spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	From a hilly vineyard. The winemaker says he wants to recreate Chianti, but it's hard to imagine a Chianti with this much sweetness. Tastes like raspberry jam straight out of the jar, with soft tannins to give it a bit of structure. Awkward.	Sherwin Vineyard	84	24	California	Mendocino County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Sangiovese	Elara	null	null	null
Spain	Dry, crisp and nice, this has white fruit aromas that are familiar and friendly. It comes across medium bodied, dusty and yeasty, with an apple accent and a vanilla flavor. The finish is lightly toasted and slightly briny.	Carta Nevada Brut	85	9	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Freixenet	null	null	null
US	Aromatic and complex, this wine, though not quite bone dry, is tart and citrusy. The mixed fruit flavors run a spectrum from grapefruit to lemon candy to nectarine, lingering gracefully into a mineral-soaked finish.	null	90	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Apex	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Apex 2008 Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
Austria	A very focused wine with a core of strong structure along with apple, tight acidity and citrus. This is powerful, intense, with impressive aging potential.	Singerriedel Smaragd	92	40	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Gritsch Mauritiushof	null	null	null
US	A well-named wine from vintner Steve Anglim, this blend of 33% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 33% Mourvèdre and 1% Viognier is indeed great, with aromas of licorice, pencil lead, iron, black raspberry, black pepper and a touch of tobacco smoke. The palate is powered by boysenberry, cracked pepper, a touch of asphalt and then a very lifting wild-mint character.	Best Barrel Blend	92	42	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Anglim	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Anglim 2012 Best Barrel Blend Red (Paso Robles)
France	With its Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, this is an herbaceous tasting wine, with green apple, and hay aromas. It finishes bright and fresh; drink now.	Le Fruit Blanc	86	17	Southwest France	Bergerac Sec	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Clos des Terrasses	null	null	null
Italy	Montepaone is a classic expression of Cabernet that shows enormous focus on elegance and harmony despite the hot vintage. The wine feels streamlined and tight on the palate, but the intensity of its fruit and spice aromas comes forward slowly and consistency on the bouquet.	Montepaone	90	75	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Jacopo Biondi-Santi	null	null	null
US	A nice, easy-drinking Cabernet that has some real complexity. Opens with cassis, smoke and herb aromas that turn rich and fruity in the mouth. The tannins are pretty firm now and should protect the wine for a few years, should you choose to age it.	Rancho Galante	90	20	California	Carmel Valley	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Galante	null	null	null
US	Barrel aromas and malolactic notes are prominent in this wine, suggesting baking spice and vanilla. The palate is full and creamy, needing a bit more acidity to hold it together but still providing enjoyment.	null	87	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	4 Cellars	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	4 Cellars 2015 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Tight, tannic and undrinkable now because it's so young, this 100% Cabernet needs a great deal of time to come around. Right now, it's hard as nails, a wine whose astringency stings the gums despite impressively intensely ripe blackberry jam and black currant flavors. It should be great in 2020–2025.	State Lane Vineyard	94	72	California	Yountville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Corley	null	null	Corley 2010 State Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville)
US	This winery's style always has been to produce food-friendly wines, and this one certainly is. Sommeliers might want to check it out as an interesting alternative to Zinfandel. It's dry and high in acidity but very fruity, with a range of blackberry, currant, raisin, licorice and pepper flavors.	Estate	88	25	California	Shenandoah Valley (CA)	Sierra Foothills	Aglianico	Amador Foothill Winery	null	null	null
US	Scents of waxy lemon peel, lanolin, fresh herb and fennel entice on this wonderfully dry Riesling, with penetrating lemon and white peach flavors. Brisk and vibrant, it has a refreshing crushed-stone minerality.	RTR Vineyard Dry	89	19	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Red Tail Ridge	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Red Tail Ridge 2011 RTR Vineyard Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes)
Italy	Mauro Sebaste has produced a creamy, elegant Moscato d'Asti with lovely notes of white flower and soapy foam. Sweet flavors of peach and honey are followed by a touch of zesty lemon.	null	87	20	Piedmont	Moscato d'Asti	null	Moscato	Mauro Sebaste	null	null	null
Australia	Of Clarendon Hills' three Cabs, this one is generally considered the flagship. This vintage, the Hickinbotham is a darker, more brooding sort of Cab than the other two, with drying, tealike tannins in the mouth and bramble aromas. In spite of its dark profile, it's not oversized or overoaked. Shows good length on the finish. Drink now–2012.	Hickinbotham	91	70	South Australia	Clarendon	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Clarendon Hills	null	null	null
France	Straddling richness and beautiful liveliness, this is going to be an impressive wine. It does need aging. At this stage, the wood is a big element, but then the bright white fruits—pears, white currants along with tangerines—will move center stage. Keep at least six years, almost certainly more.	null	95	328	Burgundy	Chevalier-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Bouchard Père & Fils	null	null	null
US	This blend is concentrated and meaty. It perfectly captures and combines the raspberry intensity of the Grenache, the brambleberry fruit of the Mourvèdre and the peppery smoke and spice of the Syrah. Somehow winemaker James Mantone coaxes something akin to French garrigue out of the grapes as well, making this one of a handful of Washington Rhônes that really capture those elusive French herbal highlights.	Cuvée Elena Red Wine	93	35	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Syncline	null	null	null
Italy	This youthful Barbaresco opens with soft layers of ripe cherry fruit and a plush, rich texture. There's substance, firmness and a deeper color here that will give this wine a long aging future.	Duemilanove	91	45	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Albino Rocca	null	null	null
US	The mountain vineyard somehow manages not only to beautifully ripen the grapes to a great expression of fruit, but also preserves vital acidity and lends a firm layer of minerality. The result is a big, powerful wine that easily absorbs its lavish coat of new oak. The flavors are of candied pineapple tart, Meyer lemon mousse and vanilla custard, with a finish of sweet, crushed Asian spices. Perfect now, and just beginning to gather momentum. Drink through 2011, at least, with proper cellaring.	Estate Bottled	95	38	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Mount Eden	null	null	null
France	There is an unusually high (40%) proportion of Sémillon in the blend, which offers the possibility of aging. Although this wine is fresh, lemony and tightly herbaceous now, it will become more rich and the flavors will deepen. Drink from the end of 2016.	null	87	13	Bordeaux	Entre-Deux-Mers	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château les Pasquets	null	null	null
Italy	This is a bright and fruit-forward red wine from Piedmont in Northern Italy that exhibits prominent, but not overly intense or intrusive, aromas of fresh fruit, exotic spice and drying mineral. The wine has a fresh acidic component balanced by a jammy, sweet finish.	Giada	90	45	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Andrea Oberto	null	null	null
US	Hints of white blossom and lemon are pleasant in this zesty, full-bodied wine, but are accompanied by savory tones of dusty mineral and white button mushroom. The finish is brisk but clean.	Sauvage	85	28	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Sauvignon Blanc	Jamesport	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Jamesport 2014 Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc (North Fork of Long Island)
US	Acidity dominates this Pinot, giving it a tingly scour. While it's silky and dry, the cherry fruit is a little slender.	Cool Climate	85	18	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Cline	null	null	Cline 2010 Cool Climate Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Italy	Made from organically farmed grapes, this offers tropical and white stone fruit aromas. On the bright palate, a saline hint underscores yellow apple, Bartlett pear and citrus fruit. It finishes clean and crisp.	Vigna di Mandranova	89	20	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Grillo	Alessandro di Camporeale	null	null	null
Australia	On the quiet side for a Grenache, with reticent notes of spice, sangria and cassis. There's the faintest grip of tannin and a crisp, strawberry-inflected finish. Drink now.	The Custodian	88	19	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Grenache	D'Arenberg	null	null	null
Argentina	A year or two ago when Paul Hobbs began consulting for Toso things changed for the better. This is the rare Best Buy that can swim with the big fish and give them a run for the money. Pop the cork and enjoy lusty dark aromas of Turkish tobacco and berry compote. In the mouth, there's a riot of fruit flavors to ponder followed by a smooth, lusty finish.	Maipu Vineyards	91	12	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Pascual Toso	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pascual Toso 2006 Maipu Vineyards Malbec (Mendoza)
Spain	Another winner from Emilio Moro. The nose is a touch minty and very spicy, but the black fruit element is there and overall the bouquet sings of integration. Pure, enthralling and big, with monster black fruit flavors, complexity, rich oak and a long, smooth finish. Stylish yet powerful; drink from 2013 through 2020.	Malleolus de Sanchomartin	94	205	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tinto Fino	Emilio Moro	null	null	null
Greece	This white blend starts with a nose of toasted spice and lemon peel, leading into a fresh, citric character heavy in minerality. Clean and lively, it's a great choice for spicy dishes or drinking on a hot day.	Adoli Ghis	87	19	Greece	null	null	White Blend	Antonopoulos	null	null	null
Spain	Offering a flat opening with no kick, it is akin to sniffing apple juice. This is plump and wan in feel, with melon and banana flavors, while a soft, no-edge finish doesn't leave much of a lasting impression.	null	84	13	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Verdejo	Egeo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Egeo 2014 Verdejo (Rueda)
France	Gently fruited notes of green pear appear on the nose. The palate is more sullen with some bitter edges but shows rounded softness.	Tradition	85	22	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Blanc	Vieil Armand	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Vieil Armand 2015 Tradition Pinot Blanc (Alsace)
US	With its rose-petaled, dark-red hue, this old-vine Carignan is not for the faint of heart, but delivers to anyone in search of the unusual, with intense tannins and rich red fruit nicely topped with impressive layers of acidity, making it a good wine choice with a range of spicy, multilayered foods. This wine's got some serious bite, especially on the finish, and though already four years in bottle, could age another 3–5 years.	Caballo Blanco Vineyard	91	32	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Carignan	Baxter	null	null	null
US	Made from Syrah and Grenache, this blend shows the strengths and weaknesses of its style. While it's forwardly delicious and complex in cherry, licorice, bacon, black pepper, mocha and sandalwood flavors, it's rather soft.	Proprietor's Blend	86	40	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Rhône-style Red Blend	Cosa Obra	null	null	Cosa Obra 2009 Proprietor's Blend Red (Sonoma County)
Austria	Crisp, crunchy apple and pear fruit appears first. This is followed by both more generous apple juice and tarter citrus notes. The midpalate shows concentration and some gentle but determined power. Texture and acidity lend structure to a wine that feels weightier than it is. Wonderfully balanced and dangerously moreish.	null	91	20	Wiener Gemischter Satz	null	null	Austrian white blend	Weingut Christ	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Weingut Christ 2015 White (Wiener Gemischter Satz)
US	Extremely grassy on the nose, this also shows lime juice and a skunky cannabis character that starts to blow off with time. The texture is racy on the palate, but the grassy component proves rather sour and one-dimensional.	Ventana Vineyards	84	26	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Byington	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Byington 2014 Ventana Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey County)
US	Lots of ripe blackberry, currant, toasty oak and spice flavors shine in this dry, tannic young Cabernet. Small proportions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc add complexity to the blend. Drink it over the next few years.	null	87	60	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Faust	null	null	Faust 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Spain	Sardasol has a good track record with rosé, and the 2007 is a clean wine with a light pink luster and brash cherry and raspberry aromas. The wine is incredibly fresh and zesty, with orange and nectarine flavors. Nothing is out of place on this perfectly good and sprightly example of Navarran rosado.	Rosado de Lagrima	87	11	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Garnacha	Viña Sardasol	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Sardasol 2007 Rosado de Lagrima Garnacha (Navarra)
France	Coming from the largest of the Puligny premier crus, this is a big, bold, ripe wine. Still structured at this young stage, but generous and packed with green plum and lime flavors. The wood gives tannins but doesn't dominate.	Les Folatières Premier Cru	92	70	Burgundy	Puligny-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Domaine René Monnier	null	null	null
US	Stark's Viognier is liltingly ripe, enveloped by lemon and kumquat and a circle of spice. Light and crisp upon opening it develops a depth of textures and layered flavors over time and is very pretty, retaining plenty of acidity amidst its alcohol and neutral oak. Pair it with Thai food or creamy lobster rolls.	Damiano Vineyard	88	28	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Viognier	Stark	null	null	null
null	A neutral nose leads onto an apple-fresh palate of Golden Delicious and pearmain apples. There is a creamy aspect, bathing this in a softer, friendly light. Both crisp and rounded apple fruit charms throughout on this balanced Morillon, a local term for Chardonnay.	Steirische Klassik	90	22	null	null	null	Morillon	Neumeister	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Neumeister 2015 Steirische Klassik Morillon
Spain	Smoky and dry, with aromas of tire rubber and mildly herbal, leafy red fruits. The palate has a dry, rugged, scratchy feel while the flavors veer toward baked raspberry, earth notes and coffee. Finishes nicely, with berry fruit at first and then herbal, oaky afternotes.	null	88	19	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Arrocal	null	null	null
Spain	Dry and peppery to start, with muted berry fruit aromas along with wood shavings. The palate is snappy, clean and juicy, with raspberry, vanilla and tobacco-like flavors. More basic than special, with a steady, light-framed finish. More than functional; likely good with food.	Añares Reserva	87	18	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Olarra	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Olarra 2004 Añares Reserva (Rioja)
US	Released unusually at the age of nearly five years, this Chardonnay is losing its primary fruit. It's developing a toasted cashew and hazelnut character, and the pineapples are transmogrifying to chewy dried fruits and even Christmas fruitcake. Meanwhile the sweet, caramelized oak is fully integrated. Bravo to the winery for holding this back and letting us see what an older Sonoma Coast Chardonay does.	Fort Ross Vineyard Reserve	91	40	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Fort Ross	null	null	null
France	This is a textured wine from a six-acre vineyard. It has fine tannins as well as red-plum skin and red-berry fruits. It is balanced and fruity although the texture does give it a tangy edge that should soften out from 2017.	Quatre Saisons	87	23	Beaujolais	Beaujolais	null	Gamay	Domaine Chasselay	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Chasselay 2015 Quatre Saisons (Beaujolais)
Australia	Full bodied and plush, with supple, velvety tannins that frame cassis fruit. At 60% Shiraz, it's mostly about the fruit, but the 30% Cabernet and 10% Merlot add herbal, tomato-like elements. Drink now–2018.	Three Corner Jack Shiraz-Cabernet-Merlot	89	21	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Red Blend	Mr. Riggs	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Mr. Riggs 2013 Three Corner Jack Shiraz-Cabernet-Merlot Red (McLaren Vale)
France	Round and soft, this has fresh, attractive fruit, flavors of white pears, candy and green herbs. Just a touch of sweetness in the acidity of the aftertaste.	Mouton Cadet	84	9	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Baron Philippe de Rothschild	null	null	null
Spain	Big, sweet and deep in black fruits, with aromas of turned earth and sweet spices. The palate is tannic and heavy but offers good pop, and the flavors of blackberry and cola are full-force. Finishes thick and dark, with toasty spice notes and kick.	Crianza	86	12	Central Spain	Ribera del Júcar	null	Tempranillo	Spanish Vines	null	null	null
US	Made in a bone dry, acidic style, what this Chardonnay lacks in richness it makes up for in elegance. Fans of sweet, buttery Chards won't like it, but true aficionados will appreciate the austere citrus and mineral flavors.	null	89	21	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Deep Sea	null	null	null
US	Powerful yet restrained, this wine beautifully expresses the delicate and nuanced aspects of Cabernet Sauvignon with the herbal side of the grape in full force. Everything is tied together in a neat and tidy bundle, with sweet blackberry fruit surrounded by leaf and earth, leading into ripe but stiff tannins and just the right elements of mocha toast. Will it age? Undoubtedly; but hard not to drink it right now.	Stillwater Creek Vineyard	92	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Novelty Hill	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Novelty Hill 2005 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
Australia	Very berry, with sour candy scents and cooked red fruit flavors floating over a base of seasoned leather. Juicy, medium finish. Drink up.	Little Flinders	87	19	South Australia	Southern Flinders Ranges	null	Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon	Flinders Run	null	null	Flinders Run 2008 Little Flinders Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon (Southern Flinders Ranges)
Italy	This beautifully pristine Barolo opens with ethereal notes of wild berries, exotic spice, leather, tobacco and tar. The wine offers a complex aromatic embroidery with an elegant and fine texture in the mouth and slowly evolving tannins. Hold this wine five to 10 years.	Rocche dell'Annunziata	93	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Rocche Costamagna	null	null	null
Italy	A large, complex, forceful wine that requires time to show off. What starts out murky, heavy and clumsy becomes more lovable once it gets some air. Along the way come plum, chocolate and raisin characteristics, and as expected, hammer-time tannins. Very hard on the cheeks, but such is Taurasi.	Fatica Contadina	89	49	Southern Italy	Taurasi	null	Red Blend	Terredora Di Paolo	null	null	null
Argentina	Jumbled and jumpy on the nose, which struggles to find itself. Time gives this wine a chance to strut, and while it doesn't ever find a great groove it does offer youthful plum and berry flavors followed by resiny tannins. A little too scattered and pocked to rate better.	Phebus	84	12	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Fabre Montmayou	null	null	null
Portugal	The Quinta da Leda is in the Douro Superior region, giving rich wine, wood-edged, with great fruitcake spice, herbs, firm tannins. This is a beautifully thick-textured wine, needing several years to fully develop.	Quinta da Leda	91	70	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casa Ferreirinha	null	null	null
US	Smooth, harmonious and seductive, this full-bodied but elegantly structured Pinot has deep red color and lots of fresh, ripe fruit flavor. It offers a texture as smooth as silk and a finish that lingers for 30 seconds. Vibrant acidity and firm tannins help to keep it fresh and vital. Enjoy now through 2018.	null	93	34	California	Anderson Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Ferrari-Carano	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Ferrari-Carano 2012 Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
US	This is 100% varietal and, most unusually for Klipsun, finished at just 13.2% alcohol. Dusty and more concentrated than the Seven Hills vineyard Cab, it brings fruity sweetness on the palate, with sweet blueberry aromas as well. The tannins are astringent, with suggestions of earthy, licorice and iron notes.	Klipsun Vineyard	89	32	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Seven Hills	null	null	null
Italy	A dark inky wine with a bold garnet color and some amber highlights on the rim. The wine is soft, plush and rich with candied fruit, leather, spice, licorice, crushed mineral and asphalt.	Pian Bossolino Riseva	94	85	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Poggio il Castellare	null	null	null
Spain	Black cherry and cassis aromas are bold but basic. This feels fiercely tannic and astringent. Meaty flavors of cherry and black plum end with dried berry notes, prune and rock-hard tannic bite. Give this more time if possible, but like many 2013s it might never soften and improve.	null	89	65	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tinto Fino	Astrales	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Astrales 2013 Ribera del Duero
US	An aromatically intriguing wine with notes of pepper, cherry cola, chocolate and herbs. It's medium bodied, flavorful with generous cherry notes and a fleshy feel.	Purple Reign Destiny Ridge Vineyard	89	42	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Grenache	Alexandria Nicole	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Alexandria Nicole 2012 Purple Reign Destiny Ridge Vineyard Grenache (Horse Heaven Hills)
US	This Pinot Noir-Syrah blend opens up with aromas of cherry compote, red currant, pencil shavings and roasted beets. It's extremely silky on the palate, with purple fruit, even blueberries present. The alcohol is not out of balance, thanks to a touch of bitterness.	Bistro	92	24	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Red Blend	Cottonwood Canyon	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Cottonwood Canyon 2012 Bistro Red (Santa Maria Valley)
South Africa	91% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Vergelegen's ultrapremium cuvée is tightly structured, harmoniously balanced, and built to age, although it has a greener flavor profile than many modern wines—bell pepper and bramble aromas and green bean flavors—there is still plenty of underlying cassis, tobacco and chocolate to make this a keeper. Polished tannins lead to a long, powerful finish.	V	92	145	Stellenbosch	null	null	Cabernet Blend	Vergelegen	null	null	null
South Africa	Floral tones of peony, honeysuckle and verbena are upfront on the nose of this pretty white wine, with core fruit tones of pink apple and sweet citrus. The palate is bright and clean, with easygoing fruit flavors and superb acidic lift that cumulates in an immensely refreshing close. Drink now.	Collection	88	10	Swartland	null	null	Chenin Blanc	Riebeek Cellars	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Riebeek Cellars 2016 Collection Chenin Blanc (Swartland)
Italy	This opens with aromas of oak, toast, licorice, coconut and sugared plum. The taut palate offers dried cherry, star anise and a green note of powdered sage but not a lot of fruit richness. Raspy tannins leave a tongue-drying finish.	Riserva	87	325	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Argiano	null	null	null
US	This soft, high-toned wine is more than a little sweet— either a stuck fermentation or intentional residual sugar. Strawberry candy, cracker, and a hint of sweat in the finish.	Red Roan Red Wine	83	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Tagaris	null	null	null
Italy	Black cherry, underbrush and tilled soil aromas lead the nose of this blend of 70% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The polished yet firmly tannic palate delivers dark plum, cake spice and white pepper flavors. Enjoy through 2019.	Santa Cristina a Mezzana	89	18	Tuscany	Carmignano	null	Red Blend	Il Sassolo	null	null	null
Austria	This is always a major wine, and this vintage is no exception. It is spectacularly ripe, spicy, concentrated and fruity. The yellow fruits, tangy citrus and mineral structure all contribute to an intense complexity. Age this wine for many years and don't drink before 2017.	Dürnsteiner Kellerberg Smaragd	96	89	Wachau	null	null	Riesling	F X Pichler	Roger Voss	@vossroger	F X Pichler 2012 Dürnsteiner Kellerberg Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
France	As often with Magdelaine in recent vintages, this is on the austere side. Its firm tannins and structure dominate the fruit. That said, it does have bright fruit underneath all this tightness, and is finely balanced, the berry fruits lifted with some intense acidity. It needs another few months to settle in bottle.	null	91	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Magdelaine	null	null	null
US	A solid Cabernet, dry and full bodied, that shows the structure and flavors of more expensive bottlings. Rich in blackberries, currants and cedar, with hints of coffee and toffee and a touch of new oak.	Vintner's Reserve	87	20	California	Sonoma-Napa-Mendocino	North Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Kendall-Jackson	null	null	null
Spain	Heavy oak aromas rest forcefully on top of plum and black cherry scents. This is fresh and proper in feel, with dominant oaky graininess and medicinal berry flavors that finish woody like a plank.	null	86	10	Northern Spain	Campo de Borja	null	Garnacha Blend	Penelope Sanchez	null	null	null
US	This is firm and reasonably substantial, with strong streaks of vanilla and licorice. The oak treatment masks the rather light red-fruit flavor, and may seem overdone to some tasters.	null	86	15	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Merlot	Boomtown	null	null	null
Spain	The vineyards to the immediate south of Madrid rarely produce wines like this, which is a blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon. Fully toasted, creamy aromas of fine oak accent plum and berry scents entice the nose, while this feels fresh, fruity and structured. Saucy plum and berry flavors deliver a savory aftertaste, while the finish impresses via exquisite balance, elegant dryness and spicy fruit flavors. Drink through 2022.	DV	93	39	Spain Other	Spain	null	Red Blend	Valquejigoso	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Valquejigoso 2010 DV Red (Spain)
Italy	Here is a saturated and bright dessert wine with a deep orange color and aromas of toasted nut, chestnut, honey, yellow rose and mature peach. These tones are rich and dense and the wine exhibits thick, chewy viscosity in the mouth.	null	90	68	Northeastern Italy	Colli Orientali del Friuli	null	Picolit	Jacùss	null	null	null
US	Good price for a dry, lusty Malbec that shows the variety's huge fruit, in a balanced, elegant package. While it's very tannic, the wine is softly drinkable now for its vast wealth of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate, anise and sandalwood flavors.	McDermaid Family Vineyard	89	25	California	Red Hills Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Malbec	McDermaid	null	null	null
Spain	Gritty, tarry plum and raspberry aromas are firm and good. This feels wide, fleshy and tomatoey. Plum, raspberry and currant flavors turn more oaky and toasty as they open, while the finish is lightly herbal and peppery in flavor, with zesty acidity.	Viticultura Ecológica	87	14	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Bodegas Ontañón	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Ontañón 2011 Viticultura Ecológica (Rioja)
Australia	Seemingly fully mature, this wine features lots of savory, meaty notes to go along with dried fruit aromas, then adds brighter, tart berry flavors on the palate. Vanilla, tobacco and crisp acids seem to be taking control of the finish, so drink up before the fruit fades.	Frux Frugis	89	60	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz	Ulithorne	null	null	null
US	Picked quite ripe, the resulting wine features mainly melon and fig aromas and flavors, with very little grassiness in evidence. Crisp acidity on the finish provides the vivacity needed to pair with oysters or clams.	Hargrave Vineyard	85	11	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Sauvignon Blanc	Castello di Borghese	null	null	null
France	Complex and concentrated, this blend of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon has weight and richness. The red and black fruits are layered with firm, dry tannins that promise aging. It is rich, the Cabernet Franc showing its characteristic smoky perfumes. Keep for 3–4 years.	Vieilles Vignes	91	23	Loire Valley	Anjou Villages Brissac	null	Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon	Château la Varière	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château la Varière 2010 Vieilles Vignes Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon (Anjou Villages Brissac)
US	Full-bodied and robust, this has the tannicly rustic nature of an old-fashioned red. It is completely dry, with earthy flavors of dark stone fruits, currants, coffee, licorice, herbs and pepper.	null	84	16	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Q	null	null	Q 2005 Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
US	Quite a good wine, rich, full-bodied and succulent. Shows a wealth of blackberry, red currant, licorice, bacon and black pepper flavors that finish with a touch of heat. The winery actually has lowered the price on this wine from previous vintages, which makes it a good value.	Heritage Selection	89	18	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah	Bianchi	null	null	Bianchi 2006 Heritage Selection Syrah (Paso Robles)
Chile	Creamy and herbal on the nose, with mild vegetal aromas and big but bland black-fruit scents. The palate is big and chunky, with heavy berry flavors tempered by herbal notes. Same goes for the finish, which is thick and hefty but a little sticky.	Ecos de Rulo	86	null	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Viña Bisquertt	null	null	null
Germany	Dusty and mineral, yet full of crisp lemon, lime and grapefruit flavors, this off-dry wine is a refreshing example of one of the Mosel's unsung grapes, Elbling. Delicate in body, it finishes briskly on a slightly smoky, mineral tone. Drink now.	Ursprung Feinherb	86	16	Mosel	null	null	Elbling	Frieden-Berg	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Frieden-Berg 2013 Ursprung Feinherb Elbling (Mosel)
Greece	This light-bodied wine offers a fruity nose of cherry and raspberry and fresh flavors of strawberry, cherry and a touch of herbs. Balanced but with assertive style, the wine is perfect for spicy cuisine or burgers.	Demestica Semi Dry	90	13	Achaia	null	null	Rosé	Achaia Clauss	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Achaia Clauss 2015 Demestica Semi Dry Rosé (Achaia)
South Africa	With 22 to 24 months in new French oak, there's a lot of richness to this wine in the form of raspberry sauce, milk chocolate and balsamic reduction. There's plenty of fruit to support those heavy flavors, though, with vibrant cherry and plum flavors in the medium weight mouth. Cola and spice add interest to the close.	Cathedral Cellar	87	17	Coastal Region	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	KWV	null	null	null
US	Very ripe and forward in pineapples and honey, with brisk acidity. Good and rich, but seems overwrought, lacking complexity and nuance, like a fruit juice drink.	Estate Verna's	86	22	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Melville	null	null	null
Spain	CUNE is a throwback bodega whose wines won't appeal to followers of the new wave. And since I consider myself a backer of the modern style, I found this wine too obtuse, funky and borderline dirty to rate higher. It's full of mossy, stewy flavors and the feel is heavy. Traditionalist, however, may find it worthy of greater praise.	Imperial Gran Reserva	84	60	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	CVNE	null	null	null
US	Fine acidity and some dusty tannins give structure to this Viognier, grown in a mountain benchland between the Russian River and Napa Valleys. It's ripe with orange, tropical fruit and kiwi flavors and accented with toasty oak infuences, yet finishes dry and clean.	Noble Vineyard Lyra	91	36	California	Knights Valley	Sonoma	Viognier	Sean Thackrey	null	null	Sean Thackrey 2011 Noble Vineyard Lyra Viognier (Knights Valley)
Austria	A ripe but still crisp wine, pushing towards yellow fruits and hints of mango, but still keeping a pink grapefruit and apple skin acidity. It has a fresh texture, lifted easily by the freshest highlights.	Steinmuhle	90	48	Burgenland	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Kollwentz	null	null	null
US	The aromas of this wine pop, with notes of fresh flowers, green herbs, olive brine, coffee, grilled asparagus, gravel and a touch of smoked meat lurking in the background. The fruit and savory flavors are plush and palate-coating in feel, with floral and smoked meat notes persisting on the finish. It's a very pretty interpretation of the area, with a compelling sense of balance.	The Funk Estate	94	60	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Saviah	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Saviah 2013 The Funk Estate Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
Italy	Deeply colored gold, this opens with scents suggesting dried chamomile flower and toasted walnut. The palate is evolved, offering grapefruit and bitter almond alongside racy acidity. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.	Il Bacco	86	16	Central Italy	Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore	null	Verdicchio	Fattoria Coroncino	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Fattoria Coroncino 2015 Il Bacco (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore)
US	This commemorates the original Russian settlement of Fort Ross. The wine is dry, intense and delicious, showing brisk acidity and tannins that frame ripe raspberry, cherry and pomegranate flavors. It's fine to drink now, but will develop bottle complexity over the next 5–6 years.	Bicentennial Bottling Fort Ross Vineyard	93	46	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Fort Ross	null	null	Fort Ross 2010 Bicentennial Bottling Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US	Delicate with just 14 g/L residual sugar, this lovely wine is ready to enjoy. Bright acidity lends a touch of sparkle between layers of citrus and coconut. An ideal wine for spicy Spanish tapas or Thai curries.	Sandy Bend Vineyard	88	19	California	Lake County	null	Muscat Canelli	Bodkin	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Bodkin 2012 Sandy Bend Vineyard Muscat Canelli (Lake County)
US	Lean, herbal and earthy, this is comparable to a basic Bordeaux, but a bit rounder and less tannic. The wine is simple and a bit stripped of flavor, but overall it is balanced and varietal. It offers fair value for the modest price.	Quail Series	84	9	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Covey Run	null	null	null
US	Too sharp in acidity, with an aggressive mouthfeel. Other than that, the cherry and sandalwood flavors are fine, and the wine is dry and silky. But that tartness is a turnoff.	null	85	35	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Arissa Jane	null	null	Arissa Jane 2007 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
France	The Moulin Saint-Georges vineyard is next to that of Ausone and run by the same team. That makes this deliciously structured wine a great buy. It has fine ripe fruit, flavors of smoke and luscious black berries and impressive fruit intensity. The wine's opulence is held together by dark, firm tannins.	null	90	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Moulin Saint-Georges	null	null	null
Italy	The mouthfeel is linear and delicate with lingering tones of sweet cola, almonds, vanilla and spice over solid red fruit. Silky tannins and ample freshness bring up the rear.	Pian di Nova	88	20	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Il Borro	null	null	Il Borro 2005 Pian di Nova Red (Toscana)
France	A warm blend mainly of Grenache with Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is typically pale in color, with just a touch of tannin from the Cabernet. A spicy undertone balances with the deliciously crisp and fresh red-fruit character.	Baron Maxime	88	15	Provence	Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence	null	Rosé	Château de Beaupré	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Beaupré 2015 Baron Maxime Rosé (Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence)
Chile	Minty oaky aromas of baking spices share space on the nose with earthy black plum and berry notes. This feels tannic and resiny while the oaky spicy berry flavors finish with force and drying tannins.	Gran Reserva	87	22	Maule Valley	null	null	Merlot	Alcance	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alcance 2014 Gran Reserva Merlot (Maule Valley)
France	High-toast aromas from the wood aging are followed on the palate by more layers of toast and spice. Behind this wood and tannin there is plenty of the ripe, soft fruit that is more typical of this appellation. The wine will fill out and give some generous fruit. Drink from 2019.	Aux Guettes Premier Cru	90	35	Burgundy	Savigny-lès-Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine A. Machard de Gramont	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine A. Machard de Gramont 2014 Aux Guettes Premier Cru (Savigny-lès-Beaune)
US	I like the underlying wine here. It's rich in cassis and mocha fruit, and has excellently firm tannins and balancing acidity. On the downside, I find the wine overoaked.	Winegrower Selection	86	32	California	Redwood Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Syrah	Lolonis	null	null	null
Argentina	Maybe this wine is already past its prime, but given that we aren't that familiar gauging barrel-aged blends of Sauvignon Vert, Pinot Gris, Chard and Torrontés, all we can say is that it comes across odd, resiny and heavy. Barrel notes and mustard flavors aren't all that great, and overall it's chunky, soft and tastes strange.	Gran Lurton Corte Friulano	82	16	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	White Blend	François Lurton	null	null	null
US	Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a splash of Pinot Meunier, this bubbly is, in a word, delicious. It's so easy to drink, you can't put the glass down. Shows classic Champagne structure, with refined bubbles and brisk acidity. But the raspberry, strawberry, lime and apple flavors are pure California.	Étoile Brut	92	40	California	Sonoma-Napa	Napa-Sonoma	Sparkling Blend	Chandon	null	null	null
Italy	Peach, pear and white mushroom appear on a well-balanced nose that is very attractive, albeit less intense than some others. This sparkler delivers fine and persistent perlage, toasted flavors and a silky mouthfeel. Imported by Blavod Extreme Spirits.	Brut	91	24	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Sparkling Blend	Contadi Castaldi	null	null	null

US

From a hilly vineyard. The winemaker says he wants to recreate Chianti, but it's hard to imagine a Chianti with this much sweetness. Tastes like raspberry jam straight out of the jar, with soft tannins to give it a bit of structure. Awkward.

Sherwin Vineyard

84

24

California

Mendocino County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Sangiovese

Elara

null

Spain

Dry, crisp and nice, this has white fruit aromas that are familiar and friendly. It comes across medium bodied, dusty and yeasty, with an apple accent and a vanilla flavor. The finish is lightly toasted and slightly briny.

Carta Nevada Brut

85

9

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Freixenet

null

US

Aromatic and complex, this wine, though not quite bone dry, is tart and citrusy. The mixed fruit flavors run a spectrum from grapefruit to lemon candy to nectarine, lingering gracefully into a mineral-soaked finish.

null

90

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Apex

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Apex 2008 Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))

Austria

A very focused wine with a core of strong structure along with apple, tight acidity and citrus. This is powerful, intense, with impressive aging potential.

Singerriedel Smaragd

92

40

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

Gritsch Mauritiushof

null

US

A well-named wine from vintner Steve Anglim, this blend of 33% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 33% Mourvèdre and 1% Viognier is indeed great, with aromas of licorice, pencil lead, iron, black raspberry, black pepper and a touch of tobacco smoke. The palate is powered by boysenberry, cracked pepper, a touch of asphalt and then a very lifting wild-mint character.

Best Barrel Blend

92

42

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Anglim

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Anglim 2012 Best Barrel Blend Red (Paso Robles)

France

With its Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, this is an herbaceous tasting wine, with green apple, and hay aromas. It finishes bright and fresh; drink now.

Le Fruit Blanc

86

17

Southwest France

Bergerac Sec

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Clos des Terrasses

null

Italy

Montepaone is a classic expression of Cabernet that shows enormous focus on elegance and harmony despite the hot vintage. The wine feels streamlined and tight on the palate, but the intensity of its fruit and spice aromas comes forward slowly and consistency on the bouquet.

Montepaone

90

75

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Jacopo Biondi-Santi

null

US

A nice, easy-drinking Cabernet that has some real complexity. Opens with cassis, smoke and herb aromas that turn rich and fruity in the mouth. The tannins are pretty firm now and should protect the wine for a few years, should you choose to age it.

Rancho Galante

90

20

California

Carmel Valley

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Galante

null

US

Barrel aromas and malolactic notes are prominent in this wine, suggesting baking spice and vanilla. The palate is full and creamy, needing a bit more acidity to hold it together but still providing enjoyment.

null

87

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

4 Cellars

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

4 Cellars 2015 Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Tight, tannic and undrinkable now because it's so young, this 100% Cabernet needs a great deal of time to come around. Right now, it's hard as nails, a wine whose astringency stings the gums despite impressively intensely ripe blackberry jam and black currant flavors. It should be great in 2020–2025.

State Lane Vineyard

94

72

California

Yountville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Corley

null

Corley 2010 State Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville)

US

This winery's style always has been to produce food-friendly wines, and this one certainly is. Sommeliers might want to check it out as an interesting alternative to Zinfandel. It's dry and high in acidity but very fruity, with a range of blackberry, currant, raisin, licorice and pepper flavors.

Estate

88

25

California

Shenandoah Valley (CA)

Sierra Foothills

Aglianico

Amador Foothill Winery

null

US

Scents of waxy lemon peel, lanolin, fresh herb and fennel entice on this wonderfully dry Riesling, with penetrating lemon and white peach flavors. Brisk and vibrant, it has a refreshing crushed-stone minerality.

RTR Vineyard Dry

89

19

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Red Tail Ridge

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Red Tail Ridge 2011 RTR Vineyard Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes)

Italy

Mauro Sebaste has produced a creamy, elegant Moscato d'Asti with lovely notes of white flower and soapy foam. Sweet flavors of peach and honey are followed by a touch of zesty lemon.

null

87

20

Piedmont

Moscato d'Asti

null

Moscato

Mauro Sebaste

null

Australia

Of Clarendon Hills' three Cabs, this one is generally considered the flagship. This vintage, the Hickinbotham is a darker, more brooding sort of Cab than the other two, with drying, tealike tannins in the mouth and bramble aromas. In spite of its dark profile, it's not oversized or overoaked. Shows good length on the finish. Drink now–2012.

Hickinbotham

91

70

South Australia

Clarendon

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Clarendon Hills

null

France

Straddling richness and beautiful liveliness, this is going to be an impressive wine. It does need aging. At this stage, the wood is a big element, but then the bright white fruits—pears, white currants along with tangerines—will move center stage. Keep at least six years, almost certainly more.

null

95

328

Burgundy

Chevalier-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Bouchard Père & Fils

null

US

This blend is concentrated and meaty. It perfectly captures and combines the raspberry intensity of the Grenache, the brambleberry fruit of the Mourvèdre and the peppery smoke and spice of the Syrah. Somehow winemaker James Mantone coaxes something akin to French garrigue out of the grapes as well, making this one of a handful of Washington Rhônes that really capture those elusive French herbal highlights.

Cuvée Elena Red Wine

93

35

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Syncline

null

Italy

This youthful Barbaresco opens with soft layers of ripe cherry fruit and a plush, rich texture. There's substance, firmness and a deeper color here that will give this wine a long aging future.

Duemilanove

91

45

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Albino Rocca

null

US

The mountain vineyard somehow manages not only to beautifully ripen the grapes to a great expression of fruit, but also preserves vital acidity and lends a firm layer of minerality. The result is a big, powerful wine that easily absorbs its lavish coat of new oak. The flavors are of candied pineapple tart, Meyer lemon mousse and vanilla custard, with a finish of sweet, crushed Asian spices. Perfect now, and just beginning to gather momentum. Drink through 2011, at least, with proper cellaring.

Estate Bottled

95

38

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Mount Eden

null

France

There is an unusually high (40%) proportion of Sémillon in the blend, which offers the possibility of aging. Although this wine is fresh, lemony and tightly herbaceous now, it will become more rich and the flavors will deepen. Drink from the end of 2016.

null

87

13

Bordeaux

Entre-Deux-Mers

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château les Pasquets

null

Italy

This is a bright and fruit-forward red wine from Piedmont in Northern Italy that exhibits prominent, but not overly intense or intrusive, aromas of fresh fruit, exotic spice and drying mineral. The wine has a fresh acidic component balanced by a jammy, sweet finish.

Giada

90

45

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Andrea Oberto

null

US

Hints of white blossom and lemon are pleasant in this zesty, full-bodied wine, but are accompanied by savory tones of dusty mineral and white button mushroom. The finish is brisk but clean.

Sauvage

85

28

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Sauvignon Blanc

Jamesport

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Jamesport 2014 Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc (North Fork of Long Island)

US

Acidity dominates this Pinot, giving it a tingly scour. While it's silky and dry, the cherry fruit is a little slender.

Cool Climate

85

18

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Cline

null

Cline 2010 Cool Climate Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Italy

Made from organically farmed grapes, this offers tropical and white stone fruit aromas. On the bright palate, a saline hint underscores yellow apple, Bartlett pear and citrus fruit. It finishes clean and crisp.

Vigna di Mandranova

89

20

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Grillo

Alessandro di Camporeale

null

Australia

On the quiet side for a Grenache, with reticent notes of spice, sangria and cassis. There's the faintest grip of tannin and a crisp, strawberry-inflected finish. Drink now.

The Custodian

88

19

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Grenache

D'Arenberg

null

Argentina

A year or two ago when Paul Hobbs began consulting for Toso things changed for the better. This is the rare Best Buy that can swim with the big fish and give them a run for the money. Pop the cork and enjoy lusty dark aromas of Turkish tobacco and berry compote. In the mouth, there's a riot of fruit flavors to ponder followed by a smooth, lusty finish.

Maipu Vineyards

91

12

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Pascual Toso

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pascual Toso 2006 Maipu Vineyards Malbec (Mendoza)

Spain

Another winner from Emilio Moro. The nose is a touch minty and very spicy, but the black fruit element is there and overall the bouquet sings of integration. Pure, enthralling and big, with monster black fruit flavors, complexity, rich oak and a long, smooth finish. Stylish yet powerful; drink from 2013 through 2020.

Malleolus de Sanchomartin

94

205

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tinto Fino

Emilio Moro

null

Greece

This white blend starts with a nose of toasted spice and lemon peel, leading into a fresh, citric character heavy in minerality. Clean and lively, it's a great choice for spicy dishes or drinking on a hot day.

Adoli Ghis

87

19

Greece

null

White Blend

Antonopoulos

null

Spain

Offering a flat opening with no kick, it is akin to sniffing apple juice. This is plump and wan in feel, with melon and banana flavors, while a soft, no-edge finish doesn't leave much of a lasting impression.

null

84

13

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Verdejo

Egeo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Egeo 2014 Verdejo (Rueda)

France

Gently fruited notes of green pear appear on the nose. The palate is more sullen with some bitter edges but shows rounded softness.

Tradition

85

22

Alsace

null

Pinot Blanc

Vieil Armand

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Vieil Armand 2015 Tradition Pinot Blanc (Alsace)

US

With its rose-petaled, dark-red hue, this old-vine Carignan is not for the faint of heart, but delivers to anyone in search of the unusual, with intense tannins and rich red fruit nicely topped with impressive layers of acidity, making it a good wine choice with a range of spicy, multilayered foods. This wine's got some serious bite, especially on the finish, and though already four years in bottle, could age another 3–5 years.

Caballo Blanco Vineyard

91

32

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Carignan

Baxter

null

US

Made from Syrah and Grenache, this blend shows the strengths and weaknesses of its style. While it's forwardly delicious and complex in cherry, licorice, bacon, black pepper, mocha and sandalwood flavors, it's rather soft.

Proprietor's Blend

86

40

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Rhône-style Red Blend

Cosa Obra

null

Cosa Obra 2009 Proprietor's Blend Red (Sonoma County)

Austria

Crisp, crunchy apple and pear fruit appears first. This is followed by both more generous apple juice and tarter citrus notes. The midpalate shows concentration and some gentle but determined power. Texture and acidity lend structure to a wine that feels weightier than it is. Wonderfully balanced and dangerously moreish.

null

91

20

Wiener Gemischter Satz

null

Austrian white blend

Weingut Christ

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Weingut Christ 2015 White (Wiener Gemischter Satz)

US

Extremely grassy on the nose, this also shows lime juice and a skunky cannabis character that starts to blow off with time. The texture is racy on the palate, but the grassy component proves rather sour and one-dimensional.

Ventana Vineyards

84

26

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Byington

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Byington 2014 Ventana Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey County)

US

Lots of ripe blackberry, currant, toasty oak and spice flavors shine in this dry, tannic young Cabernet. Small proportions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc add complexity to the blend. Drink it over the next few years.

null

87

60

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Faust

null

Faust 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Spain

Sardasol has a good track record with rosé, and the 2007 is a clean wine with a light pink luster and brash cherry and raspberry aromas. The wine is incredibly fresh and zesty, with orange and nectarine flavors. Nothing is out of place on this perfectly good and sprightly example of Navarran rosado.

Rosado de Lagrima

87

11

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Garnacha

Viña Sardasol

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Sardasol 2007 Rosado de Lagrima Garnacha (Navarra)

France

Coming from the largest of the Puligny premier crus, this is a big, bold, ripe wine. Still structured at this young stage, but generous and packed with green plum and lime flavors. The wood gives tannins but doesn't dominate.

Les Folatières Premier Cru

92

70

Burgundy

Puligny-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Domaine René Monnier

null

US

Stark's Viognier is liltingly ripe, enveloped by lemon and kumquat and a circle of spice. Light and crisp upon opening it develops a depth of textures and layered flavors over time and is very pretty, retaining plenty of acidity amidst its alcohol and neutral oak. Pair it with Thai food or creamy lobster rolls.

Damiano Vineyard

88

28

California

Sierra Foothills

Viognier

Stark

null

A neutral nose leads onto an apple-fresh palate of Golden Delicious and pearmain apples. There is a creamy aspect, bathing this in a softer, friendly light. Both crisp and rounded apple fruit charms throughout on this balanced Morillon, a local term for Chardonnay.

Steirische Klassik

90

22

null

Morillon

Neumeister

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Neumeister 2015 Steirische Klassik Morillon

Spain

Smoky and dry, with aromas of tire rubber and mildly herbal, leafy red fruits. The palate has a dry, rugged, scratchy feel while the flavors veer toward baked raspberry, earth notes and coffee. Finishes nicely, with berry fruit at first and then herbal, oaky afternotes.

null

88

19

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Arrocal

null

Spain

Dry and peppery to start, with muted berry fruit aromas along with wood shavings. The palate is snappy, clean and juicy, with raspberry, vanilla and tobacco-like flavors. More basic than special, with a steady, light-framed finish. More than functional; likely good with food.

Añares Reserva

87

18

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Olarra

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Olarra 2004 Añares Reserva (Rioja)

US

Released unusually at the age of nearly five years, this Chardonnay is losing its primary fruit. It's developing a toasted cashew and hazelnut character, and the pineapples are transmogrifying to chewy dried fruits and even Christmas fruitcake. Meanwhile the sweet, caramelized oak is fully integrated. Bravo to the winery for holding this back and letting us see what an older Sonoma Coast Chardonay does.

Fort Ross Vineyard Reserve

91

40

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Fort Ross

null

France

This is a textured wine from a six-acre vineyard. It has fine tannins as well as red-plum skin and red-berry fruits. It is balanced and fruity although the texture does give it a tangy edge that should soften out from 2017.

Quatre Saisons

87

23

Beaujolais

null

Gamay

Domaine Chasselay

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Chasselay 2015 Quatre Saisons (Beaujolais)

Australia

Full bodied and plush, with supple, velvety tannins that frame cassis fruit. At 60% Shiraz, it's mostly about the fruit, but the 30% Cabernet and 10% Merlot add herbal, tomato-like elements. Drink now–2018.

Three Corner Jack Shiraz-Cabernet-Merlot

89

21

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Red Blend

Mr. Riggs

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Mr. Riggs 2013 Three Corner Jack Shiraz-Cabernet-Merlot Red (McLaren Vale)

France

Round and soft, this has fresh, attractive fruit, flavors of white pears, candy and green herbs. Just a touch of sweetness in the acidity of the aftertaste.

Mouton Cadet

84

9

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Baron Philippe de Rothschild

null

Spain

Big, sweet and deep in black fruits, with aromas of turned earth and sweet spices. The palate is tannic and heavy but offers good pop, and the flavors of blackberry and cola are full-force. Finishes thick and dark, with toasty spice notes and kick.

Crianza

86

12

Central Spain

Ribera del Júcar

null

Tempranillo

Spanish Vines

null

US

Made in a bone dry, acidic style, what this Chardonnay lacks in richness it makes up for in elegance. Fans of sweet, buttery Chards won't like it, but true aficionados will appreciate the austere citrus and mineral flavors.

null

89

21

California

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Deep Sea

null

US

Powerful yet restrained, this wine beautifully expresses the delicate and nuanced aspects of Cabernet Sauvignon with the herbal side of the grape in full force. Everything is tied together in a neat and tidy bundle, with sweet blackberry fruit surrounded by leaf and earth, leading into ripe but stiff tannins and just the right elements of mocha toast. Will it age? Undoubtedly; but hard not to drink it right now.

Stillwater Creek Vineyard

92

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Novelty Hill

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Novelty Hill 2005 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Australia

Very berry, with sour candy scents and cooked red fruit flavors floating over a base of seasoned leather. Juicy, medium finish. Drink up.

Little Flinders

87

19

South Australia

Southern Flinders Ranges

null

Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon

Flinders Run

null

Flinders Run 2008 Little Flinders Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon (Southern Flinders Ranges)

Italy

This beautifully pristine Barolo opens with ethereal notes of wild berries, exotic spice, leather, tobacco and tar. The wine offers a complex aromatic embroidery with an elegant and fine texture in the mouth and slowly evolving tannins. Hold this wine five to 10 years.

Rocche dell'Annunziata

93

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Rocche Costamagna

null

Italy

A large, complex, forceful wine that requires time to show off. What starts out murky, heavy and clumsy becomes more lovable once it gets some air. Along the way come plum, chocolate and raisin characteristics, and as expected, hammer-time tannins. Very hard on the cheeks, but such is Taurasi.

Fatica Contadina

89

49

Southern Italy

Taurasi

null

Red Blend

Terredora Di Paolo

null

Argentina

Jumbled and jumpy on the nose, which struggles to find itself. Time gives this wine a chance to strut, and while it doesn't ever find a great groove it does offer youthful plum and berry flavors followed by resiny tannins. A little too scattered and pocked to rate better.

Phebus

84

12

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Fabre Montmayou

null

Portugal

The Quinta da Leda is in the Douro Superior region, giving rich wine, wood-edged, with great fruitcake spice, herbs, firm tannins. This is a beautifully thick-textured wine, needing several years to fully develop.

Quinta da Leda

91

70

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Casa Ferreirinha

null

US

Smooth, harmonious and seductive, this full-bodied but elegantly structured Pinot has deep red color and lots of fresh, ripe fruit flavor. It offers a texture as smooth as silk and a finish that lingers for 30 seconds. Vibrant acidity and firm tannins help to keep it fresh and vital. Enjoy now through 2018.

null

93

34

California

Anderson Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Ferrari-Carano

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Ferrari-Carano 2012 Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)

US

This is 100% varietal and, most unusually for Klipsun, finished at just 13.2% alcohol. Dusty and more concentrated than the Seven Hills vineyard Cab, it brings fruity sweetness on the palate, with sweet blueberry aromas as well. The tannins are astringent, with suggestions of earthy, licorice and iron notes.

Klipsun Vineyard

89

32

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Seven Hills

null

Italy

A dark inky wine with a bold garnet color and some amber highlights on the rim. The wine is soft, plush and rich with candied fruit, leather, spice, licorice, crushed mineral and asphalt.

Pian Bossolino Riseva

94

85

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Poggio il Castellare

null

Spain

Black cherry and cassis aromas are bold but basic. This feels fiercely tannic and astringent. Meaty flavors of cherry and black plum end with dried berry notes, prune and rock-hard tannic bite. Give this more time if possible, but like many 2013s it might never soften and improve.

null

89

65

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tinto Fino

Astrales

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Astrales 2013 Ribera del Duero

US

An aromatically intriguing wine with notes of pepper, cherry cola, chocolate and herbs. It's medium bodied, flavorful with generous cherry notes and a fleshy feel.

Purple Reign Destiny Ridge Vineyard

89

42

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Grenache

Alexandria Nicole

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Alexandria Nicole 2012 Purple Reign Destiny Ridge Vineyard Grenache (Horse Heaven Hills)

US

This Pinot Noir-Syrah blend opens up with aromas of cherry compote, red currant, pencil shavings and roasted beets. It's extremely silky on the palate, with purple fruit, even blueberries present. The alcohol is not out of balance, thanks to a touch of bitterness.

Bistro

92

24

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Red Blend

Cottonwood Canyon

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Cottonwood Canyon 2012 Bistro Red (Santa Maria Valley)

South Africa

91% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Vergelegen's ultrapremium cuvée is tightly structured, harmoniously balanced, and built to age, although it has a greener flavor profile than many modern wines—bell pepper and bramble aromas and green bean flavors—there is still plenty of underlying cassis, tobacco and chocolate to make this a keeper. Polished tannins lead to a long, powerful finish.

V

92

145

Stellenbosch

null

Cabernet Blend

Vergelegen

null

South Africa

Floral tones of peony, honeysuckle and verbena are upfront on the nose of this pretty white wine, with core fruit tones of pink apple and sweet citrus. The palate is bright and clean, with easygoing fruit flavors and superb acidic lift that cumulates in an immensely refreshing close. Drink now.

Collection

88

10

Swartland

null

Chenin Blanc

Riebeek Cellars

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Riebeek Cellars 2016 Collection Chenin Blanc (Swartland)

Italy

This opens with aromas of oak, toast, licorice, coconut and sugared plum. The taut palate offers dried cherry, star anise and a green note of powdered sage but not a lot of fruit richness. Raspy tannins leave a tongue-drying finish.

Riserva

87

325

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Argiano

null

US

This soft, high-toned wine is more than a little sweet— either a stuck fermentation or intentional residual sugar. Strawberry candy, cracker, and a hint of sweat in the finish.

Red Roan Red Wine

83

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Tagaris

null

Italy

Black cherry, underbrush and tilled soil aromas lead the nose of this blend of 70% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The polished yet firmly tannic palate delivers dark plum, cake spice and white pepper flavors. Enjoy through 2019.

Santa Cristina a Mezzana

89

18

Tuscany

Carmignano

null

Red Blend

Il Sassolo

null

Austria

This is always a major wine, and this vintage is no exception. It is spectacularly ripe, spicy, concentrated and fruity. The yellow fruits, tangy citrus and mineral structure all contribute to an intense complexity. Age this wine for many years and don't drink before 2017.

Dürnsteiner Kellerberg Smaragd

96

89

Wachau

null

Riesling

F X Pichler

Roger Voss

@vossroger

F X Pichler 2012 Dürnsteiner Kellerberg Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

France

As often with Magdelaine in recent vintages, this is on the austere side. Its firm tannins and structure dominate the fruit. That said, it does have bright fruit underneath all this tightness, and is finely balanced, the berry fruits lifted with some intense acidity. It needs another few months to settle in bottle.

null

91

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Magdelaine

null

US

A solid Cabernet, dry and full bodied, that shows the structure and flavors of more expensive bottlings. Rich in blackberries, currants and cedar, with hints of coffee and toffee and a touch of new oak.

Vintner's Reserve

87

20

California

Sonoma-Napa-Mendocino

North Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Kendall-Jackson

null

Spain

Heavy oak aromas rest forcefully on top of plum and black cherry scents. This is fresh and proper in feel, with dominant oaky graininess and medicinal berry flavors that finish woody like a plank.

null

86

10

Northern Spain

Campo de Borja

null

Garnacha Blend

Penelope Sanchez

null

US

This is firm and reasonably substantial, with strong streaks of vanilla and licorice. The oak treatment masks the rather light red-fruit flavor, and may seem overdone to some tasters.

null

86

15

Washington

Washington Other

Merlot

Boomtown

null

Spain

The vineyards to the immediate south of Madrid rarely produce wines like this, which is a blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon. Fully toasted, creamy aromas of fine oak accent plum and berry scents entice the nose, while this feels fresh, fruity and structured. Saucy plum and berry flavors deliver a savory aftertaste, while the finish impresses via exquisite balance, elegant dryness and spicy fruit flavors. Drink through 2022.

DV

93

39

Spain Other

Spain

null

Red Blend

Valquejigoso

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Valquejigoso 2010 DV Red (Spain)

Italy

Here is a saturated and bright dessert wine with a deep orange color and aromas of toasted nut, chestnut, honey, yellow rose and mature peach. These tones are rich and dense and the wine exhibits thick, chewy viscosity in the mouth.

null

90

68

Northeastern Italy

Colli Orientali del Friuli

null

Picolit

Jacùss

null

US

Good price for a dry, lusty Malbec that shows the variety's huge fruit, in a balanced, elegant package. While it's very tannic, the wine is softly drinkable now for its vast wealth of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate, anise and sandalwood flavors.

McDermaid Family Vineyard

89

25

California

Red Hills Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Malbec

McDermaid

null

Spain

Gritty, tarry plum and raspberry aromas are firm and good. This feels wide, fleshy and tomatoey. Plum, raspberry and currant flavors turn more oaky and toasty as they open, while the finish is lightly herbal and peppery in flavor, with zesty acidity.

Viticultura Ecológica

87

14

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Bodegas Ontañón

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Ontañón 2011 Viticultura Ecológica (Rioja)

Australia

Seemingly fully mature, this wine features lots of savory, meaty notes to go along with dried fruit aromas, then adds brighter, tart berry flavors on the palate. Vanilla, tobacco and crisp acids seem to be taking control of the finish, so drink up before the fruit fades.

Frux Frugis

89

60

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz

Ulithorne

null

US

Picked quite ripe, the resulting wine features mainly melon and fig aromas and flavors, with very little grassiness in evidence. Crisp acidity on the finish provides the vivacity needed to pair with oysters or clams.

Hargrave Vineyard

85

11

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Sauvignon Blanc

Castello di Borghese

null

France

Complex and concentrated, this blend of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon has weight and richness. The red and black fruits are layered with firm, dry tannins that promise aging. It is rich, the Cabernet Franc showing its characteristic smoky perfumes. Keep for 3–4 years.

Vieilles Vignes

91

23

Loire Valley

Anjou Villages Brissac

null

Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon

Château la Varière

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château la Varière 2010 Vieilles Vignes Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon (Anjou Villages Brissac)

US

Full-bodied and robust, this has the tannicly rustic nature of an old-fashioned red. It is completely dry, with earthy flavors of dark stone fruits, currants, coffee, licorice, herbs and pepper.

null

84

16

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Q

null

Q 2005 Zinfandel (Sonoma County)

US

Quite a good wine, rich, full-bodied and succulent. Shows a wealth of blackberry, red currant, licorice, bacon and black pepper flavors that finish with a touch of heat. The winery actually has lowered the price on this wine from previous vintages, which makes it a good value.

Heritage Selection

89

18

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah

Bianchi

null

Bianchi 2006 Heritage Selection Syrah (Paso Robles)

Chile

Creamy and herbal on the nose, with mild vegetal aromas and big but bland black-fruit scents. The palate is big and chunky, with heavy berry flavors tempered by herbal notes. Same goes for the finish, which is thick and hefty but a little sticky.

Ecos de Rulo

86

null

Colchagua Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Viña Bisquertt

null

Germany

Dusty and mineral, yet full of crisp lemon, lime and grapefruit flavors, this off-dry wine is a refreshing example of one of the Mosel's unsung grapes, Elbling. Delicate in body, it finishes briskly on a slightly smoky, mineral tone. Drink now.

Ursprung Feinherb

86

16

Mosel

null

Elbling

Frieden-Berg

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Frieden-Berg 2013 Ursprung Feinherb Elbling (Mosel)

Greece

This light-bodied wine offers a fruity nose of cherry and raspberry and fresh flavors of strawberry, cherry and a touch of herbs. Balanced but with assertive style, the wine is perfect for spicy cuisine or burgers.

Demestica Semi Dry

90

13

Achaia

null

Rosé

Achaia Clauss

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Achaia Clauss 2015 Demestica Semi Dry Rosé (Achaia)

South Africa

With 22 to 24 months in new French oak, there's a lot of richness to this wine in the form of raspberry sauce, milk chocolate and balsamic reduction. There's plenty of fruit to support those heavy flavors, though, with vibrant cherry and plum flavors in the medium weight mouth. Cola and spice add interest to the close.

Cathedral Cellar

87

17

Coastal Region

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

KWV

null

US

Very ripe and forward in pineapples and honey, with brisk acidity. Good and rich, but seems overwrought, lacking complexity and nuance, like a fruit juice drink.

Estate Verna's

86

22

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Melville

null

Spain

CUNE is a throwback bodega whose wines won't appeal to followers of the new wave. And since I consider myself a backer of the modern style, I found this wine too obtuse, funky and borderline dirty to rate higher. It's full of mossy, stewy flavors and the feel is heavy. Traditionalist, however, may find it worthy of greater praise.

Imperial Gran Reserva

84

60

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

CVNE

null

US

Fine acidity and some dusty tannins give structure to this Viognier, grown in a mountain benchland between the Russian River and Napa Valleys. It's ripe with orange, tropical fruit and kiwi flavors and accented with toasty oak infuences, yet finishes dry and clean.

Noble Vineyard Lyra

91

36

California

Knights Valley

Sonoma

Viognier

Sean Thackrey

null

Sean Thackrey 2011 Noble Vineyard Lyra Viognier (Knights Valley)

Austria

A ripe but still crisp wine, pushing towards yellow fruits and hints of mango, but still keeping a pink grapefruit and apple skin acidity. It has a fresh texture, lifted easily by the freshest highlights.

Steinmuhle

90

48

Burgenland

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Kollwentz

null

US

The aromas of this wine pop, with notes of fresh flowers, green herbs, olive brine, coffee, grilled asparagus, gravel and a touch of smoked meat lurking in the background. The fruit and savory flavors are plush and palate-coating in feel, with floral and smoked meat notes persisting on the finish. It's a very pretty interpretation of the area, with a compelling sense of balance.

The Funk Estate

94

60

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Saviah

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Saviah 2013 The Funk Estate Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Italy

Deeply colored gold, this opens with scents suggesting dried chamomile flower and toasted walnut. The palate is evolved, offering grapefruit and bitter almond alongside racy acidity. Drink soon to capture the remaining fruit.

Il Bacco

86

16

Central Italy

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore

null

Verdicchio

Fattoria Coroncino

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Fattoria Coroncino 2015 Il Bacco (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore)

US

This commemorates the original Russian settlement of Fort Ross. The wine is dry, intense and delicious, showing brisk acidity and tannins that frame ripe raspberry, cherry and pomegranate flavors. It's fine to drink now, but will develop bottle complexity over the next 5–6 years.

Bicentennial Bottling Fort Ross Vineyard

93

46

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Fort Ross

null

Fort Ross 2010 Bicentennial Bottling Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

US

Delicate with just 14 g/L residual sugar, this lovely wine is ready to enjoy. Bright acidity lends a touch of sparkle between layers of citrus and coconut. An ideal wine for spicy Spanish tapas or Thai curries.

Sandy Bend Vineyard

88

19

California

Lake County

null

Muscat Canelli

Bodkin

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Bodkin 2012 Sandy Bend Vineyard Muscat Canelli (Lake County)

US

Lean, herbal and earthy, this is comparable to a basic Bordeaux, but a bit rounder and less tannic. The wine is simple and a bit stripped of flavor, but overall it is balanced and varietal. It offers fair value for the modest price.

Quail Series

84

9

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Covey Run

null

US

Too sharp in acidity, with an aggressive mouthfeel. Other than that, the cherry and sandalwood flavors are fine, and the wine is dry and silky. But that tartness is a turnoff.

null

85

35

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Arissa Jane

null

Arissa Jane 2007 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

France

The Moulin Saint-Georges vineyard is next to that of Ausone and run by the same team. That makes this deliciously structured wine a great buy. It has fine ripe fruit, flavors of smoke and luscious black berries and impressive fruit intensity. The wine's opulence is held together by dark, firm tannins.

null

90

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Moulin Saint-Georges

null

Italy

The mouthfeel is linear and delicate with lingering tones of sweet cola, almonds, vanilla and spice over solid red fruit. Silky tannins and ample freshness bring up the rear.

Pian di Nova

88

20

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Il Borro

null

Il Borro 2005 Pian di Nova Red (Toscana)

France

A warm blend mainly of Grenache with Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is typically pale in color, with just a touch of tannin from the Cabernet. A spicy undertone balances with the deliciously crisp and fresh red-fruit character.

Baron Maxime

88

15

Provence

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence

null

Rosé

Château de Beaupré

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Beaupré 2015 Baron Maxime Rosé (Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence)

Chile

Minty oaky aromas of baking spices share space on the nose with earthy black plum and berry notes. This feels tannic and resiny while the oaky spicy berry flavors finish with force and drying tannins.

Gran Reserva

87

22

Maule Valley

null

Merlot

Alcance

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alcance 2014 Gran Reserva Merlot (Maule Valley)

France

High-toast aromas from the wood aging are followed on the palate by more layers of toast and spice. Behind this wood and tannin there is plenty of the ripe, soft fruit that is more typical of this appellation. The wine will fill out and give some generous fruit. Drink from 2019.

Aux Guettes Premier Cru

90

35

Burgundy

Savigny-lès-Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine A. Machard de Gramont

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine A. Machard de Gramont 2014 Aux Guettes Premier Cru (Savigny-lès-Beaune)

US

I like the underlying wine here. It's rich in cassis and mocha fruit, and has excellently firm tannins and balancing acidity. On the downside, I find the wine overoaked.

Winegrower Selection

86

32

California

Redwood Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Syrah

Lolonis

null

Argentina

Maybe this wine is already past its prime, but given that we aren't that familiar gauging barrel-aged blends of Sauvignon Vert, Pinot Gris, Chard and Torrontés, all we can say is that it comes across odd, resiny and heavy. Barrel notes and mustard flavors aren't all that great, and overall it's chunky, soft and tastes strange.

Gran Lurton Corte Friulano

82

16

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

White Blend

François Lurton

null

US

Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a splash of Pinot Meunier, this bubbly is, in a word, delicious. It's so easy to drink, you can't put the glass down. Shows classic Champagne structure, with refined bubbles and brisk acidity. But the raspberry, strawberry, lime and apple flavors are pure California.

Étoile Brut

92

40

California

Sonoma-Napa

Napa-Sonoma

Sparkling Blend

Chandon

null

Italy

Peach, pear and white mushroom appear on a well-balanced nose that is very attractive, albeit less intense than some others. This sparkler delivers fine and persistent perlage, toasted flavors and a silky mouthfeel. Imported by Blavod Extreme Spirits.

Brut

91

24

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Sparkling Blend

Contadi Castaldi

null