spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Chile	Basic melon and peach aromas become more pungent and citrusy with airing. The palate has weight and zest but lacks complexity, while the flavors are citrusy and green, much like Sauvignon Blanc, which is common for this wine based on past performance.	Los Vascos	84	14	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) 2010 Los Vascos Chardonnay (Colchagua Valley)
Argentina	There's no escaping the wine's funky, leathery aromas that settle on moss and earth. Familiar plum and berry flavors have a touch of stem in the mix, while the finish is full, medicinal and anchored by mildly bitter tannins. Not bad but tastes and feels a little roasted and rough.	null	84	17	Other	Zonda Valley	null	Syrah	Xumek	null	null	null
US	Soft and simple, this has apricot, peach and cream flavors that finish sweet and jammy.	Spirit Hawk	84	15	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Lander-Jenkins	null	null	Lander-Jenkins 2009 Spirit Hawk Chardonnay (California)
US	Herb, stem, green olive and floral aromas lead to generous fruit and savory flavors that carry though the finish. It shows a lot of finesse and a beautiful sense of balance.	Stoney Vine Vineyard Black Label	92	65	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Va Piano	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Va Piano 2014 Stoney Vine Vineyard Black Label Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
US	With plenty of consumer-friendly vanilla/tobacco flavors, this value Cabernet also brings in dark fruits—blackberry and cassis. The tannins have been smoothed out a bit, though they still carry a little bit of a stemmy edge. A good everyday choice for that burger.	Grand Estates	87	11	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Columbia Crest	null	null	null
Italy	Sedàra is a popular Sicilian red that is readily available around the world. This lively vintage shows bright berry tones, white almond and bright touches of cola and cassis. The mouthfeel is sharp, crisp and compact.	Sedàra	87	15	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Red Blend	Donnafugata	null	null	null
France	With spice and dark coffee flavors, this wine shows some wood aging. It also has considerable acidity and the brightest strawberry fruit. Lively and fragrant at the end, it can be drunk now.	Côte de Grisey Cuvée Juliette	88	30	Burgundy	Bourgogne Epineuil	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Dominique Gruhier	null	null	null
US	A blend of Champoux (62%), Sagemoor (26%) and Woodward Canyon (12%) estate vineyards, this wine is aromatically brooding at present, with notes of coffee, toffee and vanilla bean alongside high-toned cherries, dried herbs and flowers. The palate is supremely rich, dense and layered, with milk chocolate, coffee and cherry flavors. Tannins are expertly managed and the wine brings plenty of textural appeal, combining richness and elegance. The barrel notes are primary now, so give them time to integrate. Best from 2025 to 2035.	Old Vines	94	99	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Woodward Canyon	null	null	null
Italy	Blackberry, espresso and kitchen spice aromas come together in the glass along with a dash of new leather. The firm palate offers raspberry jam, dried black cherry, raisin and a note of bitter dark chocolate alongside fine-grained tannins.	Sairus	89	25	Southern Italy	Campania	null	Aglianico	Montesole	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Montesole 2010 Sairus Aglianico (Campania)
Germany	Sun-ripened mango and pineapple flavors lend a lavish, tropical feel to this off-dry Riesling. At the same time, there's a resolute core of acidity that gives it balance and grace. It's concentrated and fruity but maintains vitality and length.	Bernkastel-Kueser Weisenstein Kabinett	89	21	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Thanisch	null	null	null
US	Shows the luscious fruit and softness of previous vintages, with rich, layered raspberry, cherry, cassis, vanilla, caramelized oak and spice flavors that go on and on into a long finish. The tannins are sturdy from this blend of the two Cabernets, Sauvignon and Franc, which was grown on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain. Yet it's so sweet and fruity, you can drink it now. Misses some of the complexity of the 2007 vintage, but still very fine and polished.	null	90	100	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Viader	null	null	Viader 2008 Red (Napa Valley)
Italy	Balsamic aromas of menthol, saddle leather, crushed herb and exotic spice mingle together in this Barbaresco. The solid palate shows crushed raspberry, Morello cherry, cinnamon and espresso flavors alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.	Gallina	90	48	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Negro Giuseppe	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Negro Giuseppe 2014 Gallina (Barbaresco)
US	Sticky tar, dense blackberry, leather, soy and lilacs combine for a thick nose on this well-priced, widely available bottling. Beef char, dense purple flowers, blackberry jam and tar consume the palate, which is chewy with a strong tannic structure.	Vintner's Reserve	87	17	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Syrah	Kendall-Jackson	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Kendall-Jackson 2014 Vintner's Reserve Syrah (Santa Barbara County)
Spain	Warm and earthy, with a round, ripe nose. The palate is a touch on the sweet, cooked side, but it avoids being stewy or soupy and instead shows ripe black fruit, licorice and smoked meat. Quite soft and low in acid. Drink right away.	Crianza	85	12	Central Spain	La Mancha	null	Red Blend	Finca Antigua	null	null	null
US	With peach custard, pineapple and smoky, oaky tastes, this is a good, satisfying Chard. It's dry and balanced in acidity, with a nice spiciness.	null	85	18	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Domaine Chandon	null	null	null
France	A rich, chocolaty wine, with the structure right up front. Under the same ownership as Château Montrose, this is a wine that reveals all its attractions early with sweet blackberry fruit and powerful tannins. There is some freshness as well, giving fruitiness and acidity at the end.	null	93	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Estèphe	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Tronquoy-Lalande	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Tronquoy-Lalande 2010 Saint-Estèphe
US	A good wine, but incomplete, and shows why Cabernet Franc is a tough variety to bottle on its own. You get a blast of cherries and oak, with sturdy tannins, but the wine lacks depth and complexity.	Robert's Blend	86	90	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Franc	Oakville Ranch	null	null	null
France	Marcillac is one of the more remote French regions located in the hills of the Massif Central. Mansois is the local red grape, and here it has produced a perfumed wine, with red berry fruit that's lined with herb and lavender notes. It has a tense streak of acidity that cuts through the palate, leaving a balance of fruit and dry tannin.	null	87	19	Southwest France	Marcillac	null	Mansois	Lionel Osmin & Cie	null	null	null
US	A nice, supple Cab, softly smooth and ready to drink now. Shows flavors of black cherries, currants, anise, herbs, violets and cedar.	null	87	40	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ridgeline	null	null	null
Chile	Fresh, clean and showing nice white-fruit aromas along with a hint of sweetness. For the most part, this bargain-priced wine hits the spot. It offers fresh apple, peach and mild oak flavors, and the finish is crisp and of moderate length. Seems a little brighter and better than the average value Chard from Chile. Drink right away.	Reserva	87	10	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Santa Carolina	null	null	null
US	Rich in black cherries, cassis, mocha, smoky oak and black pepper, but there's a sharp, tannic sting throughout that doesn't seem likely to age away before the fruit fades. Drink now with BBQ.	null	86	45	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Grenache	Kaleidos	null	null	null
US	Made in a slightly sweet, accessibly fruity style, this easy wine features lush fig, lemon and lime, melon and peach flavors that are offset by crisp acids. It's a refreshing thirst-quencher.	null	84	15	California	Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Sauvignon Blanc	Shannon Ridge	null	null	null
US	Like many of Jess Jackson's high mountain Cabs, this is extremely tannic and dry, at least by Napa standards. So is it ageable? Probably, given the rich heart of blackberry, cherry, violet flower and coffee flavors. But it's a new brand, unproven. Give it until 2009, then try again.	null	88	40	California	Knights Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Pelton House	null	null	null
Italy	Executed in a plump, modern style (the wine is aged in small oak barrique), this delicious cru expression from Barbaresco is truly irresistible. The extraction is dark, thick and redolent of cherry, currant, blackberry, vanilla, spice and cinnamon. In the mouth, it is generous, smooth and long-lasting. This wine will appeal to modernists more than traditionalists.	Montersino	94	45	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Orlando Abrigo	null	null	null
France	This crisp and fruity blend is dominated by 80% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is bright with intense, refreshing acidity and a lively aftertaste. Drink now.	Chai de Bordes	85	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Rosé	null	Rosé	Cheval Quancard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Cheval Quancard 2016 Chai de Bordes Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)
US	A picture perfect Sauvignon Blanc. Really defines the variety in California, with rich, ripe tangerine, pear, green melon and vanilla spice flavors, brightened with brisk acidity. Shows a lot of complexity and class, and look at that price. Easy to find, with 15,000 cases produced.	Pinnacles Ranches	90	12	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Estancia	null	null	null
US	Very ripe, almost raisiny, with a cooked fruit flavor, although the wine is fully dry. The tannins are on the harsh side, and the stewed character seems to accentuate the acidity. Drink now.	null	82	18	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	2820 Wine Co.	null	null	null
US	The new French oak (60%) and rich fruit aromas and flavors play perfectly off each other. Notes of dark roasted coffee beans and bittersweet chocolate meld with fresh herbs and dark cherries. It's rich and layered with abundant fruit and barrel flavors capped off by a tart, lingering finish. Best after 2020.	The Illusionist	92	52	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Sleight of Hand	null	null	null
US	This is clean and brisk in lemony acidity, and it offers concentrated, complex flavors of honeyed pineapples, limes, oranges and mangoes. It's dry and finessed.	null	90	25	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	MacRostie	null	null	null
US	Rich and full-bodied, if a bit direct, with black and red cherry, red licorice, bacon and sandalwood flavors. Best now.	null	86	28	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah	Kaleidos	null	null	null
France	Loaded up with toast and vanilla, as you might expect from Tardieu Laurent, but the wine shows plenty of weight and concentration under the wood, and some underlying pear and melon fruit ultimately finds its way out. It's a rich, succulent mouthful of oak and fruit for near-term drinking.	Guy Louis	88	28	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Tardieu-Laurent	null	null	null
US	Sleek and elegant, showing a great sense of control, the cherry and currant fruits are strong, yet restrained, pulled in by crisp acidity and taut tannins. It should develop over the next six years or so.	Hallberg Vineyard	91	55	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Gary Farrell	null	null	Gary Farrell 2009 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	Merlot has never been St. Supery's strong suit, and this wine shows the winery's continuing struggle. The cool vintage has produced a very dry, tart wine, with green olive, tobacco and herb flavors alongside the black cherry and oak tones.	Estate	86	50	California	Rutherford	Napa	Merlot	St. Supéry	null	null	St. Supéry 2009 Estate Merlot (Rutherford)
Spain	Alvaro Palacios is indeed a great winemaker, as is evidenced by this blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Aromas of bright cherry signify power and structure, yet it's easy as sin to drink. Shows model integration, bursting berry flavors and ripe tannins. Tasted several times during the past year but not rated until now; this wine just keeps getting better.	Propiedad Herencia Remondo	92	28	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Red Blend	Palacios Remondo	null	null	null
US	A disappointment after the outstanding 2012, this is a tannic thin wine, with strong accents of mushroom. Much like a simple cru Bordeaux, it's probably best served with grilled meat or burgers.	null	85	25	Oregon	Rogue Valley	Southern Oregon	Cabernet Franc	Grizzly Peak	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Grizzly Peak 2013 Cabernet Franc (Rogue Valley)
US	All this wine wants to be is a useful, friendly, everyday red, and it succeeds quite well. Made from Lodi area grapes, it's dry, full-bodied and fruity, with a good dusting of tannin.	1 Liter	84	9	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Saturday Red	null	null	null
Germany	Savory, caramelized toast and nut tones accentuate zippy apple and lemon flavors in this flirty, Prosecco-style Riesling. Ripe and forward, it's softer and easier in its approach than traditional Riesling Sekt. Enjoy through 2020.	KonSECCO Riesling	88	17	Mosel	null	null	Sparkling Blend	Von Schleinitz	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Von Schleinitz 2015 KonSECCO Riesling Sparkling (Mosel)
Portugal	Named after a traditional Portuguese dance, the wine is full of red fruits, soft tannins with a rich texture. It is made to be drunk young, its red berry and red-currant fruits well integrated into the structure and acidity. Drink now.	Charamba Reserva	87	10	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Aveleda	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Aveleda 2015 Charamba Reserva Red (Douro)
US	This is a pretty good Cabernet, showing some real fanciness, with soft tannins framing blackberry, currant, anise and herb flavors and a touch of sweet, smoky oak. Not an ager, so drink up.	null	88	18	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Kenwood	null	null	Kenwood 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)
US	Malbec and Syrah both make up just under a third of this wine, with the balance Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Tempranillo. It shows some reduction out of the gate, along with barrel spice, herb and blue and black fruit. The flavors are soft and supple, showing a pleasing sense of balance.	Falcon Series Tribute	89	25	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Kestrel	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Kestrel 2012 Falcon Series Tribute Red (Yakima Valley)
Spain	Initially it's like a pungent strip of fresh-cut oak laid on a bed of leather, but airing reveals black cherry and blueberry flavors and a couple layers of warmth and style. Very nice weight and balance. A little oaky on the nose, but overall it's more than commendable. Imported by Vinamericas Selections.	Crianza	89	30	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Red Blend	Alzania	null	null	null
Italy	Spice, smoked meat and oak tones come to the forefront of this bright Barbera and are followed by black berry, cherry and cassis. The wine is plush and velvety with good crispness and a lively berry driven finish.	Anssema	89	null	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti Superiore Nizza	null	Barbera	Cascina Giovinale	null	null	null
US	A likable, easy-drinking Chard that won't bust your budget, with plenty of ripe flavors and winemaker bells and whistles. It's got spicy, vanilla-accented peach aromas, and while it drinks a bit thin, it's got some class and style. The finish lasts for a pretty long time, with oaky, spicy flavors. This is a good value, especially from a top winery. Best Buy.	null	87	13	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Chardonnay	St. Francis	null	null	null
Italy	This blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon shows easy tones of blackberry, prune, plum and cherry liqueur. It's soft and velvety in the mouth, with an easy-going personality.	Nìvuro	86	null	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Red Blend	Feudo di Santa Tresa	null	null	null
US	An offbeat blend of red and white varieties, this is a simple, fruity, tart wine. The raspberry and cherry flavors have an edge of lime acidity.	redFOUR	84	24	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Red Blend	Westwood	null	null	Westwood 2006 redFOUR Red (Sonoma Valley)
France	Smooth and soft, this has light, fresh red-berry fruits laced with acidity and perfumed by red cherries. The structure is gentle and with the bright fruits, this succulent wine is ready to drink.	Les Demoiselles Tatin	87	20	Loire Valley	Reuilly	null	Pinot Noir	Domaines Tatin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaines Tatin 2014 Les Demoiselles Tatin Pinot Noir (Reuilly)
US	A delicious Pinot Noir. Set it beside more expensive bottlings and it stands up well. Silky and rich, with raspberry and cherry purée, cola, sweet vanilla and sandalwood flavors, and a long, spicy finish. Production was 26,000 cases.	null	87	14	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Cupcake	null	null	null
US	This 100% Cab is a big, rich wine, and while its power is considerable, it lacks subtlety. There's no question about the intensity of blackberries, cherries and spicy persimmons, unrivaled anywhere in the world. Yet ripeness isn't everything. Hard to see this explosion of fruit going anywhere, so drink soon.	Villa Vista	87	80	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Kuleto Estate	null	null	null
US	This cuvée is a barrel selection, fermented with whole berries and aged in 35% new oak. Simple strawberry and raspberry fruit seems almost weightless, and the quick finish carries a strong streak of bouillon.	The Attaché	86	40	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Maison L'Envoyé	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Maison L'Envoyé 2015 The Attaché Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
US	Sharp in acids, with a knife-like cutting quality that slices right through and across the wine's natural cherry flavors. The tannins are bigtime, too. Doesn't seem at all likely to improve in the bottle.	null	83	28	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Barbera	Zucca	null	null	Zucca 2006 Barbera (Sierra Foothills)
Italy	Almost completely black, this wine reveals inky-dark concentration and dark, jammy fruit. Shows power and smoky barbecue aromas of soy sauce, teriyaki, bresaola, cherry liqueur, rum cake, Spanish cedar and sticky pipe tobacco. Cured meat and savory spice as well. Seems extracted and overripe, with hard tannins.	Pertimali	87	55	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Livio Sassetti	null	null	null
US	Chuck Ortman is one of the few to source grapes from this esteemed vineyard. The '04 is a giant step ahead of the '03, suggesting an increasing mastery of the grapes. This inky dark wine is hugely ripe, with red and black fruit-filled pastry flavors, yet dry, silky and balanced. Should develop additional complexities by 2008.	Fiddlestix Vineyard	90	40	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Ortman Family	null	null	null
US	Made from Chardonnay, Viognier and Chenin Blanc, this Mendocino-Lodi-Clarksburg blend is a little too sweet for comfort. There's a sugary edge to the apricot, peach and vanilla flavors that makes it not really a dry table wine. But racy acidity gives it an extra point.	Proprietary White Wine	83	11	California	California	California Other	White Blend	Ten Mile	null	null	null
US	An inky black, brooding wine, thick and glyceriney, with massive aromas of baked pie-filling fruits and berries and caramelized oak. Impressively deep in flavor and full-bodied, almost Rhône-like, the wine explodes in roasted blackberry, currant, cherry and espresso flavors. Should develop well over the next 6 years.	Triangle Block Chinook	92	65	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Noir	Standish	null	null	null
France	With this vintage, there are signs of a wine that is maturing fast. That's the initial impression. But at the same time, there are wonderful dry fruits, minerality and sweet hazelnuts, all finely in balance. The layers get more complex, bringing in toast as well as acidity. Almost ready, but worth aging.	La Grande Année Brut	96	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Bollinger	null	null	null
US	Silky, with pronounced tannins that should mellow in time, this is an earthy, stemmy and perfumed wine. Succulent and balanced, it's brightly exuberant in black cherry yet brooding and complex throughout, changing slightly from savory to floral and back again. It's an incredible wine out of the gate; cellar with confidence, through 2021.	Olivet Lane Vineyard	96	75	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Williams Selyem	null	null	null
Italy	Ripe fruit aromas of cherry and blackberry jam appear on the nose and give this wine a sunny personality. Make no mistake, this is an easy, decidedly un-complex wine, but it is fun and refreshing to drink over an informal meal with family and friends.	Terre delle Fornaci	84	null	Tuscany	Chianti Colli Fiorentini	null	Sangiovese	La Colombaia	null	null	La Colombaia 2006 Terre delle Fornaci (Chianti Colli Fiorentini)
US	The expected cut-grass greenness shows on the nose of this wine, but so do plenty of white flowers, nectarine, golden apples and chalk. The palate is rather rich in style for this grape, perhaps explained by its slight aging, but well done with ripe apple flesh and more cut-grass flavors.	Vogelzang Vineyard	89	28	California	Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Magna Mater	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Magna Mater 2013 Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
US	The sulfur was slow to blow off, but eventually a nice Cab emerged. Soft and gentle in texture, it has rich flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, black currants and spicy oak, with nice crunchy tannins. Drink now.	Riserva d'Argento	87	34	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Cabernet Sauvignon	Brutocao	null	null	null
South Africa	This leads with bright aromas of orange blossom, just-ripe red apple and firm nectarine. The medium-weight palate offers ample acidic lift that complements the apple and citrus flavors. Though the finish is short, it's clean, and the wine is just so easy to like and drink. Enjoy now.	null	87	10	Robertson	null	null	Chardonnay	Excelsior	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Excelsior 2016 Chardonnay (Robertson)
US	A nice, brisk Pinot Noir to drink now. Shows red currant, cola, crispy bacon and spice flavors wrapped up with smooth tannins and finished with spicy oak.	Estate	87	30	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Pence Ranch	null	null	Pence Ranch 2010 Estate Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
Italy	This creamy Soave Superiore opens with a playful note of vanilla and mature peach backed by drying mineral and white almond. Fresh acidity is enhanced by the wine's naturally rich density.	Cangrande	87	null	Veneto	Soave Superiore	null	Garganega	Sandro de Bruno	null	null	Sandro de Bruno 2007 Cangrande (Soave Superiore)
US	Made in a tight young style that requires cellaring, the wine opens with a minty, cigarette ash and char aroma, then turns much sweeter in the mouth. Ripe cherries, blackberries, cola and sweet spicy oak flavors dominate, leading to a tannic finish. Should develop by 2009 and then hold well through 2015.	Collector's Reserve	90	110	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Martin Estate	null	null	null
Italy	This crisp value wine packs an aromatic punch of cherry, raspberry and blueberry. Bitter almond and nutmeg spice appear on the close.	null	85	9	Tuscany	Chianti	null	Sangiovese	Straccali	null	null	null
US	Despite the low alcohol, this is completely dry. Crisp and steely, with fruit rather than flower flavors, it's accented with mineral and a whiff of petrol. The finish stops short, but more time in bottle may fix that.	null	88	15	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Riesling	Firesteed	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Firesteed 2013 Riesling (Oregon)
US	This is definitely high in alcohol, with a notable chili pepper burn, but that's the winery's style. Without that ripeness, you wouldn't have these intense, briary blackberry and mulberry flavors. Notes of chocolate, raisin, anise liqueur and exotic spice provide additional complexity. This is a Zin that needs rich, oily meats and cheeses to balance it out.	null	89	37	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Frank Family	null	null	Frank Family 2010 Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
Italy	Fragrances suggest white spring flower and green melon. The light, straightforward palate offers Granny Smith apple and green pear alongside bright acidity.	Rocca Sveva	85	15	Veneto	Soave Classico	null	Garganega	Cantina di Soave	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cantina di Soave 2013 Rocca Sveva (Soave Classico)
US	DVX is Mumm Napa's top of the line vintage bottling. This '02 is a 50-50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making it a brut. It's very high in acidity, and the bubbles are tiny and refined, giving it the ultra-smooth mouthfeel you want in a superior sparkling wine. The raspberry, lime and pear flavors are rich, but subtle, reined in by yeastiness and a tangy minerality. Drink this luxurious bubbly now and over the next 10 years.	DVX	94	55	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sparkling Blend	Mumm Napa	null	null	null
Chile	There's a lot to like about this dense, deep, lush and totally ripe blend of 60% Petit Verdot plus smaller doses of Cabernet, Carmenère, Malbec and Mourvèdre. It glistens in the glass and shows plush aromatics and generous flavors of berry, plum, chocolate and spice. Toasty and smooth on the finish. Drink this excellent blend now–2018.	VSC	92	40	Cachapoal Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Santa Carolina	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Santa Carolina 2009 VSC Red (Cachapoal Valley)
Spain	Char and chocolate, then a dollop of rum raisin and black cherry, and there is your nose. This version of Cirsion, one of our very favorite modern Riojas, is relatively soft, raisiny and simple, and for that it doesn't quite rate with some of the past vintages, which were spectacular. But that doesn't mean you won't love the wine's smooth texture, cocoa and baked berry flavors, and its overall generous character. Drink now through 2010.	Cirsion	92	273	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Bodegas Roda	null	null	null
France	Hints of fresh mint leaves highlight the brooding black currant and dark fruit aromas. The balance of Cabernet and Merlot has been successfully achieved, as the wine is beautifully structured with a firm backbone of ample tannins and a rich, supple mouthfeel.	Kosher	86	32	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Barons Edmund Benjamin de Rothschild	null	null	null
New Zealand	Made from certified organic fruit, this impressively dark and tannic bottling is essentially the second wine of Huia. Dark cherries and vanilla finish firm. Drink it now with grilled meats, or hold it until 2018–2019 and see how it develops in the cellar.	null	86	20	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Hunky Dory	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Hunky Dory 2015 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
Italy	Firm and focused, this wine would make a great companion to ravioli or tortellini with meat sauce and grated cheese. It shows bright cherry and forest fruit flavors, backed by fresh acidity and medium structure.	Eliseo	87	19	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Gualdo del Re	null	null	null
Austria	This dark wine spent 15 months in wood, broadening the fruit, giving it ripeness. There is a strong line of tannins here, bringing out a dry core, but the black berry fruits remain very present. The final has spice, pepper and a tang of acidity.	Reserve	92	46	Burgenland	null	null	St. Laurent	Juris	null	null	null
Chile	Melony aromas come with a heavy blast of brine. This feels oily and marginal, with salty, briny flavors of orange and lime that finish disjointed before falling off.	Block Selection Tinga Reserve	83	12	Limarí Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	La Playa	null	null	null
Austria	This is a wine that is so young. It is aromatic, fruity and still settling together in its potential concentration and structure. Look forward to a wine that has pear fruits, a tight, mineral character, and structure. Look forward to an impressive and serious future. Drink from 2016.	Loibner Loibenberg Smaragd	94	null	Wachau	null	null	Riesling	F X Pichler	null	null	null
France	A creamy style of Sauvignon Blanc, showing soft pear juice and flora flavors, fresh with a feeling of richness. Screwcap.	Sauvignon	86	10	Southwest France	Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine du Tariquet	null	null	null
Italy	Earthy aromas of truffle, leather, dried herb and dark berry slowly take shape in this full-bodied red. Smooth and concentrated, the palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, raspberry compote, and savory orange zest and star anise notes, framed by fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.	Vigna del Fiore	92	80	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Fattoria dei Barbi	null	null	null
US	Extraordinarily rich, offering massive blackberry and cherry jam, red currant, licorice, balsam, bitter chocolate and red pepper flavors. It's very tannic, but seems overly soft, and probably best now, so drink up.	Ruben's Block	90	98	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Syrah	Stolpman	null	null	Stolpman 2008 Ruben's Block Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)
US	Comprised of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, this is a juicy, savory and lengthy wine, with herbaceous elements of cedar, brush and peppercorn. A lush, full-bodied complement of baked plum and cherry ride out a lengthy finish.	Reserve Series Alcaeus Berger Vineyard	90	75	California	Sonoma Mountain	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Ancient Oak Cellars	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Ancient Oak Cellars 2012 Reserve Series Alcaeus Berger Vineyard Red (Sonoma Mountain)
US	One of the most pleasurable Syrahs now on the market. Really hits the spot, with soft, lush tannins framing ripe flavors of black cherries, milk chocolate, pepper, cloves and sandalwood. Drink now.	null	90	50	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Syrah	Joseph Phelps	null	null	null
US	The cow catcher is the front of the train engine guard, and speaks to the railroad theme of this winery. An outstanding “second” wine, this value blend drinks like a much pricier wine. It's ready to go, with broad, softened, mixed red fruits, baking spices, toasty barrel notes and a smooth, gliding, lingering finish.	Cow Catcher Red	90	19	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Dumas Station	null	null	null
Argentina	Butter and coconut aromas announce the liberal use of oak, which the palate echoes with its round, resiny feel and flavors of vanilla, wood and baked pear. This is soft, flat and sugary tasting, with an oaky finish.	null	85	17	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Chardonnay	Casarena	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Casarena 2011 Chardonnay (Mendoza)
Italy	This a dense, jammy Brunello with overblown notes of blackberry, mature cherry and strawberry backed by gritty tones of wood, toast and nut. The wine tastes thick and syrupy, with chewy red fruit and a blast of heat, and does not promise a long aging future.	null	84	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Pian dell'Orino	null	null	Pian dell'Orino 2003 Brunello di Montalcino
Turkey	Almost blue-black in color with a red-violet rim, this Syrah presents aromas of blackberry, mocha and a hint of green pepper. Simultaneously refreshing and well-rounded, it has pleasant flavors of blackberry, orange rind and chocolate-covered espresso bean.	Denizli-Güney Plateau	88	17	Aegean	null	null	Syrah	Sevilen	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Sevilen 2011 Denizli-Güney Plateau Syrah (Aegean)
Chile	Light and easy, with vanilla and a hint of spice. Peach and apple flavors lead to a fresh, short finish. Watery in the center. Imported by Victoire Imports.	null	83	7	Curicó Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Terra Nova	null	null	null
Portugal	With its great acidity and delicious citrus and peach flavors, this is a ripe wine. Its texture gives a touch of minerality and a swathe of rich fruitiness that is both delicious now and will age. Drink now, but the wine will be better from 2018.	Parus Branco	88	27	Península de Setúbal	null	null	Antão Vaz	Herdade da Comporta	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Herdade da Comporta 2016 Parus Branco Antão Vaz (Península de Setúbal)
US	Here's a bone-dry, somewhat lean Cabernet. It has tobacco and blackberry flavors, framed in rich, furry tannins. Quite a nice sipper for drinking now with grilled steaks and chops.	Three Vineyards	86	16	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Pedroncelli	null	null	Pedroncelli 2008 Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley)
US	A flashy wine. Shows sweet caramelized, buttered toast and vanilla custard notes from the oak, but the underlying fruit flavors, of golden mangoes and ripe pears, are strong enough to support the barrel influences.	Reserve French Oak	90	35	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Roche	null	null	null
France	Big and rounded, this tastes rich and packed with ripe fruit. It as weight and a yellow fruit flavor, with notes of red apple and canteloupe. It is soft, delicious and almost ready to drink.	Vaudésir Grand Cru	92	null	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Pascal Bouchard	null	null	null
US	Lots of toasty new oak on this Pinot, which gives it a sweet roasted marshmallow aroma and taste. Mixed in are rich flavors of cherries, raspberries and cola, sprinkled with cinnamon and pepper. An exotic, powerful wine. Too bold and in your face now, but should gain traction over the next eight years.	Liberty Bridge Split Rock Vineyard	92	54	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Calicaro	null	null	null
US	It's all upfront in this direct Chard, with ripe pineapple, yellow apricot and passionfruit flavors that have been generously oaked. Will satisfy fans of big, lush California Chards. Drink now.	Costello Vineyard	86	26	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Dutcher Crossing	null	null	null
Slovenia	Light straw in the glass, this wine offers green herbal aromas on the nose, complemented by floral notes and a whiff of sandalwood. Its green apple flavors and strong minerality make for an enjoyable quaff.	null	89	12	Primorska	null	null	Pinot Grigio	Giocato	Jeff Jenssen	@worldwineguys	Giocato 2014 Pinot Grigio (Primorska)
France	A hint of caramel hovers above the apple-driven nose. Creamy caramel notes give the palate a soft, cushioned aspect, harmonising with pliable, plump apple fruit. This is dry and unusually creamy for Riesling but full of charm.	Rosacker Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes	90	null	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Frédéric Mallo	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Frédéric Mallo 2013 Rosacker Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes Riesling (Alsace)
US	Solid and varietal, this puts the fruit up front, a substantial, mouthfilling plum and black cherry combo. Streaks of licorice, coffee, chocolate and smoke can be found, though exposure was minimal and the barrels were used. Well done, quite clean and a fine value.	null	88	14	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Powers	null	null	null
US	Sweet, but not very, and lacks the rich opulence you want in a dessert red wine. Shows plenty of raspberry and cherry flavor, but would benefit from greater intensity and sweetness.	Late Harvest	85	28	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Primitivo	Collier Falls	null	null	null
US	This unique blend is two-thirds Malbec and one-third Petit Verdot. Aromas of vanilla, baking spices, pepper, green herbs and dark fruit lead to full-feeling plum and raspberry flavors with a firm backing of tannins.	Petit Bec BDX Northridge Vineyard	89	38	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Bunnell	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Bunnell 2010 Petit Bec BDX Northridge Vineyard Red (Wahluke Slope)
France	With its silver embossed label and wax capsule this is a luxury cuvée from the Plaimont cooperative. The wine is firm, and still quite youthful after four years, integrating its tannins with the concentrated fruit. Wait for at least five more years for this impressive wine to show its best.	Plénitude	91	20	Southwest France	Madiran	null	Tannat	Producteurs Plaimont	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Producteurs Plaimont 2009 Plénitude Tannat (Madiran)
France	A deliciously soft, smoky wine, the tannins a hint behind the rounded fresh berry and red-plum fruits. There is a great juicy character to go with the fresh acidity and the final, drier structure.	Beaune Grèves Premier Cru	91	51	Burgundy	Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Joseph Drouhin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Joseph Drouhin 2007 Beaune Grèves Premier Cru (Beaune)
France	With its soft texture and rounded character, this is a generous wine. Acidity and crispness are some way behind the ripe green and white-stone fruits. The wine, though, is certainly balanced and ready to drink.	null	85	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château des Antonins	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château des Antonins 2015 Bordeaux Blanc

Chile

Basic melon and peach aromas become more pungent and citrusy with airing. The palate has weight and zest but lacks complexity, while the flavors are citrusy and green, much like Sauvignon Blanc, which is common for this wine based on past performance.

Los Vascos

84

14

Colchagua Valley

null

Chardonnay

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) 2010 Los Vascos Chardonnay (Colchagua Valley)

Argentina

There's no escaping the wine's funky, leathery aromas that settle on moss and earth. Familiar plum and berry flavors have a touch of stem in the mix, while the finish is full, medicinal and anchored by mildly bitter tannins. Not bad but tastes and feels a little roasted and rough.

null

84

17

Other

Zonda Valley

null

Syrah

Xumek

null

US

Soft and simple, this has apricot, peach and cream flavors that finish sweet and jammy.

Spirit Hawk

84

15

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Lander-Jenkins

null

Lander-Jenkins 2009 Spirit Hawk Chardonnay (California)

US

Herb, stem, green olive and floral aromas lead to generous fruit and savory flavors that carry though the finish. It shows a lot of finesse and a beautiful sense of balance.

Stoney Vine Vineyard Black Label

92

65

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Va Piano

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Va Piano 2014 Stoney Vine Vineyard Black Label Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

US

With plenty of consumer-friendly vanilla/tobacco flavors, this value Cabernet also brings in dark fruits—blackberry and cassis. The tannins have been smoothed out a bit, though they still carry a little bit of a stemmy edge. A good everyday choice for that burger.

Grand Estates

87

11

Washington

Washington Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest

null

Italy

Sedàra is a popular Sicilian red that is readily available around the world. This lively vintage shows bright berry tones, white almond and bright touches of cola and cassis. The mouthfeel is sharp, crisp and compact.

Sedàra

87

15

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Red Blend

Donnafugata

null

France

With spice and dark coffee flavors, this wine shows some wood aging. It also has considerable acidity and the brightest strawberry fruit. Lively and fragrant at the end, it can be drunk now.

Côte de Grisey Cuvée Juliette

88

30

Burgundy

Bourgogne Epineuil

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Dominique Gruhier

null

US

A blend of Champoux (62%), Sagemoor (26%) and Woodward Canyon (12%) estate vineyards, this wine is aromatically brooding at present, with notes of coffee, toffee and vanilla bean alongside high-toned cherries, dried herbs and flowers. The palate is supremely rich, dense and layered, with milk chocolate, coffee and cherry flavors. Tannins are expertly managed and the wine brings plenty of textural appeal, combining richness and elegance. The barrel notes are primary now, so give them time to integrate. Best from 2025 to 2035.

Old Vines

94

99

Washington

Washington Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Woodward Canyon

null

Italy

Blackberry, espresso and kitchen spice aromas come together in the glass along with a dash of new leather. The firm palate offers raspberry jam, dried black cherry, raisin and a note of bitter dark chocolate alongside fine-grained tannins.

Sairus

89

25

Southern Italy

Campania

null

Aglianico

Montesole

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Montesole 2010 Sairus Aglianico (Campania)

Germany

Sun-ripened mango and pineapple flavors lend a lavish, tropical feel to this off-dry Riesling. At the same time, there's a resolute core of acidity that gives it balance and grace. It's concentrated and fruity but maintains vitality and length.

Bernkastel-Kueser Weisenstein Kabinett

89

21

Mosel

null

Riesling

Thanisch

null

US

Shows the luscious fruit and softness of previous vintages, with rich, layered raspberry, cherry, cassis, vanilla, caramelized oak and spice flavors that go on and on into a long finish. The tannins are sturdy from this blend of the two Cabernets, Sauvignon and Franc, which was grown on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain. Yet it's so sweet and fruity, you can drink it now. Misses some of the complexity of the 2007 vintage, but still very fine and polished.

null

90

100

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Viader

null

Viader 2008 Red (Napa Valley)

Italy

Balsamic aromas of menthol, saddle leather, crushed herb and exotic spice mingle together in this Barbaresco. The solid palate shows crushed raspberry, Morello cherry, cinnamon and espresso flavors alongside firm, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.

Gallina

90

48

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Negro Giuseppe

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Negro Giuseppe 2014 Gallina (Barbaresco)

US

Sticky tar, dense blackberry, leather, soy and lilacs combine for a thick nose on this well-priced, widely available bottling. Beef char, dense purple flowers, blackberry jam and tar consume the palate, which is chewy with a strong tannic structure.

Vintner's Reserve

87

17

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Syrah

Kendall-Jackson

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Kendall-Jackson 2014 Vintner's Reserve Syrah (Santa Barbara County)

Spain

Warm and earthy, with a round, ripe nose. The palate is a touch on the sweet, cooked side, but it avoids being stewy or soupy and instead shows ripe black fruit, licorice and smoked meat. Quite soft and low in acid. Drink right away.

Crianza

85

12

Central Spain

La Mancha

null

Red Blend

Finca Antigua

null

US

With peach custard, pineapple and smoky, oaky tastes, this is a good, satisfying Chard. It's dry and balanced in acidity, with a nice spiciness.

null

85

18

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Domaine Chandon

null

France

A rich, chocolaty wine, with the structure right up front. Under the same ownership as Château Montrose, this is a wine that reveals all its attractions early with sweet blackberry fruit and powerful tannins. There is some freshness as well, giving fruitiness and acidity at the end.

null

93

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Estèphe

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Tronquoy-Lalande

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Tronquoy-Lalande 2010 Saint-Estèphe

US

A good wine, but incomplete, and shows why Cabernet Franc is a tough variety to bottle on its own. You get a blast of cherries and oak, with sturdy tannins, but the wine lacks depth and complexity.

Robert's Blend

86

90

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Franc

Oakville Ranch

null

France

Marcillac is one of the more remote French regions located in the hills of the Massif Central. Mansois is the local red grape, and here it has produced a perfumed wine, with red berry fruit that's lined with herb and lavender notes. It has a tense streak of acidity that cuts through the palate, leaving a balance of fruit and dry tannin.

null

87

19

Southwest France

Marcillac

null

Mansois

Lionel Osmin & Cie

null

US

A nice, supple Cab, softly smooth and ready to drink now. Shows flavors of black cherries, currants, anise, herbs, violets and cedar.

null

87

40

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ridgeline

null

Chile

Fresh, clean and showing nice white-fruit aromas along with a hint of sweetness. For the most part, this bargain-priced wine hits the spot. It offers fresh apple, peach and mild oak flavors, and the finish is crisp and of moderate length. Seems a little brighter and better than the average value Chard from Chile. Drink right away.

Reserva

87

10

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Santa Carolina

null

US

Rich in black cherries, cassis, mocha, smoky oak and black pepper, but there's a sharp, tannic sting throughout that doesn't seem likely to age away before the fruit fades. Drink now with BBQ.

null

86

45

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Grenache

Kaleidos

null

US

Made in a slightly sweet, accessibly fruity style, this easy wine features lush fig, lemon and lime, melon and peach flavors that are offset by crisp acids. It's a refreshing thirst-quencher.

null

84

15

California

Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Sauvignon Blanc

Shannon Ridge

null

US

Like many of Jess Jackson's high mountain Cabs, this is extremely tannic and dry, at least by Napa standards. So is it ageable? Probably, given the rich heart of blackberry, cherry, violet flower and coffee flavors. But it's a new brand, unproven. Give it until 2009, then try again.

null

88

40

California

Knights Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pelton House

null

Italy

Executed in a plump, modern style (the wine is aged in small oak barrique), this delicious cru expression from Barbaresco is truly irresistible. The extraction is dark, thick and redolent of cherry, currant, blackberry, vanilla, spice and cinnamon. In the mouth, it is generous, smooth and long-lasting. This wine will appeal to modernists more than traditionalists.

Montersino

94

45

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Orlando Abrigo

null

France

This crisp and fruity blend is dominated by 80% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is bright with intense, refreshing acidity and a lively aftertaste. Drink now.

Chai de Bordes

85

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé

null

Rosé

Cheval Quancard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Cheval Quancard 2016 Chai de Bordes Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)

US

A picture perfect Sauvignon Blanc. Really defines the variety in California, with rich, ripe tangerine, pear, green melon and vanilla spice flavors, brightened with brisk acidity. Shows a lot of complexity and class, and look at that price. Easy to find, with 15,000 cases produced.

Pinnacles Ranches

90

12

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Estancia

null

US

Very ripe, almost raisiny, with a cooked fruit flavor, although the wine is fully dry. The tannins are on the harsh side, and the stewed character seems to accentuate the acidity. Drink now.

null

82

18

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

2820 Wine Co.

null

US

The new French oak (60%) and rich fruit aromas and flavors play perfectly off each other. Notes of dark roasted coffee beans and bittersweet chocolate meld with fresh herbs and dark cherries. It's rich and layered with abundant fruit and barrel flavors capped off by a tart, lingering finish. Best after 2020.

The Illusionist

92

52

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Sleight of Hand

null

US

This is clean and brisk in lemony acidity, and it offers concentrated, complex flavors of honeyed pineapples, limes, oranges and mangoes. It's dry and finessed.

null

90

25

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

MacRostie

null

US

Rich and full-bodied, if a bit direct, with black and red cherry, red licorice, bacon and sandalwood flavors. Best now.

null

86

28

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah

Kaleidos

null

France

Loaded up with toast and vanilla, as you might expect from Tardieu Laurent, but the wine shows plenty of weight and concentration under the wood, and some underlying pear and melon fruit ultimately finds its way out. It's a rich, succulent mouthful of oak and fruit for near-term drinking.

Guy Louis

88

28

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Tardieu-Laurent

null

US

Sleek and elegant, showing a great sense of control, the cherry and currant fruits are strong, yet restrained, pulled in by crisp acidity and taut tannins. It should develop over the next six years or so.

Hallberg Vineyard

91

55

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Gary Farrell

null

Gary Farrell 2009 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

Merlot has never been St. Supery's strong suit, and this wine shows the winery's continuing struggle. The cool vintage has produced a very dry, tart wine, with green olive, tobacco and herb flavors alongside the black cherry and oak tones.

Estate

86

50

California

Rutherford

Napa

Merlot

St. Supéry

null

St. Supéry 2009 Estate Merlot (Rutherford)

Spain

Alvaro Palacios is indeed a great winemaker, as is evidenced by this blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Aromas of bright cherry signify power and structure, yet it's easy as sin to drink. Shows model integration, bursting berry flavors and ripe tannins. Tasted several times during the past year but not rated until now; this wine just keeps getting better.

Propiedad Herencia Remondo

92

28

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Red Blend

Palacios Remondo

null

US

A disappointment after the outstanding 2012, this is a tannic thin wine, with strong accents of mushroom. Much like a simple cru Bordeaux, it's probably best served with grilled meat or burgers.

null

85

25

Oregon

Rogue Valley

Southern Oregon

Cabernet Franc

Grizzly Peak

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Grizzly Peak 2013 Cabernet Franc (Rogue Valley)

US

All this wine wants to be is a useful, friendly, everyday red, and it succeeds quite well. Made from Lodi area grapes, it's dry, full-bodied and fruity, with a good dusting of tannin.

1 Liter

84

9

California

California Other

Red Blend

Saturday Red

null

Germany

Savory, caramelized toast and nut tones accentuate zippy apple and lemon flavors in this flirty, Prosecco-style Riesling. Ripe and forward, it's softer and easier in its approach than traditional Riesling Sekt. Enjoy through 2020.

KonSECCO Riesling

88

17

Mosel

null

Sparkling Blend

Von Schleinitz

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Von Schleinitz 2015 KonSECCO Riesling Sparkling (Mosel)

Portugal

Named after a traditional Portuguese dance, the wine is full of red fruits, soft tannins with a rich texture. It is made to be drunk young, its red berry and red-currant fruits well integrated into the structure and acidity. Drink now.

Charamba Reserva

87

10

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Aveleda

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Aveleda 2015 Charamba Reserva Red (Douro)

US

This is a pretty good Cabernet, showing some real fanciness, with soft tannins framing blackberry, currant, anise and herb flavors and a touch of sweet, smoky oak. Not an ager, so drink up.

null

88

18

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Kenwood

null

Kenwood 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)

US

Malbec and Syrah both make up just under a third of this wine, with the balance Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Tempranillo. It shows some reduction out of the gate, along with barrel spice, herb and blue and black fruit. The flavors are soft and supple, showing a pleasing sense of balance.

Falcon Series Tribute

89

25

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Kestrel

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Kestrel 2012 Falcon Series Tribute Red (Yakima Valley)

Spain

Initially it's like a pungent strip of fresh-cut oak laid on a bed of leather, but airing reveals black cherry and blueberry flavors and a couple layers of warmth and style. Very nice weight and balance. A little oaky on the nose, but overall it's more than commendable. Imported by Vinamericas Selections.

Crianza

89

30

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Red Blend

Alzania

null

Italy

Spice, smoked meat and oak tones come to the forefront of this bright Barbera and are followed by black berry, cherry and cassis. The wine is plush and velvety with good crispness and a lively berry driven finish.

Anssema

89

null

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti Superiore Nizza

null

Barbera

Cascina Giovinale

null

US

A likable, easy-drinking Chard that won't bust your budget, with plenty of ripe flavors and winemaker bells and whistles. It's got spicy, vanilla-accented peach aromas, and while it drinks a bit thin, it's got some class and style. The finish lasts for a pretty long time, with oaky, spicy flavors. This is a good value, especially from a top winery. Best Buy.

null

87

13

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Chardonnay

St. Francis

null

Italy

This blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon shows easy tones of blackberry, prune, plum and cherry liqueur. It's soft and velvety in the mouth, with an easy-going personality.

Nìvuro

86

null

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Red Blend

Feudo di Santa Tresa

null

US

An offbeat blend of red and white varieties, this is a simple, fruity, tart wine. The raspberry and cherry flavors have an edge of lime acidity.

redFOUR

84

24

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Red Blend

Westwood

null

Westwood 2006 redFOUR Red (Sonoma Valley)

France

Smooth and soft, this has light, fresh red-berry fruits laced with acidity and perfumed by red cherries. The structure is gentle and with the bright fruits, this succulent wine is ready to drink.

Les Demoiselles Tatin

87

20

Loire Valley

Reuilly

null

Pinot Noir

Domaines Tatin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaines Tatin 2014 Les Demoiselles Tatin Pinot Noir (Reuilly)

US

A delicious Pinot Noir. Set it beside more expensive bottlings and it stands up well. Silky and rich, with raspberry and cherry purée, cola, sweet vanilla and sandalwood flavors, and a long, spicy finish. Production was 26,000 cases.

null

87

14

California

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Cupcake

null

US

This 100% Cab is a big, rich wine, and while its power is considerable, it lacks subtlety. There's no question about the intensity of blackberries, cherries and spicy persimmons, unrivaled anywhere in the world. Yet ripeness isn't everything. Hard to see this explosion of fruit going anywhere, so drink soon.

Villa Vista

87

80

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Kuleto Estate

null

US

This cuvée is a barrel selection, fermented with whole berries and aged in 35% new oak. Simple strawberry and raspberry fruit seems almost weightless, and the quick finish carries a strong streak of bouillon.

The Attaché

86

40

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Maison L'Envoyé

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Maison L'Envoyé 2015 The Attaché Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

US

Sharp in acids, with a knife-like cutting quality that slices right through and across the wine's natural cherry flavors. The tannins are bigtime, too. Doesn't seem at all likely to improve in the bottle.

null

83

28

California

Sierra Foothills

Barbera

Zucca

null

Zucca 2006 Barbera (Sierra Foothills)

Italy

Almost completely black, this wine reveals inky-dark concentration and dark, jammy fruit. Shows power and smoky barbecue aromas of soy sauce, teriyaki, bresaola, cherry liqueur, rum cake, Spanish cedar and sticky pipe tobacco. Cured meat and savory spice as well. Seems extracted and overripe, with hard tannins.

Pertimali

87

55

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Livio Sassetti

null

US

Chuck Ortman is one of the few to source grapes from this esteemed vineyard. The '04 is a giant step ahead of the '03, suggesting an increasing mastery of the grapes. This inky dark wine is hugely ripe, with red and black fruit-filled pastry flavors, yet dry, silky and balanced. Should develop additional complexities by 2008.

Fiddlestix Vineyard

90

40

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Ortman Family

null

US

Made from Chardonnay, Viognier and Chenin Blanc, this Mendocino-Lodi-Clarksburg blend is a little too sweet for comfort. There's a sugary edge to the apricot, peach and vanilla flavors that makes it not really a dry table wine. But racy acidity gives it an extra point.

Proprietary White Wine

83

11

California

California Other

White Blend

Ten Mile

null

US

An inky black, brooding wine, thick and glyceriney, with massive aromas of baked pie-filling fruits and berries and caramelized oak. Impressively deep in flavor and full-bodied, almost Rhône-like, the wine explodes in roasted blackberry, currant, cherry and espresso flavors. Should develop well over the next 6 years.

Triangle Block Chinook

92

65

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Noir

Standish

null

France

With this vintage, there are signs of a wine that is maturing fast. That's the initial impression. But at the same time, there are wonderful dry fruits, minerality and sweet hazelnuts, all finely in balance. The layers get more complex, bringing in toast as well as acidity. Almost ready, but worth aging.

La Grande Année Brut

96

null

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Bollinger

null

US

Silky, with pronounced tannins that should mellow in time, this is an earthy, stemmy and perfumed wine. Succulent and balanced, it's brightly exuberant in black cherry yet brooding and complex throughout, changing slightly from savory to floral and back again. It's an incredible wine out of the gate; cellar with confidence, through 2021.

Olivet Lane Vineyard

96

75

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Williams Selyem

null

Italy

Ripe fruit aromas of cherry and blackberry jam appear on the nose and give this wine a sunny personality. Make no mistake, this is an easy, decidedly un-complex wine, but it is fun and refreshing to drink over an informal meal with family and friends.

Terre delle Fornaci

84

null

Tuscany

Chianti Colli Fiorentini

null

Sangiovese

La Colombaia

null

La Colombaia 2006 Terre delle Fornaci (Chianti Colli Fiorentini)

US

The expected cut-grass greenness shows on the nose of this wine, but so do plenty of white flowers, nectarine, golden apples and chalk. The palate is rather rich in style for this grape, perhaps explained by its slight aging, but well done with ripe apple flesh and more cut-grass flavors.

Vogelzang Vineyard

89

28

California

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Magna Mater

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Magna Mater 2013 Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)

US

The sulfur was slow to blow off, but eventually a nice Cab emerged. Soft and gentle in texture, it has rich flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, black currants and spicy oak, with nice crunchy tannins. Drink now.

Riserva d'Argento

87

34

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Cabernet Sauvignon

Brutocao

null

South Africa

This leads with bright aromas of orange blossom, just-ripe red apple and firm nectarine. The medium-weight palate offers ample acidic lift that complements the apple and citrus flavors. Though the finish is short, it's clean, and the wine is just so easy to like and drink. Enjoy now.

null

87

10

Robertson

null

Chardonnay

Excelsior

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Excelsior 2016 Chardonnay (Robertson)

US

A nice, brisk Pinot Noir to drink now. Shows red currant, cola, crispy bacon and spice flavors wrapped up with smooth tannins and finished with spicy oak.

Estate

87

30

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Pence Ranch

null

Pence Ranch 2010 Estate Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)

Italy

This creamy Soave Superiore opens with a playful note of vanilla and mature peach backed by drying mineral and white almond. Fresh acidity is enhanced by the wine's naturally rich density.

Cangrande

87

null

Veneto

Soave Superiore

null

Garganega

Sandro de Bruno

null

Sandro de Bruno 2007 Cangrande (Soave Superiore)

US

Made in a tight young style that requires cellaring, the wine opens with a minty, cigarette ash and char aroma, then turns much sweeter in the mouth. Ripe cherries, blackberries, cola and sweet spicy oak flavors dominate, leading to a tannic finish. Should develop by 2009 and then hold well through 2015.

Collector's Reserve

90

110

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Martin Estate

null

Italy

This crisp value wine packs an aromatic punch of cherry, raspberry and blueberry. Bitter almond and nutmeg spice appear on the close.

null

85

9

Tuscany

Chianti

null

Sangiovese

Straccali

null

US

Despite the low alcohol, this is completely dry. Crisp and steely, with fruit rather than flower flavors, it's accented with mineral and a whiff of petrol. The finish stops short, but more time in bottle may fix that.

null

88

15

Oregon

Oregon Other

Riesling

Firesteed

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Firesteed 2013 Riesling (Oregon)

US

This is definitely high in alcohol, with a notable chili pepper burn, but that's the winery's style. Without that ripeness, you wouldn't have these intense, briary blackberry and mulberry flavors. Notes of chocolate, raisin, anise liqueur and exotic spice provide additional complexity. This is a Zin that needs rich, oily meats and cheeses to balance it out.

null

89

37

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Frank Family

null

Frank Family 2010 Zinfandel (Napa Valley)

Italy

Fragrances suggest white spring flower and green melon. The light, straightforward palate offers Granny Smith apple and green pear alongside bright acidity.

Rocca Sveva

85

15

Veneto

Soave Classico

null

Garganega

Cantina di Soave

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cantina di Soave 2013 Rocca Sveva (Soave Classico)

US

DVX is Mumm Napa's top of the line vintage bottling. This '02 is a 50-50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making it a brut. It's very high in acidity, and the bubbles are tiny and refined, giving it the ultra-smooth mouthfeel you want in a superior sparkling wine. The raspberry, lime and pear flavors are rich, but subtle, reined in by yeastiness and a tangy minerality. Drink this luxurious bubbly now and over the next 10 years.

DVX

94

55

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sparkling Blend

Mumm Napa

null

Chile

There's a lot to like about this dense, deep, lush and totally ripe blend of 60% Petit Verdot plus smaller doses of Cabernet, Carmenère, Malbec and Mourvèdre. It glistens in the glass and shows plush aromatics and generous flavors of berry, plum, chocolate and spice. Toasty and smooth on the finish. Drink this excellent blend now–2018.

VSC

92

40

Cachapoal Valley

null

Red Blend

Santa Carolina

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Santa Carolina 2009 VSC Red (Cachapoal Valley)

Spain

Char and chocolate, then a dollop of rum raisin and black cherry, and there is your nose. This version of Cirsion, one of our very favorite modern Riojas, is relatively soft, raisiny and simple, and for that it doesn't quite rate with some of the past vintages, which were spectacular. But that doesn't mean you won't love the wine's smooth texture, cocoa and baked berry flavors, and its overall generous character. Drink now through 2010.

Cirsion

92

273

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Bodegas Roda

null

France

Hints of fresh mint leaves highlight the brooding black currant and dark fruit aromas. The balance of Cabernet and Merlot has been successfully achieved, as the wine is beautifully structured with a firm backbone of ample tannins and a rich, supple mouthfeel.

Kosher

86

32

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Barons Edmund Benjamin de Rothschild

null

New Zealand

Made from certified organic fruit, this impressively dark and tannic bottling is essentially the second wine of Huia. Dark cherries and vanilla finish firm. Drink it now with grilled meats, or hold it until 2018–2019 and see how it develops in the cellar.

null

86

20

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Hunky Dory

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Hunky Dory 2015 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

Italy

Firm and focused, this wine would make a great companion to ravioli or tortellini with meat sauce and grated cheese. It shows bright cherry and forest fruit flavors, backed by fresh acidity and medium structure.

Eliseo

87

19

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Gualdo del Re

null

Austria

This dark wine spent 15 months in wood, broadening the fruit, giving it ripeness. There is a strong line of tannins here, bringing out a dry core, but the black berry fruits remain very present. The final has spice, pepper and a tang of acidity.

Reserve

92

46

Burgenland

null

St. Laurent

Juris

null

Chile

Melony aromas come with a heavy blast of brine. This feels oily and marginal, with salty, briny flavors of orange and lime that finish disjointed before falling off.

Block Selection Tinga Reserve

83

12

Limarí Valley

null

Chardonnay

La Playa

null

Austria

This is a wine that is so young. It is aromatic, fruity and still settling together in its potential concentration and structure. Look forward to a wine that has pear fruits, a tight, mineral character, and structure. Look forward to an impressive and serious future. Drink from 2016.

Loibner Loibenberg Smaragd

94

null

Wachau

null

Riesling

F X Pichler

null

France

A creamy style of Sauvignon Blanc, showing soft pear juice and flora flavors, fresh with a feeling of richness. Screwcap.

Sauvignon

86

10

Southwest France

Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine du Tariquet

null

Italy

Earthy aromas of truffle, leather, dried herb and dark berry slowly take shape in this full-bodied red. Smooth and concentrated, the palate doles out fleshy wild cherry, raspberry compote, and savory orange zest and star anise notes, framed by fine-grained tannins. Drink 2019–2025.

Vigna del Fiore

92

80

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Fattoria dei Barbi

null

US

Extraordinarily rich, offering massive blackberry and cherry jam, red currant, licorice, balsam, bitter chocolate and red pepper flavors. It's very tannic, but seems overly soft, and probably best now, so drink up.

Ruben's Block

90

98

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Syrah

Stolpman

null

Stolpman 2008 Ruben's Block Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)

US

Comprised of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, this is a juicy, savory and lengthy wine, with herbaceous elements of cedar, brush and peppercorn. A lush, full-bodied complement of baked plum and cherry ride out a lengthy finish.

Reserve Series Alcaeus Berger Vineyard

90

75

California

Sonoma Mountain

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Ancient Oak Cellars

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Ancient Oak Cellars 2012 Reserve Series Alcaeus Berger Vineyard Red (Sonoma Mountain)

US

One of the most pleasurable Syrahs now on the market. Really hits the spot, with soft, lush tannins framing ripe flavors of black cherries, milk chocolate, pepper, cloves and sandalwood. Drink now.

null

90

50

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Syrah

Joseph Phelps

null

US

The cow catcher is the front of the train engine guard, and speaks to the railroad theme of this winery. An outstanding “second” wine, this value blend drinks like a much pricier wine. It's ready to go, with broad, softened, mixed red fruits, baking spices, toasty barrel notes and a smooth, gliding, lingering finish.

Cow Catcher Red

90

19

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Dumas Station

null

Argentina

Butter and coconut aromas announce the liberal use of oak, which the palate echoes with its round, resiny feel and flavors of vanilla, wood and baked pear. This is soft, flat and sugary tasting, with an oaky finish.

null

85

17

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Chardonnay

Casarena

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Casarena 2011 Chardonnay (Mendoza)

Italy

This a dense, jammy Brunello with overblown notes of blackberry, mature cherry and strawberry backed by gritty tones of wood, toast and nut. The wine tastes thick and syrupy, with chewy red fruit and a blast of heat, and does not promise a long aging future.

null

84

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Pian dell'Orino

null

Pian dell'Orino 2003 Brunello di Montalcino

Turkey

Almost blue-black in color with a red-violet rim, this Syrah presents aromas of blackberry, mocha and a hint of green pepper. Simultaneously refreshing and well-rounded, it has pleasant flavors of blackberry, orange rind and chocolate-covered espresso bean.

Denizli-Güney Plateau

88

17

Aegean

null

Syrah

Sevilen

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Sevilen 2011 Denizli-Güney Plateau Syrah (Aegean)

Chile

Light and easy, with vanilla and a hint of spice. Peach and apple flavors lead to a fresh, short finish. Watery in the center. Imported by Victoire Imports.

null

83

7

Curicó Valley

null

Chardonnay

Terra Nova

null

Portugal

With its great acidity and delicious citrus and peach flavors, this is a ripe wine. Its texture gives a touch of minerality and a swathe of rich fruitiness that is both delicious now and will age. Drink now, but the wine will be better from 2018.

Parus Branco

88

27

Península de Setúbal

null

Antão Vaz

Herdade da Comporta

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Herdade da Comporta 2016 Parus Branco Antão Vaz (Península de Setúbal)

US

Here's a bone-dry, somewhat lean Cabernet. It has tobacco and blackberry flavors, framed in rich, furry tannins. Quite a nice sipper for drinking now with grilled steaks and chops.

Three Vineyards

86

16

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pedroncelli

null

Pedroncelli 2008 Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley)

US

A flashy wine. Shows sweet caramelized, buttered toast and vanilla custard notes from the oak, but the underlying fruit flavors, of golden mangoes and ripe pears, are strong enough to support the barrel influences.

Reserve French Oak

90

35

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Roche

null

France

Big and rounded, this tastes rich and packed with ripe fruit. It as weight and a yellow fruit flavor, with notes of red apple and canteloupe. It is soft, delicious and almost ready to drink.

Vaudésir Grand Cru

92

null

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Pascal Bouchard

null

US

Lots of toasty new oak on this Pinot, which gives it a sweet roasted marshmallow aroma and taste. Mixed in are rich flavors of cherries, raspberries and cola, sprinkled with cinnamon and pepper. An exotic, powerful wine. Too bold and in your face now, but should gain traction over the next eight years.

Liberty Bridge Split Rock Vineyard

92

54

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Calicaro

null

US

It's all upfront in this direct Chard, with ripe pineapple, yellow apricot and passionfruit flavors that have been generously oaked. Will satisfy fans of big, lush California Chards. Drink now.

Costello Vineyard

86

26

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Dutcher Crossing

null

Slovenia

Light straw in the glass, this wine offers green herbal aromas on the nose, complemented by floral notes and a whiff of sandalwood. Its green apple flavors and strong minerality make for an enjoyable quaff.

null

89

12

Primorska

null

Pinot Grigio

Giocato

Jeff Jenssen

@worldwineguys

Giocato 2014 Pinot Grigio (Primorska)

France

A hint of caramel hovers above the apple-driven nose. Creamy caramel notes give the palate a soft, cushioned aspect, harmonising with pliable, plump apple fruit. This is dry and unusually creamy for Riesling but full of charm.

Rosacker Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

90

null

Alsace

null

Riesling

Frédéric Mallo

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Frédéric Mallo 2013 Rosacker Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes Riesling (Alsace)

US

Solid and varietal, this puts the fruit up front, a substantial, mouthfilling plum and black cherry combo. Streaks of licorice, coffee, chocolate and smoke can be found, though exposure was minimal and the barrels were used. Well done, quite clean and a fine value.

null

88

14

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Powers

null

US

Sweet, but not very, and lacks the rich opulence you want in a dessert red wine. Shows plenty of raspberry and cherry flavor, but would benefit from greater intensity and sweetness.

Late Harvest

85

28

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Primitivo

Collier Falls

null

US

This unique blend is two-thirds Malbec and one-third Petit Verdot. Aromas of vanilla, baking spices, pepper, green herbs and dark fruit lead to full-feeling plum and raspberry flavors with a firm backing of tannins.

Petit Bec BDX Northridge Vineyard

89

38

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Bunnell

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Bunnell 2010 Petit Bec BDX Northridge Vineyard Red (Wahluke Slope)

France

With its silver embossed label and wax capsule this is a luxury cuvée from the Plaimont cooperative. The wine is firm, and still quite youthful after four years, integrating its tannins with the concentrated fruit. Wait for at least five more years for this impressive wine to show its best.

Plénitude

91

20

Southwest France

Madiran

null

Tannat

Producteurs Plaimont

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Producteurs Plaimont 2009 Plénitude Tannat (Madiran)

France

A deliciously soft, smoky wine, the tannins a hint behind the rounded fresh berry and red-plum fruits. There is a great juicy character to go with the fresh acidity and the final, drier structure.

Beaune Grèves Premier Cru

91

51

Burgundy

Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Joseph Drouhin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Joseph Drouhin 2007 Beaune Grèves Premier Cru (Beaune)

France

With its soft texture and rounded character, this is a generous wine. Acidity and crispness are some way behind the ripe green and white-stone fruits. The wine, though, is certainly balanced and ready to drink.

null

85

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château des Antonins

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château des Antonins 2015 Bordeaux Blanc