spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Argentina	Scratchy black cherry aromas come with a strong hint of tree bark and cedar resin. This feels snappy at first, then more resiny and oaky upon airing. Woody black-fruit flavors get a boost from juicy acidity, while an oaky finish tastes like mint and licorice.	Reserva	88	16	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Torrevieja	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Torrevieja 2011 Reserva Malbec (Mendoza)
Italy	Here's a tight, well-balanced blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with loads of mature fruit and spice. The wine is made in the Maremma area of southern Tuscany and would pair easily with game meat or barbecued pork. The mouthfeel incorporates both sweet and spicy elements.	Le Sughere di Frassinello	88	35	Tuscany	Maremma	null	Red Blend	Rocca di Frassinello	null	null	null
France	Rich and structured, this shows the plushness of today's Bordeaux Merlot. Ripe berry fruits, dark plums and a touch of vanilla give spice and round off the texture. It's juicy, still developing and best from 2016.	Merlot de Château Sainte-Barbe	88	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Merlot	Château Sainte Barbe	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Sainte Barbe 2012 Merlot de Château Sainte-Barbe (Bordeaux)
Argentina	Black Label is a step up the quality ladder for Las Moras, based in San Juan. And this wine is full and chunky on the nose, with blackberry and plum-based aromas. In the mouth, it's more racy and oaky, teetering on sharp. But the freshness it boasts bodes well for pairing with meat, and the aforementioned oak lends a hint of cappuccino to an otherwise snappy finish.	Black Label	86	18	Other	San Juan	null	Bonarda	Las Moras	null	null	null
Portugal	Bigode, meaning the mustache, is fruity, fresh and light in texture. The juicy character needs another few months to integrate fully with the berry fruits. Spice adds interest. It will be better by the end of 2014.	Bigode	85	8	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese Red	DFJ Vinhos	null	null	null
US	Slightly sour elements of lemon and lime meet with a riper nectarine tone on the nose of this wine. There is good citrus-driven acidity on the palate with limeade flavors, though it trends a bit sour and wipes up with not much finish.	San Lucas Unoaked Pure	85	15	California	San Lucas	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Lockwood	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Lockwood 2013 San Lucas Unoaked Pure Chardonnay (San Lucas)
Spain	Fresh and full of lime on the nose, and overall this is simple, smooth and gives you little reason to worry or fuss. The palate is smooth, creamy and a little low on acids, thus the lemon-lime and melon flavors have a fullness that's sweet and good.	Extra Dry	86	10	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Segura Viudas	null	null	null
Austria	Peardrop scents accent the yeasty nose of this wine. The palate is full of generous, fruity yellow and green pear, set against a backdrop of zesty-fresh grapefruit peel. Salty savor provides depth to its otherwise light, dry and refreshing body.	Classic	90	22	Weinviertel	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Kohl	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Kohl 2016 Classic Grüner Veltliner (Weinviertel)
US	This is a big, crowd-pleasing take on Pinot Noir, with fresh and ripe red berries enhanced by barrel smoked toasted teriyaki pork and a pinch of violet on the nose. Ripe raspberry juice shows on the juicy palate, but so does wet slate minerality, dried sage and thyme and even nice pine needle and eucalyptus astringency.	Bin 7	92	36	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	El Pistolero	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	El Pistolero 2014 Bin 7 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Portugal	Light, fresh and fruity, produced from organic grapes, this has some attractive berry fruits, although it does feel dilute. There's some dryness on the finish.	Finest Reserve	84	null	Port	null	null	Port	Casal dos Jordões	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Casal dos Jordões NV Finest Reserve (Port)
France	A richly textured wine, showing some attractive fresh fruits and soft berries mingling with a layer of firmer tannins. The wine has weight, an attractive edge of spice and a final sweet juicy character.	null	88	25	Bordeaux	Montagne-Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Plaisance	null	null	null
Italy	Inviting aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, new leather, pressed blue flower, mint, cake spice and a balsamic note meld together on this delicious, impressive red. The velvety full-bodied palate provides layers of succulent wild cherry, crushed raspberry, truffle, licorice and cinnamon. Firm, polished tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2025.	Riserva	95	120	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Lazzeretti	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Lazzeretti 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)
Italy	This wine is based on Sangiovese, with a tiny splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's aged for 12 months in old and new oak barrels. It shows a savory side, with notes of candied fruit, prune, raisin and smoked meat. Drink now.	Lucius Riserva	88	40	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Viticcio	null	null	null
US	alance, ripe fruit and a dash of cinnamon make this wine easy to appreciate and fun to drink in light of its reasonable price. It has medium body, plum and red cherry notes and a hint of spicy oak.	null	89	15	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Julia James	null	null	null
US	This wine is powerful enough to serve with wild boar carpaccio, if there is such a thing, or with blue cheese like a Port. The color is unusually dark and opaque, a stark black with a faintly purple rim. It smells spicy and tastes very concentrated, like blackberry jam, wood smoke and black pepper. The texture is almost thick and drenched with fine tannins while the body is quite full as well.	Black Tie Charlie	89	27	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Prospect 772	null	null	null
Chile	A no-frills mass-appeal wine with a pretty color, ripe aromatics and a hint of oak. The palate is solid and full-flavored, while the finish is smooth and easy. Ripe, clean and round.	null	85	8	Central Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Valdivieso	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Valdivieso 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley)
Italy	Soft and velvety, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot releases intense notes of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, spice and leather. It shows plush layers of dark fruit and tangy tobacco that build the palate's momentum.	Sorugo	94	35	Tuscany	Bolgheri Superiore	null	Red Blend	Aia Vecchia	null	null	null
US	Great color, dense purple/garnet, and thick scents of blackberries tell you this is a heckuva good $12 wine. Hits the palate with a solid grip, the dense blackberry fruit perked up with white pepper and toast, and finishes big and smoky, with tarry tannins.	null	88	12	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Duck Pond	null	null	null
US	This hedonistically powerful mix of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot traffics in blackberry and black cherry jam over a layer of soft tannins. Coffee, toffee and subtle Asian and cinnamon spice keep the proceedings lively, for this is a seriously ripe and playful wine. Cellar through 2020.	No. 1	93	200	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	JCB	Virginie Boone	@vboone	JCB 2012 No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	At first blush this reserve seems more oaky, more open and more overtly alcoholic than the just-released Leonetti 2008 Merlot and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. After many hours of breathing time it fills in with pretty plummy fruit, toast, caramel, whiffs of smoke, cedar and cigar box, and dry tannins.	Reserve	93	135	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Leonetti Cellar	null	null	null
Portugal	Perfumed, with flavors of violet candies and very soft tannins. The wine is too aromatic for its own good.	Rio Torto Reserva	83	null	Port	null	null	Port	Krohn	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Krohn NV Rio Torto Reserva (Port)
US	A smoky nose carries a strong suggestion of bacon fat, wrapped around tightly wound blackberry fruit. Flavors play out broadly and thin out quickly, but this young wine offers solid value and immediate pleasure.	null	87	18	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Noir	Jezebel	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Jezebel 2013 Pinot Noir (Oregon)
Spain	From a hot year, this wine adheres to tradition. It's 85% Tempranillo with Mazuelo and Graciano, so it's straight from central casting. The wine offers clean red-fruit flavors that pop across the palate, and the finish is racy and spicy. Not a show-stopper but worth stopping for.	Viña Berceo Crianza	85	13	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Bodegas Berceo	null	null	null
US	This stone-soil, cool-climate region of Monterey is the perfect place to grow a German-style Riesling and keep the price down, because costs there aren't as high as in the North and South coasts. The wine is brilliantly crisp and off-dry, with savory honeysuckle, citrus, apple and mineral flavors, with even richer suggestions of tropical fruits.	White	88	13	California	Arroyo Seco	Central Coast	Riesling	Fenestra	null	null	Fenestra 2006 White Riesling (Arroyo Seco)
Chile	Seems old due to mild vegetal aromas infiltrating the wine's core aromas of banana, vanilla and melon. Still zesty in feel despite 2011 being the current vintage; tastes of mature orange, grapefruit and pith, with lime on the finish. Drink now.	null	83	9	Central Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	San Elias	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	San Elias 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Central Valley)
Italy	There's a lactic note that resembles cherry yogurt or creamy milk chocolate. After that, this ripasso delivers dried fruit, resin and measured notes of exotic spice. There's also a perfumed quality that recalls pressed flowers or lavender and the wine has a lean, slightly sharp feel in the mouth. Imported by Omniwines Distribution.	Torre del Falasco	86	30	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Cantina Sociale della Valpantena	null	null	null
Argentina	Although this wine is entering its late stages of freshness, the bouquet is nice and tropical smelling. The palate maintains its vitality, even if it's a bit oily in texture, while the flavors of lychee, melon and apple are good.	Amado Sur	86	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	White Blend	Trivento	null	null	null
US	There's a sharpness to this wine that edges out the cherry and raspberry flavors. Although it's dry and rich in oak, that sharp prickly feeling emphasizes the tannins, and takes away from total enjoyment. Drink now.	null	86	60	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Franc	Pride Mountain	null	null	null
Georgia	A blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, this light-straw-colored wine has aromas of peach and freesia. It is very soft on the palate, with refreshing flavors of melon, clementine and passion fruit. The citrus finish offers a surprising touch of white chocolate.	Tsinandali	88	13	Kakheti	null	null	White Blend	Shumi Winery	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Shumi Winery 2013 Tsinandali White (Kakheti)
US	Simple and crisp, with well-acidified and slightly sweet flavors of apricots and tangerines.	null	84	9	California	California	California Other	Pinot Grigio	Bella Ragazza	null	null	null
Chile	A touch sweet and syrupy, with a hint of molasses and raisin on the nose. The mouth deals big cassis, raspberry and cherry flavors, while the solid finish offers chocolate and a whiff of toast. Yourthful and forward; drink now and enjoy. Imported by Morande USA.	null	86	8	Maipo Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Morandé	null	null	null
France	90-92 Structured, the second wine of Léoville las Cases, has solid tannins, chunky while melding into ripe black fruits. A fine second wine, ready to drink in 4-5 years.	Barrel sample Le Petit Lion	91	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Julien	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Léoville Las Cases	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Léoville Las Cases 2010 Barrel sample Le Petit Lion (Saint-Julien)
Austria	A nose of honeyed autolysis is most inviting, while the palate does not disappoint with its bready notes of citrus, fine persistent bubbles and round mouthfeel, yet with that wonderfully zesty focus of acidity. This delivers exactly where it should—on the midpalate and the long, superclean finish that leaves lingering notes of lemon shortbread.	Brut Reserve	91	29	Österreichischer Sekt	null	null	Sparkling Blend	Schloss Gobelsburg	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Schloss Gobelsburg NV Brut Reserve Sparkling (Österreichischer Sekt)
US	An engaging wine from an old variety, hardly grown anymore in California. It's soft and dense in tannins, with spicy flavors of cherries and a bitter, earthy taste that brings to mind carob. Try as an interesting alternative to Zinfandel.	Frediani Vineyard	87	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Charbono	OnThEdge	null	null	OnThEdge 2007 Frediani Vineyard Charbono (Napa Valley)
Italy	Vigna delle Raunate opens with bold smoke and spice tones upfront that are closely followed by mature fruit and blackberry aromas. Delicate touches of vanilla and black spice create beautiful accents along the way.	Vigna delle Raunate	92	50	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Mocali	null	null	Mocali 2006 Vigna delle Raunate (Brunello di Montalcino)
Australia	The 2006 Custodian blends slightly disparate pieces into a harmonious whole. Tart berries accent stewed fruit on the nose, while herbal elements highlight superripe fruit and chocolate on the palate. It's full and round in the mouth, ending a bit soft.	The Custodian	87	19	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Grenache	D'Arenberg	null	null	null
Greece	Mint, cedar and clove aromas are followed by pepper, clove and black fruit flavors. It's not overly complex, but it offers distinctive indigenous character, and it will pair nicely with grilled meat.	null	84	15	Naoussa	null	null	Xinomavro	Vaeni	null	null	null
Australia	A disappointing effort from this stalwart Clare Valley producer, but still a good wine, with pretty aromas of crushed stone, mint and lime. The mint becomes more medicinal on the palate, veering toward camphor or menthol, while retaining a citrusy edge and decent length.	null	84	17	South Australia	Clare Valley	null	Riesling	Wakefield Estate	null	null	null
Argentina	Here's a Bordeaux-style blend to snap up if you're lucky enough to find it. It's a definite re-issue in that it was first released at $25 in 2006 but was put back on the market last year at $15. And what a bargain it is: Earth, tar and tobacco vie with dried cherry and raspberry on the nose and palate; the finish is long, elegant and dry. A mature, classy wine to drink now.	Serie Magno Gran Reserva	90	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Red Blend	Fantelli	null	null	null
US	A bit overripe in raisins, with a chocolate-currant core enriched with smoky new oak. But the texture is silky and fine, and the finish is dry and spicy. Drink now.	null	87	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Longboard	null	null	null
Chile	Solid blackberry aromas mark the nose. This is astringent on the palate, with rock-hard tannins. Blackberry, cassis and prune flavors veer toward chocolate on a choppy, tough finish.	Reserva	86	14	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Calcu	null	null	null
US	Made from old vines, this Zin is still super tight with mouth-drying tannins, and peppery with a base of black fruit and leather.	Old Vine	84	25	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Trinitas	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Trinitas 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel (El Dorado)
Israel	Blackberry, cassis and a touch of herbal green pepper on the nose are followed by sweeter notes of spice and dark fruit guts on the medium weight palate. Moderate tannins and balanced acidity flesh out the rich mouthfeel, leading through the long, lush finish. Approachable and decadent; a good wine sure to please most.	Limited Edition	87	29	Israel	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Tishbi Estate	null	null	null
US	Planted in 1972, these old vines produce a delicate Pinot Noir, high in acid, pretty and relatively pale in the glass, with scents of tart cranberry, mineral and pomegranate. Despite the lightness, it has a lovely presence in the mouth, and medium length.	Celilo Vineyard	88	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Pinot Noir	Syncline	null	null	null
France	From a vineyard just to the north of the line of Meursault premier crus, this is a fresh, crisp wine, very citrusy, with a strong element of spice and grapefruit. The fruitiness is tamed by some wood aging.	Les Grand Charrons	89	50	Burgundy	Meursault	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Michel Bouzereau	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Michel Bouzereau 2008 Les Grand Charrons (Meursault)
US	Boosted with 5% Barbera, this bottling for the estate's Bootjack Ranch shows ripe cranberry, red cherry, a pinch of herbs and touches of caramel and coffee syrup on the nose. A dense core of black plum skins at the palate's core is surrounded by bright cherry fruit, evolving into a dark chocolate and espresso touch.	null	90	45	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Sangiovese	Niner	null	null	null
US	The vineyard, which is in St. Helena, certainly yielded grapes that were ripe, to judge by this wine's flavors. It's gigantic in berries, cherries, mocha and spices that are jammy and sweet. The best thing about it are the tannins, which are smooth and complex. Give this flashy young Petite Sirah a couple years to integrate and mellow.	Hayne Vineyard	90	65	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Petite Sirah	Jacob Franklin	null	null	Jacob Franklin 2009 Hayne Vineyard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
France	There seems to be too much wood here which is smothering the fruit. Given that, the wine does have weight and as the wood softens, the juicy fruit flavors should come through. Wait to drink until 2016. But it will always be austere.	null	85	19	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château la Croix Margautot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château la Croix Margautot 2010 Haut-Médoc
US	Full body, plenty of tannin and subdued fruit flavors make this a tight, savory rather than fruity Syrah. It is definitely a food wine, with all the appetizing counterpoints for indulgent steaks, ribs or roasts.	Madera	87	21	California	Madera	Central Valley	Syrah	Cedar View Winery	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Cedar View Winery 2011 Madera Syrah (Madera)
Chile	Sour plum and cranberry aromas are almost volatile, leading to a racy, acidic palate. Snappy, tart flavors of red plum and pie cherry finish with scouring acidity. This is a fresh but raw Malbec.	Natura	82	11	Rapel Valley	null	null	Malbec	Emiliana	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Emiliana 2012 Natura Malbec (Rapel Valley)
Australia	Black plum fruit on the palate shares the spotlight with a meaty, stably flavor—the same note that I found on the nose. It's a straightforward wine, but a much different sort from other lollipop-styled ones that you'll find at this price point. Imported by Epic Wines.	Trevor Mast 2002 Four Sisters	84	12	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	Shiraz	Four Sisters	null	null	null
Argentina	This is one exotic number. The nose shows blueberry, boysenberry, charcoal, plenty of oak and hints of cardamom and star anise. A lush, layered palate is intense but doesn't hit too hard, while concentrated blackberry, licorice and spice flavors set up a peppery, minty finish that's stout and structured.	Don David Reserve	91	18	Other	Calchaquí Valley	null	Malbec	Michel Torino	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Michel Torino 2012 Don David Reserve Malbec (Calchaquí Valley)
US	Extreme pepper elements, from peppercorn to bell pepper, carry through this entire experience. The nose also shows red berries, while the palate offers barely ripe strawberry notes. Fans of the peppery style, which often benefits from a slight chill, will be enthused. Those who hate pyrazines should stay away.	Estate	88	32	California	Santa Clara Valley	Central Coast	Cabernet Franc	Jason-Stephens	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Jason-Stephens 2012 Estate Cabernet Franc (Santa Clara Valley)
Germany	Sweet and savory interplay through this exotic TBA, balancing waves of candied orange rind and caramelized sugar with umami-rich notes of sea breeze and dried herb. It's delicate on the palate, but lingers long with bright tangerine acidity. Delicious now, but would be fascinating to try in 10 years.	Kiedrich Gräfenberg Trockenbeerenauslese	92	670	Rheingau	null	null	Riesling	Robert Weil	null	null	null
US	A little raw, with sharp elbows of tannins and acids. Don't be too fussy, just enjoy the plummy, grapy flavors.	null	84	17	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Clos du Bois	null	null	null
Germany	Toasted nut, smoke and slate aromas lend complexity and nuance to this high-pitched Riesling Sekt. Lemon-lime acidity and vivacious effervescence give the palate an electric feel, countered nicely by delicate swirls of sweet red apple and caramel. It's concentrated and boldly penetrating through a long finish.	Riesling Sekt Brut	92	50	Rheingau	null	null	Sparkling Blend	Robert Weil	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Robert Weil 2014 Riesling Sekt Brut Sparkling (Rheingau)
US	Solid and full-bodied, this tightly structured Cabernet has a deep red-black color. Enticing aromas of cedar and cinnamon precede focused but not overly ripe fruit flavors that suggest black cherry and cranberry, plus a dark chocolate impression that suits it well. It's tight with tannins right now, so best to drink after 2016.	Vintners Reserve	91	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Alta	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Alta 2011 Vintners Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	I believe this is the first vintage for the LEHM estate Pinot Gris; the young vines need a few more years to pull the flavors out. But this is a good start, very crisp and clean and well-defined, with intriguing hints of apple and pear and light herb. The finish continues gracefully, adding notes of rock and pepper to the mix.	LEHM Estate	88	20	Washington	Chelan County	Washington Other	Pinot Gris	Chelan Wine Company	null	null	null
Austria	Pure Blaufränkisch, a wine with the characteristic juicy beetroot and spice flavors. It is rich, soft, with an intense streak of final acidity, edged with tannins.	Goldberg	89	25	Mittelburgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Johann Heinrich	null	null	null
Italy	There's a nice mineral vein that helps keep this wine focused. Beyond that, you'll taste fresh fruit and some distance notes of roasted almond and sourdough. The mouthfeel is clean and crisp and the bubbles are soft and creamy.	Soul Satèn	91	null	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Chardonnay	Contadi Castaldi	null	null	null
US	Coming in a bottle adorned with an informational treasure map of the region, this wine conveys bubble gum, honeysuckle and Pink Lady apples on the nose. A similar apple character shows on the palate, along with riper grapefruit notes, Anjou pear slices and graphite. The apples get more sour as the sip lingers.	Queen of Tides	87	25	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Inconceivable	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Inconceivable 2014 Queen of Tides Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)
Italy	The Colli Euganei is an up-and-coming wine region located in a volcanic chain of hills outside the city of Padua. This expression of Moscato is sweet and enduring, with aromas of yellow rose and jasmine.	Donna Daria	88	50	Veneto	Colli Euganei	null	Moscato Giallo	La Montecchia	null	null	null
Italy	Here's an enjoyable white that has light aromas of orchard fruit and citrus. The ripe palate reflects the nose, doling out yellow apple and tangerine alongside a note of bitter almond.	null	87	14	Tuscany	Vernaccia di San Gimignano	null	Vernaccia	Guidi 1929	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Guidi 1929 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
France	This is massive, hugely concentrated, topped with wood and intense tannins. Flavors of bitter chocolate are dominant, heavy fruits, blackberries and texture that fills the mouth with dark, dense flavors. Big in all senses.	null	94	190	Bordeaux	Saint-Julien	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Léoville Las Cases	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Léoville Las Cases 2003 Saint-Julien
US	Very tight in the nose, with hints of peanuts. A cinnamon nuance provides an exotic edge to the otherwise straightforward, somewhat tart cherry palate. Buttery oak and more tangy cherries dominate the finish.	Lewman Vineyard	85	25	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Bethel Heights	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bethel Heights 1998 Lewman Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Israel	Attractive and layered with a blueberry and raspberry fruit core accented by notes of sweet spice, orange oil, ashy tobacco and a touch of dark purple florals. The gripping tannins are fine and balanced, with skin-driven fruit flavors dominating the palate and a fudgy chocolate and sweet spice note lingering on the finish.	Yiron	90	22	Galilee	null	null	Red Blend	Galil Mountain	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Galil Mountain 2008 Yiron Red (Galilee)
US	Elusive aromatically, this wine begins to show hints of violet and rose as it opens, comforting whiffs that ride over powerfully, pillowy tannins. Savory in style, and fairly light bodied, it's a round, soft wine with a lot of juicy red cherry.	American	86	25	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Virginia Dare	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Virginia Dare 2014 American Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Austria	Aromatic, floral notes of fresh pear juice, chalky stone and citrus immediately speak of elegance, purity and poise. The palate is lightweight but textured and has that same chalk-stone depth and huge reserves of lemony citrus freshness. There is a counterweight of ripeness and warmth but overall this remains slender and toned. Very well done.	Jungherrn	92	33	Vienna	null	null	Weissburgunder	Stift Klosterneuburg	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Stift Klosterneuburg 2015 Jungherrn Weissburgunder (Vienna)
France	This is a pure and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp, citrus driven and refreshing, it has a clean character and a delicious zesty texture that acidity to the fruitiness. Screwcap.	Fumées Blanches	85	10	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Sauvignon Blanc	François Lurton	null	null	null
Greece	Vanilla, orange marmalade and lemon lead this Chardonnay from Greece. Flavors of tasted nuts, vanilla and citrus are bold and rich. Pair with stronger fish dishes or cream-based entrées.	null	83	14	Attica	null	null	Chardonnay	Harlaftis	null	null	null
Italy	Supple and fresh, this informal but savory wine has aromas of dark berry and allspice. Crafted to be paired with fish, the silky, easy-drinking palate offers juicy red cherry, ripe raspberry and clove alongside smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Serve chilled for a perfect summer red.	Otre Fish	88	17	Southern Italy	Puglia	null	Negroamaro	Teanum	null	null	null
France	This attractive and fruity wine blends Niellucciu with Sciacerellu, both local Corsican grapes. The freshness is right there, crisp and hinting at red currant flavors and bright acidity. Drink now.	Domaine Petroni	87	20	France Other	Corse	null	Rosé	Union de Vignerons de l'Île de Beauté	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Union de Vignerons de l'Île de Beauté 2014 Domaine Petroni Rosé (Corse)
France	Rich and round, this wine shows the natural herbaceous character of the Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon blend. Tamed by a warm, fat, generous feel, this has the density and structure to make it a great match for food.	null	88	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Larroque	null	null	null
US	Jammy aromas, tangy raspberry and blackberry flavors and a firm vein of tannin make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy and firm enough to pair with big proteins.	Midnight Reserve	85	30	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Red Blend	LangeTwins	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	LangeTwins 2012 Midnight Reserve Red (Lodi)
Australia	Readers fortunate enough to latch onto a bottle of the fewer than 300 imported to the U.S. will find themselves with a super bottle of Shiraz that manages to deliver great flavor intensity without relying on excessive weight. Notes of cracked black pepper and herbal nuances add complexity to the liquorous blackberry aromas, building in spicy intensity through the anise-inflected finish. Approachable now, but should drink well through at least 2015.	Hill of Grace Vineyard	93	400	South Australia	Eden Valley	null	Shiraz	Henschke	null	null	null
France	91–93. Barrel sample. Owner Alain Moueix is a standard bearer for biodynamics in Bordeaux. This is a rich and opulent wine, boasting ripe black currants and fragrant fruits. A very pure and forward wine.	Barrel Sample	92	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Fonroque	null	null	null
Italy	Made with Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco grapes from the Vigne di Strevi in Piedmont, this is a linear, genuine sparkler with lemon-lime flavors and toasted bread notes that come through loud and clear. Easy to drink and easy to like. Imported by Banfi Vintners.	Brut	89	24	Piedmont	Piedmont	null	Sparkling Blend	Banfi	null	null	null
US	Very light in color, so much so that it’s almost transparent. Potent aromas of mushroom, bramble and buttery oak. Some strawberry and cream flavors are driven by snappy acids. There’s length and kick to the fruit-forward finish.	null	82	17	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Benton-Lane	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Benton-Lane 1998 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Australia	This likeable blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Shiraz and 25% Mataro (Mourvèdre) features a mix of intense red fruits—raspberries and cherries—and minty, herbal complexity. It's soft and round, and altogether pleasing, with just a dusting of silky tannins on the long finish. Drink now and over the next few years.	Boundary Row Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro	91	22	South Australia	Barossa Valley	null	Red Blend	Kurtz Family	null	null	null
France	This juicy, fruit forward Grenache offers flavors of red plum, blueberries and licorice supported by notes of rosemary and roses in the background. Silky texture with ample tannin and acidity leads into a fairly long and nicely evolving finish. Excellent choice for red meat dishes. Imported by The Portfolio Group.	Old Vine	88	46	Languedoc-Roussillon	Minervois La Liviniere	null	Grenache	Château Maris	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Château Maris 2005 Old Vine Grenache (Minervois La Liviniere)
Spain	Light and lemony, with a hint of green astringency. Tangerine with hints of mushroom on the palate run toward a solid but lean finish. Has zest but little roundness. Fresh and crisp, but not the most friendly bubbly.	Brut Nature Reserva de la Familia	86	22	Catalonia	Cava	null	White Blend	Juvé y Camps	null	null	null
US	A very rich, ripe, opulent Cabernet, fulsome in blackberries, blueberries, currants and licorice, nicely framed in sweet, smoky oak. Easy to drink now for its soft tannins.	Mountain Cuvée	89	19	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet	Kirkland Signature	null	null	Kirkland Signature 2008 Mountain Cuvée Cabernet (Napa Valley)
US	A stony, wet cement-like aromas meets Anjou lime and jasmine touches on the nose of this bottling from a winery recently acquired by O'Neill Vintners. The palate leads with a dollop of acidity and slowly releases lemongrass, Asian pear and ripe nectarine flavors, cut with a tense streak of lime.	null	89	16	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Robert Hall	null	null	null
Italy	Marinella Camerani's dedication to tradition (with organic and biodynamic farming principles) is legendary. Hers are delicate, sometimes difficult wines, yet they are always prized for authenticity. Distinctive aromas include crushed raspberry, raisins, almond cookie, molasses and cooked pears in reduction sauce. The wine ends with lively, refreshing acidity.	null	90	100	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Corte Sant' Alda	null	null	null
France	This is a rich, bottle-aged wine is bright with lemon and green-apple fruitiness, but it's starting to develop secondary flavors—notes of toast, almonds and cookies—as well. It's at just the right stage of development and ready to drink now.	Brut Prestige	92	69	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Philippe Fontaine	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Philippe Fontaine NV Brut Prestige (Champagne)
US	This is a good, rich, complex Cab, but it's also toughly tannic, and needs time in the cellar to come around. Beneath the astringency are ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries and sweet fresh herbs. Give it until 2011, if you can.	Pyramid Vineyard	91	60	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hawkes	null	null	Hawkes 2005 Pyramid Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Chile	A good and lively bargain-priced Chard. Light toast, honey and pear aromas draw you in, and the balanced white-fruit palate is convincing. Sophisticated and with good acidity.	Classic Series	88	12	Curicó Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Montes	null	null	null
Italy	This linear, mineral-driven white opens with intriguing sea breeze, herb and field flower scents. The elegant palate offers citrus zest, yellow stone fruit and toasted almond flavors, alongside fresh acidity.	null	88	20	Northeastern Italy	Friuli	null	Malvasia	Castelvecchio	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a concentrated, ripe and surprisingly rich Rosso di Montalcino that mimics many of the fine characteristics of its big sister, Brunello. The wine is smooth and slightly sweet in the mouth with bursting notes of ripe cherry and succulent strawberry.	null	89	25	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Collosorbo	null	null	null
US	Hints of lanolin and beeswax lend a luxurious slick to this delicately framed yet remarkably complex medium-sweet wine. White peach and pineapple flavors are luscious and ripe, but pierced with a streak of lime acidity and steely minerality. It finishes long with a swathe of fresh green herbs and lime zest.	Late Harvest Estate Bottled and Grown	91	25	New York	Seneca Lake	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Hermann J. Wiemer	null	null	null
US	Quite as tannic as Beringer's other limited-release single-vineyard Cabs, although a streak of buttery softness makes it drinkable now. Richly marbled with cassis, dark chocolate and cherry flavors, and very dry. Seems to have the depth and structure for the long haul. Try after 2006.	Tre Colline	91	80	California	Howell Mountain	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Beringer	null	null	null
US	This wine is equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet takes the lead on the aromas, with notes of dark cherry and dried herbs along with hints of toast, coffee and cocoa. The elegant milk chocolate and cherry flavors are brightened by the Sangiovese's tart acidity.	Bello Rosso	89	38	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Walla Walla Vintners	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Bello Rosso Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	La Clarine Farm's rosé is slightly cloudy, sourced mostly from Syrah grapes, with unusual additions of Mourvèdre, Sémillon and Viognier. Winemaker Hank Beckmeyer says the Syrah grapes barely ripen and that's why he likes them for this wine. Light at 12.8% alcohol, it's an intriguing melange of earthy dark strawberry and mint, crisp in acidity.	null	90	17	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Rosé	La Clarine Farm	Virginie Boone	@vboone	La Clarine Farm 2012 Rosé (Sierra Foothills)
US	Ripe, strawberry/raspberry preserves, with a pleasing, jammy, fruity, luscious richness. Ten percent Petite Sirah adds color and punch. There's a fair amount of tannin, but overall a nice balance, and the plush fruit is the highlight.	null	89	19	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Castle	null	null	null
US	Easygoing wet cement, kiwi and nectarine aromas make for a standard but pleasing Sauvignon Blanc experience with this bottling. There is interesting grip to the palate, which pulls its flavors—apple, lime and bitter orange—forward.	null	87	12	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Estancia	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Estancia 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey County)
Hungary	This semisweet late harvest Hungarian wine has aromas of apricot, caramelized pear and pear tart. There are lovely flavors of canned apricots, sweet ripe pear, white flowers and honeycomb. The finish is sweet but has balanced acidity.	Once Upon a Time Szamorodni Sweet	90	33	Tokaj	null	null	Furmint	Basilicus	Jeff Jenssen	@worldwineguys	Basilicus 2012 Once Upon a Time Szamorodni Sweet Furmint (Tokaj)
US	This Pinot is pure California in its ripe fruitiness. It's explosive in cherry and raspberry jam flavors, with sandalwood and dusty spice notes, and also displays crisp, cool-climate acidity. A delicious wine to drink now.	Quasi Nulla	90	38	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Wrath	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a bright, buoyant style of Brunello that drinks easily but also delivers the sophistication and complexity you should expect of Montalcino. It opens with crisp, tonic aromas of cassis and wild berry with very subtle aromas of vanilla and toasted nut at the back.	null	91	55	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Pietroso	null	null	null
US	Although priced considerably less than Testarossa's single-vineyard bottlings, this Chard is nearly as good. It's rich with tropical fruits, vanilla custard, buttered toast and cinnamon spice flavors, all brightened by crisp acidity.	Cuvée Los Gatos	90	23	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Testarossa	null	null	Testarossa 2011 Cuvée Los Gatos Chardonnay (Monterey County)
New Zealand	Better known for its aromatic whites, Spy Valley has fashioned a solid, middle-of-the-road Sauvignon Blanc. Passion fruit and pineapple flavors form the medium-weight core of the wine, while grassy notes on the nose reemerge on the finish.	null	87	20	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Spy Valley	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Spy Valley 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)

Argentina

Scratchy black cherry aromas come with a strong hint of tree bark and cedar resin. This feels snappy at first, then more resiny and oaky upon airing. Woody black-fruit flavors get a boost from juicy acidity, while an oaky finish tastes like mint and licorice.

Reserva

88

16

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Torrevieja

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Torrevieja 2011 Reserva Malbec (Mendoza)

Italy

Here's a tight, well-balanced blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with loads of mature fruit and spice. The wine is made in the Maremma area of southern Tuscany and would pair easily with game meat or barbecued pork. The mouthfeel incorporates both sweet and spicy elements.

Le Sughere di Frassinello

88

35

Tuscany

Maremma

null

Red Blend

Rocca di Frassinello

null

France

Rich and structured, this shows the plushness of today's Bordeaux Merlot. Ripe berry fruits, dark plums and a touch of vanilla give spice and round off the texture. It's juicy, still developing and best from 2016.

Merlot de Château Sainte-Barbe

88

15

Bordeaux

null

Merlot

Château Sainte Barbe

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Sainte Barbe 2012 Merlot de Château Sainte-Barbe (Bordeaux)

Argentina

Black Label is a step up the quality ladder for Las Moras, based in San Juan. And this wine is full and chunky on the nose, with blackberry and plum-based aromas. In the mouth, it's more racy and oaky, teetering on sharp. But the freshness it boasts bodes well for pairing with meat, and the aforementioned oak lends a hint of cappuccino to an otherwise snappy finish.

Black Label

86

18

Other

San Juan

null

Bonarda

Las Moras

null

Portugal

Bigode, meaning the mustache, is fruity, fresh and light in texture. The juicy character needs another few months to integrate fully with the berry fruits. Spice adds interest. It will be better by the end of 2014.

Bigode

85

8

Lisboa

null

Portuguese Red

DFJ Vinhos

null

US

Slightly sour elements of lemon and lime meet with a riper nectarine tone on the nose of this wine. There is good citrus-driven acidity on the palate with limeade flavors, though it trends a bit sour and wipes up with not much finish.

San Lucas Unoaked Pure

85

15

California

San Lucas

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Lockwood

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Lockwood 2013 San Lucas Unoaked Pure Chardonnay (San Lucas)

Spain

Fresh and full of lime on the nose, and overall this is simple, smooth and gives you little reason to worry or fuss. The palate is smooth, creamy and a little low on acids, thus the lemon-lime and melon flavors have a fullness that's sweet and good.

Extra Dry

86

10

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Segura Viudas

null

Austria

Peardrop scents accent the yeasty nose of this wine. The palate is full of generous, fruity yellow and green pear, set against a backdrop of zesty-fresh grapefruit peel. Salty savor provides depth to its otherwise light, dry and refreshing body.

Classic

90

22

Weinviertel

null

Grüner Veltliner

Kohl

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Kohl 2016 Classic Grüner Veltliner (Weinviertel)

US

This is a big, crowd-pleasing take on Pinot Noir, with fresh and ripe red berries enhanced by barrel smoked toasted teriyaki pork and a pinch of violet on the nose. Ripe raspberry juice shows on the juicy palate, but so does wet slate minerality, dried sage and thyme and even nice pine needle and eucalyptus astringency.

Bin 7

92

36

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

El Pistolero

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

El Pistolero 2014 Bin 7 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Portugal

Light, fresh and fruity, produced from organic grapes, this has some attractive berry fruits, although it does feel dilute. There's some dryness on the finish.

Finest Reserve

84

null

Port

null

Port

Casal dos Jordões

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Casal dos Jordões NV Finest Reserve (Port)

France

A richly textured wine, showing some attractive fresh fruits and soft berries mingling with a layer of firmer tannins. The wine has weight, an attractive edge of spice and a final sweet juicy character.

null

88

25

Bordeaux

Montagne-Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Plaisance

null

Italy

Inviting aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, new leather, pressed blue flower, mint, cake spice and a balsamic note meld together on this delicious, impressive red. The velvety full-bodied palate provides layers of succulent wild cherry, crushed raspberry, truffle, licorice and cinnamon. Firm, polished tannins provide the framework. Drink 2018–2025.

Riserva

95

120

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Lazzeretti

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Lazzeretti 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)

Italy

This wine is based on Sangiovese, with a tiny splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's aged for 12 months in old and new oak barrels. It shows a savory side, with notes of candied fruit, prune, raisin and smoked meat. Drink now.

Lucius Riserva

88

40

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Viticcio

null

US

alance, ripe fruit and a dash of cinnamon make this wine easy to appreciate and fun to drink in light of its reasonable price. It has medium body, plum and red cherry notes and a hint of spicy oak.

null

89

15

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Julia James

null

US

This wine is powerful enough to serve with wild boar carpaccio, if there is such a thing, or with blue cheese like a Port. The color is unusually dark and opaque, a stark black with a faintly purple rim. It smells spicy and tastes very concentrated, like blackberry jam, wood smoke and black pepper. The texture is almost thick and drenched with fine tannins while the body is quite full as well.

Black Tie Charlie

89

27

California

California Other

Red Blend

Prospect 772

null

Chile

A no-frills mass-appeal wine with a pretty color, ripe aromatics and a hint of oak. The palate is solid and full-flavored, while the finish is smooth and easy. Ripe, clean and round.

null

85

8

Central Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Valdivieso

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Valdivieso 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley)

Italy

Soft and velvety, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot releases intense notes of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, spice and leather. It shows plush layers of dark fruit and tangy tobacco that build the palate's momentum.

Sorugo

94

35

Tuscany

Bolgheri Superiore

null

Red Blend

Aia Vecchia

null

US

Great color, dense purple/garnet, and thick scents of blackberries tell you this is a heckuva good $12 wine. Hits the palate with a solid grip, the dense blackberry fruit perked up with white pepper and toast, and finishes big and smoky, with tarry tannins.

null

88

12

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Duck Pond

null

US

This hedonistically powerful mix of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot traffics in blackberry and black cherry jam over a layer of soft tannins. Coffee, toffee and subtle Asian and cinnamon spice keep the proceedings lively, for this is a seriously ripe and playful wine. Cellar through 2020.

No. 1

93

200

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

JCB

Virginie Boone

@vboone

JCB 2012 No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

At first blush this reserve seems more oaky, more open and more overtly alcoholic than the just-released Leonetti 2008 Merlot and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. After many hours of breathing time it fills in with pretty plummy fruit, toast, caramel, whiffs of smoke, cedar and cigar box, and dry tannins.

Reserve

93

135

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Leonetti Cellar

null

Portugal

Perfumed, with flavors of violet candies and very soft tannins. The wine is too aromatic for its own good.

Rio Torto Reserva

83

null

Port

null

Port

Krohn

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Krohn NV Rio Torto Reserva (Port)

US

A smoky nose carries a strong suggestion of bacon fat, wrapped around tightly wound blackberry fruit. Flavors play out broadly and thin out quickly, but this young wine offers solid value and immediate pleasure.

null

87

18

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Noir

Jezebel

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Jezebel 2013 Pinot Noir (Oregon)

Spain

From a hot year, this wine adheres to tradition. It's 85% Tempranillo with Mazuelo and Graciano, so it's straight from central casting. The wine offers clean red-fruit flavors that pop across the palate, and the finish is racy and spicy. Not a show-stopper but worth stopping for.

Viña Berceo Crianza

85

13

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Bodegas Berceo

null

US

This stone-soil, cool-climate region of Monterey is the perfect place to grow a German-style Riesling and keep the price down, because costs there aren't as high as in the North and South coasts. The wine is brilliantly crisp and off-dry, with savory honeysuckle, citrus, apple and mineral flavors, with even richer suggestions of tropical fruits.

White

88

13

California

Arroyo Seco

Central Coast

Riesling

Fenestra

null

Fenestra 2006 White Riesling (Arroyo Seco)

Chile

Seems old due to mild vegetal aromas infiltrating the wine's core aromas of banana, vanilla and melon. Still zesty in feel despite 2011 being the current vintage; tastes of mature orange, grapefruit and pith, with lime on the finish. Drink now.

null

83

9

Central Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

San Elias

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

San Elias 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Central Valley)

Italy

There's a lactic note that resembles cherry yogurt or creamy milk chocolate. After that, this ripasso delivers dried fruit, resin and measured notes of exotic spice. There's also a perfumed quality that recalls pressed flowers or lavender and the wine has a lean, slightly sharp feel in the mouth. Imported by Omniwines Distribution.

Torre del Falasco

86

30

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Cantina Sociale della Valpantena

null

Argentina

Although this wine is entering its late stages of freshness, the bouquet is nice and tropical smelling. The palate maintains its vitality, even if it's a bit oily in texture, while the flavors of lychee, melon and apple are good.

Amado Sur

86

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

White Blend

Trivento

null

US

There's a sharpness to this wine that edges out the cherry and raspberry flavors. Although it's dry and rich in oak, that sharp prickly feeling emphasizes the tannins, and takes away from total enjoyment. Drink now.

null

86

60

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Franc

Pride Mountain

null

Georgia

A blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, this light-straw-colored wine has aromas of peach and freesia. It is very soft on the palate, with refreshing flavors of melon, clementine and passion fruit. The citrus finish offers a surprising touch of white chocolate.

Tsinandali

88

13

Kakheti

null

White Blend

Shumi Winery

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Shumi Winery 2013 Tsinandali White (Kakheti)

US

Simple and crisp, with well-acidified and slightly sweet flavors of apricots and tangerines.

null

84

9

California

California Other

Pinot Grigio

Bella Ragazza

null

Chile

A touch sweet and syrupy, with a hint of molasses and raisin on the nose. The mouth deals big cassis, raspberry and cherry flavors, while the solid finish offers chocolate and a whiff of toast. Yourthful and forward; drink now and enjoy. Imported by Morande USA.

null

86

8

Maipo Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Morandé

null

France

90-92 Structured, the second wine of Léoville las Cases, has solid tannins, chunky while melding into ripe black fruits. A fine second wine, ready to drink in 4-5 years.

Barrel sample Le Petit Lion

91

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Julien

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Léoville Las Cases

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Léoville Las Cases 2010 Barrel sample Le Petit Lion (Saint-Julien)

Austria

A nose of honeyed autolysis is most inviting, while the palate does not disappoint with its bready notes of citrus, fine persistent bubbles and round mouthfeel, yet with that wonderfully zesty focus of acidity. This delivers exactly where it should—on the midpalate and the long, superclean finish that leaves lingering notes of lemon shortbread.

Brut Reserve

91

29

Österreichischer Sekt

null

Sparkling Blend

Schloss Gobelsburg

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Schloss Gobelsburg NV Brut Reserve Sparkling (Österreichischer Sekt)

US

An engaging wine from an old variety, hardly grown anymore in California. It's soft and dense in tannins, with spicy flavors of cherries and a bitter, earthy taste that brings to mind carob. Try as an interesting alternative to Zinfandel.

Frediani Vineyard

87

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Charbono

OnThEdge

null

OnThEdge 2007 Frediani Vineyard Charbono (Napa Valley)

Italy

Vigna delle Raunate opens with bold smoke and spice tones upfront that are closely followed by mature fruit and blackberry aromas. Delicate touches of vanilla and black spice create beautiful accents along the way.

Vigna delle Raunate

92

50

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Mocali

null

Mocali 2006 Vigna delle Raunate (Brunello di Montalcino)

Australia

The 2006 Custodian blends slightly disparate pieces into a harmonious whole. Tart berries accent stewed fruit on the nose, while herbal elements highlight superripe fruit and chocolate on the palate. It's full and round in the mouth, ending a bit soft.

The Custodian

87

19

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Grenache

D'Arenberg

null

Greece

Mint, cedar and clove aromas are followed by pepper, clove and black fruit flavors. It's not overly complex, but it offers distinctive indigenous character, and it will pair nicely with grilled meat.

null

84

15

Naoussa

null

Xinomavro

Vaeni

null

Australia

A disappointing effort from this stalwart Clare Valley producer, but still a good wine, with pretty aromas of crushed stone, mint and lime. The mint becomes more medicinal on the palate, veering toward camphor or menthol, while retaining a citrusy edge and decent length.

null

84

17

South Australia

Clare Valley

null

Riesling

Wakefield Estate

null

Argentina

Here's a Bordeaux-style blend to snap up if you're lucky enough to find it. It's a definite re-issue in that it was first released at $25 in 2006 but was put back on the market last year at $15. And what a bargain it is: Earth, tar and tobacco vie with dried cherry and raspberry on the nose and palate; the finish is long, elegant and dry. A mature, classy wine to drink now.

Serie Magno Gran Reserva

90

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Red Blend

Fantelli

null

US

A bit overripe in raisins, with a chocolate-currant core enriched with smoky new oak. But the texture is silky and fine, and the finish is dry and spicy. Drink now.

null

87

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Longboard

null

Chile

Solid blackberry aromas mark the nose. This is astringent on the palate, with rock-hard tannins. Blackberry, cassis and prune flavors veer toward chocolate on a choppy, tough finish.

Reserva

86

14

Colchagua Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Calcu

null

US

Made from old vines, this Zin is still super tight with mouth-drying tannins, and peppery with a base of black fruit and leather.

Old Vine

84

25

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Trinitas

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Trinitas 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel (El Dorado)

Israel

Blackberry, cassis and a touch of herbal green pepper on the nose are followed by sweeter notes of spice and dark fruit guts on the medium weight palate. Moderate tannins and balanced acidity flesh out the rich mouthfeel, leading through the long, lush finish. Approachable and decadent; a good wine sure to please most.

Limited Edition

87

29

Israel

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tishbi Estate

null

US

Planted in 1972, these old vines produce a delicate Pinot Noir, high in acid, pretty and relatively pale in the glass, with scents of tart cranberry, mineral and pomegranate. Despite the lightness, it has a lovely presence in the mouth, and medium length.

Celilo Vineyard

88

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Pinot Noir

Syncline

null

France

From a vineyard just to the north of the line of Meursault premier crus, this is a fresh, crisp wine, very citrusy, with a strong element of spice and grapefruit. The fruitiness is tamed by some wood aging.

Les Grand Charrons

89

50

Burgundy

Meursault

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Michel Bouzereau

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Michel Bouzereau 2008 Les Grand Charrons (Meursault)

US

Boosted with 5% Barbera, this bottling for the estate's Bootjack Ranch shows ripe cranberry, red cherry, a pinch of herbs and touches of caramel and coffee syrup on the nose. A dense core of black plum skins at the palate's core is surrounded by bright cherry fruit, evolving into a dark chocolate and espresso touch.

null

90

45

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Sangiovese

Niner

null

US

The vineyard, which is in St. Helena, certainly yielded grapes that were ripe, to judge by this wine's flavors. It's gigantic in berries, cherries, mocha and spices that are jammy and sweet. The best thing about it are the tannins, which are smooth and complex. Give this flashy young Petite Sirah a couple years to integrate and mellow.

Hayne Vineyard

90

65

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Petite Sirah

Jacob Franklin

null

Jacob Franklin 2009 Hayne Vineyard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)

France

There seems to be too much wood here which is smothering the fruit. Given that, the wine does have weight and as the wood softens, the juicy fruit flavors should come through. Wait to drink until 2016. But it will always be austere.

null

85

19

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château la Croix Margautot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château la Croix Margautot 2010 Haut-Médoc

US

Full body, plenty of tannin and subdued fruit flavors make this a tight, savory rather than fruity Syrah. It is definitely a food wine, with all the appetizing counterpoints for indulgent steaks, ribs or roasts.

Madera

87

21

California

Madera

Central Valley

Syrah

Cedar View Winery

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Cedar View Winery 2011 Madera Syrah (Madera)

Chile

Sour plum and cranberry aromas are almost volatile, leading to a racy, acidic palate. Snappy, tart flavors of red plum and pie cherry finish with scouring acidity. This is a fresh but raw Malbec.

Natura

82

11

Rapel Valley

null

Malbec

Emiliana

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Emiliana 2012 Natura Malbec (Rapel Valley)

Australia

Black plum fruit on the palate shares the spotlight with a meaty, stably flavor—the same note that I found on the nose. It's a straightforward wine, but a much different sort from other lollipop-styled ones that you'll find at this price point. Imported by Epic Wines.

Trevor Mast 2002 Four Sisters

84

12

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

null

Shiraz

Four Sisters

null

Argentina

This is one exotic number. The nose shows blueberry, boysenberry, charcoal, plenty of oak and hints of cardamom and star anise. A lush, layered palate is intense but doesn't hit too hard, while concentrated blackberry, licorice and spice flavors set up a peppery, minty finish that's stout and structured.

Don David Reserve

91

18

Other

Calchaquí Valley

null

Malbec

Michel Torino

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Michel Torino 2012 Don David Reserve Malbec (Calchaquí Valley)

US

Extreme pepper elements, from peppercorn to bell pepper, carry through this entire experience. The nose also shows red berries, while the palate offers barely ripe strawberry notes. Fans of the peppery style, which often benefits from a slight chill, will be enthused. Those who hate pyrazines should stay away.

Estate

88

32

California

Santa Clara Valley

Central Coast

Cabernet Franc

Jason-Stephens

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Jason-Stephens 2012 Estate Cabernet Franc (Santa Clara Valley)

Germany

Sweet and savory interplay through this exotic TBA, balancing waves of candied orange rind and caramelized sugar with umami-rich notes of sea breeze and dried herb. It's delicate on the palate, but lingers long with bright tangerine acidity. Delicious now, but would be fascinating to try in 10 years.

Kiedrich Gräfenberg Trockenbeerenauslese

92

670

Rheingau

null

Riesling

Robert Weil

null

US

A little raw, with sharp elbows of tannins and acids. Don't be too fussy, just enjoy the plummy, grapy flavors.

null

84

17

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Clos du Bois

null

Germany

Toasted nut, smoke and slate aromas lend complexity and nuance to this high-pitched Riesling Sekt. Lemon-lime acidity and vivacious effervescence give the palate an electric feel, countered nicely by delicate swirls of sweet red apple and caramel. It's concentrated and boldly penetrating through a long finish.

Riesling Sekt Brut

92

50

Rheingau

null

Sparkling Blend

Robert Weil

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Robert Weil 2014 Riesling Sekt Brut Sparkling (Rheingau)

US

Solid and full-bodied, this tightly structured Cabernet has a deep red-black color. Enticing aromas of cedar and cinnamon precede focused but not overly ripe fruit flavors that suggest black cherry and cranberry, plus a dark chocolate impression that suits it well. It's tight with tannins right now, so best to drink after 2016.

Vintners Reserve

91

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Alta

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Alta 2011 Vintners Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

I believe this is the first vintage for the LEHM estate Pinot Gris; the young vines need a few more years to pull the flavors out. But this is a good start, very crisp and clean and well-defined, with intriguing hints of apple and pear and light herb. The finish continues gracefully, adding notes of rock and pepper to the mix.

LEHM Estate

88

20

Washington

Chelan County

Washington Other

Pinot Gris

Chelan Wine Company

null

Austria

Pure Blaufränkisch, a wine with the characteristic juicy beetroot and spice flavors. It is rich, soft, with an intense streak of final acidity, edged with tannins.

Goldberg

89

25

Mittelburgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Johann Heinrich

null

Italy

There's a nice mineral vein that helps keep this wine focused. Beyond that, you'll taste fresh fruit and some distance notes of roasted almond and sourdough. The mouthfeel is clean and crisp and the bubbles are soft and creamy.

Soul Satèn

91

null

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Chardonnay

Contadi Castaldi

null

US

Coming in a bottle adorned with an informational treasure map of the region, this wine conveys bubble gum, honeysuckle and Pink Lady apples on the nose. A similar apple character shows on the palate, along with riper grapefruit notes, Anjou pear slices and graphite. The apples get more sour as the sip lingers.

Queen of Tides

87

25

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Inconceivable

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Inconceivable 2014 Queen of Tides Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)

Italy

The Colli Euganei is an up-and-coming wine region located in a volcanic chain of hills outside the city of Padua. This expression of Moscato is sweet and enduring, with aromas of yellow rose and jasmine.

Donna Daria

88

50

Veneto

Colli Euganei

null

Moscato Giallo

La Montecchia

null

Italy

Here's an enjoyable white that has light aromas of orchard fruit and citrus. The ripe palate reflects the nose, doling out yellow apple and tangerine alongside a note of bitter almond.

null

87

14

Tuscany

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

null

Vernaccia

Guidi 1929

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Guidi 1929 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano

France

This is massive, hugely concentrated, topped with wood and intense tannins. Flavors of bitter chocolate are dominant, heavy fruits, blackberries and texture that fills the mouth with dark, dense flavors. Big in all senses.

null

94

190

Bordeaux

Saint-Julien

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Léoville Las Cases

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Léoville Las Cases 2003 Saint-Julien

US

Very tight in the nose, with hints of peanuts. A cinnamon nuance provides an exotic edge to the otherwise straightforward, somewhat tart cherry palate. Buttery oak and more tangy cherries dominate the finish.

Lewman Vineyard

85

25

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Bethel Heights

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bethel Heights 1998 Lewman Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

Israel

Attractive and layered with a blueberry and raspberry fruit core accented by notes of sweet spice, orange oil, ashy tobacco and a touch of dark purple florals. The gripping tannins are fine and balanced, with skin-driven fruit flavors dominating the palate and a fudgy chocolate and sweet spice note lingering on the finish.

Yiron

90

22

Galilee

null

Red Blend

Galil Mountain

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Galil Mountain 2008 Yiron Red (Galilee)

US

Elusive aromatically, this wine begins to show hints of violet and rose as it opens, comforting whiffs that ride over powerfully, pillowy tannins. Savory in style, and fairly light bodied, it's a round, soft wine with a lot of juicy red cherry.

American

86

25

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Virginia Dare

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Virginia Dare 2014 American Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Austria

Aromatic, floral notes of fresh pear juice, chalky stone and citrus immediately speak of elegance, purity and poise. The palate is lightweight but textured and has that same chalk-stone depth and huge reserves of lemony citrus freshness. There is a counterweight of ripeness and warmth but overall this remains slender and toned. Very well done.

Jungherrn

92

33

Vienna

null

Weissburgunder

Stift Klosterneuburg

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Stift Klosterneuburg 2015 Jungherrn Weissburgunder (Vienna)

France

This is a pure and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp, citrus driven and refreshing, it has a clean character and a delicious zesty texture that acidity to the fruitiness. Screwcap.

Fumées Blanches

85

10

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

null

Sauvignon Blanc

François Lurton

null

Greece

Vanilla, orange marmalade and lemon lead this Chardonnay from Greece. Flavors of tasted nuts, vanilla and citrus are bold and rich. Pair with stronger fish dishes or cream-based entrées.

null

83

14

Attica

null

Chardonnay

Harlaftis

null

Italy

Supple and fresh, this informal but savory wine has aromas of dark berry and allspice. Crafted to be paired with fish, the silky, easy-drinking palate offers juicy red cherry, ripe raspberry and clove alongside smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Serve chilled for a perfect summer red.

Otre Fish

88

17

Southern Italy

Puglia

null

Negroamaro

Teanum

null

France

This attractive and fruity wine blends Niellucciu with Sciacerellu, both local Corsican grapes. The freshness is right there, crisp and hinting at red currant flavors and bright acidity. Drink now.

Domaine Petroni

87

20

France Other

Corse

null

Rosé

Union de Vignerons de l'Île de Beauté

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Union de Vignerons de l'Île de Beauté 2014 Domaine Petroni Rosé (Corse)

France

Rich and round, this wine shows the natural herbaceous character of the Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon blend. Tamed by a warm, fat, generous feel, this has the density and structure to make it a great match for food.

null

88

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Larroque

null

US

Jammy aromas, tangy raspberry and blackberry flavors and a firm vein of tannin make this medium-bodied wine easy to enjoy and firm enough to pair with big proteins.

Midnight Reserve

85

30

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Red Blend

LangeTwins

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

LangeTwins 2012 Midnight Reserve Red (Lodi)

Australia

Readers fortunate enough to latch onto a bottle of the fewer than 300 imported to the U.S. will find themselves with a super bottle of Shiraz that manages to deliver great flavor intensity without relying on excessive weight. Notes of cracked black pepper and herbal nuances add complexity to the liquorous blackberry aromas, building in spicy intensity through the anise-inflected finish. Approachable now, but should drink well through at least 2015.

Hill of Grace Vineyard

93

400

South Australia

Eden Valley

null

Shiraz

Henschke

null

France

91–93. Barrel sample. Owner Alain Moueix is a standard bearer for biodynamics in Bordeaux. This is a rich and opulent wine, boasting ripe black currants and fragrant fruits. A very pure and forward wine.

Barrel Sample

92

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Fonroque

null

Italy

Made with Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco grapes from the Vigne di Strevi in Piedmont, this is a linear, genuine sparkler with lemon-lime flavors and toasted bread notes that come through loud and clear. Easy to drink and easy to like. Imported by Banfi Vintners.

Brut

89

24

Piedmont

null

Sparkling Blend

Banfi

null

US

Very light in color, so much so that it’s almost transparent. Potent aromas of mushroom, bramble and buttery oak. Some strawberry and cream flavors are driven by snappy acids. There’s length and kick to the fruit-forward finish.

null

82

17

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Benton-Lane

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Benton-Lane 1998 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

Australia

This likeable blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Shiraz and 25% Mataro (Mourvèdre) features a mix of intense red fruits—raspberries and cherries—and minty, herbal complexity. It's soft and round, and altogether pleasing, with just a dusting of silky tannins on the long finish. Drink now and over the next few years.

Boundary Row Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro

91

22

South Australia

Barossa Valley

null

Red Blend

Kurtz Family

null

France

This juicy, fruit forward Grenache offers flavors of red plum, blueberries and licorice supported by notes of rosemary and roses in the background. Silky texture with ample tannin and acidity leads into a fairly long and nicely evolving finish. Excellent choice for red meat dishes. Imported by The Portfolio Group.

Old Vine

88

46

Languedoc-Roussillon

Minervois La Liviniere

null

Grenache

Château Maris

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Château Maris 2005 Old Vine Grenache (Minervois La Liviniere)

Spain

Light and lemony, with a hint of green astringency. Tangerine with hints of mushroom on the palate run toward a solid but lean finish. Has zest but little roundness. Fresh and crisp, but not the most friendly bubbly.

Brut Nature Reserva de la Familia

86

22

Catalonia

Cava

null

White Blend

Juvé y Camps

null

US

A very rich, ripe, opulent Cabernet, fulsome in blackberries, blueberries, currants and licorice, nicely framed in sweet, smoky oak. Easy to drink now for its soft tannins.

Mountain Cuvée

89

19

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet

Kirkland Signature

null

Kirkland Signature 2008 Mountain Cuvée Cabernet (Napa Valley)

US

A stony, wet cement-like aromas meets Anjou lime and jasmine touches on the nose of this bottling from a winery recently acquired by O'Neill Vintners. The palate leads with a dollop of acidity and slowly releases lemongrass, Asian pear and ripe nectarine flavors, cut with a tense streak of lime.

null

89

16

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Robert Hall

null

Italy

Marinella Camerani's dedication to tradition (with organic and biodynamic farming principles) is legendary. Hers are delicate, sometimes difficult wines, yet they are always prized for authenticity. Distinctive aromas include crushed raspberry, raisins, almond cookie, molasses and cooked pears in reduction sauce. The wine ends with lively, refreshing acidity.

null

90

100

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Corte Sant' Alda

null

France

This is a rich, bottle-aged wine is bright with lemon and green-apple fruitiness, but it's starting to develop secondary flavors—notes of toast, almonds and cookies—as well. It's at just the right stage of development and ready to drink now.

Brut Prestige

92

69

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Philippe Fontaine

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Philippe Fontaine NV Brut Prestige (Champagne)

US

This is a good, rich, complex Cab, but it's also toughly tannic, and needs time in the cellar to come around. Beneath the astringency are ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries and sweet fresh herbs. Give it until 2011, if you can.

Pyramid Vineyard

91

60

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hawkes

null

Hawkes 2005 Pyramid Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Chile

A good and lively bargain-priced Chard. Light toast, honey and pear aromas draw you in, and the balanced white-fruit palate is convincing. Sophisticated and with good acidity.

Classic Series

88

12

Curicó Valley

null

Chardonnay

Montes

null

Italy

This linear, mineral-driven white opens with intriguing sea breeze, herb and field flower scents. The elegant palate offers citrus zest, yellow stone fruit and toasted almond flavors, alongside fresh acidity.

null

88

20

Northeastern Italy

Friuli

null

Malvasia

Castelvecchio

null

Italy

Here's a concentrated, ripe and surprisingly rich Rosso di Montalcino that mimics many of the fine characteristics of its big sister, Brunello. The wine is smooth and slightly sweet in the mouth with bursting notes of ripe cherry and succulent strawberry.

null

89

25

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Collosorbo

null

US

Hints of lanolin and beeswax lend a luxurious slick to this delicately framed yet remarkably complex medium-sweet wine. White peach and pineapple flavors are luscious and ripe, but pierced with a streak of lime acidity and steely minerality. It finishes long with a swathe of fresh green herbs and lime zest.

Late Harvest Estate Bottled and Grown

91

25

New York

Seneca Lake

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Hermann J. Wiemer

null

US

Quite as tannic as Beringer's other limited-release single-vineyard Cabs, although a streak of buttery softness makes it drinkable now. Richly marbled with cassis, dark chocolate and cherry flavors, and very dry. Seems to have the depth and structure for the long haul. Try after 2006.

Tre Colline

91

80

California

Howell Mountain

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Beringer

null

US

This wine is equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet takes the lead on the aromas, with notes of dark cherry and dried herbs along with hints of toast, coffee and cocoa. The elegant milk chocolate and cherry flavors are brightened by the Sangiovese's tart acidity.

Bello Rosso

89

38

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Walla Walla Vintners

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Bello Rosso Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

La Clarine Farm's rosé is slightly cloudy, sourced mostly from Syrah grapes, with unusual additions of Mourvèdre, Sémillon and Viognier. Winemaker Hank Beckmeyer says the Syrah grapes barely ripen and that's why he likes them for this wine. Light at 12.8% alcohol, it's an intriguing melange of earthy dark strawberry and mint, crisp in acidity.

null

90

17

California

Sierra Foothills

Rosé

La Clarine Farm

Virginie Boone

@vboone

La Clarine Farm 2012 Rosé (Sierra Foothills)

US

Ripe, strawberry/raspberry preserves, with a pleasing, jammy, fruity, luscious richness. Ten percent Petite Sirah adds color and punch. There's a fair amount of tannin, but overall a nice balance, and the plush fruit is the highlight.

null

89

19

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Castle

null

US

Easygoing wet cement, kiwi and nectarine aromas make for a standard but pleasing Sauvignon Blanc experience with this bottling. There is interesting grip to the palate, which pulls its flavors—apple, lime and bitter orange—forward.

null

87

12

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Estancia

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Estancia 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey County)

Hungary

This semisweet late harvest Hungarian wine has aromas of apricot, caramelized pear and pear tart. There are lovely flavors of canned apricots, sweet ripe pear, white flowers and honeycomb. The finish is sweet but has balanced acidity.

Once Upon a Time Szamorodni Sweet

90

33

Tokaj

null

Furmint

Basilicus

Jeff Jenssen

@worldwineguys

Basilicus 2012 Once Upon a Time Szamorodni Sweet Furmint (Tokaj)

US

This Pinot is pure California in its ripe fruitiness. It's explosive in cherry and raspberry jam flavors, with sandalwood and dusty spice notes, and also displays crisp, cool-climate acidity. A delicious wine to drink now.

Quasi Nulla

90

38

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Wrath

null

Italy

Here's a bright, buoyant style of Brunello that drinks easily but also delivers the sophistication and complexity you should expect of Montalcino. It opens with crisp, tonic aromas of cassis and wild berry with very subtle aromas of vanilla and toasted nut at the back.

null

91

55

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Pietroso

null

US

Although priced considerably less than Testarossa's single-vineyard bottlings, this Chard is nearly as good. It's rich with tropical fruits, vanilla custard, buttered toast and cinnamon spice flavors, all brightened by crisp acidity.

Cuvée Los Gatos

90

23

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Testarossa

null

Testarossa 2011 Cuvée Los Gatos Chardonnay (Monterey County)

New Zealand

Better known for its aromatic whites, Spy Valley has fashioned a solid, middle-of-the-road Sauvignon Blanc. Passion fruit and pineapple flavors form the medium-weight core of the wine, while grassy notes on the nose reemerge on the finish.

null

87

20

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Spy Valley

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Spy Valley 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)