spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	A lovely Pinot Noir, lightly delicate and elegantly silky, yet with powerhouse flavors that impress. Floods the palate with wild red cherry, cola, sandalwood and cinnamon spice flavors, excited with clean acidity. Drink now.	Reserve	89	30	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Martin Ray	null	null	null
Austria	Zantho is the ancient name of Andau, home to the winery. It specializes in wines from the local grapes, and this Blaufränkisch is a good example. The wine has some black fruit flavors, spice, hints of wood aging and a ripe, herbal, earthy aftertaste. Drink now. Glass stopper.	Blaufränkisch	87	15	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Zantho	null	null	null
Chile	Fairly hard and closed at first, with a chemical-smelling edge. It opens to show fruity raspberry flavors and a peppery accent, while the finish is snappy and doesn't veer much from the primary palate. Kind of lean and sharp, but not a bad effort.	Gran Reserva	85	20	Bío Bío Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Porta	null	null	null
US	Very dry and sharp, almost sour, with Lifesaver cherry flavors. Not going anywhere.	Reserve	80	65	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Tara Bella	null	null	null
South Africa	Layers of cherry, currant and herbs give this fresh Cab an elegant but earthy feel. A lovely balance of fruit and acid, topped with supple and structured tannins, add to the success. Very pretty and collectible.	Twin Peak Vineyards Unfined and Unfiltered	91	42	Jonkershoek Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Stark-Condé	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Stark-Condé 2005 Twin Peak Vineyards Unfined and Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon (Jonkershoek Valley)
US	A vivid gold color distinguishes this grand wine at the first glance, and then lightly spicy aromas and a gorgeous combo of buttery and fruity flavors come forward. Generous flavors make it very compelling, while the texture that is at once lightly acidic and smooth completes the package.	null	92	43	California	Anderson Valley	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Anderson	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Domaine Anderson 2013 Chardonnay (Anderson Valley)
France	From vineyards close to Juliénas, this is a bright wine full of cherry juice and fresh acidity. It does have a sense of structure with a background of tannins and minerality that will allow it to age, although it is delicious now.	null	86	null	Beaujolais	Beaujolais-Villages	null	Gamay	Domaine des Mouilles	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine des Mouilles 2014 Beaujolais-Villages
Spain	When in doubt, you can always trust Dry Sack. As always, this is a powerful, rich Sherry with burnt sugar and heavily toasted coffee and caramel flavors. It's no softie courtesy of heat and acidity, and at all points it mixes its sweet side with tough, roasted intensity. Great for cigar smokers.	Drysack Solera Especial Sweet Old Olorosso Aged 15 Years	90	25	Andalucia	Jerez	null	Sherry	Williams & Humbert	null	null	null
France	A touch oaky, with burnt sugar, mint and lemon aromas. It is firm and tannic, with proper acids; the peppy palate has good blackberry and cherry fruit, and the finish is ripe. Starts fast but loses some of its appeal as the tannins mount.	Cuvée Prestige Reserve	84	10	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Merlot	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
Australia	Seems rather oak-dominated, boasting ample brown sugar, vanilla and dill scents backed my some briary, blackberry fruit. Fills out a bit with air, so decant an hour or so prior to serving. Drink now.	null	85	24	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot	Vasse River	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Vasse River 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Margaret River)
US	This blend of 43% Merlot, 27% Petit Verdot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec continues King Family's spate of solid releases. The aromas are rich but restrained, showing layers of curry powder and dried basil, with notes of spiced blueberry compote and blackberry. The full-bodied palate kicks into overdrive, with intense flavors of black fruit and dried rose that fill in the soft core, but the tannic framework keeps them from seeming effusive.	Meritage Unfiltered Merlot-Petit Verdot-Cabernet Franc-Malbec	88	28	Virginia	Monticello	null	Red Blend	King Family	null	null	null
Chile	Standard but crisp red-fruit aromas are the greeting, while the main course is centered around bright raspberry and cherry flavors. It shows a touch of varietal character, meaning it's spicy and a touch saucy. But overall it registers well, with medium depth and length.	Legado Reserva	87	15	Maipo Valley	null	null	Carmenère	De Martino	null	null	null
US	Gritty tannins frame this Cabernet, with classic blackberry, black currant, cassis and cedar flavors. It's rich, full-bodied and appealingly dry, although it's missing just a bit of the complexity you want in a top-tier Napa Cab of this price.	null	90	75	California	St. Helena	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Boeschen Vineyards	null	null	null
US	Lengthy and expansive, this wine offers cherry and herb on the nose, followed by a taste of chocolate and anise, with a jolt of spicy black pepper on the finish. Ready to drink now it's also structured enough to age 2017–2019.	Reserve	91	45	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Rodney Strong	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Rodney Strong 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Italy	Here's a simple and tart Valpolicella that would pair with easy stay-home meals. The wine is redolent of white cherry, cranberry and violet. It's crisp, fresh and one dimensional in the mouth.	null	84	null	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	CampoReale	null	null	null
France	A very soft style of wine, perhaps lacking distinctive character, but offering attractive ripe red fruits. There is some minerality, and the acidity is obvious, especially in the aftertaste. It is missing flesh and weight and should be drunk now.	null	87	40	Burgundy	Monthélie	null	Pinot Noir	Bouchard Père & Fils	null	null	null
Argentina	This is the kosher version of Gran Malbec made by Flechas, and it's concentrated and rich, with an oily sort of feel along with fairly soft tannins. Aromas of roasted fruits hint at the olive, baked plum and tempered herb flavors that come later, and the finish is thick and chewy. A broad, succulent but shy Malbec. Drink now.	Kosher Gran	88	30	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Flechas de los Andes	null	null	null
Argentina	Saucy and briary smelling up front, with additional horsey, earthy berry aromas, this Malbec is chewy in feel, with baked berry and a hint of chocolate for flavors. A resiny, sticky finish tastes stewy and baked, with a leftover touch of chocolate.	null	86	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Guanaco	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Guanaco 2013 Malbec (Mendoza)
Italy	Lucente is made from a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. You get a lot of bang for your buck thanks to rich, velvety tones of chocolate, spice and forest berry that last over a long, succulent finish.	Lucente	90	25	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Luce della Vite	null	null	null
US	Welsh winemaker Damian Grindley has turned out a winner from north of his Paso Robles winery. Aromas of black cherry, toasted vanilla, fudge and cigar ash lead into a palate that's juicy and jammy with black fruits at first, but then edged with dark flavors of coffee grinds and charred meat.	null	92	42	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Petite Sirah	Brecon Estate	null	null	null
France	This is powerful and concentrated, with the high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend standing out firmly. It is dark, rich, packed with ripe black fruits and sweet tannins. Drink from 2018.	null	94	130	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Figeac	null	null	null
France	89–91. Barrel sample. A very juicy wine made from grapes that were probably too ripe, this wine does have structure, but it shows only slowly through the soft, very juicy fruit flavors.	Barrel Sample	90	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château la Dominique	null	null	null
Italy	Fine wood shavings and rich tones of vanilla and Indian spice distinguish this modern Brunello. You'll also recognize aromas of black cherry, leather, espresso and licorice that add pretty highlights to the wine's dense, velvety texture.	null	88	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Talenti	null	null	Talenti 2003 Brunello di Montalcino
Spain	Woodsy and rich smelling, with sous-bois, ample spice, ripe berry aromas and weight. It shows texture and grip on the palate, followed by baked, smoky flavors of roasted black fruits and toast. Finishes foresty and warm. Appealing in every way. Drink now through 2013.	Reserva	89	28	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Sierra Cantabria	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Sierra Cantabria 2006 Reserva (Rioja)
France	From the coolest of the Premier Cru vineyards, this is a crisp wine, packed with minerality as well as tight green fruits. The aftertaste with its flinty edge is spicy as well as deliciously fruity. Drink from 2018.	Côte de Lechet Premier Cru	90	32	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Fourrey	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Fourrey 2014 Côte de Lechet Premier Cru (Chablis)
Portugal	If you like your Sauvignon Blanc herbal, then this is the wine for you. It's very fruity and New World in style, has tight acidity and is ready to drink.	null	84	null	Tejo	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Quinta da Alorna	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta da Alorna 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Tejo)
US	This is a gorgeously perfumed Riesling, chock-full of white flowers and ripe, juicy stonefruit, but not at all cloying. Dry on the palate, it exhibits elegant peach and apricot flavors that lead to a long, lingering finish marked by lime peel and a hint of chalk.	Dry	87	13	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Wagner	null	null	null
US	Here's a Cabernet to age for a while. It's very dry and richly flavored in classic varietal flavors of blackberries, black currants and cedar, with finely ground, intense tannins. But it has a youthful immaturity that simply isn't ready to appreciate now. Really needs time for all the parts to mesh together. Give it until 2012, and it should develop bottle complexity for another 5–6 years.	null	92	100	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Etude	null	null	null
France	In this balanced off-dry wine, all the elements of ripe fruit, a high dosage and crisp acidity come together. It is perfumed with white-flower aromas while the palate is soft with a ripe baked-apple flavor. The bottling is ready to drink.	Demi-Sec	89	35	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Vollereaux	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Vollereaux NV Demi-Sec (Champagne)
Italy	Executed by vintner Claudia Ferrero, this remarkable Brunello Riserva shows enormous intensity and staying power. The wine's genuine aromas include wet earth, dried forest berry, leather, pipe tobacco and smoked bacon. The mouthfeel is rich and determined with polished tannins.	Riserva	92	70	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Ferrero	null	null	null
US	Vibrant lemon- and lime-zest notes make this off-dry Riesling brisk and bright. Chalky minerality and a saline tone add depth, and there is a pleasantly bitter lemon-peel note that lingers on the finish.	Riesling 10 Lake Dana Vineyard	89	30	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Fox Run	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Fox Run 2010 Riesling 10 Lake Dana Vineyard Riesling (Finger Lakes)
US	This is a strikingly pure expression of single-vineyard, Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Focused and tight, it is extremely dense and textural, with a mix of cassis and coffee. Some of the minerality of the neighboring Ciel du Cheval vineyard is just beginning to show in the fruit from these young vines as well.	Galitzine Vineyard	91	98	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Quilceda Creek	null	null	null
Italy	This Vino Nobile embraces a more ripe and succulent style with aromas of strawberry, some cherry preserves and black currant. The overall effect in the mouth is very satisfying if you like a plump and chewy style of Tuscan wine.	null	87	null	Tuscany	Vino Nobile di Montepulciano	null	Prugnolo Gentile	I Poderi di Poggialgallo	null	null	null
Spain	Alluring, complex and powerful aromas of grilled meat, berries, tea, smoke, vanilla and spice cover every base. An intense palate is concentrated but still elegant. Blackberry, molasses and mocha flavors finish with chocolaty oak notes, fine tannins and overall cohesion. Drink this special Rioja from 2020 through 2035.	Prado Enea Gran Reserva	95	79	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Muga	null	null	null
France	Fresh and juicy, this balances well between fruit stalkiness and smooth wood aging. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it has black currant flavors that are given extra weight by ripe Petit Verdot. Drink from 2017.	null	88	null	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Chantelys	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Chantelys 2012 Médoc
US	Shows lots of class and finesse in a Santa Barbara County red with crisp acidity, soft tannins and finely ripened fruit. Flavors of blackberry pie filling, oatmeal raisin cookie, cocoa, vanilla, smoke and black pepper lead to a clean, long finish.	null	88	24	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Syrah	Fess Parker	null	null	null
France	The wine is attractively fruity, its crispness balanced by round apple and pear flavors that give richness. It has a creamy texture, concentrated acidity and a finish that brings out lemon and lime.	null	85	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Buisson-Redon	null	null	null
Italy	Mature berry, blue flower, toasted oak and a whiff of cake spice lead the nose. The ripe, full-bodied palate offers stewed cherry, raspberry jam, vanilla, espresso and a licorice note alongside assertive, close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish. It closes on a raisin note.	Badarina	89	60	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Grimaldi Bruna	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Grimaldi Bruna 2012 Badarina (Barolo)
Spain	Simple, nice and not trying too hard; this basic brut is graced with nice apple and citrus aromas. The palate is wet, juicy and classic, with crisp apple, green herb and melon flavors. Round, clean and just crisp enough.	Brut Reserva	87	10	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Segura Viudas	null	null	null
Italy	A blend of 70% Primitivo and 30% Negroamaro, this opens with jammy aromas of ripe blackberry, moist tobacco and milk chocolate. The mouthfeel is rich and chewy, with a touch of bitter almond.	Artetica	87	null	Southern Italy	Salento	null	Red Blend	Schola Sarmenti di Terrulenta	null	null	null
US	This Rhône blend is scented with sharp-toned berry, spice, and menthol and it has an herbaceous note that is well-integrated and set against light tannins. Don't look for a lot of sweet fruit; this is more European, herbal and firm. A fine food wine.	DIst 83	88	36	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Rhône-style Red Blend	Hollywood Hill	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Hollywood Hill 2008 DIst 83 Red (Horse Heaven Hills)
New Zealand	Waipara isn't usually considered Sauvignon Blanc country, but this is a creditable effort, boasting ample melon and fig flavors and a shot of grassiness on the otherwise soft finish.	null	87	17	Waipara	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Grey's Peak	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a pretty blend of Sangiovese (70%), Sagrantino and Colorino that is noticeable because of the smooth and seamless manner in which these three grapes interact. Bold cherry fruit, blackberry and spice make up the bouquet that is followed by a slightly gritty, but firm mouthfeel.	Riserva	89	35	Central Italy	Montefalco Rosso	null	Red Blend	Perticaia	null	null	Perticaia 2009 Riserva (Montefalco Rosso)
US	Light copper-pink in color, this vineyard-designate shows a wealth of peach and orange flavors that combine to refreshing effect. Lightly made in a bright accessible style, the wine offers a moderate body weight and texture that's pleasing on the palate.	Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Rosé of	90	25	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Parmeson	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Parmeson 2016 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	This Tempranillo-based pinkie is quite inviting and tightly textured, with aromas of orange shave ice, strawberry cream, watermelon and cement. It is extremely zesty and lively once sipped, offering easy-to-drink raspberry and melon notes. It's great for all sorts of food, from spicy to rich.	Indie	89	24	California	Templeton Gap District	Central Coast	Tempranillo	ONX	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	ONX 2015 Indie Tempranillo (Templeton Gap District)
France	Pears, apples and cream work well together in this friendly dry white. It has a weight, ripeness, but the acidity gives a lift. The finish is soft and full in the mouth.	Seigneurs de Bergerac	84	11	Southwest France	Bergerac Sec	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Yvon Mau	null	null	null
New Zealand	Mild toast accents the delicate white peaches and Bosc pears found in this full-bodied, spicy Chard from the Mendoza (Wente) clone. Finishes lemony and long; should age a few years at least, but it's good now as well.	null	89	22	Marlborough	null	null	Chardonnay	Isabel Estate	null	null	null
US	This is a wine that may get lost in a blind tasting because it's restrained and balanced. Fruit bombs will overwhelm it, but with great food, at the table, its simple, dry elegance and refreshingly crisp acidity will support, not overwhelm, steak, lamb, duck or other rich fare.	null	91	22	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Merlot	Schug	null	null	null
Chile	Years have gone by since we last rated this novelty, and all signs indicate that it has vastly improved. The amalgamation of fruit, tannin and acidity is quite impressive. The mocha and molasses that deck the finish is a rich, welcome touch. Big and unique; but beware of the rock-hard tannins. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons.	Reserve	88	15	Maipo Valley	null	null	Petite Sirah	Carmen	null	null	null
Spain	Light in color and more neutral and clean smelling than anything. The palate is airy and offers simple, pleasant melon and pear flavors. About as easygoing as they come; a no-frills white wine that's tasty, lightweight and a bit sweet.	null	85	11	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Verdejo-Viura	Gran Cardiel	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Gran Cardiel 2009 Verdejo-Viura (Rueda)
US	This wine stops you in your tracks with its aromas of earth, peat, fire pit, tapenade and coffee. The flavors are outrageously rich, dense and textured, with a lightly tacky feel to the tannins and a hyperextended finish. It's a knockout.	La Paciencia Vineyard	95	75	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Tempranillo	No Girls	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	No Girls 2012 La Paciencia Vineyard Tempranillo (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
US	Dark, bone dry and very tannic, this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend has a fine structure. In the mouth it feels rich and earthy, but offers fruitier flavors of currants, limned in sweet, smoky oak. Very Bordeaux-esque.	Red Rhythm	91	25	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	B&E;	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a lovely expression of Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, with a pretty balance of chocolate, cherry and blackberry aromas. Smoky oak-related elements appear in the background as do drying mineral notes. With some 29,000 cases made, this wine should not be difficult to locate and the low price is hard to beat.	La Luna e I Falò	89	16	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti Superiore	null	Barbera	Terre da Vino	null	null	null
Canada	Just a touch of dried herb adds a surprising element to the intense honey, white flower and sweet tangerine flavors on this beautiful late-harvest Riesling. Striking lemon-lime acidity and a shower of crushed stones on the finish add elegance and balance.	Indian Summer	90	30	Ontario	Niagara Peninsula	null	Riesling	Cave Spring	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Cave Spring 2009 Indian Summer Riesling (Niagara Peninsula)
Australia	The result of a joint venture between the Chapoutier and Laughton families, this is a full-bodied, superripe wine. Aromas and flavors of chocolate and raisined cassis are almost Amarone-like, while the tannins are softly dusty in texture and the finish long.	null	91	70	Victoria	Heathcote	null	Shiraz	Cluster M45	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Cluster M45 2008 Shiraz (Heathcote)
South Africa	With its mélange of Verdelho, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Rousanne and Chenin Blanc, this layered white offers something for most palates. On the nose, citrus, flowers and tropical fruit lead, followed by flavors of soft but vibrant fruit balanced with a citric, minerally zing. Complex but refreshing.	Fair Maiden	87	15	Coastal Region	null	null	White Blend	Bellingham	null	null	null
Italy	Easy, tight and watery, this informal Prosecco would hit the spot on a hot summer day by the pool. Floral and peach aromas are woven within the sparkler's natural sweetness.	Zero Gran Cuvée Extra Dry	84	null	Veneto	Prosecco	null	Glera	De Stefani	null	null	De Stefani NV Zero Gran Cuvée Extra Dry (Prosecco)
Australia	Only contains 1% Viognier, so maybe the impression is subliminal, but there does seem to be a hint of apricot to this wine's raspberry-blueberry fruit and cracked pepper. It's medium-bodied, with firm acids but soft tannins on the finish. Drink now and over the next 8 years.	No. 89	90	45	New South Wales	Orange	null	Shiraz-Viognier	Philip Shaw	null	null	null
Italy	There's a raw or thorny quality to this wine that is offset by bitter cherry, bramble and spice. The wine offers loads of power and intensity in the mouth and would clean the palate of cream or cheese based sauces. Imported by Domaine Select Wine Estates.	null	86	23	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Fratta Pasini	null	null	null
US	The winery did a nice job with this high production (19,000 cases) Merlot, which was assembled from various parts of the county. The wine is dry and spicy, with scoury tannins that frame cherry, tobacco, thyme and dill flavors. Drink now.	null	87	25	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Merlot	Ferrari-Carano	null	null	Ferrari-Carano 2004 Merlot (Sonoma County)
US	This winery, with its Los Alamitos tasting room east of Long Beach, sources from a variety of vineyards to make some impressive wines. This bottling shows crushed black pepper, tar, roasted lamb and savory herb notes on the nose. The palate is tangy with underripe boysenberry, thyme, black tea and roasted lamb flavors.	Natalie Grace Harrison Clarke Vineyard	93	38	California	Ballard Canyon	Central Coast	Syrah	Seal Beach	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Seal Beach 2011 Natalie Grace Harrison Clarke Vineyard Syrah (Ballard Canyon)
US	Smoky and toasty, with well-defined acidity, this flavorful Chardonnay matches the barrel notes to light tropical and stone fruits—peach and papaya.	null	88	18	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Chardonnay	Hedgeline	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Hedgeline 2010 Chardonnay (Washington)
Italy	This Preda Sarmassa cru Barolo promises to open and evolve with more time in the cellar (at least 10 years). At this point, the wine is still a bit closed and firm although the aromas are already showing pretty tones of fruit and blue flowers. The mouthfeel is polished but hard.	Preda Sarmassa	89	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Virna Borgogno	null	null	Virna Borgogno 2005 Preda Sarmassa (Barolo)
France	Inky black in color, this is strong stuff. The wood aromas are overdone, but on the palate, the wine is rich, allowing the tarry black berry fruits and herbs to show through. Designed for aging; keep for 4–5 years.	GC	93	130	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château du Cèdre	null	null	null
US	A bit sweet in fruit juice flavors, but nice and crisp, with a fine minerality. Suggests pineapples, peaches and vanilla, with a sugary finish.	McGinley Vineyard	85	30	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Ojai	null	null	null
South Africa	More than a touch of green tobacco leafiness shows here. The berry fruit is light, the wine somewhat astringent. There's a touch of earthy complexity, but not much depth or length.	null	82	15	Coastal Region	null	null	Merlot	Saxenburg Estate	null	null	null
US	Some Cabs go into a dip at the age of five, and this may be one of them. It's a little awkward in structure, with a sharpness of feeling, and the oak isn't integrated with the ripe blackberry fruit. Could emerge and be fine in a couple more years.	null	86	42	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Falcor	null	null	null
Italy	This dark Aglianico offers lush concentration and generous aromas of toast, leather, earth, exotic spice, black cherry, coffee and blackberry tart. It's got complexity and character and delivers both freshness and thick density.	Preludio	89	null	Southern Italy	Irpinia	null	Aglianico	Donnachiara	null	null	Donnachiara 2006 Preludio Aglianico (Irpinia)
Italy	Pio Cesare's Fides is several steps up from its basic Barbera. It shows a pretty, complex nose of black cherry, fennel and bacon, while on the palate, there is plenty of rich fruit, layered by the aromatics. Good levels of concentration and a long solid finish.	Fides	90	41	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Pio Cesare	null	null	null
US	Extremely intriguing on the nose, this shows aromas of Meyer lemon, green banana and tangerines. Generous yellow fruits like melon and Gala apples show on the palate, which is soft with lemon-bar elements at first but then tightens around green apple skins and a peppery, herbal character.	Riverview Vineyard Estate Grown	92	29	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Metz Road	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Metz Road 2012 Riverview Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay (Monterey)
Italy	Toast, espresso and mocha aromas lead the nose while the bracing palate offers raw red berry, anise, coffee and a hint of chocolate. Grainy tannins provide firm support but leave an astringent finish. Wait another few years for the tannins to soften a bit then drink up.	null	88	43	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Giribaldi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Giribaldi 2011 Barolo
US	Charbonneau is Woodward Canyon's proprietary name for its white and red blended wines. The blanc is predominantly Sémillon, with 10% Sauvignon Blanc added to round it out. The nose is scented with freshly mown hay, spice and herbs. It has plenty of crisp fruit in the mouth, and a distinctive spiciness that begs to be paired with Thai food, crab cakes or something with cilantro. Great food wine.	Charbonneau Blanc	90	28	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	White Blend	Woodward Canyon	null	null	null
US	This structured Merlot opens with a complex bouquet of well-knit cherry, currant, oak, mocha and leather aromas. Similar flavors and licorice accents follow on the full and supple palate. This large-scaled but evenly-textured and balanced Merlot finishes long, with dark fruit and toast flavors. The sturdy tannins will reward cellaring. Drink now–2007+.	VSR	91	45	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Merlot	Lockwood	null	null	null
US	What differentiates this from the winery's other Grüner is hard to say. Both are round and spicy, with moderate acidity and a suggestion of residual sugar. This has a touch more alcohol, and a bit of heat in the finish.	Winemaker's Reserve	87	29	Oregon	Umpqua Valley	Southern Oregon	Grüner Veltliner	Reustle	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Reustle 2013 Winemaker's Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Umpqua Valley)
Chile	Bright ruby in color, with medicinal berry, vanilla and chocolaty oak aromas. Pushes forward on the palate, where toasty, chocolaty oak rides on top of dark berry and plum flavors. Dominated by woodspice and peppery flavors on the finish.	Tobiano	87	20	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Kingston Family	null	null	null
US	Hestan only makes this one white wine. Though its beginnings might seem humble, the juice in the bottle surely will change anyone's mind. This is liquid gold in color, with deep petrol aromas and a note of toasted caramel oak.It's superbly balanced, with minerality winning the day—especially on the finish. This wine starts out like a California blockbuster but finishes very elegantly, with finesse.	null	91	50	California	San Francisco Bay	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Hestan	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Hestan 2009 Chardonnay (San Francisco Bay)
US	There's a strong dose of green gooseberry in this wine that makes it distinct, although you'll also find riper notes of limes and grapefruits. It's quite dry and crisp with acidity, finishing with mouthwatering tartness.	River Road Ranch	86	23	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Trione	null	null	Trione 2012 River Road Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)
France	Packed with ripe Merlot fruit, this is a dense wine. It has impressive structure and great acidity to cut through the dark fruit. Rich and full in the mouth, this will be a solid fine wine from 2020.	null	89	38	Bordeaux	Lalande de Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Domaine des Sabines	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine des Sabines 2014 Lalande de Pomerol
France	This is a firmly tannic wine although with ripe potential. It has a dense character that is good, allowing the fruit to develop. For now, it is dry so give that fruit plenty of time. Drink from 2019.	null	87	18	Bordeaux	Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Tanesse	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Tanesse 2014 Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux
US	Fresh tropical fruit, peach and apricot flavors star in this flashy young wine. Oak also plays a prominent role, giving buttered toast and caramel notes. And the texture is creamy and smooth. The overall impression is very rich and powerful, but the wine could have more finesse. Drink now.	Journey	89	75	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Matanzas Creek	null	null	null
US	This elegant and detailed Pinot Gris offers fresh floral accents around spicy, toasty, well-mixed fruit. Pear and orange fruit flavors carry just a slight hint of honey, and the concentrated finish extends into a long, clean fade-out.	Estate	90	17	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Carabella	null	null	null
US	Big flavors meet big tannins and full body in this dark-colored, concentrated and mouth-filling wine. Made from Syrah grapes that were foot-stomped and fermented with native yeasts, it delivers a blast of black cherry flavor that lasts from the aroma through the finish.	Methode Ancienne	89	30	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Rhône-style Red Blend	Miraflores	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Miraflores 2014 Methode Ancienne Red (El Dorado)
Italy	Aromas of beeswax, orchard fruit and a whiff of hazelnut lift out of the glass. Made without added sulfites, the bright round palate delivers mature yellow apple, white peach, lemon zest and a hint of white almond alongside fresh acidity. Its understated character will definitely appeal to lovers of reserved elegant whites.	1909	90	25	Lombardy	Lugana	null	Turbiana	Ancilla	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Ancilla 2016 1909 (Lugana)
France	This is a structured wine that has both firm tannins and ripe black plum fruits. It is concentrated and serious, the wood aging and the fruit tannins giving a lift and richness to the spicy fruit. The estate, dating to the 17th century, has 96 acres. Drink from 2021.	null	91	13	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Sénéjac	null	null	null
France	Lemon-scented Mirabelle notes hover on the nose and turn into fully fledged, ripe plum on the palate where the seam of fresh, enlivening and brightening acidity sets a lively theme. The body is light, the finish is dry and the overall impression is one of light-footed playfulness and ease. You might almost forget to notice the more textured, structured core which underlies all this and will allow it to age beautifully. Drink now through 2025.	Fronholz	94	48	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Ostertag	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Ostertag 2013 Fronholz Riesling (Alsace)
Chile	Rubbery underripe aromas are neither fresh nor attractive. This shows high acidity and sketchy balance, while tart green-leaning red-berry and citrus flavors are bitter and pithy.	Los Vascos	82	13	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Rosé	Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) 2016 Los Vascos Rosé (Colchagua Valley)
US	Made from 47% Primitivo, 29% Zinfandel, 16% Syrah and 8% Petite Sirah, this offers a complex nose that mixes sanguine elements of iron, tar and black rocks with smoked meats. The palate is plush and smoky with decent grip, culminating with a bit of creosote funk on the finish.	Holystone	89	28	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Sextant	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Sextant 2012 Holystone Red (Paso Robles)
France	Without any dosage, this bone-dry wine has shocking initial acidity that then opens up to allow the attractive white fruits and mineral character to shine. It is six years old, but it still tastes young and should be kept until 2017.	ADN Montgueux	89	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Vincent Couche	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Vincent Couche 2009 ADN Montgueux (Champagne)
Portugal	Perfumed, with acidity and fresh fruit layering a core of the driest tannin. Spice shows through, but so does the spirit, giving an unbalanced aftertaste.	Late Bottled Vintage	86	null	Port	null	null	Port	Niepoort	null	null	null
Italy	Here is a wonderful example of Sauvignon Blanc from Northern Italy at its most aromatic and fragrant. The wine boasts pristine notes of sage leaf, kiwi and honeydew melon. The mouthfeel is firm, tonic and compact.	Prail	88	21	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Sauvignon	Colterenzio	null	null	Colterenzio 2007 Prail Sauvignon (Alto Adige)
US	Randall Grahm's blend of 37% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 9% Cinsault offers intriguing asphalt, black pepper, boysenberry and a tiny bit of barnyard funk on the nose. It's dark and brooding, with flavors of black pepper, leather and black fruits on the palate, but rather light and lean in texture, with a solid amount of tannic grip.	Le Cigare Volant	93	45	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Bonny Doon	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Bonny Doon 2011 Le Cigare Volant Red (Central Coast)
Chile	Rubber, tar, coffee grounds and crusty dark-fruit aromas set up a chewy, full palate with meaty flavors of blackberry, toasted oak and herbs. Round on the tongue and thick, but controlled on the finish, with a mild licorice flavor and herbal leftovers.	Selección	86	12	Maipo Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Viña Chocalan	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Chocalan 2010 Selección Carmenère (Maipo Valley)
Austria	There is just a hint of perfume on this orange peel and rosewater flavored wine. Crisp, clean and light, it dances across the palate with bright, easy steps. The edgy texture adds a touch of complexity. Screwcap.	Steirische Klassik	88	null	Steiermark	null	null	Gelber Muskateller	Neumeister	null	null	null
France	92-94 Barrel sample. Spicy wood, ginger and nutmeg, balancing with solid textured black fruits. The wine is rich, a powerhouse of sweet tannins, finishing freshly with black currant juice	Barrel sample	93	null	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château la Garde	null	null	null
Spain	This smells a bit charred at first, then turns syrupy and richly oaked. It feels fresh but hard, with spiky acidity that pushes the citrusy, vanilla-accented red-fruit. It finishes crisp and a little tart, with cherry, plum and herb flavors.	Reserva	87	20	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Ramón Bilbao	null	null	null
Italy	This is a frothy and foamy sweet-smelling Prosecco with pretty aromas of chopped fruit, kiwi and white peach. The active bubbling helps make the wine taste very creamy and smooth in the mouth and that characteristic sweetness kicks in on the finale.	1987 Anniversario Dry	87	20	Veneto	Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Astoria	null	null	null
France	This wine, named after a swarm of bees, comes from a small region in the center of the larger Côtes de Provence. From high-altitude vineyards in a state park, it is cool while keeping plenty of richness. The acidity and the red-currant fruits dominate this attractive, ready-to-drink wine.	Les Abeillons	89	22	Provence	Coteaux Varois en Provence	null	Rosé	Château Thuerry	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Thuerry 2016 Les Abeillons Rosé (Coteaux Varois en Provence)
Australia	Filled with scents and flavors of black earth, cedar and dark fruit, this impressively full-bodied wine demands to be served with something similarly big and meaty. Despite its size, it's open-knit and accessible, with just enough coarse tannins on the finish to cut the richness of beef steaks or braises.	The Laughing Magpie	89	29	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz-Viognier	D'Arenberg	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	D'Arenberg 2009 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz-Viognier (McLaren Vale)
Chile	Dry, spicy aromas of tobacco, cedar, vanilla and berry fruits come together nicely. This Maule Valley Cab is fresh and harmonious across the palate, with nothing too pushy. Complex, balsamic flavors of olives, herbs, dried berries, turned earth and cocoa finish dry, peppery and elegant. Drink through 2019.	The 7th Generation Gran Reserva Estate Bottled	91	20	Loncomilla Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	G7	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	G7 2012 The 7th Generation Gran Reserva Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon (Loncomilla Valley)
US	Don't be misled by the Santa Lucia Mountain wording. The estate is outside the appellation, in the warmer, southeasterly part. The wine itself is somewhat full-bodied and ripe for a Pinot Noir. It has cherry pie flavors, complete with the baked crust, and finishes dry and spicy.	HMR Estate Santa Lucia Mountain Range	86	30	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Adelaida	null	null	null

US

A lovely Pinot Noir, lightly delicate and elegantly silky, yet with powerhouse flavors that impress. Floods the palate with wild red cherry, cola, sandalwood and cinnamon spice flavors, excited with clean acidity. Drink now.

Reserve

89

30

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Martin Ray

null

Austria

Zantho is the ancient name of Andau, home to the winery. It specializes in wines from the local grapes, and this Blaufränkisch is a good example. The wine has some black fruit flavors, spice, hints of wood aging and a ripe, herbal, earthy aftertaste. Drink now. Glass stopper.

Blaufränkisch

87

15

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Zantho

null

Chile

Fairly hard and closed at first, with a chemical-smelling edge. It opens to show fruity raspberry flavors and a peppery accent, while the finish is snappy and doesn't veer much from the primary palate. Kind of lean and sharp, but not a bad effort.

Gran Reserva

85

20

Bío Bío Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Porta

null

US

Very dry and sharp, almost sour, with Lifesaver cherry flavors. Not going anywhere.

Reserve

80

65

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tara Bella

null

South Africa

Layers of cherry, currant and herbs give this fresh Cab an elegant but earthy feel. A lovely balance of fruit and acid, topped with supple and structured tannins, add to the success. Very pretty and collectible.

Twin Peak Vineyards Unfined and Unfiltered

91

42

Jonkershoek Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Stark-Condé

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Stark-Condé 2005 Twin Peak Vineyards Unfined and Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon (Jonkershoek Valley)

US

A vivid gold color distinguishes this grand wine at the first glance, and then lightly spicy aromas and a gorgeous combo of buttery and fruity flavors come forward. Generous flavors make it very compelling, while the texture that is at once lightly acidic and smooth completes the package.

null

92

43

California

Anderson Valley

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Anderson

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Domaine Anderson 2013 Chardonnay (Anderson Valley)

France

From vineyards close to Juliénas, this is a bright wine full of cherry juice and fresh acidity. It does have a sense of structure with a background of tannins and minerality that will allow it to age, although it is delicious now.

null

86

null

Beaujolais

Beaujolais-Villages

null

Gamay

Domaine des Mouilles

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine des Mouilles 2014 Beaujolais-Villages

Spain

When in doubt, you can always trust Dry Sack. As always, this is a powerful, rich Sherry with burnt sugar and heavily toasted coffee and caramel flavors. It's no softie courtesy of heat and acidity, and at all points it mixes its sweet side with tough, roasted intensity. Great for cigar smokers.

Drysack Solera Especial Sweet Old Olorosso Aged 15 Years

90

25

Andalucia

Jerez

null

Sherry

Williams & Humbert

null

France

A touch oaky, with burnt sugar, mint and lemon aromas. It is firm and tannic, with proper acids; the peppy palate has good blackberry and cherry fruit, and the finish is ripe. Starts fast but loses some of its appeal as the tannins mount.

Cuvée Prestige Reserve

84

10

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Merlot

Georges Duboeuf

null

Australia

Seems rather oak-dominated, boasting ample brown sugar, vanilla and dill scents backed my some briary, blackberry fruit. Fills out a bit with air, so decant an hour or so prior to serving. Drink now.

null

85

24

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot

Vasse River

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Vasse River 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Margaret River)

US

This blend of 43% Merlot, 27% Petit Verdot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec continues King Family's spate of solid releases. The aromas are rich but restrained, showing layers of curry powder and dried basil, with notes of spiced blueberry compote and blackberry. The full-bodied palate kicks into overdrive, with intense flavors of black fruit and dried rose that fill in the soft core, but the tannic framework keeps them from seeming effusive.

Meritage Unfiltered Merlot-Petit Verdot-Cabernet Franc-Malbec

88

28

Virginia

Monticello

null

Red Blend

King Family

null

Chile

Standard but crisp red-fruit aromas are the greeting, while the main course is centered around bright raspberry and cherry flavors. It shows a touch of varietal character, meaning it's spicy and a touch saucy. But overall it registers well, with medium depth and length.

Legado Reserva

87

15

Maipo Valley

null

Carmenère

De Martino

null

US

Gritty tannins frame this Cabernet, with classic blackberry, black currant, cassis and cedar flavors. It's rich, full-bodied and appealingly dry, although it's missing just a bit of the complexity you want in a top-tier Napa Cab of this price.

null

90

75

California

St. Helena

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Boeschen Vineyards

null

US

Lengthy and expansive, this wine offers cherry and herb on the nose, followed by a taste of chocolate and anise, with a jolt of spicy black pepper on the finish. Ready to drink now it's also structured enough to age 2017–2019.

Reserve

91

45

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rodney Strong

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Rodney Strong 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Italy

Here's a simple and tart Valpolicella that would pair with easy stay-home meals. The wine is redolent of white cherry, cranberry and violet. It's crisp, fresh and one dimensional in the mouth.

null

84

null

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

CampoReale

null

France

A very soft style of wine, perhaps lacking distinctive character, but offering attractive ripe red fruits. There is some minerality, and the acidity is obvious, especially in the aftertaste. It is missing flesh and weight and should be drunk now.

null

87

40

Burgundy

Monthélie

null

Pinot Noir

Bouchard Père & Fils

null

Argentina

This is the kosher version of Gran Malbec made by Flechas, and it's concentrated and rich, with an oily sort of feel along with fairly soft tannins. Aromas of roasted fruits hint at the olive, baked plum and tempered herb flavors that come later, and the finish is thick and chewy. A broad, succulent but shy Malbec. Drink now.

Kosher Gran

88

30

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Flechas de los Andes

null

Argentina

Saucy and briary smelling up front, with additional horsey, earthy berry aromas, this Malbec is chewy in feel, with baked berry and a hint of chocolate for flavors. A resiny, sticky finish tastes stewy and baked, with a leftover touch of chocolate.

null

86

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Guanaco

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Guanaco 2013 Malbec (Mendoza)

Italy

Lucente is made from a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. You get a lot of bang for your buck thanks to rich, velvety tones of chocolate, spice and forest berry that last over a long, succulent finish.

Lucente

90

25

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Luce della Vite

null

US

Welsh winemaker Damian Grindley has turned out a winner from north of his Paso Robles winery. Aromas of black cherry, toasted vanilla, fudge and cigar ash lead into a palate that's juicy and jammy with black fruits at first, but then edged with dark flavors of coffee grinds and charred meat.

null

92

42

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Petite Sirah

Brecon Estate

null

France

This is powerful and concentrated, with the high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend standing out firmly. It is dark, rich, packed with ripe black fruits and sweet tannins. Drink from 2018.

null

94

130

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Figeac

null

France

89–91. Barrel sample. A very juicy wine made from grapes that were probably too ripe, this wine does have structure, but it shows only slowly through the soft, very juicy fruit flavors.

Barrel Sample

90

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château la Dominique

null

Italy

Fine wood shavings and rich tones of vanilla and Indian spice distinguish this modern Brunello. You'll also recognize aromas of black cherry, leather, espresso and licorice that add pretty highlights to the wine's dense, velvety texture.

null

88

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Talenti

null

Talenti 2003 Brunello di Montalcino

Spain

Woodsy and rich smelling, with sous-bois, ample spice, ripe berry aromas and weight. It shows texture and grip on the palate, followed by baked, smoky flavors of roasted black fruits and toast. Finishes foresty and warm. Appealing in every way. Drink now through 2013.

Reserva

89

28

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Sierra Cantabria

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Sierra Cantabria 2006 Reserva (Rioja)

France

From the coolest of the Premier Cru vineyards, this is a crisp wine, packed with minerality as well as tight green fruits. The aftertaste with its flinty edge is spicy as well as deliciously fruity. Drink from 2018.

Côte de Lechet Premier Cru

90

32

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Fourrey

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Fourrey 2014 Côte de Lechet Premier Cru (Chablis)

Portugal

If you like your Sauvignon Blanc herbal, then this is the wine for you. It's very fruity and New World in style, has tight acidity and is ready to drink.

null

84

null

Tejo

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Quinta da Alorna

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta da Alorna 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Tejo)

US

This is a gorgeously perfumed Riesling, chock-full of white flowers and ripe, juicy stonefruit, but not at all cloying. Dry on the palate, it exhibits elegant peach and apricot flavors that lead to a long, lingering finish marked by lime peel and a hint of chalk.

Dry

87

13

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Wagner

null

US

Here's a Cabernet to age for a while. It's very dry and richly flavored in classic varietal flavors of blackberries, black currants and cedar, with finely ground, intense tannins. But it has a youthful immaturity that simply isn't ready to appreciate now. Really needs time for all the parts to mesh together. Give it until 2012, and it should develop bottle complexity for another 5–6 years.

null

92

100

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Etude

null

France

In this balanced off-dry wine, all the elements of ripe fruit, a high dosage and crisp acidity come together. It is perfumed with white-flower aromas while the palate is soft with a ripe baked-apple flavor. The bottling is ready to drink.

Demi-Sec

89

35

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Vollereaux

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Vollereaux NV Demi-Sec (Champagne)

Italy

Executed by vintner Claudia Ferrero, this remarkable Brunello Riserva shows enormous intensity and staying power. The wine's genuine aromas include wet earth, dried forest berry, leather, pipe tobacco and smoked bacon. The mouthfeel is rich and determined with polished tannins.

Riserva

92

70

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Ferrero

null

US

Vibrant lemon- and lime-zest notes make this off-dry Riesling brisk and bright. Chalky minerality and a saline tone add depth, and there is a pleasantly bitter lemon-peel note that lingers on the finish.

Riesling 10 Lake Dana Vineyard

89

30

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Fox Run

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Fox Run 2010 Riesling 10 Lake Dana Vineyard Riesling (Finger Lakes)

US

This is a strikingly pure expression of single-vineyard, Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Focused and tight, it is extremely dense and textural, with a mix of cassis and coffee. Some of the minerality of the neighboring Ciel du Cheval vineyard is just beginning to show in the fruit from these young vines as well.

Galitzine Vineyard

91

98

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Quilceda Creek

null

Italy

This Vino Nobile embraces a more ripe and succulent style with aromas of strawberry, some cherry preserves and black currant. The overall effect in the mouth is very satisfying if you like a plump and chewy style of Tuscan wine.

null

87

null

Tuscany

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

null

Prugnolo Gentile

I Poderi di Poggialgallo

null

Spain

Alluring, complex and powerful aromas of grilled meat, berries, tea, smoke, vanilla and spice cover every base. An intense palate is concentrated but still elegant. Blackberry, molasses and mocha flavors finish with chocolaty oak notes, fine tannins and overall cohesion. Drink this special Rioja from 2020 through 2035.

Prado Enea Gran Reserva

95

79

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Muga

null

France

Fresh and juicy, this balances well between fruit stalkiness and smooth wood aging. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it has black currant flavors that are given extra weight by ripe Petit Verdot. Drink from 2017.

null

88

null

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Chantelys

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Chantelys 2012 Médoc

US

Shows lots of class and finesse in a Santa Barbara County red with crisp acidity, soft tannins and finely ripened fruit. Flavors of blackberry pie filling, oatmeal raisin cookie, cocoa, vanilla, smoke and black pepper lead to a clean, long finish.

null

88

24

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Syrah

Fess Parker

null

France

The wine is attractively fruity, its crispness balanced by round apple and pear flavors that give richness. It has a creamy texture, concentrated acidity and a finish that brings out lemon and lime.

null

85

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Buisson-Redon

null

Italy

Mature berry, blue flower, toasted oak and a whiff of cake spice lead the nose. The ripe, full-bodied palate offers stewed cherry, raspberry jam, vanilla, espresso and a licorice note alongside assertive, close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish. It closes on a raisin note.

Badarina

89

60

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Grimaldi Bruna

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Grimaldi Bruna 2012 Badarina (Barolo)

Spain

Simple, nice and not trying too hard; this basic brut is graced with nice apple and citrus aromas. The palate is wet, juicy and classic, with crisp apple, green herb and melon flavors. Round, clean and just crisp enough.

Brut Reserva

87

10

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Segura Viudas

null

Italy

A blend of 70% Primitivo and 30% Negroamaro, this opens with jammy aromas of ripe blackberry, moist tobacco and milk chocolate. The mouthfeel is rich and chewy, with a touch of bitter almond.

Artetica

87

null

Southern Italy

Salento

null

Red Blend

Schola Sarmenti di Terrulenta

null

US

This Rhône blend is scented with sharp-toned berry, spice, and menthol and it has an herbaceous note that is well-integrated and set against light tannins. Don't look for a lot of sweet fruit; this is more European, herbal and firm. A fine food wine.

DIst 83

88

36

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Rhône-style Red Blend

Hollywood Hill

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Hollywood Hill 2008 DIst 83 Red (Horse Heaven Hills)

New Zealand

Waipara isn't usually considered Sauvignon Blanc country, but this is a creditable effort, boasting ample melon and fig flavors and a shot of grassiness on the otherwise soft finish.

null

87

17

Waipara

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Grey's Peak

null

Italy

Here's a pretty blend of Sangiovese (70%), Sagrantino and Colorino that is noticeable because of the smooth and seamless manner in which these three grapes interact. Bold cherry fruit, blackberry and spice make up the bouquet that is followed by a slightly gritty, but firm mouthfeel.

Riserva

89

35

Central Italy

Montefalco Rosso

null

Red Blend

Perticaia

null

Perticaia 2009 Riserva (Montefalco Rosso)

US

Light copper-pink in color, this vineyard-designate shows a wealth of peach and orange flavors that combine to refreshing effect. Lightly made in a bright accessible style, the wine offers a moderate body weight and texture that's pleasing on the palate.

Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Rosé of

90

25

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Parmeson

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Parmeson 2016 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

This Tempranillo-based pinkie is quite inviting and tightly textured, with aromas of orange shave ice, strawberry cream, watermelon and cement. It is extremely zesty and lively once sipped, offering easy-to-drink raspberry and melon notes. It's great for all sorts of food, from spicy to rich.

Indie

89

24

California

Templeton Gap District

Central Coast

Tempranillo

ONX

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

ONX 2015 Indie Tempranillo (Templeton Gap District)

France

Pears, apples and cream work well together in this friendly dry white. It has a weight, ripeness, but the acidity gives a lift. The finish is soft and full in the mouth.

Seigneurs de Bergerac

84

11

Southwest France

Bergerac Sec

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Yvon Mau

null

New Zealand

Mild toast accents the delicate white peaches and Bosc pears found in this full-bodied, spicy Chard from the Mendoza (Wente) clone. Finishes lemony and long; should age a few years at least, but it's good now as well.

null

89

22

Marlborough

null

Chardonnay

Isabel Estate

null

US

This is a wine that may get lost in a blind tasting because it's restrained and balanced. Fruit bombs will overwhelm it, but with great food, at the table, its simple, dry elegance and refreshingly crisp acidity will support, not overwhelm, steak, lamb, duck or other rich fare.

null

91

22

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Merlot

Schug

null

Chile

Years have gone by since we last rated this novelty, and all signs indicate that it has vastly improved. The amalgamation of fruit, tannin and acidity is quite impressive. The mocha and molasses that deck the finish is a rich, welcome touch. Big and unique; but beware of the rock-hard tannins. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons.

Reserve

88

15

Maipo Valley

null

Petite Sirah

Carmen

null

Spain

Light in color and more neutral and clean smelling than anything. The palate is airy and offers simple, pleasant melon and pear flavors. About as easygoing as they come; a no-frills white wine that's tasty, lightweight and a bit sweet.

null

85

11

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Verdejo-Viura

Gran Cardiel

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Gran Cardiel 2009 Verdejo-Viura (Rueda)

US

This wine stops you in your tracks with its aromas of earth, peat, fire pit, tapenade and coffee. The flavors are outrageously rich, dense and textured, with a lightly tacky feel to the tannins and a hyperextended finish. It's a knockout.

La Paciencia Vineyard

95

75

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Tempranillo

No Girls

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

No Girls 2012 La Paciencia Vineyard Tempranillo (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

US

Dark, bone dry and very tannic, this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend has a fine structure. In the mouth it feels rich and earthy, but offers fruitier flavors of currants, limned in sweet, smoky oak. Very Bordeaux-esque.

Red Rhythm

91

25

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

B&E;

null

Italy

Here's a lovely expression of Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, with a pretty balance of chocolate, cherry and blackberry aromas. Smoky oak-related elements appear in the background as do drying mineral notes. With some 29,000 cases made, this wine should not be difficult to locate and the low price is hard to beat.

La Luna e I Falò

89

16

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti Superiore

null

Barbera

Terre da Vino

null

Canada

Just a touch of dried herb adds a surprising element to the intense honey, white flower and sweet tangerine flavors on this beautiful late-harvest Riesling. Striking lemon-lime acidity and a shower of crushed stones on the finish add elegance and balance.

Indian Summer

90

30

Ontario

Niagara Peninsula

null

Riesling

Cave Spring

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Cave Spring 2009 Indian Summer Riesling (Niagara Peninsula)

Australia

The result of a joint venture between the Chapoutier and Laughton families, this is a full-bodied, superripe wine. Aromas and flavors of chocolate and raisined cassis are almost Amarone-like, while the tannins are softly dusty in texture and the finish long.

null

91

70

Victoria

Heathcote

null

Shiraz

Cluster M45

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Cluster M45 2008 Shiraz (Heathcote)

South Africa

With its mélange of Verdelho, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Rousanne and Chenin Blanc, this layered white offers something for most palates. On the nose, citrus, flowers and tropical fruit lead, followed by flavors of soft but vibrant fruit balanced with a citric, minerally zing. Complex but refreshing.

Fair Maiden

87

15

Coastal Region

null

White Blend

Bellingham

null

Italy

Easy, tight and watery, this informal Prosecco would hit the spot on a hot summer day by the pool. Floral and peach aromas are woven within the sparkler's natural sweetness.

Zero Gran Cuvée Extra Dry

84

null

Veneto

Prosecco

null

Glera

De Stefani

null

De Stefani NV Zero Gran Cuvée Extra Dry (Prosecco)

Australia

Only contains 1% Viognier, so maybe the impression is subliminal, but there does seem to be a hint of apricot to this wine's raspberry-blueberry fruit and cracked pepper. It's medium-bodied, with firm acids but soft tannins on the finish. Drink now and over the next 8 years.

No. 89

90

45

New South Wales

Orange

null

Shiraz-Viognier

Philip Shaw

null

Italy

There's a raw or thorny quality to this wine that is offset by bitter cherry, bramble and spice. The wine offers loads of power and intensity in the mouth and would clean the palate of cream or cheese based sauces. Imported by Domaine Select Wine Estates.

null

86

23

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Fratta Pasini

null

US

The winery did a nice job with this high production (19,000 cases) Merlot, which was assembled from various parts of the county. The wine is dry and spicy, with scoury tannins that frame cherry, tobacco, thyme and dill flavors. Drink now.

null

87

25

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Merlot

Ferrari-Carano

null

Ferrari-Carano 2004 Merlot (Sonoma County)

US

This winery, with its Los Alamitos tasting room east of Long Beach, sources from a variety of vineyards to make some impressive wines. This bottling shows crushed black pepper, tar, roasted lamb and savory herb notes on the nose. The palate is tangy with underripe boysenberry, thyme, black tea and roasted lamb flavors.

Natalie Grace Harrison Clarke Vineyard

93

38

California

Ballard Canyon

Central Coast

Syrah

Seal Beach

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Seal Beach 2011 Natalie Grace Harrison Clarke Vineyard Syrah (Ballard Canyon)

US

Smoky and toasty, with well-defined acidity, this flavorful Chardonnay matches the barrel notes to light tropical and stone fruits—peach and papaya.

null

88

18

Washington

Washington Other

Chardonnay

Hedgeline

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Hedgeline 2010 Chardonnay (Washington)

Italy

This Preda Sarmassa cru Barolo promises to open and evolve with more time in the cellar (at least 10 years). At this point, the wine is still a bit closed and firm although the aromas are already showing pretty tones of fruit and blue flowers. The mouthfeel is polished but hard.

Preda Sarmassa

89

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Virna Borgogno

null

Virna Borgogno 2005 Preda Sarmassa (Barolo)

France

Inky black in color, this is strong stuff. The wood aromas are overdone, but on the palate, the wine is rich, allowing the tarry black berry fruits and herbs to show through. Designed for aging; keep for 4–5 years.

GC

93

130

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château du Cèdre

null

US

A bit sweet in fruit juice flavors, but nice and crisp, with a fine minerality. Suggests pineapples, peaches and vanilla, with a sugary finish.

McGinley Vineyard

85

30

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Ojai

null

South Africa

More than a touch of green tobacco leafiness shows here. The berry fruit is light, the wine somewhat astringent. There's a touch of earthy complexity, but not much depth or length.

null

82

15

Coastal Region

null

Merlot

Saxenburg Estate

null

US

Some Cabs go into a dip at the age of five, and this may be one of them. It's a little awkward in structure, with a sharpness of feeling, and the oak isn't integrated with the ripe blackberry fruit. Could emerge and be fine in a couple more years.

null

86

42

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Falcor

null

Italy

This dark Aglianico offers lush concentration and generous aromas of toast, leather, earth, exotic spice, black cherry, coffee and blackberry tart. It's got complexity and character and delivers both freshness and thick density.

Preludio

89

null

Southern Italy

Irpinia

null

Aglianico

Donnachiara

null

Donnachiara 2006 Preludio Aglianico (Irpinia)

Italy

Pio Cesare's Fides is several steps up from its basic Barbera. It shows a pretty, complex nose of black cherry, fennel and bacon, while on the palate, there is plenty of rich fruit, layered by the aromatics. Good levels of concentration and a long solid finish.

Fides

90

41

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Pio Cesare

null

US

Extremely intriguing on the nose, this shows aromas of Meyer lemon, green banana and tangerines. Generous yellow fruits like melon and Gala apples show on the palate, which is soft with lemon-bar elements at first but then tightens around green apple skins and a peppery, herbal character.

Riverview Vineyard Estate Grown

92

29

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Metz Road

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Metz Road 2012 Riverview Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay (Monterey)

Italy

Toast, espresso and mocha aromas lead the nose while the bracing palate offers raw red berry, anise, coffee and a hint of chocolate. Grainy tannins provide firm support but leave an astringent finish. Wait another few years for the tannins to soften a bit then drink up.

null

88

43

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Giribaldi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Giribaldi 2011 Barolo

US

Charbonneau is Woodward Canyon's proprietary name for its white and red blended wines. The blanc is predominantly Sémillon, with 10% Sauvignon Blanc added to round it out. The nose is scented with freshly mown hay, spice and herbs. It has plenty of crisp fruit in the mouth, and a distinctive spiciness that begs to be paired with Thai food, crab cakes or something with cilantro. Great food wine.

Charbonneau Blanc

90

28

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

White Blend

Woodward Canyon

null

US

This structured Merlot opens with a complex bouquet of well-knit cherry, currant, oak, mocha and leather aromas. Similar flavors and licorice accents follow on the full and supple palate. This large-scaled but evenly-textured and balanced Merlot finishes long, with dark fruit and toast flavors. The sturdy tannins will reward cellaring. Drink now–2007+.

VSR

91

45

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Merlot

Lockwood

null

US

What differentiates this from the winery's other Grüner is hard to say. Both are round and spicy, with moderate acidity and a suggestion of residual sugar. This has a touch more alcohol, and a bit of heat in the finish.

Winemaker's Reserve

87

29

Oregon

Umpqua Valley

Southern Oregon

Grüner Veltliner

Reustle

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Reustle 2013 Winemaker's Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Umpqua Valley)

Chile

Bright ruby in color, with medicinal berry, vanilla and chocolaty oak aromas. Pushes forward on the palate, where toasty, chocolaty oak rides on top of dark berry and plum flavors. Dominated by woodspice and peppery flavors on the finish.

Tobiano

87

20

Casablanca Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Kingston Family

null

US

Hestan only makes this one white wine. Though its beginnings might seem humble, the juice in the bottle surely will change anyone's mind. This is liquid gold in color, with deep petrol aromas and a note of toasted caramel oak.It's superbly balanced, with minerality winning the day—especially on the finish. This wine starts out like a California blockbuster but finishes very elegantly, with finesse.

null

91

50

California

San Francisco Bay

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Hestan

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Hestan 2009 Chardonnay (San Francisco Bay)

US

There's a strong dose of green gooseberry in this wine that makes it distinct, although you'll also find riper notes of limes and grapefruits. It's quite dry and crisp with acidity, finishing with mouthwatering tartness.

River Road Ranch

86

23

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Trione

null

Trione 2012 River Road Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)

France

Packed with ripe Merlot fruit, this is a dense wine. It has impressive structure and great acidity to cut through the dark fruit. Rich and full in the mouth, this will be a solid fine wine from 2020.

null

89

38

Bordeaux

Lalande de Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Domaine des Sabines

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine des Sabines 2014 Lalande de Pomerol

France

This is a firmly tannic wine although with ripe potential. It has a dense character that is good, allowing the fruit to develop. For now, it is dry so give that fruit plenty of time. Drink from 2019.

null

87

18

Bordeaux

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Tanesse

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Tanesse 2014 Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

US

Fresh tropical fruit, peach and apricot flavors star in this flashy young wine. Oak also plays a prominent role, giving buttered toast and caramel notes. And the texture is creamy and smooth. The overall impression is very rich and powerful, but the wine could have more finesse. Drink now.

Journey

89

75

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Matanzas Creek

null

US

This elegant and detailed Pinot Gris offers fresh floral accents around spicy, toasty, well-mixed fruit. Pear and orange fruit flavors carry just a slight hint of honey, and the concentrated finish extends into a long, clean fade-out.

Estate

90

17

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Carabella

null

US

Big flavors meet big tannins and full body in this dark-colored, concentrated and mouth-filling wine. Made from Syrah grapes that were foot-stomped and fermented with native yeasts, it delivers a blast of black cherry flavor that lasts from the aroma through the finish.

Methode Ancienne

89

30

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Rhône-style Red Blend

Miraflores

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Miraflores 2014 Methode Ancienne Red (El Dorado)

Italy

Aromas of beeswax, orchard fruit and a whiff of hazelnut lift out of the glass. Made without added sulfites, the bright round palate delivers mature yellow apple, white peach, lemon zest and a hint of white almond alongside fresh acidity. Its understated character will definitely appeal to lovers of reserved elegant whites.

1909

90

25

Lombardy

Lugana

null

Turbiana

Ancilla

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Ancilla 2016 1909 (Lugana)

France

This is a structured wine that has both firm tannins and ripe black plum fruits. It is concentrated and serious, the wood aging and the fruit tannins giving a lift and richness to the spicy fruit. The estate, dating to the 17th century, has 96 acres. Drink from 2021.

null

91

13

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Sénéjac

null

France

Lemon-scented Mirabelle notes hover on the nose and turn into fully fledged, ripe plum on the palate where the seam of fresh, enlivening and brightening acidity sets a lively theme. The body is light, the finish is dry and the overall impression is one of light-footed playfulness and ease. You might almost forget to notice the more textured, structured core which underlies all this and will allow it to age beautifully. Drink now through 2025.

Fronholz

94

48

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Ostertag

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Ostertag 2013 Fronholz Riesling (Alsace)

Chile

Rubbery underripe aromas are neither fresh nor attractive. This shows high acidity and sketchy balance, while tart green-leaning red-berry and citrus flavors are bitter and pithy.

Los Vascos

82

13

Colchagua Valley

null

Rosé

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) 2016 Los Vascos Rosé (Colchagua Valley)

US

Made from 47% Primitivo, 29% Zinfandel, 16% Syrah and 8% Petite Sirah, this offers a complex nose that mixes sanguine elements of iron, tar and black rocks with smoked meats. The palate is plush and smoky with decent grip, culminating with a bit of creosote funk on the finish.

Holystone

89

28

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Sextant

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Sextant 2012 Holystone Red (Paso Robles)

France

Without any dosage, this bone-dry wine has shocking initial acidity that then opens up to allow the attractive white fruits and mineral character to shine. It is six years old, but it still tastes young and should be kept until 2017.

ADN Montgueux

89

null

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Vincent Couche

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Vincent Couche 2009 ADN Montgueux (Champagne)

Portugal

Perfumed, with acidity and fresh fruit layering a core of the driest tannin. Spice shows through, but so does the spirit, giving an unbalanced aftertaste.

Late Bottled Vintage

86

null

Port

null

Port

Niepoort

null

Italy

Here is a wonderful example of Sauvignon Blanc from Northern Italy at its most aromatic and fragrant. The wine boasts pristine notes of sage leaf, kiwi and honeydew melon. The mouthfeel is firm, tonic and compact.

Prail

88

21

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Sauvignon

Colterenzio

null

Colterenzio 2007 Prail Sauvignon (Alto Adige)

US

Randall Grahm's blend of 37% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 9% Cinsault offers intriguing asphalt, black pepper, boysenberry and a tiny bit of barnyard funk on the nose. It's dark and brooding, with flavors of black pepper, leather and black fruits on the palate, but rather light and lean in texture, with a solid amount of tannic grip.

Le Cigare Volant

93

45

California

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Bonny Doon

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Bonny Doon 2011 Le Cigare Volant Red (Central Coast)

Chile

Rubber, tar, coffee grounds and crusty dark-fruit aromas set up a chewy, full palate with meaty flavors of blackberry, toasted oak and herbs. Round on the tongue and thick, but controlled on the finish, with a mild licorice flavor and herbal leftovers.

Selección

86

12

Maipo Valley

null

Carmenère

Viña Chocalan

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Chocalan 2010 Selección Carmenère (Maipo Valley)

Austria

There is just a hint of perfume on this orange peel and rosewater flavored wine. Crisp, clean and light, it dances across the palate with bright, easy steps. The edgy texture adds a touch of complexity. Screwcap.

Steirische Klassik

88

null

Steiermark

null

Gelber Muskateller

Neumeister

null

France

92-94 Barrel sample. Spicy wood, ginger and nutmeg, balancing with solid textured black fruits. The wine is rich, a powerhouse of sweet tannins, finishing freshly with black currant juice

Barrel sample

93

null

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château la Garde

null

Spain

This smells a bit charred at first, then turns syrupy and richly oaked. It feels fresh but hard, with spiky acidity that pushes the citrusy, vanilla-accented red-fruit. It finishes crisp and a little tart, with cherry, plum and herb flavors.

Reserva

87

20

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Ramón Bilbao

null

Italy

This is a frothy and foamy sweet-smelling Prosecco with pretty aromas of chopped fruit, kiwi and white peach. The active bubbling helps make the wine taste very creamy and smooth in the mouth and that characteristic sweetness kicks in on the finale.

1987 Anniversario Dry

87

20

Veneto

Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Astoria

null

France

This wine, named after a swarm of bees, comes from a small region in the center of the larger Côtes de Provence. From high-altitude vineyards in a state park, it is cool while keeping plenty of richness. The acidity and the red-currant fruits dominate this attractive, ready-to-drink wine.

Les Abeillons

89

22

Provence

Coteaux Varois en Provence

null

Rosé

Château Thuerry

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Thuerry 2016 Les Abeillons Rosé (Coteaux Varois en Provence)

Australia

Filled with scents and flavors of black earth, cedar and dark fruit, this impressively full-bodied wine demands to be served with something similarly big and meaty. Despite its size, it's open-knit and accessible, with just enough coarse tannins on the finish to cut the richness of beef steaks or braises.

The Laughing Magpie

89

29

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz-Viognier

D'Arenberg

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

D'Arenberg 2009 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz-Viognier (McLaren Vale)

Chile

Dry, spicy aromas of tobacco, cedar, vanilla and berry fruits come together nicely. This Maule Valley Cab is fresh and harmonious across the palate, with nothing too pushy. Complex, balsamic flavors of olives, herbs, dried berries, turned earth and cocoa finish dry, peppery and elegant. Drink through 2019.

The 7th Generation Gran Reserva Estate Bottled

91

20

Loncomilla Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

G7

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

G7 2012 The 7th Generation Gran Reserva Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon (Loncomilla Valley)

US

Don't be misled by the Santa Lucia Mountain wording. The estate is outside the appellation, in the warmer, southeasterly part. The wine itself is somewhat full-bodied and ripe for a Pinot Noir. It has cherry pie flavors, complete with the baked crust, and finishes dry and spicy.

HMR Estate Santa Lucia Mountain Range

86

30

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Adelaida

null