spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

country stringclasses 49 values	description stringlengths 18 829	designation stringlengths 1 95 ⌀	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 2.5k ⌀	province stringclasses 478 values	region_1 stringlengths 3 50 ⌀	region_2 stringclasses 18 values	variety stringclasses 726 values	winery stringlengths 1 54	taster_name stringclasses 19 values	taster_twitter_handle stringclasses 15 values	title stringlengths 12 135 ⌀
Portugal	The fine, ripe, structured character of Touriga Nacional is well evident here. It may be big in alcohol, but the wine wears that easily, going more for fresh tannins and acidity, for black currant and dark plum flavors and smooth, vanilla flavors from the French wood aging.	null	91	100	Douro	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Quinta do Crasto	null	null	null
Austria	Ripe red and black cherry with a lick of elderberry spice creates a warm, fruity feel. The palate remains svelte but is beautifully rounded and shows soft but palpable tannins. This is very balanced and will show its true aromatic potential 2017–2018.	P	91	48	Wagram-Donauland	null	null	Pinot Noir	Fritsch	null	null	null
US	A pleasant wine, dryish and tart in acidity, with citrus, green apple and honeysuckle flavors. There's a hint of Riesling's petrol character. This is classic Black Box, with a high likeability factor.	null	85	25	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Riesling	Black Box	null	null	null
France	This young wine is packed with firm tannins and juicy black plum fruit. Its structure of tannins, both from the fruit and from wood aging, gives it a rich texture. It's spicy and ripe and needs some aging. Drink from 2020.	Amrboise de l'Her	90	16	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château Nozières	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Nozières 2015 Amrboise de l'Her Malbec (Cahors)
US	This is a simple, straightforward, everyday sort of wine, light in aroma and body, but with acceptable black-cherry, earthy flavors. It's dry and clean. 20% Syrah adds complexity and notes of currants and meat. Best Buy.	null	85	10	California	California	California Other	Merlot	Quail Creek	null	null	null
Australia	Bracing and austere, this is a difficult wine to warm up to at first. It starts with hints of chalk dust and lime, adds notes of green apple and petrol, then swings back toward mineral on the slightly drying finish. Impressively concentrated; try it after 2010, when it should be more open for business.	null	87	20	Tasmania	Tasmania	null	Riesling	Lalla Gully	null	null	null
Spain	Cherry and plum aromas lead to a choppy, rubbery-feeling palate. It tastes soupy, herbal and briney.	null	80	13	Levante	Utiel-Requena	null	Bobal	Dominio de la Vega	null	null	null
Italy	Here is a very distinctive expression of Merlot with ripe aromas of black cherry and prune, backed by leather, tobacco, moist earth and smoked ham or cured meat. The wine delivers power and determination on the finish with soft, smooth tannins and a vibrant cherry aftertaste.	Riserva	87	null	Veneto	Arcole	null	Merlot	Desmonta	null	null	null
Austria	Fresh, juicy and fruity with a light tannic structure, this is pure blackberry juice, with just some of that cranberry tannin and dryness, finished with licorice. Ready to drink.	St. Laurent Classic	87	22	Thermenregion	null	null	St. Laurent	Fischer	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a perfumed wine with fine acidity. The tannins are soft, accompanied by black cherry and ripe berry notes, making this a sweet, rich style. The Quinta Senhora de Ribeira is on the north bank of the Douro, facing Quinta do Vesúvio on the south bank.	Quinta Senhora da Ribeira Vintage	90	60	Port	null	null	Port	Dow's	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Dow's 2010 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira Vintage (Port)
US	A deep, dark color, unusually ripe and exotic aromas, and intense flavors recalling boysenberry syrup make this a monster Zin. It's not very tannic or astringent, but the body is so rich and the alcohol relatively high that it oozes power and concentration. This will be great after a meal with cheese or chocolate.	Block 10	92	45	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Bella	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Bella 2012 Block 10 Zinfandel (Alexander Valley)
Spain	Dense and heavy, and maybe a touch dull on the nose in terms of fruit aromas. But once it hits the palate the wine shines with intense black fruit, sugar beet and chocolate flavors. The finish is toasty and warm, with saturation and texture. Almost over the edge as far as ripeness, but not quite. Drink now through 2012.	Vendimia Seleccionada	91	59	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	García Figuero	null	null	null
Italy	Church incense, dried lavender, sweet spice, blackberry and cherry cola shape a simple, no-fuss Primitivo that would pair well with pizza or pasta dishes. The wine ends with sweet, chewy tannins and thick extraction.	null	85	11	Southern Italy	Puglia	null	Primitivo	Casa Catelli	null	null	Casa Catelli 2004 Primitivo (Puglia)
US	A good value in Sauvignon Blanc. It shows fine citrus and melon flavors that are dry and properly balanced with acidity. There's a tang of minerality that must come from Livermore's soil.	Ghielmetti Vineyard	86	15	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Fenestra	null	null	null
Italy	Crushed violet, cake spice and ripe black plum aromas lead the nose on this bold wine. The round, full-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry jam, cinnamon, licorice and a hint of tobacco alongside ripe, velvety tannins that lend it a polished feel.	null	92	65	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Red Blend	Monte Faustino	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Monte Faustino 2010 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
US	Brooding dark fruit and stemmy herb and olive aromas lead to rich, extracted black fruit flavors with a warm, coffee filled finish. It delivers a powerful punch.	Klein	94	70	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	K Vintners	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	K Vintners 2012 Klein Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
France	Soft red apple, white peach and delicate white florals unfold in the nose, while toastier notes of baked apple and brioche appear in the mouth. Round and full, there's not a lot of complexity here but it's straightforward, satisfying and quite easy to drink.	Vignes de Nicole	85	14	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Chardonnay-Viognier	Domaines Paul Mas	null	null	null
New Zealand	This is slightly bigger and earthier than Ara's other 2009 Pinot Noir, with notes more of beet than cherry, and hints of dried herbs and mushrooms. It's a sturdy wine that could stand up to braised meats.	Pathway	86	15	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Ara	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Ara 2009 Pathway Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
Chile	Minerally, oceanic aromas of tangerine and sea air run into a palate that's clear, linear and tangy, with scouring acidity. Flavors of tangerine, lime and passion fruit finish citrusy but not too shearing or pushy. This will go well with shellfish.	Sibaris Reserva Especial	89	17	Leyda Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Undurraga	null	null	null
France	A full, concentrated wine, impressive for the vintage, offering solid structure, powerful tannins and ripe berry and red stone fruit flavors. It is very direct in style, the complexities slow to show themselves, just a hint as the wine opens up. It needs to age 5–6 years or more.	Rugiens Premier Cru	93	90	Burgundy	Pommard	null	Pinot Noir	Bouchard Père & Fils	null	null	null
Italy	This solid Barolo opens with aromas of mature dark berry, licorice, clove, chewing tobacco and a whiff of crushed flower. The palate reveals red cherry, strawberry, white pepper and thyme alongside bracing tannins. Drink after 2019.	Vigna Case Nere	89	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Casetta	null	null	null
France	Very spicy from dominant new wood. The black plum skin and blackberry fruit are still waiting to come out. It gives the feeling of a wine that has some austerity, although with a year or two in bottle the imbalance will go. It does feel as though it will always be a firm wine.	null	90	40	Bordeaux	Margaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Chateau Dauzac	null	null	null
Italy	Ruby and luminous in appearance, this textbook Chianti Classico shows the best of Sangiovese and Tuscany. Bright cherry and raspberry aromas are enhanced by toasted almond and a fine, silky mouthfeel.	null	87	null	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Le Miccine	null	null	null
Italy	This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot offers tight aromas of cola and tar, followed by soft layers of berry, cherry and spicy cinnamon.	Scirè	87	16	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Ceralti	null	null	Ceralti 2011 Scirè (Bolgheri)
France	This is a wine that showcases the Mourvèdre grape (80% of the blend). That gives a wonderful perfumed wine, bringing out fine tannins and a rich structure. Aged in wood for 20 months, the wine has a spicy edge to balance the ripe black-plum flavors. It is only just ready to drink and will be much better from 2018.	null	92	38	Provence	Bandol	null	Provence red blend	Hecht & Bannier	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Hecht & Bannier 2013 Red (Bandol)
Spain	Almond candy and lacquer aromas create a corny scent on the nose. This wine feels flabby and soggy, with buttery oak and little to no fruit flavor. Finishes woody, with vanilla and spice. A blend of 60% Viura and 40% Chardonnay.	Becquer	81	18	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	White Blend	Bodegas Escudero	null	null	null
US	From the southern end of the Napa Valley, where temperatures tend to be cool, this wine is surprisingly intense in tannin and a deep taste of coffee, rounded out by spicy red plum and strawberry. The acidity holds tight through the finish, making this a friendly food wine.	Estate Grown	87	42	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Grgich Hills	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Grgich Hills 2010 Estate Grown Merlot (Napa Valley)
US	Rather simple, like a blackberry-infused cola punch. It's the kind of red wine to serve at a party, and everybody will like it, but there's not a whole lot going on right now. Could develop in the bottle.	null	85	79	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Prestwood	null	null	null
France	With a high proportion of Mourvèdre in the blend, the wine is structured and finely perfumed. It has some firm tannins that are well integrated into the red-berries. While the wine is richly textured, it is also bursting with fruit at the end. Drink from 2018.	Sélection Delphi	90	null	Provence	Bandol	null	Provence red blend	Domaine Souviou	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Souviou 2013 Sélection Delphi Red (Bandol)
Portugal	This wine shows the characteristic granitic texture of the region. Berry fruits smother the firm tannins to give a rich, juicy wine that's bold, ripe, and ready to drink.	Aliança	88	8	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Caves Aliança	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Caves Aliança 2011 Aliança Red (Dão)
Germany	Excessively woody, with powerful smoke and cedar notes that cover modest beet flavors. The bouquet features additional oak-derived scents of vanilla and an odd, marzipan-like quality. Oak fans will think this wine's been underrated.	Blauer Trocken	82	24	Pfalz	null	null	Spätburgunder	Knipser	null	null	null
Slovenia	Vanilla and cookie crumb notes add a sweet, toasty flair to the sour cherry flavor on this bright, nervy red. The palate is tart, tangy and refreshingly tasty, with soft, chalky tannins that linger on the finish.	Izbrani	88	20	Kras	null	null	Teran	Štoka	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Štoka 2009 Izbrani Teran (Kras)
France	Ripe and jammy, this is a soft, rounded wine with rich berry fruits. The generous texture comes over more vividly than the acidity. The wine is fruity, ready to drink.	null	86	18	Beaujolais	Brouilly	null	Gamay	Château des Tours	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château des Tours 2014 Brouilly
Italy	Dark and dense, this opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, scorched earth, smoke and ripe black-skinned fruit. The firm palate offers ripe plum, blackberry, black cherry, black pepper and anise alongside velvety tannins.	NOS Riserva	90	30	Northeastern Italy	Teroldego Rotaliano	null	Teroldego	Mezzacorona	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Mezzacorona 2007 NOS Riserva (Teroldego Rotaliano)
Austria	This is a delicate wine, with intense sweetness. The dryness of the botrytis is there with apricot and honey flavors, along with great waves of piercing acidity. A wine to age.	Zöbinger Heiligenstein Beerenauslese	92	95	Kamptal	null	null	Riesling	Bründlmayer	null	null	null
Argentina	Smells like crushed vitamins, iron and minerals, but no fruit. Weak, funky and sour tasting, and then angular on the finish. There's even some sauerkraut in the mix. Not what we're looking for.	Finca La Martina	80	13	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Chardonnay	Reyter	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Reyter 2009 Finca La Martina Chardonnay (Mendoza)
Spain	This Verdejo is fruity and tropical on the bouquet. In the mouth, it's plump and smooth, with just enough acidic bite to keep things zesty. Flavors of melon, peach and pear finish solid and fairly long.	Old Vines	88	16	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Verdejo	Nisia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Nisia 2012 Old Vines Verdejo (Rueda)
US	This wine from Jordan Fiorentini is a stunning study in how to achieve extreme richness with elegance. Deep black cherry, violet, espresso, milk chocolate and vanilla pastry show on the nose. On the palate, chalky, soft tannins bring forth baked blueberry, star anise and clove flavors, with floral tones and acidic lift on the finish.	Block B Paderewski Vineyard	96	90	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah	Epoch Estate Wines	null	null	null
France	With good concentration, this still-young Riesling has potential. It's aromatic, with hedgerow aromas, summer fruits and bright acidity. There is a juicy background along with a more textured character that is ready for that aging. Drink from 2016.	Vieilles Vignes	88	14	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Jean Sipp	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Jean Sipp 2012 Vieilles Vignes Riesling (Alsace)
Argentina	Mushy citrus and papaya aromas are waxy and lack pop. Angular and lemony in feel, this varietal white offers a one-note flavor profile based on lemon. A ringing, citric finish affords for a hint of tropical fruit.	null	85	25	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Sémillon	Mendel	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Mendel 2015 Semillon (Mendoza)
Australia	Cropped at less than two tons per acre, this is a full-bodied, creamy-textured Tempranillo marked by vanilla-tinged oak. Black cherries and plums comprise the core, with embellishments of tobacco adding complexity to this lush, easy-drinking wine. Drink it over the next several years.	Luna Roja	89	20	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Tempranillo	Gemtree	null	null	null
US	This Cabernet needs time. It's rich and ripe with blackberry jam, black currants, dark chocolate and sweet, smoky oak, but very tight and astringent in tannins. Give it at least six years in the cellar.	Estate Reserve	90	58	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Pope Valley Winery	null	null	null
Chile	Opens with butterscotch and toast, but the palate doesn't really hold up. It offers dull orange and citrus flavors that are stretched thin. Lastly, citrus rind on the finish makes the final act bitter and rough.	Estate	81	8	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Luis Felipe Edwards	null	null	null
Austria	Riesling at 14% alcohol is almost too much, although Martin Nigl just gets away with it, the fresh element giving balance to the super ripeness. This is a sipping wine, too intensely perfumed for food. Screwcap.	Hochäcker	90	52	Kremstal	null	null	Riesling	Nigl	null	null	null
Italy	Dark berry, tilled soil and grilled herb aromas lead the nose while the solid palate offers juicy black cherry, mocha, espresso and licorice. Firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and structure. Drink 2018–2026.	Bricco Ambrogio	92	49	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Grimaldi Bruna	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Grimaldi Bruna 2011 Bricco Ambrogio (Barolo)
Italy	Aromas of mature dark-skinned berry and baking spice lead the nose. The palate is rather evolved, showing dried black cherry, prune and white pepper alongside firm tannins. Enjoy soon to capture the remaining fruit flavors.	Petaso	87	26	Tuscany	Rosso di Montepulciano	null	Red Blend	Montemercurio	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Montemercurio 2012 Petaso (Rosso di Montepulciano)
US	Despite some rich blackberry and currant flavors, a rich overlay of oak and smooth tannins, this Cabernet is a little off in texture. It's gritty in the mouth, but it is nicely dry, and has a certain complexity.	null	86	30	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	White Oak	null	null	null
Argentina	This is overripe and raisiny, no two ways about it. Hailing from a very hot year, this feels flat and flabby, while raisin and prune are the dominant flavors. Blatant overripeness and a ton of weight render this out of balance.	Patrimonio Seleccion de Barricas	83	null	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Budeguer	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Budeguer 2009 Patrimonio Seleccion de Barricas Malbec (Mendoza)
France	Toasty, poised wine with delicious, ripe and elegant fruit. There is structure which shows right through the wine, forming the base for flavors of vanilla and citrus fruits.	Les Preuses	91	null	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Simonnet	null	null	null
US	Big, deep and hard in tannins, this wine shows the estate's power and concentration, bearing blasts of cherries, currants, persimmons and cola. The flavors are pinpointed with laserlike focus, with hints of cocoa powder and tamari. It should begin to open by 2017, and develop for many years afterward.	Ten	93	82	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Sea Smoke	null	null	Sea Smoke 2010 Ten Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
US	Shows all the qualities of a fine Edna Valley Chard, from the juicy acids to the laser pure lime and nectarine flavors. It's thinned down from the better stuff, but still, not bad.	null	85	14	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Bishop's Peak	null	null	null
Italy	Dark and dense, this has loads of ripe fruit and leather aromas on the bouquet. It shows a soft, supple side on the palate, with a tangy touch of black licorice on the finish.	Coste a Preola	87	17	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Tenuta Gorghi Tondi	null	null	Tenuta Gorghi Tondi 2010 Coste a Preola Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)
France	Dumangin's nonvintage blend, is smooth, creamy and soft. It is on the dry side, with some good bottle age, showing in toast and a very textured fruit character.	Brut 17	87	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	J. Dumangin Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	J. Dumangin Fils NV Brut 17 (Champagne)
US	OS (formerly Owen-Sullivan) has hit a home run with the 2003 Ulysses, a voluptuous red that is 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Extracted and volatile, it's not a bashful wine, but it has many layers of nuanced flavors that expand in the glass, filling the nose with dried herbs, mineral, leaf, coffee and scorched earth.	Sheridan Vineyard Ulysses	93	50	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	OS Winery	null	null	null
France	One of the many chateaus with vines on the wide valley floor of the Dordogne, this estate has made a lightly extracted wine that has chocolate as well as blackberry stalkiness. There's freshness as well, with fruit acidity that cuts through the mineral texture. Drink from 2018.	null	87	25	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château la Chapelle Despagnet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château la Chapelle Despagnet 2011 Saint-Émilion
Spain	Cidery, yeasty, grassy aromas are the opening on this round Cava that could use a bit more cut. Cidery, briny stone-fruit and apple flavors come with a celery note, finishing dry and with a white pepper accent.	Tantum Ergo Brut Nature	86	59	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Bodegas Hispano Suizas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Hispano Suizas 2011 Tantum Ergo Brut Nature Sparkling (Cava)
France	The nose is like pear juice spilled onto warm earth, while the palate is more citrus-focused. A seam of almost tropical acidity links lemon to notes of pineapple, lifted by joyful freshness.	Zind	90	30	Alsace	Alsace	null	Alsace white blend	Domaine Zind-Humbrecht	null	null	null
Italy	Ripe black-cherry aromas with cedar and clove accents open this big yet supple wine. A mouthful of licorice and plum, wrapped in toasty menthol oak, follows. Bright acidity keeps the supple texture from becoming flabby. Full tannins and tart black-plum flavors on the finish promise a great life. Best held for two or three years.	Riserva di Fizzano	90	25	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Rocca delle Macìe	null	null	null
US	Hot, raw and unbalanced, this is not a successful wine despite good fruity flavor.	null	81	19	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Merlot	Geyser Peak	null	null	null
US	This is subdued in a nice way. It does not show a lot of big aromas or bright flavors, but it has an appetizing, firm texture, and it's pleasantly dry and well balanced. Hints of raspberry and pomegranate in the flavors linger on the finish.	null	86	30	California	High Valley	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	High Valley Vineyard	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	High Valley Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (High Valley)
US	Though this is pure Cabernet from an excellent Walla Walla vineyard, the flavors seem rather harsh and quite astringent. The dark fruit is cloaked in bitter, chalky tannins that require some rich food to cut through.	Les Collines Vineyard	86	32	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	SuLei	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	SuLei 2010 Les Collines Vineyard Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
US	Shows cherry, raspberry and spice flavors that finish off-dry and rich in citrusy acids. Good with ham, sausage or pork in a fruit sauce.	Bella Rosa	84	10	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sangiovese	Pope Valley Winery	null	null	null
Italy	Introducing the newest player in Valpolicella: Cuslanus is a fresh start-up with a fresh approach. The vineyard is located 400 meters in altitude, which is high by Valpolicella standards. That altitude has helped safeguard aromas of wild apple, white cherry, vanilla-spice, nutmeg and peppercorn. Keep your eye on this producer.	null	90	null	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Cuslanus	null	null	null
US	This small-production reserve Cab from one of Sonoma's premier wineries is notable for its power. The tannins are quite firm, giving an astringent bite, while the fruity-oaky flavors are massive. Cherries, blackberries, raspberries, spicy plums, vanilla, cocoa and char just explode, yet the wine maintains balance. Good as it is, it's a young wine that will benefit from several years in the bottle.	Reserve	90	90	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Chateau St. Jean	null	null	null
Italy	Floral and fruit scents recall acacia flower, broom, dried apricot, beeswax and tropical fruit. Made from 100-year-old Garganega vines, this wine has an elegant, varied palate offering flavors such as juicy yellow peach, mature pear, clove and energizing mineral alongside fresh acidity. Impeccably balanced and delicious, this will continue to develop for years. Drink through 2027.	Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne	92	38	Veneto	Soave Classico	null	Garganega	Gini	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Gini 2012 Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne (Soave Classico)
US	This power-packed wine leads with aromas of raspberries, blackberries, dark chocolate and herbs. The dark fruit flavors are high octane, showing some warmth on the finish.	The Estates Clifton Hill	89	42	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Milbrandt	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Milbrandt 2012 The Estates Clifton Hill Syrah (Wahluke Slope)
US	The sheer deliciousness gives this wine its high score. It's like a decadent pastry dessert, with dark chocolate truffle, grilled black cherry, cassis, anise and sandalwood flavors sprinkled with cinnamon and pepper. But it's fully dry. The high alcohol and softness suggest drinking now.	Rodney's Vineyard	91	40	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Syrah	Fess Parker	null	null	null
Italy	Terre di Sandro offers a gritty, earthy bouquet with background notes of black fruit, tobacco, spice and old leather. The 2005 vintage was a hot one and this wine is already starting to show signs of aging (although crisp acidity keeps it grounded). Drink now.	Terre di Sandro	88	55	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Sangiovese	Bocelli	null	null	null
US	Light and spicy, this wine surprises and delights. It shows a tannic underbrush of firmness and grit that's seasoned in tart acidity and flavors of rhubarb, currant and black tea. It's well balanced and enjoyable now.	Gunsalus Vineyard	91	38	California	Green Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Ron Rubin	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Ron Rubin 2014 Gunsalus Vineyard Pinot Noir (Green Valley)
US	Bold, oak-driven aromas of dill, chocolate-covered almonds and brown butter transition through to the medium- to full-bodied palate, which is marked by a pleasing note of liquid rock. The palate feels easygoing and malleable, but chalky tannins and balanced acids give it a sense of structure.	null	86	30	Virginia	Virginia	null	Malbec	Otium	null	null	Otium 2010 Malbec (Virginia)
Spain	Dry, earthy aromas of cherry and tree bark set up a juicy, pointed, drawing palate. Plum, cherry and currant flavors are zesty and pushed by raw acidity, while the finish is aggressive and racy. 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.	null	86	12	Central Spain	Valdepeñas	null	Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon	Pata Negra	null	null	null
US	Equal parts Heart of the Hill and Red Heaven fruit, this wine opens with barrel aromas of vanilla and shaved coconut in front of dark fruit. The flavors are full in feel but retain a sense of elegance, with cranberry and vanilla flavors intertwining on the finish. The barrel notes are quite prominent but overall it works.	null	90	36	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Mourvèdre	Bunnell	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Bunnell 2010 Mourvèdre (Red Mountain)
Italy	There's a green, perhaps slightly unripe quality to this Chianti Classico Riserva that is backed by black fruit, spice and tar. You'll also encounter a sharp, smoky quality that gives it personality and staying power. 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are added to the blend.	Riserva	86	28	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Fattoria Casa Sola	null	null	null
Italy	A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of red currant, cooking spice and a lightly toasted note. The sleek, easy palate doles juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and mocha alongside supple tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy soon.	Balla La Vecchia	88	15	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Fattoria San Felo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Fattoria San Felo 2012 Balla La Vecchia Red (Toscana)
US	This forward, fruity Cabernet Sauvignon is plummy and ripe with notes of black cherry preserves and cassis liqueur. It's plush on the palate, with soft, sunny acidity, but moderate alcohol keeps it fresh and quaffable.	null	86	23	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Sauvignon	Fox Run	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Fox Run 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes)
Italy	You could easily imagine this wine paired with creamy foods like oven-roasted lasagna with crusty cheese. That's because this Aglianico has both the acidity and the structure to cut though such a dish, keeping the palate clean.	null	87	18	Southern Italy	Campania	null	Aglianico	Donnachiara	null	null	null
US	The nose suggests a mix of herb, citrus and cotton candy; in the mouth you find the same odd confluence of flavors. Maybe all this will come together at some point in time, but right now it's disjointed and off-putting.	null	80	14	Oregon	Umpqua Valley	Southern Oregon	Riesling	Brandborg	null	null	null
Italy	Subtle aromas of acacia and white spring flowers are accented by hints of stone fruit. The palate offers mature Bartlett pear and tart green apple alongside crisp acidity. It closes on a distinctly nutty note of bitter almond.	null	88	22	Northeastern Italy	Colli Orientali del Friuli	null	Friulano	La Tunella	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	La Tunella 2013 Friulano (Colli Orientali del Friuli)
US	There's a feral quality to this wine, with its flavors of wild forest berries, red currants, cola, spicy smoked meats, tangerine zest and sandalwood, and hints of pine cones, rosemary and thyme. It's big and dry and, although silky in the mouth, tannic. An impressive young Pinot Noir that should be cellared for 5–6 years, at least.	Wildcat Mountain Vineyard	93	45	California	Los Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Talisman	null	null	null
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	null
France	This delicious, opulent Blanc de Blancs emphasizes rich fruit as much as minerality. Full of ripe apple flavor, along with hints of lemon juice and apricot, this has a fine depth of flavor and delivers a fragrant, refreshing finish.	Blanc de Blancs Brut	90	55	Champagne	Champagne	null	Chardonnay	Drappier	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Drappier NV Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)
US	Soft and melted in the mouth, with jammy flavors of ripe mashed cherries and raspberries, drizzled with milk chocolate and anisette, and finished with a sprinkle of tangerine zest and black pepper.	Carl's Vineyard	87	32	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Wilson	null	null	Wilson 2006 Carl's Vineyard Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
US	Nowhere near as good as the 2001, with thinner flavors, but it's still a good Zin. Blackberries, coffee and herbs, in thick but gentle tannins.	null	85	15	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Valley of the Moon	null	null	null
New Zealand	Impressive purple color, but less intense on the nose. White pepper notes add complexity to modest plum flavors, while a herbal note carries the finish.	null	84	null	Martinborough	null	null	Syrah	Kusuda	null	null	null
US	Always interesting, Randall Grahm's Malvasia is dependably dry and tart in cool-climate acidity. This vintage is all that and more, with an intensity of flavor ranging from grapefruits to gooseberries. But dryness and acidity really are the hallmarks. Good with raw clams and mussels.	Malvasia Bianca	88	13	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Malvasia Bianca	Ca' del Solo	null	null	null
US	Made from various St. Helena vineyards, with some additions from eastern Oakville, it expresses all the beauty of Napa Valley Cab. The flavors of blackberries, black currants, chocolate, licorice and smoky cedar are absolutely delicious. Yet the wine possesses structure, not the easiest thing to achieve with a 100% Cabernet this rich. The wine should age well through 2020, but there's no reason not to drink it now.	Generations	95	130	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Raymond	null	null	null
US	This fascinating nonvintage solera blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from five vintages (2010–2014) offers elegant touches of licorice, blackcurrant and lavender on the deep nose. Blackberry, cedar, sandalwood and incense flavors mesh with a dried tea-leaf element on the palate.	Mashup v. 2	91	55	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Red Blend	Left Bend	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Left Bend NV Mashup v. 2 Red (Santa Cruz Mountains)
US	Tough and gritty, with edgy tannins framing rustic flavors of blackberries and sweetened berry tea.	Lot #10	83	32	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Tangley Oaks	null	null	Tangley Oaks 2006 Lot #10 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	For the first time these excellent grapes are being shown in a single-vineyard cuvée. It's a big, tannic, high-octane wine, with smooth, ripe and generous purple fruits. There is plenty of supporting acid, along with rather astringent tannins that carry a leafy note through the finish. Drink now–2019.	Stillwater Creek Vineyard	91	30	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	:Nota Bene	null	null	null
Portugal	Bright citrus fruits are crisp and attractive. Lightly textured wine, it's full of lively acidity with just a touch of weight.	null	86	13	Tejo	null	null	Alvarinho	Casal do Conde	null	null	null
Portugal	While the wine is rich and tarry, it has an old-fashioned feel to it that comes from the juicy tannins and touch of rusticity. That's not unattractive, a wood-aged oxidized wine that has fruit and spice to add to its allure. Drink from 2015.	Reserva dos Amigos	86	15	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese Red	Vidigal	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Vidigal 2010 Reserva dos Amigos Red (Lisboa)
Italy	Call it a “superMarche” wine. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% Montepulciano and 10% Merlot. It offers deep intensity with floral, almost potpourri-like tones of dried rose backed by cherry, spice and touches of chocolate fudge. It's plush and velvety with medium intensity on the mid-palate.	Pelago	91	65	Central Italy	Marche	null	Red Blend	Umani Ronchi	null	null	null
Germany	Honeycomb and tangerine skins entice on the nose of this elegant dry Riesling. White-peach and grapefruit flavors are ripe and rich on the palate, lending an unctuous, almost oily, mouthfeel. Strikes of steel and acid on the finish lend finesse.	Dry	90	20	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2015 Dry Riesling (Mosel)
France	Perfumed, light and fresh, this has acidity highlighting the white fruit and grapefruit flavors. It's a crisp wine, edged with an apple skin note.	Reserve Nature Brut	84	14	France Other	Vin Mousseux	null	Sparkling Blend	Charles de Fère	null	null	null
Portugal	Curious stalky fruit aromas don't translate well in this rather lean wine. It has black currant fruits, light tannins, prominent acidity, but lacks balanced density.	DFJ Tinta Roriz-Merlot	83	13	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese Red	DFJ Vinhos	null	null	null
France	This grassy, very herbaceous wine is all crisp green fruits. Touched by a creamy texture under a layer of freshness, it shows some good weight and structure. There is light wood that rounds it all out.	Héritage	87	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Lamothe-Vincent	null	null	null
US	Buy this one for your next next big party, or two; it will stay fresh for a while. It's a happy, innocent red wine whose berry, spice and licorice flavors will wash down everything from bean dip and cold cuts to burgers and tacos.	null	85	25	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Shiraz	Black Box	null	null	null
US	Rich and dry, this Cab is long on blackberry and cherry flavors, with a rich vein of sweet tobacco, carob, herbs and oaky vanilla. It's a balanced wine that is drinking well now.	null	87	38	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Andretti	null	null	null
Italy	Very crisp, clean and polished, this is an easy white wine to enjoy with friends and grilled fish. It's redolent of cut grass, citrus, peach and white almond.	Il Nostro	88	null	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Vermentino	Monteverro	null	null	null
US	This extremely limited (47 cases) Syrah is dedicated to the owners' daughter Jaden, who is pictured on the label. Very classy Wahluke Slope fruit sends up citrus, spice, pineapple and lime aromas over bright, sappy raspberry and cherry fruit.	Jaden's Reserve	93	55	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Bergevin Lane	null	null	null

Portugal

The fine, ripe, structured character of Touriga Nacional is well evident here. It may be big in alcohol, but the wine wears that easily, going more for fresh tannins and acidity, for black currant and dark plum flavors and smooth, vanilla flavors from the French wood aging.

null

91

100

Douro

null

Touriga Nacional

Quinta do Crasto

null

Austria

Ripe red and black cherry with a lick of elderberry spice creates a warm, fruity feel. The palate remains svelte but is beautifully rounded and shows soft but palpable tannins. This is very balanced and will show its true aromatic potential 2017–2018.

P

91

48

Wagram-Donauland

null

Pinot Noir

Fritsch

null

US

A pleasant wine, dryish and tart in acidity, with citrus, green apple and honeysuckle flavors. There's a hint of Riesling's petrol character. This is classic Black Box, with a high likeability factor.

null

85

25

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Riesling

Black Box

null

France

This young wine is packed with firm tannins and juicy black plum fruit. Its structure of tannins, both from the fruit and from wood aging, gives it a rich texture. It's spicy and ripe and needs some aging. Drink from 2020.

Amrboise de l'Her

90

16

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château Nozières

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Nozières 2015 Amrboise de l'Her Malbec (Cahors)

US

This is a simple, straightforward, everyday sort of wine, light in aroma and body, but with acceptable black-cherry, earthy flavors. It's dry and clean. 20% Syrah adds complexity and notes of currants and meat. Best Buy.

null

85

10

California

California Other

Merlot

Quail Creek

null

Australia

Bracing and austere, this is a difficult wine to warm up to at first. It starts with hints of chalk dust and lime, adds notes of green apple and petrol, then swings back toward mineral on the slightly drying finish. Impressively concentrated; try it after 2010, when it should be more open for business.

null

87

20

Tasmania

null

Riesling

Lalla Gully

null

Spain

Cherry and plum aromas lead to a choppy, rubbery-feeling palate. It tastes soupy, herbal and briney.

null

80

13

Levante

Utiel-Requena

null

Bobal

Dominio de la Vega

null

Italy

Here is a very distinctive expression of Merlot with ripe aromas of black cherry and prune, backed by leather, tobacco, moist earth and smoked ham or cured meat. The wine delivers power and determination on the finish with soft, smooth tannins and a vibrant cherry aftertaste.

Riserva

87

null

Veneto

Arcole

null

Merlot

Desmonta

null

Austria

Fresh, juicy and fruity with a light tannic structure, this is pure blackberry juice, with just some of that cranberry tannin and dryness, finished with licorice. Ready to drink.

St. Laurent Classic

87

22

Thermenregion

null

St. Laurent

Fischer

null

Portugal

This is a perfumed wine with fine acidity. The tannins are soft, accompanied by black cherry and ripe berry notes, making this a sweet, rich style. The Quinta Senhora de Ribeira is on the north bank of the Douro, facing Quinta do Vesúvio on the south bank.

Quinta Senhora da Ribeira Vintage

90

60

Port

null

Port

Dow's

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Dow's 2010 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira Vintage (Port)

US

A deep, dark color, unusually ripe and exotic aromas, and intense flavors recalling boysenberry syrup make this a monster Zin. It's not very tannic or astringent, but the body is so rich and the alcohol relatively high that it oozes power and concentration. This will be great after a meal with cheese or chocolate.

Block 10

92

45

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Bella

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Bella 2012 Block 10 Zinfandel (Alexander Valley)

Spain

Dense and heavy, and maybe a touch dull on the nose in terms of fruit aromas. But once it hits the palate the wine shines with intense black fruit, sugar beet and chocolate flavors. The finish is toasty and warm, with saturation and texture. Almost over the edge as far as ripeness, but not quite. Drink now through 2012.

Vendimia Seleccionada

91

59

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

García Figuero

null

Italy

Church incense, dried lavender, sweet spice, blackberry and cherry cola shape a simple, no-fuss Primitivo that would pair well with pizza or pasta dishes. The wine ends with sweet, chewy tannins and thick extraction.

null

85

11

Southern Italy

Puglia

null

Primitivo

Casa Catelli

null

Casa Catelli 2004 Primitivo (Puglia)

US

A good value in Sauvignon Blanc. It shows fine citrus and melon flavors that are dry and properly balanced with acidity. There's a tang of minerality that must come from Livermore's soil.

Ghielmetti Vineyard

86

15

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Fenestra

null

Italy

Crushed violet, cake spice and ripe black plum aromas lead the nose on this bold wine. The round, full-bodied palate doles out juicy black cherry, blackberry jam, cinnamon, licorice and a hint of tobacco alongside ripe, velvety tannins that lend it a polished feel.

null

92

65

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Red Blend

Monte Faustino

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Monte Faustino 2010 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

US

Brooding dark fruit and stemmy herb and olive aromas lead to rich, extracted black fruit flavors with a warm, coffee filled finish. It delivers a powerful punch.

Klein

94

70

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

K Vintners

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

K Vintners 2012 Klein Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

France

Soft red apple, white peach and delicate white florals unfold in the nose, while toastier notes of baked apple and brioche appear in the mouth. Round and full, there's not a lot of complexity here but it's straightforward, satisfying and quite easy to drink.

Vignes de Nicole

85

14

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Chardonnay-Viognier

Domaines Paul Mas

null

New Zealand

This is slightly bigger and earthier than Ara's other 2009 Pinot Noir, with notes more of beet than cherry, and hints of dried herbs and mushrooms. It's a sturdy wine that could stand up to braised meats.

Pathway

86

15

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Ara

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Ara 2009 Pathway Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

Chile

Minerally, oceanic aromas of tangerine and sea air run into a palate that's clear, linear and tangy, with scouring acidity. Flavors of tangerine, lime and passion fruit finish citrusy but not too shearing or pushy. This will go well with shellfish.

Sibaris Reserva Especial

89

17

Leyda Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Undurraga

null

France

A full, concentrated wine, impressive for the vintage, offering solid structure, powerful tannins and ripe berry and red stone fruit flavors. It is very direct in style, the complexities slow to show themselves, just a hint as the wine opens up. It needs to age 5–6 years or more.

Rugiens Premier Cru

93

90

Burgundy

Pommard

null

Pinot Noir

Bouchard Père & Fils

null

Italy

This solid Barolo opens with aromas of mature dark berry, licorice, clove, chewing tobacco and a whiff of crushed flower. The palate reveals red cherry, strawberry, white pepper and thyme alongside bracing tannins. Drink after 2019.

Vigna Case Nere

89

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Casetta

null

France

Very spicy from dominant new wood. The black plum skin and blackberry fruit are still waiting to come out. It gives the feeling of a wine that has some austerity, although with a year or two in bottle the imbalance will go. It does feel as though it will always be a firm wine.

null

90

40

Bordeaux

Margaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Chateau Dauzac

null

Italy

Ruby and luminous in appearance, this textbook Chianti Classico shows the best of Sangiovese and Tuscany. Bright cherry and raspberry aromas are enhanced by toasted almond and a fine, silky mouthfeel.

null

87

null

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Le Miccine

null

Italy

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot offers tight aromas of cola and tar, followed by soft layers of berry, cherry and spicy cinnamon.

Scirè

87

16

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Ceralti

null

Ceralti 2011 Scirè (Bolgheri)

France

This is a wine that showcases the Mourvèdre grape (80% of the blend). That gives a wonderful perfumed wine, bringing out fine tannins and a rich structure. Aged in wood for 20 months, the wine has a spicy edge to balance the ripe black-plum flavors. It is only just ready to drink and will be much better from 2018.

null

92

38

Provence

Bandol

null

Provence red blend

Hecht & Bannier

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Hecht & Bannier 2013 Red (Bandol)

Spain

Almond candy and lacquer aromas create a corny scent on the nose. This wine feels flabby and soggy, with buttery oak and little to no fruit flavor. Finishes woody, with vanilla and spice. A blend of 60% Viura and 40% Chardonnay.

Becquer

81

18

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

White Blend

Bodegas Escudero

null

US

From the southern end of the Napa Valley, where temperatures tend to be cool, this wine is surprisingly intense in tannin and a deep taste of coffee, rounded out by spicy red plum and strawberry. The acidity holds tight through the finish, making this a friendly food wine.

Estate Grown

87

42

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Grgich Hills

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Grgich Hills 2010 Estate Grown Merlot (Napa Valley)

US

Rather simple, like a blackberry-infused cola punch. It's the kind of red wine to serve at a party, and everybody will like it, but there's not a whole lot going on right now. Could develop in the bottle.

null

85

79

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Prestwood

null

France

With a high proportion of Mourvèdre in the blend, the wine is structured and finely perfumed. It has some firm tannins that are well integrated into the red-berries. While the wine is richly textured, it is also bursting with fruit at the end. Drink from 2018.

Sélection Delphi

90

null

Provence

Bandol

null

Provence red blend

Domaine Souviou

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Souviou 2013 Sélection Delphi Red (Bandol)

Portugal

This wine shows the characteristic granitic texture of the region. Berry fruits smother the firm tannins to give a rich, juicy wine that's bold, ripe, and ready to drink.

Aliança

88

8

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Caves Aliança

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Caves Aliança 2011 Aliança Red (Dão)

Germany

Excessively woody, with powerful smoke and cedar notes that cover modest beet flavors. The bouquet features additional oak-derived scents of vanilla and an odd, marzipan-like quality. Oak fans will think this wine's been underrated.

Blauer Trocken

82

24

Pfalz

null

Spätburgunder

Knipser

null

Slovenia

Vanilla and cookie crumb notes add a sweet, toasty flair to the sour cherry flavor on this bright, nervy red. The palate is tart, tangy and refreshingly tasty, with soft, chalky tannins that linger on the finish.

Izbrani

88

20

Kras

null

Teran

Štoka

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Štoka 2009 Izbrani Teran (Kras)

France

Ripe and jammy, this is a soft, rounded wine with rich berry fruits. The generous texture comes over more vividly than the acidity. The wine is fruity, ready to drink.

null

86

18

Beaujolais

Brouilly

null

Gamay

Château des Tours

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château des Tours 2014 Brouilly

Italy

Dark and dense, this opens with earthy aromas of underbrush, scorched earth, smoke and ripe black-skinned fruit. The firm palate offers ripe plum, blackberry, black cherry, black pepper and anise alongside velvety tannins.

NOS Riserva

90

30

Northeastern Italy

Teroldego Rotaliano

null

Teroldego

Mezzacorona

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Mezzacorona 2007 NOS Riserva (Teroldego Rotaliano)

Austria

This is a delicate wine, with intense sweetness. The dryness of the botrytis is there with apricot and honey flavors, along with great waves of piercing acidity. A wine to age.

Zöbinger Heiligenstein Beerenauslese

92

95

Kamptal

null

Riesling

Bründlmayer

null

Argentina

Smells like crushed vitamins, iron and minerals, but no fruit. Weak, funky and sour tasting, and then angular on the finish. There's even some sauerkraut in the mix. Not what we're looking for.

Finca La Martina

80

13

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Chardonnay

Reyter

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Reyter 2009 Finca La Martina Chardonnay (Mendoza)

Spain

This Verdejo is fruity and tropical on the bouquet. In the mouth, it's plump and smooth, with just enough acidic bite to keep things zesty. Flavors of melon, peach and pear finish solid and fairly long.

Old Vines

88

16

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Verdejo

Nisia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Nisia 2012 Old Vines Verdejo (Rueda)

US

This wine from Jordan Fiorentini is a stunning study in how to achieve extreme richness with elegance. Deep black cherry, violet, espresso, milk chocolate and vanilla pastry show on the nose. On the palate, chalky, soft tannins bring forth baked blueberry, star anise and clove flavors, with floral tones and acidic lift on the finish.

Block B Paderewski Vineyard

96

90

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah

Epoch Estate Wines

null

France

With good concentration, this still-young Riesling has potential. It's aromatic, with hedgerow aromas, summer fruits and bright acidity. There is a juicy background along with a more textured character that is ready for that aging. Drink from 2016.

Vieilles Vignes

88

14

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Jean Sipp

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Jean Sipp 2012 Vieilles Vignes Riesling (Alsace)

Argentina

Mushy citrus and papaya aromas are waxy and lack pop. Angular and lemony in feel, this varietal white offers a one-note flavor profile based on lemon. A ringing, citric finish affords for a hint of tropical fruit.

null

85

25

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Sémillon

Mendel

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Mendel 2015 Semillon (Mendoza)

Australia

Cropped at less than two tons per acre, this is a full-bodied, creamy-textured Tempranillo marked by vanilla-tinged oak. Black cherries and plums comprise the core, with embellishments of tobacco adding complexity to this lush, easy-drinking wine. Drink it over the next several years.

Luna Roja

89

20

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Tempranillo

Gemtree

null

US

This Cabernet needs time. It's rich and ripe with blackberry jam, black currants, dark chocolate and sweet, smoky oak, but very tight and astringent in tannins. Give it at least six years in the cellar.

Estate Reserve

90

58

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pope Valley Winery

null

Chile

Opens with butterscotch and toast, but the palate doesn't really hold up. It offers dull orange and citrus flavors that are stretched thin. Lastly, citrus rind on the finish makes the final act bitter and rough.

Estate

81

8

Colchagua Valley

null

Chardonnay

Luis Felipe Edwards

null

Austria

Riesling at 14% alcohol is almost too much, although Martin Nigl just gets away with it, the fresh element giving balance to the super ripeness. This is a sipping wine, too intensely perfumed for food. Screwcap.

Hochäcker

90

52

Kremstal

null

Riesling

Nigl

null

Italy

Dark berry, tilled soil and grilled herb aromas lead the nose while the solid palate offers juicy black cherry, mocha, espresso and licorice. Firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and structure. Drink 2018–2026.

Bricco Ambrogio

92

49

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Grimaldi Bruna

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Grimaldi Bruna 2011 Bricco Ambrogio (Barolo)

Italy

Aromas of mature dark-skinned berry and baking spice lead the nose. The palate is rather evolved, showing dried black cherry, prune and white pepper alongside firm tannins. Enjoy soon to capture the remaining fruit flavors.

Petaso

87

26

Tuscany

Rosso di Montepulciano

null

Red Blend

Montemercurio

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Montemercurio 2012 Petaso (Rosso di Montepulciano)

US

Despite some rich blackberry and currant flavors, a rich overlay of oak and smooth tannins, this Cabernet is a little off in texture. It's gritty in the mouth, but it is nicely dry, and has a certain complexity.

null

86

30

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

White Oak

null

Argentina

This is overripe and raisiny, no two ways about it. Hailing from a very hot year, this feels flat and flabby, while raisin and prune are the dominant flavors. Blatant overripeness and a ton of weight render this out of balance.

Patrimonio Seleccion de Barricas

83

null

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Budeguer

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Budeguer 2009 Patrimonio Seleccion de Barricas Malbec (Mendoza)

France

Toasty, poised wine with delicious, ripe and elegant fruit. There is structure which shows right through the wine, forming the base for flavors of vanilla and citrus fruits.

Les Preuses

91

null

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Simonnet

null

US

Big, deep and hard in tannins, this wine shows the estate's power and concentration, bearing blasts of cherries, currants, persimmons and cola. The flavors are pinpointed with laserlike focus, with hints of cocoa powder and tamari. It should begin to open by 2017, and develop for many years afterward.

Ten

93

82

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Sea Smoke

null

Sea Smoke 2010 Ten Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

US

Shows all the qualities of a fine Edna Valley Chard, from the juicy acids to the laser pure lime and nectarine flavors. It's thinned down from the better stuff, but still, not bad.

null

85

14

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Bishop's Peak

null

Italy

Dark and dense, this has loads of ripe fruit and leather aromas on the bouquet. It shows a soft, supple side on the palate, with a tangy touch of black licorice on the finish.

Coste a Preola

87

17

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Tenuta Gorghi Tondi

null

Tenuta Gorghi Tondi 2010 Coste a Preola Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)

France

Dumangin's nonvintage blend, is smooth, creamy and soft. It is on the dry side, with some good bottle age, showing in toast and a very textured fruit character.

Brut 17

87

null

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

J. Dumangin Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

J. Dumangin Fils NV Brut 17 (Champagne)

US

OS (formerly Owen-Sullivan) has hit a home run with the 2003 Ulysses, a voluptuous red that is 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Extracted and volatile, it's not a bashful wine, but it has many layers of nuanced flavors that expand in the glass, filling the nose with dried herbs, mineral, leaf, coffee and scorched earth.

Sheridan Vineyard Ulysses

93

50

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

OS Winery

null

France

One of the many chateaus with vines on the wide valley floor of the Dordogne, this estate has made a lightly extracted wine that has chocolate as well as blackberry stalkiness. There's freshness as well, with fruit acidity that cuts through the mineral texture. Drink from 2018.

null

87

25

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château la Chapelle Despagnet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château la Chapelle Despagnet 2011 Saint-Émilion

Spain

Cidery, yeasty, grassy aromas are the opening on this round Cava that could use a bit more cut. Cidery, briny stone-fruit and apple flavors come with a celery note, finishing dry and with a white pepper accent.

Tantum Ergo Brut Nature

86

59

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Bodegas Hispano Suizas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Hispano Suizas 2011 Tantum Ergo Brut Nature Sparkling (Cava)

France

The nose is like pear juice spilled onto warm earth, while the palate is more citrus-focused. A seam of almost tropical acidity links lemon to notes of pineapple, lifted by joyful freshness.

Zind

90

30

Alsace

null

Alsace white blend

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

null

Italy

Ripe black-cherry aromas with cedar and clove accents open this big yet supple wine. A mouthful of licorice and plum, wrapped in toasty menthol oak, follows. Bright acidity keeps the supple texture from becoming flabby. Full tannins and tart black-plum flavors on the finish promise a great life. Best held for two or three years.

Riserva di Fizzano

90

25

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Rocca delle Macìe

null

US

Hot, raw and unbalanced, this is not a successful wine despite good fruity flavor.

null

81

19

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Merlot

Geyser Peak

null

US

This is subdued in a nice way. It does not show a lot of big aromas or bright flavors, but it has an appetizing, firm texture, and it's pleasantly dry and well balanced. Hints of raspberry and pomegranate in the flavors linger on the finish.

null

86

30

California

High Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

High Valley Vineyard

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

High Valley Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (High Valley)

US

Though this is pure Cabernet from an excellent Walla Walla vineyard, the flavors seem rather harsh and quite astringent. The dark fruit is cloaked in bitter, chalky tannins that require some rich food to cut through.

Les Collines Vineyard

86

32

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

SuLei

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

SuLei 2010 Les Collines Vineyard Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

US

Shows cherry, raspberry and spice flavors that finish off-dry and rich in citrusy acids. Good with ham, sausage or pork in a fruit sauce.

Bella Rosa

84

10

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sangiovese

Pope Valley Winery

null

Italy

Introducing the newest player in Valpolicella: Cuslanus is a fresh start-up with a fresh approach. The vineyard is located 400 meters in altitude, which is high by Valpolicella standards. That altitude has helped safeguard aromas of wild apple, white cherry, vanilla-spice, nutmeg and peppercorn. Keep your eye on this producer.

null

90

null

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Cuslanus

null

US

This small-production reserve Cab from one of Sonoma's premier wineries is notable for its power. The tannins are quite firm, giving an astringent bite, while the fruity-oaky flavors are massive. Cherries, blackberries, raspberries, spicy plums, vanilla, cocoa and char just explode, yet the wine maintains balance. Good as it is, it's a young wine that will benefit from several years in the bottle.

Reserve

90

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chateau St. Jean

null

Italy

Floral and fruit scents recall acacia flower, broom, dried apricot, beeswax and tropical fruit. Made from 100-year-old Garganega vines, this wine has an elegant, varied palate offering flavors such as juicy yellow peach, mature pear, clove and energizing mineral alongside fresh acidity. Impeccably balanced and delicious, this will continue to develop for years. Drink through 2027.

Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne

92

38

Veneto

Soave Classico

null

Garganega

Gini

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Gini 2012 Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne (Soave Classico)

US

This power-packed wine leads with aromas of raspberries, blackberries, dark chocolate and herbs. The dark fruit flavors are high octane, showing some warmth on the finish.

The Estates Clifton Hill

89

42

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Milbrandt

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Milbrandt 2012 The Estates Clifton Hill Syrah (Wahluke Slope)

US

The sheer deliciousness gives this wine its high score. It's like a decadent pastry dessert, with dark chocolate truffle, grilled black cherry, cassis, anise and sandalwood flavors sprinkled with cinnamon and pepper. But it's fully dry. The high alcohol and softness suggest drinking now.

Rodney's Vineyard

91

40

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Syrah

Fess Parker

null

Italy

Terre di Sandro offers a gritty, earthy bouquet with background notes of black fruit, tobacco, spice and old leather. The 2005 vintage was a hot one and this wine is already starting to show signs of aging (although crisp acidity keeps it grounded). Drink now.

Terre di Sandro

88

55

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Sangiovese

Bocelli

null

US

Light and spicy, this wine surprises and delights. It shows a tannic underbrush of firmness and grit that's seasoned in tart acidity and flavors of rhubarb, currant and black tea. It's well balanced and enjoyable now.

Gunsalus Vineyard

91

38

California

Green Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Ron Rubin

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Ron Rubin 2014 Gunsalus Vineyard Pinot Noir (Green Valley)

US

Bold, oak-driven aromas of dill, chocolate-covered almonds and brown butter transition through to the medium- to full-bodied palate, which is marked by a pleasing note of liquid rock. The palate feels easygoing and malleable, but chalky tannins and balanced acids give it a sense of structure.

null

86

30

Virginia

null

Malbec

Otium

null

Otium 2010 Malbec (Virginia)

Spain

Dry, earthy aromas of cherry and tree bark set up a juicy, pointed, drawing palate. Plum, cherry and currant flavors are zesty and pushed by raw acidity, while the finish is aggressive and racy. 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

null

86

12

Central Spain

Valdepeñas

null

Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon

Pata Negra

null

US

Equal parts Heart of the Hill and Red Heaven fruit, this wine opens with barrel aromas of vanilla and shaved coconut in front of dark fruit. The flavors are full in feel but retain a sense of elegance, with cranberry and vanilla flavors intertwining on the finish. The barrel notes are quite prominent but overall it works.

null

90

36

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Mourvèdre

Bunnell

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Bunnell 2010 Mourvèdre (Red Mountain)

Italy

There's a green, perhaps slightly unripe quality to this Chianti Classico Riserva that is backed by black fruit, spice and tar. You'll also encounter a sharp, smoky quality that gives it personality and staying power. 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are added to the blend.

Riserva

86

28

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Fattoria Casa Sola

null

Italy

A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of red currant, cooking spice and a lightly toasted note. The sleek, easy palate doles juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and mocha alongside supple tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy soon.

Balla La Vecchia

88

15

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Fattoria San Felo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Fattoria San Felo 2012 Balla La Vecchia Red (Toscana)

US

This forward, fruity Cabernet Sauvignon is plummy and ripe with notes of black cherry preserves and cassis liqueur. It's plush on the palate, with soft, sunny acidity, but moderate alcohol keeps it fresh and quaffable.

null

86

23

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Fox Run

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Fox Run 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes)

Italy

You could easily imagine this wine paired with creamy foods like oven-roasted lasagna with crusty cheese. That's because this Aglianico has both the acidity and the structure to cut though such a dish, keeping the palate clean.

null

87

18

Southern Italy

Campania

null

Aglianico

Donnachiara

null

US

The nose suggests a mix of herb, citrus and cotton candy; in the mouth you find the same odd confluence of flavors. Maybe all this will come together at some point in time, but right now it's disjointed and off-putting.

null

80

14

Oregon

Umpqua Valley

Southern Oregon

Riesling

Brandborg

null

Italy

Subtle aromas of acacia and white spring flowers are accented by hints of stone fruit. The palate offers mature Bartlett pear and tart green apple alongside crisp acidity. It closes on a distinctly nutty note of bitter almond.

null

88

22

Northeastern Italy

Colli Orientali del Friuli

null

Friulano

La Tunella

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

La Tunella 2013 Friulano (Colli Orientali del Friuli)

US

There's a feral quality to this wine, with its flavors of wild forest berries, red currants, cola, spicy smoked meats, tangerine zest and sandalwood, and hints of pine cones, rosemary and thyme. It's big and dry and, although silky in the mouth, tannic. An impressive young Pinot Noir that should be cellared for 5–6 years, at least.

Wildcat Mountain Vineyard

93

45

California

Los Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Talisman

null

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

France

This delicious, opulent Blanc de Blancs emphasizes rich fruit as much as minerality. Full of ripe apple flavor, along with hints of lemon juice and apricot, this has a fine depth of flavor and delivers a fragrant, refreshing finish.

Blanc de Blancs Brut

90

55

Champagne

null

Chardonnay

Drappier

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Drappier NV Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)

US

Soft and melted in the mouth, with jammy flavors of ripe mashed cherries and raspberries, drizzled with milk chocolate and anisette, and finished with a sprinkle of tangerine zest and black pepper.

Carl's Vineyard

87

32

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Wilson

null

Wilson 2006 Carl's Vineyard Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

US

Nowhere near as good as the 2001, with thinner flavors, but it's still a good Zin. Blackberries, coffee and herbs, in thick but gentle tannins.

null

85

15

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Valley of the Moon

null

New Zealand

Impressive purple color, but less intense on the nose. White pepper notes add complexity to modest plum flavors, while a herbal note carries the finish.

null

84

null

Martinborough

null

Syrah

Kusuda

null

US

Always interesting, Randall Grahm's Malvasia is dependably dry and tart in cool-climate acidity. This vintage is all that and more, with an intensity of flavor ranging from grapefruits to gooseberries. But dryness and acidity really are the hallmarks. Good with raw clams and mussels.

Malvasia Bianca

88

13

California

Central Coast

Malvasia Bianca

Ca' del Solo

null

US

Made from various St. Helena vineyards, with some additions from eastern Oakville, it expresses all the beauty of Napa Valley Cab. The flavors of blackberries, black currants, chocolate, licorice and smoky cedar are absolutely delicious. Yet the wine possesses structure, not the easiest thing to achieve with a 100% Cabernet this rich. The wine should age well through 2020, but there's no reason not to drink it now.

Generations

95

130

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Raymond

null

US

This fascinating nonvintage solera blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from five vintages (2010–2014) offers elegant touches of licorice, blackcurrant and lavender on the deep nose. Blackberry, cedar, sandalwood and incense flavors mesh with a dried tea-leaf element on the palate.

Mashup v. 2

91

55

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Red Blend

Left Bend

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Left Bend NV Mashup v. 2 Red (Santa Cruz Mountains)

US

Tough and gritty, with edgy tannins framing rustic flavors of blackberries and sweetened berry tea.

Lot #10

83

32

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tangley Oaks

null

Tangley Oaks 2006 Lot #10 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

For the first time these excellent grapes are being shown in a single-vineyard cuvée. It's a big, tannic, high-octane wine, with smooth, ripe and generous purple fruits. There is plenty of supporting acid, along with rather astringent tannins that carry a leafy note through the finish. Drink now–2019.

Stillwater Creek Vineyard

91

30

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

:Nota Bene

null

Portugal

Bright citrus fruits are crisp and attractive. Lightly textured wine, it's full of lively acidity with just a touch of weight.

null

86

13

Tejo

null

Alvarinho

Casal do Conde

null

Portugal

While the wine is rich and tarry, it has an old-fashioned feel to it that comes from the juicy tannins and touch of rusticity. That's not unattractive, a wood-aged oxidized wine that has fruit and spice to add to its allure. Drink from 2015.

Reserva dos Amigos

86

15

Lisboa

null

Portuguese Red

Vidigal

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Vidigal 2010 Reserva dos Amigos Red (Lisboa)

Italy

Call it a “superMarche” wine. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% Montepulciano and 10% Merlot. It offers deep intensity with floral, almost potpourri-like tones of dried rose backed by cherry, spice and touches of chocolate fudge. It's plush and velvety with medium intensity on the mid-palate.

Pelago

91

65

Central Italy

Marche

null

Red Blend

Umani Ronchi

null

Germany

Honeycomb and tangerine skins entice on the nose of this elegant dry Riesling. White-peach and grapefruit flavors are ripe and rich on the palate, lending an unctuous, almost oily, mouthfeel. Strikes of steel and acid on the finish lend finesse.

Dry

90

20

Mosel

null

Riesling

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2015 Dry Riesling (Mosel)

France

Perfumed, light and fresh, this has acidity highlighting the white fruit and grapefruit flavors. It's a crisp wine, edged with an apple skin note.

Reserve Nature Brut

84

14

France Other

Vin Mousseux

null

Sparkling Blend

Charles de Fère

null

Portugal

Curious stalky fruit aromas don't translate well in this rather lean wine. It has black currant fruits, light tannins, prominent acidity, but lacks balanced density.

DFJ Tinta Roriz-Merlot

83

13

Lisboa

null

Portuguese Red

DFJ Vinhos

null

France

This grassy, very herbaceous wine is all crisp green fruits. Touched by a creamy texture under a layer of freshness, it shows some good weight and structure. There is light wood that rounds it all out.

Héritage

87

12

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Lamothe-Vincent

null

US

Buy this one for your next next big party, or two; it will stay fresh for a while. It's a happy, innocent red wine whose berry, spice and licorice flavors will wash down everything from bean dip and cold cuts to burgers and tacos.

null

85

25

California

Central Coast

Shiraz

Black Box

null

US

Rich and dry, this Cab is long on blackberry and cherry flavors, with a rich vein of sweet tobacco, carob, herbs and oaky vanilla. It's a balanced wine that is drinking well now.

null

87

38

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Andretti

null

Italy

Very crisp, clean and polished, this is an easy white wine to enjoy with friends and grilled fish. It's redolent of cut grass, citrus, peach and white almond.

Il Nostro

88

null

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Vermentino

Monteverro

null

US

This extremely limited (47 cases) Syrah is dedicated to the owners' daughter Jaden, who is pictured on the label. Very classy Wahluke Slope fruit sends up citrus, spice, pineapple and lime aromas over bright, sappy raspberry and cherry fruit.

Jaden's Reserve

93

55

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Bergevin Lane

null