spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Italy	Aromas of mature plum, toasted oak, menthol and dried herb lead the nose. The firm palate offers blackberry jam, dried black cherry, Oriental spice and licorice alongside grainy tannins that leave an astringent, mouth-drying finish.	null	87	23	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba Superiore	null	Barbera	Negretti	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Negretti 2012 Barbera d'Alba Superiore
Italy	Made with 40% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah, this has a subdued nose that eventually reveals black-skinned fruit and baking spice aromas. The simple but enjoyable palate delivers black cherry and clove with round tannins. Enjoy soon.	Tigliano	87	null	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Poggio Nicchiaia	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Poggio Nicchiaia 2015 Tigliano Red (Toscana)
South Africa	A new addition to Boschendal's line-up, The Rose Garden Rosé pays tribute to the estate's iconic grounds and garden. Fresh aromas and flavors of raspberry, strawberry hull, white cherry and melon rind recall sunny days spent outside. Light sweet-spice accents carry through the refreshing finish, ending clean and mouthwatering.	The Rose Garden	87	13	Coastal Region	null	null	Rosé	Boschendal	null	null	null
US	This wine is clean enough, and has zesty, mouth-watering acidity. But there's no there there. It's watery and thin, with just a trace of citrus juice.	null	82	18	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Pinot Grigio	Andretti	null	null	null
France	Shows superripe, almost jammy aromas of cherries and plums, but those are balanced by sprinklings of minerals and spice. Creamy on the palate, the wine gains focus on the finish, where it leans toward cranberries and dusty tannins. Hold until 2012, at least.	null	90	null	Rhône Valley	Cornas	null	Syrah	Domaine du Tunnel	null	null	null
Hungary	A sweeter and rarer version of the '99 from Disznókö, this also has mouthwatering acidity that balances the wine. Honey, spice and apricot aromas lead to more of the same in the mouth, although it develops musk scents with air time. Flavors of pineapple, citrus, and golden raisins add to the mouthfeel, and it finishes long, with tangy tropical fruit. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons.	Aszú 6 Puttonyos	90	43	Tokaji	null	null	Tokaji	Disznókö	null	null	null
US	Soft and sweet, with a liqueur taste of raisins and crême de cassis. Dry, but hot. The official alcohol reading of 14.5% by volume tastes suspiciously low.	Red Handed	84	44	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Merlot	HammerSky	null	null	HammerSky 2008 Red Handed Merlot (Paso Robles)
Italy	Girolamo Russo has crafted a gorgeous wine with impressive elegance and complexity. Aromas recall ripe fruit, dark vanilla bean, smoked bacon fat and a touch of cedar wood. The wine's texture is smooth and fine and it leaves a lasting impression of forest berry fruit on the finale.	San Lorenzo	93	38	Sicily & Sardinia	Etna	null	Nerello Mascalese	Girolamo Russo	null	null	Girolamo Russo 2007 San Lorenzo (Etna)
France	The lift of heady aroma precedes the pear-fruited and herbal tisane-scented nose. The palate is gentle and has that same herbal softness. The fruit is rich with residual sweetness and characterized as ripe pear. This is balanced by zesty, pleasantly bitter citrus. The effect is of harmonious, gentle and generous balance. This mature Pinot Gris is now perfectly à point. Its flavors linger long and pleasantly.	Vorbourg Grand Cru	92	30	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Gris	Dopff & Irion	null	null	null
Argentina	Shows little on the nose, while the palate is bland and flat, with simple apple and lemon flavors. Soft and chunky white wine with some drab tropicality.	Zaphy	82	10	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Torrontés	Trapiche	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Trapiche 2010 Zaphy Torrontés (Mendoza)
US	A red blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Primitivo, much of it estate grown, full of chewy mountain fruit flavors, structured and smoky (in a good way) and earthy, too. The traces of licorice and herbs would be interesting with a similarly herbed piece of fish or chicken.	Interlude	88	25	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Red Blend	C.G. di Arie	null	null	null
US	There is a strong underpinning of mineral in this wine, supporting crisply defined flavors of melon, pineapple and citrus peel. A medium-ripe, medium-weight, supremely well-crafted and balanced Roussanne.	Stillwater Creek Vineyard	88	22	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Roussanne	Novelty Hill	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Novelty Hill 2011 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Roussanne (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	The closed nose gives away very little, just the barest whiffs of yellow flowers. The one-dimensional palate offers fleeting sensations of tart apple and hints of green melon and lemon zest.	Roncathe	85	15	Veneto	Soave	null	Garganega	Corte Moschina	null	null	null
Spain	Full and toasty, with roasted fruit, meat and leather on the ripe, robust bouquet. Blackberry and plum flavors are good, and the mouthfeel is manly if a bit tannic. Undoubtedly a warm-vintage wine with size but not a ton of depth. Drink now.	null	87	25	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Condado de Haza	null	null	null
US	Fruity in blackberry and cherry flavors, this is easy to drink, with a good acid-tannin balance.	null	84	9	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Kirkland Signature	null	null	Kirkland Signature 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Italy	A pungent touch of apple skin or root beer gives this wine a sharp, immediate personality. At the back are dark fruit, leather and spice aromas and a clean, tonic finish.	Lagone	86	16	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Aia Vecchia	null	null	Aia Vecchia 2009 Lagone Red (Toscana)
Italy	Most Italian Pinot Grigio is made in the northern part of the peninsula, and consequently a Tuscan version comes as a pleasant surprise. This is a very fresh wine redolent of apple, pear, exotic star fruit and white grapes. The nose is clean as a whistle, and the mouth is spicy and crisp. Imported by Banfi Vintners.	San Angelo	87	18	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Pinot Grigio	Castello Banfi	null	null	null
US	Soft, rich fruit, with layers of plum, cherry, berry and accents of toast and vanilla. Smooth, seductive style, plenty of acid, good balance and the fruit is pure, clean and ripe all the way to the lingering finish.	Catfish Vineyard	91	19	California	Clear Lake	null	Zinfandel	Steele	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Steele 1998 Catfish Vineyard Zinfandel (Clear Lake)
US	Hogue's lowest-priced Chard is reliably clean fruit and appley, with firm acids and no frills. It does have some snap to the acids, a characteristic of Washington Chardonnay, and that sets it up for a food-friendly finish.	null	85	9	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Hogue	null	null	null
US	Joins very ripe, tropical fruits (like guavas and papayas) to vanilla-tinged, smoky oak to produce a likeable, flavorful Chard. Has a rich, almost thick, creamy texture that finishes with a swirl of spices.	null	86	18	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Beaulieu Vineyard	null	null	null
Portugal	An intensely herbal expression of Touriga Nacional, very spicy, dominated by new wood flavors. Under the wood and chocolate, the perfumed sweet black currant fruit is ready to show its richness. With its elegant texture, this will be a very fine in 4-5 years.	null	92	80	Douro	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Quinta do Crasto	null	null	null
Italy	This offers layers of toasted nut, chocolate, jammy black fruit and tobacco. The mouthfeel is soft and smooth, with a good deal of richness and density to drive it forward over the palate.	Vigneto Edoardo	90	60	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Cantina Zaccagnini	null	null	Cantina Zaccagnini 2008 Vigneto Edoardo (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)
US	This is a light-bodied, somewhat simple Pinot Noir. It's not quite ripe, with some vegetal flavors, but there's enough raspberry and cherry fruit to make it polished, and the mouthfeel is nice and silky.	null	85	18	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Pinot Noir	Elizabeth Rose	null	null	null
US	This wine sources fruit from throughout Napa Valley, as well as 9% from Lake County and 1% from the Sierra Foothills, incorporating all five red Bordeaux varieties and a smidgen of Syrah. It's juicy in black currant, with a tension of acidity and a smooth, simple focus, aged in both French and American oak.	null	88	55	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Bell	null	null	null
Spain	This winery is known for red Mencía, but this small-lot Godello is perfectly nice and drinkable. It has a neutral nose and a fresh palate of green melon, nectarine and apple flavors. The finish is clipped and a touch bitter, but there's no denying its tangy, forward approach. Only 250 cases made.	null	87	22	Northern Spain	Bierzo	null	Godello	Luna Beberide	null	null	null
Italy	Oddero is one of the most important historic brands in the Langhe and the Rocche di Castiglione Barolo highlights this legacy very nicely. The wine is redolent of wild berries, plums, spice, white truffle and cherry liqueur. It's an elegant, tonic wine with a garnet and amber coloring.	Rocche di Castiglione	90	69	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Oddero	null	null	null
US	This is pleasant and complex on the nose, with hints of violet, ripe black cherry and a savory meat note that lingers. The palate could use a tad more concentration, but it's elegant in style with lean cherry flavor and a flurry of fresh green and floral accents.	null	85	30	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Sauvignon	McGregor	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	McGregor 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes)
Argentina	Standard all the way, but isn't that what we want from a $9 wine? The nose offers raspberry and strawberry aromas, while the flavors are generic but familiar, with a lean toward cherry and berry. Solid on the finish, and fairly intense as a whole. Imported by Clock Tower Imports.	null	86	9	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Cruz Alta	null	null	null
US	Whiffs of smoke and earth meld into pretty aromas of white flower, apple and lemon on this ripe, richly bodied Chardonnay. Layers of cream and stone fruit build on the palate, but are balanced by a brisk lemon-toned acidity. Drink now while young.	Cecil	87	13	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Chardonnay	Atwater	null	null	null
US	Attractive white-pepper aromas and powerful dark-fruit flavors combine with firm tannins in this full-bodied wine. It is bold and a bit rustic, and should pair well with a juicy hamburger or rich lasagna.	Lot 13 Vineyard	87	28	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Tempranillo	McCay Cellars	null	null	null
Chile	Aromas of passion fruit, tangerine, bell pepper and grass lead to a plump palate with soft acids. Flavors of pithy, slightly bitter green fruits, bell pepper and passion fruit end in a modest finish that rapidly loses steam.	Tama Vineyard Selection	85	15	Leyda Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Anakena	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Anakena 2012 Tama Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc (Leyda Valley)
Turkey	Made of Kinali Yapincak, a grape native to Turkey, this deep-straw colored wine does not give up much on the nose beyond a touch of apricot and just-washed cotton sheets. It does not seem wholly integrated on the palate, with chewy tannins overpowering flavors of melon, toast and white flower.	null	84	15	Thrace	null	null	Kinali Yapincak	Suvla	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Suvla 2012 Kinali Yapincak (Thrace)
South Africa	Brambly red berry, dried tobacco leaves and serious gamy notes lead the way on the bouquet, while a bit more ripe plum and cherry flavors unfold in the mouth. Balanced but a bit on the rustic side with prominent acidity followed by a black pepper-dominated finish.	null	88	null	Paarl	null	null	Shiraz	Plaisir De Merle	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a soft, creamy sparkling wine with rich mousse and peachy foam on the finish. The close is characterized by citrus, grapefruit and toasted almond flavors.	Satèn	88	null	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Sparkling Blend	Tenuta Montedelma di Berardi	null	null	null
US	Thick, ripe, creamy and luscious, this 15.4% Sémillon carries itself with grace and style. The dense fruit flavors mix peaches, apricots, pears and spicy apples; with a hint of caramel and brown sugar. Though quite dry, it has so much fruit as to seem lightly sweet, and the high alcohol does not take away from the complexity. If it were not fermented dry, this would be a stunning late harvest dessert wine.	Barrel Fermented	90	19	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sémillon	Davenport Cellars	null	null	null
US	This is a softer Sauvignon Blanc for those not sworn to the grassy side of the grape, as the Buellton-based winery does a lot of barrel-fermenting. Aromas include pressed kiwi and a sour pucker of lime, and the broiled pear flavors prove easy drinking, if not exceedingly complex.	Vogelzang	88	42	California	Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Dragonette	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Dragonette 2012 Vogelzang Sauvignon Blanc (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
Australia	This blend shows decent weight and texture, along with elegant aromas and flavors of scorched citrus peel and grapefruit. It's long and mouthwatering on the oak-free finish, making it a versatile food companion. The 2012 looks to be even better.	Ribbon Vale Vineyards	88	27	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc	Moss Wood	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Moss Wood 2011 Ribbon Vale Vineyards Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Margaret River)
US	A blend of Syrah and Viognier, this red wine comes from one of Napa's coolest districts. It's a very good wine, dry and rich in tannins and balanced, with an elegant mouthfeel. Shows Syrah's flavors of blackberries, with a sprightly burst of citrusy acidity from Viognier. Drink now.	Vinto	88	32	California	Oak Knoll District	Napa	Rhône-style Red Blend	Fortunati	null	null	null
US	This unusual rosé blends Merlot rosé with substantial portions of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Gewürztraminer, highlighting textural and flavor attributes from each. It's luscious in mouthfeel with a dense concentration of tropical fruit flavors, yet brisk and effortlessly quaffable. A delightful new take on a Hamptons classic.	Summer in a Bottle	90	24	New York	Long Island	Long Island	Rosé	Wölffer	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Wölffer 2014 Summer in a Bottle Rosé (Long Island)
US	The aromas are a bit unsettled, bringing a wilted-flower note that is off-putting. The ripe cherry, blackberry and smoky flavors seem disconnected. It doesn't all come together, and the variety seems impossible to find.	Ascent One-Half Mile Closer to the Moon	84	42	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Stemilt Creek	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Stemilt Creek 2014 Ascent One-Half Mile Closer to the Moon Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Quite rich and full-bodied, this dry young Pinot is loaded with oodles of red currants, cherries, mocha and cola. It's a little hard and angular in tannins, suggesting midterm ageability. Best now, with decanting, and through 2011 or so.	Fort Ross Vineyard	90	39	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Fort Ross	null	null	Fort Ross 2005 Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Australia	Mixed plum and a firm amount of wood on the nose and palate; an herb-metallic tinge shows on the latter. A very good, feminine-sized wine with eraser-like tannins, and not too many bells and whistles. 45% Tempranillo, 43% Grenache, 12% Souzao—what may be the strangest McLaren Vale blend ever.	The Sticks & Stones	88	40	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Red Blend	D'Arenberg	null	null	null
Portugal	The Jaen, known in Bierzo, Spain as Mencia, gives freshly juicy wines, but with a definite edge of structure. This example has those characters, as well as concentration and ripeness. It is balanced, elegant, a great food wine.	null	88	26	Dão	null	null	Jaen	Quinta das Maias	null	null	null
Italy	Frescobaldi's Pinot Grigio proves to be a well-constructed and composed wine with green fruit like kiwi and honeydew backed by a pine resin, cut-grass quality. Silky smooth in the mouth. Imported by Folio Fine Wine Partners.	null	87	10	Northeastern Italy	Delle Venezie	null	Pinot Grigio	Danzante	null	null	null
France	This opulent, powerful wine has weight, richness and a beautiful creamy texture. It's built to age, from its wood aging to its minerality. Concentrated, it offers yellow fruits shot through with acidity. From the grandest Chardonnay vineyard in Burgundy, it will age well and be ready to drink from 2026.	null	97	650	Burgundy	Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Louis Latour	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Louis Latour 2015 Montrachet
US	You have to classify this as a dessert wine, because of the residual sugar sweetness. The honey, apricot, orange and vanilla flavors are balanced with refreshing acidity.	Moscato	87	15	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Muscat Canelli	Maddalena	null	null	Maddalena 2012 Moscato Muscat Canelli (Paso Robles)
France	While this is certainly structured, the wine shows green pepper flavors and very fresh raspberries, a product of the lightness of the vintage. It is attractive, offering some good freshness, but needs to be consumed now.	Les Trois Roches	87	null	Beaujolais	Moulin-à-Vent	null	Gamay	Domaine du Vissoux	null	null	null
Portugal	Made from fruit that's sourced from the Buçaco Mountains in the east of Bairrada, this wine is rich and elegant, and its juicy fruit provides a counterbalance to the structure. With its youthful fruitiness, this is worth aging for another 2–3 years.	Azul Portugal	91	11	Bairrada	null	null	Portuguese Red	Wines & Winemakers	null	null	null
Italy	Made from organically farmed grapes, this is a simple Merlot for everyday fare. It offers a pretty fragrance of red berry and white pepper accompanied by raspberry, cherry and red currant flavors with a hint of pepper.	NSA	85	11	Veneto	Veneto	null	Merlot	Pizzolato	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Pizzolato 2012 NSA Merlot (Veneto)
US	This light, pleasant quaffer has apple, green melon and hint of pineapple in the mix. The barrel fermentation adds a dusting of toast as a welcome accent. This is not a particularly complex or powerful wine, but will quench your thirst admirably when you're up for something not too heavy.	Barrel Fermented	87	25	Oregon	Applegate Valley	Southern Oregon	Chardonnay	Plaisance Ranch	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Plaisance Ranch 2013 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Applegate Valley)
US	A very nice approximation of Raymond's more expensive Napa Cabernets, this one shows blackberry and currant flavors, with a rich layer of smoky oak and a dry, smooth finish.	R Collection	85	19	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Raymond	null	null	null
Chile	Bell pepper and cactus aromas announce greenness. It's also dilute in texture, with cucumber and arugula flavors. Not only is this high on pyrazines, it's past its prime.	Aylin	82	14	Leyda Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Polkura	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Polkura 2012 Aylin Sauvignon Blanc (Leyda Valley)
Italy	This is a well-priced blend with aromas of stone fruit, exotic fruit and almond. The nose is not too intense but the wine tastes tart and crisp in the mouth and ends with a fresh blast of cooling acidity.	Satrico	87	13	Central Italy	Lazio	null	White Blend	Casale del Giglio	null	null	null
US	Even in a less-than-ripe vintage such as this, the Leland stands out in the Erath lineup. Tight and herbal, this has an array of Pinot-specific fruits that are of medium concentration. Its balanced use of barrel aging brings a chocolate flavor to the finish.	Leland	88	50	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Erath	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Erath 2010 Leland Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Italy	This is rich in black cherry flavors, with layered accents of white pepper, almond and walnut. It's the perfect marriage between the elegance of Valpolicella and the structure of Amarone. Imported by Panebianco, Vinity Wine Company.	Semonte Alto	90	26	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso	null	Red Blend	Venturini Massimino	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Venturini Massimino 2009 Semonte Alto (Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso)
France	Big, tannic and foursquare, this is archetypal Pommard. The dark plum and black fig flavors and the rich tannins all contribute to a wine that is solid, concentrated, dense and needs at least four years' aging.	Grands Epenots Premier Cru	91	85	Burgundy	Pommard	null	Pinot Noir	Maison Champy	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Maison Champy 2006 Grands Epenots Premier Cru (Pommard)
New Zealand	For under $10, this is a medium-bodied, slightly soft Sauvignon Blanc that's a good introduction to Marlborough. Melon and fig notes show some herbal underpinnings, but this is an easygoing wine meant to be drunk, not contemplated.	Ti Point	85	8	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Kirkland Signature	null	null	null
New Zealand	Almost too subtle and understated, this wine's faint melon and grapefruit aromas and flavors are tinged with honey, giving a sweet-sour impression on the palate.	Reserve	83	14	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Mills Reef	null	null	null
France	A portion of wine blended for this wine is aged for five years on lees, helping create considerable depth and richness. The youthful fruit has been replaced by almond, spice and crisp acidity, with concentration and fullness. Drink now.	Brut Mosaïque Signature	90	50	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Jacquart	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Jacquart NV Brut Mosaïque Signature (Champagne)
US	Amador Foothill does a good job with Sangiovese, and this dry rosé is made from that variety. It's a cheerful wine, brisk in acidity and with delicate but complex cherry, rose petal and lavender flavors. The winemaker recommends bouillabaisse, which is a pretty good suggestion.	Rosato of	86	11	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Sangiovese	Amador Foothill Winery	null	null	null
US	The most notable thing about this Pinot is its intensity of flavor. A blend of both new Dijon clones and older California selections of Pinot Noir, it is stunning with flavors of raspberries, cherries and Dr. Pepper. It's a balanced, elegant wine with vibrant texture , but needs time to truly shine. Hold till at least 2017.	Sea View Ridge Estate Vineyard	95	65	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Flowers	null	null	Flowers 2011 Sea View Ridge Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
France	Intense aromas of cassis, black plum, licorice and espresso grinds fill the bouquet of this 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Firm and tight in the mouth with prominent tannins and assertive dark fruit flavors. A touch of soft spice unfolds on the end.	Trah Lah Lah	87	13	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays Cité de Carcassonne	null	Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon	O'Vineyards	null	null	null
US	This wine is made by UC-Santa Cruz astrophysics professor Joe Miller, who's taught wine appreciation for years. Regal and wondrous, the nose conveys concentrated lavender, violets, cedar, oregano, rose petals and patchouli spicing up a grapy frame. The palate offers red fruits laced with clove spice and earth. Ginger, rose water and raspberry emerge in the midpalate, with just enough acidity to carry it through.	Brosseau Vineyard	94	39	California	Chalone	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Rexford	null	null	null
US	Tart and leafy, this pure Malbec shows good grip and concentration. Sour raspberry fruit flavors and sharp acids are complemented with barrel spice from aging in once-used French oak. This tastes like a good wine from young vines; it may improve for a couple of years, but it's best for near-term drinking.	null	89	35	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Malbec	Hestia Cellars	null	null	null
France	This is a powerful, rich white Hermitage with overtones of buttered nuts. It's slightly waxy, with hints of stone fruit as well. Already shows some hints of age, so this may be best consumed young.	null	90	50	Rhône Valley	Hermitage	null	Rhône-style White Blend	E. Guigal	null	null	null
Italy	This opens with aromas of oak, toast, licorice, coconut and sugared plum. The taut palate offers dried cherry, star anise and a green note of powdered sage but not a lot of fruit richness. Raspy tannins leave a tongue-drying finish.	Riserva	87	325	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Argiano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Argiano 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)
US	This is a seriously good Pinot. It's easy to imagine drinking it at a great restaurant, with a fabulous steak. The tannin-acid structure is just perfect, and the texture is silky. Yet tasted at the age 18 months, it's a bit heavy in jammy cherries and raspberries, which suggests aging. Try holding off until 2011–2015.	Toboni Vineyard	93	56	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Arista	null	null	null
Australia	Simple and fruity, this coppery-pink sparkler is semisweet but reasonably balanced and clean. The peachy aromas and flavors make it a natural with fresh fruit.	Emeri Pink Moscato	84	13	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	Sparkling Blend	De Bortoli	null	null	null
US	Sturdy and flavorful, this is a well-made, dry and moderately tannic wine that smells beefy, salt-and-peppery, and tastes juicy like raspberries and cherries with a little bit of meatiness coming through for complexity. The texture has good grip and acidity so the wine will pair well with big proteins.	Founders' Estate	88	10	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Beringer	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Beringer 2015 Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
US	Fresh and vibrant, with ripe cherry, red currant, cola and cedar flavors wrapped into a silky texture. A bit rough and acidic, though. Could develop in the bottle for a few years.	null	87	50	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Twomey	null	null	Twomey 2007 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
Argentina	Overt oak is the first thing you encounter on the nose, but underneath the heavy wood covering is a polished and sincere wine. The mouth is lively and juicy, with commendable plum and raspberry flavors. And while the finish is sort of basic in its vanilla and chocolate character, it has a nice feel to it. A wine with virtues but maybe a touch too much new oak.	Q	88	20	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Zuccardi	null	null	null
Portugal	The top of the range at Cortes de Cima and deservedly so. The wine is finely structured, with a feeling of restrained power. It has all the right elements of red plum, dry, dark tannins and prominent acidity, all in balance. Age for 3–4 years.	Reserva	92	60	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Cortes de Cima	null	null	null
US	Candied macadamia nut, ripe pear and toasted marshmallow aromas may sound over the top, but they're all in balance in this bottling. The palate is tangy with mandarin and lemon skin accents that give depth to the toasted almond and beeswax flavors.	Lafond Vineyard	90	42	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Lafond	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Lafond 2013 Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
Italy	This frothy dessert wine opens with delicate aromas of honeysuckle, chopped herb and yellow stone fruit. The soft creamy palate shows peach, candied nectarine zest and a hint of apricot.	Andrea Faccio	87	null	Piedmont	Moscato d'Asti	null	Moscato	Villa Giada	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Villa Giada 2015 Andrea Faccio (Moscato d'Asti)
Argentina	No need to drink this intense, highly structured Malbec-Cabernet blend soon, although you could. Aromas of blackberry, cedar and desert brush are intense but also complex. Flavors of baked plum, cassis and blackberry finish strong and with modest heat as well as coffee and chocolate flavors. Drink through 2026.	Icono	93	165	Mendoza Province	Luján de Cuyo	null	Malbec-Cabernet	Luigi Bosca	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Luigi Bosca 2011 Icono Malbec-Cabernet (Luján de Cuyo)
US	This is three quarters Cabernet Sauvignon and one quarter Merlot, from McClellan Estate, Lewis and Seven Hills vineyard fruit. Keeping things simple, winemaker Rich Funk has crafted an open, appealing red wine loaded with flavors of raspberry jam and baking spices. It's fresh and balanced, a fine summer red for immediate consumption.	null	88	24	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Watermill	null	null	null
US	Testarossa's annual best-barrel offering starts with broad aromas of violets, blackberry tea and anise on the edges. It's a lighter Pinot density-wise, very soft and expressive with purple fruits, black olive and a fennel-powered acidify on the finish.	Niclaire	90	81	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Testarossa	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Testarossa 2012 Niclaire Pinot Noir (California)
US	Black cherry pie, milk chocolate and lilacs combine for a very accessible and rather lavish nose on this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot. It's easy to like on the sip, with candied purple fruit and licorice spice flavors, proving very fruity, lush and quaffable.	Bouchet	90	35	California	Central Coast	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Brander	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Brander 2015 Bouchet Red
France	It's impressive what a small addition of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle can do to a Sauvignon-Sémillon blend—it turns this into an exotic wine, with spice and lychee flavors.	L'Abbaye	87	22	Southwest France	Bergerac Sec	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Domaine l'Ancienne Cure	null	null	null
Italy	Tangerine, lemon-lime and white peach are the main components of the nose, but there's also a touch of fresh garden greens. Spicy mineral notes appear over a refreshing dose of crisp acidity. Imported by Fairest Cape Beverage Co., Inc.	Fagher Brut	87	19	Veneto	Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Le Colture	null	null	null
US	This is a bright, brisk wine that's chock full of crisp red-plum flavors and a sweet cherry-blossom perfume that lingers from start to finish. Brisk acidity and loads of fresh, green herbal notes meld nicely with soft, but mouthfilling tannins.	Davis Vineyards	87	29	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Pinot Noir	Damiani	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Damiani 2010 Davis Vineyards Pinot Noir (Finger Lakes)
US	Grenache makes up nearly three-quarters of this blend, with the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre. Bright raspberry, cranberry, rose hip and white pepper aromas lead to elegant yet high octane fruit flavors that taper toward the warm finish.	Una Notte	88	30	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Rhône-style Red Blend	:Nota Bene	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	:Nota Bene 2012 Una Notte Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	This wine—sold direct only through the winery —gets better with time, with stony, cherry and cardamom brightening up through the tannins as the wine has a chance to breathe. Big and full, V. Sattui gets its grapes from mostly Lake County, rounding it out with a smaller percentage of Napa Valley fruit, as well as a handful from Dry Creek. Very solid.	null	88	26	California	North Coast	North Coast	Petite Sirah	V. Sattui	Virginie Boone	@vboone	V. Sattui 2008 Petite Sirah (North Coast)
Italy	Le Serre Nuove presents an intense and harmonious bouquet that is accented by opulent notes of black cherry, chocolate, cinnamon spice, leather and tobacco. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet France and Petit Verdot ends long on the close with enduring density and velvety texture.	Le Serre Nuove	93	60	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Tenuta dell'Ornellaia	null	null	null
US	The Stonetree bottling (one of three single-vineyard Zins from Angel Vine) offers pure strawberry fruit flavor, with medium concentration. The 15.2% alcohol does not show that scale, but does offer some finishing power. Could it develop more density and depth with another year in the bottle? Time will tell.	Stonetree Vineyard	88	20	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Zinfandel	Angel Vine	null	null	null
Portugal	With its perfumed aroma, this is an immediately attractive rosé that's made from the pink-skinned Moscatel Roxo. Its flavors are crisp; its acidity is touched by yellow peach and rosewater flavors. Drink now.	Colecção Privada	86	null	Setubal	null	null	Moscatel Roxo	José Maria da Fonseca	Roger Voss	@vossroger	José Maria da Fonseca 2011 Colecção Privada Moscatel Roxo (Setubal)
Italy	Strawberry, leather, menthol, truffle and tilled soil aromas emerge in the glass along with whiffs of blue flower and thyme. The approachable palate offers mature red cherry, licorice and a marked medicinal note while firm, refined tannins provide support. It's a bit shy on freshness so enjoy soon.	Montersino Ad Altiora	89	34	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Taliano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Taliano 2013 Montersino Ad Altiora (Barbaresco)
France	88-90 Barrel sample. Dark bitter chocolate coated wine, soft in texture, but with a good stalky chewy edge. Final flavors are of cedar, new wood and spice.	Barrel sample	89	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Teyssier	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Teyssier 2009 Barrel sample (Saint-Émilion)
South Africa	Here's a dense and concentrated selection at an attractive price point, with direct aromas and flavors of black plum, boysenberry, bramble and violet. The palate is slightly lush and creamy, but texturized by medium tannins and spicy accents of licorice and toast on the close.	Vintage Selection	89	20	Western Cape	null	null	Shiraz	Spier	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Spier 2011 Vintage Selection Shiraz (Western Cape)
Italy	Aromas of roasted coffee bean, toast, oak-driven spice, ripe berry and scorched earth lead the nose. The firm palate offers black cherry extract, espresso, licorice, oak and coconut alongside assertive, grippy tannins. Still oak driven and tightly tannic, give this a few years to fully develop but then drink to capture the remaining fruit richness. Drink 2017–2021.	Castello Fonterutoli Gran Selezione	89	60	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	Mazzei	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Mazzei 2011 Castello Fonterutoli Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico)
New Zealand	The new project of Erica and Kim Crawford (yes, the Kim Crawford), Loveblock is situated on a spectacular windswept promontory overlooking the sea. Passion fruit, vibrant and pure, marks the nose, while the plump palate reveals hints of gooseberry that linger through the extended finish.	null	90	24	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Loveblock	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Loveblock 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
France	This is a dry Pinot Gris, very mineral in character, with crisp acidity balanced by fragrant pear and quince topped with spice. It's a crisp wine, lighter than usual for this cuvée and fresher at the end.	Terroir	89	18	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Gris	Domaine Zinck	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Zinck 2012 Terroir Pinot Gris (Alsace)
US	Made from the oldest vineyard in the appellation, first planted in 1905, this wine shows a cooler-climate vibe of dried fruit and leather, accented definitively in white pepper. Smoky oak provides a sultry backdrop against which riches of berry pie, cola and brown sugar play.	R.W. Moore Vineyard	92	52	California	Coombsville	Napa	Zinfandel	Robert Biale	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Robert Biale 2014 R.W. Moore Vineyard Zinfandel (Coombsville)
US	This is a thin, acidic wine, and it's not quite ripe, to judge from the green, grassy, ammonia notes. It's wonderfully dry and crisp in acidity, but that lack of richness makes it difficult to like.	Terroir Coquerel	83	37	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Coquerel Family Wine Estates	null	null	null
Spain	Floral, tropical-fruit aromas suggest orange and mango. This is juicy and under control on the palate, with dry yeasty white-fruit and citrus flavors. On the finish, this is showing ample freshness. Drink now.	null	89	18	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Vieira de Plata	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Vieira de Plata 2015 Albariño (Rías Baixas)
Spain	Bold, forward and extracted red wine, with raspberry, earth, compost and a light leafiness to the nose. Tannic and tight, with plum and heavy, ripe berry flavors. Toasty and dark on the finish too, with power and freshness.	Tinto	85	12	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Alidis	null	null	null
US	Made the way Pinot Grigio should be. Bone dry and zesty in acidity, it has citrus, mineral and floral flavors that finish with a scour of peppery spice. A brilliant cocktail sipper that will also complement savory appetizers.	null	88	19	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Grigio	Longoria	null	null	Longoria 2009 Pinot Grigio (Santa Barbara County)
Australia	Straightforward apple and lime aromatics bust from the glass alongside some slightly smoky, struck-flint notes, but this wine offers rather simple fruit flavors on the palate, It's medium bodied, with a hint of honey already creeping in on the finish, suggesting early consumption is warranted.	Watervale Dry	86	18	South Australia	Clare Valley	null	Riesling	Fire Block	null	null	null
Portugal	This is an unexpected wine, unoaked Baga in the Alentejo rather than its home territory of Bairrada. The result is a wine that certainly hasn't lost its fierce tannins while gaining a rich, full black fruit character. The typical acidity is there, again mitigated by the warmer climate away from the ocean. It's a surprisingly impressive wine to drink now.	Baga ao Sol	90	38	Alentejano	null	null	Baga	Fitapreta	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Fitapreta 2013 Baga ao Sol Baga (Alentejano)
Italy	Ripe and juicy, and overall quite tasty. It begins with a lot of red fruit, and in the mouth it's more of the same with no rough edges. It's a seamless Chianti, a sure hit in the trattorias. And there's nothing wrong with the smooth raspberry finish that features some creamy vanilla oak.	Pèppoli	87	23	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Antinori	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Antinori 1999 Pèppoli (Chianti Classico)

Italy

Aromas of mature plum, toasted oak, menthol and dried herb lead the nose. The firm palate offers blackberry jam, dried black cherry, Oriental spice and licorice alongside grainy tannins that leave an astringent, mouth-drying finish.

null

87

23

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba Superiore

null

Barbera

Negretti

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Negretti 2012 Barbera d'Alba Superiore

Italy

Made with 40% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah, this has a subdued nose that eventually reveals black-skinned fruit and baking spice aromas. The simple but enjoyable palate delivers black cherry and clove with round tannins. Enjoy soon.

Tigliano

87

null

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Poggio Nicchiaia

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Poggio Nicchiaia 2015 Tigliano Red (Toscana)

South Africa

A new addition to Boschendal's line-up, The Rose Garden Rosé pays tribute to the estate's iconic grounds and garden. Fresh aromas and flavors of raspberry, strawberry hull, white cherry and melon rind recall sunny days spent outside. Light sweet-spice accents carry through the refreshing finish, ending clean and mouthwatering.

The Rose Garden

87

13

Coastal Region

null

Rosé

Boschendal

null

US

This wine is clean enough, and has zesty, mouth-watering acidity. But there's no there there. It's watery and thin, with just a trace of citrus juice.

null

82

18

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Pinot Grigio

Andretti

null

France

Shows superripe, almost jammy aromas of cherries and plums, but those are balanced by sprinklings of minerals and spice. Creamy on the palate, the wine gains focus on the finish, where it leans toward cranberries and dusty tannins. Hold until 2012, at least.

null

90

null

Rhône Valley

Cornas

null

Syrah

Domaine du Tunnel

null

Hungary

A sweeter and rarer version of the '99 from Disznókö, this also has mouthwatering acidity that balances the wine. Honey, spice and apricot aromas lead to more of the same in the mouth, although it develops musk scents with air time. Flavors of pineapple, citrus, and golden raisins add to the mouthfeel, and it finishes long, with tangy tropical fruit. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons.

Aszú 6 Puttonyos

90

43

Tokaji

null

Tokaji

Disznókö

null

US

Soft and sweet, with a liqueur taste of raisins and crême de cassis. Dry, but hot. The official alcohol reading of 14.5% by volume tastes suspiciously low.

Red Handed

84

44

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Merlot

HammerSky

null

HammerSky 2008 Red Handed Merlot (Paso Robles)

Italy

Girolamo Russo has crafted a gorgeous wine with impressive elegance and complexity. Aromas recall ripe fruit, dark vanilla bean, smoked bacon fat and a touch of cedar wood. The wine's texture is smooth and fine and it leaves a lasting impression of forest berry fruit on the finale.

San Lorenzo

93

38

Sicily & Sardinia

Etna

null

Nerello Mascalese

Girolamo Russo

null

Girolamo Russo 2007 San Lorenzo (Etna)

France

The lift of heady aroma precedes the pear-fruited and herbal tisane-scented nose. The palate is gentle and has that same herbal softness. The fruit is rich with residual sweetness and characterized as ripe pear. This is balanced by zesty, pleasantly bitter citrus. The effect is of harmonious, gentle and generous balance. This mature Pinot Gris is now perfectly à point. Its flavors linger long and pleasantly.

Vorbourg Grand Cru

92

30

Alsace

null

Pinot Gris

Dopff & Irion

null

Argentina

Shows little on the nose, while the palate is bland and flat, with simple apple and lemon flavors. Soft and chunky white wine with some drab tropicality.

Zaphy

82

10

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Torrontés

Trapiche

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Trapiche 2010 Zaphy Torrontés (Mendoza)

US

A red blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Primitivo, much of it estate grown, full of chewy mountain fruit flavors, structured and smoky (in a good way) and earthy, too. The traces of licorice and herbs would be interesting with a similarly herbed piece of fish or chicken.

Interlude

88

25

California

Sierra Foothills

Red Blend

C.G. di Arie

null

US

There is a strong underpinning of mineral in this wine, supporting crisply defined flavors of melon, pineapple and citrus peel. A medium-ripe, medium-weight, supremely well-crafted and balanced Roussanne.

Stillwater Creek Vineyard

88

22

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Roussanne

Novelty Hill

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Novelty Hill 2011 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Roussanne (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

The closed nose gives away very little, just the barest whiffs of yellow flowers. The one-dimensional palate offers fleeting sensations of tart apple and hints of green melon and lemon zest.

Roncathe

85

15

Veneto

Soave

null

Garganega

Corte Moschina

null

Spain

Full and toasty, with roasted fruit, meat and leather on the ripe, robust bouquet. Blackberry and plum flavors are good, and the mouthfeel is manly if a bit tannic. Undoubtedly a warm-vintage wine with size but not a ton of depth. Drink now.

null

87

25

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Condado de Haza

null

US

Fruity in blackberry and cherry flavors, this is easy to drink, with a good acid-tannin balance.

null

84

9

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Kirkland Signature

null

Kirkland Signature 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Italy

A pungent touch of apple skin or root beer gives this wine a sharp, immediate personality. At the back are dark fruit, leather and spice aromas and a clean, tonic finish.

Lagone

86

16

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Aia Vecchia

null

Aia Vecchia 2009 Lagone Red (Toscana)

Italy

Most Italian Pinot Grigio is made in the northern part of the peninsula, and consequently a Tuscan version comes as a pleasant surprise. This is a very fresh wine redolent of apple, pear, exotic star fruit and white grapes. The nose is clean as a whistle, and the mouth is spicy and crisp. Imported by Banfi Vintners.

San Angelo

87

18

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Pinot Grigio

Castello Banfi

null

US

Soft, rich fruit, with layers of plum, cherry, berry and accents of toast and vanilla. Smooth, seductive style, plenty of acid, good balance and the fruit is pure, clean and ripe all the way to the lingering finish.

Catfish Vineyard

91

19

California

Clear Lake

null

Zinfandel

Steele

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Steele 1998 Catfish Vineyard Zinfandel (Clear Lake)

US

Hogue's lowest-priced Chard is reliably clean fruit and appley, with firm acids and no frills. It does have some snap to the acids, a characteristic of Washington Chardonnay, and that sets it up for a food-friendly finish.

null

85

9

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Hogue

null

US

Joins very ripe, tropical fruits (like guavas and papayas) to vanilla-tinged, smoky oak to produce a likeable, flavorful Chard. Has a rich, almost thick, creamy texture that finishes with a swirl of spices.

null

86

18

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Beaulieu Vineyard

null

Portugal

An intensely herbal expression of Touriga Nacional, very spicy, dominated by new wood flavors. Under the wood and chocolate, the perfumed sweet black currant fruit is ready to show its richness. With its elegant texture, this will be a very fine in 4-5 years.

null

92

80

Douro

null

Touriga Nacional

Quinta do Crasto

null

Italy

This offers layers of toasted nut, chocolate, jammy black fruit and tobacco. The mouthfeel is soft and smooth, with a good deal of richness and density to drive it forward over the palate.

Vigneto Edoardo

90

60

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Cantina Zaccagnini

null

Cantina Zaccagnini 2008 Vigneto Edoardo (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)

US

This is a light-bodied, somewhat simple Pinot Noir. It's not quite ripe, with some vegetal flavors, but there's enough raspberry and cherry fruit to make it polished, and the mouthfeel is nice and silky.

null

85

18

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Pinot Noir

Elizabeth Rose

null

US

This wine sources fruit from throughout Napa Valley, as well as 9% from Lake County and 1% from the Sierra Foothills, incorporating all five red Bordeaux varieties and a smidgen of Syrah. It's juicy in black currant, with a tension of acidity and a smooth, simple focus, aged in both French and American oak.

null

88

55

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bell

null

Spain

This winery is known for red Mencía, but this small-lot Godello is perfectly nice and drinkable. It has a neutral nose and a fresh palate of green melon, nectarine and apple flavors. The finish is clipped and a touch bitter, but there's no denying its tangy, forward approach. Only 250 cases made.

null

87

22

Northern Spain

Bierzo

null

Godello

Luna Beberide

null

Italy

Oddero is one of the most important historic brands in the Langhe and the Rocche di Castiglione Barolo highlights this legacy very nicely. The wine is redolent of wild berries, plums, spice, white truffle and cherry liqueur. It's an elegant, tonic wine with a garnet and amber coloring.

Rocche di Castiglione

90

69

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Oddero

null

US

This is pleasant and complex on the nose, with hints of violet, ripe black cherry and a savory meat note that lingers. The palate could use a tad more concentration, but it's elegant in style with lean cherry flavor and a flurry of fresh green and floral accents.

null

85

30

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Sauvignon

McGregor

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

McGregor 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes)

Argentina

Standard all the way, but isn't that what we want from a $9 wine? The nose offers raspberry and strawberry aromas, while the flavors are generic but familiar, with a lean toward cherry and berry. Solid on the finish, and fairly intense as a whole. Imported by Clock Tower Imports.

null

86

9

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Cruz Alta

null

US

Whiffs of smoke and earth meld into pretty aromas of white flower, apple and lemon on this ripe, richly bodied Chardonnay. Layers of cream and stone fruit build on the palate, but are balanced by a brisk lemon-toned acidity. Drink now while young.

Cecil

87

13

New York

Finger Lakes

Chardonnay

Atwater

null

US

Attractive white-pepper aromas and powerful dark-fruit flavors combine with firm tannins in this full-bodied wine. It is bold and a bit rustic, and should pair well with a juicy hamburger or rich lasagna.

Lot 13 Vineyard

87

28

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Tempranillo

McCay Cellars

null

Chile

Aromas of passion fruit, tangerine, bell pepper and grass lead to a plump palate with soft acids. Flavors of pithy, slightly bitter green fruits, bell pepper and passion fruit end in a modest finish that rapidly loses steam.

Tama Vineyard Selection

85

15

Leyda Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Anakena

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Anakena 2012 Tama Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc (Leyda Valley)

Turkey

Made of Kinali Yapincak, a grape native to Turkey, this deep-straw colored wine does not give up much on the nose beyond a touch of apricot and just-washed cotton sheets. It does not seem wholly integrated on the palate, with chewy tannins overpowering flavors of melon, toast and white flower.

null

84

15

Thrace

null

Kinali Yapincak

Suvla

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Suvla 2012 Kinali Yapincak (Thrace)

South Africa

Brambly red berry, dried tobacco leaves and serious gamy notes lead the way on the bouquet, while a bit more ripe plum and cherry flavors unfold in the mouth. Balanced but a bit on the rustic side with prominent acidity followed by a black pepper-dominated finish.

null

88

null

Paarl

null

Shiraz

Plaisir De Merle

null

Italy

Here's a soft, creamy sparkling wine with rich mousse and peachy foam on the finish. The close is characterized by citrus, grapefruit and toasted almond flavors.

Satèn

88

null

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Sparkling Blend

Tenuta Montedelma di Berardi

null

US

Thick, ripe, creamy and luscious, this 15.4% Sémillon carries itself with grace and style. The dense fruit flavors mix peaches, apricots, pears and spicy apples; with a hint of caramel and brown sugar. Though quite dry, it has so much fruit as to seem lightly sweet, and the high alcohol does not take away from the complexity. If it were not fermented dry, this would be a stunning late harvest dessert wine.

Barrel Fermented

90

19

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sémillon

Davenport Cellars

null

US

This is a softer Sauvignon Blanc for those not sworn to the grassy side of the grape, as the Buellton-based winery does a lot of barrel-fermenting. Aromas include pressed kiwi and a sour pucker of lime, and the broiled pear flavors prove easy drinking, if not exceedingly complex.

Vogelzang

88

42

California

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Dragonette

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Dragonette 2012 Vogelzang Sauvignon Blanc (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)

Australia

This blend shows decent weight and texture, along with elegant aromas and flavors of scorched citrus peel and grapefruit. It's long and mouthwatering on the oak-free finish, making it a versatile food companion. The 2012 looks to be even better.

Ribbon Vale Vineyards

88

27

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc

Moss Wood

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Moss Wood 2011 Ribbon Vale Vineyards Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Margaret River)

US

A blend of Syrah and Viognier, this red wine comes from one of Napa's coolest districts. It's a very good wine, dry and rich in tannins and balanced, with an elegant mouthfeel. Shows Syrah's flavors of blackberries, with a sprightly burst of citrusy acidity from Viognier. Drink now.

Vinto

88

32

California

Oak Knoll District

Napa

Rhône-style Red Blend

Fortunati

null

US

This unusual rosé blends Merlot rosé with substantial portions of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Gewürztraminer, highlighting textural and flavor attributes from each. It's luscious in mouthfeel with a dense concentration of tropical fruit flavors, yet brisk and effortlessly quaffable. A delightful new take on a Hamptons classic.

Summer in a Bottle

90

24

New York

Long Island

Rosé

Wölffer

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Wölffer 2014 Summer in a Bottle Rosé (Long Island)

US

The aromas are a bit unsettled, bringing a wilted-flower note that is off-putting. The ripe cherry, blackberry and smoky flavors seem disconnected. It doesn't all come together, and the variety seems impossible to find.

Ascent One-Half Mile Closer to the Moon

84

42

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Stemilt Creek

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Stemilt Creek 2014 Ascent One-Half Mile Closer to the Moon Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Quite rich and full-bodied, this dry young Pinot is loaded with oodles of red currants, cherries, mocha and cola. It's a little hard and angular in tannins, suggesting midterm ageability. Best now, with decanting, and through 2011 or so.

Fort Ross Vineyard

90

39

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Fort Ross

null

Fort Ross 2005 Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Australia

Mixed plum and a firm amount of wood on the nose and palate; an herb-metallic tinge shows on the latter. A very good, feminine-sized wine with eraser-like tannins, and not too many bells and whistles. 45% Tempranillo, 43% Grenache, 12% Souzao—what may be the strangest McLaren Vale blend ever.

The Sticks & Stones

88

40

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Red Blend

D'Arenberg

null

Portugal

The Jaen, known in Bierzo, Spain as Mencia, gives freshly juicy wines, but with a definite edge of structure. This example has those characters, as well as concentration and ripeness. It is balanced, elegant, a great food wine.

null

88

26

Dão

null

Jaen

Quinta das Maias

null

Italy

Frescobaldi's Pinot Grigio proves to be a well-constructed and composed wine with green fruit like kiwi and honeydew backed by a pine resin, cut-grass quality. Silky smooth in the mouth. Imported by Folio Fine Wine Partners.

null

87

10

Northeastern Italy

Delle Venezie

null

Pinot Grigio

Danzante

null

France

This opulent, powerful wine has weight, richness and a beautiful creamy texture. It's built to age, from its wood aging to its minerality. Concentrated, it offers yellow fruits shot through with acidity. From the grandest Chardonnay vineyard in Burgundy, it will age well and be ready to drink from 2026.

null

97

650

Burgundy

Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Louis Latour

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Louis Latour 2015 Montrachet

US

You have to classify this as a dessert wine, because of the residual sugar sweetness. The honey, apricot, orange and vanilla flavors are balanced with refreshing acidity.

Moscato

87

15

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Muscat Canelli

Maddalena

null

Maddalena 2012 Moscato Muscat Canelli (Paso Robles)

France

While this is certainly structured, the wine shows green pepper flavors and very fresh raspberries, a product of the lightness of the vintage. It is attractive, offering some good freshness, but needs to be consumed now.

Les Trois Roches

87

null

Beaujolais

Moulin-à-Vent

null

Gamay

Domaine du Vissoux

null

Portugal

Made from fruit that's sourced from the Buçaco Mountains in the east of Bairrada, this wine is rich and elegant, and its juicy fruit provides a counterbalance to the structure. With its youthful fruitiness, this is worth aging for another 2–3 years.

Azul Portugal

91

11

Bairrada

null

Portuguese Red

Wines & Winemakers

null

Italy

Made from organically farmed grapes, this is a simple Merlot for everyday fare. It offers a pretty fragrance of red berry and white pepper accompanied by raspberry, cherry and red currant flavors with a hint of pepper.

NSA

85

11

Veneto

null

Merlot

Pizzolato

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Pizzolato 2012 NSA Merlot (Veneto)

US

This light, pleasant quaffer has apple, green melon and hint of pineapple in the mix. The barrel fermentation adds a dusting of toast as a welcome accent. This is not a particularly complex or powerful wine, but will quench your thirst admirably when you're up for something not too heavy.

Barrel Fermented

87

25

Oregon

Applegate Valley

Southern Oregon

Chardonnay

Plaisance Ranch

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Plaisance Ranch 2013 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Applegate Valley)

US

A very nice approximation of Raymond's more expensive Napa Cabernets, this one shows blackberry and currant flavors, with a rich layer of smoky oak and a dry, smooth finish.

R Collection

85

19

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Raymond

null

Chile

Bell pepper and cactus aromas announce greenness. It's also dilute in texture, with cucumber and arugula flavors. Not only is this high on pyrazines, it's past its prime.

Aylin

82

14

Leyda Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Polkura

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Polkura 2012 Aylin Sauvignon Blanc (Leyda Valley)

Italy

This is a well-priced blend with aromas of stone fruit, exotic fruit and almond. The nose is not too intense but the wine tastes tart and crisp in the mouth and ends with a fresh blast of cooling acidity.

Satrico

87

13

Central Italy

Lazio

null

White Blend

Casale del Giglio

null

US

Even in a less-than-ripe vintage such as this, the Leland stands out in the Erath lineup. Tight and herbal, this has an array of Pinot-specific fruits that are of medium concentration. Its balanced use of barrel aging brings a chocolate flavor to the finish.

Leland

88

50

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Erath

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Erath 2010 Leland Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

Italy

This is rich in black cherry flavors, with layered accents of white pepper, almond and walnut. It's the perfect marriage between the elegance of Valpolicella and the structure of Amarone. Imported by Panebianco, Vinity Wine Company.

Semonte Alto

90

26

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

null

Red Blend

Venturini Massimino

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Venturini Massimino 2009 Semonte Alto (Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso)

France

Big, tannic and foursquare, this is archetypal Pommard. The dark plum and black fig flavors and the rich tannins all contribute to a wine that is solid, concentrated, dense and needs at least four years' aging.

Grands Epenots Premier Cru

91

85

Burgundy

Pommard

null

Pinot Noir

Maison Champy

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Maison Champy 2006 Grands Epenots Premier Cru (Pommard)

New Zealand

For under $10, this is a medium-bodied, slightly soft Sauvignon Blanc that's a good introduction to Marlborough. Melon and fig notes show some herbal underpinnings, but this is an easygoing wine meant to be drunk, not contemplated.

Ti Point

85

8

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Kirkland Signature

null

New Zealand

Almost too subtle and understated, this wine's faint melon and grapefruit aromas and flavors are tinged with honey, giving a sweet-sour impression on the palate.

Reserve

83

14

Hawke's Bay

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Mills Reef

null

France

A portion of wine blended for this wine is aged for five years on lees, helping create considerable depth and richness. The youthful fruit has been replaced by almond, spice and crisp acidity, with concentration and fullness. Drink now.

Brut Mosaïque Signature

90

50

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Jacquart

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Jacquart NV Brut Mosaïque Signature (Champagne)

US

Amador Foothill does a good job with Sangiovese, and this dry rosé is made from that variety. It's a cheerful wine, brisk in acidity and with delicate but complex cherry, rose petal and lavender flavors. The winemaker recommends bouillabaisse, which is a pretty good suggestion.

Rosato of

86

11

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Sangiovese

Amador Foothill Winery

null

US

The most notable thing about this Pinot is its intensity of flavor. A blend of both new Dijon clones and older California selections of Pinot Noir, it is stunning with flavors of raspberries, cherries and Dr. Pepper. It's a balanced, elegant wine with vibrant texture , but needs time to truly shine. Hold till at least 2017.

Sea View Ridge Estate Vineyard

95

65

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Flowers

null

Flowers 2011 Sea View Ridge Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

France

Intense aromas of cassis, black plum, licorice and espresso grinds fill the bouquet of this 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Firm and tight in the mouth with prominent tannins and assertive dark fruit flavors. A touch of soft spice unfolds on the end.

Trah Lah Lah

87

13

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays Cité de Carcassonne

null

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon

O'Vineyards

null

US

This wine is made by UC-Santa Cruz astrophysics professor Joe Miller, who's taught wine appreciation for years. Regal and wondrous, the nose conveys concentrated lavender, violets, cedar, oregano, rose petals and patchouli spicing up a grapy frame. The palate offers red fruits laced with clove spice and earth. Ginger, rose water and raspberry emerge in the midpalate, with just enough acidity to carry it through.

Brosseau Vineyard

94

39

California

Chalone

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Rexford

null

US

Tart and leafy, this pure Malbec shows good grip and concentration. Sour raspberry fruit flavors and sharp acids are complemented with barrel spice from aging in once-used French oak. This tastes like a good wine from young vines; it may improve for a couple of years, but it's best for near-term drinking.

null

89

35

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Malbec

Hestia Cellars

null

France

This is a powerful, rich white Hermitage with overtones of buttered nuts. It's slightly waxy, with hints of stone fruit as well. Already shows some hints of age, so this may be best consumed young.

null

90

50

Rhône Valley

Hermitage

null

Rhône-style White Blend

E. Guigal

null

Italy

This opens with aromas of oak, toast, licorice, coconut and sugared plum. The taut palate offers dried cherry, star anise and a green note of powdered sage but not a lot of fruit richness. Raspy tannins leave a tongue-drying finish.

Riserva

87

325

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Argiano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Argiano 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)

US

This is a seriously good Pinot. It's easy to imagine drinking it at a great restaurant, with a fabulous steak. The tannin-acid structure is just perfect, and the texture is silky. Yet tasted at the age 18 months, it's a bit heavy in jammy cherries and raspberries, which suggests aging. Try holding off until 2011–2015.

Toboni Vineyard

93

56

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Arista

null

Australia

Simple and fruity, this coppery-pink sparkler is semisweet but reasonably balanced and clean. The peachy aromas and flavors make it a natural with fresh fruit.

Emeri Pink Moscato

84

13

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

null

Sparkling Blend

De Bortoli

null

US

Sturdy and flavorful, this is a well-made, dry and moderately tannic wine that smells beefy, salt-and-peppery, and tastes juicy like raspberries and cherries with a little bit of meatiness coming through for complexity. The texture has good grip and acidity so the wine will pair well with big proteins.

Founders' Estate

88

10

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Beringer

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Beringer 2015 Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

US

Fresh and vibrant, with ripe cherry, red currant, cola and cedar flavors wrapped into a silky texture. A bit rough and acidic, though. Could develop in the bottle for a few years.

null

87

50

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Twomey

null

Twomey 2007 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)

Argentina

Overt oak is the first thing you encounter on the nose, but underneath the heavy wood covering is a polished and sincere wine. The mouth is lively and juicy, with commendable plum and raspberry flavors. And while the finish is sort of basic in its vanilla and chocolate character, it has a nice feel to it. A wine with virtues but maybe a touch too much new oak.

Q

88

20

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Zuccardi

null

Portugal

The top of the range at Cortes de Cima and deservedly so. The wine is finely structured, with a feeling of restrained power. It has all the right elements of red plum, dry, dark tannins and prominent acidity, all in balance. Age for 3–4 years.

Reserva

92

60

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Cortes de Cima

null

US

Candied macadamia nut, ripe pear and toasted marshmallow aromas may sound over the top, but they're all in balance in this bottling. The palate is tangy with mandarin and lemon skin accents that give depth to the toasted almond and beeswax flavors.

Lafond Vineyard

90

42

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Lafond

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Lafond 2013 Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)

Italy

This frothy dessert wine opens with delicate aromas of honeysuckle, chopped herb and yellow stone fruit. The soft creamy palate shows peach, candied nectarine zest and a hint of apricot.

Andrea Faccio

87

null

Piedmont

Moscato d'Asti

null

Moscato

Villa Giada

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Villa Giada 2015 Andrea Faccio (Moscato d'Asti)

Argentina

No need to drink this intense, highly structured Malbec-Cabernet blend soon, although you could. Aromas of blackberry, cedar and desert brush are intense but also complex. Flavors of baked plum, cassis and blackberry finish strong and with modest heat as well as coffee and chocolate flavors. Drink through 2026.

Icono

93

165

Mendoza Province

Luján de Cuyo

null

Malbec-Cabernet

Luigi Bosca

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Luigi Bosca 2011 Icono Malbec-Cabernet (Luján de Cuyo)

US

This is three quarters Cabernet Sauvignon and one quarter Merlot, from McClellan Estate, Lewis and Seven Hills vineyard fruit. Keeping things simple, winemaker Rich Funk has crafted an open, appealing red wine loaded with flavors of raspberry jam and baking spices. It's fresh and balanced, a fine summer red for immediate consumption.

null

88

24

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Watermill

null

US

Testarossa's annual best-barrel offering starts with broad aromas of violets, blackberry tea and anise on the edges. It's a lighter Pinot density-wise, very soft and expressive with purple fruits, black olive and a fennel-powered acidify on the finish.

Niclaire

90

81

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Testarossa

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Testarossa 2012 Niclaire Pinot Noir (California)

US

Black cherry pie, milk chocolate and lilacs combine for a very accessible and rather lavish nose on this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot. It's easy to like on the sip, with candied purple fruit and licorice spice flavors, proving very fruity, lush and quaffable.

Bouchet

90

35

California

Central Coast

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Brander

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Brander 2015 Bouchet Red

France

It's impressive what a small addition of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle can do to a Sauvignon-Sémillon blend—it turns this into an exotic wine, with spice and lychee flavors.

L'Abbaye

87

22

Southwest France

Bergerac Sec

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Domaine l'Ancienne Cure

null

Italy

Tangerine, lemon-lime and white peach are the main components of the nose, but there's also a touch of fresh garden greens. Spicy mineral notes appear over a refreshing dose of crisp acidity. Imported by Fairest Cape Beverage Co., Inc.

Fagher Brut

87

19

Veneto

Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Le Colture

null

US

This is a bright, brisk wine that's chock full of crisp red-plum flavors and a sweet cherry-blossom perfume that lingers from start to finish. Brisk acidity and loads of fresh, green herbal notes meld nicely with soft, but mouthfilling tannins.

Davis Vineyards

87

29

New York

Finger Lakes

Pinot Noir

Damiani

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Damiani 2010 Davis Vineyards Pinot Noir (Finger Lakes)

US

Grenache makes up nearly three-quarters of this blend, with the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre. Bright raspberry, cranberry, rose hip and white pepper aromas lead to elegant yet high octane fruit flavors that taper toward the warm finish.

Una Notte

88

30

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Rhône-style Red Blend

:Nota Bene

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

:Nota Bene 2012 Una Notte Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

This wine—sold direct only through the winery —gets better with time, with stony, cherry and cardamom brightening up through the tannins as the wine has a chance to breathe. Big and full, V. Sattui gets its grapes from mostly Lake County, rounding it out with a smaller percentage of Napa Valley fruit, as well as a handful from Dry Creek. Very solid.

null

88

26

California

North Coast

Petite Sirah

V. Sattui

Virginie Boone

@vboone

V. Sattui 2008 Petite Sirah (North Coast)

Italy

Le Serre Nuove presents an intense and harmonious bouquet that is accented by opulent notes of black cherry, chocolate, cinnamon spice, leather and tobacco. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet France and Petit Verdot ends long on the close with enduring density and velvety texture.

Le Serre Nuove

93

60

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

null

US

The Stonetree bottling (one of three single-vineyard Zins from Angel Vine) offers pure strawberry fruit flavor, with medium concentration. The 15.2% alcohol does not show that scale, but does offer some finishing power. Could it develop more density and depth with another year in the bottle? Time will tell.

Stonetree Vineyard

88

20

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Zinfandel

Angel Vine

null

Portugal

With its perfumed aroma, this is an immediately attractive rosé that's made from the pink-skinned Moscatel Roxo. Its flavors are crisp; its acidity is touched by yellow peach and rosewater flavors. Drink now.

Colecção Privada

86

null

Setubal

null

Moscatel Roxo

José Maria da Fonseca

Roger Voss

@vossroger

José Maria da Fonseca 2011 Colecção Privada Moscatel Roxo (Setubal)

Italy

Strawberry, leather, menthol, truffle and tilled soil aromas emerge in the glass along with whiffs of blue flower and thyme. The approachable palate offers mature red cherry, licorice and a marked medicinal note while firm, refined tannins provide support. It's a bit shy on freshness so enjoy soon.

Montersino Ad Altiora

89

34

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Taliano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Taliano 2013 Montersino Ad Altiora (Barbaresco)

France

88-90 Barrel sample. Dark bitter chocolate coated wine, soft in texture, but with a good stalky chewy edge. Final flavors are of cedar, new wood and spice.

Barrel sample

89

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Teyssier

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Teyssier 2009 Barrel sample (Saint-Émilion)

South Africa

Here's a dense and concentrated selection at an attractive price point, with direct aromas and flavors of black plum, boysenberry, bramble and violet. The palate is slightly lush and creamy, but texturized by medium tannins and spicy accents of licorice and toast on the close.

Vintage Selection

89

20

Western Cape

null

Shiraz

Spier

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Spier 2011 Vintage Selection Shiraz (Western Cape)

Italy

Aromas of roasted coffee bean, toast, oak-driven spice, ripe berry and scorched earth lead the nose. The firm palate offers black cherry extract, espresso, licorice, oak and coconut alongside assertive, grippy tannins. Still oak driven and tightly tannic, give this a few years to fully develop but then drink to capture the remaining fruit richness. Drink 2017–2021.

Castello Fonterutoli Gran Selezione

89

60

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

Mazzei

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Mazzei 2011 Castello Fonterutoli Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico)

New Zealand

The new project of Erica and Kim Crawford (yes, the Kim Crawford), Loveblock is situated on a spectacular windswept promontory overlooking the sea. Passion fruit, vibrant and pure, marks the nose, while the plump palate reveals hints of gooseberry that linger through the extended finish.

null

90

24

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Loveblock

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Loveblock 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)

France

This is a dry Pinot Gris, very mineral in character, with crisp acidity balanced by fragrant pear and quince topped with spice. It's a crisp wine, lighter than usual for this cuvée and fresher at the end.

Terroir

89

18

Alsace

null

Pinot Gris

Domaine Zinck

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Zinck 2012 Terroir Pinot Gris (Alsace)

US

Made from the oldest vineyard in the appellation, first planted in 1905, this wine shows a cooler-climate vibe of dried fruit and leather, accented definitively in white pepper. Smoky oak provides a sultry backdrop against which riches of berry pie, cola and brown sugar play.

R.W. Moore Vineyard

92

52

California

Coombsville

Napa

Zinfandel

Robert Biale

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Robert Biale 2014 R.W. Moore Vineyard Zinfandel (Coombsville)

US

This is a thin, acidic wine, and it's not quite ripe, to judge from the green, grassy, ammonia notes. It's wonderfully dry and crisp in acidity, but that lack of richness makes it difficult to like.

Terroir Coquerel

83

37

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Coquerel Family Wine Estates

null

Spain

Floral, tropical-fruit aromas suggest orange and mango. This is juicy and under control on the palate, with dry yeasty white-fruit and citrus flavors. On the finish, this is showing ample freshness. Drink now.

null

89

18

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Vieira de Plata

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Vieira de Plata 2015 Albariño (Rías Baixas)

Spain

Bold, forward and extracted red wine, with raspberry, earth, compost and a light leafiness to the nose. Tannic and tight, with plum and heavy, ripe berry flavors. Toasty and dark on the finish too, with power and freshness.

Tinto

85

12

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Alidis

null

US

Made the way Pinot Grigio should be. Bone dry and zesty in acidity, it has citrus, mineral and floral flavors that finish with a scour of peppery spice. A brilliant cocktail sipper that will also complement savory appetizers.

null

88

19

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Grigio

Longoria

null

Longoria 2009 Pinot Grigio (Santa Barbara County)

Australia

Straightforward apple and lime aromatics bust from the glass alongside some slightly smoky, struck-flint notes, but this wine offers rather simple fruit flavors on the palate, It's medium bodied, with a hint of honey already creeping in on the finish, suggesting early consumption is warranted.

Watervale Dry

86

18

South Australia

Clare Valley

null

Riesling

Fire Block

null

Portugal

This is an unexpected wine, unoaked Baga in the Alentejo rather than its home territory of Bairrada. The result is a wine that certainly hasn't lost its fierce tannins while gaining a rich, full black fruit character. The typical acidity is there, again mitigated by the warmer climate away from the ocean. It's a surprisingly impressive wine to drink now.

Baga ao Sol

90

38

Alentejano

null

Baga

Fitapreta

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Fitapreta 2013 Baga ao Sol Baga (Alentejano)

Italy

Ripe and juicy, and overall quite tasty. It begins with a lot of red fruit, and in the mouth it's more of the same with no rough edges. It's a seamless Chianti, a sure hit in the trattorias. And there's nothing wrong with the smooth raspberry finish that features some creamy vanilla oak.

Pèppoli

87

23

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Antinori

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Antinori 1999 Pèppoli (Chianti Classico)