spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Spain	Maybe Pinot Noir isn't meant to be in Catalonia. This has a burnt nose, with medicinal cherry and cranberry aromas and flavors. Starts sweet then goes a bit raspy. Unusual.	Brut Rosado	84	null	Catalonia	Cava	null	Pinot Noir	Codorníu	null	null	null
US	Inexpensive, this Zin is quite ripe and quite oaky, a big mouthful of wine ready to enjoy now.	null	82	15	California	Fiddletown	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Damas	null	null	null
France	A simple, big and fruity Malbec, softer than many although with all the right richness. This is a wine for drinking now, with its mature plum flavors and leather aroma. The French number for the department (county) of Cahors is 46.	Noir 46	88	14	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Vignobles 46N118	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Vignobles 46N118 2008 Noir 46 Malbec (Cahors)
US	This is a quiet, subtle and deliciously crafted white, moderate in acidity, that presents as crisp and dry. Meyer lemon shines brightest, providing a refreshing complexity as stony minerality adds texture.	Lee's	92	30	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	MacLaren	Virginie Boone	@vboone	MacLaren 2016 Lee's Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley)
France	Both ripe, red apple and juicy Mirabelle plum make an enticing appearance. The fruity character somewhat loses itself on the broad palate which nonetheless is made lively by a frothy, friendly mousse. This is simple but fizzy and fresh, with a bitter finish.	null	86	15	Alsace	Crémant d'Alsace	null	Sparkling Blend	Domaine Mersiol	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Mersiol 2013 Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)
Argentina	The bouquet on this bold red amounts to one big blast of fruit, nothing more or less. The palate matches the nose, with black plum, blueberry and cola flavors. Broad in the mouth and fiercely tannic. Spirited but a little untamed.	null	84	9	Other	Aminga Valley	null	Bonarda	San Huberto	null	null	null
Italy	The nose on this structured red offers oak-driven aromas of toast, coconut and vanilla. The warm palate doles out ripe plum, coffee, a confectionary note and oak spices alongside the warmth of evident alcohol. Wood tannins leave an astringent, mouth-drying finish.	Puro Riserva	86	17	Tuscany	Chianti	null	Sangiovese	Fattoria Lavacchio	null	null	null
France	Named after the outcropping of gravel on which the vines are planted, this second wine of Fourcas-Dupré is Merlot-based. With its smoky tannins and strong flavors of wood, it needs to fill out with the blackberry fruits that lie in the background. That won't take long and the wine will be ready to drink from late 2016.	Cuvée Hautes Terres	87	25	Bordeaux	Listrac-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Fourcas Dupré	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Fourcas Dupré 2012 Cuvée Hautes Terres (Listrac-Médoc)
Greece	Notes of orange and lemon preserves on the nose lead into flavors of orange, lemon and vanilla on the palate. It finishes with a touch of spice.	Cellar Selection	84	30	Cephalonia	null	null	Robola	Gentilini	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Gentilini 2010 Cellar Selection Robola (Cephalonia)
Australia	This is a darkly colored Shiraz, and the aromas follow in that vein: coffee and cola scents along with dark fruit. Yet the wine isn't a big heavyweight; instead, those scents are joined by similar flavors, plus hints of dried fruit and black olives and an unusually crisp, acidic finish. Imported by USA Wine West.	The Mad Hatter Single Vineyard	87	47	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz	Hewitson	null	null	null
South Africa	With 10% Viognier added to this Chenin, there is a forward, earthy character to this wine, like a mix of honeysuckle and citrus-scented fynbos. The medium-weight palate shows melon and tropical fruit flavors while a lemon-lime accent freshens up the close.	null	86	8	Western Cape	null	null	Chenin Blanc	Essay	null	null	null
Portugal	TR stands for Tinta Roriz, the dominant grape in this blended wine (with Touriga Nacional). It is smooth, polished, with a spice and mint character, juicy and fruity. The tannins may be dry, but they in no way inhibit the exuberant fruit.	Vista TR	86	8	Beiras	null	null	Tinta Roriz	Caves Aliança	null	null	null
Spain	Aromatically this is evocative; there's spice, tobacco and dried fruit in addition to classy, balanced oak. The palate dances with cherry, dried plum and earthy spice notes, while the finish is elegant, smooth and features just the right amount of tannic grab. A very nice, true-to-the-terroir type of Tempranillo.	Reserva	91	33	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	12 Linajes	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	12 Linajes 2000 Reserva (Ribera del Duero)
Italy	Slightly disjointed at first, this Barolo with fruit sourced from four vineyard sites, needs a few minutes to open in the glass. The wine offers tertiary aromas of cured beef, smoked bacon and white mushroom. Drink now.	4 Vigne	87	56	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Cascina Adelaide	null	null	Cascina Adelaide 2005 4 Vigne (Barolo)
US	Quite clean, vibrant and forward in cassis and cherry aromas, this generously oaked wine has smooth tannins and is fairly high in acidity. It might soften and improve with several years of aging.	Harmony3	86	52	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Bourassa Vineyards	null	null	null
France	Dense and structured, this ripe and fruity wine features attractive dense tannins that are balanced by rich black-currant fruit flavors. The acidity and the dry core of the wine both promise good aging, so drink from 2020. The property has been in the Ballande family since early 19th century. Red-wine production from the 50 acres is overseen by consultant Denis Dubourdieu.	null	92	25	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Baret	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Baret 2013 Pessac-Léognan
Hungary	One of the grapes used in the famous dessert wine, this dry-style from the village of Tokaj has a mixture of fresh, vibrant fruit with a supple, round body. Aromas of tropical fruits, mixed with straw and chalk, continue in the mouth, with some dried apricot thrown in, then it's brought home by zesty acidity and citrus pith. This could herald a bright future for Hungarian dry whites. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.	null	88	32	Tokaj	null	null	Furmint	Dobogó	null	null	null
New Zealand	Honeyed peaches on the nose suggest high levels of ripeness, but that peachy succulence is less evident on the palate, where the flavors are reined into submission by tart acids. Fullish in body, but crisp and even hard on the finish.	Golden Mile	86	25	Marlborough	null	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Georges Michel	null	null	null
Portugal	It is unusual to find a 100% Tinta Cão because (in regional slang) this vine is a dog to manage due to its wild vigorous nature. The wine with its tight tannins and layers of mint from the wood aging is dense and concentrated if also peppery and very powerful. It works well in the warm Alentejo region, giving a dark firm wine that is ready to drink.	Morde	90	14	Alentejano	null	null	Tinta Cao	Terras de Alter	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Terras de Alter 2012 Morde Tinta Cão (Alentejano)
Italy	Fresh and balanced, this bright savory sparkler delivers mouthfuls of green apple, white peach and lemon peel. Crisp acidity keeps it refreshing while a soft mousse gives it plenty of finesse. It has a dry juicy finish.	Dirupo Brut	92	19	Veneto	Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Andreola	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Andreola 2016 Dirupo Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)
Chile	Big-time woody aromas are charred to the max, something that's normal for TerraNoble. A tannic palate is firm and staunch. Woody blackberry flavors include a sweet dose of molasses, while coffee, spiced berry and lemony oak flavors are the conclusion on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot.	Lahuen Azul	91	70	San Clemente	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah	TerraNoble	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	TerraNoble 2013 Lahuen Azul Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah (San Clemente)
France	This is a Pinot Noir-dominated wine, with intense acidity as well as attractive, rich white fruits. There is a touch of maturity, of ripeness that gives the wine a full-bodied character. Add in some toastiness and this is a well-integrated wine that's ready to drink.	Cordon Royal Brut	90	37	Champagne	Champagne	null	Pinot Noir	Jean Josselin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Jean Josselin NV Cordon Royal Brut Pinot Noir (Champagne)
Austria	An impressive, ageworthy Riesling. It shows great depth of flavor, its intense, biting acidity shooting through the green apple and plum fruits. Very nervy, minerally and taut. Designed for longterm aging.	Schiefer Reserve	93	null	Kremstal	null	null	Riesling	Forstreiter	null	null	null
New Zealand	Odd stuff, with honeyed sweet green-pea aromas and flavors suggestive of older New Zealand Sauvignon, turning lemony on the finish.	Trillo	81	20	Wairarapa	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Cottier	null	null	null
France	A hard-edged wine showing a tough, mineral character, one that promises some aging. The wine is big and powered by tannins as much as fruit, although there is an unfortunate banana flavors that creeps in.	Séléction	85	null	Beaujolais	Morgon	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
US	Leathery at its core, this small-production wine is subdued and relatively restrained, showing bold, juicy layers of strawberry and cranberry. It offers enviable structure and ability to age. It will drink best 2023–2028.	Kidd Ranch	92	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Sequum	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Sequum 2013 Kidd Ranch Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
France	This is one for the Australians, with their fine tradition of red sparkling wines made from Shiraz. For people of other nationalities, it's more of a curiosity, with firm tannins, some sweetness from ripe fruit and finishing acidity. When to drink it? Probably with a red fruit dessert.	Réserve French Shiraz	86	null	France Other	Vin Mousseux	null	Shiraz	Charles de Fère	null	null	null
France	Very soft, very ripe and generous, the tannins showing but surrounded by fruit flavors that are now morphing into more herbal, tarry, mushroom flavors. The final spice character gives a great complementary burst of taste.	Les Epenots Premier Cru	93	null	Burgundy	Pommard	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Parent	null	null	null
Germany	Notes of honeysuckle and cantaloupe sweeten this deliciously feather-light spätlese. It's intensely juicy, quenching the palate with streams of tart tangerine and grapefruit acidity, yet wraps up with a kiss of honey and peach.	Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese	90	28	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef)	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef) 2013 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)
US	Opens with beautiful Gewurz aromas like honeysuckle, plum blossom, vanilla, fresh peaches and white chocolate. But this early promise of great taste isnÕt fulfilled. In the mouth the wine is disappointingly thin. The finish reveals some spicy peach flavors.	null	84	10	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Gewürztraminer	Madroña	null	null	null
Argentina	Smoky and dark from the start, with char and earth aromas to go with basic blackberry. The palate delivers power and a good texture, with bold blackberry and peppery flavors. Becomes more rubbery as it opens but holds onto its plum and chocolaty virtues.	Reserva	87	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Bonarda	Nieto Senetiner	null	null	null
US	Penetrating aromatically, spicy and complex, this brings in sharp berry scents, baking chocolate and a streak of herb. It's tight and vertically structured, and once in the mouth it turns a bit hard and unyielding. But it lingers and resonates, improves after being open for several hours, and can be cellared for up to a decade.	null	91	22	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Seven Hills	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Seven Hills 2008 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Hints of char, smoke and green bramble accent tart black-fruit and vanilla-spice flavors in this Shiraz (with a splash of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon). The dense tannins are tacky on the palate, but zesty acidity and fresh flower and herb notes on the finish add elegance.	null	85	22	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Shiraz	Suhru	null	null	null
France	This lightly toasty, vanilla-flavored wine shows good, light, tropical flavors. It opens well, with green plums and ripe fruit.	Chardonnay	83	12	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Chardonnay	Fat Bastard	null	null	null
France	Creamy-textured in the mouth, this is an easy-to-drink bubbly that will satisfy the demands of any informal summer garden gathering. Flavors are of apples and pears, berries and cream; dry enough to serve with food, soft enough to serve on its own.	Brut Collection Privee	85	8	France Other	France	null	Sparkling Blend	Marquis de la Tour	null	null	null
France	This single-parcel wine gives fresh youthful acidity and bright white and citrus fruitiness. It's chalky textured, steely in its character and crisp and nervy at the end. Drink from late 2015	Les Champréaux	88	28	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Vrignaud	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Vrignaud 2013 Les Champréaux (Chablis)
Australia	Dense and rich, with a resemblance to chocolate fudge. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Shiraz and 10% Mataro, this is a touch raisiny but clearly very concentrated and intense. Drink now.	Envoy	87	35	South Australia	Barossa Valley	null	G-S-M	The Colonial Estate	null	null	null
Spain	This wine's ripe berry aromas include integrated oak, tar and vanilla notes. Its plum, raspberry, vanilla and cream flavors are appealing, yet it finishes raw, jagged and a bit shrill.	null	88	20	Central Spain	Ribera del Júcar	null	Tempranillo	Sueño	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Sueño 2014 Tempranillo (Ribera del Júcar)
US	Tastes sweet, with cherry and blackberry jelly flavors, but racy and clean in acidity, like a simple, by-the-glass wine at a fast food restaurant.	null	82	8	California	Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Merlot	Mountain View	null	null	null
Portugal	It is called Point West because Estremadura's vineyards are the furthest west in Europe. The wine itself is soft and fruity initially, but then there is a tight tannic texture, followed by black currant fruits. The wine is finely made, elegant, just on the warm side of cool.	Point West	89	11	Estremadura	null	null	Touriga Nacional	DFJ Vinhos	null	null	null
France	This is a blend of the unusual Egiodola (a disease-resistant cross of native vines) and Syrah. This rosé version of two naturally tannic grapes turns out to be fruity and juicy. It is lively with crisp acidity and a lightly turned texture. The wine is ready to drink.	null	85	10	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Rosé	Domaine de Millet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Millet 2016 Rosé (Côtes de Gascogne)
US	Fans of simple, fruity Pinot Gris or Grigio should graduate to this fine wine, which is one of the best of class in this price range in California. The wine is bone dry and crisp in cool-climate acidity, offering a racy mouthful of tangerine and pear flavors that finish with a vanilla honey richness.	Klindt Vineyard	89	15	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Gris	Philo Ridge	null	null	null
Argentina	Raisin, prune and tobacco aromas are strong but lack finesse. This feels solid, with controlled tannic bite. Blackberry, herbal notes and chocolate are the flavors on this good but basic Cabernet.	null	86	14	Mendoza Province	Luján de Cuyo	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Nieto Senetiner	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Nieto Senetiner 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Luján de Cuyo)
US	Creamy compartments of fig and walnut greet the palate on the entry of this crisp, well-composed Chardonnay, light in oak and bright in minerality. Preserved lemon rises to the fore midway through the glass, befriended by just-sliced pear. The grapes were sourced from Keefer Ranch and Heintz Vineyard, a beautiful expression of the two exceptional sites.	null	93	24	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Zepaltas	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Zepaltas 2012 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
US	This is the third vintage for Zerba Syrah, and they have struck a consistent note, with spicy fruit suggesting fresh-picked strawberries, wrapped in slightly pickley barrel flavors. Supple and well-defined, it is a light wine that needs a little more time to smooth out the wood.	null	86	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Zerba Cellars	null	null	null
US	Cloudy and reddish-brown, this is a funky, spritzy wine with a taste of red cherry that falls somewhat flat on the finish.	null	84	30	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Corkscrew	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Corkscrew 2011 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Italy	A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of cedar, violet, underbrush and dark berry. The elegantly structured palate delivers black cherries, red currants, black pepper and anise alongside smooth, integrated tannins. Drink through 2018.	Cà del Pazzo	92	43	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Caparzo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Caparzo 2010 Cà del Pazzo Red (Toscana)
France	This ripe and spicy wine has rich red fruitiness that's given a twist with a touch of saltiness from the nearby sea. The wine is balanced with intense acidity, while a densely fruity character brings out minerality and a strong texture. Drink from late 2015.	Mas de la Rouvière	91	null	Provence	Bandol	null	Rosé	Domaines Bunan	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaines Bunan 2014 Mas de la Rouvière Rosé (Bandol)
Spain	Rustic fruit aromas led by the native Samso grape cause a stir, and the wine, which also has Garnacha, Cabernet and Merlot, carries forth in the mouth, where lush blackberry and plum flavors are supported by healthy, spicy, minty oak. With tight tannins and comfortable acidity, it will drink better in a few years. Imported by Bernard Magrez.	Herència del Padrí	90	75	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Red Blend	Bernard Magrez	null	null	null
Italy	This impressive Brunello Riserva opens with an inky, garnet color, gorgeous aromatic intensity and bright tones of red cherry, licorice, rum cake and menthol. The wine feels tight and silky in the mouth with great purity and a long, polished feel. The wine can be cellared or consumed in two to three years from now.	Riserva	94	80	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Brunelli Martoccia	null	null	Brunelli Martoccia 2007 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)
US	This is solidly made, with rough, chewy tannins and hard fruit flavors that show concentrated plum and cassis. Everything is in good proportion, although the acids are a bit chalky and the high alcohol (just under 15%) takes it away from classic Bordeaux flavors. It would be nice to see the ripeness ramped down a notch, because the mix of grapes is right and there's good fruit here. It just has been ripened to the point where the alcohol takes over.	null	86	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Meritage	DiStefano	null	null	null
Italy	This is a fine Brunello Riserva with a thick and pulpy feel that is accented by aromas of cherry, wild berries, currants, exotic spice and pipe tobacco. The wine is smooth and rich with enduring fruit notes and silky tannins. There is a pleasantly sweet note of cherry and vanilla on the long finish. Drink after 2012.	Riserva	92	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Tenuta Friggiali	null	null	null
Spain	Yellow in color and heavy on the nose. Toast is the lead aroma, and with that there's some caramel and peanut butter. Dry and lean in the mouth, with lemon and grapefruit notes. Still, it has class and style to it; not a dullard. Fairly unique. Imported by CIV/USA.	Brut Nature	87	15	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Cristalino	null	null	null
US	This dry Sauvignon Blanc is wonderfully adaptable to today's wide variety of foods. Bone dry and crisp in acidity, it has rich, varietal flavors of Meyer lemon, lime, pink grapefruit and blood orange.	null	87	16	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Sivas-Sonoma	null	null	Sivas-Sonoma 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County)
Italy	Made entirely with native grape Nascetta, this opens with aromas of white spring flower and a whiff of hay. The straightforward, rather lean palate offers tropical fruit, lemon zest and a hint of toasted hazelnut alongside refreshing acidity.	La Regina	87	null	Piedmont	Langhe	null	Nascetta	Serra dei Fiori	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Serra dei Fiori 2015 La Regina Nascetta (Langhe)
Germany	Nicely balanced and nicely priced, this is a medium-bodied kabinett that would make delicious summertime drinking. It shows hints of wet stone, but also layers of sweet apple, pear and lemon fruit, which ease into a long, harmoniously crisp and clean finish.	Bernkasteler Badstube Kabinett	90	20	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Peter Nicolay	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Peter Nicolay 2009 Bernkasteler Badstube Kabinett Riesling (Mosel)
France	A ripe, spicy wine, with a good blend of black fruits, spice and tannins from wood aging, and a layer of dry plum skins. It has plenty of Merlot tobacco aromas and dark fruit cake flavors.	Grand-Portail Cuvée Réservée	86	15	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Caves Fleury	null	null	null
Argentina	Chunky, slightly rubbery aromas revolve around black fruits and oak. This is a dense, thick wine with blackberry, plum, fig and bitter chocolate flavors. The finish is dark and weighty in this meaty Malbec.	de Uco	90	20	Mendoza Province	Uco Valley	null	Malbec	DiamAndes	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	DiamAndes 2011 de Uco Malbec (Uco Valley)
US	Aromas of cherry syrup, cola and cinnamon emerge from this bottling, which features artistic labels that always impress the eye. The palate shows dark red fruit and baking spice, as well as a minerality that combines rust and gravel.	Haven	88	42	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Grenache	Archium	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Archium 2014 Haven Grenache (Santa Ynez Valley)
US	Good berry, cherry, chocolate, tobacco and spice flavors in this Zinfandel, but it's too soft and flat in structure. It's also frankly hot, with 15.7% alcohol, and has a Porty finish.	Triumverate Reserve	83	36	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Thacher	null	null	null
Italy	A bright and straightforward expression of Nero d'Avola, this offers notes of red fruit and toasted pistachio, plus a light shading of tobacco.	Schietto	87	19	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Principi di Spadafora	null	null	Principi di Spadafora 2009 Schietto Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)
US	Too sweet in orange, pineapple and pear juice flavors. There's a nice clean hit of acidity, but the wine is sugary all the way through.	null	83	17	California	North Coast	North Coast	Chardonnay	Indulge	null	null	null
France	Rich, concentrated wine, with generous fruits and soft tannins. It has super-ripe black plums, a touch of chocolate and spice from wood aging. Powerful, juicy, fruity, likely to age well over the medium-term, over the next 3–4 years.	null	89	125	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Clos Larcis	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Clos Larcis 2009 Saint-Émilion
US	Florally pungent, with sweet peach and apricot notes, this smells great. It's richly textured and balanced.	Estate	88	18	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Roussanne	Holly's Hill	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Holly's Hill 2010 Estate Roussanne (El Dorado)
US	Aromas of mineral, exotic spice, leather and dried cherry lead to elegantly styled fruit, earth and game flavors. There's intrigue here but it doesn't all come together.	Nefer III Estate Grown	88	125	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Obelisco Estate	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Obelisco Estate 2013 Nefer III Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain)
South Africa	This wine starts with a sexy nose—dried herbs, plum, balsamic, pepper— and on the palate, marries fresh fruit and dry spice with an herbal spin. Balanced and approachable, and a good sip on its own.	null	87	12	Coastal Region	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Fleur Du Cap	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Fleur Du Cap 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coastal Region)
US	A very good, everyday Bordeaux-style blend, based on Cabernet Sauvignon, and made in a large quantity. Although the tannins are a bit green, it offers attractive flavors of cherries, blackberries, currants and cedar.	null	87	16	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Meritage	Lyeth	null	null	null
US	With massive fruit and power, this low production (300 case) Zinfandel will make lovers of the Shelton style exult, while others might find it lacking elegance. But there's no doubting the potency of the wild berry, licorice, cola, cedar and spice flavors, which earn this wine its high score.	Bacchus Laureate Reserve	91	52	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Carol Shelton	null	null	null
US	Black pepper and bright cherry on the nose lead into flavors of red berry, cherry and smoke. The restraint is elegant but may be a touch overshot—one wants more from this wine. Pair with poultry and lighter dishes.	null	82	25	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Pinot Noir	Standing Stone	null	null	null
France	A bold pink color suggests the richness of this vanilla-flavored wine that misses out on a truly refreshing character. It is full and soft, with a touch of bitter acidity at the end.	null	84	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Rosé	null	Rosé	Château des Antonins	null	null	null
US	From a vineyard owned by veterans John and Helen Falcone in the Creston district, this expertly integrated bottling combines blackberry jam, thyme and white pepper on the elegant nose. Juicy black and purple fruits arise once sipped, riding a long line of zesty acidity and cracked black-pepper spice, alongside soy, plum sauce and roasted-beef tips.	null	93	30	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah	Falcone	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Falcone 2014 Syrah (Paso Robles)
Argentina	Honeyed, floral aromas include bright citrus accents. Fresh, fruity and powerful across the palate, this is a ripe and ready Chardonnay with strong orange and pineapple flavors. Additional citrus notes push the finish.	null	88	null	Other	Neuquén	null	Chardonnay	Quimay	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Quimay 2015 Chardonnay (Neuquén)
France	Light, fresh, slightly grassy but more in the white fruit flavor profile. It's soft, with a citrus twang to it, great to drink as an apéritif, leaving a soft, creamy aftertaste.	Sauvignon Blanc	84	10	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Caves Fleury	null	null	null
Chile	Quite murky and overoaked. The nose drips root beer and tree bark, while the palate is a jumble of wood spice, beefy fruit and heat. Balance and freshness are fleeting in this wine.	Casas Patronales	81	9	Maule Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Viña Casas Patronales	null	null	null
South Africa	A rich spicy nose paired with plum and red berry is followed by earthy, dry, French-style Syrah flavors. Classic and restrained and a food-friendly winner, the wine has structure and a lingering finish.	null	88	13	Western Cape	null	null	Syrah	Porcupine Ridge	null	null	null
Chile	Yellow tinted, which announces that this wine was barrel aged. And that barrel character is huge on the nose, which smells of raw oak, vanilla and dried cheese. Feels creamy, but the acidity is lively as well. Shows flashes of brilliance but also fights to absorb all the wood that's been thrown at it. A quality wine but definitely not for everyone.	Alfa Centauri	86	32	Leyda Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	O. Fournier	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	O. Fournier 2009 Alfa Centauri Sauvignon Blanc (Leyda Valley)
US	A beautiful Pinot Gris that lifts this variety beyond workhorse into true elegance and style. Braced with brisk acidity and minerals, it features rich flavors of citrus and tropical fruits, wildflowers, honeysuckle flowers, vanilla and cinnamon spice.	La Encantada Vineyard	90	28	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Gris	Alma Rosa	null	null	null
US	From decades-old, dry-farmed vines, the wine then 100% barrel fermented, this vintage the grapes were picked particularly early and were still quite rich and full, prompting this experimentation. Lemony bright, floral aromas and flavors meet a lean, refreshing body of apricot and green apple, a pleasant experience from start to finish.	Barrel Fermented Old Vines French	91	24	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Colombard	Y Rousseau	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Y Rousseau 2015 Barrel Fermented Old Vines French Colombard (Russian River Valley)
Spain	Tomato and rhubarb are present on the earthy nose, which isn't very fruity but does set the stage for solid raspberry and cherry flavors. Medium to light in weight, with a slight barnyardy, herbal quality to the finish.	Oak Aged 6 Months	83	13	Central Spain	Vino de la Tierra de Castilla	null	Tempranillo	Finca La Estacada	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a modern, round and velvety Barolo (from Monforte d'Alba) that will appeal to those who love a thick and juicy style of wine. The aromas include lavender, allspice, cinnamon, white chocolate and vanilla. Tart berry flavors backed by crisp acidity and firm tannins give the mouthfeel determination and grit.	Corsini	92	49	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Podere Ruggeri Corsini	null	null	null
US	This is really a lovely Zin. It has the weight, tannic structure and complexity of a fine Napa Cabernet, but the flavors are all Zinfandel. They include black pepper, red and black cherries and raspberries, currants, sweet tobacco, gingerbread and smoky oak influences.	null	90	18	California	Mendocino-Amador	California Other	Zinfandel	Paul Dolan	null	null	Paul Dolan 2005 Zinfandel (Mendocino-Amador)
US	A bit of a letdown after a string of riper, more successful vintages. Feels sharp and somewhat herbal, with a hay or dried wheat edge to the black cherry and rhubarb fruit. Could just be going through a tough period, and might emerge on the other side in 5–6 years.	Niclaire	88	75	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Testarossa	null	null	null
Morocco	Inky garnet to the eye, this wine features aromas of cherry, cranberry and rose petal. It offers flavors of cranberry, tart cherry, chocolate and rye seed, with a sense that one can actually taste rather than feel the acidity that overpowers chalky tannins right into the lingering chocolate finish.	null	89	18	Zenata	null	null	Syrah	Ouled Thaleb	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Ouled Thaleb 2011 Syrah (Zenata)
US	Made from 100% Syrah and aged in 100% new French oak, this wine is currently hard, astringent and oaky, with caramel, vanilla and buttered toast aromas and flavors. The actual Syrah itself is clean and pure in ripe blackberry jam. Might do something over the years, but probably best now, with a decant.	Waxing Poetic	87	75	California	California	California Other	Syrah	Sanguis	null	null	Sanguis 2006 Waxing Poetic Syrah (California)
Italy	Here's a well crafted Friulano with drying mineral notes that are backed by stone fruit, grapefruit and white flower. There's good complexity, acidity and structure here and the wine leaves a satisfying peach note on the finish.	null	87	20	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Friulano	Livon	null	null	null
US	Smoky, elegant and soft aromas of leather, pepper and berry lead into flavors of cherry and cigarbox spice on the palate of this approachable Cabernet. The wine is not terribly complex, but good structure and acidity give it cellaring potential, and paired with duck, lamb or beef dishes, it will make a very nice addition to the table.	null	84	19	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Sauvignon	Bellangelo	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Bellangelo 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes)
Italy	Made with a blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Raboso, this opens with spicy aromas of candied fruit, butterscotch and awkwardly integrated oak aromas of cedar and mesquite wood.	Donna Luna 500ml	82	12	Veneto	Veneto	null	Red Blend	Pizzolato	null	null	null
Italy	Alicante is a variant of Grenache (used widely in France, Spain and California) that finds its home only in tiny pockets of Italy, including Maremma, Tuscany. This wine shows enormous spice with tones of scented candle and incense with blackberry and cherry.	Querciolaia	88	30	Tuscany	Maremma	null	Alicante	Fattoria Mantellassi	null	null	null
US	Baking spice, freshly hewn wood and dark fruit aromas are followed by pitch-black-fruit flavors. The volatiles are just in check.	Clifton Hill Vineyard	87	40	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Maryhill	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Maryhill 2013 Clifton Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Wahluke Slope)
US	Broadly flavorful when first sipped, this turns aggressively oaky in the mouth. The liquorous barrel flavors will please some tasters, while others will wonder where the fruit went?	Estate	87	24	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Gamache	null	null	null
US	This Rhône blend from the fashionable west side of Paso Robles is made in the modern cult style. It's very dark in color, full-bodied and glyceriney in the mouth, and delivers a thermonuclear blast of fruit and oak. Among the flavors are roasted blackberries, cassis, melted milk chocolate, anise, cotton candy, vanilla custard, crème brûlée and cinnamon spice. Not exactly your classically dry table wine. Drink now.	Westside	94	95	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	PharaohMoans	null	null	null
Argentina	Earthy aromas are a bit muddled and suggest tomato and herbs, but in the mouth, this is fresh and rigid in feel. Flavors of zesty berry come with oaky, savory notes and a touch of woody residue on the finish.	El Tractor	85	10	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Villa Atuel	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Villa Atuel 2012 El Tractor Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
France	Showing fine acidity, this has a creamy texture and a rich, rounded feel. Full of pear and creamed-apple flavors, it has some weight and a full-bodied character without losing the crisp acidity.	Signature	87	15	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Robert Klingenfus	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Robert Klingenfus 2011 Signature Riesling (Alsace)
US	This viscous wine offers an underlay of toasty oak notes that round out its gravelly texture. Light-bodied and filigreed with acidity, its lemon, quince and fig flavors remain fresh and vibrant on the palate.	Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown	93	55	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Joseph Phelps	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Joseph Phelps 2014 Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
US	This is a soft, broadly fruity Chardonnay, with near-tropical ripeness. Banana and papaya flavors dominate, accented by pretty baking spices and a touch of mineral.	Reserve	88	32	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Westrey	null	null	null
Portugal	Surprisingly light and soft, for a Dow Port, this shows sweet fruit with a super-ripe edge. In the medium-term, this will be a pleasant, ripe vintage, but it's not likely to age.	Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Vintage	87	60	Port	null	null	Port	Dow's	null	null	null
US	A bit too ripe, with the cassis fruit tinged with raisins, and overly soft, this Cab finishes with some tannic astringency. Doesn't seem like it's going anywhere, so drink now.	null	84	55	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Groth	null	null	null
Argentina	Give this young Malbec some time to settle and it rounds into form. The nose goes from funky to finished in a few minutes, while the cherry and cola flavors run with ease toward a lightly tannic finish. Straightforward and likable once it finds its legs.	null	87	10	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Sur de los Andes	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, violet, wild berry and a whiff of menthol lead the nose on this bright, easygoing red. The racy, straightforward palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate and a hint of star anise alongside zesty acidity and smooth tannins. A blast of orange closes the finish.	null	87	25	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Lambardi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Lambardi 2014 Rosso di Montalcino
US	The grapes had no problem getting ripe, to judge by the flood of red cherry marmalade, cola and milk chocolate flavors. With its dryness and softness, the wine is delicious, if a little one-dimensional.	Limited Estate Reserve Tatria Meritage Red Table Wine	85	36	California	Temecula	South Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Stuart Cellars	null	null	null

Spain

Maybe Pinot Noir isn't meant to be in Catalonia. This has a burnt nose, with medicinal cherry and cranberry aromas and flavors. Starts sweet then goes a bit raspy. Unusual.

Brut Rosado

84

null

Catalonia

Cava

null

Pinot Noir

Codorníu

null

US

Inexpensive, this Zin is quite ripe and quite oaky, a big mouthful of wine ready to enjoy now.

null

82

15

California

Fiddletown

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Damas

null

France

A simple, big and fruity Malbec, softer than many although with all the right richness. This is a wine for drinking now, with its mature plum flavors and leather aroma. The French number for the department (county) of Cahors is 46.

Noir 46

88

14

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Vignobles 46N118

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Vignobles 46N118 2008 Noir 46 Malbec (Cahors)

US

This is a quiet, subtle and deliciously crafted white, moderate in acidity, that presents as crisp and dry. Meyer lemon shines brightest, providing a refreshing complexity as stony minerality adds texture.

Lee's

92

30

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

MacLaren

Virginie Boone

@vboone

MacLaren 2016 Lee's Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley)

France

Both ripe, red apple and juicy Mirabelle plum make an enticing appearance. The fruity character somewhat loses itself on the broad palate which nonetheless is made lively by a frothy, friendly mousse. This is simple but fizzy and fresh, with a bitter finish.

null

86

15

Alsace

Crémant d'Alsace

null

Sparkling Blend

Domaine Mersiol

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Mersiol 2013 Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)

Argentina

The bouquet on this bold red amounts to one big blast of fruit, nothing more or less. The palate matches the nose, with black plum, blueberry and cola flavors. Broad in the mouth and fiercely tannic. Spirited but a little untamed.

null

84

9

Other

Aminga Valley

null

Bonarda

San Huberto

null

Italy

The nose on this structured red offers oak-driven aromas of toast, coconut and vanilla. The warm palate doles out ripe plum, coffee, a confectionary note and oak spices alongside the warmth of evident alcohol. Wood tannins leave an astringent, mouth-drying finish.

Puro Riserva

86

17

Tuscany

Chianti

null

Sangiovese

Fattoria Lavacchio

null

France

Named after the outcropping of gravel on which the vines are planted, this second wine of Fourcas-Dupré is Merlot-based. With its smoky tannins and strong flavors of wood, it needs to fill out with the blackberry fruits that lie in the background. That won't take long and the wine will be ready to drink from late 2016.

Cuvée Hautes Terres

87

25

Bordeaux

Listrac-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Fourcas Dupré

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Fourcas Dupré 2012 Cuvée Hautes Terres (Listrac-Médoc)

Greece

Notes of orange and lemon preserves on the nose lead into flavors of orange, lemon and vanilla on the palate. It finishes with a touch of spice.

Cellar Selection

84

30

Cephalonia

null

Robola

Gentilini

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Gentilini 2010 Cellar Selection Robola (Cephalonia)

Australia

This is a darkly colored Shiraz, and the aromas follow in that vein: coffee and cola scents along with dark fruit. Yet the wine isn't a big heavyweight; instead, those scents are joined by similar flavors, plus hints of dried fruit and black olives and an unusually crisp, acidic finish. Imported by USA Wine West.

The Mad Hatter Single Vineyard

87

47

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz

Hewitson

null

South Africa

With 10% Viognier added to this Chenin, there is a forward, earthy character to this wine, like a mix of honeysuckle and citrus-scented fynbos. The medium-weight palate shows melon and tropical fruit flavors while a lemon-lime accent freshens up the close.

null

86

8

Western Cape

null

Chenin Blanc

Essay

null

Portugal

TR stands for Tinta Roriz, the dominant grape in this blended wine (with Touriga Nacional). It is smooth, polished, with a spice and mint character, juicy and fruity. The tannins may be dry, but they in no way inhibit the exuberant fruit.

Vista TR

86

8

Beiras

null

Tinta Roriz

Caves Aliança

null

Spain

Aromatically this is evocative; there's spice, tobacco and dried fruit in addition to classy, balanced oak. The palate dances with cherry, dried plum and earthy spice notes, while the finish is elegant, smooth and features just the right amount of tannic grab. A very nice, true-to-the-terroir type of Tempranillo.

Reserva

91

33

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

12 Linajes

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

12 Linajes 2000 Reserva (Ribera del Duero)

Italy

Slightly disjointed at first, this Barolo with fruit sourced from four vineyard sites, needs a few minutes to open in the glass. The wine offers tertiary aromas of cured beef, smoked bacon and white mushroom. Drink now.

4 Vigne

87

56

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Cascina Adelaide

null

Cascina Adelaide 2005 4 Vigne (Barolo)

US

Quite clean, vibrant and forward in cassis and cherry aromas, this generously oaked wine has smooth tannins and is fairly high in acidity. It might soften and improve with several years of aging.

Harmony3

86

52

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Bourassa Vineyards

null

France

Dense and structured, this ripe and fruity wine features attractive dense tannins that are balanced by rich black-currant fruit flavors. The acidity and the dry core of the wine both promise good aging, so drink from 2020. The property has been in the Ballande family since early 19th century. Red-wine production from the 50 acres is overseen by consultant Denis Dubourdieu.

null

92

25

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Baret

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Baret 2013 Pessac-Léognan

Hungary

One of the grapes used in the famous dessert wine, this dry-style from the village of Tokaj has a mixture of fresh, vibrant fruit with a supple, round body. Aromas of tropical fruits, mixed with straw and chalk, continue in the mouth, with some dried apricot thrown in, then it's brought home by zesty acidity and citrus pith. This could herald a bright future for Hungarian dry whites. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.

null

88

32

Tokaj

null

Furmint

Dobogó

null

New Zealand

Honeyed peaches on the nose suggest high levels of ripeness, but that peachy succulence is less evident on the palate, where the flavors are reined into submission by tart acids. Fullish in body, but crisp and even hard on the finish.

Golden Mile

86

25

Marlborough

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Georges Michel

null

Portugal

It is unusual to find a 100% Tinta Cão because (in regional slang) this vine is a dog to manage due to its wild vigorous nature. The wine with its tight tannins and layers of mint from the wood aging is dense and concentrated if also peppery and very powerful. It works well in the warm Alentejo region, giving a dark firm wine that is ready to drink.

Morde

90

14

Alentejano

null

Tinta Cao

Terras de Alter

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Terras de Alter 2012 Morde Tinta Cão (Alentejano)

Italy

Fresh and balanced, this bright savory sparkler delivers mouthfuls of green apple, white peach and lemon peel. Crisp acidity keeps it refreshing while a soft mousse gives it plenty of finesse. It has a dry juicy finish.

Dirupo Brut

92

19

Veneto

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Andreola

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Andreola 2016 Dirupo Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)

Chile

Big-time woody aromas are charred to the max, something that's normal for TerraNoble. A tannic palate is firm and staunch. Woody blackberry flavors include a sweet dose of molasses, while coffee, spiced berry and lemony oak flavors are the conclusion on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot.

Lahuen Azul

91

70

San Clemente

null

Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah

TerraNoble

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

TerraNoble 2013 Lahuen Azul Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah (San Clemente)

France

This is a Pinot Noir-dominated wine, with intense acidity as well as attractive, rich white fruits. There is a touch of maturity, of ripeness that gives the wine a full-bodied character. Add in some toastiness and this is a well-integrated wine that's ready to drink.

Cordon Royal Brut

90

37

Champagne

null

Pinot Noir

Jean Josselin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Jean Josselin NV Cordon Royal Brut Pinot Noir (Champagne)

Austria

An impressive, ageworthy Riesling. It shows great depth of flavor, its intense, biting acidity shooting through the green apple and plum fruits. Very nervy, minerally and taut. Designed for longterm aging.

Schiefer Reserve

93

null

Kremstal

null

Riesling

Forstreiter

null

New Zealand

Odd stuff, with honeyed sweet green-pea aromas and flavors suggestive of older New Zealand Sauvignon, turning lemony on the finish.

Trillo

81

20

Wairarapa

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Cottier

null

France

A hard-edged wine showing a tough, mineral character, one that promises some aging. The wine is big and powered by tannins as much as fruit, although there is an unfortunate banana flavors that creeps in.

Séléction

85

null

Beaujolais

Morgon

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

null

US

Leathery at its core, this small-production wine is subdued and relatively restrained, showing bold, juicy layers of strawberry and cranberry. It offers enviable structure and ability to age. It will drink best 2023–2028.

Kidd Ranch

92

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Sequum

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Sequum 2013 Kidd Ranch Zinfandel (Napa Valley)

France

This is one for the Australians, with their fine tradition of red sparkling wines made from Shiraz. For people of other nationalities, it's more of a curiosity, with firm tannins, some sweetness from ripe fruit and finishing acidity. When to drink it? Probably with a red fruit dessert.

Réserve French Shiraz

86

null

France Other

Vin Mousseux

null

Shiraz

Charles de Fère

null

France

Very soft, very ripe and generous, the tannins showing but surrounded by fruit flavors that are now morphing into more herbal, tarry, mushroom flavors. The final spice character gives a great complementary burst of taste.

Les Epenots Premier Cru

93

null

Burgundy

Pommard

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Parent

null

Germany

Notes of honeysuckle and cantaloupe sweeten this deliciously feather-light spätlese. It's intensely juicy, quenching the palate with streams of tart tangerine and grapefruit acidity, yet wraps up with a kiss of honey and peach.

Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese

90

28

Mosel

null

Riesling

Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef)

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef) 2013 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)

US

Opens with beautiful Gewurz aromas like honeysuckle, plum blossom, vanilla, fresh peaches and white chocolate. But this early promise of great taste isnÕt fulfilled. In the mouth the wine is disappointingly thin. The finish reveals some spicy peach flavors.

null

84

10

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Gewürztraminer

Madroña

null

Argentina

Smoky and dark from the start, with char and earth aromas to go with basic blackberry. The palate delivers power and a good texture, with bold blackberry and peppery flavors. Becomes more rubbery as it opens but holds onto its plum and chocolaty virtues.

Reserva

87

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Bonarda

Nieto Senetiner

null

US

Penetrating aromatically, spicy and complex, this brings in sharp berry scents, baking chocolate and a streak of herb. It's tight and vertically structured, and once in the mouth it turns a bit hard and unyielding. But it lingers and resonates, improves after being open for several hours, and can be cellared for up to a decade.

null

91

22

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Seven Hills

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Seven Hills 2008 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Hints of char, smoke and green bramble accent tart black-fruit and vanilla-spice flavors in this Shiraz (with a splash of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon). The dense tannins are tacky on the palate, but zesty acidity and fresh flower and herb notes on the finish add elegance.

null

85

22

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Shiraz

Suhru

null

France

This lightly toasty, vanilla-flavored wine shows good, light, tropical flavors. It opens well, with green plums and ripe fruit.

Chardonnay

83

12

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Chardonnay

Fat Bastard

null

France

Creamy-textured in the mouth, this is an easy-to-drink bubbly that will satisfy the demands of any informal summer garden gathering. Flavors are of apples and pears, berries and cream; dry enough to serve with food, soft enough to serve on its own.

Brut Collection Privee

85

8

France Other

France

null

Sparkling Blend

Marquis de la Tour

null

France

This single-parcel wine gives fresh youthful acidity and bright white and citrus fruitiness. It's chalky textured, steely in its character and crisp and nervy at the end. Drink from late 2015

Les Champréaux

88

28

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Vrignaud

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Vrignaud 2013 Les Champréaux (Chablis)

Australia

Dense and rich, with a resemblance to chocolate fudge. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Shiraz and 10% Mataro, this is a touch raisiny but clearly very concentrated and intense. Drink now.

Envoy

87

35

South Australia

Barossa Valley

null

G-S-M

The Colonial Estate

null

Spain

This wine's ripe berry aromas include integrated oak, tar and vanilla notes. Its plum, raspberry, vanilla and cream flavors are appealing, yet it finishes raw, jagged and a bit shrill.

null

88

20

Central Spain

Ribera del Júcar

null

Tempranillo

Sueño

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Sueño 2014 Tempranillo (Ribera del Júcar)

US

Tastes sweet, with cherry and blackberry jelly flavors, but racy and clean in acidity, like a simple, by-the-glass wine at a fast food restaurant.

null

82

8

California

Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Merlot

Mountain View

null

Portugal

It is called Point West because Estremadura's vineyards are the furthest west in Europe. The wine itself is soft and fruity initially, but then there is a tight tannic texture, followed by black currant fruits. The wine is finely made, elegant, just on the warm side of cool.

Point West

89

11

Estremadura

null

Touriga Nacional

DFJ Vinhos

null

France

This is a blend of the unusual Egiodola (a disease-resistant cross of native vines) and Syrah. This rosé version of two naturally tannic grapes turns out to be fruity and juicy. It is lively with crisp acidity and a lightly turned texture. The wine is ready to drink.

null

85

10

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

null

Rosé

Domaine de Millet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Millet 2016 Rosé (Côtes de Gascogne)

US

Fans of simple, fruity Pinot Gris or Grigio should graduate to this fine wine, which is one of the best of class in this price range in California. The wine is bone dry and crisp in cool-climate acidity, offering a racy mouthful of tangerine and pear flavors that finish with a vanilla honey richness.

Klindt Vineyard

89

15

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Gris

Philo Ridge

null

Argentina

Raisin, prune and tobacco aromas are strong but lack finesse. This feels solid, with controlled tannic bite. Blackberry, herbal notes and chocolate are the flavors on this good but basic Cabernet.

null

86

14

Mendoza Province

Luján de Cuyo

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Nieto Senetiner

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Nieto Senetiner 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Luján de Cuyo)

US

Creamy compartments of fig and walnut greet the palate on the entry of this crisp, well-composed Chardonnay, light in oak and bright in minerality. Preserved lemon rises to the fore midway through the glass, befriended by just-sliced pear. The grapes were sourced from Keefer Ranch and Heintz Vineyard, a beautiful expression of the two exceptional sites.

null

93

24

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Zepaltas

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Zepaltas 2012 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

US

This is the third vintage for Zerba Syrah, and they have struck a consistent note, with spicy fruit suggesting fresh-picked strawberries, wrapped in slightly pickley barrel flavors. Supple and well-defined, it is a light wine that needs a little more time to smooth out the wood.

null

86

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Zerba Cellars

null

US

Cloudy and reddish-brown, this is a funky, spritzy wine with a taste of red cherry that falls somewhat flat on the finish.

null

84

30

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Corkscrew

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Corkscrew 2011 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Italy

A 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of cedar, violet, underbrush and dark berry. The elegantly structured palate delivers black cherries, red currants, black pepper and anise alongside smooth, integrated tannins. Drink through 2018.

Cà del Pazzo

92

43

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Caparzo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Caparzo 2010 Cà del Pazzo Red (Toscana)

France

This ripe and spicy wine has rich red fruitiness that's given a twist with a touch of saltiness from the nearby sea. The wine is balanced with intense acidity, while a densely fruity character brings out minerality and a strong texture. Drink from late 2015.

Mas de la Rouvière

91

null

Provence

Bandol

null

Rosé

Domaines Bunan

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaines Bunan 2014 Mas de la Rouvière Rosé (Bandol)

Spain

Rustic fruit aromas led by the native Samso grape cause a stir, and the wine, which also has Garnacha, Cabernet and Merlot, carries forth in the mouth, where lush blackberry and plum flavors are supported by healthy, spicy, minty oak. With tight tannins and comfortable acidity, it will drink better in a few years. Imported by Bernard Magrez.

Herència del Padrí

90

75

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Red Blend

Bernard Magrez

null

Italy

This impressive Brunello Riserva opens with an inky, garnet color, gorgeous aromatic intensity and bright tones of red cherry, licorice, rum cake and menthol. The wine feels tight and silky in the mouth with great purity and a long, polished feel. The wine can be cellared or consumed in two to three years from now.

Riserva

94

80

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Brunelli Martoccia

null

Brunelli Martoccia 2007 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)

US

This is solidly made, with rough, chewy tannins and hard fruit flavors that show concentrated plum and cassis. Everything is in good proportion, although the acids are a bit chalky and the high alcohol (just under 15%) takes it away from classic Bordeaux flavors. It would be nice to see the ripeness ramped down a notch, because the mix of grapes is right and there's good fruit here. It just has been ripened to the point where the alcohol takes over.

null

86

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Meritage

DiStefano

null

Italy

This is a fine Brunello Riserva with a thick and pulpy feel that is accented by aromas of cherry, wild berries, currants, exotic spice and pipe tobacco. The wine is smooth and rich with enduring fruit notes and silky tannins. There is a pleasantly sweet note of cherry and vanilla on the long finish. Drink after 2012.

Riserva

92

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Tenuta Friggiali

null

Spain

Yellow in color and heavy on the nose. Toast is the lead aroma, and with that there's some caramel and peanut butter. Dry and lean in the mouth, with lemon and grapefruit notes. Still, it has class and style to it; not a dullard. Fairly unique. Imported by CIV/USA.

Brut Nature

87

15

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Cristalino

null

US

This dry Sauvignon Blanc is wonderfully adaptable to today's wide variety of foods. Bone dry and crisp in acidity, it has rich, varietal flavors of Meyer lemon, lime, pink grapefruit and blood orange.

null

87

16

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Sivas-Sonoma

null

Sivas-Sonoma 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County)

Italy

Made entirely with native grape Nascetta, this opens with aromas of white spring flower and a whiff of hay. The straightforward, rather lean palate offers tropical fruit, lemon zest and a hint of toasted hazelnut alongside refreshing acidity.

La Regina

87

null

Piedmont

Langhe

null

Nascetta

Serra dei Fiori

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Serra dei Fiori 2015 La Regina Nascetta (Langhe)

Germany

Nicely balanced and nicely priced, this is a medium-bodied kabinett that would make delicious summertime drinking. It shows hints of wet stone, but also layers of sweet apple, pear and lemon fruit, which ease into a long, harmoniously crisp and clean finish.

Bernkasteler Badstube Kabinett

90

20

Mosel

null

Riesling

Peter Nicolay

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Peter Nicolay 2009 Bernkasteler Badstube Kabinett Riesling (Mosel)

France

A ripe, spicy wine, with a good blend of black fruits, spice and tannins from wood aging, and a layer of dry plum skins. It has plenty of Merlot tobacco aromas and dark fruit cake flavors.

Grand-Portail Cuvée Réservée

86

15

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Caves Fleury

null

Argentina

Chunky, slightly rubbery aromas revolve around black fruits and oak. This is a dense, thick wine with blackberry, plum, fig and bitter chocolate flavors. The finish is dark and weighty in this meaty Malbec.

de Uco

90

20

Mendoza Province

Uco Valley

null

Malbec

DiamAndes

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

DiamAndes 2011 de Uco Malbec (Uco Valley)

US

Aromas of cherry syrup, cola and cinnamon emerge from this bottling, which features artistic labels that always impress the eye. The palate shows dark red fruit and baking spice, as well as a minerality that combines rust and gravel.

Haven

88

42

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Grenache

Archium

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Archium 2014 Haven Grenache (Santa Ynez Valley)

US

Good berry, cherry, chocolate, tobacco and spice flavors in this Zinfandel, but it's too soft and flat in structure. It's also frankly hot, with 15.7% alcohol, and has a Porty finish.

Triumverate Reserve

83

36

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Thacher

null

Italy

A bright and straightforward expression of Nero d'Avola, this offers notes of red fruit and toasted pistachio, plus a light shading of tobacco.

Schietto

87

19

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Principi di Spadafora

null

Principi di Spadafora 2009 Schietto Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)

US

Too sweet in orange, pineapple and pear juice flavors. There's a nice clean hit of acidity, but the wine is sugary all the way through.

null

83

17

California

North Coast

Chardonnay

Indulge

null

France

Rich, concentrated wine, with generous fruits and soft tannins. It has super-ripe black plums, a touch of chocolate and spice from wood aging. Powerful, juicy, fruity, likely to age well over the medium-term, over the next 3–4 years.

null

89

125

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Clos Larcis

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Clos Larcis 2009 Saint-Émilion

US

Florally pungent, with sweet peach and apricot notes, this smells great. It's richly textured and balanced.

Estate

88

18

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Roussanne

Holly's Hill

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Holly's Hill 2010 Estate Roussanne (El Dorado)

US

Aromas of mineral, exotic spice, leather and dried cherry lead to elegantly styled fruit, earth and game flavors. There's intrigue here but it doesn't all come together.

Nefer III Estate Grown

88

125

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Obelisco Estate

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Obelisco Estate 2013 Nefer III Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain)

South Africa

This wine starts with a sexy nose—dried herbs, plum, balsamic, pepper— and on the palate, marries fresh fruit and dry spice with an herbal spin. Balanced and approachable, and a good sip on its own.

null

87

12

Coastal Region

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Fleur Du Cap

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Fleur Du Cap 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Coastal Region)

US

A very good, everyday Bordeaux-style blend, based on Cabernet Sauvignon, and made in a large quantity. Although the tannins are a bit green, it offers attractive flavors of cherries, blackberries, currants and cedar.

null

87

16

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Meritage

Lyeth

null

US

With massive fruit and power, this low production (300 case) Zinfandel will make lovers of the Shelton style exult, while others might find it lacking elegance. But there's no doubting the potency of the wild berry, licorice, cola, cedar and spice flavors, which earn this wine its high score.

Bacchus Laureate Reserve

91

52

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Carol Shelton

null

US

Black pepper and bright cherry on the nose lead into flavors of red berry, cherry and smoke. The restraint is elegant but may be a touch overshot—one wants more from this wine. Pair with poultry and lighter dishes.

null

82

25

New York

Finger Lakes

Pinot Noir

Standing Stone

null

France

A bold pink color suggests the richness of this vanilla-flavored wine that misses out on a truly refreshing character. It is full and soft, with a touch of bitter acidity at the end.

null

84

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé

null

Rosé

Château des Antonins

null

US

From a vineyard owned by veterans John and Helen Falcone in the Creston district, this expertly integrated bottling combines blackberry jam, thyme and white pepper on the elegant nose. Juicy black and purple fruits arise once sipped, riding a long line of zesty acidity and cracked black-pepper spice, alongside soy, plum sauce and roasted-beef tips.

null

93

30

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah

Falcone

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Falcone 2014 Syrah (Paso Robles)

Argentina

Honeyed, floral aromas include bright citrus accents. Fresh, fruity and powerful across the palate, this is a ripe and ready Chardonnay with strong orange and pineapple flavors. Additional citrus notes push the finish.

null

88

null

Other

Neuquén

null

Chardonnay

Quimay

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Quimay 2015 Chardonnay (Neuquén)

France

Light, fresh, slightly grassy but more in the white fruit flavor profile. It's soft, with a citrus twang to it, great to drink as an apéritif, leaving a soft, creamy aftertaste.

Sauvignon Blanc

84

10

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Caves Fleury

null

Chile

Quite murky and overoaked. The nose drips root beer and tree bark, while the palate is a jumble of wood spice, beefy fruit and heat. Balance and freshness are fleeting in this wine.

Casas Patronales

81

9

Maule Valley

null

Carmenère

Viña Casas Patronales

null

South Africa

A rich spicy nose paired with plum and red berry is followed by earthy, dry, French-style Syrah flavors. Classic and restrained and a food-friendly winner, the wine has structure and a lingering finish.

null

88

13

Western Cape

null

Syrah

Porcupine Ridge

null

Chile

Yellow tinted, which announces that this wine was barrel aged. And that barrel character is huge on the nose, which smells of raw oak, vanilla and dried cheese. Feels creamy, but the acidity is lively as well. Shows flashes of brilliance but also fights to absorb all the wood that's been thrown at it. A quality wine but definitely not for everyone.

Alfa Centauri

86

32

Leyda Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

O. Fournier

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

O. Fournier 2009 Alfa Centauri Sauvignon Blanc (Leyda Valley)

US

A beautiful Pinot Gris that lifts this variety beyond workhorse into true elegance and style. Braced with brisk acidity and minerals, it features rich flavors of citrus and tropical fruits, wildflowers, honeysuckle flowers, vanilla and cinnamon spice.

La Encantada Vineyard

90

28

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Gris

Alma Rosa

null

US

From decades-old, dry-farmed vines, the wine then 100% barrel fermented, this vintage the grapes were picked particularly early and were still quite rich and full, prompting this experimentation. Lemony bright, floral aromas and flavors meet a lean, refreshing body of apricot and green apple, a pleasant experience from start to finish.

Barrel Fermented Old Vines French

91

24

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Colombard

Y Rousseau

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Y Rousseau 2015 Barrel Fermented Old Vines French Colombard (Russian River Valley)

Spain

Tomato and rhubarb are present on the earthy nose, which isn't very fruity but does set the stage for solid raspberry and cherry flavors. Medium to light in weight, with a slight barnyardy, herbal quality to the finish.

Oak Aged 6 Months

83

13

Central Spain

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

null

Tempranillo

Finca La Estacada

null

Italy

Here's a modern, round and velvety Barolo (from Monforte d'Alba) that will appeal to those who love a thick and juicy style of wine. The aromas include lavender, allspice, cinnamon, white chocolate and vanilla. Tart berry flavors backed by crisp acidity and firm tannins give the mouthfeel determination and grit.

Corsini

92

49

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Podere Ruggeri Corsini

null

US

This is really a lovely Zin. It has the weight, tannic structure and complexity of a fine Napa Cabernet, but the flavors are all Zinfandel. They include black pepper, red and black cherries and raspberries, currants, sweet tobacco, gingerbread and smoky oak influences.

null

90

18

California

Mendocino-Amador

California Other

Zinfandel

Paul Dolan

null

Paul Dolan 2005 Zinfandel (Mendocino-Amador)

US

A bit of a letdown after a string of riper, more successful vintages. Feels sharp and somewhat herbal, with a hay or dried wheat edge to the black cherry and rhubarb fruit. Could just be going through a tough period, and might emerge on the other side in 5–6 years.

Niclaire

88

75

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Testarossa

null

Morocco

Inky garnet to the eye, this wine features aromas of cherry, cranberry and rose petal. It offers flavors of cranberry, tart cherry, chocolate and rye seed, with a sense that one can actually taste rather than feel the acidity that overpowers chalky tannins right into the lingering chocolate finish.

null

89

18

Zenata

null

Syrah

Ouled Thaleb

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Ouled Thaleb 2011 Syrah (Zenata)

US

Made from 100% Syrah and aged in 100% new French oak, this wine is currently hard, astringent and oaky, with caramel, vanilla and buttered toast aromas and flavors. The actual Syrah itself is clean and pure in ripe blackberry jam. Might do something over the years, but probably best now, with a decant.

Waxing Poetic

87

75

California

California Other

Syrah

Sanguis

null

Sanguis 2006 Waxing Poetic Syrah (California)

Italy

Here's a well crafted Friulano with drying mineral notes that are backed by stone fruit, grapefruit and white flower. There's good complexity, acidity and structure here and the wine leaves a satisfying peach note on the finish.

null

87

20

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Friulano

Livon

null

US

Smoky, elegant and soft aromas of leather, pepper and berry lead into flavors of cherry and cigarbox spice on the palate of this approachable Cabernet. The wine is not terribly complex, but good structure and acidity give it cellaring potential, and paired with duck, lamb or beef dishes, it will make a very nice addition to the table.

null

84

19

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bellangelo

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Bellangelo 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Finger Lakes)

Italy

Made with a blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Raboso, this opens with spicy aromas of candied fruit, butterscotch and awkwardly integrated oak aromas of cedar and mesquite wood.

Donna Luna 500ml

82

12

Veneto

null

Red Blend

Pizzolato

null

Italy

Alicante is a variant of Grenache (used widely in France, Spain and California) that finds its home only in tiny pockets of Italy, including Maremma, Tuscany. This wine shows enormous spice with tones of scented candle and incense with blackberry and cherry.

Querciolaia

88

30

Tuscany

Maremma

null

Alicante

Fattoria Mantellassi

null

US

Baking spice, freshly hewn wood and dark fruit aromas are followed by pitch-black-fruit flavors. The volatiles are just in check.

Clifton Hill Vineyard

87

40

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Maryhill

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Maryhill 2013 Clifton Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Wahluke Slope)

US

Broadly flavorful when first sipped, this turns aggressively oaky in the mouth. The liquorous barrel flavors will please some tasters, while others will wonder where the fruit went?

Estate

87

24

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Gamache

null

US

This Rhône blend from the fashionable west side of Paso Robles is made in the modern cult style. It's very dark in color, full-bodied and glyceriney in the mouth, and delivers a thermonuclear blast of fruit and oak. Among the flavors are roasted blackberries, cassis, melted milk chocolate, anise, cotton candy, vanilla custard, crème brûlée and cinnamon spice. Not exactly your classically dry table wine. Drink now.

Westside

94

95

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

PharaohMoans

null

Argentina

Earthy aromas are a bit muddled and suggest tomato and herbs, but in the mouth, this is fresh and rigid in feel. Flavors of zesty berry come with oaky, savory notes and a touch of woody residue on the finish.

El Tractor

85

10

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Villa Atuel

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Villa Atuel 2012 El Tractor Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)

France

Showing fine acidity, this has a creamy texture and a rich, rounded feel. Full of pear and creamed-apple flavors, it has some weight and a full-bodied character without losing the crisp acidity.

Signature

87

15

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Robert Klingenfus

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Robert Klingenfus 2011 Signature Riesling (Alsace)

US

This viscous wine offers an underlay of toasty oak notes that round out its gravelly texture. Light-bodied and filigreed with acidity, its lemon, quince and fig flavors remain fresh and vibrant on the palate.

Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown

93

55

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Joseph Phelps

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Joseph Phelps 2014 Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

US

This is a soft, broadly fruity Chardonnay, with near-tropical ripeness. Banana and papaya flavors dominate, accented by pretty baking spices and a touch of mineral.

Reserve

88

32

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Westrey

null

Portugal

Surprisingly light and soft, for a Dow Port, this shows sweet fruit with a super-ripe edge. In the medium-term, this will be a pleasant, ripe vintage, but it's not likely to age.

Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Vintage

87

60

Port

null

Port

Dow's

null

US

A bit too ripe, with the cassis fruit tinged with raisins, and overly soft, this Cab finishes with some tannic astringency. Doesn't seem like it's going anywhere, so drink now.

null

84

55

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Groth

null

Argentina

Give this young Malbec some time to settle and it rounds into form. The nose goes from funky to finished in a few minutes, while the cherry and cola flavors run with ease toward a lightly tannic finish. Straightforward and likable once it finds its legs.

null

87

10

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Sur de los Andes

null

Italy

Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, violet, wild berry and a whiff of menthol lead the nose on this bright, easygoing red. The racy, straightforward palate offers sour cherry, pomegranate and a hint of star anise alongside zesty acidity and smooth tannins. A blast of orange closes the finish.

null

87

25

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Lambardi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Lambardi 2014 Rosso di Montalcino

US

The grapes had no problem getting ripe, to judge by the flood of red cherry marmalade, cola and milk chocolate flavors. With its dryness and softness, the wine is delicious, if a little one-dimensional.

Limited Estate Reserve Tatria Meritage Red Table Wine

85

36

California

Temecula

South Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Stuart Cellars

null