spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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France	92-94. Barrel sample. A big wine that's packed with ripe dark-plum flavors, smoky tannins and richness. It shows a powerful, balanced structure.	La Chapelle d'Ausone Barrel Sample	93	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Ausone	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Ausone 2011 La Chapelle d'Ausone Barrel Sample (Saint-Émilion)
Argentina	Dull and dilute, but painless. The palate is chunky but with enough acids to stay lively, and the flavors of green apple, lemon and pineapple are decent enough. Tangy and slightly bitter on the finish.	Centenario Reserve	83	12	Other	San Juan	null	Pinot Grigio	Graffigna	null	null	null
US	Greg Graziano's Chenin, grown in a 30-plus-year-old vineyard, among the last of its kind in Mendocino County, is crisp and nutty, supported by dried apple, honey and melon-tinged minerality. Fermented in all French oak barrels, the wine has a calming roundness amid its acidity.	null	87	14	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Chenin Blanc	Graziano	null	null	null
US	If this wine had greater acidity for crispness, it would be near perfect, but as it stands, it's too soft. Too bad, because the flavors, of blackberries, cassis, chocolate, anise, mint and smoky vanilla, are totally delicious. The flabbiness is cause for concern.	Grandmere	85	30	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Renwood	null	null	null
Italy	Warm notes of raw, jammy fruit and moderate spice emerge from the nose. This native variety usually shows aromas of cherry, pistachio and almond and these very characteristics are evident here.	Stemmari	86	8	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Feudo Arancio	null	null	null
US	Young and tight, this Zin shows the rustic, brawny nature of Zin's personality, with rugged tannins, peppery spices and a sweet-and-sour taste to the wild cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and rhubarb fruit. Will ride out the years, gradually softening and sweetening.	Redemption Zin	87	25	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Alexander Valley Vineyards	null	null	null
Chile	Latex, earth and briar patch aromas are rough on the nose. Cranberry, red plum, olive and herbal flavors finish a bit sour, with a snappy feel.	null	83	8	Maule Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Creación	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Creación 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maule Valley)
France	From one of the two properties owned by the Mulliez family of Château Belle-Vue, this wine is full of dense tannins as well as black currants. It is likely to develop into a rich although always firm wine. Drink from 2020.	null	88	17	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Gironville	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Gironville 2014 Haut-Médoc
Argentina	Moscato-like with its jasmine and lychee aromas, but things fall apart in the mouth. It's overly foamy and active, with bland flavors that lack the powdery, floral elements that can make Torrontés good. Gaseous on the finish.	Sustainably Farmed Sparkling	82	16	Mendoza Province	Tupungato	null	Torrontés	Spirit of the Andes	null	null	null
US	Here's a rich, easy-to-like Sauvignon Blanc. Shows keen acidity and complex flavors of citrus fruits, lemongrass, minerals and honey. Feels vigorous and clean all the way through to the long, spicy finish.	null	90	20	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	John Anthony	null	null	John Anthony 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
Italy	This medium-bodied white delivers mature pear, yellow apple and white peach aromas and flavors. It's riper and rounder than usual but also boasts terrific freshness and elegance for the hot vintage.	null	90	28	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Pinot Bianco	Russiz Superiore	null	null	null
Greece	Opulent pear, apple and floral aromas are followed by a fresh but fleshy array of tropical fruit in this easy drinking blend. Oak aging adds complexity but minerality keeps the wine poised. Pair with smoked salmon and poultry.	null	87	30	Chalkidiki	null	null	White Blend	Claudia Papayianni	null	null	null
France	This is a soft and ripe wine. Red fruits and caramel flavors add weight to the wine and a rich character, without forgetting the crisp, fresh acidity in the aftertaste.	Le Rosé Gourmand de Maison Blanche	85	null	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Rosé	null	Rosé	Maison Bouey	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Maison Bouey 2014 Le Rosé Gourmand de Maison Blanche Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)
US	Luscious aromas of lemon, sweet orange and honey are followed by a burst of honey, orange and spice in this indulgent dessert wine. A choice for fans of unctuous, sweet styles, the wine can be paired with cheeses, fresh fruit or sipped alone.	Icewine	85	45	Vermont	Vermont	null	Vidal Blanc	Snow Farm	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Snow Farm 2007 Icewine Vidal Blanc (Vermont)
Australia	Light and frothy, with perfumed notes of tangerine, spice and a mere hint of strawberry. Falls off a bit on the finish, but still represents a good value in dessert-style bubbles.	DB Family Selection Pink	85	9	New South Wales	New South Wales	null	Moscato	De Bortoli	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	De Bortoli 2011 DB Family Selection Pink Moscato (New South Wales)
Italy	This opens with aromas of candied fruit and pressed blue flower. The mouthfeel is fresh and capped by crisp acidity. Pair it with cheesy pizza or appetizers.	null	86	11	Piedmont	Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba	null	Dolcetto	Veglio	null	null	null
US	Although it has a delicate structure, that feels almost lace-like on the palate, this light-bodied Riesling bursts with concentrated ripe peach and apricot flavors. Semisweet in style, this has vibrant acidity and an oyster-shell- and stone-like minerality that lingers on the long finish.	Riesling 11 Lake Dana Vineyard	90	40	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Fox Run	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Fox Run 2010 Riesling 11 Lake Dana Vineyard Riesling (Finger Lakes)
France	This conveys the purest, most evocative scent of ripe Sicilian blood orange, embedded in a sea of rose petals. Floral notes and aromatic citrus freshness lead a dance on the slender palate that has the slightest edge of smoke and stone. The finish is dry, imbued with a haunting, elemental quality that makes this light but profound wine irresistible.	Fronholz	94	41	Alsace	Alsace	null	Muscat	Domaine Ostertag	null	null	null
France	Ripe and soft with rich apple flavor, there's a fullness to this wine. While elegant with a touch of maturity from bottle ageing, the palate is freshened a crispness and levity characteristic of the house style. It has enough weight to accompany food and is ready to drink now.	Cuvée Léonie Brut	90	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Canard-Duchêne	null	null	null
Austria	This goes for the earthy side of St. Laurent, especially the aroma. None the worse for that, because the wine is very drinkable, a powerball of juicy fruit, of fresh berries and delicious acidity.	Classic	87	19	Neusiedlersee	null	null	St. Laurent	Gerhard Pittnauer	null	null	null
US	Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Cab Franc, this is a somewhat rustic wine: Though it has a jagged mouthfeel, it also has deep, wholesome blackberry, blueberry, cherry and chocolate flavors. With a smoky char-broiled steak, it'll be fine.	Para Siempre	86	38	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Cabernet Blend	Peachy Canyon	null	null	null
US	Nearly 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this firm young wine showcases Napa Cab at its best. It's powerful in cassis and mocha flavors, with complex spice notes. The considerable new oak fits in fine given the wine's size. Extraordinarily smooth and lush, it's beautiful now, but has the structure to age for a decade. What a beauty.	Claret	96	110	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Blend	Robert Foley	null	null	null
US	From a winery started in 1973, this is an excellent Chardonnay. Vibrant almond and macadamia nut mesh with guava, peach and melon notes on the nose. A clean line of citrusy acidity dissects the palate, cutting into ripe stone fruit and touches of smoke and oak to yield a mouthwatering finish.	Estate Grown	91	35	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Chamisal Vineyards	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Chamisal Vineyards 2015 Estate Grown Chardonnay (Edna Valley)
France	This small estate, dedicated to white wines only, is part of the same stable as Château Haut-Brion itself. This superb wine is packed with ripe, sweet fruit, but equally importantly, shows intensity, layers of wood, a great citrus character and the acidity so typical of 2002. This is a long-term wine: drink in 10–15 years.	null	93	135	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Laville Haut-Brion	null	null	null
France	A delicious food rosé, rich and rounded with a good structure and a bite of acidity. Red apple and pink grapefruit complement the sweeter berry fruits. The extra year of aging before release has brought some sophistication.	Esclans	90	35	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château d'Esclans	null	null	null
Italy	Petrussa's oak-aged Chardonnay is still drinking young and seems a bit tight and firm in the mouth. Let it unwind over the next few months to deliver more intense notes of exotic fruit, milled white pepper, toasted nut, vanilla bean and banana. The wine has well-integrated acidity and a slightly herbal note on the close.	null	88	20	Northeastern Italy	Colli Orientali del Friuli	null	Chardonnay	Petrussa	null	null	null
France	This young vintage is outside the usual Grande Année range of vintages. Bollinger sees the unique heat of 2003 as a reason to make a special vintage for release early. The wine is rich, but being Bollinger, the richness has translated into the full character of the house style. It is relatively dry, packed with white fruits. Not for aging. Drink now.	2003 by Bollinger Brut	92	null	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Bollinger	null	null	null
US	You'll find luscious flavors of sour red cherries, anise, pecan pie, cola and smoke in this dry wine. But it's a little too soft, structurally, which will limit development. Drink now.	Artist Series Cactus Hill	87	50	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Nicholson Ranch	null	null	null
France	Offers up decent aromas of sour cherries, then folds in leather and earth notes on the palate. This is an easy-to-drink claret for immediate consumption—little tannin, some coffee, tart cherries for balance.	null	84	10	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	J. D. Laurent	null	null	null
US	The producer's smallest-production red from the vintage, and its fourth bottling from the east-sloping blocks of its estate vineyard, this wine is full and lush on the palate, yet elegantly crafted to reveal pine forest, grenadine and a persistence of floral and herbal notes. Smooth and integrated, it presents a rose garden's worth of beauty that lingers on the finish.	East Slope Single Vineyard	92	90	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Donum	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Donum 2013 East Slope Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)
US	This is a clean, fruit-driven effort, with light fruit flavors of pear and apple. It's fresh and zippy, with hints of orange peel and citrus.	null	88	20	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Blanc	Vercingetorix VX	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Vercingetorix VX 2014 Pinot Blanc (Willamette Valley)
Australia	This weighty California lookalike nevertheless comes across as balanced, thanks to a long, mouthwatering finish. Citrus and yellow-plum flavors stand up well to a hefty dose of vanilla and buttered toast.	Estate Reserve	87	20	Victoria	Victoria	null	Chardonnay	Blue Pyrenees	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Blue Pyrenees 1999 Estate Reserve Chardonnay (Victoria)
US	Tremendously fruity, offering an orchard-burst of delicious cherry, red plum, raspberry pie filling, cinnamon toast, anise and cola flavors. Shows the silky texture and racy acidity of a fine coastal Pinot Noir.	null	92	65	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Small Vines	null	null	null
France	Fairly intense for a rosé with aromas and flavors of bubble gum, red cherry, banana, and peaches and cream. Medium weight with appropriately prickly acidity and a solid, refreshing finish.	Rosé	85	10	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Cinsault	Les Jamelles	null	null	null
US	This is a juicy, medium-bodied wine that gushes with cherry and ripe plum flavors, and has an easy texture without much tannin. It's nice and smooth and easy to appreciate.	Estate Bottled	86	30	California	Clarksburg	Central Valley	Malbec	Heringer	null	null	null
France	Bright red fruit aromas are followed by flavors of fresh berries and caramel. This is a light, crisp, soft rosé refreshed by intense finishing acidity.	Rosé	85	null	Loire Valley	Chinon	null	Cabernet Franc	Domaine du Grand Bouqueteau	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine du Grand Bouqueteau 2007 Rosé Cabernet Franc (Chinon)
South Africa	This wine gives a big, ripe nose and flavors of apricot, honey and melon, with balanced fruit and acid and a clean but rounded character. Full bodied and complex with a lingering finish.	null	85	10	Western Cape	null	null	Viognier	Blue Cove	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Blue Cove 2007 Viognier (Western Cape)
US	A reductive note of rubber tire threads through the mélange of cherry cola, iron ore and red licorice flavors in this wine. The components have not yet integrated, leading to a finish marked by bitter skin and tannins. Give it another couple of years of bottle age before pulling the cork.	No Man's Land Wädenswil	86	30	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Dauntless	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Dauntless 2015 No Man's Land Wädenswil Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)
US	Right now this Pinot is a bit heavy and full-bodied, almost like a Rhône-style wine with its thick mouthfeel and cherry, anise and chocolate flavors. It could easily age, throwing some sediment and becoming softer and more delicate. Try after 2012.	Peters Vineyard	87	49	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Kasuari	null	null	Kasuari 2007 Peters Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	This is an estate-grown, co-fermented field blend of Zin with Cabernet Franc, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir de Calmette, Peloursin, Lenoir, Merlot and Mourvèdre made in a small amount. Powerful tannin and leather are the stars, along with flavors of cigar, black pepper, cherry and orange.	L'Ame du Sage Old Vine	90	48	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Lasseter	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Lasseter 2013 L'Ame du Sage Old Vine Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
US	A very good Merlot except for some sharpness. The wine is dry and finely tannic, with black and red cherry, mocha, dried herb and tobacco flavors.	null	87	22	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Folie à Deux	null	null	null
Austria	This is perfumed with crisp apple and light spice aromas. It's a delicate yet concentrated wine, with acidity that's tempered with pepper and a fresh finish. Screwcap.	Gemischter Satz	92	22	Vienna	null	null	Austrian white blend	Wieninger	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Wieninger 2011 Gemischter Satz White (Vienna)
US	There's a bright, brisk vein of acidity in this dry wine, which stimulates the palate and gets the tastebuds watering. The true flavors sink into the middle palate, suggesting grilled pineapple, tangerine jam and buttered toast. A firm minerality grounds and braces the richness. Don't drink this Chardonnay too cold.	Courtney's Vineyard	91	55	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Two Sisters	null	null	null
US	Simple and sweet. Tastes like lemonade.	null	80	15	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Pietra Santa	null	null	null
Israel	Bright, jammy cherry, raspberry and blueberry aromas lead the nose of this wine. Smooth and easy-drinking, the palate offers rich berry compote flavors with hints of black pepper and sweet spice. Drink now. Mevushal.	null	87	17	Galilee	null	null	Shiraz	Recanati	null	null	null
Italy	This is powerful and determined, with high alcohol that covers some of the more delicate aromas of butterscotch, caramel and vanilla. Sweet candied fruit flavors and natural richness help bring balance back in the mouth.	375ml	86	null	Tuscany	Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina	null	White Blend	Fattoria di Basciano	null	null	Fattoria di Basciano 2004 375ml (Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina)
South Africa	Herbal scents of briary berry and forest floor mingle with notes of mulled boysenberry, raspberry, sweet smoke and cured meat. The finish is dry and gripping, with a peppery note that stays through the close.	Pumphouse	88	23	Coastal Region	null	null	Shiraz	Backsberg	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Backsberg 2008 Pumphouse Shiraz (Coastal Region)
US	This includes grapes from Block One (the 1972 planting) and several other more recent plantings at Champoux; essentially this is pure Cabernet Sauvignon. It smells like a fine Bordeaux, still very young and tight, with well-defined layers of flavor. Black cherry, cassis, lead pencil, smoke and baking spices are tightly stacked and particularly apparent in the aromas. Give this one a decade or more in the cellar; if you are drinking now, decant for at least two hours.	Champoux Vineyard	95	50	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Januik	null	null	null
France	The autumnal bounty of aromatic red and and yellow apple is out in full force. The frothy, dry and slender palate is a beautiful foil for this richness and highlights the fruit with pure, lemony freshness. Yeasty autolysis adds welcome body and more counterbalance. Very refreshing and poised.	Giersberger	89	null	Alsace	Crémant d'Alsace	null	Sparkling Blend	Cave de Ribeauvillé	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Cave de Ribeauvillé NV Giersberger Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)
US	A very good Cab, dry, full-bodied and fruity. The tannins are thick and hard, making it difficult to savor the underlying blackberries, black cherries, blueberries and dark chocolate. If you drink it now, decant. Otherwise, try over the next 4–6 years.	District 4	92	39	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Prime	null	null	null
US	A fine Pinot, with the lush, silky texture you expect from this variety. The flavors are rich, of sour cherries, red plums, red currants, herb tea, orange zest, cinnamon and pepper. The finish is very dry and firm in tannins. Should develop well over the next six years.	Bien Nacido Vineyard	90	50	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Gary Farrell	null	null	null
France	Explosively rich and unctuous, this verges on being fat and overblown, then takes a few mincing steps back from the edge. Grilled apricot and peach flavors coat the palate, coming to a climax on the long, oily, fruit-filled finish.	Le Méal	94	165	Rhône Valley	Hermitage	null	Marsanne	M. Chapoutier	null	null	null
US	This Cab is in a somewhat awkward state now, poised between fresh blackberry and cherry fruit and mature notes of dried fruits and mushrooms. That tension lends it interest. The grapes come from Calistoga and Carneros, which also gives a dynamic play between lushness and acidity. It's a fine, stylish wine for drinking now–2017.	null	91	50	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Clos Pegase	null	null	Clos Pegase 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
France	This impressive offering is drawn from the cooperative's own domaine. It's full bodied and firm, with a chewy finish that demands cellaring, but the complex aromas and flavors of cedar, cassis, roasted meat, licorice and cracked peppercorns are compelling even now.	Gambert de Loche	94	140	Rhône Valley	Hermitage	null	Syrah	Cave de Tain	null	null	null
Italy	A jammy note of strawberry or blackberry preserves comes to the front of this darkly concentrated Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot blend. The richness of this wine, and its overall intensity, would match hearty game meat dishes.	Maronea	89	null	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Casa di Terra	null	null	Casa di Terra 2008 Maronea (Bolgheri)
France	Earthy aromas lead to a wine that is still young and tannic, firm with a dry core and dark-chocolate flavors. It will be a concentrated wine as it develops, so wait until 2017.	Cuvée François Signature	87	22	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Provence red blend	Domaine Saint-André de Figuière	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Saint-André de Figuière 2013 Cuvée François Signature Red (Côtes de Provence)
South Africa	A touch green and herbal with notes of black plum, black currant leaf, a touch of pepper and used coffee grinds. Medium weight in the mouth with assertive tannins and a sweet smoke-infused finish.	null	86	13	Western Cape	null	null	Red Blend	Roodeberg	null	null	null
US	Tastes as sweet as raspberry or cherry jam, with a cut of citrusy acidity. This rustic wine also has some firm, furry tannins.	Fiore	82	20	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sangiovese	Paoletti	null	null	null
Italy	Fresh and enjoyable, this has aromas of underbrush, grilled herb, espresso and wild berry. The medium-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, licorice and clove alongside fine-grained and bright acidity.	null	88	30	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Le Ragnaie	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Le Ragnaie 2013 Rosso di Montalcino
Portugal	Soft, superripe wine, with layers of sweet black figs and chocolate. This is almost like a Porty Zinfandel in its richness. There are tannins there, but they seem lost in this riot of sweet fruit.	Vintage	88	80	Port	null	null	Port	Rozes	null	null	null
US	Slightly sour black fruit meets charcoal and hints of pyrazine on the nose of this blended red. Dried blueberry combines with loamy earth on the palate.	null	83	null	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Red Blend	Las Palmeras	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Las Palmeras 2014 Red (Monterey County)
US	This Bordeaux-style blend—with an addition of Mourvèdre—is soft, simple and cloying, with vegetal flavors alongside the sweet raspberry jam note. High alcohol makes for a hot mouthfeel.	el Conquistador	82	32	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Hug	null	null	Hug 2008 el Conquistador Red (Paso Robles)
Italy	Sharp citrus tones are embellished by floral intensity, stone fruit and lemonade. Snappy and lip-smackingly fresh on the palate, with acidity that comes to the fore over a long finish. Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd.	Millesimato	87	19	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Astoria	null	null	null
US	Ripe, leaning to almost overripe, green and yellow-apple aromas lead to cidery flavors. Tart acidity backs it all up.	Brut Méthode Champenoise	87	50	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sparkling Blend	Karma Vineyards	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Karma Vineyards 2011 Brut Méthode Champenoise Sparkling (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Completely satisfying on every level. Kudos to the winery for releasing a wine this dry, complex and delicious, at such a good price. Easy to drink, yet sophisticated and elegant.	Lot 285	91	24	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cameron Hughes	null	null	Cameron Hughes 2009 Lot 285 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
US	A whiff of petrol leads off on this oaky, full-figured white, which is creamy and textured with a touch of sweetness on the finish.	Estate Grown	85	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Rochioli	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Rochioli 2013 Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)
France	A solid, well-made red, with a chorus of intertwined cherries, smoke and leather, grounded by an earthy, mineral-driven bass note. Perfect for washing down burgers and other casual fare.	Reserve	85	12	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Esprit du Rhône	null	null	null
South Africa	This is a ripe and seductive Chardonnay, with great opulence to the palate and lush fruit characteristics of red-apple flesh, clove-spiked orange and creamy pear. Hints of toasted challah and sweet spice add depth and interest, while ample acidity keeps the generous mouthfeel in line and the finish clean.	Third Edition	88	19	Elgin	null	null	Chardonnay	Elgin Vintners	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Elgin Vintners 2010 Third Edition Chardonnay (Elgin)
Italy	A proud signature of Molise, Don Luigi Riserva is a lovely Montepulciano-based wine—with 10% Aglianico—that opens with dark aromas of leather, tobacco, bitter chocolate and plump blackberry. It delivers solid tannins backed by smooth concentration.	Don Luigi Riserva	90	35	Southern Italy	Molise	null	Red Blend	Di Majo Norante	null	null	null
France	89-91 Barrel sample. Fresh and juicy, this wine exudes blackcurrant juice flavors, the wood a background hint. It is has an attractive light touch, with fine final berry tastes.	Barrel sample	90	null	Bordeaux	Moulis-en-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Maucaillou	null	null	null
US	An herbal strawberry aroma meets dusty furniture and dried hay on the nose. Light bodied and showing little tannic structure, flavors of watery strawberry and currant race to the finish.	null	84	23	Arizona	Cochise County	null	Sangiovese	Carlson Creek	Alexander Peartree	null	Carlson Creek 2012 Sangiovese (Cochise County)
Italy	Raboso is a native grape of northern Italy that offers crisp, almost sour, notes of white cherry, bitter cranberry and white almond. It also delivers natural freshness and this quality helps it pair with fatty foods with cheese or butter.	Il Tralcetto	84	12	Veneto	Piave	null	Raboso	Cescon Italo Storia e Vini	null	null	null
US	This estate-driven wine combines 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot. Made in a classical Old-World style, it offers chalky tannin around composted earth, blackberry and cassis. The texture is firm and grippy, with supportive acidity at its core.	Amaino	92	49	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	G & L Lurton	Virginie Boone	@vboone	G & L Lurton 2013 Amaino Red (Sonoma County)
US	Full berry cocoa and pepper aromas on the nose open to solid black cherry and chocolate flavors. The mouthfeel is big, but there's fairly high acidity, too, and some big tannins with a decided bite on the back end. The elements are there in this dense and chunky wine; only time will tell if they come into greater harmony.	null	85	15	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Kenwood	null	null	null
Italy	Organic vintner Mauro Drocco presents a tangy and spicy red wine with cassis, red currant and cured meat. It ends with freshness but also some candied fruit.	Sorì Bric Camparo	86	23	Piedmont	Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba	null	Dolcetto	Camparo	null	null	Camparo 2010 Sorì Bric Camparo (Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba)
US	With 14% Gewürztraminer in the blend, and almost 2% residual sugar, this is a popular tasting-room wine. It's got a lightly pleasing streak of tea, and if you like a little lemon in your ice tea you'll like this wine. Clean and showing surprising length, it should be chilled down to boost its backbone.	null	87	9	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Hogue	null	null	null
US	This is a rich and creamy white with balanced acidity, a wine made in a voluptuous style without being heavy. Grassy notes meld seamlessly with juicier aspects of pineapple and pear, with a crisp undercurrent of refreshment.	Estate	88	15	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Foppiano	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Foppiano 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)
US	Toasted, smoky oak is the dominant aroma, veneering the herb-tinged raspberry and dark cherry notes. Drying tannins frame the shallow flavors, and the cranberry-like acidity adds tartness to the light- to medium-bodied palate.	null	83	null	Virginia	Virginia	null	Merlot	General's Ridge	null	null	General's Ridge 2011 Merlot (Virginia)
Italy	Another impressive effort from the celebrated Ornellaia estate. it opens with aromas of black berries, plum, blue flower and hints of balsamic herbs. The rich palate delivers a core of fleshy black cherry accented with notes of licorice, black pepper and mocha alongside bracing but refined tannins. It's still young so give it time to fully develop. Drink 2016–2031.	null	94	240	Tuscany	Bolgheri Superiore	null	Red Blend	Ornellaia	null	null	null
Spain	Mild aromas of butter, hay and sea water feed into a crisp fresh palate that's punchy and solid. Lightly salted briny white-fruit flavors are classic for a fino, while this offers hints of vanilla and white pepper on the back end.	Fino	89	13	Andalucia	Jerez	null	Palomino	Pemartín	null	null	null
Italy	Mature dark berry, crushed blue flower, spice and peppermint aromas lead the nose on this structured red. The firm palate offers ripe black cherry, white pepper, cocoa, star anise and a balsamic note accompanied by bracing tannins. Drink 2018–2016.	Ascheri	90	68	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Reverdito	null	null	null
US	A sweet Chardonnay, made in the popular style. It's rich and creamy in vanilla and buttered toast, with fruity notes of pineapple and Key lime pie.	null	85	10	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Jargon	null	null	null
US	Good blackberry, black currant, cocoa and cedar flavors in this Cab, and it's nicely dry, with firm, finely ground tannins. Turns rather sharp on the finish, and that tartness may never go away.	Horne Ranch	85	39	California	Lake County	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Beaver Creek	null	null	Beaver Creek 2007 Horne Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County)
US	This is definitely a drink-now effort, with tart red currant fruit, stiff tannins and assertive acids. There's a strong leafy/herbal streak underlying the fruit.	Bird House Red	83	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Lone Canary	null	null	null
Italy	On the palate, this feels velvety and smooth thanks to its rich texture and enduring flavors. The nose is characterized by black cherry, cola, licorice, espresso and tobacco notes	Morandina	90	null	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Prà	null	null	Prà 2010 Morandina (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
Italy	Truffle, forest floor, wild berry and scorched soil aromas lead the nose of this easygoing, earthy red. The lively palate offers juicy wild cherry and a hint of cake spice alongside pliant tannins. It would pair nicely with hearty Tuscan soups.	null	87	17	Tuscany	Chianti Rufina	null	Red Blend	Cantine Bellini	null	null	null
Germany	Pretty cherry blossom perfume wafts midst dusty granite and crushed mineral tones in this approachable Spätburgunder. While a touch more nuanced than the producer's basic-label Pinot, it shares its juicy, easy black cherry and plum flavors. Sunny acidity and fine, yielding tannins add to its easy drinking feel. Drink now through 2020.	Neipperger Trocken	89	36	Württemberg	null	null	Spätburgunder	Grafen Neipperg	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Grafen Neipperg 2014 Neipperger Trocken Spätburgunder (Württemberg)
US	An ambitious wine, from a small appellation west of Paso Robles. It's a little soft but very dry, with ultrarich flavors of melted black currant jam, dark chocolate and anise, and a welcome note of sage and tobacco.	Chelle Mountain Vineyard Reserve	86	45	California	York Mountain	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah	Adelaida	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas suggesting resin, mature plum, forest floor, exotic spice, leather and black currant emerge on this solidly structured red. The firm palate offers espresso, raisin, cherry marinated in spirits, fig, licorice and chewing tobacco alongside firm, close-grained tannins that clutch the finish.	Lena di Mezzo Scarnocchio	91	99	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Red Blend	Monte del Frà	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Monte del Frà 2011 Lena di Mezzo Scarnocchio (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)
Italy	Fragrant and elegantly structured, this poised Sangiovese opens with aromas of pressed violet, wild berry and a whiff of dark baking spice. The palate delivers black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and clove alongside polished tannins.	Monsenese Riserva	90	34	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	San Leonino	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	San Leonino 2011 Monsenese Riserva (Chianti Classico)
France	Stéphane Defraine's wine with its attractive fruitiness is well balanced, bright and crisp. It has a refreshing character, juicy with red-currant fruit and delicious acidity, making it a great summer apéritif wine.	null	88	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Rosé	null	Rosé	Château de Fontenille	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Fontenille 2016 Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)
US	Lots of acidity in this Pinot, maybe too much, as it gives a sour edge to the sweet raspberries and cherries. The end result is candied cough drop. Decant before serving.	SLH Estate	86	35	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Hahn	null	null	null
France	The creamy, rich notes of freshly baked pear tart reach the senses first. Next the palate offers a soft, gentle and almost breezy freshness with citrus peel, floral overtones, creamy hints of shortbread and something primal like rock and stone. All of this is held together in a tableau of freshness, poise and elegance. The dry and lasting finish hints at riches to come, and this lovely wine will develop further. Drink now until 2030.	Heimbourg	93	60	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Gris	Domaine Zind-Humbrecht	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2014 Heimbourg Pinot Gris (Alsace)
Italy	Ferrari's rosé sparkler offers distinctive aromas of freshly baked bread and yeast followed by wild berries, stone fruit and citrus. The mouthfeel is intense and generous and this wine boasts a particularly creamy, full and satisfying mouthfeel.	Rosé	90	30	Northeastern Italy	Trento	null	Sparkling Blend	Ferrari	null	null	Ferrari NV Rosé Sparkling (Trento)
Portugal	Plenty of fruit, right in your face with its very fresh character, sweetness, flavors of loganberries and a touch of spice.	Unoaked	86	14	Douro	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Castello d'Alba	null	null	null
US	Concentrated and elusively complex in cherry, red currant and sandalwood flavors, with a hint of red tomato and bloody red meat that testifies to the cool vintage. It's a big, dense wine, but also quite tannic, and a little high in alcohol, giving it a full body. A bit ungainly now, but impressive nonetheless for sheer power. Give it six years in the cellar.	Nugent Vineyard	92	44	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Stemmler	null	null	null
Italy	Cogno helped put the Novello village on the Barolo-lovers' map. This wine opens with fragrances of red and black berries, rose, baking spice and leather. The vibrant palate delivers wild cherry, raspberry, mint, sage, thyme and cocoa accents alongside bracing tannins and nervous acidity. Drink after 2020.	Ravera	95	75	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Elvio Cogno	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Elvio Cogno 2010 Ravera (Barolo)
Italy	A great value wine, this fruity Syrah opens with bright blueberry, cherry and plum woven between subtle nuances of leather, spice and smoked bacon.	Sallier de la Tour	86	11	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Syrah	Tasca d'Almerita	null	null	null
France	This luxury cuvée rides close to the edge of being too ripe for its own good. It's full bodied and rich, boasting flavors of prune, chocolate and espresso framed by hints of toast and vanilla. The texture is supple, turning velvety on the finish, which makes it accessible now. Drink it over the next few years.	Nolandra	91	125	Rhône Valley	Châteauneuf-du-Pape	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Domaine du Vieux Lazaret	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Domaine du Vieux Lazaret 2007 Nolandra Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Argentina	Not sure why a Mendoza Malbec is named Havana Rose, but that's not really important when you taste this ripe, candied wine that shows reasonable balance and character. The palate offers bright, candied raspberry and sweet plum flavors, and the finish is warm and full. About all you can ask for in a $9 wine.	null	85	9	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Havana Rose	null	null	null

France

92-94. Barrel sample. A big wine that's packed with ripe dark-plum flavors, smoky tannins and richness. It shows a powerful, balanced structure.

La Chapelle d'Ausone Barrel Sample

93

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Ausone

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Ausone 2011 La Chapelle d'Ausone Barrel Sample (Saint-Émilion)

Argentina

Dull and dilute, but painless. The palate is chunky but with enough acids to stay lively, and the flavors of green apple, lemon and pineapple are decent enough. Tangy and slightly bitter on the finish.

Centenario Reserve

83

12

Other

San Juan

null

Pinot Grigio

Graffigna

null

US

Greg Graziano's Chenin, grown in a 30-plus-year-old vineyard, among the last of its kind in Mendocino County, is crisp and nutty, supported by dried apple, honey and melon-tinged minerality. Fermented in all French oak barrels, the wine has a calming roundness amid its acidity.

null

87

14

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Chenin Blanc

Graziano

null

US

If this wine had greater acidity for crispness, it would be near perfect, but as it stands, it's too soft. Too bad, because the flavors, of blackberries, cassis, chocolate, anise, mint and smoky vanilla, are totally delicious. The flabbiness is cause for concern.

Grandmere

85

30

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Renwood

null

Italy

Warm notes of raw, jammy fruit and moderate spice emerge from the nose. This native variety usually shows aromas of cherry, pistachio and almond and these very characteristics are evident here.

Stemmari

86

8

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Feudo Arancio

null

US

Young and tight, this Zin shows the rustic, brawny nature of Zin's personality, with rugged tannins, peppery spices and a sweet-and-sour taste to the wild cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and rhubarb fruit. Will ride out the years, gradually softening and sweetening.

Redemption Zin

87

25

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Alexander Valley Vineyards

null

Chile

Latex, earth and briar patch aromas are rough on the nose. Cranberry, red plum, olive and herbal flavors finish a bit sour, with a snappy feel.

null

83

8

Maule Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Creación

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Creación 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maule Valley)

France

From one of the two properties owned by the Mulliez family of Château Belle-Vue, this wine is full of dense tannins as well as black currants. It is likely to develop into a rich although always firm wine. Drink from 2020.

null

88

17

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Gironville

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Gironville 2014 Haut-Médoc

Argentina

Moscato-like with its jasmine and lychee aromas, but things fall apart in the mouth. It's overly foamy and active, with bland flavors that lack the powdery, floral elements that can make Torrontés good. Gaseous on the finish.

Sustainably Farmed Sparkling

82

16

Mendoza Province

Tupungato

null

Torrontés

Spirit of the Andes

null

US

Here's a rich, easy-to-like Sauvignon Blanc. Shows keen acidity and complex flavors of citrus fruits, lemongrass, minerals and honey. Feels vigorous and clean all the way through to the long, spicy finish.

null

90

20

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

John Anthony

null

John Anthony 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

Italy

This medium-bodied white delivers mature pear, yellow apple and white peach aromas and flavors. It's riper and rounder than usual but also boasts terrific freshness and elegance for the hot vintage.

null

90

28

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Pinot Bianco

Russiz Superiore

null

Greece

Opulent pear, apple and floral aromas are followed by a fresh but fleshy array of tropical fruit in this easy drinking blend. Oak aging adds complexity but minerality keeps the wine poised. Pair with smoked salmon and poultry.

null

87

30

Chalkidiki

null

White Blend

Claudia Papayianni

null

France

This is a soft and ripe wine. Red fruits and caramel flavors add weight to the wine and a rich character, without forgetting the crisp, fresh acidity in the aftertaste.

Le Rosé Gourmand de Maison Blanche

85

null

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé

null

Rosé

Maison Bouey

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Maison Bouey 2014 Le Rosé Gourmand de Maison Blanche Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)

US

Luscious aromas of lemon, sweet orange and honey are followed by a burst of honey, orange and spice in this indulgent dessert wine. A choice for fans of unctuous, sweet styles, the wine can be paired with cheeses, fresh fruit or sipped alone.

Icewine

85

45

Vermont

null

Vidal Blanc

Snow Farm

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Snow Farm 2007 Icewine Vidal Blanc (Vermont)

Australia

Light and frothy, with perfumed notes of tangerine, spice and a mere hint of strawberry. Falls off a bit on the finish, but still represents a good value in dessert-style bubbles.

DB Family Selection Pink

85

9

New South Wales

null

Moscato

De Bortoli

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

De Bortoli 2011 DB Family Selection Pink Moscato (New South Wales)

Italy

This opens with aromas of candied fruit and pressed blue flower. The mouthfeel is fresh and capped by crisp acidity. Pair it with cheesy pizza or appetizers.

null

86

11

Piedmont

Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba

null

Dolcetto

Veglio

null

US

Although it has a delicate structure, that feels almost lace-like on the palate, this light-bodied Riesling bursts with concentrated ripe peach and apricot flavors. Semisweet in style, this has vibrant acidity and an oyster-shell- and stone-like minerality that lingers on the long finish.

Riesling 11 Lake Dana Vineyard

90

40

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Fox Run

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Fox Run 2010 Riesling 11 Lake Dana Vineyard Riesling (Finger Lakes)

France

This conveys the purest, most evocative scent of ripe Sicilian blood orange, embedded in a sea of rose petals. Floral notes and aromatic citrus freshness lead a dance on the slender palate that has the slightest edge of smoke and stone. The finish is dry, imbued with a haunting, elemental quality that makes this light but profound wine irresistible.

Fronholz

94

41

Alsace

null

Muscat

Domaine Ostertag

null

France

Ripe and soft with rich apple flavor, there's a fullness to this wine. While elegant with a touch of maturity from bottle ageing, the palate is freshened a crispness and levity characteristic of the house style. It has enough weight to accompany food and is ready to drink now.

Cuvée Léonie Brut

90

null

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Canard-Duchêne

null

Austria

This goes for the earthy side of St. Laurent, especially the aroma. None the worse for that, because the wine is very drinkable, a powerball of juicy fruit, of fresh berries and delicious acidity.

Classic

87

19

Neusiedlersee

null

St. Laurent

Gerhard Pittnauer

null

US

Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Cab Franc, this is a somewhat rustic wine: Though it has a jagged mouthfeel, it also has deep, wholesome blackberry, blueberry, cherry and chocolate flavors. With a smoky char-broiled steak, it'll be fine.

Para Siempre

86

38

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Cabernet Blend

Peachy Canyon

null

US

Nearly 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this firm young wine showcases Napa Cab at its best. It's powerful in cassis and mocha flavors, with complex spice notes. The considerable new oak fits in fine given the wine's size. Extraordinarily smooth and lush, it's beautiful now, but has the structure to age for a decade. What a beauty.

Claret

96

110

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Blend

Robert Foley

null

US

From a winery started in 1973, this is an excellent Chardonnay. Vibrant almond and macadamia nut mesh with guava, peach and melon notes on the nose. A clean line of citrusy acidity dissects the palate, cutting into ripe stone fruit and touches of smoke and oak to yield a mouthwatering finish.

Estate Grown

91

35

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Chamisal Vineyards

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Chamisal Vineyards 2015 Estate Grown Chardonnay (Edna Valley)

France

This small estate, dedicated to white wines only, is part of the same stable as Château Haut-Brion itself. This superb wine is packed with ripe, sweet fruit, but equally importantly, shows intensity, layers of wood, a great citrus character and the acidity so typical of 2002. This is a long-term wine: drink in 10–15 years.

null

93

135

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Laville Haut-Brion

null

France

A delicious food rosé, rich and rounded with a good structure and a bite of acidity. Red apple and pink grapefruit complement the sweeter berry fruits. The extra year of aging before release has brought some sophistication.

Esclans

90

35

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château d'Esclans

null

Italy

Petrussa's oak-aged Chardonnay is still drinking young and seems a bit tight and firm in the mouth. Let it unwind over the next few months to deliver more intense notes of exotic fruit, milled white pepper, toasted nut, vanilla bean and banana. The wine has well-integrated acidity and a slightly herbal note on the close.

null

88

20

Northeastern Italy

Colli Orientali del Friuli

null

Chardonnay

Petrussa

null

France

This young vintage is outside the usual Grande Année range of vintages. Bollinger sees the unique heat of 2003 as a reason to make a special vintage for release early. The wine is rich, but being Bollinger, the richness has translated into the full character of the house style. It is relatively dry, packed with white fruits. Not for aging. Drink now.

2003 by Bollinger Brut

92

null

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Bollinger

null

US

You'll find luscious flavors of sour red cherries, anise, pecan pie, cola and smoke in this dry wine. But it's a little too soft, structurally, which will limit development. Drink now.

Artist Series Cactus Hill

87

50

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Nicholson Ranch

null

France

Offers up decent aromas of sour cherries, then folds in leather and earth notes on the palate. This is an easy-to-drink claret for immediate consumption—little tannin, some coffee, tart cherries for balance.

null

84

10

Bordeaux

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

J. D. Laurent

null

US

The producer's smallest-production red from the vintage, and its fourth bottling from the east-sloping blocks of its estate vineyard, this wine is full and lush on the palate, yet elegantly crafted to reveal pine forest, grenadine and a persistence of floral and herbal notes. Smooth and integrated, it presents a rose garden's worth of beauty that lingers on the finish.

East Slope Single Vineyard

92

90

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Donum

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Donum 2013 East Slope Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)

US

This is a clean, fruit-driven effort, with light fruit flavors of pear and apple. It's fresh and zippy, with hints of orange peel and citrus.

null

88

20

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Blanc

Vercingetorix VX

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Vercingetorix VX 2014 Pinot Blanc (Willamette Valley)

Australia

This weighty California lookalike nevertheless comes across as balanced, thanks to a long, mouthwatering finish. Citrus and yellow-plum flavors stand up well to a hefty dose of vanilla and buttered toast.

Estate Reserve

87

20

Victoria

null

Chardonnay

Blue Pyrenees

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Blue Pyrenees 1999 Estate Reserve Chardonnay (Victoria)

US

Tremendously fruity, offering an orchard-burst of delicious cherry, red plum, raspberry pie filling, cinnamon toast, anise and cola flavors. Shows the silky texture and racy acidity of a fine coastal Pinot Noir.

null

92

65

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Small Vines

null

France

Fairly intense for a rosé with aromas and flavors of bubble gum, red cherry, banana, and peaches and cream. Medium weight with appropriately prickly acidity and a solid, refreshing finish.

Rosé

85

10

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Cinsault

Les Jamelles

null

US

This is a juicy, medium-bodied wine that gushes with cherry and ripe plum flavors, and has an easy texture without much tannin. It's nice and smooth and easy to appreciate.

Estate Bottled

86

30

California

Clarksburg

Central Valley

Malbec

Heringer

null

France

Bright red fruit aromas are followed by flavors of fresh berries and caramel. This is a light, crisp, soft rosé refreshed by intense finishing acidity.

Rosé

85

null

Loire Valley

Chinon

null

Cabernet Franc

Domaine du Grand Bouqueteau

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine du Grand Bouqueteau 2007 Rosé Cabernet Franc (Chinon)

South Africa

This wine gives a big, ripe nose and flavors of apricot, honey and melon, with balanced fruit and acid and a clean but rounded character. Full bodied and complex with a lingering finish.

null

85

10

Western Cape

null

Viognier

Blue Cove

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Blue Cove 2007 Viognier (Western Cape)

US

A reductive note of rubber tire threads through the mélange of cherry cola, iron ore and red licorice flavors in this wine. The components have not yet integrated, leading to a finish marked by bitter skin and tannins. Give it another couple of years of bottle age before pulling the cork.

No Man's Land Wädenswil

86

30

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Dauntless

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Dauntless 2015 No Man's Land Wädenswil Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)

US

Right now this Pinot is a bit heavy and full-bodied, almost like a Rhône-style wine with its thick mouthfeel and cherry, anise and chocolate flavors. It could easily age, throwing some sediment and becoming softer and more delicate. Try after 2012.

Peters Vineyard

87

49

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Kasuari

null

Kasuari 2007 Peters Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

This is an estate-grown, co-fermented field blend of Zin with Cabernet Franc, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir de Calmette, Peloursin, Lenoir, Merlot and Mourvèdre made in a small amount. Powerful tannin and leather are the stars, along with flavors of cigar, black pepper, cherry and orange.

L'Ame du Sage Old Vine

90

48

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Lasseter

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Lasseter 2013 L'Ame du Sage Old Vine Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)

US

A very good Merlot except for some sharpness. The wine is dry and finely tannic, with black and red cherry, mocha, dried herb and tobacco flavors.

null

87

22

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Folie à Deux

null

Austria

This is perfumed with crisp apple and light spice aromas. It's a delicate yet concentrated wine, with acidity that's tempered with pepper and a fresh finish. Screwcap.

Gemischter Satz

92

22

Vienna

null

Austrian white blend

Wieninger

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Wieninger 2011 Gemischter Satz White (Vienna)

US

There's a bright, brisk vein of acidity in this dry wine, which stimulates the palate and gets the tastebuds watering. The true flavors sink into the middle palate, suggesting grilled pineapple, tangerine jam and buttered toast. A firm minerality grounds and braces the richness. Don't drink this Chardonnay too cold.

Courtney's Vineyard

91

55

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Two Sisters

null

US

Simple and sweet. Tastes like lemonade.

null

80

15

California

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Pietra Santa

null

Israel

Bright, jammy cherry, raspberry and blueberry aromas lead the nose of this wine. Smooth and easy-drinking, the palate offers rich berry compote flavors with hints of black pepper and sweet spice. Drink now. Mevushal.

null

87

17

Galilee

null

Shiraz

Recanati

null

Italy

This is powerful and determined, with high alcohol that covers some of the more delicate aromas of butterscotch, caramel and vanilla. Sweet candied fruit flavors and natural richness help bring balance back in the mouth.

375ml

86

null

Tuscany

Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina

null

White Blend

Fattoria di Basciano

null

Fattoria di Basciano 2004 375ml (Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina)

South Africa

Herbal scents of briary berry and forest floor mingle with notes of mulled boysenberry, raspberry, sweet smoke and cured meat. The finish is dry and gripping, with a peppery note that stays through the close.

Pumphouse

88

23

Coastal Region

null

Shiraz

Backsberg

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Backsberg 2008 Pumphouse Shiraz (Coastal Region)

US

This includes grapes from Block One (the 1972 planting) and several other more recent plantings at Champoux; essentially this is pure Cabernet Sauvignon. It smells like a fine Bordeaux, still very young and tight, with well-defined layers of flavor. Black cherry, cassis, lead pencil, smoke and baking spices are tightly stacked and particularly apparent in the aromas. Give this one a decade or more in the cellar; if you are drinking now, decant for at least two hours.

Champoux Vineyard

95

50

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Januik

null

France

The autumnal bounty of aromatic red and and yellow apple is out in full force. The frothy, dry and slender palate is a beautiful foil for this richness and highlights the fruit with pure, lemony freshness. Yeasty autolysis adds welcome body and more counterbalance. Very refreshing and poised.

Giersberger

89

null

Alsace

Crémant d'Alsace

null

Sparkling Blend

Cave de Ribeauvillé

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Cave de Ribeauvillé NV Giersberger Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)

US

A very good Cab, dry, full-bodied and fruity. The tannins are thick and hard, making it difficult to savor the underlying blackberries, black cherries, blueberries and dark chocolate. If you drink it now, decant. Otherwise, try over the next 4–6 years.

District 4

92

39

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Prime

null

US

A fine Pinot, with the lush, silky texture you expect from this variety. The flavors are rich, of sour cherries, red plums, red currants, herb tea, orange zest, cinnamon and pepper. The finish is very dry and firm in tannins. Should develop well over the next six years.

Bien Nacido Vineyard

90

50

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Gary Farrell

null

France

Explosively rich and unctuous, this verges on being fat and overblown, then takes a few mincing steps back from the edge. Grilled apricot and peach flavors coat the palate, coming to a climax on the long, oily, fruit-filled finish.

Le Méal

94

165

Rhône Valley

Hermitage

null

Marsanne

M. Chapoutier

null

US

This Cab is in a somewhat awkward state now, poised between fresh blackberry and cherry fruit and mature notes of dried fruits and mushrooms. That tension lends it interest. The grapes come from Calistoga and Carneros, which also gives a dynamic play between lushness and acidity. It's a fine, stylish wine for drinking now–2017.

null

91

50

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Clos Pegase

null

Clos Pegase 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

France

This impressive offering is drawn from the cooperative's own domaine. It's full bodied and firm, with a chewy finish that demands cellaring, but the complex aromas and flavors of cedar, cassis, roasted meat, licorice and cracked peppercorns are compelling even now.

Gambert de Loche

94

140

Rhône Valley

Hermitage

null

Syrah

Cave de Tain

null

Italy

A jammy note of strawberry or blackberry preserves comes to the front of this darkly concentrated Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot blend. The richness of this wine, and its overall intensity, would match hearty game meat dishes.

Maronea

89

null

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Casa di Terra

null

Casa di Terra 2008 Maronea (Bolgheri)

France

Earthy aromas lead to a wine that is still young and tannic, firm with a dry core and dark-chocolate flavors. It will be a concentrated wine as it develops, so wait until 2017.

Cuvée François Signature

87

22

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Provence red blend

Domaine Saint-André de Figuière

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Saint-André de Figuière 2013 Cuvée François Signature Red (Côtes de Provence)

South Africa

A touch green and herbal with notes of black plum, black currant leaf, a touch of pepper and used coffee grinds. Medium weight in the mouth with assertive tannins and a sweet smoke-infused finish.

null

86

13

Western Cape

null

Red Blend

Roodeberg

null

US

Tastes as sweet as raspberry or cherry jam, with a cut of citrusy acidity. This rustic wine also has some firm, furry tannins.

Fiore

82

20

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sangiovese

Paoletti

null

Italy

Fresh and enjoyable, this has aromas of underbrush, grilled herb, espresso and wild berry. The medium-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, licorice and clove alongside fine-grained and bright acidity.

null

88

30

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Le Ragnaie

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Le Ragnaie 2013 Rosso di Montalcino

Portugal

Soft, superripe wine, with layers of sweet black figs and chocolate. This is almost like a Porty Zinfandel in its richness. There are tannins there, but they seem lost in this riot of sweet fruit.

Vintage

88

80

Port

null

Port

Rozes

null

US

Slightly sour black fruit meets charcoal and hints of pyrazine on the nose of this blended red. Dried blueberry combines with loamy earth on the palate.

null

83

null

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Red Blend

Las Palmeras

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Las Palmeras 2014 Red (Monterey County)

US

This Bordeaux-style blend—with an addition of Mourvèdre—is soft, simple and cloying, with vegetal flavors alongside the sweet raspberry jam note. High alcohol makes for a hot mouthfeel.

el Conquistador

82

32

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Hug

null

Hug 2008 el Conquistador Red (Paso Robles)

Italy

Sharp citrus tones are embellished by floral intensity, stone fruit and lemonade. Snappy and lip-smackingly fresh on the palate, with acidity that comes to the fore over a long finish. Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd.

Millesimato

87

19

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Astoria

null

US

Ripe, leaning to almost overripe, green and yellow-apple aromas lead to cidery flavors. Tart acidity backs it all up.

Brut Méthode Champenoise

87

50

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sparkling Blend

Karma Vineyards

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Karma Vineyards 2011 Brut Méthode Champenoise Sparkling (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Completely satisfying on every level. Kudos to the winery for releasing a wine this dry, complex and delicious, at such a good price. Easy to drink, yet sophisticated and elegant.

Lot 285

91

24

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cameron Hughes

null

Cameron Hughes 2009 Lot 285 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

US

A whiff of petrol leads off on this oaky, full-figured white, which is creamy and textured with a touch of sweetness on the finish.

Estate Grown

85

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Rochioli

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Rochioli 2013 Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)

France

A solid, well-made red, with a chorus of intertwined cherries, smoke and leather, grounded by an earthy, mineral-driven bass note. Perfect for washing down burgers and other casual fare.

Reserve

85

12

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Esprit du Rhône

null

South Africa

This is a ripe and seductive Chardonnay, with great opulence to the palate and lush fruit characteristics of red-apple flesh, clove-spiked orange and creamy pear. Hints of toasted challah and sweet spice add depth and interest, while ample acidity keeps the generous mouthfeel in line and the finish clean.

Third Edition

88

19

Elgin

null

Chardonnay

Elgin Vintners

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Elgin Vintners 2010 Third Edition Chardonnay (Elgin)

Italy

A proud signature of Molise, Don Luigi Riserva is a lovely Montepulciano-based wine—with 10% Aglianico—that opens with dark aromas of leather, tobacco, bitter chocolate and plump blackberry. It delivers solid tannins backed by smooth concentration.

Don Luigi Riserva

90

35

Southern Italy

Molise

null

Red Blend

Di Majo Norante

null

France

89-91 Barrel sample. Fresh and juicy, this wine exudes blackcurrant juice flavors, the wood a background hint. It is has an attractive light touch, with fine final berry tastes.

Barrel sample

90

null

Bordeaux

Moulis-en-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Maucaillou

null

US

An herbal strawberry aroma meets dusty furniture and dried hay on the nose. Light bodied and showing little tannic structure, flavors of watery strawberry and currant race to the finish.

null

84

23

Arizona

Cochise County

null

Sangiovese

Carlson Creek

Alexander Peartree

null

Carlson Creek 2012 Sangiovese (Cochise County)

Italy

Raboso is a native grape of northern Italy that offers crisp, almost sour, notes of white cherry, bitter cranberry and white almond. It also delivers natural freshness and this quality helps it pair with fatty foods with cheese or butter.

Il Tralcetto

84

12

Veneto

Piave

null

Raboso

Cescon Italo Storia e Vini

null

US

This estate-driven wine combines 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot. Made in a classical Old-World style, it offers chalky tannin around composted earth, blackberry and cassis. The texture is firm and grippy, with supportive acidity at its core.

Amaino

92

49

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

G & L Lurton

Virginie Boone

@vboone

G & L Lurton 2013 Amaino Red (Sonoma County)

US

Full berry cocoa and pepper aromas on the nose open to solid black cherry and chocolate flavors. The mouthfeel is big, but there's fairly high acidity, too, and some big tannins with a decided bite on the back end. The elements are there in this dense and chunky wine; only time will tell if they come into greater harmony.

null

85

15

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Kenwood

null

Italy

Organic vintner Mauro Drocco presents a tangy and spicy red wine with cassis, red currant and cured meat. It ends with freshness but also some candied fruit.

Sorì Bric Camparo

86

23

Piedmont

Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba

null

Dolcetto

Camparo

null

Camparo 2010 Sorì Bric Camparo (Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba)

US

With 14% Gewürztraminer in the blend, and almost 2% residual sugar, this is a popular tasting-room wine. It's got a lightly pleasing streak of tea, and if you like a little lemon in your ice tea you'll like this wine. Clean and showing surprising length, it should be chilled down to boost its backbone.

null

87

9

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Hogue

null

US

This is a rich and creamy white with balanced acidity, a wine made in a voluptuous style without being heavy. Grassy notes meld seamlessly with juicier aspects of pineapple and pear, with a crisp undercurrent of refreshment.

Estate

88

15

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Foppiano

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Foppiano 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)

US

Toasted, smoky oak is the dominant aroma, veneering the herb-tinged raspberry and dark cherry notes. Drying tannins frame the shallow flavors, and the cranberry-like acidity adds tartness to the light- to medium-bodied palate.

null

83

null

Virginia

null

Merlot

General's Ridge

null

General's Ridge 2011 Merlot (Virginia)

Italy

Another impressive effort from the celebrated Ornellaia estate. it opens with aromas of black berries, plum, blue flower and hints of balsamic herbs. The rich palate delivers a core of fleshy black cherry accented with notes of licorice, black pepper and mocha alongside bracing but refined tannins. It's still young so give it time to fully develop. Drink 2016–2031.

null

94

240

Tuscany

Bolgheri Superiore

null

Red Blend

Ornellaia

null

Spain

Mild aromas of butter, hay and sea water feed into a crisp fresh palate that's punchy and solid. Lightly salted briny white-fruit flavors are classic for a fino, while this offers hints of vanilla and white pepper on the back end.

Fino

89

13

Andalucia

Jerez

null

Palomino

Pemartín

null

Italy

Mature dark berry, crushed blue flower, spice and peppermint aromas lead the nose on this structured red. The firm palate offers ripe black cherry, white pepper, cocoa, star anise and a balsamic note accompanied by bracing tannins. Drink 2018–2016.

Ascheri

90

68

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Reverdito

null

US

A sweet Chardonnay, made in the popular style. It's rich and creamy in vanilla and buttered toast, with fruity notes of pineapple and Key lime pie.

null

85

10

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Jargon

null

US

Good blackberry, black currant, cocoa and cedar flavors in this Cab, and it's nicely dry, with firm, finely ground tannins. Turns rather sharp on the finish, and that tartness may never go away.

Horne Ranch

85

39

California

Lake County

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Beaver Creek

null

Beaver Creek 2007 Horne Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Lake County)

US

This is definitely a drink-now effort, with tart red currant fruit, stiff tannins and assertive acids. There's a strong leafy/herbal streak underlying the fruit.

Bird House Red

83

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Lone Canary

null

Italy

On the palate, this feels velvety and smooth thanks to its rich texture and enduring flavors. The nose is characterized by black cherry, cola, licorice, espresso and tobacco notes

Morandina

90

null

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Prà

null

Prà 2010 Morandina (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

Italy

Truffle, forest floor, wild berry and scorched soil aromas lead the nose of this easygoing, earthy red. The lively palate offers juicy wild cherry and a hint of cake spice alongside pliant tannins. It would pair nicely with hearty Tuscan soups.

null

87

17

Tuscany

Chianti Rufina

null

Red Blend

Cantine Bellini

null

Germany

Pretty cherry blossom perfume wafts midst dusty granite and crushed mineral tones in this approachable Spätburgunder. While a touch more nuanced than the producer's basic-label Pinot, it shares its juicy, easy black cherry and plum flavors. Sunny acidity and fine, yielding tannins add to its easy drinking feel. Drink now through 2020.

Neipperger Trocken

89

36

Württemberg

null

Spätburgunder

Grafen Neipperg

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Grafen Neipperg 2014 Neipperger Trocken Spätburgunder (Württemberg)

US

An ambitious wine, from a small appellation west of Paso Robles. It's a little soft but very dry, with ultrarich flavors of melted black currant jam, dark chocolate and anise, and a welcome note of sage and tobacco.

Chelle Mountain Vineyard Reserve

86

45

California

York Mountain

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah

Adelaida

null

Italy

Aromas suggesting resin, mature plum, forest floor, exotic spice, leather and black currant emerge on this solidly structured red. The firm palate offers espresso, raisin, cherry marinated in spirits, fig, licorice and chewing tobacco alongside firm, close-grained tannins that clutch the finish.

Lena di Mezzo Scarnocchio

91

99

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Red Blend

Monte del Frà

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Monte del Frà 2011 Lena di Mezzo Scarnocchio (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)

Italy

Fragrant and elegantly structured, this poised Sangiovese opens with aromas of pressed violet, wild berry and a whiff of dark baking spice. The palate delivers black cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and clove alongside polished tannins.

Monsenese Riserva

90

34

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

San Leonino

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

San Leonino 2011 Monsenese Riserva (Chianti Classico)

France

Stéphane Defraine's wine with its attractive fruitiness is well balanced, bright and crisp. It has a refreshing character, juicy with red-currant fruit and delicious acidity, making it a great summer apéritif wine.

null

88

12

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé

null

Rosé

Château de Fontenille

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Fontenille 2016 Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)

US

Lots of acidity in this Pinot, maybe too much, as it gives a sour edge to the sweet raspberries and cherries. The end result is candied cough drop. Decant before serving.

SLH Estate

86

35

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Hahn

null

France

The creamy, rich notes of freshly baked pear tart reach the senses first. Next the palate offers a soft, gentle and almost breezy freshness with citrus peel, floral overtones, creamy hints of shortbread and something primal like rock and stone. All of this is held together in a tableau of freshness, poise and elegance. The dry and lasting finish hints at riches to come, and this lovely wine will develop further. Drink now until 2030.

Heimbourg

93

60

Alsace

null

Pinot Gris

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2014 Heimbourg Pinot Gris (Alsace)

Italy

Ferrari's rosé sparkler offers distinctive aromas of freshly baked bread and yeast followed by wild berries, stone fruit and citrus. The mouthfeel is intense and generous and this wine boasts a particularly creamy, full and satisfying mouthfeel.

Rosé

90

30

Northeastern Italy

Trento

null

Sparkling Blend

Ferrari

null

Ferrari NV Rosé Sparkling (Trento)

Portugal

Plenty of fruit, right in your face with its very fresh character, sweetness, flavors of loganberries and a touch of spice.

Unoaked

86

14

Douro

null

Touriga Nacional

Castello d'Alba

null

US

Concentrated and elusively complex in cherry, red currant and sandalwood flavors, with a hint of red tomato and bloody red meat that testifies to the cool vintage. It's a big, dense wine, but also quite tannic, and a little high in alcohol, giving it a full body. A bit ungainly now, but impressive nonetheless for sheer power. Give it six years in the cellar.

Nugent Vineyard

92

44

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Stemmler

null

Italy

Cogno helped put the Novello village on the Barolo-lovers' map. This wine opens with fragrances of red and black berries, rose, baking spice and leather. The vibrant palate delivers wild cherry, raspberry, mint, sage, thyme and cocoa accents alongside bracing tannins and nervous acidity. Drink after 2020.

Ravera

95

75

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Elvio Cogno

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Elvio Cogno 2010 Ravera (Barolo)

Italy

A great value wine, this fruity Syrah opens with bright blueberry, cherry and plum woven between subtle nuances of leather, spice and smoked bacon.

Sallier de la Tour

86

11

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Syrah

Tasca d'Almerita

null

France

This luxury cuvée rides close to the edge of being too ripe for its own good. It's full bodied and rich, boasting flavors of prune, chocolate and espresso framed by hints of toast and vanilla. The texture is supple, turning velvety on the finish, which makes it accessible now. Drink it over the next few years.

Nolandra

91

125

Rhône Valley

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret 2007 Nolandra Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

Argentina

Not sure why a Mendoza Malbec is named Havana Rose, but that's not really important when you taste this ripe, candied wine that shows reasonable balance and character. The palate offers bright, candied raspberry and sweet plum flavors, and the finish is warm and full. About all you can ask for in a $9 wine.

null

85

9

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Havana Rose

null