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 ⌀
US	Mostly Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval fruit, this sleek Cabernet delivers focused, clear scents emphasizing youthful notes of berry, cherry and plum. The styling is compact and elegant, a pleasing mix of youthful fruit and compressed, tannic power. This is very tight, but still supple and rewarding. Decanting is recommended.	null	90	32	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ross Andrew	null	null	null
Argentina	Solid and broad on the nose, with black cherry, berry and controlled rubbery aromas. Fresh, juicy and healthy on the palate, with good drive and dark, toasty flavors of black fruits, spice and chocolate. Spicy, warm and a bit complex on the finish. Malbec with Cab Sauvignon and Syrah; drink now.	Finca	90	20	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Red Blend	Qaramy	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Qaramy 2005 Finca Red (Mendoza)
US	This Merlot-dominant red blend displays classic Yakima Valley flavors that are well-integrated and balanced for medium-term (6–8 years) aging. The fruit is on the tart side, with accents of earth and herb. The tannins are textural and somewhat drying.	Mystique	89	25	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Sheridan Vineyard	null	null	null
France	What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.	null	94	48	Bordeaux	Saint-Julien	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Gruaud Larose	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Gruaud Larose 2001 Saint-Julien
France	This ripe, rich and Merlot-dominated wine comes from the western section of Lalande de Pomerol. Juicy black-fruit flavors are lifted by acidity and given structure by the firm wood-aging texture. The wood needs to integrate with the fruit, so drink from 2018.	null	87	28	Bordeaux	Lalande de Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Sergant	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Sergant 2013 Lalande de Pomerol
US	A nice white wine to drink on a warm afternoon, at a picnic. It's definitely on the sweet side, but nice and crisp, with orange and pineapple flavors.	null	84	10	California	California	California Other	White Blend	Big House	null	null	null
Germany	Everything about this Riesling is elegant and balanced: Sweet-tasting, honeyed fruit and flower elements are countered by smoke and savory fennel notes. Rich, creamy textures are enlivened by a shock of lemon-lime acidity. Juicy yet refined, it lingers long with a kiss of sweet nectarine flavor.	Westhofen Aulerde Trocken	92	100	Rheinhessen	null	null	Riesling	Wittmann	null	null	null
Australia	This lush, full-throttle Cab is organically grown and includes 14% Petite Verdot. Intense mint, chocolate and blueberry aromas waft out of the glass. It's firm and tightly structured, but at once evenly textured and mouthfilling. Layers of tobacco, more mint, leather, chocolate and blueberry flavors coat the palate. Hardy tannins will soften with cellaring, but the fruit/acid/tannin balance is very good. It finishes long and complex, with that blueberry note. Editors' Choice.	Reserve	93	16	South Australia	Langhorne Creek	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Temple Bruer	null	null	null
Portugal	Smooth and ripe, it shows plenty of fruitiness with perfumed berry flavors, acidity and touches of wood. Although it lacks a bit in character, it is certainly an easy, rich wine to enjoy soon. Drink from 2015.	null	87	null	Tejo	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Quinta da Alorna	null	null	null
Italy	This vibrant white opens with delicate scents of white flower and tree fruit. The zesty palate offers lime, Bartlett pear and a hint of white grapefruit alongside racy acidity. A note of bitter almond backs up the finish.	null	88	21	Piedmont	Roero	null	Arneis	Cornarea	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cornarea 2014 Roero
US	Edelzwicker is an Alsatian term meaning noble blend, and is applied to any blend of white wine grapes. Here, it is Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling, capturing the floral aromatics and lightly oily mouthfeel of the former, along with the citrus and pear flavors from the latter two components. All in all it's an aromatic, floral, broadly flavorful and distinctive white wine.	Wirtz Vineyard Edelzwicker	88	28	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	White Blend	Big Table Farm	null	null	null
Italy	This is a creamy and lush expression, with soft sweetness in the form of peach nectar and almond. The effervescence is soft and foamy.	Millesimato Extra Dry	85	19	Veneto	Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Salatin	null	null	Salatin 2012 Millesimato Extra Dry (Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)
US	This Rhône-style blend of Syrah and Grenache is nice and dry, with a medium body that makes it feel just fine in the mouth. The acids and tannins are in balance. It's not especially concentrated, though, with peppery cherry flavors that finish quick.	Katie's Côte	86	20	California	Shenandoah Valley (CA)	Sierra Foothills	Rhône-style Red Blend	Amador Foothill Winery	null	null	null
France	A blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 10% Carignan, this opens with skin-driven, black-fruit aromas and accents of savory herbs and forest floor. The medium-weight mouth offers gripping yet fine tannins and a decadent richness to the black cherry core.	Syrousse	89	17	Languedoc-Roussillon	Côtes du Roussillon Villages	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau 2011 Syrousse Red (Côtes du Roussillon Villages)
US	With 15.7% alcohol, this Zin is just too hot, more like a spirit than a table wine. The black currant, cherry and chocolate flavors, enriched with sweet new oak, are admirable. But that alcohol sticks out like a sore thumb.	Estate	83	25	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Peju	null	null	null
US	You never quite know what you're getting in a “Pet,” but in this case the wine rises to the height of what the variety can do. It's very dark, and absolutely dry, with substantial tannins although it's soft in acidity. The flavors are ripe and rich. They range from black cherries through blackberries, coffee and chocolate, with a sprinkling of white pepper.	McNab Ranch	90	27	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Petite Sirah	Benziger	null	null	null
US	Shows enormous complexity of flavor, a wine that really impresses for its myriad blackberry, cherry, currant, cola, grilled meat, sautéed mushroom, violet and chocolate flavors. If the structure were more firm, it would be a perfect wine. But this is Paso Robles, where the wines will always be soft. A blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah.	Syrée	92	39	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah-Petite Sirah	Vina Robles	null	null	null
US	Out of Syncline's lineup of pure, varietal white Rhône-style wines, the Marsanne may be the most complete. It deals melon and Mandarin orange flavors, which are set amidst light, floral notes and supporting acids. Round and balanced, this is drinking quite well now, and it can be kept for another 2–3 years.	Boushey Vineyard	88	26	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Marsanne	Syncline	null	null	null
Spain	Match stick and sulfur notes fade into citrus and kiwi on an O.K. nose. Kind of late in its life already, this smells big and pulpy. Apple and bitter-melon flavors finish citrusy. Drink immediately.	null	86	17	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Valmiñor	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Valmiñor 2014 Albariño (Rías Baixas)
Italy	Notes of sour cherry and spice merge with bitter wood and green spice. This ripasso has character but is disjointed in places and awkward in the mouth with flat rubber flavors followed by bright cherry fruit on the finale. Imported by Small Vineyards LLC.	null	85	15	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Giuseppe Lonardi	null	null	null
Chile	A gritty, full-force bouquet is oaky, slightly lactic smelling, crusty and a little green. This blend of Carmenère and Malbec is mouthfilling, with tartaric bite and jumpy flavors of raspberry, plum and herbs. On the finish, it's herbal and mildly green like on the nose, with toughness.	Tribute Edicion Limitada Carmenère-Malbec	88	30	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Caliterra	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Caliterra 2010 Tribute Edicion Limitada Carmenère-Malbec Red (Colchagua Valley)
US	Great value for the price, with blackberry marmalade, moo shu plum sauce, tobacco, leather and pepper flavors that turn richly tannic and spicy in the finish. Shows lots of elegance and finesse.	Sixgill	87	10	California	California	California Other	Syrah	Shark Trust	null	null	null
US	This is a really nice Chardonnay. Sebastiani knows how to make a balanced varietal wine, and this clean, ripe Chardonnay completely satisfies, with fruity flavors and a rich balance of creamy oak, coastal acidity and spicy oak.	null	88	13	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Sebastiani	null	null	null
US	This is Côtes-du-Rhône, California style. A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Counoise, it's a dry, rich, full-bodied red wine, flooded with easy-to-drink cherry, blackberry, blueberry and oak flavors, and a wealth of Provençal rosemary, lavender and thyme. Drink now for its soft, youthful purity.	Côtes de Tablas	88	20	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Tablas Creek	null	null	null
US	Simple, dry and direct. The silky texture houses slightly green flavors of tea, cherries and cola. Ready now.	null	84	23	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Taz	null	null	null
Portugal	Continuing the succession of fine wines from Aveleda's Quinta da Agueira in Bairrada, this is a powerful, firmly tannic but ultimately smooth wine. It has big ripe swathes of dark plums, figs and refreshing sweet acidity.	Follies	92	18	Bairrada	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Aveleda	null	null	null
Italy	This wine delivers very ripe, almost jammy fruit aromas of cooked cherries and blackberries, cedar and old spice. The color is dark and concentrated with some brown hues and the mouthfeel is chewy, tart and dense.	I Creari	85	null	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Marco Cottini	null	null	null
US	This is drinking very well already, with a nicely evolved, meaty nose leading to sweet cassis and blackberry fruit. Dusty, spicy and complex, it displays a Bordeaux profile with less funk and more sweet fruit character.	Sagemoor Vineyard	89	29	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Columbia Winery	null	null	null
US	This is an excellent wine for the price. Aromas of lightly salted nectarines and pan-seared Asian pear are very inviting and pretty. There's a nice sizzle of acidity on the palate and a nervy tension, with lime juice and sea-salt sharpness leading into rounded almond and apple notes in the midpalate.	null	90	16	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Sextant	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Sextant 2014 Chardonnay (Central Coast)
France	A hint of honey gives this wine richness while keeping every bit of freshness. It has tangy acidity, a mineral character and apricot and mango fruit flavors. Drink now, although the wine will be better from early 2016.	La Demoiselle de Laballe	89	14	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Gros Manseng	Laudet	null	null	null
France	This is a wine that is totally dominated by wood. So much so that there is little sign of fruit. Maybe it will integrate, but there is a question mark.	Cuvée	82	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Maison Bouey	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Maison Bouey 2011 Cuvée (Bordeaux)
Australia	This wine's elevated alcohol level (16.2%) gives it plenty of fullness on the palate, and combined with jammy fruit and superripe tannins makes for a slightly sweet palate impression and a creamy texture. It does offer waves of raspberry and blueberry fruit topped by hints of cinnamon and vanilla as well as savory undercurrents of grilled meat and tapenade. Drink now and over the next few years for its exuberant fruit.	Samantha's Garden	91	60	South Australia	Clare Valley	null	Shiraz	Two Hands	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Two Hands 2006 Samantha's Garden Shiraz (Clare Valley)
Portugal	A single-vineyard blend of Touriga Nacional and Merlot, this is a supremely dense wine. It is dark, almost black in color, concentrated both from rich tannins and wood aging. Its dark color is replicated in the dense dark character of the wine and its powerful fruits. Age this wine, don't drink before 2020.	Quinta da Viçosa TM	92	40	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	J. Portugal Ramos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	J. Portugal Ramos 2015 Quinta da Viçosa TM Red (Alentejano)
US	Dramatic in depth and structure, a cool-climate Syrah that will benefit from some time in the cellar. Deeply saturated in color, bone dry and full bodied, it offers ripe flavors of blackberries and black currants, with plenty of black pepper and sweet, chewy leather. Now, with decanting, and through 2013.	Dutton Ranch Cherry Ridge Vineyard	92	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Dutton-Goldfield	null	null	null
Australia	This is made in a full-blown style, with ripe peaches married to grilled nuts and plenty of toasty oak. Yet despite all of the fruit and oak intensity, there's crispness and structure as well, giving a sense of balance and elegance to the lingering citrus and cashew finish.	Reserve	91	60	Victoria	Yarra Valley	null	Chardonnay	Yering Station	null	null	null
Italy	This is a highly intense and thickly extracted wine from one of the area's most storied producers that boast blockbuster notes of black cherry, chewy fruit comfiture, milk chocolate and vanilla-oak. At the back are interesting bacon highlights.	null	91	75	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Allegrini	null	null	null
France	A moderate-weight, citrus-infused Chard with soft green apple and dandelion floral accents. A crisp, clean finish and medium acidity makes this an excellent choice for warm weather sipping.	null	86	14	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Chardonnay	Domaine de Fonfile	null	null	null
US	It's properly dry and brisk in acidity, with a light, silky mouthfeel framing sour cherry candy, cranberry and pomegranate flavors. Drink now.	null	87	30	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Windsor Oaks	null	null	null
Argentina	Earthy and warm on first take, with deep fruit and soupy side aromas. The palate is juicy and lively, with blackberry flavors as well as toasty accents. Round, ripe and generous on the finish, with brightness but also a syrupy side. All in all it's a good wine for the money.	null	87	11	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Zolo	null	null	null
US	A good, basic wine, this has a mix of fruity and vegetal aromas, tart cherry and watermelon flavors, firm texture with moderate tannins, medium body and a slightly astringent finish.	California Series	84	14	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Cambridge & Sunset	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Cambridge & Sunset 2013 California Series Pinot Noir (California)
US	This is a benchmark rendition of Pinot Gris. The flavors are fruit driven, with lime, apple and pear notes combining on the smooth, relatively soft midpalate. This is a consistent wine, even with its production level of 100,000 cases.	Signature	88	17	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Gris	King Estate	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	King Estate 2011 Signature Pinot Gris (Oregon)
France	Soft toast, almond skin, wood-grilled peaches and honeydew aromas carry through to the rich mouth. Creamy and full with balanced acidity and a cedary finish. A blend of 85% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc and 5% Viognier.	Alliance Blanc	87	24	Languedoc-Roussillon	Coteaux du Languedoc	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Château Malavieille	null	null	null
France	Crisp apple, grapefruit and almond notes give this wine great vitality and life. With its light, bright texture and fresh feel, it's a perfect apéritif.	La Grande Cuvée	87	20	Loire Valley	Saumur	null	Chenin Blanc	Domaine de la Perruche	null	null	null
Spain	Aromas of pine, rubber and rhubarb are austere, and so is the rest of the wine. The palate is run by acidity, which is sharp and scouring. Flavors are tart and underdone, with pie cherry and red raspberry. Sheering but admittedly cleansing, with surprising sourness.	Capricho	85	20	Northern Spain	Calatayud	null	Garnacha	Cruz de Piedra	null	null	null
France	Here's a fresh and approachable selection, with notes of crisp citrus, green melon and apple. There's a hint of sweet lemon on the palate, followed by a brisk, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.	Picpoul de Pinet	87	11	Languedoc-Roussillon	Coteaux du Languedoc	null	Picpoul	Domaine Delsol	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Domaine Delsol 2011 Picpoul de Pinet Picpoul (Coteaux du Languedoc)
Germany	Wide streaks of saffron, caramel and honey along with a deep mineral core hint to the maturity of this complex sparkling Riesling. Rich yellow cherry and peach flavors persist on the palate, buoyed by soft, delicate mousse and striking lemonade acidity.	Mülheimer Sonnenlay Brut Sekt	91	30	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Max Ferd. Richter	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Max Ferd. Richter 2008 Mülheimer Sonnenlay Brut Sekt Riesling (Mosel)
US	Made from 100% Lake County-grown Riesling grapes, this opens with sweet aromas of nectar and golden honey. It's pretty and off dry (30 g/L residual sugar), remaining balance because of its crisp acidity.	null	88	13	California	California	California Other	Riesling	The White Knight	Virginie Boone	@vboone	The White Knight 2010 Riesling (California)
US	Pale copper colored, this wine is more focused on mineral than fruit expression, with aromas of wet stone out in front of citrus rind. The medium-bodied flavors dance lightly on the palate but still show concentration, texture and balance.	Edith Grenache Armada Vineyard	90	45	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Rosé	Cayuse	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Cayuse 2013 Edith Grenache Armada Vineyard Rosé (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
France	This textured, ripe wine shows the potential of Chardonnay in the Beaujolais region. The 2.5 acres of vines average seven years in age, so still have a lot of time to mature. Still, the wine has a tight, mineral character balanced by yellow and white fruits as well as refreshing final acidity. Drink now.	Roche Noire	90	35	Beaujolais	Beaujolais Blanc	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon 2014 Roche Noire (Beaujolais Blanc)
Italy	Stone fruit, mango, grapefruit and papaya characterize this refreshing and crisp Chardonnay from Alto Adige. The wine is streamlined and tonic yet offers the soft fullness usually associated with this popular variety.	null	87	null	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Chardonnay	Weingut H. Lentsch	null	null	null
US	This is a firm wine, tightly-wound, with whiffs of mineral and cement. Plum and cherry flavors mingle with notes of dried herb, earth and brown spice. The wine rolls along into a lengthy finish, with excellent body and balance.	Ribbon Ridge Estate	93	55	Oregon	Ribbon Ridge	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Trisaetum	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Trisaetum 2010 Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge)
Chile	The aromas are a touch prickly and sharp, and there's some heavy oak on the nose. But in the mouth it's more harmonious, with sweet fruit and more than enough barrel spice. The finish is simple and clean, so it fades away nicely. The only problem is a lasting salty, wood-dominated essence.	Reserva 1865	85	20	Maipo Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	San Pedro	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	San Pedro 2000 Reserva 1865 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)
US	Notes of buttered toast, butterscotch candy and caramel popcorn flavors dominate this wine. Underneath all that is a wine with pineapple, green apple and pear flavors, brightened with crisp acidity.	null	83	20	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Taft Street	null	null	null
US	A dark aroma like clove and wood smoke makes this full-bodied, ripe-tasting wine seem a little mysterious. It has ripe, easy blackberry and cedar flavors, a smooth texture and a very reasonable price.	null	87	11	California	Mendocino County	null	Zinfandel	Castle Rock	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Castle Rock 2013 Zinfandel (Mendocino County)
Italy	Made entirely with Sangiovese, this wine starts with scents of blue flower, plum, leather and spice. The palate delivers juicy black cherry and raspberry layered with vanilla and dark chocolate notes that add to the depth of flavors. The firm tannins are ripe and round, giving this structure but also a smooth texture.	Badia a Passignano Riserva	91	60	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Marchesi Antinori	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Marchesi Antinori 2009 Badia a Passignano Riserva (Chianti Classico)
Italy	From the Tenuta Costa group (that makes wine across Italy including Barolo in Piedmont), this easy red blend from southern Tuscany offers ripe cherry and strawberry with easy spice and tobacco.	null	87	null	Tuscany	Monteregio di Massa Marittima	null	Red Blend	Terre di Fiori	null	null	Terre di Fiori 2008 Monteregio di Massa Marittima
France	A lighter style, with a creamy texture and a crisp, youthful feel. Lemon and toast dominate, but there's a deep apple and mineral core lurking below. Imported by Remy Cointreau USA.	Brut	90	65	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Charles Heidsieck	null	null	null
Italy	This delicate but balanced wine has subtle white orchard fruit, Spanish broom and Mediterranean brush aromas. The racy, ethereal palate offers yellow peach, citrus and savory mineral notes, with lively acidity. It closes on a hint of almond.	null	88	28	Southern Italy	Greco di Tufo	null	Greco	Bambinuto	null	null	null
New Zealand	A light, dry style of Riesling—clean and refreshing—with simple green apple and citrus flavors. It's leaner and more linear than most Marlborough Rieslings, making it a solid bet with raw shellfish.	null	86	15	Marlborough	null	null	Riesling	Omaka Springs	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a ripe, smooth blend of Alvarinho and Chardonnay. The two complement each other well with yellow fruits touched by a more citrus edge and a rich character. It is fruity, full-bodied and ready to drink.	Point West	88	10	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese White	DFJ Vinhos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	DFJ Vinhos 2015 Point West White (Lisboa)
France	Well-textured fruit—red plum skins, bright berries—floating on some tight tannins makes for good structure, the clean, fresh juicy flavors followed by a firm finish. Drink now, or keep for 1–2 years. Imported by Louis Latour Inc.	null	87	25	Burgundy	Maranges	null	Pinot Noir	Louis Latour	null	null	null
US	Three widely-separated vineyards from the Yakima, Horse Heaven Hills and Ancient Lakes AVAs are in the mix here. It's ready to drink, starting to dry out a bit but still with tart, fairly light berry flavors and plenty of leafy, woodsy grace notes.	Double Barrel	88	35	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Barrage Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Barrage Cellars 2009 Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Rich in flavor, although a little too soft and sweet. Shows flavors of raspberry and cherry pie filling, chocolate cream, vanilla, butterscotch and cinnamon.	Collusion	84	28	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Clavo Cellars	null	null	null
Germany	Delightfully fun and refreshing, this perlwein, or lightly sparkling white, is Germany's answer to Italian prosecco. Made from Müller-Thurgau grapes, it's gorgeously floral, but with a chalky, earthen tang. Sprightly acidity and a fresh, green touch lends vibrance to a moderately long finish.	Perlwein Trocken	90	19	Rheinhessen	null	null	Müller-Thurgau	Fritz Müller	null	null	null
Argentina	Consistency in the wine world is a virtue, and Cheval covers the consistency issue with ease. Aromas of earth, mushroom, leather and so forth add an Old World touch to this New World Malbec-Cabernet blend. It's healthy and even juicy on the palate, with blackberry, dark plum and tobacco flavors. An interesting wine that grabs and holds your attention. Drink now through 2012.	null	92	75	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Cheval des Andes	null	null	null
France	Ripe and soft, with a caramelized raspberry flavor. The wine tastes full, spicy and rich, despite its lower alcohol. With its texture, it is for food.	null	87	10	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château Montaud	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Montaud 2010 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
US	New Mexico and Riesling seem an unlikely combination but it works in this wine. Scents of almond, apricot and freesia lead to a slightly sweet palate that winds down to a short, soft finish. Drink up.	null	83	11	New Mexico	New Mexico	null	Riesling	St. Clair	null	null	null
US	This is a Rhône-style blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah, with smaller amounts of Viognier and Cinsault. The wine opens with appealing spices, but turns tart and stemmy in the mouth. The spiced plum fruit flavors compete somewhat unsuccessfully with bitter tannins. More bottle age should help.	Double Bluff	86	19	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Rhône-style Red Blend	Ott & Murphy	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Ott & Murphy 2008 Double Bluff Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Bone dry, firm in tannins and tartly acidic, this wine feels hard in the mouth. It shows flavors of cherries and cola, with a leathery finish. Elegant in structure, it may soften and sweeten over the next five years.	Stagecoach Vineyard	87	35	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Syrah	Lost Canyon	null	null	null
Spain	Oily aromas of almond extract and peanut butter are earthy, a tad briny and classic in terms of offering buttery, yeasty notes of flor. This feels round, oily and deeply textured. Flavors of almond skins, sea salt and dried stone fruits finish loud and long.	Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana Single Vineyard	92	30	Andalucia	Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda	null	Sherry	Bodegas Hidalgo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Hidalgo NV Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana Single Vineyard Sherry (Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda)
US	This powerful wine that also holds 5% Cabernet Franc shyly packs a punch. At first it comes off as elegant, soft and highly approachable. Faint notions of blackberry and black cherry are highlighted amidst a concentrated, tannic build.	Estate Grown and Bottled Unfiltered	90	90	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Signorello	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Signorello 2012 Estate Grown and Bottled Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	From the northernmost vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a fantastically interesting wine. Complex and compelling, with brilliant fruit flavors spanning the range from apricots and limes to peaches and guava. All this juicy flavor is boosted by bright and beautiful acidity. Viognier 61%, Marsanne 39%.	Mer Soleil Vineyard	93	25	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Rhône-style White Blend	Treana	null	null	Treana 2001 Mer Soleil Vineyard White (Central Coast)
US	From a venerable Burgundian producer comes this earthy, spicy wine, with a body and texture that are unctuous and creamy. There's a whole fruit basket here, with everything from green apples to peaches to tropical fruit. What's harder to express is the wine's power to satisfy. Rich and lush, it swings for the bleachers and just misses, but it's a solid triple. Editors' Choice.	Mariage	91	20	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Martin Ray	null	null	null
US	Dry, acidic and harsh, this wine's cherry-skin flavors have a tannic bitterness. It tastes like an old-style Chianti, without the charm.	null	81	18	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Sangiovese	Mandolina	null	null	null
Portugal	The extra concentration of low-yielding old vines is apparent in this dark, brooding wine. The minerally texture and firm tannins are all destined for long-term aging. Made from fruit that's sourced from the foothills of Portugal's highest mountains, this has a distinctly structured and dense finish.	Vinhas Velhas	91	26	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casa da Passarella	null	null	null
Italy	Made with Sangiovese and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of blackberry, grilled herb, cedar and toasted oak. The palate offers raw cherry, vanilla, anise and a hint of espresso alongside dusty tannins that leave a drying finish. Drink sooner rather than later as the fruit is drying up.	Riserva	87	25	Tuscany	Chianti Colli Senesi	null	Red Blend	Farnetella	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Farnetella 2011 Riserva (Chianti Colli Senesi)
US	Lush and fruity, this has a raisiny, cooked prune quality to its fruit. It's sweet and roasted, easy-going, and fits in neatly with the winery's lineup of ripe, soft reds. But it could be almost anything in that lineup; it doesn't have any of the particular character that makes Washington Syrah so distinctive.	null	85	18	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Maryhill	null	null	null
Italy	With 24 months of careful oak aging under its belt, this bold Amarone does not hold back. The intense bouquet shows tones of bitter chocolate, ripe cherry and exotic spice. There's a touch of soda on the palate, with clove and cinnamon endnotes.	null	88	60	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Monteci	null	null	null
France	An easy, attractive wine that shows some of the very ripe, small berry flavors of 2003. Dense but sweet tannins balance the black fruits and the solid structure which lies underneath this rich wine. One of the three Lurton properties owned by Marie-Laure Lurton.	null	87	15	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Villegeorge	null	null	null
US	In this silky and seductive wine, integrated oak and tannin wrap around lilting waves of earth and rose petal, providing plenty of sensory intrigue. From several vineyards, including Wohler, it shines a light on the subtleties that can be coaxed from the appellation, along with a spectacular exuberance.	null	94	42	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Sojourn	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Sojourn 2013 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Portugal	From the producer's own vineyards in the Douro, this is a rich wine with plenty of firm tannins and a strongly mineral character. It has juicy red fruits that are balanced by acidity. The structure and dense tannins promise aging. Drink from 2018.	Domini	90	16	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	José Maria da Fonseca	Roger Voss	@vossroger	José Maria da Fonseca 2014 Domini Red (Douro)
Germany	A medium-bodied, slightly chunky Riesling, this lacks the elegance and finesse of the best Mosel wines, but still manages a tasty balance of sweet and tart, with apple, citrus and earthy notes all combining on the palate.	Spätlese	84	11	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Rothburg	null	null	null
US	A dusty, cigar-smoke character on the nose of this blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon spices up aromas of strawberry fruit and rotting roses. The palate combines complex cranberry fruits with Kalamata olive, thyme and pencil lead.	Bilancio	88	40	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon	Pianetta	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Pianetta 2013 Bilancio Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon (Monterey)
Chile	Herbal raspberry and leather aromas create an obtuse nose. This is round, not overly exact in feel, and mild in acidity. Peppery flavors of raspberry and cherry end in dry, standard fashion.	Reserve	86	10	Maule Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Santa Alba	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Santa Alba 2013 Reserve Pinot Noir (Maule Valley)
Germany	A terrific kabinett, Loosen's 2007 WS offers slightly smoky, leesy notes upfront, then adds touches of white peach, pear, vanilla and a trace of cinnamon. It's round and lush on the palate, yet racy at the same time, finishing long and sweet, with a citrusy tinge to the flavors.	Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett	92	26	Mosel-Saar-Ruwer	null	null	Riesling	Dr. Loosen	null	null	null
Portugal	A firm wine, with dark chocolate and coffee flavors. The fruit flavors are dark fig and stewed plums; there is a bitter edge to the tannins.	Reserva	85	20	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta do Grifo	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta do Grifo 2004 Reserva Red (Douro)
South Africa	Scents of cured meat and campfire take center stage on the nose, with secondary support from black plum and boysenberry aromas. A strong biltong and cardamom-spice flavor carries through onto the palate, and remains through the finish.	null	84	14	Coastal Region	null	null	Pinotage	Ernst Gouws & Co.	null	null	null
US	The closest thing in California you can get to a great French Chablis, this is absolutely dry, high in acidity and streamlined. It offers tantalizing citrus rind and peach fruit flavors, with a savory taste of cold minerals. Fans of rich, buttery Chardonnay will find it lean, but if you have a cellar, age it for six years and see how it evolves.	Portola Springs Vineyard Estate Grown	93	50	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Thomas Fogarty	null	null	Thomas Fogarty 2009 Portola Springs Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Spain	Floral cherry and raspberry scents are moderately earthy. This has an edgy, tannic feel along with good plum and cherry flavors that don't falter or break up on a choppy, lightly candied-tasting finish.	null	87	12	Northern Spain	Cariñena	null	Tempranillo	Loca	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Loca 2013 Tempranillo (Cariñena)
US	Unusual for an inexpensive Cab of this age to hit the market, and it's a pretty good buy. Nothing complicated, but it's soft and smooth, and beginning to show that magical transformation when primary fruit develops bouquet and a dried fruit character.	null	86	16	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Prospero	null	null	null
US	Sweet and crisp like a good Port, with cassis and chocolate flavors. Needs extra fruity complexity to earn a higher score, but nice on its own as a late-night dessert sipper.	Port	86	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Petite Sirah	Madrigal	null	null	null
US	The grapes simply got too ripe, and the wine suffers from sugary-sweet cherry jam flavors with baked meringue, courtesy of well-charred oak. Those flavors are of course delicious, but the wine is direct and unageable.	Sangiacomo Vineyards	85	48	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Tandem	null	null	null
US	This is deeply saturated, lush, scented with violets, raisins and chocolate, still tight and spicy. Excellent depth and structure, with about one quarter of the oak new. It needs some breathing time, and as it opens it shows more Rhône-like flavors of blood and shrubby herb.	Ceidleigh	90	29	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Efeste	null	null	null
US	Here's a rich, densely layered Cab. It's showing complex flavors of black currants, dark chocolate and cedar. The tannins are a little edgy, giving the wine an astringent bite that could mellow out with mid-term aging.	null	87	30	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Tamayo Family	null	null	Tamayo Family 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	I like the dryness of this wine. It shows good fruit, but isn't a fruit bomb, and the flavors are balanced by a good acid-tannin equilibrium. Has a harmonic elegance that persists through a satisfying finish.	Grand Reserve Mead Ranch Vineyard	90	22	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Villa Mt. Eden	null	null	null
US	This dense, richly thick wine is full of black pepper and leather flavors that complement its bright layers of black currant, plum and dark cherry fruit. Full bodied and balanced, it offers further complexity as it unwinds in the glass.	Stuhlmuller Vineyard	91	48	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Armida	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Armida 2013 Stuhlmuller Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Italy	It shows the classic aromas of Alto Adige Sauvignon including crushed tomato vine, just-mowed grass and exotic fruit. The crisp, juicy palate offers cantaloupe, green melon, yellow peach, a hint of spice and mineral, with fresh acidity.	Gfill	89	18	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Sauvignon	St. Pauls	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	St. Pauls 2013 Gfill Sauvignon (Alto Adige)
US	This is off-dry, roughly 2% residual sugar, and the sweetness is quite evident. It's rather fleshy for a Gewürzt, with honeysuckle, melon and peach fruit. There is a nice spiciness to the aroma as well, and it carries into the midpalate, lending a welcome streak of licorice.	null	87	9	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Gewürztraminer	Hogue	null	null	null
Portugal	A soft, lightly sweet style of rosé, flavored with strawberries and a touch of caramel. Fresh, and flavorful, with balancing acidity, this is a good apéritif wine.	null	85	11	Ribatejano	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Quinta da Alorna	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta da Alorna 2006 Touriga Nacional (Ribatejano)
US	This coastal, cool-climate estate wine is fresh and fruity, with plush tannins that feel velvety on the tongue. Cranberry, pomegranate and orange flavors provide complexity, complemented by black tea and forest floor notes.	Pastorale Vineyard Estate Grown	93	75	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Joseph Phelps	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Joseph Phelps 2014 Pastorale Vineyard Estate Grown Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

Mostly Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval fruit, this sleek Cabernet delivers focused, clear scents emphasizing youthful notes of berry, cherry and plum. The styling is compact and elegant, a pleasing mix of youthful fruit and compressed, tannic power. This is very tight, but still supple and rewarding. Decanting is recommended.

null

90

32

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ross Andrew

null

Argentina

Solid and broad on the nose, with black cherry, berry and controlled rubbery aromas. Fresh, juicy and healthy on the palate, with good drive and dark, toasty flavors of black fruits, spice and chocolate. Spicy, warm and a bit complex on the finish. Malbec with Cab Sauvignon and Syrah; drink now.

Finca

90

20

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Red Blend

Qaramy

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Qaramy 2005 Finca Red (Mendoza)

US

This Merlot-dominant red blend displays classic Yakima Valley flavors that are well-integrated and balanced for medium-term (6–8 years) aging. The fruit is on the tart side, with accents of earth and herb. The tannins are textural and somewhat drying.

Mystique

89

25

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Sheridan Vineyard

null

France

What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.

null

94

48

Bordeaux

Saint-Julien

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Gruaud Larose

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Gruaud Larose 2001 Saint-Julien

France

This ripe, rich and Merlot-dominated wine comes from the western section of Lalande de Pomerol. Juicy black-fruit flavors are lifted by acidity and given structure by the firm wood-aging texture. The wood needs to integrate with the fruit, so drink from 2018.

null

87

28

Bordeaux

Lalande de Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Sergant

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Sergant 2013 Lalande de Pomerol

US

A nice white wine to drink on a warm afternoon, at a picnic. It's definitely on the sweet side, but nice and crisp, with orange and pineapple flavors.

null

84

10

California

California Other

White Blend

Big House

null

Germany

Everything about this Riesling is elegant and balanced: Sweet-tasting, honeyed fruit and flower elements are countered by smoke and savory fennel notes. Rich, creamy textures are enlivened by a shock of lemon-lime acidity. Juicy yet refined, it lingers long with a kiss of sweet nectarine flavor.

Westhofen Aulerde Trocken

92

100

Rheinhessen

null

Riesling

Wittmann

null

Australia

This lush, full-throttle Cab is organically grown and includes 14% Petite Verdot. Intense mint, chocolate and blueberry aromas waft out of the glass. It's firm and tightly structured, but at once evenly textured and mouthfilling. Layers of tobacco, more mint, leather, chocolate and blueberry flavors coat the palate. Hardy tannins will soften with cellaring, but the fruit/acid/tannin balance is very good. It finishes long and complex, with that blueberry note. Editors' Choice.

Reserve

93

16

South Australia

Langhorne Creek

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Temple Bruer

null

Portugal

Smooth and ripe, it shows plenty of fruitiness with perfumed berry flavors, acidity and touches of wood. Although it lacks a bit in character, it is certainly an easy, rich wine to enjoy soon. Drink from 2015.

null

87

null

Tejo

null

Touriga Nacional

Quinta da Alorna

null

Italy

This vibrant white opens with delicate scents of white flower and tree fruit. The zesty palate offers lime, Bartlett pear and a hint of white grapefruit alongside racy acidity. A note of bitter almond backs up the finish.

null

88

21

Piedmont

Roero

null

Arneis

Cornarea

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cornarea 2014 Roero

US

Edelzwicker is an Alsatian term meaning noble blend, and is applied to any blend of white wine grapes. Here, it is Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling, capturing the floral aromatics and lightly oily mouthfeel of the former, along with the citrus and pear flavors from the latter two components. All in all it's an aromatic, floral, broadly flavorful and distinctive white wine.

Wirtz Vineyard Edelzwicker

88

28

Oregon

Willamette Valley

White Blend

Big Table Farm

null

Italy

This is a creamy and lush expression, with soft sweetness in the form of peach nectar and almond. The effervescence is soft and foamy.

Millesimato Extra Dry

85

19

Veneto

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Salatin

null

Salatin 2012 Millesimato Extra Dry (Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)

US

This Rhône-style blend of Syrah and Grenache is nice and dry, with a medium body that makes it feel just fine in the mouth. The acids and tannins are in balance. It's not especially concentrated, though, with peppery cherry flavors that finish quick.

Katie's Côte

86

20

California

Shenandoah Valley (CA)

Sierra Foothills

Rhône-style Red Blend

Amador Foothill Winery

null

France

A blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 10% Carignan, this opens with skin-driven, black-fruit aromas and accents of savory herbs and forest floor. The medium-weight mouth offers gripping yet fine tannins and a decadent richness to the black cherry core.

Syrousse

89

17

Languedoc-Roussillon

Côtes du Roussillon Villages

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau 2011 Syrousse Red (Côtes du Roussillon Villages)

US

With 15.7% alcohol, this Zin is just too hot, more like a spirit than a table wine. The black currant, cherry and chocolate flavors, enriched with sweet new oak, are admirable. But that alcohol sticks out like a sore thumb.

Estate

83

25

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Peju

null

US

You never quite know what you're getting in a “Pet,” but in this case the wine rises to the height of what the variety can do. It's very dark, and absolutely dry, with substantial tannins although it's soft in acidity. The flavors are ripe and rich. They range from black cherries through blackberries, coffee and chocolate, with a sprinkling of white pepper.

McNab Ranch

90

27

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Petite Sirah

Benziger

null

US

Shows enormous complexity of flavor, a wine that really impresses for its myriad blackberry, cherry, currant, cola, grilled meat, sautéed mushroom, violet and chocolate flavors. If the structure were more firm, it would be a perfect wine. But this is Paso Robles, where the wines will always be soft. A blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah.

Syrée

92

39

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah-Petite Sirah

Vina Robles

null

US

Out of Syncline's lineup of pure, varietal white Rhône-style wines, the Marsanne may be the most complete. It deals melon and Mandarin orange flavors, which are set amidst light, floral notes and supporting acids. Round and balanced, this is drinking quite well now, and it can be kept for another 2–3 years.

Boushey Vineyard

88

26

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Marsanne

Syncline

null

Spain

Match stick and sulfur notes fade into citrus and kiwi on an O.K. nose. Kind of late in its life already, this smells big and pulpy. Apple and bitter-melon flavors finish citrusy. Drink immediately.

null

86

17

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Valmiñor

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Valmiñor 2014 Albariño (Rías Baixas)

Italy

Notes of sour cherry and spice merge with bitter wood and green spice. This ripasso has character but is disjointed in places and awkward in the mouth with flat rubber flavors followed by bright cherry fruit on the finale. Imported by Small Vineyards LLC.

null

85

15

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Giuseppe Lonardi

null

Chile

A gritty, full-force bouquet is oaky, slightly lactic smelling, crusty and a little green. This blend of Carmenère and Malbec is mouthfilling, with tartaric bite and jumpy flavors of raspberry, plum and herbs. On the finish, it's herbal and mildly green like on the nose, with toughness.

Tribute Edicion Limitada Carmenère-Malbec

88

30

Colchagua Valley

null

Red Blend

Caliterra

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Caliterra 2010 Tribute Edicion Limitada Carmenère-Malbec Red (Colchagua Valley)

US

Great value for the price, with blackberry marmalade, moo shu plum sauce, tobacco, leather and pepper flavors that turn richly tannic and spicy in the finish. Shows lots of elegance and finesse.

Sixgill

87

10

California

California Other

Syrah

Shark Trust

null

US

This is a really nice Chardonnay. Sebastiani knows how to make a balanced varietal wine, and this clean, ripe Chardonnay completely satisfies, with fruity flavors and a rich balance of creamy oak, coastal acidity and spicy oak.

null

88

13

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Sebastiani

null

US

This is Côtes-du-Rhône, California style. A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Counoise, it's a dry, rich, full-bodied red wine, flooded with easy-to-drink cherry, blackberry, blueberry and oak flavors, and a wealth of Provençal rosemary, lavender and thyme. Drink now for its soft, youthful purity.

Côtes de Tablas

88

20

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Tablas Creek

null

US

Simple, dry and direct. The silky texture houses slightly green flavors of tea, cherries and cola. Ready now.

null

84

23

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Taz

null

Portugal

Continuing the succession of fine wines from Aveleda's Quinta da Agueira in Bairrada, this is a powerful, firmly tannic but ultimately smooth wine. It has big ripe swathes of dark plums, figs and refreshing sweet acidity.

Follies

92

18

Bairrada

null

Touriga Nacional

Aveleda

null

Italy

This wine delivers very ripe, almost jammy fruit aromas of cooked cherries and blackberries, cedar and old spice. The color is dark and concentrated with some brown hues and the mouthfeel is chewy, tart and dense.

I Creari

85

null

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Marco Cottini

null

US

This is drinking very well already, with a nicely evolved, meaty nose leading to sweet cassis and blackberry fruit. Dusty, spicy and complex, it displays a Bordeaux profile with less funk and more sweet fruit character.

Sagemoor Vineyard

89

29

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Winery

null

US

This is an excellent wine for the price. Aromas of lightly salted nectarines and pan-seared Asian pear are very inviting and pretty. There's a nice sizzle of acidity on the palate and a nervy tension, with lime juice and sea-salt sharpness leading into rounded almond and apple notes in the midpalate.

null

90

16

California

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Sextant

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Sextant 2014 Chardonnay (Central Coast)

France

A hint of honey gives this wine richness while keeping every bit of freshness. It has tangy acidity, a mineral character and apricot and mango fruit flavors. Drink now, although the wine will be better from early 2016.

La Demoiselle de Laballe

89

14

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

null

Gros Manseng

Laudet

null

France

This is a wine that is totally dominated by wood. So much so that there is little sign of fruit. Maybe it will integrate, but there is a question mark.

Cuvée

82

15

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Maison Bouey

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Maison Bouey 2011 Cuvée (Bordeaux)

Australia

This wine's elevated alcohol level (16.2%) gives it plenty of fullness on the palate, and combined with jammy fruit and superripe tannins makes for a slightly sweet palate impression and a creamy texture. It does offer waves of raspberry and blueberry fruit topped by hints of cinnamon and vanilla as well as savory undercurrents of grilled meat and tapenade. Drink now and over the next few years for its exuberant fruit.

Samantha's Garden

91

60

South Australia

Clare Valley

null

Shiraz

Two Hands

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Two Hands 2006 Samantha's Garden Shiraz (Clare Valley)

Portugal

A single-vineyard blend of Touriga Nacional and Merlot, this is a supremely dense wine. It is dark, almost black in color, concentrated both from rich tannins and wood aging. Its dark color is replicated in the dense dark character of the wine and its powerful fruits. Age this wine, don't drink before 2020.

Quinta da Viçosa TM

92

40

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

J. Portugal Ramos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

J. Portugal Ramos 2015 Quinta da Viçosa TM Red (Alentejano)

US

Dramatic in depth and structure, a cool-climate Syrah that will benefit from some time in the cellar. Deeply saturated in color, bone dry and full bodied, it offers ripe flavors of blackberries and black currants, with plenty of black pepper and sweet, chewy leather. Now, with decanting, and through 2013.

Dutton Ranch Cherry Ridge Vineyard

92

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Dutton-Goldfield

null

Australia

This is made in a full-blown style, with ripe peaches married to grilled nuts and plenty of toasty oak. Yet despite all of the fruit and oak intensity, there's crispness and structure as well, giving a sense of balance and elegance to the lingering citrus and cashew finish.

Reserve

91

60

Victoria

Yarra Valley

null

Chardonnay

Yering Station

null

Italy

This is a highly intense and thickly extracted wine from one of the area's most storied producers that boast blockbuster notes of black cherry, chewy fruit comfiture, milk chocolate and vanilla-oak. At the back are interesting bacon highlights.

null

91

75

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Allegrini

null

France

A moderate-weight, citrus-infused Chard with soft green apple and dandelion floral accents. A crisp, clean finish and medium acidity makes this an excellent choice for warm weather sipping.

null

86

14

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Chardonnay

Domaine de Fonfile

null

US

It's properly dry and brisk in acidity, with a light, silky mouthfeel framing sour cherry candy, cranberry and pomegranate flavors. Drink now.

null

87

30

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Windsor Oaks

null

Argentina

Earthy and warm on first take, with deep fruit and soupy side aromas. The palate is juicy and lively, with blackberry flavors as well as toasty accents. Round, ripe and generous on the finish, with brightness but also a syrupy side. All in all it's a good wine for the money.

null

87

11

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Zolo

null

US

A good, basic wine, this has a mix of fruity and vegetal aromas, tart cherry and watermelon flavors, firm texture with moderate tannins, medium body and a slightly astringent finish.

California Series

84

14

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Cambridge & Sunset

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Cambridge & Sunset 2013 California Series Pinot Noir (California)

US

This is a benchmark rendition of Pinot Gris. The flavors are fruit driven, with lime, apple and pear notes combining on the smooth, relatively soft midpalate. This is a consistent wine, even with its production level of 100,000 cases.

Signature

88

17

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Gris

King Estate

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

King Estate 2011 Signature Pinot Gris (Oregon)

France

Soft toast, almond skin, wood-grilled peaches and honeydew aromas carry through to the rich mouth. Creamy and full with balanced acidity and a cedary finish. A blend of 85% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc and 5% Viognier.

Alliance Blanc

87

24

Languedoc-Roussillon

Coteaux du Languedoc

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Château Malavieille

null

France

Crisp apple, grapefruit and almond notes give this wine great vitality and life. With its light, bright texture and fresh feel, it's a perfect apéritif.

La Grande Cuvée

87

20

Loire Valley

Saumur

null

Chenin Blanc

Domaine de la Perruche

null

Spain

Aromas of pine, rubber and rhubarb are austere, and so is the rest of the wine. The palate is run by acidity, which is sharp and scouring. Flavors are tart and underdone, with pie cherry and red raspberry. Sheering but admittedly cleansing, with surprising sourness.

Capricho

85

20

Northern Spain

Calatayud

null

Garnacha

Cruz de Piedra

null

France

Here's a fresh and approachable selection, with notes of crisp citrus, green melon and apple. There's a hint of sweet lemon on the palate, followed by a brisk, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.

Picpoul de Pinet

87

11

Languedoc-Roussillon

Coteaux du Languedoc

null

Picpoul

Domaine Delsol

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Domaine Delsol 2011 Picpoul de Pinet Picpoul (Coteaux du Languedoc)

Germany

Wide streaks of saffron, caramel and honey along with a deep mineral core hint to the maturity of this complex sparkling Riesling. Rich yellow cherry and peach flavors persist on the palate, buoyed by soft, delicate mousse and striking lemonade acidity.

Mülheimer Sonnenlay Brut Sekt

91

30

Mosel

null

Riesling

Max Ferd. Richter

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Max Ferd. Richter 2008 Mülheimer Sonnenlay Brut Sekt Riesling (Mosel)

US

Made from 100% Lake County-grown Riesling grapes, this opens with sweet aromas of nectar and golden honey. It's pretty and off dry (30 g/L residual sugar), remaining balance because of its crisp acidity.

null

88

13

California

California Other

Riesling

The White Knight

Virginie Boone

@vboone

The White Knight 2010 Riesling (California)

US

Pale copper colored, this wine is more focused on mineral than fruit expression, with aromas of wet stone out in front of citrus rind. The medium-bodied flavors dance lightly on the palate but still show concentration, texture and balance.

Edith Grenache Armada Vineyard

90

45

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Rosé

Cayuse

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Cayuse 2013 Edith Grenache Armada Vineyard Rosé (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

France

This textured, ripe wine shows the potential of Chardonnay in the Beaujolais region. The 2.5 acres of vines average seven years in age, so still have a lot of time to mature. Still, the wine has a tight, mineral character balanced by yellow and white fruits as well as refreshing final acidity. Drink now.

Roche Noire

90

35

Beaujolais

Beaujolais Blanc

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon 2014 Roche Noire (Beaujolais Blanc)

Italy

Stone fruit, mango, grapefruit and papaya characterize this refreshing and crisp Chardonnay from Alto Adige. The wine is streamlined and tonic yet offers the soft fullness usually associated with this popular variety.

null

87

null

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Chardonnay

Weingut H. Lentsch

null

US

This is a firm wine, tightly-wound, with whiffs of mineral and cement. Plum and cherry flavors mingle with notes of dried herb, earth and brown spice. The wine rolls along into a lengthy finish, with excellent body and balance.

Ribbon Ridge Estate

93

55

Oregon

Ribbon Ridge

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Trisaetum

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Trisaetum 2010 Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge)

Chile

The aromas are a touch prickly and sharp, and there's some heavy oak on the nose. But in the mouth it's more harmonious, with sweet fruit and more than enough barrel spice. The finish is simple and clean, so it fades away nicely. The only problem is a lasting salty, wood-dominated essence.

Reserva 1865

85

20

Maipo Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

San Pedro

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

San Pedro 2000 Reserva 1865 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)

US

Notes of buttered toast, butterscotch candy and caramel popcorn flavors dominate this wine. Underneath all that is a wine with pineapple, green apple and pear flavors, brightened with crisp acidity.

null

83

20

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Taft Street

null

US

A dark aroma like clove and wood smoke makes this full-bodied, ripe-tasting wine seem a little mysterious. It has ripe, easy blackberry and cedar flavors, a smooth texture and a very reasonable price.

null

87

11

California

Mendocino County

null

Zinfandel

Castle Rock

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Castle Rock 2013 Zinfandel (Mendocino County)

Italy

Made entirely with Sangiovese, this wine starts with scents of blue flower, plum, leather and spice. The palate delivers juicy black cherry and raspberry layered with vanilla and dark chocolate notes that add to the depth of flavors. The firm tannins are ripe and round, giving this structure but also a smooth texture.

Badia a Passignano Riserva

91

60

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Marchesi Antinori

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Marchesi Antinori 2009 Badia a Passignano Riserva (Chianti Classico)

Italy

From the Tenuta Costa group (that makes wine across Italy including Barolo in Piedmont), this easy red blend from southern Tuscany offers ripe cherry and strawberry with easy spice and tobacco.

null

87

null

Tuscany

Monteregio di Massa Marittima

null

Red Blend

Terre di Fiori

null

Terre di Fiori 2008 Monteregio di Massa Marittima

France

A lighter style, with a creamy texture and a crisp, youthful feel. Lemon and toast dominate, but there's a deep apple and mineral core lurking below. Imported by Remy Cointreau USA.

Brut

90

65

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Charles Heidsieck

null

Italy

This delicate but balanced wine has subtle white orchard fruit, Spanish broom and Mediterranean brush aromas. The racy, ethereal palate offers yellow peach, citrus and savory mineral notes, with lively acidity. It closes on a hint of almond.

null

88

28

Southern Italy

Greco di Tufo

null

Greco

Bambinuto

null

New Zealand

A light, dry style of Riesling—clean and refreshing—with simple green apple and citrus flavors. It's leaner and more linear than most Marlborough Rieslings, making it a solid bet with raw shellfish.

null

86

15

Marlborough

null

Riesling

Omaka Springs

null

Portugal

This is a ripe, smooth blend of Alvarinho and Chardonnay. The two complement each other well with yellow fruits touched by a more citrus edge and a rich character. It is fruity, full-bodied and ready to drink.

Point West

88

10

Lisboa

null

Portuguese White

DFJ Vinhos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

DFJ Vinhos 2015 Point West White (Lisboa)

France

Well-textured fruit—red plum skins, bright berries—floating on some tight tannins makes for good structure, the clean, fresh juicy flavors followed by a firm finish. Drink now, or keep for 1–2 years. Imported by Louis Latour Inc.

null

87

25

Burgundy

Maranges

null

Pinot Noir

Louis Latour

null

US

Three widely-separated vineyards from the Yakima, Horse Heaven Hills and Ancient Lakes AVAs are in the mix here. It's ready to drink, starting to dry out a bit but still with tart, fairly light berry flavors and plenty of leafy, woodsy grace notes.

Double Barrel

88

35

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Barrage Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Barrage Cellars 2009 Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Rich in flavor, although a little too soft and sweet. Shows flavors of raspberry and cherry pie filling, chocolate cream, vanilla, butterscotch and cinnamon.

Collusion

84

28

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Clavo Cellars

null

Germany

Delightfully fun and refreshing, this perlwein, or lightly sparkling white, is Germany's answer to Italian prosecco. Made from Müller-Thurgau grapes, it's gorgeously floral, but with a chalky, earthen tang. Sprightly acidity and a fresh, green touch lends vibrance to a moderately long finish.

Perlwein Trocken

90

19

Rheinhessen

null

Müller-Thurgau

Fritz Müller

null

Argentina

Consistency in the wine world is a virtue, and Cheval covers the consistency issue with ease. Aromas of earth, mushroom, leather and so forth add an Old World touch to this New World Malbec-Cabernet blend. It's healthy and even juicy on the palate, with blackberry, dark plum and tobacco flavors. An interesting wine that grabs and holds your attention. Drink now through 2012.

null

92

75

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Cheval des Andes

null

France

Ripe and soft, with a caramelized raspberry flavor. The wine tastes full, spicy and rich, despite its lower alcohol. With its texture, it is for food.

null

87

10

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château Montaud

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Montaud 2010 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

US

New Mexico and Riesling seem an unlikely combination but it works in this wine. Scents of almond, apricot and freesia lead to a slightly sweet palate that winds down to a short, soft finish. Drink up.

null

83

11

New Mexico

null

Riesling

St. Clair

null

US

This is a Rhône-style blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah, with smaller amounts of Viognier and Cinsault. The wine opens with appealing spices, but turns tart and stemmy in the mouth. The spiced plum fruit flavors compete somewhat unsuccessfully with bitter tannins. More bottle age should help.

Double Bluff

86

19

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Rhône-style Red Blend

Ott & Murphy

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Ott & Murphy 2008 Double Bluff Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Bone dry, firm in tannins and tartly acidic, this wine feels hard in the mouth. It shows flavors of cherries and cola, with a leathery finish. Elegant in structure, it may soften and sweeten over the next five years.

Stagecoach Vineyard

87

35

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Syrah

Lost Canyon

null

Spain

Oily aromas of almond extract and peanut butter are earthy, a tad briny and classic in terms of offering buttery, yeasty notes of flor. This feels round, oily and deeply textured. Flavors of almond skins, sea salt and dried stone fruits finish loud and long.

Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana Single Vineyard

92

30

Andalucia

Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda

null

Sherry

Bodegas Hidalgo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Hidalgo NV Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana Single Vineyard Sherry (Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda)

US

This powerful wine that also holds 5% Cabernet Franc shyly packs a punch. At first it comes off as elegant, soft and highly approachable. Faint notions of blackberry and black cherry are highlighted amidst a concentrated, tannic build.

Estate Grown and Bottled Unfiltered

90

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Signorello

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Signorello 2012 Estate Grown and Bottled Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

From the northernmost vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a fantastically interesting wine. Complex and compelling, with brilliant fruit flavors spanning the range from apricots and limes to peaches and guava. All this juicy flavor is boosted by bright and beautiful acidity. Viognier 61%, Marsanne 39%.

Mer Soleil Vineyard

93

25

California

Central Coast

Rhône-style White Blend

Treana

null

Treana 2001 Mer Soleil Vineyard White (Central Coast)

US

From a venerable Burgundian producer comes this earthy, spicy wine, with a body and texture that are unctuous and creamy. There's a whole fruit basket here, with everything from green apples to peaches to tropical fruit. What's harder to express is the wine's power to satisfy. Rich and lush, it swings for the bleachers and just misses, but it's a solid triple. Editors' Choice.

Mariage

91

20

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Martin Ray

null

US

Dry, acidic and harsh, this wine's cherry-skin flavors have a tannic bitterness. It tastes like an old-style Chianti, without the charm.

null

81

18

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Sangiovese

Mandolina

null

Portugal

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

Vinhas Velhas

91

26

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Casa da Passarella

null

Italy

Made with Sangiovese and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of blackberry, grilled herb, cedar and toasted oak. The palate offers raw cherry, vanilla, anise and a hint of espresso alongside dusty tannins that leave a drying finish. Drink sooner rather than later as the fruit is drying up.

Riserva

87

25

Tuscany

Chianti Colli Senesi

null

Red Blend

Farnetella

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Farnetella 2011 Riserva (Chianti Colli Senesi)

US

Lush and fruity, this has a raisiny, cooked prune quality to its fruit. It's sweet and roasted, easy-going, and fits in neatly with the winery's lineup of ripe, soft reds. But it could be almost anything in that lineup; it doesn't have any of the particular character that makes Washington Syrah so distinctive.

null

85

18

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Maryhill

null

Italy

With 24 months of careful oak aging under its belt, this bold Amarone does not hold back. The intense bouquet shows tones of bitter chocolate, ripe cherry and exotic spice. There's a touch of soda on the palate, with clove and cinnamon endnotes.

null

88

60

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Monteci

null

France

An easy, attractive wine that shows some of the very ripe, small berry flavors of 2003. Dense but sweet tannins balance the black fruits and the solid structure which lies underneath this rich wine. One of the three Lurton properties owned by Marie-Laure Lurton.

null

87

15

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Villegeorge

null

US

In this silky and seductive wine, integrated oak and tannin wrap around lilting waves of earth and rose petal, providing plenty of sensory intrigue. From several vineyards, including Wohler, it shines a light on the subtleties that can be coaxed from the appellation, along with a spectacular exuberance.

null

94

42

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Sojourn

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Sojourn 2013 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Portugal

From the producer's own vineyards in the Douro, this is a rich wine with plenty of firm tannins and a strongly mineral character. It has juicy red fruits that are balanced by acidity. The structure and dense tannins promise aging. Drink from 2018.

Domini

90

16

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

José Maria da Fonseca

Roger Voss

@vossroger

José Maria da Fonseca 2014 Domini Red (Douro)

Germany

A medium-bodied, slightly chunky Riesling, this lacks the elegance and finesse of the best Mosel wines, but still manages a tasty balance of sweet and tart, with apple, citrus and earthy notes all combining on the palate.

Spätlese

84

11

Mosel

null

Riesling

Rothburg

null

US

A dusty, cigar-smoke character on the nose of this blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon spices up aromas of strawberry fruit and rotting roses. The palate combines complex cranberry fruits with Kalamata olive, thyme and pencil lead.

Bilancio

88

40

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon

Pianetta

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Pianetta 2013 Bilancio Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon (Monterey)

Chile

Herbal raspberry and leather aromas create an obtuse nose. This is round, not overly exact in feel, and mild in acidity. Peppery flavors of raspberry and cherry end in dry, standard fashion.

Reserve

86

10

Maule Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Santa Alba

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Santa Alba 2013 Reserve Pinot Noir (Maule Valley)

Germany

A terrific kabinett, Loosen's 2007 WS offers slightly smoky, leesy notes upfront, then adds touches of white peach, pear, vanilla and a trace of cinnamon. It's round and lush on the palate, yet racy at the same time, finishing long and sweet, with a citrusy tinge to the flavors.

Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett

92

26

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

null

Riesling

Dr. Loosen

null

Portugal

A firm wine, with dark chocolate and coffee flavors. The fruit flavors are dark fig and stewed plums; there is a bitter edge to the tannins.

Reserva

85

20

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta do Grifo

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta do Grifo 2004 Reserva Red (Douro)

South Africa

Scents of cured meat and campfire take center stage on the nose, with secondary support from black plum and boysenberry aromas. A strong biltong and cardamom-spice flavor carries through onto the palate, and remains through the finish.

null

84

14

Coastal Region

null

Pinotage

Ernst Gouws & Co.

null

US

The closest thing in California you can get to a great French Chablis, this is absolutely dry, high in acidity and streamlined. It offers tantalizing citrus rind and peach fruit flavors, with a savory taste of cold minerals. Fans of rich, buttery Chardonnay will find it lean, but if you have a cellar, age it for six years and see how it evolves.

Portola Springs Vineyard Estate Grown

93

50

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Thomas Fogarty

null

Thomas Fogarty 2009 Portola Springs Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains)

Spain

Floral cherry and raspberry scents are moderately earthy. This has an edgy, tannic feel along with good plum and cherry flavors that don't falter or break up on a choppy, lightly candied-tasting finish.

null

87

12

Northern Spain

Cariñena

null

Tempranillo

Loca

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Loca 2013 Tempranillo (Cariñena)

US

Unusual for an inexpensive Cab of this age to hit the market, and it's a pretty good buy. Nothing complicated, but it's soft and smooth, and beginning to show that magical transformation when primary fruit develops bouquet and a dried fruit character.

null

86

16

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Prospero

null

US

Sweet and crisp like a good Port, with cassis and chocolate flavors. Needs extra fruity complexity to earn a higher score, but nice on its own as a late-night dessert sipper.

Port

86

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Petite Sirah

Madrigal

null

US

The grapes simply got too ripe, and the wine suffers from sugary-sweet cherry jam flavors with baked meringue, courtesy of well-charred oak. Those flavors are of course delicious, but the wine is direct and unageable.

Sangiacomo Vineyards

85

48

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Tandem

null

US

This is deeply saturated, lush, scented with violets, raisins and chocolate, still tight and spicy. Excellent depth and structure, with about one quarter of the oak new. It needs some breathing time, and as it opens it shows more Rhône-like flavors of blood and shrubby herb.

Ceidleigh

90

29

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Efeste

null

US

Here's a rich, densely layered Cab. It's showing complex flavors of black currants, dark chocolate and cedar. The tannins are a little edgy, giving the wine an astringent bite that could mellow out with mid-term aging.

null

87

30

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tamayo Family

null

Tamayo Family 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

I like the dryness of this wine. It shows good fruit, but isn't a fruit bomb, and the flavors are balanced by a good acid-tannin equilibrium. Has a harmonic elegance that persists through a satisfying finish.

Grand Reserve Mead Ranch Vineyard

90

22

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Villa Mt. Eden

null

US

This dense, richly thick wine is full of black pepper and leather flavors that complement its bright layers of black currant, plum and dark cherry fruit. Full bodied and balanced, it offers further complexity as it unwinds in the glass.

Stuhlmuller Vineyard

91

48

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Armida

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Armida 2013 Stuhlmuller Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Italy

It shows the classic aromas of Alto Adige Sauvignon including crushed tomato vine, just-mowed grass and exotic fruit. The crisp, juicy palate offers cantaloupe, green melon, yellow peach, a hint of spice and mineral, with fresh acidity.

Gfill

89

18

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Sauvignon

St. Pauls

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

St. Pauls 2013 Gfill Sauvignon (Alto Adige)

US

This is off-dry, roughly 2% residual sugar, and the sweetness is quite evident. It's rather fleshy for a Gewürzt, with honeysuckle, melon and peach fruit. There is a nice spiciness to the aroma as well, and it carries into the midpalate, lending a welcome streak of licorice.

null

87

9

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Gewürztraminer

Hogue

null

Portugal

A soft, lightly sweet style of rosé, flavored with strawberries and a touch of caramel. Fresh, and flavorful, with balancing acidity, this is a good apéritif wine.

null

85

11

Ribatejano

null

Touriga Nacional

Quinta da Alorna

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta da Alorna 2006 Touriga Nacional (Ribatejano)

US

This coastal, cool-climate estate wine is fresh and fruity, with plush tannins that feel velvety on the tongue. Cranberry, pomegranate and orange flavors provide complexity, complemented by black tea and forest floor notes.

Pastorale Vineyard Estate Grown

93

75

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Joseph Phelps

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Joseph Phelps 2014 Pastorale Vineyard Estate Grown Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)