spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Spain	This respected Bierzo producer's base-level Mencía is jumpy on the nose, with floral berry and plum aromas. It feels fresh and bright, with ample structure. Standard berry, plum and currant flavors come with notes of spice, while the finish is forward and fresh.	null	88	16	Northern Spain	Bierzo	null	Mencía	Luna Beberide	null	null	null
US	Just 44 cases of this fragrant and elegant reserve were made from the estate vineyard's oldest vines; at 35 years of age they have the grace and sensuous elegance that only time can bring. Give the wine a few moments to open and up come sweet minty notes, chocolaty oak and rather delicate flavors of raspberry and pomegranate, struck against metal, mineral and earth.	Olson Vineyard Old Vine Reserve	92	100	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Torii Mor	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Torii Mor 2006 Olson Vineyard Old Vine Reserve Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
Italy	Good with lightly grilled fish or chicken, this Sauvignon has less fragrance than other wines made from this naturally perfumed grape and more structure instead. Peach, passion fruit and pear appear over a creamy, firm finish.	null	86	18	Northeastern Italy	Colli Orientali del Friuli	null	Sauvignon	Colutta	null	null	null
US	Young, thick in the mouth, and sweet in briary fruit, this Syrah could be a sleeper. It's really too jammy now, with its wealth of cherries, berries, currants, chocolate and pepper. Unless you like this kind of immediate fruity pleasure, give it a sleep in the cellar. Better after 2009.	Grist Vineyard	87	34	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Bradford Mountain	null	null	Bradford Mountain 2005 Grist Vineyard Syrah (Dry Creek Valley)
Germany	Lemon in color, with pronounced floral aromas—elder-flower, honeysuckle and acacia—alongside white peaches and nectarines. There's a strong mineral focus on the nose. Sweet, yet deliciously crisp and juicy, with ample flavor concentration. Taut and lively, and has a long minerally finish.	Dhroner Hofberger Auslese ***	90	24	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Bollig-Lehnert	null	null	null
US	This full-bodied wine has a voluptuous entry that's slightly tropical in pineapple and Asian pear, as well as vanilla-layered oak. The expansive beginning segues smoothly into a higher-wire act of minerality, finishing fleshy and fresh.	null	90	40	California	Los Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Vine Cliff	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Vine Cliff 2013 Chardonnay (Los Carneros)
US	Tastes like a rustic Zinfandel, with spicy, briary flavors of cherries, blackberries, currants and dark chocolate. The tannins are somewhat green and angular.	Farneta	85	35	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Primitivo	Viansa	null	null	Viansa 2006 Farneta Primitivo (Carneros)
US	The Damaris Chardonnay has varied in grape sourcing over the years, ranging from Santa Maria Valley to Sonoma Valley. But with this new Sonoma Coast bottling, the wine has hit new heights. It's dry, brisk in acidity and tantalizing, with citrus and tropical fruit notes.	Damaris Reserve	92	35	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Landmark	null	null	Landmark 2011 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
US	This charming and refreshing wine has aromas like green apples. Richer flavors that suggest white peach accompany a tangy but smooth texture. Light to medium bodied, it is perfect for lunch or pre-dinner drinking.	null	87	18	California	California	California Other	White Blend	The White Doe	null	null	null
US	A solid wine for the price, this begins with honeydew and lime aromas. Flavors start with a spicy cinnamon apple before diving into buttered squash, melon and fresh lime, with a dash of salt.	Estate	91	15	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Castoro Cellars	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Castoro Cellars 2012 Estate Chardonnay (Paso Robles)
Spain	Few wines of this quality come from Zamora, and if you like top-flight Ribera del Duero or Toro reds then give this heavyweight a try. It's packed with earthy blackberry and licorice aromas that fall in front of a saturated palate sporting cola, berry syrup, chocolate and coffee flavors. Sweet and oaky on the finish. Drink now through 2014.	Cenit VDC Old Vines	92	115	Northern Spain	Tierra del Viños de Zamora	null	Tempranillo	Viñas del Cenit	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viñas del Cenit 2005 Cenit VDC Old Vines Tempranillo (Tierra del Viños de Zamora)
Italy	Artfully combines enormous power, complexity and finesse. Aromas and flavors include tar, roses, orange peel, cherries, anise, dried spices and earth, all in a rich, chewy wine that reveals the beginnings of elegance. Finishes long, with ripe tannins that need time to resolve. Try in 2015.	Rocche	93	45	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Aurelio Settimo	null	null	null
US	This fresh, softly mellow and creamy wine is utterly captivating with bright summer red-berry and tree-fruit, vanilla, cherry liqueur, brown sugar and toast flavors. Absolutely delicious now, it is a silky feast for the senses and should easily negotiate the next 8–10 years.	Olivet Lane Vineyard	92	75	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Williams Selyem	null	null	Williams Selyem 2011 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	Aged in both neutral oak and glass, despite a total production of 16 cases, this is the ultimate mini-micro boutique wine. Dusky cranberry and raspberry fruit shows a strong, underlying mineral/concrete note. Good length, and its tart youthful flavors suggest more time in bottle will improve it.	null	88	25	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Franc	Animale	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Animale 2010 Cabernet Franc (Yakima Valley)
US	From a cool, well-known site in the new appellation, this wine offers a complexity of coconut macaroon, clove and cinnamon. Well-formed flavors and aromas accent a moderate level of acidity and tannin, providing elegant balance.	Lot 598	90	32	California	Coombsville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cameron Hughes	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Cameron Hughes 2013 Lot 598 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coombsville)
Italy	Ripe blackberry, wild herb, menthol and a whiff of exotic spice lead the nose. The dense, full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, vanilla, toast and espresso alongside the warmth of alcohol and round tannins.	La Castella	88	34	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba Superiore	null	Barbera	La Fusina	null	null	null
US	A bit sharp, but saved by lush flavors of currants, mashed cherries and blackberries, and a drizzle of anisette, chocolate, black pepper and vanilla. The tartness could well age out, but a fine steak or cut of lamb will help to soften and balance.	null	90	75	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Crescendo	null	null	null
Australia	Shows a character similar to that found in some Monterey (California) Chards—combining tropical fruit with sweet corn and bold citrus. Drink now.	null	84	20	Victoria	Yarra Valley	null	Chardonnay	Sticks	null	null	null
Australia	A bit reticent on the nose, showing hints of struck flint, lime and custard, but this tightly coiled Chard shows its true brilliance in the mouth, revealing complex fruit flavors of lime and lemon, but also slightly riper notes: apple and white peach come to mind. The bright core of acids shines on the long, refreshing finish. Should age comfortably through 2015, at least.	Kevin John	91	75	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Chardonnay	Cullen	null	null	null
US	New Dijon clone plantings at this well-established vineyard have cut down the leafy herbaceousness of past vintages. This is delicate, clean, lightly ripe, with hints of fresh tomato and pomegranate. It is the sort of Oregon Pinot that truly emulates cru villages Burgundy; light, appealing, and ready to drink.	Seven Springs Vineyard	88	49	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Rex Hill	null	null	null
US	A troubled Pinot Noir. The mouthfeel is all wrong, lacking Pinot's sensuality, but marked by harshness. And the raspberry and cherry flavors have a green, minty edge. Not likely to age, so if you drink it now, give it a good long decant.	Floodgate Vineyard West Block	85	55	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Alysian	null	null	Alysian 2008 Floodgate Vineyard West Block Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
France	Creamy rose and peach puree notes create a very sensuous and seductive scent. The light-footed creaminess continues fluidly on the slender palate, helped along by a touch of flavor-boosting sweetness. But this is pervaded by freshness to finish off dry. Drink soon while flavors are at their peak.	Clos des Chartreux	90	20	Alsace	Alsace	null	Muscat	Robert Klingenfus	null	null	null
US	This wine is savory in style, with flavors of raspberries, orange peel and cola. Harsh in the mouth, with scoury acids and some abrupt tannins.	Premium Limited Edition	83	20	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Publix	null	null	null
US	Light and touched with white pepper and fresh herb, this juicy young Barbera actually tastes like the grape; it's not just generic. Flavors combine strawberry, sour cherry and tobacco leaf; there's a residual flavor of licorice in the finish.	null	87	null	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Barbera	Ryan Patrick	null	null	null
US	Huge, rich and flamboyant, this hasa sweetness at its core—like the essence of red and black currants, with an elaborate note of caramel imparted from smoky oak. Yet everything about it is utterly and properly dry. The vineyard is in St. Helena, not quite in the Spring Mountain appellation, yet showing the fruit concentration firm tannins of mountain-grown grapes. Just a stupendous wine; try after 2016.	Patzimaro Vineyard	96	95	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Duckhorn	null	null	null
Italy	Made by the three Lequio sisters, Donna Rossa Dolcetto delivers a traditional and linear style with good intensity and a fair level of complexity. There are loads of spice and fresh fruit aromas here and the wine is capped by some sour cherry flavors.	Donna Rossa	88	16	Piedmont	Dolcetto d'Alba	null	Dolcetto	Tre Donne	null	null	null
Australia	This would have turned out better with more delicate handling. The fruit seems to have some potential but it is drowned by a thick layer of oak that sits on top of the wine. The short, crisp finish has a sawdust character.	null	82	11	South Australia	South Australia	null	Shiraz	Cockatoo Ridge	null	null	null
US	Dry and elegant, this is not a blockbuster. It doesn't grab you by the collar and shake you with its power. Instead, it flatters with finesse. Crisp acidity and a silky texture house subtle cherry-skin, cola and spice flavors. It's a great companion for food that will complement it, not overwhelm it. Drink now–2015.	Reserve	91	40	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Topel	null	null	Topel 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir (Monterey)
Spain	Funky aromas are sweaty, foxy and feline in nature. This doesn't have a lot of feel or texture, while the flavors on this brut nature are a bit weedy and grassy. The fruit character is quite short on the finish.	M Marrugat Gran Reserva Brut Nature Millésime	84	20	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Pinord	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pinord 2011 M Marrugat Gran Reserva Brut Nature Millésime Sparkling (Cava)
Spain	Interesting and unique blends get bonus points, but in the long run this conglomeration of indigenous grapes from Mallorca is a touch too resiny and bland to really deserve a call out. But for soft melon and pithy flavors, and the fact that it's made from the obscure Prensal and Muscat, we like it well enough.	Quíbia	85	15	Spanish Islands	Vi de la Terra Illes Balears	null	White Blend	Ànima Negra	null	null	null
Spain	Subtle and sweet on the nose, it has aromas of honey, peach and melon. Standard nettle, gooseberry and slightly-mealy citrus flavors mark the palate. This finishes chunky yet easygoing. Drink immediately.	null	85	10	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Verdejo	Moonday Night Harvest	null	null	null
France	Salmon pink-colored wine that has crushed fresh strawberry flavors to go with the dense texture and tannins. Rich, full-bodied.	null	89	11	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Domaine Houchart	null	null	null
New Zealand	Pungent upfront, marrying freshly cut grass with hints of sweat and backing those scents up with bright citrus fruit. Flavors are musky and complex, adding fig and melon to the mix, all carried by a plump texture and a moderately long finish.	O:TU	86	16	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Otuwhero	null	null	null
Italy	A full-bodied Pinot Grigio aged in large casks, it starts with aromas of yellow flowers, golden apples, oak and vanilla. The structured palate offers toasted oak and hints of butterscotch alongside ripe pear, lemon drop and mineral.	Unterebner	88	29	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Grigio	Tramin	null	null	null
US	Rich, ripe and tropical, this calls to mind bananas soaked in cream. Round and lightly spicy, it's a forward, fruit-driven wine with a veneer of spice and toast, but enough acid to keep it lively.	null	88	18	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Chardonnay	King Estate	null	null	null
US	Shows the upfront fruit and oak of the popular style of Chardonnay, but earns extra points for dryness, acidity, creaminess and minerality. The fruit veers toward delicious pineapples. Drink now with rich shellfish, Ahi tuna, lobster risotto.	Reserve Bald Mountain Vineyard	90	30	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Martin Ray	null	null	Martin Ray 2008 Reserve Bald Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains)
US	This starts out with pretty fruit scents and a supple, almost silky entry. There's a strong cola streak that runs through the core, plus flavors of smoked figs and dusty spices. The finish turns slightly bitter, with a residue of scorched chocolate.	SV Estate	87	45	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Stoller	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Stoller 2009 SV Estate Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
US	Coming from a vineyard better known for its reds, this wine is a field blend of eight clones of the variety. It offers aromas of white grapefruit, oyster shells and whiffs of tropical fruit. Flavors are fleshy in feel while retaining tart, citric acidity.	Red Willow Vineyard	89	20	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Sauvignon Blanc	Savage Grace	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Savage Grace 2014 Red Willow Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Yakima Valley)
US	This small, estate-grown red from the eastern edge of St. Helena shows meticulous care taken both in the vineyard and cellar, with its remarkably soft, integrated tannin, especially in this warm, ripe vintage. Given just 2% Petit Verdot, it shines in black pepper, black cherry and a tiny suggestion of vanilla.	Estate	93	95	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Boeschen Vineyards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Boeschen Vineyards 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	Although this is Ste. Michelle's widely available Merlot offering, it breaks the mold by being held back a considerable time prior to release. It's an unusual wine, with scents of overripe, raisined fruit, a streak of tobacco and black licorice, a soft midpalate, and some bitterness in the finishing tannins.	null	84	16	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Chateau Ste. Michelle	null	null	null
Australia	A corpulent, satisfying red at a bargain price, Mt. Monster's 2007 Shiraz offers vanilla, mint and plum aromas, a supple, creamy mouthfeel and layers of dark, superripe fruit. Drink it over the next year or two.	null	88	13	South Australia	Limestone Coast	null	Shiraz	Mt. Monster	null	null	null
Italy	Vigneti di Foscarino is a beautiful Soave Classico with a rich and round personality followed by sophisticated aromas of stone fruit, melon and dried sage. There's a playful touch of piquant spice and freshness on the close.	Vigneti di Foscarino	91	24	Veneto	Soave Classico	null	Garganega	Inama	null	null	null
Spain	Ripe, oaky and showing aromas of coconut, vanilla, raisin and prune, this easily approachable Monastrell is full, dark and stretched wide, with proper acidity keeping things fenced in and focused. Sun-baked black-fruit flavors finish spicy and peppery, with mild heat.	Tarima	87	9	Levante	Alicante	null	Monastrell	Volver	null	null	null
US	Lots of smoky oak frames modest flavors of pineapples in this creamy wine. Production was 6,300 cases.	Logan	84	23	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Talbott	null	null	Talbott 2007 Logan Chardonnay (Monterey County)
US	What we have here is really a Cabernet-based blend, or a Meritage-style blend if you wish. It shows good structure, a stiff spine, some barrelly chocolate and caramel flavors, and a slight burst of heat in the finish.	Solea	86	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Des Voigne	null	null	null
New Zealand	From an interior subregion of Hawke's Bay, this shows classic oak-aged Pinot aromas of cherries, brown sugar and baking spices. It's medium in weight, with a suede-like texture and a savory, mocha-tinged finish. This is already showing a hint of bricking at the rim, so drink it over the next few years.	null	89	null	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Pinot Noir	Lime Rock	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Lime Rock 2013 Pinot Noir (Hawke's Bay)
US	Fresh fruitiness makes this an appealing medium-bodied wine. It has aromas like cucumber and white pepper and flavors like a mixed fruit salad. The texture is on the soft, almost sweet side.	null	86	18	California	Shenandoah Valley (CA)	Sierra Foothills	Sauvignon Blanc	Helwig	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Helwig 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Shenandoah Valley (CA))
US	Another in a string of fine Pinots from this producer. Shows real cool coastal influence in the brisk acidity, delicate structure and deep flavors of cherries and cola, which seem to have a long hangtime complexity. Very good, and should develop over the next 5–6 years.	null	92	44	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Freeman	null	null	null
Italy	A dark, ruby-colored rosé with aromas of blueberry, raspberry and fresh lavender flower. It's an intense wine with good complexity, density and long-lasting flavors of almond and berry fruit. Pair it with heavy fish dishes like cod or mackerel.	Piè delle Vigne Cerasuolo Rosè	87	40	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Cataldi Madonna	null	null	Cataldi Madonna 2005 Piè delle Vigne Cerasuolo Rosè (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)
US	Somewhat aloof now, this has grippy tannins that lock down the palate. Underneath the grip are complex flavors of juicy blackberry, plum sauce and exotic spice, with brooding earthy notes and sweet, smoky oak tones. Very fine, but one for the cellar. Give it at least 6–8 years, and it could easily go for another decade beyond that, gradually becoming more delicate, supple and complex.	Allen Vineyard	94	82	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Williams Selyem	null	null	Williams Selyem 2010 Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	Super-ripe, superoaky, and while these are potential pitfalls, Testarossa handles them with aplomb. The flavors really impress, offering a detonation of creamy, smoky oak and imposingly rich pineapple custard and crème brûlée. It's all balanced by zesty acidity. Drink this flashy Chardonnay now.	Brosseau Vineyard	92	39	California	Chalone	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Testarossa	null	null	null
Spain	Standard white-fruit and salinic aromas offer hints of apple and flower blossom. The mouthfeel is more round and full than most Basque wines, while the flavors are a blend of melon and peach. This is quiet and not overly flavorful on the finish, with a hint of seltzer and minerality.	No. 7	88	30	Northern Spain	Bizkaiko Txakolina	null	White Blend	Itsas Mendi	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Itsas Mendi 2011 No. 7 White (Bizkaiko Txakolina)
US	Scents of violets and savory herbs add complexity to tart, juicy red cherries and plums on this crisp, elegantly framed Cabernet Franc. A touch of menthol highlights a cool, acidic edge on the palate. Finishes moderately long with a murmur of fine-grained tannins.	null	88	20	New York	Seneca Lake	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Franc	Benmarl	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Benmarl 2012 Cabernet Franc (Seneca Lake)
Chile	Crusty aromas of herb, tar, black olive and baked black fruit set up the jumpy, high-acid palate, with flavors of herbal berry fruits, accented by green bean and pepper. Overall it's a hard, baked and oaky wine, with a strong herbal tilt.	null	85	20	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Arboleda	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Arboleda 2010 Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)
US	This kitchen sink blend combines 12 varieties, from Syrah and Malbec to Tinta Cao and Bastardo, and offers coffee, dark chocolate and beef char on the nose. More coffee arises on the palate along with blackberry, black cherry, unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla.	Jack Barret	89	null	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Proulx	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Proulx 2014 Jack Barret Red (Paso Robles)
France	This rich wine comes from the sheltered vineyards close to Mount Sainte-Victoire. The weight of the ripe fruit gives a full-bodied style with both acidity and a spicy, peppery character. This is a wine to hold for a few months and drink from late 2017.	null	91	17	Provence	Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire	null	Rosé	Domaine Houchart	null	null	null
France	Soft notes of rose petal and peach compote animate the nose. A restrained, floral medium sweetness envelopes the palate, shimmering with notes of honeysuckle and bitter grapefruit pith. Gently balanced, this wine has just the right amount of floral perfume.	Fronholz	92	64	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Domaine Ostertag	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Ostertag 2013 Fronholz Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
Germany	Fresh, tart pineapple and apple aromas seem touched with honey and wax on this dry, boldly structured wine. Slightly viscous in texture, it balances intensely concentrated flavors of pear and apple with swathes of fresh green herbs and a bright, sunny acidity. Powerful yet elegant.	Trocken	91	20	Rheinhessen	null	null	Grauburgunder	Thörle	null	null	null
Chile	The bouquet is neutral except for a spot of lemon-lime. The palate is clean and balanced, with decent weight and fresh acidity. Flavors of green fruit, scallion, mineral and herb fall off on the finish. Drink immediately.	null	86	10	Central Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Con Carne	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Con Carne 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Central Valley)
US	Aromas of vanilla, cocoa, cashew and dried herb start out light and elusive but open up over time. Meanwhile the cherry flavors are sweet and creamy in feel, backed by firm, somewhat dry tannins.	Reserve	89	20	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Canoe Ridge	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Canoe Ridge 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)
Chile	A racy, balanced type of Cabernet with aromas of graphite, black cherry and plum. That's followed by a fit palate with Cab-related weight and tannins but also a lightness of being. Tastes lightly herbal, but with plenty of red plum and berry notes and length. Juicy and fresh overall.	Reserva	88	12	Curicó Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Echeverria	null	null	null
Italy	This Soave Classico shows a luminous golden color and subdued aromas of dried herbs and white mineral or talc powder. More fruit tones appear in the mouth, especially peach and citrus, and the wine is bright and polished on the close.	Grisela	86	18	Veneto	Soave Classico	null	Garganega	Tessari	null	null	null
Italy	Barolo Colonnello is a determined, confident wine with a rich, succulent style and ripe aromas of blackberry, spice, sweet vanilla and polished black stone. The chewy mouthfeel also shows a precise stylistic choice and “the colonel” is richly opulent and enduring on the finish.	Colonnello	93	175	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Poderi Aldo Conterno	null	null	null
US	The winery's top cuvée is notable for its perfume of rose petals with a subtle whiff of body talc. Balanced and feminine, this soft and graceful wine glides across the palate with flavor highlights of cherries and plums. Drink now while it's at its best.	Lachini Family Estate	90	48	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Lachini	null	null	null
US	As tart in acids and zingy as cool-climate Chard comes, with bright, mouth-stimulating lime and kiwi flavors that finish dry and clean. There's a tiny bit of oak, but the fruit really stars in this tasty, affordable wine.	null	85	10	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Queen of Hearts	null	null	null
US	Delicious and spicy, if a little too soft in structure. Swamps the mouth with ripe, fruity flavors of cherries, raspberries, currants and cola, with lots of savory black pepper.	Estate	86	25	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Wellington	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	null	null	null
US	Drinking tough in acids and fresh young tannins now, this is one you want to cellar. But the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard has one of California's greatest track records, and these Pinots soften and sweeten for years. With ripe cherry, blackberry and spice flavors, Sanford's '05 will be at its best 2009–2012. If you open it now, decant.	Sanford & Benedict Vineyard	91	48	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Sanford	null	null	Sanford 2005 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
Spain	Rubbery and minty on the nose, this wine has cherry and raspberry scents in the background. It feels edgy, tannic and grabby, with roasted berry and a touch of bitterness. Clampy, drying and warm on the finish, it has an herbal edge.	Vendimia Seleccionada Finca Valdelayegua Single Vineyard Crianza	86	20	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Pradorey	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pradorey 2009 Vendimia Seleccionada Finca Valdelayegua Single Vineyard Crianza (Ribera del Duero)
US	Dark, full, generous and ripe to the far edge of elegance, this powerful Pinot is saturated with black fruits, annotated with fennel, pepper, smoke and espresso, the rich and varied flavors rolling right through a lush midpalate and on into a gently fading finish. Retasted over 24–48 hours, it continued to evolve and develop additional nuances. A wine to cellar for a decade or more.	Evenstad Reserve	94	65	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Domaine Serene	null	null	null
Italy	Moscato Rosato is a sweet sparkling rosé with a bright raspberry color and tangy layers of forest fruit and lemon soda. There's a sharp, almost pungent aspect to the effervescence that removes the heaviness or cloying quality of the wine's natural sugar content.	Rosato	83	14	Piedmont	Piedmont	null	Moscato	Tosti	null	null	Tosti NV Rosato Moscato (Piedmont)
Italy	Gold with copper hues, this opens with aromas of wildflower, tangerine zest and a whiff of crushed stone. The vibrant palate offers rennet apple, lime, ginger drop and a hint of mineral alongside mouthwatering acidity.	Santa Lucia	87	16	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Pinot Grigio	Primosic	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Primosic 2014 Santa Lucia Pinot Grigio (Collio)
Italy	Contempo is a fresh and lean expression of Nero d'Avola from western Sicily that opens with aromas of wild berry, rose petal and toasted almond. It's a simple red wine that would pair with pasta or easy meat dishes.	Contempo	87	null	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Abbazia Santa Anastasia	null	null	null
US	This succeeds where many Washington Sangios fail. It retains at least a suggestion of varietal character, with some delicate accents around strawberry fruit—black olive, smoke, tobacco and ripe but not heavy tannins.	null	87	17	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Sangiovese	Whidbey Island Winery	null	null	null
France	A light and elegant Malbec, soft and fruity with berry fruits and gentle tannins. It has a rounded, polished feel with light acidity at the end. Drink this year.	Gariottin Sélection	85	18	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Pelvillain Frères	null	null	null
France	With rich fruit that is balanced by tight acidity, this shows both the structure and the fragrant red berry flavor of the vintage. The acids cut through the wine to shape its freshness, highlighting its dark tannins. It needs to age for 4–5 years.	null	89	25	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Pierre de Montignac	null	null	null
US	Aromas of smoke, sawdust and herbs are followed by lighter-styled cherry and cranberry flavors with spice accents.	Aunt Lee	87	42	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Darby	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Darby 2011 Aunt Lee Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
Austria	Fresh, perfumed wine, its aromas of hedgerow fruits followed by white currant and soft peach flavors. Crisp, delicate and softened with finishing sweetness. Screwcap.	Rohrendorfer Gebling	87	23	Kremstal	null	null	Riesling	Felsner	null	null	null
US	Juicy aromas of black currant and other black fruits are followed by forward, sweet, lush fruit flavors. Grainy tannins provide the spine.	null	88	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Diversion	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Diversion 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	This has a somewhat high-toned and mineral-driven nose, offering notes of roasted squab and pheasant, sage and mocha ice cream. Spirituous alcohol and opulent fruit are the focus of the highly extracted palate. The acidity is present but relegated to the background, while the rather supple, mouth-coating tannins provide most of the wine's structure. The new oak is subtle. Drink now and for four more years.	Sans Plus Attendre	90	null	Languedoc-Roussillon	Côtes du Roussillon Villages Caramany	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Domaine Modat	null	null	null
US	Here's a rich, bone-dry Chardonnay that shows long hangtime flavors of peaches, apricots, tangerines, Meyer lemons, honeysuckle, custard and tangy minerals. It's brightened with crisp acidity. Super-drinkable.	Poseidon's Vineyard	90	24	California	Carneros-Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Molnar Family	null	null	null
US	About 30% was aged in new French oak, the rest in neutral wood. A bit closed, it offers tight, tart rhubarb and cherry fruit, with a fading wash of milk chocolate. It's a lighter style in a lighter vintage, but nicely balanced and drinking well.	null	88	35	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Trinity Vineyards	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Trinity Vineyards 2013 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
US	The Legacy bottling is sourced from 20-year old vines from the estate vineyard. Elegant and tart, this complex wine brings bright flavors of raspberry into focus with hints of biscuit, vanilla and milk chocolate. After being open a full 24 hours, it gained further complexity and fleshed out nicely.	Winderlea Legacy	92	75	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Winderlea	null	null	null
France	This overtly spicy wine is very intense, with a slight burn on the palate from the pepper flavor. Exotic white fruit and a hint of pomegranate are the flavors. It has a hard, final edge from its alcohol.	Sonnenglanz Grand Cru	87	null	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Jean Becker	null	null	null
Italy	Resin, nail polish remover and stewed prune aromas carry over to the concentrated palate along with blueberry extract and milk chocolate. Soft and round, with chewy tannins, it closes on an almond note. Drink 2015–2020.	Ca' Coato	90	52	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Red Blend	Antolini	null	null	null
Italy	Small percentages of other white grapes are added to this Brut Prosecco for extra depth and personality. The wine showcases aromas of stone fruit, white flower and loads of crushed mineral. It is lively and smooth with piquant bubbling on the close.	Vigneto Dirupo Brut	87	27	Veneto	Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Andreola	null	null	null
Italy	A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Montepulciano, Sangiovese and a drop of Petit Verdot, this has aromas of pressed blue flower, dark-skinned berry and toast. The firm, straightforward palate offers black currant, clove and a hint of tobacco. Fine-grained tannins proved the frame work.	642° Il Canapone	88	18	Tuscany	Maremma Toscana	null	Red Blend	Tenuta La Badiola	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Tenuta La Badiola 2013 642° Il Canapone (Maremma Toscana)
US	Feels a bit one-dimensional now, showing fruit and oak sweetness and ripe, forward cherry pie and spice flavors. Could age, but the simple structure suggests otherwise. Drink this southern Rhône-style blend now.	The Pick	86	40	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Terry Hoage	null	null	Terry Hoage 2007 The Pick Red (Paso Robles)
France	This smooth, vanilla- and apricot-flavored wine is round and fruity. It is generous and full bodied, with ripe fruit that's balanced by rich acidity. Fine, warm and opulent.	Réserve	88	12	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Blanc	Domaine Fernand Engel	null	null	null
Chile	A little rough all the way along, with olive, black cherry and blackberry aromas yielding to mildly tart berry flavors. Acidity is jumpy and twangy, making the wine a little hot and streaky. But that intensity will serve it well if you're drinking it with a burger or skirt steak. Imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits.	Casillero del Diablo Reserve	84	10	Central Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Concha y Toro	null	null	null
Italy	This classy Amarone spends 36 months in French oak to shape its compelling aromas of barbecue spice and soy sauce. There are background tones of cured meat, ripe berry and Indian spice that help color a long-lasting, soft and velvety mouthfeel.	null	91	55	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Villa Monteleone	null	null	null
US	A fairly priced varietal wine, this shows currant, cranberry, raisin and a flurry of allspice on the nose. It takes on rose petal and lavender aromas as it opens, making it all the more pleasant and memorable.	Dichotomy	90	29	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Friedeman	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Friedeman 2014 Dichotomy Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Italy	Suisassi is one of Italy's most interesting and unique expressions of Syrah. Made according to organic and biodynamic principles, the wine shows a hearty masculine side of ripe fruit and rich oak that is enhanced by subtle elegance and lingering power. It is definitely worth your attention.	Suisassi	92	110	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Syrah	Duemani	null	null	Duemani 2007 Suisassi Syrah (Toscana)
Spain	Bulky and ripe, with raspberry and punch-like aromas. If you like sweet notes like kirsch, sugar beets and coulis, this has it. Clearly the wine reflects the hot vintage, so it's soft, chewy and bent on sweetness. Good, but not an ager.	Tinto	86	9	Catalonia	Catalonia	null	Red Blend	Mas Marçal	null	null	null
France	This white wine seems to channel the stony soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, displaying aromas of crushed stone and melon. That's backed up by ample weight and more stoniness on the palate and a long, mouthwatering finish featuring hints of ginger and white pepper.	Château de Beaucastel	91	108	Rhône Valley	Châteauneuf-du-Pape	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Famille Perrin	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Famille Perrin 2013 Château de Beaucastel White (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
France	Raspberry Pinot Noir fruit is on fresh display. The wine is light, with the tight acidity of the vintage, but the varietal purity sings out.	Les Champs Longs	86	39	Burgundy	Chorey-lès-Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Laleure-Piot	null	null	null
US	Roughly half of this is Barbera, the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. The Cab firms up the tannins, but the fruit lacks substance and depth, and the chocolaty oak does not add much interest.	Innovation	84	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Locati Cellars	null	null	null
US	Bright, perky fruit stars in this lovely wine. It's ripe in pineapple and tangerine, with a rich, custard and meringue finish, but it's dry and complex. Easy to like.	Reserve	90	25	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Geyser Peak	null	null	null
Australia	Greenock is a highly regarded subsection of the Barossa, and this is a fine example of Shiraz from that region. It's a full-bodied yet well structured wine, with slightly dusty tannins framing meaty, savory notes, hints of mocha and black olive and tart, juicy berries. Drink now with a grilled steak, or age to 2015 and pair with roast beef or lamb.	Greenock	91	50	South Australia	Barossa Valley	null	Shiraz	Murray Street	null	null	null
US	A soft, easy wine for drinking now. Based on Grenache, it has cherry pie, mocha, red currant and baking spice flavors. Versatile for pairing with a wide range of foods that call for a medium-bodied red.	Espérance	86	25	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	G-S-M	Andrew Murray	null	null	Andrew Murray 2011 Espérance G-S-M (Central Coast)

Spain

This respected Bierzo producer's base-level Mencía is jumpy on the nose, with floral berry and plum aromas. It feels fresh and bright, with ample structure. Standard berry, plum and currant flavors come with notes of spice, while the finish is forward and fresh.

null

88

16

Northern Spain

Bierzo

null

Mencía

Luna Beberide

null

US

Just 44 cases of this fragrant and elegant reserve were made from the estate vineyard's oldest vines; at 35 years of age they have the grace and sensuous elegance that only time can bring. Give the wine a few moments to open and up come sweet minty notes, chocolaty oak and rather delicate flavors of raspberry and pomegranate, struck against metal, mineral and earth.

Olson Vineyard Old Vine Reserve

92

100

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Torii Mor

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Torii Mor 2006 Olson Vineyard Old Vine Reserve Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

Italy

Good with lightly grilled fish or chicken, this Sauvignon has less fragrance than other wines made from this naturally perfumed grape and more structure instead. Peach, passion fruit and pear appear over a creamy, firm finish.

null

86

18

Northeastern Italy

Colli Orientali del Friuli

null

Sauvignon

Colutta

null

US

Young, thick in the mouth, and sweet in briary fruit, this Syrah could be a sleeper. It's really too jammy now, with its wealth of cherries, berries, currants, chocolate and pepper. Unless you like this kind of immediate fruity pleasure, give it a sleep in the cellar. Better after 2009.

Grist Vineyard

87

34

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Bradford Mountain

null

Bradford Mountain 2005 Grist Vineyard Syrah (Dry Creek Valley)

Germany

Lemon in color, with pronounced floral aromas—elder-flower, honeysuckle and acacia—alongside white peaches and nectarines. There's a strong mineral focus on the nose. Sweet, yet deliciously crisp and juicy, with ample flavor concentration. Taut and lively, and has a long minerally finish.

Dhroner Hofberger Auslese ***

90

24

Mosel

null

Riesling

Bollig-Lehnert

null

US

This full-bodied wine has a voluptuous entry that's slightly tropical in pineapple and Asian pear, as well as vanilla-layered oak. The expansive beginning segues smoothly into a higher-wire act of minerality, finishing fleshy and fresh.

null

90

40

California

Los Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Vine Cliff

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Vine Cliff 2013 Chardonnay (Los Carneros)

US

Tastes like a rustic Zinfandel, with spicy, briary flavors of cherries, blackberries, currants and dark chocolate. The tannins are somewhat green and angular.

Farneta

85

35

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Primitivo

Viansa

null

Viansa 2006 Farneta Primitivo (Carneros)

US

The Damaris Chardonnay has varied in grape sourcing over the years, ranging from Santa Maria Valley to Sonoma Valley. But with this new Sonoma Coast bottling, the wine has hit new heights. It's dry, brisk in acidity and tantalizing, with citrus and tropical fruit notes.

Damaris Reserve

92

35

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Landmark

null

Landmark 2011 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

US

This charming and refreshing wine has aromas like green apples. Richer flavors that suggest white peach accompany a tangy but smooth texture. Light to medium bodied, it is perfect for lunch or pre-dinner drinking.

null

87

18

California

California Other

White Blend

The White Doe

null

US

A solid wine for the price, this begins with honeydew and lime aromas. Flavors start with a spicy cinnamon apple before diving into buttered squash, melon and fresh lime, with a dash of salt.

Estate

91

15

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Castoro Cellars

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Castoro Cellars 2012 Estate Chardonnay (Paso Robles)

Spain

Few wines of this quality come from Zamora, and if you like top-flight Ribera del Duero or Toro reds then give this heavyweight a try. It's packed with earthy blackberry and licorice aromas that fall in front of a saturated palate sporting cola, berry syrup, chocolate and coffee flavors. Sweet and oaky on the finish. Drink now through 2014.

Cenit VDC Old Vines

92

115

Northern Spain

Tierra del Viños de Zamora

null

Tempranillo

Viñas del Cenit

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viñas del Cenit 2005 Cenit VDC Old Vines Tempranillo (Tierra del Viños de Zamora)

Italy

Artfully combines enormous power, complexity and finesse. Aromas and flavors include tar, roses, orange peel, cherries, anise, dried spices and earth, all in a rich, chewy wine that reveals the beginnings of elegance. Finishes long, with ripe tannins that need time to resolve. Try in 2015.

Rocche

93

45

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Aurelio Settimo

null

US

This fresh, softly mellow and creamy wine is utterly captivating with bright summer red-berry and tree-fruit, vanilla, cherry liqueur, brown sugar and toast flavors. Absolutely delicious now, it is a silky feast for the senses and should easily negotiate the next 8–10 years.

Olivet Lane Vineyard

92

75

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Williams Selyem

null

Williams Selyem 2011 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

Aged in both neutral oak and glass, despite a total production of 16 cases, this is the ultimate mini-micro boutique wine. Dusky cranberry and raspberry fruit shows a strong, underlying mineral/concrete note. Good length, and its tart youthful flavors suggest more time in bottle will improve it.

null

88

25

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Franc

Animale

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Animale 2010 Cabernet Franc (Yakima Valley)

US

From a cool, well-known site in the new appellation, this wine offers a complexity of coconut macaroon, clove and cinnamon. Well-formed flavors and aromas accent a moderate level of acidity and tannin, providing elegant balance.

Lot 598

90

32

California

Coombsville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cameron Hughes

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Cameron Hughes 2013 Lot 598 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coombsville)

Italy

Ripe blackberry, wild herb, menthol and a whiff of exotic spice lead the nose. The dense, full-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, vanilla, toast and espresso alongside the warmth of alcohol and round tannins.

La Castella

88

34

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba Superiore

null

Barbera

La Fusina

null

US

A bit sharp, but saved by lush flavors of currants, mashed cherries and blackberries, and a drizzle of anisette, chocolate, black pepper and vanilla. The tartness could well age out, but a fine steak or cut of lamb will help to soften and balance.

null

90

75

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Crescendo

null

Australia

Shows a character similar to that found in some Monterey (California) Chards—combining tropical fruit with sweet corn and bold citrus. Drink now.

null

84

20

Victoria

Yarra Valley

null

Chardonnay

Sticks

null

Australia

A bit reticent on the nose, showing hints of struck flint, lime and custard, but this tightly coiled Chard shows its true brilliance in the mouth, revealing complex fruit flavors of lime and lemon, but also slightly riper notes: apple and white peach come to mind. The bright core of acids shines on the long, refreshing finish. Should age comfortably through 2015, at least.

Kevin John

91

75

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Chardonnay

Cullen

null

US

New Dijon clone plantings at this well-established vineyard have cut down the leafy herbaceousness of past vintages. This is delicate, clean, lightly ripe, with hints of fresh tomato and pomegranate. It is the sort of Oregon Pinot that truly emulates cru villages Burgundy; light, appealing, and ready to drink.

Seven Springs Vineyard

88

49

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Rex Hill

null

US

A troubled Pinot Noir. The mouthfeel is all wrong, lacking Pinot's sensuality, but marked by harshness. And the raspberry and cherry flavors have a green, minty edge. Not likely to age, so if you drink it now, give it a good long decant.

Floodgate Vineyard West Block

85

55

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Alysian

null

Alysian 2008 Floodgate Vineyard West Block Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

France

Creamy rose and peach puree notes create a very sensuous and seductive scent. The light-footed creaminess continues fluidly on the slender palate, helped along by a touch of flavor-boosting sweetness. But this is pervaded by freshness to finish off dry. Drink soon while flavors are at their peak.

Clos des Chartreux

90

20

Alsace

null

Muscat

Robert Klingenfus

null

US

This wine is savory in style, with flavors of raspberries, orange peel and cola. Harsh in the mouth, with scoury acids and some abrupt tannins.

Premium Limited Edition

83

20

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Publix

null

US

Light and touched with white pepper and fresh herb, this juicy young Barbera actually tastes like the grape; it's not just generic. Flavors combine strawberry, sour cherry and tobacco leaf; there's a residual flavor of licorice in the finish.

null

87

null

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Barbera

Ryan Patrick

null

US

Huge, rich and flamboyant, this hasa sweetness at its core—like the essence of red and black currants, with an elaborate note of caramel imparted from smoky oak. Yet everything about it is utterly and properly dry. The vineyard is in St. Helena, not quite in the Spring Mountain appellation, yet showing the fruit concentration firm tannins of mountain-grown grapes. Just a stupendous wine; try after 2016.

Patzimaro Vineyard

96

95

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Duckhorn

null

Italy

Made by the three Lequio sisters, Donna Rossa Dolcetto delivers a traditional and linear style with good intensity and a fair level of complexity. There are loads of spice and fresh fruit aromas here and the wine is capped by some sour cherry flavors.

Donna Rossa

88

16

Piedmont

Dolcetto d'Alba

null

Dolcetto

Tre Donne

null

Australia

This would have turned out better with more delicate handling. The fruit seems to have some potential but it is drowned by a thick layer of oak that sits on top of the wine. The short, crisp finish has a sawdust character.

null

82

11

South Australia

null

Shiraz

Cockatoo Ridge

null

US

Dry and elegant, this is not a blockbuster. It doesn't grab you by the collar and shake you with its power. Instead, it flatters with finesse. Crisp acidity and a silky texture house subtle cherry-skin, cola and spice flavors. It's a great companion for food that will complement it, not overwhelm it. Drink now–2015.

Reserve

91

40

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Topel

null

Topel 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir (Monterey)

Spain

Funky aromas are sweaty, foxy and feline in nature. This doesn't have a lot of feel or texture, while the flavors on this brut nature are a bit weedy and grassy. The fruit character is quite short on the finish.

M Marrugat Gran Reserva Brut Nature Millésime

84

20

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Pinord

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pinord 2011 M Marrugat Gran Reserva Brut Nature Millésime Sparkling (Cava)

Spain

Interesting and unique blends get bonus points, but in the long run this conglomeration of indigenous grapes from Mallorca is a touch too resiny and bland to really deserve a call out. But for soft melon and pithy flavors, and the fact that it's made from the obscure Prensal and Muscat, we like it well enough.

Quíbia

85

15

Spanish Islands

Vi de la Terra Illes Balears

null

White Blend

Ànima Negra

null

Spain

Subtle and sweet on the nose, it has aromas of honey, peach and melon. Standard nettle, gooseberry and slightly-mealy citrus flavors mark the palate. This finishes chunky yet easygoing. Drink immediately.

null

85

10

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Verdejo

Moonday Night Harvest

null

France

Salmon pink-colored wine that has crushed fresh strawberry flavors to go with the dense texture and tannins. Rich, full-bodied.

null

89

11

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Domaine Houchart

null

New Zealand

Pungent upfront, marrying freshly cut grass with hints of sweat and backing those scents up with bright citrus fruit. Flavors are musky and complex, adding fig and melon to the mix, all carried by a plump texture and a moderately long finish.

O:TU

86

16

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Otuwhero

null

Italy

A full-bodied Pinot Grigio aged in large casks, it starts with aromas of yellow flowers, golden apples, oak and vanilla. The structured palate offers toasted oak and hints of butterscotch alongside ripe pear, lemon drop and mineral.

Unterebner

88

29

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Grigio

Tramin

null

US

Rich, ripe and tropical, this calls to mind bananas soaked in cream. Round and lightly spicy, it's a forward, fruit-driven wine with a veneer of spice and toast, but enough acid to keep it lively.

null

88

18

Oregon

Oregon Other

Chardonnay

King Estate

null

US

Shows the upfront fruit and oak of the popular style of Chardonnay, but earns extra points for dryness, acidity, creaminess and minerality. The fruit veers toward delicious pineapples. Drink now with rich shellfish, Ahi tuna, lobster risotto.

Reserve Bald Mountain Vineyard

90

30

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Martin Ray

null

Martin Ray 2008 Reserve Bald Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains)

US

This starts out with pretty fruit scents and a supple, almost silky entry. There's a strong cola streak that runs through the core, plus flavors of smoked figs and dusty spices. The finish turns slightly bitter, with a residue of scorched chocolate.

SV Estate

87

45

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Stoller

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Stoller 2009 SV Estate Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

US

Coming from a vineyard better known for its reds, this wine is a field blend of eight clones of the variety. It offers aromas of white grapefruit, oyster shells and whiffs of tropical fruit. Flavors are fleshy in feel while retaining tart, citric acidity.

Red Willow Vineyard

89

20

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Savage Grace

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Savage Grace 2014 Red Willow Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Yakima Valley)

US

This small, estate-grown red from the eastern edge of St. Helena shows meticulous care taken both in the vineyard and cellar, with its remarkably soft, integrated tannin, especially in this warm, ripe vintage. Given just 2% Petit Verdot, it shines in black pepper, black cherry and a tiny suggestion of vanilla.

Estate

93

95

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Boeschen Vineyards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Boeschen Vineyards 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

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

null

84

16

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Chateau Ste. Michelle

null

Australia

A corpulent, satisfying red at a bargain price, Mt. Monster's 2007 Shiraz offers vanilla, mint and plum aromas, a supple, creamy mouthfeel and layers of dark, superripe fruit. Drink it over the next year or two.

null

88

13

South Australia

Limestone Coast

null

Shiraz

Mt. Monster

null

Italy

Vigneti di Foscarino is a beautiful Soave Classico with a rich and round personality followed by sophisticated aromas of stone fruit, melon and dried sage. There's a playful touch of piquant spice and freshness on the close.

Vigneti di Foscarino

91

24

Veneto

Soave Classico

null

Garganega

Inama

null

Spain

Ripe, oaky and showing aromas of coconut, vanilla, raisin and prune, this easily approachable Monastrell is full, dark and stretched wide, with proper acidity keeping things fenced in and focused. Sun-baked black-fruit flavors finish spicy and peppery, with mild heat.

Tarima

87

9

Levante

Alicante

null

Monastrell

Volver

null

US

Lots of smoky oak frames modest flavors of pineapples in this creamy wine. Production was 6,300 cases.

Logan

84

23

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Talbott

null

Talbott 2007 Logan Chardonnay (Monterey County)

US

What we have here is really a Cabernet-based blend, or a Meritage-style blend if you wish. It shows good structure, a stiff spine, some barrelly chocolate and caramel flavors, and a slight burst of heat in the finish.

Solea

86

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Des Voigne

null

New Zealand

From an interior subregion of Hawke's Bay, this shows classic oak-aged Pinot aromas of cherries, brown sugar and baking spices. It's medium in weight, with a suede-like texture and a savory, mocha-tinged finish. This is already showing a hint of bricking at the rim, so drink it over the next few years.

null

89

null

Hawke's Bay

null

Pinot Noir

Lime Rock

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Lime Rock 2013 Pinot Noir (Hawke's Bay)

US

Fresh fruitiness makes this an appealing medium-bodied wine. It has aromas like cucumber and white pepper and flavors like a mixed fruit salad. The texture is on the soft, almost sweet side.

null

86

18

California

Shenandoah Valley (CA)

Sierra Foothills

Sauvignon Blanc

Helwig

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Helwig 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

US

Another in a string of fine Pinots from this producer. Shows real cool coastal influence in the brisk acidity, delicate structure and deep flavors of cherries and cola, which seem to have a long hangtime complexity. Very good, and should develop over the next 5–6 years.

null

92

44

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Freeman

null

Italy

A dark, ruby-colored rosé with aromas of blueberry, raspberry and fresh lavender flower. It's an intense wine with good complexity, density and long-lasting flavors of almond and berry fruit. Pair it with heavy fish dishes like cod or mackerel.

Piè delle Vigne Cerasuolo Rosè

87

40

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Cataldi Madonna

null

Cataldi Madonna 2005 Piè delle Vigne Cerasuolo Rosè (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)

US

Somewhat aloof now, this has grippy tannins that lock down the palate. Underneath the grip are complex flavors of juicy blackberry, plum sauce and exotic spice, with brooding earthy notes and sweet, smoky oak tones. Very fine, but one for the cellar. Give it at least 6–8 years, and it could easily go for another decade beyond that, gradually becoming more delicate, supple and complex.

Allen Vineyard

94

82

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Williams Selyem

null

Williams Selyem 2010 Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

Super-ripe, superoaky, and while these are potential pitfalls, Testarossa handles them with aplomb. The flavors really impress, offering a detonation of creamy, smoky oak and imposingly rich pineapple custard and crème brûlée. It's all balanced by zesty acidity. Drink this flashy Chardonnay now.

Brosseau Vineyard

92

39

California

Chalone

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Testarossa

null

Spain

Standard white-fruit and salinic aromas offer hints of apple and flower blossom. The mouthfeel is more round and full than most Basque wines, while the flavors are a blend of melon and peach. This is quiet and not overly flavorful on the finish, with a hint of seltzer and minerality.

No. 7

88

30

Northern Spain

Bizkaiko Txakolina

null

White Blend

Itsas Mendi

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Itsas Mendi 2011 No. 7 White (Bizkaiko Txakolina)

US

Scents of violets and savory herbs add complexity to tart, juicy red cherries and plums on this crisp, elegantly framed Cabernet Franc. A touch of menthol highlights a cool, acidic edge on the palate. Finishes moderately long with a murmur of fine-grained tannins.

null

88

20

New York

Seneca Lake

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Franc

Benmarl

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Benmarl 2012 Cabernet Franc (Seneca Lake)

Chile

Crusty aromas of herb, tar, black olive and baked black fruit set up the jumpy, high-acid palate, with flavors of herbal berry fruits, accented by green bean and pepper. Overall it's a hard, baked and oaky wine, with a strong herbal tilt.

null

85

20

Colchagua Valley

null

Carmenère

Arboleda

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Arboleda 2010 Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)

US

This kitchen sink blend combines 12 varieties, from Syrah and Malbec to Tinta Cao and Bastardo, and offers coffee, dark chocolate and beef char on the nose. More coffee arises on the palate along with blackberry, black cherry, unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla.

Jack Barret

89

null

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Proulx

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Proulx 2014 Jack Barret Red (Paso Robles)

France

This rich wine comes from the sheltered vineyards close to Mount Sainte-Victoire. The weight of the ripe fruit gives a full-bodied style with both acidity and a spicy, peppery character. This is a wine to hold for a few months and drink from late 2017.

null

91

17

Provence

Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire

null

Rosé

Domaine Houchart

null

France

Soft notes of rose petal and peach compote animate the nose. A restrained, floral medium sweetness envelopes the palate, shimmering with notes of honeysuckle and bitter grapefruit pith. Gently balanced, this wine has just the right amount of floral perfume.

Fronholz

92

64

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Domaine Ostertag

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Ostertag 2013 Fronholz Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

Germany

Fresh, tart pineapple and apple aromas seem touched with honey and wax on this dry, boldly structured wine. Slightly viscous in texture, it balances intensely concentrated flavors of pear and apple with swathes of fresh green herbs and a bright, sunny acidity. Powerful yet elegant.

Trocken

91

20

Rheinhessen

null

Grauburgunder

Thörle

null

Chile

The bouquet is neutral except for a spot of lemon-lime. The palate is clean and balanced, with decent weight and fresh acidity. Flavors of green fruit, scallion, mineral and herb fall off on the finish. Drink immediately.

null

86

10

Central Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Con Carne

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Con Carne 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Central Valley)

US

Aromas of vanilla, cocoa, cashew and dried herb start out light and elusive but open up over time. Meanwhile the cherry flavors are sweet and creamy in feel, backed by firm, somewhat dry tannins.

Reserve

89

20

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Canoe Ridge

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Canoe Ridge 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)

Chile

A racy, balanced type of Cabernet with aromas of graphite, black cherry and plum. That's followed by a fit palate with Cab-related weight and tannins but also a lightness of being. Tastes lightly herbal, but with plenty of red plum and berry notes and length. Juicy and fresh overall.

Reserva

88

12

Curicó Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Echeverria

null

Italy

This Soave Classico shows a luminous golden color and subdued aromas of dried herbs and white mineral or talc powder. More fruit tones appear in the mouth, especially peach and citrus, and the wine is bright and polished on the close.

Grisela

86

18

Veneto

Soave Classico

null

Garganega

Tessari

null

Italy

Barolo Colonnello is a determined, confident wine with a rich, succulent style and ripe aromas of blackberry, spice, sweet vanilla and polished black stone. The chewy mouthfeel also shows a precise stylistic choice and “the colonel” is richly opulent and enduring on the finish.

Colonnello

93

175

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Poderi Aldo Conterno

null

US

The winery's top cuvée is notable for its perfume of rose petals with a subtle whiff of body talc. Balanced and feminine, this soft and graceful wine glides across the palate with flavor highlights of cherries and plums. Drink now while it's at its best.

Lachini Family Estate

90

48

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Lachini

null

US

As tart in acids and zingy as cool-climate Chard comes, with bright, mouth-stimulating lime and kiwi flavors that finish dry and clean. There's a tiny bit of oak, but the fruit really stars in this tasty, affordable wine.

null

85

10

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Queen of Hearts

null

US

Delicious and spicy, if a little too soft in structure. Swamps the mouth with ripe, fruity flavors of cherries, raspberries, currants and cola, with lots of savory black pepper.

Estate

86

25

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Wellington

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

null

US

Drinking tough in acids and fresh young tannins now, this is one you want to cellar. But the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard has one of California's greatest track records, and these Pinots soften and sweeten for years. With ripe cherry, blackberry and spice flavors, Sanford's '05 will be at its best 2009–2012. If you open it now, decant.

Sanford & Benedict Vineyard

91

48

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Sanford

null

Sanford 2005 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

Spain

Rubbery and minty on the nose, this wine has cherry and raspberry scents in the background. It feels edgy, tannic and grabby, with roasted berry and a touch of bitterness. Clampy, drying and warm on the finish, it has an herbal edge.

Vendimia Seleccionada Finca Valdelayegua Single Vineyard Crianza

86

20

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Pradorey

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pradorey 2009 Vendimia Seleccionada Finca Valdelayegua Single Vineyard Crianza (Ribera del Duero)

US

Dark, full, generous and ripe to the far edge of elegance, this powerful Pinot is saturated with black fruits, annotated with fennel, pepper, smoke and espresso, the rich and varied flavors rolling right through a lush midpalate and on into a gently fading finish. Retasted over 24–48 hours, it continued to evolve and develop additional nuances. A wine to cellar for a decade or more.

Evenstad Reserve

94

65

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Domaine Serene

null

Italy

Moscato Rosato is a sweet sparkling rosé with a bright raspberry color and tangy layers of forest fruit and lemon soda. There's a sharp, almost pungent aspect to the effervescence that removes the heaviness or cloying quality of the wine's natural sugar content.

Rosato

83

14

Piedmont

null

Moscato

Tosti

null

Tosti NV Rosato Moscato (Piedmont)

Italy

Gold with copper hues, this opens with aromas of wildflower, tangerine zest and a whiff of crushed stone. The vibrant palate offers rennet apple, lime, ginger drop and a hint of mineral alongside mouthwatering acidity.

Santa Lucia

87

16

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Pinot Grigio

Primosic

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Primosic 2014 Santa Lucia Pinot Grigio (Collio)

Italy

Contempo is a fresh and lean expression of Nero d'Avola from western Sicily that opens with aromas of wild berry, rose petal and toasted almond. It's a simple red wine that would pair with pasta or easy meat dishes.

Contempo

87

null

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Abbazia Santa Anastasia

null

US

This succeeds where many Washington Sangios fail. It retains at least a suggestion of varietal character, with some delicate accents around strawberry fruit—black olive, smoke, tobacco and ripe but not heavy tannins.

null

87

17

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Sangiovese

Whidbey Island Winery

null

France

A light and elegant Malbec, soft and fruity with berry fruits and gentle tannins. It has a rounded, polished feel with light acidity at the end. Drink this year.

Gariottin Sélection

85

18

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Pelvillain Frères

null

France

With rich fruit that is balanced by tight acidity, this shows both the structure and the fragrant red berry flavor of the vintage. The acids cut through the wine to shape its freshness, highlighting its dark tannins. It needs to age for 4–5 years.

null

89

25

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Pierre de Montignac

null

US

Aromas of smoke, sawdust and herbs are followed by lighter-styled cherry and cranberry flavors with spice accents.

Aunt Lee

87

42

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Darby

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Darby 2011 Aunt Lee Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Austria

Fresh, perfumed wine, its aromas of hedgerow fruits followed by white currant and soft peach flavors. Crisp, delicate and softened with finishing sweetness. Screwcap.

Rohrendorfer Gebling

87

23

Kremstal

null

Riesling

Felsner

null

US

Juicy aromas of black currant and other black fruits are followed by forward, sweet, lush fruit flavors. Grainy tannins provide the spine.

null

88

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Diversion

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Diversion 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

This has a somewhat high-toned and mineral-driven nose, offering notes of roasted squab and pheasant, sage and mocha ice cream. Spirituous alcohol and opulent fruit are the focus of the highly extracted palate. The acidity is present but relegated to the background, while the rather supple, mouth-coating tannins provide most of the wine's structure. The new oak is subtle. Drink now and for four more years.

Sans Plus Attendre

90

null

Languedoc-Roussillon

Côtes du Roussillon Villages Caramany

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Domaine Modat

null

US

Here's a rich, bone-dry Chardonnay that shows long hangtime flavors of peaches, apricots, tangerines, Meyer lemons, honeysuckle, custard and tangy minerals. It's brightened with crisp acidity. Super-drinkable.

Poseidon's Vineyard

90

24

California

Carneros-Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Molnar Family

null

US

About 30% was aged in new French oak, the rest in neutral wood. A bit closed, it offers tight, tart rhubarb and cherry fruit, with a fading wash of milk chocolate. It's a lighter style in a lighter vintage, but nicely balanced and drinking well.

null

88

35

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Trinity Vineyards

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Trinity Vineyards 2013 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

US

The Legacy bottling is sourced from 20-year old vines from the estate vineyard. Elegant and tart, this complex wine brings bright flavors of raspberry into focus with hints of biscuit, vanilla and milk chocolate. After being open a full 24 hours, it gained further complexity and fleshed out nicely.

Winderlea Legacy

92

75

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Winderlea

null

France

This overtly spicy wine is very intense, with a slight burn on the palate from the pepper flavor. Exotic white fruit and a hint of pomegranate are the flavors. It has a hard, final edge from its alcohol.

Sonnenglanz Grand Cru

87

null

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Jean Becker

null

Italy

Resin, nail polish remover and stewed prune aromas carry over to the concentrated palate along with blueberry extract and milk chocolate. Soft and round, with chewy tannins, it closes on an almond note. Drink 2015–2020.

Ca' Coato

90

52

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Red Blend

Antolini

null

Italy

Small percentages of other white grapes are added to this Brut Prosecco for extra depth and personality. The wine showcases aromas of stone fruit, white flower and loads of crushed mineral. It is lively and smooth with piquant bubbling on the close.

Vigneto Dirupo Brut

87

27

Veneto

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Andreola

null

Italy

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Montepulciano, Sangiovese and a drop of Petit Verdot, this has aromas of pressed blue flower, dark-skinned berry and toast. The firm, straightforward palate offers black currant, clove and a hint of tobacco. Fine-grained tannins proved the frame work.

642° Il Canapone

88

18

Tuscany

Maremma Toscana

null

Red Blend

Tenuta La Badiola

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Tenuta La Badiola 2013 642° Il Canapone (Maremma Toscana)

US

Feels a bit one-dimensional now, showing fruit and oak sweetness and ripe, forward cherry pie and spice flavors. Could age, but the simple structure suggests otherwise. Drink this southern Rhône-style blend now.

The Pick

86

40

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Terry Hoage

null

Terry Hoage 2007 The Pick Red (Paso Robles)

France

This smooth, vanilla- and apricot-flavored wine is round and fruity. It is generous and full bodied, with ripe fruit that's balanced by rich acidity. Fine, warm and opulent.

Réserve

88

12

Alsace

null

Pinot Blanc

Domaine Fernand Engel

null

Chile

A little rough all the way along, with olive, black cherry and blackberry aromas yielding to mildly tart berry flavors. Acidity is jumpy and twangy, making the wine a little hot and streaky. But that intensity will serve it well if you're drinking it with a burger or skirt steak. Imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits.

Casillero del Diablo Reserve

84

10

Central Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Concha y Toro

null

Italy

This classy Amarone spends 36 months in French oak to shape its compelling aromas of barbecue spice and soy sauce. There are background tones of cured meat, ripe berry and Indian spice that help color a long-lasting, soft and velvety mouthfeel.

null

91

55

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Villa Monteleone

null

US

A fairly priced varietal wine, this shows currant, cranberry, raisin and a flurry of allspice on the nose. It takes on rose petal and lavender aromas as it opens, making it all the more pleasant and memorable.

Dichotomy

90

29

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Friedeman

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Friedeman 2014 Dichotomy Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Italy

Suisassi is one of Italy's most interesting and unique expressions of Syrah. Made according to organic and biodynamic principles, the wine shows a hearty masculine side of ripe fruit and rich oak that is enhanced by subtle elegance and lingering power. It is definitely worth your attention.

Suisassi

92

110

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Syrah

Duemani

null

Duemani 2007 Suisassi Syrah (Toscana)

Spain

Bulky and ripe, with raspberry and punch-like aromas. If you like sweet notes like kirsch, sugar beets and coulis, this has it. Clearly the wine reflects the hot vintage, so it's soft, chewy and bent on sweetness. Good, but not an ager.

Tinto

86

9

Catalonia

null

Red Blend

Mas Marçal

null

France

This white wine seems to channel the stony soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, displaying aromas of crushed stone and melon. That's backed up by ample weight and more stoniness on the palate and a long, mouthwatering finish featuring hints of ginger and white pepper.

Château de Beaucastel

91

108

Rhône Valley

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Famille Perrin

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Famille Perrin 2013 Château de Beaucastel White (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

France

Raspberry Pinot Noir fruit is on fresh display. The wine is light, with the tight acidity of the vintage, but the varietal purity sings out.

Les Champs Longs

86

39

Burgundy

Chorey-lès-Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Laleure-Piot

null

US

Roughly half of this is Barbera, the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. The Cab firms up the tannins, but the fruit lacks substance and depth, and the chocolaty oak does not add much interest.

Innovation

84

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Locati Cellars

null

US

Bright, perky fruit stars in this lovely wine. It's ripe in pineapple and tangerine, with a rich, custard and meringue finish, but it's dry and complex. Easy to like.

Reserve

90

25

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Geyser Peak

null

Australia

Greenock is a highly regarded subsection of the Barossa, and this is a fine example of Shiraz from that region. It's a full-bodied yet well structured wine, with slightly dusty tannins framing meaty, savory notes, hints of mocha and black olive and tart, juicy berries. Drink now with a grilled steak, or age to 2015 and pair with roast beef or lamb.

Greenock

91

50

South Australia

Barossa Valley

null

Shiraz

Murray Street

null

US

A soft, easy wine for drinking now. Based on Grenache, it has cherry pie, mocha, red currant and baking spice flavors. Versatile for pairing with a wide range of foods that call for a medium-bodied red.

Espérance

86

25

California

Central Coast

G-S-M

Andrew Murray

null

Andrew Murray 2011 Espérance G-S-M (Central Coast)