spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Austria	Zesty notions of orange marmalade pervade the nose and palate, while overtones of passion fruit and faint spiciness hint at the aromatic nature of Scheurebe. It's broken up by more honeyed richness, while precise, lemony acidity brings all into a sharp, citric focus, with a clean-cut finish.	Zwischen den Seen Trockenbeerenauslese Nummer 7	92	105	Burgenland	null	null	Scheurebe	Kracher	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Kracher 2011 Zwischen den Seen Trockenbeerenauslese Nummer 7 Scheurebe (Burgenland)
US	This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from an all-star collection of Walla Walla vineyards. It shows excellent structure and depth, with plenty of herbal character. The black fruits are abundant, spicy and sharp; this is a young wine from a great vintage than needs more bottle age. The layering, though still tight and compact, suggests that with cellaring this will evolve into Bordeaux-like complexity, with a mix of herb, mineral, leaf and berry flavors. The barrel flavors (40% new) are subtle and elegant.	null	93	40	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	L'Ecole No. 41	null	null	null
Italy	Big, bold and luscious, this beautiful Amarone shows bright fruit tones backed by sophisticated spice aromas with leather, tobacco and moist earth. The wine is thick, densely textured and would pair with roast pork and fennel.	null	93	70	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Marion	null	null	null
Israel	Castel's Blanc is always a well-made selection, and the 2010 carries on that tradition. With 12 months spent in French oak, this is a rich and rounded Chardonnay that exhibits excellent balance and structure, matching bright acidity and refreshing sweet citrus flavors with lush notes of wood-grilled apple, orange creamsicle, crushed yellow flower and peach pit nuttiness. Accents of woody spice and lime zest carry onto the long finish.	C Blanc du Castel	91	50	Judean Hills	null	null	Chardonnay	Domaine du Castel	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Domaine du Castel 2010 C Blanc du Castel Chardonnay (Judean Hills)
US	This Syrah is at the top of the lineup for Reininger. It's tightly wound, yet it opens gracefully to reveal deep flavors of blueberry and plum, with resonating notes of earth, iron, espresso and dark chocolate. This can age for up to a decade.	null	92	44	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Reininger	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Reininger 2009 Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
US	Unripe, with feline aromas and flavors.	null	80	10	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Sauvignon Blanc	Ironstone	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of grapefruit, herb and almonds open to a mouthful of melon and peach in this medium-weight dry white. It has a bit more texture than most Vernaccias, a clean, crisp finish and an attractive back perfume with a touch of bitter almond.	Borghetto	88	15	Tuscany	Vernaccia di San Gimignano	null	White Blend	Pietrafitta	null	null	null
France	89-91. Barrel sample. This wine is ripe and juicy, with full, soft tannins, jammy fruit and sweet plum flavors. It shows the acidity of the year with final notes of tobacco and smoke.	Barrel Sample	90	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Quintus	null	null	null
US	Surprisingly soft and seemingly sweet for this vineyard, which comes from the cooler Freestone area of the western Russian River Valley. It's delicious in cherry, cola, mocha and spice flavors, but it feels heavy.	Freestone Hill Vineyard	87	60	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	J Vineyards & Winery	null	null	null
Italy	Here's an elaborate expression of Grillo that shows more density and richness than you normally see with this Sicilian native white grape. The wine offers peach, apricot and almond flavors.	Carolina Marenga	87	21	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Grillo	Feudi del Pisciotto	null	null	null
Austria	A wine that relies easily on bright red berry fruits, with a full helping of sweet tannins. The acidity keeps everything tight, but this is more a ripe, soft, well-balanced wine. Screwcap.	null	88	18	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Gunter Triebaumer	null	null	null
Romania	Appley and fresh with hints of white peach and blossoms on the nose and palate, this is a straightforward yet well-made Pinot Grigio that's hard to resist for under $10. Snappy and clean with brisk acidity and a pretty green floral finish.	Dreambird	86	7	Viile Timisului	null	null	Pinot Grigio	Cramele Recas	null	null	null
US	Rustic and sweet on the finish, with jellied blackberry, cherry, licorice, cola and Asian spice flavors. Gains a point or two for its smooth, rich tannins. Drink now.	null	84	16	California	Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Petite Sirah	Writer's Block	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a full, rich Taurasi that opens with a slightly raw note of fresh cherry, exotic spice and milky chocolate. The mouthfeel is plush, long and velvety.	null	90	null	Southern Italy	Taurasi	null	Aglianico	Vesevo	null	null	null
Australia	This winery is better known for its Marsanne, but this Viognier is an excellent value. It exudes hints of apricot, pineapple, ginger and honey, coming across rich and creamy on the palate. Despite the heft, it finishes long, framed by mouthwatering acidity.	null	92	19	Victoria	Nagambie Lakes	null	Viognier	Tahbilk	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Tahbilk 2014 Viognier (Nagambie Lakes)
Chile	This is classic Chilean Cabernet. It's intense in color, with herb, graphite, licorice and blackberry aromas. The palate is solid, maybe a touch tannic, with oaky, beefy flavors of black fruits, anise and herbs. A solid-feeling, wholesome finish with modest complexity is the final act. Drink now through 2020.	Limited Edition	90	25	Central Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Echeverria	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Echeverria 2009 Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley)
Germany	Bramble notes mingle alongside fresh lemon and pear in this off-dry Riesling, lending a savory, earthy tone throughout. Bright citrus flavors lead a brisk, clean finish. Drink now.	null	86	11	Pfalz	null	null	Riesling	Clear Night	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Clear Night 2013 Riesling (Pfalz)
US	Earthy aromas of turned soil meet with dark red currant and a layer of smoke on the nose of this estate bottling by the historic vineyard. Strawberry, smoked pork and a touch of lavender show on the sip, which rides a strong acidity that arises in the midpalate and persists deep into the finish.	null	92	60	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Bien Nacido	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Bien Nacido 2014 Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
US	There are so many good qualities to this wine that I wish it were more concentrated. With a very high production, the vines must have been stretched. Too bad, because it shows gorgeous structure of acids and tannins, the kind of Cabernet only Napa Valley can produce. Still, it rewards for elegance and modest blackberry and oak flavors.	null	85	26	California	Yountville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Charles Krug	null	null	null
US	Savory on the nose with modest apple and pear aromas accented by a curious smoked ham note, this smoky off-dry Riesling with a touch of honeycrisp apple sweetness has a briney, umami-laden complexity that would make it an interesting companion to prosciutto wrapped around morsels of melons and fig.	Semi-Dry	85	15	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Bellangelo	null	null	null
Italy	Gorgeous, opulent and intense, Chardonnay Ciampagnis Vieris boasts a precise vein of dusty mineral or crushed stone that serves as the wine's backbone. Surrounding it are plusher tones of stone fruit, creamy vanilla and exotic fruit.	Ciampagnis Vieris	91	39	Northeastern Italy	Friuli Isonzo	null	Chardonnay	Vie di Romans	null	null	null
US	This is a terrific Chardonay, one of the best from Napa Valley, and it happens to be from the cooler Coombsville area. It's dry and crisp in acidity, which nicely balances the flamboyantly oaked peach, green apple and herb flavors that are beautifully wrapped into a buttery, creamy texture.	null	93	38	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Hunnicutt	null	null	null
US	Funky earth and a diluted body make for a generic experience with this wine, which simultaneously offers a large tannin profile plus a weedy, dried herb component.	null	83	20	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Robert Goyette	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Robert Goyette 2012 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
France	This is a smooth and polished wine, with herb and new wood aromas. It has juicy red-berry flavors, and the tannins push forward. Structured, with intense acidity, this is ready to age for at least 5–6 years.	Gravières Premier Cru	90	47	Burgundy	Santenay	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Jessiaume	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Jessiaume 2010 Gravières Premier Cru (Santenay)
Portugal	A soft, open wine with only light tannins. The fruit is just as light, with strawberry and some spice. For drinking now.	Tinto	83	7	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Finisterra	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Finisterra 2010 Tinto Red (Alentejano)
Italy	This blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Syrah opens with aromas of blackberry and blue flower. The lean palate is drying out, but still offers a black cherry note and astringent wood tannins that give it an abrupt, drying finish.	Helios	86	26	Sicily & Sardinia	Terre Siciliane	null	Red Blend	Di Giovanna	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Di Giovanna 2012 Helios Red (Terre Siciliane)
US	Rich and jammy in cherries, berries and cocoa, this spicy blend is basically a Bordeaux-style wine with some Mourvèdre. It feels rustically soft and sweet in the mouth, especially at this price.	Bodaeceia	84	55	California	California	California Other	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Robert James Lynch	null	null	null
US	The only one of the Cayuse Syrahs that is co-fermented with Viognier, this opens with a stunning, floral bouquet, showing extraordinary depth and texture. The wine has a floral top, a thickly fruity middle and a base with smoke, rock and meat. Still very young, it is already a complete, fully-realized, near-perfect wine with a finish that extends for many minutes. This should age for 25 –30 years. Right now, it's almost frozen in place; still a bit tannic, but with superb aging potential.	Cailloux Vineyard	99	65	Oregon	Walla Walla Valley (OR)	Oregon Other	Syrah	Cayuse	null	null	null
France	There is as much fruit as structure in this wine. Ripe red fruits are supported by solid tannins while pushing out fragrant acidity. It has structure while also allowing room for final fruitiness.	Vieilles Vignes	89	100	Burgundy	Nuits-St.-Georges	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine de Bellene	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Bellene 2011 Vieilles Vignes (Nuits-St.-Georges)
US	A little clumsy in the mouth, with some green flavors alongside the apricot, citrus and slate flavors. Seems a bit off-dry, although high acidity provides balance. The final impression is of a rustic and everyday quaff.	null	84	24	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Riesling	Coquelicot	null	null	null
Spain	Rusty in color but natural, which is also this wine's downfall. It has no dosage, so what's left is leafy, herbal Pinot Noir aromas and flavors. It's peachy, drying and zesty, but also saddled with tomato leaf and rhubarb. Such is the life of Brut Nature rosé.	Brut Nature	83	40	Catalonia	Cava	null	Pinot Noir	Maria Casanovas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Maria Casanovas 2004 Brut Nature Pinot Noir (Cava)
Portugal	You can tell this is going to be a top-of-the-range wine by the heavy bottle. Named after the apple orchard that was the original vineyard of the producer, it is powerful and concentrated, with blackberry fruits and a solid, firm texture that will soften. Drink from 2018.	Pomar do Espírito Santo Cheleiros Reserva	92	32	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese Red	Manzwine	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Manzwine 2013 Pomar do Espírito Santo Cheleiros Reserva Red (Lisboa)
France	88-90 Barrel sample. Perfumed, light, hinting at minerality, the wine has a smooth veneer over the dusty tannins. The final effect is rich and polished.	Barrel sample	89	null	Bordeaux	Fronsac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Fontenil	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Fontenil 2008 Barrel sample (Fronsac)
Italy	Tenuta Belguardo is one of the best wines from Maremma in southern Tuscany. It shows intense aromas of black cherry, chocolate, tobacco and spice. In the mouth, it's soft, supple, silky and shows great length.	Tenuta Belguardo	94	70	Tuscany	Maremma	null	Red Blend	Mazzei	null	null	Mazzei 2008 Tenuta Belguardo (Maremma)
Italy	This is a simple Chardonnay with a bright, luminous appearance and lively notes of stone fruit, citrus and crushed white mineral. The wine feels zippy and tonic in the mouth and makes for an easy, no-fuss companion to salads and seafood.	null	86	16	Northeastern Italy	Friuli Grave	null	Chardonnay	Plozner	null	null	null
France	A simple, fresh rosé, which has some attractive toasty bottle age. There is also a yeasty character, which leaves the fruit submerged in the more autolytic flavors. This is a fine rosé for food. Imported by Tri-Vin Imports.	Brut Mosaïque Rosé	86	40	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Jacquart	null	null	null
US	This area of central Rutherford is far better known for Cabernet. Sauvignon Blanc is rare. This is a pretty good one. Not great, because it's compromised by some unripe, green, stalky flavors. But it's very dry and crisp, and you'll find enough lemons and limes to satisfy.	Rutherford Crossroad	86	25	California	Rutherford	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Lieff	null	null	null
France	The wine has ripe fruit, tannins that have now softened and signs of maturity. It is still juicy with attractive acidity as well as a touch of spice. Finely balanced, the wine from this Cru Bourgeois estate is elegant and ready to drink.	null	91	25	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Castera	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Castera 2011 Médoc
US	At the age of more than five years, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend still is tannic and rich in primary fruit flavors. The black cherry, raspberry, mocha and spice flavors taste fresh. Yet the wine is throwing some sediment, an indication it's rapidly getting ready to enter its next stage of bottle age. Enjoy it now through 2020.	Proprietor's Blend	89	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Tournesol	null	null	Tournesol 2008 Proprietor's Blend Red (Napa Valley)
France	This has a warm, rounded character, with pressing minerality. Notes of apple, pear and a touch of vanilla all add richness and an open character. It has warm, rich fruit on the finish.	Vaillons Premier Cru	91	30	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin	null	null	null
US	Tart and minerally, this high-acid Chard has green apple pie flavors, sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg. It's bone dry, an angular, somewhat lean wine that needs food to show what it can do. Try with grilled salmon.	Behler Reserve	85	25	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Chardonnay	St. Francis	null	null	null
New Zealand	A rare Marlborough Merlot, this is a superficially charming wine that shows cassis fruit and lashings of smoky, cedary oak. It does lack a bit of richness, particularly on the finish, but it scores for its upfront display of ripe fruit and toasty oak.	Rapaura Reserve	87	30	Marlborough	null	null	Merlot	Saint Clair	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Saint Clair 2010 Rapaura Reserve Merlot (Marlborough)
US	Smooth, satiny, seductive and deep, this exciting debut from a new winery shows first-class fruit sourcing and winemaking. The berry and cassis fruit flavors are ripe and polished, balanced with firm acids and hints of black olive and black tea in the tannins. Beautifully defined and balanced throughout, this is crafted for aging, but delicious already.	Lawrence Vineyard	92	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Southard	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Southard 2007 Lawrence Vineyard Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
South Africa	A clean, somewhat direct offering, this leads with brambly black berry and plum notes that are accented by hints of toasted oak and mocha. The palate is lightly structured and accessible now, with lifting acidity and a racy, short finish. Enjoy now.	Bush Vine	85	15	Stellenbosch	null	null	Pinotage	Winery of Good Hope	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Winery of Good Hope 2012 Bush Vine Pinotage (Stellenbosch)
France	Less successful than some previous bottlings under this label, the 2008 seems earthier and less fruit-forward, with coffee and tree bark notes dominating this medium-bodied wine. The blend is 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre.	Côté Jardin	84	12	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône	null	Red Blend	Vignobles Boudinaud	null	null	null
Spain	Cidery apple and stone-fruit aromas are fresh and basic. This blend includes Chardonnay, Macabeo and Parellada, and it's a lively number with spritz and citric acidity. Orange and tangerine flavors remain zesty and snappy on the finish.	Blanc Selecció	87	16	Catalonia	Penedès	null	White Blend	Huguet de Can Feixes	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Huguet de Can Feixes 2013 Blanc Selecció White (Penedès)
US	There's lots of fresh, savory raspberry and cherry jam fruit in this Zin. Marked by good acids and tannins, with a dry finish, it's a fine wine to drink now	Old Vine	85	15	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Zin 91	null	null	null
US	It's dry to slightly off-dry, with clean, zesty acidity and decent flavors of citrus fruits, green apples, Asian pears and peaches.	null	86	28	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Riesling	Ty Caton	null	null	null
Austria	The alluring lightness of scent here conjures up citrus-flavored snowflakes—symmetrical and delicate little crystals of lemony deliciousness that melt on the tongue one by one, releasing a constant stimulus of utterly joyous freshness—whichever cloud they fell from. It simply bursts with lemon and grapefruit zest, and even with lime. Slender, incisive purity echoes long in a blizzard of bracing and lasting thrill.	Loibner Federspiel	94	29	Wachau	null	null	Riesling	Emmerich Knoll	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Emmerich Knoll 2014 Loibner Federspiel Riesling (Wachau)
US	Gallo's Rancho Zabaco has done a fine job with single-vineyard Zins. This one is an excellent wine, dry, balanced and with the structure of Merlot, with firm tannins encasing berry, earth, coffee and anise flavors.	Monte Rosso Vineyard	90	35	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Rancho Zabaco	null	null	null
US	The 2015 vintage is a strong one for Woodbridge. Ripe fruit tones, bright acidity and lightly mouth-puckering tannins underpin red cherry, clove and blackberry flavors, while the texture is mouthfilling. It's a treat to find an inexpensive wine with such good backbone.	null	89	8	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2015 Pinot Noir (California)
US	A fine vintage of Bill Easton's Cabernet Franc, from the Monarch Mine Vineyard, where he typically sources tremendous Syrah and Barbera, this wine is still developing and will do nicely with time. For now it shows perfumed herbal restraint, subtle spice and a twist of oaky coffee on the finish. A savory wine that would pair well with filet mignon à point.	Monarch Mine Vineyard	92	20	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Cabernet Franc	Easton	null	null	null
Italy	The protagonist here is oak, which is identified by overwhelming aromas of toast, vanilla, roasted almond, crème caramel, mesquite shavings and barbecue spice flavors. That's not to say that the fruit is totally gone: Wade through the wood and you'll find a healthy dose of fresh cherries at the back.	Campo San Paolo	90	100	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Villa Monteleone	null	null	null
US	If this is the reserve, I'd hate to taste the regular. There's almost no fruit, with only a drop of citrus swimming in the alcohol and acidity.	Reserve	81	8	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Oak Grove	null	null	Oak Grove 2009 Reserve Chardonnay (California)
Italy	There's a smooth, elegant quality to this Amarone that translates as black stone, exotic spice, cola and soft black fruit. The wine is also very plush and rich on the close with firm, but velvety tannins.	null	91	null	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Domìni Veneti	null	null	null
US	The grapes come from the winery's estate vineyards on Howell Mountain, and you can sense the mountain intensity, both of tannins and fruity concentration. The flavors are impressive, suggesting black currant and mocha, with a minerality that grounds the wine. The tannins will help the wine evolve until 2020–2022, but you can drink it now.	Estate Vineyards	92	42	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Burgess	null	null	Burgess 2010 Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Germany	Elegance abounds throughout this concentrated, yet crisp, vivacious Spätburgunder (German for Pinot Noir). Juicy streaks of black plum and cherry are accented by violet, smoke and granite. Soft, powdery tannins lend plushness to a long, lingering finish.	Blauer Tschuppen	92	24	Baden	null	null	Spätburgunder	Ziereisen	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Ziereisen 2012 Blauer Tschuppen Spätburgunder (Baden)
US	I like Mike Scott's Sauv Blancs for their pungent, grassy aromas, and their piercingly tart acids. The spiky fruit flavors combine pear and pineapple, gooseberry and lime—think New Zealand without the asparagus. This is really a lovely bottle, ripe and round, lush and perfectly balanced between tart and fruity.	null	89	10	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sauvignon Blanc	Lone Canary	null	null	null
Austria	Notes of crisp green pear and crunchy red apple are very appetizing, the palate is fresh and echoes these flavors and edges them with some spice and alcoholic heat, but also has a drive and energy of its own. Friendly and very moreish.	Gmörk	90	16	Wagram	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Anton Bauer	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Anton Bauer 2015 Gmörk Grüner Veltliner (Wagram)
France	Full and rich, this has flavors of spice, juicy black currant and mulberry, with a fine tannin backdrop and a dry core. The wood aging has smoothed the fruity finish.	null	88	21	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Sours	null	null	null
France	One of a pair of wines that comes from specific soil types. This impressive wine, from granite soil, is strongly mineral while also having some great fruit. Apples, pears and green plums all make their presence felt in this wine that deserves aging. Drink from 2018.	Granite Sur Lie	92	24	Loire Valley	Muscadet Sèvre et Maine	null	Melon	Domaine de l'Ecu	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de l'Ecu 2016 Granite Sur Lie (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine)
US	Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it's a little high in alcohol and astringently tannic, but it has deep flavors of red- and black-fruit liqueurs and new oak. It's a heady wine that would pair well with robust fare.	Meritaggio	89	55	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	David Arthur	null	null	David Arthur 2009 Meritaggio Red (Napa Valley)
US	Dry, earthy and not showing a lot now, this closed wine needs decanting or a bit of bottle age to open up. Presently. a cloud of tannins is hiding ripe cherry, cola and tobacco flavors. Hard to predict where it will end up, but the structure suggests a year or two in the cellar.	Clone 115	87	45	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Moshin	null	null	null
France	While this wine does have firm tannins, it also offers a ripe, fruity backdrop that will develop. At the moment, the wine is dry and dense. Give it a few months for the red fruits to broaden out. Drink from mid-2016.	null	86	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Bois Pertuis	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Bois Pertuis 2013 Bordeaux
France	Bright and fruity, it has good acidity and a crisp exterior. Inside, lemon and pear fruit flavors are touched with pineapple. It will be ready soon, so drink 2014.	Les Amandiers	87	null	Burgundy	Mâcon-Villages	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Sophie Cinier	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Sophie Cinier 2012 Les Amandiers (Mâcon-Villages)
US	This is an exercise in decadence: It smells like a bowl of wild berry compote that has been drenched with molten chocolate. It remains conspicuously chocolaty on the palate, as if a chocolate fountain had exploded onto a blackberry bush. Yet despite all of the richness, it remains grounded with its gripping tannins and bright acids.	null	87	20	Virginia	Virginia	null	Petit Verdot	North Gate	null	null	null
US	The dynamic nose of this bottling from a longtime ranching family in Monterey County pops with black raspberry, candied pomegranate and rose petal aromas. Fresh red fruit as well as darker baked raspberry flavors show on the palate, which is lifted by white pepper touches.	Estate	93	42	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Boekenoogen	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Boekenoogen 2014 Estate Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
US	Lifted floral and blackberry notes perfume this delicately textured Cabernet Franc. It's lighter and leaner in style than many 2014 Finger Lakes reds but still concentrated in flavor. Bright acidity, fine tannins and a swathe of rustic herbs and bramble extend on the finish.	null	87	18	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Franc	Glenora	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Glenora 2014 Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)
US	This is a linebacker wine, at 15.7% abv, bursting with roasted coffee, licorice and dry tannins all around. Soft, supple and round, and fully concentrated, the finish could use a bit more harrumph. The back label's suggestion to pair this wine with short ribs is a good call.	Old Vine	86	35	California	Contra Costa County	Central Coast	Petite Sirah	Trinitas	null	null	null
France	91-93 Barrel sample. Great, spicy new wood flavors are balanced by the intense, solid fruits and deep, almost brooding tannins. This is a big wine, but it still preserves a good sense of proportion.	Barrel sample	92	null	Bordeaux	Moulis-en-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Chasse-Spleen	null	null	null
US	A fine Cab whose balance and slight earthiness will enhance, not swamp, food. Delicately structured, with cherry, cassis, oak and tobacco flavors, and rich tannins.	Annabella Special Selection	87	15	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Michael Pozzan	null	null	null
US	This is a soft, gently sweet Grenache, with raspberry jam, toast and cinnamon spice flavors. Drink up.	Alamo Creek Vineyard	85	36	California	San Luis Obispo County	Central Coast	Grenache	Margerum	null	null	null
Australia	This dark, fully saturated red wine starts with scents of eucalyptus, black cherry and dill. The ample weight and dusty texture is appealing, but purists may quibble with the amount of dill in this robust Cabernet. Drink now–2025.	null	89	25	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Kangarilla Road	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Kangarilla Road 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale)
US	A very good Merlot, representing a huge increase in quality over the 2008, and a return to the charms of the 2007. It's ripe and tasty in fruit, currants and sweet oak, and earns extra points for the fine structure. Ready now.	null	87	38	California	Oak Knoll District	Napa	Merlot	Materra Cunat Family Vineyards	null	null	Materra Cunat Family Vineyards 2009 Merlot (Oak Knoll District)
US	Intense aromas of green apple, lemon curd, lychee and lemongrass follow through to the palate alongside a hint of mango, which results in a tropical feel. Ripe and rich on the finish, it begs for a bit more acidic lift through the close.	null	85	17	Virginia	Virginia	null	Vidal Blanc	James River	Carrie Dykes	null	James River 2015 Vidal Blanc (Virginia)
US	Rounded plum and berry aromas grow more complex thanks to hints of sarsparilla bark, rose buds, cinnamon stick and nutmeg on the nose of this cool-climate bottling. The palate is quite peppery, with dried red flowers, red plums, peppercorns, strawberries and a texturally earthy core of fine-grained tannins.	Jespersen Ranch	91	32	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Grenache	Stephen Ross	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Stephen Ross 2013 Jespersen Ranch Grenache (Edna Valley)
US	Nearing four years of age, this Pinot is delicious to drink now. It's mellow and silky, with just enough acidity to give the raspberry and red currant flavors zest. This is Waterstone's most complete Pinot Noir in many years.	null	89	22	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Waterstone	null	null	null
Portugal	There is a definite spritz to this ripe and creamy wine. It has the freshest fruit, of course, rounded out by a baked apple flavor and sweet grapefruit acidity. Weight as well as freshness.	Avesso	89	13	Vinho Verde	null	null	Avesso	Solar de Pinheiro	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of banana, wisteria and green pear lead the nose on this refreshing white. The bright, juicy palate offers tart Granny Smith apple and citrus zest alongside tangy acidity.	null	87	13	Northeastern Italy	Trentino	null	Pinot Grigio	Cembra	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cembra 2013 Pinot Grigio (Trentino)
New Zealand	Any winemaker will tell you how difficult it is to make Pinot Noir in large volumes, so this is a notable achievement. Delicate herb and cherry aromas pick up vanilla shadings on the palate, then finish with a silky texture and a hint of tomato leaf. 10,000 cases imported.	null	87	19	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Oyster Bay	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Oyster Bay 2015 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
Italy	Terrine is a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo with a sweetish note that characterizes its nose. Aromas of honey-coated almond, cocoa butter, caramel and cherries take center stage.	Terrine	89	60	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Castello della Paneretta	null	null	null
France	From an estate in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, this wine is firm and concentrated, packed with ripe tannins and juicy blackberry fruit. Dense, with dusty tannins, it is smooth and polished in texture.	null	85	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Supérieur	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Marac	null	null	null
US	Scents of violets and unfermented grapes suggest a prettier wine than is actually here. It's tart and thin, with cranberry-ish fruit and an artificial, chalky, slightly candied finish.	null	83	14	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Airlie	null	null	null
US	A classic take on Merlot—this is 100% varietal, and was aged for 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and botti. The flavors move through strawberry, raspberry and Bing cherry, with great breadth of flavor and texture throughout. The midpalate is concentrated and full, with a fine, lingering, superclean finish.	null	95	70	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Leonetti Cellar	null	null	null
US	This pure varietal effort includes 20% that was barrel fermented. This is flat-out delicious and overflowing with ripe fruits: a pleasing blend of oranges, peaches and papayas. It's rich enough to stand in for your favorite Chardonnay, while offering flavors that more closely resemble a New World take on a white Rhône blend.	Yamhill Vineyard	91	28	Oregon	Willamette Valley	null	Pinot Blanc	Seufert	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Seufert 2015 Yamhill Vineyard Pinot Blanc
Italy	Here's a plump and very fruit forward Ripasso with aromas of dried current berry, cherry and an interesting green element that recalls garden herbs or dried hay. It delivers a deliciously thick and chewy texture with soft, velvety tannins. —M.L.	Corte Antica	90	null	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Cantine Benedetti	null	null	null
Italy	Recalling the zesty style from New Zealand, it offers aromas of cantaloupe and crushed tomato vine along with exotic fruit that all carry over to the palate. It has a crisp, refreshing finish.	Torrediluna	86	13	Northeastern Italy	Venezie	null	Sauvignon	Lechthaler	null	null	null
Italy	This wien is rich in balsam notes of eucalyptus, dried rosemary, ginger and cherry cola. The bouquet is distinctive, and the wine ends with a bright, fresh finish.	null	90	27	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Castello Romitorio	null	null	Castello Romitorio 2010 Rosso di Montalcino
US	This is an extracted and dark style of Cab, showing tar, black pepper, espresso, deep purple fruit and loam on the nose. Baked black plum, elderberry and blackberry fruits show strongly on the palate, which is made deliciously complex by mocha, coffee syrup and cracked pepper accents. Mouthcoating tannins ensure a long cellar life; it should cellar well through 2034.	Passing By	94	65	California	Paso Robles Willow Creek District	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Jada Vineyard & Winery	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Jada Vineyard & Winery 2014 Passing By Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles Willow Creek District)
Italy	There's an overripe, saturated element to this Trebbiano that is reflected in its deep golden color and its aromas of melon, apricot and honey. The mouthfeel is soft and sticky.	Ancilla	84	15	Central Italy	Trebbiano d'Abruzzo	null	Trebbiano	Ciavolich Giuseppe	null	null	null
US	Sweet in peaches, pineapples, oranges, honeysuckle and vanilla, but balanced with crisp acidity. It's an opulent Rhône blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc.	White	86	27	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style White Blend	Kaleidos	null	null	null
US	Light and balanced, this Pinot Noir is from Illinois Valley vineyards in southwest Oregon—quite different from the Willamette Valley sites that are most often associated with Oregon wines. It's a delicate wine, with 13% alcohol, and a mouthfeel much like a simple Bourgogne. A fine choice for everyday drinking with poultry dishes.	null	87	18	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Noir	Foris	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Foris 2008 Pinot Noir (Oregon)
US	This eye-opening wine has a really tangy, herbal aroma. Next, vivid and bright citrus flavors like lemon and grapefruit are shaped lightly by a crisp but smooth texture and subtle hints of vanilla and almond. It's difficult to imagine a more vibrant example.	Made with Organically Grown Grapes	90	17	California	Lake County	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Chacewater	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Chacewater 2014 Made with Organically Grown Grapes Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County)
Austria	The vanilla and cookie-dough lick of toasty oak lends softness, warmth and spice to the red currant fruit of this slender, but elegant wine. Slightly more bottle age is needed for fruit and wood to marry completely, but it finishes with a wonderfully savory flourish of pepper and undergrowth. Ready from 2015.	Reserve	90	null	Carnuntum	null	null	Pinot Noir	Markowitsch	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Markowitsch 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir (Carnuntum)
US	Vibrant aromas of honeysuckle, orange peel, peach, jasmine and citrus lead to off-dry stone-fruit flavors. It provides a lot of appeal.	Melange Founder's	88	12	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	White Blend	Waterbrook	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Waterbrook 2015 Melange Founder's White (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	Tenute Folonari has produced a Bordeaux blend that is definitely on the ripe side. The wine is a touch jammy, with mature cherry, strawberry, plum, blackberry tart, tobacco and chocolate fudge. The mouthfeel has a dense, gritty texture.	null	88	50	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Campo al Mare	null	null	null
US	Vanilla, clove, allspice, dried ginger and soy are laced into black-plum sauce on the nose of this densely layered wine. The palate is even-handed, with tight boysenberry spiced up by caramel and bitter espresso notes.	null	88	35	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Petite Sirah	Opaque	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Opaque 2012 Petite Sirah (Paso Robles)
US	This is one of those wines that could be anything from Chardonnay to Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It doesn't really matter, because it's pleasant and easy to drink, with sweet flavors of tangerines and vanilla.	Oak Free	86	20	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Daniel Gehrs	null	null	null
US	A vitamin pill scent greets you immediately, somewhat masking the fruit. In the mouth it's rather light, watery and showing green apple fruit with plenty of acid. The finish softens up but doesn't add any depth or flavor.	Unoaked	84	17	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Gilbert Cellars	null	null	null
Argentina	Dark and raisiny, and pushing the ripeness meter to the max. This is a dense, sweet, semihot wine with raisin, stewed berry and jammy black cherry flavors. It's big and broad, more simple than complex, with a raisiny DNA and a boatload of sweetness. Personally, I prefer Cassone's less expensive, more balanced reserva to this wine.	Obra Prima Coleccion	88	40	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Familia Cassone	null	null	null

Austria

Zesty notions of orange marmalade pervade the nose and palate, while overtones of passion fruit and faint spiciness hint at the aromatic nature of Scheurebe. It's broken up by more honeyed richness, while precise, lemony acidity brings all into a sharp, citric focus, with a clean-cut finish.

Zwischen den Seen Trockenbeerenauslese Nummer 7

92

105

Burgenland

null

Scheurebe

Kracher

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Kracher 2011 Zwischen den Seen Trockenbeerenauslese Nummer 7 Scheurebe (Burgenland)

US

This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from an all-star collection of Walla Walla vineyards. It shows excellent structure and depth, with plenty of herbal character. The black fruits are abundant, spicy and sharp; this is a young wine from a great vintage than needs more bottle age. The layering, though still tight and compact, suggests that with cellaring this will evolve into Bordeaux-like complexity, with a mix of herb, mineral, leaf and berry flavors. The barrel flavors (40% new) are subtle and elegant.

null

93

40

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

L'Ecole No. 41

null

Italy

Big, bold and luscious, this beautiful Amarone shows bright fruit tones backed by sophisticated spice aromas with leather, tobacco and moist earth. The wine is thick, densely textured and would pair with roast pork and fennel.

null

93

70

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Marion

null

Israel

Castel's Blanc is always a well-made selection, and the 2010 carries on that tradition. With 12 months spent in French oak, this is a rich and rounded Chardonnay that exhibits excellent balance and structure, matching bright acidity and refreshing sweet citrus flavors with lush notes of wood-grilled apple, orange creamsicle, crushed yellow flower and peach pit nuttiness. Accents of woody spice and lime zest carry onto the long finish.

C Blanc du Castel

91

50

Judean Hills

null

Chardonnay

Domaine du Castel

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Domaine du Castel 2010 C Blanc du Castel Chardonnay (Judean Hills)

US

This Syrah is at the top of the lineup for Reininger. It's tightly wound, yet it opens gracefully to reveal deep flavors of blueberry and plum, with resonating notes of earth, iron, espresso and dark chocolate. This can age for up to a decade.

null

92

44

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Reininger

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Reininger 2009 Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

US

Unripe, with feline aromas and flavors.

null

80

10

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Ironstone

null

Italy

Aromas of grapefruit, herb and almonds open to a mouthful of melon and peach in this medium-weight dry white. It has a bit more texture than most Vernaccias, a clean, crisp finish and an attractive back perfume with a touch of bitter almond.

Borghetto

88

15

Tuscany

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

null

White Blend

Pietrafitta

null

France

89-91. Barrel sample. This wine is ripe and juicy, with full, soft tannins, jammy fruit and sweet plum flavors. It shows the acidity of the year with final notes of tobacco and smoke.

Barrel Sample

90

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Quintus

null

US

Surprisingly soft and seemingly sweet for this vineyard, which comes from the cooler Freestone area of the western Russian River Valley. It's delicious in cherry, cola, mocha and spice flavors, but it feels heavy.

Freestone Hill Vineyard

87

60

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

J Vineyards & Winery

null

Italy

Here's an elaborate expression of Grillo that shows more density and richness than you normally see with this Sicilian native white grape. The wine offers peach, apricot and almond flavors.

Carolina Marenga

87

21

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Grillo

Feudi del Pisciotto

null

Austria

A wine that relies easily on bright red berry fruits, with a full helping of sweet tannins. The acidity keeps everything tight, but this is more a ripe, soft, well-balanced wine. Screwcap.

null

88

18

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Gunter Triebaumer

null

Romania

Appley and fresh with hints of white peach and blossoms on the nose and palate, this is a straightforward yet well-made Pinot Grigio that's hard to resist for under $10. Snappy and clean with brisk acidity and a pretty green floral finish.

Dreambird

86

7

Viile Timisului

null

Pinot Grigio

Cramele Recas

null

US

Rustic and sweet on the finish, with jellied blackberry, cherry, licorice, cola and Asian spice flavors. Gains a point or two for its smooth, rich tannins. Drink now.

null

84

16

California

Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Petite Sirah

Writer's Block

null

Italy

Here's a full, rich Taurasi that opens with a slightly raw note of fresh cherry, exotic spice and milky chocolate. The mouthfeel is plush, long and velvety.

null

90

null

Southern Italy

Taurasi

null

Aglianico

Vesevo

null

Australia

This winery is better known for its Marsanne, but this Viognier is an excellent value. It exudes hints of apricot, pineapple, ginger and honey, coming across rich and creamy on the palate. Despite the heft, it finishes long, framed by mouthwatering acidity.

null

92

19

Victoria

Nagambie Lakes

null

Viognier

Tahbilk

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Tahbilk 2014 Viognier (Nagambie Lakes)

Chile

This is classic Chilean Cabernet. It's intense in color, with herb, graphite, licorice and blackberry aromas. The palate is solid, maybe a touch tannic, with oaky, beefy flavors of black fruits, anise and herbs. A solid-feeling, wholesome finish with modest complexity is the final act. Drink now through 2020.

Limited Edition

90

25

Central Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Echeverria

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Echeverria 2009 Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Valley)

Germany

Bramble notes mingle alongside fresh lemon and pear in this off-dry Riesling, lending a savory, earthy tone throughout. Bright citrus flavors lead a brisk, clean finish. Drink now.

null

86

11

Pfalz

null

Riesling

Clear Night

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Clear Night 2013 Riesling (Pfalz)

US

Earthy aromas of turned soil meet with dark red currant and a layer of smoke on the nose of this estate bottling by the historic vineyard. Strawberry, smoked pork and a touch of lavender show on the sip, which rides a strong acidity that arises in the midpalate and persists deep into the finish.

null

92

60

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Bien Nacido

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Bien Nacido 2014 Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)

US

There are so many good qualities to this wine that I wish it were more concentrated. With a very high production, the vines must have been stretched. Too bad, because it shows gorgeous structure of acids and tannins, the kind of Cabernet only Napa Valley can produce. Still, it rewards for elegance and modest blackberry and oak flavors.

null

85

26

California

Yountville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Charles Krug

null

US

Savory on the nose with modest apple and pear aromas accented by a curious smoked ham note, this smoky off-dry Riesling with a touch of honeycrisp apple sweetness has a briney, umami-laden complexity that would make it an interesting companion to prosciutto wrapped around morsels of melons and fig.

Semi-Dry

85

15

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Bellangelo

null

Italy

Gorgeous, opulent and intense, Chardonnay Ciampagnis Vieris boasts a precise vein of dusty mineral or crushed stone that serves as the wine's backbone. Surrounding it are plusher tones of stone fruit, creamy vanilla and exotic fruit.

Ciampagnis Vieris

91

39

Northeastern Italy

Friuli Isonzo

null

Chardonnay

Vie di Romans

null

US

This is a terrific Chardonay, one of the best from Napa Valley, and it happens to be from the cooler Coombsville area. It's dry and crisp in acidity, which nicely balances the flamboyantly oaked peach, green apple and herb flavors that are beautifully wrapped into a buttery, creamy texture.

null

93

38

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Hunnicutt

null

US

Funky earth and a diluted body make for a generic experience with this wine, which simultaneously offers a large tannin profile plus a weedy, dried herb component.

null

83

20

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Robert Goyette

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Robert Goyette 2012 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

France

This is a smooth and polished wine, with herb and new wood aromas. It has juicy red-berry flavors, and the tannins push forward. Structured, with intense acidity, this is ready to age for at least 5–6 years.

Gravières Premier Cru

90

47

Burgundy

Santenay

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Jessiaume

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Jessiaume 2010 Gravières Premier Cru (Santenay)

Portugal

A soft, open wine with only light tannins. The fruit is just as light, with strawberry and some spice. For drinking now.

Tinto

83

7

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Finisterra

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Finisterra 2010 Tinto Red (Alentejano)

Italy

This blend of 70% Nero d'Avola and 30% Syrah opens with aromas of blackberry and blue flower. The lean palate is drying out, but still offers a black cherry note and astringent wood tannins that give it an abrupt, drying finish.

Helios

86

26

Sicily & Sardinia

Terre Siciliane

null

Red Blend

Di Giovanna

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Di Giovanna 2012 Helios Red (Terre Siciliane)

US

Rich and jammy in cherries, berries and cocoa, this spicy blend is basically a Bordeaux-style wine with some Mourvèdre. It feels rustically soft and sweet in the mouth, especially at this price.

Bodaeceia

84

55

California

California Other

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Robert James Lynch

null

US

The only one of the Cayuse Syrahs that is co-fermented with Viognier, this opens with a stunning, floral bouquet, showing extraordinary depth and texture. The wine has a floral top, a thickly fruity middle and a base with smoke, rock and meat. Still very young, it is already a complete, fully-realized, near-perfect wine with a finish that extends for many minutes. This should age for 25 –30 years. Right now, it's almost frozen in place; still a bit tannic, but with superb aging potential.

Cailloux Vineyard

99

65

Oregon

Walla Walla Valley (OR)

Oregon Other

Syrah

Cayuse

null

France

There is as much fruit as structure in this wine. Ripe red fruits are supported by solid tannins while pushing out fragrant acidity. It has structure while also allowing room for final fruitiness.

Vieilles Vignes

89

100

Burgundy

Nuits-St.-Georges

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine de Bellene

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Bellene 2011 Vieilles Vignes (Nuits-St.-Georges)

US

A little clumsy in the mouth, with some green flavors alongside the apricot, citrus and slate flavors. Seems a bit off-dry, although high acidity provides balance. The final impression is of a rustic and everyday quaff.

null

84

24

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Riesling

Coquelicot

null

Spain

Rusty in color but natural, which is also this wine's downfall. It has no dosage, so what's left is leafy, herbal Pinot Noir aromas and flavors. It's peachy, drying and zesty, but also saddled with tomato leaf and rhubarb. Such is the life of Brut Nature rosé.

Brut Nature

83

40

Catalonia

Cava

null

Pinot Noir

Maria Casanovas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Maria Casanovas 2004 Brut Nature Pinot Noir (Cava)

Portugal

You can tell this is going to be a top-of-the-range wine by the heavy bottle. Named after the apple orchard that was the original vineyard of the producer, it is powerful and concentrated, with blackberry fruits and a solid, firm texture that will soften. Drink from 2018.

Pomar do Espírito Santo Cheleiros Reserva

92

32

Lisboa

null

Portuguese Red

Manzwine

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Manzwine 2013 Pomar do Espírito Santo Cheleiros Reserva Red (Lisboa)

France

88-90 Barrel sample. Perfumed, light, hinting at minerality, the wine has a smooth veneer over the dusty tannins. The final effect is rich and polished.

Barrel sample

89

null

Bordeaux

Fronsac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Fontenil

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Fontenil 2008 Barrel sample (Fronsac)

Italy

Tenuta Belguardo is one of the best wines from Maremma in southern Tuscany. It shows intense aromas of black cherry, chocolate, tobacco and spice. In the mouth, it's soft, supple, silky and shows great length.

Tenuta Belguardo

94

70

Tuscany

Maremma

null

Red Blend

Mazzei

null

Mazzei 2008 Tenuta Belguardo (Maremma)

Italy

This is a simple Chardonnay with a bright, luminous appearance and lively notes of stone fruit, citrus and crushed white mineral. The wine feels zippy and tonic in the mouth and makes for an easy, no-fuss companion to salads and seafood.

null

86

16

Northeastern Italy

Friuli Grave

null

Chardonnay

Plozner

null

France

A simple, fresh rosé, which has some attractive toasty bottle age. There is also a yeasty character, which leaves the fruit submerged in the more autolytic flavors. This is a fine rosé for food. Imported by Tri-Vin Imports.

Brut Mosaïque Rosé

86

40

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Jacquart

null

US

This area of central Rutherford is far better known for Cabernet. Sauvignon Blanc is rare. This is a pretty good one. Not great, because it's compromised by some unripe, green, stalky flavors. But it's very dry and crisp, and you'll find enough lemons and limes to satisfy.

Rutherford Crossroad

86

25

California

Rutherford

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Lieff

null

France

The wine has ripe fruit, tannins that have now softened and signs of maturity. It is still juicy with attractive acidity as well as a touch of spice. Finely balanced, the wine from this Cru Bourgeois estate is elegant and ready to drink.

null

91

25

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Castera

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Castera 2011 Médoc

US

At the age of more than five years, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend still is tannic and rich in primary fruit flavors. The black cherry, raspberry, mocha and spice flavors taste fresh. Yet the wine is throwing some sediment, an indication it's rapidly getting ready to enter its next stage of bottle age. Enjoy it now through 2020.

Proprietor's Blend

89

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Tournesol

null

Tournesol 2008 Proprietor's Blend Red (Napa Valley)

France

This has a warm, rounded character, with pressing minerality. Notes of apple, pear and a touch of vanilla all add richness and an open character. It has warm, rich fruit on the finish.

Vaillons Premier Cru

91

30

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin

null

US

Tart and minerally, this high-acid Chard has green apple pie flavors, sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg. It's bone dry, an angular, somewhat lean wine that needs food to show what it can do. Try with grilled salmon.

Behler Reserve

85

25

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Chardonnay

St. Francis

null

New Zealand

A rare Marlborough Merlot, this is a superficially charming wine that shows cassis fruit and lashings of smoky, cedary oak. It does lack a bit of richness, particularly on the finish, but it scores for its upfront display of ripe fruit and toasty oak.

Rapaura Reserve

87

30

Marlborough

null

Merlot

Saint Clair

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Saint Clair 2010 Rapaura Reserve Merlot (Marlborough)

US

Smooth, satiny, seductive and deep, this exciting debut from a new winery shows first-class fruit sourcing and winemaking. The berry and cassis fruit flavors are ripe and polished, balanced with firm acids and hints of black olive and black tea in the tannins. Beautifully defined and balanced throughout, this is crafted for aging, but delicious already.

Lawrence Vineyard

92

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Southard

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Southard 2007 Lawrence Vineyard Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

South Africa

A clean, somewhat direct offering, this leads with brambly black berry and plum notes that are accented by hints of toasted oak and mocha. The palate is lightly structured and accessible now, with lifting acidity and a racy, short finish. Enjoy now.

Bush Vine

85

15

Stellenbosch

null

Pinotage

Winery of Good Hope

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Winery of Good Hope 2012 Bush Vine Pinotage (Stellenbosch)

France

Less successful than some previous bottlings under this label, the 2008 seems earthier and less fruit-forward, with coffee and tree bark notes dominating this medium-bodied wine. The blend is 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre.

Côté Jardin

84

12

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône

null

Red Blend

Vignobles Boudinaud

null

Spain

Cidery apple and stone-fruit aromas are fresh and basic. This blend includes Chardonnay, Macabeo and Parellada, and it's a lively number with spritz and citric acidity. Orange and tangerine flavors remain zesty and snappy on the finish.

Blanc Selecció

87

16

Catalonia

Penedès

null

White Blend

Huguet de Can Feixes

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Huguet de Can Feixes 2013 Blanc Selecció White (Penedès)

US

There's lots of fresh, savory raspberry and cherry jam fruit in this Zin. Marked by good acids and tannins, with a dry finish, it's a fine wine to drink now

Old Vine

85

15

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Zin 91

null

US

It's dry to slightly off-dry, with clean, zesty acidity and decent flavors of citrus fruits, green apples, Asian pears and peaches.

null

86

28

California

Central Coast

Riesling

Ty Caton

null

Austria

The alluring lightness of scent here conjures up citrus-flavored snowflakes—symmetrical and delicate little crystals of lemony deliciousness that melt on the tongue one by one, releasing a constant stimulus of utterly joyous freshness—whichever cloud they fell from. It simply bursts with lemon and grapefruit zest, and even with lime. Slender, incisive purity echoes long in a blizzard of bracing and lasting thrill.

Loibner Federspiel

94

29

Wachau

null

Riesling

Emmerich Knoll

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Emmerich Knoll 2014 Loibner Federspiel Riesling (Wachau)

US

Gallo's Rancho Zabaco has done a fine job with single-vineyard Zins. This one is an excellent wine, dry, balanced and with the structure of Merlot, with firm tannins encasing berry, earth, coffee and anise flavors.

Monte Rosso Vineyard

90

35

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Rancho Zabaco

null

US

The 2015 vintage is a strong one for Woodbridge. Ripe fruit tones, bright acidity and lightly mouth-puckering tannins underpin red cherry, clove and blackberry flavors, while the texture is mouthfilling. It's a treat to find an inexpensive wine with such good backbone.

null

89

8

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2015 Pinot Noir (California)

US

A fine vintage of Bill Easton's Cabernet Franc, from the Monarch Mine Vineyard, where he typically sources tremendous Syrah and Barbera, this wine is still developing and will do nicely with time. For now it shows perfumed herbal restraint, subtle spice and a twist of oaky coffee on the finish. A savory wine that would pair well with filet mignon à point.

Monarch Mine Vineyard

92

20

California

Sierra Foothills

Cabernet Franc

Easton

null

Italy

The protagonist here is oak, which is identified by overwhelming aromas of toast, vanilla, roasted almond, crème caramel, mesquite shavings and barbecue spice flavors. That's not to say that the fruit is totally gone: Wade through the wood and you'll find a healthy dose of fresh cherries at the back.

Campo San Paolo

90

100

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Villa Monteleone

null

US

If this is the reserve, I'd hate to taste the regular. There's almost no fruit, with only a drop of citrus swimming in the alcohol and acidity.

Reserve

81

8

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Oak Grove

null

Oak Grove 2009 Reserve Chardonnay (California)

Italy

There's a smooth, elegant quality to this Amarone that translates as black stone, exotic spice, cola and soft black fruit. The wine is also very plush and rich on the close with firm, but velvety tannins.

null

91

null

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Domìni Veneti

null

US

The grapes come from the winery's estate vineyards on Howell Mountain, and you can sense the mountain intensity, both of tannins and fruity concentration. The flavors are impressive, suggesting black currant and mocha, with a minerality that grounds the wine. The tannins will help the wine evolve until 2020–2022, but you can drink it now.

Estate Vineyards

92

42

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Burgess

null

Burgess 2010 Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Germany

Elegance abounds throughout this concentrated, yet crisp, vivacious Spätburgunder (German for Pinot Noir). Juicy streaks of black plum and cherry are accented by violet, smoke and granite. Soft, powdery tannins lend plushness to a long, lingering finish.

Blauer Tschuppen

92

24

Baden

null

Spätburgunder

Ziereisen

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Ziereisen 2012 Blauer Tschuppen Spätburgunder (Baden)

US

I like Mike Scott's Sauv Blancs for their pungent, grassy aromas, and their piercingly tart acids. The spiky fruit flavors combine pear and pineapple, gooseberry and lime—think New Zealand without the asparagus. This is really a lovely bottle, ripe and round, lush and perfectly balanced between tart and fruity.

null

89

10

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Lone Canary

null

Austria

Notes of crisp green pear and crunchy red apple are very appetizing, the palate is fresh and echoes these flavors and edges them with some spice and alcoholic heat, but also has a drive and energy of its own. Friendly and very moreish.

Gmörk

90

16

Wagram

null

Grüner Veltliner

Anton Bauer

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Anton Bauer 2015 Gmörk Grüner Veltliner (Wagram)

France

Full and rich, this has flavors of spice, juicy black currant and mulberry, with a fine tannin backdrop and a dry core. The wood aging has smoothed the fruity finish.

null

88

21

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Sours

null

France

One of a pair of wines that comes from specific soil types. This impressive wine, from granite soil, is strongly mineral while also having some great fruit. Apples, pears and green plums all make their presence felt in this wine that deserves aging. Drink from 2018.

Granite Sur Lie

92

24

Loire Valley

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

null

Melon

Domaine de l'Ecu

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de l'Ecu 2016 Granite Sur Lie (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine)

US

Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it's a little high in alcohol and astringently tannic, but it has deep flavors of red- and black-fruit liqueurs and new oak. It's a heady wine that would pair well with robust fare.

Meritaggio

89

55

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

David Arthur

null

David Arthur 2009 Meritaggio Red (Napa Valley)

US

Dry, earthy and not showing a lot now, this closed wine needs decanting or a bit of bottle age to open up. Presently. a cloud of tannins is hiding ripe cherry, cola and tobacco flavors. Hard to predict where it will end up, but the structure suggests a year or two in the cellar.

Clone 115

87

45

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Moshin

null

France

While this wine does have firm tannins, it also offers a ripe, fruity backdrop that will develop. At the moment, the wine is dry and dense. Give it a few months for the red fruits to broaden out. Drink from mid-2016.

null

86

15

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Bois Pertuis

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Bois Pertuis 2013 Bordeaux

France

Bright and fruity, it has good acidity and a crisp exterior. Inside, lemon and pear fruit flavors are touched with pineapple. It will be ready soon, so drink 2014.

Les Amandiers

87

null

Burgundy

Mâcon-Villages

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Sophie Cinier

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Sophie Cinier 2012 Les Amandiers (Mâcon-Villages)

US

This is an exercise in decadence: It smells like a bowl of wild berry compote that has been drenched with molten chocolate. It remains conspicuously chocolaty on the palate, as if a chocolate fountain had exploded onto a blackberry bush. Yet despite all of the richness, it remains grounded with its gripping tannins and bright acids.

null

87

20

Virginia

null

Petit Verdot

North Gate

null

US

The dynamic nose of this bottling from a longtime ranching family in Monterey County pops with black raspberry, candied pomegranate and rose petal aromas. Fresh red fruit as well as darker baked raspberry flavors show on the palate, which is lifted by white pepper touches.

Estate

93

42

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Boekenoogen

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Boekenoogen 2014 Estate Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

US

Lifted floral and blackberry notes perfume this delicately textured Cabernet Franc. It's lighter and leaner in style than many 2014 Finger Lakes reds but still concentrated in flavor. Bright acidity, fine tannins and a swathe of rustic herbs and bramble extend on the finish.

null

87

18

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Franc

Glenora

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Glenora 2014 Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)

US

This is a linebacker wine, at 15.7% abv, bursting with roasted coffee, licorice and dry tannins all around. Soft, supple and round, and fully concentrated, the finish could use a bit more harrumph. The back label's suggestion to pair this wine with short ribs is a good call.

Old Vine

86

35

California

Contra Costa County

Central Coast

Petite Sirah

Trinitas

null

France

91-93 Barrel sample. Great, spicy new wood flavors are balanced by the intense, solid fruits and deep, almost brooding tannins. This is a big wine, but it still preserves a good sense of proportion.

Barrel sample

92

null

Bordeaux

Moulis-en-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Chasse-Spleen

null

US

A fine Cab whose balance and slight earthiness will enhance, not swamp, food. Delicately structured, with cherry, cassis, oak and tobacco flavors, and rich tannins.

Annabella Special Selection

87

15

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Michael Pozzan

null

US

This is a soft, gently sweet Grenache, with raspberry jam, toast and cinnamon spice flavors. Drink up.

Alamo Creek Vineyard

85

36

California

San Luis Obispo County

Central Coast

Grenache

Margerum

null

Australia

This dark, fully saturated red wine starts with scents of eucalyptus, black cherry and dill. The ample weight and dusty texture is appealing, but purists may quibble with the amount of dill in this robust Cabernet. Drink now–2025.

null

89

25

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Kangarilla Road

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Kangarilla Road 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale)

US

A very good Merlot, representing a huge increase in quality over the 2008, and a return to the charms of the 2007. It's ripe and tasty in fruit, currants and sweet oak, and earns extra points for the fine structure. Ready now.

null

87

38

California

Oak Knoll District

Napa

Merlot

Materra Cunat Family Vineyards

null

Materra Cunat Family Vineyards 2009 Merlot (Oak Knoll District)

US

Intense aromas of green apple, lemon curd, lychee and lemongrass follow through to the palate alongside a hint of mango, which results in a tropical feel. Ripe and rich on the finish, it begs for a bit more acidic lift through the close.

null

85

17

Virginia

null

Vidal Blanc

James River

Carrie Dykes

null

James River 2015 Vidal Blanc (Virginia)

US

Rounded plum and berry aromas grow more complex thanks to hints of sarsparilla bark, rose buds, cinnamon stick and nutmeg on the nose of this cool-climate bottling. The palate is quite peppery, with dried red flowers, red plums, peppercorns, strawberries and a texturally earthy core of fine-grained tannins.

Jespersen Ranch

91

32

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Grenache

Stephen Ross

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Stephen Ross 2013 Jespersen Ranch Grenache (Edna Valley)

US

Nearing four years of age, this Pinot is delicious to drink now. It's mellow and silky, with just enough acidity to give the raspberry and red currant flavors zest. This is Waterstone's most complete Pinot Noir in many years.

null

89

22

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Waterstone

null

Portugal

There is a definite spritz to this ripe and creamy wine. It has the freshest fruit, of course, rounded out by a baked apple flavor and sweet grapefruit acidity. Weight as well as freshness.

Avesso

89

13

Vinho Verde

null

Avesso

Solar de Pinheiro

null

Italy

Aromas of banana, wisteria and green pear lead the nose on this refreshing white. The bright, juicy palate offers tart Granny Smith apple and citrus zest alongside tangy acidity.

null

87

13

Northeastern Italy

Trentino

null

Pinot Grigio

Cembra

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cembra 2013 Pinot Grigio (Trentino)

New Zealand

Any winemaker will tell you how difficult it is to make Pinot Noir in large volumes, so this is a notable achievement. Delicate herb and cherry aromas pick up vanilla shadings on the palate, then finish with a silky texture and a hint of tomato leaf. 10,000 cases imported.

null

87

19

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Oyster Bay

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Oyster Bay 2015 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)

Italy

Terrine is a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo with a sweetish note that characterizes its nose. Aromas of honey-coated almond, cocoa butter, caramel and cherries take center stage.

Terrine

89

60

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Castello della Paneretta

null

France

From an estate in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, this wine is firm and concentrated, packed with ripe tannins and juicy blackberry fruit. Dense, with dusty tannins, it is smooth and polished in texture.

null

85

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Marac

null

US

Scents of violets and unfermented grapes suggest a prettier wine than is actually here. It's tart and thin, with cranberry-ish fruit and an artificial, chalky, slightly candied finish.

null

83

14

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Airlie

null

US

A classic take on Merlot—this is 100% varietal, and was aged for 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and botti. The flavors move through strawberry, raspberry and Bing cherry, with great breadth of flavor and texture throughout. The midpalate is concentrated and full, with a fine, lingering, superclean finish.

null

95

70

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Leonetti Cellar

null

US

This pure varietal effort includes 20% that was barrel fermented. This is flat-out delicious and overflowing with ripe fruits: a pleasing blend of oranges, peaches and papayas. It's rich enough to stand in for your favorite Chardonnay, while offering flavors that more closely resemble a New World take on a white Rhône blend.

Yamhill Vineyard

91

28

Oregon

Willamette Valley

null

Pinot Blanc

Seufert

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Seufert 2015 Yamhill Vineyard Pinot Blanc

Italy

Here's a plump and very fruit forward Ripasso with aromas of dried current berry, cherry and an interesting green element that recalls garden herbs or dried hay. It delivers a deliciously thick and chewy texture with soft, velvety tannins. —M.L.

Corte Antica

90

null

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Cantine Benedetti

null

Italy

Recalling the zesty style from New Zealand, it offers aromas of cantaloupe and crushed tomato vine along with exotic fruit that all carry over to the palate. It has a crisp, refreshing finish.

Torrediluna

86

13

Northeastern Italy

Venezie

null

Sauvignon

Lechthaler

null

Italy

This wien is rich in balsam notes of eucalyptus, dried rosemary, ginger and cherry cola. The bouquet is distinctive, and the wine ends with a bright, fresh finish.

null

90

27

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Castello Romitorio

null

Castello Romitorio 2010 Rosso di Montalcino

US

This is an extracted and dark style of Cab, showing tar, black pepper, espresso, deep purple fruit and loam on the nose. Baked black plum, elderberry and blackberry fruits show strongly on the palate, which is made deliciously complex by mocha, coffee syrup and cracked pepper accents. Mouthcoating tannins ensure a long cellar life; it should cellar well through 2034.

Passing By

94

65

California

Paso Robles Willow Creek District

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Jada Vineyard & Winery

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Jada Vineyard & Winery 2014 Passing By Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles Willow Creek District)

Italy

There's an overripe, saturated element to this Trebbiano that is reflected in its deep golden color and its aromas of melon, apricot and honey. The mouthfeel is soft and sticky.

Ancilla

84

15

Central Italy

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo

null

Trebbiano

Ciavolich Giuseppe

null

US

Sweet in peaches, pineapples, oranges, honeysuckle and vanilla, but balanced with crisp acidity. It's an opulent Rhône blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc.

White

86

27

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style White Blend

Kaleidos

null

US

Light and balanced, this Pinot Noir is from Illinois Valley vineyards in southwest Oregon—quite different from the Willamette Valley sites that are most often associated with Oregon wines. It's a delicate wine, with 13% alcohol, and a mouthfeel much like a simple Bourgogne. A fine choice for everyday drinking with poultry dishes.

null

87

18

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Noir

Foris

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Foris 2008 Pinot Noir (Oregon)

US

This eye-opening wine has a really tangy, herbal aroma. Next, vivid and bright citrus flavors like lemon and grapefruit are shaped lightly by a crisp but smooth texture and subtle hints of vanilla and almond. It's difficult to imagine a more vibrant example.

Made with Organically Grown Grapes

90

17

California

Lake County

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Chacewater

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Chacewater 2014 Made with Organically Grown Grapes Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County)

Austria

The vanilla and cookie-dough lick of toasty oak lends softness, warmth and spice to the red currant fruit of this slender, but elegant wine. Slightly more bottle age is needed for fruit and wood to marry completely, but it finishes with a wonderfully savory flourish of pepper and undergrowth. Ready from 2015.

Reserve

90

null

Carnuntum

null

Pinot Noir

Markowitsch

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Markowitsch 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir (Carnuntum)

US

Vibrant aromas of honeysuckle, orange peel, peach, jasmine and citrus lead to off-dry stone-fruit flavors. It provides a lot of appeal.

Melange Founder's

88

12

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

White Blend

Waterbrook

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Waterbrook 2015 Melange Founder's White (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

Tenute Folonari has produced a Bordeaux blend that is definitely on the ripe side. The wine is a touch jammy, with mature cherry, strawberry, plum, blackberry tart, tobacco and chocolate fudge. The mouthfeel has a dense, gritty texture.

null

88

50

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Campo al Mare

null

US

Vanilla, clove, allspice, dried ginger and soy are laced into black-plum sauce on the nose of this densely layered wine. The palate is even-handed, with tight boysenberry spiced up by caramel and bitter espresso notes.

null

88

35

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Petite Sirah

Opaque

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Opaque 2012 Petite Sirah (Paso Robles)

US

This is one of those wines that could be anything from Chardonnay to Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It doesn't really matter, because it's pleasant and easy to drink, with sweet flavors of tangerines and vanilla.

Oak Free

86

20

California

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Daniel Gehrs

null

US

A vitamin pill scent greets you immediately, somewhat masking the fruit. In the mouth it's rather light, watery and showing green apple fruit with plenty of acid. The finish softens up but doesn't add any depth or flavor.

Unoaked

84

17

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Gilbert Cellars

null

Argentina

Dark and raisiny, and pushing the ripeness meter to the max. This is a dense, sweet, semihot wine with raisin, stewed berry and jammy black cherry flavors. It's big and broad, more simple than complex, with a raisiny DNA and a boatload of sweetness. Personally, I prefer Cassone's less expensive, more balanced reserva to this wine.

Obra Prima Coleccion

88

40

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Familia Cassone

null