spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	Absolutely delicious now, so ripe in blackberry and cherry jam and chocolate flavors. It's pretty tannic, but the lush fruit and softness suggest drinking soon.	Barrouge	87	45	California	Calistoga	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Barlow	null	null	Barlow 2009 Barrouge Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga)
Argentina	Light and cheesy smelling, this has herbal red-fruit aromas. It feels quick and hard across the palate, with strawberry, raspberry and herbal flavors.	null	82	8	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Shiraz	Funky Llama	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Funky Llama 2011 Shiraz (Mendoza)
Italy	Earthy, floral and berry aromas lead into a palate that offers up creamy cherry, white pepper, licorice and tobacco along with supple tannins. This is already enjoyable so drink soon.	null	89	30	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Villadoria	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Villadoria 2010 Barbaresco
France	A firm, rather lean, stalky wine, dominated by black currant flavors. The tannins are dry, dense. This will show best with food, its firmness and tannic character cutting well with rich meat.	Château Tour Blanche	86	30	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Bernard Magrez	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bernard Magrez 2004 Château Tour Blanche (Médoc)
US	Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) takes the lead on this wine, followed by Merlot (21%), Syrah (17%), Cabernet Franc (14%) and five other varieties. Aromas of blue fruit, char, plum, herb, confection and spice are followed by easy-drinking plum flavors, with a slightly clipped finish. It's a pleasant easy drinker.	Firehouse	87	16	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Tamarack Cellars	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Tamarack Cellars 2015 Firehouse Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	With some attractive bottle age, this pale rosé is warm and rich. Spice contrasts with crisp red fruits and acidity. The wine is ready to drink.	Terroirs Brut Rosé	87	59	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	A.R. Lenoble	Roger Voss	@vossroger	A.R. Lenoble NV Terroirs Brut Rosé (Champagne)
US	Tastes excessively sharp throughout, with a cut of acidity that interferes with the palate's pleasure in the blackberries, cherries, currants and oak.	Distraction	84	40	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Pear Valley	null	null	null
US	A pronounced jolt of backyard compost jumps out first in this wine, followed by thin layers of cranberry, quickly wrapped up before there's much to say about a finish.	null	82	20	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Zinfandel	Zinfandelic	null	null	null
Portugal	Mint and wood aromas go well with this smooth, wood-aged wine. Blending Touriga Nacional and Petit Verdot (resulting in its intense color), the impressive wine is concentrated with very ripe black fruit, which still retains good levels of acidity. Age for 2–3 years.	Selection Tinto	90	27	Tejo	null	null	Portuguese Red	Vale d'Algares	null	null	null
France	The Mourvèdre in this ripe wine lends a wonderful spice and herbal character. While the wine is full and rich, it also has a fine refreshing line of raspberry fruit. The wine is ready to drink.	Tradition	88	26	Provence	Bandol	null	Rosé	Château d'Azur	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château d'Azur 2015 Tradition Rosé (Bandol)
US	A lovely Pinot Noir, dry and silky, giving lots of pleasure in the mouth. Shows polished cherry, raspberry and spice flavors. From Cargasacchi.	Salsipuedes	89	20	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Point Concepción	null	null	null
South Africa	A great value wine that's ready to drink now. This vibrant and aromatic selection boasts scents of orange blossom, white peach and fresh honeydew. The palate is fresh and lively with a crisp and mouthwatering finish.	null	86	10	Stellenbosch	null	null	Chenin Blanc	Spier	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Spier 2011 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
US	A big, chewy Zinfandel that'll throw you on the ground and lather you in berry-incased tannins, peppery body and all-out lusciousness. All the fruit comes from Shake Ridge Ranch, Ann Kraemer's rock-star vineyard, from a trio of clones (Heart's Desire, Mendo and Monte Rosso) and the 12% Petite Sirah adds a dusty backdrop to the finish, which also surprises with a touch of licorice. The oak is present, in a good way.	Vineyard Select Series	89	36	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Newsome-Harlow	null	null	null
Italy	You'll find aromas of mature black cherry, dark cooking spice, mint, leather and a whiff of espresso on this full-bodied red. The firm palate shows dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean, oak and a licorice note supported by bracing, grainy tannins that leave an astringent finish. Drink after 2020.	Monserra	89	42	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Raineri Gianmatteo	null	null	null
Chile	Café mocha is the first aroma, and that's backed by char, pepper, smoldering black fruit and earth, the sum of which gears you up for the palate, which is healthy but not too fierce or tannic. Flavors of berry and cassis are natural and juicy, while the finish is long and brings in tobacco and leather notes. Drink now through 2010.	Ninquén Mountain Vineyard	91	34	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ninquén	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Ninquén 2004 Ninquén Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)
France	The wine has some of the steely, mineral character of Chablis, while also offering richer toast flavors. It is crisp, a delicious green edge to it, while the structure promises a few years development.	Domaine Long-Depaquit Les Vaillons Premier Cru	92	null	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Albert Bichot	null	null	null
Chile	An ambitious wine that's largely (70%) aged in barrel for seven or eight months, this shows plenty of oak flavor and ample weight, but lacks the freshness and vibrancy of the less expensive bottlings. Caramel, toast and sweet corn notes make up the majority of the flavor profile.	La Porfia Grand Reserve	84	20	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Botalcura	null	null	null
Portugal	A wine that is soft and fruity. The tannins are light, spiked with acidity and some bitter chocolate. The final character is fruity, rich and soft.	Terra Bella Reserve	86	null	Port	null	null	Port	Fonseca	null	null	null
Greece	This 60% Agiorgitko/40% Syrah blend has a spicy masculine character from start to finish. On the nose, leather, spice and cherry; on the palate, leather, balsamic, rich red fruit and cherry unfold. It's not terribly complex but it's food friendly and assertive.	Unique Blend Red	86	15	Cephalonia	null	null	Red Blend	Gentilini	null	null	null
US	Acidity marks this Chardonnay. It gives a tart, mouth-cleansing citrusy scour to the lemon and lime and pineapple flavors that finish so dry. It's a minimalist wine, with a minerally frame, and quite good with shellfish.	Estate Bottled	90	45	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Fog Crest	null	null	null
Australia	Nicely concentrated, with layers of chocolate and potent cassis flavors that are tinged with hints of peppery spice. Medium-bodied, with enough structure to make it capable of lasting several years in the cellar.	Hard Yards	89	19	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz	Sylvan Springs	null	null	null
New Zealand	This may be atypically dark and powerful, but this wine provides a rich, satisfying drink that hopefully presages more good things to come from the 2005 vintage Pinots. Despite its inky color and plum and chocolate flavors, the texture is still very Pinot—silky and round but not flabby, with crispness and lift on the finish.	null	88	18	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Sherwood Estate	null	null	null
Italy	This attractive Dolcetto opens with dense concentration and pretty aromas of black fruit, plum, spice and cola. The wine's texture is chewy and dense, but fresh acidity appears at the end to keep the palate bright and clean.	Paié	88	23	Piedmont	Langhe	null	Dolcetto	Pelassa	null	null	null
Italy	Riserva Broglio Barolo from Schiavenza opens with generous tones of red berry fruit, spice, vanilla, polished mineral, licorice and cola. It is already showing some delicate tertiary aromas and, in the mouth, you can feel the fine texture of the tannins. Hold five more years.	Broglio Riserva	94	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Schiavenza	null	null	null
US	Sultry aromas of black plum, violet, lava rocks, smoke, caramelized beef, forest floor and star anise draw the nose into this hearty, well-rounded wine. There is both vibrant energy and tannic grip to the palate, with dense, dark cranberry, tangy fruit skins, a touch of vanilla and a minty fennel element on the finish.	Sierra Mar	95	75	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Walt	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Walt 2014 Sierra Mar Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Romania	A nose with apples, vanilla and pear, and flavors of flowers and pears are found in this delicate Pinot Grigio. Spicy but floral, with a quaffable character.	Alb Sec	84	8	Viile Timis	null	null	Pinot Grigio	Cramele Recas	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Cramele Recas 2008 Alb Sec Pinot Grigio (Viile Timis)
Italy	Here's what local producers call a “traditional” style in Barbera d'Asti (meaning the presence of oak is all but undetectable) with vibrant fruit aromas of cherry, cranberry and white almond. This is an easygoing pasta or pizza wine.	Maria Teresa	86	null	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti	null	Barbera	Borgo Isolabella	null	null	null
US	Shows real elegance and finesse in a variety that can sometimes get a little out of control. With smoothly polished tannins giving it a full-bodied mouthfeel, this single-vineyard wine has rich blackberry, black currant and pepper flavors. Fine now, and should develop for many years.	Nord Vineyard	92	45	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Petite Sirah	Envy	null	null	Envy 2007 Nord Vineyard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
US	Soft and gentle, with jammy black cherry, mocha, orange peel, vanilla and sandalwood flavors. Drink now with a nice flank steak atop creamy, buttery polenta.	null	86	25	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Merlot	Chateau St. Jean	null	null	null
New Zealand	Pretty typical New Zealand Pinot Gris, featuring a fair bit of residual sweetness. There's plenty of weight and density in the mouth, but less intensity of flavor and aroma, only hinting at almond, honey and melon.	null	85	16	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Gris	Chasing Venus	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Chasing Venus 2009 Pinot Gris (Marlborough)
US	This blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot includes fruit from five Walla Walla Valley vineyards. It shows plenty of muscle and bigger, rounder fruit than the single-vineyard Cabernet from Tero. Loaded with lush cherry and plum flavor, with a milk chocolate accent, it's very appealing, nicely balanced and lingering.	Walla Walla Valley	91	42	Oregon	Walla Walla Valley (OR)	Oregon Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Tero Estates	null	null	null
US	Much care goes into this blend, which was fermented both in neutral wood and in stainless steel. Just 10% went through malolactic. It's a light, clean, well-defined effort, offering accents of salad greens, celery and lemon verbena around crisp apple fruit flavors.	null	89	25	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Adelsheim	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Adelsheim 2014 Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)
France	Crisply made, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, relishing hedgerow fruits, green, crisp berries and a creamy texture. Pure fruit drives the wine, the structure coming from acidity and pear skins.	null	86	25	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Remy-Pannier	null	null	null
US	This new offering from rising star Efesté is a wine of amazing grace, polish and depth—a young wine with a dense core of berry fruit flavors, a wrapping of mineral and steel, ripe and tightly wound tannins, and notes of coffee and graphite stacked through the long finish.	Eléni	93	36	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Efeste	null	null	null
Italy	This Brunello opens with a bright ruby color and delivers aromas of cherry cola, Spanish cedar, cigar box, wild berries and spice. It's a streamlined wine that puts more emphasis on elegance than brawn or power. A Marc de Grazia selection; various American importers.	Gorelli	88	65	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Le Potazzine	null	null	Le Potazzine 2005 Gorelli (Brunello di Montalcino)
France	Solid, foursquare wine, full of structure and fruit, bringing light tannins into play with black plums and sweet acidity. But the wine also has a lightness of touch, offering approachability as well as concentration. Age for 3–4 years.	Taillepieds Premier Cru	92	69	Burgundy	Volnay	null	Pinot Noir	Bouchard Père & Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bouchard Père & Fils 2007 Taillepieds Premier Cru (Volnay)
Germany	Subtle for the type, with delicate quince, apricot and moss notes that lead to a lemony palate. Piquant acidity binds it all together in a taut frame. Off-dry. Drink now.	Spätlese	87	32	Rheinhessen	null	null	Riesling	Rheingraf	null	null	null
France	From old vines planted in a single vineyard, this is a spectacular red. It has the crisp acidity of the cool-climate Sancerre, but it also has the weight and ripeness of a fine Burgundy. The wood aging has left a spicy toasty edge to the beautiful cherry fruits and acidity. It could age for another year to be at its best. Drink from 2019.	En Grands Champs	94	112	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Pinot Noir	Alphonse Mellot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Alphonse Mellot 2014 En Grands Champs (Sancerre)
Italy	A ripe and rich Barbera d'Asti Superiore with pleasantly inviting aromas of ripe blackberry, Maraschino cherry and exotic spice. All those aromatic layers are washed clean over the palate thanks to the wine's fresh acidity that kicks in on the finish.	La Luna e I Falò	88	16	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti Superiore	null	Barbera	Terre da Vino	null	null	null
Greece	This cheerful wine starts with a bright cherry and vanilla nose, followed by flavors of raspberry, strawberry, vanilla and smoke. Integrated and easy-drinking, it's a good go-to wine for everything from pizza to a more serious steak entrée.	Hedgehog Vineyard	87	24	Amyndeon	null	null	Xinomavro	Alpha Estate	null	null	null
US	Smooth in texture and very sweet, with flavors of cherry and black raspberry marmalade, chocolate pie and spices. For immediate drinking.	Zinfandel	85	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Port	Ballentine	null	null	null
US	This is one of the most exciting wines of the vintage for this label, a blend of 68% Bien Nacido and 32% from its sister vineyard, Solomon Hills. It shows Meyer lemon pith, chalk, pencil lead, grapefruit pith and a slight touch of yogurt on the nose. The chalk-driven, tingling-with-acidity palate opens onto brine-laced flavors of yellow grapefruit pith and expertly restrained pineapple and peach.	La Hermana	94	40	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Liquid Farm	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Liquid Farm 2014 La Hermana Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
France	This is a structured style of rosé with a tannic edge as well as red-currant flavors. It is fruity, dry and with fine refreshing acidity to finish this fragrant wine. Drink now.	Caractère Rosé Brut	88	43	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Marie Copinet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Marie Copinet NV Caractère Rosé Brut (Champagne)
US	Aromatic in black cherry and herb, this is a smooth, round Merlot that'll please many palates, balanced in pleasant fruity tones and vanilla oak.	Sandstone	87	18	California	San Francisco Bay-Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Merlot	Wente	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Wente 2011 Sandstone Merlot (San Francisco Bay-Livermore Valley)
France	This light, fresh Chardonnay has lively pear and apple flavors. A crisp texture gives zing to the brightly fruity wine. Drink now.	null	85	19	Beaujolais	Beaujolais-Villages	null	Chardonnay	Jean-Marc Burgaud	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Jean-Marc Burgaud 2014 Beaujolais-Villages
France	The name refers to the fact that Madiran is on the Greenwich Meridian of zero degrees longitude. The wine, from a single parcel, is bold and black in character and color. It is firmly tannic, with plenty of balancing acidity, but the tannins are sweet, now softening into the superripe fruits and chocolate flavors. It will fully mature in the next 2–3 years.	Cuvée Greenwich	92	30	Southwest France	Madiran	null	Tannat	Château Peyros	null	null	null
Italy	SeraRosa is a full and generous rosato with ripe berry and raspberry flavors followed by medium density and a noticeable touch of alcoholic heat.	SeraRosa	84	null	Tuscany	Tuscany	null	Sangiovese	Cesani	null	null	Cesani 2012 SeraRosa Sangiovese (Tuscany)
Italy	Il Tralcetto (with a grapevine tied to the capsule of the bottle) offers a thick, creamy expression of Riesling with aromas of natural rubber and yellow flower. The mouthfeel is dense and oily.	Il Tralcetto	83	14	Veneto	Veneto	null	Riesling	Cescon Italo Storia e Vini	null	null	null
Chile	Creamy and plump; this is a fine bargain-priced Chard, one with character and balance. Sure, there are the telltale pear and banana flavors, but on the back it offers subtle apple notes prior to a light, casual finish.	Casillero del Diablo	87	10	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Concha y Toro	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a top wine from the Borba cooperative. It has all the right richness and fruitiness followed by great concentration, solid texture and dark tannins. The finish shows acidity, with touches of tar and perfume.	Premium	90	null	Alentejo	null	null	Portuguese Red	Adega Cooperativa de Borba	null	null	null
Spain	Yeasty, dusty aromas of apple and melon lead to a plump, almost flat feeling palate with generic flavors of peach, apple and melon. The finish has a soft, mealy, slightly creamy and flat feel along with modest flavors of white fruits.	null	85	11	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Viura	El Coto	null	null	null
US	A blend of fruit from DuBrul and Meek vineyards, this wine brings light aromas of herb, vanilla, raspberry, orange peel and black licorice. The palate offers a mouthful of tart fruit flavors that are simultaneously sleek and generous.	StevensMerlot	90	32	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Stevens	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Stevens 2013 StevensMerlot Merlot (Yakima Valley)
US	Very full-bodied and richly forward in raspberries, cherries and oranges, with the yeasty lees and toast of sparkling wine. A little too big for classic elegance, but dry and easy to like.	Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé	87	36	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Sparkling Blend	Domaine Carneros	null	null	null
France	This intensely fruity wine has richness, yellow fruit flavors and a touch of spice and citrus zest. Its soft aftertaste that makes it immediately attractive.	Sélection Prestige	86	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) 2010 Sélection Prestige (Bordeaux Blanc)
US	Pretty good for the the price. It's bone dry and zesty in acidity, with mouthwatering flavors of oranges, lemons and limes, finished with a touch of vanilla and white pepper.	Unchained Naked	86	10	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Big House	null	null	Big House 2010 Unchained Naked Chardonnay (California)
US	Tastes unevenly ripened, with blackberry and vegetal flavors side by side, and seems to have residual sugar. The sweetness is compounded with high alcohol.	Estate	81	24	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Minassian-Young	null	null	null
US	Another of the producer's estate-grown offerings, this vineyard-designate is bittersweet on the palate, rich and yet softly smooth in anise and waxy apple. Plenty of acidity buoys the experience, adding to the wine's ability to stay crisply refreshing on the finish.	Bow Tie Vineyard	90	45	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	J Vineyards & Winery	Virginie Boone	@vboone	J Vineyards & Winery 2013 Bow Tie Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Spain	Raisin, pastry and plum aromas are smooth and generous given how cool 2013 was in Rioja. There's good acidity and body to go with flavors of plum, blackberry and toasty oak. Finishing notes of coffee, toast and chocolate are fully oaked, which lends a sense of sweetness to this Crianza.	Viña Alarde Crianza	89	14	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Marqués de la Concordia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Marqués de la Concordia 2013 Viña Alarde Crianza (Rioja)
Germany	Notes of pineapple and tangerine skin perfume this fruity and fresh, yet deeply complex wine. Lush peach and pear and pear notes are calibrated by a dry, steely precision. The finish is long, lingering on a fringe of smoke and dusty minerals. Drink now through 2025.	Rüdesheimer Ramstein Erste Lage Trocken	92	32	Rheingau	null	null	Riesling	Johannishof	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Johannishof 2014 Rüdesheimer Ramstein Erste Lage Trocken Riesling (Rheingau)
US	A nice Pinot, lush and complex, offering rich flavors of cherry jam, cinnamon, pepper and smoky sandalwood. Balanced with crisp acidity, it should hold its own for the next four years.	Trout Gulch Vineyard Estate Grown	87	45	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Beauregard	null	null	null
US	A straightforward Chardonnay rich in vanilla and lemon meringue that finds its footing, teeter-tottering between crisp and oaky.	null	85	14	California	North Coast	North Coast	Chardonnay	Josh Cellars	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Josh Cellars 2011 Chardonnay (North Coast)
New Zealand	Pears and pineapples turn buttery and oaky in the mouth without being overdone. A lush, easy-drinking wine that's fairly soft and designed for immediate gratification, unlike some of Grove Mill's other offerings.	null	86	18	Marlborough	null	null	Chardonnay	Grove Mill	null	null	null
Spain	Nice on the nose, with layers of blackberry, earth, lemon peel and herbs. The palate is grabby and clacky but healthy, with forward black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Finishes full and long, with coffee and toast notes. A generous wine to drink now through 2015.	Elite	89	29	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tinta Fina	Pradorey	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pradorey 2006 Elite (Ribera del Duero)
US	This bone-dry blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah is picking up aged notes, with the primary fruit flavors drying out. In its place are dried currants, cured meats, funky mushrooms. The tannins and acids provide firm structure. Already throwing some sediment, it will appeal to fans of older wines.	Megandina Vineyard Vintner's Cuvée	87	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	Brady Family	null	null	Brady Family 2007 Megandina Vineyard Vintner's Cuvée Red (Napa Valley)
US	Plump mulberries and ripe black cherries meet with black sage and dark, clove-y herbs on the nose of this wine from Bentrock Vineyard. The rich, concentrated palate surrounds a dense raspberry core, proving quite lively thanks to the camphor and sage-like spice that carries deep into the finish.	Je Ne Sais Quoi	93	60	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Babcock	null	null	null
Italy	Fermented partly in seasoned barriques, this subtle but polished Pinot Bianco has delicate sensations of green apple, lemon zest, Bartlett pear and a hint of pastry cream. Crisp acidity generates a refreshing finish.	Trattmannhof	87	17	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Bianco	Dürer-Weg	null	null	null
Argentina	A standard wine with ample berry and plum aromas supported by blackberry, plum and chocolate flavor. It's simple but smooth, with generic berry flavors, decent mouthfeel and length. Expect only the basics and it'll rank as good everyday wine.	null	85	12	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Zolo	null	null	null
South Africa	The Winemakers Guild is a grouping of South African winemakers and members who can submit wines for approval and release under the Guild name. This impressive 2004 Cabernet is still very young, firmly under the control of fine tannins, but showing ripe but structured dark plums and herbs underneath.	Winemaker Guild Blend	92	60	Stellenbosch	null	null	Red Blend	Warwick	null	null	null
US	Fruity and oaky, with firm, dry tannins housing flavors of cherry pie filling, Dr. Pepper cola, sandalwood, mocha, anise and pepper. Tasty and rewarding, a good companion for sandwiches, smoked meats and burgers. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.	Sublime	86	18	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Changala	null	null	null
US	A simple, rugged wine with flavors of berries, chocolate, herbs and something vaguely oak-like. It's dry and full-bodied.	null	83	10	California	California	California Other	Syrah	McManis	null	null	null
US	The Clifton is holding back at the moment, its tannins feel a little scrapey and the fruit is showing a cool-climate aspect, although the Wahluke is generally one of Washington's hot spots. Gravelly and dry, with a long finish that somehow holds your interest long after the fruit has faded.	Clifton Vineyard	89	35	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Syrah	K Vintners	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	K Vintners 2008 Clifton Vineyard Syrah (Wahluke Slope)
Germany	Perfumed notes of plum and cherry blossoms abound on this silky, supple wine. It's ripe and full bodied, clinging lusciously on the palate, yet balanced by a revitalizing spray of acidity and minerality. It's an approachable yet refined Pinot Noir that's ready to drink now.	BF Lahrer Trocken	92	32	Baden	null	null	Spätburgunder	Wöhrle	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Wöhrle 2013 BF Lahrer Trocken Spätburgunder (Baden)
US	Oregon Chardonnay in the low 12% alcohol range is well out of the ordinary, but it reflects the vintage conditions in 2010. This is a wine for acid lovers, with very tart green-apple fruit and a bit of spice.	Her Silhouette	85	22	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Amalie Robert	null	null	null
US	Smoky and meaty, with nut, white-peach and clove notes. Firm acidity allowed 100% barrel fermentation without the wine becoming overly soft.	Reserve	87	13	New York	Long Island	Long Island	Chardonnay	Duck Walk	null	null	null
Italy	A small percentage of Merlot (just 5%) is added to this bright Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore for extra softness and cherry intensity. At its essence, this is a simple and easy-going wine with short lived tones of tar, licorice, tea leaf and easy berry flavors.	null	85	23	Central Italy	Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore	null	Sangiovese	Condé	null	null	Condé 2010 Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore
US	A good Chardonnay to serve at parties, this shows plenty of oak-driven vanilla and toast flavors that ride high over the seemingly sweet note of pineapple candy. It will satisfy lots of Chardophiles, at an affordable price.	null	84	25	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Black Box	null	null	Black Box 2011 Chardonnay (California)
Italy	Made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of tire rubber and sawdust. The lean palate offers espresso and roasted notes but it lacks fruit richness and intensity.	Tre	86	23	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Brancaia	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Brancaia 2011 Tre Red (Toscana)
Chile	Nice and familiar for the variety, with common herbal, beefy, black fruit aromas followed by a chunky palate of blackberry, black cherry, mocha and herbs. Clean and solid on the finish, with 15% Cabernet in the blend.	null	86	12	Central Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Asunto de Vino	null	null	null
US	A very rich Viognier, this has massive flavors of tropical fruit, peach, pear, vanilla bean and buttered toast. The ripe fruit comes at the cost of very high alcohol.	Reserve	88	22	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Viognier	Clos La Chance	null	null	null
Italy	From a simpatico, family-run winery comes this benchmark Barolo. La Serra speaks highly of the Langhe territory and of winemaking innovation. Aromas here include cherry cola, vanilla bean, leather and crushed granite stone. The wine is determined and direct with a savory note of cured meat on the long finish. Drink after 2017.	La Serra	95	100	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Eugenio Bocchino	null	null	null
Argentina	Like many of this winery's bottlings, this is heavy and raisiny. However, amid all the thickness and extract there are lusty, robust roasted black fruit flavors and candied darkness. Baked on the finish, which feels hollow and doesn't last long.	Libertad Vineyards	84	25	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Syrah	Benegas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Benegas 2008 Libertad Vineyards Syrah (Mendoza)
US	The vines from which the fruit for this wine were sourced are, on average, 15 years old. Aged primarily in French oak, this concentrated wine shows fine depth, with an emphasis on black cherry and cassis flavors. Full and ripe, this well-structured effort has the balance and polished tannins to be cellared for a decade, at least.	null	92	40	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Northstar	null	null	null
Portugal	Already throwing considerable sediment and possessed of a creamy, supple mouthfeel, this is a vintage Port that should probably be consumed young. Enjoy its lush blueberry fruit, chocolate and spice complexity over the next 10 years. Imported by Supreme Wines & Spirits.	Vintage	92	50	Port	null	null	Port	Quinta de Ventozelo	null	null	null
Portugal	Made to be consumed young, this is fresh and fruity. It has a layer of tannins that support the red berry and plum fruit tones. The aftertaste is fresh and fruity. Drink now.	Tinto	87	13	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Evel	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Evel 2012 Tinto Red (Douro)
Italy	Like many Alto Adige Pinot Noirs, the beautiful floral aromas hit you first to be followed by a delicately choreographed ensemble of white almond, berry fruit, licorice root and white mushroom. Very good length and intensity in the mouth: This calls out for baked saltwater fish.	Montigl Riserva	89	27	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Nero	Cantina Terlano	null	null	null
US	This wine initially presents itself as lighter in body than it actually is, a tease from the cool-climate aromas of cucumber, dill and cranberry tea. The oak is toasty with a whiff of smoke, the acidity somewhat subdued. An appealing funk of earth gives it varietal distinction.	Sangiacomo Vineyard	89	49	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	MacPhail	null	null	null
US	Fragrant opening notes of fennel, tobacco and lime introduce a well-crafted Cabernet sourced from the Pepper Bridge vineyard. The fruit flavors are quite dry, slightly attenuated, and hinting at herbs throughout.	null	87	39	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Mosquito Fleet	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Mosquito Fleet 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
South Africa	This is a robust and firmly structured Syrah with medium-coarse tannins and medium-full weight. Meaty and dark with notes of licorice, black currant, sweet spice and a touch of cocoa on the finish. Though it's intense, it still feels like it's holding back a little bit; try after 2012 for a more forward presentation.	null	90	47	Coastal Region	null	null	Syrah	Boekenhoutskloof	null	null	null
Italy	Mature dark-skinned fruit, aniseed and aromatic herb aromas play in the glass. On the firm palate, fine-grained tannins support bright red cherry, mint, rosemary and toast. Drink after 2019.	null	89	null	Piedmont	Roero	null	Nebbiolo	Rabino	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Rabino 2012 Roero
Argentina	It takes a few minutes to become friends with this bruising heavyweight from Mendoza's Uco Valley. It's muscular, tough, tannic and lemony now, but time will unleash a lovable, big-time Argentine blend with rustic notes along with pure, polished berry fruit and loads of earthy spice. Better to hold until at least 2011 before uncorking.	Chacayes	92	70	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Red Blend	François Lurton	null	null	null
US	Good things are happening at Patton Valley, whose estate-grown wines are sustainably farmed and certified. This young, fresh Pinot Noir is bursting with ripe raspberries, juicy and alive in the mouth, leaving with a clean, crisp lick of minerality.	null	88	35	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Patton Valley	null	null	null
US	Additions of Sauvignon Musque and Sauvignon Gris add complexity to this rewarding white, full bodied and rounded in anise, creamy vanilla and apricot tones. Succulent and lengthy, it teases in an underbelly of herb and grass. It saw stainless-steel fermenting plus time in French oak, chestnut and acacia.	null	91	18	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Dry Creek Vineyard	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Dry Creek Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley)
US	Offering a light-toned taste of raspberry coulis with well-defined acidity, this is a soft, silky vineyard-designate with a lilt of orange peel. A wall of tannins guards the finish.	Holder Vineyard	88	68	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	La Pitchoune	Virginie Boone	@vboone	La Pitchoune 2013 Holder Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	Light in color and seemingly simple, this wine celebrates the virtues of fresh-squeezed citrus and peach while floating through floating clouds of air, that's how light it remains on the palate. Still, there's flavor and refreshment, all at a more-than-fair price.	null	88	18	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Taft Street	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Taft Street 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)
US	This is barely 12% alcohol, from a cool site in the Columbia Gorge AVA. It is searingly tart, with sharp lime, barely ripe pineapple, green apple flavors, and a hint of white pepper in the nose. A fine wine for oysters.	Underwood Mountain Vineyard	88	20	Oregon	Columbia Gorge (OR)	Oregon Other	Grüner Veltliner	Syncline	null	null	null
Italy	Cola, spice, marzipan, crushed black pepper and licorice—this delicious win has it all. It even offers a touch of smoked ham, warm tobacco and leather. It has a lively feel in the mouth thanks to bright acidity and warm cherry flavors.	null	88	null	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	La Sala	null	null	null
US	Tough, hard and dry, with thick tannins and a cut of acidity that obscure deep flavors of blackberries, black licorice and black pepper. This chewy wine could develop over the next 2–3 years, but right now, it's pretty unrelieved.	Reserve	86	24	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Frei Brothers	null	null	null
Italy	Very supple on the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend has dense black cherry aromas and flavors framed by dill oak. Earth notes add a touch of complexity and the finish is full, with tobacco-earth accents. Attractive and easy-to-like as it is, but the wine seems to have the potential for more nuance and dimension than it presently shows.	Excelsus	89	73	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot	Castello Banfi	null	null	null
Argentina	Bold and packed to the gills with black fruit, well-applied oak and rubbery, fresh tannins. As Bonarda goes, this is a clear winner; it's blowsy and ribald on the nose, with tons of black fruit, coconut and mocha. The palate is firm but not overly hard, with fig, black plum and length to the finish. Drink now through 2012.	Limited Edition Reserva	90	28	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Bonarda	Nieto Senetiner	null	null	null
US	The deep, dark-red color and jammy fruit aromas signal a bold, friendly style that develops in the ripe blackberry, maple and strawberry flavors. It has a rich, soft texture and lingering finish that is almost sweet.	null	87	13	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Love Noir	null	null	null

US

Absolutely delicious now, so ripe in blackberry and cherry jam and chocolate flavors. It's pretty tannic, but the lush fruit and softness suggest drinking soon.

Barrouge

87

45

California

Calistoga

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Barlow

null

Barlow 2009 Barrouge Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga)

Argentina

Light and cheesy smelling, this has herbal red-fruit aromas. It feels quick and hard across the palate, with strawberry, raspberry and herbal flavors.

null

82

8

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Shiraz

Funky Llama

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Funky Llama 2011 Shiraz (Mendoza)

Italy

Earthy, floral and berry aromas lead into a palate that offers up creamy cherry, white pepper, licorice and tobacco along with supple tannins. This is already enjoyable so drink soon.

null

89

30

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Villadoria

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Villadoria 2010 Barbaresco

France

A firm, rather lean, stalky wine, dominated by black currant flavors. The tannins are dry, dense. This will show best with food, its firmness and tannic character cutting well with rich meat.

Château Tour Blanche

86

30

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Bernard Magrez

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bernard Magrez 2004 Château Tour Blanche (Médoc)

US

Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) takes the lead on this wine, followed by Merlot (21%), Syrah (17%), Cabernet Franc (14%) and five other varieties. Aromas of blue fruit, char, plum, herb, confection and spice are followed by easy-drinking plum flavors, with a slightly clipped finish. It's a pleasant easy drinker.

Firehouse

87

16

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Tamarack Cellars

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Tamarack Cellars 2015 Firehouse Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

With some attractive bottle age, this pale rosé is warm and rich. Spice contrasts with crisp red fruits and acidity. The wine is ready to drink.

Terroirs Brut Rosé

87

59

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

A.R. Lenoble

Roger Voss

@vossroger

A.R. Lenoble NV Terroirs Brut Rosé (Champagne)

US

Tastes excessively sharp throughout, with a cut of acidity that interferes with the palate's pleasure in the blackberries, cherries, currants and oak.

Distraction

84

40

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Pear Valley

null

US

A pronounced jolt of backyard compost jumps out first in this wine, followed by thin layers of cranberry, quickly wrapped up before there's much to say about a finish.

null

82

20

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Zinfandel

Zinfandelic

null

Portugal

Mint and wood aromas go well with this smooth, wood-aged wine. Blending Touriga Nacional and Petit Verdot (resulting in its intense color), the impressive wine is concentrated with very ripe black fruit, which still retains good levels of acidity. Age for 2–3 years.

Selection Tinto

90

27

Tejo

null

Portuguese Red

Vale d'Algares

null

France

The Mourvèdre in this ripe wine lends a wonderful spice and herbal character. While the wine is full and rich, it also has a fine refreshing line of raspberry fruit. The wine is ready to drink.

Tradition

88

26

Provence

Bandol

null

Rosé

Château d'Azur

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château d'Azur 2015 Tradition Rosé (Bandol)

US

A lovely Pinot Noir, dry and silky, giving lots of pleasure in the mouth. Shows polished cherry, raspberry and spice flavors. From Cargasacchi.

Salsipuedes

89

20

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Point Concepción

null

South Africa

A great value wine that's ready to drink now. This vibrant and aromatic selection boasts scents of orange blossom, white peach and fresh honeydew. The palate is fresh and lively with a crisp and mouthwatering finish.

null

86

10

Stellenbosch

null

Chenin Blanc

Spier

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Spier 2011 Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)

US

A big, chewy Zinfandel that'll throw you on the ground and lather you in berry-incased tannins, peppery body and all-out lusciousness. All the fruit comes from Shake Ridge Ranch, Ann Kraemer's rock-star vineyard, from a trio of clones (Heart's Desire, Mendo and Monte Rosso) and the 12% Petite Sirah adds a dusty backdrop to the finish, which also surprises with a touch of licorice. The oak is present, in a good way.

Vineyard Select Series

89

36

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Newsome-Harlow

null

Italy

You'll find aromas of mature black cherry, dark cooking spice, mint, leather and a whiff of espresso on this full-bodied red. The firm palate shows dried black cherry, roasted coffee bean, oak and a licorice note supported by bracing, grainy tannins that leave an astringent finish. Drink after 2020.

Monserra

89

42

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Raineri Gianmatteo

null

Chile

Café mocha is the first aroma, and that's backed by char, pepper, smoldering black fruit and earth, the sum of which gears you up for the palate, which is healthy but not too fierce or tannic. Flavors of berry and cassis are natural and juicy, while the finish is long and brings in tobacco and leather notes. Drink now through 2010.

Ninquén Mountain Vineyard

91

34

Colchagua Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ninquén

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Ninquén 2004 Ninquén Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)

France

The wine has some of the steely, mineral character of Chablis, while also offering richer toast flavors. It is crisp, a delicious green edge to it, while the structure promises a few years development.

Domaine Long-Depaquit Les Vaillons Premier Cru

92

null

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Albert Bichot

null

Chile

An ambitious wine that's largely (70%) aged in barrel for seven or eight months, this shows plenty of oak flavor and ample weight, but lacks the freshness and vibrancy of the less expensive bottlings. Caramel, toast and sweet corn notes make up the majority of the flavor profile.

La Porfia Grand Reserve

84

20

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Botalcura

null

Portugal

A wine that is soft and fruity. The tannins are light, spiked with acidity and some bitter chocolate. The final character is fruity, rich and soft.

Terra Bella Reserve

86

null

Port

null

Port

Fonseca

null

Greece

This 60% Agiorgitko/40% Syrah blend has a spicy masculine character from start to finish. On the nose, leather, spice and cherry; on the palate, leather, balsamic, rich red fruit and cherry unfold. It's not terribly complex but it's food friendly and assertive.

Unique Blend Red

86

15

Cephalonia

null

Red Blend

Gentilini

null

US

Acidity marks this Chardonnay. It gives a tart, mouth-cleansing citrusy scour to the lemon and lime and pineapple flavors that finish so dry. It's a minimalist wine, with a minerally frame, and quite good with shellfish.

Estate Bottled

90

45

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Fog Crest

null

Australia

Nicely concentrated, with layers of chocolate and potent cassis flavors that are tinged with hints of peppery spice. Medium-bodied, with enough structure to make it capable of lasting several years in the cellar.

Hard Yards

89

19

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz

Sylvan Springs

null

New Zealand

This may be atypically dark and powerful, but this wine provides a rich, satisfying drink that hopefully presages more good things to come from the 2005 vintage Pinots. Despite its inky color and plum and chocolate flavors, the texture is still very Pinot—silky and round but not flabby, with crispness and lift on the finish.

null

88

18

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Sherwood Estate

null

Italy

This attractive Dolcetto opens with dense concentration and pretty aromas of black fruit, plum, spice and cola. The wine's texture is chewy and dense, but fresh acidity appears at the end to keep the palate bright and clean.

Paié

88

23

Piedmont

Langhe

null

Dolcetto

Pelassa

null

Italy

Riserva Broglio Barolo from Schiavenza opens with generous tones of red berry fruit, spice, vanilla, polished mineral, licorice and cola. It is already showing some delicate tertiary aromas and, in the mouth, you can feel the fine texture of the tannins. Hold five more years.

Broglio Riserva

94

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Schiavenza

null

US

Sultry aromas of black plum, violet, lava rocks, smoke, caramelized beef, forest floor and star anise draw the nose into this hearty, well-rounded wine. There is both vibrant energy and tannic grip to the palate, with dense, dark cranberry, tangy fruit skins, a touch of vanilla and a minty fennel element on the finish.

Sierra Mar

95

75

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Walt

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Walt 2014 Sierra Mar Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Romania

A nose with apples, vanilla and pear, and flavors of flowers and pears are found in this delicate Pinot Grigio. Spicy but floral, with a quaffable character.

Alb Sec

84

8

Viile Timis

null

Pinot Grigio

Cramele Recas

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Cramele Recas 2008 Alb Sec Pinot Grigio (Viile Timis)

Italy

Here's what local producers call a “traditional” style in Barbera d'Asti (meaning the presence of oak is all but undetectable) with vibrant fruit aromas of cherry, cranberry and white almond. This is an easygoing pasta or pizza wine.

Maria Teresa

86

null

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti

null

Barbera

Borgo Isolabella

null

US

Shows real elegance and finesse in a variety that can sometimes get a little out of control. With smoothly polished tannins giving it a full-bodied mouthfeel, this single-vineyard wine has rich blackberry, black currant and pepper flavors. Fine now, and should develop for many years.

Nord Vineyard

92

45

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Petite Sirah

Envy

null

Envy 2007 Nord Vineyard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)

US

Soft and gentle, with jammy black cherry, mocha, orange peel, vanilla and sandalwood flavors. Drink now with a nice flank steak atop creamy, buttery polenta.

null

86

25

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Merlot

Chateau St. Jean

null

New Zealand

Pretty typical New Zealand Pinot Gris, featuring a fair bit of residual sweetness. There's plenty of weight and density in the mouth, but less intensity of flavor and aroma, only hinting at almond, honey and melon.

null

85

16

Marlborough

null

Pinot Gris

Chasing Venus

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Chasing Venus 2009 Pinot Gris (Marlborough)

US

This blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot includes fruit from five Walla Walla Valley vineyards. It shows plenty of muscle and bigger, rounder fruit than the single-vineyard Cabernet from Tero. Loaded with lush cherry and plum flavor, with a milk chocolate accent, it's very appealing, nicely balanced and lingering.

Walla Walla Valley

91

42

Oregon

Walla Walla Valley (OR)

Oregon Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tero Estates

null

US

Much care goes into this blend, which was fermented both in neutral wood and in stainless steel. Just 10% went through malolactic. It's a light, clean, well-defined effort, offering accents of salad greens, celery and lemon verbena around crisp apple fruit flavors.

null

89

25

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Adelsheim

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Adelsheim 2014 Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)

France

Crisply made, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, relishing hedgerow fruits, green, crisp berries and a creamy texture. Pure fruit drives the wine, the structure coming from acidity and pear skins.

null

86

25

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Remy-Pannier

null

US

This new offering from rising star Efesté is a wine of amazing grace, polish and depth—a young wine with a dense core of berry fruit flavors, a wrapping of mineral and steel, ripe and tightly wound tannins, and notes of coffee and graphite stacked through the long finish.

Eléni

93

36

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Efeste

null

Italy

This Brunello opens with a bright ruby color and delivers aromas of cherry cola, Spanish cedar, cigar box, wild berries and spice. It's a streamlined wine that puts more emphasis on elegance than brawn or power. A Marc de Grazia selection; various American importers.

Gorelli

88

65

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Le Potazzine

null

Le Potazzine 2005 Gorelli (Brunello di Montalcino)

France

Solid, foursquare wine, full of structure and fruit, bringing light tannins into play with black plums and sweet acidity. But the wine also has a lightness of touch, offering approachability as well as concentration. Age for 3–4 years.

Taillepieds Premier Cru

92

69

Burgundy

Volnay

null

Pinot Noir

Bouchard Père & Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bouchard Père & Fils 2007 Taillepieds Premier Cru (Volnay)

Germany

Subtle for the type, with delicate quince, apricot and moss notes that lead to a lemony palate. Piquant acidity binds it all together in a taut frame. Off-dry. Drink now.

Spätlese

87

32

Rheinhessen

null

Riesling

Rheingraf

null

France

From old vines planted in a single vineyard, this is a spectacular red. It has the crisp acidity of the cool-climate Sancerre, but it also has the weight and ripeness of a fine Burgundy. The wood aging has left a spicy toasty edge to the beautiful cherry fruits and acidity. It could age for another year to be at its best. Drink from 2019.

En Grands Champs

94

112

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Pinot Noir

Alphonse Mellot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Alphonse Mellot 2014 En Grands Champs (Sancerre)

Italy

A ripe and rich Barbera d'Asti Superiore with pleasantly inviting aromas of ripe blackberry, Maraschino cherry and exotic spice. All those aromatic layers are washed clean over the palate thanks to the wine's fresh acidity that kicks in on the finish.

La Luna e I Falò

88

16

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti Superiore

null

Barbera

Terre da Vino

null

Greece

This cheerful wine starts with a bright cherry and vanilla nose, followed by flavors of raspberry, strawberry, vanilla and smoke. Integrated and easy-drinking, it's a good go-to wine for everything from pizza to a more serious steak entrée.

Hedgehog Vineyard

87

24

Amyndeon

null

Xinomavro

Alpha Estate

null

US

Smooth in texture and very sweet, with flavors of cherry and black raspberry marmalade, chocolate pie and spices. For immediate drinking.

Zinfandel

85

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Port

Ballentine

null

US

This is one of the most exciting wines of the vintage for this label, a blend of 68% Bien Nacido and 32% from its sister vineyard, Solomon Hills. It shows Meyer lemon pith, chalk, pencil lead, grapefruit pith and a slight touch of yogurt on the nose. The chalk-driven, tingling-with-acidity palate opens onto brine-laced flavors of yellow grapefruit pith and expertly restrained pineapple and peach.

La Hermana

94

40

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Liquid Farm

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Liquid Farm 2014 La Hermana Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)

France

This is a structured style of rosé with a tannic edge as well as red-currant flavors. It is fruity, dry and with fine refreshing acidity to finish this fragrant wine. Drink now.

Caractère Rosé Brut

88

43

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Marie Copinet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Marie Copinet NV Caractère Rosé Brut (Champagne)

US

Aromatic in black cherry and herb, this is a smooth, round Merlot that'll please many palates, balanced in pleasant fruity tones and vanilla oak.

Sandstone

87

18

California

San Francisco Bay-Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Merlot

Wente

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Wente 2011 Sandstone Merlot (San Francisco Bay-Livermore Valley)

France

This light, fresh Chardonnay has lively pear and apple flavors. A crisp texture gives zing to the brightly fruity wine. Drink now.

null

85

19

Beaujolais

Beaujolais-Villages

null

Chardonnay

Jean-Marc Burgaud

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Jean-Marc Burgaud 2014 Beaujolais-Villages

France

The name refers to the fact that Madiran is on the Greenwich Meridian of zero degrees longitude. The wine, from a single parcel, is bold and black in character and color. It is firmly tannic, with plenty of balancing acidity, but the tannins are sweet, now softening into the superripe fruits and chocolate flavors. It will fully mature in the next 2–3 years.

Cuvée Greenwich

92

30

Southwest France

Madiran

null

Tannat

Château Peyros

null

Italy

SeraRosa is a full and generous rosato with ripe berry and raspberry flavors followed by medium density and a noticeable touch of alcoholic heat.

SeraRosa

84

null

Tuscany

null

Sangiovese

Cesani

null

Cesani 2012 SeraRosa Sangiovese (Tuscany)

Italy

Il Tralcetto (with a grapevine tied to the capsule of the bottle) offers a thick, creamy expression of Riesling with aromas of natural rubber and yellow flower. The mouthfeel is dense and oily.

Il Tralcetto

83

14

Veneto

null

Riesling

Cescon Italo Storia e Vini

null

Chile

Creamy and plump; this is a fine bargain-priced Chard, one with character and balance. Sure, there are the telltale pear and banana flavors, but on the back it offers subtle apple notes prior to a light, casual finish.

Casillero del Diablo

87

10

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Concha y Toro

null

Portugal

This is a top wine from the Borba cooperative. It has all the right richness and fruitiness followed by great concentration, solid texture and dark tannins. The finish shows acidity, with touches of tar and perfume.

Premium

90

null

Alentejo

null

Portuguese Red

Adega Cooperativa de Borba

null

Spain

Yeasty, dusty aromas of apple and melon lead to a plump, almost flat feeling palate with generic flavors of peach, apple and melon. The finish has a soft, mealy, slightly creamy and flat feel along with modest flavors of white fruits.

null

85

11

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Viura

El Coto

null

US

A blend of fruit from DuBrul and Meek vineyards, this wine brings light aromas of herb, vanilla, raspberry, orange peel and black licorice. The palate offers a mouthful of tart fruit flavors that are simultaneously sleek and generous.

StevensMerlot

90

32

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Stevens

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Stevens 2013 StevensMerlot Merlot (Yakima Valley)

US

Very full-bodied and richly forward in raspberries, cherries and oranges, with the yeasty lees and toast of sparkling wine. A little too big for classic elegance, but dry and easy to like.

Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé

87

36

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Sparkling Blend

Domaine Carneros

null

France

This intensely fruity wine has richness, yellow fruit flavors and a touch of spice and citrus zest. Its soft aftertaste that makes it immediately attractive.

Sélection Prestige

86

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) 2010 Sélection Prestige (Bordeaux Blanc)

US

Pretty good for the the price. It's bone dry and zesty in acidity, with mouthwatering flavors of oranges, lemons and limes, finished with a touch of vanilla and white pepper.

Unchained Naked

86

10

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Big House

null

Big House 2010 Unchained Naked Chardonnay (California)

US

Tastes unevenly ripened, with blackberry and vegetal flavors side by side, and seems to have residual sugar. The sweetness is compounded with high alcohol.

Estate

81

24

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Minassian-Young

null

US

Another of the producer's estate-grown offerings, this vineyard-designate is bittersweet on the palate, rich and yet softly smooth in anise and waxy apple. Plenty of acidity buoys the experience, adding to the wine's ability to stay crisply refreshing on the finish.

Bow Tie Vineyard

90

45

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

J Vineyards & Winery

Virginie Boone

@vboone

J Vineyards & Winery 2013 Bow Tie Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Spain

Raisin, pastry and plum aromas are smooth and generous given how cool 2013 was in Rioja. There's good acidity and body to go with flavors of plum, blackberry and toasty oak. Finishing notes of coffee, toast and chocolate are fully oaked, which lends a sense of sweetness to this Crianza.

Viña Alarde Crianza

89

14

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Marqués de la Concordia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Marqués de la Concordia 2013 Viña Alarde Crianza (Rioja)

Germany

Notes of pineapple and tangerine skin perfume this fruity and fresh, yet deeply complex wine. Lush peach and pear and pear notes are calibrated by a dry, steely precision. The finish is long, lingering on a fringe of smoke and dusty minerals. Drink now through 2025.

Rüdesheimer Ramstein Erste Lage Trocken

92

32

Rheingau

null

Riesling

Johannishof

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Johannishof 2014 Rüdesheimer Ramstein Erste Lage Trocken Riesling (Rheingau)

US

A nice Pinot, lush and complex, offering rich flavors of cherry jam, cinnamon, pepper and smoky sandalwood. Balanced with crisp acidity, it should hold its own for the next four years.

Trout Gulch Vineyard Estate Grown

87

45

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Beauregard

null

US

A straightforward Chardonnay rich in vanilla and lemon meringue that finds its footing, teeter-tottering between crisp and oaky.

null

85

14

California

North Coast

Chardonnay

Josh Cellars

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Josh Cellars 2011 Chardonnay (North Coast)

New Zealand

Pears and pineapples turn buttery and oaky in the mouth without being overdone. A lush, easy-drinking wine that's fairly soft and designed for immediate gratification, unlike some of Grove Mill's other offerings.

null

86

18

Marlborough

null

Chardonnay

Grove Mill

null

Spain

Nice on the nose, with layers of blackberry, earth, lemon peel and herbs. The palate is grabby and clacky but healthy, with forward black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Finishes full and long, with coffee and toast notes. A generous wine to drink now through 2015.

Elite

89

29

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tinta Fina

Pradorey

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pradorey 2006 Elite (Ribera del Duero)

US

This bone-dry blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah is picking up aged notes, with the primary fruit flavors drying out. In its place are dried currants, cured meats, funky mushrooms. The tannins and acids provide firm structure. Already throwing some sediment, it will appeal to fans of older wines.

Megandina Vineyard Vintner's Cuvée

87

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

Brady Family

null

Brady Family 2007 Megandina Vineyard Vintner's Cuvée Red (Napa Valley)

US

Plump mulberries and ripe black cherries meet with black sage and dark, clove-y herbs on the nose of this wine from Bentrock Vineyard. The rich, concentrated palate surrounds a dense raspberry core, proving quite lively thanks to the camphor and sage-like spice that carries deep into the finish.

Je Ne Sais Quoi

93

60

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Babcock

null

Italy

Fermented partly in seasoned barriques, this subtle but polished Pinot Bianco has delicate sensations of green apple, lemon zest, Bartlett pear and a hint of pastry cream. Crisp acidity generates a refreshing finish.

Trattmannhof

87

17

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Bianco

Dürer-Weg

null

Argentina

A standard wine with ample berry and plum aromas supported by blackberry, plum and chocolate flavor. It's simple but smooth, with generic berry flavors, decent mouthfeel and length. Expect only the basics and it'll rank as good everyday wine.

null

85

12

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Zolo

null

South Africa

The Winemakers Guild is a grouping of South African winemakers and members who can submit wines for approval and release under the Guild name. This impressive 2004 Cabernet is still very young, firmly under the control of fine tannins, but showing ripe but structured dark plums and herbs underneath.

Winemaker Guild Blend

92

60

Stellenbosch

null

Red Blend

Warwick

null

US

Fruity and oaky, with firm, dry tannins housing flavors of cherry pie filling, Dr. Pepper cola, sandalwood, mocha, anise and pepper. Tasty and rewarding, a good companion for sandwiches, smoked meats and burgers. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Sublime

86

18

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Changala

null

US

A simple, rugged wine with flavors of berries, chocolate, herbs and something vaguely oak-like. It's dry and full-bodied.

null

83

10

California

California Other

Syrah

McManis

null

US

The Clifton is holding back at the moment, its tannins feel a little scrapey and the fruit is showing a cool-climate aspect, although the Wahluke is generally one of Washington's hot spots. Gravelly and dry, with a long finish that somehow holds your interest long after the fruit has faded.

Clifton Vineyard

89

35

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Syrah

K Vintners

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

K Vintners 2008 Clifton Vineyard Syrah (Wahluke Slope)

Germany

Perfumed notes of plum and cherry blossoms abound on this silky, supple wine. It's ripe and full bodied, clinging lusciously on the palate, yet balanced by a revitalizing spray of acidity and minerality. It's an approachable yet refined Pinot Noir that's ready to drink now.

BF Lahrer Trocken

92

32

Baden

null

Spätburgunder

Wöhrle

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Wöhrle 2013 BF Lahrer Trocken Spätburgunder (Baden)

US

Oregon Chardonnay in the low 12% alcohol range is well out of the ordinary, but it reflects the vintage conditions in 2010. This is a wine for acid lovers, with very tart green-apple fruit and a bit of spice.

Her Silhouette

85

22

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Amalie Robert

null

US

Smoky and meaty, with nut, white-peach and clove notes. Firm acidity allowed 100% barrel fermentation without the wine becoming overly soft.

Reserve

87

13

New York

Long Island

Chardonnay

Duck Walk

null

Italy

A small percentage of Merlot (just 5%) is added to this bright Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore for extra softness and cherry intensity. At its essence, this is a simple and easy-going wine with short lived tones of tar, licorice, tea leaf and easy berry flavors.

null

85

23

Central Italy

Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore

null

Sangiovese

Condé

null

Condé 2010 Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore

US

A good Chardonnay to serve at parties, this shows plenty of oak-driven vanilla and toast flavors that ride high over the seemingly sweet note of pineapple candy. It will satisfy lots of Chardophiles, at an affordable price.

null

84

25

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Black Box

null

Black Box 2011 Chardonnay (California)

Italy

Made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas of tire rubber and sawdust. The lean palate offers espresso and roasted notes but it lacks fruit richness and intensity.

Tre

86

23

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Brancaia

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Brancaia 2011 Tre Red (Toscana)

Chile

Nice and familiar for the variety, with common herbal, beefy, black fruit aromas followed by a chunky palate of blackberry, black cherry, mocha and herbs. Clean and solid on the finish, with 15% Cabernet in the blend.

null

86

12

Central Valley

null

Carmenère

Asunto de Vino

null

US

A very rich Viognier, this has massive flavors of tropical fruit, peach, pear, vanilla bean and buttered toast. The ripe fruit comes at the cost of very high alcohol.

Reserve

88

22

California

Central Coast

Viognier

Clos La Chance

null

Italy

From a simpatico, family-run winery comes this benchmark Barolo. La Serra speaks highly of the Langhe territory and of winemaking innovation. Aromas here include cherry cola, vanilla bean, leather and crushed granite stone. The wine is determined and direct with a savory note of cured meat on the long finish. Drink after 2017.

La Serra

95

100

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Eugenio Bocchino

null

Argentina

Like many of this winery's bottlings, this is heavy and raisiny. However, amid all the thickness and extract there are lusty, robust roasted black fruit flavors and candied darkness. Baked on the finish, which feels hollow and doesn't last long.

Libertad Vineyards

84

25

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Syrah

Benegas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Benegas 2008 Libertad Vineyards Syrah (Mendoza)

US

The vines from which the fruit for this wine were sourced are, on average, 15 years old. Aged primarily in French oak, this concentrated wine shows fine depth, with an emphasis on black cherry and cassis flavors. Full and ripe, this well-structured effort has the balance and polished tannins to be cellared for a decade, at least.

null

92

40

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Northstar

null

Portugal

Already throwing considerable sediment and possessed of a creamy, supple mouthfeel, this is a vintage Port that should probably be consumed young. Enjoy its lush blueberry fruit, chocolate and spice complexity over the next 10 years. Imported by Supreme Wines & Spirits.

Vintage

92

50

Port

null

Port

Quinta de Ventozelo

null

Portugal

Made to be consumed young, this is fresh and fruity. It has a layer of tannins that support the red berry and plum fruit tones. The aftertaste is fresh and fruity. Drink now.

Tinto

87

13

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Evel

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Evel 2012 Tinto Red (Douro)

Italy

Like many Alto Adige Pinot Noirs, the beautiful floral aromas hit you first to be followed by a delicately choreographed ensemble of white almond, berry fruit, licorice root and white mushroom. Very good length and intensity in the mouth: This calls out for baked saltwater fish.

Montigl Riserva

89

27

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Nero

Cantina Terlano

null

US

This wine initially presents itself as lighter in body than it actually is, a tease from the cool-climate aromas of cucumber, dill and cranberry tea. The oak is toasty with a whiff of smoke, the acidity somewhat subdued. An appealing funk of earth gives it varietal distinction.

Sangiacomo Vineyard

89

49

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

MacPhail

null

US

Fragrant opening notes of fennel, tobacco and lime introduce a well-crafted Cabernet sourced from the Pepper Bridge vineyard. The fruit flavors are quite dry, slightly attenuated, and hinting at herbs throughout.

null

87

39

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Mosquito Fleet

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Mosquito Fleet 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

South Africa

This is a robust and firmly structured Syrah with medium-coarse tannins and medium-full weight. Meaty and dark with notes of licorice, black currant, sweet spice and a touch of cocoa on the finish. Though it's intense, it still feels like it's holding back a little bit; try after 2012 for a more forward presentation.

null

90

47

Coastal Region

null

Syrah

Boekenhoutskloof

null

Italy

Mature dark-skinned fruit, aniseed and aromatic herb aromas play in the glass. On the firm palate, fine-grained tannins support bright red cherry, mint, rosemary and toast. Drink after 2019.

null

89

null

Piedmont

Roero

null

Nebbiolo

Rabino

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Rabino 2012 Roero

Argentina

It takes a few minutes to become friends with this bruising heavyweight from Mendoza's Uco Valley. It's muscular, tough, tannic and lemony now, but time will unleash a lovable, big-time Argentine blend with rustic notes along with pure, polished berry fruit and loads of earthy spice. Better to hold until at least 2011 before uncorking.

Chacayes

92

70

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Red Blend

François Lurton

null

US

Good things are happening at Patton Valley, whose estate-grown wines are sustainably farmed and certified. This young, fresh Pinot Noir is bursting with ripe raspberries, juicy and alive in the mouth, leaving with a clean, crisp lick of minerality.

null

88

35

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Patton Valley

null

US

Additions of Sauvignon Musque and Sauvignon Gris add complexity to this rewarding white, full bodied and rounded in anise, creamy vanilla and apricot tones. Succulent and lengthy, it teases in an underbelly of herb and grass. It saw stainless-steel fermenting plus time in French oak, chestnut and acacia.

null

91

18

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Dry Creek Vineyard

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Dry Creek Vineyard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley)

US

Offering a light-toned taste of raspberry coulis with well-defined acidity, this is a soft, silky vineyard-designate with a lilt of orange peel. A wall of tannins guards the finish.

Holder Vineyard

88

68

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

La Pitchoune

Virginie Boone

@vboone

La Pitchoune 2013 Holder Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

Light in color and seemingly simple, this wine celebrates the virtues of fresh-squeezed citrus and peach while floating through floating clouds of air, that's how light it remains on the palate. Still, there's flavor and refreshment, all at a more-than-fair price.

null

88

18

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Taft Street

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Taft Street 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)

US

This is barely 12% alcohol, from a cool site in the Columbia Gorge AVA. It is searingly tart, with sharp lime, barely ripe pineapple, green apple flavors, and a hint of white pepper in the nose. A fine wine for oysters.

Underwood Mountain Vineyard

88

20

Oregon

Columbia Gorge (OR)

Oregon Other

Grüner Veltliner

Syncline

null

Italy

Cola, spice, marzipan, crushed black pepper and licorice—this delicious win has it all. It even offers a touch of smoked ham, warm tobacco and leather. It has a lively feel in the mouth thanks to bright acidity and warm cherry flavors.

null

88

null

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

La Sala

null

US

Tough, hard and dry, with thick tannins and a cut of acidity that obscure deep flavors of blackberries, black licorice and black pepper. This chewy wine could develop over the next 2–3 years, but right now, it's pretty unrelieved.

Reserve

86

24

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Frei Brothers

null

Italy

Very supple on the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend has dense black cherry aromas and flavors framed by dill oak. Earth notes add a touch of complexity and the finish is full, with tobacco-earth accents. Attractive and easy-to-like as it is, but the wine seems to have the potential for more nuance and dimension than it presently shows.

Excelsus

89

73

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot

Castello Banfi

null

Argentina

Bold and packed to the gills with black fruit, well-applied oak and rubbery, fresh tannins. As Bonarda goes, this is a clear winner; it's blowsy and ribald on the nose, with tons of black fruit, coconut and mocha. The palate is firm but not overly hard, with fig, black plum and length to the finish. Drink now through 2012.

Limited Edition Reserva

90

28

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Bonarda

Nieto Senetiner

null

US

The deep, dark-red color and jammy fruit aromas signal a bold, friendly style that develops in the ripe blackberry, maple and strawberry flavors. It has a rich, soft texture and lingering finish that is almost sweet.

null

87

13

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Love Noir

null