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12
135
US
Soft and hot, almost stewed, the blackberry and cherry fruit tastes like it was mashed and microwaved. On the plus side, the wine is dry. But it's not going anywhere. Disappointing.
null
84
34
California
Carneros
Napa-Sonoma
Pinot Noir
La Crema
null
null
null
France
Ripe wine, with soft tannins allied to great density. Weight and lovely, juicy, final fruit flavors meld together easily. This is solid, dense, impressive and for long-term aging.
null
94
100
Bordeaux
Saint-Julien
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château Lagrange
null
null
null
South Africa
Fresh grass, gooseberry, lime leaf and a touch of melon rind appear on the nose and mouth of this straightforward wine. It's lightweight and easygoing, with brisk acidity and a crisp, refreshing finish. Drink now.
null
85
10
Western Cape
null
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Long Neck
Lauren Buzzeo
@laurbuzz
Long Neck 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Western Cape)
Italy
A nose of cherry, herbs and chocolate opens to a mouthful of sour black cherries, licorice and leather in this elegant offering. A well-balanced wine with nicely defined flavors, enough acidity to support the fruit and solid tannins on the back end. Best held for two or more years.
Riserva
89
26
Tuscany
Chianti Classico
null
Sangiovese
Volpaia
null
null
null
US
This is Stephen Ross's best Bien Nacido Pinot in recent years, showing a great marriage of power and refinement. The wine shows primary fruit, dusty spices and acids. It's a little dry and angular, but will reward some cellaring. So complex, yet you can drink it now, but decant first.
Bien Nacido Vineyard
93
35
California
Santa Maria Valley
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
Stephen Ross
null
null
null
France
Now maturing, this wine still retains some of the freshness of the vintage. It also has spicy blackberry fruits, rich tannins and a full, powerful finish. Drink now, or keep for 2–3 years.
null
87
null
Bordeaux
Premieres Côtes de Bordeaux
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château Saint-Nicolas
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Saint-Nicolas 2008 Premieres Côtes de Bordeaux
US
Aromas suggest red and blue fruit along with butterscotch and wood spice. The fruit flavors are sweet and rich with abundant woodspice accents and chewy tannins.
null
88
32
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Merlot
Patterson
Sean P. Sullivan
@wawinereport
Patterson 2012 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))
US
This is a big, beefy wine that smells smoky and black-cherry-like and tastes full, bold and firmly tannic. It layers smoky, meaty notes over cranberry and tart cherry flavors, with hints of dark chocolate and cardamom. It is well balanced, muscular in mouthfeel and should improve with time through 2020 at least.
Black Label Claret Diamond Collection
90
21
California
California
California Other
Cabernet Sauvignon
Francis Coppola
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Francis Coppola 2014 Black Label Claret Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Italy
Delicate scents of citrus, white stone fruit and a whiff of crushed rock come together on this luminous wine. The vibrant palate offers peach, citrus and a hint of apple alongside lively acidity and a mineral note.
Vinnae
88
33
Northeastern Italy
Venezia Giulia
null
Ribolla Gialla
Jermann
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Jermann 2014 Vinnae Ribolla Gialla (Venezia Giulia)
Italy
There's a soft, creamy quality to this Sauvignon (with 10% barrel-fermented Picolit added to the blend) that recalls aromas of peach, passion fruit and papaya. There's excellent depth and density here and the wine is generous and chewy in the mouth. Pair this citrusy white with shellfish or pasta con vongole.
Eclisse
90
35
Northeastern Italy
Colli Orientali del Friuli
null
White Blend
La Roncaia
null
null
null
France
The light, stony soil of Les Lavières produces structured, tight and firm wines, unlike many of the softer wines from Savigny. With new wood and licorice flavors, it is darkly textured and firm. The red fruits are still developing, showing the rich potential of the wine. Drink from 2017.
Les Lavières Premier Cru
92
60
Burgundy
Savigny-lès-Beaune
null
Pinot Noir
Bouchard Père & Fils
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Bouchard Père & Fils 2011 Les Lavières Premier Cru (Savigny-lès-Beaune)
Italy
This light and easy-going Valpolicella Classico opens with a light, lean mouthfeel and clean aromas of cherry and ripe raspberry. It's a perfect wine to serve with appetizers or bruschetta.
null
85
15
Veneto
Valpolicella Classico
null
Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Fratta Pasini
null
null
null
Italy
Bracing and full-bodied, this offers dried sour cherry, raisin and licorice flavors alongside raspy tannins that clench the finish. Give the tannins another few years to unwind then drink up before the remaining fruit disappears.
null
86
40
Veneto
Amarone della Valpolicella
null
Red Blend
San Giuseppe
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
San Giuseppe 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella
Australia
This vintage of the Reiver seems mintier than others, and at times the mint seemed a dominant feature of this wine, which otherwise offers jammy berry fruit and chocolate aromas and flavors. At 15% abv, it's not a shy wine, but neither is it as richly textured as might be expected. Drink it 2013–2020.
Reiver
88
55
South Australia
Barossa Valley
null
Shiraz
Mitolo
null
null
null
Italy
Sweet oak-driven notes of cinnamon, vanilla and dark chocolate appear at first, leaving only a sliver of room for the natural berry and cherry fruit to come forward. The mouthfeel is silky and smooth with a touch of bright acidity on the close.
Vigna Parroco
88
28
Piedmont
Barbera d'Alba
null
Barbera
Cascina del Monastero
null
null
null
US
A very dry Cabernet, with upfront tannins, this has highlights of soft plum, blackberry, cedar and chocolate. It's missing plushness and backbone, finishing a bit thin.
null
85
13
California
Red Hills Lake County
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Dynamite Vineyards
Virginie Boone
@vboone
Dynamite Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Hills Lake County)
Italy
Elegant and fine, Il Borro is a super Tuscan blend from the Ferragamo family that boasts both intensity and finesse. Everything is measured perfectly, from the ripe cherry fruit to the spice, leather and tobacco. The mouthfeel is soft, velvety, structured and fresh.
Il Borro
91
37
Tuscany
Toscana
null
Red Blend
Il Borro
null
null
Il Borro 2006 Il Borro Red (Toscana)
US
Lots going on in this softly appealing Cabernet. It's full-bodied and ripe, showing classic Alexander Valley flavors of blackberry jam, chocolate, anise, dried herbs and spices. Will develop bottle complexity over the years while gradually losing fruit.
Reserve
87
27
California
Alexander Valley
Sonoma
Cabernet Sauvignon
Frei Brothers
null
null
Frei Brothers 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
US
Class shows in this dry, tannic, elegantly structured Cabernet. The pedigree of its terroir shows in the perfectly smooth tannins and overall balance. Flavors of blackberries and black currants perfectly mix with new French oak. The vintage was not Napa's finest, and the wine is just a bit short, but extraordinarily refined. Drink now–2014.
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
93
125
California
Oakville
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Carter
null
null
null
France
Despite its bitter edge, this is a warm wine, bursting with red berries and fresh acidity. A good, dry core of tannins promises some aging. On the finish, a layer of well-judged wood joins the solid fruit.
Le Taillefer
88
48
Burgundy
Pommard
null
Pinot Noir
Labouré-Roi
null
null
null
Italy
Here's a tonic and bright expression of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with vibrant berry notes and mature black fruit at the back. The wine does a good job of contrasting the young fruit tones against a heavier, more austere backdrop of muscle and general firmness.
null
87
null
Central Italy
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
null
Montepulciano
Natale Verga
null
null
null
Italy
This Amarone has aromas of ripe fruit and evident oak. On the palate, it's a bit lumbering, with mature plum, toasted oak, espresso and chocolate notes. Drink now and over the next few years.
G & G
87
160
Veneto
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
null
Red Blend
Luigi Righetti
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Luigi Righetti 2008 G & G (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)
US
Delicious is the word that comes to mind drinking this Pinot Noir. It's young and vibrant in acidity, with waves of raspberries, persimmons, honey, cinnamon, cloves and smoky sandalwood. Good over the next five years.
null
90
29
California
Santa Maria Valley
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
2nd Chance
null
null
2nd Chance 2009 Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
Chile
Tropical aromas include banana. There's good texture here framing toasted apple, melon and banana flavors. Tastes lightly buttered on the finish, with notes of apple and lemon. Normal and good.
Antiguas Reservas
86
15
Maipo Valley
null
null
Chardonnay
Cousiño-Macul
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Cousiño-Macul 2010 Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay (Maipo Valley)
US
A crisp, clean wine, high in acidity, with pretty flavors of ripe citrus fruits, figs and spice. It's a little sweet, and finishes long and honeyed.
Valley View Vineyard
85
13
California
Santa Ynez Valley
Central Coast
Sauvignon Blanc
Brophy Clark
null
null
null
Australia
Scents of green apple, lime and wet stones set the stage for the appealing, mouthwatering flavors of green apple and lime that follow. Has nicely delineated flavors, just falls a tiny bit short on the finish. Imported by USA Wine West.
Dry
87
19
South Australia
Clare Valley
null
Riesling
Pikes
null
null
null
France
Very ripe fruit is discernible on nose and palate and gives a sense of generosity with even a touch of spice. Lemony freshness provides a wonderful counterpoint to this generosity and makes for a very appetizing moreish finish.
Collection
90
20
Alsace
Alsace
null
Pinot Blanc
Cave de Ribeauvillé
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Cave de Ribeauvillé 2015 Collection Pinot Blanc (Alsace)
Portugal
A finely structured, still young wine with an edge of austerity. It does have a rich core of red fruit, giving a slightly juicy character, but with its tannins it will always be a firm wine, dense and serious.
Colheita Seleccionada
88
10
Alentejano
null
null
Portuguese Red
Herdade de São Miguel
null
null
null
Spain
Same score as the prior vintage, and pretty much the same tart wine. It's red in color, sweet and candied on the nose, and awkward in general. And then it's citric and sour in the mouth, with flavors of pink grapefruit. Imported by Grapes of Spain.
Monte Castrillo Rosado
82
14
Northern Spain
Ribera del Duero
null
Tempranillo
Finca Torremilanos
null
null
null
Chile
Light, lucid and exactly what we're looking for from Chile. This organic wine has pure varietal aromas of nettles, tarragon and citrus, which are followed by flavors of green fruits, scallion and pepper. It's super zesty and spritzy, with a cleansing finish. About as true as they come in this price range.
Natura
88
11
Casablanca Valley
null
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Emiliana
null
null
null
Italy
Dominated by new oak, it opens with aromas of toasted wood and vanilla that muffle the ripe black fruit sensations struggling in the background. The concentrated palate offers oak, toast, overripe black cherry and vanilla alongside the warmth of alcohol despite the modest 14% abv. The finish is muddled, with sugar-plum sensations cut short by bitter, drying wood tannins.
null
86
50
Tuscany
Brunello di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese
Fanti
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Fanti 2009 Brunello di Montalcino
Germany
Seductive trails of smoke, cinnamon and char on the nose lead to a palate that's ruddy and rich in black cherry and plum flavors. Supple and plush, it spreads languidly on the palate, finishing with nuanced touches of smoked meat and game.
Sausenheimer Höllenpfad Trocken
87
43
Pfalz
null
null
St. Laurent
Gaul
Anna Lee C. Iijima
null
Gaul 2012 Sausenheimer Höllenpfad Trocken St. Laurent (Pfalz)
France
This is tight, mineral and on the dry side of Brut. The 100% Chardonnay taste signals chalky soil—crisp and fresh. A pure line of acidity cuts through the texture, giving a balanced, always dry wine that could do with more bottle aging to soften the piercing acidity at the end.
Cuvée des Moines Blanc de Blancs Brut
88
70
Champagne
Champagne
null
Chardonnay
Besserat de Bellefon
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Besserat de Bellefon NV Cuvée des Moines Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)
Italy
An informal 80-20 blend of Verdicchio and Trebbiano, this luminous white offers fresh tones of lemon zest, pulpy stone fruit and mature kiwi. It's a great wine for washing down summertime picnic foods.
null
84
9
Central Italy
Marche
null
White Blend
Terrazzo
null
null
null
US
Dark and thick in the glass, this blend of 82% Syrah and 18% Mourvèdre leads with black cherry syrup, smoked beef and dark chocolate aromas, which blossom as the wine opens. Rich and lavish on the palate, it has fine tannins that frame its blueberry, cassis and mocha flavors. It's firmly structured, with a lingering acidity.
Authenticity
94
75
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
Rhône-style Red Blend
Epoch Estate Wines
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
Epoch Estate Wines 2013 Authenticity Red (Paso Robles)
France
This is a rich, wood-aged single-vineyard selection that has a balanced toast element, crisp fruit and a taut texture. Acidity currently drives this wine, so give it another year to come into full focus.
Vieilles Vignes
88
28
Burgundy
Pouilly-Fuissé
null
Chardonnay
Domaine Luquet
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Domaine Luquet 2010 Vieilles Vignes (Pouilly-Fuissé)
France
Coudoulis is an up-and-coming estate in Lirac. This is only a Côtes du Rhône, but it's an excellent effort, combining generous black cherry fruit with hints of pie crust and baking spices. It's full-bodied and plush, with a velvety texture and long, licorice-tinged finish. Drink now–2018.
null
90
12
Rhône Valley
Côtes du Rhône
null
Rhône-style Red Blend
Domaine Coudoulis
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Domaine Coudoulis 2013 Red (Côtes du Rhône)
Italy
This bursts open with bright, intense notes of blackberry, black cherry, moist pipe tobacco, tar, rum cake and licorice. The solid, decadent yet chewy mouthfeel as well as the impressive length make this a bottling to talk about.
Orma
94
85
Tuscany
Toscana
null
Red Blend
Tenuta Sette Ponti
null
null
null
US
Dark, dry and full-bodied, as Malbec should be, with blackberry, currant and dark chocolate flavors. It's a lusty wine, but a little sharp through the finish. Drink now.
null
85
15
California
Lodi
Central Valley
Malbec
Christine Andrew
null
null
null
Australia
Starts off cedary and meaty, then shows a ripe, developed side on the palate, with dates and plum pudding, a creamy, open-knit texture and supple tannins. This seems to be maturing rapidly, and is probably best consumed over the next several years.
Reserve
92
37
South Australia
Barossa Valley
null
Shiraz
Ross Estate
null
null
null
Israel
Aromas of black cherry, smoked meat and thyme prepare the taste buds for flavors of black cherry, smoked meat, oregano, and lemon zest with notes of dark chocolate. Soft yet persistent tannins coat the palate, culminating in a delightfully bright finish.
Classic
89
12
Galil
null
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Barkan
null
null
null
France
Earth and roses, lemon zest and orange flesh: these are the contrasts of this refreshing, toned but textured Gewurztraminer that shows the full weight of its rose perfume on the palate. Its dryness underlines earth rather than fruit, but has no less charm for that. On the contrary: the lingering aftertaste leaves a lasting impression.
Signature
92
24
Alsace
Alsace
null
Gewürztraminer
René Muré
null
null
null
US
This is a delicious Pinot Noir, packed with cherries and raspberries, with a deft touch of oak. Shows a light, delicate structure, like satin, with the richness brightened by tart acidity. Defines the elegant, drink-me-now Pinot style, but it should develop well over the next six years.
Dutton Ranch Campbell Vineyard
93
48
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
La Rochelle
null
null
null
France
This ripe, juicy wine offers blackberry flavors and young acidity. It is developing balance, fresh fruits and supporting tannins. The structure is integrating into the fruit, which will dominate if you wait to drink until 2017. The blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Château La Fôret
87
20
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Supérieur
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
VIgnobles Roux
Roger Voss
@vossroger
VIgnobles Roux 2014 Château La Fôret (Bordeaux Supérieur)
US
Seductively smooth and intriguingly aromatic, this blend of several knock-out vineyards along Westside Road—Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher, Rochioli Riverblock and Williams Selyem Estate—is instantly delicious, sharing a concentration of cherry, strawberry and citrus that perfectly captures the essence of the fruit, accented by a tease of black tea. An earthy minerality wraps around dry, polished tannins, with a streak of just-right acidity, giving it a realm of juiciness and flavorful sophistication. Enjoy through 2023.
Westside Road Neighbors
98
69
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
Williams Selyem
Virginie Boone
@vboone
Williams Selyem 2013 Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Italy
It opens with intense aromas of tropical fruit, green apples and a note of Mediterranean herbs. The juicy palate delivers white peach, pear, banana, papaya and almond alongside bright acidity that leaves a clean, refreshing finish. Drink now through 2016.
null
90
17
Lombardy
Lugana
null
Turbiana
Ca' Lojera
null
null
null
Argentina
Interesting Argentine Cabernet, with rooty, baked aromas that settle in and impress if given time. The palate is balanced by subtle red-fruit and earthy flavors, while the feel is stocky and grabby courtesy of strong tannins. A good wine with a lot of positives.
null
88
17
Mendoza Province
Tupungato
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Finca Sophenia
null
null
null
US
Sharp acidity accentuates the tannins in this aggressive, dry Syrah, giving the blackberry and cherry flavors a jamminess that suggests pie filling. The official alcohol is amazingly low at 12.4%.
Que Syrah Vineyard
85
35
California
Sonoma Coast
Sonoma
Syrah
Bodega Rancho
null
null
Bodega Rancho 2009 Que Syrah Vineyard Syrah (Sonoma Coast)
US
Ripe, juicy and extra fruity, this wine is chock full of candied flavors—lemons and limes, peppermint and vanilla. Slightly sweet; probably too much for, say, mussels or clams, but ideal with fusion foods. Serve it very cold because it's a little soft.
Proprietor's Series
85
14
California
Monterey County
Central Coast
Sauvignon Blanc
Trinchero
null
null
null
US
This is a first for Forgeron, blending Boushey Syrah with Grenache and Mourvèdre. The Grenache opens up the fruit, and aging in a mix of French and American oak adds dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla and spice. It's a tight, dense wine that benefits from decanting, and can age through 2020–2024.
null
93
30
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
G-S-M
Forgeron
null
null
null
US
The oak is rough and rustic and blows away all fruit and nuance. There's a whiff of leathery barnyard also.
null
82
24
Oregon
Elkton Oregon
Southern Oregon
Pinot Noir
Bradley
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Bradley 2013 Pinot Noir (Elkton Oregon)
US
With small amounts of Carignane and Petite Sirah, this hails from the winery's estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley, one of the great sources of Zinfandel in California. It is a very fine Zin, showing near perfect balance. Tannic and dry, the blackberry, blueberry, cherry, chocolate, sweet leather and spice flavors are enriched with the vanilla and smoky char of oak.
null
92
30
California
Dry Creek Valley
Sonoma
Zinfandel
Ferrari-Carano
null
null
Ferrari-Carano 2005 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
US
The aromas seem a bit stewed, with notes of tomato leaf and pickling spices. The blue-fruit flavors are high octane, showing some heat on the finish.
null
86
30
Washington
Yakima Valley
Columbia Valley
Syrah
Coach House
Sean P. Sullivan
@wawinereport
Coach House 2012 Syrah (Yakima Valley)
France
This rich, sweet wine is honeyed, with a crisp, balancing lemon character. It is full and rich, touched by spice as well as mango and yellow peach. A delicious dessert wine, this is now ready to drink.
Gloeckelberg Grand Cru
90
null
Alsace
Alsace
null
Pinot Gris
Cave de Ribeauvillé
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Cave de Ribeauvillé 2007 Gloeckelberg Grand Cru Pinot Gris (Alsace)
South Africa
Here's a light and easy-drinking white with soft notes of green plum, citrus and melon rind in the nose and mouth. A hint of tropical fruit acidity unfolds on the brisk finish. Drink now.
null
86
10
Western Cape
null
null
Chenin Blanc
Indaba
null
null
null
US
On the plus side, it's bone dry and delicate in structure, with excellent acidity and sour red cherry candy fruit. But there's an unripeness that suggests raw white mushrooms and bell peppers. Drink up.
Bella Collina Vineyard
82
40
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
Tempranillo
La Montagne
null
null
La Montagne 2011 Bella Collina Vineyard Tempranillo (Paso Robles)
Spain
For a fruity sparkling wine, there's nothing wrong with this. Aromas of ripe apple and lychee precede a palate with weight. Residual sugar causes lychee, lime and apple flavors to come across as sweet, while the finish is steady and avoids being cloying.
Sandara
86
8
Spain Other
Spain
null
Sparkling Blend
Vicente Gandia
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Vicente Gandia NV Sandara Sparkling (Spain)
US
A brisk, brusque, tannic wine whose rusticity calls for easy fare, like backyard barbecue or even fast-food burgers. It's dry and full-bodied, a country-style blend with deep flavors of blackberries and tobacco. The price is fair.
Sustainable White
84
11
California
Mendocino County
null
Red Blend
Parducci
null
null
Parducci 2006 Sustainable White Red (Mendocino County)
US
A straightforward, modern dry Riesling, this wine shows a slight hint of gasoline, citrus blossoms, wet river stones and apple skin on the nose. The mouthfeel is more full than Mike Callahan's other bottlings, with waxy citrus skins, lime pith, sour apple, alkaline elements and a touch of white jasmine.
Coast View Vineyard
89
22
California
Monterey County
Central Coast
Riesling
MaidenStoen
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
MaidenStoen 2014 Coast View Vineyard Riesling (Monterey County)
US
Bill Smith is better known for his Pinot Noirs, but he founded La Jota and knows a thing or two about Howell Mountain Cabs. This is a big, dry, tannic mountain wine, virtually undrinkable now for its hard astringency. However, it's a fine cellar candidate. Brims with ripe blackberries and cherries that just need time. Should begin to open in 2008, and develop for another 8 years or so.
Purple Label
93
54
California
Howell Mountain
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
W.H. Smith
null
null
W.H. Smith 2005 Purple Label Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)
US
Pale salmon colored, this medium-sweet blend of Pinot Noir (80%) and Pinot Gris is lightly spritzy with notes of strawberry and mint but doesn't have the acid to hold the sugar up.
Pinot Pinot
84
16
Oregon
Umpqua Valley
Southern Oregon
Rosé
Girardet
null
null
null
US
Dried strawberry, black raspberry, cola, salted licorice and turned earth show on the nose of this wine from a vineyard in the Corralitos area near Watsonville. The palate is quite earthy and herbal, with dried mint, thyme, rosemary and graphite adding nuance to the cranberry fruit.
Lester Family Vineyard
94
39
California
Santa Cruz Mountains
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
Cinnabar
null
null
null
Italy
Italy's most iconic sparkler, this is made entirely from Chardonnay and aged on its lees for at least 10 years. Layers of flavors include yeasty sensations of baked bread, pastry cream, honey, vanilla, juicy pear and candied lemon peel. It has depth and complexity, with an ultrafine mousse that enhances the creamy texture. Drink through 2020.
Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore
93
130
Northeastern Italy
Trento
null
Chardonnay
Ferrari
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Ferrari 2002 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Chardonnay (Trento)
France
Deep colored, wood aged Malbec that gives powerful and dense tannins and concentrated black berry and plum flavors. The wine is deeply mineral, edging on austere, but still packed with richness for the future. Keep 3–4 years.
K Lys
90
32
Southwest France
Cahors
null
Malbec
Clos Troteligotte
null
null
null
Argentina
Round, melony and driven by aromas of pears and apples, this internationally styled wine should strike a chord among casual Chardonnay quaffers. It's kind of sweet, a little bit fat, and it finishes smooth. True to the blueprint in many ways; think California and this will complete the picture. Imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits.
Select
87
12
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Chardonnay
Trivento
null
null
null
US
This ripe and rich wine has firm tannins and a smooth texture, making it a tasty match for rich protein dishes. It packs plump blackberry and juicy boysenberry flavors in a blend that tastes just slightly sweet, coating the palate and lingering on the finish.
Mercury Rising
87
22
California
California
California Other
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Cinnabar
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Cinnabar 2013 Mercury Rising Red (California)
Australia
Lush and mouthfilling, this tropical-fruited Chard offers a ton of flavors at a surprisingly small price. Smoky toasted-almond notes accent star fruit and guava flavors. Drink now–2011.
Frasca's Lane Vineyard
90
19
Victoria
King Valley
null
Chardonnay
Nugan Family Estates
null
null
null
US
Quite earthy, almost to the point of tasting like dirt. Instead of fruit there is tomato, beet and root; it's a charmless style of Pinot. Hard to understand the “select” part.
Vintage Select
84
18
Oregon
Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir
LaVelle
null
null
null
Spain
Odd aromas of talcum powder and bath oils are fragrant but not very wine-like. This is flat on the palate, with very little cut and oily tasting flavors of ripe white fruits.
null
81
10
Central Spain
Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
null
Viura
Casa Solar
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Casa Solar 2011 Viura (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla)
US
A blend of botrytized Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, with 38.3% residual sugar, this enormously sweet dessert wine is rich and pure in apricot, vanilla and buttercream flavors. It's a rewarding wine, a rich, complex after-dinner sipper.
After Hours Proprietor's Choice Bien Nacido Vineyard
91
40
California
Santa Maria Valley
Central Coast
White Blend
Nerelli
null
null
null
Spain
This opens with offbeat floral and perfumed aromas of berry fruits and oak. The palate is jammy, tannic and squat in feel. Ripe black-fruit flavors come with ample chocolate and spice notes, while the finish is long, sturdy and intriguing, with chewy residual tannins. Drink through 2025.
G Gago
92
32
Northern Spain
Toro
null
Tempranillo
Telmo Rodríguez
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Telmo Rodríguez 2011 G Gago (Toro)
US
One whiff reveals billowing scents of purple flower, fresh apple, lemon peel and sea salt. Bone dry yet penetrating with flavors of lime skin, green apple and fresh herbs, this is a lush, textural Riesling with outstanding complexity. It finishes steely and crisp —a perfect pairing with fatty hamachi or salmon sashimi.
Dry
90
17
New York
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes
Riesling
Ravines
Anna Lee C. Iijima
null
Ravines 2011 Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes)
US
Made in Sbragia's muscular style, a ripe, flashy wine, with briary blackberry, currant, mocha and oak flavors. The tannins are strong but soft, and the overall impression is complex. Fine now with steak, barbecue, but should gain bottle complexity over the next 5–6 years.
Andolsen Vineyard
90
38
California
Dry Creek Valley
Sonoma
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sbragia
null
null
Sbragia 2010 Andolsen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley)
Portugal
This blend of Jaén, Alfrocheiro, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz is ripe and juicy, with black fruit tones. It does have a structure that will allow the wine to age for a few years, so drink from late 2016.
Azul Portugal
88
12
Dão
null
null
Portuguese Red
Wines & Winemakers
null
null
null
US
Sweet oak, buttered toast and buttered popcorn dominate this Chardonnay. It has a creamy texture with underlying flavors of orange and pineapple jam.
Suzanne's Blend
84
34
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Chardonnay
Gracianna
null
null
Gracianna 2010 Suzanne's Blend Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Italy
This wine towers over others in terms of excellence. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Syrah and other varieties (that sees 14 months of barrique) is the epitome of grace and elevates wine drinking to almost spiritual heights: The nose is horizontal, wide, vast and infinite with extraordinary tobacco, leather with fine cherry at its core and toasted almond and herbal notes at the extremities. The palate is treated to soft tones of vanilla, silky tannins and overall finesse that can be savored over long minutes.
Guado al Tasso
95
80
Tuscany
Bolgheri Superiore
null
Red Blend
Marchesi Antinori
null
null
null
US
Bright cherry aromas and flavors. Light and easy to drink, with a bit of green stemminess on the finish that adds character.
Fresh Red
84
15
New York
Long Island
Long Island
Red Blend
Channing Daughters
null
null
null
Argentina
Olive, saucy berry and a sense of rawness on the nose drive this Malbec towards a solid but slightly scratchy feeling palate. Plum, blackberry and minty oak flavors are short and lightly herbal, while this ends without much force.
null
88
16
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Finca Lalande
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Finca Lalande 2015 Malbec (Mendoza)
US
Sweet pea blossoms and fresh apples make this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay quite floral on the nose, but the palate is decidedly savory with a pleasantly creamy palate marked by brisk apple flavors, bright acidity and a smoked nut finish.
Barrel Reserve
85
14
New York
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes
Chardonnay
Knapp
Anna Lee C. Iijima
null
Knapp 2009 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay (Finger Lakes)
Chile
For a first effort from Casablanca, Viu Manent has hit a home run. This wine is a classic New World Chard, meaning it's liberally oaked, vibrant, ripe and full of tropical fruit. But along with the obvious there are also notes of cinnamon, mineral, exotic apple and butterscotch. Imported by Baystate Wine Co.
Reserva
90
14
Casablanca Valley
null
null
Chardonnay
Viu Manent
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Viu Manent 2007 Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)
Spain
Lots of charred oak and leathery fruit start it out, and then you get runaway berry flavors and screechy, almost grabby tannins. It finally settles and smooths out with airing, but requires too much compromise on the part of the drinker. Has its good points but not enough of them.
Tempranillo Syrah
83
17
Central Spain
Madrid
null
Red Blend
Sombrero
null
null
null
US
On the sweet side, and the bubbles are scoury and rough. Still, this is a pretty nice sparkling wine, clean and refreshing in citrus fruits and yeast.
Brut Cuvée
84
11
California
California
California Other
Sparkling Blend
Barefoot Bubbly
null
null
null
US
Very rich and unctuous, this superripe bottling has buttery honey and hints of English breakfast tea notes that add flavor interest to the sweet, almost sugary Riesling.
Icewine
86
28
Washington
Yakima Valley
Columbia Valley
Riesling
Airfield Estates
null
null
null
US
The unique nose of this wine shows crystalline lime candy and nectarine flesh, along with a sharper yet plush tangerine blossom aroma. The palate plays the cut-grass note with pride, offering bell pepper, jalapeño, green peppercorn and kaffir lime flavors, sewn together with a tightly wound acidity.
null
91
22
California
Santa Maria Valley
Central Coast
Sauvignon Blanc
Presqu'ile
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
Presqu'ile 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Maria Valley)
France
Soft and round, it offers an attractive white flower aromatic character, yellow fruits and a touch of citrus. It's smooth and already very drinkable.
Solaire
85
18
Burgundy
Mâcon-Vinzelles
null
Chardonnay
Cave des Grands Crus Blancs
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Cave des Grands Crus Blancs 2013 Solaire (Mâcon-Vinzelles)
France
This juicy, fruity while structured wine comes from the southern sector of the Médoc towards Bordeaux. It has a dry core of tannins surrounded by aromatic Cabernet spice and black currant fruit. Drink this still-developing wine from 2018.
null
90
40
Bordeaux
Haut-Médoc
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Clos la Bohème
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Clos la Bohème 2012 Haut-Médoc
US
Blended with 20% Grenache, this wine displays somewhat reticent aromas of cranberry, baking spice, raspberry and plum. The cherry flavors are rich with the tannins initially showing a touch of astringency that softens over time.
null
89
25
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Syrah
L'Ecole No. 41
Sean P. Sullivan
@wawinereport
L'Ecole No. 41 2014 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
US
This has the potential to be a very exciting wine, needing time to truly tell. Grapeseed and candied violet scents show on the nose. The tannins are chunky now but may integrate, while blackberry and black pepper flavors suggest a better future.
null
88
25
California
Edna Valley
Central Coast
Syrah
Wolff
null
null
null
France
Very crisp, slightly lean wine, the acidity dominating the ripe Chenin flavors. Fresh apples and white currant fruit flavors come through strongly. Give it a few more months.
Les Grenouilles Sec
85
19
Loire Valley
Vouvray
null
Chenin Blanc
Domaine du Petit Coteau
null
null
null
US
Melange is Waterbrook's blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (41%), Merlot (32%), Sangiovese (14%) and Cabernet Franc (13%), and it's a lot of wine for the price. There's plenty of rich cassis/berry fruit, lots of toasty oak, and a beefy, firm weight to the wine that speaks of power. On the downside, there is some stemminess, tough tannins and a green flavor to the finish.
Mélange
86
15
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Red Blend
Waterbrook
null
null
null
Italy
This alluring Chardonnay displayed a gorgeous nose of vanilla and candied apricot. While it is relatively simple on the palate, the flavors are concentrated and it finishes well. Overall, an easygoing bottle of wine that will match most foods.
null
87
17
Piedmont
Langhe
null
Chardonnay
Il Falchetto
null
null
null
US
A rustic, common wine, marked by some unripe aromas and a sweet, candied raspberry taste. It's okay for big parties.
null
82
20
California
California
California Other
Red Blend
Jack Tone
null
null
Jack Tone NV Red (California)
France
The wine is ripe with attractive acidity. It has plenty of red fruit, a smoky tannic structure and a perfumed aftertaste. With the fruit ready to burst through the tannins, it will be ready to drink from 2017.
null
88
12
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château du Bernat
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château du Bernat 2014 Bordeaux
US
With briary, brambly flavors of wild cherries, blueberries and peppery spices, this is a rugged wine. Its tannins are a bit harsh. Could age, but right now, it's not showing much sophistication.
Fort Ross Vineyard
85
30
California
Sonoma Coast
Sonoma
Pinotage
Fort Ross
null
null
null
Italy
Calvarino is another gorgeous expression of Soave Classico from producer Pieropan, widely considered a quality leader in the area. There are deep layers here of flavor and aromas that include peach, nectarine, almond and thick honey. It has good density and persistency in the mouth.
Calvarino
89
30
Veneto
Soave Classico
null
White Blend
Pieropan
null
null
Pieropan 2006 Calvarino (Soave Classico)
US
Dark in color, this accessible wine is deliciously layered and focused, offering a core of golden pear, Gravenstein apple and nutmeg, with a bright laser beam of acidity.
null
91
26
California
Carneros
Napa-Sonoma
Chardonnay
Saintsbury
Virginie Boone
@vboone
Saintsbury 2014 Chardonnay (Carneros)
Austria
This offers brooding, sumptuous, dark cherry fruit tinged with red rose petals. On the palate the core of ripe, intense cherry holds white pepper spice. Everything is still tightly held: wait and this will become even more engrossingly seductive. Drink as of 2017.
Frauenfeld
94
40
Thermenregion
null
null
St. Laurent
Johanneshof Reinisch
Anne Krebiehl MW
@AnneInVino
Johanneshof Reinisch 2012 Frauenfeld St. Laurent (Thermenregion)
France
There is some weight on this young tasting wine. The tannins are beginning to allow the red berry and damson fruits to open up. Touches of wood round it out for aging.
La Brigardière Vieilles Vignes
87
24
Burgundy
Mercurey
null
Pinot Noir
Château Philippe-le-Hardi
null
null
null
France
A big black-colored wine that has layers of wood to go with the ripe plum and dried fruit flavors. The tannins are intense, very dry, chewy at this stage. It is dark, solid, intense and will certainly need several years of aging.
null
89
null
Bordeaux
Haut-Médoc
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château Peyrabon
null
null
null
Italy
Dark berry, cocoa and leather aromas come into play on this hearty red. The chewy palate delivers mature black cherry, black currant, espresso and a hint of almond alongside solid tannins. Drink though 2018.
Tor di Lupo Riserva
88
50
Northeastern Italy
Alto Adige
null
Lagrein
Andriano
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Andriano 2011 Tor di Lupo Riserva Lagrein (Alto Adige)