spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	This bold and full-bodied wine has vivid smoke and spice aromas, with rich blackberry and espresso flavors. A healthy wrapping of tannins add an appetizing bite and a lingering, lightly spicy finish. Overall, the tasty oak nuances are well blended with the ripe fruit.	Charles Wetmore Single Vineyard	91	30	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Wente	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Wente 2014 Charles Wetmore Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)
Greece	This fumé has a zesty character, with aromas of tropical fruit and flowers and fresh, fun flavors of peach, citrus and pineapple. The oak offers spice for added character, and clean acidity makes it a great find for fresh, summer meals.	null	87	35	Epanomi	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine Gerovassiliou	null	null	null
Israel	The nose is slightly feral, bearing fragrances of brambly boysenberry and wild blueberry. There is a nice play between fruit and savory notes, with flavors of raspberry, strawberry, smoked meat and summer farm stand. Mellow tannins offer an ample preface to a citrus-zest finish amped up by a touch of salted caramel.	Malbec-Shiraz-Petite Sirah	90	null	Judean Hills	null	null	Red Blend	Montefiore	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Montefiore 2012 Malbec-Shiraz-Petite Sirah Red (Judean Hills)
US	This Syrah remains tough and gritty in tannins, with a lockdown astringency that gets in between the cherry, red currant and Dr. Pepper cola flavors and your enjoyment of them. It's very dry and crisp in acidity, and seems to have the inherent balance to mellow with 4–6 years in the cellar. Give it a try.	Dutton Ranch Cherry Ridge Vineyard	88	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Dutton-Goldfield	null	null	null
US	This is quite light, almost ephemeral, with tart raspberry and red licorice flavors and a strong metallic/mineral streak. It is delicately made, and interesting, but comparable to a simple Bourgogne rather than a wine priced at this level.	Momtazi Vineyard	86	45	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Boedecker Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Boedecker Cellars 2005 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
France	Big, firm and dense, this is a powerful wine, with dark tannins that give a dry, concentrated character. The juicy plum and damson fruit flavors, along with the fresh aftertaste, will be a delicious balance as the wine develops. Drink from 2020.	null	93	260	Burgundy	Clos de Vougeot	null	Pinot Noir	Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter 2013 Clos de Vougeot
Chile	This opens with mildly leafy, murky aromas of iodine and latex, with hints of black fruit. The palate feels a bit choppy and hollow, with an herbal mix of tomato and red plum flavors. It's solid, but herbal and scratchy feeling as a whole.	Legado Reserva	85	16	Maipo Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	De Martino	null	null	null
US	Lots of new oak here, so much that the wine is dominated by it. Beyond the vanilla and char are slightly sweetened cherry pie filling flavors, with soft acids and a peppery finish. Good, but needs work.	Estate Grown	86	60	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Donum	null	null	null
Georgia	Dark, fleshy black-fruit and cocoa notes on the nose and palate get a blast of zestiness from the persistent cranberry and spice flavors. It is full-bodied, with a firm layer of tannins that grip tightly on the finish.	null	87	10	Kakheti	null	null	Saperavi	Wine Man	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Wine Man 2010 Saperavi (Kakheti)
US	This 100% varietal wine is awash in chocolate and earthy truffle, richly layered and yet firm in structured tannin. With sizable, full-bodied weight, it begs for more time in bottle, a chance for the crisp red fruit lurking underneath the texture to focus further. Drink now through 2023.	Seventy Four-Forty One	93	65	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Jean Edwards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Jean Edwards 2013 Seventy Four-Forty One Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	Lots of exuberant fruit in this stylish blend of Petite Sirah, Zin, Cab Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. With its cherry candy and sweet oak flavors, it carefully treads the line between rustic and chic. Drink now. From Hunnicutt.	Fearless Red	87	38	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	CUTT	null	null	null
Australia	There's a greenish tinge to this wine's fruit, but it also features complex minerally elements, so the end result is something like fresh ferns, crushed stone and fresh-squeezed limes. It's plump in the mouth, yet sharply focused, finishing crisp and refreshing. Imported by USA Wine West.	Watervale	90	29	South Australia	Clare Valley	null	Riesling	Grosset	null	null	null
US	This nicely crafted Syrah is sourced from the Lewis, Porteuss, and Sundance vineyards. The barrel regimen was 25% new and 100% French, with minimal racking, unfined and unfiltered. Flavors are compact, a classic mix of wild berry, loam, seaweed and bitter herb. Not for fruit hounds, but detailed and deep.	null	90	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Trust	null	null	null
US	Spritzy and sugary, this has a candied quality that fails to add much life or lift; it simply falls flat.	null	83	11	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Sonnet Cellars	null	null	null
Greece	Elegant, light and easy to drink, this offers a nose of fresh citrus and clean, friendly flavors of lemon and spice on the palate. Uncomplicated and fun, it's a great summer wine that will pair perfectly with grilled fish or Asian cuisine.	null	86	13	Peloponnese	null	null	Roditis	Lafazanis	null	null	null
US	There's lots of sweetness in this polished wine, with pretty orange, peach, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors. It would benefit from greater acidity, though, as it's a bit soft.	null	86	25	California	Anderson Valley	null	Riesling	V. Sattui	null	null	V. Sattui 2011 Riesling (Anderson Valley)
Spain	This blend of Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet and Graciano has a sultry, earthy, almost minerally nose that's backed up by blackberry, cassis and melted brown sugar flavors. Chewy and modern, with a brawny finish that houses baked-fruit notes and a dash of chocolate.	null	89	45	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Red Blend	Señorío de Andión	null	null	null
US	Lots of ripe berry and pomegranate notes give a fruity profile to this dry, medium-bodied, fresh and lightly tannic wine. It will be a good quaffing wine for lunch or dinner with mushroom pizza or grilled chicken.	Highlander	86	24	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Red Blend	Chacewater	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Chacewater 2013 Highlander Red (Sierra Foothills)
Italy	Here's a thick and densely concentrated Brunello with layers of soft spice, mature fruit, blackberry, leather and a touch of black licorice. The wine is extremely rich and opulent in the mouth and delivers excellent concentration and body. It fills the mouth nicely with its delicious fruit tones.	null	91	43	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Tenuta Vitanza	null	null	null
US	Although this is Ste. Michelle's widely available Merlot offering, it breaks the mold by being held back a considerable time prior to release. It's an unusual wine, with scents of overripe, raisined fruit, a streak of tobacco and black licorice, a soft midpalate, and some bitterness in the finishing tannins.	null	84	16	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Chateau Ste. Michelle	null	null	null
Italy	This has some light deposits at the bottom of the bottle, with a slightly cloudy appearance. Aromas of stone fruit, melon and citrus create a broad and thick aromatic front.	Col Fondo	86	18	Veneto	Prosecco	null	Glera	Ca' dei Zago	null	null	Ca' dei Zago 2010 Col Fondo (Prosecco)
Austria	The least successful of Heinrich's varietal range, this is edgy with insistent acidity. The fruit does show red cherry brightness, although the mineral character returns.	null	86	null	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Gernot and Heike Heinrich	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Gernot and Heike Heinrich 2007 Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)
Germany	Intensely sweet, as you might expect, with scents of honey, dried apricots and clover. But there's also a hint of vinyl or plastic that mars the nose and the palate, so although this is sticky and long on the finish, it doesn't quite make top marks.	Rauenthal Nonnenberg Auslese Gold Cap	89	65	Rheingau	null	null	Riesling	Georg Breuer	null	null	null
Chile	This Concha y Toro brand almost always delivers good quality for a fair price, but this wine doesn't accomplish much. It smells like a child's fruit drink, and the strawberry and raspberry flavors are equally candied. And in the mouth the wine seems heavy at first and then vacuous later on, as if everything holding it together had evaporated. Not imported to the U.S.	Casillero del Diablo Reserve Shiraz	82	10	Central Valley	null	null	Rosé	Concha y Toro	null	null	null
US	Still young and tight, this terroir-driven Chardonnay needs further cellaring to show its best. Woody scents top off crisp, persistent tree fruits, with lemony acids propping up flavors. It's dense, compact and unyielding, but clearly the raw materials for ageworthiness are there.	Rose Rock West Vineyards	91	40	Oregon	Eola-Amity Hills	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Roco	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Roco 2012 Rose Rock West Vineyards Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills)
Portugal	Attractive oily, fruity and fresh wine, mineral with green plum flavors touched with lemon. For drinking now to preserve its bright, ripe character.	Branco	87	11	Douro	null	null	Portuguese White	Castello d'Alba	null	null	null
US	This single-vineyard Zin is a considerable improvement over the ‘04. The alcohol in the ‘05 is far lower, almost a full percent, yielding a more balanced and harmonious wine. But it's hardly shy. It's powerful in wild blackberry, cassis, raspberry, root beer, tangerine, chocolate and sweet thyme, while the tannic structure is rich enough to warrant bottle aging for a decade.	Forchini Vineyard	92	45	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Williams Selyem	null	null	null
Germany	Dusty earth and smoke notes lend a mysteriously dark tone to delicate berry and dried apricot notes in this dry yet rich Riesling. It's savory and earthy, with a creamy, textured mouthfeel balanced by brisk lime acidity.	Königsbacher Idig Trocken	89	73	Pfalz	null	null	Riesling	A. Christmann	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	A. Christmann 2009 Königsbacher Idig Trocken Riesling (Pfalz)
US	Dark and fragrant, this interesting Syrah opens quickly with blue and black berries, a streak of balsamic, and suggestions of bloody meat. Off to a great start, it thins out through the finish, while remaining interesting with surprising complexity.	Calkins Lane Vineyard	89	45	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Syrah	Adelsheim	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Adelsheim 2010 Calkins Lane Vineyard Syrah (Chehalem Mountains)
Austria	Rich and almost liquorous in its texture, this is powerful stuff. It has weight, with intense, concentrated flavors of tropical fruit, spice and a smooth character. The acidity lends lift on the finish. Screwcap.	Oberfeld Erste Lage Alte Reben Reserve	92	null	Kremstal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Unger	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Unger 2010 Oberfeld Erste Lage Alte Reben Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)
US	Jammy and direct in raspberry and cherry flavors, with lots of sweet smoky oak and some hot alcohol, this blend is long on flavor, but a little short on nuance and complexity. Drink it now with robust grilled meats and stews.	Joie de Vivre	86	61	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	Jeff Gordon	null	null	null
Chile	Aromas of tire rubber and asphalt are low on fruit. This turns for the better on the palate, which feels creamy despite showing rubbery tannins. Peppery flavors of cherry, plum and raspberry become salty on a mostly smooth, solid finish.	Herú	88	45	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Ventisquero	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Ventisquero 2012 Herú Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley)
Italy	This is packed tight with mineral and herbal aromas that come on the heels of stone fruit and citrus. This is a fresh and fragrant appetizer wine that keeps your palate polished and refreshed.	San Michele	86	13	Veneto	Soave Classico	null	Garganega	Ca' Rugate	null	null	null
US	The luscious fruit mix starts with a suggestion of marmalade, then adds plum and cherry. It gains complexity with streaks of graphite, black olive and smoke, polished, lightly earthy tannins and plenty of power through the finish. An interesting, somewhat unusual style of Ethos.	Ethos Reserve	91	38	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Chateau Ste. Michelle	null	null	null
US	Fresh tropical fruit, peach and apricot flavors star in this flashy young wine. Oak also plays a prominent role, giving buttered toast and caramel notes. And the texture is creamy and smooth. The overall impression is very rich and powerful, but the wine could have more finesse. Drink now.	Journey	89	75	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Matanzas Creek	null	null	null
Portugal	It's very rare to find a 100% Petit Verdot, the Bordeaux variety that adds a percentage or two of spice to wines in the Médoc. The color is dark, almost black, while the wine's tannins are sweet, chocolaty and flavored with toasty spice. With its big blackberry jam texture, this is dense and solid, a powerful, ripe wine.	null	91	30	Alentejano	null	null	Petit Verdot	Azamor	null	null	null
Chile	A bit soupy and soft on the nose, with mulch, oak and tobacco along with dark-fruit aromas. This marks the second vintage of Intriga, a new Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from MontGras, and it's full and chewy, with raspberry flavors and size. Shows a touch of syrupy thickness on the finish. Weighty and definitely ripe. Drink soon.	null	88	30	Maipo Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Intriga	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Intriga 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)
Italy	Sleek and savory, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of mocha, spicy plum, scorched earth and leather. The juicy palate offers black currant, cassis, black pepper, savory herb and licorice alongside polished tannins.	Poggio Bestiale	91	60	Tuscany	Maremma Toscana	null	Red Blend	Fattoria di Magliano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Fattoria di Magliano 2011 Poggio Bestiale (Maremma Toscana)
Italy	Weighs in on the heavy side, and that's obvious from the color as well as the tomato and beet aromas. Yet just when you think it's too stewy, a blast of black plum and licorice hits and the wine is salvaged. Not a dancer; more of a plodder with local appeal. Imported by Vias Imports.	L'Ardenza	85	45	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Red Blend	Cottanera	null	null	null
Chile	The nose delivers solid, generally clean berry aromas with lift. The palate is bouncy, shows decent acidity, and bumps along while offering standard red berry flavors in front of a light, medicinal finish. Good everyday Cab for the price.	null	84	7	Central Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Pepperwood Grove	null	null	null
US	Fruit from six vineyards that comprise the winery's vineyard-designate series is blended into this village cuvée. At first it seems stiff, almost severe, remaining tightly wound for hours. Gradually the fruit emerges, with rhubarb, cranberry and raspberry notes, and highlights of citrus rind in a high-acid finish.	Villages Cuvée	88	26	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	St. Innocent	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	St. Innocent 2013 Villages Cuvée Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
US	From a newer planting of the Durell Vineyard called the Ranch House Block, this Pinot is rocking in deep, delicious baked strawberry and raspberry fruit, fruity, lush and spicy yet balanced and tempting. The texture is satisfyingly velvety and complete.	Durell Vineyard	93	55	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Dunstan	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Dunstan 2011 Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Spain	Fruity up front, with a bit of Ribera's youthful funk thrown in for good measure. Shows leather, earth, aged cheese and dairy notes alongside ribald berry and cherry flavors. It's a solid wine with no leash; it wants to run so might as well let it. Finishes with power in the homestretch. Best in 2009–10. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.	Viña Pedrosa	88	28	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Hnos. Pérez Pascuas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Hnos. Pérez Pascuas 2006 Viña Pedrosa (Ribera del Duero)
Chile	Yeasty vanilla and mild vegetal aromas lead the way on this otherwise neutral-smelling SB. The palate is lively but more generic than specific; flavors of bell pepper and asparagus dot the picture, with lime and grapefruit also apparent. A salty, briny finish may stem from the ground water used to irrigate this desert-origin new SB.	Sumpai Huasco Valley	87	22	Chile	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Kalfu	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Kalfu 2013 Sumpai Huasco Valley Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
Argentina	Earthy and mildly lactic on the nose, with tight, lean, herbal flavors. Doesn't rise above mediocre.	Coleccion	83	12	Other	Calchaquí Valley	null	Malbec	Michel Torino	null	null	null
South Africa	The sweet edge to this sparkler makes it quite attractive and a pleasant alternative to the more common dry styles typically served today. The nose offers notes of toast, apple skins and pineapple core while the mouth shows riper flavors of peaches and cream and a hint of honey. Overall, a fun and well-balanced semi-sweet sparkler.	Bliss Demi-Sec	85	16	Western Cape	null	null	Champagne Blend	Graham Beck	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Graham Beck NV Bliss Demi-Sec (Western Cape)
Argentina	Mildly dusty and herbal on the nose, but not the least bit green or weedy. Flavors of tobacco, cassis and blackberry carry accents of cedar and vanilla, while the soft tannins make for a full, easy mouthfeel. Aged 18 months in French oak but it's not overly toasty or dark.	Medalla	89	35	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Trapiche	null	null	null
Chile	Like any good coastal Chilean SB, this crackles with minerality, grassy notes and tight citrus aromas. The palate has zest and acidity, while core flavors of arugula, jalapeño, nettle and green fruits shout “cool climate.” Because 2012 was very hot by Chilean standards, the finish is a bit flatter and fuller than in past vintages.	null	89	18	Aconcagua Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Arboleda	null	null	null
US	Bone dry and nicely crisp, and the price is right, but the wine itself has some problems. The fruits tend toward lean, tart grapefruits, lemons and limes, with a touch of vegetable.	null	83	11	California	California	California Other	Pinot Grigio	Robert Pepi	null	null	Robert Pepi 2007 Pinot Grigio (California)
Italy	Terre di Maria is a Sicilian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir that opens with dark concentration and savory aromas of spice, cured meat, smoked bacon and dark berry fruit. The bouquet is slightly muddled but the mouthfeel is bright and fresh.	Tenuta di Budonetto Terre di Maria	87	27	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Red Blend	Maurigi	null	null	null
US	Light honeydew and gardenia aromas show on the pleasant and clean nose of this well-restrained Viognier. The sip is as zippy and persistent with acidity as can be without losing the varietal character, allowing the ripe Gala apple and Anjou pear to show through the racy frame.	null	91	28	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Viognier	Asuncion Ridge	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Asuncion Ridge 2016 Viognier (Paso Robles)
US	This is Marimar's unoaked Chardonnay from the estate vineyard. In keeping with past vintages, it's so rich and savory, you won't even notice the absence of barrel influence. The wine is rich and complex in tangerine, apricot, lime, lemon and vanilla flavors, brightened by exquisite acidity.	Acero Don Miguel Vineyard Unoaked	91	29	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Marimar Estate	null	null	null
Austria	A smooth, cream–textured wine, just given an edge by a spice and yeast character. The wine offers layers of acidity, white fruits, crisp apples rounded out by its richness. For aging over 4–5 years, probably more.	Pfaffenberg Reserve	93	55	Kremstal	null	null	Riesling	Metternich-Salomon	null	null	null
France	A fresh wine with red cherry fruits giving a bright character, the tannins soft and with attractive acidity. It is lightly textured and should be ready to drink in 1–2 years.	null	86	35	Burgundy	Côte de Nuits-Villages	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Moillard	null	null	null
France	A touch of quince plays about the rich notes of peach and tangerine on the nose. An aromatic notion of dark fir honey leads onto a medium-sweet palate of ripe peach, zesty tangerine peel, golden mirabelles and lemon. The citrus elements provide a high-toned brightness that works very well with the sweet juiciness and richness of the palate. On the palate it is the wonderfully aromatic zestiness that lasts and lasts.	Kessler Grand Cru	94	42	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Domaines Schlumberger	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaines Schlumberger 2014 Kessler Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
France	Rich, lightly colored and full of acidity, this wine is rich in texture and flavor for a Provence rosé. Plenty of ripe strawberry and citrus flavors are lifted by spice and generous acidity. The wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from late 2016.	null	89	30	Provence	Bandol	null	Rosé	Domaine de la Bégude	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de la Bégude 2015 Rosé (Bandol)
New Zealand	Ata Rangi isn't known for its Sauvignon Blanc—the Pinot Noir is what everyone clamors for—but perhaps it should be. This is an excellent effort, balancing pineapple and citrus fruit with a hint of grassiness. Despite being well over a year old, it remains fresh, lively and crisp, with a long, mouthwatering finish.	null	90	18	Martinborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Ata Rangi	null	null	null
Argentina	Jammy blueberry and boysenberry aromas include graphite and ink notes. This feels jammy to the point of being sluggish and heavy. Syrupy but not sweet flavors of herbal black fruits finish with a lasting gamy note.	Q	88	20	Mendoza Province	Valle de Uco	null	Malbec	Zuccardi	null	null	null
US	This has light, pretty cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, forward and slightly sweet. The acids are chewy and puckery—acidification?—and therefore the finish is rather citric and sharp. The addition of 25% Cabernet Sauvignon may have also contributed.	null	84	10	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Snoqualmie	null	null	null
US	The winery held this back an additional six months after their other 2008 Pinots were released, presumably to let it become integrated. Still, it's quite tannic, with a sandpaper-like toughness. Despite the astringency, the massive wild-cherry, cola, mushroom and anise flavors come through. It's a huge wine, feral and untamed—quite exquisite in its wildness. So delicious now, it's hard to resist, but the wise collector will cellar it for 4–5 years, maybe even longer.	Cristina Don Miguel Vineyard	95	49	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Marimar Estate	null	null	null
US	Rich, ripe and fruity, a good Cabernet to drink now for its intricate cherry, raspberry, milk chocolate, anise, spice and oak flavors. Feels soft and immediately accessible.	Special Reserve	87	38	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Herzog	null	null	null
Lebanon	Inky red-violet to the eye, this blend of 55% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot has a nose of black cherry and cherry cola. Brisk acidity compensates for powerful tannins, with flavors of black cherry, cassis, anisette and eucalyptus.	El	90	75	Lebanon	null	null	Red Blend	Ixsir	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Ixsir 2010 El Red (Lebanon)
Italy	From the celebrated Cannubi Boschis cru, here's a bright and luminous Barolo that opens with a deep ruby color and aromas of cherry, cola and cassis. Black fruit, tar and spice appear on the palate and the wine tastes tart, plumy and surprisingly succulent compared to most Nebbiolo-based wines.	Cannubi Boschis	92	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Virna Borgogno	null	null	null
Italy	Made by 30-ish Roberta Borghese high above Manzano, which also happens to be the chair manufacturing capital of Italy, this is a perfect example of how good Tocai can be. The aromas are honey and grapefruit-orange. After an intro of crisp acidity, the same flavors appear and persist on the medium body. Match this one with a good seafood risotto.	Superiore	91	null	Northeastern Italy	Colli Orientali del Friuli	null	Tocai	Ronchi di Manzano	null	null	Ronchi di Manzano 1999 Superiore Tocai (Colli Orientali del Friuli)
Germany	Pretty blossom and apricot aromas bolster ripe, rich flavors of honey tangerine and yellow peach in this forward, fruity wine. There's no pretense here: It's a hedonistic guzzler of a wine, but its tangy salt-and-lime finish makes it hard to resist another glass. Drink while young.	Blitz	90	11	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2015 Blitz Riesling (Mosel)
US	This is a sophisticated blend of tart yellow fruits with hints of cucumber, salad greens and lemon oil. Though 80% stainless steel fermented, the rest spent time in new oak. The mineral rich acids provide extra grip.	null	90	18	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Elizabeth Chambers	null	null	null
Italy	Sweet, floral and delicate, this fresh Moscato d'Asti opens with fragrant aromas of white flower and honey followed by stone fruit and honey. It offers full, generous mousse on the finish.	null	86	15	Piedmont	Moscato d'Asti	null	Moscato	Enrico Serafino	null	null	Enrico Serafino 2010 Moscato d'Asti
France	This wine is firmly structured while also supporting swathes of berry fruits. Tannins come from the Cabernet in the blend and from the wood aging that gives a toasty character. Black fruits and acidity shine at the end. Drink from 2018.	null	88	30	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Lestage Simon	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Lestage Simon 2012 Haut-Médoc
US	Jammy and sweet in blackberries, cherries and blueberries, with a vanilla and caramel richness. A bit simple, but fans of fruity wines will like it.	null	84	18	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Arrow Creek	null	null	null
Italy	This is an easygoing and lightweight Prosecco from the Cartizze cru with a pale straw color and subdued aromas of peach, spring flower and white mineral. The mouthfeel is tonic and fresh and there's a playful touch of sweetness at the end.	Cartizze Dry	86	null	Veneto	Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze	null	Glera	Foss Marai	null	null	null
Australia	From a relatively cool growing region, this Shiraz-Viognier is appropriately peppery and bright, with a hint of violets and crisp blueberry and blackberry fruit. The tannins are soft, making this wine instantly accessible, and it finishes peppery and fresh. Drink now–2012. Imported by Tom Eddy Wines.	Max	89	23	South Australia	Adelaide Hills	null	Shiraz-Viognier	Off the Leash.	null	null	null
Italy	A distinctly different Prosecco with a colorful aromatic lineup that sets it apart: Yellow fruit, green tea, white stone and nutty almond (10% Chardonnay is added). It delivers a clean, crunchy texture and sweet peach flavors.	Prosecco 47 Extra Dry	87	19	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Bortolotti	null	null	Bortolotti NV Prosecco 47 Extra Dry (Prosecco di Valdobbiadene)
Austria	This is still closed tightly and barely wants to give away more than punchy grapefruit zest, but the balanced palate that cushions the fresh but ripe acidity suggests that this will open up gradually. Drink as of 2017.	Steinertal Smaragd	92	75	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Alzinger	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Alzinger 2013 Steinertal Smaragd Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)
US	Longoria brings a deft touch to this Pinot Grigio. The grapes were briefly fermented in tank, then bottled when the wine was only about four months old. The result is exceptionally fresh and lively, with tangy acidity brightening citrus, lemongrass, vanilla and white pepper flavors.	null	91	19	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Grigio	Longoria	null	null	null
US	Something went south on this wine. It has a stubbornly vegetal or moldy note throughout, to the detriment of the fruit, which seems to be rich, and the oak, which certainly is. Tasted in a flight of its price peers, it was a big last place.	null	84	34	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Robert Stemmler	null	null	null
US	A little thin, but otherwise a nice, clean, racy Sauvignon Blanc. Has some nice lemon, lime, melon and white pepper flavors that finish dry and zesty.	Lot #7	86	15	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Tangley Oaks	null	null	null
Spain	The nose on this traditionally molded Rioja is murky and clipped, with leafy accents to mild dried-fruit scents. This feels lean despite showing a layer of creamy oak, while the flavors are light, classic in nature and focus on dried plum, raspberry and vanilla. Drink now.	Crianza	86	19	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Marqués de Vitoria	null	null	null
US	This is an assertive, flavorful and robust wine, with a medium to full body, a mouthfilling texture and fine-beaded bubbles. A creamy viscosity and wonderful layers of butter, apple, vanilla and ginger make for a delicious palate.	Estate Bottled Brut	93	24	California	Anderson Valley	null	Sparkling Blend	Roederer Estate	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Roederer Estate NV Estate Bottled Brut Sparkling (Anderson Valley)
France	Produced from vineyards around the chateau Gilles Pedini took over in 2011, this is warm and ripe wine. It balances rich red-berry fruits with acidity to give a crisp edge to a smooth wine. With intense fruitiness and a delicious aftertaste, this is a great food wine, ready to drink now.	Clos du Château	91	24	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Domaine Clos Gautier	null	null	null
Portugal	Here is a powerful, dense wine, with modest alcohol— thanks to the Dão's mountain climate and granite soil. Pape is a top wine from Alvaro Castro made predominantly from Touriga Nacional. Perfumed, elegant and structured, with plenty of concentration, this is a wine for serious aging.	Pape	95	65	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Alvaro Castro	null	null	null
US	Upon opening, this intense, fragrant wine seems European in style, with Italian-like nuances of leather, fungus and tobacco. The enticing whiffs give way to a full-flavored palate that offers notes of mixed red fruits, while the finish loses some focus.	Estate Grown	89	35	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ambassador Vineyard	null	null	null
US	A very rich, flamboyant Chardonnay. Almost goes over the top in tropical fruit, vanilla custard and oak flavors, with a sweet finish. But crisp acidity and a steely minerality rein it in. Drink now.	Reserve du Domaine	91	30	California	Arroyo Grande Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Laetitia	null	null	null
Spain	Flourescent pink in color, like Day-Glo paint. It smells of sweet plum and berry; the palate is crisply acidic, with citrus and tart red-fruit flavors. The finish is crisp and cleansing but regular.	Garnacha Negra-Syrah	84	null	Catalonia	Terra Alta	null	Rosé	Bogatell	null	null	null
France	The aroma of this wine shows strong signs of the wood aging, although red fruits do show as well. There is a minty character from the new wood, berry fruit flavors and the juicy acidity of the vintage. The wine is going to age well over the medium term, so drink from 2015.	null	88	18	Bordeaux	Montagne-Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Croix de Mission	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Croix de Mission 2011 Montagne-Saint-Émilion
Italy	Made with 90% Schiava and 10% Lagrein, this approachable wine conveys subdued aromas of red berry and underbrush. The palate offers crushed strawberry, sour cherry plus hints of tangerine and almond. Soft tannins and bright acidity provide the framework.	Morit St. Magdalener Classico	87	14	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Red Blend	Loacker	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Loacker 2013 Morit St. Magdalener Classico Red (Alto Adige)
France	This solid, structured wine has black currant fruit, balanced acidity and firm tannins. The wine has a solid texture, a core of dryness and the potential to age 3–4 years.	null	87	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Belrose	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Belrose 2011 Bordeaux
France	This Pinot Blanc opens with a decadent, expressive nose of orange blossom, spice and honeysuckle then turns a bit more austere in the mouth. Crisp and dry, with a short-to-medium finish. Drink now.	null	85	12	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Blanc	Dopff & Irion	null	null	null
France	Already the structure is beginning to make way for ripe plum and damson fruits. With its firm structure, this is a complex and concentrated wine that will need to age over at least four years.	null	90	60	Bordeaux	Moulis-en-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Haut Bellevue	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Haut Bellevue 2010 Moulis-en-Médoc
France	Powerful and structured, this has dense tannins that will always be an important part of the wine. The juicy, fresh fruit gives a perfumed character to the wine and brings out acidity as well as the dry texture. It needs to age, so drink from 2018.	null	87	35	Bordeaux	Moulis-en-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Lalaudey	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Lalaudey 2012 Moulis-en-Médoc
US	The nose offers crushed cinnamon sticks sprinkled upon just-picked raspberries and squeezed plums. The palate brings heavier red fruits, approaching boysenberry and pomegranate juice, with a clove spice throughout.	Estate	88	36	California	Arroyo Grande Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Talley	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Talley 2012 Estate Pinot Noir (Arroyo Grande Valley)
Spain	Plum, berry and compost aromas are earthy and a bit herbal. Tight, drawing acidity drives the palate, while minerally plum and berry flavors are sinewy and tough, with raw tannins steering a rugged, staunch finish. Drink this gritty Carignan now through 2018.	Somdinou Samsó Vinyes Velles	87	20	Catalonia	Terra Alta	null	Carignan	Celler Cooperatiu de Gandesa	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Celler Cooperatiu de Gandesa 2012 Somdinou Samsó Vinyes Velles Carignan (Terra Alta)
France	Attractive, dry rosé, just brushed with sweetness. Herbs and fresh raspberries give a lift to the wine, while the layer of acidity is still there, leaving an easy, clean aftertaste.	null	85	11	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Rosé	Red Bicyclette	null	null	null
US	A smoky, charred oak aroma leads the nose of this full-bodied, high-octane and appropriately tannic wine, and vivid, peppery notes jazz up its solid fruit flavors.	Pearl Hart	88	55	California	Contra Costa County	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Rock Wall	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Rock Wall 2014 Pearl Hart Zinfandel (Contra Costa County)
France	Soft fruit, with a tannic hint underneath. The wine is supported at this stage by wood, while the fruit has strawberry jam sweetness. The acidity and structure really only come through at the end.	En Chevret	88	65	Burgundy	Volnay	null	Pinot Noir	Alex Gambal	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Alex Gambal 2009 En Chevret (Volnay)
Portugal	A perfumed wine that is ripe and richly tannic, with the minerality of the Douro. It has weight, while also retaining elegance and rounded black fruits. Give this wine a few years, and drink from 2015.	Cape Roca Boat	88	25	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casca Wines	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Casca Wines 2009 Cape Roca Boat Red (Douro)
Italy	Aromas of acacia, nut and yellow stone fruit lead the nose. It's ripe and round, offering dried apricot, bread crust, golden apple and a note of bitter almond.	Ronco delle Cime	88	35	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Friulano	Venica & Venica	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Venica & Venica 2015 Ronco delle Cime Friulano (Collio)
US	Dry, rich and balanced, with dusty tannins and balanced currant, blackberry and oak flavors. A nice, versatile Cabernet with plenty of fanciness that won't break the bank.	Napa-Sonoma-San Luis Obispo	87	19	California	Napa-Sonoma	Napa-Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	X	null	null	X 2002 Napa-Sonoma-San Luis Obispo Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa-Sonoma)
US	This lively and flavorful wine has a light copper color, lean and fresh cherry and plum flavors, a rich mousse of bubbles and clean, tangy finish. It's a great example of a rosé that doesn't overdo it.	Brut Rosé	91	44	California	North Coast	North Coast	Sparkling Blend	Schramsberg	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Schramsberg 2013 Brut Rosé Sparkling (North Coast)
France	While the wine is dry from the austere tannins, it also has a core of ripe berry fruits that are laced with acidity. It should develop some more and the tannins will soften, although they will always be very present. Drink from early 2018.	Cuvée G	88	23	Provence	Bandol	null	Provence red blend	Les Vignobles Gueissard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Les Vignobles Gueissard 2014 Cuvée G Red (Bandol)
US	An exuberantly juicy and fulfilling wine, this designate from a site near Lovall Valley is awash in blackberry and blueberry, showing off healthy waves of concentration and structure. Spicy cinnamon and orange peel dot the landscape before a punch of tannin and vanilla oak close out the finish.	Rancho Estrella	93	48	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Pinot Noir	Talisman	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Talisman 2012 Rancho Estrella Pinot Noir (Napa Valley)

US

This bold and full-bodied wine has vivid smoke and spice aromas, with rich blackberry and espresso flavors. A healthy wrapping of tannins add an appetizing bite and a lingering, lightly spicy finish. Overall, the tasty oak nuances are well blended with the ripe fruit.

Charles Wetmore Single Vineyard

91

30

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wente

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Wente 2014 Charles Wetmore Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

Greece

This fumé has a zesty character, with aromas of tropical fruit and flowers and fresh, fun flavors of peach, citrus and pineapple. The oak offers spice for added character, and clean acidity makes it a great find for fresh, summer meals.

null

87

35

Epanomi

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Gerovassiliou

null

Israel

The nose is slightly feral, bearing fragrances of brambly boysenberry and wild blueberry. There is a nice play between fruit and savory notes, with flavors of raspberry, strawberry, smoked meat and summer farm stand. Mellow tannins offer an ample preface to a citrus-zest finish amped up by a touch of salted caramel.

Malbec-Shiraz-Petite Sirah

90

null

Judean Hills

null

Red Blend

Montefiore

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Montefiore 2012 Malbec-Shiraz-Petite Sirah Red (Judean Hills)

US

This Syrah remains tough and gritty in tannins, with a lockdown astringency that gets in between the cherry, red currant and Dr. Pepper cola flavors and your enjoyment of them. It's very dry and crisp in acidity, and seems to have the inherent balance to mellow with 4–6 years in the cellar. Give it a try.

Dutton Ranch Cherry Ridge Vineyard

88

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Dutton-Goldfield

null

US

This is quite light, almost ephemeral, with tart raspberry and red licorice flavors and a strong metallic/mineral streak. It is delicately made, and interesting, but comparable to a simple Bourgogne rather than a wine priced at this level.

Momtazi Vineyard

86

45

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Boedecker Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Boedecker Cellars 2005 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

France

Big, firm and dense, this is a powerful wine, with dark tannins that give a dry, concentrated character. The juicy plum and damson fruit flavors, along with the fresh aftertaste, will be a delicious balance as the wine develops. Drink from 2020.

null

93

260

Burgundy

Clos de Vougeot

null

Pinot Noir

Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter 2013 Clos de Vougeot

Chile

This opens with mildly leafy, murky aromas of iodine and latex, with hints of black fruit. The palate feels a bit choppy and hollow, with an herbal mix of tomato and red plum flavors. It's solid, but herbal and scratchy feeling as a whole.

Legado Reserva

85

16

Maipo Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

De Martino

null

US

Lots of new oak here, so much that the wine is dominated by it. Beyond the vanilla and char are slightly sweetened cherry pie filling flavors, with soft acids and a peppery finish. Good, but needs work.

Estate Grown

86

60

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Donum

null

Georgia

Dark, fleshy black-fruit and cocoa notes on the nose and palate get a blast of zestiness from the persistent cranberry and spice flavors. It is full-bodied, with a firm layer of tannins that grip tightly on the finish.

null

87

10

Kakheti

null

Saperavi

Wine Man

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Wine Man 2010 Saperavi (Kakheti)

US

This 100% varietal wine is awash in chocolate and earthy truffle, richly layered and yet firm in structured tannin. With sizable, full-bodied weight, it begs for more time in bottle, a chance for the crisp red fruit lurking underneath the texture to focus further. Drink now through 2023.

Seventy Four-Forty One

93

65

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Jean Edwards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Jean Edwards 2013 Seventy Four-Forty One Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

Lots of exuberant fruit in this stylish blend of Petite Sirah, Zin, Cab Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. With its cherry candy and sweet oak flavors, it carefully treads the line between rustic and chic. Drink now. From Hunnicutt.

Fearless Red

87

38

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

CUTT

null

Australia

There's a greenish tinge to this wine's fruit, but it also features complex minerally elements, so the end result is something like fresh ferns, crushed stone and fresh-squeezed limes. It's plump in the mouth, yet sharply focused, finishing crisp and refreshing. Imported by USA Wine West.

Watervale

90

29

South Australia

Clare Valley

null

Riesling

Grosset

null

US

This nicely crafted Syrah is sourced from the Lewis, Porteuss, and Sundance vineyards. The barrel regimen was 25% new and 100% French, with minimal racking, unfined and unfiltered. Flavors are compact, a classic mix of wild berry, loam, seaweed and bitter herb. Not for fruit hounds, but detailed and deep.

null

90

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Trust

null

US

Spritzy and sugary, this has a candied quality that fails to add much life or lift; it simply falls flat.

null

83

11

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Sonnet Cellars

null

Greece

Elegant, light and easy to drink, this offers a nose of fresh citrus and clean, friendly flavors of lemon and spice on the palate. Uncomplicated and fun, it's a great summer wine that will pair perfectly with grilled fish or Asian cuisine.

null

86

13

Peloponnese

null

Roditis

Lafazanis

null

US

There's lots of sweetness in this polished wine, with pretty orange, peach, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors. It would benefit from greater acidity, though, as it's a bit soft.

null

86

25

California

Anderson Valley

null

Riesling

V. Sattui

null

V. Sattui 2011 Riesling (Anderson Valley)

Spain

This blend of Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet and Graciano has a sultry, earthy, almost minerally nose that's backed up by blackberry, cassis and melted brown sugar flavors. Chewy and modern, with a brawny finish that houses baked-fruit notes and a dash of chocolate.

null

89

45

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Red Blend

Señorío de Andión

null

US

Lots of ripe berry and pomegranate notes give a fruity profile to this dry, medium-bodied, fresh and lightly tannic wine. It will be a good quaffing wine for lunch or dinner with mushroom pizza or grilled chicken.

Highlander

86

24

California

Sierra Foothills

Red Blend

Chacewater

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Chacewater 2013 Highlander Red (Sierra Foothills)

Italy

Here's a thick and densely concentrated Brunello with layers of soft spice, mature fruit, blackberry, leather and a touch of black licorice. The wine is extremely rich and opulent in the mouth and delivers excellent concentration and body. It fills the mouth nicely with its delicious fruit tones.

null

91

43

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Tenuta Vitanza

null

US

Although this is Ste. Michelle's widely available Merlot offering, it breaks the mold by being held back a considerable time prior to release. It's an unusual wine, with scents of overripe, raisined fruit, a streak of tobacco and black licorice, a soft midpalate, and some bitterness in the finishing tannins.

null

84

16

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Chateau Ste. Michelle

null

Italy

This has some light deposits at the bottom of the bottle, with a slightly cloudy appearance. Aromas of stone fruit, melon and citrus create a broad and thick aromatic front.

Col Fondo

86

18

Veneto

Prosecco

null

Glera

Ca' dei Zago

null

Ca' dei Zago 2010 Col Fondo (Prosecco)

Austria

The least successful of Heinrich's varietal range, this is edgy with insistent acidity. The fruit does show red cherry brightness, although the mineral character returns.

null

86

null

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Gernot and Heike Heinrich

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Gernot and Heike Heinrich 2007 Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)

Germany

Intensely sweet, as you might expect, with scents of honey, dried apricots and clover. But there's also a hint of vinyl or plastic that mars the nose and the palate, so although this is sticky and long on the finish, it doesn't quite make top marks.

Rauenthal Nonnenberg Auslese Gold Cap

89

65

Rheingau

null

Riesling

Georg Breuer

null

Chile

This Concha y Toro brand almost always delivers good quality for a fair price, but this wine doesn't accomplish much. It smells like a child's fruit drink, and the strawberry and raspberry flavors are equally candied. And in the mouth the wine seems heavy at first and then vacuous later on, as if everything holding it together had evaporated. Not imported to the U.S.

Casillero del Diablo Reserve Shiraz

82

10

Central Valley

null

Rosé

Concha y Toro

null

US

Still young and tight, this terroir-driven Chardonnay needs further cellaring to show its best. Woody scents top off crisp, persistent tree fruits, with lemony acids propping up flavors. It's dense, compact and unyielding, but clearly the raw materials for ageworthiness are there.

Rose Rock West Vineyards

91

40

Oregon

Eola-Amity Hills

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Roco

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Roco 2012 Rose Rock West Vineyards Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills)

Portugal

Attractive oily, fruity and fresh wine, mineral with green plum flavors touched with lemon. For drinking now to preserve its bright, ripe character.

Branco

87

11

Douro

null

Portuguese White

Castello d'Alba

null

US

This single-vineyard Zin is a considerable improvement over the ‘04. The alcohol in the ‘05 is far lower, almost a full percent, yielding a more balanced and harmonious wine. But it's hardly shy. It's powerful in wild blackberry, cassis, raspberry, root beer, tangerine, chocolate and sweet thyme, while the tannic structure is rich enough to warrant bottle aging for a decade.

Forchini Vineyard

92

45

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Williams Selyem

null

Germany

Dusty earth and smoke notes lend a mysteriously dark tone to delicate berry and dried apricot notes in this dry yet rich Riesling. It's savory and earthy, with a creamy, textured mouthfeel balanced by brisk lime acidity.

Königsbacher Idig Trocken

89

73

Pfalz

null

Riesling

A. Christmann

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

A. Christmann 2009 Königsbacher Idig Trocken Riesling (Pfalz)

US

Dark and fragrant, this interesting Syrah opens quickly with blue and black berries, a streak of balsamic, and suggestions of bloody meat. Off to a great start, it thins out through the finish, while remaining interesting with surprising complexity.

Calkins Lane Vineyard

89

45

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Syrah

Adelsheim

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Adelsheim 2010 Calkins Lane Vineyard Syrah (Chehalem Mountains)

Austria

Rich and almost liquorous in its texture, this is powerful stuff. It has weight, with intense, concentrated flavors of tropical fruit, spice and a smooth character. The acidity lends lift on the finish. Screwcap.

Oberfeld Erste Lage Alte Reben Reserve

92

null

Kremstal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Unger

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Unger 2010 Oberfeld Erste Lage Alte Reben Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)

US

Jammy and direct in raspberry and cherry flavors, with lots of sweet smoky oak and some hot alcohol, this blend is long on flavor, but a little short on nuance and complexity. Drink it now with robust grilled meats and stews.

Joie de Vivre

86

61

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

Jeff Gordon

null

Chile

Aromas of tire rubber and asphalt are low on fruit. This turns for the better on the palate, which feels creamy despite showing rubbery tannins. Peppery flavors of cherry, plum and raspberry become salty on a mostly smooth, solid finish.

Herú

88

45

Casablanca Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Ventisquero

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Ventisquero 2012 Herú Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley)

Italy

This is packed tight with mineral and herbal aromas that come on the heels of stone fruit and citrus. This is a fresh and fragrant appetizer wine that keeps your palate polished and refreshed.

San Michele

86

13

Veneto

Soave Classico

null

Garganega

Ca' Rugate

null

US

The luscious fruit mix starts with a suggestion of marmalade, then adds plum and cherry. It gains complexity with streaks of graphite, black olive and smoke, polished, lightly earthy tannins and plenty of power through the finish. An interesting, somewhat unusual style of Ethos.

Ethos Reserve

91

38

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chateau Ste. Michelle

null

US

Fresh tropical fruit, peach and apricot flavors star in this flashy young wine. Oak also plays a prominent role, giving buttered toast and caramel notes. And the texture is creamy and smooth. The overall impression is very rich and powerful, but the wine could have more finesse. Drink now.

Journey

89

75

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Matanzas Creek

null

Portugal

It's very rare to find a 100% Petit Verdot, the Bordeaux variety that adds a percentage or two of spice to wines in the Médoc. The color is dark, almost black, while the wine's tannins are sweet, chocolaty and flavored with toasty spice. With its big blackberry jam texture, this is dense and solid, a powerful, ripe wine.

null

91

30

Alentejano

null

Petit Verdot

Azamor

null

Chile

A bit soupy and soft on the nose, with mulch, oak and tobacco along with dark-fruit aromas. This marks the second vintage of Intriga, a new Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from MontGras, and it's full and chewy, with raspberry flavors and size. Shows a touch of syrupy thickness on the finish. Weighty and definitely ripe. Drink soon.

null

88

30

Maipo Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Intriga

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Intriga 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)

Italy

Sleek and savory, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of mocha, spicy plum, scorched earth and leather. The juicy palate offers black currant, cassis, black pepper, savory herb and licorice alongside polished tannins.

Poggio Bestiale

91

60

Tuscany

Maremma Toscana

null

Red Blend

Fattoria di Magliano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Fattoria di Magliano 2011 Poggio Bestiale (Maremma Toscana)

Italy

Weighs in on the heavy side, and that's obvious from the color as well as the tomato and beet aromas. Yet just when you think it's too stewy, a blast of black plum and licorice hits and the wine is salvaged. Not a dancer; more of a plodder with local appeal. Imported by Vias Imports.

L'Ardenza

85

45

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Red Blend

Cottanera

null

Chile

The nose delivers solid, generally clean berry aromas with lift. The palate is bouncy, shows decent acidity, and bumps along while offering standard red berry flavors in front of a light, medicinal finish. Good everyday Cab for the price.

null

84

7

Central Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pepperwood Grove

null

US

Fruit from six vineyards that comprise the winery's vineyard-designate series is blended into this village cuvée. At first it seems stiff, almost severe, remaining tightly wound for hours. Gradually the fruit emerges, with rhubarb, cranberry and raspberry notes, and highlights of citrus rind in a high-acid finish.

Villages Cuvée

88

26

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

St. Innocent

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

St. Innocent 2013 Villages Cuvée Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

US

From a newer planting of the Durell Vineyard called the Ranch House Block, this Pinot is rocking in deep, delicious baked strawberry and raspberry fruit, fruity, lush and spicy yet balanced and tempting. The texture is satisfyingly velvety and complete.

Durell Vineyard

93

55

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Dunstan

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Dunstan 2011 Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Spain

Fruity up front, with a bit of Ribera's youthful funk thrown in for good measure. Shows leather, earth, aged cheese and dairy notes alongside ribald berry and cherry flavors. It's a solid wine with no leash; it wants to run so might as well let it. Finishes with power in the homestretch. Best in 2009–10. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.

Viña Pedrosa

88

28

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Hnos. Pérez Pascuas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Hnos. Pérez Pascuas 2006 Viña Pedrosa (Ribera del Duero)

Chile

Yeasty vanilla and mild vegetal aromas lead the way on this otherwise neutral-smelling SB. The palate is lively but more generic than specific; flavors of bell pepper and asparagus dot the picture, with lime and grapefruit also apparent. A salty, briny finish may stem from the ground water used to irrigate this desert-origin new SB.

Sumpai Huasco Valley

87

22

Chile

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Kalfu

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Kalfu 2013 Sumpai Huasco Valley Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)

Argentina

Earthy and mildly lactic on the nose, with tight, lean, herbal flavors. Doesn't rise above mediocre.

Coleccion

83

12

Other

Calchaquí Valley

null

Malbec

Michel Torino

null

South Africa

The sweet edge to this sparkler makes it quite attractive and a pleasant alternative to the more common dry styles typically served today. The nose offers notes of toast, apple skins and pineapple core while the mouth shows riper flavors of peaches and cream and a hint of honey. Overall, a fun and well-balanced semi-sweet sparkler.

Bliss Demi-Sec

85

16

Western Cape

null

Champagne Blend

Graham Beck

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Graham Beck NV Bliss Demi-Sec (Western Cape)

Argentina

Mildly dusty and herbal on the nose, but not the least bit green or weedy. Flavors of tobacco, cassis and blackberry carry accents of cedar and vanilla, while the soft tannins make for a full, easy mouthfeel. Aged 18 months in French oak but it's not overly toasty or dark.

Medalla

89

35

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Trapiche

null

Chile

Like any good coastal Chilean SB, this crackles with minerality, grassy notes and tight citrus aromas. The palate has zest and acidity, while core flavors of arugula, jalapeño, nettle and green fruits shout “cool climate.” Because 2012 was very hot by Chilean standards, the finish is a bit flatter and fuller than in past vintages.

null

89

18

Aconcagua Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Arboleda

null

US

Bone dry and nicely crisp, and the price is right, but the wine itself has some problems. The fruits tend toward lean, tart grapefruits, lemons and limes, with a touch of vegetable.

null

83

11

California

California Other

Pinot Grigio

Robert Pepi

null

Robert Pepi 2007 Pinot Grigio (California)

Italy

Terre di Maria is a Sicilian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir that opens with dark concentration and savory aromas of spice, cured meat, smoked bacon and dark berry fruit. The bouquet is slightly muddled but the mouthfeel is bright and fresh.

Tenuta di Budonetto Terre di Maria

87

27

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Red Blend

Maurigi

null

US

Light honeydew and gardenia aromas show on the pleasant and clean nose of this well-restrained Viognier. The sip is as zippy and persistent with acidity as can be without losing the varietal character, allowing the ripe Gala apple and Anjou pear to show through the racy frame.

null

91

28

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Viognier

Asuncion Ridge

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Asuncion Ridge 2016 Viognier (Paso Robles)

US

This is Marimar's unoaked Chardonnay from the estate vineyard. In keeping with past vintages, it's so rich and savory, you won't even notice the absence of barrel influence. The wine is rich and complex in tangerine, apricot, lime, lemon and vanilla flavors, brightened by exquisite acidity.

Acero Don Miguel Vineyard Unoaked

91

29

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Marimar Estate

null

Austria

A smooth, cream–textured wine, just given an edge by a spice and yeast character. The wine offers layers of acidity, white fruits, crisp apples rounded out by its richness. For aging over 4–5 years, probably more.

Pfaffenberg Reserve

93

55

Kremstal

null

Riesling

Metternich-Salomon

null

France

A fresh wine with red cherry fruits giving a bright character, the tannins soft and with attractive acidity. It is lightly textured and should be ready to drink in 1–2 years.

null

86

35

Burgundy

Côte de Nuits-Villages

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Moillard

null

France

A touch of quince plays about the rich notes of peach and tangerine on the nose. An aromatic notion of dark fir honey leads onto a medium-sweet palate of ripe peach, zesty tangerine peel, golden mirabelles and lemon. The citrus elements provide a high-toned brightness that works very well with the sweet juiciness and richness of the palate. On the palate it is the wonderfully aromatic zestiness that lasts and lasts.

Kessler Grand Cru

94

42

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Domaines Schlumberger

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaines Schlumberger 2014 Kessler Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

France

Rich, lightly colored and full of acidity, this wine is rich in texture and flavor for a Provence rosé. Plenty of ripe strawberry and citrus flavors are lifted by spice and generous acidity. The wine is ready to drink, although it will be better from late 2016.

null

89

30

Provence

Bandol

null

Rosé

Domaine de la Bégude

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de la Bégude 2015 Rosé (Bandol)

New Zealand

Ata Rangi isn't known for its Sauvignon Blanc—the Pinot Noir is what everyone clamors for—but perhaps it should be. This is an excellent effort, balancing pineapple and citrus fruit with a hint of grassiness. Despite being well over a year old, it remains fresh, lively and crisp, with a long, mouthwatering finish.

null

90

18

Martinborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Ata Rangi

null

Argentina

Jammy blueberry and boysenberry aromas include graphite and ink notes. This feels jammy to the point of being sluggish and heavy. Syrupy but not sweet flavors of herbal black fruits finish with a lasting gamy note.

Q

88

20

Mendoza Province

Valle de Uco

null

Malbec

Zuccardi

null

US

This has light, pretty cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, forward and slightly sweet. The acids are chewy and puckery—acidification?—and therefore the finish is rather citric and sharp. The addition of 25% Cabernet Sauvignon may have also contributed.

null

84

10

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Snoqualmie

null

US

The winery held this back an additional six months after their other 2008 Pinots were released, presumably to let it become integrated. Still, it's quite tannic, with a sandpaper-like toughness. Despite the astringency, the massive wild-cherry, cola, mushroom and anise flavors come through. It's a huge wine, feral and untamed—quite exquisite in its wildness. So delicious now, it's hard to resist, but the wise collector will cellar it for 4–5 years, maybe even longer.

Cristina Don Miguel Vineyard

95

49

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Marimar Estate

null

US

Rich, ripe and fruity, a good Cabernet to drink now for its intricate cherry, raspberry, milk chocolate, anise, spice and oak flavors. Feels soft and immediately accessible.

Special Reserve

87

38

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Herzog

null

Lebanon

Inky red-violet to the eye, this blend of 55% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot has a nose of black cherry and cherry cola. Brisk acidity compensates for powerful tannins, with flavors of black cherry, cassis, anisette and eucalyptus.

El

90

75

Lebanon

null

Red Blend

Ixsir

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Ixsir 2010 El Red (Lebanon)

Italy

From the celebrated Cannubi Boschis cru, here's a bright and luminous Barolo that opens with a deep ruby color and aromas of cherry, cola and cassis. Black fruit, tar and spice appear on the palate and the wine tastes tart, plumy and surprisingly succulent compared to most Nebbiolo-based wines.

Cannubi Boschis

92

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Virna Borgogno

null

Italy

Made by 30-ish Roberta Borghese high above Manzano, which also happens to be the chair manufacturing capital of Italy, this is a perfect example of how good Tocai can be. The aromas are honey and grapefruit-orange. After an intro of crisp acidity, the same flavors appear and persist on the medium body. Match this one with a good seafood risotto.

Superiore

91

null

Northeastern Italy

Colli Orientali del Friuli

null

Tocai

Ronchi di Manzano

null

Ronchi di Manzano 1999 Superiore Tocai (Colli Orientali del Friuli)

Germany

Pretty blossom and apricot aromas bolster ripe, rich flavors of honey tangerine and yellow peach in this forward, fruity wine. There's no pretense here: It's a hedonistic guzzler of a wine, but its tangy salt-and-lime finish makes it hard to resist another glass. Drink while young.

Blitz

90

11

Mosel

null

Riesling

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2015 Blitz Riesling (Mosel)

US

This is a sophisticated blend of tart yellow fruits with hints of cucumber, salad greens and lemon oil. Though 80% stainless steel fermented, the rest spent time in new oak. The mineral rich acids provide extra grip.

null

90

18

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Elizabeth Chambers

null

Italy

Sweet, floral and delicate, this fresh Moscato d'Asti opens with fragrant aromas of white flower and honey followed by stone fruit and honey. It offers full, generous mousse on the finish.

null

86

15

Piedmont

Moscato d'Asti

null

Moscato

Enrico Serafino

null

Enrico Serafino 2010 Moscato d'Asti

France

This wine is firmly structured while also supporting swathes of berry fruits. Tannins come from the Cabernet in the blend and from the wood aging that gives a toasty character. Black fruits and acidity shine at the end. Drink from 2018.

null

88

30

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Lestage Simon

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Lestage Simon 2012 Haut-Médoc

US

Jammy and sweet in blackberries, cherries and blueberries, with a vanilla and caramel richness. A bit simple, but fans of fruity wines will like it.

null

84

18

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Arrow Creek

null

Italy

This is an easygoing and lightweight Prosecco from the Cartizze cru with a pale straw color and subdued aromas of peach, spring flower and white mineral. The mouthfeel is tonic and fresh and there's a playful touch of sweetness at the end.

Cartizze Dry

86

null

Veneto

Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze

null

Glera

Foss Marai

null

Australia

From a relatively cool growing region, this Shiraz-Viognier is appropriately peppery and bright, with a hint of violets and crisp blueberry and blackberry fruit. The tannins are soft, making this wine instantly accessible, and it finishes peppery and fresh. Drink now–2012. Imported by Tom Eddy Wines.

Max

89

23

South Australia

Adelaide Hills

null

Shiraz-Viognier

Off the Leash.

null

Italy

A distinctly different Prosecco with a colorful aromatic lineup that sets it apart: Yellow fruit, green tea, white stone and nutty almond (10% Chardonnay is added). It delivers a clean, crunchy texture and sweet peach flavors.

Prosecco 47 Extra Dry

87

19

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Bortolotti

null

Bortolotti NV Prosecco 47 Extra Dry (Prosecco di Valdobbiadene)

Austria

This is still closed tightly and barely wants to give away more than punchy grapefruit zest, but the balanced palate that cushions the fresh but ripe acidity suggests that this will open up gradually. Drink as of 2017.

Steinertal Smaragd

92

75

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

Alzinger

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Alzinger 2013 Steinertal Smaragd Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)

US

Longoria brings a deft touch to this Pinot Grigio. The grapes were briefly fermented in tank, then bottled when the wine was only about four months old. The result is exceptionally fresh and lively, with tangy acidity brightening citrus, lemongrass, vanilla and white pepper flavors.

null

91

19

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Grigio

Longoria

null

US

Something went south on this wine. It has a stubbornly vegetal or moldy note throughout, to the detriment of the fruit, which seems to be rich, and the oak, which certainly is. Tasted in a flight of its price peers, it was a big last place.

null

84

34

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Robert Stemmler

null

US

A little thin, but otherwise a nice, clean, racy Sauvignon Blanc. Has some nice lemon, lime, melon and white pepper flavors that finish dry and zesty.

Lot #7

86

15

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Tangley Oaks

null

Spain

The nose on this traditionally molded Rioja is murky and clipped, with leafy accents to mild dried-fruit scents. This feels lean despite showing a layer of creamy oak, while the flavors are light, classic in nature and focus on dried plum, raspberry and vanilla. Drink now.

Crianza

86

19

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Marqués de Vitoria

null

US

This is an assertive, flavorful and robust wine, with a medium to full body, a mouthfilling texture and fine-beaded bubbles. A creamy viscosity and wonderful layers of butter, apple, vanilla and ginger make for a delicious palate.

Estate Bottled Brut

93

24

California

Anderson Valley

null

Sparkling Blend

Roederer Estate

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Roederer Estate NV Estate Bottled Brut Sparkling (Anderson Valley)

France

Produced from vineyards around the chateau Gilles Pedini took over in 2011, this is warm and ripe wine. It balances rich red-berry fruits with acidity to give a crisp edge to a smooth wine. With intense fruitiness and a delicious aftertaste, this is a great food wine, ready to drink now.

Clos du Château

91

24

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Domaine Clos Gautier

null

Portugal

Here is a powerful, dense wine, with modest alcohol— thanks to the Dão's mountain climate and granite soil. Pape is a top wine from Alvaro Castro made predominantly from Touriga Nacional. Perfumed, elegant and structured, with plenty of concentration, this is a wine for serious aging.

Pape

95

65

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Alvaro Castro

null

US

Upon opening, this intense, fragrant wine seems European in style, with Italian-like nuances of leather, fungus and tobacco. The enticing whiffs give way to a full-flavored palate that offers notes of mixed red fruits, while the finish loses some focus.

Estate Grown

89

35

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ambassador Vineyard

null

US

A very rich, flamboyant Chardonnay. Almost goes over the top in tropical fruit, vanilla custard and oak flavors, with a sweet finish. But crisp acidity and a steely minerality rein it in. Drink now.

Reserve du Domaine

91

30

California

Arroyo Grande Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Laetitia

null

Spain

Flourescent pink in color, like Day-Glo paint. It smells of sweet plum and berry; the palate is crisply acidic, with citrus and tart red-fruit flavors. The finish is crisp and cleansing but regular.

Garnacha Negra-Syrah

84

null

Catalonia

Terra Alta

null

Rosé

Bogatell

null

France

The aroma of this wine shows strong signs of the wood aging, although red fruits do show as well. There is a minty character from the new wood, berry fruit flavors and the juicy acidity of the vintage. The wine is going to age well over the medium term, so drink from 2015.

null

88

18

Bordeaux

Montagne-Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Croix de Mission

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Croix de Mission 2011 Montagne-Saint-Émilion

Italy

Made with 90% Schiava and 10% Lagrein, this approachable wine conveys subdued aromas of red berry and underbrush. The palate offers crushed strawberry, sour cherry plus hints of tangerine and almond. Soft tannins and bright acidity provide the framework.

Morit St. Magdalener Classico

87

14

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Red Blend

Loacker

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Loacker 2013 Morit St. Magdalener Classico Red (Alto Adige)

France

This solid, structured wine has black currant fruit, balanced acidity and firm tannins. The wine has a solid texture, a core of dryness and the potential to age 3–4 years.

null

87

12

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Belrose

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Belrose 2011 Bordeaux

France

This Pinot Blanc opens with a decadent, expressive nose of orange blossom, spice and honeysuckle then turns a bit more austere in the mouth. Crisp and dry, with a short-to-medium finish. Drink now.

null

85

12

Alsace

null

Pinot Blanc

Dopff & Irion

null

France

Already the structure is beginning to make way for ripe plum and damson fruits. With its firm structure, this is a complex and concentrated wine that will need to age over at least four years.

null

90

60

Bordeaux

Moulis-en-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Haut Bellevue

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Haut Bellevue 2010 Moulis-en-Médoc

France

Powerful and structured, this has dense tannins that will always be an important part of the wine. The juicy, fresh fruit gives a perfumed character to the wine and brings out acidity as well as the dry texture. It needs to age, so drink from 2018.

null

87

35

Bordeaux

Moulis-en-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Lalaudey

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Lalaudey 2012 Moulis-en-Médoc

US

The nose offers crushed cinnamon sticks sprinkled upon just-picked raspberries and squeezed plums. The palate brings heavier red fruits, approaching boysenberry and pomegranate juice, with a clove spice throughout.

Estate

88

36

California

Arroyo Grande Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Talley

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Talley 2012 Estate Pinot Noir (Arroyo Grande Valley)

Spain

Plum, berry and compost aromas are earthy and a bit herbal. Tight, drawing acidity drives the palate, while minerally plum and berry flavors are sinewy and tough, with raw tannins steering a rugged, staunch finish. Drink this gritty Carignan now through 2018.

Somdinou Samsó Vinyes Velles

87

20

Catalonia

Terra Alta

null

Carignan

Celler Cooperatiu de Gandesa

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Celler Cooperatiu de Gandesa 2012 Somdinou Samsó Vinyes Velles Carignan (Terra Alta)

France

Attractive, dry rosé, just brushed with sweetness. Herbs and fresh raspberries give a lift to the wine, while the layer of acidity is still there, leaving an easy, clean aftertaste.

null

85

11

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Rosé

Red Bicyclette

null

US

A smoky, charred oak aroma leads the nose of this full-bodied, high-octane and appropriately tannic wine, and vivid, peppery notes jazz up its solid fruit flavors.

Pearl Hart

88

55

California

Contra Costa County

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Rock Wall

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Rock Wall 2014 Pearl Hart Zinfandel (Contra Costa County)

France

Soft fruit, with a tannic hint underneath. The wine is supported at this stage by wood, while the fruit has strawberry jam sweetness. The acidity and structure really only come through at the end.

En Chevret

88

65

Burgundy

Volnay

null

Pinot Noir

Alex Gambal

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Alex Gambal 2009 En Chevret (Volnay)

Portugal

A perfumed wine that is ripe and richly tannic, with the minerality of the Douro. It has weight, while also retaining elegance and rounded black fruits. Give this wine a few years, and drink from 2015.

Cape Roca Boat

88

25

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Casca Wines

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Casca Wines 2009 Cape Roca Boat Red (Douro)

Italy

Aromas of acacia, nut and yellow stone fruit lead the nose. It's ripe and round, offering dried apricot, bread crust, golden apple and a note of bitter almond.

Ronco delle Cime

88

35

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Friulano

Venica & Venica

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Venica & Venica 2015 Ronco delle Cime Friulano (Collio)

US

Dry, rich and balanced, with dusty tannins and balanced currant, blackberry and oak flavors. A nice, versatile Cabernet with plenty of fanciness that won't break the bank.

Napa-Sonoma-San Luis Obispo

87

19

California

Napa-Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

X

null

X 2002 Napa-Sonoma-San Luis Obispo Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa-Sonoma)

US

This lively and flavorful wine has a light copper color, lean and fresh cherry and plum flavors, a rich mousse of bubbles and clean, tangy finish. It's a great example of a rosé that doesn't overdo it.

Brut Rosé

91

44

California

North Coast

Sparkling Blend

Schramsberg

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Schramsberg 2013 Brut Rosé Sparkling (North Coast)

France

While the wine is dry from the austere tannins, it also has a core of ripe berry fruits that are laced with acidity. It should develop some more and the tannins will soften, although they will always be very present. Drink from early 2018.

Cuvée G

88

23

Provence

Bandol

null

Provence red blend

Les Vignobles Gueissard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Les Vignobles Gueissard 2014 Cuvée G Red (Bandol)

US

An exuberantly juicy and fulfilling wine, this designate from a site near Lovall Valley is awash in blackberry and blueberry, showing off healthy waves of concentration and structure. Spicy cinnamon and orange peel dot the landscape before a punch of tannin and vanilla oak close out the finish.

Rancho Estrella

93

48

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Pinot Noir

Talisman

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Talisman 2012 Rancho Estrella Pinot Noir (Napa Valley)