spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Argentina	Part of the fun of exploring Argentine Malbec is tasting all the new kids on the block. Having not seen Guentota before, all signs point to high quality. The bouquet is dark, with accents of cola, mineral and burnt toast giving it a masculine edge. Round, plump and full in the mouth, with cherry, berry and cassis flavors. A total package of a wine, with character, nuance and serious base-level fruit.	AR Guentota Old Vine	91	25	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Belasco de Baquedano	null	null	null
US	Here's one mighty fine and interesting Zin. It has the smoothness of a great red wine, with a rich, fruity complexity that lasts through a long finish. The flavors are classic Zin, all wild berries and cocoa, with a dusting of raisins. The alcohol is enormous, but the wine is dry, and doesn't taste hot. With short ribs, it's a marriage made in heaven.	Grandmére	92	25	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Renwood	null	null	null
US	This is one of the most successful Syrah-Cabernet Franc blends in California. The Syrah brings blueberry and bacon flavors, and the Cabernet provides the black currant note and the tannic backbone. It's already delicious to drink, but allow it to breathe in a decanter for one or two hours.	Wavelength Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard	92	69	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Syrah-Cabernet Franc	World's End	null	null	null
US	Soft, dry and delicious, with classic Napa tannins. It has lovely layers of blackberries and cassis, but also overripe raisin and prune notes that prohibit aging.	null	85	48	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Jax	null	null	Jax 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Spain	Rubber and bacon aromas announce that this wine has some size, depth and concentration along with oak shadings, while the palate is fruity, acidic and tangy, with generic berry flavors and an added dose of oak-driven bacon and rubber. Solid at first and then thin on the finish.	Tinto Figuero 4	85	15	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	García Figuero	null	null	null
Argentina	This blend from the Nicasia and Adrianna vineyards is the best Malbec on the market today. There's raisin, mineral, licorice, blackberry and more. The mouth is like a Mack truck on ice skates, meaning it's both huge and elegant. And the mile-long finish of coffee, mocha and molten black fruit is awesome. Drink now through 2013.	Argentino	96	123	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Bodega Catena Zapata	null	null	null
US	A fine wine that shows the complexity and volume of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The wine is thoroughly dry and fairly full-bodied for a Pinot Noir, offering rich black cherry, currant and mineral flavors. Its depth and sturdy tannins suggest cellaring for 5–6 years.	Soberanes Vineyard	92	48	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Siduri	null	null	Siduri 2011 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
US	This is acidic and sweet, with a medicinal taste.	Hayley Vineyard	80	36	California	Anderson Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Bryter	null	null	Bryter 2009 Hayley Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
South Africa	Peppery notes emanate from the bouquet first, followed by more traditional notes of black plum, black currant leaf and dried fig. The mouth is loaded with more brambly fruit flavors against an easygoing structure and light tannins.	null	86	19	Stellenbosch	null	null	Merlot	Eikendal	null	null	null
US	Even at six-plus years, and despite its origin in superstar grower's Beckstoffer's vineyards, this Cab has an imbalanced sweetness. The sugariness of the blackberry flavors accentuates the tannins, making them awkward and sharp. Not going anywhere, so drink up.	null	84	59	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Oakford	null	null	null
South Africa	A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Shiraz, 14% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, this clean, approachable red offers notes of black plum, cherry, cocoa and spice on the nose and mouth. A peppery heat on the tongue lingers through the medium finish, as do the dusty tannins.	The Left Bank	87	15	Western Cape	null	null	Red Blend	Neil Ellis	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Neil Ellis 2009 The Left Bank Red (Western Cape)
US	Lots of black cherry fruit, with notes of dry, dusty earth and truffle, and a strong cola element. It's very dry and supple, a wine of character. The fruity flavors are rich, and the tannins are soft and rounded.	null	89	14	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Barbera	Boeger	null	null	null
France	This is very aromatic, with minerality vying with fruit and tense acidity. This complex wine has an austere side, both rich and structured that will soften in a couple of years.	Le Rochoy	90	30	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine Laporte	null	null	null
US	Coral in color, this dry wine's light, fresh watermelon aromas lead to tasty raspberry and cherry flavors, backed by bright acidity. It's medium bodied and mouth-filling, maintaining a refreshing, appetizing quality through the finish.	Grenache	90	24	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Rosé	Acquiesce	null	null	null
US	This is a flavorful, slightly heavy-feeling Chardonnay that offers ripe flavors of apricots, tropical fruits and pineapple cream. Although it's dry, it has a honeyed accent, especially on the spicy finish.	null	87	20	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Ricochet	null	null	Ricochet 2010 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
US	Ambullneo's most expensive Pinot has a statewide appellation, but they pride themselves as masters of blending. This wine, from their portions of vineyards in Solomon Hills, Bien Nacido, Hyde and Hudson, is eloquent. It's big, rich and flamboyant, almost Rhône-like, with cherry and raspberry pie-filling flavors, and the caramelized new oak that so spicily supports it. Has the volume and upscale complexity to accompany the best dishes, and should improve for five years.	Canis Major	93	95	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Ambullneo	null	null	null
France	Already harmonious, this is a potentially opulent wine with a dry core surrounded by ripe red cherry and berry fruit. At the end, the spice adds a fuller note.	Aux Cras Premier Cru	90	null	Burgundy	Nuits-St.-Georges	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair 2011 Aux Cras Premier Cru (Nuits-St.-Georges)
US	Tart, with brambly berry fruit, and even a bit of apricot. This was a cool year in Walla Walla, and the fruit flavors reflect that.	Pheasant Run Vineyard	87	40	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Basel Cellars	null	null	null
US	Very ripe and exuberant, with powerful blackberry, currant, cassis, mineral and cedar flavors. But it's also tough and hard in tannins, and not showing well now. Needs time. Best after 2010.	Lot 74	87	16	California	Oak Knoll District	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cameron Hughes	null	null	null
US	This is aggressive in green tannins, hot in alcohol, and is unevenly ripened, with blackberry and mint flavors.	null	82	45	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hoyt Family Vineyards	null	null	Hoyt Family Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
Portugal	Concentrated tannins give this wine from organic grapes a powerful structure. For balance, it also has a more fruity character that offers blackberry and black plums. The dense texture means it needs to age until 2015.	null	86	19	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta do Romeu	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta do Romeu 2010 Red (Douro)
US	This is entirely stainless fermented, fresh out of the tank, with plenty of lift and spice. It's not a complicated wine, but the flavors of lime and white peach, jicama and cucumber are most refreshing, and there's a hint of white pepper adding zest to the finish.	Estate	88	19	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Apolloni	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Apolloni 2016 Estate Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)
France	92–94. Barrel sample. This wine boasts big chocolate character along with ripe fruit. The palate is solid and generous with rounded Merlot flavor. It has remarkable weight with tannins surrounded by layers of delicious fruit.	Les Pagodes de Cos Barrel Sample	93	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Estèphe	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Cos d'Estournel	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Cos d'Estournel 2012 Les Pagodes de Cos Barrel Sample (Saint-Estèphe)
US	This dry Riesling has a steely spine running right through the heart of the wine; you can almost taste the metal. It defines and confines the flavors; the fruit seems like an afterthought. That said, it might just be the perfect wine to try with fresh oysters, firm and lightly lemony with a hint of brine.	null	86	12	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Riesling	A to Z	null	null	null
France	90-92 Barrel sample. This is almost a third wine of Château Valandraud, rich, sweetly fruity, very ripe and spice. Delicious fruit.	B de Valandraud Barrel sample	91	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Valandraud	null	null	null
Italy	Made with 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has aromas of blue flower and red berry. The easy-drinking palate offers black cherry, black currant and ground pepper while mellow tannins offer soft support. Drink soon.	null	87	13	Tuscany	Maremma Toscana	null	Red Blend	Cala de' Poeti	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cala de' Poeti 2013 Maremma Toscana
Austria	A broad as well as crisp wine that has great fresh, beautifully polished ripe pear fruit, lightly nutty in character.	Terrassen Smaragd	89	28	Wachau	null	null	Riesling	Domäne Wachau	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domäne Wachau 2009 Terrassen Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
US	Good price for a Cab of this elegance and complexity. It's bone dry, the way a Cab should be, but pretty tannic, with an astringent mouthfeel. You'll find classic varietal flavors of currants and blackberries. Could soften and improve for a couple years.	Boeck Family Vineyard	88	24	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	William Knuttel	null	null	null
France	A complex and intense single-vineyard wine, it has ripe berry fruits with dark tannins. Only at the end is the juicy character of the wine on show.	Domaine des Versauds	89	null	Beaujolais	Morgon	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
Portugal	Normally found in the Dão region further north, the Alfrocheiro in Alentejo produces a soft wine with light tannins and juicy acidity. Flavors of cherries and red plums give it a fruity aspect. It is warm, rich and ready to drink.	Terra d'Alter	87	14	Alentejano	null	null	Alfrocheiro	Terras de Alter	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Terras de Alter 2013 Terra d'Alter Alfrocheiro (Alentejano)
Italy	Aromas of red and black berries, tilled earth, leather and balsamic notes characterize this structured, single-vineyard bottling. The savory palate delivers creamy cherry-berry layered with mint, white pepper, licorice and balsamic herbs supported by firm tannins. Drink 2016–2026.	Bric Turot	93	71	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Prunotto	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Prunotto 2011 Bric Turot (Barbaresco)
Australia	Made by the folks at Longview, this Sem-Sauv is cottony-soft around the edges, with a clean feel overall. Smells like green grass, pea and flowers. A good Saturday afternoon wine: Easy, uncomplicated and fresh.	null	85	13	South Australia	Adelaide Hills	null	Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc	Red Bucket	null	null	null
US	A hard Cabernet to like, with a rough texture and sweet-and-sour cherry flavors.	Pedregal Vineyard	82	20	California	Paicines	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Shale Canyon	null	null	null
US	This is a forward, even plush Reserve, loaded with generous black fruits and streaked with anise and cola notes. At first, the wine seemed to fade a bit too quickly, robbing the finish of expected complexity. But retasted on the second day, the wine had fleshed out beautifully.	Reserve	90	59	Oregon	Ribbon Ridge	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Chehalem	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Chehalem 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge)
Spain	Despite a hint of green to the nose, this comes around. Tight clampy tannins make for a tough, youthful mouthfeel, while this tastes woody, with black-fruit flavors in support. There's a lot of oak on the finish, but airing and/or time in the bottle will help that subside. Drink through 2023.	null	90	25	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Emilio Moro	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Emilio Moro 2014 Ribera del Duero
Italy	A highly nuanced nose leaning more toward animal and mineral notes than fruit opens this muscular effort. Leather, ash and forest fire flavors dominate the palate, framed by sinewy tannins. A few cherry notes peek through the tar-infused finish. Serve with game.	Alberta	91	60	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Contratto	null	null	Contratto 2000 Alberta (Barbaresco)
France	With balanced fruitiness, this is a taut, mineral wine with juicy pear and apple flavors as well as a touch of spice. Perfumed, fruity and ready to drink, it is a fine, terroir-driven wine.	Vielles Vignes	90	33	Burgundy	Pouilly-Fuissé	null	Chardonnay	Pascal Rollet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Pascal Rollet 2014 Vielles Vignes (Pouilly-Fuissé)
France	Very light, just hinting at tannins, this is an easy, soft wine, the black berry juice fruit flavors the main taste element. The wine has a jammy, smoky character that comes through, but the texture remains dilute.	null	84	16	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Supérieur	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Goëlane	null	null	null
US	Gorgeous, elegant and ageworthy. With a softly tannic structure, it's drinkable now, but should age and gain complexity for 10 years. Dry and smooth, it has complex flavors of blackberries, black cherries, currants, red licorice, cola and oak. Give it some time to breathe. Now–2017.	Cask	95	75	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Rubicon Estate	null	null	Rubicon Estate 2007 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
US	A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this brings sweet cherry flavors to the forefront, albeit with some noticeable volatility. You can taste it in the slightly vinegary finish; but that said, it's a perfectly pleasant wine with enough fruit to carry it for a couple more years.	FV Red Wine	87	18	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Foundry Vineyards	null	null	null
US	Easy to like now for its rich, exuberant flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola, pomegranates, persimmons and oak that are so delectable through the spicy finish. Dry and silky, it's a Pinot Noir made for pairing with a smoky, grilled steak. Best now and for 3–5 years.	Manzana Vineyard	91	50	California	Green Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Dutton Estate	null	null	Dutton Estate 2008 Manzana Vineyard Pinot Noir (Green Valley)
France	This is an attractive, round wine. The ripe red-fruit character is balanced by a tangy, zesty lemon texture that gives freshness plus a touch of tannic structure. Very dry and spicy in the mouth, it will be good with food.	Coeur Estérelle	88	15	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château du Rouët	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château du Rouët 2015 Coeur Estérelle Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
Italy	This is one of the nicest and most satisfying expressions of Prosecco Cartizze on the market today. Le Colture is a hard-working, quality-minded estate that has produced an elegant interpretation with a particularly lush, peachy and soft mouthfeel.	Cartizze Dry	90	32	Veneto	Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze	null	Glera	Le Colture	null	null	null
US	This is a blend of several vineyards from throughout the sprawling Sonoma Coast region. It shows crisp, upfront acidity that makes the wine tart, and lasts through the dry finish. Flavor-wise, it's all about pears, enriched with toasty oak.	Golden Coast	88	45	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	De Loach	null	null	null
Chile	A bit foxy and jumpy at first, and then familiar aromas of berry and plum settle in. The palate is jammy and tannic, while flavors of berries and currants seem roasted. Tobacco and olive notes are present on the chewy, weighty, textured finish.	Reserva	85	12	Aconcagua Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Porta	null	null	null
US	Vibrant and youthful, this wine greets the taster with fresh, clean scents of honey, fall flowers and roses. It's medium-bodied and crisp, with a final peach note that fades a bit too quickly. Try with Thai curry. No improvement with age; drink before 2011.	The Professors' Classic Dry	83	18	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Gewürztraminer	Cascata	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a classic and fresh interpretation of Chianti Classico that is light and crisp without being too thin or sharp. In fact, ripe fruit tones of blueberry and cassis do a nice job of smoothing out the overall effect.	Riserva	88	34	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Querciavalle	null	null	Querciavalle 2006 Riserva (Chianti Classico)
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	null	null	null
France	Produced from a 17-acre vineyard, dominated by Merlot, this is the top wine of Château Renard. It is structured and firm with tannins and dense concentration that will probably remain with this rich wine as it matures. Drink from 2018.	null	89	34	Bordeaux	Fronsac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Renard Mondesir	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Renard Mondesir 2011 Fronsac
Italy	There's a pristine and tonic quality to this wine that is reinforced by aromas of green melon, pear, citrus and stone fruit. The mouthfeel is compact and tight and the Sauvignon delivers a twist of bitter almond or citrus on the close. Cormòns is a winemaking cooperative with over 200 members.	null	86	12	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Sauvignon	Cormòns	null	null	null
US	Dense aromas of cooked blueberries meet with clove, ginger and leather on the nose of this red blend. Leathery flavors also show on the palate along with black currant and more baking-spice touches.	Brutus II	88	45	California	Temecula Valley	South Coast	Red Blend	Lorenzi Estate	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Lorenzi Estate 2013 Brutus II Red (Temecula Valley)
US	Sharp and rustic, with medicinal, LifeSaver candy cherry flavors that finish with a scour of acidity.	null	83	28	California	Lake County	null	Grenache	Shannon Ridge	null	null	Shannon Ridge 2006 Grenache (Lake County)
US	This is an unusual example of this variety, with aromas of exotic spice, flowers and herb. The palate has tart cranberry flavors that seem lacking in concentration.	Alder Ridge Vineyard	85	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Malbec	Ram	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Ram 2014 Alder Ridge Vineyard Malbec (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Softly gentle, this wine is easy to like for its wealth of pie filling blackberries, cherries, blueberries and milk chocolate. It's just this side of dry, with a honeyed finish of toasty oak and glycerine. Contains one-quarter Grenache, with a drop of Zin.	Rousse Rouge	87	20	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah	Tassajara	null	null	null
US	Grown at the winery's estate vineyard high up in Annapolis, where the ocean looms large, this is a tannic, smoky wine, densely layered in blue and black fruit. Cola, sage and black tea await in the background.	null	90	35	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Wild Ridge	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Wild Ridge 2014 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
France	While it certainly is tannic, the wine also has bold fruit, full of black berry and sweet jam flavors. That makes this balanced, although when the tannins are going to soften is unsure. Decant before serving.	Cuvée Réserve de l'Aiëul	92	22	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château Eugénie	null	null	null
Australia	This wine marches to its own tune, with appealing but unusual opening notes of berries, plastic, chocolate and petroleum that add to the prominent red cherry note on the palate. There's a lot of extract here and a sweetish palate that takes on a coffee edge on the finish. Drink up.	null	86	13	New South Wales	Riverina	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Nugan Family Estates	null	null	null
Hungary	Full, round, and spicy in the mouth, this wine offers muted aromas of beeswax and honeysuckle before showing its overpowering oak and vanilla side. Seems to have suffered from the hot vintage, with too much oak hiding the white fruit. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines.	Mandolás	82	17	Tokaji	null	null	Furmint	Oremus	null	null	null
Portugal	Touriga Nacional and Syrah make a harmonious blend in this dense, structured wine. With complex tannins that need to soften into the ripe fruit, the wine is still developing. It's dry for now, although the black plum and berry flavors will be delicious. Drink this age worthy wine from 2017.	Reserva	91	null	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Monte da Ravasqueira	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Monte da Ravasqueira 2012 Reserva Red (Alentejano)
France	Well balanced, bringing together its firm, youthful tannins with ripe jammy fruits and great swathes of spice and chocolate. It needs aging, but it is an impressive wine.	Grande Cuvée Prestige	92	30	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château la Coustarelle	null	null	null
US	Lovely aromatics mix floral, fruit and barrel components in equal proportion. The wine has some solid tannins, and sits in the mouth with a bit of gravitas. Wild cherry, raspberry, fresh herb, and a little stiffness to the finish. Definitely a wine to age a few more years.	Flat Block Estate	89	null	Oregon	Eola-Amity Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Bethel Heights	null	null	null
US	This directly appealing, 100% varietal wine offers aromas of raspberries, cranberries, fresh tobacco and a touch of spice. The fruit flavors are lush and forward, with soft tannins and a finish that won't quit.	null	90	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Seven Hills	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Seven Hills 2013 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	Rallo's luscious Passito di Pantelleria opens with intense and jammy aromas of dried apricot, prune, raisin, honey and vanilla bean. You can really taste those sun-dried grapes; the wine could easily be consumed after dinner in place of dessert.	500ml	90	31	Sicily & Sardinia	Passito di Pantelleria	null	Zibibbo	Cantine Rallo	null	null	null
Portugal	Opulent and wood-aged, this feels intense and rounded with a ripe Burgundian feel. The full weight of the peach and apricot fruits are given a powerful push by the toast, spice and vanilla flavors. Age this for 2–3 years.	Palpite Reserva Branco	91	40	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese White	Fitapreta Vinhos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Fitapreta Vinhos 2009 Palpite Reserva Branco White (Alentejano)
US	A Rhône-style white blend, this offers mixed stone fruit notes, with cool flavors of celery and melon. It's clean and pleasant, though pretty light relative to similar wines from Washington.	Reserve White Blend	87	20	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Rhône-style White Blend	Columbia Crest	null	null	null
New Zealand	The cherry aromas of this wine are so sweet, so obvious, that they come across as almost candied; thankfully, they're balanced by subtle spice and leather shadings that make it clear that this is wine, not fruit juice. Silky tannins bolster that impression, nicely buffering and extending the finish.	null	89	39	Central Otago	null	null	Pinot Noir	Chard Farm	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Chard Farm 2006 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
US	Clean aromas of nectarine and white peach meet with a touch of chalk, slight edge of lemon zest, sweet butter and sea salt on the nose of this bottling. There is a decent texture to the sip, where lemon, lime, toasted nuts and more sea-salt flavors show.	null	88	null	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Crave	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Crave 2014 Chardonnay (Monterey County)
South Africa	A heavy note of baking spices is found throughout those of fleshy red plum, brown sugar and sweet red licorice, finishing with mild dried herbs. The bracing acidity makes this a natural for the cheese course. Try with blue cheese.	African Tradition Collection - Leopard	86	12	Paarl	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Niel Joubert	null	null	Niel Joubert 2001 African Tradition Collection - Leopard Cabernet Sauvignon (Paarl)
Italy	This opens with toasted oak, pressed wild flower and hay aromas. The lean, diluted palate offers butterscotch and tart lemon zest flavors. Although the acidity is brisk, it lacks fruit richness.	null	84	25	Veneto	Soave Classico Superiore	null	Garganega	Villa Canestrari	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Villa Canestrari 2014 Soave Classico Superiore
Portugal	This bone-dry wine made from 85% Arinto has crisp freshness and texture. It's lively with a strong mousse and lemon and green apple fruitiness. Sophisticated and wearing its bottle age well, it finishes with a toasty aftertaste. Drink now.	Marquês de Marialva Extra Bruto Cuvée	90	33	Bairrada	null	null	Portuguese Sparkling	Adega de Cantanhede	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Adega de Cantanhede 2011 Marquês de Marialva Extra Bruto Cuvée Sparkling (Bairrada)
Italy	Tulin offers characteristically earthy aromas of porcino mushroom with pressed violets and animal or leather like notes. That said, the aromas are warm and inviting and offer interesting depth and complexity. In the mouth, the wine's precise and sharp nature is emphasized by its bright acidity and drying tannins.	Tulin	90	69	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Pelissero	null	null	Pelissero 2005 Tulin (Barbaresco)
Spain	Leesy, bready aromas are ripe and fruity. This is soft in feel and a touch heavy, which may be a reflection of the warm 2009 vintage. Nectarine and other ripe flavors finish full and sweet. This almost tastes like a brut Cava despite being a brut nature.	Brut Nature Gran Reserva Reserva de la Familia	89	16	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Juvé y Camps	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Juvé y Camps 2009 Brut Nature Gran Reserva Reserva de la Familia Sparkling (Cava)
Italy	This wine starts off with aromas that recall charred wood and meat juices; soon these waft away to reveal black fruit and spice. The dense palate reveals a black cherry punctuated with black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon along with a note of tobacco. It's well-balanced with brooding tannins and will develop more depth over the next few years.	Riserva	89	30	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	I Fabbri	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	I Fabbri 2010 Riserva (Chianti Classico)
US	A tasty, sweet and sour blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier and Pinot Gris, this has bountiful fruit flavors of peach and pear. It's a big, forward, generous, though ultimately simple, white wine, with more than a touch of sweetness.	g3	87	16	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	White Blend	Goose Ridge	null	null	null
Chile	Mint and spice notes settle on wood shavings and cheesy leather. The palate has a tight, narrow feel and woody, spicy flavors of red berry fruit. Finishes similarly, with ample juicy acidity and a lasting flavor of oak.	null	87	19	Aconcagua Valley	null	null	Merlot	Arboleda	null	null	null
US	Rounded aromas of nectarine, lemon blossoms and chalk are fresh and inviting, and there's the slightest hint of sweetness on the nose. The palate is wound up tightly on the sip, offering flashes of green pear, lime rind and a wet riverstone quality, extending a sour element deep into the finish.	null	88	16	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Santa Barbara Winery	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Santa Barbara Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley)
Portugal	A blend of Aragonez and Syrah, this ripe wine offers red fruits and a soft texture, with just enough acidity to keep it crisp at the end. It is ready to drink.	Defesa do Esporão	85	14	Alentejano	null	null	Rosé	Herdade do Esporão	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Herdade do Esporão 2015 Defesa do Esporão Rosé (Alentejano)
US	Dark, dry and tannic, this is one of the best Petit Verdots out there. It's full bodied and powerful in pure, concentrated blackberries and black currants, with a touch of violets and cedar. Now–2013.	Tephra Ridge Vineyard	90	40	California	Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Petite Verdot	Langtry	null	null	null
Italy	The dynamic Rivetto family has been making wine since 1902 and the newest generation of winemakers is worth keeping an eye on. This bright and elegant Barolo shows aromas of spice, cola, cherry, tar, prune and black currants. It tastes smooth and elegant and shows firm structure in the mouth.	Leon	92	50	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Rivetto	null	null	null
France	This is a rich and rounded wine, and its tannins have already integrated into the soft, ripe black fruits. It has concentration and an attractive juiciness for drinking after 1–2 years.	Domaine Virginie Thunevin	88	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Thunevin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Thunevin 2009 Domaine Virginie Thunevin (Bordeaux)
France	This wine is lean, more about structure than tannins. Some juicy fruitiness is overwhelmed by the dry core of the wine that seems over-extracted.	null	85	30	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Rochemorin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Rochemorin 2012 Pessac-Léognan
US	This wine has very ripe, juicy fruit flavors that coat the mouth with rich blueberry and blackberry, while the texture is smooth and almost viscous. It is full bodied and has soft tannins and acidity.	Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled	88	35	California	Placer County	Sierra Foothills	Tempranillo	Wise Villa	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Wise Villa 2013 Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled Tempranillo (Placer County)
Italy	This amber-colored nectar is a quintessential dessert wine. It has heady aromas of maple syrup and dried orange slices. The palate is exceptionally smooth, with flavors of dried apricot, hazelnut and walnut, with a cinnamon accent. It's a perfect meditation wine or to pair with fruit tarts or baked peaches.	Vin San Laurentino	91	95	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Castello di Bossi	null	null	null
US	Pleasing toasty notes greet your first sniff, followed by apple pie fruit flavors with hints of plum and banana. It's a light, creamy, easy-drinking confection.	Barrel Select	87	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Vin du Lac	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Vin du Lac 2012 Barrel Select Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	A quarter of this nonvintage blend was vinified in wood. That adds some extra richness to the already ripe fruit. Based on the 2013 vintage, the wine is full of pear, crisp apple and hints of apricot. Drink now.	Intense Brut	90	45	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	A.R. Lenoble	Roger Voss	@vossroger	A.R. Lenoble NV Intense Brut (Champagne)
Portugal	Lightly strawberry colored and flavored, this is a wine with a hint of tannin as well as bright, fresh fruit. While it could age for another year in bottle, it is a food-friendly sparkler that should pair well with rich seafood.	Vertice Rosé	86	19	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Sparkling	Caves Transmontanas	null	null	null
France	Slightly herbal in character—not surprising given that it's 70% Cabernet Franc, an unusual variety for the Gard. Those leafy notes persist from start to finish, balanced out hints of peach and raspberry. Easy to drink.	Rosé de Fayel	86	12	Rhône Valley	Vin de Pays du Gard	null	Rosé	Domaine des Cantarelles	null	null	null
US	The Optu red is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 9% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. No Cab Franc, which seems to be losing favor among Washington winemakers. The 2007 is a much better Optu than its predecessor, nicely structured and balanced, with a blend of fruit, leaf, earth and barrel that is seamless and complex. Elegant and detailed, this is a wine to tuck away for a few years.	Optu	91	40	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Fidelitas	null	null	null
France	Tight and stalky wine, the black currant, spice and tobacco characters all pushed to the front. It has a severe, more mineral style that shows acidity as well as lean fruit.	null	85	23	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Château Roubine	null	null	null
US	Shows the gorgeous tannins of this appellation, all firm but pliant velvet, with nicely balanced blackberry and cassis flavors. Yet there's a stubborn note of mustiness, an earthy, funky flatness that stamps the fruit down. Tasted three times.	null	84	75	California	Stags Leap District	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Pine Ridge	null	null	null
US	A rare miss for this winery, this bottling shows cooked red cherries, dust, vanilla and caramel on the somewhat hollow nose. The palate is almost overly rich with caramelized black cherry, fudge and chalky tannins. Patience will likely improve this one.	null	85	32	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Tempranillo	Felten Cellars	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Felten Cellars 2013 Tempranillo (Paso Robles)
France	It is sometimes forgotten that Chassagne-Montrachet also produces red wines. Louis Latour's wine presents a fine structure, soft and fresh acidity and ripe, jammy berry flavors. There is a good core of dryness that suggests aging for 2–3 years.	null	88	25	Burgundy	Chassagne-Montrachet	null	Pinot Noir	Louis Latour	null	null	null
US	Tawny in color and wafting of potpourri and fallen leaves, this raspberry-inflected wine is already starting to show its maturity. Briskly concentrated and light on its feet, it makes an elegant sip to enjoy now before it loses its delicate, perfumed charms.	null	87	20	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Franc	Serenity	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Serenity 2012 Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)
Germany	White peaches and pink grapefruits lend perfume and brightness to this racy, lean-bodied Riesling. Dry in style with a zesty mineral-focused palate, it's endlessly refreshing and invigorating.	Schiefer Trocken	90	35	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Villa Huesgen	null	null	null
US	Basic Chard, if thin, with just enough peaches and cream, vanilla and toast flavors to satisfy.	null	83	7	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Coastal Ridge	null	null	null
Austria	A fine-boned, graceful structure currently takes the limelight, with extracted but ripe tannins. With time, blackberry fruit and some undergrowth flavors come to the forefront. There are layers of iron-oxide, white pepper and subtle cinnamon.	null	87	25	Leithaberg	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Esterházy	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Esterházy 2011 Blaufränkisch (Leithaberg)
France	This is an impressively ripe and solidly fruity wine. Blending mainly Tannat with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is certainly structured. But it is the brilliant black fruit that gives this wine its real character and density. It is impressive, and obviously made for the long haul. Drink from 2021.	Crouzeilles-Côte Abeilles	93	65	Southwest France	Madiran	null	Tannat-Cabernet	Producteurs Plaimont	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Producteurs Plaimont 2015 Crouzeilles-Côte Abeilles Tannat-Cabernet (Madiran)
Argentina	One of the best $15 red blends being made today. Carrascal gives us 45% Malbec, 35% Merlot and 20% Cabernet in rock-solid form. The nose has toast, mineral, balsam wood and good berry fruit, and the palate provides the troika of cherry, raspberry and plum with no interference or oaky gimmicks. Pleasant, warm and long on the finish.	Carrascal	90	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Weinert	null	null	null
Italy	A beautiful showing thanks to rich red fruit, pomegranate, blackberry, plum, menthol and heavy toasted notes such as clove, vanilla, almond and coconut. Rich, supple and inky, this is a big, bold wine that should be opened 5–10 years from now. Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc.	Tenuta Nuova	91	65	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Casanova di Neri	null	null	null
US	The best thing about this wine is the acidity. It's so bright and mouthwatering, it provides a perfect balance to jammy citrus, tropical fruit and peach flavors. Honeyed on the palate, it's a good partner for Cantonese and Vietnamese fare.	Estate Bottled	87	25	California	Carmel Valley	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Galante	null	null	Galante 2012 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc (Carmel Valley)

Argentina

Part of the fun of exploring Argentine Malbec is tasting all the new kids on the block. Having not seen Guentota before, all signs point to high quality. The bouquet is dark, with accents of cola, mineral and burnt toast giving it a masculine edge. Round, plump and full in the mouth, with cherry, berry and cassis flavors. A total package of a wine, with character, nuance and serious base-level fruit.

AR Guentota Old Vine

91

25

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Belasco de Baquedano

null

US

Here's one mighty fine and interesting Zin. It has the smoothness of a great red wine, with a rich, fruity complexity that lasts through a long finish. The flavors are classic Zin, all wild berries and cocoa, with a dusting of raisins. The alcohol is enormous, but the wine is dry, and doesn't taste hot. With short ribs, it's a marriage made in heaven.

Grandmére

92

25

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Renwood

null

US

This is one of the most successful Syrah-Cabernet Franc blends in California. The Syrah brings blueberry and bacon flavors, and the Cabernet provides the black currant note and the tannic backbone. It's already delicious to drink, but allow it to breathe in a decanter for one or two hours.

Wavelength Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard

92

69

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Syrah-Cabernet Franc

World's End

null

US

Soft, dry and delicious, with classic Napa tannins. It has lovely layers of blackberries and cassis, but also overripe raisin and prune notes that prohibit aging.

null

85

48

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Jax

null

Jax 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Spain

Rubber and bacon aromas announce that this wine has some size, depth and concentration along with oak shadings, while the palate is fruity, acidic and tangy, with generic berry flavors and an added dose of oak-driven bacon and rubber. Solid at first and then thin on the finish.

Tinto Figuero 4

85

15

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

García Figuero

null

Argentina

This blend from the Nicasia and Adrianna vineyards is the best Malbec on the market today. There's raisin, mineral, licorice, blackberry and more. The mouth is like a Mack truck on ice skates, meaning it's both huge and elegant. And the mile-long finish of coffee, mocha and molten black fruit is awesome. Drink now through 2013.

Argentino

96

123

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Bodega Catena Zapata

null

US

A fine wine that shows the complexity and volume of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The wine is thoroughly dry and fairly full-bodied for a Pinot Noir, offering rich black cherry, currant and mineral flavors. Its depth and sturdy tannins suggest cellaring for 5–6 years.

Soberanes Vineyard

92

48

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Siduri

null

Siduri 2011 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

US

This is acidic and sweet, with a medicinal taste.

Hayley Vineyard

80

36

California

Anderson Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Bryter

null

Bryter 2009 Hayley Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)

South Africa

Peppery notes emanate from the bouquet first, followed by more traditional notes of black plum, black currant leaf and dried fig. The mouth is loaded with more brambly fruit flavors against an easygoing structure and light tannins.

null

86

19

Stellenbosch

null

Merlot

Eikendal

null

US

Even at six-plus years, and despite its origin in superstar grower's Beckstoffer's vineyards, this Cab has an imbalanced sweetness. The sugariness of the blackberry flavors accentuates the tannins, making them awkward and sharp. Not going anywhere, so drink up.

null

84

59

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Oakford

null

South Africa

A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Shiraz, 14% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, this clean, approachable red offers notes of black plum, cherry, cocoa and spice on the nose and mouth. A peppery heat on the tongue lingers through the medium finish, as do the dusty tannins.

The Left Bank

87

15

Western Cape

null

Red Blend

Neil Ellis

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Neil Ellis 2009 The Left Bank Red (Western Cape)

US

Lots of black cherry fruit, with notes of dry, dusty earth and truffle, and a strong cola element. It's very dry and supple, a wine of character. The fruity flavors are rich, and the tannins are soft and rounded.

null

89

14

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Barbera

Boeger

null

France

This is very aromatic, with minerality vying with fruit and tense acidity. This complex wine has an austere side, both rich and structured that will soften in a couple of years.

Le Rochoy

90

30

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Laporte

null

US

Coral in color, this dry wine's light, fresh watermelon aromas lead to tasty raspberry and cherry flavors, backed by bright acidity. It's medium bodied and mouth-filling, maintaining a refreshing, appetizing quality through the finish.

Grenache

90

24

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Rosé

Acquiesce

null

US

This is a flavorful, slightly heavy-feeling Chardonnay that offers ripe flavors of apricots, tropical fruits and pineapple cream. Although it's dry, it has a honeyed accent, especially on the spicy finish.

null

87

20

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Ricochet

null

Ricochet 2010 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

US

Ambullneo's most expensive Pinot has a statewide appellation, but they pride themselves as masters of blending. This wine, from their portions of vineyards in Solomon Hills, Bien Nacido, Hyde and Hudson, is eloquent. It's big, rich and flamboyant, almost Rhône-like, with cherry and raspberry pie-filling flavors, and the caramelized new oak that so spicily supports it. Has the volume and upscale complexity to accompany the best dishes, and should improve for five years.

Canis Major

93

95

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Ambullneo

null

France

Already harmonious, this is a potentially opulent wine with a dry core surrounded by ripe red cherry and berry fruit. At the end, the spice adds a fuller note.

Aux Cras Premier Cru

90

null

Burgundy

Nuits-St.-Georges

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair 2011 Aux Cras Premier Cru (Nuits-St.-Georges)

US

Tart, with brambly berry fruit, and even a bit of apricot. This was a cool year in Walla Walla, and the fruit flavors reflect that.

Pheasant Run Vineyard

87

40

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Basel Cellars

null

US

Very ripe and exuberant, with powerful blackberry, currant, cassis, mineral and cedar flavors. But it's also tough and hard in tannins, and not showing well now. Needs time. Best after 2010.

Lot 74

87

16

California

Oak Knoll District

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cameron Hughes

null

US

This is aggressive in green tannins, hot in alcohol, and is unevenly ripened, with blackberry and mint flavors.

null

82

45

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hoyt Family Vineyards

null

Hoyt Family Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)

Portugal

Concentrated tannins give this wine from organic grapes a powerful structure. For balance, it also has a more fruity character that offers blackberry and black plums. The dense texture means it needs to age until 2015.

null

86

19

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta do Romeu

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta do Romeu 2010 Red (Douro)

US

This is entirely stainless fermented, fresh out of the tank, with plenty of lift and spice. It's not a complicated wine, but the flavors of lime and white peach, jicama and cucumber are most refreshing, and there's a hint of white pepper adding zest to the finish.

Estate

88

19

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Apolloni

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Apolloni 2016 Estate Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)

France

92–94. Barrel sample. This wine boasts big chocolate character along with ripe fruit. The palate is solid and generous with rounded Merlot flavor. It has remarkable weight with tannins surrounded by layers of delicious fruit.

Les Pagodes de Cos Barrel Sample

93

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Estèphe

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Cos d'Estournel

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Cos d'Estournel 2012 Les Pagodes de Cos Barrel Sample (Saint-Estèphe)

US

This dry Riesling has a steely spine running right through the heart of the wine; you can almost taste the metal. It defines and confines the flavors; the fruit seems like an afterthought. That said, it might just be the perfect wine to try with fresh oysters, firm and lightly lemony with a hint of brine.

null

86

12

Oregon

Oregon Other

Riesling

A to Z

null

France

90-92 Barrel sample. This is almost a third wine of Château Valandraud, rich, sweetly fruity, very ripe and spice. Delicious fruit.

B de Valandraud Barrel sample

91

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Valandraud

null

Italy

Made with 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has aromas of blue flower and red berry. The easy-drinking palate offers black cherry, black currant and ground pepper while mellow tannins offer soft support. Drink soon.

null

87

13

Tuscany

Maremma Toscana

null

Red Blend

Cala de' Poeti

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cala de' Poeti 2013 Maremma Toscana

Austria

A broad as well as crisp wine that has great fresh, beautifully polished ripe pear fruit, lightly nutty in character.

Terrassen Smaragd

89

28

Wachau

null

Riesling

Domäne Wachau

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domäne Wachau 2009 Terrassen Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

US

Good price for a Cab of this elegance and complexity. It's bone dry, the way a Cab should be, but pretty tannic, with an astringent mouthfeel. You'll find classic varietal flavors of currants and blackberries. Could soften and improve for a couple years.

Boeck Family Vineyard

88

24

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

William Knuttel

null

France

A complex and intense single-vineyard wine, it has ripe berry fruits with dark tannins. Only at the end is the juicy character of the wine on show.

Domaine des Versauds

89

null

Beaujolais

Morgon

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

null

Portugal

Normally found in the Dão region further north, the Alfrocheiro in Alentejo produces a soft wine with light tannins and juicy acidity. Flavors of cherries and red plums give it a fruity aspect. It is warm, rich and ready to drink.

Terra d'Alter

87

14

Alentejano

null

Alfrocheiro

Terras de Alter

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Terras de Alter 2013 Terra d'Alter Alfrocheiro (Alentejano)

Italy

Aromas of red and black berries, tilled earth, leather and balsamic notes characterize this structured, single-vineyard bottling. The savory palate delivers creamy cherry-berry layered with mint, white pepper, licorice and balsamic herbs supported by firm tannins. Drink 2016–2026.

Bric Turot

93

71

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Prunotto

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Prunotto 2011 Bric Turot (Barbaresco)

Australia

Made by the folks at Longview, this Sem-Sauv is cottony-soft around the edges, with a clean feel overall. Smells like green grass, pea and flowers. A good Saturday afternoon wine: Easy, uncomplicated and fresh.

null

85

13

South Australia

Adelaide Hills

null

Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc

Red Bucket

null

US

A hard Cabernet to like, with a rough texture and sweet-and-sour cherry flavors.

Pedregal Vineyard

82

20

California

Paicines

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Shale Canyon

null

US

This is a forward, even plush Reserve, loaded with generous black fruits and streaked with anise and cola notes. At first, the wine seemed to fade a bit too quickly, robbing the finish of expected complexity. But retasted on the second day, the wine had fleshed out beautifully.

Reserve

90

59

Oregon

Ribbon Ridge

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Chehalem

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Chehalem 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge)

Spain

Despite a hint of green to the nose, this comes around. Tight clampy tannins make for a tough, youthful mouthfeel, while this tastes woody, with black-fruit flavors in support. There's a lot of oak on the finish, but airing and/or time in the bottle will help that subside. Drink through 2023.

null

90

25

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Emilio Moro

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Emilio Moro 2014 Ribera del Duero

Italy

A highly nuanced nose leaning more toward animal and mineral notes than fruit opens this muscular effort. Leather, ash and forest fire flavors dominate the palate, framed by sinewy tannins. A few cherry notes peek through the tar-infused finish. Serve with game.

Alberta

91

60

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Contratto

null

Contratto 2000 Alberta (Barbaresco)

France

With balanced fruitiness, this is a taut, mineral wine with juicy pear and apple flavors as well as a touch of spice. Perfumed, fruity and ready to drink, it is a fine, terroir-driven wine.

Vielles Vignes

90

33

Burgundy

Pouilly-Fuissé

null

Chardonnay

Pascal Rollet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Pascal Rollet 2014 Vielles Vignes (Pouilly-Fuissé)

France

Very light, just hinting at tannins, this is an easy, soft wine, the black berry juice fruit flavors the main taste element. The wine has a jammy, smoky character that comes through, but the texture remains dilute.

null

84

16

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Goëlane

null

US

Gorgeous, elegant and ageworthy. With a softly tannic structure, it's drinkable now, but should age and gain complexity for 10 years. Dry and smooth, it has complex flavors of blackberries, black cherries, currants, red licorice, cola and oak. Give it some time to breathe. Now–2017.

Cask

95

75

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rubicon Estate

null

Rubicon Estate 2007 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

US

A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this brings sweet cherry flavors to the forefront, albeit with some noticeable volatility. You can taste it in the slightly vinegary finish; but that said, it's a perfectly pleasant wine with enough fruit to carry it for a couple more years.

FV Red Wine

87

18

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Foundry Vineyards

null

US

Easy to like now for its rich, exuberant flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola, pomegranates, persimmons and oak that are so delectable through the spicy finish. Dry and silky, it's a Pinot Noir made for pairing with a smoky, grilled steak. Best now and for 3–5 years.

Manzana Vineyard

91

50

California

Green Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Dutton Estate

null

Dutton Estate 2008 Manzana Vineyard Pinot Noir (Green Valley)

France

This is an attractive, round wine. The ripe red-fruit character is balanced by a tangy, zesty lemon texture that gives freshness plus a touch of tannic structure. Very dry and spicy in the mouth, it will be good with food.

Coeur Estérelle

88

15

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château du Rouët

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château du Rouët 2015 Coeur Estérelle Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

Italy

This is one of the nicest and most satisfying expressions of Prosecco Cartizze on the market today. Le Colture is a hard-working, quality-minded estate that has produced an elegant interpretation with a particularly lush, peachy and soft mouthfeel.

Cartizze Dry

90

32

Veneto

Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze

null

Glera

Le Colture

null

US

This is a blend of several vineyards from throughout the sprawling Sonoma Coast region. It shows crisp, upfront acidity that makes the wine tart, and lasts through the dry finish. Flavor-wise, it's all about pears, enriched with toasty oak.

Golden Coast

88

45

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

De Loach

null

Chile

A bit foxy and jumpy at first, and then familiar aromas of berry and plum settle in. The palate is jammy and tannic, while flavors of berries and currants seem roasted. Tobacco and olive notes are present on the chewy, weighty, textured finish.

Reserva

85

12

Aconcagua Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Porta

null

US

Vibrant and youthful, this wine greets the taster with fresh, clean scents of honey, fall flowers and roses. It's medium-bodied and crisp, with a final peach note that fades a bit too quickly. Try with Thai curry. No improvement with age; drink before 2011.

The Professors' Classic Dry

83

18

New York

Finger Lakes

Gewürztraminer

Cascata

null

Italy

Here's a classic and fresh interpretation of Chianti Classico that is light and crisp without being too thin or sharp. In fact, ripe fruit tones of blueberry and cassis do a nice job of smoothing out the overall effect.

Riserva

88

34

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Querciavalle

null

Querciavalle 2006 Riserva (Chianti Classico)

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

null

France

Produced from a 17-acre vineyard, dominated by Merlot, this is the top wine of Château Renard. It is structured and firm with tannins and dense concentration that will probably remain with this rich wine as it matures. Drink from 2018.

null

89

34

Bordeaux

Fronsac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Renard Mondesir

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Renard Mondesir 2011 Fronsac

Italy

There's a pristine and tonic quality to this wine that is reinforced by aromas of green melon, pear, citrus and stone fruit. The mouthfeel is compact and tight and the Sauvignon delivers a twist of bitter almond or citrus on the close. Cormòns is a winemaking cooperative with over 200 members.

null

86

12

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Sauvignon

Cormòns

null

US

Dense aromas of cooked blueberries meet with clove, ginger and leather on the nose of this red blend. Leathery flavors also show on the palate along with black currant and more baking-spice touches.

Brutus II

88

45

California

Temecula Valley

South Coast

Red Blend

Lorenzi Estate

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Lorenzi Estate 2013 Brutus II Red (Temecula Valley)

US

Sharp and rustic, with medicinal, LifeSaver candy cherry flavors that finish with a scour of acidity.

null

83

28

California

Lake County

null

Grenache

Shannon Ridge

null

Shannon Ridge 2006 Grenache (Lake County)

US

This is an unusual example of this variety, with aromas of exotic spice, flowers and herb. The palate has tart cranberry flavors that seem lacking in concentration.

Alder Ridge Vineyard

85

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Malbec

Ram

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Ram 2014 Alder Ridge Vineyard Malbec (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Softly gentle, this wine is easy to like for its wealth of pie filling blackberries, cherries, blueberries and milk chocolate. It's just this side of dry, with a honeyed finish of toasty oak and glycerine. Contains one-quarter Grenache, with a drop of Zin.

Rousse Rouge

87

20

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah

Tassajara

null

US

Grown at the winery's estate vineyard high up in Annapolis, where the ocean looms large, this is a tannic, smoky wine, densely layered in blue and black fruit. Cola, sage and black tea await in the background.

null

90

35

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Wild Ridge

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Wild Ridge 2014 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

France

While it certainly is tannic, the wine also has bold fruit, full of black berry and sweet jam flavors. That makes this balanced, although when the tannins are going to soften is unsure. Decant before serving.

Cuvée Réserve de l'Aiëul

92

22

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château Eugénie

null

Australia

This wine marches to its own tune, with appealing but unusual opening notes of berries, plastic, chocolate and petroleum that add to the prominent red cherry note on the palate. There's a lot of extract here and a sweetish palate that takes on a coffee edge on the finish. Drink up.

null

86

13

New South Wales

Riverina

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Nugan Family Estates

null

Hungary

Full, round, and spicy in the mouth, this wine offers muted aromas of beeswax and honeysuckle before showing its overpowering oak and vanilla side. Seems to have suffered from the hot vintage, with too much oak hiding the white fruit. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines.

Mandolás

82

17

Tokaji

null

Furmint

Oremus

null

Portugal

Touriga Nacional and Syrah make a harmonious blend in this dense, structured wine. With complex tannins that need to soften into the ripe fruit, the wine is still developing. It's dry for now, although the black plum and berry flavors will be delicious. Drink this age worthy wine from 2017.

Reserva

91

null

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Monte da Ravasqueira

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Monte da Ravasqueira 2012 Reserva Red (Alentejano)

France

Well balanced, bringing together its firm, youthful tannins with ripe jammy fruits and great swathes of spice and chocolate. It needs aging, but it is an impressive wine.

Grande Cuvée Prestige

92

30

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château la Coustarelle

null

US

Lovely aromatics mix floral, fruit and barrel components in equal proportion. The wine has some solid tannins, and sits in the mouth with a bit of gravitas. Wild cherry, raspberry, fresh herb, and a little stiffness to the finish. Definitely a wine to age a few more years.

Flat Block Estate

89

null

Oregon

Eola-Amity Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Bethel Heights

null

US

This directly appealing, 100% varietal wine offers aromas of raspberries, cranberries, fresh tobacco and a touch of spice. The fruit flavors are lush and forward, with soft tannins and a finish that won't quit.

null

90

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Seven Hills

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Seven Hills 2013 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

Rallo's luscious Passito di Pantelleria opens with intense and jammy aromas of dried apricot, prune, raisin, honey and vanilla bean. You can really taste those sun-dried grapes; the wine could easily be consumed after dinner in place of dessert.

500ml

90

31

Sicily & Sardinia

Passito di Pantelleria

null

Zibibbo

Cantine Rallo

null

Portugal

Opulent and wood-aged, this feels intense and rounded with a ripe Burgundian feel. The full weight of the peach and apricot fruits are given a powerful push by the toast, spice and vanilla flavors. Age this for 2–3 years.

Palpite Reserva Branco

91

40

Alentejano

null

Portuguese White

Fitapreta Vinhos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Fitapreta Vinhos 2009 Palpite Reserva Branco White (Alentejano)

US

A Rhône-style white blend, this offers mixed stone fruit notes, with cool flavors of celery and melon. It's clean and pleasant, though pretty light relative to similar wines from Washington.

Reserve White Blend

87

20

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Rhône-style White Blend

Columbia Crest

null

New Zealand

The cherry aromas of this wine are so sweet, so obvious, that they come across as almost candied; thankfully, they're balanced by subtle spice and leather shadings that make it clear that this is wine, not fruit juice. Silky tannins bolster that impression, nicely buffering and extending the finish.

null

89

39

Central Otago

null

Pinot Noir

Chard Farm

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Chard Farm 2006 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

US

Clean aromas of nectarine and white peach meet with a touch of chalk, slight edge of lemon zest, sweet butter and sea salt on the nose of this bottling. There is a decent texture to the sip, where lemon, lime, toasted nuts and more sea-salt flavors show.

null

88

null

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Crave

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Crave 2014 Chardonnay (Monterey County)

South Africa

A heavy note of baking spices is found throughout those of fleshy red plum, brown sugar and sweet red licorice, finishing with mild dried herbs. The bracing acidity makes this a natural for the cheese course. Try with blue cheese.

African Tradition Collection - Leopard

86

12

Paarl

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Niel Joubert

null

Niel Joubert 2001 African Tradition Collection - Leopard Cabernet Sauvignon (Paarl)

Italy

This opens with toasted oak, pressed wild flower and hay aromas. The lean, diluted palate offers butterscotch and tart lemon zest flavors. Although the acidity is brisk, it lacks fruit richness.

null

84

25

Veneto

Soave Classico Superiore

null

Garganega

Villa Canestrari

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Villa Canestrari 2014 Soave Classico Superiore

Portugal

This bone-dry wine made from 85% Arinto has crisp freshness and texture. It's lively with a strong mousse and lemon and green apple fruitiness. Sophisticated and wearing its bottle age well, it finishes with a toasty aftertaste. Drink now.

Marquês de Marialva Extra Bruto Cuvée

90

33

Bairrada

null

Portuguese Sparkling

Adega de Cantanhede

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Adega de Cantanhede 2011 Marquês de Marialva Extra Bruto Cuvée Sparkling (Bairrada)

Italy

Tulin offers characteristically earthy aromas of porcino mushroom with pressed violets and animal or leather like notes. That said, the aromas are warm and inviting and offer interesting depth and complexity. In the mouth, the wine's precise and sharp nature is emphasized by its bright acidity and drying tannins.

Tulin

90

69

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Pelissero

null

Pelissero 2005 Tulin (Barbaresco)

Spain

Leesy, bready aromas are ripe and fruity. This is soft in feel and a touch heavy, which may be a reflection of the warm 2009 vintage. Nectarine and other ripe flavors finish full and sweet. This almost tastes like a brut Cava despite being a brut nature.

Brut Nature Gran Reserva Reserva de la Familia

89

16

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Juvé y Camps

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Juvé y Camps 2009 Brut Nature Gran Reserva Reserva de la Familia Sparkling (Cava)

Italy

This wine starts off with aromas that recall charred wood and meat juices; soon these waft away to reveal black fruit and spice. The dense palate reveals a black cherry punctuated with black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon along with a note of tobacco. It's well-balanced with brooding tannins and will develop more depth over the next few years.

Riserva

89

30

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

I Fabbri

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

I Fabbri 2010 Riserva (Chianti Classico)

US

A tasty, sweet and sour blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier and Pinot Gris, this has bountiful fruit flavors of peach and pear. It's a big, forward, generous, though ultimately simple, white wine, with more than a touch of sweetness.

g3

87

16

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

White Blend

Goose Ridge

null

Chile

Mint and spice notes settle on wood shavings and cheesy leather. The palate has a tight, narrow feel and woody, spicy flavors of red berry fruit. Finishes similarly, with ample juicy acidity and a lasting flavor of oak.

null

87

19

Aconcagua Valley

null

Merlot

Arboleda

null

US

Rounded aromas of nectarine, lemon blossoms and chalk are fresh and inviting, and there's the slightest hint of sweetness on the nose. The palate is wound up tightly on the sip, offering flashes of green pear, lime rind and a wet riverstone quality, extending a sour element deep into the finish.

null

88

16

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Santa Barbara Winery

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Santa Barbara Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley)

Portugal

A blend of Aragonez and Syrah, this ripe wine offers red fruits and a soft texture, with just enough acidity to keep it crisp at the end. It is ready to drink.

Defesa do Esporão

85

14

Alentejano

null

Rosé

Herdade do Esporão

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Herdade do Esporão 2015 Defesa do Esporão Rosé (Alentejano)

US

Dark, dry and tannic, this is one of the best Petit Verdots out there. It's full bodied and powerful in pure, concentrated blackberries and black currants, with a touch of violets and cedar. Now–2013.

Tephra Ridge Vineyard

90

40

California

Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Petite Verdot

Langtry

null

Italy

The dynamic Rivetto family has been making wine since 1902 and the newest generation of winemakers is worth keeping an eye on. This bright and elegant Barolo shows aromas of spice, cola, cherry, tar, prune and black currants. It tastes smooth and elegant and shows firm structure in the mouth.

Leon

92

50

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Rivetto

null

France

This is a rich and rounded wine, and its tannins have already integrated into the soft, ripe black fruits. It has concentration and an attractive juiciness for drinking after 1–2 years.

Domaine Virginie Thunevin

88

20

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Thunevin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Thunevin 2009 Domaine Virginie Thunevin (Bordeaux)

France

This wine is lean, more about structure than tannins. Some juicy fruitiness is overwhelmed by the dry core of the wine that seems over-extracted.

null

85

30

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Rochemorin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Rochemorin 2012 Pessac-Léognan

US

This wine has very ripe, juicy fruit flavors that coat the mouth with rich blueberry and blackberry, while the texture is smooth and almost viscous. It is full bodied and has soft tannins and acidity.

Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled

88

35

California

Placer County

Sierra Foothills

Tempranillo

Wise Villa

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Wise Villa 2013 Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled Tempranillo (Placer County)

Italy

This amber-colored nectar is a quintessential dessert wine. It has heady aromas of maple syrup and dried orange slices. The palate is exceptionally smooth, with flavors of dried apricot, hazelnut and walnut, with a cinnamon accent. It's a perfect meditation wine or to pair with fruit tarts or baked peaches.

Vin San Laurentino

91

95

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Castello di Bossi

null

US

Pleasing toasty notes greet your first sniff, followed by apple pie fruit flavors with hints of plum and banana. It's a light, creamy, easy-drinking confection.

Barrel Select

87

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Vin du Lac

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Vin du Lac 2012 Barrel Select Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

A quarter of this nonvintage blend was vinified in wood. That adds some extra richness to the already ripe fruit. Based on the 2013 vintage, the wine is full of pear, crisp apple and hints of apricot. Drink now.

Intense Brut

90

45

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

A.R. Lenoble

Roger Voss

@vossroger

A.R. Lenoble NV Intense Brut (Champagne)

Portugal

Lightly strawberry colored and flavored, this is a wine with a hint of tannin as well as bright, fresh fruit. While it could age for another year in bottle, it is a food-friendly sparkler that should pair well with rich seafood.

Vertice Rosé

86

19

Douro

null

Portuguese Sparkling

Caves Transmontanas

null

France

Slightly herbal in character—not surprising given that it's 70% Cabernet Franc, an unusual variety for the Gard. Those leafy notes persist from start to finish, balanced out hints of peach and raspberry. Easy to drink.

Rosé de Fayel

86

12

Rhône Valley

Vin de Pays du Gard

null

Rosé

Domaine des Cantarelles

null

US

The Optu red is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 9% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. No Cab Franc, which seems to be losing favor among Washington winemakers. The 2007 is a much better Optu than its predecessor, nicely structured and balanced, with a blend of fruit, leaf, earth and barrel that is seamless and complex. Elegant and detailed, this is a wine to tuck away for a few years.

Optu

91

40

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Fidelitas

null

France

Tight and stalky wine, the black currant, spice and tobacco characters all pushed to the front. It has a severe, more mineral style that shows acidity as well as lean fruit.

null

85

23

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Château Roubine

null

US

Shows the gorgeous tannins of this appellation, all firm but pliant velvet, with nicely balanced blackberry and cassis flavors. Yet there's a stubborn note of mustiness, an earthy, funky flatness that stamps the fruit down. Tasted three times.

null

84

75

California

Stags Leap District

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Pine Ridge

null

US

A rare miss for this winery, this bottling shows cooked red cherries, dust, vanilla and caramel on the somewhat hollow nose. The palate is almost overly rich with caramelized black cherry, fudge and chalky tannins. Patience will likely improve this one.

null

85

32

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Tempranillo

Felten Cellars

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Felten Cellars 2013 Tempranillo (Paso Robles)

France

It is sometimes forgotten that Chassagne-Montrachet also produces red wines. Louis Latour's wine presents a fine structure, soft and fresh acidity and ripe, jammy berry flavors. There is a good core of dryness that suggests aging for 2–3 years.

null

88

25

Burgundy

Chassagne-Montrachet

null

Pinot Noir

Louis Latour

null

US

Tawny in color and wafting of potpourri and fallen leaves, this raspberry-inflected wine is already starting to show its maturity. Briskly concentrated and light on its feet, it makes an elegant sip to enjoy now before it loses its delicate, perfumed charms.

null

87

20

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Franc

Serenity

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Serenity 2012 Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)

Germany

White peaches and pink grapefruits lend perfume and brightness to this racy, lean-bodied Riesling. Dry in style with a zesty mineral-focused palate, it's endlessly refreshing and invigorating.

Schiefer Trocken

90

35

Mosel

null

Riesling

Villa Huesgen

null

US

Basic Chard, if thin, with just enough peaches and cream, vanilla and toast flavors to satisfy.

null

83

7

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Coastal Ridge

null

Austria

A fine-boned, graceful structure currently takes the limelight, with extracted but ripe tannins. With time, blackberry fruit and some undergrowth flavors come to the forefront. There are layers of iron-oxide, white pepper and subtle cinnamon.

null

87

25

Leithaberg

null

Blaufränkisch

Esterházy

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Esterházy 2011 Blaufränkisch (Leithaberg)

France

This is an impressively ripe and solidly fruity wine. Blending mainly Tannat with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is certainly structured. But it is the brilliant black fruit that gives this wine its real character and density. It is impressive, and obviously made for the long haul. Drink from 2021.

Crouzeilles-Côte Abeilles

93

65

Southwest France

Madiran

null

Tannat-Cabernet

Producteurs Plaimont

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Producteurs Plaimont 2015 Crouzeilles-Côte Abeilles Tannat-Cabernet (Madiran)

Argentina

One of the best $15 red blends being made today. Carrascal gives us 45% Malbec, 35% Merlot and 20% Cabernet in rock-solid form. The nose has toast, mineral, balsam wood and good berry fruit, and the palate provides the troika of cherry, raspberry and plum with no interference or oaky gimmicks. Pleasant, warm and long on the finish.

Carrascal

90

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Weinert

null

Italy

A beautiful showing thanks to rich red fruit, pomegranate, blackberry, plum, menthol and heavy toasted notes such as clove, vanilla, almond and coconut. Rich, supple and inky, this is a big, bold wine that should be opened 5–10 years from now. Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc.

Tenuta Nuova

91

65

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Casanova di Neri

null

US

The best thing about this wine is the acidity. It's so bright and mouthwatering, it provides a perfect balance to jammy citrus, tropical fruit and peach flavors. Honeyed on the palate, it's a good partner for Cantonese and Vietnamese fare.

Estate Bottled

87

25

California

Carmel Valley

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Galante

null

Galante 2012 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc (Carmel Valley)