spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	This bottling has been variable over the years, and the '04 is not showing it at its best. It's a good but not a great Cabernet, ripe and a little sweet in cassis and cherry flavors, backed up with firm, dry tannins. Drink now.	Special Edition	86	75	California	Chalk Hill	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Herzog	null	null	null
US	Abeja's main production is centered upon their three Cabernets, this one sourced from throughout the Columbia Valley. It plays out broadly across the palate, with flavors of strawberry and raspberry fruit, aged in 60% new French oak. The pretty toast is further enhanced with a streak of minerality. Drink now–2019.	null	92	45	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Abeja	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Abeja 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	Fruity and attractively wood aged, this is soft and round, with a bright edge of acidity that brings out the taut, refreshing finish.	null	85	16	Burgundy	Bourgogne	null	Chardonnay	Albert Bichot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Albert Bichot 2010 Bourgogne
France	Milly-Lamartine is a village in the hills just north-west of Pouilly-Fuissé. Its style is for juicy and fruity wine like this. With hints of minerality, citrus and pear, the wine has a rounded character that is cut with acidity. Drink the wine now.	Closerie des Alisiers Domaine Carrette	87	17	Burgundy	Mâcon-Milly Lamartine	null	Chardonnay	Maison Stéphane Brocard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Maison Stéphane Brocard 2015 Closerie des Alisiers Domaine Carrette (Mâcon-Milly Lamartine)
US	This is at the sweetest edge of off dry (alcohol at 9%, residual sugar 5.1%) and it is loaded with citrus fruit—especially ripe orange—that keeps it lively and refreshing. A well-made, full-bodied Riesling that lingers gracefully through the finish, with a streak of lemon tea.	null	90	12	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Riesling	Willamette Valley Vineyards	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Willamette Valley Vineyards 2010 Riesling (Willamette Valley)
US	The sweet scent of raspberry and strawberry preserves waft from this Cab Franc icewine from Casa Larga. On the palate as well, there's a nice concentration of preserved berry flavors that soar on the palate with a bright, sunny acidity. Finishes clean and long with just a hint of autumn leaves and bramble.	Fiori Delle Stelle Ice Wine	87	75	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Franc	Casa Larga	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Casa Larga 2008 Fiori Delle Stelle Ice Wine Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)
New Zealand	This medium-bodied wine offers some of Pinot Gris' peppery spice, just enough to enliven the pear and citrus fruit elements. Hints of wet stone add complexity to the aromas, while the spice lingers on the finish.	null	87	18	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Gris	Lake Chalice	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Lake Chalice 2014 Pinot Gris (Marlborough)
Australia	A well made 50-50 blend, this is loaded with black fruit. Perfect balance, a velvety mouthfeel and a long finish are other attributes. Food-wise, prime rib would be just fine. Best Buy.	null	87	7	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz	Alice White	null	null	null
US	Rich and concentrated, this vineyard-designate is in its third year of bottling, the site farmed by the Martinelli family for this producer. Crisp green apple, salty brine and integrated oak all play a part in its delicious attraction, remaining vibrant through the lengthy, spicy finish.	Woolsey Road	92	65	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Ramey	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Ramey 2014 Woolsey Road Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Argentina	A rich and creamy sort of Malbec that pours on the weight, extract and oaky, coconutty character. The palate is syrupy, with huge flavors of roasted berry, molasses and sweet spices. Arguably on the baked and heavy side, but definitely a rich, huge wine with just enough core acidity to keep it balanced.	null	89	30	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Siesta	null	null	null
Portugal	There is a rich blend of Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira and Syrah in this full, ripe, black-fruit tinged wine. It is already open and generous, with wood spice tones and a smooth texture. Drink now through 2018.	Mariana Tinto	90	15	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Herdade do Rocim	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Herdade do Rocim 2012 Mariana Tinto Red (Alentejano)
US	A brilliant Chardonnay, displaying both the terroir of this fine upland part of Monterey County, and the cool vintage that let the grapes hang on the vines until they were perfectly ripe. Dazzles with pineapple and mango fruit, with a perfect jacket of sweet, vanilla-scented oak. Best of all is the acidity, which is brisk, bright and clean.	Sierra Mar Vineyard	95	45	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Roar	null	null	Roar 2010 Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Australia	This isn't Coonawarra's most elegant wine, but it certainly doesn't lack for character or concentration. Menthol, vanilla, cedar and cassis deliver plenty of flavor in this chunky, full-bodied Cabernet. Charred, mocha-like notes emerge on the long, intense finish. Drink now–2025.	null	91	null	South Australia	Coonawarra	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Balnaves of Coonawarra	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Balnaves of Coonawarra 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra)
US	Syrah takes the lead on this blend followed by a healthy dose of Mourvèdre. It's the latter that is initially evident, with generous white-pepper and meaty aromas followed by fresh flowers, raspberries and a touch of coffee. The red- and blue-fruit flavors show a fine sense of balance, with plenty of hang time on the finish.	Zephyr	89	34	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	G-S-M	Cloudlift Cellars	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Cloudlift Cellars 2013 Zephyr G-S-M (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	A simple Sauvignon Blanc, this is dry and mouthwateringly tart. The lemon and lime flavors have a green edge of gooseberry.	null	85	20	California	Rutherford	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Frog's Leap	null	null	null
Italy	Very plump, chewy and bold, this masculine wine shows a cheerful and bright side thanks to its ripe fruit aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and black cherry. Careful oak aging has produced strong Indian spice and barbecue tones.	null	88	35	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Scriani	null	null	Scriani 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Australia	The famous E&E; Shiraz also comes in a sparkling version. There's no denying the quality of the 2001, which boasts bold aromas of toast, cedar, vanilla and blackberries. The mouthfeel is full, creamy and lush, and while it finishes a touch sweet, there's just enough tannin and acid to keep it balanced. Delicious now, but these wines can age 10 or more years from the vintage.	E&E; Sparkling	90	70	South Australia	South Australia	null	Shiraz	Barossa Valley Estate	null	null	null
Argentina	While showing roasted, tomato-like aromas, this Malbec from northern Argentina also features a nose full of tobacco, earth and berry fruit. There's acidic snap to the palate, but that only pumps up raspberry, toast and mild herbal flavors. A spicy, woody finish tastes exotic and saucy.	Don David Reserve	89	17	Other	Calchaquí Valley	null	Malbec	Michel Torino	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Michel Torino 2011 Don David Reserve Malbec (Calchaquí Valley)
France	A wine from a château that is still finding its form . It is soft, open, with attractive juicy red fruits and black currants, ready to drink soon.	null	89	38	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Soutard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Soutard 2009 Saint-Émilion
US	This unusual wine, fermented with wild yeasts and using 20% whole bunches, is still pulling all of its diverse components into focus. Grapefruit, citrus, lemon and a saline quality adorn the spare red fruits. The length and persistence are spot on, but this could benefit from another year or two of bottle age before you pop the cork.	Meredith Mitchell Vineyard	90	60	Oregon	McMinnville	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Eisold-Smith	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Eisold-Smith 2014 Meredith Mitchell Vineyard Pinot Noir (McMinnville)
Portugal	This is an earthy blend of Touriga Nacional, Jaen and Trincadeira. Unencumbered by wood aromas, it's full of structured red berry fruit and balanced acidity and is ready to drink.	Encosta da Vinha	85	10	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Boas Quintas	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Boas Quintas 2014 Encosta da Vinha Red (Dão)
US	A Right Bank style—48% Merlot/46% Cab Franc/6% Petit Verdot—this is meaty, spicy, herbal and earthy. There's nothing subtle here, but flavors a'plenty, everything from tomato and strawberry to riper hints of black cherry, cassis and plum. Spice, black coffee and earth dominate the back palate, which slides into very dry, mouth-scraping tannins.	Long Haul Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine	92	45	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Mark Ryan	null	null	null
US	Smoke and spice meld into scents of custard and pressed apple on this dry, medium-bodied Riesling. The palate is a bit monotone with savory apple notes, but brightened by a streak of lemon on the finish.	null	83	14	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Riesling	Pugliese	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Pugliese 2011 Riesling (North Fork of Long Island)
US	It was barrel-fermented, using wild yeasts, and aged on the lees. The vineyard is in the coolest part of Napa Valley, and in this cool vintage, acidity is the most important part of the wine. Crisp and biting, it lends structural authority to the Meyer lemon, lime, tangerine, fig, mineral, vanilla and white pepper flavors. The alcohol level has been kept to a modest 13.8%. A welcome addition to California's Sauvignon Blanc pantheon.	Heart Block	94	50	California	Yountville	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Source Napa	null	null	null
Portugal	This wine is earthy, with a yeasty edge. It offers plenty of Touriga Nacional's perfumed fruit although this is masked by a barnyard character that needs to blow away. The wine requires another year to show its full potential, so drink from 2018.	null	85	16	Alentejano	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Herdade do Rocim	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Herdade do Rocim 2015 Touriga Nacional (Alentejano)
US	Pretty good for a California-appellated Pinot Noir at this price. Dry and silky, it shows pretty flavors of cherries and spices, with a nice, silky texture.	null	85	15	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Hangtime	null	null	null
Italy	Ripe plum, game, truffle, leather and menthol are some of the aromas you'll find on this earthy wine. The tightly wound palate offers dried black cherry, chopped sage, mint and roasted coffee bean alongside raspy tannins that leave a mouth-drying finish.	null	88	72	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	La Mannella	null	null	null
Italy	This is a well crafted wine that opens with pristine and brilliant aromas of tomato leaf, basil, exotic fruit and sweetened lime juice. The wine is intense in its fragrances and offers medium structure in the mouth that is backed by zesty acidity and long-lasting freshness.	Vigneto Vigne dai Vieris	87	10	Northeastern Italy	Venezia Giulia	null	Sauvignon	Di Lenardo	null	null	null
US	Horse & Plow sourced organic grapes to craft this excellent Chardonnay, giving it the luxe treatment—handpicked, whole-cluster pressed, French oak barrel fermentation and aging nine months sur lee—and it shows. The wine is pretty, with a tropical bouquet that gives way to just enough oak-driven vanilla. Will age nicely but is also ready to drink now.	McFadden Farm	89	20	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Chardonnay	Horse & Plow	null	null	null
Italy	This is a very attractive oak-aged Barbera with aromas of sweet spice, bitter chocolate and loads of bright berry fruit. The wine is compact, clean and thanks to the bright acidity, it leaves your palate polished and fresh.	null	89	19	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti	null	Barbera	Damilano	null	null	Damilano 2008 Barbera d'Asti
Italy	Chocolate, cinnamon and plum aromas, a richly textured palate and a lovely fruit-acid balance are all in play. Mint, dried spice and leather notes accent the rich, plummy fruit. Well-dispersed tannins, tart plum and cocoa flavors characterize the long finish. Drinks well now; will improve through 2004.	Riserva	90	36	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Castello di Meleto	null	null	null
US	Very dark dark and tight, this is an almost-complete Bordeaux blend (includes everything but the Petit Verdot) but it is dominated by the 87% Cabernet Sauvignon. Clean black fruit aromas open slowly into broad strokes of cassis, tar and earth. Decanting is essential.	Reserve	89	22	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Waterbrook	null	null	null
US	There's no oak on this Chardonnay, but it's so rich, you don't even notice. It's all pure, ripe pineapple, orange and lime fruit, accompanied by tart, clean Green Valley acidity. Tremendously versatile with food.	UnOaked	90	26	California	Green Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Iron Horse	null	null	null
Portugal	Structured, this oozes blackberry fruitiness as well as a balanced layer of dry tannins. The wine is fruity and rich while keeping its elegance. A core of tannins and fresh acidity in the fruit promise that this wine will age. Drink from 2017.	Confidencial Reserva	92	26	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casa Santos Lima	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Casa Santos Lima 2012 Confidencial Reserva Red (Lisboa)
US	There's a slightly pink hue to this wine from Lompoc's Norman Yost. The nose is bright and minerally, with strawberry, apple cider and slight watermelon aromas. There's even more going on once sipped, with pear spritzer and citrus zest playing along with gray rocks and elements both bitter and sour. It's a refreshing take on a grape that doesn't always get the rock star treatment.	Sierra Madre Vineyard	91	22	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Gris	Flying Goat Cellars	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Flying Goat Cellars 2013 Sierra Madre Vineyard Pinot Gris (Santa Maria Valley)
Portugal	This is a big, beefy and structured wine that at the same time is laden with fruit. A reminder of the tough schist soil of the Douro, the wine's mineral edge is balanced by the bright juicy fruit and acidity. With the tannins, this second wine from Duorum will age well, so drink from 2016.	Tons de Duorum	87	12	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Duorum	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Duorum 2013 Tons de Duorum Red (Douro)
US	Cinnamon and spiced berry—a seductive combination—lead this Cab from the Finger Lakes, but on the palate, cherry, pepper and spice flavors fall a bit flat. The wine wants more complexity and dimension, but offers approachable red berry flavors that will pair well with lamb or steak.	null	82	19	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards	null	null	null
US	Strawberry and graphite meet with a rusty element on the nose of this easy-to-quaff and yet intriguing and well-priced wine. A nice ripe pomegranate element on the palate leads to licorice and a gunmetal minerality.	null	87	17	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Esser	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Esser 2013 Pinot Noir (Monterey County)
US	Savory notes of fennel and exotic spice add a dose of complexity to the sweet apple and pear flavors of this dry Riesling. Crisp, clean and refreshing, it finishes with a delicate green-floral note.	Dry	88	16	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Rooster Hill	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Rooster Hill 2010 Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes)
US	A peppery, aromatic start leads into this tightly-layered, pure varietal, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. It's layered with red berry fruits, from strawberries on through. Young and firm, it shows just the right amount of barrel toast around polished tannins.	DuBrul Vineyard	91	72	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Owen Roe	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Owen Roe 2011 DuBrul Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)
US	A strong showing from the South Coast, this bottling offers plump red cherries, blackberries, dried plums, cocoa, shaved dark chocolate, kola nut and iron on the nose. The palate is laden with dark chocolate and cinnamon atop elderberry fruit, lifted with elderflower, lilacs and leathery tannins that drive into the finish.	Bella Vigna Vineyard	89	45	California	Temecula Valley	South Coast	Sangiovese	Palumbo Family Vineyards	null	null	null
France	This Blanc de Blancs is crisp, and minerally with a textured, chalky character. Despite hints of maturity, it still tastes youthful, fruity and fresh. Dry and elegantly structured, it finishes with a hint of toast. Drink now–2019.	Millesimé Brut	90	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Chardonnay	Nicolas Feuillatte	null	null	null
France	The Hospices is a charitable organization that has vines in Beaujolais. The wine is ripe with some tannins as well as red fruits. With its structure and concentration, it could age another few months, so wait until 2017.	Domaine des Hospices Civils de Lyon	89	14	Beaujolais	Beaujolais-Villages	null	Gamay	Collin-Bourisset	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Collin-Bourisset 2015 Domaine des Hospices Civils de Lyon (Beaujolais-Villages)
US	Firmly on the rustic side, this Zin is hot and peppery. It's also slightly sweet and sour, with spicy flavors of soy sauce, mashed cherries and blackberries, candied ginger, balsamic vinegar and tabasco. This controversial wine, which hails from a famous old vineyard, will have its fans.	Dusi Vineyard	86	33	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Four Vines	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a cheerful and beautifully aromatic blend of Pinot Grigio, Traminer and Riesling that boasts both freshness and complexity. The Pinot Grigio gives it weight and structure and the other two varieties create a fragrant bouquet of stone fruit and white flowers.	Confini	88	null	Northeastern Italy	Venezia Giulia	null	White Blend	Lis Neris	null	null	Lis Neris 2006 Confini White (Venezia Giulia)
Chile	Cherry cough drop and other red fruit, medicinal aromas set up a standard, fresh palate with racy berry flavors and mild oak as a backdrop. Finishes with good smack, feel and controlled wood notes, but not much complexity or finesse.	null	86	9	Curicó Valley	null	null	Merlot	Echeverria	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Echeverria 2008 Merlot (Curicó Valley)
US	Here's a nice, dry and fairly complex Pinot Noir that makes you think of grilled steaks or roast lamb. It's silky in the mouth, and offers flavors of mashed red cherries, Dr. Pepper, rhubarbs and spices, enhanced with smoky cedar. Best now through 2012.	Las Brisas Vineyard	90	36	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Mahoney	null	null	Mahoney 2006 Las Brisas Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)
Italy	There's a bright note of wild berry, orange peel and red apple at the very start that fades away quickly to reveal savory tones of cured meat, leather and coffee grounds. It's compact and powerful, but not over the top.	null	90	50	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Remo Farina	null	null	Remo Farina 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
US	Almost all varietal (with 2% Malbec) from one of the state's premier sites, this wine draws you into the glass with aromas of coffee, scorched earth, herb, spice and dark fruit. The palate shows a beguiling sense of restraint and detail, with the tannins combed to a fine sheen, perfectly framed acidity and a lengthy finish. It's an exquisite example of the variety that should have a long life ahead of it. It will be best after 2020.	Champoux Vineyard	93	55	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Januik	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Januik 2012 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)
Portugal	A juicy, fruity wine with just a line of tannins at its core. Its red berry fruits are delicious and easy to drink, the wine with its richness needs no aging. It's pure fruit bomb pleasure.	Quinta do Encontro Q do E	89	null	Bairrada	null	null	Portuguese Red	Dão Sul	null	null	null
US	A deceptive Pinot. It shows a pale color and a very delicate, silky mouthfeel, but the impact on the palate can only be described as explosive, and the aftertaste is very rich. The flavors of cherries, cotton candy, red raspberries, orange tea, smoky vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar are compelling. Best now and through 2010.	null	94	95	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Coup de Foudre	null	null	Coup de Foudre 2006 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
US	Adelaida is assembling a good track record with this wine. It's from the cooler western portion of the appellation, so that crisp acidity provides a fine framework for the slightly sweet tropical fruit, wildflower and spice flavors. With its exotic personality, it's best paired with strongly flavored, complex dishes that combine poultry, game or shellfish with fruits, nuts and honey.	The Glenrose Vineyard	89	30	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Viognier	Adelaida	null	null	Adelaida 2005 The Glenrose Vineyard Viognier (Paso Robles)
US	Very ripe and jammy in raspberry and cherry fruit flavors, this Pinot is accented with crisp acidity. Oak barrel aging adds notes of caramel and buttered toast. It's a deliciously dry wine, although a bit direct and obvious. Seems at its best now and for 3–4 years.	van der Kamp Vineyard	90	46	California	Sonoma Mountain	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Tandem	null	null	Tandem 2007 van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Mountain)
US	Whiffs of barnyard and bramble lend rusticity to this wine, contrasted by fresher, prettier notes of rose petal and blackberry jam. It's a charming Merlot marked by crisp black-fruit flavor, sprightly acidity and dusty, lingering tannins.	null	87	19	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Merlot	Diliberto	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Diliberto 2013 Merlot (North Fork of Long Island)
US	Orange in hue, this is a sublime and simultaneously hearty wine, presenting itself as fuller-bodied in style on the palate and expressive of time on oak. The finish features a tanginess of grapefruit.	null	87	14	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Highway 12	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Highway 12 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County)
Italy	The intensely floral nose suggests wild rose and violet. The bright palate delivers wild cherry, raspberry and licorice alongside a note of medicinal herb. Firm but fine-grained tannins frame the savory flavors.	La Tradizione	88	24	Piedmont	Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato	null	Ruché	Montalbera	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Montalbera 2013 La Tradizione (Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato)
New Zealand	Peg Bay continues to push the ripeness envelope on its Rieslings. The 2006 is honeyed and rather sweet, with baked apple flavors at the core, surrounded by hints of spice and apricot. Lime-like acids seem a bit strident on the finish right now; give it a couple of years in the cellar. Imported by Meadowbank Estates.	null	90	23	Waipara Valley	null	null	Riesling	Pegasus Bay	null	null	null
US	Light and pleasant, this offers some punchy phenolics but rather limpid fruit. It spent eight months in one-third new French oak.	OSU Woodhall III	86	25	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Spindrift Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Spindrift Cellars 2013 OSU Woodhall III Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)
US	A zesty blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, this shows melon, tuberose, white lily and sharp lemon zest on the nose. The palate treads between energy and warmth, offering citrusy acidity against buttered, toasted nuts, all framed by a pithy grip that keeps the texture center stage.	Coquille Blanc	91	24	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style White Blend	Carol Shelton	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Carol Shelton 2013 Coquille Blanc White (Paso Robles)
US	This wine is 80% Mourvèdre, 11% Zinfandel and 9% Primitivo. The aromas are bright and fresh, with notes of raspberry, red plum and spice. The flavors are pure and tart, bringing a real sense of vibrancy to the core cranberry flavor.	The Cluster Fus	91	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Angel Vine	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Angel Vine 2015 The Cluster Fus Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Way too high in alcohol, and possibly residual sugar, which gives this Zin a sweet, syrupy blackberry jelly taste.	Big Break	82	25	California	Contra Costa County	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Cline	null	null	null
US	This has a dark red-black color, with densely packed aromas that seem so tight they are not giving up much. Flavors of concentrated dark plum and white pepper are interlaced with very firm tannins. It's full bodied, young and wound up tight. Drink it now for the wow factor, or be adventurous and save it until 2020 to see how much more flavor complexity develops.	Estate Grown Reserve	87	35	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Syrah	Naggiar	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Naggiar 2010 Estate Grown Reserve Syrah (Sierra Foothills)
Australia	Perhaps better known for its Chardonnay, Leeuwin also makes an Art Series Cabernet that takes a back seat to no one. The 2002 still boasts youthful scents of fresh mint and cassis, then slowly unfolds on the palate to reveal a rich, full-bodied wine with a distinctly ripe, creamy texture. Long and powerful on the finish, with 10 or so years ahead of it.	Art Series	92	45	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Leeuwin Estate	null	null	null
Austria	This is purest Grüner Veltliner from one of the best vineyards in the northern Weinviertel. It is ripe, concentrated, an explosion of spice, pepper and fresh pears to go with the lively acidity of crisp apples.	Schneiderberg	89	22	Niederösterreich	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Weinrieder	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Weinrieder 2007 Schneiderberg Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)
France	Named after enologist Benjamin Cooker, this wine was aged in egg-shaped cement tanks. Pure Malbec that is rich, rounded with spice and firm tannins, it has a generous, spacious character that is beginning to develop. With a dark background to the black-currant fruits, this needs to age. Drink from 2018.	Le Sang de la Vigne Signé Benjamin Cooker	93	30	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château de Gaudou	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Gaudou 2013 Le Sang de la Vigne Signé Benjamin Cooker Malbec (Cahors)
US	Hazy aromatics of sautéed apple and baking spice mark the nose, with notes of toasted nut and dill that surface on the palate. It feels full, round and supple, gaining some lift toward the close.	Charval	85	20	Virginia	Virginia	null	White Blend	Tarara	null	null	Tarara 2010 Charval White (Virginia)
US	As sweet as Port, with chocolate and prune flavors. Feels as hot as a chile pepper, with nearly 17% alcohol.	Reserve West Dry Creek	81	50	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Mazzocco	null	null	Mazzocco 2006 Reserve West Dry Creek Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
Spain	A smoky, foxy, saucy opening leads to a medium-bodied palate that's more or less standard for Rioja. Blackberry, roasted plum and light oak flavors finish steady, a touch rustic and with a vanilla note.	null	88	14	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Obalo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Obalo 2014 Rioja
New Zealand	A pungent, grassy wine, layered with green pepper and herbal notes. Leaner than most 2005 Marlborough Sauvignons, finishing with sharp strokes of lime and grapefruit. Imported by Paterno Wines International.	null	86	19	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Wairau River	null	null	null
Italy	This Barbera d'Alba opens with dark, sophisticated aromas of exotic spice, black fruit, toasted nut, cherry, root beer and licorice. There's a touch of natural rubber at the back and the wine offers some sweet fruit flavors as well.	Bricco dei Merli	88	23	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Azienda Agricola Cogno	null	null	Azienda Agricola Cogno 2008 Bricco dei Merli (Barbera d'Alba)
Italy	This has a classic Nebbiolo nose of new leather, rose petal, red berry, tilled earth and a whiff of aniseed. On the palate, toast, white pepper and a hint of oak-driven spice back up a core of sour cherry. It's still tightly wound and needs a few more years to come together. Drink 2018–2025.	Meruzzano Riserva	90	22	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Cantina del Nebbiolo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cantina del Nebbiolo 2010 Meruzzano Riserva (Barbaresco)
France	This rich, generous and soft wine has a ripe feel along with plenty of acidity. The freshness is cushioned by ripe yellow and pear fruit flavors. It has power as well as minerality, and a touch of toast comes through at the end. Drink from 2018.	Grenouilles Grand Cru	95	69	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin 2013 Grenouilles Grand Cru (Chablis)
US	Made in the Lokoya style, which is darkly colored, full bodied, tannic and dense in mountain fruit. A spicy oak tone joins with massive blackberry, cassis and violet flavors to make this wine delicious from the start. It's very tannic and needs a great deal of time. Begin to enjoy this wine in 2016, and it should go far longer than that.	null	94	350	California	Diamond Mountain District	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Lokoya	null	null	null
France	An intensely concentrated wine, with tannins that float in an inky sea of dense berry fruits. The wine is smooth, the edges softened by wood, but the fruit tannins pour out of the glass.	null	90	45	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château Lagrézette	null	null	null
Italy	Insolia, a native grape of Sicily, is blended with Chardonnay to produce a creamy, warm-climate white redolent of peach, apricot, melon and golden honey. The wine is smooth in the mouth with fresh flavors of lemon zest on the close.	Bidis	88	25	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	White Blend	Valle dell'Acate	null	null	null
Austria	A touch of flint on fleshy peach is followed by juicy citrus and ripe pear bedded in nettle and watercress. Together they present an immensely enticing nose, hinting at whole oceans of luscious fruit beneath the surface. The palate then invokes all the varietal spice: white pepper, arugula and chervil, illuminated by bright, zesty citrus to finish in a concert of layered zestiness. Overtones of orange and pink grapefruit zest make it even more compelling. Lip-smackingly irresistible and a paradigm of its vintage.	Alte Reben Höhlgraben Reserve	95	36	Kremstal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Malat	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Malat 2014 Alte Reben Höhlgraben Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)
US	In calling this southern Rhône-style blend Bistro Style, the winery means to suggest friends gathered in a nice restaurant, having fun and not being fussy about what's in the bottle. That perfectly describes this dry, soft red wine, with its flavors of blackberries, cherries and cocoa.	Sultry Red Bistro Style Wine	87	13	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Hey Mambo	null	null	null
Germany	Wild, tropical fruit aromas are marked with saffron and pollen on the nose of this zingy, extroverted Riesling. Off dry in style, the palate is thirst quenching with sunny tangerine and peach flavors lifted by a vein of lemon acidity. Finishes moderately long on a sweet, honeyed note	Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Kabinett	89	28	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2013 Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Kabinett Riesling (Mosel)
US	All Leonetti wines are 100% estate-grown fruit, mixing Seven Hills, Mill Creek Upland and Loess vineyard grapes. The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon includes 12% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Carmenère in the blend. Young and chewy, with a hint of herbaceousness, this shows lovely balance and a mix of raspberry, black cherry, cassis, coffee and cacao. It's a young, deep and powerful wine that will certainly reward cellaring.	null	94	90	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Leonetti Cellar	null	null	null
France	Like the hyperexpensive Cuvée à Tempo, Pegau's 2015 Cuvée Reservée has a slightly bitter edge to the finish. Otherwise, it shows subtle pineapple, anise and white gumdrop notes and medium body.	Cuvée Réservée	85	63	Rhône Valley	Châteauneuf-du-Pape	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Domaine du Pegau	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Domaine du Pegau 2015 Cuvée Réservée White (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
France	This Blanc de Blancs has shed its initial minerality and gained rich fruitiness. Apricots as well as more citrus flavors abound, bringing out a full and round character. From Grand Cru vineyards on the Côte des Blancs, this is ready to drink.	Blanc de Blancs Brut	92	95	Champagne	Champagne	null	Chardonnay	Ayala	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Ayala 2007 Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)
US	Great price for a Chardonnay this rich and tasty. It has a buttery, creamy texture, framing tart flavors of pineapples, peaches and vanilla oak.	River Junction	87	10	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	McManis	null	null	McManis 2008 River Junction Chardonnay (California)
Chile	Neutral on the nose to the point of dull and mute. The palate is more wet than complex, and the flavors of apple, candy and toffee are basic at best. For a half-bottle priced at $25, this is underwhelming and far too simple in all facets.	Hacienda Araucano Kochii Late Harvest	84	25	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	François Lurton	null	null	null
US	Despite the relatively low alcohol, this wine feels curiously hot, enough to lower the score. Chili pepper notes dominate the fruit.	null	84	75	California	Coombsville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ackerman	null	null	Ackerman 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coombsville)
Portugal	This blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen is a satisfying melting pot of complex flavors. Its tannins are solid, although now complementing the rich berry fruits. It is an impressive wine that could still age further before complete maturity. Drink from 2019.	Reserva	93	32	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Julia Kemper Wines	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Julia Kemper Wines 2010 Reserva Red (Dão)
Germany	Kicks off with intensely petrol-like aromas and hints of vegetable oil rather than overt fruitiness, then develops flavors of honey, marmalade and spice on the palate. It's a rich, viscous wine that finishes very sweet—almost cloying—on the finish.	Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Auslese	89	32	Mosel-Saar-Ruwer	null	null	Riesling	Joh. Haart	null	null	null
US	Dark, tannic and dense, this is a classic Petite Sirah. In its youth it's strongly flavored in black currants and chocolate, and will be fine with richly sauced barbecue. But it will age for many, many years, gradually softening.	null	88	26	California	Calaveras County	Sierra Foothills	Petite Sirah	Hatcher	null	null	null
France	A dry core pervades this full-bodied wine. Red fruits are masking its delicious ripe meat and sweet jam flavors. There is a distinct tannic element that holds this attractive wine together.	En Foulot	90	null	Burgundy	Santenay	null	Pinot Noir	Château de la Crée	null	null	null
Chile	Pineapple, sulfur and matchstick, and finally some woody toast steer the bouquet. The palate is big and blowsy, with toasty baked apple and pineapple flavors. Finishes sweet, with honey and a sprinkle of white pepper. Yet another sweet, resiny, basic Chardonnay from Chile.	Reserva	84	11	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Santa Carolina	null	null	null
Italy	You'll find aromas of dried orchard fruit, beeswax, Spanish broom, acacia and an earthy note on this spry nine-year-old. On the mature, waxy palate, fruit flavors have given way to tertiary sensations of honey, toasted nut, candied citrus zest and flinty mineral that carry through the to lingering finish. A saline note signals the close.	Colle dei Cerri	89	45	Southern Italy	Fiano di Avellino	null	Fiano	Di Meo	null	null	null
France	Lifted hints of chamomile and apple peel rise straight from the glass. The palate has the same streamlined citrus focus and just homes in on that sleek dry apple freshness that seem to be a dynamic force at the center of this wine. The flavors are concentrated and totally dominated by utter lemon freshness, tart and vivid to the last. Lovely now but with further potential. Drink now through 2030.	Hengst Grand Cru	93	50	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Cave de Turckheim	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Cave de Turckheim 2012 Hengst Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace)
US	If only this wine had greater structure, it would earn a higher score, but as it is, it's too soft and sugary, which makes it taste like the filling of a pie or tart. Raspberries, cherries and figs are the flavors, with the smoke and caramel of oak. Drink now.	Jensen Vineyard	85	60	California	Mount Harlan	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Calera	null	null	null
US	I've found variability in Especial, despite its high price. It shows an artisinal, vintage-driven nature that can be beguiling or rough. The '04 is a bit of both. It's not a smooth, seductive Zin. The tannins are too feral. But it is interesting, with complex blackberry, blueberry, cherry and Asian spice flavors. Try aging, but not too long. You don't want to lose that fresh fruit.	Especial	88	36	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Peachy Canyon	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a Barolo that harkens back to the 1990s thanks to its aggressive oak, which was once so in vogue. It's loaded with toasted oak, espresso and vanilla aromas, while the palate offers oak, coffee, plum and tongue-drying wood tannins.	Mariondino	85	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Parusso	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Parusso 2009 Mariondino (Barolo)
France	Dark red fruits, tar and licorice mark the nose. The full red-fruit flavors are solid and the good acidity, typical of Gamay-based wines, lets them show well. A solid and balanced everyday drinker, it closes with dry, dusty tannins and proves that more than cru Beaujolais can have meat on their bones.	null	86	11	Beaujolais	Beaujolais-Villages	null	Gamay	Louis Jadot	null	null	null
Italy	The color is light, but the Monchiero has pungent earthy aromas over a backdrop of fruit. On the palate, it is soft and quite chunky, and dominated by its earthiness. The wine has evolved completely, and should be drunk reasonably quickly.	null	85	20	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba Superiore	null	Barbera	Monchiero	null	null	Monchiero 2003 Barbera d'Alba Superiore
France	Classic spice and lychee aromas lead to a wine that is medium sweet, attractive but one-dimensional. It has perfumed, candy shop flavors, almost exaggerated. Screwcap.	null	85	15	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Helfrich	null	null	null
US	Very ripe and forward in lush cherry and cocoa flavors, with a soft, velvety texture. The tannins are rich and smooth.	The 46 Grenache and Syrah	88	40	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Terry Hoage	null	null	null
Italy	The bouquet is marked by a steady stream of bright raspberry, rose, wild berry and bitter almond. It's sassy crispness on the finish should pair well with cheese or mayonnaise-based appetizers.	Lagrein Kretzer	87	18	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Rosé	Muri-Gries	null	null	null
US	This is a very dark wine from the Kama Sutra-inspired winery, with aromas of creosote and blueberry. The flavors are quite thick with blackberry juice, balanced with pangs of acidity yet finishing on the soft side.	Secret Craving	89	52	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	LXV	null	null	null

US

This bottling has been variable over the years, and the '04 is not showing it at its best. It's a good but not a great Cabernet, ripe and a little sweet in cassis and cherry flavors, backed up with firm, dry tannins. Drink now.

Special Edition

86

75

California

Chalk Hill

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Herzog

null

US

Abeja's main production is centered upon their three Cabernets, this one sourced from throughout the Columbia Valley. It plays out broadly across the palate, with flavors of strawberry and raspberry fruit, aged in 60% new French oak. The pretty toast is further enhanced with a streak of minerality. Drink now–2019.

null

92

45

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Abeja

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Abeja 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

Fruity and attractively wood aged, this is soft and round, with a bright edge of acidity that brings out the taut, refreshing finish.

null

85

16

Burgundy

Bourgogne

null

Chardonnay

Albert Bichot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Albert Bichot 2010 Bourgogne

France

Milly-Lamartine is a village in the hills just north-west of Pouilly-Fuissé. Its style is for juicy and fruity wine like this. With hints of minerality, citrus and pear, the wine has a rounded character that is cut with acidity. Drink the wine now.

Closerie des Alisiers Domaine Carrette

87

17

Burgundy

Mâcon-Milly Lamartine

null

Chardonnay

Maison Stéphane Brocard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Maison Stéphane Brocard 2015 Closerie des Alisiers Domaine Carrette (Mâcon-Milly Lamartine)

US

This is at the sweetest edge of off dry (alcohol at 9%, residual sugar 5.1%) and it is loaded with citrus fruit—especially ripe orange—that keeps it lively and refreshing. A well-made, full-bodied Riesling that lingers gracefully through the finish, with a streak of lemon tea.

null

90

12

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Riesling

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2010 Riesling (Willamette Valley)

US

The sweet scent of raspberry and strawberry preserves waft from this Cab Franc icewine from Casa Larga. On the palate as well, there's a nice concentration of preserved berry flavors that soar on the palate with a bright, sunny acidity. Finishes clean and long with just a hint of autumn leaves and bramble.

Fiori Delle Stelle Ice Wine

87

75

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Franc

Casa Larga

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Casa Larga 2008 Fiori Delle Stelle Ice Wine Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)

New Zealand

This medium-bodied wine offers some of Pinot Gris' peppery spice, just enough to enliven the pear and citrus fruit elements. Hints of wet stone add complexity to the aromas, while the spice lingers on the finish.

null

87

18

Marlborough

null

Pinot Gris

Lake Chalice

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Lake Chalice 2014 Pinot Gris (Marlborough)

Australia

A well made 50-50 blend, this is loaded with black fruit. Perfect balance, a velvety mouthfeel and a long finish are other attributes. Food-wise, prime rib would be just fine. Best Buy.

null

87

7

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

null

Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz

Alice White

null

US

Rich and concentrated, this vineyard-designate is in its third year of bottling, the site farmed by the Martinelli family for this producer. Crisp green apple, salty brine and integrated oak all play a part in its delicious attraction, remaining vibrant through the lengthy, spicy finish.

Woolsey Road

92

65

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Ramey

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Ramey 2014 Woolsey Road Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Argentina

A rich and creamy sort of Malbec that pours on the weight, extract and oaky, coconutty character. The palate is syrupy, with huge flavors of roasted berry, molasses and sweet spices. Arguably on the baked and heavy side, but definitely a rich, huge wine with just enough core acidity to keep it balanced.

null

89

30

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Siesta

null

Portugal

There is a rich blend of Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira and Syrah in this full, ripe, black-fruit tinged wine. It is already open and generous, with wood spice tones and a smooth texture. Drink now through 2018.

Mariana Tinto

90

15

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Herdade do Rocim

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Herdade do Rocim 2012 Mariana Tinto Red (Alentejano)

US

A brilliant Chardonnay, displaying both the terroir of this fine upland part of Monterey County, and the cool vintage that let the grapes hang on the vines until they were perfectly ripe. Dazzles with pineapple and mango fruit, with a perfect jacket of sweet, vanilla-scented oak. Best of all is the acidity, which is brisk, bright and clean.

Sierra Mar Vineyard

95

45

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Roar

null

Roar 2010 Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Australia

This isn't Coonawarra's most elegant wine, but it certainly doesn't lack for character or concentration. Menthol, vanilla, cedar and cassis deliver plenty of flavor in this chunky, full-bodied Cabernet. Charred, mocha-like notes emerge on the long, intense finish. Drink now–2025.

null

91

null

South Australia

Coonawarra

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Balnaves of Coonawarra

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Balnaves of Coonawarra 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra)

US

Syrah takes the lead on this blend followed by a healthy dose of Mourvèdre. It's the latter that is initially evident, with generous white-pepper and meaty aromas followed by fresh flowers, raspberries and a touch of coffee. The red- and blue-fruit flavors show a fine sense of balance, with plenty of hang time on the finish.

Zephyr

89

34

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

G-S-M

Cloudlift Cellars

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Cloudlift Cellars 2013 Zephyr G-S-M (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

A simple Sauvignon Blanc, this is dry and mouthwateringly tart. The lemon and lime flavors have a green edge of gooseberry.

null

85

20

California

Rutherford

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Frog's Leap

null

Italy

Very plump, chewy and bold, this masculine wine shows a cheerful and bright side thanks to its ripe fruit aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and black cherry. Careful oak aging has produced strong Indian spice and barbecue tones.

null

88

35

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Scriani

null

Scriani 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Australia

The famous E&E; Shiraz also comes in a sparkling version. There's no denying the quality of the 2001, which boasts bold aromas of toast, cedar, vanilla and blackberries. The mouthfeel is full, creamy and lush, and while it finishes a touch sweet, there's just enough tannin and acid to keep it balanced. Delicious now, but these wines can age 10 or more years from the vintage.

E&E; Sparkling

90

70

South Australia

null

Shiraz

Barossa Valley Estate

null

Argentina

While showing roasted, tomato-like aromas, this Malbec from northern Argentina also features a nose full of tobacco, earth and berry fruit. There's acidic snap to the palate, but that only pumps up raspberry, toast and mild herbal flavors. A spicy, woody finish tastes exotic and saucy.

Don David Reserve

89

17

Other

Calchaquí Valley

null

Malbec

Michel Torino

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Michel Torino 2011 Don David Reserve Malbec (Calchaquí Valley)

France

A wine from a château that is still finding its form . It is soft, open, with attractive juicy red fruits and black currants, ready to drink soon.

null

89

38

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Soutard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Soutard 2009 Saint-Émilion

US

This unusual wine, fermented with wild yeasts and using 20% whole bunches, is still pulling all of its diverse components into focus. Grapefruit, citrus, lemon and a saline quality adorn the spare red fruits. The length and persistence are spot on, but this could benefit from another year or two of bottle age before you pop the cork.

Meredith Mitchell Vineyard

90

60

Oregon

McMinnville

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Eisold-Smith

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Eisold-Smith 2014 Meredith Mitchell Vineyard Pinot Noir (McMinnville)

Portugal

This is an earthy blend of Touriga Nacional, Jaen and Trincadeira. Unencumbered by wood aromas, it's full of structured red berry fruit and balanced acidity and is ready to drink.

Encosta da Vinha

85

10

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Boas Quintas

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Boas Quintas 2014 Encosta da Vinha Red (Dão)

US

A Right Bank style—48% Merlot/46% Cab Franc/6% Petit Verdot—this is meaty, spicy, herbal and earthy. There's nothing subtle here, but flavors a'plenty, everything from tomato and strawberry to riper hints of black cherry, cassis and plum. Spice, black coffee and earth dominate the back palate, which slides into very dry, mouth-scraping tannins.

Long Haul Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine

92

45

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Mark Ryan

null

US

Smoke and spice meld into scents of custard and pressed apple on this dry, medium-bodied Riesling. The palate is a bit monotone with savory apple notes, but brightened by a streak of lemon on the finish.

null

83

14

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Riesling

Pugliese

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Pugliese 2011 Riesling (North Fork of Long Island)

US

It was barrel-fermented, using wild yeasts, and aged on the lees. The vineyard is in the coolest part of Napa Valley, and in this cool vintage, acidity is the most important part of the wine. Crisp and biting, it lends structural authority to the Meyer lemon, lime, tangerine, fig, mineral, vanilla and white pepper flavors. The alcohol level has been kept to a modest 13.8%. A welcome addition to California's Sauvignon Blanc pantheon.

Heart Block

94

50

California

Yountville

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Source Napa

null

Portugal

This wine is earthy, with a yeasty edge. It offers plenty of Touriga Nacional's perfumed fruit although this is masked by a barnyard character that needs to blow away. The wine requires another year to show its full potential, so drink from 2018.

null

85

16

Alentejano

null

Touriga Nacional

Herdade do Rocim

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Herdade do Rocim 2015 Touriga Nacional (Alentejano)

US

Pretty good for a California-appellated Pinot Noir at this price. Dry and silky, it shows pretty flavors of cherries and spices, with a nice, silky texture.

null

85

15

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Hangtime

null

Italy

Ripe plum, game, truffle, leather and menthol are some of the aromas you'll find on this earthy wine. The tightly wound palate offers dried black cherry, chopped sage, mint and roasted coffee bean alongside raspy tannins that leave a mouth-drying finish.

null

88

72

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

La Mannella

null

Italy

This is a well crafted wine that opens with pristine and brilliant aromas of tomato leaf, basil, exotic fruit and sweetened lime juice. The wine is intense in its fragrances and offers medium structure in the mouth that is backed by zesty acidity and long-lasting freshness.

Vigneto Vigne dai Vieris

87

10

Northeastern Italy

Venezia Giulia

null

Sauvignon

Di Lenardo

null

US

Horse & Plow sourced organic grapes to craft this excellent Chardonnay, giving it the luxe treatment—handpicked, whole-cluster pressed, French oak barrel fermentation and aging nine months sur lee—and it shows. The wine is pretty, with a tropical bouquet that gives way to just enough oak-driven vanilla. Will age nicely but is also ready to drink now.

McFadden Farm

89

20

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Chardonnay

Horse & Plow

null

Italy

This is a very attractive oak-aged Barbera with aromas of sweet spice, bitter chocolate and loads of bright berry fruit. The wine is compact, clean and thanks to the bright acidity, it leaves your palate polished and fresh.

null

89

19

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti

null

Barbera

Damilano

null

Damilano 2008 Barbera d'Asti

Italy

Chocolate, cinnamon and plum aromas, a richly textured palate and a lovely fruit-acid balance are all in play. Mint, dried spice and leather notes accent the rich, plummy fruit. Well-dispersed tannins, tart plum and cocoa flavors characterize the long finish. Drinks well now; will improve through 2004.

Riserva

90

36

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Castello di Meleto

null

US

Very dark dark and tight, this is an almost-complete Bordeaux blend (includes everything but the Petit Verdot) but it is dominated by the 87% Cabernet Sauvignon. Clean black fruit aromas open slowly into broad strokes of cassis, tar and earth. Decanting is essential.

Reserve

89

22

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Waterbrook

null

US

There's no oak on this Chardonnay, but it's so rich, you don't even notice. It's all pure, ripe pineapple, orange and lime fruit, accompanied by tart, clean Green Valley acidity. Tremendously versatile with food.

UnOaked

90

26

California

Green Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Iron Horse

null

Portugal

Structured, this oozes blackberry fruitiness as well as a balanced layer of dry tannins. The wine is fruity and rich while keeping its elegance. A core of tannins and fresh acidity in the fruit promise that this wine will age. Drink from 2017.

Confidencial Reserva

92

26

Lisboa

null

Portuguese Red

Casa Santos Lima

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Casa Santos Lima 2012 Confidencial Reserva Red (Lisboa)

US

There's a slightly pink hue to this wine from Lompoc's Norman Yost. The nose is bright and minerally, with strawberry, apple cider and slight watermelon aromas. There's even more going on once sipped, with pear spritzer and citrus zest playing along with gray rocks and elements both bitter and sour. It's a refreshing take on a grape that doesn't always get the rock star treatment.

Sierra Madre Vineyard

91

22

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Gris

Flying Goat Cellars

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Flying Goat Cellars 2013 Sierra Madre Vineyard Pinot Gris (Santa Maria Valley)

Portugal

This is a big, beefy and structured wine that at the same time is laden with fruit. A reminder of the tough schist soil of the Douro, the wine's mineral edge is balanced by the bright juicy fruit and acidity. With the tannins, this second wine from Duorum will age well, so drink from 2016.

Tons de Duorum

87

12

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Duorum

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Duorum 2013 Tons de Duorum Red (Douro)

US

Cinnamon and spiced berry—a seductive combination—lead this Cab from the Finger Lakes, but on the palate, cherry, pepper and spice flavors fall a bit flat. The wine wants more complexity and dimension, but offers approachable red berry flavors that will pair well with lamb or steak.

null

82

19

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

null

US

Strawberry and graphite meet with a rusty element on the nose of this easy-to-quaff and yet intriguing and well-priced wine. A nice ripe pomegranate element on the palate leads to licorice and a gunmetal minerality.

null

87

17

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Esser

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Esser 2013 Pinot Noir (Monterey County)

US

Savory notes of fennel and exotic spice add a dose of complexity to the sweet apple and pear flavors of this dry Riesling. Crisp, clean and refreshing, it finishes with a delicate green-floral note.

Dry

88

16

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Rooster Hill

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Rooster Hill 2010 Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes)

US

A peppery, aromatic start leads into this tightly-layered, pure varietal, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. It's layered with red berry fruits, from strawberries on through. Young and firm, it shows just the right amount of barrel toast around polished tannins.

DuBrul Vineyard

91

72

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Owen Roe

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Owen Roe 2011 DuBrul Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

US

A strong showing from the South Coast, this bottling offers plump red cherries, blackberries, dried plums, cocoa, shaved dark chocolate, kola nut and iron on the nose. The palate is laden with dark chocolate and cinnamon atop elderberry fruit, lifted with elderflower, lilacs and leathery tannins that drive into the finish.

Bella Vigna Vineyard

89

45

California

Temecula Valley

South Coast

Sangiovese

Palumbo Family Vineyards

null

France

This Blanc de Blancs is crisp, and minerally with a textured, chalky character. Despite hints of maturity, it still tastes youthful, fruity and fresh. Dry and elegantly structured, it finishes with a hint of toast. Drink now–2019.

Millesimé Brut

90

null

Champagne

null

Chardonnay

Nicolas Feuillatte

null

France

The Hospices is a charitable organization that has vines in Beaujolais. The wine is ripe with some tannins as well as red fruits. With its structure and concentration, it could age another few months, so wait until 2017.

Domaine des Hospices Civils de Lyon

89

14

Beaujolais

Beaujolais-Villages

null

Gamay

Collin-Bourisset

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Collin-Bourisset 2015 Domaine des Hospices Civils de Lyon (Beaujolais-Villages)

US

Firmly on the rustic side, this Zin is hot and peppery. It's also slightly sweet and sour, with spicy flavors of soy sauce, mashed cherries and blackberries, candied ginger, balsamic vinegar and tabasco. This controversial wine, which hails from a famous old vineyard, will have its fans.

Dusi Vineyard

86

33

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Four Vines

null

Italy

Here's a cheerful and beautifully aromatic blend of Pinot Grigio, Traminer and Riesling that boasts both freshness and complexity. The Pinot Grigio gives it weight and structure and the other two varieties create a fragrant bouquet of stone fruit and white flowers.

Confini

88

null

Northeastern Italy

Venezia Giulia

null

White Blend

Lis Neris

null

Lis Neris 2006 Confini White (Venezia Giulia)

Chile

Cherry cough drop and other red fruit, medicinal aromas set up a standard, fresh palate with racy berry flavors and mild oak as a backdrop. Finishes with good smack, feel and controlled wood notes, but not much complexity or finesse.

null

86

9

Curicó Valley

null

Merlot

Echeverria

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Echeverria 2008 Merlot (Curicó Valley)

US

Here's a nice, dry and fairly complex Pinot Noir that makes you think of grilled steaks or roast lamb. It's silky in the mouth, and offers flavors of mashed red cherries, Dr. Pepper, rhubarbs and spices, enhanced with smoky cedar. Best now through 2012.

Las Brisas Vineyard

90

36

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Mahoney

null

Mahoney 2006 Las Brisas Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)

Italy

There's a bright note of wild berry, orange peel and red apple at the very start that fades away quickly to reveal savory tones of cured meat, leather and coffee grounds. It's compact and powerful, but not over the top.

null

90

50

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Remo Farina

null

Remo Farina 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

US

Almost all varietal (with 2% Malbec) from one of the state's premier sites, this wine draws you into the glass with aromas of coffee, scorched earth, herb, spice and dark fruit. The palate shows a beguiling sense of restraint and detail, with the tannins combed to a fine sheen, perfectly framed acidity and a lengthy finish. It's an exquisite example of the variety that should have a long life ahead of it. It will be best after 2020.

Champoux Vineyard

93

55

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Januik

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Januik 2012 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)

Portugal

A juicy, fruity wine with just a line of tannins at its core. Its red berry fruits are delicious and easy to drink, the wine with its richness needs no aging. It's pure fruit bomb pleasure.

Quinta do Encontro Q do E

89

null

Bairrada

null

Portuguese Red

Dão Sul

null

US

A deceptive Pinot. It shows a pale color and a very delicate, silky mouthfeel, but the impact on the palate can only be described as explosive, and the aftertaste is very rich. The flavors of cherries, cotton candy, red raspberries, orange tea, smoky vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar are compelling. Best now and through 2010.

null

94

95

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Coup de Foudre

null

Coup de Foudre 2006 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

US

Adelaida is assembling a good track record with this wine. It's from the cooler western portion of the appellation, so that crisp acidity provides a fine framework for the slightly sweet tropical fruit, wildflower and spice flavors. With its exotic personality, it's best paired with strongly flavored, complex dishes that combine poultry, game or shellfish with fruits, nuts and honey.

The Glenrose Vineyard

89

30

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Viognier

Adelaida

null

Adelaida 2005 The Glenrose Vineyard Viognier (Paso Robles)

US

Very ripe and jammy in raspberry and cherry fruit flavors, this Pinot is accented with crisp acidity. Oak barrel aging adds notes of caramel and buttered toast. It's a deliciously dry wine, although a bit direct and obvious. Seems at its best now and for 3–4 years.

van der Kamp Vineyard

90

46

California

Sonoma Mountain

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Tandem

null

Tandem 2007 van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Mountain)

US

Whiffs of barnyard and bramble lend rusticity to this wine, contrasted by fresher, prettier notes of rose petal and blackberry jam. It's a charming Merlot marked by crisp black-fruit flavor, sprightly acidity and dusty, lingering tannins.

null

87

19

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Merlot

Diliberto

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Diliberto 2013 Merlot (North Fork of Long Island)

US

Orange in hue, this is a sublime and simultaneously hearty wine, presenting itself as fuller-bodied in style on the palate and expressive of time on oak. The finish features a tanginess of grapefruit.

null

87

14

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Highway 12

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Highway 12 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County)

Italy

The intensely floral nose suggests wild rose and violet. The bright palate delivers wild cherry, raspberry and licorice alongside a note of medicinal herb. Firm but fine-grained tannins frame the savory flavors.

La Tradizione

88

24

Piedmont

Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato

null

Ruché

Montalbera

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Montalbera 2013 La Tradizione (Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato)

New Zealand

Peg Bay continues to push the ripeness envelope on its Rieslings. The 2006 is honeyed and rather sweet, with baked apple flavors at the core, surrounded by hints of spice and apricot. Lime-like acids seem a bit strident on the finish right now; give it a couple of years in the cellar. Imported by Meadowbank Estates.

null

90

23

Waipara Valley

null

Riesling

Pegasus Bay

null

US

Light and pleasant, this offers some punchy phenolics but rather limpid fruit. It spent eight months in one-third new French oak.

OSU Woodhall III

86

25

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Spindrift Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Spindrift Cellars 2013 OSU Woodhall III Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)

US

A zesty blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, this shows melon, tuberose, white lily and sharp lemon zest on the nose. The palate treads between energy and warmth, offering citrusy acidity against buttered, toasted nuts, all framed by a pithy grip that keeps the texture center stage.

Coquille Blanc

91

24

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style White Blend

Carol Shelton

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Carol Shelton 2013 Coquille Blanc White (Paso Robles)

US

This wine is 80% Mourvèdre, 11% Zinfandel and 9% Primitivo. The aromas are bright and fresh, with notes of raspberry, red plum and spice. The flavors are pure and tart, bringing a real sense of vibrancy to the core cranberry flavor.

The Cluster Fus

91

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Angel Vine

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Angel Vine 2015 The Cluster Fus Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Way too high in alcohol, and possibly residual sugar, which gives this Zin a sweet, syrupy blackberry jelly taste.

Big Break

82

25

California

Contra Costa County

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Cline

null

US

This has a dark red-black color, with densely packed aromas that seem so tight they are not giving up much. Flavors of concentrated dark plum and white pepper are interlaced with very firm tannins. It's full bodied, young and wound up tight. Drink it now for the wow factor, or be adventurous and save it until 2020 to see how much more flavor complexity develops.

Estate Grown Reserve

87

35

California

Sierra Foothills

Syrah

Naggiar

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Naggiar 2010 Estate Grown Reserve Syrah (Sierra Foothills)

Australia

Perhaps better known for its Chardonnay, Leeuwin also makes an Art Series Cabernet that takes a back seat to no one. The 2002 still boasts youthful scents of fresh mint and cassis, then slowly unfolds on the palate to reveal a rich, full-bodied wine with a distinctly ripe, creamy texture. Long and powerful on the finish, with 10 or so years ahead of it.

Art Series

92

45

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Leeuwin Estate

null

Austria

This is purest Grüner Veltliner from one of the best vineyards in the northern Weinviertel. It is ripe, concentrated, an explosion of spice, pepper and fresh pears to go with the lively acidity of crisp apples.

Schneiderberg

89

22

Niederösterreich

null

Grüner Veltliner

Weinrieder

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Weinrieder 2007 Schneiderberg Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)

France

Named after enologist Benjamin Cooker, this wine was aged in egg-shaped cement tanks. Pure Malbec that is rich, rounded with spice and firm tannins, it has a generous, spacious character that is beginning to develop. With a dark background to the black-currant fruits, this needs to age. Drink from 2018.

Le Sang de la Vigne Signé Benjamin Cooker

93

30

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château de Gaudou

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Gaudou 2013 Le Sang de la Vigne Signé Benjamin Cooker Malbec (Cahors)

US

Hazy aromatics of sautéed apple and baking spice mark the nose, with notes of toasted nut and dill that surface on the palate. It feels full, round and supple, gaining some lift toward the close.

Charval

85

20

Virginia

null

White Blend

Tarara

null

Tarara 2010 Charval White (Virginia)

US

As sweet as Port, with chocolate and prune flavors. Feels as hot as a chile pepper, with nearly 17% alcohol.

Reserve West Dry Creek

81

50

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Mazzocco

null

Mazzocco 2006 Reserve West Dry Creek Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

Spain

A smoky, foxy, saucy opening leads to a medium-bodied palate that's more or less standard for Rioja. Blackberry, roasted plum and light oak flavors finish steady, a touch rustic and with a vanilla note.

null

88

14

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Obalo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Obalo 2014 Rioja

New Zealand

A pungent, grassy wine, layered with green pepper and herbal notes. Leaner than most 2005 Marlborough Sauvignons, finishing with sharp strokes of lime and grapefruit. Imported by Paterno Wines International.

null

86

19

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Wairau River

null

Italy

This Barbera d'Alba opens with dark, sophisticated aromas of exotic spice, black fruit, toasted nut, cherry, root beer and licorice. There's a touch of natural rubber at the back and the wine offers some sweet fruit flavors as well.

Bricco dei Merli

88

23

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Azienda Agricola Cogno

null

Azienda Agricola Cogno 2008 Bricco dei Merli (Barbera d'Alba)

Italy

This has a classic Nebbiolo nose of new leather, rose petal, red berry, tilled earth and a whiff of aniseed. On the palate, toast, white pepper and a hint of oak-driven spice back up a core of sour cherry. It's still tightly wound and needs a few more years to come together. Drink 2018–2025.

Meruzzano Riserva

90

22

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Cantina del Nebbiolo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cantina del Nebbiolo 2010 Meruzzano Riserva (Barbaresco)

France

This rich, generous and soft wine has a ripe feel along with plenty of acidity. The freshness is cushioned by ripe yellow and pear fruit flavors. It has power as well as minerality, and a touch of toast comes through at the end. Drink from 2018.

Grenouilles Grand Cru

95

69

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin 2013 Grenouilles Grand Cru (Chablis)

US

Made in the Lokoya style, which is darkly colored, full bodied, tannic and dense in mountain fruit. A spicy oak tone joins with massive blackberry, cassis and violet flavors to make this wine delicious from the start. It's very tannic and needs a great deal of time. Begin to enjoy this wine in 2016, and it should go far longer than that.

null

94

350

California

Diamond Mountain District

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Lokoya

null

France

An intensely concentrated wine, with tannins that float in an inky sea of dense berry fruits. The wine is smooth, the edges softened by wood, but the fruit tannins pour out of the glass.

null

90

45

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château Lagrézette

null

Italy

Insolia, a native grape of Sicily, is blended with Chardonnay to produce a creamy, warm-climate white redolent of peach, apricot, melon and golden honey. The wine is smooth in the mouth with fresh flavors of lemon zest on the close.

Bidis

88

25

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

White Blend

Valle dell'Acate

null

Austria

A touch of flint on fleshy peach is followed by juicy citrus and ripe pear bedded in nettle and watercress. Together they present an immensely enticing nose, hinting at whole oceans of luscious fruit beneath the surface. The palate then invokes all the varietal spice: white pepper, arugula and chervil, illuminated by bright, zesty citrus to finish in a concert of layered zestiness. Overtones of orange and pink grapefruit zest make it even more compelling. Lip-smackingly irresistible and a paradigm of its vintage.

Alte Reben Höhlgraben Reserve

95

36

Kremstal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Malat

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Malat 2014 Alte Reben Höhlgraben Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)

US

In calling this southern Rhône-style blend Bistro Style, the winery means to suggest friends gathered in a nice restaurant, having fun and not being fussy about what's in the bottle. That perfectly describes this dry, soft red wine, with its flavors of blackberries, cherries and cocoa.

Sultry Red Bistro Style Wine

87

13

California

California Other

Red Blend

Hey Mambo

null

Germany

Wild, tropical fruit aromas are marked with saffron and pollen on the nose of this zingy, extroverted Riesling. Off dry in style, the palate is thirst quenching with sunny tangerine and peach flavors lifted by a vein of lemon acidity. Finishes moderately long on a sweet, honeyed note

Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Kabinett

89

28

Mosel

null

Riesling

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2013 Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Kabinett Riesling (Mosel)

US

All Leonetti wines are 100% estate-grown fruit, mixing Seven Hills, Mill Creek Upland and Loess vineyard grapes. The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon includes 12% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Carmenère in the blend. Young and chewy, with a hint of herbaceousness, this shows lovely balance and a mix of raspberry, black cherry, cassis, coffee and cacao. It's a young, deep and powerful wine that will certainly reward cellaring.

null

94

90

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Leonetti Cellar

null

France

Like the hyperexpensive Cuvée à Tempo, Pegau's 2015 Cuvée Reservée has a slightly bitter edge to the finish. Otherwise, it shows subtle pineapple, anise and white gumdrop notes and medium body.

Cuvée Réservée

85

63

Rhône Valley

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Domaine du Pegau

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Domaine du Pegau 2015 Cuvée Réservée White (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

France

This Blanc de Blancs has shed its initial minerality and gained rich fruitiness. Apricots as well as more citrus flavors abound, bringing out a full and round character. From Grand Cru vineyards on the Côte des Blancs, this is ready to drink.

Blanc de Blancs Brut

92

95

Champagne

null

Chardonnay

Ayala

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Ayala 2007 Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)

US

Great price for a Chardonnay this rich and tasty. It has a buttery, creamy texture, framing tart flavors of pineapples, peaches and vanilla oak.

River Junction

87

10

California

California Other

Chardonnay

McManis

null

McManis 2008 River Junction Chardonnay (California)

Chile

Neutral on the nose to the point of dull and mute. The palate is more wet than complex, and the flavors of apple, candy and toffee are basic at best. For a half-bottle priced at $25, this is underwhelming and far too simple in all facets.

Hacienda Araucano Kochii Late Harvest

84

25

Colchagua Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

François Lurton

null

US

Despite the relatively low alcohol, this wine feels curiously hot, enough to lower the score. Chili pepper notes dominate the fruit.

null

84

75

California

Coombsville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ackerman

null

Ackerman 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coombsville)

Portugal

This blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen is a satisfying melting pot of complex flavors. Its tannins are solid, although now complementing the rich berry fruits. It is an impressive wine that could still age further before complete maturity. Drink from 2019.

Reserva

93

32

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Julia Kemper Wines

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Julia Kemper Wines 2010 Reserva Red (Dão)

Germany

Kicks off with intensely petrol-like aromas and hints of vegetable oil rather than overt fruitiness, then develops flavors of honey, marmalade and spice on the palate. It's a rich, viscous wine that finishes very sweet—almost cloying—on the finish.

Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Auslese

89

32

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

null

Riesling

Joh. Haart

null

US

Dark, tannic and dense, this is a classic Petite Sirah. In its youth it's strongly flavored in black currants and chocolate, and will be fine with richly sauced barbecue. But it will age for many, many years, gradually softening.

null

88

26

California

Calaveras County

Sierra Foothills

Petite Sirah

Hatcher

null

France

A dry core pervades this full-bodied wine. Red fruits are masking its delicious ripe meat and sweet jam flavors. There is a distinct tannic element that holds this attractive wine together.

En Foulot

90

null

Burgundy

Santenay

null

Pinot Noir

Château de la Crée

null

Chile

Pineapple, sulfur and matchstick, and finally some woody toast steer the bouquet. The palate is big and blowsy, with toasty baked apple and pineapple flavors. Finishes sweet, with honey and a sprinkle of white pepper. Yet another sweet, resiny, basic Chardonnay from Chile.

Reserva

84

11

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Santa Carolina

null

Italy

You'll find aromas of dried orchard fruit, beeswax, Spanish broom, acacia and an earthy note on this spry nine-year-old. On the mature, waxy palate, fruit flavors have given way to tertiary sensations of honey, toasted nut, candied citrus zest and flinty mineral that carry through the to lingering finish. A saline note signals the close.

Colle dei Cerri

89

45

Southern Italy

Fiano di Avellino

null

Fiano

Di Meo

null

France

Lifted hints of chamomile and apple peel rise straight from the glass. The palate has the same streamlined citrus focus and just homes in on that sleek dry apple freshness that seem to be a dynamic force at the center of this wine. The flavors are concentrated and totally dominated by utter lemon freshness, tart and vivid to the last. Lovely now but with further potential. Drink now through 2030.

Hengst Grand Cru

93

50

Alsace

null

Riesling

Cave de Turckheim

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Cave de Turckheim 2012 Hengst Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace)

US

If only this wine had greater structure, it would earn a higher score, but as it is, it's too soft and sugary, which makes it taste like the filling of a pie or tart. Raspberries, cherries and figs are the flavors, with the smoke and caramel of oak. Drink now.

Jensen Vineyard

85

60

California

Mount Harlan

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Calera

null

US

I've found variability in Especial, despite its high price. It shows an artisinal, vintage-driven nature that can be beguiling or rough. The '04 is a bit of both. It's not a smooth, seductive Zin. The tannins are too feral. But it is interesting, with complex blackberry, blueberry, cherry and Asian spice flavors. Try aging, but not too long. You don't want to lose that fresh fruit.

Especial

88

36

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Peachy Canyon

null

Italy

Here's a Barolo that harkens back to the 1990s thanks to its aggressive oak, which was once so in vogue. It's loaded with toasted oak, espresso and vanilla aromas, while the palate offers oak, coffee, plum and tongue-drying wood tannins.

Mariondino

85

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Parusso

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Parusso 2009 Mariondino (Barolo)

France

Dark red fruits, tar and licorice mark the nose. The full red-fruit flavors are solid and the good acidity, typical of Gamay-based wines, lets them show well. A solid and balanced everyday drinker, it closes with dry, dusty tannins and proves that more than cru Beaujolais can have meat on their bones.

null

86

11

Beaujolais

Beaujolais-Villages

null

Gamay

Louis Jadot

null

Italy

The color is light, but the Monchiero has pungent earthy aromas over a backdrop of fruit. On the palate, it is soft and quite chunky, and dominated by its earthiness. The wine has evolved completely, and should be drunk reasonably quickly.

null

85

20

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba Superiore

null

Barbera

Monchiero

null

Monchiero 2003 Barbera d'Alba Superiore

France

Classic spice and lychee aromas lead to a wine that is medium sweet, attractive but one-dimensional. It has perfumed, candy shop flavors, almost exaggerated. Screwcap.

null

85

15

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Helfrich

null

US

Very ripe and forward in lush cherry and cocoa flavors, with a soft, velvety texture. The tannins are rich and smooth.

The 46 Grenache and Syrah

88

40

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Terry Hoage

null

Italy

The bouquet is marked by a steady stream of bright raspberry, rose, wild berry and bitter almond. It's sassy crispness on the finish should pair well with cheese or mayonnaise-based appetizers.

Lagrein Kretzer

87

18

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Rosé

Muri-Gries

null

US

This is a very dark wine from the Kama Sutra-inspired winery, with aromas of creosote and blueberry. The flavors are quite thick with blackberry juice, balanced with pangs of acidity yet finishing on the soft side.

Secret Craving

89

52

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

LXV

null