spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Italy	This opens with aromas of charred earth, violet and wild berry. The straightforward palate offers black raspberry, tart cherry and a hint of anise alongside polished tannins. It's rather simple for a Barolo and nearly accessible. Drink 2016–2021.	null	87	35	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Arbéta	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Arbéta 2011 Barolo
France	This smells ripe and full, and the palate confirms it. The wine is wood-aged and this broadens its character—the extra year means fruit is diminished, while the richness is increased. The finale brings some essential acidity.	Les Clans	89	60	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château d'Esclans	null	null	null
US	Soft and sharp, this rustic wine has simple cherry, blackberry, leather, coffee and wintergreen mint flavors. It finishes with a touch of sweetened coffee. Might get better after a year or so in the bottle.	Estate	84	36	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah	Cass	null	null	null
US	Big and bold, this Chardonnay is made from fruit sourced from the winery's estate vineyard in the new Fort Ross-Seaview appellation. This underwent barrel fermentation, malolactic fermentation and lees aging, and the result is a rich selection that offers flavors of lemon and tropical fruit, buttered toast and cream. Almost too assertive now, it needs a year or two to resolve.	Estate	90	55	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Hirsch	null	null	null
Germany	Brisk and bright, this delicately framed Pinot Noir offers both elegance and thirst-quenching quaffability. It's fresh and primary, bursting of raspberry and blossom, but finishes suprisingly long with a murmur of feathery tannin. Drink now.	Private Collection	89	13	Rheinhessen	null	null	Pinot Noir	Thomas Schmitt	null	null	null
US	This wine is filled with aspects of black licorice, leather and high-toned red fruit, along with interesting side notes of white pepper and dried herb. Full bodied, it has zestiness on the finish thanks to a pleasant note of acidity that balances out its burlier side.	null	90	38	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Syrah	Peju	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Peju 2012 Syrah (Napa Valley)
Germany	A selection from the Würzburger Innere Leiste, this wine offers something of a conundrum: the aromas and flavors are on one hand those of cooked or stewed fruit, while at the same time the wine is light-bodied, silky and vibrant. Worth a try.	Montonia	87	65	Franken	null	null	Spätburgunder	Weingut Am Stein	null	null	null
US	The aromas of this Chardonnay are zesty and fresh yet rich, with barrel smoke, caramelized pear and vanilla tones. The integration continues on the palate, with a bit of oak followed by apple, white peach, nectarine and lime zest. It's flavorful and enjoyable now.	Nielson Vineyard	92	32	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Byron	null	null	null
France	89–91. Barrel sample. This juicy wine is attractively perfumed. It's a wine that will develop relatively quickly with lively acidity and balanced tannins.	Barrel Sample	90	null	Bordeaux	Margaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Paveil de Luze	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Paveil de Luze 2012 Barrel Sample (Margaux)
Italy	There's a grassy note of dried herb or hay at the back of white flower, citrus and stone fruit. Moletto's S Extra Dry is an easy-drinking Prosecco that would pair with finger foods or shrimp canapés.	S Extra Dry	86	null	Veneto	Prosecco	null	Glera	Moletto	null	null	null
Italy	Sweet tobacco and overripe cherry open the nose of this thick, jammy Amarone. The wine exhibits a syrupy, bold mouthfeel with lingering tones of smoke, beef jerky and spice on the finish.	Opere di San Pietro	88	90	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Villa Girardi	null	null	Villa Girardi 2004 Opere di San Pietro (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)
Argentina	Red licorice candy and sweet red berry aromas lead to a narrow, prickly, semitart palate with sharp raspberry and strawberry flavors. Finishes quick, with the taste of red Twizzlers. Not much depth here, but decent for the price.	null	83	6	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Merlot	Ambiente	null	null	null
US	Open tonight and enjoy for its immediate pleasures. Soft and expressive, it shows a wealth of cherry, blackberry, raspberry, cola, licorice, cedar and vanilla-spice flavors that are wrapped into rich, finely ground tannins. Nice with a grilled steak.	Gregory Vineyard	88	36	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	VJB	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a plump, juicy rosé from Tuscany with a pretty palette of aromas that goes from wild berries to pink flower. There's a touch of ash or white mineral at the back and the wine tastes generous and full in the mouth. It has intensity, personality and staying power.	Lo Sbrancato Rosato	87	22	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Rosé	Il Poggione	null	null	null
Romania	Notes of cedar and violet meld with a ripe, juicy black-fruit flavor in this bold, deeply concentrated Cabernet. Softer and riper than the Rezerva, it has a slightly grapey midpalate. It's full-bodied in style, with a frame of lush, furry tannins.	Paparuda Estate Collection	86	9	Viile Timisului	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cramele Recas	null	null	null
Spain	Dark, meaty aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, herbs and spice pave the way for a jammy, tannic palate that's jumbled in feel. Blueberry, mint, herb and briny flavors finish blocky, with herbal notes and heat. Drink this big-bodied offering through 2023.	Selección	91	42	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Arrocal	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Arrocal 2011 Selección (Ribera del Duero)
US	A terrific buy if you're looking for a bone-dry, crisply acidic and minerally Sauvignon Blanc. It shows rewarding flavors of lemons, limes, spices and vanilla. Very clean and nice, and easy to find, with 338,000 cases produced.	null	86	7	California	California	California Other	Sauvignon Blanc	Barefoot	null	null	null
US	Lots of crisp acidity in this pleasantly sweet dessert wine. The acids help make it tangy and clean, while the tangerine, peach, mango, vanilla, spice and honey flavors are just delicious. And with 8% alcohol, it's easy to drink.	Del Lago	87	22	California	Clear Lake	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Muscat Canelli	Ceago Vinegarden	null	null	null
US	An everyday Chardonnay with a creamy texture and oak-inspired buttered toast notes. The underlying fruit has pineapple and orange flavors.	null	85	18	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Mossback	null	null	null
US	Not bad for a nine dollar Pinot Noir. It's properly dry and silky and crisp, with fruity flavors of cherries, raspberries and Dr. Pepper cola, leading to a spicy finish.	null	84	9	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Brownstone	null	null	null
Chile	Tomato leaf, raspberry and earth aromas lead into a sharp, acidic palate that turns the cherry and raspberry flavors toward jagged and pointy. The finish is mildly lemony and on the sharp side, with a hint of carob flavor. Registers as green and lean.	Reserve	83	14	Rio Claro	null	null	Carmenère	Aresti	null	null	null
US	Black fruit aromas show over toasted vanilla and green peppercorn notes. The palate boasts tart berries contrasted by grainy tannins that linger on the slightly bitter finish.	Riserva	85	29	North Carolina	Swan Creek	null	Montepulciano	Raffaldini	Alexander Peartree	null	Raffaldini 2012 Riserva Montepulciano (Swan Creek)
France	This soft, spicy wine is attractive, fruity and immediately accessible. Blackberry fruit, balanced acidity and a crisp texture all point to drinking it now.	null	88	10	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon	Domaine de Ménard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Ménard 2016 Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon (Côtes de Gascogne)
US	Twisted Oak has a pretty serious track record with this wine. The '05, a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha (Grenache), is very dry and complex. It's soft but firmly tannic, with juicy flavors of cherries, raspberries, pomengranates, licorice, chocolate, cloves and pepper. Has the body of a fine Pinot Noir, with different flavors.	The Spaniard	92	45	California	Calaveras County	Sierra Foothills	Red Blend	Twisted Oak	null	null	Twisted Oak 2005 The Spaniard Red (Calaveras County)
US	An easy-drinking red blend, made for near term enjoyment. The blend is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cab Franc, 10% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel. All quite ripe and wrapped in smoky chocolate. The finish gets a little chalky.	Iron Bed Red	86	28	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Hard Row To Hoe	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Hard Row To Hoe 2007 Iron Bed Red Red (Wahluke Slope)
Italy	Black-skinned fruit, cooking spice and balsamic aromas come together in this solid, straightforward Brunello. On the palate, firm, close-grained tannins frame black cherry jam, clove and vanilla flavors. Drink 2018–2022.	null	89	60	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Tenuta Buon Tempo	null	null	null
Chile	A beast of a red wine, with minty, earthy aromas that sprinkle in tobacco and mint leaf. The palate is fiery and tannic while the flavors of blackberry, coffee and chocolate come with heat and ruggedness. Big on power and flavor, but short on refinement and elegance.	Toro de Piedra	85	13	Curicó Valley	null	null	Carmenère-Cabernet Sauvignon	Viña Requingua	null	null	null
Italy	The aromatic intensity is one notch higher on this wine compared to this producer's other white blend, yet the peach, almond nut and floral aromas are similar. This wine also has a creamier quality with pretty vanilla flavors and a smooth texture.	Conte Ruggero	87	11	Sicily & Sardinia	Alcamo	null	White Blend	Foraci	null	null	null
US	This Meritage blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc, 4% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, and barrel aged for a couple of years. Dark, sappy, loaded with ripe cassis and black cherry fruit, perfect, silky tannins, juicy acids, this Bordeaux blend is beautifully integrated and will age for many more years.	Dionysus Red	92	45	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Arbor Crest	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Arbor Crest 2005 Dionysus Red Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	Mineral and young, this tight, nervy wine needs to develop. Apple and pear flavors are ripe while also bringing out attractive acidity. The texture is still firm and steely, needing time. Drink from 2016.	null	89	29	Burgundy	Pouilly-Fuissé	null	Chardonnay	Cave des Grands Crus Blancs	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Cave des Grands Crus Blancs 2013 Pouilly-Fuissé
US	A blend of six varieties, but it's not a simple wine made from the leftovers that some wineries use for blends. Instead, it's crisp and fruity, not as dry as Tangent's varietal wines, but rich in Muscat orange, Riesling flowers, Pinot Gris citrus, Viognier tropical fruit and Pinot Blanc peach. One percent Albariño seems to add to the acidity.	Ecclestone	87	20	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	White Blend	Tangent	null	null	Tangent 2006 Ecclestone White (Central Coast)
Argentina	Candied cherry and red-plum aromas precede an edgy palate and herbal flavors of plum and berry that are slightly hot and spicy. Raspberry and red-currant flavors on the finish are dilute.	null	84	13	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Tercos	null	null	null
US	Elegant and rich, but too acidic, almost unnaturally, giving the wine a sour cherry and raspberry Lifesaver candy tartness. This sharpness will probably never disappear.	McDougall Vineyard	86	48	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Kutch	null	null	null
US	A drop in alcohol by more than a full percent since the excellent 2009 Nysa was released suggests that this vintage did not achieve optimal ripeness. Bitter upon entry, with a medicinal note, this remains stiff and unyielding, with tart cranberry fruit and sharp acids.	Nysa Vineyard	86	55	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Torii Mor	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Torii Mor 2010 Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
Chile	Crusty and peppery aromas blend with wild berry and herbal scents to create a very nice opening. The palate is tight and healthy, with black currant, dark cherry and plum flavors. Despite controlled herbal notes, this is very good Merlot for the money.	Reserva	87	8	Curicó Valley	null	null	Merlot	Quasar	null	null	null
Spain	Dry, leathery and earthy up front, this mature Mencía is all about grip and complexity. In the mouth, it's tight and tannic. Flavors of dry cherry and berry are layered and earthy, while hard tannins and additional earth notes steer a long, spicy finish. Drink through 2019.	Xestal	91	40	Northern Spain	Bierzo	null	Mencía	Gancedo	null	null	null
France	This is a rich and full, especially for a wine from the lighter 2013 vintage. Smooth, generous black fruits with a hint of mint (from aging in new wood) are buoyed by dusty tannins and ripe acidity. The wine, made from organic grapes, is fruity, still ready to develop. Drink from 2018.	null	88	17	Bordeaux	Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Fongaban	null	null	null
US	This wine seems fruity, sweet and pure, with wonderfully bracing acidity and gentle tannins. The mouthfeel is light and graceful. Its notes of raspberry and smoky oak make it amazingly drinkable.	null	93	50	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Flowers	null	null	null
US	Not an easy wine to appreciate now. It's tannic, and the fruit is fresh and primary, with the sweet, candied taste of a chewy raspberry twist. Still, there's something complex and interesting going on. It's not just another overripe Zin. Give it a year or two to come around.	Black-Sears Vineyard	89	40	California	Howell Mountain	Napa	Zinfandel	V. Sattui	null	null	V. Sattui 2007 Black-Sears Vineyard Zinfandel (Howell Mountain)
US	A very drinkable Carignane made from 40–90 year old certified organic vines grown in Mendocino, punched down by hand and given the gold-glove treatment. The result is juicy and delicious, full-bodied yet somehow light on its feet, a little blueberry here, a little spice there.	Testa Vineyard	90	25	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Carignane	Horse & Plow	null	null	null
Italy	From the La Vis cantina in northern Italy, this is a mature and fruit-forward Morellino di Scansano with clean cherry aromas backed by earthy notes and pressed flowers. The texture is soft, velvety and smooth.	null	87	16	Tuscany	Morellino di Scansano	null	Sangiovese	Poggio Morino	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a dessert wine made with red Refosco grapes from northern Italy that delivers savory aromas of spice, leather, tobacco and dried berry fruit. You feel the sweetness in the mouth, however, followed by soft tannins.	Passione Passito Cason Brusà	88	45	Veneto	Veneto	null	Refosco	Beccarello	null	null	Beccarello 2008 Passione Passito Cason Brusà Refosco (Veneto)
France	This monopole within the Chablis grand cru vineyards produces top Chablis. In 2006, the wine is powerful, but layered with intense minerality, a flinty character on top of the ripe white and yellow fruits. It has concentration, a depth of flavor that is impressive. It will age well.	Domaine Long-Depaquit Moutonne Grand Cru	94	90	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Albert Bichot	null	null	null
France	The wine is full and ripe, generous both in its black fruits and its tannins. It's rich, juicy and packed with berry fruits, a touch of wood and a mineral texture showing at the end. Drink from 2016.	null	88	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Bordes-Quancard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Bordes-Quancard 2011 Bordeaux
US	This wine is aromatically arresting, with notes of honeycomb, candle wax, corn husk, chamomile, almond and stone fruit. The palate has an outrageously textured, detailed, layered feel leading to an extended finish that displays both elegance and richness.	Clos Pierre	93	45	Oregon	Columbia Gorge (OR)	Oregon Other	Chardonnay	Domaine J. Meuret	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Domaine J. Meuret 2013 Clos Pierre Chardonnay (Columbia Gorge (OR))
US	Merry Edwards has figured out the magic trick of crafting Pinot Noirs so luscious right out of the gate, you want to drink them now, but that actually are ageable. This one, from the warmer Westside Road area of the valley, is enormously ripe and seductive now, with wild cherry, red licorice, bacon, cola, cocoa and cinnamon spice flavors. Yet the inherent balance of tannins and acids ensures it a long life. What a treat. Now–2016.	Flax Vineyard Méthode a L'Ancienne	96	54	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Merry Edwards	null	null	null
France	Grands Terroirs is a brand created by Cahors-based Château le Cèdre. This bow to its Bordeaux neighbor has produced a Pauillac that is classic, rich, structured and packed with blackberry fruit. It is still on the young side, although drinkable, a wine that will open and round in the next two years.	null	90	null	Bordeaux	Pauillac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Grands Terroirs de France	null	null	null
US	This Bordeaux-Rhône blend is rustic and dry, with significant tannins. It has earthy, herb, berry and spice flavors that finish with a touch of bitterness.	Caton Vineyard Tytanium	83	49	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Red Blend	Ty Caton	null	null	Ty Caton 2004 Caton Vineyard Tytanium Red (Sonoma Valley)
Chile	Max Reserva is the easiest, most fruity of the Errazuriz Chardonnay lineup for 2014. Aromas of vanilla wafer, barrel toast, smoke and white fruits announce a smooth but simple palate. Peach, melon and toasty oak are the key flavors, while this finishes a touch salty.	Max Reserva	89	20	Aconcagua Costa	null	null	Chardonnay	Errazuriz	null	null	null
US	Similar in style and aging potential to the winery's 2009, and blended with amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this Cabernet Sauvignon from mighty Howell Mountain is rich in spicy blackberry and clove, the tannins soft and juicy.	null	91	80	California	Howell Mountain	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Prim Family	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Prim Family 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)
Austria	A finely structured wine, packed with ripe fruit, dense tannins and sweet plum juice flavors. Elegant, this wears its alcohol well, showing good structure and the potential for aging.	Solitaire	90	50	Burgenland	null	null	Red Blend	Feiler-Artinger	null	null	null
US	Delicious in deep, satisfying flavor, this wine tastes like a cherry pie drizzled with cassis, sprinkled with cinnamon, and baked into a sweetly buttery baked crust. Yet it's bone dry. Full-bodied for a Pinot, it has a silky texture and is very easy to drink.	null	87	18	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Hahn	null	null	null
Portugal	The extra concentration of low-yielding old vines is apparent in this dark, brooding wine. The minerally texture and firm tannins are all destined for long-term aging. Made from fruit that's sourced from the foothills of Portugal's highest mountains, this has a distinctly structured and dense finish.	Vinhas Velhas	91	26	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casa da Passarella	null	null	null
US	A simple Chardonnay, this seems sweet in pineapple and peach jam notes, with buttered toast and honey flavors from oak. Flashy, but one-dimensional.	null	84	22	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Hess Collection	null	null	null
US	Wood spice, herb, tangerine peel and blue- and black-fruit aromas are followed by a fresh, flavorful palate. The grip of the tannins makes the variety unmistakable and the balance is spot on.	null	91	25	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Double Canyon	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Double Canyon 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)
Italy	From the uneven 2005 vintage, this bright Brunello opens with aged aromas of tar, resin, black fruit, cassis and leather. The wine's consistency and persistency are very good considering the difficulties of the year.	null	89	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Torrenera	null	null	Torrenera 2005 Brunello di Montalcino
Australia	Searching for New World Chardonnay that's restrained, crisp and only 12% abv? Steve Webber at De Bortoli is your man. This medium-bodied Chardonnay displays a hint of custard to its texture, while the flavors are citrus driven and refreshing.	Estate Grown	87	30	Victoria	Yarra Valley	null	Chardonnay	De Bortoli	null	null	null
US	Simple and jammy, with sweet flavors of cherries, currants, licorice and spices.	null	82	15	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Ca' Momi	null	null	null
Italy	There's a muddled element to the nose here that recalls old wood or spice and in general, this wine lacks sharpness and focus. It tastes very sweet and offers high alcohol that keeps the palate ripping clean.	null	86	90	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Tommaso Bussola	null	null	Tommaso Bussola 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
France	Deep pink in color, this warm and rich rosé is touched with spice and tannin as well as red currant fruits and a crisp acidity on the finish. The wine could improve further with some bottle age.	Grand Rosé	87	90	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Forget-Brimont	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Forget-Brimont NV Grand Rosé (Champagne)
France	This is a fabulous wine from the greatest Champagne vintage so far this century. Still young, it blends almost equal amounts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fleshed out with Pinot Meunier. The minerality and the rich apple and green fruits are balanced, and acidity cuts into the wine with a pure, perfumed line of freshness. The wine could be drunk now, but it will age well into the the 2020s.	Brut	100	259	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Krug	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Krug 2002 Brut (Champagne)
Italy	This pretty rosso has typical fragrances of dark fruit and spice. The palate shows ripe plum and cherry layered with cinnamon notes. It's fresh and ready to enjoy now, and would pair well with pasta dishes or grilled chicken.	null	85	11	Tuscany	Rosso di Montepulciano	null	Red Blend	Fattoria della Talosa	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Fattoria della Talosa 2011 Rosso di Montepulciano
Chile	With fruit from coastal Leyda in the blend, this Curicó wine surprises with crisp, focused understatement. The mouth is fresh but basic, with juicy, perky apple and citrus flavors followed by a crisp, slightly pithy finish. Overachieves in the context of Echeverria's past Sauvignon Blancs.	Reserva	89	11	Molina	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Echeverria	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Echeverria 2010 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Molina)
US	Plush, showy aromas of candied apples, caramelized pears, condensed honeysuckle, yellow peach, quinine and cinnamon spice show on the nose of this wine. The palate takes a sour turn, with lemon peels, pear skins and a touch of chamomile.	null	88	null	California	Arroyo Seco	Central Coast	Chardonnay	White Hart Wine	null	null	null
Italy	Negroamaro Maru is characterized by simple, sweet-tasting fruit aromas of blackberry jelly and raspberry. Those pretty fruit flavors are backed by soft tannins and a chewy texture.	Maru	87	15	Southern Italy	Salento	null	Negroamaro	Castello Monaci	null	null	null
US	Big, round and fruity, this is a simple, fairly sweet wine with plenty of smooth fruit enjoyment. There's just a touch of spice and an earthy finish.	null	85	10	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Müller-Thurgau	Airlie	null	null	null
South Africa	Cinnamon, plum, blackberry and cedar aromas start this rich but poised red. Savory flavors of black fruit and spice are accompanied by fine, chalky tannins. Pair with lamb, richer fare.	Bonne Nouvelle	90	34	Stellenbosch	null	null	Red Blend	Remhoogte	null	null	null
US	The attractive new label design introduces this clean, simple, pleasant rosé, a blend of Pinot Noir and 7% Pinot Meunier. Quite foamy, it subsides into a pale pink wine with hints of strawberry fruit.	Brut Rosé	86	14	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sparkling Blend	Michelle	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Michelle NV Brut Rosé Sparkling (Columbia Valley (WA))
Argentina	Fast becoming one of Argentina's most reliable value brands, Altosur got it right in 2006 with its basic Malbec. The wine is full, chewy, healthy and bright. It has all the attributes of good, young Malbec: plums, berries and chocolate, with lushness and some style.	Altosur	88	11	Mendoza Province	Tupungato	null	Malbec	Finca Sophenia	null	null	null
Italy	Sweet spring flowers and citrus highlights characterize this generous Prosecco Brut with creamy effervescence and mature peach flavors. The perky sparkler has a drying finish with lingering mineral tones.	Matiú Cru Brut	85	16	Veneto	Prosecco di Conegliano	null	Prosecco	L'Antica Quercia	null	null	null
Spain	Damp earth, subtle berry, plum and smoke notes define the nose. It feels typically tannic and clampy for Ribera del Duero, with leathery, roasted flavors of blackberry, rubber and herbs. Long, meaty and dense on the back side, with chewy tannins and sweet lasting flavors.	Reserva	88	29	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Viña Vilano	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Vilano 2005 Reserva (Ribera del Duero)
US	Dry, ultra-crisp and fruity, with citrusy flavors of lemons, limes and grapefruits that finish with a flowery taste. A clean, versatile white wine for cocktails.	null	84	10	California	California	California Other	Pinot Grigio	McManis	null	null	null
US	This is a wonderful edition to Pearl, Sparkman's 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It's vibrant and energetic, the kind of high-wire flavors more commonly found in Sancerre. Three days after it was first tasted, the wine was still drinking beautifully, with candied mixed fruits and terrific concentration.	Pearl	92	22	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sauvignon Blanc	Sparkman	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Sparkman 2011 Pearl Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	At the northern end of the Ladoix appellation, this small Premier Cru has produced a red-fruited wine shot through with acidity and spicy flavors. It is juicy, showing red cherries, raspberries bolstered with a layer of tannins. The wine is ready to drink, although it will age at least until 2023.	La Micaude Premier Cru	90	50	Burgundy	Ladoix	null	Pinot Noir	Capitain-Gagnerot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Capitain-Gagnerot 2013 La Micaude Premier Cru (Ladoix)
Chile	A low-intensity wine with dull apricot aromas and mild oxidization. Riesling is the base grape, but the wine is mildy Sherried and honeyed, with burnt orange as the lead flavor. Heavy orange and apricot flavors weigh down the short finish.	Vendimia Tardía	84	25	Curicó Valley	null	null	Riesling	Miguel Torres	null	null	null
Argentina	Wiry, herbal aromas of raspberry and plum are slightly stalky. This feels tight, choppy and prickly, but also alert and racy. Flavors of herbal raspberry and plum finish with additional herbal notes, a touch of chocolate and snappy acids.	null	87	17	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Tomero	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Tomero 2011 Malbec (Mendoza)
France	The master of Savigny-lès-Beaune, Bize has produced a powerful, expressive wine from this small single vineyard. It has serious structure, although the sumptuous black-fruit flavors are already showing. Concentrated, rich and fruity, this will age for at least five years.	Aux Grands Liards	92	46	Burgundy	Savigny-lès-Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Simon Bize	null	null	null
US	A bit more than half Merlot, this Bordeaux-style blend is balanced and complex. Layers of flower, fruit and earth unfold gracefully. There are suggestions of clean mushroom as well, with a smooth, seamless mouthfeel and modest length.	D2	89	42	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	DeLille	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	DeLille 2011 D2 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
Germany	Deceptively easy, with a soft, off-dry finish, this wine nevertheless has plenty of other things going for it, including a complex array of honey, melon and spice flavors framed by hints of wet stone. It's slightly sweet and peppery on the long finish.	Westhofen Morstein GG Trocken	88	92	Rheinhessen	null	null	Riesling	Wittmann	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Wittmann 2009 Westhofen Morstein GG Trocken Riesling (Rheinhessen)
US	Whiffs of ripe black cherries, vanilla and spice, along with delicate hints of soil and barnyard, mark this unusual blend of Saperavi and Sereksiya grapes. Tart black-fruit flavors accented with swathes of fresh herbs are a bit lean on the palate, but the acidity is gentle. It's dry and easy drinking in style with smooth, gentle tannins.	Black Russian	87	55	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Red Blend	McGregor	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	McGregor 2010 Black Russian Red (Finger Lakes)
US	Consistently outstanding Pinot Noir producer Black Kite has done it again. This bottling comes together in a seamless symphony of aromas and flavors. Ripe fruit, subtly spicy oak and forest floor notes fill the glass. Its opulent texture unfolds into layers of baking spice, earthiness, and red and black cherry fruit, with a long, complex finish.	Angel Hawk	94	85	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Noir	Black Kite	null	null	null
US	Give this wine your full attention and it continues to give back. Tart young strawberry and black cherry fruit flavors are set in a frame of light toast and juicy acid. With perfect balance, good length and emerging details, more complexity should develop as this wine ages. Suggestion: cellar until 2018–2020.	Jill's 115	91	55	Oregon	Willamette Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Lenné Estate	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Lenné Estate 2012 Jill's 115 Pinot Noir
Argentina	This Grigio opens with mild lemon and apple aromas that transition into a flabby palate and dull flavors of buttercup, banana and apple.	Reserve	83	10	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Pinot Grigio	Trapiche	null	null	null
US	Crispness and dryness mark this elegant young Pinot Noir. It feels silky, almost delicate in the mouth, but with powerful cherry, pomegranateand cola flavors. Should develop for up to six years in the bottle.	Longbow	90	48	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Arista	null	null	null
Italy	A medium-weight wine built on a core of tart cherry fruit that wears licorice and tobacco accents. Even and dry on the palate, it has a good chalky mouthfeel and dry, even tannins on the finish. Not flamboyant, but solid.	null	85	19	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Volpaia	null	null	null
Chile	Melon and citrus scents blend with notes of crushed vitamins and lanolin. This feels round and smooth, with acidic kick that helps maintain balance. Melon and creamy flavors lead the charge, with a briny hint in the background. Drink now.	Vetas Blancas Reserva Especial	89	18	Limarí Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Viña Tabalí	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Tabalí 2014 Vetas Blancas Reserva Especial Chardonnay (Limarí Valley)
US	This new, value brand from winemaker Brian Carter hits the mark with this creamy, smooth, seamless rendition of sauvignon blanc. An oxidative “sur lie” technique keeps it citrus fresh but cuts the herbaceousness.	null	90	11	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Sauvignon Blanc	Apex II	null	null	null
US	From a blend of grapes sourced from three vineyard sites, including Keefer, one of the producer's vineyard designates, this wine displays a light red color. It has a noticeably supple texture, a soft expression of cranberry and red cherry accented by black tea.	null	90	33	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Cellars 33	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Cellars 33 2013 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Italy	Vittoria is one of the best Barbera d'Alba wines you will ever taste. Chocolate fudge, powdered mocha, blackberry and exotic spice waft gently off the nose of the luscious but delicate Barbera d'Alba. The wine is dense and round (it's aged in oak, 50% of which is new barrique).	Vittoria	92	34	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Gianfranco Alessandria	null	null	null
US	Not showing very well and smelling like sweet soda. Spring for Klinker Brick's 2008 Old Ghost instead, a much more stellar version of Lodi old-vine Zin, double the price but worth every additional dollar.	Old Vine Zinfandel	83	18	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Zinfandel	Klinker Brick	null	null	null
Argentina	Light and candied, with strawberry drink mix as the main aroma. In the mouth, it's rather sticky and sweet, with basic characteristics. Adequate in terms of feel and balance.	null	82	6	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Merlot	Funky Llama	null	null	null
Spain	Candied, jammy red-fruit aromas come with a whiff of animal fur. This feels standard at best, loose and flabby at worst. Raspberry, plum and grapy flavors finish plump and fruity but with no real complexity.	Sila	85	16	Galicia	Monterrei	null	Mencía	Pazos del Rey	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pazos del Rey 2012 Sila Mencía (Monterrei)
Spain	Oaky aromas of maple, blackberry and chimney grit set up a raw tannic palate. This tastes toasty and oaky, but with enough black-fruit flavor to support all that wood. Mild herb and spice flavors mix with tea and berry notes on the finish of this off-vintage Tempranillo. Drink through 2022.	Crianza	91	28	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Ankal	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Ankal 2013 Crianza (Ribera del Duero)
US	A good wine, but incomplete, and shows why Cabernet Franc is a tough variety to bottle on its own. You get a blast of cherries and oak, with sturdy tannins, but the wine lacks depth and complexity.	Robert's Blend	86	90	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Franc	Oakville Ranch	null	null	null
Greece	Lush tropical fruit and fragrant white flowers lead this balanced, pretty white from Skouras. On the palate, lemon, pear and peach are buoyed by a great acidic spin. The briny sea salt finish adds a delicious touch. Pair with grilled octopus, fish.	Georges Skouras Moscofilero	89	15	Peloponnese	null	null	Moschofilero	Skouras	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Skouras 2010 Georges Skouras Moscofilero Moschofilero (Peloponnese)
Argentina	Berry and earth on the nose are welcoming aromas, and overall this juicy, simple Malbec offers clean lines, a touch of complexity and good balance. The flavors channel berry and plum, and some vanilla runs shotgun. Not overripe or off base.	null	87	11	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Pannotia Vineyards	null	null	null
Austria	A fat style of Riesling, sitting plump and ripe in the glass. There is elegance as well, with the freshest of green berries to give it lift. But it remains full and fruity in texture. Screwcap. Imported by Grape Expectations (CA).	Rohrendorfer Gebling	89	20	Kremstal	null	null	Riesling	Felsner	null	null	null
US	This wine presents an interesting mix of herbal, citrus and stone-fruit components. Lemon pepper and grapefruit, with a touch of Satsuma orange, all stand out. A slick lick of caramel carries on the finish.	Grower Series	90	20	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Argyle	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Argyle 2015 Grower Series Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)
Chile	For a big, simple style of Pinot Noir, this gets the job done. It's dark and mulled on the nose, with boistrous plum and cherry flavors that darken up and turn peppery on the finish. This emphasizes freshness and size more than finesse.	Beach Kite	83	8	Curicó Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Alto Roble	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alto Roble 2011 Beach Kite Pinot Noir (Curicó Valley)
US	Soft and sweet, a simple country-style wine with cherry jam flavors as well as a streak of wintergreen mint.	null	84	25	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Mourvèdre	Curtis	null	null	null

Italy

This opens with aromas of charred earth, violet and wild berry. The straightforward palate offers black raspberry, tart cherry and a hint of anise alongside polished tannins. It's rather simple for a Barolo and nearly accessible. Drink 2016–2021.

null

87

35

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Arbéta

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Arbéta 2011 Barolo

France

This smells ripe and full, and the palate confirms it. The wine is wood-aged and this broadens its character—the extra year means fruit is diminished, while the richness is increased. The finale brings some essential acidity.

Les Clans

89

60

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château d'Esclans

null

US

Soft and sharp, this rustic wine has simple cherry, blackberry, leather, coffee and wintergreen mint flavors. It finishes with a touch of sweetened coffee. Might get better after a year or so in the bottle.

Estate

84

36

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah

Cass

null

US

Big and bold, this Chardonnay is made from fruit sourced from the winery's estate vineyard in the new Fort Ross-Seaview appellation. This underwent barrel fermentation, malolactic fermentation and lees aging, and the result is a rich selection that offers flavors of lemon and tropical fruit, buttered toast and cream. Almost too assertive now, it needs a year or two to resolve.

Estate

90

55

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Hirsch

null

Germany

Brisk and bright, this delicately framed Pinot Noir offers both elegance and thirst-quenching quaffability. It's fresh and primary, bursting of raspberry and blossom, but finishes suprisingly long with a murmur of feathery tannin. Drink now.

Private Collection

89

13

Rheinhessen

null

Pinot Noir

Thomas Schmitt

null

US

This wine is filled with aspects of black licorice, leather and high-toned red fruit, along with interesting side notes of white pepper and dried herb. Full bodied, it has zestiness on the finish thanks to a pleasant note of acidity that balances out its burlier side.

null

90

38

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Syrah

Peju

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Peju 2012 Syrah (Napa Valley)

Germany

A selection from the Würzburger Innere Leiste, this wine offers something of a conundrum: the aromas and flavors are on one hand those of cooked or stewed fruit, while at the same time the wine is light-bodied, silky and vibrant. Worth a try.

Montonia

87

65

Franken

null

Spätburgunder

Weingut Am Stein

null

US

The aromas of this Chardonnay are zesty and fresh yet rich, with barrel smoke, caramelized pear and vanilla tones. The integration continues on the palate, with a bit of oak followed by apple, white peach, nectarine and lime zest. It's flavorful and enjoyable now.

Nielson Vineyard

92

32

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Byron

null

France

89–91. Barrel sample. This juicy wine is attractively perfumed. It's a wine that will develop relatively quickly with lively acidity and balanced tannins.

Barrel Sample

90

null

Bordeaux

Margaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Paveil de Luze

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Paveil de Luze 2012 Barrel Sample (Margaux)

Italy

There's a grassy note of dried herb or hay at the back of white flower, citrus and stone fruit. Moletto's S Extra Dry is an easy-drinking Prosecco that would pair with finger foods or shrimp canapés.

S Extra Dry

86

null

Veneto

Prosecco

null

Glera

Moletto

null

Italy

Sweet tobacco and overripe cherry open the nose of this thick, jammy Amarone. The wine exhibits a syrupy, bold mouthfeel with lingering tones of smoke, beef jerky and spice on the finish.

Opere di San Pietro

88

90

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Villa Girardi

null

Villa Girardi 2004 Opere di San Pietro (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)

Argentina

Red licorice candy and sweet red berry aromas lead to a narrow, prickly, semitart palate with sharp raspberry and strawberry flavors. Finishes quick, with the taste of red Twizzlers. Not much depth here, but decent for the price.

null

83

6

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Merlot

Ambiente

null

US

Open tonight and enjoy for its immediate pleasures. Soft and expressive, it shows a wealth of cherry, blackberry, raspberry, cola, licorice, cedar and vanilla-spice flavors that are wrapped into rich, finely ground tannins. Nice with a grilled steak.

Gregory Vineyard

88

36

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

VJB

null

Italy

Here's a plump, juicy rosé from Tuscany with a pretty palette of aromas that goes from wild berries to pink flower. There's a touch of ash or white mineral at the back and the wine tastes generous and full in the mouth. It has intensity, personality and staying power.

Lo Sbrancato Rosato

87

22

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Rosé

Il Poggione

null

Romania

Notes of cedar and violet meld with a ripe, juicy black-fruit flavor in this bold, deeply concentrated Cabernet. Softer and riper than the Rezerva, it has a slightly grapey midpalate. It's full-bodied in style, with a frame of lush, furry tannins.

Paparuda Estate Collection

86

9

Viile Timisului

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cramele Recas

null

Spain

Dark, meaty aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, herbs and spice pave the way for a jammy, tannic palate that's jumbled in feel. Blueberry, mint, herb and briny flavors finish blocky, with herbal notes and heat. Drink this big-bodied offering through 2023.

Selección

91

42

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Arrocal

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Arrocal 2011 Selección (Ribera del Duero)

US

A terrific buy if you're looking for a bone-dry, crisply acidic and minerally Sauvignon Blanc. It shows rewarding flavors of lemons, limes, spices and vanilla. Very clean and nice, and easy to find, with 338,000 cases produced.

null

86

7

California

California Other

Sauvignon Blanc

Barefoot

null

US

Lots of crisp acidity in this pleasantly sweet dessert wine. The acids help make it tangy and clean, while the tangerine, peach, mango, vanilla, spice and honey flavors are just delicious. And with 8% alcohol, it's easy to drink.

Del Lago

87

22

California

Clear Lake

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Muscat Canelli

Ceago Vinegarden

null

US

An everyday Chardonnay with a creamy texture and oak-inspired buttered toast notes. The underlying fruit has pineapple and orange flavors.

null

85

18

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Mossback

null

US

Not bad for a nine dollar Pinot Noir. It's properly dry and silky and crisp, with fruity flavors of cherries, raspberries and Dr. Pepper cola, leading to a spicy finish.

null

84

9

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Brownstone

null

Chile

Tomato leaf, raspberry and earth aromas lead into a sharp, acidic palate that turns the cherry and raspberry flavors toward jagged and pointy. The finish is mildly lemony and on the sharp side, with a hint of carob flavor. Registers as green and lean.

Reserve

83

14

Rio Claro

null

Carmenère

Aresti

null

US

Black fruit aromas show over toasted vanilla and green peppercorn notes. The palate boasts tart berries contrasted by grainy tannins that linger on the slightly bitter finish.

Riserva

85

29

North Carolina

Swan Creek

null

Montepulciano

Raffaldini

Alexander Peartree

null

Raffaldini 2012 Riserva Montepulciano (Swan Creek)

France

This soft, spicy wine is attractive, fruity and immediately accessible. Blackberry fruit, balanced acidity and a crisp texture all point to drinking it now.

null

88

10

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

null

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon

Domaine de Ménard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Ménard 2016 Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon (Côtes de Gascogne)

US

Twisted Oak has a pretty serious track record with this wine. The '05, a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha (Grenache), is very dry and complex. It's soft but firmly tannic, with juicy flavors of cherries, raspberries, pomengranates, licorice, chocolate, cloves and pepper. Has the body of a fine Pinot Noir, with different flavors.

The Spaniard

92

45

California

Calaveras County

Sierra Foothills

Red Blend

Twisted Oak

null

Twisted Oak 2005 The Spaniard Red (Calaveras County)

US

An easy-drinking red blend, made for near term enjoyment. The blend is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cab Franc, 10% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel. All quite ripe and wrapped in smoky chocolate. The finish gets a little chalky.

Iron Bed Red

86

28

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Hard Row To Hoe

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Hard Row To Hoe 2007 Iron Bed Red Red (Wahluke Slope)

Italy

Black-skinned fruit, cooking spice and balsamic aromas come together in this solid, straightforward Brunello. On the palate, firm, close-grained tannins frame black cherry jam, clove and vanilla flavors. Drink 2018–2022.

null

89

60

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Tenuta Buon Tempo

null

Chile

A beast of a red wine, with minty, earthy aromas that sprinkle in tobacco and mint leaf. The palate is fiery and tannic while the flavors of blackberry, coffee and chocolate come with heat and ruggedness. Big on power and flavor, but short on refinement and elegance.

Toro de Piedra

85

13

Curicó Valley

null

Carmenère-Cabernet Sauvignon

Viña Requingua

null

Italy

The aromatic intensity is one notch higher on this wine compared to this producer's other white blend, yet the peach, almond nut and floral aromas are similar. This wine also has a creamier quality with pretty vanilla flavors and a smooth texture.

Conte Ruggero

87

11

Sicily & Sardinia

Alcamo

null

White Blend

Foraci

null

US

This Meritage blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc, 4% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, and barrel aged for a couple of years. Dark, sappy, loaded with ripe cassis and black cherry fruit, perfect, silky tannins, juicy acids, this Bordeaux blend is beautifully integrated and will age for many more years.

Dionysus Red

92

45

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Arbor Crest

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Arbor Crest 2005 Dionysus Red Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

Mineral and young, this tight, nervy wine needs to develop. Apple and pear flavors are ripe while also bringing out attractive acidity. The texture is still firm and steely, needing time. Drink from 2016.

null

89

29

Burgundy

Pouilly-Fuissé

null

Chardonnay

Cave des Grands Crus Blancs

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Cave des Grands Crus Blancs 2013 Pouilly-Fuissé

US

A blend of six varieties, but it's not a simple wine made from the leftovers that some wineries use for blends. Instead, it's crisp and fruity, not as dry as Tangent's varietal wines, but rich in Muscat orange, Riesling flowers, Pinot Gris citrus, Viognier tropical fruit and Pinot Blanc peach. One percent Albariño seems to add to the acidity.

Ecclestone

87

20

California

Central Coast

White Blend

Tangent

null

Tangent 2006 Ecclestone White (Central Coast)

Argentina

Candied cherry and red-plum aromas precede an edgy palate and herbal flavors of plum and berry that are slightly hot and spicy. Raspberry and red-currant flavors on the finish are dilute.

null

84

13

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Tercos

null

US

Elegant and rich, but too acidic, almost unnaturally, giving the wine a sour cherry and raspberry Lifesaver candy tartness. This sharpness will probably never disappear.

McDougall Vineyard

86

48

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Kutch

null

US

A drop in alcohol by more than a full percent since the excellent 2009 Nysa was released suggests that this vintage did not achieve optimal ripeness. Bitter upon entry, with a medicinal note, this remains stiff and unyielding, with tart cranberry fruit and sharp acids.

Nysa Vineyard

86

55

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Torii Mor

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Torii Mor 2010 Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

Chile

Crusty and peppery aromas blend with wild berry and herbal scents to create a very nice opening. The palate is tight and healthy, with black currant, dark cherry and plum flavors. Despite controlled herbal notes, this is very good Merlot for the money.

Reserva

87

8

Curicó Valley

null

Merlot

Quasar

null

Spain

Dry, leathery and earthy up front, this mature Mencía is all about grip and complexity. In the mouth, it's tight and tannic. Flavors of dry cherry and berry are layered and earthy, while hard tannins and additional earth notes steer a long, spicy finish. Drink through 2019.

Xestal

91

40

Northern Spain

Bierzo

null

Mencía

Gancedo

null

France

This is a rich and full, especially for a wine from the lighter 2013 vintage. Smooth, generous black fruits with a hint of mint (from aging in new wood) are buoyed by dusty tannins and ripe acidity. The wine, made from organic grapes, is fruity, still ready to develop. Drink from 2018.

null

88

17

Bordeaux

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Fongaban

null

US

This wine seems fruity, sweet and pure, with wonderfully bracing acidity and gentle tannins. The mouthfeel is light and graceful. Its notes of raspberry and smoky oak make it amazingly drinkable.

null

93

50

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Flowers

null

US

Not an easy wine to appreciate now. It's tannic, and the fruit is fresh and primary, with the sweet, candied taste of a chewy raspberry twist. Still, there's something complex and interesting going on. It's not just another overripe Zin. Give it a year or two to come around.

Black-Sears Vineyard

89

40

California

Howell Mountain

Napa

Zinfandel

V. Sattui

null

V. Sattui 2007 Black-Sears Vineyard Zinfandel (Howell Mountain)

US

A very drinkable Carignane made from 40–90 year old certified organic vines grown in Mendocino, punched down by hand and given the gold-glove treatment. The result is juicy and delicious, full-bodied yet somehow light on its feet, a little blueberry here, a little spice there.

Testa Vineyard

90

25

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Carignane

Horse & Plow

null

Italy

From the La Vis cantina in northern Italy, this is a mature and fruit-forward Morellino di Scansano with clean cherry aromas backed by earthy notes and pressed flowers. The texture is soft, velvety and smooth.

null

87

16

Tuscany

Morellino di Scansano

null

Sangiovese

Poggio Morino

null

Italy

Here's a dessert wine made with red Refosco grapes from northern Italy that delivers savory aromas of spice, leather, tobacco and dried berry fruit. You feel the sweetness in the mouth, however, followed by soft tannins.

Passione Passito Cason Brusà

88

45

Veneto

null

Refosco

Beccarello

null

Beccarello 2008 Passione Passito Cason Brusà Refosco (Veneto)

France

This monopole within the Chablis grand cru vineyards produces top Chablis. In 2006, the wine is powerful, but layered with intense minerality, a flinty character on top of the ripe white and yellow fruits. It has concentration, a depth of flavor that is impressive. It will age well.

Domaine Long-Depaquit Moutonne Grand Cru

94

90

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Albert Bichot

null

France

The wine is full and ripe, generous both in its black fruits and its tannins. It's rich, juicy and packed with berry fruits, a touch of wood and a mineral texture showing at the end. Drink from 2016.

null

88

12

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Bordes-Quancard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Bordes-Quancard 2011 Bordeaux

US

This wine is aromatically arresting, with notes of honeycomb, candle wax, corn husk, chamomile, almond and stone fruit. The palate has an outrageously textured, detailed, layered feel leading to an extended finish that displays both elegance and richness.

Clos Pierre

93

45

Oregon

Columbia Gorge (OR)

Oregon Other

Chardonnay

Domaine J. Meuret

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Domaine J. Meuret 2013 Clos Pierre Chardonnay (Columbia Gorge (OR))

US

Merry Edwards has figured out the magic trick of crafting Pinot Noirs so luscious right out of the gate, you want to drink them now, but that actually are ageable. This one, from the warmer Westside Road area of the valley, is enormously ripe and seductive now, with wild cherry, red licorice, bacon, cola, cocoa and cinnamon spice flavors. Yet the inherent balance of tannins and acids ensures it a long life. What a treat. Now–2016.

Flax Vineyard Méthode a L'Ancienne

96

54

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Merry Edwards

null

France

Grands Terroirs is a brand created by Cahors-based Château le Cèdre. This bow to its Bordeaux neighbor has produced a Pauillac that is classic, rich, structured and packed with blackberry fruit. It is still on the young side, although drinkable, a wine that will open and round in the next two years.

null

90

null

Bordeaux

Pauillac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Grands Terroirs de France

null

US

This Bordeaux-Rhône blend is rustic and dry, with significant tannins. It has earthy, herb, berry and spice flavors that finish with a touch of bitterness.

Caton Vineyard Tytanium

83

49

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Red Blend

Ty Caton

null

Ty Caton 2004 Caton Vineyard Tytanium Red (Sonoma Valley)

Chile

Max Reserva is the easiest, most fruity of the Errazuriz Chardonnay lineup for 2014. Aromas of vanilla wafer, barrel toast, smoke and white fruits announce a smooth but simple palate. Peach, melon and toasty oak are the key flavors, while this finishes a touch salty.

Max Reserva

89

20

Aconcagua Costa

null

Chardonnay

Errazuriz

null

US

Similar in style and aging potential to the winery's 2009, and blended with amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this Cabernet Sauvignon from mighty Howell Mountain is rich in spicy blackberry and clove, the tannins soft and juicy.

null

91

80

California

Howell Mountain

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Prim Family

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Prim Family 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)

Austria

A finely structured wine, packed with ripe fruit, dense tannins and sweet plum juice flavors. Elegant, this wears its alcohol well, showing good structure and the potential for aging.

Solitaire

90

50

Burgenland

null

Red Blend

Feiler-Artinger

null

US

Delicious in deep, satisfying flavor, this wine tastes like a cherry pie drizzled with cassis, sprinkled with cinnamon, and baked into a sweetly buttery baked crust. Yet it's bone dry. Full-bodied for a Pinot, it has a silky texture and is very easy to drink.

null

87

18

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Hahn

null

Portugal

The extra concentration of low-yielding old vines is apparent in this dark, brooding wine. The minerally texture and firm tannins are all destined for long-term aging. Made from fruit that's sourced from the foothills of Portugal's highest mountains, this has a distinctly structured and dense finish.

Vinhas Velhas

91

26

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Casa da Passarella

null

US

A simple Chardonnay, this seems sweet in pineapple and peach jam notes, with buttered toast and honey flavors from oak. Flashy, but one-dimensional.

null

84

22

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Hess Collection

null

US

Wood spice, herb, tangerine peel and blue- and black-fruit aromas are followed by a fresh, flavorful palate. The grip of the tannins makes the variety unmistakable and the balance is spot on.

null

91

25

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Double Canyon

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Double Canyon 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)

Italy

From the uneven 2005 vintage, this bright Brunello opens with aged aromas of tar, resin, black fruit, cassis and leather. The wine's consistency and persistency are very good considering the difficulties of the year.

null

89

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Torrenera

null

Torrenera 2005 Brunello di Montalcino

Australia

Searching for New World Chardonnay that's restrained, crisp and only 12% abv? Steve Webber at De Bortoli is your man. This medium-bodied Chardonnay displays a hint of custard to its texture, while the flavors are citrus driven and refreshing.

Estate Grown

87

30

Victoria

Yarra Valley

null

Chardonnay

De Bortoli

null

US

Simple and jammy, with sweet flavors of cherries, currants, licorice and spices.

null

82

15

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Ca' Momi

null

Italy

There's a muddled element to the nose here that recalls old wood or spice and in general, this wine lacks sharpness and focus. It tastes very sweet and offers high alcohol that keeps the palate ripping clean.

null

86

90

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Tommaso Bussola

null

Tommaso Bussola 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

France

Deep pink in color, this warm and rich rosé is touched with spice and tannin as well as red currant fruits and a crisp acidity on the finish. The wine could improve further with some bottle age.

Grand Rosé

87

90

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Forget-Brimont

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Forget-Brimont NV Grand Rosé (Champagne)

France

This is a fabulous wine from the greatest Champagne vintage so far this century. Still young, it blends almost equal amounts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fleshed out with Pinot Meunier. The minerality and the rich apple and green fruits are balanced, and acidity cuts into the wine with a pure, perfumed line of freshness. The wine could be drunk now, but it will age well into the the 2020s.

Brut

100

259

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Krug

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Krug 2002 Brut (Champagne)

Italy

This pretty rosso has typical fragrances of dark fruit and spice. The palate shows ripe plum and cherry layered with cinnamon notes. It's fresh and ready to enjoy now, and would pair well with pasta dishes or grilled chicken.

null

85

11

Tuscany

Rosso di Montepulciano

null

Red Blend

Fattoria della Talosa

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Fattoria della Talosa 2011 Rosso di Montepulciano

Chile

With fruit from coastal Leyda in the blend, this Curicó wine surprises with crisp, focused understatement. The mouth is fresh but basic, with juicy, perky apple and citrus flavors followed by a crisp, slightly pithy finish. Overachieves in the context of Echeverria's past Sauvignon Blancs.

Reserva

89

11

Molina

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Echeverria

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Echeverria 2010 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Molina)

US

Plush, showy aromas of candied apples, caramelized pears, condensed honeysuckle, yellow peach, quinine and cinnamon spice show on the nose of this wine. The palate takes a sour turn, with lemon peels, pear skins and a touch of chamomile.

null

88

null

California

Arroyo Seco

Central Coast

Chardonnay

White Hart Wine

null

Italy

Negroamaro Maru is characterized by simple, sweet-tasting fruit aromas of blackberry jelly and raspberry. Those pretty fruit flavors are backed by soft tannins and a chewy texture.

Maru

87

15

Southern Italy

Salento

null

Negroamaro

Castello Monaci

null

US

Big, round and fruity, this is a simple, fairly sweet wine with plenty of smooth fruit enjoyment. There's just a touch of spice and an earthy finish.

null

85

10

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Müller-Thurgau

Airlie

null

South Africa

Cinnamon, plum, blackberry and cedar aromas start this rich but poised red. Savory flavors of black fruit and spice are accompanied by fine, chalky tannins. Pair with lamb, richer fare.

Bonne Nouvelle

90

34

Stellenbosch

null

Red Blend

Remhoogte

null

US

The attractive new label design introduces this clean, simple, pleasant rosé, a blend of Pinot Noir and 7% Pinot Meunier. Quite foamy, it subsides into a pale pink wine with hints of strawberry fruit.

Brut Rosé

86

14

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sparkling Blend

Michelle

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Michelle NV Brut Rosé Sparkling (Columbia Valley (WA))

Argentina

Fast becoming one of Argentina's most reliable value brands, Altosur got it right in 2006 with its basic Malbec. The wine is full, chewy, healthy and bright. It has all the attributes of good, young Malbec: plums, berries and chocolate, with lushness and some style.

Altosur

88

11

Mendoza Province

Tupungato

null

Malbec

Finca Sophenia

null

Italy

Sweet spring flowers and citrus highlights characterize this generous Prosecco Brut with creamy effervescence and mature peach flavors. The perky sparkler has a drying finish with lingering mineral tones.

Matiú Cru Brut

85

16

Veneto

Prosecco di Conegliano

null

Prosecco

L'Antica Quercia

null

Spain

Damp earth, subtle berry, plum and smoke notes define the nose. It feels typically tannic and clampy for Ribera del Duero, with leathery, roasted flavors of blackberry, rubber and herbs. Long, meaty and dense on the back side, with chewy tannins and sweet lasting flavors.

Reserva

88

29

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Viña Vilano

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Vilano 2005 Reserva (Ribera del Duero)

US

Dry, ultra-crisp and fruity, with citrusy flavors of lemons, limes and grapefruits that finish with a flowery taste. A clean, versatile white wine for cocktails.

null

84

10

California

California Other

Pinot Grigio

McManis

null

US

This is a wonderful edition to Pearl, Sparkman's 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It's vibrant and energetic, the kind of high-wire flavors more commonly found in Sancerre. Three days after it was first tasted, the wine was still drinking beautifully, with candied mixed fruits and terrific concentration.

Pearl

92

22

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Sparkman

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Sparkman 2011 Pearl Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

At the northern end of the Ladoix appellation, this small Premier Cru has produced a red-fruited wine shot through with acidity and spicy flavors. It is juicy, showing red cherries, raspberries bolstered with a layer of tannins. The wine is ready to drink, although it will age at least until 2023.

La Micaude Premier Cru

90

50

Burgundy

Ladoix

null

Pinot Noir

Capitain-Gagnerot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Capitain-Gagnerot 2013 La Micaude Premier Cru (Ladoix)

Chile

A low-intensity wine with dull apricot aromas and mild oxidization. Riesling is the base grape, but the wine is mildy Sherried and honeyed, with burnt orange as the lead flavor. Heavy orange and apricot flavors weigh down the short finish.

Vendimia Tardía

84

25

Curicó Valley

null

Riesling

Miguel Torres

null

Argentina

Wiry, herbal aromas of raspberry and plum are slightly stalky. This feels tight, choppy and prickly, but also alert and racy. Flavors of herbal raspberry and plum finish with additional herbal notes, a touch of chocolate and snappy acids.

null

87

17

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Tomero

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Tomero 2011 Malbec (Mendoza)

France

The master of Savigny-lès-Beaune, Bize has produced a powerful, expressive wine from this small single vineyard. It has serious structure, although the sumptuous black-fruit flavors are already showing. Concentrated, rich and fruity, this will age for at least five years.

Aux Grands Liards

92

46

Burgundy

Savigny-lès-Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Simon Bize

null

US

A bit more than half Merlot, this Bordeaux-style blend is balanced and complex. Layers of flower, fruit and earth unfold gracefully. There are suggestions of clean mushroom as well, with a smooth, seamless mouthfeel and modest length.

D2

89

42

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

DeLille

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

DeLille 2011 D2 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Germany

Deceptively easy, with a soft, off-dry finish, this wine nevertheless has plenty of other things going for it, including a complex array of honey, melon and spice flavors framed by hints of wet stone. It's slightly sweet and peppery on the long finish.

Westhofen Morstein GG Trocken

88

92

Rheinhessen

null

Riesling

Wittmann

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Wittmann 2009 Westhofen Morstein GG Trocken Riesling (Rheinhessen)

US

Whiffs of ripe black cherries, vanilla and spice, along with delicate hints of soil and barnyard, mark this unusual blend of Saperavi and Sereksiya grapes. Tart black-fruit flavors accented with swathes of fresh herbs are a bit lean on the palate, but the acidity is gentle. It's dry and easy drinking in style with smooth, gentle tannins.

Black Russian

87

55

New York

Finger Lakes

Red Blend

McGregor

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

McGregor 2010 Black Russian Red (Finger Lakes)

US

Consistently outstanding Pinot Noir producer Black Kite has done it again. This bottling comes together in a seamless symphony of aromas and flavors. Ripe fruit, subtly spicy oak and forest floor notes fill the glass. Its opulent texture unfolds into layers of baking spice, earthiness, and red and black cherry fruit, with a long, complex finish.

Angel Hawk

94

85

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Noir

Black Kite

null

US

Give this wine your full attention and it continues to give back. Tart young strawberry and black cherry fruit flavors are set in a frame of light toast and juicy acid. With perfect balance, good length and emerging details, more complexity should develop as this wine ages. Suggestion: cellar until 2018–2020.

Jill's 115

91

55

Oregon

Willamette Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Lenné Estate

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Lenné Estate 2012 Jill's 115 Pinot Noir

Argentina

This Grigio opens with mild lemon and apple aromas that transition into a flabby palate and dull flavors of buttercup, banana and apple.

Reserve

83

10

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Pinot Grigio

Trapiche

null

US

Crispness and dryness mark this elegant young Pinot Noir. It feels silky, almost delicate in the mouth, but with powerful cherry, pomegranateand cola flavors. Should develop for up to six years in the bottle.

Longbow

90

48

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Arista

null

Italy

A medium-weight wine built on a core of tart cherry fruit that wears licorice and tobacco accents. Even and dry on the palate, it has a good chalky mouthfeel and dry, even tannins on the finish. Not flamboyant, but solid.

null

85

19

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Volpaia

null

Chile

Melon and citrus scents blend with notes of crushed vitamins and lanolin. This feels round and smooth, with acidic kick that helps maintain balance. Melon and creamy flavors lead the charge, with a briny hint in the background. Drink now.

Vetas Blancas Reserva Especial

89

18

Limarí Valley

null

Chardonnay

Viña Tabalí

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Tabalí 2014 Vetas Blancas Reserva Especial Chardonnay (Limarí Valley)

US

This new, value brand from winemaker Brian Carter hits the mark with this creamy, smooth, seamless rendition of sauvignon blanc. An oxidative “sur lie” technique keeps it citrus fresh but cuts the herbaceousness.

null

90

11

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Apex II

null

US

From a blend of grapes sourced from three vineyard sites, including Keefer, one of the producer's vineyard designates, this wine displays a light red color. It has a noticeably supple texture, a soft expression of cranberry and red cherry accented by black tea.

null

90

33

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Cellars 33

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Cellars 33 2013 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Italy

Vittoria is one of the best Barbera d'Alba wines you will ever taste. Chocolate fudge, powdered mocha, blackberry and exotic spice waft gently off the nose of the luscious but delicate Barbera d'Alba. The wine is dense and round (it's aged in oak, 50% of which is new barrique).

Vittoria

92

34

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Gianfranco Alessandria

null

US

Not showing very well and smelling like sweet soda. Spring for Klinker Brick's 2008 Old Ghost instead, a much more stellar version of Lodi old-vine Zin, double the price but worth every additional dollar.

Old Vine Zinfandel

83

18

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Zinfandel

Klinker Brick

null

Argentina

Light and candied, with strawberry drink mix as the main aroma. In the mouth, it's rather sticky and sweet, with basic characteristics. Adequate in terms of feel and balance.

null

82

6

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Merlot

Funky Llama

null

Spain

Candied, jammy red-fruit aromas come with a whiff of animal fur. This feels standard at best, loose and flabby at worst. Raspberry, plum and grapy flavors finish plump and fruity but with no real complexity.

Sila

85

16

Galicia

Monterrei

null

Mencía

Pazos del Rey

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pazos del Rey 2012 Sila Mencía (Monterrei)

Spain

Oaky aromas of maple, blackberry and chimney grit set up a raw tannic palate. This tastes toasty and oaky, but with enough black-fruit flavor to support all that wood. Mild herb and spice flavors mix with tea and berry notes on the finish of this off-vintage Tempranillo. Drink through 2022.

Crianza

91

28

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Ankal

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Ankal 2013 Crianza (Ribera del Duero)

US

A good wine, but incomplete, and shows why Cabernet Franc is a tough variety to bottle on its own. You get a blast of cherries and oak, with sturdy tannins, but the wine lacks depth and complexity.

Robert's Blend

86

90

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Franc

Oakville Ranch

null

Greece

Lush tropical fruit and fragrant white flowers lead this balanced, pretty white from Skouras. On the palate, lemon, pear and peach are buoyed by a great acidic spin. The briny sea salt finish adds a delicious touch. Pair with grilled octopus, fish.

Georges Skouras Moscofilero

89

15

Peloponnese

null

Moschofilero

Skouras

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Skouras 2010 Georges Skouras Moscofilero Moschofilero (Peloponnese)

Argentina

Berry and earth on the nose are welcoming aromas, and overall this juicy, simple Malbec offers clean lines, a touch of complexity and good balance. The flavors channel berry and plum, and some vanilla runs shotgun. Not overripe or off base.

null

87

11

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Pannotia Vineyards

null

Austria

A fat style of Riesling, sitting plump and ripe in the glass. There is elegance as well, with the freshest of green berries to give it lift. But it remains full and fruity in texture. Screwcap. Imported by Grape Expectations (CA).

Rohrendorfer Gebling

89

20

Kremstal

null

Riesling

Felsner

null

US

This wine presents an interesting mix of herbal, citrus and stone-fruit components. Lemon pepper and grapefruit, with a touch of Satsuma orange, all stand out. A slick lick of caramel carries on the finish.

Grower Series

90

20

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Argyle

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Argyle 2015 Grower Series Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)

Chile

For a big, simple style of Pinot Noir, this gets the job done. It's dark and mulled on the nose, with boistrous plum and cherry flavors that darken up and turn peppery on the finish. This emphasizes freshness and size more than finesse.

Beach Kite

83

8

Curicó Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Alto Roble

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alto Roble 2011 Beach Kite Pinot Noir (Curicó Valley)

US

Soft and sweet, a simple country-style wine with cherry jam flavors as well as a streak of wintergreen mint.

null

84

25

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Mourvèdre

Curtis

null