spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	This is a good, well-made Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy now. It's nice and dry and sturdy in tannins, with oak-influenced blackberry and currant flavors. Shows some real sophistication.	Dixon Ranch	89	49	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Robert James Lynch	null	null	null
US	Soft and buttery, this medium-bodied Chardonnay smells like lemon meringue and tastes lightly sweet like marshmallows and bananas.	Artisan Collection	86	10	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	HandCraft	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	HandCraft 2014 Artisan Collection Chardonnay (California)
Argentina	Rubbery on first take, with sweet chocolate and carob aromas. Feels pretty thick, with a creamy lead into an herbal-tasting palate that's crowded with oak and milk chocolate flavors. Turns resiny on the finish.	Co-Ferment	84	20	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	TintoNegro	null	null	null
France	A lovely wine that brings out ripe fruits, peach and pineapple flavors and a flavor of lemongrass. It is a full, rounded wine, feeling rich while always balanced with its crisp acidity. It does need to age for a year or two, so drink from 2015.	Cuvée Pauline	91	null	Southwest France	Jurançon Sec	null	Petit Manseng	Château Jolys	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Jolys 2011 Cuvée Pauline (Jurançon Sec)
US	Half Merlot, half Cab (mostly Franc) this “everyday” wine has lighter fruit but still plenty of the toasty, smoky barrel flavors that the winery's higher-priced reds. In other words, it's a perfect barbeque wine.	MC2	87	10	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Three Rivers	null	null	null
France	Complex and structured, this has rich tannins and a strawberry jam flavor from the ripe fruit. With its fine balance between the dry core and the fruity exterior, this should be cellared for at least four years.	Les Maréchaudes Premier Cru	91	null	Burgundy	Aloxe-Corton	null	Pinot Noir	Vincent Sauvestre	null	null	null
Austria	Hints of green Conference pear with even gentler notes of aloe vera make for an inviting nose. The palate is tight, concentrated and linear, but still full of charm. At the core a very refreshing citrus zestiness radiates. A very elegant wine.	Kremser Wachtberg Reserve	92	40	Kremstal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Stadt Krems	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Stadt Krems 2013 Kremser Wachtberg Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)
Canada	This is an aromatic dazzler, with notes of herb, apricot, orange peel and dried flowers. It drinks off dry, with rich, mineral stone-fruit flavors and balanced acidity. Pair with curried shrimp.	VQA	90	15	Ontario	Niagara Peninsula	null	Riesling	Cave Spring	null	null	null
Italy	Creamy and generous with notes of soft vanilla and stone fruit, this Chardonnay-Sauvignon blend has a beautifully aromatic nose and a light, compact texture in the mouth. Pair it with lightly fried seafood or fritto misto.	Vespa	89	40	Northeastern Italy	Venezia Giulia	null	White Blend	Bastianich	null	null	Bastianich 2006 Vespa White (Venezia Giulia)
Italy	From the Merenda cru of Barolo, this vineyard-designate wine delivers bright and elegant tones of wild berries, cola, cedar, licorice and white pepper. The wine shows excellent balance between the firmness of the tannins and freshness of the fruit. Drink after 2015.	Vigna Merenda	92	70	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Scarzello	null	null	null
Italy	Campo Leòn has herbal or green aromas that are unusual in Amarone. Those leafy elements are backed by ripe fruit, spice and toasted almond. It's round and full on the close with lingering berry flavors.	Campo Leòn	88	50	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Latium di Morini	null	null	Latium di Morini 2003 Campo Leòn (Amarone della Valpolicella)
Italy	Lacrima is a native red grape variety found in central Italy. It delivers a dark, rich ruby color, with aromas of sweet forest berry, violet, cassis and a touch of cinnamon spice. It has generous floral aromas that almost recall Pinot Noir, and an easy finish.	Fonte del Re	86	17	Central Italy	Lacrima di Morro d'Alba	null	Lacrima	Umani Ronchi	null	null	null
US	Exuberant in fruit and oak, this Cabernet shows that the Happy Canyon appellation can ripen grapes. It's rich in blackberries and black cherries that taste baked into a pie, alongside buttery toast. Very delicious, but the next step is to build in layers of complexity with aging.	Vogelzang Vineyard	88	50	California	Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Foxen 7200	null	null	null
France	There is a definite caramel and toffee character to this wine, sitting over ripe melon and yellow peach. The texture is dominated by wood, but still shows plenty of creamy baked apples. Good, fine concentration on the finish. Imported by Palm Bay International.	Vieilles Vignes Réserve	88	32	Burgundy	Pouilly-Fuissé	null	Chardonnay	Labouré-Roi	null	null	null
US	A decent, everyday Pinot Noir. it's silky and crisp, with pleasant berry flavors and a touch of smoky oak.	null	83	26	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Bin 36	null	null	null
Austria	This is Weninger's top wine, an impressive array of spice, black berry fruit, dusty tannins and layers of wood and acidity. There is weight and restrained power here, a dark structure. Age 5-6 years.	Dürrau Cuvée	94	null	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Weninger	null	null	null
US	A tribute to Samuele Sebastiani, this Petite Sirah is blended with 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, most of the grapes from Lodi. It delivers a bigger-than-life glass of roasted plum and blueberry, bacon and earthy cedar. Soft and approachable now, the tannins are lushly present, the finish marked by toasty oak and vanilla.	null	87	17	California	California	California Other	Petite Sirah	Americano	null	null	null
Chile	On the nose, it's floral and sweet, with a sticky quality to the fruit. In the mouth, it's like lemon-lime soda, with some bitter green melon thrown in. And the feel is thin and acidic. A tangy, lean rendition of this potentially interesting variety.	Montemar	82	8	Curicó Valley	null	null	Gewürztraminer	Aresti	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Aresti 2002 Montemar Gewürztraminer (Curicó Valley)
US	A rich, dense, vital Merlot, one of the best of the vintage. Offers loads of cherry, green olive, roasted meat and pepper flavors, wrapped into firm tannins leading to a distinguished finish. Dry and elegant, it's a beautiful wine to decant and drink soon with steak, chops, lamb.	null	93	30	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Hall	null	null	Hall 2007 Merlot (Napa Valley)
France	Lifted ethereal notes of bitter almond and peach kernel alongside hints of chamomile announce evolution and development. Underneath these aromatic forces on the nose, the palate reveals ripe peach and pear on a very concentrated, absolutely streamlined and bone-dry body. Pleasantly bitter pith notes give a grown-up edge to this mature marvel. Wonderfully layered flavors make you linger and show what time can do to a classy Pinot Gris.	Comtes d'Eguisheim	94	63	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Gris	Leon Beyer	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Leon Beyer 2010 Comtes d'Eguisheim Pinot Gris (Alsace)
US	Dusty, chalky tones accent fresh apple and pear flavors throughout this minerally off-dry wine. Honed and steely on the palate, it finishes briskly on a tart, lemony note. Refreshing and quaffable in style.	Red Oak Vineyard	87	20	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Lamoreaux Landing	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Lamoreaux Landing 2012 Red Oak Vineyard Riesling (Finger Lakes)
France	The name of the wine (land of the angels) is inspired by the fact that monks first planted the slope. More prosaically, it is a delightful wine, fresh and crisp with tight acidity that promises to soften to bring out the citrus and ripe pear flavors. Drink from 2017.	La Terre des Anges	90	26	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine Laporte	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Laporte 2014 La Terre des Anges (Sancerre)
US	Tempranillo has become a mainstay red grape in southern Oregon, but it's a rarity further north. Light toasty fruit flavors suggest tart raspberry with a hint of wood from 14 months in 20% new American oak barrels. The low alcohol and high acid suggest that this wine should be consumed over the next two or three years.	Estate	87	30	Oregon	Eola-Amity Hills	Willamette Valley	Tempranillo	Zenith	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Zenith 2014 Estate Tempranillo (Eola-Amity Hills)
France	Dominated by Ugni Blanc, the grape also used in the local Armagnac brandy, this is a tight, crisp wine, green but not unpleasantly so. Its acidity comes from fresh apple flavors, touched with some good juiciness and a fine refreshing finish. Screwcap.	null	85	9	Southwest France	Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne	null	Ugni Blanc-Colombard	Domaine du Tariquet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine du Tariquet 2007 Ugni Blanc-Colombard (Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne)
US	This full-bodied red wine is rough in tannins, but is ready to drink now with savory beef dishes. It has succulent blackberry, raisin and herb flavors.	Mountain Cuvée	86	24	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Red Blend	Gundlach Bundschu	null	null	Gundlach Bundschu 2010 Mountain Cuvée Red (Sonoma County)
Portugal	A warm, sunny blend of local grapes, this is ripe while still having a fresh, fruity character. The acidity at the end reinforces this contrast between richness and crispness. Drink now.	EA Tinto	86	10	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Cartuxa	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Cartuxa 2015 EA Tinto Red (Alentejano)
Chile	Smoky and plummy, with Carmenère's characteristic herbal tang. This is soft and creamy in texture, very approachable in style, with some chocolaty notes on the finish.	Reserva	87	14	Maipo Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Tarapaca	null	null	Tarapaca 2007 Reserva Carmenère (Maipo Valley)
Australia	The blend includes just 14% Mourvèdre, with the balance split evenly between Shiraz and Grenache, and the result is a medium-bodied red with soft tannins and plenty of ripe fruit. Blackberry, plum and spice notes show good concentration and some chocolaty overtones. Drink now and over the next several years.	The Seven Surveys Old Vines	89	15	South Australia	Barossa	null	G-S-M	Peter Lehmann	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Peter Lehmann 2005 The Seven Surveys Old Vines G-S-M (Barossa)
Lebanon	Medium salmon-colored in the glass, this rosé has a nose of tangerine and toffee. Flavors of tangerine, butterscotch and clove maintain a nice balance between spice and fruit flavors. The mellow finish features a dash of zesty acidity and a final wash of butterscotch.	Altitudes	88	20	Lebanon	null	null	Rosé	Ixsir	null	null	null
US	Tough, dry and gritty in tannins and acids, a young, fresh wine with jammy raspberry, cherry, buttered oak and spice flavors. Tastes a bit direct, like a fruit cola drink. But there's an elegant purity and inherent finesse that suggest this Pinot Noir might do interesting things over the next six years. Could improve dramatically.	La Encantada Vineyard	89	43	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Saudade	null	null	null
Chile	Air freshener and tropical aromas lead to a juice-like palate with green tannins. Lime, nettle and nopal flavors finish heavy.	null	83	10	Central Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Vaya Vadiso	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Vaya Vadiso 2012 Chardonnay (Central Valley)
US	Layered and medium in weight, this is a well-crafted, concentrated wine from an exceptional vineyard site in the cool, southeastern reaches of Napa Valley. The rich pineapple and coconut is tempered by crisp acidity, finishing in caramel-accented oak.	Maldonado Vineyard Dijon Clones	94	39	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Venge	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Venge 2013 Maldonado Vineyard Dijon Clones Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
US	Tastes immature now, an awkward combination of ripe, intense mountain fruit, oak, tannins and acidity, none of which has come together yet. It's a bold, masculine wine, rich in blackberries, cherries and minerals, but it wants a good 5–6 years to meld.	null	92	48	California	Mount Veeder	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Yates Family Vineyard	null	null	null
Italy	Here's an easy value wine from the eastern flank of the Italian peninsula that offers nice crispness and easy aromas of cassis and currant berry.	null	83	8	Central Italy	Terre di Chieti	null	Sangiovese	Spinelli	null	null	null
US	Clove-spiced pomegranate juice hits the nose first on this top-end bottling from the Foley family. It also offers some soy and sesame scents. A minerally line of pencil lead and black rocks coalesce the palate around savory, tangy flavors of tart cherry, incense, Earl Grey tea and orange rind.	Lindsay's Vineyard	93	75	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Two Sisters	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Two Sisters 2013 Lindsay's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
US	The floral nose on this wine is textbook Franc; married to the bright cherry fruit that comes through on the palate, the result is a lighter-style, charming wine that should prove versatile with food. Dangerously gulpable.	null	88	18	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Cabernet Franc	Paumanok	null	null	null
Spain	Earth, cola, berry, toast and leather aromas share the bouquet. The palate is narrow and pinched by firm tannins, while the flavor profile deals a mix of herb, toast and plum. Warm, earthy and oaky on the finish, the wine carries a lemony accent and satisfying length.	Gaubança	88	28	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Red Blend	Pahí Poboleda	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pahí Poboleda 2009 Gaubança Red (Priorat)
Argentina	Tropical aromas revolve around lemon-lime. This is acidic without much body. Flavors of lemon, melon, mango and green apple are lean and finish with tangy, pithy citrus flavors.	Ampakama	84	11	Other	San Juan	null	Chardonnay	Casa Montes	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Casa Montes 2014 Ampakama Chardonnay (San Juan)
Italy	Barbazzale is a 50-50 blend of Inzolia and Viognier. A touch of burnt matchstick blows off after a few minutes in the glass. Once the wine opens, it offers a full and generous mouthfeel and stone fruit flavors.	Barbazzale	85	16	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	White Blend	Cottanera	null	null	Cottanera 2010 Barbazzale White (Sicilia)
Australia	Blackberry fruit is framed in chocolate, cedar and cola nuances, while the texture is creamy, the tannins supple and the finish long. Drink now.	null	87	10	South Australia	Barossa	null	Shiraz	Wagtail	null	null	null
Chile	The four Rs are covered here: The wine is robust, roasted, ripe and ready. Kai is a very dark and sultry style of Carmenère, with huge waves of blueberry and blackberry fruit darkened up by chocolate, coffee and mint. The palate is lush but well structured; it's soft, pure and velvety, but also very natural.	Kai	92	80	Aconcagua Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Errazuriz	null	null	null
France	This full-bodied offering is ripe and richly balanced. A predominance of the two Pinots gives it an intense fruitiness, with raspberry and red apple notes dominating. At the same time, there is a fine, mineral-driven tautness that gives it a final, crisp bite. Disgorged February 2012.	Brut Réserve Grand Cru	88	56	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	H. Billiot Fils	null	null	null
US	Well-aged and drinking at a peak, this 100% Sangiovese is round and toasty, filled with plush cherry fruit, and just a smidgen of green olive. The barrel aging brings in accents of toasted walnuts through a full, inviting finish.	Stillwater Creek Vineyard	90	29	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sangiovese	Helix by Reininger	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Helix by Reininger 2008 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sangiovese (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Big, powerful and high in alcohol. The grapes evidently got superripe, giving the wine massive blackberry and chocolate-covered raisin flavors that have been liberally enhanced with smoky new oak. Tannins are pretty tight, coming from Pride's 2,100-foot elevation spanning the Napa-Sonoma border. A little awkward now. Give it a few years.	Vintner Select Cuvée	90	85	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Pride Mountain	null	null	null
Israel	This wine offers a tight nose of cherry cola and petrol. It opens on the palate by featuring flavors of smoked meat, eucalyptus, cherry, and ripe peach. Lush tannins contribute a fatty umami sensation to the palate.	Reserve	89	25	Galil	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Barkan	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Barkan 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Galil)
US	An amazingly rich, complex and ageworthy wine. Made from 100% Cabernet grapes, it shows firm, plush flavors of blackberries and black currants, with a sour cherry candy tartness that's clean and piquant in the mouth. But the wine is also very tannic, giving a dry astringency through the finish. Should reward time in the cellar. Best 2012–2018.	Hillside Reserve	95	100	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Flora Springs	null	null	null
US	This feels slightly softer in the mouth than the massive 2006, but carries the density and gravitas that one associates with Quilceda Creek. Wonderful balance, with a deeply detailed set of flavors that gather strength as they move through the palate. Mixed berries, threaded with chocolate, lingering with black cherry, cassis, smoke, cedar, lead pencil and more.	null	96	125	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Quilceda Creek	null	null	null
US	Sourced from a range of vineyards across the Napa Valley, including Atlas Peak, Rutherford and Oakville, this intense wine is informed by thick-grained tannins and pronounced oak. Dark blackberry fruit and clove season it well, along with a finish steep in mocha. The blend includes a small amount of Merlot.	null	87	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Atalon	null	null	null
Spain	Charred aromas are draped over spicy, leafy berry aromas. This oak-blackened Mencía is wiry and bright in feel, with lightly green, mildly herbal and minty flavors of burnt berry and smoked meat. An herbal-tasting finish is good in feel.	null	88	16	Northern Spain	Bierzo	null	Mencía	Gotín del Risc	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Gotín del Risc 2010 Mencía (Bierzo)
Australia	With the number of really good dessert wines available for under $12 per bottle severely limited, this is a refreshing ray of golden sweetness. Dried apricots add enough citrus pith to partially balance out the intensely sweet flavors. Drink in the lusciousness over the next couple of years.	The Stump Jump Sticky Chardonnay	89	11	South Australia	McLaren Vale-Adelaide Hills	null	Chardonnay	D'Arenberg	null	null	null
Italy	Argiano's Suolo is a true standout in the world of Tuscan Sangiovese. It achieves elegance, complexity and richness with bright cherry notes contrasted against sweet vanilla and spicy oak. The finish is long, smooth and persistent.	Suolo	92	83	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Sangiovese	Argiano	null	null	Argiano 2006 Suolo Sangiovese (Toscana)
France	An oak-fermented blend of 90% Grenache Blanc and 10% Viognier, this is a full-bodied, richly textured wine for drinking over the near term. Nutty scents and flavors accent grilled peach and pineapple fruit, ending in a long, mouthwatering finish.	César	92	27	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Domaine Roche-Audran	null	null	null
US	Not a success due to excessive sharpness. Other than that, you'll find mint and cherry flavors.	null	81	10	California	California	California Other	Merlot	McManis	null	null	null
US	The vineyard has been the source of great Syrah, and while this is a good wine, it's not without flaws. Brilliantly ripe in black currants, cherries, cassis, chocolate, sweet leather and spices, it's dry and finely structured. But there's a scour of acid that disturbs its equilibrium.	Paraiso Vineyard	85	35	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Syrah	Manzoni	null	null	null
US	Made from Syrah and Grenache, this is a big, powerful blush wine, with jammy strawberry and raspberry flavors. It's sweet on the finish, almost a dessert wine. If this is your style, it's for you.	Sofia	85	19	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Rosé	Francis Coppola	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of black cherry marinated in spirits, violet, vanilla, mint and toasted notes lead the nose of this full-bodied red. The concentrated palate offers steeped cherries, licorice, sage, espresso, oak and mocha alongside polished tannins.	Grumello Riserva	90	48	Lombardy	Valtellina Superiore	null	Nebbiolo	Rainoldi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Rainoldi 2009 Grumello Riserva (Valtellina Superiore)
US	Made from grapes grown close to the chilly Pacific, this is a wine with bright acidity and elegance. It's got some size, too, but unlike many big, rich Pinots from warmer areas this one toes the line of balance like a pro. The cherry cola, raspberry, tea and gentle spice flavors are satisfying and complex. Best next year and through 2008.	null	91	60	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Sonoma Coast Vineyards	null	null	null
US	While this is the most tannic of Envy's wines, it's also made in the house style of soft, fruity approachability. Forward and lush with blackberry jam, currant and spice flavors, it shows an impeccable balance. Wonderful now and over the next 3–4 years.	Estate	92	48	California	Calistoga	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Envy	null	null	null
New Zealand	Dry River's 2007 Pinot Noir reveals a slight herbal tinge to its dark fruit aromas and flavors, but it's a nuance that adds complexity and should develop into hints of tea and spice with additional bottle age. As always, it's not overly big or richly textured, but it is concentrated and intense. Drink 2012–2020.	null	91	90	Martinborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Dry River	null	null	null
US	This wine is dominated by oak. It's all about buttered toast, vanilla and butterscotch. Underneath is a ripe Chardonnay with tropical fruit flavors, but brightened by a shower of brisk acidity.	null	85	32	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Dierberg	null	null	Dierberg 2011 Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
US	At this price it's hard to find a really good Pinot Noir, but this one is as close as you'll get to the real thing. It's dry and silky and crisp, with flavors of cola, cherry tea and peppery spice.	null	84	13	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Bogle	null	null	null
US	Not only is this a deliciously drinkable wine, it has lots of complexity and should even improve for a couple of years. It's a big, soft, dry Merlot-based Bordeaux blend, juicy in cherry pie and succulent blueberry flavors and a rich, honeyed, toasty oak finish. Best now–2010.	Bell Mountain Ranch Red	91	25	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Medlock Ames	null	null	null
US	I like this wine a lot, even though it doesn't have Viognier's typical exotic richness. Bone dry, with mouth-tingling acidity and low alcohol, it shows citrus, coconut macaroon, apricot and spice flavors that finish with real complexity. The cool vintage definitely was kind to this inland, Delta appellation.	null	88	14	California	Clarksburg	Central Valley	Viognier	The White Knight	null	null	The White Knight 2006 Viognier (Clarksburg)
Chile	Grainy, resiny oak aromas share space on the nose with herbal black fruit and green scents. This is racy and fresh for Carmenère, with full-force tannins. Herbal, roasted black-fruit and chocolate flavors are long and oaky on the finish, with a mocha note. Drink through 2020.	Single Vineyard Los Lingues	89	25	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Siegel	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Siegel 2014 Single Vineyard Los Lingues Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)
US	The Frederick bottling is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, with other Bordeaux grapes filling in the rest. Chewy and tannic, it seems to have a green edge to its fruit and tannins. Nonetheless, there are plenty of flavors of berry, spice and black pepper, with highlights of coffee and cacao. This has lots to chew on, plus good length.	Frederick Estate Grown Red Wine	90	50	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Spring Valley Vineyard	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Spring Valley Vineyard 2009 Frederick Estate Grown Red Wine Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
Chile	Veramonte knows how to capture the pungent, alert character inherent to Sauvignon Blanc. This is a peppy wine with spiky tropical and green-fruit aromas and flavors. It's a mash up of citrus and nettles, with a controlled, fairly long grapefruit-driven finish. Modest in price, but the realthing.	Reserva	89	13	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Veramonte	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Veramonte 2008 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley)
US	Rock Wall seems to release its wines pretty young, and this too could use a little time. A blend of half Zinfandel and half Petite Sirah from the obsidian-laden hills of Lake County's Red Hills area, a very promising spot for Cabernet in particular. Still hugely tannic, this mix is yummy in dusty black fruit, leather and dark chocolate.	Obsidian	87	20	California	Red Hills Lake County	null	Red Blend	Rock Wall	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Rock Wall 2010 Obsidian Red (Red Hills Lake County)
France	This is a ripe, full-throttle wine. It has layers of blackberry and firm, dusty tannins. They are balanced by the juicy texture that gives the wine both freshness and the promise of some further aging. The wine is complex, rich and with good potential. Drink from 2018.	Les Cèdres	90	55	Bordeaux	Côtes de Bourg	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château l'Espérance	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château l'Espérance 2012 Les Cèdres (Côtes de Bourg)
Austria	Full in the mouth, the wine has ripe pear and lime flavors. It has a funky edge to it as well, with more rustic flavors. Give the wine six months to come together. Screwcap.	Classic	85	15	Niederösterreich	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Pleil	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Pleil 2012 Classic Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)
Argentina	Some barrel influence works its way onto the largely natural bouquet, while the flavors of peach, banana and melon surf a smooth, modestly deep palate. This is better than your average Argentinean Chardonnay, especially if you like some tropical warmth and weight. Drink right away to catch its vitality.	Don David Reserve	86	16	Other	Cafayate	null	Chardonnay	Michel Torino	null	null	null
Portugal	This wine is full of fruit, dusty tannins and great structure. A smooth surface covers the complex, juicy black fruits, dense tannins and mineral texture. This wine will certainly age, so don't drink before 2017.	Olho de Mocho Reserva	91	null	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Herdade do Rocim	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Herdade do Rocim 2010 Olho de Mocho Reserva Red (Alentejano)
US	This deceptive wine looks almost Pinot-like in color, but packs a myriad of flavors into its compact and raw frame. Rose petals, pomegranate, sour cherry, hints of cumin and nutmeg—it just keeps on going. Tannins are beautifully polished and the wine slowly unfolds, adding layers of flavor. Should improve for six to eight years and cellar for even longer.	Estate	90	35	Oregon	Umpqua Valley	Southern Oregon	Tempranillo	Abacela	null	null	null
US	If you like your white wines fruity and sweet, this one's for you. It has pretty flavors of peaches, honey and spices.	null	83	9	California	California	California Other	Riesling	Coastal Ridge	null	null	null
US	Wound tightly, this burly, brawny bruiser comes out of its shell slowly to reveal soft, perfumy notes of violet and blueberry. Flavors of dark chocolate and jam sit atop powerfully rich, dense pockets of leather and black pepper. Drink now through 2023.	Royal Punishers	93	42	California	Rutherford	Napa	Petite Sirah	Robert Biale	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Robert Biale 2013 Royal Punishers Petite Sirah (Rutherford)
Italy	La Bambina is a fresh and easy-drinking Sicilian rosé (made from Nero d'Avola) that opens with a pretty peach-pink color and bright aromas of raspberry, white cherry and cassis. Try it with swordfish carpaccio.	La Bambina	86	15	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Cantine Barbera	null	null	null
France	Richly warm wine, spicy and very fruity. Seville orange and citrus combine with tropical fruits to give a wine that is full in the mouth and concentrated while ready to drink. Drink until 2018.	Cuvée Tradition	87	14	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Gris	Pierre and Charles Sparr	null	null	null
Italy	Underbrush, oak, wild berry, herb and balsamic notes lead the nose of this Brunello. Tightly wound, fine-grained tannins frame cranberry, red cherry, orange zest and white pepper flavors on the palate. A hint of star anise signals the close. Drink 2020–2027.	null	91	55	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Podere Brizio	null	null	null
US	Dry and fashionable, this has a dusty, minerally character and high acidity that's reminiscent of a good Chablis. The cool, long vintage resulted in subtle peach, pear, pineapple and spice flavors.	Genevieve Vineyard	90	35	California	Guenoc Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Chardonnay	Langtry	null	null	null
Portugal	A lemon flavored wine that's crisp and fruity. The texture is soft with fruit and fresh acidity dominant. With its refreshing aftertaste, the wine is ready to drink now.	null	85	17	Tejo	null	null	Arinto	Terra Silvestre	null	null	null
US	A blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier, this is a sweet, honeyed wine saved by crisp acidity. Its off-dry flavors range from citrus fruits and green apples to honeysuckle flowers and vanilla.	CheninVio	84	12	California	Clarksburg	Central Valley	White Blend	Vinum	null	null	null
Chile	This simple Chardonnay is tropical fruit driven, with a floral aroma and a twang of resiny oak. The palate seems slightly disjointed in feel, briny in flavor and citric on the finish.	Reserva Espiritu de Los Andes Estate Bottled	84	12	Maipo Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Santa Alicia	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Santa Alicia 2014 Reserva Espiritu de Los Andes Estate Bottled Chardonnay (Maipo Valley)
Argentina	A big wine, but some persistent sulphur and earthiness on the nose results in aromas of leather, scrambled eggs and tobacco. Rugged on the palate, but that's to be expected for a big-boned Malbec like this. Flavors of blackberry and black cherry are supported by powerful oak, leather and an infusion of herbs. Drinkable now and best through 2010.	Amorío	89	33	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Tikal	null	null	null
Austria	The tightly closed nose only gives away a little ripe red apple. Even with the fruit locked underneath the stones, the sleek power, the impression of saltiness and lime-zest purity of this wine whisper promises. These will be kept, at least if you wait until 2017. This one will last and last.	Wösendorfer Kirchweg Smaragd	95	75	Wachau	null	null	Riesling	Rudi Pichler	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Rudi Pichler 2012 Wösendorfer Kirchweg Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
Italy	This is a distinctive and unique wine with aromas of natural rubber, Indian spice, hickory sauce and root beer. In the mouth, it offers firm texture and dusty tannins.	Vigna Messieri	87	23	Central Italy	Rosso Piceno Superiore	null	Red Blend	Tenuta Cocci Grifoni	null	null	null
US	Quite dry, nicely structured, and sporting generous, fresh acidity, this food-friendly Pinot Gris has moderately ripe fruit flavors that emphasis citrus and lemon rind. The alcohol is just 13.5%.	Estate	87	15	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Tyee	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Tyee 2009 Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)
France	From the oldest vines owned by the producer, this wine is intense and concentrated. Packed with citrus and still-bright herbal flavors it has layers of minerality and perfumed acidity. It still has its freshness which is in the process of changing into a rich maturity. Drink now and until 2024.	La Bourgeoise	93	40	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Henri Bourgeois	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Henri Bourgeois 2014 La Bourgeoise (Sancerre)
New Zealand	Asparagus and green-herb aromas run smoothly into grapefruit, passion-fruit and sweet green-pea flavors. More citrus fruits emerge on the tart, cleansing finish.	Reserve	86	24	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Wairau River	null	null	null
France	This rich wine is developing slowly. Even after a year, its fruit is still youthful with bright acidity and tangy citrus. It is beginning to round out and show a riper side. Wait until 2015.	L'Enclos de Maimbray	88	30	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine Matthias et Emile Roblin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Matthias et Emile Roblin 2012 L'Enclos de Maimbray (Sancerre)
Israel	Dark and rich, there's a slightly liquorous sensation to the blackberry and cassis core. The medium-weight mouth offers lifting acidity, great balance and depth, with attractive notes of cigar spice, cocoa powder and roasted espresso grinds on the finish.	Secret Reserve	90	40	Judean Hills	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Shiloh Winery	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Shiloh Winery 2009 Secret Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Judean Hills)
US	This makes a nice change from the simply fruity norm. The color is a traditional light garnet with a bronze rim, while the aromas resemble rhubarb and raspberries. Flavors are earthy, savory and meaty rather than straightforward grapy. The texture is rather soft, the tannins muted and the body not too full.	Marguerite Vineyard	87	50	California	Anderson Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Philo Ridge	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Philo Ridge 2010 Marguerite Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
US	Here is your go-to, all-purpose Chardonnay. It's got the crisp, vivid fruit flavors of Washington state grapes, a tangy blend of lemon and lime, with bracing botanical highlights. It's super fresh and drinking beautifully, with a wide assortment of seafood, poultry and salad dishes.	null	88	12	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Renegade	null	null	null
US	From the famous Westside Road-adjacent vineyard, this Chardonnay shows a proclivity toward lush roundness of texture and tropical flourish in flavor. Vanilla nuttiness is complemented by pineapple, green apple and caramel, lasting long into the finish.	Bacigalupi Vineyard	90	44	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	E16	null	null	null
Italy	Delicate toasted hazelnut, honey and pressed yellow flower aromas fill the glass. On the linear palate, a light nutty note accents lemon zest and stony mineral flavors.	null	87	22	Southern Italy	Fiano di Avellino	null	Fiano	Vadiaperti	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Vadiaperti 2015 Fiano di Avellino
New Zealand	Shows hints of green on the nose, but the focus in this vintage is on riper, more tropical flavors. Soft and easy to drink, with an edgy shot of lime on the finish. Imported by Vincor USA.	null	87	17	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Kim Crawford	null	null	null
Austria	A deliciously smooth, creamy wine, packed with concentrated, ripe yellow fruits with touches of fresh apricots, but balanced by a very crisp texture. A single-vineyard wine, this deals immediate pleasure and likely a few years' aging. Screwcap. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines.	Freiberg	89	21	Niederösterreich	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	H. & M. Hofer	null	null	null
US	There's an oaky, campfire-like personality to this white, a touch of matchstick on the nose that burns off over time. From there, it's a fuller style wine offering creaminess on the palate and a persistence of baked fruit, from apple to pear.	Dutton Ranch	87	44	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	MacRostie	Virginie Boone	@vboone	MacRostie 2012 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
New Zealand	This medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc displays a range of flavors from nettles to citrus to honey while remaining essentially dry. The leafy notes really emerge on the finish, along with a chalky note.	null	87	14	Nelson	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Nelson Bay	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Nelson Bay 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Nelson)
Spain	Aromas of nettle, citrus fruits and stream water set up a minerally palate with some plumpness. Moderately intense stone fruit and citrus flavors finish melony.	null	87	15	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Lagar de Bouza	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Lagar de Bouza 2015 Albariño (Rías Baixas)
US	This barrel selection from the best estate vineyards is given just 10 months aging in 30% new oak. The fruit is exceptional – a mix of red berries with tasteful threads of caramel sneaking into the finish. Let it breathe—it's a baby—but very nicely proportioned and showing layers of detail throughout a lingering finish.	Elizabeth's Reserve	92	48	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Adelsheim	null	null	null
France	Despite its naturally tannic character, Malbec makes delicious rosé, like this, that allows the red fruit and fresh acidity free rein. The wine has a slight structure, although it is more about deliciously fresh fruit. Drink now.	null	86	12	Southwest France	Côtes du Lot	null	Rosé	Château Famaey	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Famaey 2014 Rosé (Côtes du Lot)

US

This is a good, well-made Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy now. It's nice and dry and sturdy in tannins, with oak-influenced blackberry and currant flavors. Shows some real sophistication.

Dixon Ranch

89

49

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert James Lynch

null

US

Soft and buttery, this medium-bodied Chardonnay smells like lemon meringue and tastes lightly sweet like marshmallows and bananas.

Artisan Collection

86

10

California

California Other

Chardonnay

HandCraft

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

HandCraft 2014 Artisan Collection Chardonnay (California)

Argentina

Rubbery on first take, with sweet chocolate and carob aromas. Feels pretty thick, with a creamy lead into an herbal-tasting palate that's crowded with oak and milk chocolate flavors. Turns resiny on the finish.

Co-Ferment

84

20

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

TintoNegro

null

France

A lovely wine that brings out ripe fruits, peach and pineapple flavors and a flavor of lemongrass. It is a full, rounded wine, feeling rich while always balanced with its crisp acidity. It does need to age for a year or two, so drink from 2015.

Cuvée Pauline

91

null

Southwest France

Jurançon Sec

null

Petit Manseng

Château Jolys

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Jolys 2011 Cuvée Pauline (Jurançon Sec)

US

Half Merlot, half Cab (mostly Franc) this “everyday” wine has lighter fruit but still plenty of the toasty, smoky barrel flavors that the winery's higher-priced reds. In other words, it's a perfect barbeque wine.

MC2

87

10

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Three Rivers

null

France

Complex and structured, this has rich tannins and a strawberry jam flavor from the ripe fruit. With its fine balance between the dry core and the fruity exterior, this should be cellared for at least four years.

Les Maréchaudes Premier Cru

91

null

Burgundy

Aloxe-Corton

null

Pinot Noir

Vincent Sauvestre

null

Austria

Hints of green Conference pear with even gentler notes of aloe vera make for an inviting nose. The palate is tight, concentrated and linear, but still full of charm. At the core a very refreshing citrus zestiness radiates. A very elegant wine.

Kremser Wachtberg Reserve

92

40

Kremstal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Stadt Krems

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Stadt Krems 2013 Kremser Wachtberg Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)

Canada

This is an aromatic dazzler, with notes of herb, apricot, orange peel and dried flowers. It drinks off dry, with rich, mineral stone-fruit flavors and balanced acidity. Pair with curried shrimp.

VQA

90

15

Ontario

Niagara Peninsula

null

Riesling

Cave Spring

null

Italy

Creamy and generous with notes of soft vanilla and stone fruit, this Chardonnay-Sauvignon blend has a beautifully aromatic nose and a light, compact texture in the mouth. Pair it with lightly fried seafood or fritto misto.

Vespa

89

40

Northeastern Italy

Venezia Giulia

null

White Blend

Bastianich

null

Bastianich 2006 Vespa White (Venezia Giulia)

Italy

From the Merenda cru of Barolo, this vineyard-designate wine delivers bright and elegant tones of wild berries, cola, cedar, licorice and white pepper. The wine shows excellent balance between the firmness of the tannins and freshness of the fruit. Drink after 2015.

Vigna Merenda

92

70

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Scarzello

null

Italy

Campo Leòn has herbal or green aromas that are unusual in Amarone. Those leafy elements are backed by ripe fruit, spice and toasted almond. It's round and full on the close with lingering berry flavors.

Campo Leòn

88

50

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Latium di Morini

null

Latium di Morini 2003 Campo Leòn (Amarone della Valpolicella)

Italy

Lacrima is a native red grape variety found in central Italy. It delivers a dark, rich ruby color, with aromas of sweet forest berry, violet, cassis and a touch of cinnamon spice. It has generous floral aromas that almost recall Pinot Noir, and an easy finish.

Fonte del Re

86

17

Central Italy

Lacrima di Morro d'Alba

null

Lacrima

Umani Ronchi

null

US

Exuberant in fruit and oak, this Cabernet shows that the Happy Canyon appellation can ripen grapes. It's rich in blackberries and black cherries that taste baked into a pie, alongside buttery toast. Very delicious, but the next step is to build in layers of complexity with aging.

Vogelzang Vineyard

88

50

California

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Foxen 7200

null

France

There is a definite caramel and toffee character to this wine, sitting over ripe melon and yellow peach. The texture is dominated by wood, but still shows plenty of creamy baked apples. Good, fine concentration on the finish. Imported by Palm Bay International.

Vieilles Vignes Réserve

88

32

Burgundy

Pouilly-Fuissé

null

Chardonnay

Labouré-Roi

null

US

A decent, everyday Pinot Noir. it's silky and crisp, with pleasant berry flavors and a touch of smoky oak.

null

83

26

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Bin 36

null

Austria

This is Weninger's top wine, an impressive array of spice, black berry fruit, dusty tannins and layers of wood and acidity. There is weight and restrained power here, a dark structure. Age 5-6 years.

Dürrau Cuvée

94

null

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Weninger

null

US

A tribute to Samuele Sebastiani, this Petite Sirah is blended with 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, most of the grapes from Lodi. It delivers a bigger-than-life glass of roasted plum and blueberry, bacon and earthy cedar. Soft and approachable now, the tannins are lushly present, the finish marked by toasty oak and vanilla.

null

87

17

California

California Other

Petite Sirah

Americano

null

Chile

On the nose, it's floral and sweet, with a sticky quality to the fruit. In the mouth, it's like lemon-lime soda, with some bitter green melon thrown in. And the feel is thin and acidic. A tangy, lean rendition of this potentially interesting variety.

Montemar

82

8

Curicó Valley

null

Gewürztraminer

Aresti

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Aresti 2002 Montemar Gewürztraminer (Curicó Valley)

US

A rich, dense, vital Merlot, one of the best of the vintage. Offers loads of cherry, green olive, roasted meat and pepper flavors, wrapped into firm tannins leading to a distinguished finish. Dry and elegant, it's a beautiful wine to decant and drink soon with steak, chops, lamb.

null

93

30

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Hall

null

Hall 2007 Merlot (Napa Valley)

France

Lifted ethereal notes of bitter almond and peach kernel alongside hints of chamomile announce evolution and development. Underneath these aromatic forces on the nose, the palate reveals ripe peach and pear on a very concentrated, absolutely streamlined and bone-dry body. Pleasantly bitter pith notes give a grown-up edge to this mature marvel. Wonderfully layered flavors make you linger and show what time can do to a classy Pinot Gris.

Comtes d'Eguisheim

94

63

Alsace

null

Pinot Gris

Leon Beyer

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Leon Beyer 2010 Comtes d'Eguisheim Pinot Gris (Alsace)

US

Dusty, chalky tones accent fresh apple and pear flavors throughout this minerally off-dry wine. Honed and steely on the palate, it finishes briskly on a tart, lemony note. Refreshing and quaffable in style.

Red Oak Vineyard

87

20

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Lamoreaux Landing

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Lamoreaux Landing 2012 Red Oak Vineyard Riesling (Finger Lakes)

France

The name of the wine (land of the angels) is inspired by the fact that monks first planted the slope. More prosaically, it is a delightful wine, fresh and crisp with tight acidity that promises to soften to bring out the citrus and ripe pear flavors. Drink from 2017.

La Terre des Anges

90

26

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Laporte

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Laporte 2014 La Terre des Anges (Sancerre)

US

Tempranillo has become a mainstay red grape in southern Oregon, but it's a rarity further north. Light toasty fruit flavors suggest tart raspberry with a hint of wood from 14 months in 20% new American oak barrels. The low alcohol and high acid suggest that this wine should be consumed over the next two or three years.

Estate

87

30

Oregon

Eola-Amity Hills

Willamette Valley

Tempranillo

Zenith

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Zenith 2014 Estate Tempranillo (Eola-Amity Hills)

France

Dominated by Ugni Blanc, the grape also used in the local Armagnac brandy, this is a tight, crisp wine, green but not unpleasantly so. Its acidity comes from fresh apple flavors, touched with some good juiciness and a fine refreshing finish. Screwcap.

null

85

9

Southwest France

Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne

null

Ugni Blanc-Colombard

Domaine du Tariquet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine du Tariquet 2007 Ugni Blanc-Colombard (Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne)

US

This full-bodied red wine is rough in tannins, but is ready to drink now with savory beef dishes. It has succulent blackberry, raisin and herb flavors.

Mountain Cuvée

86

24

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Red Blend

Gundlach Bundschu

null

Gundlach Bundschu 2010 Mountain Cuvée Red (Sonoma County)

Portugal

A warm, sunny blend of local grapes, this is ripe while still having a fresh, fruity character. The acidity at the end reinforces this contrast between richness and crispness. Drink now.

EA Tinto

86

10

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Cartuxa

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Cartuxa 2015 EA Tinto Red (Alentejano)

Chile

Smoky and plummy, with Carmenère's characteristic herbal tang. This is soft and creamy in texture, very approachable in style, with some chocolaty notes on the finish.

Reserva

87

14

Maipo Valley

null

Carmenère

Tarapaca

null

Tarapaca 2007 Reserva Carmenère (Maipo Valley)

Australia

The blend includes just 14% Mourvèdre, with the balance split evenly between Shiraz and Grenache, and the result is a medium-bodied red with soft tannins and plenty of ripe fruit. Blackberry, plum and spice notes show good concentration and some chocolaty overtones. Drink now and over the next several years.

The Seven Surveys Old Vines

89

15

South Australia

Barossa

null

G-S-M

Peter Lehmann

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Peter Lehmann 2005 The Seven Surveys Old Vines G-S-M (Barossa)

Lebanon

Medium salmon-colored in the glass, this rosé has a nose of tangerine and toffee. Flavors of tangerine, butterscotch and clove maintain a nice balance between spice and fruit flavors. The mellow finish features a dash of zesty acidity and a final wash of butterscotch.

Altitudes

88

20

Lebanon

null

Rosé

Ixsir

null

US

Tough, dry and gritty in tannins and acids, a young, fresh wine with jammy raspberry, cherry, buttered oak and spice flavors. Tastes a bit direct, like a fruit cola drink. But there's an elegant purity and inherent finesse that suggest this Pinot Noir might do interesting things over the next six years. Could improve dramatically.

La Encantada Vineyard

89

43

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Saudade

null

Chile

Air freshener and tropical aromas lead to a juice-like palate with green tannins. Lime, nettle and nopal flavors finish heavy.

null

83

10

Central Valley

null

Chardonnay

Vaya Vadiso

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Vaya Vadiso 2012 Chardonnay (Central Valley)

US

Layered and medium in weight, this is a well-crafted, concentrated wine from an exceptional vineyard site in the cool, southeastern reaches of Napa Valley. The rich pineapple and coconut is tempered by crisp acidity, finishing in caramel-accented oak.

Maldonado Vineyard Dijon Clones

94

39

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Venge

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Venge 2013 Maldonado Vineyard Dijon Clones Chardonnay (Napa Valley)

US

Tastes immature now, an awkward combination of ripe, intense mountain fruit, oak, tannins and acidity, none of which has come together yet. It's a bold, masculine wine, rich in blackberries, cherries and minerals, but it wants a good 5–6 years to meld.

null

92

48

California

Mount Veeder

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Yates Family Vineyard

null

Italy

Here's an easy value wine from the eastern flank of the Italian peninsula that offers nice crispness and easy aromas of cassis and currant berry.

null

83

8

Central Italy

Terre di Chieti

null

Sangiovese

Spinelli

null

US

Clove-spiced pomegranate juice hits the nose first on this top-end bottling from the Foley family. It also offers some soy and sesame scents. A minerally line of pencil lead and black rocks coalesce the palate around savory, tangy flavors of tart cherry, incense, Earl Grey tea and orange rind.

Lindsay's Vineyard

93

75

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Two Sisters

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Two Sisters 2013 Lindsay's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

US

The floral nose on this wine is textbook Franc; married to the bright cherry fruit that comes through on the palate, the result is a lighter-style, charming wine that should prove versatile with food. Dangerously gulpable.

null

88

18

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Cabernet Franc

Paumanok

null

Spain

Earth, cola, berry, toast and leather aromas share the bouquet. The palate is narrow and pinched by firm tannins, while the flavor profile deals a mix of herb, toast and plum. Warm, earthy and oaky on the finish, the wine carries a lemony accent and satisfying length.

Gaubança

88

28

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Red Blend

Pahí Poboleda

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pahí Poboleda 2009 Gaubança Red (Priorat)

Argentina

Tropical aromas revolve around lemon-lime. This is acidic without much body. Flavors of lemon, melon, mango and green apple are lean and finish with tangy, pithy citrus flavors.

Ampakama

84

11

Other

San Juan

null

Chardonnay

Casa Montes

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Casa Montes 2014 Ampakama Chardonnay (San Juan)

Italy

Barbazzale is a 50-50 blend of Inzolia and Viognier. A touch of burnt matchstick blows off after a few minutes in the glass. Once the wine opens, it offers a full and generous mouthfeel and stone fruit flavors.

Barbazzale

85

16

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

White Blend

Cottanera

null

Cottanera 2010 Barbazzale White (Sicilia)

Australia

Blackberry fruit is framed in chocolate, cedar and cola nuances, while the texture is creamy, the tannins supple and the finish long. Drink now.

null

87

10

South Australia

Barossa

null

Shiraz

Wagtail

null

Chile

The four Rs are covered here: The wine is robust, roasted, ripe and ready. Kai is a very dark and sultry style of Carmenère, with huge waves of blueberry and blackberry fruit darkened up by chocolate, coffee and mint. The palate is lush but well structured; it's soft, pure and velvety, but also very natural.

Kai

92

80

Aconcagua Valley

null

Carmenère

Errazuriz

null

France

This full-bodied offering is ripe and richly balanced. A predominance of the two Pinots gives it an intense fruitiness, with raspberry and red apple notes dominating. At the same time, there is a fine, mineral-driven tautness that gives it a final, crisp bite. Disgorged February 2012.

Brut Réserve Grand Cru

88

56

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

H. Billiot Fils

null

US

Well-aged and drinking at a peak, this 100% Sangiovese is round and toasty, filled with plush cherry fruit, and just a smidgen of green olive. The barrel aging brings in accents of toasted walnuts through a full, inviting finish.

Stillwater Creek Vineyard

90

29

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sangiovese

Helix by Reininger

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Helix by Reininger 2008 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sangiovese (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Big, powerful and high in alcohol. The grapes evidently got superripe, giving the wine massive blackberry and chocolate-covered raisin flavors that have been liberally enhanced with smoky new oak. Tannins are pretty tight, coming from Pride's 2,100-foot elevation spanning the Napa-Sonoma border. A little awkward now. Give it a few years.

Vintner Select Cuvée

90

85

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pride Mountain

null

Israel

This wine offers a tight nose of cherry cola and petrol. It opens on the palate by featuring flavors of smoked meat, eucalyptus, cherry, and ripe peach. Lush tannins contribute a fatty umami sensation to the palate.

Reserve

89

25

Galil

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Barkan

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Barkan 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Galil)

US

An amazingly rich, complex and ageworthy wine. Made from 100% Cabernet grapes, it shows firm, plush flavors of blackberries and black currants, with a sour cherry candy tartness that's clean and piquant in the mouth. But the wine is also very tannic, giving a dry astringency through the finish. Should reward time in the cellar. Best 2012–2018.

Hillside Reserve

95

100

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Flora Springs

null

US

This feels slightly softer in the mouth than the massive 2006, but carries the density and gravitas that one associates with Quilceda Creek. Wonderful balance, with a deeply detailed set of flavors that gather strength as they move through the palate. Mixed berries, threaded with chocolate, lingering with black cherry, cassis, smoke, cedar, lead pencil and more.

null

96

125

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Quilceda Creek

null

US

Sourced from a range of vineyards across the Napa Valley, including Atlas Peak, Rutherford and Oakville, this intense wine is informed by thick-grained tannins and pronounced oak. Dark blackberry fruit and clove season it well, along with a finish steep in mocha. The blend includes a small amount of Merlot.

null

87

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Atalon

null

Spain

Charred aromas are draped over spicy, leafy berry aromas. This oak-blackened Mencía is wiry and bright in feel, with lightly green, mildly herbal and minty flavors of burnt berry and smoked meat. An herbal-tasting finish is good in feel.

null

88

16

Northern Spain

Bierzo

null

Mencía

Gotín del Risc

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Gotín del Risc 2010 Mencía (Bierzo)

Australia

With the number of really good dessert wines available for under $12 per bottle severely limited, this is a refreshing ray of golden sweetness. Dried apricots add enough citrus pith to partially balance out the intensely sweet flavors. Drink in the lusciousness over the next couple of years.

The Stump Jump Sticky Chardonnay

89

11

South Australia

McLaren Vale-Adelaide Hills

null

Chardonnay

D'Arenberg

null

Italy

Argiano's Suolo is a true standout in the world of Tuscan Sangiovese. It achieves elegance, complexity and richness with bright cherry notes contrasted against sweet vanilla and spicy oak. The finish is long, smooth and persistent.

Suolo

92

83

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Sangiovese

Argiano

null

Argiano 2006 Suolo Sangiovese (Toscana)

France

An oak-fermented blend of 90% Grenache Blanc and 10% Viognier, this is a full-bodied, richly textured wine for drinking over the near term. Nutty scents and flavors accent grilled peach and pineapple fruit, ending in a long, mouthwatering finish.

César

92

27

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Domaine Roche-Audran

null

US

Not a success due to excessive sharpness. Other than that, you'll find mint and cherry flavors.

null

81

10

California

California Other

Merlot

McManis

null

US

The vineyard has been the source of great Syrah, and while this is a good wine, it's not without flaws. Brilliantly ripe in black currants, cherries, cassis, chocolate, sweet leather and spices, it's dry and finely structured. But there's a scour of acid that disturbs its equilibrium.

Paraiso Vineyard

85

35

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Syrah

Manzoni

null

US

Made from Syrah and Grenache, this is a big, powerful blush wine, with jammy strawberry and raspberry flavors. It's sweet on the finish, almost a dessert wine. If this is your style, it's for you.

Sofia

85

19

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Rosé

Francis Coppola

null

Italy

Aromas of black cherry marinated in spirits, violet, vanilla, mint and toasted notes lead the nose of this full-bodied red. The concentrated palate offers steeped cherries, licorice, sage, espresso, oak and mocha alongside polished tannins.

Grumello Riserva

90

48

Lombardy

Valtellina Superiore

null

Nebbiolo

Rainoldi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Rainoldi 2009 Grumello Riserva (Valtellina Superiore)

US

Made from grapes grown close to the chilly Pacific, this is a wine with bright acidity and elegance. It's got some size, too, but unlike many big, rich Pinots from warmer areas this one toes the line of balance like a pro. The cherry cola, raspberry, tea and gentle spice flavors are satisfying and complex. Best next year and through 2008.

null

91

60

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast Vineyards

null

US

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

Estate

92

48

California

Calistoga

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Envy

null

New Zealand

Dry River's 2007 Pinot Noir reveals a slight herbal tinge to its dark fruit aromas and flavors, but it's a nuance that adds complexity and should develop into hints of tea and spice with additional bottle age. As always, it's not overly big or richly textured, but it is concentrated and intense. Drink 2012–2020.

null

91

90

Martinborough

null

Pinot Noir

Dry River

null

US

This wine is dominated by oak. It's all about buttered toast, vanilla and butterscotch. Underneath is a ripe Chardonnay with tropical fruit flavors, but brightened by a shower of brisk acidity.

null

85

32

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Dierberg

null

Dierberg 2011 Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)

US

At this price it's hard to find a really good Pinot Noir, but this one is as close as you'll get to the real thing. It's dry and silky and crisp, with flavors of cola, cherry tea and peppery spice.

null

84

13

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Bogle

null

US

Not only is this a deliciously drinkable wine, it has lots of complexity and should even improve for a couple of years. It's a big, soft, dry Merlot-based Bordeaux blend, juicy in cherry pie and succulent blueberry flavors and a rich, honeyed, toasty oak finish. Best now–2010.

Bell Mountain Ranch Red

91

25

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Medlock Ames

null

US

I like this wine a lot, even though it doesn't have Viognier's typical exotic richness. Bone dry, with mouth-tingling acidity and low alcohol, it shows citrus, coconut macaroon, apricot and spice flavors that finish with real complexity. The cool vintage definitely was kind to this inland, Delta appellation.

null

88

14

California

Clarksburg

Central Valley

Viognier

The White Knight

null

The White Knight 2006 Viognier (Clarksburg)

Chile

Grainy, resiny oak aromas share space on the nose with herbal black fruit and green scents. This is racy and fresh for Carmenère, with full-force tannins. Herbal, roasted black-fruit and chocolate flavors are long and oaky on the finish, with a mocha note. Drink through 2020.

Single Vineyard Los Lingues

89

25

Colchagua Valley

null

Carmenère

Siegel

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Siegel 2014 Single Vineyard Los Lingues Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)

US

The Frederick bottling is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, with other Bordeaux grapes filling in the rest. Chewy and tannic, it seems to have a green edge to its fruit and tannins. Nonetheless, there are plenty of flavors of berry, spice and black pepper, with highlights of coffee and cacao. This has lots to chew on, plus good length.

Frederick Estate Grown Red Wine

90

50

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Spring Valley Vineyard

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Spring Valley Vineyard 2009 Frederick Estate Grown Red Wine Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Chile

Veramonte knows how to capture the pungent, alert character inherent to Sauvignon Blanc. This is a peppy wine with spiky tropical and green-fruit aromas and flavors. It's a mash up of citrus and nettles, with a controlled, fairly long grapefruit-driven finish. Modest in price, but the realthing.

Reserva

89

13

Casablanca Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Veramonte

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Veramonte 2008 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley)

US

Rock Wall seems to release its wines pretty young, and this too could use a little time. A blend of half Zinfandel and half Petite Sirah from the obsidian-laden hills of Lake County's Red Hills area, a very promising spot for Cabernet in particular. Still hugely tannic, this mix is yummy in dusty black fruit, leather and dark chocolate.

Obsidian

87

20

California

Red Hills Lake County

null

Red Blend

Rock Wall

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Rock Wall 2010 Obsidian Red (Red Hills Lake County)

France

This is a ripe, full-throttle wine. It has layers of blackberry and firm, dusty tannins. They are balanced by the juicy texture that gives the wine both freshness and the promise of some further aging. The wine is complex, rich and with good potential. Drink from 2018.

Les Cèdres

90

55

Bordeaux

Côtes de Bourg

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château l'Espérance

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château l'Espérance 2012 Les Cèdres (Côtes de Bourg)

Austria

Full in the mouth, the wine has ripe pear and lime flavors. It has a funky edge to it as well, with more rustic flavors. Give the wine six months to come together. Screwcap.

Classic

85

15

Niederösterreich

null

Grüner Veltliner

Pleil

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Pleil 2012 Classic Grüner Veltliner (Niederösterreich)

Argentina

Some barrel influence works its way onto the largely natural bouquet, while the flavors of peach, banana and melon surf a smooth, modestly deep palate. This is better than your average Argentinean Chardonnay, especially if you like some tropical warmth and weight. Drink right away to catch its vitality.

Don David Reserve

86

16

Other

Cafayate

null

Chardonnay

Michel Torino

null

Portugal

This wine is full of fruit, dusty tannins and great structure. A smooth surface covers the complex, juicy black fruits, dense tannins and mineral texture. This wine will certainly age, so don't drink before 2017.

Olho de Mocho Reserva

91

null

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Herdade do Rocim

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Herdade do Rocim 2010 Olho de Mocho Reserva Red (Alentejano)

US

This deceptive wine looks almost Pinot-like in color, but packs a myriad of flavors into its compact and raw frame. Rose petals, pomegranate, sour cherry, hints of cumin and nutmeg—it just keeps on going. Tannins are beautifully polished and the wine slowly unfolds, adding layers of flavor. Should improve for six to eight years and cellar for even longer.

Estate

90

35

Oregon

Umpqua Valley

Southern Oregon

Tempranillo

Abacela

null

US

If you like your white wines fruity and sweet, this one's for you. It has pretty flavors of peaches, honey and spices.

null

83

9

California

California Other

Riesling

Coastal Ridge

null

US

Wound tightly, this burly, brawny bruiser comes out of its shell slowly to reveal soft, perfumy notes of violet and blueberry. Flavors of dark chocolate and jam sit atop powerfully rich, dense pockets of leather and black pepper. Drink now through 2023.

Royal Punishers

93

42

California

Rutherford

Napa

Petite Sirah

Robert Biale

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Robert Biale 2013 Royal Punishers Petite Sirah (Rutherford)

Italy

La Bambina is a fresh and easy-drinking Sicilian rosé (made from Nero d'Avola) that opens with a pretty peach-pink color and bright aromas of raspberry, white cherry and cassis. Try it with swordfish carpaccio.

La Bambina

86

15

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Cantine Barbera

null

France

Richly warm wine, spicy and very fruity. Seville orange and citrus combine with tropical fruits to give a wine that is full in the mouth and concentrated while ready to drink. Drink until 2018.

Cuvée Tradition

87

14

Alsace

null

Pinot Gris

Pierre and Charles Sparr

null

Italy

Underbrush, oak, wild berry, herb and balsamic notes lead the nose of this Brunello. Tightly wound, fine-grained tannins frame cranberry, red cherry, orange zest and white pepper flavors on the palate. A hint of star anise signals the close. Drink 2020–2027.

null

91

55

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Podere Brizio

null

US

Dry and fashionable, this has a dusty, minerally character and high acidity that's reminiscent of a good Chablis. The cool, long vintage resulted in subtle peach, pear, pineapple and spice flavors.

Genevieve Vineyard

90

35

California

Guenoc Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Chardonnay

Langtry

null

Portugal

A lemon flavored wine that's crisp and fruity. The texture is soft with fruit and fresh acidity dominant. With its refreshing aftertaste, the wine is ready to drink now.

null

85

17

Tejo

null

Arinto

Terra Silvestre

null

US

A blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier, this is a sweet, honeyed wine saved by crisp acidity. Its off-dry flavors range from citrus fruits and green apples to honeysuckle flowers and vanilla.

CheninVio

84

12

California

Clarksburg

Central Valley

White Blend

Vinum

null

Chile

This simple Chardonnay is tropical fruit driven, with a floral aroma and a twang of resiny oak. The palate seems slightly disjointed in feel, briny in flavor and citric on the finish.

Reserva Espiritu de Los Andes Estate Bottled

84

12

Maipo Valley

null

Chardonnay

Santa Alicia

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Santa Alicia 2014 Reserva Espiritu de Los Andes Estate Bottled Chardonnay (Maipo Valley)

Argentina

A big wine, but some persistent sulphur and earthiness on the nose results in aromas of leather, scrambled eggs and tobacco. Rugged on the palate, but that's to be expected for a big-boned Malbec like this. Flavors of blackberry and black cherry are supported by powerful oak, leather and an infusion of herbs. Drinkable now and best through 2010.

Amorío

89

33

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Tikal

null

Austria

The tightly closed nose only gives away a little ripe red apple. Even with the fruit locked underneath the stones, the sleek power, the impression of saltiness and lime-zest purity of this wine whisper promises. These will be kept, at least if you wait until 2017. This one will last and last.

Wösendorfer Kirchweg Smaragd

95

75

Wachau

null

Riesling

Rudi Pichler

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Rudi Pichler 2012 Wösendorfer Kirchweg Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

Italy

This is a distinctive and unique wine with aromas of natural rubber, Indian spice, hickory sauce and root beer. In the mouth, it offers firm texture and dusty tannins.

Vigna Messieri

87

23

Central Italy

Rosso Piceno Superiore

null

Red Blend

Tenuta Cocci Grifoni

null

US

Quite dry, nicely structured, and sporting generous, fresh acidity, this food-friendly Pinot Gris has moderately ripe fruit flavors that emphasis citrus and lemon rind. The alcohol is just 13.5%.

Estate

87

15

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Tyee

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Tyee 2009 Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)

France

From the oldest vines owned by the producer, this wine is intense and concentrated. Packed with citrus and still-bright herbal flavors it has layers of minerality and perfumed acidity. It still has its freshness which is in the process of changing into a rich maturity. Drink now and until 2024.

La Bourgeoise

93

40

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Henri Bourgeois

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Henri Bourgeois 2014 La Bourgeoise (Sancerre)

New Zealand

Asparagus and green-herb aromas run smoothly into grapefruit, passion-fruit and sweet green-pea flavors. More citrus fruits emerge on the tart, cleansing finish.

Reserve

86

24

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Wairau River

null

France

This rich wine is developing slowly. Even after a year, its fruit is still youthful with bright acidity and tangy citrus. It is beginning to round out and show a riper side. Wait until 2015.

L'Enclos de Maimbray

88

30

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Matthias et Emile Roblin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Matthias et Emile Roblin 2012 L'Enclos de Maimbray (Sancerre)

Israel

Dark and rich, there's a slightly liquorous sensation to the blackberry and cassis core. The medium-weight mouth offers lifting acidity, great balance and depth, with attractive notes of cigar spice, cocoa powder and roasted espresso grinds on the finish.

Secret Reserve

90

40

Judean Hills

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Shiloh Winery

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Shiloh Winery 2009 Secret Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Judean Hills)

US

This makes a nice change from the simply fruity norm. The color is a traditional light garnet with a bronze rim, while the aromas resemble rhubarb and raspberries. Flavors are earthy, savory and meaty rather than straightforward grapy. The texture is rather soft, the tannins muted and the body not too full.

Marguerite Vineyard

87

50

California

Anderson Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Philo Ridge

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Philo Ridge 2010 Marguerite Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)

US

Here is your go-to, all-purpose Chardonnay. It's got the crisp, vivid fruit flavors of Washington state grapes, a tangy blend of lemon and lime, with bracing botanical highlights. It's super fresh and drinking beautifully, with a wide assortment of seafood, poultry and salad dishes.

null

88

12

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Renegade

null

US

From the famous Westside Road-adjacent vineyard, this Chardonnay shows a proclivity toward lush roundness of texture and tropical flourish in flavor. Vanilla nuttiness is complemented by pineapple, green apple and caramel, lasting long into the finish.

Bacigalupi Vineyard

90

44

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

E16

null

Italy

Delicate toasted hazelnut, honey and pressed yellow flower aromas fill the glass. On the linear palate, a light nutty note accents lemon zest and stony mineral flavors.

null

87

22

Southern Italy

Fiano di Avellino

null

Fiano

Vadiaperti

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Vadiaperti 2015 Fiano di Avellino

New Zealand

Shows hints of green on the nose, but the focus in this vintage is on riper, more tropical flavors. Soft and easy to drink, with an edgy shot of lime on the finish. Imported by Vincor USA.

null

87

17

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Kim Crawford

null

Austria

A deliciously smooth, creamy wine, packed with concentrated, ripe yellow fruits with touches of fresh apricots, but balanced by a very crisp texture. A single-vineyard wine, this deals immediate pleasure and likely a few years' aging. Screwcap. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines.

Freiberg

89

21

Niederösterreich

null

Grüner Veltliner

H. & M. Hofer

null

US

There's an oaky, campfire-like personality to this white, a touch of matchstick on the nose that burns off over time. From there, it's a fuller style wine offering creaminess on the palate and a persistence of baked fruit, from apple to pear.

Dutton Ranch

87

44

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

MacRostie

Virginie Boone

@vboone

MacRostie 2012 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

New Zealand

This medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc displays a range of flavors from nettles to citrus to honey while remaining essentially dry. The leafy notes really emerge on the finish, along with a chalky note.

null

87

14

Nelson

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Nelson Bay

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Nelson Bay 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Nelson)

Spain

Aromas of nettle, citrus fruits and stream water set up a minerally palate with some plumpness. Moderately intense stone fruit and citrus flavors finish melony.

null

87

15

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Lagar de Bouza

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Lagar de Bouza 2015 Albariño (Rías Baixas)

US

This barrel selection from the best estate vineyards is given just 10 months aging in 30% new oak. The fruit is exceptional – a mix of red berries with tasteful threads of caramel sneaking into the finish. Let it breathe—it's a baby—but very nicely proportioned and showing layers of detail throughout a lingering finish.

Elizabeth's Reserve

92

48

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Adelsheim

null

France

Despite its naturally tannic character, Malbec makes delicious rosé, like this, that allows the red fruit and fresh acidity free rein. The wine has a slight structure, although it is more about deliciously fresh fruit. Drink now.

null

86

12

Southwest France

Côtes du Lot

null

Rosé

Château Famaey

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Famaey 2014 Rosé (Côtes du Lot)