spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

country stringclasses 49 values	description stringlengths 18 829	designation stringlengths 1 95 ⌀	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 2.5k ⌀	province stringclasses 478 values	region_1 stringlengths 3 50 ⌀	region_2 stringclasses 18 values	variety stringclasses 726 values	winery stringlengths 1 54	taster_name stringclasses 19 values	taster_twitter_handle stringclasses 15 values	title stringlengths 12 135 ⌀
US	Made like an old-fashioned Barbera, this one is truculent in tannins, with a full-bodied mouthfeel housing flavors of blackberries, currants, leather, anise and pepper. It will probably live for two decades, gradually sweetening as it throws sediment, but always remaining rustic.	Augusto	87	42	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Barbera	Viansa	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
US	A sandalwood, light leather and raspberry nose are the most compelling elements of this wine by this E & J Gallo brand. On the palate, roasted fig and tart berry are followed by a bit of spice but no lasting finish.	null	85	18	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Bridlewood	null	null	null
Hungary	This big, youthful wine starts with a nose of peaches, honey and pear. On the palate, a fruity but elegant combination of apricot, honey and lemon has a clean, bright character. Simple but appealing. Pair with fresh fruit, desserts.	Áts Cuvée	87	20	Hungary	null	null	White Blend	Royal Tokaji	null	null	null
France	The nose does not want to give away much. However the palate shows fresh apple notes livened by some freshness. Drink soon while aromas last.	Rayon de Lune	85	22	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Blanc	Domaine Charles Frey	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Charles Frey 2014 Rayon de Lune Pinot Blanc (Alsace)
US	Rich and thoroughly enjoyable, brimming with blackcurrant and cassis flavors and a balanced overlay of smoky, spicy oak. This pretty wine drinks very dry and smooth, and the tannins are just right. It is elegant from start to finish. Drink now.	Alexander's Crown	90	28	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Rodney Strong	null	null	null
New Zealand	The nose is an interesting blend of cocoa, dill, cassis and lemon. Flavors pretty much follow suit, sneaking in some tobacco and cedar shadings before turning lean and lemony. The finish shows off a whack of dry, cedary French oak. Hard to know where this will be in five years—might dry out, might get interestingly complex.	null	85	20	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Caroline Bay	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Caroline Bay 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Hawke's Bay)
Australia	From one of the cooler sites in Clarendon Hills' arsenal, this Grenache shows floral, slightly lifted aromas and hints of blueberry and strawberry. Yet it still shows the soft, lush texture of all of the CH Grenaches and a long, gently lingering finish.	Clarendon	90	61	South Australia	Clarendon	null	Grenache	Clarendon Hills	null	null	null
US	This expensive wine is softly tannic, earthy and fruity, with dried herb and raspberry tea flavors. From Francis Ford Coppola.	null	85	48	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Eleanor	null	null	null
US	This wine, which is 100% varietal, is a blend of fruit from Art Den Hoed and Gunkel vineyards. Aromas of cranberry, clove and fresh flowers are followed by coffee and floral flavors that show elegance and persistence.	Proprietor's Reserve	88	36	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Grenache	Maryhill	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Maryhill 2013 Proprietor's Reserve Grenache (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Dry and tannic, this has a baked quality to its fruit, tasting warm and raisiny.	null	84	70	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Three Sticks	null	null	null
US	Aromas of Golden Delicious apples, nectarine flesh, lemon-lime soda and poached pears drizzled lightly with agave syrup show on the nose of this wine made by Mike Roth. The palate offers apple and pear cider along with white peach and a steely, nearly gunmetal minerality.	null	88	20	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Grigio	Piro Piro Piccolo	null	null	null
US	While this is the most tannic of Envy's wines, it's also made in the house style of soft, fruity approachability. Forward and lush with blackberry jam, currant and spice flavors, it shows an impeccable balance. Wonderful now and over the next 3–4 years.	Estate	92	48	California	Calistoga	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Envy	null	null	Envy 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga)
US	The official alcohol on this wine is 14.9%, but it has a syrupy concentration and heat that tastes far higher than that. Was it watered down? Tastes like cherry and blackberry wine that was reduced for a sauce, with a thick, balsamic finish.	Rocking Z Vineyard	83	24	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Shippey	null	null	null
US	This wine gives a big bear hug with aromas like wild berries and black pepper. Then sweet oak and rich, savory plum flavors emerge on the palate as the ripeness comes through. The finish is long and reverberates with the nutmeg spiciness of perfectly seasoned barrels.	Eighteen Sixty-One	92	30	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Rhône-style Red Blend	Skinner	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Skinner 2012 Eighteen Sixty-One Red (El Dorado)
Italy	An added layer of wood spice and toasted oak gives this expression of Nebbiolo rounder and softer appeal. The concentration is also denser and the wine imparts plush cherry notes followed by tight tannins and a squeaky, polished mouthfeel. Drink after 2012.	Casot	90	48	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Boffa	null	null	Boffa 2005 Casot (Barbaresco)
Australia	Honeysuckle, almond and ripe pear aromas open to a mouth full of pear and white-peach flavors and a hint of lime. Has a fairly rich feel on the palate, and the wine closes with mild tartness and a slight chalky note.	Limited Release	86	14	South Australia	Barossa Valley	null	Viognier	Yalumba	null	null	null
US	Clean and crisp, this has interesting flavors suggestive of green apples, lemons, limes and spices. Although it's dry, the alcohol level is modest.	null	89	21	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Chenin Blanc	Margerum	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a young wine in Madeira terms. That means it is full of fruit, with bitter orange and ginger to balance the acidity. The wine is sweet, always cut with that acidity and with a burnt character in the background. It is ready to drink, although some bottle age will still make it even better. Drink now and for decades.	Colheita Single Harvest	92	50	Madeira	null	null	Bual	Blandy's	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Blandy's 2003 Colheita Single Harvest Bual (Madeira)
US	This eccentric Chard marches to its own beat. It's drier and more acidic than most, and the flavors offer a mélange of peaches, oranges, tropical fruits, Meyer lemons, cashews and white flowers. Yet it's delicious and compelling. Made with full-throttle techniques that include partial barrel fermentation, malolactic fermentation and battonage, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. The vineyards are Sierra Madre, in the Santa Maria Valley, and Oaks Savannah, in the Santa Ynez Valley.	null	91	30	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Demetria	null	null	null
Italy	This passito dessert wine from the island of Lipari delivers a deep amber color, with bright aromas of resin, caramel, butterscotch, candied fruit, chestnut and honey. The mouthfeel is rich, syrupy and very sweet.	null	90	null	Sicily & Sardinia	Malvasia delle Lipari	null	Malvasia	Cantine Florio	null	null	null
Italy	Cascina Ballarin delivers a clean and straightforward expression of the famed Bussia cru with all the depth and complexity you can expect with Nebbiolo. This is a steady, confident wine with solid tannins and a bright, mouth-cleansing finish.	Bussia	92	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Cascina Ballarin	null	null	null
France	Impressively powerful, structured wine that has spice, richness, plenty of firm tannins as well as a punch of sweet plum and red cherry flavors. There is an edge of acidity that suggests aging potential.	Domaine Jean Descombes	90	16	Beaujolais	Morgon	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Georges Duboeuf 2010 Domaine Jean Descombes (Morgon)
France	88-90 Barrel sample. A solid, chunky wine, with a slight mineral character, just enough tannin and very pure blackberry juice and sweetness.	Barrel sample	89	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château La Forge	null	null	null
Argentina	This smells stalky and oily, with a peach pit aroma. It feels citrusy, tangy and a touch bitter, with flavors of white grapefruit, white peach and grass. It shows a tangerine note and a sticky feel on the finish.	Maula	83	17	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Bodega Margot	null	null	null
Austria	Fleshy, ripe plum fruit is immediately apparent on the nose. The palate echoes similar flavors, albeit in a more dilute form. This is full of easy fruit with a slightly smoky edge. An uncomplicated, juicy wine for drinking while the flavors are still fresh.	null	86	11	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Lenz Moser	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Lenz Moser 2015 Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)
France	Light colored and fruity, this is all about red fruit—its structure and firm tannins coming out slowly. This village wine demonstrates the richness of the appellation, showing a fine balance between its ripe fruit and its smoky, dry, tannic core.	null	90	70	Burgundy	Gevrey-Chambertin	null	Pinot Noir	Joseph Faiveley	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Joseph Faiveley 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin
South Africa	A blend of 60% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cinsault, 5% Grenache, 5% Viognier and 3% Mourvèdre, this is a plush, fruity and brambly wine. Attractive scents of forest berry and cherry lead the nose and carry through to the soft, fleshy and easy-drinking palate. Drink now.	Big Easy	86	20	Stellenbosch	null	null	Red Blend	Ernie Els	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Ernie Els 2016 Big Easy Red (Stellenbosch)
US	A little light in body, but a solid Pinot Noir, at a good price. Shows real Russian River character, with cherry, pomegranate, persimmon and spicy Dr. Pepper flavors. Drink now.	null	88	18	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Ministry of the Vinterior	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of toast, wild berry and cake spice come together in the glass. The firm, structured palate delivers dried red cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and grilled herb. It's still young and tannic so let this unwind and fully develop. Drink 2018–2030.	Gallina Riserva	90	null	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Ugo Lequio	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Ugo Lequio 2010 Gallina Riserva (Barbaresco)
US	This is a simple red wine that's rustic, bearing flavors of raspberry and cherry Lifesaver candy and Dr. Pepper cola.	friends.red	84	11	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Red Blend	Pedroncelli	null	null	Pedroncelli 2010 friends.red Red (Sonoma County)
US	Lots of rich, sweet cherry, blueberry and mocha flavors in this dry red wine, which is based on Merlot. But it goes beyond mere deliciousness in the refined structure. Feels elegant and dignified in the mouth, with a long, spicy finish. It's not an ager, though, so drink soon.	Paysage	88	40	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Lasseter	null	null	null
US	This is pure Sémillon, barrel fermented in new American oak, from a new, Spokane-based winery. Sémillon makes some of the best white wines in Washington, though consumer interest has been tepid. This shows the barrel influence with a rich coconut flavor, wrapped into sleek fruit flavors of white peach, green apple and a hint of cucumber.	Siren	88	17	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sémillon	Overbluff Cellars	null	null	null
France	This is impressively dark in color and appropriately dark and brooding on the nose as well. It's rather full-bodied and weighty because of the low yields and high ripeness of the year, with almost New World intensity of fruit (blueberries) married to Old World structure. Drink now–2015, maybe beyond.	Château Curson	90	24	Rhône Valley	Crozes-Hermitage	null	Syrah	Domaines Pochon	null	null	null
US	A good and inexpensive Chard. It has plenty of peach, apple and pear flavors and oaky vanillins, and a creamy texture. Finishes with some apparent sweetness.	Estate Grown & Estate Bottled	84	8	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Shale Ridge Vineyard	null	null	null
US	Tough and hard in tannins, with some green acids, this Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is hard to appreciate now despite good blackberry and currant flavors. Would benefit from greater opulence and riper tannins.	Bradley M. Ogden Reserve	85	90	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon	Sunstone	null	null	null
US	This is too oaky, but it's dry and crisp in acidity, with interesting citrus, tropical fruit and pear flavors. The heavy application of oak results in buttered toast and caramel accents.	null	85	30	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Gallo Signature Series	null	null	null
France	This is a tight, tangy wine, and its fruit is still developing. In the future, it will have a steely, nervy character, with its fruit showing more citrus.	null	88	null	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Leon Beyer	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Leon Beyer 2010 Riesling (Alsace)
France	The Toques et Clochers is the special selection of top wines made each year by the Sieur d'Arques cooperative. This deliciously mature blend, dominated by Chardonnay, is big and full, with toast, butter and long-lasting fruit flavors. It's a food style of wine, rich and complex. Imported by Wine Symphony.	Toques et Clochers Brut	90	15	Languedoc-Roussillon	Crémant de Limoux	null	Sparkling Blend	Sieur d'Arques	null	null	null
France	Crisp and steely, touched by white perfumes and intense acidity, this is a wine with a sharp blade of flavors that cut through the texture. Apples, citrus and kumquat all blend attractively together.	Réserve	88	13	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Willm	null	null	null
US	The fine tannins and perfect acidity give structure to this ripe Pinot Noir, making it instantly likeable now, but it's really a wine to guard for a few years. Thoroughly dry, it shows rich, deep flavors of red and black cherry purée, Dr. Pepper cola, anise and sandalwood, leading to a long, spicy finish. Cellar this lovely wine until 2011, if you can keep your hands off it.	Estate	93	50	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Noir	Toulouse	null	null	null
Chile	A heavier, fuller more complex style of Sauvignon, reflected in the high price tag. The nose offers ripe pineapple, passion fruit and touches of green bean and canned peas. In the mouth, there's more of that varietal, green character resulting in fresh lettuce flavors to complement more standard tropical fruit. Drink as soon as possible; it's not getting any fresher or more interesting.	Gran Araucano	86	20	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	J. & F. Lurton	null	null	null
Israel	An extremely crisp Sauvignon Blanc with fresh lemony citrus aromas and flavors combined with subtle nuances of grass and underripe pineapple. A smooth texture and bracing acidity follow through to a slightly sour but clean, lingering finish.	Kosher	84	13	Shomron	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Recanati	null	null	null
Austria	Very subtle hints of ripe pear on the nose lead to a citrus-dominated palate that has a pleasant bitter-almond edge and a finely textured midpalate. Nonetheless, the zesty freshness is the main feature of this tricky vintage. This is Pinot Gris but not as you know it—here it has the slender verve of a stony, steep site.	Gola	91	22	Südsteiermark	null	null	Pinot Gris	Wohlmuth	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Wohlmuth 2014 Gola Pinot Gris (Südsteiermark)
Spain	A rank well above most PX sweeties, with lush but fresh aromas of raisin and spice that are distinctly not syrupy or heavy. Feels thick, but there's enough acidity to cut through the wine's weight. Flavors of caramel and chocolate are ideal, and the finish is smooth, not heavy, and has bounce in its step. A beautiful PX any way you cut it.	Solera 1927	94	25	Andalucia	Montilla-Moriles	null	Pedro Ximénez	Alvear	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alvear NV Solera 1927 Pedro Ximénez (Montilla-Moriles)
US	Fruity and a bit one-dimensional, but offers very pretty, polished Pinot Noir character. Feels rich and silky in the mouth, with flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola and spices. Ready now.	null	85	18	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Heron	null	null	null
Macedonia	This grape, called Vranac in former Yuogslavia, is known for its amicable nature with oak. This wine has that, with vanilla aromas and notes of oak and mint on the tongue, but little else. Red color and a nice mouthfeel speak of youth, but the lack of fruit does not.	null	83	12	Tikves	null	null	Vranec	Bovin	null	null	null
US	Delicious enough, with complex waves of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, root beer, milk chocolate, coffee and cinnamon spice. With a dash of Petite Sirah and Syrah, it's a soft wine that finishes with honeyed sweetness.	null	85	17	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Rutherford Ranch	null	null	null
US	Crisp and clean, with flavors of apricots, pineapple tart and pears, with a slightly herbal or vegetal note.	Coastal Series	83	10	California	California	California Other	Pinot Grigio	Jenica Peak	null	null	null
Italy	This boutique winery from Montalcino proposes a compact and traditional expression of Brunello with penetrating balsam aromas of root beer, chopped mint, white almond and plump cherry. The wine earns high points for presenting such an elegant side despite the hot year.	null	89	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Tiezzi	null	null	null
France	88-90 Barrel sample. Some spice here, from the rich Merlot. The wine has ripe blackberry, sweet fruits as well as concentrated tannins.	Barrel sample	89	null	Bordeaux	Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Plince	null	null	null
US	Honey is the dominant star in this bottling, drizzled all over yellow apples on the nose. The golden liquid also shows strong on the palate, with flavors of pears and apples soaked in honey water.	null	85	30	California	Santa Clara Valley	Central Coast	Viognier	Sarah's Vineyard	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Sarah's Vineyard 2013 Viognier (Santa Clara Valley)
Italy	Here is a distinctive “super Calabrian” blend of Gaglioppo and Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers black olive and capers beyond subtle notes of blackberry and cherry. It has sharp, crisp dimension in the mouth with good structure and should be paired with a cream- or butter-based dish for balance.	Gravello	88	33	Southern Italy	Val di Neto	null	Red Blend	Librandi	null	null	Librandi 2005 Gravello Red (Val di Neto)
US	The film director's sparkling ode to his director daughter delivers aromas of apple blossoms, pear cider and chalk. An apparent sweetness on the palate is cut with a pithy grip, the apple-juice base leveled with ample lime elements.	Sofia Blanc de Blancs	87	19	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Sparkling Blend	Francis Ford Coppola	null	null	null
Italy	This sparkler achieves great balance between sweet fruit and lively effervescence, creating a creamy, frothy ensemble with overtones of peach and apricot. In the mouth, those fresh fruit nuances last long, thanks to the wine's crisp effervescence.	Millesimato Extra Dry	87	19	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Val d'Oca	null	null	null
US	This is dry and slightly herbal, with sage and dill notes to the cherry and blackberry flavors. But it's those Alexander Valley tannins, so soft and mellow, that mark it. Good now, and should ride out the next eight years.	null	87	40	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hawkes	null	null	Hawkes 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Germany	A spray of sour cherry acidity and clean, gravelly minerality lend a tonic feel to this crisp, unabashedly cool-climate Pinot Noir. On the palate, delicate black-cherry and plum flavors are bolstered by layers of smoke and caramel that linger on the finish.	Trocken	88	38	Baden	null	null	Pinot Noir	Huber	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Huber 2009 Trocken Pinot Noir (Baden)
US	A Merlot-Cabernet blend from the Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, this wine is pretty green for such a ripe vintage as '04. There's a dry tannin, green bean edge to the fruit, and improvement with age doesn't seem likely.	Belle Cousine	82	60	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	HdV	null	null	null
Spain	Rioja-based Marqués de Cáceres' first foray into Albariño is a success. This wine is light, salinic and melony on the nose. The palate is complete and offers fine acidity with brine, pineapple and green apple flavors. Good and lightly pithy on the finish.	Deusa Nai	89	16	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Marqués de Cáceres	null	null	null
Spain	Intense, nutty, yeasty aromas are briny and a touch creamy. This has a tight, pure, round palate with salty nectarine, apricot and nut flavors. Walnut oil and white pepper notes grace a direct, lively finish.	Premium Fino	90	16	Andalucia	Jerez	null	Sherry	Delgado Zuleta	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Delgado Zuleta NV Premium Fino Sherry (Jerez)
US	Prickly acidity marks the entry of this wine, blowing off over time to reveal cucumber, dill and a layering of black cherry, clove and tobacco. The thicket of tannins softens in the glass.	Link Vineyard	88	59	California	Knights Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hensteeth	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Hensteeth 2011 Link Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley)
Italy	A fresh blend of Fiano and Chardonnay, Le Zere is redolent of lemon zest, pineapple, Golden Delicious apple and even a touch of banana. It's a perfect match to barbecued shrimp.	Le Zere	86	null	Tuscany	Maremma	null	White Blend	Pieve Vecchia	null	null	null
US	Very sweet and delicious, a true Port-style wine that's high in acidity and packed with tannins. But the sugar level is so high, it makes the wine drinkable now. The flavors are of chocolate, red currants and vanilla.	10 Year Tawny	91	50	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Port	Pessagno	null	null	null
US	Bone dry and tartly crisp in acidity, this wine's lemongrass and grapefruit flavors are showing their age. It's just beginning to break up. Pretty good, but drink this year.	null	86	20	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Cali 351	null	null	null
US	This wine has ripeness and a kind of sweetness in the aroma. Good fresh cherry flavors glide along nicely on the smooth texture. It is medium bodied and balanced for easy enjoyment.	Reserve	85	14	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Red Rock	null	null	null
US	This limited (350 case) selection tastes strongly of bourbon barrel, with red fruits in a supporting role. Syrah adds some focus and spice; it's a good match. Young, tight and compact, may benefit from additional cellaring.	Two Vineyards	90	38	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Hedges	null	null	null
Italy	This leads with pretty fragrances of plum and black cherry, with hints of oak and vanilla. The palate is soft and round, offering dark fruit and chocolate flavors layered with cinnamon and nutmeg.	null	89	18	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso	null	Red Blend	La Dama	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	La Dama 2010 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso
US	Bright and tasting of cherry LifeSavers and strawberry jam. The off-dry approach works here; it's got great texture, slight spritz and flavors well beyond simple sweet fruit. 50/50 Mourvèdre/Sangiovese blend. Just 50 cases produced.	Trés	88	14	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Rosé	Trio Vintners	null	null	null
Italy	Executed in a ramato style (in which the wine keeps longer contact with the skins to obtain a pink-copperish color), this is a well-balanced Pinot Grigio with pretty aromas of fruits and flowers and a smooth, creamy finish.	null	87	16	Northeastern Italy	Colli Orientali del Friuli	null	Pinot Grigio	Cantarutti	null	null	null
Australia	Tastes quite mature, with characteristic diesel-petrol notes and ripe Golden Delicious apple aromas and flavors. The mouthfeel is round and the wine dry on the palate, turning very dry on the almost mineral-spirit finish.	Watervale	86	16	South Australia	Clare Valley	null	Riesling	Crabtree	null	null	null
US	A very nice price for a Cabernet this good. It's drily tannic and interesting, with berry, currant and herb flavors that offer a degree of complexity. Good grapes went into the making of this wine, and good winemaking too. Drink now.	null	88	22	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hobo	null	null	Hobo 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Italy	Green bell pepper and cedar aromas lead the nose of this easy-drinking blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas carry over to the fresh palate, along with black currants and black cherries. Supple tannins support the juicy flavors.	Mediterra	88	20	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Poggio al Tesoro	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Poggio al Tesoro 2012 Mediterra Red (Toscana)
Chile	Simple white-fruit aromas of apple and pear are as good as it gets. Feels slightly wan, with apple and green-herb flavors, finishing a bit bland.	Reserve	82	10	Maule Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	V Norte	null	null	null
US	Even though this Pinot Noir is instantly likeable for satisfying richness, it has some nuances. Flatters right off the bat with a soft texture housing lush raspberry and cherry pie filling, cola and sandalwood flavors that are easy to appreciate. But there are interesting mineral complexities. Drink soon.	Estate	92	36	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Isabel Mondavi	null	null	Isabel Mondavi 2009 Estate Pinot Noir (Carneros)
Chile	Kingston's first-ever Chardonnay is neutral but inoffensive. The palate is melony but low on acid, while flavors of honeydew, vanilla and cream are soft and reflect the hot 2012 Chilean vintage.	Sabino	84	24	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Kingston Family	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Kingston Family 2012 Sabino Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)
New Zealand	It's taken some time for many of Marlborough's 2012 Pinot Noirs (the product of a cool season) to come around, but this is one that's worth the wait. It's evolved into something quite round and soft, with a long, silky finish. Yet it's not a fruit-forward wine by any stretch, showing more earth, soy and mushroom notes and just enough plum and black cherry fruit to carry those savory complexities. Drink now–2020.	Brookby Rd Single Vineyard Selection	92	75	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Giesen	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Giesen 2012 Brookby Rd Single Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
US	Lemony and toasty, this approachable wine is rich and balanced, its texture soft and the flavors long-lasting, highlighted by a taste of lemon meringue.	null	88	25	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Arrowood	null	null	null
US	In possibly the world's heaviest bottle comes this heavy Ancient Vine Zinfandel, greasy in bacon fat flavor, plus-sized in every way with a taste of sweet cigar smoke from beginning to end.	Ancient Vine	80	23	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Zinfandel	Moss Roxx	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Moss Roxx 2010 Ancient Vine Zinfandel (Lodi)
France	87-89 Barrel sample. A wine that brings out the firmest of tannins, but without all the fruit. It is dry, chunky, somewhat hard edged.	Barrel sample	88	null	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Pomys	null	null	null
US	This is a sweet white wine with some of the nice qualities of a dry table wine, including distinct apricot aromas and flavors, good acidity and a smooth texture.	null	86	10	California	California	California Other	Moscato	One Leaf	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	One Leaf 2013 Moscato (California)
US	This wine starts with an enticing, perfumed spicy aroma. Once sipped, a big burst of dry tannins coats the mouth and makes the mild fruit flavors seem thin and spare in the middle. The structure and the texture seem to need more richness and depth from the flavors. Drink after 2020 to let the tannins mellow out.	San Andreas Fault	87	60	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Hirsch	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Hirsch 2012 San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	Minty and bright, this is a well-distributed Pinot that's a fair value, soft and easy to drink. Amidst mellowed oak, expect dark cherry and buoyed acidity with a finish of darker, earthy tones.	null	87	19	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Sebastiani	null	null	null
Italy	Barolo Leon makes a wonderful first impression thanks to its aromas of ripe berry fruit, Indian spice, cola, licorice and ginger. There's deep dimension and personality here and the wine ends with firmly polished tannins.	Leon	91	55	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Cascina Luisin	null	null	Cascina Luisin 2006 Leon (Barolo)
US	A decent Pinot with lots of upfront fruit, if a bit soft and short on the finish. Shows candied raspberries, cherries and spices.	Flock	83	15	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Flock by Smoking Loon	null	null	null
France	This bold, purple-colored wine is fruity and soft. Its acidity combines with black fruit and a juicy, lightly tannic texture. Drink now.	Cedrus	86	10	Southwest France	null	null	Malbec	Château du Cèdre	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château du Cèdre 2016 Cedrus Malbec
Argentina	Fairly citrusy and lean for a reserve-level Malbec. The nose is short, high-toned and shows aromas of red fruits, citrus and even celery. The palate is fresh but tight and drying, with raspberry flavors and cherry skins and tomato on the finish. A red-dominant wine.	Reserva	83	16	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Dolce Stefania	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Dolce Stefania 2006 Reserva Malbec (Mendoza)
US	A reductive element of petrol and oak blows off over time bouquet-wise, but in taste and weight, the wine retains a sultry sense of oak and baked apple. Full bodied in style, it manages to stay balanced throughout, finishing in a buoyant twist of citrus.	null	91	36	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Glasshaus	null	null	null
Australia	Criterion is a so-called global brand, offering Italian Pinot Grigio, Rioja and Chianti Classico among other benchmarks. This Coonawarra Cabernet is surprisingly good given that background. It offers cherry, cassis and tobacco notes, medium body and silky tannins. Drink it over the next 5–8 years.	Reserve	90	18	South Australia	Coonawarra	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Criterion	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Criterion 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra)
US	This wine is gorgeous, with flavors of hazelnut, pear and ripe green apple. It's crisp, balanced and perfectly sweetened. Mixed with vodka and fresh fruit juices, it also makes a fine cocktail.	Angelica	92	36	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Gris	Occasio	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Occasio 2010 Angelica Pinot Gris (Livermore Valley)
US	Firm and focused, this limited production (98 case) estate-grown Pinot Noir has the muscle and steel frame to be genuinely ageworthy. The tart fruit brings in berry and cherry, framed with supple tannins.	Astra	90	35	Oregon	Yamhill-Carlton District	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Luminous Hills	null	null	null
Italy	Modest aromas of cut grass, white flower and citrus establish this as an easy-drinking white. The finish is marked with a touch of green lime. It should pair well with shrimp cocktail or basil pesto.	null	85	16	Veneto	Venezia	null	Pinot Grigio	Bosco del Merlo	null	null	null
US	A lovely Pinot made for drinking now. It's softly dry and bright in acidity, offering rich, but subtle, flavors of cherries and raspberries, along with earthier notes of mushrooms. Oak adds a welcome touch of sweet toast and spice.	Flood Family Vineyards	90	30	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Rancho Sisquoc	null	null	null
France	Doesn't smell bad, showing off bright citrus and herbal notes, but turns heavy and candied on the palate, ending with cotton candy and bubble gum flavors.	null	82	12	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Rosé	Domaine de Camparine	null	null	null
France	Peach and honeysuckle already have a notion of honeyed sweetness and ripeness on the nose. The palate boosts both fruit and floral notion to the top, where honeysuckle and rose petal notes meeting with peach on the medium-sweet palate. This is full on, joyous, juicy and rich with expressive, exuberant flavor. An underlying concentration almost feeds this with a fiery dynamic force. The finish is medium sweet but comes with a wonderfully redeeming pure lemon streak. This is ready now but will get even better with age. Drink 2017–2037.	Clos Saint-Théobald Rangen Grand Cru	94	49	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Domaine Schoffit	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Schoffit 2015 Clos Saint-Théobald Rangen Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
Argentina	Crusty on the nose, with aromas of leather, saucy fruit and alcohol. The wine is full and sweet, with ripe, sturdy flavors of blackberry, plum and raisin followed by fudge and herbs. It blends richness with agility.	null	87	12	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Zolo	null	null	null
South Africa	Coffee, cigarbox and mocha aromas and flavors characterize this Rietvallei red. Complex and assertive, the wine unfolds with a chewy but poised intensity. The lingering finish has a tobacco-like touch. Pair with smoked meats, rich stews.	null	89	15	Robertson	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Rietvallei Estate Wine	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Rietvallei Estate Wine 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Robertson)
US	Lighter in color, this has aromas of char, coffee and vanilla that lead to varietal flavors of raspberry and chocolate, showing an interplay of fruit and barrel. It displays intensity and richness, still needing time to stretch its legs. Drink after 2018.	Estate Riverbend Vineyard	91	36	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Fielding Hills	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Fielding Hills 2012 Estate Riverbend Vineyard Merlot (Wahluke Slope)
South Africa	This Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend offers aromas and flavors of tobacco and plum with a spin of cherry. Hearty but elegant, the wine will age nicely for several years. Pair with like-minded dishes with a smoky edge.	Classique	86	24	Franschhoek	null	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Rupert & Rothschild	null	null	null
New Zealand	This has really evolved over the past 10 months since I tasted it at the winery, going from crisp and pineapple-y then to more honeyed and tropical now, with opulent layers of peach and mango that coat the mouth on the long finish. Drink now.	Estate	92	29	Waipara	null	null	Chardonnay	Mountford	null	null	null
France	Fresh acidity and a dry style make this a great food rosé. It has crisp red berry and currant fruits, vibrant acidity and a lively aftertaste.	Rosé Troteligotte	86	null	Southwest France	Vin de Pays du Lot	null	Malbec	Clos Troteligotte	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Clos Troteligotte 2007 Rosé Troteligotte Malbec (Vin de Pays du Lot)

US

Made like an old-fashioned Barbera, this one is truculent in tannins, with a full-bodied mouthfeel housing flavors of blackberries, currants, leather, anise and pepper. It will probably live for two decades, gradually sweetening as it throws sediment, but always remaining rustic.

Augusto

87

42

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Barbera

Viansa

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

US

A sandalwood, light leather and raspberry nose are the most compelling elements of this wine by this E & J Gallo brand. On the palate, roasted fig and tart berry are followed by a bit of spice but no lasting finish.

null

85

18

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Bridlewood

null

Hungary

This big, youthful wine starts with a nose of peaches, honey and pear. On the palate, a fruity but elegant combination of apricot, honey and lemon has a clean, bright character. Simple but appealing. Pair with fresh fruit, desserts.

Áts Cuvée

87

20

Hungary

null

White Blend

Royal Tokaji

null

France

The nose does not want to give away much. However the palate shows fresh apple notes livened by some freshness. Drink soon while aromas last.

Rayon de Lune

85

22

Alsace

null

Pinot Blanc

Domaine Charles Frey

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Charles Frey 2014 Rayon de Lune Pinot Blanc (Alsace)

US

Rich and thoroughly enjoyable, brimming with blackcurrant and cassis flavors and a balanced overlay of smoky, spicy oak. This pretty wine drinks very dry and smooth, and the tannins are just right. It is elegant from start to finish. Drink now.

Alexander's Crown

90

28

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rodney Strong

null

New Zealand

The nose is an interesting blend of cocoa, dill, cassis and lemon. Flavors pretty much follow suit, sneaking in some tobacco and cedar shadings before turning lean and lemony. The finish shows off a whack of dry, cedary French oak. Hard to know where this will be in five years—might dry out, might get interestingly complex.

null

85

20

Hawke's Bay

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Caroline Bay

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Caroline Bay 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Hawke's Bay)

Australia

From one of the cooler sites in Clarendon Hills' arsenal, this Grenache shows floral, slightly lifted aromas and hints of blueberry and strawberry. Yet it still shows the soft, lush texture of all of the CH Grenaches and a long, gently lingering finish.

Clarendon

90

61

South Australia

Clarendon

null

Grenache

Clarendon Hills

null

US

This expensive wine is softly tannic, earthy and fruity, with dried herb and raspberry tea flavors. From Francis Ford Coppola.

null

85

48

California

California Other

Red Blend

Eleanor

null

US

This wine, which is 100% varietal, is a blend of fruit from Art Den Hoed and Gunkel vineyards. Aromas of cranberry, clove and fresh flowers are followed by coffee and floral flavors that show elegance and persistence.

Proprietor's Reserve

88

36

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Grenache

Maryhill

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Maryhill 2013 Proprietor's Reserve Grenache (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Dry and tannic, this has a baked quality to its fruit, tasting warm and raisiny.

null

84

70

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Three Sticks

null

US

Aromas of Golden Delicious apples, nectarine flesh, lemon-lime soda and poached pears drizzled lightly with agave syrup show on the nose of this wine made by Mike Roth. The palate offers apple and pear cider along with white peach and a steely, nearly gunmetal minerality.

null

88

20

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Grigio

Piro Piro Piccolo

null

US

While this is the most tannic of Envy's wines, it's also made in the house style of soft, fruity approachability. Forward and lush with blackberry jam, currant and spice flavors, it shows an impeccable balance. Wonderful now and over the next 3–4 years.

Estate

92

48

California

Calistoga

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Envy

null

Envy 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga)

US

The official alcohol on this wine is 14.9%, but it has a syrupy concentration and heat that tastes far higher than that. Was it watered down? Tastes like cherry and blackberry wine that was reduced for a sauce, with a thick, balsamic finish.

Rocking Z Vineyard

83

24

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Shippey

null

US

This wine gives a big bear hug with aromas like wild berries and black pepper. Then sweet oak and rich, savory plum flavors emerge on the palate as the ripeness comes through. The finish is long and reverberates with the nutmeg spiciness of perfectly seasoned barrels.

Eighteen Sixty-One

92

30

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Rhône-style Red Blend

Skinner

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Skinner 2012 Eighteen Sixty-One Red (El Dorado)

Italy

An added layer of wood spice and toasted oak gives this expression of Nebbiolo rounder and softer appeal. The concentration is also denser and the wine imparts plush cherry notes followed by tight tannins and a squeaky, polished mouthfeel. Drink after 2012.

Casot

90

48

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Boffa

null

Boffa 2005 Casot (Barbaresco)

Australia

Honeysuckle, almond and ripe pear aromas open to a mouth full of pear and white-peach flavors and a hint of lime. Has a fairly rich feel on the palate, and the wine closes with mild tartness and a slight chalky note.

Limited Release

86

14

South Australia

Barossa Valley

null

Viognier

Yalumba

null

US

Clean and crisp, this has interesting flavors suggestive of green apples, lemons, limes and spices. Although it's dry, the alcohol level is modest.

null

89

21

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Chenin Blanc

Margerum

null

Portugal

This is a young wine in Madeira terms. That means it is full of fruit, with bitter orange and ginger to balance the acidity. The wine is sweet, always cut with that acidity and with a burnt character in the background. It is ready to drink, although some bottle age will still make it even better. Drink now and for decades.

Colheita Single Harvest

92

50

Madeira

null

Bual

Blandy's

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Blandy's 2003 Colheita Single Harvest Bual (Madeira)

US

This eccentric Chard marches to its own beat. It's drier and more acidic than most, and the flavors offer a mélange of peaches, oranges, tropical fruits, Meyer lemons, cashews and white flowers. Yet it's delicious and compelling. Made with full-throttle techniques that include partial barrel fermentation, malolactic fermentation and battonage, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. The vineyards are Sierra Madre, in the Santa Maria Valley, and Oaks Savannah, in the Santa Ynez Valley.

null

91

30

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Demetria

null

Italy

This passito dessert wine from the island of Lipari delivers a deep amber color, with bright aromas of resin, caramel, butterscotch, candied fruit, chestnut and honey. The mouthfeel is rich, syrupy and very sweet.

null

90

null

Sicily & Sardinia

Malvasia delle Lipari

null

Malvasia

Cantine Florio

null

Italy

Cascina Ballarin delivers a clean and straightforward expression of the famed Bussia cru with all the depth and complexity you can expect with Nebbiolo. This is a steady, confident wine with solid tannins and a bright, mouth-cleansing finish.

Bussia

92

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Cascina Ballarin

null

France

Impressively powerful, structured wine that has spice, richness, plenty of firm tannins as well as a punch of sweet plum and red cherry flavors. There is an edge of acidity that suggests aging potential.

Domaine Jean Descombes

90

16

Beaujolais

Morgon

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Georges Duboeuf 2010 Domaine Jean Descombes (Morgon)

France

88-90 Barrel sample. A solid, chunky wine, with a slight mineral character, just enough tannin and very pure blackberry juice and sweetness.

Barrel sample

89

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château La Forge

null

Argentina

This smells stalky and oily, with a peach pit aroma. It feels citrusy, tangy and a touch bitter, with flavors of white grapefruit, white peach and grass. It shows a tangerine note and a sticky feel on the finish.

Maula

83

17

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Bodega Margot

null

Austria

Fleshy, ripe plum fruit is immediately apparent on the nose. The palate echoes similar flavors, albeit in a more dilute form. This is full of easy fruit with a slightly smoky edge. An uncomplicated, juicy wine for drinking while the flavors are still fresh.

null

86

11

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Lenz Moser

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Lenz Moser 2015 Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)

France

Light colored and fruity, this is all about red fruit—its structure and firm tannins coming out slowly. This village wine demonstrates the richness of the appellation, showing a fine balance between its ripe fruit and its smoky, dry, tannic core.

null

90

70

Burgundy

Gevrey-Chambertin

null

Pinot Noir

Joseph Faiveley

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Joseph Faiveley 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin

South Africa

A blend of 60% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cinsault, 5% Grenache, 5% Viognier and 3% Mourvèdre, this is a plush, fruity and brambly wine. Attractive scents of forest berry and cherry lead the nose and carry through to the soft, fleshy and easy-drinking palate. Drink now.

Big Easy

86

20

Stellenbosch

null

Red Blend

Ernie Els

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Ernie Els 2016 Big Easy Red (Stellenbosch)

US

A little light in body, but a solid Pinot Noir, at a good price. Shows real Russian River character, with cherry, pomegranate, persimmon and spicy Dr. Pepper flavors. Drink now.

null

88

18

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Ministry of the Vinterior

null

Italy

Aromas of toast, wild berry and cake spice come together in the glass. The firm, structured palate delivers dried red cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and grilled herb. It's still young and tannic so let this unwind and fully develop. Drink 2018–2030.

Gallina Riserva

90

null

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Ugo Lequio

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Ugo Lequio 2010 Gallina Riserva (Barbaresco)

US

This is a simple red wine that's rustic, bearing flavors of raspberry and cherry Lifesaver candy and Dr. Pepper cola.

friends.red

84

11

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Red Blend

Pedroncelli

null

Pedroncelli 2010 friends.red Red (Sonoma County)

US

Lots of rich, sweet cherry, blueberry and mocha flavors in this dry red wine, which is based on Merlot. But it goes beyond mere deliciousness in the refined structure. Feels elegant and dignified in the mouth, with a long, spicy finish. It's not an ager, though, so drink soon.

Paysage

88

40

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Lasseter

null

US

This is pure Sémillon, barrel fermented in new American oak, from a new, Spokane-based winery. Sémillon makes some of the best white wines in Washington, though consumer interest has been tepid. This shows the barrel influence with a rich coconut flavor, wrapped into sleek fruit flavors of white peach, green apple and a hint of cucumber.

Siren

88

17

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sémillon

Overbluff Cellars

null

France

This is impressively dark in color and appropriately dark and brooding on the nose as well. It's rather full-bodied and weighty because of the low yields and high ripeness of the year, with almost New World intensity of fruit (blueberries) married to Old World structure. Drink now–2015, maybe beyond.

Château Curson

90

24

Rhône Valley

Crozes-Hermitage

null

Syrah

Domaines Pochon

null

US

A good and inexpensive Chard. It has plenty of peach, apple and pear flavors and oaky vanillins, and a creamy texture. Finishes with some apparent sweetness.

Estate Grown & Estate Bottled

84

8

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Shale Ridge Vineyard

null

US

Tough and hard in tannins, with some green acids, this Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is hard to appreciate now despite good blackberry and currant flavors. Would benefit from greater opulence and riper tannins.

Bradley M. Ogden Reserve

85

90

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon

Sunstone

null

US

This is too oaky, but it's dry and crisp in acidity, with interesting citrus, tropical fruit and pear flavors. The heavy application of oak results in buttered toast and caramel accents.

null

85

30

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Gallo Signature Series

null

France

This is a tight, tangy wine, and its fruit is still developing. In the future, it will have a steely, nervy character, with its fruit showing more citrus.

null

88

null

Alsace

null

Riesling

Leon Beyer

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Leon Beyer 2010 Riesling (Alsace)

France

The Toques et Clochers is the special selection of top wines made each year by the Sieur d'Arques cooperative. This deliciously mature blend, dominated by Chardonnay, is big and full, with toast, butter and long-lasting fruit flavors. It's a food style of wine, rich and complex. Imported by Wine Symphony.

Toques et Clochers Brut

90

15

Languedoc-Roussillon

Crémant de Limoux

null

Sparkling Blend

Sieur d'Arques

null

France

Crisp and steely, touched by white perfumes and intense acidity, this is a wine with a sharp blade of flavors that cut through the texture. Apples, citrus and kumquat all blend attractively together.

Réserve

88

13

Alsace

null

Riesling

Willm

null

US

The fine tannins and perfect acidity give structure to this ripe Pinot Noir, making it instantly likeable now, but it's really a wine to guard for a few years. Thoroughly dry, it shows rich, deep flavors of red and black cherry purée, Dr. Pepper cola, anise and sandalwood, leading to a long, spicy finish. Cellar this lovely wine until 2011, if you can keep your hands off it.

Estate

93

50

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Noir

Toulouse

null

Chile

A heavier, fuller more complex style of Sauvignon, reflected in the high price tag. The nose offers ripe pineapple, passion fruit and touches of green bean and canned peas. In the mouth, there's more of that varietal, green character resulting in fresh lettuce flavors to complement more standard tropical fruit. Drink as soon as possible; it's not getting any fresher or more interesting.

Gran Araucano

86

20

Casablanca Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

J. & F. Lurton

null

Israel

An extremely crisp Sauvignon Blanc with fresh lemony citrus aromas and flavors combined with subtle nuances of grass and underripe pineapple. A smooth texture and bracing acidity follow through to a slightly sour but clean, lingering finish.

Kosher

84

13

Shomron

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Recanati

null

Austria

Very subtle hints of ripe pear on the nose lead to a citrus-dominated palate that has a pleasant bitter-almond edge and a finely textured midpalate. Nonetheless, the zesty freshness is the main feature of this tricky vintage. This is Pinot Gris but not as you know it—here it has the slender verve of a stony, steep site.

Gola

91

22

Südsteiermark

null

Pinot Gris

Wohlmuth

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Wohlmuth 2014 Gola Pinot Gris (Südsteiermark)

Spain

A rank well above most PX sweeties, with lush but fresh aromas of raisin and spice that are distinctly not syrupy or heavy. Feels thick, but there's enough acidity to cut through the wine's weight. Flavors of caramel and chocolate are ideal, and the finish is smooth, not heavy, and has bounce in its step. A beautiful PX any way you cut it.

Solera 1927

94

25

Andalucia

Montilla-Moriles

null

Pedro Ximénez

Alvear

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alvear NV Solera 1927 Pedro Ximénez (Montilla-Moriles)

US

Fruity and a bit one-dimensional, but offers very pretty, polished Pinot Noir character. Feels rich and silky in the mouth, with flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola and spices. Ready now.

null

85

18

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Heron

null

Macedonia

This grape, called Vranac in former Yuogslavia, is known for its amicable nature with oak. This wine has that, with vanilla aromas and notes of oak and mint on the tongue, but little else. Red color and a nice mouthfeel speak of youth, but the lack of fruit does not.

null

83

12

Tikves

null

Vranec

Bovin

null

US

Delicious enough, with complex waves of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, root beer, milk chocolate, coffee and cinnamon spice. With a dash of Petite Sirah and Syrah, it's a soft wine that finishes with honeyed sweetness.

null

85

17

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rutherford Ranch

null

US

Crisp and clean, with flavors of apricots, pineapple tart and pears, with a slightly herbal or vegetal note.

Coastal Series

83

10

California

California Other

Pinot Grigio

Jenica Peak

null

Italy

This boutique winery from Montalcino proposes a compact and traditional expression of Brunello with penetrating balsam aromas of root beer, chopped mint, white almond and plump cherry. The wine earns high points for presenting such an elegant side despite the hot year.

null

89

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Tiezzi

null

France

88-90 Barrel sample. Some spice here, from the rich Merlot. The wine has ripe blackberry, sweet fruits as well as concentrated tannins.

Barrel sample

89

null

Bordeaux

Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Plince

null

US

Honey is the dominant star in this bottling, drizzled all over yellow apples on the nose. The golden liquid also shows strong on the palate, with flavors of pears and apples soaked in honey water.

null

85

30

California

Santa Clara Valley

Central Coast

Viognier

Sarah's Vineyard

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Sarah's Vineyard 2013 Viognier (Santa Clara Valley)

Italy

Here is a distinctive “super Calabrian” blend of Gaglioppo and Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers black olive and capers beyond subtle notes of blackberry and cherry. It has sharp, crisp dimension in the mouth with good structure and should be paired with a cream- or butter-based dish for balance.

Gravello

88

33

Southern Italy

Val di Neto

null

Red Blend

Librandi

null

Librandi 2005 Gravello Red (Val di Neto)

US

The film director's sparkling ode to his director daughter delivers aromas of apple blossoms, pear cider and chalk. An apparent sweetness on the palate is cut with a pithy grip, the apple-juice base leveled with ample lime elements.

Sofia Blanc de Blancs

87

19

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Sparkling Blend

Francis Ford Coppola

null

Italy

This sparkler achieves great balance between sweet fruit and lively effervescence, creating a creamy, frothy ensemble with overtones of peach and apricot. In the mouth, those fresh fruit nuances last long, thanks to the wine's crisp effervescence.

Millesimato Extra Dry

87

19

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Val d'Oca

null

US

This is dry and slightly herbal, with sage and dill notes to the cherry and blackberry flavors. But it's those Alexander Valley tannins, so soft and mellow, that mark it. Good now, and should ride out the next eight years.

null

87

40

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hawkes

null

Hawkes 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Germany

A spray of sour cherry acidity and clean, gravelly minerality lend a tonic feel to this crisp, unabashedly cool-climate Pinot Noir. On the palate, delicate black-cherry and plum flavors are bolstered by layers of smoke and caramel that linger on the finish.

Trocken

88

38

Baden

null

Pinot Noir

Huber

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Huber 2009 Trocken Pinot Noir (Baden)

US

A Merlot-Cabernet blend from the Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, this wine is pretty green for such a ripe vintage as '04. There's a dry tannin, green bean edge to the fruit, and improvement with age doesn't seem likely.

Belle Cousine

82

60

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

HdV

null

Spain

Rioja-based Marqués de Cáceres' first foray into Albariño is a success. This wine is light, salinic and melony on the nose. The palate is complete and offers fine acidity with brine, pineapple and green apple flavors. Good and lightly pithy on the finish.

Deusa Nai

89

16

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Marqués de Cáceres

null

Spain

Intense, nutty, yeasty aromas are briny and a touch creamy. This has a tight, pure, round palate with salty nectarine, apricot and nut flavors. Walnut oil and white pepper notes grace a direct, lively finish.

Premium Fino

90

16

Andalucia

Jerez

null

Sherry

Delgado Zuleta

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Delgado Zuleta NV Premium Fino Sherry (Jerez)

US

Prickly acidity marks the entry of this wine, blowing off over time to reveal cucumber, dill and a layering of black cherry, clove and tobacco. The thicket of tannins softens in the glass.

Link Vineyard

88

59

California

Knights Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hensteeth

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Hensteeth 2011 Link Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley)

Italy

A fresh blend of Fiano and Chardonnay, Le Zere is redolent of lemon zest, pineapple, Golden Delicious apple and even a touch of banana. It's a perfect match to barbecued shrimp.

Le Zere

86

null

Tuscany

Maremma

null

White Blend

Pieve Vecchia

null

US

Very sweet and delicious, a true Port-style wine that's high in acidity and packed with tannins. But the sugar level is so high, it makes the wine drinkable now. The flavors are of chocolate, red currants and vanilla.

10 Year Tawny

91

50

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Port

Pessagno

null

US

Bone dry and tartly crisp in acidity, this wine's lemongrass and grapefruit flavors are showing their age. It's just beginning to break up. Pretty good, but drink this year.

null

86

20

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Cali 351

null

US

This wine has ripeness and a kind of sweetness in the aroma. Good fresh cherry flavors glide along nicely on the smooth texture. It is medium bodied and balanced for easy enjoyment.

Reserve

85

14

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Red Rock

null

US

This limited (350 case) selection tastes strongly of bourbon barrel, with red fruits in a supporting role. Syrah adds some focus and spice; it's a good match. Young, tight and compact, may benefit from additional cellaring.

Two Vineyards

90

38

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Hedges

null

Italy

This leads with pretty fragrances of plum and black cherry, with hints of oak and vanilla. The palate is soft and round, offering dark fruit and chocolate flavors layered with cinnamon and nutmeg.

null

89

18

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

null

Red Blend

La Dama

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

La Dama 2010 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

US

Bright and tasting of cherry LifeSavers and strawberry jam. The off-dry approach works here; it's got great texture, slight spritz and flavors well beyond simple sweet fruit. 50/50 Mourvèdre/Sangiovese blend. Just 50 cases produced.

Trés

88

14

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Rosé

Trio Vintners

null

Italy

Executed in a ramato style (in which the wine keeps longer contact with the skins to obtain a pink-copperish color), this is a well-balanced Pinot Grigio with pretty aromas of fruits and flowers and a smooth, creamy finish.

null

87

16

Northeastern Italy

Colli Orientali del Friuli

null

Pinot Grigio

Cantarutti

null

Australia

Tastes quite mature, with characteristic diesel-petrol notes and ripe Golden Delicious apple aromas and flavors. The mouthfeel is round and the wine dry on the palate, turning very dry on the almost mineral-spirit finish.

Watervale

86

16

South Australia

Clare Valley

null

Riesling

Crabtree

null

US

A very nice price for a Cabernet this good. It's drily tannic and interesting, with berry, currant and herb flavors that offer a degree of complexity. Good grapes went into the making of this wine, and good winemaking too. Drink now.

null

88

22

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hobo

null

Hobo 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Italy

Green bell pepper and cedar aromas lead the nose of this easy-drinking blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas carry over to the fresh palate, along with black currants and black cherries. Supple tannins support the juicy flavors.

Mediterra

88

20

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Poggio al Tesoro

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Poggio al Tesoro 2012 Mediterra Red (Toscana)

Chile

Simple white-fruit aromas of apple and pear are as good as it gets. Feels slightly wan, with apple and green-herb flavors, finishing a bit bland.

Reserve

82

10

Maule Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

V Norte

null

US

Even though this Pinot Noir is instantly likeable for satisfying richness, it has some nuances. Flatters right off the bat with a soft texture housing lush raspberry and cherry pie filling, cola and sandalwood flavors that are easy to appreciate. But there are interesting mineral complexities. Drink soon.

Estate

92

36

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Isabel Mondavi

null

Isabel Mondavi 2009 Estate Pinot Noir (Carneros)

Chile

Kingston's first-ever Chardonnay is neutral but inoffensive. The palate is melony but low on acid, while flavors of honeydew, vanilla and cream are soft and reflect the hot 2012 Chilean vintage.

Sabino

84

24

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Kingston Family

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Kingston Family 2012 Sabino Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)

New Zealand

It's taken some time for many of Marlborough's 2012 Pinot Noirs (the product of a cool season) to come around, but this is one that's worth the wait. It's evolved into something quite round and soft, with a long, silky finish. Yet it's not a fruit-forward wine by any stretch, showing more earth, soy and mushroom notes and just enough plum and black cherry fruit to carry those savory complexities. Drink now–2020.

Brookby Rd Single Vineyard Selection

92

75

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Giesen

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Giesen 2012 Brookby Rd Single Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

US

Lemony and toasty, this approachable wine is rich and balanced, its texture soft and the flavors long-lasting, highlighted by a taste of lemon meringue.

null

88

25

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Arrowood

null

US

In possibly the world's heaviest bottle comes this heavy Ancient Vine Zinfandel, greasy in bacon fat flavor, plus-sized in every way with a taste of sweet cigar smoke from beginning to end.

Ancient Vine

80

23

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Zinfandel

Moss Roxx

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Moss Roxx 2010 Ancient Vine Zinfandel (Lodi)

France

87-89 Barrel sample. A wine that brings out the firmest of tannins, but without all the fruit. It is dry, chunky, somewhat hard edged.

Barrel sample

88

null

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Pomys

null

US

This is a sweet white wine with some of the nice qualities of a dry table wine, including distinct apricot aromas and flavors, good acidity and a smooth texture.

null

86

10

California

California Other

Moscato

One Leaf

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

One Leaf 2013 Moscato (California)

US

This wine starts with an enticing, perfumed spicy aroma. Once sipped, a big burst of dry tannins coats the mouth and makes the mild fruit flavors seem thin and spare in the middle. The structure and the texture seem to need more richness and depth from the flavors. Drink after 2020 to let the tannins mellow out.

San Andreas Fault

87

60

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Hirsch

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Hirsch 2012 San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

Minty and bright, this is a well-distributed Pinot that's a fair value, soft and easy to drink. Amidst mellowed oak, expect dark cherry and buoyed acidity with a finish of darker, earthy tones.

null

87

19

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Sebastiani

null

Italy

Barolo Leon makes a wonderful first impression thanks to its aromas of ripe berry fruit, Indian spice, cola, licorice and ginger. There's deep dimension and personality here and the wine ends with firmly polished tannins.

Leon

91

55

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Cascina Luisin

null

Cascina Luisin 2006 Leon (Barolo)

US

A decent Pinot with lots of upfront fruit, if a bit soft and short on the finish. Shows candied raspberries, cherries and spices.

Flock

83

15

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Flock by Smoking Loon

null

France

This bold, purple-colored wine is fruity and soft. Its acidity combines with black fruit and a juicy, lightly tannic texture. Drink now.

Cedrus

86

10

Southwest France

null

Malbec

Château du Cèdre

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château du Cèdre 2016 Cedrus Malbec

Argentina

Fairly citrusy and lean for a reserve-level Malbec. The nose is short, high-toned and shows aromas of red fruits, citrus and even celery. The palate is fresh but tight and drying, with raspberry flavors and cherry skins and tomato on the finish. A red-dominant wine.

Reserva

83

16

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Dolce Stefania

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Dolce Stefania 2006 Reserva Malbec (Mendoza)

US

A reductive element of petrol and oak blows off over time bouquet-wise, but in taste and weight, the wine retains a sultry sense of oak and baked apple. Full bodied in style, it manages to stay balanced throughout, finishing in a buoyant twist of citrus.

null

91

36

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Glasshaus

null

Australia

Criterion is a so-called global brand, offering Italian Pinot Grigio, Rioja and Chianti Classico among other benchmarks. This Coonawarra Cabernet is surprisingly good given that background. It offers cherry, cassis and tobacco notes, medium body and silky tannins. Drink it over the next 5–8 years.

Reserve

90

18

South Australia

Coonawarra

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Criterion

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Criterion 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra)

US

This wine is gorgeous, with flavors of hazelnut, pear and ripe green apple. It's crisp, balanced and perfectly sweetened. Mixed with vodka and fresh fruit juices, it also makes a fine cocktail.

Angelica

92

36

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Gris

Occasio

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Occasio 2010 Angelica Pinot Gris (Livermore Valley)

US

Firm and focused, this limited production (98 case) estate-grown Pinot Noir has the muscle and steel frame to be genuinely ageworthy. The tart fruit brings in berry and cherry, framed with supple tannins.

Astra

90

35

Oregon

Yamhill-Carlton District

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Luminous Hills

null

Italy

Modest aromas of cut grass, white flower and citrus establish this as an easy-drinking white. The finish is marked with a touch of green lime. It should pair well with shrimp cocktail or basil pesto.

null

85

16

Veneto

Venezia

null

Pinot Grigio

Bosco del Merlo

null

US

A lovely Pinot made for drinking now. It's softly dry and bright in acidity, offering rich, but subtle, flavors of cherries and raspberries, along with earthier notes of mushrooms. Oak adds a welcome touch of sweet toast and spice.

Flood Family Vineyards

90

30

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Rancho Sisquoc

null

France

Doesn't smell bad, showing off bright citrus and herbal notes, but turns heavy and candied on the palate, ending with cotton candy and bubble gum flavors.

null

82

12

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Rosé

Domaine de Camparine

null

France

Peach and honeysuckle already have a notion of honeyed sweetness and ripeness on the nose. The palate boosts both fruit and floral notion to the top, where honeysuckle and rose petal notes meeting with peach on the medium-sweet palate. This is full on, joyous, juicy and rich with expressive, exuberant flavor. An underlying concentration almost feeds this with a fiery dynamic force. The finish is medium sweet but comes with a wonderfully redeeming pure lemon streak. This is ready now but will get even better with age. Drink 2017–2037.

Clos Saint-Théobald Rangen Grand Cru

94

49

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Domaine Schoffit

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Schoffit 2015 Clos Saint-Théobald Rangen Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

Argentina

Crusty on the nose, with aromas of leather, saucy fruit and alcohol. The wine is full and sweet, with ripe, sturdy flavors of blackberry, plum and raisin followed by fudge and herbs. It blends richness with agility.

null

87

12

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Zolo

null

South Africa

Coffee, cigarbox and mocha aromas and flavors characterize this Rietvallei red. Complex and assertive, the wine unfolds with a chewy but poised intensity. The lingering finish has a tobacco-like touch. Pair with smoked meats, rich stews.

null

89

15

Robertson

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rietvallei Estate Wine

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Rietvallei Estate Wine 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Robertson)

US

Lighter in color, this has aromas of char, coffee and vanilla that lead to varietal flavors of raspberry and chocolate, showing an interplay of fruit and barrel. It displays intensity and richness, still needing time to stretch its legs. Drink after 2018.

Estate Riverbend Vineyard

91

36

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Fielding Hills

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Fielding Hills 2012 Estate Riverbend Vineyard Merlot (Wahluke Slope)

South Africa

This Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend offers aromas and flavors of tobacco and plum with a spin of cherry. Hearty but elegant, the wine will age nicely for several years. Pair with like-minded dishes with a smoky edge.

Classique

86

24

Franschhoek

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Rupert & Rothschild

null

New Zealand

This has really evolved over the past 10 months since I tasted it at the winery, going from crisp and pineapple-y then to more honeyed and tropical now, with opulent layers of peach and mango that coat the mouth on the long finish. Drink now.

Estate

92

29

Waipara

null

Chardonnay

Mountford

null

France

Fresh acidity and a dry style make this a great food rosé. It has crisp red berry and currant fruits, vibrant acidity and a lively aftertaste.

Rosé Troteligotte

86

null

Southwest France

Vin de Pays du Lot

null

Malbec

Clos Troteligotte

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Clos Troteligotte 2007 Rosé Troteligotte Malbec (Vin de Pays du Lot)