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 ⌀
Portugal	Aged for 12 months in wood, this smooth, ripe wine is already rich and delicious. Its structure is well integrated into the berry fruits and acidity. It's ready to drink from 2018.	Rapariga da Quinta Colheita Seleccionada Tinto	90	16	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Luis Duarte	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Luis Duarte 2015 Rapariga da Quinta Colheita Seleccionada Tinto Red (Alentejano)
Italy	Year after year, this is one of our favorite Chardonnays from Northeast Italy. This year, however, there is an aromatic element out of place and the wine seems unable to deliver its bouquet with the same intensity. You do get exotic fruit and toasted nut but the wine really excels in the mouth thanks to its creamy, spicy flavors.	Grafin de la Tour	88	60	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Chardonnay	Villa Russiz	null	null	null
Chile	Metallic gold in color, with oily, popcorn aromas that announce fairly aggressive oaking. But just when you want to dismiss it as overoaked, it dials back to show conventional apple and nut flavors along with freshness. It's also ringing, jangled and overexcited.	null	86	18	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Arboleda	null	null	null
US	A round and pleasant wine with melon, toast and pear aromas and flavors, but a bit on the sweet side. Bright citrus and peach notes add interest, a touch of chalk keeps the sweetness in check, and the oak comes up dramatically on the back end.	Estate Vineyard	88	22	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Château Julien	null	null	null
US	Sweetly rich in cherry, red currant and chocolate flavors, with a peppery edge, this Sangiovese is soft in structure. The bright acidity can cut through tomato sauce with cheese.	null	85	34	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sangiovese	Falcor	null	null	Falcor 2005 Sangiovese (Napa Valley)
Italy	Purple flower and mature dark berry aromas lift out of the glass. Extremely simple and diluted, the palate offers suggestions of morello cherry, a hint of spice and loose-knit fleeting tannins.	null	84	8	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	La Fiera	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	La Fiera 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
US	Rich and full bodied, despite the relatively low alcohol, this supertart and luscious Riesling is loaded with sour candy flavors of lemon and lime. Quite refreshing, pure and dry.	Lawrence Vineyards	89	17	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Gård	null	null	null
US	This pure, Columbia Valley Cabernet is blended from a variety of widely separated vineyards. The fruit is forward, pushing black cherry and cola notes to the front of the palate, layering in a streak of milk chocolate, and finishing with smooth, supple tannins.	null	88	32	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	L'Ecole No. 41	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	L'Ecole No. 41 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	This hearty Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from a relatively hot vintage (2005) offers loads of ripe, jammy fruit, plum and prune backed by exotic spice and black peppercorn. The wine shows solid, dark tannins on the close.	Pentima	85	15	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Carlo Mario Margiotta	null	null	null
France	This is a big, black wine, intensely medicinal and herbal in character. It has powerful, extracted, dark tannins, emphasized by chocolate and spice flavors, as well as dark plums.	Un Jour....	92	null	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Le Clos d'un Jour	null	null	null
US	An intriguing nose of dried herbs, soft cherry, smoked meat and spice is the start of this food-friendly Cab. On the palate, more herbed meat and berry in a smooth, elegant package adds to the draw. Not overly complicated but good.	null	86	20	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Sauvignon	Sheldrake Point	null	null	null
US	Rounded peach, cider apple, chalk and seltzer aromas mix with a touch of yeast on the nose of this bottling. There's a racy, tactile acidity on the palate, lending depth to its dried apple, pear and sea salt flavors.	Faith Vineyard	88	23	California	Central Coast	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Luna Hart	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Luna Hart 2016 Faith Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
US	A to Z can honestly lay claim to making Oregon's best budget Pinot Gris. Their inexpensive, widely available bottlings consistently offer fresh, varietal scents of citrus and pear, with nuances of acacia flowers and honeysuckle. Production has ramped up to 31,000 cases, with no diminution of quality.	null	88	13	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Gris	A to Z	null	null	null
US	Winemakers Greg Morthole and David Ramey showcase this vineyard site well, a special spot in the heart of the appellation. Rich and spicy, the wine features tastes of black tea, deep dark fruit and zesty minerality, all layered by toasty oak. Full bodied and luxurious, it finds its way to a bright, fresh finish.	Jane's Vineyard Dijon Clone 777	92	55	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Davis Bynum	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Davis Bynum 2013 Jane's Vineyard Dijon Clone 777 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Spain	Jammy berry aromas are pleasant and only slightly rubbery. This baby Monastrell (with 15% Syrah) is fresh but choppy and gritty in feel. Pure plum and cherry flavors finish with a medicinal note and lasting acidity.	Joven	87	10	Levante	Jumilla	null	Red Blend	Monterebro	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Monterebro 2014 Joven Red (Jumilla)
Italy	A blockbuster wine with finely tuned renderings of coffee, tobacco, spice and leather, Oreno requires a rare steak cooked on a mesquite grill or something similarly big and bold. In the mouth, this Sangiovese-Merlot-Cabernet blend delivers loads of spice that leaves a lasting impression thanks its firm tannins. Drink after 2010.	Oreno	95	93	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Tenuta Sette Ponti	null	null	null
France	Half-and-half Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from premier and grand cru vineyards, this is a rich wine that has bottle age giving it a toasty character. It is full and ripe—still keeping acidity while bringing in mature flavors such as almonds and walnuts. This is a serious, complex and mature wine. Palmer is the brand name for a grouping of seven growers.	Amazone de Palmer Brut	92	140	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Palmer & Co	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Palmer & Co NV Amazone de Palmer Brut (Champagne)
France	Powerful, ripe fruit, now beginning to open up, is the dominant character of this wine. It's full in the mouth, packed with black plums and ripe damsons and finished with soft tannins and a slight warmth.	null	88	25	Bordeaux	Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Carignan	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Carignan 2009 Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux
US	This tastes like a raspberry and red cherry tart that has a smoky, sweet crust. The alcohol gives the palate a pleasant warmth. It's a simple Pinot Noir to drink now.	Vineyard Montage	85	23	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Cru	null	null	null
Portugal	The wine tastes old before its years. It has a leathery character and prominent acidity rather than fruit. It has interest, with its dried fruits and tannins that are just on the point of drying out. Drink now.	Dona Maria Amantis Reserva	86	null	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Dona Maria-Júlio Bastos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Dona Maria-Júlio Bastos 2009 Dona Maria Amantis Reserva Red (Alentejano)
US	This wine is full of intense honey, orange, apricot, lemon, crème brûlée, vanilla bean and buttered toast flavors. Too soft for all that richness, but it sure is delicious.	Winemaker's Release Late Harvest	89	30	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Sonoma-Cutrer	null	null	Sonoma-Cutrer 2012 Winemaker's Release Late Harvest Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
US	Made from unknown varieties, this is a big, sturdy, tannic and dry wine, made from a high mountain vineyard in this Lake County appellation. There's lots to like in the blackberry, cherry and red currant flavors, with their edge of dark chocolate and bacon. The wine is a bit sharp, but that could be a function of youth. Give it a few years in the cellar. A wine to watch.	Half Mile	89	60	California	Red Hills Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Red Blend	Obsidian Ridge	null	null	null
Spain	Opens in good form, with aromas of blackberry, rubber and earth. Feels a touch chunky and heavy, but it's easygoing and offers full flavors of berry fruits, rubber, hoisin sauce and fig. Finishes smooth and round; drink now.	Reserva	89	null	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Condado de Oriza	null	null	null
US	The dried tobacco, vanilla, green olive and cocoa aromas seem somewhat unusual for the variety and vintage. The chocolate and cherry flavors are creamy in feel, displaying a good sense of balance and length.	XVIII	89	45	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Dunham	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Dunham 2012 XVIII Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	This new vintage offers the same blend as the 2005—62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. The flavors, though tight and reserved, are substantial and lightly earthy, and the tannins sculpted and refined. Well defined and polished, the tight, tart fruit is enhanced with hints of mushroom and earth, leading into a pleasing, toasty finish.	DuBrul Vineyard Reserve Red Wine	92	45	Washington	Rattlesnake Hills	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Tamarack Cellars	null	null	null
US	Made from Cab Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, in that order, this is a very flavorful wine, with rich blackberry, black currant, cocoa and cedar flavors. But it's very sharp in acidity, with a jalapeño pepper burn that limits its appeal.	Chukker	84	20	California	Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara	Central Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Happy Canyon Vineyard	null	null	null
US	Cline delivers a juicy and inviting refresher here, pretty in pink salmon color and ripe in raspberry and plum flavors that flood the midpalate and finish dry. This is a great bargain sipping wine that will bring a taste of spring to your autumn table.	Mourvèdre	87	12	California	Contra Costa County	Central Coast	Rosé	Cline	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Cline 2012 Mourvèdre Rosé (Contra Costa County)
US	There's so much oak on this Pinot Noir, you might think you were tasting a dessert made with vanilla cream and toasted meringue, like the crust on a baked Alaska. Under all that, loads of ripe raspberries and cherries. Shows the excellent hallmarks of a fine Santa Rita Pinot Noir, but certainly is one of the oakier versions.	null	90	95	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Coup de Foudre	null	null	null
Italy	Here's an excellent measuring stick with which to gauge some of the world's best Nebbiolo-based wines. This bright Barolo from the Sarmassa cru delivers textbook aromatic nuances of small berry, cinnamon, dried currants, licorice and balsam freshness. Tight tannins and a fine texture will enable longevity. Cellar this wine ten years or more.	Sarmassa	94	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Marchesi di Barolo	null	null	null
US	A glorious, grapefruity, lusciously fresh Pinot Gris, this new vintage from Seven Hills is made for a summer afternoon. This has notes of citrus and melon, with highlights of mint and a hint of pepper, keeping it lively and interesting all through the refreshing finish.	null	91	17	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Gris	Seven Hills	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Seven Hills 2011 Pinot Gris (Oregon)
US	This is a classic style of California Cabernet that puts fascinating mint, black-cherry and black-olive flavors on a firm frame of fine-grained tannins and a medium body. It has excellent concentration and good balance. Best through 2024.	Ishi Pishi Ranch	90	35	California	Humboldt County	North Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Briceland	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Briceland 2014 Ishi Pishi Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Humboldt County)
Italy	This opens with a light pink color, exhibiting lively aromas of raspberry, cranberry and pink grapefruit. The wine is slender and easy on the finish, with a final zesty-citrus blast.	Centine	86	11	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Rosato	Banfi	null	null	null
Chile	Rich, oaky aromas of coconut and vanilla are matched by earthy, almost nutty berry and cassis scents. This is tannic, grabby and slightly abrasive, while chocolate, cherry and cassis flavors end long, strong and ripe. Drink through 2018.	Corralillo	89	30	Maipo Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Matetic	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Matetic 2012 Corralillo Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)
US	Smooth and rich, this has creamy flavors of buttered toast, golden mango, Key lime pie and honey. Balancing all the sweet richness is fine acidity and a steely minerality. It's a bit dialed into the modern style, but there's no denying the opulent deliciousness of this Chardonnay.	Estate Grown	90	30	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Silverado	null	null	Silverado 2010 Estate Grown Chardonnay (Carneros)
US	This wine at the top of the Goldeneye hierarchy conveys a feeling of elegance and full body at the same time. It has spicy, toasted oak aromas, ripe and tasty fruit flavors, a rounded texture and full body. Nuances like ripe blackberry and black cherry are nicely layered with nutmeg and toast for delicious complexity.	Ten Degrees Vineyard	93	115	California	Anderson Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Goldeneye	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Goldeneye 2012 Ten Degrees Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
US	Just over two-thirds Merlot with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and a pinch of Petit Verdot, this thoroughly delicious wine opens with a complex assortment of aromas, including incense, toast, crushed flowers, spice, bay leaf, licorice and red and black fruit. The palate is deft but brings waves of layered fruit flavors that show great density and richness. It's hedonistic but doesn't sacrifice one iota of balance. It drinks best at 62 degrees.	Clos de Betz	94	57	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Betz Family	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Betz Family 2012 Clos de Betz Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
Australia	This is a full-throttle, rich and moderately dense Shiraz with bold aromas of raspberry and plum. Chocolate notes develop on the palate, adding more complexity. Velvety on the finish, where there's also a touch of alcoholic warmth. Imported by International Vines, Inc.	RSW	90	60	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz	Wirra Wirra	null	null	null
US	A barrel selection of Schindler fruit, this reserve notches up the color, density and alcohol without sacrificing the basic character and finesse of the vineyard. Here are the tight layers of bacon fat, stone, pepper and leaf, along with tart, lightly herbal red fruits. The core fruit is concentrated, fresh and primary, and promises excellent aging potential.	Schindler Reserve	92	60	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Sineann	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Sineann 2008 Schindler Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Italy	A traditional style of riserva, this wine shows aromas of spice, candied berry, smoked bacon, cinnamon, white pepper and dried sage. There's also a floral element of red rose or lavender. It is light and crisp, with a firm finish.	Riserva	92	115	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Cantina di Montalcino	null	null	null
US	A fine Chardonnay, worthy of its reserve designation, at a fair price. It's dry, full-bodied and oaky, with concentrated pineapple, apricot and guava fruit flavors. You can drink it now—not too cold—but it will be better after two to three years in the bottle.	Reserve	91	32	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Rusack	null	null	Rusack 2011 Reserve Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
Spain	Smooth, deep aromas of licorice and blackberry are composed. This Mencía feels full and lusty, with grip but nothing too hard or edgy. Earthy black fruit flavors are savory, toasty and meaty, while the finish is woody and plump. Drink through 2020.	Art	90	55	Northern Spain	Bierzo	null	Mencía	Luna Beberide	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Luna Beberide 2012 Art Mencía (Bierzo)
Italy	Aromas recall scorched earth, underbrush, stewed prune and coconut. Oak spices, vanilla and coffee dominate the warm palate. It lacks fruit richness and can't stand up to the assertive tannins or the heat of evident alcohol.	Riserva	86	50	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Tenuta Vitanza	null	null	null
France	An easy, attractive wine that shows some of the very ripe, small berry flavors of 2003. Dense but sweet tannins balance the black fruits and the solid structure which lies underneath this rich wine. One of the three Lurton properties owned by Marie-Laure Lurton.	null	87	15	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Villegeorge	null	null	null
Italy	Giuseppe Nada brings us a gorgeous Barolo that oozes elegance and intensity. The wine is redolent of tar, black currant, spice and dried licorice powder. The tannins are drying and fine and leave a long, polished sensation in the mouth. It's a very nice ensemble.	null	91	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Nada Giuseppe	null	null	null
US	Aromas of lemon juice and graham cracker show on the nose and carry to the persistantly foamy palate. Additional notes of apple and orange peel offer some depth but fade quickly from unrelenting acidity.	Gilbert Grande Reserve	85	39	America	null	null	Sparkling Blend	Gruet	Fiona Adams	@bkfiona	Gruet 2012 Gilbert Grande Reserve Sparkling (America)
Portugal	Rich and finely balanced, this wine combines spice notes with rich tannins and blackberry tones. While it is dense and complex, it is still young and needs time to age. Drink after 2015.	Diga? Tinto	90	58	Bairrada	null	null	Portuguese Red	Campolargo	null	null	null
Spain	The newest project from Vega Sicilia comes from Toro, where the serious wines are often gargantuan. This has a blinding violet tint and equally forward aromas. In the mouth, it's rock hard, a bruiser of the first order. To drink now would be inviting a tannic overload. Best to hold a couple of years and then serve with a juicy steak.	Vino Tinto	90	50	Northern Spain	Toro	null	Tinta de Toro	Pintia	null	null	null
Australia	Sourced from the northern Barossa, the name pays homage to the fact that this is not a stereotypical fruit bomb. Instead, it's a savory, meaty wine featuring hints of cola and raspberry. Fermented with “wild” yeasts in open-top vats and matured largely in used French oak puncheons (500 liters), this is a balanced, medium-bodied red well suited to the dinner table.	Paradox	91	45	South Australia	Barossa	null	Shiraz	Yalumba	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Yalumba 2012 Paradox Shiraz (Barossa)
US	One of Cuvaison's best basic Pinots in years, this is charming with its dry, crisp structure, silky elegance and fine flavors of raspberries, cherries and toasty oak. While not an ager, it's a beautiful wine to pair with tuna, salmon, lamb or steak.	null	90	35	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Cuvaison	null	null	Cuvaison 2010 Pinot Noir (Carneros)
France	The dominance of Sémillon in the blend gives a ripe, creamy character, hinting at honey as well as yellow fruits. The herbaceous element is there but is tamed by the richness.	null	87	null	Bordeaux	Graves	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château le Bonnat	null	null	null
France	Toasty aromas are followed by intense black plum fruits twisted with tannins and polished with wood. It's an impressive, powerful wine, with a complex structure. Firm at this stage, it need 4¬–5 years at least to age.	La Commandery	93	22	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château la Caminade	null	null	null
Italy	The bouquet of yellow rose, apricot, pear and cantaloupe is delightful. On the palate it's creamy and rich, and it should pair well with shrimp risotto.	Thurner	87	16	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Bianco	Colterenzio	null	null	null
US	Blue fruit stars in this juicily exuberant wine that shows upfront citrus, red cherry and a spark of campfire-like smoke. Its bristling acidity is balanced in a core of backbone-building tannin that gives it weight and depth.	null	89	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	White Oak	null	null	null
US	The wine was half cool-fermented in steel, half in neutral barrels, a nice combination that lets the pure fruit flavors star, while juicing them with a tiny boost of smoke. Viognier's exotic style is emphasized, with rich tropical fruit and honeysuckle flavors, but the finish tastes like there's some residual sugar.	Estate	85	20	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Viognier	Clos La Chance	null	null	null
US	The alcohol is strong and hot and the taste is Porty and raisiny, but the finish is dry and spicy on this robust, sturdy Zin. Drink it with barbecued ribs.	Oakmont Vineyards	84	19	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Lang	null	null	null
Italy	The nose is Granny Smith apple in as pure a form you can get in winemaking. But there's also a distant note of rubber balloon that, to be honest, I rather liked. The wine shows good personality in the mouth, too, where it is flavorful and smooth. Not imported to the U.S.	Egg Leiten	85	null	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Grigio	St. Pauls	null	null	null
US	A bit heavy and full-bodied for a Pinot Noir, with jammy, pie filling cherry and cola flavors. Turns chocolaty on the finish, like pudding. Delicious, but the structure is off.	Runestone	86	40	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Claiborne & Churchill	null	null	null
Israel	An intense bouquet of blackberry, smoked meat, flint and violet paves the way for flavors of black currant, smoked meat, coffee bean and a hint of cranberry. Rich savory notes mingle with strong fruit flavors, all marked by a pleasingly persistent strain of tartness. Smooth, soft tannins prime the palate for the elegant finish.	Soreka Special Reserve	92	30	Shomron	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Madmon	null	null	null
Spain	Initially this wine is flat and a bit chemical on the nose, but with time lime and tropical fruit aromas poke through. The mouthfeel is round but a little bland and broken up, while flavors of yeasty, bready tropical fruits and applesauce finish easy but flabby.	Selección Especial 1	87	18	Andalucia	Málaga	null	Moscatel	Jorge Ordóñez & Co.	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Jorge Ordóñez & Co. 2012 Selección Especial 1 Moscatel (Málaga)
US	This Cab is a little soft, and not all that fruity, so the dry tannins stick out, but it's so balanced and understated that it's a natural to accompany good food without overshadowing it. The cherry, cassis, herb and coffee flavors are lightly seasoned with oak. Drink now.	Estate	88	38	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Icaria Creek	null	null	null
France	This plump-textured blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier features aromas and flavors of apricot, melon, mango and ginger. Drink it over the next nine months for its appealing, forward fruit nature.	Cuvée Tradition	89	15	Rhône Valley	Costières de Nîmes	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Mas Carlot	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Mas Carlot 2013 Cuvée Tradition White (Costières de Nîmes)
US	Hot in alcohol and sweet in ripe fruit and glycerine. Shows jammy flavors of raspberries, blackberries, cherries and chocolate, along with Zinfandel's peppery spices. Drink now.	E. Passalacqua Heritage Estate	84	26	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Gia Domella	null	null	Gia Domella 2006 E. Passalacqua Heritage Estate Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
Australia	Fruit-forward is the best way to describe this juicy, totally accessible red. Rich berry flavors, just a faint meaty-leathery note for a touch of complexity, and a smooth even finish complete the package. Best Buy.	null	88	10	South Australia	South Australia	null	Shiraz	Heritage Road	null	null	Heritage Road 1998 Shiraz (South Australia)
US	This grabs attention quickly, with a dark color and potent jam and brown sugar aromas. Next come dazzling strawberry syrup flavors backed by thick tannins and good acidity. The texture is astringent and tight, but the flavors are so full that they meet the tannins half way. Best now through 2019.	Whiplash	90	15	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Zinfandel	Jamieson Ranch	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Jamieson Ranch 2012 Whiplash Zinfandel (Lodi)
Italy	Red berry, chopped herb, toast and a whiff of French oak are some of the aromas that take shape in the glass. The palate is taut but elegant, offering bright wild cherry, licorice and vanilla flavors, while tightly wound, fine-grained tannins leave a firm finish. Give this time to unwind and fully develop.	Asinone	91	60	Tuscany	Vino Nobile di Montepulciano	null	Red Blend	Poliziano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Poliziano 2013 Asinone (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano)
US	Pinot Blanc in a warm year such as 2012 veers closer to the fruitiness of Pinot Gris, as shown here. Barrel fermented in French oak, it remains sleek and crisply defined, with pure fruit flavors of golden apple and ripe pear.	null	91	24	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Blanc	Ken Wright	null	null	null
US	Earth, funk and spice aromas dominate purple fruit, while the palate is extracted and chunky, showing chalky tannins and solid acidity. Generic dark fruit and blueberry flavors are accompanied by ever-present spice, earth and barnyard.	Estate	82	15	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Merlot	Raphael	null	null	null
France	This is an immensely dense wine that is going to be a classic. The dark tannins are still lined with wood aging but that will go because the fruit underneath is also just as dense and intense. Blackberry, black plum and damson plum give power and sweetness. This is a great wine with huge potential. Drink from 2028.	null	97	145	Bordeaux	Saint-Estèphe	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Cos d'Estournel	null	null	null
Italy	Savory and medium-bodied, it's loaded with sensations of juicy green apple, Bartlett pear, Spanish broom, almond and citrus peel. The creamy palate is brightened with crisp acidity that give balance and a brisk finish.	null	88	20	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Grigio	Andriano	null	null	null
Argentina	Ripe, warm aromas of leather, licorice and baked black plum are the greeting on this Malbec-led blend. In the mouth, it's extracted, jammy and moderately tannic. Flavors of blackberry, vanilla, marshmallow and chocolate are derived from healthy fruit and plenty of oak. A long, spicy, woody finish offers a lot to chew on. Drink through 2021.	Amano	91	69	Mendoza Province	Agrelo	null	Red Blend	Finca Decero	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Finca Decero 2013 Amano Red (Agrelo)
Chile	A mix of melon, tropical fruit and passion fruit aromas lead to a tight palate with just enough body weight to not be austere. Flavors of white pepper, citrus and celery are modest on the finish, which tastes briny.	Reserve	86	10	Maipo Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Tres Palacios	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Tres Palacios 2017 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (Maipo Valley)
France	Simple, attractive wine, with confected spice, lychee and rounded, warm flavors. Honey and rosehip add interest, with a hint of final pepper.	null	86	20	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Jean Albrecht	null	null	null
South Africa	The wines of Backsberg have a distinctive, artistic quality to them that makes them ideal for collectors and drinkers who seek wines with style. This Pinotage has those qualities, with its layers of cinnamon and deep berry on the nose and smooth, integrated berry and smoke flavors. This is a real Pinotage so expect the rubbery smoke that goes along with it—but it's also elegant, offering structure and complexity with a gentle touch.	null	87	13	Coastal Region	null	null	Pinotage	Backsberg	null	null	null
Portugal	The light prickle adds to the natural freshness of this lemon-sherbet-flavored wine. Very crisp and light in the mouth, this dances on the palate with just a touch of sweetness.	Salsus	84	null	Vinho Verde	null	null	Portuguese White	Wines & Winemakers	null	null	null
US	This blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot is quite ripe on the nose, with lavish black-currant fruit as well as dried dill and fennel touches. Impressively soft and thick, the tannic structure coats every corner of the mouth, carrying flavors of black cherry, mint-laced chocolate and black truffle.	Justification	93	50	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Justin	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Justin 2014 Justification Red (Paso Robles)
US	From a vineyard adjacent to the Santa Lucia Highlands, this wine's wondrous nose of dense black currants, blueberries and fresh-cracked black pepper is made even more complex by black olive, gamy roasted meats and chaparral notes. Black pepper thrives on the palate in this cool-climate study, with touches of asphalt, elderberry fruit, charred meat and licorice all playing supportive roles.	San Saba Vineyard	93	39	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Syrah	Wrath	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Wrath 2013 San Saba Vineyard Syrah (Monterey)
Chile	Earthy, leathery aromas are hot and end up smelling like a field in summertime. It feels hard on the palate, with a buttery oak note that sets up flavors of plum and raspberry mixed with green herb.	Puerto Viejo Reserve	82	10	Curicó Valley	null	null	Merlot	Viña Requingua	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Requingua 2011 Puerto Viejo Reserve Merlot (Curicó Valley)
US	This is one of those Chardonnays that takes ripe fruit and then drenches it in oak. It's all too much. The orange, apricot and mango flavors have a buttered toast, caramelized richness that turns cloying despite brisk acidity.	Lafond Vineyard	85	40	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Lafond	null	null	Lafond 2010 Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
Argentina	Similar in style to the higher-priced Cobos wine from the same vineyard. Bramare delivers cassis, plum and berry aromas rolled into a pleasant and familiar whole. Feels rich but refined, with meaty flavors that hit on leather, berry, black plum and chocolate. Spicy and chocolaty on the finish. Drink now through 2014.	Bramare Marchiori Vineyard	91	80	Mendoza Province	Perdriel	null	Malbec	Viña Cobos	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Cobos 2009 Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Malbec (Perdriel)
US	Aromas of herbs and cotton candy are quite faint, while the palate is ripe with red fruit marked by blocky tannins.	Folin Vineyards	85	30	Oregon	Rogue Valley	Southern Oregon	Tempranillo	Folin Cellars	null	null	null
US	A new wine by father-son team Tom and Rob Sinton, whose forebears partnered with Louis Martini during Prohibition. This blends in Merlot and Petit Verdot from a handful of vineyards, including Stagecoach and Konrad. It's herbal and peppery, exhibiting dark berry and coffee notes as well as soft, mellowed tannins.	The Starbeam	90	65	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Starfield	null	null	null
Spain	While 2010 was a great vintage in most of Spain, parts of Bierzo had a mildew problem and thus some wines are less than fully ripe. This seems to be a case in point; it's scratchy on the nose, with a sinewy, drawing mouthfeel that's only partly covered up by oak. Prickly berry and black cherry flavors finish tight, with scraping tannins. Drink now with meat or cheese.	null	88	25	Northern Spain	Bierzo	null	Mencía	Losada	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Losada 2010 Mencía (Bierzo)
US	Rich and concentrated in blackberry essence, black currant and mocha, this has smooth tannins and a long, complex, dry finish. Delicacy, not to mention ageability, is somewhat compromised by the heat of high alcohol, but still, it's a flashy effort to drink over the next few years. The grapes come from the esteemed To Kalon Vineyard immediately behind the winery.	Reserve	90	135	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Robert Mondavi	null	null	null
US	Starts off with oaky, jammy aromas of cherries and raspberries, and tastes a little sweet in fruit pastry, with the baked crust. Seems a little one-dimensional, although that dimension is a very delicious one. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.	Rutherford Red	87	80	California	Rutherford	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	William Harrison	null	null	William Harrison 2007 Rutherford Red Red (Rutherford)
Italy	Red berry, baking spice, mint, leather and rose petal aromas emerge on this beautiful, balanced Barolo. It shows remarkable freshness for the vintage, offering juicy wild cherry, raspberry, licorice and a balsamic note alongside polished tannins and bright acidity.	null	92	67	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Luigi Oddero & Figli	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Luigi Oddero & Figli 2011 Barolo
US	This Pinot Noir is so rich in fruit and oak, it tastes like a melted dessert tart. Wows with raspberry and cherry jam, vanilla bean, bacon, buttered cinnamon toast and smoky wood flavors, wrapped into a light, airy texture. Drink it now with a terrific steak.	Sierra Madre Vineyard	89	49	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	La Fenêtre	null	null	null
Austria	A firmly tannic wine, its dry core surrounded by dark plum skin and damson flavors. It has weight, a potential for richness that will develop over the next 2–3 years. Solid and chunky aftertaste.	null	88	18	Thermenregion	null	null	Zweigelt	Johanneshof Reinisch	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Johanneshof Reinisch 2011 Zweigelt (Thermenregion)
Australia	Although a very good wine, this is a bit disappointing coming from winemaker Ben Glaetzer. Blackberry preserve flavors are soft and full-bodied without being especially rich or deep, with hints of vanilla and fresh grasses. Finishes fresh, with tart berry flavors.	Jester	87	20	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz	Mitolo	null	null	null
South Africa	Soft peach and wild berries lead the way on the nose, while the medium weight mouth offers a bit more fleshy stone fruit and watermelon flavors. The finish is dry and accented by hints of peppery spice.	The Wolftrap	84	11	Western Cape	null	null	Rosé	Boekenhoutskloof	null	null	null
US	Light flavors call up notes of toasted cracker and raspberry candy that are pleasant enough, but insubstantial. The addition of 3% Syrah to the blend may have helped to bump up the color, but this remains a rather thin and simple, quaffable wine.	null	87	30	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Noir	Portlandia	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Portlandia 2013 Pinot Noir (Oregon)
US	Rough-and-ready Cab, with earthy, coffee-berry flavors that turn fruity and tannic on the finish.	null	83	11	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Avenue	null	null	null
France	Produced from a selection of old vines, this is a structured firm wine. Its black-cherry fruits and acidity are well integrated into the dense structure to give a spicy wine that is richly packed with fruits. Drink now and until 2020.	La Madone Vieilles Vignes	90	25	Beaujolais	Fleurie	null	Gamay	Domaine Chaintreuil	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Chaintreuil 2014 La Madone Vieilles Vignes (Fleurie)
Austria	Tart morello cherries exert a strong, moreish pull on the nose and palate. The fruitiness is central but partnered with serious structure and food-friendly acidity. Ripe red-cherry flavor shows on the palate, as do supple, ripe tannins that never overpower the fruit.	null	88	20	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Judith Beck	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Judith Beck 2012 Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)
US	This wine hangs muscular cherry and berry flavors on a big framework of firm acidity and taut tannins, ready for a long haul in the cellar or tackling a rich dish like Peking duck now. Light whiffs of spicy oak lead to tangy red cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavors. Best after 2020.	Weir Vineyard	93	48	California	Yorkville Highlands	North Coast	Pinot Noir	Spell	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Spell 2013 Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir (Yorkville Highlands)
Spain	Slightly saucy on the nose, with jammy, baked fruit aromas hinting at cherry and raspberry. The palate feel is a little tough but healthy, with red fruit flavors accented by vanilla and coconut. Tight, crisp and showing a final wave of tomato on the finish.	Roble	87	23	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Mesoneros de Castilla	null	null	null
US	This new offering is light and elegant, with tart fruit flavors of rhubarb and pomegranate. There's an herbal edge to the wine, all in proportion, with generous acidity that could reward a few more years in the bottle.	Le Pré du Col Vineyard	89	60	Oregon	Ribbon Ridge	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Bergström	null	null	null
Spain	Lemony and light on the bouquet. The palate is aggressive, almondy tasting and tight, with lemony lead flavors, peach notes and a lasting but not unpleasant bitterness. Nicely balanced, with good mouthfeel. A very nice wine and a different breed within the wide world of Spanish white wines.	Calitja	88	15	Catalonia	Terra Alta	null	Garnacha Blanca	Celler La Bollidora	null	null	null
France	This is an attractive, soft Pinot Noir rosé. With its ripe red-strawberry flavors, it is rich but has plenty of crisp acidity. The balance and juicy, crisp aftertaste are deliciously refreshing.	Cuvée La Grange Dimière	88	22	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Rosé	Jean-Max Roger	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Jean-Max Roger 2015 Cuvée La Grange Dimière Rosé (Sancerre)
France	92-94 Barrel sample. Dense, with impressive solid tannins and powerful fruit. The wine is smooth at first, then structure comes through with a final dry core.	Barrel sample	93	null	Bordeaux	Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château le Bon Pasteur	null	null	null
France	This is a perfumed, structured wine that is showing both tannins and fruit well. While ripe and full of black fruits, it's also bright with acidity. It is just beginning to develop, with a dark, tarry texture that lingers on the finish.	null	93	null	Provence	Bandol	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Domaine la Bastide Blanche	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine la Bastide Blanche 2010 Red (Bandol)

Portugal

Aged for 12 months in wood, this smooth, ripe wine is already rich and delicious. Its structure is well integrated into the berry fruits and acidity. It's ready to drink from 2018.

Rapariga da Quinta Colheita Seleccionada Tinto

90

16

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Luis Duarte

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Luis Duarte 2015 Rapariga da Quinta Colheita Seleccionada Tinto Red (Alentejano)

Italy

Year after year, this is one of our favorite Chardonnays from Northeast Italy. This year, however, there is an aromatic element out of place and the wine seems unable to deliver its bouquet with the same intensity. You do get exotic fruit and toasted nut but the wine really excels in the mouth thanks to its creamy, spicy flavors.

Grafin de la Tour

88

60

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Chardonnay

Villa Russiz

null

Chile

Metallic gold in color, with oily, popcorn aromas that announce fairly aggressive oaking. But just when you want to dismiss it as overoaked, it dials back to show conventional apple and nut flavors along with freshness. It's also ringing, jangled and overexcited.

null

86

18

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Arboleda

null

US

A round and pleasant wine with melon, toast and pear aromas and flavors, but a bit on the sweet side. Bright citrus and peach notes add interest, a touch of chalk keeps the sweetness in check, and the oak comes up dramatically on the back end.

Estate Vineyard

88

22

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Château Julien

null

US

Sweetly rich in cherry, red currant and chocolate flavors, with a peppery edge, this Sangiovese is soft in structure. The bright acidity can cut through tomato sauce with cheese.

null

85

34

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sangiovese

Falcor

null

Falcor 2005 Sangiovese (Napa Valley)

Italy

Purple flower and mature dark berry aromas lift out of the glass. Extremely simple and diluted, the palate offers suggestions of morello cherry, a hint of spice and loose-knit fleeting tannins.

null

84

8

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

La Fiera

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

La Fiera 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

US

Rich and full bodied, despite the relatively low alcohol, this supertart and luscious Riesling is loaded with sour candy flavors of lemon and lime. Quite refreshing, pure and dry.

Lawrence Vineyards

89

17

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Gård

null

US

This pure, Columbia Valley Cabernet is blended from a variety of widely separated vineyards. The fruit is forward, pushing black cherry and cola notes to the front of the palate, layering in a streak of milk chocolate, and finishing with smooth, supple tannins.

null

88

32

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

L'Ecole No. 41

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

L'Ecole No. 41 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

This hearty Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from a relatively hot vintage (2005) offers loads of ripe, jammy fruit, plum and prune backed by exotic spice and black peppercorn. The wine shows solid, dark tannins on the close.

Pentima

85

15

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Carlo Mario Margiotta

null

France

This is a big, black wine, intensely medicinal and herbal in character. It has powerful, extracted, dark tannins, emphasized by chocolate and spice flavors, as well as dark plums.

Un Jour....

92

null

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Le Clos d'un Jour

null

US

An intriguing nose of dried herbs, soft cherry, smoked meat and spice is the start of this food-friendly Cab. On the palate, more herbed meat and berry in a smooth, elegant package adds to the draw. Not overly complicated but good.

null

86

20

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sheldrake Point

null

US

Rounded peach, cider apple, chalk and seltzer aromas mix with a touch of yeast on the nose of this bottling. There's a racy, tactile acidity on the palate, lending depth to its dried apple, pear and sea salt flavors.

Faith Vineyard

88

23

California

Central Coast

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Luna Hart

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Luna Hart 2016 Faith Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

US

A to Z can honestly lay claim to making Oregon's best budget Pinot Gris. Their inexpensive, widely available bottlings consistently offer fresh, varietal scents of citrus and pear, with nuances of acacia flowers and honeysuckle. Production has ramped up to 31,000 cases, with no diminution of quality.

null

88

13

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Gris

A to Z

null

US

Winemakers Greg Morthole and David Ramey showcase this vineyard site well, a special spot in the heart of the appellation. Rich and spicy, the wine features tastes of black tea, deep dark fruit and zesty minerality, all layered by toasty oak. Full bodied and luxurious, it finds its way to a bright, fresh finish.

Jane's Vineyard Dijon Clone 777

92

55

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Davis Bynum

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Davis Bynum 2013 Jane's Vineyard Dijon Clone 777 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Spain

Jammy berry aromas are pleasant and only slightly rubbery. This baby Monastrell (with 15% Syrah) is fresh but choppy and gritty in feel. Pure plum and cherry flavors finish with a medicinal note and lasting acidity.

Joven

87

10

Levante

Jumilla

null

Red Blend

Monterebro

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Monterebro 2014 Joven Red (Jumilla)

Italy

A blockbuster wine with finely tuned renderings of coffee, tobacco, spice and leather, Oreno requires a rare steak cooked on a mesquite grill or something similarly big and bold. In the mouth, this Sangiovese-Merlot-Cabernet blend delivers loads of spice that leaves a lasting impression thanks its firm tannins. Drink after 2010.

Oreno

95

93

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Tenuta Sette Ponti

null

France

Half-and-half Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from premier and grand cru vineyards, this is a rich wine that has bottle age giving it a toasty character. It is full and ripe—still keeping acidity while bringing in mature flavors such as almonds and walnuts. This is a serious, complex and mature wine. Palmer is the brand name for a grouping of seven growers.

Amazone de Palmer Brut

92

140

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Palmer & Co

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Palmer & Co NV Amazone de Palmer Brut (Champagne)

France

Powerful, ripe fruit, now beginning to open up, is the dominant character of this wine. It's full in the mouth, packed with black plums and ripe damsons and finished with soft tannins and a slight warmth.

null

88

25

Bordeaux

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Carignan

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Carignan 2009 Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

US

This tastes like a raspberry and red cherry tart that has a smoky, sweet crust. The alcohol gives the palate a pleasant warmth. It's a simple Pinot Noir to drink now.

Vineyard Montage

85

23

California

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Cru

null

Portugal

The wine tastes old before its years. It has a leathery character and prominent acidity rather than fruit. It has interest, with its dried fruits and tannins that are just on the point of drying out. Drink now.

Dona Maria Amantis Reserva

86

null

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Dona Maria-Júlio Bastos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Dona Maria-Júlio Bastos 2009 Dona Maria Amantis Reserva Red (Alentejano)

US

This wine is full of intense honey, orange, apricot, lemon, crème brûlée, vanilla bean and buttered toast flavors. Too soft for all that richness, but it sure is delicious.

Winemaker's Release Late Harvest

89

30

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Sonoma-Cutrer

null

Sonoma-Cutrer 2012 Winemaker's Release Late Harvest Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

US

Made from unknown varieties, this is a big, sturdy, tannic and dry wine, made from a high mountain vineyard in this Lake County appellation. There's lots to like in the blackberry, cherry and red currant flavors, with their edge of dark chocolate and bacon. The wine is a bit sharp, but that could be a function of youth. Give it a few years in the cellar. A wine to watch.

Half Mile

89

60

California

Red Hills Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Red Blend

Obsidian Ridge

null

Spain

Opens in good form, with aromas of blackberry, rubber and earth. Feels a touch chunky and heavy, but it's easygoing and offers full flavors of berry fruits, rubber, hoisin sauce and fig. Finishes smooth and round; drink now.

Reserva

89

null

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Condado de Oriza

null

US

The dried tobacco, vanilla, green olive and cocoa aromas seem somewhat unusual for the variety and vintage. The chocolate and cherry flavors are creamy in feel, displaying a good sense of balance and length.

XVIII

89

45

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Dunham

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Dunham 2012 XVIII Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

This new vintage offers the same blend as the 2005—62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. The flavors, though tight and reserved, are substantial and lightly earthy, and the tannins sculpted and refined. Well defined and polished, the tight, tart fruit is enhanced with hints of mushroom and earth, leading into a pleasing, toasty finish.

DuBrul Vineyard Reserve Red Wine

92

45

Washington

Rattlesnake Hills

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Tamarack Cellars

null

US

Made from Cab Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, in that order, this is a very flavorful wine, with rich blackberry, black currant, cocoa and cedar flavors. But it's very sharp in acidity, with a jalapeño pepper burn that limits its appeal.

Chukker

84

20

California

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara

Central Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Happy Canyon Vineyard

null

US

Cline delivers a juicy and inviting refresher here, pretty in pink salmon color and ripe in raspberry and plum flavors that flood the midpalate and finish dry. This is a great bargain sipping wine that will bring a taste of spring to your autumn table.

Mourvèdre

87

12

California

Contra Costa County

Central Coast

Rosé

Cline

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Cline 2012 Mourvèdre Rosé (Contra Costa County)

US

There's so much oak on this Pinot Noir, you might think you were tasting a dessert made with vanilla cream and toasted meringue, like the crust on a baked Alaska. Under all that, loads of ripe raspberries and cherries. Shows the excellent hallmarks of a fine Santa Rita Pinot Noir, but certainly is one of the oakier versions.

null

90

95

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Coup de Foudre

null

Italy

Here's an excellent measuring stick with which to gauge some of the world's best Nebbiolo-based wines. This bright Barolo from the Sarmassa cru delivers textbook aromatic nuances of small berry, cinnamon, dried currants, licorice and balsam freshness. Tight tannins and a fine texture will enable longevity. Cellar this wine ten years or more.

Sarmassa

94

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Marchesi di Barolo

null

US

A glorious, grapefruity, lusciously fresh Pinot Gris, this new vintage from Seven Hills is made for a summer afternoon. This has notes of citrus and melon, with highlights of mint and a hint of pepper, keeping it lively and interesting all through the refreshing finish.

null

91

17

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Gris

Seven Hills

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Seven Hills 2011 Pinot Gris (Oregon)

US

This is a classic style of California Cabernet that puts fascinating mint, black-cherry and black-olive flavors on a firm frame of fine-grained tannins and a medium body. It has excellent concentration and good balance. Best through 2024.

Ishi Pishi Ranch

90

35

California

Humboldt County

North Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Briceland

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Briceland 2014 Ishi Pishi Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Humboldt County)

Italy

This opens with a light pink color, exhibiting lively aromas of raspberry, cranberry and pink grapefruit. The wine is slender and easy on the finish, with a final zesty-citrus blast.

Centine

86

11

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Rosato

Banfi

null

Chile

Rich, oaky aromas of coconut and vanilla are matched by earthy, almost nutty berry and cassis scents. This is tannic, grabby and slightly abrasive, while chocolate, cherry and cassis flavors end long, strong and ripe. Drink through 2018.

Corralillo

89

30

Maipo Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Matetic

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Matetic 2012 Corralillo Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley)

US

Smooth and rich, this has creamy flavors of buttered toast, golden mango, Key lime pie and honey. Balancing all the sweet richness is fine acidity and a steely minerality. It's a bit dialed into the modern style, but there's no denying the opulent deliciousness of this Chardonnay.

Estate Grown

90

30

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Silverado

null

Silverado 2010 Estate Grown Chardonnay (Carneros)

US

This wine at the top of the Goldeneye hierarchy conveys a feeling of elegance and full body at the same time. It has spicy, toasted oak aromas, ripe and tasty fruit flavors, a rounded texture and full body. Nuances like ripe blackberry and black cherry are nicely layered with nutmeg and toast for delicious complexity.

Ten Degrees Vineyard

93

115

California

Anderson Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Goldeneye

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Goldeneye 2012 Ten Degrees Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)

US

Just over two-thirds Merlot with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and a pinch of Petit Verdot, this thoroughly delicious wine opens with a complex assortment of aromas, including incense, toast, crushed flowers, spice, bay leaf, licorice and red and black fruit. The palate is deft but brings waves of layered fruit flavors that show great density and richness. It's hedonistic but doesn't sacrifice one iota of balance. It drinks best at 62 degrees.

Clos de Betz

94

57

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Betz Family

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Betz Family 2012 Clos de Betz Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Australia

This is a full-throttle, rich and moderately dense Shiraz with bold aromas of raspberry and plum. Chocolate notes develop on the palate, adding more complexity. Velvety on the finish, where there's also a touch of alcoholic warmth. Imported by International Vines, Inc.

RSW

90

60

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz

Wirra Wirra

null

US

A barrel selection of Schindler fruit, this reserve notches up the color, density and alcohol without sacrificing the basic character and finesse of the vineyard. Here are the tight layers of bacon fat, stone, pepper and leaf, along with tart, lightly herbal red fruits. The core fruit is concentrated, fresh and primary, and promises excellent aging potential.

Schindler Reserve

92

60

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Sineann

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Sineann 2008 Schindler Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

Italy

A traditional style of riserva, this wine shows aromas of spice, candied berry, smoked bacon, cinnamon, white pepper and dried sage. There's also a floral element of red rose or lavender. It is light and crisp, with a firm finish.

Riserva

92

115

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Cantina di Montalcino

null

US

A fine Chardonnay, worthy of its reserve designation, at a fair price. It's dry, full-bodied and oaky, with concentrated pineapple, apricot and guava fruit flavors. You can drink it now—not too cold—but it will be better after two to three years in the bottle.

Reserve

91

32

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Rusack

null

Rusack 2011 Reserve Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)

Spain

Smooth, deep aromas of licorice and blackberry are composed. This Mencía feels full and lusty, with grip but nothing too hard or edgy. Earthy black fruit flavors are savory, toasty and meaty, while the finish is woody and plump. Drink through 2020.

Art

90

55

Northern Spain

Bierzo

null

Mencía

Luna Beberide

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Luna Beberide 2012 Art Mencía (Bierzo)

Italy

Aromas recall scorched earth, underbrush, stewed prune and coconut. Oak spices, vanilla and coffee dominate the warm palate. It lacks fruit richness and can't stand up to the assertive tannins or the heat of evident alcohol.

Riserva

86

50

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Tenuta Vitanza

null

France

An easy, attractive wine that shows some of the very ripe, small berry flavors of 2003. Dense but sweet tannins balance the black fruits and the solid structure which lies underneath this rich wine. One of the three Lurton properties owned by Marie-Laure Lurton.

null

87

15

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Villegeorge

null

Italy

Giuseppe Nada brings us a gorgeous Barolo that oozes elegance and intensity. The wine is redolent of tar, black currant, spice and dried licorice powder. The tannins are drying and fine and leave a long, polished sensation in the mouth. It's a very nice ensemble.

null

91

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Nada Giuseppe

null

US

Aromas of lemon juice and graham cracker show on the nose and carry to the persistantly foamy palate. Additional notes of apple and orange peel offer some depth but fade quickly from unrelenting acidity.

Gilbert Grande Reserve

85

39

America

null

Sparkling Blend

Gruet

Fiona Adams

@bkfiona

Gruet 2012 Gilbert Grande Reserve Sparkling (America)

Portugal

Rich and finely balanced, this wine combines spice notes with rich tannins and blackberry tones. While it is dense and complex, it is still young and needs time to age. Drink after 2015.

Diga? Tinto

90

58

Bairrada

null

Portuguese Red

Campolargo

null

Spain

The newest project from Vega Sicilia comes from Toro, where the serious wines are often gargantuan. This has a blinding violet tint and equally forward aromas. In the mouth, it's rock hard, a bruiser of the first order. To drink now would be inviting a tannic overload. Best to hold a couple of years and then serve with a juicy steak.

Vino Tinto

90

50

Northern Spain

Toro

null

Tinta de Toro

Pintia

null

Australia

Sourced from the northern Barossa, the name pays homage to the fact that this is not a stereotypical fruit bomb. Instead, it's a savory, meaty wine featuring hints of cola and raspberry. Fermented with “wild” yeasts in open-top vats and matured largely in used French oak puncheons (500 liters), this is a balanced, medium-bodied red well suited to the dinner table.

Paradox

91

45

South Australia

Barossa

null

Shiraz

Yalumba

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Yalumba 2012 Paradox Shiraz (Barossa)

US

One of Cuvaison's best basic Pinots in years, this is charming with its dry, crisp structure, silky elegance and fine flavors of raspberries, cherries and toasty oak. While not an ager, it's a beautiful wine to pair with tuna, salmon, lamb or steak.

null

90

35

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Cuvaison

null

Cuvaison 2010 Pinot Noir (Carneros)

France

The dominance of Sémillon in the blend gives a ripe, creamy character, hinting at honey as well as yellow fruits. The herbaceous element is there but is tamed by the richness.

null

87

null

Bordeaux

Graves

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château le Bonnat

null

France

Toasty aromas are followed by intense black plum fruits twisted with tannins and polished with wood. It's an impressive, powerful wine, with a complex structure. Firm at this stage, it need 4¬–5 years at least to age.

La Commandery

93

22

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château la Caminade

null

Italy

The bouquet of yellow rose, apricot, pear and cantaloupe is delightful. On the palate it's creamy and rich, and it should pair well with shrimp risotto.

Thurner

87

16

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Bianco

Colterenzio

null

US

Blue fruit stars in this juicily exuberant wine that shows upfront citrus, red cherry and a spark of campfire-like smoke. Its bristling acidity is balanced in a core of backbone-building tannin that gives it weight and depth.

null

89

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

White Oak

null

US

The wine was half cool-fermented in steel, half in neutral barrels, a nice combination that lets the pure fruit flavors star, while juicing them with a tiny boost of smoke. Viognier's exotic style is emphasized, with rich tropical fruit and honeysuckle flavors, but the finish tastes like there's some residual sugar.

Estate

85

20

California

Central Coast

Viognier

Clos La Chance

null

US

The alcohol is strong and hot and the taste is Porty and raisiny, but the finish is dry and spicy on this robust, sturdy Zin. Drink it with barbecued ribs.

Oakmont Vineyards

84

19

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Lang

null

Italy

The nose is Granny Smith apple in as pure a form you can get in winemaking. But there's also a distant note of rubber balloon that, to be honest, I rather liked. The wine shows good personality in the mouth, too, where it is flavorful and smooth. Not imported to the U.S.

Egg Leiten

85

null

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Grigio

St. Pauls

null

US

A bit heavy and full-bodied for a Pinot Noir, with jammy, pie filling cherry and cola flavors. Turns chocolaty on the finish, like pudding. Delicious, but the structure is off.

Runestone

86

40

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Claiborne & Churchill

null

Israel

An intense bouquet of blackberry, smoked meat, flint and violet paves the way for flavors of black currant, smoked meat, coffee bean and a hint of cranberry. Rich savory notes mingle with strong fruit flavors, all marked by a pleasingly persistent strain of tartness. Smooth, soft tannins prime the palate for the elegant finish.

Soreka Special Reserve

92

30

Shomron

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Madmon

null

Spain

Initially this wine is flat and a bit chemical on the nose, but with time lime and tropical fruit aromas poke through. The mouthfeel is round but a little bland and broken up, while flavors of yeasty, bready tropical fruits and applesauce finish easy but flabby.

Selección Especial 1

87

18

Andalucia

Málaga

null

Moscatel

Jorge Ordóñez & Co.

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Jorge Ordóñez & Co. 2012 Selección Especial 1 Moscatel (Málaga)

US

This Cab is a little soft, and not all that fruity, so the dry tannins stick out, but it's so balanced and understated that it's a natural to accompany good food without overshadowing it. The cherry, cassis, herb and coffee flavors are lightly seasoned with oak. Drink now.

Estate

88

38

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Icaria Creek

null

France

This plump-textured blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier features aromas and flavors of apricot, melon, mango and ginger. Drink it over the next nine months for its appealing, forward fruit nature.

Cuvée Tradition

89

15

Rhône Valley

Costières de Nîmes

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Mas Carlot

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Mas Carlot 2013 Cuvée Tradition White (Costières de Nîmes)

US

Hot in alcohol and sweet in ripe fruit and glycerine. Shows jammy flavors of raspberries, blackberries, cherries and chocolate, along with Zinfandel's peppery spices. Drink now.

E. Passalacqua Heritage Estate

84

26

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Gia Domella

null

Gia Domella 2006 E. Passalacqua Heritage Estate Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Australia

Fruit-forward is the best way to describe this juicy, totally accessible red. Rich berry flavors, just a faint meaty-leathery note for a touch of complexity, and a smooth even finish complete the package. Best Buy.

null

88

10

South Australia

null

Shiraz

Heritage Road

null

Heritage Road 1998 Shiraz (South Australia)

US

This grabs attention quickly, with a dark color and potent jam and brown sugar aromas. Next come dazzling strawberry syrup flavors backed by thick tannins and good acidity. The texture is astringent and tight, but the flavors are so full that they meet the tannins half way. Best now through 2019.

Whiplash

90

15

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Zinfandel

Jamieson Ranch

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Jamieson Ranch 2012 Whiplash Zinfandel (Lodi)

Italy

Red berry, chopped herb, toast and a whiff of French oak are some of the aromas that take shape in the glass. The palate is taut but elegant, offering bright wild cherry, licorice and vanilla flavors, while tightly wound, fine-grained tannins leave a firm finish. Give this time to unwind and fully develop.

Asinone

91

60

Tuscany

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

null

Red Blend

Poliziano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Poliziano 2013 Asinone (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano)

US

Pinot Blanc in a warm year such as 2012 veers closer to the fruitiness of Pinot Gris, as shown here. Barrel fermented in French oak, it remains sleek and crisply defined, with pure fruit flavors of golden apple and ripe pear.

null

91

24

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Blanc

Ken Wright

null

US

Earth, funk and spice aromas dominate purple fruit, while the palate is extracted and chunky, showing chalky tannins and solid acidity. Generic dark fruit and blueberry flavors are accompanied by ever-present spice, earth and barnyard.

Estate

82

15

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Merlot

Raphael

null

France

This is an immensely dense wine that is going to be a classic. The dark tannins are still lined with wood aging but that will go because the fruit underneath is also just as dense and intense. Blackberry, black plum and damson plum give power and sweetness. This is a great wine with huge potential. Drink from 2028.

null

97

145

Bordeaux

Saint-Estèphe

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Cos d'Estournel

null

Italy

Savory and medium-bodied, it's loaded with sensations of juicy green apple, Bartlett pear, Spanish broom, almond and citrus peel. The creamy palate is brightened with crisp acidity that give balance and a brisk finish.

null

88

20

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Grigio

Andriano

null

Argentina

Ripe, warm aromas of leather, licorice and baked black plum are the greeting on this Malbec-led blend. In the mouth, it's extracted, jammy and moderately tannic. Flavors of blackberry, vanilla, marshmallow and chocolate are derived from healthy fruit and plenty of oak. A long, spicy, woody finish offers a lot to chew on. Drink through 2021.

Amano

91

69

Mendoza Province

Agrelo

null

Red Blend

Finca Decero

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Finca Decero 2013 Amano Red (Agrelo)

Chile

A mix of melon, tropical fruit and passion fruit aromas lead to a tight palate with just enough body weight to not be austere. Flavors of white pepper, citrus and celery are modest on the finish, which tastes briny.

Reserve

86

10

Maipo Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Tres Palacios

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Tres Palacios 2017 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (Maipo Valley)

France

Simple, attractive wine, with confected spice, lychee and rounded, warm flavors. Honey and rosehip add interest, with a hint of final pepper.

null

86

20

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Jean Albrecht

null

South Africa

The wines of Backsberg have a distinctive, artistic quality to them that makes them ideal for collectors and drinkers who seek wines with style. This Pinotage has those qualities, with its layers of cinnamon and deep berry on the nose and smooth, integrated berry and smoke flavors. This is a real Pinotage so expect the rubbery smoke that goes along with it—but it's also elegant, offering structure and complexity with a gentle touch.

null

87

13

Coastal Region

null

Pinotage

Backsberg

null

Portugal

The light prickle adds to the natural freshness of this lemon-sherbet-flavored wine. Very crisp and light in the mouth, this dances on the palate with just a touch of sweetness.

Salsus

84

null

Vinho Verde

null

Portuguese White

Wines & Winemakers

null

US

This blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot is quite ripe on the nose, with lavish black-currant fruit as well as dried dill and fennel touches. Impressively soft and thick, the tannic structure coats every corner of the mouth, carrying flavors of black cherry, mint-laced chocolate and black truffle.

Justification

93

50

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Justin

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Justin 2014 Justification Red (Paso Robles)

US

From a vineyard adjacent to the Santa Lucia Highlands, this wine's wondrous nose of dense black currants, blueberries and fresh-cracked black pepper is made even more complex by black olive, gamy roasted meats and chaparral notes. Black pepper thrives on the palate in this cool-climate study, with touches of asphalt, elderberry fruit, charred meat and licorice all playing supportive roles.

San Saba Vineyard

93

39

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Syrah

Wrath

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Wrath 2013 San Saba Vineyard Syrah (Monterey)

Chile

Earthy, leathery aromas are hot and end up smelling like a field in summertime. It feels hard on the palate, with a buttery oak note that sets up flavors of plum and raspberry mixed with green herb.

Puerto Viejo Reserve

82

10

Curicó Valley

null

Merlot

Viña Requingua

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Requingua 2011 Puerto Viejo Reserve Merlot (Curicó Valley)

US

This is one of those Chardonnays that takes ripe fruit and then drenches it in oak. It's all too much. The orange, apricot and mango flavors have a buttered toast, caramelized richness that turns cloying despite brisk acidity.

Lafond Vineyard

85

40

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Lafond

null

Lafond 2010 Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)

Argentina

Similar in style to the higher-priced Cobos wine from the same vineyard. Bramare delivers cassis, plum and berry aromas rolled into a pleasant and familiar whole. Feels rich but refined, with meaty flavors that hit on leather, berry, black plum and chocolate. Spicy and chocolaty on the finish. Drink now through 2014.

Bramare Marchiori Vineyard

91

80

Mendoza Province

Perdriel

null

Malbec

Viña Cobos

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Cobos 2009 Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Malbec (Perdriel)

US

Aromas of herbs and cotton candy are quite faint, while the palate is ripe with red fruit marked by blocky tannins.

Folin Vineyards

85

30

Oregon

Rogue Valley

Southern Oregon

Tempranillo

Folin Cellars

null

US

A new wine by father-son team Tom and Rob Sinton, whose forebears partnered with Louis Martini during Prohibition. This blends in Merlot and Petit Verdot from a handful of vineyards, including Stagecoach and Konrad. It's herbal and peppery, exhibiting dark berry and coffee notes as well as soft, mellowed tannins.

The Starbeam

90

65

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Starfield

null

Spain

While 2010 was a great vintage in most of Spain, parts of Bierzo had a mildew problem and thus some wines are less than fully ripe. This seems to be a case in point; it's scratchy on the nose, with a sinewy, drawing mouthfeel that's only partly covered up by oak. Prickly berry and black cherry flavors finish tight, with scraping tannins. Drink now with meat or cheese.

null

88

25

Northern Spain

Bierzo

null

Mencía

Losada

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Losada 2010 Mencía (Bierzo)

US

Rich and concentrated in blackberry essence, black currant and mocha, this has smooth tannins and a long, complex, dry finish. Delicacy, not to mention ageability, is somewhat compromised by the heat of high alcohol, but still, it's a flashy effort to drink over the next few years. The grapes come from the esteemed To Kalon Vineyard immediately behind the winery.

Reserve

90

135

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert Mondavi

null

US

Starts off with oaky, jammy aromas of cherries and raspberries, and tastes a little sweet in fruit pastry, with the baked crust. Seems a little one-dimensional, although that dimension is a very delicious one. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.

Rutherford Red

87

80

California

Rutherford

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

William Harrison

null

William Harrison 2007 Rutherford Red Red (Rutherford)

Italy

Red berry, baking spice, mint, leather and rose petal aromas emerge on this beautiful, balanced Barolo. It shows remarkable freshness for the vintage, offering juicy wild cherry, raspberry, licorice and a balsamic note alongside polished tannins and bright acidity.

null

92

67

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Luigi Oddero & Figli

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Luigi Oddero & Figli 2011 Barolo

US

This Pinot Noir is so rich in fruit and oak, it tastes like a melted dessert tart. Wows with raspberry and cherry jam, vanilla bean, bacon, buttered cinnamon toast and smoky wood flavors, wrapped into a light, airy texture. Drink it now with a terrific steak.

Sierra Madre Vineyard

89

49

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

La Fenêtre

null

Austria

A firmly tannic wine, its dry core surrounded by dark plum skin and damson flavors. It has weight, a potential for richness that will develop over the next 2–3 years. Solid and chunky aftertaste.

null

88

18

Thermenregion

null

Zweigelt

Johanneshof Reinisch

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Johanneshof Reinisch 2011 Zweigelt (Thermenregion)

Australia

Although a very good wine, this is a bit disappointing coming from winemaker Ben Glaetzer. Blackberry preserve flavors are soft and full-bodied without being especially rich or deep, with hints of vanilla and fresh grasses. Finishes fresh, with tart berry flavors.

Jester

87

20

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz

Mitolo

null

South Africa

Soft peach and wild berries lead the way on the nose, while the medium weight mouth offers a bit more fleshy stone fruit and watermelon flavors. The finish is dry and accented by hints of peppery spice.

The Wolftrap

84

11

Western Cape

null

Rosé

Boekenhoutskloof

null

US

Light flavors call up notes of toasted cracker and raspberry candy that are pleasant enough, but insubstantial. The addition of 3% Syrah to the blend may have helped to bump up the color, but this remains a rather thin and simple, quaffable wine.

null

87

30

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Noir

Portlandia

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Portlandia 2013 Pinot Noir (Oregon)

US

Rough-and-ready Cab, with earthy, coffee-berry flavors that turn fruity and tannic on the finish.

null

83

11

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Avenue

null

France

Produced from a selection of old vines, this is a structured firm wine. Its black-cherry fruits and acidity are well integrated into the dense structure to give a spicy wine that is richly packed with fruits. Drink now and until 2020.

La Madone Vieilles Vignes

90

25

Beaujolais

Fleurie

null

Gamay

Domaine Chaintreuil

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Chaintreuil 2014 La Madone Vieilles Vignes (Fleurie)

Austria

Tart morello cherries exert a strong, moreish pull on the nose and palate. The fruitiness is central but partnered with serious structure and food-friendly acidity. Ripe red-cherry flavor shows on the palate, as do supple, ripe tannins that never overpower the fruit.

null

88

20

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Judith Beck

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Judith Beck 2012 Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)

US

This wine hangs muscular cherry and berry flavors on a big framework of firm acidity and taut tannins, ready for a long haul in the cellar or tackling a rich dish like Peking duck now. Light whiffs of spicy oak lead to tangy red cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavors. Best after 2020.

Weir Vineyard

93

48

California

Yorkville Highlands

North Coast

Pinot Noir

Spell

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Spell 2013 Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir (Yorkville Highlands)

Spain

Slightly saucy on the nose, with jammy, baked fruit aromas hinting at cherry and raspberry. The palate feel is a little tough but healthy, with red fruit flavors accented by vanilla and coconut. Tight, crisp and showing a final wave of tomato on the finish.

Roble

87

23

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Mesoneros de Castilla

null

US

This new offering is light and elegant, with tart fruit flavors of rhubarb and pomegranate. There's an herbal edge to the wine, all in proportion, with generous acidity that could reward a few more years in the bottle.

Le Pré du Col Vineyard

89

60

Oregon

Ribbon Ridge

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Bergström

null

Spain

Lemony and light on the bouquet. The palate is aggressive, almondy tasting and tight, with lemony lead flavors, peach notes and a lasting but not unpleasant bitterness. Nicely balanced, with good mouthfeel. A very nice wine and a different breed within the wide world of Spanish white wines.

Calitja

88

15

Catalonia

Terra Alta

null

Garnacha Blanca

Celler La Bollidora

null

France

This is an attractive, soft Pinot Noir rosé. With its ripe red-strawberry flavors, it is rich but has plenty of crisp acidity. The balance and juicy, crisp aftertaste are deliciously refreshing.

Cuvée La Grange Dimière

88

22

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Rosé

Jean-Max Roger

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Jean-Max Roger 2015 Cuvée La Grange Dimière Rosé (Sancerre)

France

92-94 Barrel sample. Dense, with impressive solid tannins and powerful fruit. The wine is smooth at first, then structure comes through with a final dry core.

Barrel sample

93

null

Bordeaux

Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château le Bon Pasteur

null

France

This is a perfumed, structured wine that is showing both tannins and fruit well. While ripe and full of black fruits, it's also bright with acidity. It is just beginning to develop, with a dark, tarry texture that lingers on the finish.

null

93

null

Provence

Bandol

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Domaine la Bastide Blanche

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine la Bastide Blanche 2010 Red (Bandol)