness and a strong whiff of fresh leather. The palate is serious as it deals black fruit and spice. Chocolate and rugged tannins carry the hard, almost grabby finish. A power¬ful but approachable blend.

El Miracle 120

86

10

Levante

Valencia

null

Tempranillo Blend

Vicente Gandia

null

France

Soft, with fat flavors that fill out in the glass. This has a crisp edge to it, though, hinting at mineral, while keeping the ripe pear flavors. The aftertaste shows some of the characteristic Chenin Blanc nuttiness.

null

87

12

Loire Valley

Touraine Mesland

null

Chenin Blanc-Chardonnay

Château Gaillard

null

US

A standout amid a number of excellent red wines from winemaker Anthony Nappa, this unoaked Cabernet Franc (made with indigenous yeast) shines a spotlight on Cabernet Franc's raw, somewhat vulnerable expression. It's unabashedly herbal and green, almost minty, yet simultaneously luscious and berried in flavor. It's fleshy in its suppleness, yet elegantly framed within a structure of taut tannins and acidity.

Bordo

92

20

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Cabernet Franc

Anthony Nappa

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Anthony Nappa 2014 Bordo Cabernet Franc (North Fork of Long Island)

US

This best-of-barrels blend shows the powerful tannins and dryness that mark all of Turnbull's 2009 Cabernets. It's a huge wine, powerful and concentrated in blackberries, black currants and sweet dark chocolate, with notes of spices on the long, dry finish. Drink it now, with the best beef entrée you can find. It should slowly develop bottle-age characteristics over the next 8–10 years, at a minimum.

Estate Grown Black Label

95

100

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Turnbull

null

Austria

A lovely, lively, brittle wine, its delicate fruit flavors featherlight over the palate. The structure is here, but the acidity and the green, perfumed fruits are more dominant. The aftertaste is bright and fresh.

Vom Stein Trocken

88

40

Wachau

null

Riesling

Nikolaihof

null

US

This is Walla Walla Vintners' signature wine, and it is a classic: rich and oaky, sculpted but also chewy, with big cherry and baking chocolate flavors. There is an unusual flavor streak running through that tastes a bit like Thanksgiving turkey, believe it or not, but it's good. Tannins are polished and the toffee and chocolate finish ends things on a sweet and creamy note.

null

91

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Franc

Walla Walla Vintners

null

France

This Soussans estate has produced a well-structured 2001, filled with black fruit, underscored by tannins. It has flavors of spice, some herbs and dark, dry tastes. The layers of wood are there, but do not dominate.

null

87

null

Bordeaux

Margaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Deyrem Valentin

null

US

This feels over-cropped, dilute, with more than a little tomato leaf and vegetable among its rather delicate scents and flavors. In this price range, from this excellent vintage, you might expect more ripeness and concentration. It's perfectly pleasant, but drinks like a village wine, not a premier cru.

Olson Estate Vineyard

87

55

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Torii Mor

null

France

Heavy-handed Champagne, and rather overblown. The fruit has flavors of ripe apples, with strong hints of sweetness from the dosage.

Orgueil de France Brut

83

100

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Charles Lafitte

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Charles Lafitte 1989 Orgueil de France Brut (Champagne)

New Zealand

A tribute to the family's Austrian heritage, this oddity—it's made from Zweigelt—features perfumed strawberry fruit, crisp acidity and soft tannins. Drink now. Imported by Robert Whale Selections Inc.

Sylvia

86

null

Nelson

null

Zweigelt

Seifried

null

US

Coming in at 159g/L residual sugar, this wine is über-aromatic, with notes of dried apricot, pineapple, flowers, and honey, showing layer of complexity. Given the richness of the aromas, the palate is surprisingly deft and light on its feet, displaying a lot of grace and detail to the sugary-sweet flavors.

Botrytis Single Berry Select Late Harvest

91

30

Idaho

null

Riesling

Koenig Vineyards

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Koenig Vineyards 2014 Botrytis Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling

Chile

While this smells a touch green and scratchy, there's enough berry and plum to the nose to get it going in a good way. Fresh and medium-bodied, this tastes of medicinal cherry and plum along with herbs. The finish tastes similar.

Vitral

87

13

Chile

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Viña Maipo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Maipo 2014 Vitral Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)

US

This is one of the best Bordeaux-style blends Wellington has ever produced. Although it still has plenty of life ahead, perhaps as much as 10 more years, its soft tannins and sweet black-currant flavor make it drinkable now. Only 471 cases were produced, but it's worth the hunt.

Victory Reserve

94

60

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Meritage

Wellington

null

US

Crushed herbs, a whiff of barrel smoke and rustic elderberry aromas arise on this nose of this wine. There are plenty of dark elements to the palate, from bittersweet chocolate, black cherries and blackberries to charred beef and dried anise, all held together by sticky tannins.

Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyards 4-Block Blend

87

29

California

South Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

South Coast

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

South Coast 2012 Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyards 4-Block Blend Cabernet Sauvignon (South Coast)

US

Impressive from start to the very long finish, and even better than the splendid '06. Rich and full-bodied, this Bordeaux blend is marked by soft, sweet tannins and concentrated, oak-infused flavors of blackberries, black currants and chocolate, with complexing notes of olives and smoked meats. Should develop for up to a decade.

Alden Perry Reserve

94

55

California

Mount Veeder

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Yates Family Vineyard

null

Italy

Fabiano's newest Ripasso opens with bright cherry aromas followed by spice, clove, black pepper and pressed rose petal. The wine boasts a soft, steady feel in the mouth and relatively smooth texture overall.

null

88

null

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Fabiano

null

Fabiano 2008 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

France

From sandy soil full of iron oxide, this blend of a range of Southwest grapes comes from a vineyard close to the Atlantic coast. It is a delicious fruity wine with lively acidity, green-fruit and citrus flavors plus a juicy zesty aftertaste. Drink this refreshing wine now.

Sables Fauves

86

12

Southwest France

Landes

null

White Blend

Domaine de Laballe

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Laballe 2016 Sables Fauves White (Landes)

France

This dark-colored wine is firm and marked by sweet fruit flavors. It has a hint of banana that accompanies its red fruit flavors, which sit awkwardly with the dense texture. Already mature, the wine has a ripe, soft finish.

Sélection

87

null

Beaujolais

Moulin-à-Vent

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

null

US

Lightly minty and peachy in aroma, this wine also delivers rich butter, vanilla and pear flavors and a smooth texture on the palate. A butterscotch note lingers on the finish.

Morning Fog

89

15

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Wente

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Wente 2015 Morning Fog Chardonnay (Livermore Valley)

France

This wine is light for its appellation and year, but fresh and packed with raspberry and black plum flavors alongside very present acidity. Currently, the tannins are hard edged, bitter, needing time to soften out.

null

89

null

Burgundy

Echézeaux

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine François Lamarche

null

Chile

This is a dark, concentrated blend with minty oak, lactic aromas, boysenberry and blackberry on the bouquet. The palate is muscular and clampy, with resiny, oak-based grab to go with full tannins. Flavors of boyseberry, chocolate, toast and oak end in a warm, oaky finish. Drink now through 2016.

Antu Mountain Vineyard

89

19

Colchagua Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère

Ninquén

null

US

Just-plucked blueberry, cedar and fermenting-grape aromas show on the dusty nose of this dark and heavy bottling. Boysenberry, turned earth and coffee beans show on the palate that is framed by chalky tannins, finishing on a touch of vanilla.

Synnove

87

44

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Petit Verdot

Midnight

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Midnight 2012 Synnove Petit Verdot (Paso Robles)

Italy

This wine gives the impression of having been pushed just a bit too far, with a nose and palate dominated by vanilla and mocha notes imparted by small oak barrels. Nonetheless, black cherry and strawberry flavors manage to peek through on the palate, supporte by a cushion of lush tannins. A bright cherry note makes for a nice finish.

Ciabot Camerano

86

20

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Marcarini

null

Austria

Properly rustic, this has firm and dry tannins, a powerful structure to go with the wood aging and black plum flavor. It has pepper, spice and toast notes, with layers of acidity. The finish is very dry and firm. Screwcap.

Reserve

90

43

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Gunter Triebaumer

null

US

Rustic, harsh, a little unripe, the wine is thankfully dry and low in alcohol, and is certainly affordable, but that's not enough. It lacks fruit, charm and drinkability.

null

81

10

California

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Renwood

null

Turkey

Deep ruby in the glass, it offers aromas of black cherry and butterscotch. Smooth, seamless tannins encase flavors of black cherry, cherry cola, herbes du Provence and orange zest. The well-integrated flavors hold on through the smooth finish, which is punctuated by a closing burst of mint.

Prestige

90

40

Ankara

null

Kalecik Karasi

Kavaklidere

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Kavaklidere 2009 Prestige Kalecik Karasi (Ankara)

US

Winemaker Steve Law hails from Scotland and honors his heritage with a nod to his “thirsty neighbors,” who will only gain further thirst after enjoying this Syrah. Pure to Law's cool-climate winemaking sensibilities, this offers a leathery tribute to peppery spice and bright fruit.

Drouthy Neebors

93

35

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Syrah

MacLaren

Virginie Boone

@vboone

MacLaren 2011 Drouthy Neebors Syrah (Sonoma County)

US

From the renowned vineyard's F Block comes a wine with plump wild berries, pencil lead and juniper on a tightly woven nose. Certain to last for years and evolve steadily over that time, the palate now shows lavender, elderberry, elderflower, cranberry essence and a touch of black tea. Drink 2018–2028.

Bien Nacido Vineyard

90

55

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Fess Parker

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Fess Parker 2013 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)

US

This is a tiny production wine, nutty on the nose in almond paste and an intensity of forest floor and earth. Still gritty in its youth, it shows a soft and delicate nature at its core, accented in rose petal and a persistent streak of minerality complemented by a richness of deep dark red cherry.

Precioso

91

75

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Keller

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Keller 2014 Precioso Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Fox Run's Meritage highlights Merlot's rich, ripe black cherry flavor with Cabernet's taut acidity and herbaceous flair. It's rigidly tannic still, but should mature elegantly over the next 3–5 years.

null

88

40

New York

Finger Lakes

Meritage

Fox Run

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Fox Run 2010 Meritage (Finger Lakes)

US

This has the look and feel of a fine white Burgundy, with expressive acidity, pinpointed oak, rich creaminess and a certain stony minerality. Yet the fruit is pure California, tropical and succulent. The wine is from the Pisoni family.

null

90

40

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Lucia

null

Spain

The first whiff of this Rioja is full of oaky char, shoe polish, raw leather and can't-miss wood resin. With airing the nose cedes chocolate and berry scents. This is plump, chewy and a touch resiny feeling on the palate, with baked berry, savory notes, grilled meat flavors and saltiness. A roasted, rubbery finish is apropos.

Belezos

87

14

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Zugober

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Zugober 2010 Belezos (Rioja)

Spain

Ripe, dark, a little oily and totally compelling from an aromatic standpoint. The palate is right where it should be, as neither the tannins nor the acidity are out of whack. Boysenberry, blackberry and plum flavors carry an herbal touch, and the finish is layered, with a lasting impression of coffee.

Reserva

90

32

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo Blend

Conde de Siruela

null

France

Showing the structure of Gevrey-Chambertin and the ripe fruit of the 2009 vintage, this bottling is immediately opulent and seductive. With its red plum flavor and balanced tannins and acids, this is a solid wine to drink now.

null

90

50

Burgundy

Gevrey-Chambertin

null

Pinot Noir

Jaffelin

null

US

This wine blends all 12 clones of Pinot Noir grown on the property, to tremendous effect. Sanguine, it traffics in pretty pomegranate and cranberry, with a quenching taste of kirsch-like cherry. Lightly spiced, it delivers an end note of milk chocolate on the lengthy finish, a stellar, drinkable wine from start to finish.

Wayfarer Vineyard Estate Grown

94

90

California

Fort Ross-Seaview

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Wayfarer

null

Italy

Jèma (a 100% expression of Corvina, one of the main grapes used in Amarone) is a new wine from the folks at Cesari that offers oak-driven notes of spice and sweet tobacco backed by blackberry, cassis and plum. In the mouth, the wine shows an elegant, almost delicate side.

Jèma

90

49

Veneto

Veronese

null

Corvina

Cesari

null

Cesari 2005 Jèma Corvina (Veronese)

France

A perfumed, aromatic wine, dry yet full of fresh, fragrant white fruit flavors. A steely edge is followed by hints of currants and a complex, still-youthful texture. Drink from 2015.

Osterberg Grand Cru

91

38

Alsace

null

Riesling

Cave de Ribeauvillé

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Cave de Ribeauvillé 2010 Osterberg Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace)

Italy

Here's a beautiful expression of Barolo with finely textured tannins, bright acidity, drying talc powder or mineral notes and tons of fresh berry and cherry intensity. This is a particularly refined and elegant wine that, when aged a few more years in the bottle, will pair with veal, pork or beef.

Serralunga

92

48

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Palladino

null

South Africa

There's a nice herbal earthiness here, giving a rustic and intriguing feel to this otherwise ripe, dark-fruit-dominant wine. Black plum, cherry and berry fill the midpalate, while tobacco and pepper spice take center stage on the finish. Approachable and lively now with good balance and soft tannins.

Silkbush Mountain Vineyards

88

15

Breedekloof

null

Pinotage

Lions Drift

null

Germany

Whiffs of smoke, spice and nut oil add an alluring maturity to this Riesling. The palate is gorgeously fruity, with loads of concentrated sweet peach, dried apricot and honey flavors, but it's honed and steely, with a long laser-beam finish.

Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese

90

25

Mosel

null

Riesling

S.A. Prüm

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

S.A. Prüm 2010 Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)

Italy

This opens with subdued aromas of menthol, dried herb and spiced plum. The palate is rather evolved, offering dried cherry, coffee, clove and a hint of black tea framed in close-grained tannins that grip the finish. Drink sooner rather than later to capture what fruit remains.

Riserva

86

48

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

Stomennano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Stomennano 2009 Riserva (Chianti Classico)

France

A wine relatively high in red-currant-like acidity. It does have a rustic side to it, although the fruit has potential richness and should come through in 2–3 years.

La Perrière

87

null

Burgundy

Mercurey

null

Pinot Noir

Roux Père et Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Roux Père et Fils 2010 La Perrière (Mercurey)

Italy

This opens with intense aromas of cherry liqueur and black licorice. It shows great purity and freshness with subtle but firm tannins on the finish.

Bricco Medica

88

48

Piedmont

Roero

null

Nebbiolo

Cascina Val del Prete

null

US

Quite yellow in color, nearing orange, this oxidative-style wine shows quinine, walnuts and preserved lemons on the very concentrated, oily nose. The texture is sticky, with flavors of seared lemons and orange oil, yet it retains a lime-skin liveliness. It's quite an interesting bottling for fans of the style.

Sierra Mar Vineyard

88

40

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Bernardus

null

US

Enormously ripe, with jammy blackberry, cherry, plum, mocha and peppery spice flavors that finish dry. Feels heavy and soft in the mouth, and could use greater elegance and brightness.

Keefer Ranch Vineyard

86

48

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

A.P. Vin

null

A.P. Vin 2007 Keefer Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

France

While Colombo's Les Abeilles is a more traditional Rhône blend, this offering marries 70% Viognier with 30% Roussanne. The result is a medium-bodied wine hinting at honeyed peaches and tinged with anise that seems to be on a fast-developing course. Drink it over the next several months.

La Redonne

86

17

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Jean-Luc Colombo

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Jean-Luc Colombo 2008 La Redonne White (Côtes du Rhône)

US

This is an enticingly fragrant wine with notes of pear and melon. It drinks off dry with sweet fruit flavors that linger on the finish.

null

87

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chenin Blanc

Kyra

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Kyra 2013 Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

There is fine acidity here, black currant fruit and firm tannins. The combination works well, giving fruitiness and structure. The result is a wine with aging potential, freshness and an attractive, juicy aftertaste.

Château Dubory

88

17

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Chateau de Launay

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Chateau de Launay 2011 Château Dubory (Bordeaux Supérieur)

US

A crisp bouquet of orange zest marks the opening of this wine, an unexpected twist to the narrative of dried cranberry, blackberry and cloves. On the palate, this full-bodied wine offers ample weight and richness, before a wealth of dry tannins feature on the finish.

Double Lariat Limited Production

92

45

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Jamieson Ranch

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Jamieson Ranch 2013 Double Lariat Limited Production Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

This comes from the oldest estate vineyard, now reaching full maturity. Tart citrus flavors underscore pretty strawberry, drifting into a hint of well-ripened preserves. There's a light touch with the new oak, keeping the wine in perfect balance. Drink now through 2020.

Côte Sud Vineyard

91

85

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Domaine Serene

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Domaine Serene 2011 Côte Sud Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

Spain

In this heavy wine, stewy, baked aromas of raisin and prune are smothered in oak. On the palate, there's a reverb of oak and baked black-fruit flavors, while the finish feels and tastes resiny.

null

85

16

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Maitea

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Maitea 2014 Ribera del Duero

Italy

Enticing and very feminine, here is a wine with deeply fragrant floral tones of violet, lilac and jasmine. Firm but yielding with crisp acidity and impressive length. Pair with lamb with mint sauce.

St. Valentin

90

50

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Nero

Cantina Produttori San Michele Appiano

null

Germany

Initial aromas of smoke and earth dissipate to reveal scents of rich, honeyed peaches and spice. The palate is bright and sweet with ripe, juicy stonefruit and preserved quince, accented by hints of fresh herbs and ramps. An unusual harmony of sweet and savory, it finishes long and complex.

Abstberg Spätlese

89

40

Mosel

null

Riesling

Maximin Grünhäuser

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Maximin Grünhäuser 2011 Abstberg Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)

US

A little heavy, thick and jammy, like melted blackberry jelly mixed with alcohol. Okay with pizza, burgers and such.

null

83

18

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Kunde

null

Kunde 2005 Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)

Spain

Ripe and soft on the nose, this blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah is so easygoing that it lacks pop up front. Plump and fruity on the palate, this is low on structure and acidity. Jammy raspberry and strawberry flavors end in friendly fashion, but with low definition. Drink now.

Las Gravas

88

32

Levante

Jumilla

null

Red Blend

Casa Castillo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Casa Castillo 2012 Las Gravas Red (Jumilla)

US

Black as a moonless night, dense in structure, tannic, bone dry and super-peppery, this Syrah isn't offering much relief right now. In all likelihood it will emerge from its cocoon in a few years to offer a wealth of ripe blackberry, currant and carob fruit.

Jack London Vineyard

88

25

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Kenwood

null

Italy

This late-harvested Falanghina opens with intense aromas of fragrant white flowers punctuated by whiffs of mature stone fruit. The concentrated palate delivers dried apricot and candied citrus flavors, accented by aromatic herbs. It ends with a soft hazelnut nuance.

Cesco dell'Ermo

88

25

Southern Italy

Falanghina del Sannio

null

Falanghina

Cantina del Taburno

null

Italy

A 60-40 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, this easy-drinking and affordable wine offers a nice ensemble of cherry, cassis, spice and leather. Pair this wine with pasta alla norma (short pasta with fried eggplant and salty ricotta cheese).

Cuccaia

86

16

Tuscany

Montecucco

null

Red Blend

Piandibugnano

null

US

Blueberries and black cherries meet with rose petals, dark chocolate, brown spice and black tea on the nose of this bottling from a historic vineyard. The mouthfeel is soft with creamy tannins that grow grippier across the sip, showing cedar, black-cherry mousse, baking spice and a tinge of acidity.

null

89

20

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Merlot

Rancho Sisquoc

null

US

The Arcus estate vineyard includes plantings from 1973 and is easily the best wine made at Archery Summit. The fruit flavors weave together black cherry, fig and currant, beautifully integrated with the bacon fat notes from the new French oak. It's well-balanced and does not show the rough tannins that affect the rest of the lineup. This is a solid, somewhat blocky wine, substantial and delicious, and quite likely to improve over the next six to eight years.

Arcus Estate

90

85

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Archery Summit

null

US

Feels and tastes like a Chardonnay, with some smoky oak influences and a medium-weight body framing orange, pear, green apple, white flower and vanilla flavors. Delicious and easy to drink now.

null

88

26

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Blanc

Artesa

null

Artesa 2010 Pinot Blanc (Carneros)

Chile

This unusual combo of Malbec and Syrah starts with hickory and campfire aromas and then medicinality enters the picture. The palate is choppy and features many holes in the road, but there's also solid black fruit flavors along with cocoa and berry syrup on the finish. In addition, the acidity seems high.

null

84

13

Maule Valley

null

Malbec-Syrah

Las Lomas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Las Lomas 2007 Malbec-Syrah (Maule Valley)

Spain

A good effort from a weak vintage. This Bierzo has sweet, rich, fulfilling aromas along with a soothing palate that's not overly acidic. As a whole, the wine's cola and blackberry flavors show themselves nicely, while the finish is chocolaty and long. A good wine from a sketchy year.

null

87

13

Northern Spain

Bierzo

null

Mencía

Gotin

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Gotin 2007 Mencía (Bierzo)

Italy

Peach and pear notes vie with almond skin scents in the bouquet of this mainstream Pinot Grigio. It's medium-bodied and plump in the mouth, with pear and citrus flavors that yield a fresh, clean finish.

null

84

8

Northeastern Italy

Vigneti delle Dolomiti

null

Pinot Grigio

Mezzacorona

null

France

This ripe wine is firm, with a core of dry tannins. Over this are delicious, juicy red-berry fruit flavors and acidity. The wine is still softening out, with fruit coming forward. It will be ready to drink from 2017. The property has been in the family for six generations; Robert Filliatreau is the current owner. Wine is vinified by Châteaux Solidaires co-operative.

null

88

null

Bordeaux

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Beaumont les Pierrières

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Beaumont les Pierrières 2012 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

France

This crisp, fresh wine is perfumed and fragrant, tasting of apples. It is light and already accessible, with a bright lemon-zest flavor, followed by a white fruit note and a delicious citrus character on the finish.

null

87

null

Alsace

null

Riesling

Hugel

null

Argentina

Foxy, candied red-fruit aromas settle on raspberry. The palate is pushy and fiery, with medicinal berry flavors that taste sweet. Bright acidity makes the finish choppy.

Made with Organic Grapes

82

11

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Tempranillo

Santa Julia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Santa Julia 2013 Made with Organic Grapes Tempranillo (Mendoza)

Chile

Big and hefty to start with, offering roasted berry, leather and black olive aromas as well as a whiff of wet dog. The palate is full and soft, with sweet fruit, candied oak and minty, herbal flavors. Finishes spicy and a bit funky.

Estate Collection

85

9

Colchagua Valley

null

Carmenère

Viu Manent

null

France

Aromatic wine that shows fresh red berry fruits and a light texture. This is perfect apéritif material, its fruit bright and forward.

Arbaude

85

15

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Mas de Cadenet

null

Italy

Villa Puccini's Sangiovese (with 10% Merlot) offers a neutral nose with soft aromas of ripe cherry, prune, plum and spice. The wine's texture is supple and plush, making this a perfect choice for pizza or take-home dinners.

null

85

null

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Sangiovese

Villa Puccini

null

Villa Puccini 2005 Sangiovese (Toscana)

US

Like a bag of trail mix, this has scents of dried apple, walnut and toasted grain. Medium to full bodied, the mouthfeel is easy and pliant, with a broad orchard-fruit flavor. The acids pick up some vigor on the finish, giving the wine a lifted quality.

null

83

18

Virginia

null

Chardonnay

Annefield Vineyards

null

Annefield Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay (Virginia)

France

A soft, rather soapy wine, it displays light fruits and gentle tannins. It is unfocused, with just some juicy aftertaste to give some interest.

null

84

12

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Bellevue

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Bellevue 2011 Bordeaux

France

Rich, complex and quite leesy, it has a mature aroma and texture to it—it’s almost thick and doughy. The fruit is in the orange and grapefruit range, with a bit of pear poking through. It’s a good idiosyncratic Champagne, but it may not be for everyone, as it definitely has a mature style all its own.

Special Cuvée Brut

89

45

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Bollinger

null

Bollinger NV Special Cuvée Brut (Champagne)

Italy

Tropical fruit and citrus lead the nose on this lively white. The palate offers passion fruit, nectarine zest and white peach alongside crisp acidity that gives a clean finish.

Grillo-Sauvignon

86

15

Sicily & Sardinia

Terre Siciliane

null

White Blend

Barone Montalto

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Barone Montalto 2013 Grillo-Sauvignon White (Terre Siciliane)