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 ⌀
Italy	This easy-going expression of Montepulciano opens with flavors of red fruit and cherry, with background shadings of leather and nutmeg. It finishes clean and fresh, with medium heft.	Vigneto Vigne Nuove	87	13	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Valle Reale	null	null	null
Greece	Black fruit and mocha on the nose are followed by mocha, berry and cedar on the palate with this lively red. A touch of truffle and tobacco add to the appeal. Pair with lamb or grilled beef for added flavor.	Techni Alipias Red	85	27	Drama	null	null	Red Blend	Texnh Oinoy	null	null	null
US	Blackberry, boysenberry, smoke and grilled meat flavors fill this rich, well-balanced and medium to full-bodied wine. The aromas are charming and appetizing, making it seem ready to drink now. However, the mouthfeel is very firm with tannins and acidity, signaling that the wine should age well through at least 2020.	Mountain Selection	91	24	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Syrah	Scott Harvey	null	null	null
US	Corley builds its reserve Cab for the long haul. The wine is too tannic to enjoy now, numbing the palate with dry astringency. But there's great depth here, to judge by the wealth of black currant flavor that's accented by rich new oak. Cellar this puppy until at least 2008, and it should hit its prime from 2010 and for many years after.	Reserve	93	65	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Corley	null	null	null
Italy	This is not your standard Cerasuolo di Vittoria by any stretch. The wine exhibits dark concentration and plush aromas of blackberry and sweet almond thanks to 18 months of oak aging. This is a fuller and denser expression of what is usually a light and compact wine.	Barocco	90	50	Sicily & Sardinia	Cerasuolo di Vittoria	null	Red Blend	Avide	null	null	Avide 2002 Barocco (Cerasuolo di Vittoria)
US	This Tempranillo is amazingly like a Pinot Noir, with a similar mix of cola, dusty cocoa and sour cherry fruit. Perhaps a bit softer than most Pinots, and absent the vegetal and tomato leaf character that often strikes Oregon wines at this price point; this is a very tasty bottle with a lovely, ripe, round and lightly smoky finish.	null	88	24	Oregon	Rogue Valley	Southern Oregon	Tempranillo	David Hill	null	null	null
US	Made with a classic Champagne blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is the simplest of Iron Horse's bubblies. It's elegant, and should be consumed in its youth.	Classic Vintage Brut	87	31	California	Green Valley	Sonoma	Sparkling Blend	Iron Horse	null	null	null
US	With plenty of ripe fruit flavors and an apparent touch of sweetness, this tastes smooth, soft and thick in texture, and full in body.	null	84	13	California	Lake County	null	Red Blend	Playtime	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Playtime 2012 Red (Lake County)
US	This producer is well respected for its long reputation of making ageworthy whites and this vintage is no exception, a bright, complex and nutty expression of pear and ginger cookie. Textured and restrained, it shows a wealth of structure and lemony acidity. Cellar it away until 2024 if you can.	null	93	48	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Stony Hill	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Stony Hill 2014 Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
France	Despite some tough tannins on the finish, this is an intriguingly complex wine that may prove even better than this rating suggests. It starts with a garrigue note and a hint of tapenade, then adds bright cherry fruit and plenty of dusty tannins. Drink 2014–2020.	null	88	45	Rhône Valley	Châteauneuf-du-Pape	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	André Brunel	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	André Brunel 2009 Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
France	This tastes lean, the fruit buried deep beneath hard, dry fruit tannins. There is an old style austerity here that demands food. The final juicy acidity does leave a welcome relief.	null	84	24	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château d'Arcins	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château d'Arcins 2006 Haut-Médoc
US	This blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 17% Syrah, 8% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc offers plummy chocolate and leather notes and dense, layered tannins. Toasty oak adds to the concentration and body, before a lift of acidity closes out the finish. This wine is available in three Halloween-themed labels all created for Flora Springs by CD-cover artist Wes Freed.	Ghost Winery	91	44	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	Flora Springs	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Flora Springs 2013 Ghost Winery Red (Napa Valley)
US	A beautiful Cabernet to drink now. Dry and classy, it has rich tannins framing deep, delicious chocolate, blackberry tart and pie spice flavors that finish long and sweet. The perfect restaurant Napa Cab.	Tietjen Vineyard	90	60	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Elyse	null	null	null
Austria	Moss and citrus join the Conference-pear flavors on the nose. The palate tingles with citrus freshness and has edges of white pepper, savory yeast and salty soy. The flavors are mouthfilling but wonderfully light on a zesty, slender and refreshing palate.	Rossatz Federspiel	91	23	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Fischer	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Fischer 2016 Rossatz Federspiel Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)
France	Mineral textured, this wine pushes the power of wines in Gevrey-Chambertin. It is all tannins, dark structure, powerful acidity, very concentrated. It needs many years—10 or more.	null	93	110	Burgundy	Mazis-Chambertin	null	Pinot Noir	Maison Jessiaume	null	null	null
Italy	Blends aromas of blanched nuts, field greens and snappy fruit into a very nice whole. The palate is sharp and clean, with grassy notes along with apple and lime. Sort of New Zealand-like in its approach, with a finish that is precise and crisp. And there's just enough texture to the wine so that it isn't lean. Imported by Astoria.	null	90	20	Northeastern Italy	Delle Venezie	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Astoria	null	null	null
Italy	This opens with delicate aromas that recall orchard fruit and yellow wild flower. The juicy, easygoing palate shows ripe pear, white peach and citrus alongside bright acidity.	null	87	17	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Inzolia	Feudo Principi di Butera	null	null	null
Australia	Shows some pungent, aggressive Sauvignon aromas that verge on vegetal, then pulls back on the palate, where it develops flavors of melon and nectarine and a slightly creamy texture. This is nicely balanced and easy to like, with a long, nettle-y finish.	null	88	18	South Australia	Adelaide Hills	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Groom	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Groom 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (Adelaide Hills)
US	JV Estate stands for junior vines; these young vines bring on sweet, candied flavors of berries and citrus. There's no depth here, but what's up front is fresh and fruity, if slightly sugary. The impression of granular sugar lingers into the midpalate, where some green tannins also appear. But for the price, this is a fine bottle for near-term enjoyment.	JV Estate	86	25	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Stoller	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Stoller 2006 JV Estate Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
US	Creamy fresh white fruit and toast on the nose hint at a fullness that the wine does not quite deliver on the palate, but overall the fruit is good. This tends toward tart and needs the balance of more oak to cut the edge.	null	84	15	New York	Cayuga Lake	Finger Lakes	Chardonnay	Cayuga Ridge Estate	null	null	null
US	This is an interesting wine that pushes the boundaries beyond the usual offerings in California. Blended from Viognier, Vermentino, Verdelho and Sauvignon Blanc, it's dry, tart and complex, with a broad range of citrus, white peach, dried apricot and white pepper flavors. Don't serve it too cold.	White4	91	16	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	White Blend	Vina Robles	null	null	Vina Robles 2011 White4 White (Paso Robles)
France	There's a lifted, herbal element to this wine's aromas of cherries and dusty earth, but it serves to add complexity, not detract from the fruit. In the mouth, the flavors include hints of pepper and meat alongside oodles of ripe cherries. It's all balanced and harmonious even if it's not a blockbuster. A fine effort from a difficult vintage.	null	87	13	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône Villages	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Domaine de la Renjarde	null	null	null
Chile	Toasty oak, oodles of sweet fruit, and supple tannins are hallmarks of superconsultant Michel Rolland, and he has managed to bring them to the masses in this gently constructed Merlot. Bing cherries and toast, with mocha and herb shadings, are brought together with a deft touch.	null	88	14	Rapel Valley	null	null	Merlot	Lapostolle	null	null	null
US	Tastes heavy and tannic now, but there's a big core of blackberries, currants, grilled meat and peppery spices, and it's totally dry. Already throwing sediment, it could age in interesting ways over the next 6–8 years.	Palisades Vineyard	87	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Petite Sirah	Carver Sutro	null	null	Carver Sutro 2006 Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
France	A lightly botrytised wine, with sweet raisins and orange zest. The wine is soft, missing acidity, but the freshness is just right.	Seigneurs de Monbazillac	84	10	Southwest France	Monbazillac	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Yvon Mau	null	null	null
US	This is quite an impressive Cabernet. The wine rivals an intense Napa Cabernet, with it's tannic structure and its bold flavors of blackberry, black currant and licorice that have been exquisitely oaked. It's elegantly drinkable now despite the power, but should comfortably glide through at least the next eight years.	null	95	75	California	Chalk Hill	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Creō	null	null	Creō 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Chalk Hill)
US	A pale straw-yellow in color, this take on a relatively rare grape delivers a nose of lime spritzer and grapefruit pith. Lively acidity shows on the palate, with flavors of poached pear and citrus rind. A brisk minerality makes this a perfect pairing for a wide range of foods, from shrimp paella to seared salmon to a BLT.	null	88	21	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Grenache Blanc	Sextant	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Sextant 2013 Grenache Blanc (Paso Robles)
France	In an effort to persuade us that rosé is not just for the summer, this is a wine ostensibly for winter. In fact, name aside, it could be consumed this summer as well. It is fruity, with a touch of minerality and is ready to drink now.	Grain de Glace Le Rosé d'Hiver	87	16	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Les Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'île de Saint-Tropez	null	null	null
US	Clove and vanilla make for a serious, if not terribly refreshing, opening. There's nice grapefruit and pomelo fruit here and a medium, lemony finish that veers towards tart. Drink up.	Founder's Field Reserve	84	26	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Sauvignon Blanc	Castello di Borghese	null	null	null
US	Quite a steal of a deal for a widely available wine, this shows cinnamon, red cherry, ripe cranberry, light tobacco and a touch of leather on the rustic nose. Once sipped, the mouthfeel is soft, offering flavors of cranberry and red cherry that are spiced by thyme, bay leaf and more cinnamon.	Estate Vineyards	90	23	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	MacMurray Ranch	null	null	null
US	A brilliant shade of purplish-pink, this bottling is quite light on the nose, with hints of hibiscus and raspberry. The flavors are crisp and easy, with tart strawberry, light nectarine and subtle cranberry juice.	Rose of	87	26	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Kessler-Haak	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Kessler-Haak 2016 Rose of Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
US	A fresh, fruity wine. A little soft but full of juicy flavors of lemon, lime, peach and pear, with flowery, honeyed notes. It's pleasant rather than complex, an everyday picnic-sort-of-wine.	Symphony	83	12	California	California	California Other	White Blend	Baywood	null	null	null
France	This is round, while also having a mineral edge. Apple and wood flavors power through the crispness, along with a charming touch of honey. For short-term aging.	Les Narvaux	88	56	Burgundy	Meursault	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Vincent Girardin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Vincent Girardin 2010 Les Narvaux (Meursault)
US	Light and lively, this Pinot Noir-based wine has subtle but delicious, fresh and tangy cherry and raspberry flavors that unfold on the palate.	null	91	25	California	Anderson Valley	null	Rosé	Pennyroyal Farm	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Pennyroyal Farm 2015 Rosé (Anderson Valley)
US	This is Krug's flagship Cabernet, produced since 1944. Always 100% varietal, it's a big, tannic wine, made for aging. The '08 is a lovely wine, with classic old-style Cab flavors of blackberries, currants, herbs and cedar. It's certainly higher in alcohol than in the old days, but still maintains balance. Give it six years, at least.	Vintage Selection	93	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Charles Krug	null	null	null
Australia	This medium- to full-bodied white features a richly textured mouthfeel to go with its toasty aromas and melon fruit. There's a touch of creamed-corn character, and the finish could be longer, but it's still a plump, satisfying wine to pair with chicken or fish.	The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne	87	15	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Rhône-style White Blend	D'Arenberg	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	D'Arenberg 2006 The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne White (McLaren Vale)
Austria	A subdued nose leads onto a subtle citrus-edged palate of grapefruit and lemon peel with some richer notions of lemon oil appearing here and there. This is an understated, fresh and clean Riesling.	Auichleiten Reserve	89	22	Niederösterreich	null	null	Riesling	Schwarzböck	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Schwarzböck 2015 Auichleiten Reserve Riesling (Niederösterreich)
Italy	Here's a simple and bright expression of Primitivo, offering aromas of blackberry, cherry and bitter chocolate. It offers a chiseled, sharp mouthfeel.	null	86	null	Southern Italy	Primitivo di Manduria	null	Primitivo	Vita Italia	null	null	Vita Italia 2008 Primitivo di Manduria
US	Named for the address of the vineyard on Live Oak Road, this blend of 30% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 13% Cinsault, 10% Counoise and 3% Viognier shows powerful licorice, cola, caramel, baked plum and thyme on the nose. The tannins are extremely soft on the sip, where lavish but not overripe purple flowers and black fruit compete for attention.	Fifteen 10 Red Derby Vineyard	93	32	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Derby	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Derby 2013 Fifteen 10 Red Derby Vineyard Red (Paso Robles)
US	This sweet Viognier tastes like a pineapple, orange, apricot and peach fruit juice blend. The acidity is balancing, but feels added.	null	84	20	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Viognier	Robert Hall	null	null	null
US	Lemon pith and ripe peach aromas are clouded under a distinctly medicinal tone of baby aspirin. While there is nice roundness to the palate and balanced acidity to boot, the flavors are mild showings of orchard fruit and lemon curd.	Wren Song	84	25	Michigan	Lake Michigan Shore	null	Riesling	Wyncroft	Alexander Peartree	null	Wyncroft 2013 Wren Song Riesling (Lake Michigan Shore)
US	The bouquet of this earthy, aromatic vineyard-designate wine is bursting with freshly picked wildflowers and earth. The palate is mouthwatering in blueberry, strawberry and a bite of sour cherry. Lively acidity keeps the proceedings on a hair-raising ride, before diving headfirst into a long finish of bacon and dark chocolate.	Flax Vineyard	94	54	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Merry Edwards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Merry Edwards 2012 Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	Shows the dryness and raciness of all Brander's Sauvignon Blancs, with lovely, delicious citrus fruit, lemongrass, vanilla, honeysuckle and spice flavors. Just a delight to drink, at a great price.	null	89	15	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Brander	null	null	null
Australia	Shaw and Smith's Sauvignon Blanc has become emblematic of the Adelaide Hills style, combining tropical fruit with a grassy streak, all framed by zippy citrus flavors. This would work equally as an apéritif or with various seafood dishes.	null	88	25	South Australia	Adelaide Hills	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Shaw and Smith	null	null	null
Italy	This vineyard-designate blend of Trebbiano and Grechetto opens with a luminous golden color and elegant aromas of stone fruit, citrus, Golden Delicious apple and mature pear. There's a pretty hint of vanilla and almond butter at the back.	Torre di Giano Vigna il Pino	89	40	Central Italy	Torgiano	null	White Blend	Lungarotti	null	null	null
France	This is an attractive blend that includes a good proportion of ripe Sémillon and perfumed Muscadelle. They soften and deliciously fill out the herbal edge of the wine. That gives it a rich feel, full and fruity with a fragrant aftertaste. Drink now.	null	87	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Tour le Pin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Tour le Pin 2015 Bordeaux Blanc
Italy	A touch of bitter fruit and dried apple skin emerges from the bouquet at first and is followed by dark mocha and jammy blackberry fruit. The wine is sweet, chewy and rich in the mouth.	Dolce Rosso	83	7	Central Italy	Lambrusco dell'Emilia	null	Lambrusco	Sei Amici	null	null	Sei Amici NV Dolce Rosso (Lambrusco dell'Emilia)
Chile	Arguably a bit overwooded, but if you like a hefty wine (14.5%) with an oily feel, this is it. The mouthfeel is slick and a bit greasy, but with extract to spare that's the way it is. The flavors are big and typical, with peach, apple and popcorn. A big boy from the Southern Hemisphere.	Legado Reserva	87	15	Limarí Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	De Martino	null	null	null
US	There's a strong green-peppercorn tinge to the nose of this bottling, along with hints of ancho chile and cedar. The palate shows oregano, thyme and dill, proving quite Old World in style, with only the slightest presence of blackberry fruit.	Flood Family Vineyard	87	22	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Merlot	Rancho Sisquoc	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Rancho Sisquoc 2015 Flood Family Vineyard Merlot (Santa Barbara County)
Argentina	Hints of melon and citrus on the nose, but the palate is limited in what it offers. Flavors of dried apricot is the best you get from this short, somewhat bitter wine. Not concentrated; stretched thin. Imported by Winesellers Ltd.	null	80	8	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Pinot Grigio	Santa Julia	null	null	null
Chile	Strong but pleasant oak-based aromas of sandalwood complement lightly herbal plum and berry notes. This feels wiry and intense, with rugged tannins. Herbal, oaky berry flavors finish with scratchy tannins and a distant note of green.	Gran Terroir Estate Grown La Huella Vineyard	88	18	Bío Bío Valley	null	null	Malbec	Agustinos	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Agustinos 2015 Gran Terroir Estate Grown La Huella Vineyard Malbec (Bío Bío Valley)
Italy	Cutaja opens with a healthy dose of cinnamon and spice backed by bright cherry and toasted almond. The fruit shows a dark, ripe quality, with overtones of black olive and caper, but there is enough acidity to keep the palate refreshed.	Cutaja	88	35	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Caruso & Minini	null	null	null
US	Sophisticated and complex, this terroir-specific wine artfully blends herbal components—green tea, chamomile and mint—with tart red fruit flavors of pomegranate, raspberry, and bramble. The blend is 43% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.	Two Blondes Vineyard	92	55	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Andrew Will	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Andrew Will 2010 Two Blondes Vineyard Red (Yakima Valley)
US	Captures Zin's true varietal character, with briary, brambly wild berry fruit, pepper, and soft tannins. Those fruity flavors are exuberant on the palate, carried by firm, dry tannins and adequate acidity. A friendly, easy to like wine, and a good value.	null	86	9	California	California	California Other	Zinfandel	Ironstone	null	null	null
Italy	This beautiful wine boasts impressive harmony and balance between its fruit, spice, tannic and acidic elements. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot and the bouquet is redolent of cherry, blackberry, cinnamon and leather. Very nice.	null	91	null	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Michele Satta	null	null	null
Australia	Predominantly Grenache, with smaller amounts of Shiraz and Mourvèdre, but the aromas reflect the Mourvèdre's tendency toward dark fruit and tree bark. The flavors show some redder fruit flavors—raspberries—as well as touches of caramel and rhubarb, and this slightly syrupy wine finishes with a tangy edge. It's a little eccentric in style and flavor profile, but savory and tasty in its own way—and a relative bargain.	Artisan Wines Classic	86	10	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	G-S-M	Marquee	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Marquee 2006 Artisan Wines Classic G-S-M (South Eastern Australia)
Italy	Escol Riserva shows tight and astringent oak tannins that need another two or three years to soften. Bold wood notes of sweet vanilla and spice elevate this wine in terms of intensity and overall richness and come just shy of eclipsing the cherry fruit richness.	Escol Riserva	88	38	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane	null	Montepulciano	San Lorenzo	null	null	San Lorenzo 2008 Escol Riserva (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane)
US	There are pretty hints of rose petal and fresh apple on this dry Cabernet Franc rosé, but it's a tad savory in style, with layers of smoke, dried herb, leaf and stem. It's a nice accompaniment to everyday meals.	Dry	84	16	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Rosé	Silver Thread	null	null	null
US	Seemingly sweet, with Lifesaver cherry and raspberry candy flavors and tart acidity, this simple wine is fine for everyday meals or parties.	null	82	18	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Cryptic	null	null	Cryptic 2010 Red (California)
US	Aromatic and appealing, this perfectly captures the pretty orange peel and citrus scents of the grape. In the mouth it's sweet but buoyed by bright acids, the fruit clean and layered, bringing in streaks of cinnamon, honey, vanilla and tea as it rolls into a satisfying finish.	Moscato D'Latah	89	15	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Muscat	Latah Creek	null	null	null
US	A very beautiful wine that shows the exotic, feral quality of the greatest Pinot Noirs from the Fort Ross area. It's explosive in wild raspberry and cherry flavors, with hints of pine, cola, wintergreen, anise, bacon and smoky, sweet vanillins from oak barrels. A wine of great pedigree, it's showing well now, and should hold for the next six years.	Fort Ross Vineyard Reserve	94	49	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Fort Ross	null	null	Fort Ross 2007 Fort Ross Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
France	A beautiful opaque garnet color, you know this wine is going to be intense at first glance. Dark rich fruits abound on the nose and palate: blueberry, black plum, violet, coffee granules and a hint of cured meat. The mouth is silky and full and beautifully supported by soft, dusty tannins. Closes on a long, hearty finish.	Old Vine	91	56	Languedoc-Roussillon	Minervois La Liviniere	null	Grenache	Château Maris	null	null	null
US	Unique in style and sourced—these are the oldest Pinot Gris vines in the country—this young, yeasty, textural wine will surely continue to improve in the bottle. Give it a lot of breathing time, and complex layers of rock and fruit unfold. Jicama, cucumber, daikon radish...You get the idea. It tastes as clean and fresh as a mountain spring.	Original Vines	92	22	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	The Eyrie Vineyards	null	null	null
US	Barrel-fermented in neutral oak, this is ready to drink, softly flavorful with yellow apple and other yellow fruits, and a warm, autumnal mouthfeel. Drink now through 2018.	Old Mill	88	18	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Ancient Cellars	null	null	null
Italy	Made exclusively with Merlot, this opens with aromas of cedar, mint and dark berry. The straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, espresso and a hint of grilled bell pepper alongside somewhat raspy tannins that cut off the finish.	Pulleraia	87	40	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Merlot	Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico 2011 Pulleraia Merlot (Toscana)
Italy	This expression shows ripe fruit and a bold, creamy style. Pear and Golden Delicious apple notes give the wine momentum and the added freshness it needs.	null	87	24	Southern Italy	Greco di Tufo	null	Greco	Villa Raiano	null	null	Villa Raiano 2011 Greco di Tufo
US	Sweet-pea vines and green herbs add freshness to the perfumed flower and luscious peach-nectar notes. A classically-styled Pinot Gris, this is dry yet mouthfilling and rich. It finishes long, with notes of stone fruit and black tea leaves.	null	88	14	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Pinot Gris	Lakewood	null	null	null
US	Ripe yellow-peach and delicate red-berry hints lend a juicy, easygoing fruitiness to this concentrated Riesling. Soft, pink-grapefruit-like acidity and a flash of green herb add freshness to the finish.	Semi Sweet	87	14	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Keuka Spring	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Keuka Spring 2010 Semi Sweet Riesling (Finger Lakes)
US	This wears its 16.5% alcohol well, like a heavy but graceful dancer. It's softly sweet in glycerine, with flavors of milk chocolate and blackberry jam, sprinkled with black pepper and anisette liqueur.	null	86	25	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Bluenose	null	null	Bluenose 2008 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
US	This is a very strongly flavored Cabernet, most notable for the intensity of its blackberry, cherry and raspberry fruit. It's almost sweet, an impression furthered by the caramel of toasted oak, although in reality the wine is fully and appropriately dry. Delicious and flashy, it should evolve in the bottle over the next dozen years.	Fay	93	105	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Stag's Leap Wine Cellars	null	null	null
US	Attractive characteristics of charred French oak, ripe black cherries, coffee and spice linger on the nose and palates, but are chased by a green vein of underripe fruit and leaves. Gripping tannins drive the finish to a dusty, dark end note.	null	85	20	New York	The Hamptons, Long Island	Long Island	Merlot	Wölffer	null	null	null
US	Sweet in raspberry and cherry jam flavors, with a touch of smoky oak, this ready to drink now, but it needs a good decanting or at least an hour in the glass to develop.	null	87	30	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Merlot	Truchard	null	null	null
France	This is a lightweight, refreshing rosé, with charming aromas and flavors of crushed stone, tart cherries and fresh limes and a crisp, citrusy finish. Drink it up before winter.	Rosé	86	12	Rhône Valley	Costières de Nîmes	null	Syrah-Grenache	Château de Valcombe	null	null	null
Serbia	This Serbian white has notes of fresh cut grass, lime peel and mango on the nose, and tropical fruit flavors like mango and guava on the palate. The finish is nice and crisp with good acidity.	Zupska	87	22	Župa	null	null	Tamjanika	Budimir	null	null	null
US	Forgeron makes a full-bodied style of Syrah, with an almost jammy midpalate loaded with boysenberry and blueberry fruit. Veins of herb and loam lead into a generously chocolaty finish. The fruit is 100% from the Boushey Vineyard.	null	90	30	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Forgeron	null	null	null
Portugal	This Port is structured, with notes of mint and herb. It has blackberry jam flavor and a firm, solid structure, while it also shows intense youthful fruitiness. It is rich and full, showing some firm tannins. Either drink it right now, or leave it for 10 years.	Quinta Vale d'Agodinho Vintage	88	75	Port	null	null	Port	Quevedo	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quevedo 2010 Quinta Vale d'Agodinho Vintage (Port)
US	Darkly charred wood mingles with scents of coconut, dill and sweet spice on this heavily-oaked Chardonnay. Hints of smoke and hazelnuts seep into the palate as well, but serve to highlight fresh, fruity flavors of pear, lemon and orange rind. This finishes on a slightly-bitter wood note.	Barrel Fermented	85	16	America	null	null	Chardonnay	Truro	null	null	null
Portugal	The wine is ripe and very full in the mouth. With tannins that are enveloped by rich black fruit, it is already drinkable. Dense plum and strawberry flavors are generous, with a touch of pepper. It is ready to drink.	Aneto Tinto	85	15	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Sobredos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Sobredos 2011 Aneto Tinto Red (Douro)
Chile	Rubber, tar, coffee grounds and crusty dark-fruit aromas set up a chewy, full palate with meaty flavors of blackberry, toasted oak and herbs. Round on the tongue and thick, but controlled on the finish, with a mild licorice flavor and herbal leftovers.	Selección	86	12	Maipo Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Viña Chocalan	null	null	null
Australia	This is a well-priced example of Barossa Cabernet, laden with characteristic notes of chocolate, mint and berry fruit, wrapped in a layer of toasty oak. It's full bodied, yet easy to drink because of the soft tannins and mouthwatering finish. Probably best between now and 2020.	Grand Barossa	88	16	South Australia	Barossa	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Château Tanunda	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Château Tanunda 2012 Grand Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa)
US	Raw in the mouth, with green, stemmy tannins and a chlorophyll taste to the berry-cherry flavors. So it's not quite ripe. But it's dry and okay with barbecue.	null	83	18	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Wellington	null	null	null
Italy	A blend of Insolia and Chardonnay, this opens with a light golden color and fragrant aromas of honeysuckle, white almond and stone fruit. It shows a thick, creamy consistency on the palate.	Angimbé	88	17	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	White Blend	Cusumano	null	null	Cusumano 2011 Angimbé White (Sicilia)
Italy	Pergole Vece opens with a beautiful nose of black fruit, molasses, chocolate, blackberry jam and loads of vanilla or cinnamon spice. It's a smooth, soft and textured wine with a long, delicious finish.	Pergole Vece	94	118	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Le Salette	null	null	null
US	Apple skin and guava rise out from a more buttery aroma that leads to oak on the palate. Light bodied, the wine finishes tart in lemon and lime.	Suzanne's Blend	84	36	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Gracianna	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Gracianna 2014 Suzanne's Blend Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
US	From a tiny spot near the town of Forestville, this vineyard-designate does justice to the special site, planted in Goldridge dirt to a variety of suitcase clones. Earth, sage and a persistence of exotic spice mark it first, inviting one in for further exploration of raspberry, cherry and a firmness of tannin. Concentrated, it's enjoyable now and yet should have years more to go in the bottle. Drink now through 2024.	Reuling Vineyard	94	69	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Sojourn	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Sojourn 2014 Reuling Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Spain	Grassy white-fruit aromas are basic. This feels soft and easy, with mild acidity. Basic white-fruit flavors are undistinguished and are mellow on the finish. Everything about this brut strikes as good but standard.	Brut	87	17	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Mistinguett	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Mistinguett NV Brut Sparkling (Cava)
Italy	From one of the top estates in the Matelica denomination and made from organically farmed grapes, this stunning wine offers a beautiful bouquet of acacia flowers, beeswax and stone fruit. The palate delivers flavors of creamy white peach, apricot and pear, all accented by aromatic herbs and mineral tones. Delicious now, with crisp acidity, this will develop complexity over the next few years.	null	92	18	Central Italy	Verdicchio di Matelica	null	Verdicchio	ColleStefano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	ColleStefano 2012 Verdicchio di Matelica
South Africa	You should know what you're getting yourself into here, as the name definitely doesn't lie. So minty and herbaceous it's almost hard to believe, and it all mingles with notes of crushed violets and black currant leaf as well as a solid fruit core of cassis and black plum skins. It's firm and tight in the mouth but approachable after a little breathing time.	The Mint	90	45	Stellenbosch	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Thelema	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Thelema 2007 The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)
US	WillaKenzie's most affordable estate-grown Pinot, this opens with a truly lovely bouquet of rose petals, raspberries and dusty chocolate. Soft and smooth upon entry, it's a light, detailed and sophisticated vineyard blend that spent 10 months in 20% new oak.	Gisèle	89	30	Oregon	Willamette Valley	null	Pinot Noir	WillaKenzie Estate	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	WillaKenzie Estate 2013 Gisèle Pinot Noir
France	A ripe wine with vanilla and intense structure, it is very rich and almost heavy in character. Generous yellow fruits are ripe and full of juicy acidity. The wood aging just shows along with spice at the end. Drink from 2017.	Clos Saint-Jean Premier Cru	91	74	Burgundy	Chassagne-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Alex Gambal	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a simple but well made red from Tuscany that has floral aromas of violet and rose with berry notes. The palate offers bright cherry, red currant and a touch of spice. Pair this with pasta dishes or grilled vegetables.	Pietramaggio	86	11	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Fattoria di Grignano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Fattoria di Grignano 2011 Pietramaggio Red (Toscana)
Argentina	Foresty berry aromas are backed up by baking spice, cola and toasty oak notes on the nose of this chewy, dense, fairly tannic Malbec. Plum and blackberry flavors come with an exotic note of cardamom along with coffee and dry oak. On the finish, this feels resiny and tastes a bit herbal. Drink through 2020.	Select	90	24	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	El Solar de Orfila	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	El Solar de Orfila 2012 Select Malbec (Mendoza)
US	Savory slightly rustic tones of forest floor and bramble lend complexity to this elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Peppery spice and dried herb flavors meld into tart red cherry and plum on the palate. It's rich in body yet balanced neatly with a taut frame of acidity and fine persistent tannins. Drink now through 2021.	Sawmill Creek Vineyards	89	28	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet-Syrah	Billsboro	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Billsboro 2014 Sawmill Creek Vineyards Cabernet-Syrah (Finger Lakes)
Austria	With notions of cherry and cinnamon on the nose and just slight fizz, this is a refreshing, fruit-driven sparkling rosé that's full of strawberry and cherry notes—it might just be the very definition of easy summer wine. It ends dry, yet refreshing.	Frizzante Rosé	85	21	Österreichischer Perlwein	null	null	Pinot Noir	Gebeshuber	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Gebeshuber 2013 Frizzante Rosé Pinot Noir (Österreichischer Perlwein)
New Zealand	Starts off well, with aromas of toast, vanilla and black cherries. The attack is rich and sweet as well, but then the wine turns a bit drying and herbal on the finish. Needs time—but will the fruit hold?	Gimblett	86	35	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Merlot	Trinity Hill	null	null	null
Italy	This gripping, delicious wine seamlessly weaves together sensations of blue flower, exotic incense, ripe black cherry, mature plum, cracked pepper, mocha, clove and graphite. It's already delicious and well balanced, with bracing tannins and racy acidity, but give it time to soften and develop complexity. Drink 2019–2029.	Fatica Contadina	94	34	Southern Italy	Taurasi	null	Aglianico	Terredora Di Paolo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Terredora Di Paolo 2009 Fatica Contadina (Taurasi)
Chile	Ripe berries, black cherries, earth, chocolate and herbs all mark this nose of this solid Merlot. Fairly full on the palate, it has a supple feel and plum and berry flavors. The finish is reserved, maybe even a bit austere, with dry, semisweet chocolate notes on the tart plum fruit.	Reserva	86	15	Maipo Valley	null	null	Merlot	Cousiño-Macul	null	null	Cousiño-Macul 1998 Reserva Merlot (Maipo Valley)
Argentina	Deep, compact and rich on the nose, with a big dose of ripe berry aromas. The palate is healthy and blends a beefy, muscular body with balancing acids and firm but ripe tannins. Tastes pretty and sweet, like blackberry or plum pie. Chewy and chocolaty on the finish; overall it's a winner.	Serie A	90	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Bonarda	Zuccardi	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Zuccardi 2009 Serie A Bonarda (Mendoza)
France	94-96 Barrel sample. An immense wine, but one that is keeping all its elements in balance. Big, rich and ripe, apricots, peach juice and dry honeyed botrytis, along with a good element of freshness.	Barrel sample	95	null	Bordeaux	Sauternes	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Lamothe Guignard	null	null	null
Italy	A blend of Friulano, Malvasia, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Ribolla Gialla, it has aromas of hawthorne, stone fruit, pear and almond. The palate offers green apple, yellow peach, bitter almond and a hint of menthol alongside bright acidity.	Blanc des Rosis	88	28	Northeastern Italy	Venezia Giulia	null	White Blend	Mario Schiopetto	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Mario Schiopetto 2012 Blanc des Rosis White (Venezia Giulia)

Italy

This easy-going expression of Montepulciano opens with flavors of red fruit and cherry, with background shadings of leather and nutmeg. It finishes clean and fresh, with medium heft.

Vigneto Vigne Nuove

87

13

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Valle Reale

null

Greece

Black fruit and mocha on the nose are followed by mocha, berry and cedar on the palate with this lively red. A touch of truffle and tobacco add to the appeal. Pair with lamb or grilled beef for added flavor.

Techni Alipias Red

85

27

Drama

null

Red Blend

Texnh Oinoy

null

US

Blackberry, boysenberry, smoke and grilled meat flavors fill this rich, well-balanced and medium to full-bodied wine. The aromas are charming and appetizing, making it seem ready to drink now. However, the mouthfeel is very firm with tannins and acidity, signaling that the wine should age well through at least 2020.

Mountain Selection

91

24

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Syrah

Scott Harvey

null

US

Corley builds its reserve Cab for the long haul. The wine is too tannic to enjoy now, numbing the palate with dry astringency. But there's great depth here, to judge by the wealth of black currant flavor that's accented by rich new oak. Cellar this puppy until at least 2008, and it should hit its prime from 2010 and for many years after.

Reserve

93

65

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Corley

null

Italy

This is not your standard Cerasuolo di Vittoria by any stretch. The wine exhibits dark concentration and plush aromas of blackberry and sweet almond thanks to 18 months of oak aging. This is a fuller and denser expression of what is usually a light and compact wine.

Barocco

90

50

Sicily & Sardinia

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

null

Red Blend

Avide

null

Avide 2002 Barocco (Cerasuolo di Vittoria)

US

This Tempranillo is amazingly like a Pinot Noir, with a similar mix of cola, dusty cocoa and sour cherry fruit. Perhaps a bit softer than most Pinots, and absent the vegetal and tomato leaf character that often strikes Oregon wines at this price point; this is a very tasty bottle with a lovely, ripe, round and lightly smoky finish.

null

88

24

Oregon

Rogue Valley

Southern Oregon

Tempranillo

David Hill

null

US

Made with a classic Champagne blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is the simplest of Iron Horse's bubblies. It's elegant, and should be consumed in its youth.

Classic Vintage Brut

87

31

California

Green Valley

Sonoma

Sparkling Blend

Iron Horse

null

US

With plenty of ripe fruit flavors and an apparent touch of sweetness, this tastes smooth, soft and thick in texture, and full in body.

null

84

13

California

Lake County

null

Red Blend

Playtime

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Playtime 2012 Red (Lake County)

US

This producer is well respected for its long reputation of making ageworthy whites and this vintage is no exception, a bright, complex and nutty expression of pear and ginger cookie. Textured and restrained, it shows a wealth of structure and lemony acidity. Cellar it away until 2024 if you can.

null

93

48

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Stony Hill

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Stony Hill 2014 Chardonnay (Napa Valley)

France

Despite some tough tannins on the finish, this is an intriguingly complex wine that may prove even better than this rating suggests. It starts with a garrigue note and a hint of tapenade, then adds bright cherry fruit and plenty of dusty tannins. Drink 2014–2020.

null

88

45

Rhône Valley

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

André Brunel

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

André Brunel 2009 Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

France

This tastes lean, the fruit buried deep beneath hard, dry fruit tannins. There is an old style austerity here that demands food. The final juicy acidity does leave a welcome relief.

null

84

24

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château d'Arcins

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château d'Arcins 2006 Haut-Médoc

US

This blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 17% Syrah, 8% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc offers plummy chocolate and leather notes and dense, layered tannins. Toasty oak adds to the concentration and body, before a lift of acidity closes out the finish. This wine is available in three Halloween-themed labels all created for Flora Springs by CD-cover artist Wes Freed.

Ghost Winery

91

44

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

Flora Springs

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Flora Springs 2013 Ghost Winery Red (Napa Valley)

US

A beautiful Cabernet to drink now. Dry and classy, it has rich tannins framing deep, delicious chocolate, blackberry tart and pie spice flavors that finish long and sweet. The perfect restaurant Napa Cab.

Tietjen Vineyard

90

60

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Elyse

null

Austria

Moss and citrus join the Conference-pear flavors on the nose. The palate tingles with citrus freshness and has edges of white pepper, savory yeast and salty soy. The flavors are mouthfilling but wonderfully light on a zesty, slender and refreshing palate.

Rossatz Federspiel

91

23

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

Fischer

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Fischer 2016 Rossatz Federspiel Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)

France

Mineral textured, this wine pushes the power of wines in Gevrey-Chambertin. It is all tannins, dark structure, powerful acidity, very concentrated. It needs many years—10 or more.

null

93

110

Burgundy

Mazis-Chambertin

null

Pinot Noir

Maison Jessiaume

null

Italy

Blends aromas of blanched nuts, field greens and snappy fruit into a very nice whole. The palate is sharp and clean, with grassy notes along with apple and lime. Sort of New Zealand-like in its approach, with a finish that is precise and crisp. And there's just enough texture to the wine so that it isn't lean. Imported by Astoria.

null

90

20

Northeastern Italy

Delle Venezie

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Astoria

null

Italy

This opens with delicate aromas that recall orchard fruit and yellow wild flower. The juicy, easygoing palate shows ripe pear, white peach and citrus alongside bright acidity.

null

87

17

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Inzolia

Feudo Principi di Butera

null

Australia

Shows some pungent, aggressive Sauvignon aromas that verge on vegetal, then pulls back on the palate, where it develops flavors of melon and nectarine and a slightly creamy texture. This is nicely balanced and easy to like, with a long, nettle-y finish.

null

88

18

South Australia

Adelaide Hills

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Groom

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Groom 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (Adelaide Hills)

US

JV Estate stands for junior vines; these young vines bring on sweet, candied flavors of berries and citrus. There's no depth here, but what's up front is fresh and fruity, if slightly sugary. The impression of granular sugar lingers into the midpalate, where some green tannins also appear. But for the price, this is a fine bottle for near-term enjoyment.

JV Estate

86

25

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Stoller

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Stoller 2006 JV Estate Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

US

Creamy fresh white fruit and toast on the nose hint at a fullness that the wine does not quite deliver on the palate, but overall the fruit is good. This tends toward tart and needs the balance of more oak to cut the edge.

null

84

15

New York

Cayuga Lake

Finger Lakes

Chardonnay

Cayuga Ridge Estate

null

US

This is an interesting wine that pushes the boundaries beyond the usual offerings in California. Blended from Viognier, Vermentino, Verdelho and Sauvignon Blanc, it's dry, tart and complex, with a broad range of citrus, white peach, dried apricot and white pepper flavors. Don't serve it too cold.

White4

91

16

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

White Blend

Vina Robles

null

Vina Robles 2011 White4 White (Paso Robles)

France

There's a lifted, herbal element to this wine's aromas of cherries and dusty earth, but it serves to add complexity, not detract from the fruit. In the mouth, the flavors include hints of pepper and meat alongside oodles of ripe cherries. It's all balanced and harmonious even if it's not a blockbuster. A fine effort from a difficult vintage.

null

87

13

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône Villages

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Domaine de la Renjarde

null

Chile

Toasty oak, oodles of sweet fruit, and supple tannins are hallmarks of superconsultant Michel Rolland, and he has managed to bring them to the masses in this gently constructed Merlot. Bing cherries and toast, with mocha and herb shadings, are brought together with a deft touch.

null

88

14

Rapel Valley

null

Merlot

Lapostolle

null

US

Tastes heavy and tannic now, but there's a big core of blackberries, currants, grilled meat and peppery spices, and it's totally dry. Already throwing sediment, it could age in interesting ways over the next 6–8 years.

Palisades Vineyard

87

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Petite Sirah

Carver Sutro

null

Carver Sutro 2006 Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)

France

A lightly botrytised wine, with sweet raisins and orange zest. The wine is soft, missing acidity, but the freshness is just right.

Seigneurs de Monbazillac

84

10

Southwest France

Monbazillac

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Yvon Mau

null

US

This is quite an impressive Cabernet. The wine rivals an intense Napa Cabernet, with it's tannic structure and its bold flavors of blackberry, black currant and licorice that have been exquisitely oaked. It's elegantly drinkable now despite the power, but should comfortably glide through at least the next eight years.

null

95

75

California

Chalk Hill

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Creō

null

Creō 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Chalk Hill)

US

A pale straw-yellow in color, this take on a relatively rare grape delivers a nose of lime spritzer and grapefruit pith. Lively acidity shows on the palate, with flavors of poached pear and citrus rind. A brisk minerality makes this a perfect pairing for a wide range of foods, from shrimp paella to seared salmon to a BLT.

null

88

21

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Grenache Blanc

Sextant

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Sextant 2013 Grenache Blanc (Paso Robles)

France

In an effort to persuade us that rosé is not just for the summer, this is a wine ostensibly for winter. In fact, name aside, it could be consumed this summer as well. It is fruity, with a touch of minerality and is ready to drink now.

Grain de Glace Le Rosé d'Hiver

87

16

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Les Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'île de Saint-Tropez

null

US

Clove and vanilla make for a serious, if not terribly refreshing, opening. There's nice grapefruit and pomelo fruit here and a medium, lemony finish that veers towards tart. Drink up.

Founder's Field Reserve

84

26

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Sauvignon Blanc

Castello di Borghese

null

US

Quite a steal of a deal for a widely available wine, this shows cinnamon, red cherry, ripe cranberry, light tobacco and a touch of leather on the rustic nose. Once sipped, the mouthfeel is soft, offering flavors of cranberry and red cherry that are spiced by thyme, bay leaf and more cinnamon.

Estate Vineyards

90

23

California

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

MacMurray Ranch

null

US

A brilliant shade of purplish-pink, this bottling is quite light on the nose, with hints of hibiscus and raspberry. The flavors are crisp and easy, with tart strawberry, light nectarine and subtle cranberry juice.

Rose of

87

26

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Kessler-Haak

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Kessler-Haak 2016 Rose of Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

US

A fresh, fruity wine. A little soft but full of juicy flavors of lemon, lime, peach and pear, with flowery, honeyed notes. It's pleasant rather than complex, an everyday picnic-sort-of-wine.

Symphony

83

12

California

California Other

White Blend

Baywood

null

France

This is round, while also having a mineral edge. Apple and wood flavors power through the crispness, along with a charming touch of honey. For short-term aging.

Les Narvaux

88

56

Burgundy

Meursault

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Vincent Girardin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Vincent Girardin 2010 Les Narvaux (Meursault)

US

Light and lively, this Pinot Noir-based wine has subtle but delicious, fresh and tangy cherry and raspberry flavors that unfold on the palate.

null

91

25

California

Anderson Valley

null

Rosé

Pennyroyal Farm

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Pennyroyal Farm 2015 Rosé (Anderson Valley)

US

This is Krug's flagship Cabernet, produced since 1944. Always 100% varietal, it's a big, tannic wine, made for aging. The '08 is a lovely wine, with classic old-style Cab flavors of blackberries, currants, herbs and cedar. It's certainly higher in alcohol than in the old days, but still maintains balance. Give it six years, at least.

Vintage Selection

93

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Charles Krug

null

Australia

This medium- to full-bodied white features a richly textured mouthfeel to go with its toasty aromas and melon fruit. There's a touch of creamed-corn character, and the finish could be longer, but it's still a plump, satisfying wine to pair with chicken or fish.

The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne

87

15

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Rhône-style White Blend

D'Arenberg

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

D'Arenberg 2006 The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne White (McLaren Vale)

Austria

A subdued nose leads onto a subtle citrus-edged palate of grapefruit and lemon peel with some richer notions of lemon oil appearing here and there. This is an understated, fresh and clean Riesling.

Auichleiten Reserve

89

22

Niederösterreich

null

Riesling

Schwarzböck

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Schwarzböck 2015 Auichleiten Reserve Riesling (Niederösterreich)

Italy

Here's a simple and bright expression of Primitivo, offering aromas of blackberry, cherry and bitter chocolate. It offers a chiseled, sharp mouthfeel.

null

86

null

Southern Italy

Primitivo di Manduria

null

Primitivo

Vita Italia

null

Vita Italia 2008 Primitivo di Manduria

US

Named for the address of the vineyard on Live Oak Road, this blend of 30% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 13% Cinsault, 10% Counoise and 3% Viognier shows powerful licorice, cola, caramel, baked plum and thyme on the nose. The tannins are extremely soft on the sip, where lavish but not overripe purple flowers and black fruit compete for attention.

Fifteen 10 Red Derby Vineyard

93

32

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Derby

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Derby 2013 Fifteen 10 Red Derby Vineyard Red (Paso Robles)

US

This sweet Viognier tastes like a pineapple, orange, apricot and peach fruit juice blend. The acidity is balancing, but feels added.

null

84

20

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Viognier

Robert Hall

null

US

Lemon pith and ripe peach aromas are clouded under a distinctly medicinal tone of baby aspirin. While there is nice roundness to the palate and balanced acidity to boot, the flavors are mild showings of orchard fruit and lemon curd.

Wren Song

84

25

Michigan

Lake Michigan Shore

null

Riesling

Wyncroft

Alexander Peartree

null

Wyncroft 2013 Wren Song Riesling (Lake Michigan Shore)

US

The bouquet of this earthy, aromatic vineyard-designate wine is bursting with freshly picked wildflowers and earth. The palate is mouthwatering in blueberry, strawberry and a bite of sour cherry. Lively acidity keeps the proceedings on a hair-raising ride, before diving headfirst into a long finish of bacon and dark chocolate.

Flax Vineyard

94

54

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Merry Edwards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Merry Edwards 2012 Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

Shows the dryness and raciness of all Brander's Sauvignon Blancs, with lovely, delicious citrus fruit, lemongrass, vanilla, honeysuckle and spice flavors. Just a delight to drink, at a great price.

null

89

15

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Brander

null

Australia

Shaw and Smith's Sauvignon Blanc has become emblematic of the Adelaide Hills style, combining tropical fruit with a grassy streak, all framed by zippy citrus flavors. This would work equally as an apéritif or with various seafood dishes.

null

88

25

South Australia

Adelaide Hills

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Shaw and Smith

null

Italy

This vineyard-designate blend of Trebbiano and Grechetto opens with a luminous golden color and elegant aromas of stone fruit, citrus, Golden Delicious apple and mature pear. There's a pretty hint of vanilla and almond butter at the back.

Torre di Giano Vigna il Pino

89

40

Central Italy

Torgiano

null

White Blend

Lungarotti

null

France

This is an attractive blend that includes a good proportion of ripe Sémillon and perfumed Muscadelle. They soften and deliciously fill out the herbal edge of the wine. That gives it a rich feel, full and fruity with a fragrant aftertaste. Drink now.

null

87

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Tour le Pin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Tour le Pin 2015 Bordeaux Blanc

Italy

A touch of bitter fruit and dried apple skin emerges from the bouquet at first and is followed by dark mocha and jammy blackberry fruit. The wine is sweet, chewy and rich in the mouth.

Dolce Rosso

83

7

Central Italy

Lambrusco dell'Emilia

null

Lambrusco

Sei Amici

null

Sei Amici NV Dolce Rosso (Lambrusco dell'Emilia)

Chile

Arguably a bit overwooded, but if you like a hefty wine (14.5%) with an oily feel, this is it. The mouthfeel is slick and a bit greasy, but with extract to spare that's the way it is. The flavors are big and typical, with peach, apple and popcorn. A big boy from the Southern Hemisphere.

Legado Reserva

87

15

Limarí Valley

null

Chardonnay

De Martino

null

US

There's a strong green-peppercorn tinge to the nose of this bottling, along with hints of ancho chile and cedar. The palate shows oregano, thyme and dill, proving quite Old World in style, with only the slightest presence of blackberry fruit.

Flood Family Vineyard

87

22

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Merlot

Rancho Sisquoc

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Rancho Sisquoc 2015 Flood Family Vineyard Merlot (Santa Barbara County)

Argentina

Hints of melon and citrus on the nose, but the palate is limited in what it offers. Flavors of dried apricot is the best you get from this short, somewhat bitter wine. Not concentrated; stretched thin. Imported by Winesellers Ltd.

null

80

8

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Pinot Grigio

Santa Julia

null

Chile

Strong but pleasant oak-based aromas of sandalwood complement lightly herbal plum and berry notes. This feels wiry and intense, with rugged tannins. Herbal, oaky berry flavors finish with scratchy tannins and a distant note of green.

Gran Terroir Estate Grown La Huella Vineyard

88

18

Bío Bío Valley

null

Malbec

Agustinos

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Agustinos 2015 Gran Terroir Estate Grown La Huella Vineyard Malbec (Bío Bío Valley)

Italy

Cutaja opens with a healthy dose of cinnamon and spice backed by bright cherry and toasted almond. The fruit shows a dark, ripe quality, with overtones of black olive and caper, but there is enough acidity to keep the palate refreshed.

Cutaja

88

35

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Caruso & Minini

null

US

Sophisticated and complex, this terroir-specific wine artfully blends herbal components—green tea, chamomile and mint—with tart red fruit flavors of pomegranate, raspberry, and bramble. The blend is 43% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.

Two Blondes Vineyard

92

55

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Andrew Will

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Andrew Will 2010 Two Blondes Vineyard Red (Yakima Valley)

US

Captures Zin's true varietal character, with briary, brambly wild berry fruit, pepper, and soft tannins. Those fruity flavors are exuberant on the palate, carried by firm, dry tannins and adequate acidity. A friendly, easy to like wine, and a good value.

null

86

9

California

California Other

Zinfandel

Ironstone

null

Italy

This beautiful wine boasts impressive harmony and balance between its fruit, spice, tannic and acidic elements. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot and the bouquet is redolent of cherry, blackberry, cinnamon and leather. Very nice.

null

91

null

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Michele Satta

null

Australia

Predominantly Grenache, with smaller amounts of Shiraz and Mourvèdre, but the aromas reflect the Mourvèdre's tendency toward dark fruit and tree bark. The flavors show some redder fruit flavors—raspberries—as well as touches of caramel and rhubarb, and this slightly syrupy wine finishes with a tangy edge. It's a little eccentric in style and flavor profile, but savory and tasty in its own way—and a relative bargain.

Artisan Wines Classic

86

10

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

null

G-S-M

Marquee

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Marquee 2006 Artisan Wines Classic G-S-M (South Eastern Australia)

Italy

Escol Riserva shows tight and astringent oak tannins that need another two or three years to soften. Bold wood notes of sweet vanilla and spice elevate this wine in terms of intensity and overall richness and come just shy of eclipsing the cherry fruit richness.

Escol Riserva

88

38

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane

null

Montepulciano

San Lorenzo

null

San Lorenzo 2008 Escol Riserva (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane)

US

There are pretty hints of rose petal and fresh apple on this dry Cabernet Franc rosé, but it's a tad savory in style, with layers of smoke, dried herb, leaf and stem. It's a nice accompaniment to everyday meals.

Dry

84

16

New York

Finger Lakes

Rosé

Silver Thread

null

US

Seemingly sweet, with Lifesaver cherry and raspberry candy flavors and tart acidity, this simple wine is fine for everyday meals or parties.

null

82

18

California

California Other

Red Blend

Cryptic

null

Cryptic 2010 Red (California)

US

Aromatic and appealing, this perfectly captures the pretty orange peel and citrus scents of the grape. In the mouth it's sweet but buoyed by bright acids, the fruit clean and layered, bringing in streaks of cinnamon, honey, vanilla and tea as it rolls into a satisfying finish.

Moscato D'Latah

89

15

Washington

Washington Other

Muscat

Latah Creek

null

US

A very beautiful wine that shows the exotic, feral quality of the greatest Pinot Noirs from the Fort Ross area. It's explosive in wild raspberry and cherry flavors, with hints of pine, cola, wintergreen, anise, bacon and smoky, sweet vanillins from oak barrels. A wine of great pedigree, it's showing well now, and should hold for the next six years.

Fort Ross Vineyard Reserve

94

49

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Fort Ross

null

Fort Ross 2007 Fort Ross Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

France

A beautiful opaque garnet color, you know this wine is going to be intense at first glance. Dark rich fruits abound on the nose and palate: blueberry, black plum, violet, coffee granules and a hint of cured meat. The mouth is silky and full and beautifully supported by soft, dusty tannins. Closes on a long, hearty finish.

Old Vine

91

56

Languedoc-Roussillon

Minervois La Liviniere

null

Grenache

Château Maris

null

US

Unique in style and sourced—these are the oldest Pinot Gris vines in the country—this young, yeasty, textural wine will surely continue to improve in the bottle. Give it a lot of breathing time, and complex layers of rock and fruit unfold. Jicama, cucumber, daikon radish...You get the idea. It tastes as clean and fresh as a mountain spring.

Original Vines

92

22

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

The Eyrie Vineyards

null

US

Barrel-fermented in neutral oak, this is ready to drink, softly flavorful with yellow apple and other yellow fruits, and a warm, autumnal mouthfeel. Drink now through 2018.

Old Mill

88

18

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Ancient Cellars

null

Italy

Made exclusively with Merlot, this opens with aromas of cedar, mint and dark berry. The straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, espresso and a hint of grilled bell pepper alongside somewhat raspy tannins that cut off the finish.

Pulleraia

87

40

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Merlot

Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico 2011 Pulleraia Merlot (Toscana)

Italy

This expression shows ripe fruit and a bold, creamy style. Pear and Golden Delicious apple notes give the wine momentum and the added freshness it needs.

null

87

24

Southern Italy

Greco di Tufo

null

Greco

Villa Raiano

null

Villa Raiano 2011 Greco di Tufo

US

Sweet-pea vines and green herbs add freshness to the perfumed flower and luscious peach-nectar notes. A classically-styled Pinot Gris, this is dry yet mouthfilling and rich. It finishes long, with notes of stone fruit and black tea leaves.

null

88

14

New York

Finger Lakes

Pinot Gris

Lakewood

null

US

Ripe yellow-peach and delicate red-berry hints lend a juicy, easygoing fruitiness to this concentrated Riesling. Soft, pink-grapefruit-like acidity and a flash of green herb add freshness to the finish.

Semi Sweet

87

14

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Keuka Spring

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Keuka Spring 2010 Semi Sweet Riesling (Finger Lakes)

US

This wears its 16.5% alcohol well, like a heavy but graceful dancer. It's softly sweet in glycerine, with flavors of milk chocolate and blackberry jam, sprinkled with black pepper and anisette liqueur.

null

86

25

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Bluenose

null

Bluenose 2008 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

US

This is a very strongly flavored Cabernet, most notable for the intensity of its blackberry, cherry and raspberry fruit. It's almost sweet, an impression furthered by the caramel of toasted oak, although in reality the wine is fully and appropriately dry. Delicious and flashy, it should evolve in the bottle over the next dozen years.

Fay

93

105

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

null

US

Attractive characteristics of charred French oak, ripe black cherries, coffee and spice linger on the nose and palates, but are chased by a green vein of underripe fruit and leaves. Gripping tannins drive the finish to a dusty, dark end note.

null

85

20

New York

The Hamptons, Long Island

Long Island

Merlot

Wölffer

null

US

Sweet in raspberry and cherry jam flavors, with a touch of smoky oak, this ready to drink now, but it needs a good decanting or at least an hour in the glass to develop.

null

87

30

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Merlot

Truchard

null

France

This is a lightweight, refreshing rosé, with charming aromas and flavors of crushed stone, tart cherries and fresh limes and a crisp, citrusy finish. Drink it up before winter.

Rosé

86

12

Rhône Valley

Costières de Nîmes

null

Syrah-Grenache

Château de Valcombe

null

Serbia

This Serbian white has notes of fresh cut grass, lime peel and mango on the nose, and tropical fruit flavors like mango and guava on the palate. The finish is nice and crisp with good acidity.

Zupska

87

22

Župa

null

Tamjanika

Budimir

null

US

Forgeron makes a full-bodied style of Syrah, with an almost jammy midpalate loaded with boysenberry and blueberry fruit. Veins of herb and loam lead into a generously chocolaty finish. The fruit is 100% from the Boushey Vineyard.

null

90

30

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Forgeron

null

Portugal

This Port is structured, with notes of mint and herb. It has blackberry jam flavor and a firm, solid structure, while it also shows intense youthful fruitiness. It is rich and full, showing some firm tannins. Either drink it right now, or leave it for 10 years.

Quinta Vale d'Agodinho Vintage

88

75

Port

null

Port

Quevedo

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quevedo 2010 Quinta Vale d'Agodinho Vintage (Port)

US

Darkly charred wood mingles with scents of coconut, dill and sweet spice on this heavily-oaked Chardonnay. Hints of smoke and hazelnuts seep into the palate as well, but serve to highlight fresh, fruity flavors of pear, lemon and orange rind. This finishes on a slightly-bitter wood note.

Barrel Fermented

85

16

America

null

Chardonnay

Truro

null

Portugal

The wine is ripe and very full in the mouth. With tannins that are enveloped by rich black fruit, it is already drinkable. Dense plum and strawberry flavors are generous, with a touch of pepper. It is ready to drink.

Aneto Tinto

85

15

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Sobredos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Sobredos 2011 Aneto Tinto Red (Douro)

Chile

Rubber, tar, coffee grounds and crusty dark-fruit aromas set up a chewy, full palate with meaty flavors of blackberry, toasted oak and herbs. Round on the tongue and thick, but controlled on the finish, with a mild licorice flavor and herbal leftovers.

Selección

86

12

Maipo Valley

null

Carmenère

Viña Chocalan

null

Australia

This is a well-priced example of Barossa Cabernet, laden with characteristic notes of chocolate, mint and berry fruit, wrapped in a layer of toasty oak. It's full bodied, yet easy to drink because of the soft tannins and mouthwatering finish. Probably best between now and 2020.

Grand Barossa

88

16

South Australia

Barossa

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Château Tanunda

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Château Tanunda 2012 Grand Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa)

US

Raw in the mouth, with green, stemmy tannins and a chlorophyll taste to the berry-cherry flavors. So it's not quite ripe. But it's dry and okay with barbecue.

null

83

18

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Wellington

null

Italy

A blend of Insolia and Chardonnay, this opens with a light golden color and fragrant aromas of honeysuckle, white almond and stone fruit. It shows a thick, creamy consistency on the palate.

Angimbé

88

17

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

White Blend

Cusumano

null

Cusumano 2011 Angimbé White (Sicilia)

Italy

Pergole Vece opens with a beautiful nose of black fruit, molasses, chocolate, blackberry jam and loads of vanilla or cinnamon spice. It's a smooth, soft and textured wine with a long, delicious finish.

Pergole Vece

94

118

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Le Salette

null

US

Apple skin and guava rise out from a more buttery aroma that leads to oak on the palate. Light bodied, the wine finishes tart in lemon and lime.

Suzanne's Blend

84

36

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Gracianna

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Gracianna 2014 Suzanne's Blend Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

US

From a tiny spot near the town of Forestville, this vineyard-designate does justice to the special site, planted in Goldridge dirt to a variety of suitcase clones. Earth, sage and a persistence of exotic spice mark it first, inviting one in for further exploration of raspberry, cherry and a firmness of tannin. Concentrated, it's enjoyable now and yet should have years more to go in the bottle. Drink now through 2024.

Reuling Vineyard

94

69

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Sojourn

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Sojourn 2014 Reuling Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Spain

Grassy white-fruit aromas are basic. This feels soft and easy, with mild acidity. Basic white-fruit flavors are undistinguished and are mellow on the finish. Everything about this brut strikes as good but standard.

Brut

87

17

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Mistinguett

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Mistinguett NV Brut Sparkling (Cava)

Italy

From one of the top estates in the Matelica denomination and made from organically farmed grapes, this stunning wine offers a beautiful bouquet of acacia flowers, beeswax and stone fruit. The palate delivers flavors of creamy white peach, apricot and pear, all accented by aromatic herbs and mineral tones. Delicious now, with crisp acidity, this will develop complexity over the next few years.

null

92

18

Central Italy

Verdicchio di Matelica

null

Verdicchio

ColleStefano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

ColleStefano 2012 Verdicchio di Matelica

South Africa

You should know what you're getting yourself into here, as the name definitely doesn't lie. So minty and herbaceous it's almost hard to believe, and it all mingles with notes of crushed violets and black currant leaf as well as a solid fruit core of cassis and black plum skins. It's firm and tight in the mouth but approachable after a little breathing time.

The Mint

90

45

Stellenbosch

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Thelema

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Thelema 2007 The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)

US

WillaKenzie's most affordable estate-grown Pinot, this opens with a truly lovely bouquet of rose petals, raspberries and dusty chocolate. Soft and smooth upon entry, it's a light, detailed and sophisticated vineyard blend that spent 10 months in 20% new oak.

Gisèle

89

30

Oregon

Willamette Valley

null

Pinot Noir

WillaKenzie Estate

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

WillaKenzie Estate 2013 Gisèle Pinot Noir

France

A ripe wine with vanilla and intense structure, it is very rich and almost heavy in character. Generous yellow fruits are ripe and full of juicy acidity. The wood aging just shows along with spice at the end. Drink from 2017.

Clos Saint-Jean Premier Cru

91

74

Burgundy

Chassagne-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Alex Gambal

null

Italy

Here's a simple but well made red from Tuscany that has floral aromas of violet and rose with berry notes. The palate offers bright cherry, red currant and a touch of spice. Pair this with pasta dishes or grilled vegetables.

Pietramaggio

86

11

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Fattoria di Grignano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Fattoria di Grignano 2011 Pietramaggio Red (Toscana)

Argentina

Foresty berry aromas are backed up by baking spice, cola and toasty oak notes on the nose of this chewy, dense, fairly tannic Malbec. Plum and blackberry flavors come with an exotic note of cardamom along with coffee and dry oak. On the finish, this feels resiny and tastes a bit herbal. Drink through 2020.

Select

90

24

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

El Solar de Orfila

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

El Solar de Orfila 2012 Select Malbec (Mendoza)

US

Savory slightly rustic tones of forest floor and bramble lend complexity to this elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Peppery spice and dried herb flavors meld into tart red cherry and plum on the palate. It's rich in body yet balanced neatly with a taut frame of acidity and fine persistent tannins. Drink now through 2021.

Sawmill Creek Vineyards

89

28

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet-Syrah

Billsboro

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Billsboro 2014 Sawmill Creek Vineyards Cabernet-Syrah (Finger Lakes)

Austria

With notions of cherry and cinnamon on the nose and just slight fizz, this is a refreshing, fruit-driven sparkling rosé that's full of strawberry and cherry notes—it might just be the very definition of easy summer wine. It ends dry, yet refreshing.

Frizzante Rosé

85

21

Österreichischer Perlwein

null

Pinot Noir

Gebeshuber

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Gebeshuber 2013 Frizzante Rosé Pinot Noir (Österreichischer Perlwein)

New Zealand

Starts off well, with aromas of toast, vanilla and black cherries. The attack is rich and sweet as well, but then the wine turns a bit drying and herbal on the finish. Needs time—but will the fruit hold?

Gimblett

86

35

Hawke's Bay

null

Merlot

Trinity Hill

null

Italy

This gripping, delicious wine seamlessly weaves together sensations of blue flower, exotic incense, ripe black cherry, mature plum, cracked pepper, mocha, clove and graphite. It's already delicious and well balanced, with bracing tannins and racy acidity, but give it time to soften and develop complexity. Drink 2019–2029.

Fatica Contadina

94

34

Southern Italy

Taurasi

null

Aglianico

Terredora Di Paolo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Terredora Di Paolo 2009 Fatica Contadina (Taurasi)

Chile

Ripe berries, black cherries, earth, chocolate and herbs all mark this nose of this solid Merlot. Fairly full on the palate, it has a supple feel and plum and berry flavors. The finish is reserved, maybe even a bit austere, with dry, semisweet chocolate notes on the tart plum fruit.

Reserva

86

15

Maipo Valley

null

Merlot

Cousiño-Macul

null

Cousiño-Macul 1998 Reserva Merlot (Maipo Valley)

Argentina

Deep, compact and rich on the nose, with a big dose of ripe berry aromas. The palate is healthy and blends a beefy, muscular body with balancing acids and firm but ripe tannins. Tastes pretty and sweet, like blackberry or plum pie. Chewy and chocolaty on the finish; overall it's a winner.

Serie A

90

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Bonarda

Zuccardi

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Zuccardi 2009 Serie A Bonarda (Mendoza)

France

94-96 Barrel sample. An immense wine, but one that is keeping all its elements in balance. Big, rich and ripe, apricots, peach juice and dry honeyed botrytis, along with a good element of freshness.

Barrel sample

95

null

Bordeaux

Sauternes

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Lamothe Guignard

null

Italy

A blend of Friulano, Malvasia, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Ribolla Gialla, it has aromas of hawthorne, stone fruit, pear and almond. The palate offers green apple, yellow peach, bitter almond and a hint of menthol alongside bright acidity.

Blanc des Rosis

88

28

Northeastern Italy

Venezia Giulia

null

White Blend

Mario Schiopetto

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Mario Schiopetto 2012 Blanc des Rosis White (Venezia Giulia)