spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

country stringclasses 49 values	description stringlengths 18 829	designation stringlengths 1 95 ⌀	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 2.5k ⌀	province stringclasses 478 values	region_1 stringlengths 3 50 ⌀	region_2 stringclasses 18 values	variety stringclasses 726 values	winery stringlengths 1 54	taster_name stringclasses 19 values	taster_twitter_handle stringclasses 15 values	title stringlengths 12 135 ⌀
France	Rounded, rich and full in the mouth, this offers swathes of flowery, aromatic fruit that is still young, still in its primary stage. With just a hint of steely texture, the wine does have structure and aging potential. For now, it is generous and delicious.	Heissenberg	93	48	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Ostertag	null	null	null
US	Honey, butter, yellow pear, pineapple and vanilla cream show on the supple and soft palate of this bottling—one of the new appellation blends branded under the Nielson name. Sea salt and caramel apple show on the palate, which is underlied and bound by a rain-on-slate minerality, and finishes on an apple custard note.	null	90	27	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Nielson by Byron	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Nielson by Byron 2014 Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
Greece	Smoke, cedar and plum aromas are followed by a focused palate of pepper and berry flavors. Poised and sophisticated, this wine is great for fans of drier style reds.	Grande Reserve	89	22	Nemea	null	null	Agiorgitiko	Semeli	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Semeli 2004 Grande Reserve Agiorgitiko (Nemea)
Italy	Menthol, blue flower, oak and a whiff of exotic spice emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers raspberry compote, mocha and a hint of cake spice alongside bracing tannins that clench the finish.	Rocche di Castiglione	89	79	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Oddero	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Oddero 2012 Rocche di Castiglione (Barolo)
US	This is a lightly aromatic wine with notes of peach, pear and apricot along with a floral top note. It's pleasant and easy-drinking, with sweet fruit flavors softening its descent.	Reflection	87	26	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Chardonnay	Coeur d'Alene	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Coeur d'Alene 2013 Reflection Chardonnay (Washington)
US	The tannins are holding this Bordeaux blend back now, making it hard and astringent. Even so, the fruit is so powerful, it breaks through to impress. The black currant, cassis and plum jam flavors are complexed with notes of teriyaki beef jerky, cocoa and Asian spices. Could improve considerably in the bottle.	Dancing Bear Ranch	88	106	California	Howell Mountain	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc	Cakebread	null	null	null
France	Potentially an aromatic wine that will develop a rich, velvety character. At this young stage, the fruit is dominated by firm tannins that sit at the heart of the wine. It has all the density for a good development, aging over 5–10 years.	null	91	37	Bordeaux	Margaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château la Bessane	null	null	null
Spain	Slightly volatile and jammy, but still good for the price range. The nose is pungent and mildly prickly, but it settles in the long run. Like most RDDs, it's intense and jammy in the mouth, with concentration and flavors of raspberry, tomato, salad dressing and even chocolate. If all this sounds a bit scattered and all over the map, it is. But as a whole, the wine has composure, mouthfeel and varietal and regional character.	Miros	87	19	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Peñafiel	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Peñafiel 2005 Miros (Ribera del Duero)
New Zealand	Seems a bit too oaky, with cedar and mint aromas covering the fruit, while the flavors veer toward chocolate and plum. Finishes tart and crisp, with bright acidity. Imported by Empson (USA) Ltd.	La Strada	85	36	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Fromm Winery	null	null	null
France	Produced by the cooperative of the Hautes Côtes, this wine is bright and fruity. It has light tannins and warm, red cherry character. With its acidity and structure it could age, although not for long. Drink from 2018.	null	87	18	Burgundy	Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Nuiton-Beaunoy	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Nuiton-Beaunoy 2015 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune
US	This is impressively dark, with dense but grapy fruit flavors right out front. The mouthfeel is sharp and spicy, and it thins out surprisingly in the middle, given the color and rather high alcohol. Sappy acids and raspy tannins carry it through the finish.	Aroha Vineyard	88	24	Oregon	Umpqua Valley	Southern Oregon	Merlot	Iris Vineyards	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Iris Vineyards 2014 Aroha Vineyard Merlot (Umpqua Valley)
US	There's a grippy quality to this Cab, which has flavors of bright red cranberry, licorice and soy, along with ample structure and a soft finish.	null	87	20	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Mazzocco	null	null	null
US	This tastes a bit on the sweet side, with flavors of white sugar, orange, lemon, lime and vanilla. Fortunately, there's a cut of crisp acidity that lends balance. The grapes come mainly from Lake County and Paso Robles.	null	84	12	California	California	California Other	Sauvignon Blanc	Leese-Fitch	null	null	null
Italy	Made with organically farmed fruit, this is bright, fresh and linear, with forest berry and black cherry notes, backed by almond and dried tobacco leaf.	null	86	12	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	TerrAmore	null	null	null
France	This is a crisp, dry wine that exibits delicious acidity, along with fresh citrus and green-apple flavors. It's bright and fruity, but has a textured undertow that promises good bottle aging. Ready to drink now, but could also benefit by cellaring for a year.	Réserve Brut	88	54	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Philippe Fontaine	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Philippe Fontaine NV Réserve Brut (Champagne)
Argentina	Light and candied, with strawberry drink mix as the main aroma. In the mouth, it's rather sticky and sweet, with basic characteristics. Adequate in terms of feel and balance.	null	82	6	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Merlot	Funky Llama	null	null	null
US	This vineyard is in the West Oak Knoll area of the valley. The wine was left unfined and unfiltered by the winemakers, who employ native yeast for fermentation. Juicy stone fruit and zippy acidity strike a chord of balance and complexity that's low in oak and deliciously crisp in peach.	Linda Vista Vineyard	94	32	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Donkey & Goat	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Donkey & Goat 2016 Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
US	Ripe and extracted in blackberry, currant, mocha and oak flavors, this Cab, tasted at the age of 3-plus years, still was freshly sharp and jammy. You might want to cellar it for a few years to let it mellow and knit together.	null	87	60	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Volta	null	null	null
Australia	This red blend offers brambly-berry aromas and fruit-sweet plum and cranberry flavors. A good wine, but doesn't stand out from other Cab-Merlots in its category.	null	85	15	South Australia	South Australia	null	Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot	Geoff Merrill	null	null	null
Argentina	Woody and smelling of sawdust early, this four-grape blend eases toward roasted berry, cassis, herbal plum and molten chocolate. It's massive and structured, with a big-boned skeleton and heat on the leathery, roasted finish due to 15.5% alcohol. Big, fiery, saucy and lusty, but short on refinement and elegance.	Atemporal	89	25	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Red Blend	Alta Vista	null	null	null
Italy	Passoro opens with an amber, almost deep orange color and overripe aromas of sun baked raisins, dried apricot, strawberry jam and candied fruit. The wine feels heavy and thick on the mouth but a sharp point of lemon zest appears at the very end.	Passoro 500ml	84	23	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Moscato	Maggio Vini	null	null	null
US	Fresh green herbs on the nose accumulate fruit and floral notes on the palate of this pretty but robust rosé. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, it offers intense red berry and watermelon fruitiness along with a pleasantly clingy, silken mouthfeel.	Summer in Bottle	90	24	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Rosé	Wölffer	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Wölffer 2015 Summer in Bottle Rosé (North Fork of Long Island)
US	If you like your white wines sweet and crisp, then this one's for you. Made from Chardonnay, Moscato, Sémillon and Viognier, it's has orange, pear and honeysuckle flavors.	null	84	10	California	California	California Other	White Blend	Pandemonium	null	null	Pandemonium 2011 White (California)
US	Though technically off-dry, this tastes tart and racy, following its lively aromatics with crisp citrus-fruit flavors of Key lime, Satsuma orange, and ripe apricots. The fruit sources—Evergreen and Wahluke Slope vineyards—are among the best in Washington for Riesling.	Traditions	90	13	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Milbrandt	null	null	null
France	Juicy wine, just beginning to change from pure fruit to maturity. The tannins are still there, but more gently rounded with red berry fruits. The wine is ready to drink.	null	86	16	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Château d'Ourbenac	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château d'Ourbenac 2005 Malbec (Cahors)
France	88-90 Barrel sample. High toast, balanced by strong, vivid black fruit flavors, work well together here. The wine edges towards concentration, but there is still a final light touch of fresh berries.	Barrel sample	89	null	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château de Lamarque	null	null	null
US	This is crisp and pure with Edna Valley intensity, offering complex waves of raspberry and cherry pie, savory spice and exotic sandalwood flavors that are girded with tangy minerality. Drink now with steak, lamb or tuna.	Stone Corral Vineyard	92	50	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Talley	null	null	null
US	Here is another fine effort from Columbia Crest that captures some spice and keeps the fruit bright and fresh. Apple and citrus flavors, sharp and tangy, run up against lots of barrel toast. The finish is loaded with baking spices and lightly touched with candied orange peel.	Reserve	89	30	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Columbia Crest	null	null	null
France	Pinot Gris, with its pale-pink skin, is the grape of choice in Reuilly for rosés. With a color that matches pale rosés from Provence, the wine is lightly spicy while also dry. Its balanced acidity is just right. Drink now.	Pinot Gris	88	20	Loire Valley	Reuilly	null	Rosé	Domaine de Reuilly	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Reuilly 2015 Pinot Gris Rosé (Reuilly)
Chile	Tropical fruit, air freshener and bath soap aromas lead to a candied, sticky palate with a mix of sweet flavors that include papaya, powdered sugar and mango. The finish is confected and soft.	null	82	8	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Sombras del Sol	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Sombras del Sol 2011 Chardonnay (Colchagua Valley)
Argentina	One of Altocedro's better efforts starts with meaty, ripe, chunky black fruit aromas and a wave of mocha, cocoa and berry syrup. It's a creamy specimen but has enough acidity and vitality to not run flat. Mocha, carob and plum extend through the finish. Drink now.	Reserva	89	39	Mendoza Province	La Consulta	null	Malbec	Altocedro	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Altocedro 2007 Reserva Malbec (La Consulta)
Italy	This is a “dry” vintage Prosecco with a hint of sweetness in the mouth that is surrounded by fragrant flavors of peach, kiwi and green melon. This luminous sparkler tastes firm and tonic and makes for an informal afternoon sipper.	Millesimato Dry	86	18	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Sant Eurosia	null	null	Sant Eurosia 2007 Millesimato Dry (Prosecco di Valdobbiadene)
France	The Jura's Savagnin grape gives fruity wines with a strong yeasty, salty character. That's very evident in this fine example. With its rich apple fruit and hints of almonds, it's full, spicy, tangy and aromatic. Drink now, although it will age at least until 2020.	Auréoline	92	40	France Other	Arbois	null	Savagnin	Domaine Dugois	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Dugois 2015 Auréoline Savagnin (Arbois)
Italy	Oak, menthol, mature berry, dried sage and coffee aromas lead the nose. The palate offers black cherry, crushed raspberry, black pepper, licorice, espresso and a balsamic note alongside bracing, teeth-coating tannins.	null	88	50	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Amalia	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Amalia 2009 Barolo
US	Thirst-quenching, lean and tangy, it would make a good match with shucked oysters. It shows lemon and green apple aromas, plus fresh and crisp citrus flavors. Medium in body, the texture is pleasantly lean while the finish is refreshing.	Estate	88	10	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Sauvignon Blanc	Clos du Lac	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Clos du Lac 2013 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Amador County)
France	A severe wine whose tannins show no sign of softening yet. Very mineral in texture, with black currants and dark-fruit skins, it is structured and concentrated, and should pair well with rich foods.	null	88	null	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec-Merlot	Domaine du Prince	null	null	null
France	This wine is all fruit with a stalky character that comes from fresh black currants, tight acidity and dusty tannins. It's light and forward—a cool red that will be ready to drink later this year.	null	86	null	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Red Blend	Domaine de Lartigue	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de Lartigue 2011 Red (Côtes de Gascogne)
Chile	Yellow in color and chunky on the nose, which shows the common triple play of apple, banana and vanilla aromas. The palate is wide, with ample acidity and grabby, waxy flavors of orange and pineapple. Plump and soft on the finish. Drink right away or wait for the '08.	Reserva	85	12	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Morandé	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Morandé 2007 Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)
US	Soft and gentle in structure, this Cab appeals for its ripe, pie-filling flavors of blackberries, cherries and spices. It's a pretty, polished young wine whose vigorous tannins give it a sandpapery texture. Ready now.	Reserve	86	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Snowden	null	null	Snowden 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Italy	Starts with a rich nose of dark cherry, milk chocolate and anise. It shows the typical espresso and toast flavors of the new style, but with more nuance and better balance than many others. There's a lot of oak here, but it's a very good example of the style, and should improve through 2003.	null	88	17	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Villa Cafaggio	null	null	null
US	A clean, lively Sauvignon Blanc, whose tart acidity gives a brisk mouthfeel. The fruit is very ripe and sugary sweet in green apples, pears and tangerines. Make it drier, and the score would improve considerably.	Top Chef	85	18	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Quickfire	null	null	null
Uruguay	Oaky aromas rest on top of raisin, blackberry and dried-cheese scents. This feels full and tannic, with saucy, herbal, tomato, plum and berry flavors. On the finish, oak-based flavors of graphite and charcoal vie with ringing acidity and edgy tannins.	Reserve Collection	88	20	Canelones	null	null	Tannat	Marichal	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Marichal 2013 Reserve Collection Tannat (Canelones)
Portugal	A smooth, ripe, caramel- and toffee-flavored wine, with sweet fruit. Tastes young for a 20-year old, this still has good structure and is well integrated.	20-year old tawny	89	48	Port	null	null	Port	Offley	null	null	null
Chile	Fluffy, sweet aromas of peach, pear and vanilla are as good as it gets. Tastes of powdered sugar and the most forced oak you can imagine. Not at all surprising that it's resiny on the finish.	Reserve	80	15	Maule Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Cuevas del Sur	null	null	null
France	Situated high on a rock overlooking the river Lot, Château de Mercuès, now a luxury hotel, dates from the 13th century. The wine is as ripe and luxurious as the hotel. It is a dense, solid and structured Malbec, with its powerful tannins balanced by big, bold black fruits. It's a classic wine for serious aging, so wait until 2018.	Château de Mercuès Grand Vin Seigneur	92	25	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Georges Vigouroux	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Georges Vigouroux 2011 Château de Mercuès Grand Vin Seigneur Malbec (Cahors)
France	94-96 Barrel sample. Lots of new wood here, maybe too dominant. But it is a stage, because the fruit weight is also there to give a wine of considerable complexity, dry and solid.	Barrel sample	95	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Julien	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Langoa Barton	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Langoa Barton 2009 Barrel sample (Saint-Julien)
France	Smooth and ripe, this is a finely balanced wine. New wood shows in the mint flavor, which is surrounded by a black currant note, plus fresh acids and tannins that promise aging. From the north of the Haut-Médoc, this is a chateau to watch.	null	90	18	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château le Chêne	null	null	null
US	This wine is a bit reductive out of the gate, opening to reveal aromas of pear, peach, melon, lees and spice. The palate is creamy and textured in feel. If the aromas come together, it could move up a notch.	Conner Lee Vineyard	88	42	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Buty	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Buty 2015 Conner Lee Vineyard Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	Although it is dry, this wine with its gentle mousse has a light touch of honey to go with the ripe pear and cantaloupe flavors. It has a crisp edge, lightly toasty, dry and with tight acidity at the end.	Cuvée T Brut	87	25	Loire Valley	Vouvray	null	Chenin Blanc	Domaine Vincent Carême	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Vincent Carême 2014 Cuvée T Brut (Vouvray)
US	A complex mélange of briny, preserved lemon, apple crisp and caramel brittle, this wine is deceptively elegant and refined, with a dark, brooding finish.	Oro de Plata	92	33	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Keller	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Keller 2013 Oro de Plata Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
US	There is a lot going on in this affordable Cabernet. It shows real character in the dryness, firm tannins and classic flavors of blackberries and cedar, with a tug of herbs. A full-bodied red wine, and a great restaurant pour.	null	87	14	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Q	null	null	null
Portugal	Earthy, rustic aromas give this wine an all-too-natural feel. It has firm tannins alongside juicy black fruits that bring out a dense texture. As the wine ages, maybe the barnyard character will go.	Giesta	84	15	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Boas Quintas	null	null	null
France	Aromas and flavors of rhubarb and red pepper dominate, resulting in a wine that is sharp and unbalanced.	null	81	12	Bordeaux	Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Dubraud	null	null	null
Italy	Toasted or yeasty notes appear at first and are followed by creamy peach, apricot and yellow rose. The wine is tonic and fresh with good density on the palate and long persistency on the close.	Villa Crespia Novalia Brut	89	40	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Chardonnay	Fratelli Muratori	null	null	null
France	Inky purple in color, this traditional blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault is a big, tannic wine, but the tannins are supple and ripe. Dark fruit--blueberries and plums--seem a bit closed and brooding, but grace notes of violets and smoke add nuance. Give it 3-5 years of cellaring.	Coteaux des Travers Cairanne	91	26	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône Villages	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Domaine Brusset	null	null	null
Italy	Coffee, tobacco and finely ground espresso come to light at the back of blackberry, cranberry and pomegranate. This is a fresh and vibrant interpretation that makes good use of the natural acidity present in Barbera d'Asti.	Praiot	88	null	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti	null	Barbera	Antonia Gazzi	null	null	null
US	A blend of Viognier and Roussanne, this warm-vintage wine offers aromas of toast, ripe peach, pineapple, almond and barrel spices. It's full bodied with rich, sweet fruit flavors that stick around on the finish.	Le Deuce	90	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	White Blend	Darby	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Darby 2013 Le Deuce White (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	There's a nice mineral vein that helps keep this wine focused. Beyond that, you'll taste fresh fruit and some distance notes of roasted almond and sourdough. The mouthfeel is clean and crisp and the bubbles are soft and creamy.	Soul Satèn	91	null	Lombardy	Franciacorta	null	Chardonnay	Contadi Castaldi	null	null	null
US	This Pinot overcomes a somewhat murky appearance by offering an interesting mix of earth, tomato leaf, pepper and granite, along with very tart red fruits. It's textural and chewy, with substantial tannins, but it's also flavorful and dense, and for the relatively modest price it shows some real muscle.	Cali's Cuvée	88	24	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Left Coast Cellars	null	null	null
US	A tremendous Zinfandel. Combines sheer volume of power fruit with finesse to essentially define the variety. With rich acidity and some firm, chewy tannins, it's brilliantly dry, displaying blackberry tart, black currant, cola, mocha, bacon and pepper flavors, dusted with savory Indian spices. A very great Zinfandel whose high alcohol is simply part of the wine's personality.	Riebli Valley Vineyard	94	48	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Zinfandel	De Loach	null	null	null
Italy	This blend of Sangiovese and Merlot has found enduring harmony and long-lasting persistency in this vintage. The quality of the aromas is top-notch, with cherry and toast spread equally in balanced competition. It is firm but yielding in the mouth with chewy tannins.	Casalferro	92	49	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Barone Ricasoli	null	null	null
New Zealand	This is a pretty, elegant rendering of Pinot Noir. Delicate strands of resinous herbs surround a medium-bodied core of cherry fruit, which lingers softly on the finish. Drink now–2017.	Te Muna Road Single Vineyard	89	46	Martinborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Craggy Range	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Craggy Range 2011 Te Muna Road Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Martinborough)
Spain	Aromas of roasted, grapy berry fruits come with oak-based notes of plastic and clove. This wine feels full in body, with hard tannins. Flavors of woodspice, hickory and black fruits finish with a lingering hint of wood smoke.	Roble	85	11	Northern Spain	Campo de Borja	null	Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon	Coto de Hayas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Coto de Hayas 2015 Roble Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon (Campo de Borja)
Australia	Cedar and vanilla notes mark the nose of this wine, which boasts ample weight, modest fruit and a soft, open-knit texture. It's appealing for its oaky charm.	null	87	20	South Australia	Adelaide Hills	null	Pinot Noir	Sidewood	null	null	null
US	Extremely tannic at the age of five years, and that astringency accentuates the dryness, making the wine austere and distant. It has a dense, complex core of blackberries, coated with immaculately fine, sweet oak. Feels important and dramatic, but too young. Begs to be housed in a good cellar for a good eight years.	Le Desir	95	300	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Verité	null	null	null
US	From a promising new project, the nose of this wine is linear and focused, with black raspberry, black licorice, cola, wet sagebrush and rain-on-slate scents. The tactile acidity once sipped creates a fascinating soft buzz on the tongue, with flavors of dried mint, brisk raspberry and cherry tomato. Camphor and eucalyptus add intrigue on the finish.	Estate Reserve	91	55	California	Carmel Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Albatross Ridge	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Albatross Ridge 2012 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir (Carmel Valley)
US	Pretty floral notes mingle enticingly with smoke and nut aromas in this vanilla-kissed Chardonnay. It's rich and creamy on the palate, with concentrated apple flavors and bright, lemony acids that add vibrancy to the finish.	Reserve Barrel Fermented	87	18	New York	Cayuga Lake	Finger Lakes	Chardonnay	Treleaven	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Treleaven 2010 Reserve Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Cayuga Lake)
France	A simple yet quaffable bubbly, this has a heady perfume of ripe cherry with red berry and citrus flavors. Runs on the plump side, with lower-than-average acidity.	Réserve Dry Rosé	84	9	France Other	Vin Mousseux	null	Sparkling Blend	Charles de Fère	null	null	null
US	Blackberry and pressed violet aromas lead the nose of this bottling, while charred beef, lava rock and black soil scents provide depth. A roasted game flavor dominates the palate, spiced with black pepper and soy sauce and bolstered by a concentrated base of black fruit.	null	91	35	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Syrah	Koehler	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Koehler 2014 Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)
Italy	This blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot opens with aromas of forest floor, ripe blackberry, cedar and menthol. The warm, evolved palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, mint, ground pepper and a gamy note alongside assertive, almost gritty tannins that leave an astringent finish.	Ceppeto Riserva	86	31	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	Mannucci Droandi	null	null	null
US	This Chardonnay tastes like a supermarket fruit punch of apricots, peaches, mangoes and oranges, along with the stimulating heat of alcohol. It's ripe and oaky.	null	82	13	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Magnolia Court	null	null	Magnolia Court 2012 Chardonnay (Central Coast)
France	90-92 Barrel sample. Good balance between richness and great freshness. The acidity is almost sweet, giving a wine that is spicy, but with a great green aftertaste.	Barrel sample	91	null	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Picque Caillou	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Picque Caillou 2009 Barrel sample (Pessac-Léognan)
US	Pure Cabernet, aged in the same Vicard barrels as winemaker Randy Dunn's Howell Mountain wines. About 90% is new oak, but it doesn't strangle the fruit in any way. Tart and vibrant, with black cherry/black currant fruit, this balanced effort shows a velvety character and a fine touch in the vineyard. Nuances of coffee, earth, leaf and dried herb are threaded through, in perfect harmony and balanced for medium-term aging.	null	93	60	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Feather	null	null	null
Spain	Stemmy, pickled aromas send the fruit component to second fiddle. Tastes, smells and feels like a wine that didn't get fully ripe; the flavors are thin and light, with tea and dilute berry. Finishes same as above.	null	82	20	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo Blend	Gazur	null	null	null
US	Estate-grown Viognier makes up the majority of this blend, followed by 25% Roussanne and 22% Marsanne. Delicate, the aromas lean floral and tart, a combination of peaches and honey that build into an oaky, powerful finish.	3 Divas	90	25	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Rhône-style White Blend	Montemaggiore	null	null	null
Italy	Red berry, camphor, dried Alpine herb and a whiff of espresso are some of the aromas you'll find on this firmly structured red. On the young, taut palate, assertive fine-grained tannins frame red cherry, star anise and coffee bean. It's still young, with a tight, tongue-drying finish. Drink 2023–2033.	Bricco Rocche	93	270	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Ceretto	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Ceretto 2013 Bricco Rocche (Barolo)
Portugal	This sweet, smooth and approachable wine shows a rounded, ripe fruit character. It tastes sweet, with a note of black plum jelly and hints of treacle and sultana. For mid-term aging.	Vintage	86	null	Port	null	null	Port	Quinta Dona Matilde	null	null	null
Italy	This seductive Brunello portrays aromas of black fruit, vanilla, brown sugar, plums and prunes wrapped within a thin veil of smoke. It's a wine that reaches a comfortable level of intensity and balance and that offers mouth-puckering flavors of sour cherry on the finish.	null	91	60	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Tenuta Crocedimezzo	null	null	Tenuta Crocedimezzo 2004 Brunello di Montalcino
Australia	Vanilla, cedar and mint notes mark the nose, while this wine boasts just enough fruit on the plate to carry the lavish oak. It's full bodied, creamy and supple, amply concentrated but still very approachable. Drink now–2023.	Savitar	92	75	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Shiraz	Mitolo	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Mitolo 2012 Savitar Shiraz (McLaren Vale)
France	Rounded, and rich, this is touched with spicy wood and has plenty of black berry fruits. A solid structure, some fruit tannin and plenty of red-plum-skin edge finishes ripe.	Cuvée Prestige	89	null	Beaujolais	Juliénas	null	Gamay	Domaine du Clos du Fief	null	null	null
Spain	Roasted, smoky, earthy aromas of herbal berry fruits and leather stir interest. In the mouth, this Tempranillo is firm and chewy, with full tannins. Savory, spicy and baked in flavor, this basic Penedès red finishes dry, peppery and with leathery berry notes.	Clos de Torribas Crianza	86	10	Catalonia	Penedès	null	Tempranillo	Pinord	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pinord 2010 Clos de Torribas Crianza Tempranillo (Penedès)
US	This is a robustly built, densely packed and velvety wine with smooth layers of integrated oak. Tannins provide the power and foundation behind its crisp blue fruit and dried herb flavors, seasoned with cola and black pepper spice.	Hirsch Vineyard	92	65	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	FEL	Virginie Boone	@vboone	FEL 2014 Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
France	The 60% Cabernet in the blend gives a dark fruit character. At this young stage, the wood aging still dominates with its burnt toast and chocolate character. For the future, while the wine will be dry, it also has plenty of fresh fruit. Drink from 2018.	null	87	null	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Taffard de Blaignan	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Taffard de Blaignan 2012 Médoc
US	Estate grown, crisp and nicely defined, with a pretty mix of apple, pear, peach and apricot flavors. The fruit is framed with citrus rind (orange and grapefruit) and keeps the wine tight and focused through a clean, lingering finish.	null	90	24	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Hawks View	null	null	null
US	This light-bodied wine has aromas like strawberries and maple syrup, and flavors that taste almost sweet. It makes a tempting, light and airy drink that's good for casual occasions.	null	84	8	California	California	California Other	Zinfandel	Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2013 Zinfandel (California)
Italy	Despite its very young age, this bright 30-30-40 blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon shows impressive sophistication and personality. Neutral oak is used to fine-tune the spice aromas and the wine shows intense flavors of blackberry, cherry, leather and pipe tobacco.	Moreccio	89	null	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Casa di Terra	null	null	null
Italy	Nebbiolo, the grape, and Nubiola, the designate name, stem from the same Italian word: nebbia, or “fog” that regularly blankets the Langhe. This bright Barbaresco is defined by a distinctive aroma of tar or freshly applied street asphalt that is typical of the variety. Additional aromas include back fruit, prune and plum. The mouthfeel is streamlined, tight and elegant.	Nubiola	92	38	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Pelissero	null	null	null
Spain	A smoky, heady nose is defined mostly by char, coffee and black-fruit aromas. In the mouth, this wine is solidly built but not too heavy. Toasty, chocolaty blackberry and cassis flavors don't change much on a bold, blocky finish that stays the course. Drink through 2027.	Suprema 30 Meses	92	48	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	De Bardos	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	De Bardos 2012 Suprema 30 Meses (Ribera del Duero)
US	Dry and harsh, with overwhelming feline smells and tastes.	Limited Bottling	81	21	California	California	California Other	Viognier	Stuart Cellars	null	null	Stuart Cellars 2008 Limited Bottling Viognier (California)
US	Lots of sweet, smoky oak on this wine, with flavors of pineapples, peaches, limes, vanilla and honey. It's balanced with crisp acidity. Drink now.	null	87	22	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Sanford	null	null	Sanford 2009 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)
France	90-92 Barrel sample. Power and structure over extreme juicy fruits, with black plum skins, spice from wood and a firm underlay.	Barrel sample	91	null	Bordeaux	Moulis-en-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Poujeaux	null	null	null
US	Consulting winemaker Matthew Loso knows his way around a blend, and this fine Cabernet-Merlot mix shines with focused, dark fruit flavors. It's threaded with streaks of clove, black olive and anise, with real muscle and tannic heft.	Jammin' Red	91	19	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Elevation Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Elevation Cellars 2009 Jammin' Red Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
Chile	A little bit of waxy cheese interferes with the apple and pear nose, while flavors of pineapple and orange are live-wire and forward, courtesy of piercing acids. Finishes in a style that's consistent with the rest of the wine. Imported by Remy Cointreau USA.	Character	85	14	Maipo Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Haras	null	null	null
Australia	Old-vine Shiraz from the valley floor imparts great richness and a creamy texture to this wine's tannins, framed easily by hints of vanilla. Yet it's not a simple fruit-and-oak concoction—with time in the glass it steadily unfurls to reveal herbal and spice complexities. Marries power and elegance; drink now–2015.	The Factor	92	105	South Australia	Barossa Valley	null	Shiraz	Torbreck	null	null	null
South Africa	Zelma Long's tradition of excellence continues with the Series M: Its deep chocolate, cinnamon and berry aromas and full, complex waves of delicious fruit and spice are exactly what a Bordeaux blend should be. Restrained but memorable, the wine has firm structure and will age beautifully.	Series M	91	50	Paarl	null	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Vilafonté	null	null	null
US	Here's a young wine that opens with a blast of white pepper, then airs slowly to reveal layers of cassis, grilled meat, chocolate, anise, tar and toasty oak. In the mouth, it's flamboyant and full-bodied, a little soft, but decadent. This wine is so rich in fruit, you could pour it over vanilla ice cream. It will be fabulous with a charbroiled steak.	Bone Rock	94	56	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah	Saxum	null	null	null
US	A textbook example of Oregon Pinot Gris, this is bursting with citrus and pear fruit. Immaculately clean and crisp, the bright fruit and lively mouthfeel continue into a lingering, satisfying, tangy finish. All stainless- steel fermented.	null	91	15	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Gris	Iris Vineyards	null	null	null
France	A fine expression of mineral Sauvignon Blanc, very textured with green herb and fruit skins giving a tense shape to a wine that could age. It's finely balanced, the refreshing acidity cutting right through the wine.	Les Belles Côtes	89	30	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Roger et Didier Raimbault	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Roger et Didier Raimbault 2010 Les Belles Côtes (Sancerre)
Italy	Fresh and fragrant, offering layers of cut grass, dried herbs, citrus and passion fruit. It's an easy, no-fuss wine with a crisp finish that would pair with fried calamari.	I Fiori	85	null	Sicily & Sardinia	Vermentino di Sardegna	null	Vermentino	Pala	null	null	null
Italy	Black cherry and blackberry take over on this Montepulciano-based wine from Central Italy. The juicy fruit carries over to the palate, along with prune and cinnamon-spice notes that add depth. Already friendly, hold for a couple of years to fully develop.	Ilico	88	17	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Red Blend	Illuminati Dino	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Illuminati Dino 2011 Ilico (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)

France

Rounded, rich and full in the mouth, this offers swathes of flowery, aromatic fruit that is still young, still in its primary stage. With just a hint of steely texture, the wine does have structure and aging potential. For now, it is generous and delicious.

Heissenberg

93

48

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Ostertag

null

US

Honey, butter, yellow pear, pineapple and vanilla cream show on the supple and soft palate of this bottling—one of the new appellation blends branded under the Nielson name. Sea salt and caramel apple show on the palate, which is underlied and bound by a rain-on-slate minerality, and finishes on an apple custard note.

null

90

27

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Nielson by Byron

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Nielson by Byron 2014 Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)

Greece

Smoke, cedar and plum aromas are followed by a focused palate of pepper and berry flavors. Poised and sophisticated, this wine is great for fans of drier style reds.

Grande Reserve

89

22

Nemea

null

Agiorgitiko

Semeli

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Semeli 2004 Grande Reserve Agiorgitiko (Nemea)

Italy

Menthol, blue flower, oak and a whiff of exotic spice emerge in the glass. The firm palate offers raspberry compote, mocha and a hint of cake spice alongside bracing tannins that clench the finish.

Rocche di Castiglione

89

79

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Oddero

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Oddero 2012 Rocche di Castiglione (Barolo)

US

This is a lightly aromatic wine with notes of peach, pear and apricot along with a floral top note. It's pleasant and easy-drinking, with sweet fruit flavors softening its descent.

Reflection

87

26

Washington

Washington Other

Chardonnay

Coeur d'Alene

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Coeur d'Alene 2013 Reflection Chardonnay (Washington)

US

The tannins are holding this Bordeaux blend back now, making it hard and astringent. Even so, the fruit is so powerful, it breaks through to impress. The black currant, cassis and plum jam flavors are complexed with notes of teriyaki beef jerky, cocoa and Asian spices. Could improve considerably in the bottle.

Dancing Bear Ranch

88

106

California

Howell Mountain

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc

Cakebread

null

France

Potentially an aromatic wine that will develop a rich, velvety character. At this young stage, the fruit is dominated by firm tannins that sit at the heart of the wine. It has all the density for a good development, aging over 5–10 years.

null

91

37

Bordeaux

Margaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château la Bessane

null

Spain

Slightly volatile and jammy, but still good for the price range. The nose is pungent and mildly prickly, but it settles in the long run. Like most RDDs, it's intense and jammy in the mouth, with concentration and flavors of raspberry, tomato, salad dressing and even chocolate. If all this sounds a bit scattered and all over the map, it is. But as a whole, the wine has composure, mouthfeel and varietal and regional character.

Miros

87

19

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Peñafiel

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Peñafiel 2005 Miros (Ribera del Duero)

New Zealand

Seems a bit too oaky, with cedar and mint aromas covering the fruit, while the flavors veer toward chocolate and plum. Finishes tart and crisp, with bright acidity. Imported by Empson (USA) Ltd.

La Strada

85

36

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Fromm Winery

null

France

Produced by the cooperative of the Hautes Côtes, this wine is bright and fruity. It has light tannins and warm, red cherry character. With its acidity and structure it could age, although not for long. Drink from 2018.

null

87

18

Burgundy

Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Nuiton-Beaunoy

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Nuiton-Beaunoy 2015 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

US

This is impressively dark, with dense but grapy fruit flavors right out front. The mouthfeel is sharp and spicy, and it thins out surprisingly in the middle, given the color and rather high alcohol. Sappy acids and raspy tannins carry it through the finish.

Aroha Vineyard

88

24

Oregon

Umpqua Valley

Southern Oregon

Merlot

Iris Vineyards

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Iris Vineyards 2014 Aroha Vineyard Merlot (Umpqua Valley)

US

There's a grippy quality to this Cab, which has flavors of bright red cranberry, licorice and soy, along with ample structure and a soft finish.

null

87

20

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Mazzocco

null

US

This tastes a bit on the sweet side, with flavors of white sugar, orange, lemon, lime and vanilla. Fortunately, there's a cut of crisp acidity that lends balance. The grapes come mainly from Lake County and Paso Robles.

null

84

12

California

California Other

Sauvignon Blanc

Leese-Fitch

null

Italy

Made with organically farmed fruit, this is bright, fresh and linear, with forest berry and black cherry notes, backed by almond and dried tobacco leaf.

null

86

12

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

TerrAmore

null

France

This is a crisp, dry wine that exibits delicious acidity, along with fresh citrus and green-apple flavors. It's bright and fruity, but has a textured undertow that promises good bottle aging. Ready to drink now, but could also benefit by cellaring for a year.

Réserve Brut

88

54

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Philippe Fontaine

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Philippe Fontaine NV Réserve Brut (Champagne)

Argentina

Light and candied, with strawberry drink mix as the main aroma. In the mouth, it's rather sticky and sweet, with basic characteristics. Adequate in terms of feel and balance.

null

82

6

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Merlot

Funky Llama

null

US

This vineyard is in the West Oak Knoll area of the valley. The wine was left unfined and unfiltered by the winemakers, who employ native yeast for fermentation. Juicy stone fruit and zippy acidity strike a chord of balance and complexity that's low in oak and deliciously crisp in peach.

Linda Vista Vineyard

94

32

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Donkey & Goat

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Donkey & Goat 2016 Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay (Napa Valley)

US

Ripe and extracted in blackberry, currant, mocha and oak flavors, this Cab, tasted at the age of 3-plus years, still was freshly sharp and jammy. You might want to cellar it for a few years to let it mellow and knit together.

null

87

60

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Volta

null

Australia

This red blend offers brambly-berry aromas and fruit-sweet plum and cranberry flavors. A good wine, but doesn't stand out from other Cab-Merlots in its category.

null

85

15

South Australia

null

Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot

Geoff Merrill

null

Argentina

Woody and smelling of sawdust early, this four-grape blend eases toward roasted berry, cassis, herbal plum and molten chocolate. It's massive and structured, with a big-boned skeleton and heat on the leathery, roasted finish due to 15.5% alcohol. Big, fiery, saucy and lusty, but short on refinement and elegance.

Atemporal

89

25

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Red Blend

Alta Vista

null

Italy

Passoro opens with an amber, almost deep orange color and overripe aromas of sun baked raisins, dried apricot, strawberry jam and candied fruit. The wine feels heavy and thick on the mouth but a sharp point of lemon zest appears at the very end.

Passoro 500ml

84

23

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Moscato

Maggio Vini

null

US

Fresh green herbs on the nose accumulate fruit and floral notes on the palate of this pretty but robust rosé. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, it offers intense red berry and watermelon fruitiness along with a pleasantly clingy, silken mouthfeel.

Summer in Bottle

90

24

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Rosé

Wölffer

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Wölffer 2015 Summer in Bottle Rosé (North Fork of Long Island)

US

If you like your white wines sweet and crisp, then this one's for you. Made from Chardonnay, Moscato, Sémillon and Viognier, it's has orange, pear and honeysuckle flavors.

null

84

10

California

California Other

White Blend

Pandemonium

null

Pandemonium 2011 White (California)

US

Though technically off-dry, this tastes tart and racy, following its lively aromatics with crisp citrus-fruit flavors of Key lime, Satsuma orange, and ripe apricots. The fruit sources—Evergreen and Wahluke Slope vineyards—are among the best in Washington for Riesling.

Traditions

90

13

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Milbrandt

null

France

Juicy wine, just beginning to change from pure fruit to maturity. The tannins are still there, but more gently rounded with red berry fruits. The wine is ready to drink.

null

86

16

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Château d'Ourbenac

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château d'Ourbenac 2005 Malbec (Cahors)

France

88-90 Barrel sample. High toast, balanced by strong, vivid black fruit flavors, work well together here. The wine edges towards concentration, but there is still a final light touch of fresh berries.

Barrel sample

89

null

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château de Lamarque

null

US

This is crisp and pure with Edna Valley intensity, offering complex waves of raspberry and cherry pie, savory spice and exotic sandalwood flavors that are girded with tangy minerality. Drink now with steak, lamb or tuna.

Stone Corral Vineyard

92

50

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Talley

null

US

Here is another fine effort from Columbia Crest that captures some spice and keeps the fruit bright and fresh. Apple and citrus flavors, sharp and tangy, run up against lots of barrel toast. The finish is loaded with baking spices and lightly touched with candied orange peel.

Reserve

89

30

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Columbia Crest

null

France

Pinot Gris, with its pale-pink skin, is the grape of choice in Reuilly for rosés. With a color that matches pale rosés from Provence, the wine is lightly spicy while also dry. Its balanced acidity is just right. Drink now.

Pinot Gris

88

20

Loire Valley

Reuilly

null

Rosé

Domaine de Reuilly

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Reuilly 2015 Pinot Gris Rosé (Reuilly)

Chile

Tropical fruit, air freshener and bath soap aromas lead to a candied, sticky palate with a mix of sweet flavors that include papaya, powdered sugar and mango. The finish is confected and soft.

null

82

8

Colchagua Valley

null

Chardonnay

Sombras del Sol

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Sombras del Sol 2011 Chardonnay (Colchagua Valley)

Argentina

One of Altocedro's better efforts starts with meaty, ripe, chunky black fruit aromas and a wave of mocha, cocoa and berry syrup. It's a creamy specimen but has enough acidity and vitality to not run flat. Mocha, carob and plum extend through the finish. Drink now.

Reserva

89

39

Mendoza Province

La Consulta

null

Malbec

Altocedro

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Altocedro 2007 Reserva Malbec (La Consulta)

Italy

This is a “dry” vintage Prosecco with a hint of sweetness in the mouth that is surrounded by fragrant flavors of peach, kiwi and green melon. This luminous sparkler tastes firm and tonic and makes for an informal afternoon sipper.

Millesimato Dry

86

18

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Sant Eurosia

null

Sant Eurosia 2007 Millesimato Dry (Prosecco di Valdobbiadene)

France

The Jura's Savagnin grape gives fruity wines with a strong yeasty, salty character. That's very evident in this fine example. With its rich apple fruit and hints of almonds, it's full, spicy, tangy and aromatic. Drink now, although it will age at least until 2020.

Auréoline

92

40

France Other

Arbois

null

Savagnin

Domaine Dugois

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Dugois 2015 Auréoline Savagnin (Arbois)

Italy

Oak, menthol, mature berry, dried sage and coffee aromas lead the nose. The palate offers black cherry, crushed raspberry, black pepper, licorice, espresso and a balsamic note alongside bracing, teeth-coating tannins.

null

88

50

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Amalia

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Amalia 2009 Barolo

US

Thirst-quenching, lean and tangy, it would make a good match with shucked oysters. It shows lemon and green apple aromas, plus fresh and crisp citrus flavors. Medium in body, the texture is pleasantly lean while the finish is refreshing.

Estate

88

10

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Sauvignon Blanc

Clos du Lac

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Clos du Lac 2013 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Amador County)

France

A severe wine whose tannins show no sign of softening yet. Very mineral in texture, with black currants and dark-fruit skins, it is structured and concentrated, and should pair well with rich foods.

null

88

null

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec-Merlot

Domaine du Prince

null

France

This wine is all fruit with a stalky character that comes from fresh black currants, tight acidity and dusty tannins. It's light and forward—a cool red that will be ready to drink later this year.

null

86

null

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

null

Red Blend

Domaine de Lartigue

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de Lartigue 2011 Red (Côtes de Gascogne)

Chile

Yellow in color and chunky on the nose, which shows the common triple play of apple, banana and vanilla aromas. The palate is wide, with ample acidity and grabby, waxy flavors of orange and pineapple. Plump and soft on the finish. Drink right away or wait for the '08.

Reserva

85

12

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Morandé

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Morandé 2007 Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)

US

Soft and gentle in structure, this Cab appeals for its ripe, pie-filling flavors of blackberries, cherries and spices. It's a pretty, polished young wine whose vigorous tannins give it a sandpapery texture. Ready now.

Reserve

86

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Snowden

null

Snowden 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Italy

Starts with a rich nose of dark cherry, milk chocolate and anise. It shows the typical espresso and toast flavors of the new style, but with more nuance and better balance than many others. There's a lot of oak here, but it's a very good example of the style, and should improve through 2003.

null

88

17

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Villa Cafaggio

null

US

A clean, lively Sauvignon Blanc, whose tart acidity gives a brisk mouthfeel. The fruit is very ripe and sugary sweet in green apples, pears and tangerines. Make it drier, and the score would improve considerably.

Top Chef

85

18

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Quickfire

null

Uruguay

Oaky aromas rest on top of raisin, blackberry and dried-cheese scents. This feels full and tannic, with saucy, herbal, tomato, plum and berry flavors. On the finish, oak-based flavors of graphite and charcoal vie with ringing acidity and edgy tannins.

Reserve Collection

88

20

Canelones

null

Tannat

Marichal

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Marichal 2013 Reserve Collection Tannat (Canelones)

Portugal

A smooth, ripe, caramel- and toffee-flavored wine, with sweet fruit. Tastes young for a 20-year old, this still has good structure and is well integrated.

20-year old tawny

89

48

Port

null

Port

Offley

null

Chile

Fluffy, sweet aromas of peach, pear and vanilla are as good as it gets. Tastes of powdered sugar and the most forced oak you can imagine. Not at all surprising that it's resiny on the finish.

Reserve

80

15

Maule Valley

null

Chardonnay

Cuevas del Sur

null

France

Situated high on a rock overlooking the river Lot, Château de Mercuès, now a luxury hotel, dates from the 13th century. The wine is as ripe and luxurious as the hotel. It is a dense, solid and structured Malbec, with its powerful tannins balanced by big, bold black fruits. It's a classic wine for serious aging, so wait until 2018.

Château de Mercuès Grand Vin Seigneur

92

25

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Georges Vigouroux

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Georges Vigouroux 2011 Château de Mercuès Grand Vin Seigneur Malbec (Cahors)

France

94-96 Barrel sample. Lots of new wood here, maybe too dominant. But it is a stage, because the fruit weight is also there to give a wine of considerable complexity, dry and solid.

Barrel sample

95

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Julien

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Langoa Barton

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Langoa Barton 2009 Barrel sample (Saint-Julien)

France

Smooth and ripe, this is a finely balanced wine. New wood shows in the mint flavor, which is surrounded by a black currant note, plus fresh acids and tannins that promise aging. From the north of the Haut-Médoc, this is a chateau to watch.

null

90

18

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château le Chêne

null

US

This wine is a bit reductive out of the gate, opening to reveal aromas of pear, peach, melon, lees and spice. The palate is creamy and textured in feel. If the aromas come together, it could move up a notch.

Conner Lee Vineyard

88

42

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Buty

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Buty 2015 Conner Lee Vineyard Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

Although it is dry, this wine with its gentle mousse has a light touch of honey to go with the ripe pear and cantaloupe flavors. It has a crisp edge, lightly toasty, dry and with tight acidity at the end.

Cuvée T Brut

87

25

Loire Valley

Vouvray

null

Chenin Blanc

Domaine Vincent Carême

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Vincent Carême 2014 Cuvée T Brut (Vouvray)

US

A complex mélange of briny, preserved lemon, apple crisp and caramel brittle, this wine is deceptively elegant and refined, with a dark, brooding finish.

Oro de Plata

92

33

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Keller

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Keller 2013 Oro de Plata Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

US

There is a lot going on in this affordable Cabernet. It shows real character in the dryness, firm tannins and classic flavors of blackberries and cedar, with a tug of herbs. A full-bodied red wine, and a great restaurant pour.

null

87

14

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Q

null

Portugal

Earthy, rustic aromas give this wine an all-too-natural feel. It has firm tannins alongside juicy black fruits that bring out a dense texture. As the wine ages, maybe the barnyard character will go.

Giesta

84

15

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Boas Quintas

null

France

Aromas and flavors of rhubarb and red pepper dominate, resulting in a wine that is sharp and unbalanced.

null

81

12

Bordeaux

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Dubraud

null

Italy

Toasted or yeasty notes appear at first and are followed by creamy peach, apricot and yellow rose. The wine is tonic and fresh with good density on the palate and long persistency on the close.

Villa Crespia Novalia Brut

89

40

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Chardonnay

Fratelli Muratori

null

France

Inky purple in color, this traditional blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault is a big, tannic wine, but the tannins are supple and ripe. Dark fruit--blueberries and plums--seem a bit closed and brooding, but grace notes of violets and smoke add nuance. Give it 3-5 years of cellaring.

Coteaux des Travers Cairanne

91

26

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône Villages

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Domaine Brusset

null

Italy

Coffee, tobacco and finely ground espresso come to light at the back of blackberry, cranberry and pomegranate. This is a fresh and vibrant interpretation that makes good use of the natural acidity present in Barbera d'Asti.

Praiot

88

null

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti

null

Barbera

Antonia Gazzi

null

US

A blend of Viognier and Roussanne, this warm-vintage wine offers aromas of toast, ripe peach, pineapple, almond and barrel spices. It's full bodied with rich, sweet fruit flavors that stick around on the finish.

Le Deuce

90

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

White Blend

Darby

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Darby 2013 Le Deuce White (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

There's a nice mineral vein that helps keep this wine focused. Beyond that, you'll taste fresh fruit and some distance notes of roasted almond and sourdough. The mouthfeel is clean and crisp and the bubbles are soft and creamy.

Soul Satèn

91

null

Lombardy

Franciacorta

null

Chardonnay

Contadi Castaldi

null

US

This Pinot overcomes a somewhat murky appearance by offering an interesting mix of earth, tomato leaf, pepper and granite, along with very tart red fruits. It's textural and chewy, with substantial tannins, but it's also flavorful and dense, and for the relatively modest price it shows some real muscle.

Cali's Cuvée

88

24

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Left Coast Cellars

null

US

A tremendous Zinfandel. Combines sheer volume of power fruit with finesse to essentially define the variety. With rich acidity and some firm, chewy tannins, it's brilliantly dry, displaying blackberry tart, black currant, cola, mocha, bacon and pepper flavors, dusted with savory Indian spices. A very great Zinfandel whose high alcohol is simply part of the wine's personality.

Riebli Valley Vineyard

94

48

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Zinfandel

De Loach

null

Italy

This blend of Sangiovese and Merlot has found enduring harmony and long-lasting persistency in this vintage. The quality of the aromas is top-notch, with cherry and toast spread equally in balanced competition. It is firm but yielding in the mouth with chewy tannins.

Casalferro

92

49

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Barone Ricasoli

null

New Zealand

This is a pretty, elegant rendering of Pinot Noir. Delicate strands of resinous herbs surround a medium-bodied core of cherry fruit, which lingers softly on the finish. Drink now–2017.

Te Muna Road Single Vineyard

89

46

Martinborough

null

Pinot Noir

Craggy Range

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Craggy Range 2011 Te Muna Road Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Martinborough)

Spain

Aromas of roasted, grapy berry fruits come with oak-based notes of plastic and clove. This wine feels full in body, with hard tannins. Flavors of woodspice, hickory and black fruits finish with a lingering hint of wood smoke.

Roble

85

11

Northern Spain

Campo de Borja

null

Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon

Coto de Hayas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Coto de Hayas 2015 Roble Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon (Campo de Borja)

Australia

Cedar and vanilla notes mark the nose of this wine, which boasts ample weight, modest fruit and a soft, open-knit texture. It's appealing for its oaky charm.

null

87

20

South Australia

Adelaide Hills

null

Pinot Noir

Sidewood

null

US

Extremely tannic at the age of five years, and that astringency accentuates the dryness, making the wine austere and distant. It has a dense, complex core of blackberries, coated with immaculately fine, sweet oak. Feels important and dramatic, but too young. Begs to be housed in a good cellar for a good eight years.

Le Desir

95

300

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Verité

null

US

From a promising new project, the nose of this wine is linear and focused, with black raspberry, black licorice, cola, wet sagebrush and rain-on-slate scents. The tactile acidity once sipped creates a fascinating soft buzz on the tongue, with flavors of dried mint, brisk raspberry and cherry tomato. Camphor and eucalyptus add intrigue on the finish.

Estate Reserve

91

55

California

Carmel Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Albatross Ridge

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Albatross Ridge 2012 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir (Carmel Valley)

US

Pretty floral notes mingle enticingly with smoke and nut aromas in this vanilla-kissed Chardonnay. It's rich and creamy on the palate, with concentrated apple flavors and bright, lemony acids that add vibrancy to the finish.

Reserve Barrel Fermented

87

18

New York

Cayuga Lake

Finger Lakes

Chardonnay

Treleaven

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Treleaven 2010 Reserve Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Cayuga Lake)

France

A simple yet quaffable bubbly, this has a heady perfume of ripe cherry with red berry and citrus flavors. Runs on the plump side, with lower-than-average acidity.

Réserve Dry Rosé

84

9

France Other

Vin Mousseux

null

Sparkling Blend

Charles de Fère

null

US

Blackberry and pressed violet aromas lead the nose of this bottling, while charred beef, lava rock and black soil scents provide depth. A roasted game flavor dominates the palate, spiced with black pepper and soy sauce and bolstered by a concentrated base of black fruit.

null

91

35

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Syrah

Koehler

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Koehler 2014 Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)

Italy

This blend of Sangiovese and 10% Merlot opens with aromas of forest floor, ripe blackberry, cedar and menthol. The warm, evolved palate offers dried black cherry, licorice, mint, ground pepper and a gamy note alongside assertive, almost gritty tannins that leave an astringent finish.

Ceppeto Riserva

86

31

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

Mannucci Droandi

null

US

This Chardonnay tastes like a supermarket fruit punch of apricots, peaches, mangoes and oranges, along with the stimulating heat of alcohol. It's ripe and oaky.

null

82

13

California

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Magnolia Court

null

Magnolia Court 2012 Chardonnay (Central Coast)

France

90-92 Barrel sample. Good balance between richness and great freshness. The acidity is almost sweet, giving a wine that is spicy, but with a great green aftertaste.

Barrel sample

91

null

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Picque Caillou

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Picque Caillou 2009 Barrel sample (Pessac-Léognan)

US

Pure Cabernet, aged in the same Vicard barrels as winemaker Randy Dunn's Howell Mountain wines. About 90% is new oak, but it doesn't strangle the fruit in any way. Tart and vibrant, with black cherry/black currant fruit, this balanced effort shows a velvety character and a fine touch in the vineyard. Nuances of coffee, earth, leaf and dried herb are threaded through, in perfect harmony and balanced for medium-term aging.

null

93

60

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Feather

null

Spain

Stemmy, pickled aromas send the fruit component to second fiddle. Tastes, smells and feels like a wine that didn't get fully ripe; the flavors are thin and light, with tea and dilute berry. Finishes same as above.

null

82

20

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo Blend

Gazur

null

US

Estate-grown Viognier makes up the majority of this blend, followed by 25% Roussanne and 22% Marsanne. Delicate, the aromas lean floral and tart, a combination of peaches and honey that build into an oaky, powerful finish.

3 Divas

90

25

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Rhône-style White Blend

Montemaggiore

null

Italy

Red berry, camphor, dried Alpine herb and a whiff of espresso are some of the aromas you'll find on this firmly structured red. On the young, taut palate, assertive fine-grained tannins frame red cherry, star anise and coffee bean. It's still young, with a tight, tongue-drying finish. Drink 2023–2033.

Bricco Rocche

93

270

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Ceretto

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Ceretto 2013 Bricco Rocche (Barolo)

Portugal

This sweet, smooth and approachable wine shows a rounded, ripe fruit character. It tastes sweet, with a note of black plum jelly and hints of treacle and sultana. For mid-term aging.

Vintage

86

null

Port

null

Port

Quinta Dona Matilde

null

Italy

This seductive Brunello portrays aromas of black fruit, vanilla, brown sugar, plums and prunes wrapped within a thin veil of smoke. It's a wine that reaches a comfortable level of intensity and balance and that offers mouth-puckering flavors of sour cherry on the finish.

null

91

60

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Tenuta Crocedimezzo

null

Tenuta Crocedimezzo 2004 Brunello di Montalcino

Australia

Vanilla, cedar and mint notes mark the nose, while this wine boasts just enough fruit on the plate to carry the lavish oak. It's full bodied, creamy and supple, amply concentrated but still very approachable. Drink now–2023.

Savitar

92

75

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Shiraz

Mitolo

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Mitolo 2012 Savitar Shiraz (McLaren Vale)

France

Rounded, and rich, this is touched with spicy wood and has plenty of black berry fruits. A solid structure, some fruit tannin and plenty of red-plum-skin edge finishes ripe.

Cuvée Prestige

89

null

Beaujolais

Juliénas

null

Gamay

Domaine du Clos du Fief

null

Spain

Roasted, smoky, earthy aromas of herbal berry fruits and leather stir interest. In the mouth, this Tempranillo is firm and chewy, with full tannins. Savory, spicy and baked in flavor, this basic Penedès red finishes dry, peppery and with leathery berry notes.

Clos de Torribas Crianza

86

10

Catalonia

Penedès

null

Tempranillo

Pinord

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pinord 2010 Clos de Torribas Crianza Tempranillo (Penedès)

US

This is a robustly built, densely packed and velvety wine with smooth layers of integrated oak. Tannins provide the power and foundation behind its crisp blue fruit and dried herb flavors, seasoned with cola and black pepper spice.

Hirsch Vineyard

92

65

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

FEL

Virginie Boone

@vboone

FEL 2014 Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

France

The 60% Cabernet in the blend gives a dark fruit character. At this young stage, the wood aging still dominates with its burnt toast and chocolate character. For the future, while the wine will be dry, it also has plenty of fresh fruit. Drink from 2018.

null

87

null

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Taffard de Blaignan

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Taffard de Blaignan 2012 Médoc

US

Estate grown, crisp and nicely defined, with a pretty mix of apple, pear, peach and apricot flavors. The fruit is framed with citrus rind (orange and grapefruit) and keeps the wine tight and focused through a clean, lingering finish.

null

90

24

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Hawks View

null

US

This light-bodied wine has aromas like strawberries and maple syrup, and flavors that taste almost sweet. It makes a tempting, light and airy drink that's good for casual occasions.

null

84

8

California

California Other

Zinfandel

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2013 Zinfandel (California)

Italy

Despite its very young age, this bright 30-30-40 blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon shows impressive sophistication and personality. Neutral oak is used to fine-tune the spice aromas and the wine shows intense flavors of blackberry, cherry, leather and pipe tobacco.

Moreccio

89

null

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Casa di Terra

null

Italy

Nebbiolo, the grape, and Nubiola, the designate name, stem from the same Italian word: nebbia, or “fog” that regularly blankets the Langhe. This bright Barbaresco is defined by a distinctive aroma of tar or freshly applied street asphalt that is typical of the variety. Additional aromas include back fruit, prune and plum. The mouthfeel is streamlined, tight and elegant.

Nubiola

92

38

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Pelissero

null

Spain

A smoky, heady nose is defined mostly by char, coffee and black-fruit aromas. In the mouth, this wine is solidly built but not too heavy. Toasty, chocolaty blackberry and cassis flavors don't change much on a bold, blocky finish that stays the course. Drink through 2027.

Suprema 30 Meses

92

48

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

De Bardos

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

De Bardos 2012 Suprema 30 Meses (Ribera del Duero)

US

Dry and harsh, with overwhelming feline smells and tastes.

Limited Bottling

81

21

California

California Other

Viognier

Stuart Cellars

null

Stuart Cellars 2008 Limited Bottling Viognier (California)

US

Lots of sweet, smoky oak on this wine, with flavors of pineapples, peaches, limes, vanilla and honey. It's balanced with crisp acidity. Drink now.

null

87

22

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Sanford

null

Sanford 2009 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)

France

90-92 Barrel sample. Power and structure over extreme juicy fruits, with black plum skins, spice from wood and a firm underlay.

Barrel sample

91

null

Bordeaux

Moulis-en-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Poujeaux

null

US

Consulting winemaker Matthew Loso knows his way around a blend, and this fine Cabernet-Merlot mix shines with focused, dark fruit flavors. It's threaded with streaks of clove, black olive and anise, with real muscle and tannic heft.

Jammin' Red

91

19

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Elevation Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Elevation Cellars 2009 Jammin' Red Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Chile

A little bit of waxy cheese interferes with the apple and pear nose, while flavors of pineapple and orange are live-wire and forward, courtesy of piercing acids. Finishes in a style that's consistent with the rest of the wine. Imported by Remy Cointreau USA.

Character

85

14

Maipo Valley

null

Chardonnay

Haras

null

Australia

Old-vine Shiraz from the valley floor imparts great richness and a creamy texture to this wine's tannins, framed easily by hints of vanilla. Yet it's not a simple fruit-and-oak concoction—with time in the glass it steadily unfurls to reveal herbal and spice complexities. Marries power and elegance; drink now–2015.

The Factor

92

105

South Australia

Barossa Valley

null

Shiraz

Torbreck

null

South Africa

Zelma Long's tradition of excellence continues with the Series M: Its deep chocolate, cinnamon and berry aromas and full, complex waves of delicious fruit and spice are exactly what a Bordeaux blend should be. Restrained but memorable, the wine has firm structure and will age beautifully.

Series M

91

50

Paarl

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Vilafonté

null

US

Here's a young wine that opens with a blast of white pepper, then airs slowly to reveal layers of cassis, grilled meat, chocolate, anise, tar and toasty oak. In the mouth, it's flamboyant and full-bodied, a little soft, but decadent. This wine is so rich in fruit, you could pour it over vanilla ice cream. It will be fabulous with a charbroiled steak.

Bone Rock

94

56

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah

Saxum

null

US

A textbook example of Oregon Pinot Gris, this is bursting with citrus and pear fruit. Immaculately clean and crisp, the bright fruit and lively mouthfeel continue into a lingering, satisfying, tangy finish. All stainless- steel fermented.

null

91

15

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Gris

Iris Vineyards

null

France

A fine expression of mineral Sauvignon Blanc, very textured with green herb and fruit skins giving a tense shape to a wine that could age. It's finely balanced, the refreshing acidity cutting right through the wine.

Les Belles Côtes

89

30

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Roger et Didier Raimbault

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Roger et Didier Raimbault 2010 Les Belles Côtes (Sancerre)

Italy

Fresh and fragrant, offering layers of cut grass, dried herbs, citrus and passion fruit. It's an easy, no-fuss wine with a crisp finish that would pair with fried calamari.

I Fiori

85

null

Sicily & Sardinia

Vermentino di Sardegna

null

Vermentino

Pala

null

Italy

Black cherry and blackberry take over on this Montepulciano-based wine from Central Italy. The juicy fruit carries over to the palate, along with prune and cinnamon-spice notes that add depth. Already friendly, hold for a couple of years to fully develop.

Ilico

88

17

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Red Blend

Illuminati Dino

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Illuminati Dino 2011 Ilico (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)