spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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France	Rich and dense, revealing ripe fruit, touches of wood and firm flavors, and a delicious juicy interior which bursts through. It revels in this fruit, all red berries and fresh acidity. To finish, there is some toasty wood.	Clos du Chapitre Premier Cru	91	79	Burgundy	Aloxe-Corton	null	Pinot Noir	Morey-Blanc	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Morey-Blanc 2005 Clos du Chapitre Premier Cru (Aloxe-Corton)
France	Structured and still dry with young tannins, this concentrated wine has the potential of fresh black currant fruits. For the moment, it is dark, showing some bitter chocolate flavors that need to soften. Drink from 2017.	null	87	16	Bordeaux	Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château les Aubiers	null	null	null
Australia	These 100-plus-year-old vines were transplanted to another site, but continue to yield outstanding wines. Intriguing aromas of fruit compote and roasted meat lead into a palate of blueberry and spice. It's medium to full in body, with supple tannins that finish on a faintly dusty note. Ready to drink now, but should hold at least through 2020.	Orphan Bank	93	57	South Australia	Barossa	null	Shiraz	Langmeil	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Langmeil 2010 Orphan Bank Shiraz (Barossa)
Greece	Succulent raisins, red berries and spice lead this enticing red from Greece. Fine tannins, an elegant, soft mouthfeel, and layers of dark fruit, cedar and cocoa add to the appeal. A lovely wine with a poised character.	Hgemon Grande Réserve	89	65	Nemea	null	null	Agiorgitiko	Nemeion Estate	null	null	null
Chile	Sweet and herbal smelling, then firm and tight in the mouth, with clampy tannins and generic, dark flavors of black plum and berry. Feels a little reduced and heavy on the finish.	null	84	11	Maipo Valley	null	null	Merlot	Cousiño-Macul	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Cousiño-Macul 2010 Merlot (Maipo Valley)
France	This is a light, fruity wine that's ripe with perfumed quince and tropical fruit flavors. The palate is satisfyingly balanced with tight, bright acidity. This is wine that is not for aging, and ready to drink now.	Tradition	88	29	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Gris	Domaine Pfister	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Pfister 2011 Tradition Pinot Gris (Alsace)
US	Anderson Valley is one of the best homes to the aromatic whites in California, as evidenced once again by this dry, delicately structured Alsatian-style Gewürz. It's not a strong wine, but a lively, crisp one, with polished citrus, peach, apple, floral and spice flavors.	null	85	14	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Gewürztraminer	Husch	null	null	null
Argentina	Too heavy, murky and pruney on the nose; this wine has a lot of size but little freshness. It's big and bust-out, but with no direction or finesse it comes across earthy and oily. Only 250 cases made.	Reserve	83	18	Mendoza Province	Tupungato	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Finca Sophenia	null	null	null
France	From Pinot Noir grown on clay and limestone soils, this aromatic, fresh wine offers a delicious balance between the red fruits and acidity. A ripe wine, it shows a distinctly fruity character, and is ready to drink now.	Châtenoy	87	22	Loire Valley	Menetou-Salon	null	Rosé	Isabelle et Pierre Clément	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Isabelle et Pierre Clément 2014 Châtenoy Rosé (Menetou-Salon)
Italy	Open in the nose, with aromatic notes of blackberry. Although it's rather simple and straightforward, it's a good wine. The cherry and ripe plum fruit come up to the brim, while the big, tasty finish is perfectly balanced and accessible.	null	89	16	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Luiano	null	null	null
Italy	This Cabernet's penetrating green notes are very much in character with the variety: tomato leaf, leafy greens, medicinal notes, exotic spice and cherry cola. Its meaty consistency is topped by a blast of sour cherry.	Macchion del Lupo	87	16	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Marchesi Ginori Lisci	null	null	Marchesi Ginori Lisci 2005 Macchion del Lupo Cabernet Sauvignon (Toscana)
Italy	Dried fruit, chopped herbs, dusty mineral, sweet apple and cinnamon spice characterize this fragrant wine from Mount Etna. It's less intense in the mouth but would make a good pairing to wild mushrooms or beef carpaccio.	Guardiola	90	52	Sicily & Sardinia	Etna	null	Red Blend	Tenuta delle Terre Nere	null	null	null
Israel	The nose offers up aromas of sweet pea, honeysuckle and fresh sliced peaches. Light to medium body and strong crisp acidity lead into a clean, refreshing finish.	Kosher Yasmin White	85	10	Galilee	null	null	White Blend	Recanati	null	null	null
US	A good wine, dry and softly tannic, with cherry, red currant, violet, cocoa and sandalwood flavors, and it has an easy-drinking quality that makes it a good companion to steak. Seems best soon for its precocious fruit.	Frediani Vineyard	88	35	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Selene	null	null	Selene 2008 Frediani Vineyard Merlot (Napa Valley)
Spain	Cantaloupe, almond candy and orange blossom make for a sweet nose. The palate seems too close to orange juice and tangerine than the apple and peach that best defines Rías Baixas. But for anyone who likes fresh, pulpy juice, it tastes perfectly good.	Granbazán Ambar	85	19	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Agro de Bazán	null	null	null
US	So sweet and caramelized in smoky oak, it tastes almost like a dessert wine. There might even be some leftover sugar in the wine. Yet it has brisk, refreshing acidity, and there's no denying the deliciousness of the pineapple and lemon-pie flavors.	Gold Coast Vineyard	85	25	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Costa de Oro	null	null	null
US	Dry and tannic, this has a baked quality to its fruit, tasting warm and raisiny.	null	84	70	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Three Sticks	null	null	Three Sticks 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley)
Italy	This wine is made with wild yeasts and is unfiltered. It has an earthy bouquet of plum, truffle, black currant and spice. The palate delivers a delicious blackberry core, layered with cinnamon, white pepper and nutmeg accents. This is well balanced, with velvety tannins and fresh acidity.	Saustò	91	38	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso	null	Red Blend	Monte dall'Ora	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Monte dall'Ora 2009 Saustò (Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso)
South Africa	Although this wine boasts 15% alcohol, it's very well balanced. It's dark and spicy, with flavors of black olive and cooked berry, picking up hints of lemon custard that continue to the long, coffe and olive finish. A big wine that packs plenty of punch and just enough tannin to make it work. Imported by American Wine Distributors.	Pumphouse	88	20	Paarl	null	null	Shiraz	Backsberg	null	null	null
US	A streak of bright acidity cuts through the ripe red cherry, currant and cola flavors of this full-bodied, young Pinot Noir. It's aggressive and immature now, with the oak unintegrated with the primary fruit, but has a great future. Give it a minimum of six years in the cellar to knit together.	Sea Smoke Vineyard	92	100	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Foxen	null	null	Foxen 2011 Sea Smoke Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
France	Darker in color than most Provence rosés, this impressive wine is made almost entirely of Mourvèdre. With a rich, full character, it is generous and ripe. Sweet strawberry fruits are right up front, balanced with a touch of citrus and freshly ground pepper. The aftertaste is tight and spicy.	L'Irréductible	92	40	Provence	Bandol	null	Rosé	Domaine de la Bégude	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de la Bégude 2015 L'Irréductible Rosé (Bandol)
New Zealand	A pretty, pure Pinot, with lovely strawberry and cherry flavors backed by just hints of mushroom, tree bark and dried spices. It's light- to medium-bodied, with a silky, elegant finish. Fairly priced for the quality; drink over the next couple of years.	null	87	22	Nelson	null	null	Pinot Noir	Catalina Sounds	null	null	null
US	A beautifully deep shade of purple, this bottling shows tightly wound aromas of blueberry, black currant, violet and licorice on the nose. The palate's dark fruit flavors are lifted by touches of cocoa and espresso, framed by tannins that are very chalky but not obtrusive.	The Rocker Clare Ranch Vineyards	92	40	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Rendarrio Vineyards	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Rendarrio Vineyards 2014 The Rocker Clare Ranch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
US	From a famed vineyard in the warm enclave of northern Napa Valley, this wine has soft tannins and a focus of blackberry, black licorice and tar, its fruit becoming more explosive on the palate as it goes. The finish offers additional length and weight.	Jean Louis Vermeil Frediani Vineyard	91	90	California	Calistoga	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Vermeil	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Vermeil 2013 Jean Louis Vermeil Frediani Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga)
Portugal	A soft and rich wine, lined with fresh pear, bitter almonds, fresh herbs and a glint of citrus. It is full bodied, while remaining fresh.	Monte da Peceguina Branco	87	20	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese White	Herdade da Malhadinha Nova	null	null	null
US	The alcohol on this blend is quite high, giving it a hot, Porty mouthfeel. It also exhibits some overripe aromas and flavors of prunes and raisins, leading to a sweet finish of caramel, chocolate and blackberry essence. Hard to tell if it has a future.	Bonne Vivante Estate Grown	85	75	California	Oakville	Napa	Red Blend	Turnbull	null	null	Turnbull 2010 Bonne Vivante Estate Grown Red (Oakville)
Italy	A super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah and Alicante, this shows some of the cheerful, funky and lively characteristics that identify this wine with Maremma, Tuscany. This velvety effort offers notes of chocolate, blackberry, chewy cherry and tobacco.	Mirus	88	30	Tuscany	Maremma	null	Red Blend	Mocali	null	null	null
Italy	Crushed herb, red berry, dark spice, eucalyptus and a hint of celery mingle together in the glass. On the austere, tightly wound palate, assertive, fine-grained tannins support sour cherry and pomegranate fruit that's juxtaposed with hints of espresso and anise.	null	88	null	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Batasiolo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Batasiolo 2014 Barbaresco
Italy	Aromas of chopped mint, underbrush, spiced berry, toast and a whiff of iris take shape on this savory, approachable wine. Made entirely with Sangiovese, the ripe round palate offers dried cherry, raspberry, truffle and licorice framed in supple tannins. It finishes on a savory, almost salty note. Drink through 2020.	Berardo Riserva	92	30	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	Castello di Bossi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Castello di Bossi 2012 Berardo Riserva (Chianti Classico)
France	One of the peculiarities of St.-Émilion's classification is that Canon la Gaffelière is not classed in the top rung. Because, as this wine shows, it produces superb wines. This is ripe while so elegant, with great intensity and sweet perfumes.	null	95	110	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Canon la Gaffelière	null	null	null
Austria	Incredibly ripe and sweet apricots, candied orange peel, a touch of fresh spearmint and fresh lemon zest all abound on the nose, and are just the first expressions. Balm-like sweetness and clouds of more apricot and peach play on the palate, but electric acidity runs straight through and lends this rich and unctuous TBA the thrilling freshness and streamlined zestiness of candied citrus peel, finishing with long, lip-smacking deliciousness. Unlike treacly sweet TBAs, this has exquisite freshness and is very enlivening, with real citrus lift. Drink from 2016.	Kellerberg Trockenbeerenauslese	93	50	Wachau	null	null	Riesling	Domäne Wachau	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domäne Wachau 2012 Kellerberg Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling (Wachau)
Italy	Here's a thick, soft and succulent blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot that opens with opulent texture and a bright, fruit-forward personality. It promises to pair with heavy meat dishes or grilled sausage.	Morello di Prile	89	22	Tuscany	Maremma	null	Red Blend	Prelius	null	null	Prelius 2008 Morello di Prile (Maremma)
US	Sage-tinted cedar and black cherry combine in this proprietary blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Sangiovese, 13% Syrah and 13% Zinfandel, from the producer's estate vineyard. Lean and refined, it shares a generosity of chocolate on the palate, with a slight spiciness to the finish.	Phenomenon Estate	91	50	California	St. Helena	Napa	Red Blend	Benessere	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Benessere 2012 Phenomenon Estate Red (St. Helena)
France	This ripe, full-bodied wine is full of lemon, apricot and crisp pear flavors. They are held together by the tight, almost steely edge to the young texture. It is a wine to hold for maybe a year and drink from 2017.	Les Belles Côtes	89	40	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Roger et Didier Raimbault	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Roger et Didier Raimbault 2014 Les Belles Côtes (Sancerre)
US	This is a fun wine, with flavors like cherry candy and milk chocolate. Light and insubstantial, but it will be quite nice chilled as an apéritif.	Whole Cluster	84	15	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Belle Vallée	null	null	null
US	From warm, dry vineyards in the eastern Vaca mountains, this Zin, which is one-quarter Petite Sirah, is ultrarich and smooth in blackberry, cassis, raspberry and mocha flavors, with a complex dash of Provençal herbs. It's quite a good Zin, made in the style of a dry, balanced Cab or Merlot.	null	90	24	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Girard	null	null	null
US	High-toned acidity rules the day here, the wine a tempting mélange of fresh grapefruit, lemon and apple, the texture smooth and succulent. The flavors are long lasting and complex.	Dutton Ranch	91	40	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Red Mare	null	null	null
Austria	A wine that is on the cusp of adding an extra element of complexity. At present, there is deliciously perfumed fruit, white and green currants and white peaches, with a definite citrus edge. The bonus is the taut texture, which is closing in and lifting the fruit, promising future aging. Screwcap.	Gaisberg Riesling	92	46	Kamptal	null	null	Riesling	Hirsch	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Hirsch 2004 Gaisberg Riesling Riesling (Kamptal)
US	Kestrel vineyard grapes (75% Cabernet Sauvignon/25% Cabernet Franc) are sourced to make this wine. This follow-up to the inaugral 2002 seems tannic, hard, and volatile. Give it plenty of air and it smoothes out some, but still hits that hard, green, tannic wall. Chewy, highly astringent and disjointed. The plastic cork seems out of place in a wine at this price point.	Deluge	86	40	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Lake Missoula	null	null	null
Argentina	This is dusty and smooth up front, with plenty of oak, balsamic, plum and berry aromas. Showing overall harmony, it feels sure and secure, with depth and solid flavors of toasty berry and bitter chocolate. It tastes similarly on the finish, with a jammy feel. A blend of 80% Malbec with 10% Bonarda and 10% Syrah.	Amado Sur Malbec-Bonarda-Syrah	88	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Red Blend	Trivento	null	null	null
Chile	Berry and currant aromas are jumpy and fruity in nature, while in the mouth, creamy oak creates a sticky feel. Candied, barrel-driven flavors of vanilla and clove outlast the wine's fruit content on the finish.	Reserve	86	15	Maipo Valley	null	null	Merlot	Santa Ema	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Santa Ema 2011 Reserve Merlot (Maipo Valley)
South Africa	Sultry, smoky oak accents the ripe fruit core, full of apricot, peach and pear aromas and flavors. Notes of vanilla custard and orange oil add depth to the medium-weight palate, with brisk acidity that shines on the long, spicy finish. Drink now–2016.	The Renaissance of	88	null	Stellenbosch	null	null	Chenin Blanc	Radford Dale	null	null	null
US	A 100% Cabernet aged in 100% new French oak, grown in the warmer Conn Valley region east of the Silverado Trail. The wood contributes layers of toast and caramel, while the underlying wine is massive, with tiers of blackberries, black cherries, black currants, red currants, cedar and spices. Very dramatic and beautiful, but needs time. 2012–2020, at least.	Estate	95	125	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Parallel	null	null	null
US	Juicy on the nose and palate, with loads of sweet peach and melon, this semidry Riesling is balanced by brisk lime-tinged acidity and crisp starfruit flavors that shine on the midpalate. Finishes on a pleasantly drying jasmine-tea note.	null	87	15	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Knapp	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Knapp 2010 Riesling (Finger Lakes)
US	This is undeniably an oaky wine with a prominent layer of buttered toast and butterscotch, but the underlying orange, guava and lime flavors are pristine.	Lewis Vineyard Reserve	86	58	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Frank Family	null	null	Frank Family 2011 Lewis Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay (Carneros)
Italy	A medium-bodied wine with finesse and elegance that delivers cedar, Graham cracker, floral notes, stone fruit and fresh herbs. Velvety smooth with mixed berries and vanilla in the mouth, a lush finish and overall drinkability. Imported by Enoteca Diana	null	91	65	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Armilla	null	null	null
US	Ripe ruddy black-plum flavors are shaded in rustic tones of basil and thyme in this herbaceous Cabernet Sauvignon. Brisk acidity lends freshness to the midpalate, leading a moderately long finish framed by pleasantly bitter tannins. Drink now through 2019.	null	85	25	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Sauvignon	Glenora	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Glenora 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes)
US	This wine is an intrigue of lavender, rose and kirsch, young in firm tight tannins and tension. Black pepper, cherry and a light-bodied weight provide smooth drinkability and elegance, just waiting for the tannin to settle down. Drink now through 2020.	Smith Vineyards	91	38	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Grenache	Byington	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Byington 2014 Smith Vineyards Grenache (Dry Creek Valley)
Portugal	This is a rich wine showing jammy blackberry flavors against pronounced alcohol. The acidity at the end does provide a lighter, fresher lift.	Quinto Elemento Reserva	86	null	Tejo	null	null	Syrah	Quinta do Arrobe	null	null	null
France	Maturing well, yet with plenty of aging ahead, this is a firm and fragrant selection. It has a ripe berry flavor and a hint of truffle, with sweet acidity and a dense, rich structure.	null	91	26	Bordeaux	Graves	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Rahoul	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Rahoul 2005 Graves
US	Candied red fruits of raspberry and pomegranate meet with rhubarb pie, sweet thyme and ripe tomato on the nose of this bottling by a San Francisco accountant-turned-vintner. It's supple and soft on the palate, with more tomato flavors as well as fennel pollen and tarragon.	Fiddlestix Vineyard	93	46	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Ryan Cochrane	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Ryan Cochrane 2015 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
Portugal	As befits a reserve wine, this blend was aged in wood for six months. That has given a ripe lightly toasty character to the wine along with its cool crispness that reveals its origin in the mountainous northern Alentejo. The wine is fruity with lemon and melon over the wood. Drink now.	Terra d'Alter Reserva Branco	90	22	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese White	Terras de Alter	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Terras de Alter 2014 Terra d'Alter Reserva Branco White (Alentejano)
US	More than three-quarters Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the balance is Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with just pinches of Sangiovese (2%) and Zinfandel (1%), it plays on the savory and green end of the Cabernet spectrum, with notes of green olive and dried herbs along with cherry and chocolate and a tingly, gritty feel.	null	84	10	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Six Prong	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Six Prong 2010 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Fruity enough, with white peach and pineapple flavors enriched with a dollop of smoky oak and a chalky minerality in the finish. This is a fine everyday Chardonnay with some real complexity and elegance.	null	86	14	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Calera	null	null	null
Portugal	A smooth, rounded wine, with depth of black berry, dark plum and licorice flavors. It is solid, chunky, powerfully ripe, full of pepper, spice as well as sweet acidity. Very enticing and rich.	Fitapreta Tinto	90	15	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Fitapreta Vinhos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Fitapreta Vinhos 2007 Fitapreta Tinto Red (Alentejano)
US	Harsh, sweet and sour, this has a gluey texture that frames the cherry cough-medicine flavors.	Coastal Series	80	18	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Arrow Creek	null	null	null
France	On the nose this is earthy, with grassy aromas touched by flint. The palate offers herbal flavors and fleshy green plums, still with an earthy edge. Ready to drink, the structure just gives finishing weight.	Premius Sauvignon Blanc	86	10	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Yvon Mau	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Yvon Mau 2006 Premius Sauvignon Blanc (Bordeaux Blanc)
US	This is a soft, simple wine. It shows good Gewürztraminer character in its spiciness, but it's mild in flavor, with a sweet finish.	Estate Bottled	82	18	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Gewürztraminer	Balletto	null	null	null
US	At five years, the wine still retains some charm, but is showing its age. It's a little tired in structure, and the fruit is fading, turning dry and leathery. But there's cherries and cassis, with some complexity in the finish. Drink now.	Claret	87	20	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	St. Francis	null	null	St. Francis 2002 Claret Red (Sonoma County)
US	The melon, pear, tropical fruit and almond butter aromas are bright and effusive, while the flavors are considerably more delicate and subdued, showing a lovely sense of nuance and tension. It doesn't quite all come together but provides plenty of intrigue.	French Creek Vineyard	89	40	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Va Piano	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Va Piano 2014 French Creek Vineyard Chardonnay (Yakima Valley)
Chile	A pricey Syrah by Chilean standards, but at least it's a good wine. The nose offers cookie, violet, wet clay and herbal olive notes along with black fruit aromas, while the palate is packed with sweet roasted berry and dark plum flavors. A bit minty and candied on the finish as the oak treatment rises up and demands to be noticed.	Limited Edition	88	30	Cachapoal Valley	null	null	Syrah	Lagar de Bezana	null	null	null
Italy	Made with native grape Prié blanc grown in high vineyards in Valle d'Aosta, this lively sparkler offers a pretty fragrance of hawthorn flower and nectarine peel. The fresh, refined palate doles out citrus, tart green apple and white almond alongside steely bubbles and crisp acidity.	Extreme Metodo Classico	88	28	Northwestern Italy	Valle d'Aosta	null	Prié Blanc	Cave du Vin Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cave du Vin Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle 2011 Extreme Metodo Classico Prié Blanc (Valle d'Aosta)
Italy	This easygoing blend of Nero d'Avola and Merlot has black-skinned fruit, Mediterranean underbrush and blue flower aromas. The juicy palate offers mature blackberry, baking spice and nutmeg flavors, accompanied by round tannins.	Ikano	88	22	Sicily & Sardinia	Terre Siciliane	null	Red Blend	Curto	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Curto 2013 Ikano Red (Terre Siciliane)
France	Vibrant and lively red fruit aromas blend with fragrant woody spice in the bouquet. The cherry and berry flavors transition to the palate, where somewhat gripping tannins coupled with notes of fudgy brownie and black pepper add depth to the finish.	Le Petit Arthur	89	10	Languedoc-Roussillon	Minervois	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Château Cabezac	null	null	null
Austria	Soft, earthy, full-bodied wine. It has attractive red berry fruits, light tannins, a juicy wine that has open fruit flavors. Drink now. Screwcap.	Zwickl	86	20	Burgenland	null	null	Zweigelt	Nittnaus Hans und Christine	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Nittnaus Hans und Christine 2009 Zwickl Zweigelt (Burgenland)
France	A gentle wine, soft and with attractive green fruits. It is light and tangy although the flavors are muted at the moment. Give it a few months for an easy apéritif style.	null	84	null	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château L'Oiseau	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château L'Oiseau 2015 Bordeaux Blanc
Italy	Made from the native Albanello grape, this concentrated wine has yellow flower and exotic fruit aromas. The dense, slightly sweet and one-dimensional palate offers lemon drop, mature apricot and nectarine flavors that end on a sugary note.	Pretiosa	86	20	Sicily & Sardinia	Terre Siciliane	null	Albanello	Cantine Gulino	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cantine Gulino 2012 Pretiosa Albanello (Terre Siciliane)
Italy	Youthful and fresh, this ruby Valpolicella is thin and lacking in intensity. That said, it's an easy-drinking option that you could pair with appetizers of finger food.	Terre di Lanòli	82	null	Veneto	Valpolicella	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Villa Canestrari	null	null	Villa Canestrari 2009 Terre di Lanòli (Valpolicella)
Italy	This vineyard-designate Valpolicella exhibits aromas of dried rose petal, bee's wax and lavender soap. It's a fresh and easygoing wine with a relaxing personality and loads of charm.	Vigneto Rafaèl	86	16	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Tommasi	null	null	Tommasi 2006 Vigneto Rafaèl (Valpolicella Classico Superiore)
Italy	This rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese) opens with pretty chocolate tones followed by opulent cherry, spice, leather, tobacco and cola. This is a well shaped and focused wine with a linear, elegant feel in the mouth capped by soft, chewy texture.	null	94	120	Tuscany	Bolgheri Superiore	null	Red Blend	Grattamacco	null	null	null
US	Pungent and herbal aromas make for a vivid splash upon entry. The wine quickly evolves into pretty cherry fruit, wrapped in cinnamon, sassafras and cocoa, then runs into gently fading barrel spices.	Estate Reserve	88	38	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Blakeslee	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Blakeslee 2008 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)
France	Rich new wood and fruit combine well in this concentrated wine. Flavors go right through to give mint, blackberry and dark plum fruits. The tannins are already integrated to give a wine that will be ready to drink in two years.	null	88	24	Bordeaux	Côtes de Bourg	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Grand-Maison	null	null	null
US	Deliciously rich and extracted in jammy raspberry, cherry and cola fruit, with lots of sweet oak adding vanilla and buttered toast. Could use greater depth, though, as it's a little one-dimensional. Drink now.	null	87	30	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Bernardus	null	null	Bernardus 2009 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Italy	This is an easy, fragrant blend that offers simple aromas of cherry, wild berry and white almond. The wine is thin, but crisp with a bright berry finish.	Clamore Rosso Nudo	86	12	Veneto	Veneto	null	Red Blend	Astoria	null	null	null
US	The nose on this wine is both subtle and deep, showing dried rose petals, cherry kirsch, black currants and a hint of elderberry. It's silky once sipped, with licorice, mocha and dark raspberry all set against tart cherry-skin tannins that give plenty of structure for aging. Drink 2018–2028.	Ryan	93	50	California	Mt. Harlan	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Calera	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Calera 2012 Ryan Pinot Noir (Mt. Harlan)
Portugal	A ripe, full-bodied and spicy wine, defiantly dry, with a tight acid character. Aromatic fruit finish with intense perfumes, so that the wine is both rich and fresh.	JP Azeitão Branco	87	9	Península de Setúbal	null	null	Portuguese White	Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal	null	null	null
US	A juiciness of cherry and vanilla spark the opening of this wine, a celebration of the vintage, appellation and in this case, fruit-forwardness of the variety. With a backbone of oak and cedar, it has smooth tannins and medium weight, finishing in mocha chocolate. Drink now through 2022.	Barrel Select	91	60	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Provenance Vineyards	null	null	null
Spain	Smoky berry, lemon peel, graphite and huge black-fruit aromas provide a stellar opening. Raw tannins and staunchness create a powerful palate that needs time to mellow out. Flavors of loud oak, black fruits, hard spices, toast and licorice finish peppery, tough and with some heat. Best from 2015–2023.	Alabaster	95	220	Northern Spain	Toro	null	Tinta de Toro	Teso La Monja	null	null	null
US	A good, rugged Petite Sirah, with the bigtime fruit and heavy tannins the variety is known for. Just bursts across the palate with blackberries, plums, cassis and peppery, leathery notes.	null	85	15	California	North Coast	North Coast	Petite Sirah	Brass Tacks	null	null	null
Chile	Murky, cheesy and just not very fresh on the nose, but solid in the mouth, with quick flavors of red fruits and especially tomato. The finish is mild and a little creamy, and tomato comes back similar to Campbell's soup. Not horrible but not offering a lot for the price point.	Duette	83	20	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Indomita	null	null	null
Spain	Apple and peach define the bouquet, but where's the pop? This cava seems a touch quiet and reticent. It's drying, with flavors of apple, white corn and soda cracker. But the bead is weak and the overall personality is shy. Has 15% Chardonnay in addition to the traditional cava three-pack of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello.	Gran Reserva Brut Nature	84	18	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Bohigas	null	null	null
US	Toasty, herbal aromas; taut plum fruit on the palate takes on herb and coffee flavors, and tealike tannins that persist through the finish. Though this wine shows well, Winemaker Cara Morrison promises that the 2002 and 2003 vintages are even better.	null	86	19	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Merlot	Jekel	null	null	null
US	This Cabernet Sauvignon has enormously high alcohol that results in a glyceriney sweetness. However, in that category it's one of the best of the vintage. Hard to imagine a wine richer in currants and mocha, and the tannins are as beautiful as any Napa has ever produced. But it's difficult to see the wine aging well, so drink it soon with the most Cabernet-friendly food you can find.	Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard	88	185	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	B Cellars	null	null	B Cellars 2010 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)
US	This wine, which is available only in restaurants, is simple and soft. It has very ripe flavors of blackberry and cherry jam, vanilla and oak.	null	84	30	California	North Coast	North Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Silver Palm	null	null	null
Chile	Berry and cherry aromas are reserved. This wine feels plump, with slightly grating tannins. Roasted berry flavors show a hint of wood grain, while the finish is insignificant.	Aliwen Reserva	86	null	Chile	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Undurraga	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Undurraga 2015 Aliwen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
US	Big, fruity wine, with layers of fruit, earth, toast and oak. Spicy cranberry/raspberry fruit leads into toasty, dry tannins. There is a lovely density, buttressed with new oak, but anchored with ripe, firm fruit. Lovely winemaking.	Alegria	91	26	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Rosenblum	null	null	null
New Zealand	This limited-production wine is complex and savory, and it features notes of beets, sous bois and cherries, layered with touches of creamy cocoa and coffee. It's on the full-bodied side of things, but it remains supple and shows great focus on the lengthy finish. Drink now and over the next few years.	Four Barriques	90	56	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Nautilus	null	null	null
France	An easy-drinking selection with a mouthwatering finish and a softly prickly mouthfeel. Vibrant fruit flavors of hard mango slices, firm nectarine and pineapple acidity. Enjoy now while it's fresh and young.	null	85	12	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine de Coussergues	null	null	null
Australia	Plummy and chocolaty in profile, this medium- to full-bodied sparkling Shiraz remains surprisingly refreshing on the long, dusty finish. It makes for a crowd-pleasing introduction to the style.	The Chook Sparkling	89	20	South Australia	South Australia	null	Shiraz	The Black Chook	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	The Black Chook NV The Chook Sparkling Shiraz (South Australia)
US	Lockwood hitches a ride on the Argentine Malbec express, with mixed results. The wine is dark and acidic and properly bone dry, with earthy, dark berry, coffee, leather and bitter chocolate flavors. But there's a disagreeable green sharpness.	null	84	14	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Malbec	Lockwood	null	null	null
US	Sourced from Napa, Lake County and Lodi, this is a complex white wine with quite a bit of sophistication. Mainly Sauvignon Blanc with some Semillon, it shows citrus, peach, flower petal, mineral and vanilla flavors, with crisp acidity and a long, spicy finish.	The Novelist Meritage White	86	18	California	California	California Other	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Cosentino	null	null	null
US	Tastes as heavy and sugary sweet as cherry pie filling without the crust, lacking structural integrity and dryness. Does not help the reputation of the vineyard.	La Encantada	83	60	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Think Tank	null	null	null
US	This joins the happily increasing ranks of Oregon Pinots under $20 that can successfully compete with entry-level bottles from New Zealand, California and Burgundy. Grounded in varietal character, it brings tart red fruits, berries, cherries and loamy earth into play; the acids are plentiful and the wine does not overreach. Flavors are true and lingering, with suggestions of gunmetal and iron ore adding interest to the finish.	Spinnaker	88	19	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Noir	Spindrift Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Spindrift Cellars 2007 Spinnaker Pinot Noir (Oregon)
France	Although there's only about 20% new oak used in this cuvée, it is somewhat apparent on the nose and palate, where cedar, cinnamon and clove take the lead. There's some pretty—some might say Burgundian—fruit, but it's a touch light and herbal.	Seigneur de Maugiron	87	73	Rhône Valley	Côte Rôtie	null	Syrah	Delas Frères	null	null	null
Italy	Dried apple skin, apricot and almond nut emerge with measured intensity. Delicate and light, this is a no-fuss sparkler with interesting sweet and sour contrasts that would pair well with most appetizers or spicy dishes.	Extra Dry	86	16	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Bortolin	null	null	null
US	One of Elliott Dolin's first attempts at a red blend from this coastal appellation, this blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah and 9% Petit Verdot offers an elegant nose of elderflower, dried blueberry, black pepper, oregano and crushed gravel minerality. It's dense and bone-dry on the palate, its concentrated lilac, violet and blueberry syrup flavors framed by chalky tannins.	The Troubadour	91	46	California	Malibu Coast	South Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Dolin	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Dolin 2012 The Troubadour Red (Malibu Coast)
Italy	Aromas of tilled earth, blackberry, cedar and raisin jump from the glass. The dense palate delivers mocha, vanilla, mature plum, bitter prune and black pepper supported by velvety tannins. The warmth of alcohol shows on the finish. Masciarelli Wine Co, Vinity Wine.	Acinatico	90	30	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Red Blend	Stefano Accordini	null	null	null
France	Bottled only three weeks prior to review, this wine may have been suffering a little when it was tasted last May. There's a bit of spice, but the wine just isn't that expressive, showing crisp and tight, with some raw tannins on the finish. Seems to have potential, so hold five years or more before trying.	null	88	90	Rhône Valley	Hermitage	null	Syrah	Domaine du Colombier	null	null	null
France	Typical of the huge power of Guiraud, this is one of the richest Sauternes in 2005. The wine is rich and intense, the dry edge of botrytis just dominating the sweetness. Flavors of honey, almonds and peaches give the wine extra complexity.	null	95	65	Bordeaux	Sauternes	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Guiraud	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Guiraud 2005 Sauternes
Portugal	A blend of Chardonnay and Maria Gomes, here is a ripe wood- and apricot-flavored wine. It is full, spicy, livened by crispness from a red apple skin texture. The vanilla from the wood adds a delicious richness to this impressive wine.	Grande Follies Quinta da Aguieira	93	40	Bairrada	null	null	Portuguese White	Aveleda	null	null	null

France

Rich and dense, revealing ripe fruit, touches of wood and firm flavors, and a delicious juicy interior which bursts through. It revels in this fruit, all red berries and fresh acidity. To finish, there is some toasty wood.

Clos du Chapitre Premier Cru

91

79

Burgundy

Aloxe-Corton

null

Pinot Noir

Morey-Blanc

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Morey-Blanc 2005 Clos du Chapitre Premier Cru (Aloxe-Corton)

France

Structured and still dry with young tannins, this concentrated wine has the potential of fresh black currant fruits. For the moment, it is dark, showing some bitter chocolate flavors that need to soften. Drink from 2017.

null

87

16

Bordeaux

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château les Aubiers

null

Australia

These 100-plus-year-old vines were transplanted to another site, but continue to yield outstanding wines. Intriguing aromas of fruit compote and roasted meat lead into a palate of blueberry and spice. It's medium to full in body, with supple tannins that finish on a faintly dusty note. Ready to drink now, but should hold at least through 2020.

Orphan Bank

93

57

South Australia

Barossa

null

Shiraz

Langmeil

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Langmeil 2010 Orphan Bank Shiraz (Barossa)

Greece

Succulent raisins, red berries and spice lead this enticing red from Greece. Fine tannins, an elegant, soft mouthfeel, and layers of dark fruit, cedar and cocoa add to the appeal. A lovely wine with a poised character.

Hgemon Grande Réserve

89

65

Nemea

null

Agiorgitiko

Nemeion Estate

null

Chile

Sweet and herbal smelling, then firm and tight in the mouth, with clampy tannins and generic, dark flavors of black plum and berry. Feels a little reduced and heavy on the finish.

null

84

11

Maipo Valley

null

Merlot

Cousiño-Macul

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Cousiño-Macul 2010 Merlot (Maipo Valley)

France

This is a light, fruity wine that's ripe with perfumed quince and tropical fruit flavors. The palate is satisfyingly balanced with tight, bright acidity. This is wine that is not for aging, and ready to drink now.

Tradition

88

29

Alsace

null

Pinot Gris

Domaine Pfister

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Pfister 2011 Tradition Pinot Gris (Alsace)

US

Anderson Valley is one of the best homes to the aromatic whites in California, as evidenced once again by this dry, delicately structured Alsatian-style Gewürz. It's not a strong wine, but a lively, crisp one, with polished citrus, peach, apple, floral and spice flavors.

null

85

14

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Gewürztraminer

Husch

null

Argentina

Too heavy, murky and pruney on the nose; this wine has a lot of size but little freshness. It's big and bust-out, but with no direction or finesse it comes across earthy and oily. Only 250 cases made.

Reserve

83

18

Mendoza Province

Tupungato

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Finca Sophenia

null

France

From Pinot Noir grown on clay and limestone soils, this aromatic, fresh wine offers a delicious balance between the red fruits and acidity. A ripe wine, it shows a distinctly fruity character, and is ready to drink now.

Châtenoy

87

22

Loire Valley

Menetou-Salon

null

Rosé

Isabelle et Pierre Clément

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Isabelle et Pierre Clément 2014 Châtenoy Rosé (Menetou-Salon)

Italy

Open in the nose, with aromatic notes of blackberry. Although it's rather simple and straightforward, it's a good wine. The cherry and ripe plum fruit come up to the brim, while the big, tasty finish is perfectly balanced and accessible.

null

89

16

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Luiano

null

Italy

This Cabernet's penetrating green notes are very much in character with the variety: tomato leaf, leafy greens, medicinal notes, exotic spice and cherry cola. Its meaty consistency is topped by a blast of sour cherry.

Macchion del Lupo

87

16

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Marchesi Ginori Lisci

null

Marchesi Ginori Lisci 2005 Macchion del Lupo Cabernet Sauvignon (Toscana)

Italy

Dried fruit, chopped herbs, dusty mineral, sweet apple and cinnamon spice characterize this fragrant wine from Mount Etna. It's less intense in the mouth but would make a good pairing to wild mushrooms or beef carpaccio.

Guardiola

90

52

Sicily & Sardinia

Etna

null

Red Blend

Tenuta delle Terre Nere

null

Israel

The nose offers up aromas of sweet pea, honeysuckle and fresh sliced peaches. Light to medium body and strong crisp acidity lead into a clean, refreshing finish.

Kosher Yasmin White

85

10

Galilee

null

White Blend

Recanati

null

US

A good wine, dry and softly tannic, with cherry, red currant, violet, cocoa and sandalwood flavors, and it has an easy-drinking quality that makes it a good companion to steak. Seems best soon for its precocious fruit.

Frediani Vineyard

88

35

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Selene

null

Selene 2008 Frediani Vineyard Merlot (Napa Valley)

Spain

Cantaloupe, almond candy and orange blossom make for a sweet nose. The palate seems too close to orange juice and tangerine than the apple and peach that best defines Rías Baixas. But for anyone who likes fresh, pulpy juice, it tastes perfectly good.

Granbazán Ambar

85

19

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Agro de Bazán

null

US

So sweet and caramelized in smoky oak, it tastes almost like a dessert wine. There might even be some leftover sugar in the wine. Yet it has brisk, refreshing acidity, and there's no denying the deliciousness of the pineapple and lemon-pie flavors.

Gold Coast Vineyard

85

25

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Costa de Oro

null

US

Dry and tannic, this has a baked quality to its fruit, tasting warm and raisiny.

null

84

70

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Three Sticks

null

Three Sticks 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley)

Italy

This wine is made with wild yeasts and is unfiltered. It has an earthy bouquet of plum, truffle, black currant and spice. The palate delivers a delicious blackberry core, layered with cinnamon, white pepper and nutmeg accents. This is well balanced, with velvety tannins and fresh acidity.

Saustò

91

38

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

null

Red Blend

Monte dall'Ora

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Monte dall'Ora 2009 Saustò (Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso)

South Africa

Although this wine boasts 15% alcohol, it's very well balanced. It's dark and spicy, with flavors of black olive and cooked berry, picking up hints of lemon custard that continue to the long, coffe and olive finish. A big wine that packs plenty of punch and just enough tannin to make it work. Imported by American Wine Distributors.

Pumphouse

88

20

Paarl

null

Shiraz

Backsberg

null

US

A streak of bright acidity cuts through the ripe red cherry, currant and cola flavors of this full-bodied, young Pinot Noir. It's aggressive and immature now, with the oak unintegrated with the primary fruit, but has a great future. Give it a minimum of six years in the cellar to knit together.

Sea Smoke Vineyard

92

100

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Foxen

null

Foxen 2011 Sea Smoke Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

France

Darker in color than most Provence rosés, this impressive wine is made almost entirely of Mourvèdre. With a rich, full character, it is generous and ripe. Sweet strawberry fruits are right up front, balanced with a touch of citrus and freshly ground pepper. The aftertaste is tight and spicy.

L'Irréductible

92

40

Provence

Bandol

null

Rosé

Domaine de la Bégude

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de la Bégude 2015 L'Irréductible Rosé (Bandol)

New Zealand

A pretty, pure Pinot, with lovely strawberry and cherry flavors backed by just hints of mushroom, tree bark and dried spices. It's light- to medium-bodied, with a silky, elegant finish. Fairly priced for the quality; drink over the next couple of years.

null

87

22

Nelson

null

Pinot Noir

Catalina Sounds

null

US

A beautifully deep shade of purple, this bottling shows tightly wound aromas of blueberry, black currant, violet and licorice on the nose. The palate's dark fruit flavors are lifted by touches of cocoa and espresso, framed by tannins that are very chalky but not obtrusive.

The Rocker Clare Ranch Vineyards

92

40

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rendarrio Vineyards

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Rendarrio Vineyards 2014 The Rocker Clare Ranch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)

US

From a famed vineyard in the warm enclave of northern Napa Valley, this wine has soft tannins and a focus of blackberry, black licorice and tar, its fruit becoming more explosive on the palate as it goes. The finish offers additional length and weight.

Jean Louis Vermeil Frediani Vineyard

91

90

California

Calistoga

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vermeil

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Vermeil 2013 Jean Louis Vermeil Frediani Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga)

Portugal

A soft and rich wine, lined with fresh pear, bitter almonds, fresh herbs and a glint of citrus. It is full bodied, while remaining fresh.

Monte da Peceguina Branco

87

20

Alentejano

null

Portuguese White

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

null

US

The alcohol on this blend is quite high, giving it a hot, Porty mouthfeel. It also exhibits some overripe aromas and flavors of prunes and raisins, leading to a sweet finish of caramel, chocolate and blackberry essence. Hard to tell if it has a future.

Bonne Vivante Estate Grown

85

75

California

Oakville

Napa

Red Blend

Turnbull

null

Turnbull 2010 Bonne Vivante Estate Grown Red (Oakville)

Italy

A super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah and Alicante, this shows some of the cheerful, funky and lively characteristics that identify this wine with Maremma, Tuscany. This velvety effort offers notes of chocolate, blackberry, chewy cherry and tobacco.

Mirus

88

30

Tuscany

Maremma

null

Red Blend

Mocali

null

Italy

Crushed herb, red berry, dark spice, eucalyptus and a hint of celery mingle together in the glass. On the austere, tightly wound palate, assertive, fine-grained tannins support sour cherry and pomegranate fruit that's juxtaposed with hints of espresso and anise.

null

88

null

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Batasiolo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Batasiolo 2014 Barbaresco

Italy

Aromas of chopped mint, underbrush, spiced berry, toast and a whiff of iris take shape on this savory, approachable wine. Made entirely with Sangiovese, the ripe round palate offers dried cherry, raspberry, truffle and licorice framed in supple tannins. It finishes on a savory, almost salty note. Drink through 2020.

Berardo Riserva

92

30

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

Castello di Bossi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Castello di Bossi 2012 Berardo Riserva (Chianti Classico)

France

One of the peculiarities of St.-Émilion's classification is that Canon la Gaffelière is not classed in the top rung. Because, as this wine shows, it produces superb wines. This is ripe while so elegant, with great intensity and sweet perfumes.

null

95

110

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Canon la Gaffelière

null

Austria

Incredibly ripe and sweet apricots, candied orange peel, a touch of fresh spearmint and fresh lemon zest all abound on the nose, and are just the first expressions. Balm-like sweetness and clouds of more apricot and peach play on the palate, but electric acidity runs straight through and lends this rich and unctuous TBA the thrilling freshness and streamlined zestiness of candied citrus peel, finishing with long, lip-smacking deliciousness. Unlike treacly sweet TBAs, this has exquisite freshness and is very enlivening, with real citrus lift. Drink from 2016.

Kellerberg Trockenbeerenauslese

93

50

Wachau

null

Riesling

Domäne Wachau

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domäne Wachau 2012 Kellerberg Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling (Wachau)

Italy

Here's a thick, soft and succulent blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot that opens with opulent texture and a bright, fruit-forward personality. It promises to pair with heavy meat dishes or grilled sausage.

Morello di Prile

89

22

Tuscany

Maremma

null

Red Blend

Prelius

null

Prelius 2008 Morello di Prile (Maremma)

US

Sage-tinted cedar and black cherry combine in this proprietary blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Sangiovese, 13% Syrah and 13% Zinfandel, from the producer's estate vineyard. Lean and refined, it shares a generosity of chocolate on the palate, with a slight spiciness to the finish.

Phenomenon Estate

91

50

California

St. Helena

Napa

Red Blend

Benessere

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Benessere 2012 Phenomenon Estate Red (St. Helena)

France

This ripe, full-bodied wine is full of lemon, apricot and crisp pear flavors. They are held together by the tight, almost steely edge to the young texture. It is a wine to hold for maybe a year and drink from 2017.

Les Belles Côtes

89

40

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Roger et Didier Raimbault

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Roger et Didier Raimbault 2014 Les Belles Côtes (Sancerre)

US

This is a fun wine, with flavors like cherry candy and milk chocolate. Light and insubstantial, but it will be quite nice chilled as an apéritif.

Whole Cluster

84

15

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Belle Vallée

null

US

From warm, dry vineyards in the eastern Vaca mountains, this Zin, which is one-quarter Petite Sirah, is ultrarich and smooth in blackberry, cassis, raspberry and mocha flavors, with a complex dash of Provençal herbs. It's quite a good Zin, made in the style of a dry, balanced Cab or Merlot.

null

90

24

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Girard

null

US

High-toned acidity rules the day here, the wine a tempting mélange of fresh grapefruit, lemon and apple, the texture smooth and succulent. The flavors are long lasting and complex.

Dutton Ranch

91

40

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Red Mare

null

Austria

A wine that is on the cusp of adding an extra element of complexity. At present, there is deliciously perfumed fruit, white and green currants and white peaches, with a definite citrus edge. The bonus is the taut texture, which is closing in and lifting the fruit, promising future aging. Screwcap.

Gaisberg Riesling

92

46

Kamptal

null

Riesling

Hirsch

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Hirsch 2004 Gaisberg Riesling Riesling (Kamptal)

US

Kestrel vineyard grapes (75% Cabernet Sauvignon/25% Cabernet Franc) are sourced to make this wine. This follow-up to the inaugral 2002 seems tannic, hard, and volatile. Give it plenty of air and it smoothes out some, but still hits that hard, green, tannic wall. Chewy, highly astringent and disjointed. The plastic cork seems out of place in a wine at this price point.

Deluge

86

40

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Lake Missoula

null

Argentina

This is dusty and smooth up front, with plenty of oak, balsamic, plum and berry aromas. Showing overall harmony, it feels sure and secure, with depth and solid flavors of toasty berry and bitter chocolate. It tastes similarly on the finish, with a jammy feel. A blend of 80% Malbec with 10% Bonarda and 10% Syrah.

Amado Sur Malbec-Bonarda-Syrah

88

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Red Blend

Trivento

null

Chile

Berry and currant aromas are jumpy and fruity in nature, while in the mouth, creamy oak creates a sticky feel. Candied, barrel-driven flavors of vanilla and clove outlast the wine's fruit content on the finish.

Reserve

86

15

Maipo Valley

null

Merlot

Santa Ema

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Santa Ema 2011 Reserve Merlot (Maipo Valley)

South Africa

Sultry, smoky oak accents the ripe fruit core, full of apricot, peach and pear aromas and flavors. Notes of vanilla custard and orange oil add depth to the medium-weight palate, with brisk acidity that shines on the long, spicy finish. Drink now–2016.

The Renaissance of

88

null

Stellenbosch

null

Chenin Blanc

Radford Dale

null

US

A 100% Cabernet aged in 100% new French oak, grown in the warmer Conn Valley region east of the Silverado Trail. The wood contributes layers of toast and caramel, while the underlying wine is massive, with tiers of blackberries, black cherries, black currants, red currants, cedar and spices. Very dramatic and beautiful, but needs time. 2012–2020, at least.

Estate

95

125

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Parallel

null

US

Juicy on the nose and palate, with loads of sweet peach and melon, this semidry Riesling is balanced by brisk lime-tinged acidity and crisp starfruit flavors that shine on the midpalate. Finishes on a pleasantly drying jasmine-tea note.

null

87

15

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Knapp

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Knapp 2010 Riesling (Finger Lakes)

US

This is undeniably an oaky wine with a prominent layer of buttered toast and butterscotch, but the underlying orange, guava and lime flavors are pristine.

Lewis Vineyard Reserve

86

58

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Frank Family

null

Frank Family 2011 Lewis Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay (Carneros)

Italy

A medium-bodied wine with finesse and elegance that delivers cedar, Graham cracker, floral notes, stone fruit and fresh herbs. Velvety smooth with mixed berries and vanilla in the mouth, a lush finish and overall drinkability. Imported by Enoteca Diana

null

91

65

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Armilla

null

US

Ripe ruddy black-plum flavors are shaded in rustic tones of basil and thyme in this herbaceous Cabernet Sauvignon. Brisk acidity lends freshness to the midpalate, leading a moderately long finish framed by pleasantly bitter tannins. Drink now through 2019.

null

85

25

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Glenora

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Glenora 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes)

US

This wine is an intrigue of lavender, rose and kirsch, young in firm tight tannins and tension. Black pepper, cherry and a light-bodied weight provide smooth drinkability and elegance, just waiting for the tannin to settle down. Drink now through 2020.

Smith Vineyards

91

38

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Grenache

Byington

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Byington 2014 Smith Vineyards Grenache (Dry Creek Valley)

Portugal

This is a rich wine showing jammy blackberry flavors against pronounced alcohol. The acidity at the end does provide a lighter, fresher lift.

Quinto Elemento Reserva

86

null

Tejo

null

Syrah

Quinta do Arrobe

null

France

Maturing well, yet with plenty of aging ahead, this is a firm and fragrant selection. It has a ripe berry flavor and a hint of truffle, with sweet acidity and a dense, rich structure.

null

91

26

Bordeaux

Graves

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Rahoul

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Rahoul 2005 Graves

US

Candied red fruits of raspberry and pomegranate meet with rhubarb pie, sweet thyme and ripe tomato on the nose of this bottling by a San Francisco accountant-turned-vintner. It's supple and soft on the palate, with more tomato flavors as well as fennel pollen and tarragon.

Fiddlestix Vineyard

93

46

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Ryan Cochrane

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Ryan Cochrane 2015 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

Portugal

As befits a reserve wine, this blend was aged in wood for six months. That has given a ripe lightly toasty character to the wine along with its cool crispness that reveals its origin in the mountainous northern Alentejo. The wine is fruity with lemon and melon over the wood. Drink now.

Terra d'Alter Reserva Branco

90

22

Alentejano

null

Portuguese White

Terras de Alter

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Terras de Alter 2014 Terra d'Alter Reserva Branco White (Alentejano)

US

More than three-quarters Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the balance is Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with just pinches of Sangiovese (2%) and Zinfandel (1%), it plays on the savory and green end of the Cabernet spectrum, with notes of green olive and dried herbs along with cherry and chocolate and a tingly, gritty feel.

null

84

10

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Six Prong

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Six Prong 2010 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Fruity enough, with white peach and pineapple flavors enriched with a dollop of smoky oak and a chalky minerality in the finish. This is a fine everyday Chardonnay with some real complexity and elegance.

null

86

14

California

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Calera

null

Portugal

A smooth, rounded wine, with depth of black berry, dark plum and licorice flavors. It is solid, chunky, powerfully ripe, full of pepper, spice as well as sweet acidity. Very enticing and rich.

Fitapreta Tinto

90

15

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Fitapreta Vinhos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Fitapreta Vinhos 2007 Fitapreta Tinto Red (Alentejano)

US

Harsh, sweet and sour, this has a gluey texture that frames the cherry cough-medicine flavors.

Coastal Series

80

18

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Arrow Creek

null

France

On the nose this is earthy, with grassy aromas touched by flint. The palate offers herbal flavors and fleshy green plums, still with an earthy edge. Ready to drink, the structure just gives finishing weight.

Premius Sauvignon Blanc

86

10

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Yvon Mau

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Yvon Mau 2006 Premius Sauvignon Blanc (Bordeaux Blanc)

US

This is a soft, simple wine. It shows good Gewürztraminer character in its spiciness, but it's mild in flavor, with a sweet finish.

Estate Bottled

82

18

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Gewürztraminer

Balletto

null

US

At five years, the wine still retains some charm, but is showing its age. It's a little tired in structure, and the fruit is fading, turning dry and leathery. But there's cherries and cassis, with some complexity in the finish. Drink now.

Claret

87

20

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

St. Francis

null

St. Francis 2002 Claret Red (Sonoma County)

US

The melon, pear, tropical fruit and almond butter aromas are bright and effusive, while the flavors are considerably more delicate and subdued, showing a lovely sense of nuance and tension. It doesn't quite all come together but provides plenty of intrigue.

French Creek Vineyard

89

40

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Va Piano

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Va Piano 2014 French Creek Vineyard Chardonnay (Yakima Valley)

Chile

A pricey Syrah by Chilean standards, but at least it's a good wine. The nose offers cookie, violet, wet clay and herbal olive notes along with black fruit aromas, while the palate is packed with sweet roasted berry and dark plum flavors. A bit minty and candied on the finish as the oak treatment rises up and demands to be noticed.

Limited Edition

88

30

Cachapoal Valley

null

Syrah

Lagar de Bezana

null

Italy

Made with native grape Prié blanc grown in high vineyards in Valle d'Aosta, this lively sparkler offers a pretty fragrance of hawthorn flower and nectarine peel. The fresh, refined palate doles out citrus, tart green apple and white almond alongside steely bubbles and crisp acidity.

Extreme Metodo Classico

88

28

Northwestern Italy

Valle d'Aosta

null

Prié Blanc

Cave du Vin Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cave du Vin Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle 2011 Extreme Metodo Classico Prié Blanc (Valle d'Aosta)

Italy

This easygoing blend of Nero d'Avola and Merlot has black-skinned fruit, Mediterranean underbrush and blue flower aromas. The juicy palate offers mature blackberry, baking spice and nutmeg flavors, accompanied by round tannins.

Ikano

88

22

Sicily & Sardinia

Terre Siciliane

null

Red Blend

Curto

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Curto 2013 Ikano Red (Terre Siciliane)

France

Vibrant and lively red fruit aromas blend with fragrant woody spice in the bouquet. The cherry and berry flavors transition to the palate, where somewhat gripping tannins coupled with notes of fudgy brownie and black pepper add depth to the finish.

Le Petit Arthur

89

10

Languedoc-Roussillon

Minervois

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Château Cabezac

null

Austria

Soft, earthy, full-bodied wine. It has attractive red berry fruits, light tannins, a juicy wine that has open fruit flavors. Drink now. Screwcap.

Zwickl

86

20

Burgenland

null

Zweigelt

Nittnaus Hans und Christine

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Nittnaus Hans und Christine 2009 Zwickl Zweigelt (Burgenland)

France

A gentle wine, soft and with attractive green fruits. It is light and tangy although the flavors are muted at the moment. Give it a few months for an easy apéritif style.

null

84

null

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château L'Oiseau

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château L'Oiseau 2015 Bordeaux Blanc

Italy

Made from the native Albanello grape, this concentrated wine has yellow flower and exotic fruit aromas. The dense, slightly sweet and one-dimensional palate offers lemon drop, mature apricot and nectarine flavors that end on a sugary note.

Pretiosa

86

20

Sicily & Sardinia

Terre Siciliane

null

Albanello

Cantine Gulino

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cantine Gulino 2012 Pretiosa Albanello (Terre Siciliane)

Italy

Youthful and fresh, this ruby Valpolicella is thin and lacking in intensity. That said, it's an easy-drinking option that you could pair with appetizers of finger food.

Terre di Lanòli

82

null

Veneto

Valpolicella

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Villa Canestrari

null

Villa Canestrari 2009 Terre di Lanòli (Valpolicella)

Italy

This vineyard-designate Valpolicella exhibits aromas of dried rose petal, bee's wax and lavender soap. It's a fresh and easygoing wine with a relaxing personality and loads of charm.

Vigneto Rafaèl

86

16

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Tommasi

null

Tommasi 2006 Vigneto Rafaèl (Valpolicella Classico Superiore)

Italy

This rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese) opens with pretty chocolate tones followed by opulent cherry, spice, leather, tobacco and cola. This is a well shaped and focused wine with a linear, elegant feel in the mouth capped by soft, chewy texture.

null

94

120

Tuscany

Bolgheri Superiore

null

Red Blend

Grattamacco

null

US

Pungent and herbal aromas make for a vivid splash upon entry. The wine quickly evolves into pretty cherry fruit, wrapped in cinnamon, sassafras and cocoa, then runs into gently fading barrel spices.

Estate Reserve

88

38

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Blakeslee

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Blakeslee 2008 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)

France

Rich new wood and fruit combine well in this concentrated wine. Flavors go right through to give mint, blackberry and dark plum fruits. The tannins are already integrated to give a wine that will be ready to drink in two years.

null

88

24

Bordeaux

Côtes de Bourg

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Grand-Maison

null

US

Deliciously rich and extracted in jammy raspberry, cherry and cola fruit, with lots of sweet oak adding vanilla and buttered toast. Could use greater depth, though, as it's a little one-dimensional. Drink now.

null

87

30

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Bernardus

null

Bernardus 2009 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Italy

This is an easy, fragrant blend that offers simple aromas of cherry, wild berry and white almond. The wine is thin, but crisp with a bright berry finish.

Clamore Rosso Nudo

86

12

Veneto

null

Red Blend

Astoria

null

US

The nose on this wine is both subtle and deep, showing dried rose petals, cherry kirsch, black currants and a hint of elderberry. It's silky once sipped, with licorice, mocha and dark raspberry all set against tart cherry-skin tannins that give plenty of structure for aging. Drink 2018–2028.

Ryan

93

50

California

Mt. Harlan

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Calera

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Calera 2012 Ryan Pinot Noir (Mt. Harlan)

Portugal

A ripe, full-bodied and spicy wine, defiantly dry, with a tight acid character. Aromatic fruit finish with intense perfumes, so that the wine is both rich and fresh.

JP Azeitão Branco

87

9

Península de Setúbal

null

Portuguese White

Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal

null

US

A juiciness of cherry and vanilla spark the opening of this wine, a celebration of the vintage, appellation and in this case, fruit-forwardness of the variety. With a backbone of oak and cedar, it has smooth tannins and medium weight, finishing in mocha chocolate. Drink now through 2022.

Barrel Select

91

60

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Provenance Vineyards

null

Spain

Smoky berry, lemon peel, graphite and huge black-fruit aromas provide a stellar opening. Raw tannins and staunchness create a powerful palate that needs time to mellow out. Flavors of loud oak, black fruits, hard spices, toast and licorice finish peppery, tough and with some heat. Best from 2015–2023.

Alabaster

95

220

Northern Spain

Toro

null

Tinta de Toro

Teso La Monja

null

US

A good, rugged Petite Sirah, with the bigtime fruit and heavy tannins the variety is known for. Just bursts across the palate with blackberries, plums, cassis and peppery, leathery notes.

null

85

15

California

North Coast

Petite Sirah

Brass Tacks

null

Chile

Murky, cheesy and just not very fresh on the nose, but solid in the mouth, with quick flavors of red fruits and especially tomato. The finish is mild and a little creamy, and tomato comes back similar to Campbell's soup. Not horrible but not offering a lot for the price point.

Duette

83

20

Casablanca Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Indomita

null

Spain

Apple and peach define the bouquet, but where's the pop? This cava seems a touch quiet and reticent. It's drying, with flavors of apple, white corn and soda cracker. But the bead is weak and the overall personality is shy. Has 15% Chardonnay in addition to the traditional cava three-pack of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello.

Gran Reserva Brut Nature

84

18

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Bohigas

null

US

Toasty, herbal aromas; taut plum fruit on the palate takes on herb and coffee flavors, and tealike tannins that persist through the finish. Though this wine shows well, Winemaker Cara Morrison promises that the 2002 and 2003 vintages are even better.

null

86

19

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Merlot

Jekel

null

US

This Cabernet Sauvignon has enormously high alcohol that results in a glyceriney sweetness. However, in that category it's one of the best of the vintage. Hard to imagine a wine richer in currants and mocha, and the tannins are as beautiful as any Napa has ever produced. But it's difficult to see the wine aging well, so drink it soon with the most Cabernet-friendly food you can find.

Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

88

185

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

B Cellars

null

B Cellars 2010 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

US

This wine, which is available only in restaurants, is simple and soft. It has very ripe flavors of blackberry and cherry jam, vanilla and oak.

null

84

30

California

North Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Silver Palm

null

Chile

Berry and cherry aromas are reserved. This wine feels plump, with slightly grating tannins. Roasted berry flavors show a hint of wood grain, while the finish is insignificant.

Aliwen Reserva

86

null

Chile

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Undurraga

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Undurraga 2015 Aliwen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)

US

Big, fruity wine, with layers of fruit, earth, toast and oak. Spicy cranberry/raspberry fruit leads into toasty, dry tannins. There is a lovely density, buttressed with new oak, but anchored with ripe, firm fruit. Lovely winemaking.

Alegria

91

26

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Rosenblum

null

New Zealand

This limited-production wine is complex and savory, and it features notes of beets, sous bois and cherries, layered with touches of creamy cocoa and coffee. It's on the full-bodied side of things, but it remains supple and shows great focus on the lengthy finish. Drink now and over the next few years.

Four Barriques

90

56

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Nautilus

null

France

An easy-drinking selection with a mouthwatering finish and a softly prickly mouthfeel. Vibrant fruit flavors of hard mango slices, firm nectarine and pineapple acidity. Enjoy now while it's fresh and young.

null

85

12

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine de Coussergues

null

Australia

Plummy and chocolaty in profile, this medium- to full-bodied sparkling Shiraz remains surprisingly refreshing on the long, dusty finish. It makes for a crowd-pleasing introduction to the style.

The Chook Sparkling

89

20

South Australia

null

Shiraz

The Black Chook

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

The Black Chook NV The Chook Sparkling Shiraz (South Australia)

US

Lockwood hitches a ride on the Argentine Malbec express, with mixed results. The wine is dark and acidic and properly bone dry, with earthy, dark berry, coffee, leather and bitter chocolate flavors. But there's a disagreeable green sharpness.

null

84

14

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Malbec

Lockwood

null

US

Sourced from Napa, Lake County and Lodi, this is a complex white wine with quite a bit of sophistication. Mainly Sauvignon Blanc with some Semillon, it shows citrus, peach, flower petal, mineral and vanilla flavors, with crisp acidity and a long, spicy finish.

The Novelist Meritage White

86

18

California

California Other

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Cosentino

null

US

Tastes as heavy and sugary sweet as cherry pie filling without the crust, lacking structural integrity and dryness. Does not help the reputation of the vineyard.

La Encantada

83

60

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Think Tank

null

US

This joins the happily increasing ranks of Oregon Pinots under $20 that can successfully compete with entry-level bottles from New Zealand, California and Burgundy. Grounded in varietal character, it brings tart red fruits, berries, cherries and loamy earth into play; the acids are plentiful and the wine does not overreach. Flavors are true and lingering, with suggestions of gunmetal and iron ore adding interest to the finish.

Spinnaker

88

19

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Noir

Spindrift Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Spindrift Cellars 2007 Spinnaker Pinot Noir (Oregon)

France

Although there's only about 20% new oak used in this cuvée, it is somewhat apparent on the nose and palate, where cedar, cinnamon and clove take the lead. There's some pretty—some might say Burgundian—fruit, but it's a touch light and herbal.

Seigneur de Maugiron

87

73

Rhône Valley

Côte Rôtie

null

Syrah

Delas Frères

null

Italy

Dried apple skin, apricot and almond nut emerge with measured intensity. Delicate and light, this is a no-fuss sparkler with interesting sweet and sour contrasts that would pair well with most appetizers or spicy dishes.

Extra Dry

86

16

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Bortolin

null

US

One of Elliott Dolin's first attempts at a red blend from this coastal appellation, this blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah and 9% Petit Verdot offers an elegant nose of elderflower, dried blueberry, black pepper, oregano and crushed gravel minerality. It's dense and bone-dry on the palate, its concentrated lilac, violet and blueberry syrup flavors framed by chalky tannins.

The Troubadour

91

46

California

Malibu Coast

South Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Dolin

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Dolin 2012 The Troubadour Red (Malibu Coast)

Italy

Aromas of tilled earth, blackberry, cedar and raisin jump from the glass. The dense palate delivers mocha, vanilla, mature plum, bitter prune and black pepper supported by velvety tannins. The warmth of alcohol shows on the finish. Masciarelli Wine Co, Vinity Wine.

Acinatico

90

30

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Red Blend

Stefano Accordini

null

France

Bottled only three weeks prior to review, this wine may have been suffering a little when it was tasted last May. There's a bit of spice, but the wine just isn't that expressive, showing crisp and tight, with some raw tannins on the finish. Seems to have potential, so hold five years or more before trying.

null

88

90

Rhône Valley

Hermitage

null

Syrah

Domaine du Colombier

null

France

Typical of the huge power of Guiraud, this is one of the richest Sauternes in 2005. The wine is rich and intense, the dry edge of botrytis just dominating the sweetness. Flavors of honey, almonds and peaches give the wine extra complexity.

null

95

65

Bordeaux

Sauternes

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Guiraud

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Guiraud 2005 Sauternes

Portugal

A blend of Chardonnay and Maria Gomes, here is a ripe wood- and apricot-flavored wine. It is full, spicy, livened by crispness from a red apple skin texture. The vanilla from the wood adds a delicious richness to this impressive wine.

Grande Follies Quinta da Aguieira

93

40

Bairrada

null

Portuguese White

Aveleda

null