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	This is a refreshing, lemon-flavored wine. Attractive crispness comes out of the mineral texture and perfumed acidity. Light and still young, this will age to be ready to drink from late 2016.	Beaucharme	86	60	Burgundy	Bourgogne	null	Chardonnay	Louis Max	null	null	null
US	This very limited, concrete-egg-fermented, and thoroughly splendid Pinot Gris is a good indication of the potential for PG in Oregon if the price limitations are lifted. Stunningly rich with citrus, lemon curd, ripe apple and light tropical fruits, this concentrated, deeply driven wine is both roundly full and amazingly dense. Certainly the best Oregon Pinot Gris in memory.	AB OVO	94	42	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Archery Summit	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Archery Summit 2010 AB OVO Pinot Gris (Dundee Hills)
US	Like the label suggests, it's sugary in tangerine, vanilla cookie and butterscotch flavors, with crisp acidity and fine, scoury bubbles. A nice sparkling wine for those who like a sweeter style.	Sweet Cuvée	87	13	California	California	California Other	Sparkling Blend	Korbel	null	null	null
US	A spicy, tingling nose leads. followed by reserved balance elements of acid, classic Chardonnay fruit and a slatey minerality. Not terribly complex but likeable, and food friendly.	John Adlum	82	10	Virginia	Virginia	null	Chardonnay	The Williamsburg Winery	null	null	null
US	This selection is from Terravant Wine Company, a custom-crush facility in Santa Barbara County. Dry and tannic, it shows classic Cabernet Sauvignon character. It has a smoothness often associated with Napa Valley wines and flavors of blackberry, black currant and oak.	null	90	13	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Barrel Ranch	null	null	null
Argentina	Everything about this Tempranillo-led blend rings true. It's full and flush on the nose, with clean berry and snappy tomato and spice notes. The mouthfeel is wiry and bold, with darts of acidity. Flavors span the red-berry spectrum, while the finish condenses in juicy, classy fashion. Drink through 2019.	B Crux	90	28	Mendoza Province	Uco Valley	null	Red Blend	O. Fournier	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of elderflower, citrus, tropical fruit, crushed rock and tomato leaf take center stage on this lovely, structured wine. The fresh, delicious palate delivers juicy grapefruit, creamy peach, chopped herb and fennel alongside crisp acidity.	Segrè	93	null	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Sauvignon	Castello di Spessa	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Castello di Spessa 2013 Segrè Sauvignon (Collio)
Italy	Tedeschi is one of the benchmark producers of Valpolicella. This wine is bursting with fresh fruit intensity and lush background notes of spice, leather and moist pipe tobacco.	Capitel San Rocco	89	28	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Tedeschi	null	null	null
US	This '04 is off a beat from the '03, showing a tiredness that may be a result of the heat. It's soft, with candied blackberry and cherry flavors that finish dry, and is not ageworthy.	Napa River Ranch	86	50	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Hall	null	null	Hall 2004 Napa River Ranch Merlot (Napa Valley)
US	Jammy, this Zin has softened and mellowed as it nears five years of age. With raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, it's ready to drink now.	Helen's Ridge Vineyard	86	34	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Occidental Road Cellars	null	null	null
Argentina	A pitch-black color is a good indication of the power and concentration this old-vine Malbec has in store. Aromas of blackberry, fir forest and ink set up an over-the-top-rich palate, with heavy extraction and giant flavors of minty blackberry and chocolate. Pull out the knife and fork to cut through the deep, chocolaty finish. Drink now through 2017.	Swinto	90	40	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Belasco de Baquedano	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Belasco de Baquedano 2010 Swinto Malbec (Mendoza)
New Zealand	This medium-weight wine starts off with wonderfully pure, expressive aromas of ripe passion fruit. On the palate, it's a bit prickly and leafy at first, like tomato stalks or nettle leaves. It then settles back down into tropical fruit on the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.	null	89	13	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Clifford Bay	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Clifford Bay 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)
US	Harsh in acids, simple and fruity sweet in jammy raspberries. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.	The Lineup GSM	82	12	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Big House	null	null	null
South Africa	Honeyed and a bit mealy with mushy flavors of mango and guava in the medium-weight mouth. Drink now.	null	82	11	Coastal Region	null	null	Chardonnay	Ernst Gouws & Co.	null	null	null
US	This wine is so compelling it's difficult to put the glass down. It smells buttery and lush and offers flavors of ripe pear, vanilla and a bit of caramel. It is full bodied and plush in texture; that rich viscosity carries the ripe but not over-the-top flavors to a lingering finish.	Durell Vineyard	93	58	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Saxon Brown	null	null	null
Germany	Zesty acidity lifts this sprightly yet concentrated spätlese. Crisp yellow plum and citrus flavors penetrate deeply on the palate, augmented by a delicate sheen of sweetness. It's an electric, impeccably balanced wine with a long finish.	Spätlese	91	40	Rheingau	null	null	Riesling	Robert Weil	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Robert Weil 2015 Spätlese Riesling (Rheingau)
Australia	Shows a welcome amount of complexity in this price range, with cherry fruit framed by hints of cedar, mint and tobacco. This medium-bodied red leans toward an elegant style, defined by silky tannins and a mouthwatering finish.	Estate Grown	87	13	New South Wales	Hunter Valley	null	Merlot	Hope Estate	null	null	null
US	Nice, fairly elegant red wine, gently structured and dry, with a silky texture and bursting with the most intense cherry liqueur flavor. It's a bit of a fruit bomb, though, and could use greater complexity.	Premium Select	84	24	California	California	California Other	Grenache	French Hill	null	null	null
US	With lemon, orange, apricot and green melon flavors, this is a fruity wine, with tart notes of green gooseberries that make it savory. There's a lot of honey on the finish that makes you wonder if it's truly dry or flirting with off-dry.	Forever Wild	86	25	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Balverne	null	null	Balverne 2012 Forever Wild Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)
France	Still very firm and closed, this is textured and rich, with intense mineral and wood flavors that balance the steeliness. It's full bodied, taut and nervy, with a concentrated core. Age for at least four years.	Les Clos Grand Cru	92	70	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Château de Maligny	null	null	null
Chile	Nice melon, apple, talcum powder and mineral aromas set this off in a good direction. The palate is lively and balanced, with grapefruit as the prime flavor. Calm on the finish; a good quaffer if you get at it as fast as possible.	null	86	9	Curicó Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Echeverria	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Echeverria 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Curicó Valley)
US	This is an unusually buttery wine, as if it had been put through some special sort of malolactic fermentation. It feels manipulated, softened and buttered up, with the fruit subdued. Traces of herb remain, but they are like shadows on the wall. Perhaps the house style does not accommodate this particular vineyard's character. This wine makes it hard to know.	Prince Hill	86	45	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Erath	null	null	null
Italy	This happy blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot delivers delicate blueberry nuances and warm toast. It's a wine that flows over the palate, leaving it clean and refreshed.	Madiere	90	20	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Tenuta San Vito	null	null	null
Chile	Strawberry and tomato aromas are hot and edgy. The palate is snappy and not short on acid, while it tastes of spiced red plum, tea and herbs. Peppery and herbal on the finish, and zesty all the way through.	Sustainable Agriculture	84	13	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Cono Sur	null	null	null
US	From the winery's Phinny Hill vineyard, the Columbia Rediviva is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 52% Syrah. Complex and satiny, it's a riveting wine, inky and bursting with a sensuous mix of berry, cassis, mocha, loam, cinnamon and spice. Tremendous density and depth; despite its youth the wine curls around the tongue like thick smoke, showing more and more detail.	Columbia Rediviva	96	48	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah	Buty	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Buty 2007 Columbia Rediviva Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah (Horse Heaven Hills)
US	A Bordeaux blend from Newton's mountain estate, this lovely wine starts out with a fat, fleshy appeal. It offers elaborate waves of sweetly smoked oak that conjoin nicely with cherry preserves, red licorice and dark chocolate. A bit inelegant now due to firm, fierce tannins, but so balanced, it should easily negotiate the years. Better after 2012.	The Puzzle	91	80	California	Napa	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Newton	null	null	null
Portugal	This always-impressive wine is a blend that pits local Alentejo grapes against Syrah and Petit Verdot. Concentrated and complex, it is packed both with black fruits and dark tannins. Intense acidity proclaims its youth and this powerful wine will need to age. Drink from 2019.	Rubrica	94	40	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Luis Duarte	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Luis Duarte 2012 Rubrica Red (Alentejano)
Italy	This opens with white flower, yellow stone fruit and honeydew melon aromas. The fruity sensations carry over to the palate, with a tangerine zest note and tangy acidity that leads to a juicy finish.	Sereole	87	null	Veneto	Soave Colli Scaligeri	null	Garganega	Bertaini	null	null	null
US	Created as a Zinfandel specialist, Mariah produces exquisitely crafted, although big-boned, Zins from this high-altitude appellation. The wine is dry and balanced, with a rich earthiness to the blackberry, coffee and tobacco flavors. It's also very tannic, and needs to be served with the right fare. Lamb and duck come to mind.	null	90	35	California	Mendocino Ridge	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Zinfandel	Mariah	null	null	null
Italy	Here is a clean, straightforward Brunello with pretty aromas of wild berry, vanilla, leather, spice and rum cake. It shows a genuine, frank style with a sweet, velvety close.	null	90	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Lazzeretti	null	null	null
Israel	A fresh and easy-drinking white made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, the Blanc boasts scents of soft talcum powder, pink peony and orange blossom against a gooseberry and white strawberry fruit backbone. Zippy and prickly in the mouth with a mouthwatering, grassy finish.	Unoaked Blanc	86	30	Judean Hills	null	null	White Blend	Flam	null	null	null
Chile	Aromas of tree bark, cola, mushroom and black olive get this Cab going, while on the palate it keeps that savory-over-fruity character by showing meaty, mildly herbal flavors. It's full, a bit tannic and grabby. But overall it has an honest feel and integrity.	Tribute	87	17	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Caliterra	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Caliterra 2005 Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)
Portugal	One of Portugal's priciest table wines, this vintage boasts cherry and plum aromas that just don't seem all that intense, followed by bright cherry flavors accented by modest cedar. The long finish is evidence of its quality, but it turns astringent and one wonders whether the fruit will outlast the tannins.	Fojo	87	84	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta do Fojo	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Quinta do Fojo 2000 Fojo Red (Douro)
US	The vineyard is in a very cool, damp part of the valley, and this particular bottling always shows a dry finish, considerable tannins and an earthiness not found in warmer parts of the appellation. This 2008 follows those lines. It has a dense core of sour cherry candy fruit, with some superripe currants. Will age interestingly over the decade.	Trenton Estate Vineyard	92	52	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Joseph Swan Vineyards	null	null	Joseph Swan Vineyards 2008 Trenton Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	Big is the word here. Big in volume and mouthfeel, big in flavor. The fruit is a bit cooked, with blackberry pie filling, rum-soaked raisins and melted milk chocolate splashed with crème de cassis. Finishes with Zin's distinct white pepper. Perfect with grilled pork loin.	Luvisi Vineyard	91	36	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Signorello	null	null	null
Italy	Incredibly rich and ripe, a total departure from traditional dry Morellino. Cola, chocolate, caramel and blackberry aromas emanate from the bouquet, while the palate is loaded with black fruit and coffee. Finishes sweet, with fudge and mocha notes. A layered, meaty wine.	Massi di Mandorlaia Riserva	91	40	Tuscany	Morellino di Scansano	null	Sangiovese	Conte Ferdinando Guicciardini	null	null	null
France	Grown inland, away from the sea's influence, this wine has a full-bodied character. Acidity cuts through the ripe red fruits and caramel and spice flavor. The wine is rich and full in the mouth, soft at the end.	Les Muraires Douce Vie	89	19	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Bernard Magrez	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bernard Magrez 2015 Les Muraires Douce Vie Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
France	Showing signs of maturity, this is a ripe, while still steely wine. The acidity cuts through the aromatic pear and apple flavors, while a touch of spice adds complexity. Not for long-term aging.	Schoenenbourg Grand Cru	89	null	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Dopff Au Moulin	null	null	null
Chile	Aromas of grilled meat, oak and saucy berry fruits set up a stretched palate that feels fine but basic. Salty plum and berry flavors are mildly stewed, while this is short on the finish. As a whole, this is good Cabernet that cuts no new ground.	La Joya Gran Reserva	86	15	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Viña Bisquertt	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Bisquertt 2015 La Joya Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)
Argentina	Opens with jammy aromas but it's also stewed and stalky. The palate is resiny and tannic, which means it's grabby. Tastes a bit leafy and burnt, with spiced, roasted red plum flavors. Offers mostly oak spice and heat on the finish.	made with organic grapes	84	13	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	VinEcol	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	VinEcol 2010 made with organic grapes Malbec (Mendoza)
France	88-90 Barrel sample. Very soft, rounded wine, the tannins a mere hint as the fruit rolls forward. Fine, juicy spice.	Barrel sample	89	null	Bordeaux	Moulis-en-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Anthonic	null	null	null
Chile	Wearing a heavy mantle of rather green, not-too-subtle oak, the fruit in this wine struggles to be noticed. Faintly apple, with earthy notes, it is fairly buried, and the wine lacks the life and dimension on the palate one seeks in a wine with reserve status.	Reserva	82	12	Maipo Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Undurraga	null	null	null
France	There is a sense of pent-up energy with this wine. It has powerful fruit along with flavors of chocolate, but it is all masked and repressed by tight firm tannins. A wine that will develop slowly.	Pessac-Léognan	91	35	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Malartic-Lagravière	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Malartic-Lagravière 2000 Pessac-Léognan (Bordeaux)
US	A bit hot in alcohol, and glycerine gives a sugary-sweet edge to the blackberries, black cherries and oak. There might even be some residual sugar. If you like your reds soft and on the sweet side, and lots of people do, it's for you.	The Hedge	85	48	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Syrah	Terry Hoage	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, leather and ground white pepper follow through to the smooth, full-bodied palate along with a mineral accent. Supple tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework while a licorice note signals the close.	null	90	30	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Cantina del Pino	null	null	null
Australia	Lifted and juicy, this impressive effort from Western Australia shows woodsy, cedary notes on a restrained nose. The palate is drenched in gorgeous cassis and cherry cordial fruit framed by gentle tannins. The crisp finish will cut through steak or pork dishes. Imported by America Uncorked.	Awakening	89	25	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Watershed	null	null	Watershed 2005 Awakening Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)
Italy	Lush oak lends coconut and toast notes to the cherry fruit in this international-style wine. Fairly full, it displays a supple texture and offers dark rich flavors on the palate. Closes with espresso notes and even tannins. Has class and flavor, but it's very much of the new school...not for traditionalists. Drink now through 2006.	Riserva	89	21	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Villa Cerna	null	null	null
Chile	Generally ripe, clean and fresh. Smells pure and spicy, with blackberry aromas setting up a crisp palate. Tastes a little herbal as do almost all Chilean Merlots, but the berry fruit and spice elements are uncompromised and uncomplicated. A likable value Merlot.	Estate Reserva	87	12	Curicó Valley	null	null	Merlot	Errazuriz	null	null	null
Spain	A bit oily on the bouquet, this has slightly acrid notes of burnt hay and matchstick, with notes of apple and nectarine. It feels full and not edgy, with good acidity and limited flavors of baked apple and peach. A standard Penedès wine made from 80% Xarello, with Malvasia and Macabeo.	Rupestris	85	19	Catalonia	Penedès	null	White Blend	Pardas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Pardas 2010 Rupestris White (Penedès)
France	Packed with strawberry aromas and red berry fruits, this is a ripe, fruit-forward wine only lightly disturbed by tannins. There is a great juicy quality here.	Château des Bachelards	86	null	Beaujolais	Fleurie	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
Chile	Snappy, crisp and green on the nose, but well balanced and showing the good side of Chilean SB, which is oceanic, fresh, green and citrusy. Flavors of lime, grapefruit and passion fruit are true, while the finish is fruity at first before breaking up.	Estate Reserva	87	12	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Errazuriz	null	null	null
Portugal	Still young, it is full of spice from wood aging along with juicy black fruits. It is soft, dominated by black currant and acidity. Not for aging, it will be ready by the end of 2014.	null	87	null	Tejo	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta do Casal Branco	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta do Casal Branco 2012 Red (Tejo)
US	Lusty and ripe, with very high alcohol, this wine nonetheless wears the heat well, showing jammy black cherry pie, licorice, crisp bacon, sandalwood and pepper flavors that go on into a long, spicy finish. The interesting blend is Tempranillo, Merlot, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with each variety playing an essential role.	Toro de Paso	88	37	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Red Blend	Bodega de Edgar	null	null	Bodega de Edgar 2010 Toro de Paso Red (Paso Robles)
France	90-92 Barrel sample. Balanced, open wine, full of ripe blackcurrant fruits. It has a fine, rich density which shows well alongside the acidity of a young wine. It finishes with delicious black fruits.	Barrel sample	91	null	Bordeaux	Pauillac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château d'Armailhac	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château d'Armailhac 2008 Barrel sample (Pauillac)
US	At the price, a pretty satisfying Malbec that's a little tight at first, with dark stewy notes, but on balance good texture and finish. It shows plum and black cherry flavors integrated throughout and a touch of Yolo earthiness, too.	null	85	10	California	Yolo County	Central Valley	Malbec	Sawbuck	null	null	null
Italy	Elegant and ageworthy, this shows dry, firm tannins and bright aromas of wild berry, tobacco and spice. Pair this with roast pork or lamb.	Vigna Tecc	91	25	Piedmont	Dogliani	null	Dolcetto	Poderi Luigi Einaudi	null	null	null
US	Though the winery indicates that just one quarter of the barrels (all French oak) were new, this wine puts those spicy, toasty scents and flavors of mocha and cinnamon front and center. It's soft and silky, with round, forward flavors of plums dipped in chocolate.	Whole Cluster Reserve	88	40	Oregon	Yamhill-Carlton District	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Bishop Creek Cellars	null	null	null
Argentina	Varietally correct on the nose, but weak, with lychee, tropical fruit and Fantastik cleanser aromas. The palate fails to hold form, yielding an oily, heavy feel along with lemony, mealy flavors. Pithy on the finish.	null	83	9	Other	Cafayate	null	Torrontés	Acordeón	null	null	null
US	Subtlety and reserve drive this full-bodied, round-textured white Rhône-style blend. The velvety mouthfeel is almost more notable than the subdued pear, melon and butter flavors. It's a wine for lingering over, because it reveals its best stuff after time in the glass. It leads with 49% Marsanne, plus Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc.	Enigma	92	25	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	White Blend	Terre Rouge	null	null	null
Italy	The nice thing about this dessert wine is that you can recognize those distinctive musky notes that come from botrytis. This unique vineyard phenomenon only occurs in a handful of Italian vineyards and Fattoria Zerbina is lucky enough to have one. Aromas recall the fuzz on a peach: You get the fresh fruit but also the warm, organic tones from the skin. Its texture is thick and opulent and its finish is long lasting.	Scaccomatto	92	66	Central Italy	Albana di Romagna	null	Albana	Fattoria Zerbina	null	null	null
US	Made from a bunch of grape varieties, including Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a really nice wine, especially for the price. It's dry, fruity and robust, with rich, earthy flavors of blackberries and spices. Easy to find, with 22,100 cases produced. From E&J; Gallo.	Winemaker's Blend	90	20	California	Napa County-Sonoma County-San Joaquin County	California Other	Red Blend	Ghost Pines	null	null	null
Australia	Sidewood's 2009 Chardonnay is a throwback to the sort of delicious, well-priced Chardonnays Australia used to be known for, but with a touch more class. It delivers a big blast of upfront melon and peach fruit nestled in toasted cashew-like oak, then finishes fresh and citrusy. Good value for drinking over the next 6–12 months.	null	89	26	South Australia	Adelaide Hills	null	Chardonnay	Sidewood	null	null	null
Australia	Very similar in style and feel to the 2005 offering, Wise's 2006 Single Vineyard Chardonnay is a crisp, nicely structured wine with a preponderance of citrus and toasty oak flavors. Apple and pear notes add just the right amount of fleshiness.	Single Vineyard	90	27	Western Australia	Western Australia	null	Chardonnay	Wise	null	null	null
US	A good red wine that does just what Merlot is supposed to do, be enjoyable now. It's softly fruity and immediately likeable, with pleasant cherry pie, blackberry, cocoa and sandalwood flavors.	null	87	30	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Peter Franus	null	null	Peter Franus 2007 Merlot (Napa Valley)
Italy	The unusual but inviting medley of aromas include Mediterranean herb, sea salt, oregano, citrus and dried yellow flower. On the round palate, a saline note backs mature pear, creamy yellow apple and nectarine zest. It closes on a buttery note.	Ante Bianco	88	23	Sicily & Sardinia	Etna	null	White Blend	I Custodi	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	I Custodi 2012 Ante Bianco (Etna)
US	All five Bordeaux varietals are blended with a bit of Syrah. Firm, dark and concentrated, the wine enters with alluring, complex scents of Asian spice, sweet hay, chamomile and coffee. Raspberry and cherry fruit is set against balancing acidity and ripe tannins. The finish adds coffee liqueur, smoke and tar.	The Illusionist Red	92	40	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Sleight of Hand	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Sleight of Hand 2007 The Illusionist Red Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	The vineyard was made famous by Williams Selyem for fantastically rich, ageable Pinot Noirs. Now Merry Edwards has her own bottling, and it's right up there. Tastes young and grape-sappy, with jammy black cherry, cola, licorice and dusty Asian spice flavors, perfectly accented with smoky new oak. Needs time, and will develop complexities through 2012, at least.	Flax Vineyard	95	54	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Merry Edwards	null	null	null
US	A bit heavy for a rosé, without quite the liveliness you want. It's a very fruity wine, with forward raspberry, vanilla, cocoa and spice flavors.	Rosé of Syrah	84	22	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Rosé	Buena Vista	null	null	null
US	Oaky and direct in ripe tropical fruit, with a gooseberry taste more akin to Sauvignon Blanc, this Chard is unripe and simple.	Special Reserve	81	14	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Michael Pozzan	null	null	null
France	Red berrydominated wine, full in the mouth. It has texture, feels ripe, is just touched by an edge of caramel. The finish, though, is pure red fruit acidity.	null	86	18	Provence	Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire	null	Rosé	Château Maupague	null	null	null
Italy	Toast and chocolate take center stage and shape a modern expression of one of Puglia's most traditional wines. This riserva has good density and persistency and ends with firm tannins and lingering notes of sweet spice.	Selvarossa Riserva	88	17	Southern Italy	Salice Salentino	null	Red Blend	Cantine Due Palme	null	null	Cantine Due Palme 2004 Selvarossa Riserva Red (Salice Salentino)
France	86-88 Good classic fruit, with some good structure and some pleasing botrytis. It is not hugely rich, but is ripe and layered with dryness.	Barrel Sample	87	null	Bordeaux	Sauternes	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Sigalas Rabaud	null	null	null
Italy	In honor of the firm's 130th anniversary and made in limited quantities, this enticing sparkler offers ethereal scents of fragrant wild flower, apple and pear that follow through to the vibrant, focused palate, alongside a lemony note. It's clean and crisp, with a pristine bone-dry finish.	Cuvée Anniversario Brut	90	25	Veneto	Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Mionetto	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Mionetto NV Cuvée Anniversario Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)
France	This off-dry wine is fresh, light and fruity. Bright pear and quince flavors are given a boost by great acidity, spice and a light touch of mineral texture. Drink now.	One	85	null	Alsace	Alsace	null	Alsace white blend	Pierre Sparr	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Pierre Sparr 2012 One White (Alsace)
US	Black as coal, with a heavy, smoky, meaty nose, this is one of a growing number of excellent biodynamic Syrahs from Oregon. It marries tangy acids to chewy red and blue fruits, with streaks of coffee liqueur and caramel latté. Half was whole-cluster fermented, and it all spent time in 50% new French oak.	Reserve	92	75	Oregon	Applegate Valley	Southern Oregon	Syrah	Cowhorn	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Cowhorn 2013 Reserve Syrah (Applegate Valley)
US	There's a lack of structure and soul in this wine, which presents as somewhat mushy in tropical fruit and preserved lemon.	Mills Cuvée	82	25	California	Green Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	River Road	Virginie Boone	@vboone	River Road 2014 Mills Cuvée Chardonnay (Green Valley)
US	A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this wine is soft and tannic, with a puckery mouthfeel. The cherry-berry flavors are jammy. Ready now.	Cuvée Lago	84	40	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Red Blend	St. Francis	null	null	null
Spain	Traditional Rioja aromas of leather, vanilla, dried red fruits, spice and dill turn earthy with airing. This is healthy but mature on the palate, with oaky flavors of vanilla accenting core pie cherry, red plum and raspberry. Oak spice and acidity reverberate on the finish. Drink now.	Don Jacobo Reserva	90	23	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Corral	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Corral 2005 Don Jacobo Reserva (Rioja)
France	Full and ripe with rich fruit, fresh acidity and delicious layers of citrus and green plum flavors. It's a textured wine, showing fruit skin tautness as well as dense structure and the potential for aging. Drink from 2016.	Vieilles Vignes	87	null	Burgundy	Pouilly-Vinzelles	null	Chardonnay	Cave des Grands Crus Blancs	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Cave des Grands Crus Blancs 2012 Vieilles Vignes (Pouilly-Vinzelles)
Italy	Fratelli Alessandria's flagship Barolo opens with pretty spice nuances followed by cherry, blueberry and loads of buoyant fruit. This is a happy, cheerful wine with a vertical lift and tonic notes of eucalyptus and root beer. The tannins are drying and fine. Drink after 2018.	Monvigliero	93	74	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Fratelli Alessandria	null	null	null
US	The vineyard is far better known for powerful, concentrated Pinot Noir, and this Chardonnay shares those characteristics. It's a big, fruity wine, not showing much finesse, but plenty of sheer magnitude. Brims with tropical fruit, apple, exotic spice and oak flavors that finish dry. Could do interesting things over the years.	Rosella's Vineyard	90	36	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Morgan	null	null	null
Italy	Gaudium is a radically unique expression of Fiano that might not appeal to everyone but that definitely shows careful craftsmanship and execution. The nose is redolent of crushed clove and exotic spice (aromas you'd almost expect to find in a red wine) closely followed by fresh melon, pear and peach.	Gaudium	90	null	Southern Italy	Fiano di Avellino	null	Fiano	I Capitani	null	null	I Capitani 2009 Gaudium (Fiano di Avellino)
US	Jax has struggled to find a style to their Chardonnay. This 2011 is their finest effort to date, although it does show the effects of the chilly vintage, being tight and tart. With lime, orange and papaya flavors, enriched with new French oak, it's rich, yet elegant and restrained.	Cold Creek Ranch Vineyard	90	38	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Jax	null	null	Jax 2011 Cold Creek Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay (Carneros)
New Zealand	There's a lot of excitement in New Zealand over Syrah right now, and wines like this are one good reason why. Plum and berry fruit shows good ripeness, without sacrificing the peppery notes that define cool-climate Syrah. It's medium-bodied and crisp, weighing in at a reasonable 13.5% alcohol, and picking up some pleasant espresso and black-olive flavors on the finish. Drink 2010–2015.	Gimblett Gravels	88	33	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Syrah	Trinity Hill	null	null	null
France	Bright cherry and cedary aromas open to a soft mouthfeel and tart blackberry flavors with black toast shadings. The dark flavors and light mouthfeel are a bit out of sync, as if the flavor range demands more weight on the palate. Tart black fruits show on the finish.	Estate Bottled	83	11	Languedoc-Roussillon	Vin de Pays d'Oc	null	Syrah	Abarbanel	null	null	Abarbanel 1999 Estate Bottled Syrah (Vin de Pays d'Oc)
US	This gentle, complex white offers lovingly crafted waves of tropical lychee and golden-apple minerality, with bites of wet stone, gravel and lemon. Balanced in acidity and a lightness of being, it's meant for the table or kitchen, to sip happily while making a meal.	Naissance	92	30	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Galerie	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Galerie 2015 Naissance Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
France	Still full of tannins, this is a tight strongly textured wine. It is dry, just hinting at black fruits and juicy acidity. It is probably already aged and so will remain a firm wine with fruit flavors in the background.	Divin de Corbin	87	35	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Corbin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Corbin 2011 Divin de Corbin (Saint-Émilion)
US	Cherries and chocolate are the hallmark of the Zins at Maryhill. The fruit is pretty and the chocolate smooth, certainly a crowd-pleasing style. The finish is clean and supple.	Proprietor's Reserve	87	30	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Zinfandel	Maryhill	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Maryhill 2009 Proprietor's Reserve Zinfandel (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	From a two-acre block within the amazing Maple Vineyard planted in 1910, this wine also contains 10% Petite Sirah and 10% mixed blacks. Baked berry pie comes to mind first, conjuring up all things good and right in the world, topped in bourbon whipped cream and nutmeg. Good acidity buoys the proceedings. Drink now through 2021.	Tina's Block Maple Vineyard	92	48	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Armida	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Armida 2013 Tina's Block Maple Vineyard Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
US	Here's a wine in a box that shows nice Chardonnay character. It has peach, pear and apple flavors, with crisp acidity that makes it clean and vibrant. Some boxed wines are hard to open, but this one has an easy screwcap.	null	84	9	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Bandit	null	null	null
Spain	Rubbery, meaty and fully ripe smelling: that's the nose on this round and dark Monastrell. Yet while it hints at being bold and burly, the palate is more restrained and subtle. Don't expect a ton of stuffing, and instead look for savory plum and olive flavors in front of a short, stout finish. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.	null	86	14	Levante	Yecla	null	Monastrell	Castillo del Barón	null	null	null
US	Floral scents, lemon zest, orange and pineapple swirl together, leading into a fruit-powered palate which reaches across the citrus spectrum and into papaya. Flavors are penetrating and the finish tight, so give it extra time to breathe.	L Cuvée	89	19	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Apolloni	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Apolloni 2013 L Cuvée Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)
Italy	Mature black-skinned fruit, new leather, Mediterranean herb and dark spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this big, bold red. The brawny monolithic palate doles out ripe plum, black cherry marinated in spirits and cake spice alongside chewy tannins and the warmth of evident alcohol. Drink 2018–2025.	Riserva	91	64	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Podere Paganico	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Podere Paganico 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)
US	Softly layered in medium-sized waves of earth, rose and strawberry, this is a delightful wine with enough stuffing through the midpalate to enjoy on its own or with a meal.	Bella Luna Vineyard	90	45	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Churchill Cellars	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Churchill Cellars 2012 Bella Luna Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
France	Strong new-wood aromas lead to a palate that is layered with firm tannins, a polished toast character and a sufficient ripe blackberry flavor to balance. This 2010 bottling shows that this is a chateau to watch.	null	92	null	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Bernadotte	null	null	null
US	This has black cherry fruit flavor in spades, along with blueberry and sweet blackberry. It's smooth to the point of softness, with fully ripe tannins and a sweet but firm finish with chocolate, cherries and coffee grounds.	null	89	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Tamarack Cellars	null	null	null
France	Packed with fruit and crisp acidity, this is a bright, light and perfumed wine. Red-berry flavors are lifted by red currants and a light spice. Drink now for total freshness.	null	87	22	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Rosé	Bernard Reverdy et Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bernard Reverdy et Fils 2014 Rosé (Sancerre)
Australia	Tahbilk's Marsanne is always difficult to evaluate young, as it's invariably rather neutral in aroma and flavor. Subtle notes of pear and marshmallow make a fleeting appearance before yielding to crisp, lemony finish. Drink now with oysters, or hold 5–10 years for greater weight, texture and versatility with food.	Estate Grown and Bottled	87	18	Victoria	Nagambie Lakes	null	Marsanne	Tahbilk	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Tahbilk 2015 Estate Grown and Bottled Marsanne (Nagambie Lakes)
Italy	Aromas of red berry and balsamic herbs provide the focus of this vibrant and easy-going wine made entirely with Sangiovese. The lush palate offers black cherry and a hint of licorice alongside firm but ripe tannins. There's no complexity, but this enjoyable red is perfect to pair with everyday fare. Drink now. Wine4All, Specialty Wine.	null	87	16	Tuscany	Morellino di Scansano	null	Sangiovese	Terre di Fiori	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Terre di Fiori 2011 Morellino di Scansano
Italy	This structured wine opens with an unusual blend of aromas that includes ripe black fruit, dill and chocolate. The palate offers velvety tannins and notes of tart blackberry, black cherry, fig and mature plum sprinkled with notes of cocoa.	Duca Enrico	90	70	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Duca di Salaparuta	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Duca di Salaparuta 2008 Duca Enrico Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)

France

This is a refreshing, lemon-flavored wine. Attractive crispness comes out of the mineral texture and perfumed acidity. Light and still young, this will age to be ready to drink from late 2016.

Beaucharme

86

60

Burgundy

Bourgogne

null

Chardonnay

Louis Max

null

US

This very limited, concrete-egg-fermented, and thoroughly splendid Pinot Gris is a good indication of the potential for PG in Oregon if the price limitations are lifted. Stunningly rich with citrus, lemon curd, ripe apple and light tropical fruits, this concentrated, deeply driven wine is both roundly full and amazingly dense. Certainly the best Oregon Pinot Gris in memory.

AB OVO

94

42

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Archery Summit

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Archery Summit 2010 AB OVO Pinot Gris (Dundee Hills)

US

Like the label suggests, it's sugary in tangerine, vanilla cookie and butterscotch flavors, with crisp acidity and fine, scoury bubbles. A nice sparkling wine for those who like a sweeter style.

Sweet Cuvée

87

13

California

California Other

Sparkling Blend

Korbel

null

US

A spicy, tingling nose leads. followed by reserved balance elements of acid, classic Chardonnay fruit and a slatey minerality. Not terribly complex but likeable, and food friendly.

John Adlum

82

10

Virginia

null

Chardonnay

The Williamsburg Winery

null

US

This selection is from Terravant Wine Company, a custom-crush facility in Santa Barbara County. Dry and tannic, it shows classic Cabernet Sauvignon character. It has a smoothness often associated with Napa Valley wines and flavors of blackberry, black currant and oak.

null

90

13

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Barrel Ranch

null

Argentina

Everything about this Tempranillo-led blend rings true. It's full and flush on the nose, with clean berry and snappy tomato and spice notes. The mouthfeel is wiry and bold, with darts of acidity. Flavors span the red-berry spectrum, while the finish condenses in juicy, classy fashion. Drink through 2019.

B Crux

90

28

Mendoza Province

Uco Valley

null

Red Blend

O. Fournier

null

Italy

Aromas of elderflower, citrus, tropical fruit, crushed rock and tomato leaf take center stage on this lovely, structured wine. The fresh, delicious palate delivers juicy grapefruit, creamy peach, chopped herb and fennel alongside crisp acidity.

Segrè

93

null

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Sauvignon

Castello di Spessa

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Castello di Spessa 2013 Segrè Sauvignon (Collio)

Italy

Tedeschi is one of the benchmark producers of Valpolicella. This wine is bursting with fresh fruit intensity and lush background notes of spice, leather and moist pipe tobacco.

Capitel San Rocco

89

28

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Tedeschi

null

US

This '04 is off a beat from the '03, showing a tiredness that may be a result of the heat. It's soft, with candied blackberry and cherry flavors that finish dry, and is not ageworthy.

Napa River Ranch

86

50

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Hall

null

Hall 2004 Napa River Ranch Merlot (Napa Valley)

US

Jammy, this Zin has softened and mellowed as it nears five years of age. With raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, it's ready to drink now.

Helen's Ridge Vineyard

86

34

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Occidental Road Cellars

null

Argentina

A pitch-black color is a good indication of the power and concentration this old-vine Malbec has in store. Aromas of blackberry, fir forest and ink set up an over-the-top-rich palate, with heavy extraction and giant flavors of minty blackberry and chocolate. Pull out the knife and fork to cut through the deep, chocolaty finish. Drink now through 2017.

Swinto

90

40

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Belasco de Baquedano

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Belasco de Baquedano 2010 Swinto Malbec (Mendoza)

New Zealand

This medium-weight wine starts off with wonderfully pure, expressive aromas of ripe passion fruit. On the palate, it's a bit prickly and leafy at first, like tomato stalks or nettle leaves. It then settles back down into tropical fruit on the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now.

null

89

13

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Clifford Bay

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Clifford Bay 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)

US

Harsh in acids, simple and fruity sweet in jammy raspberries. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

The Lineup GSM

82

12

California

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Big House

null

South Africa

Honeyed and a bit mealy with mushy flavors of mango and guava in the medium-weight mouth. Drink now.

null

82

11

Coastal Region

null

Chardonnay

Ernst Gouws & Co.

null

US

This wine is so compelling it's difficult to put the glass down. It smells buttery and lush and offers flavors of ripe pear, vanilla and a bit of caramel. It is full bodied and plush in texture; that rich viscosity carries the ripe but not over-the-top flavors to a lingering finish.

Durell Vineyard

93

58

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Saxon Brown

null

Germany

Zesty acidity lifts this sprightly yet concentrated spätlese. Crisp yellow plum and citrus flavors penetrate deeply on the palate, augmented by a delicate sheen of sweetness. It's an electric, impeccably balanced wine with a long finish.

Spätlese

91

40

Rheingau

null

Riesling

Robert Weil

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Robert Weil 2015 Spätlese Riesling (Rheingau)

Australia

Shows a welcome amount of complexity in this price range, with cherry fruit framed by hints of cedar, mint and tobacco. This medium-bodied red leans toward an elegant style, defined by silky tannins and a mouthwatering finish.

Estate Grown

87

13

New South Wales

Hunter Valley

null

Merlot

Hope Estate

null

US

Nice, fairly elegant red wine, gently structured and dry, with a silky texture and bursting with the most intense cherry liqueur flavor. It's a bit of a fruit bomb, though, and could use greater complexity.

Premium Select

84

24

California

California Other

Grenache

French Hill

null

US

With lemon, orange, apricot and green melon flavors, this is a fruity wine, with tart notes of green gooseberries that make it savory. There's a lot of honey on the finish that makes you wonder if it's truly dry or flirting with off-dry.

Forever Wild

86

25

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Balverne

null

Balverne 2012 Forever Wild Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)

France

Still very firm and closed, this is textured and rich, with intense mineral and wood flavors that balance the steeliness. It's full bodied, taut and nervy, with a concentrated core. Age for at least four years.

Les Clos Grand Cru

92

70

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Château de Maligny

null

Chile

Nice melon, apple, talcum powder and mineral aromas set this off in a good direction. The palate is lively and balanced, with grapefruit as the prime flavor. Calm on the finish; a good quaffer if you get at it as fast as possible.

null

86

9

Curicó Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Echeverria

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Echeverria 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (Curicó Valley)

US

This is an unusually buttery wine, as if it had been put through some special sort of malolactic fermentation. It feels manipulated, softened and buttered up, with the fruit subdued. Traces of herb remain, but they are like shadows on the wall. Perhaps the house style does not accommodate this particular vineyard's character. This wine makes it hard to know.

Prince Hill

86

45

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Erath

null

Italy

This happy blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot delivers delicate blueberry nuances and warm toast. It's a wine that flows over the palate, leaving it clean and refreshed.

Madiere

90

20

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Tenuta San Vito

null

Chile

Strawberry and tomato aromas are hot and edgy. The palate is snappy and not short on acid, while it tastes of spiced red plum, tea and herbs. Peppery and herbal on the finish, and zesty all the way through.

Sustainable Agriculture

84

13

Colchagua Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Cono Sur

null

US

From the winery's Phinny Hill vineyard, the Columbia Rediviva is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 52% Syrah. Complex and satiny, it's a riveting wine, inky and bursting with a sensuous mix of berry, cassis, mocha, loam, cinnamon and spice. Tremendous density and depth; despite its youth the wine curls around the tongue like thick smoke, showing more and more detail.

Columbia Rediviva

96

48

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah

Buty

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Buty 2007 Columbia Rediviva Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah (Horse Heaven Hills)

US

A Bordeaux blend from Newton's mountain estate, this lovely wine starts out with a fat, fleshy appeal. It offers elaborate waves of sweetly smoked oak that conjoin nicely with cherry preserves, red licorice and dark chocolate. A bit inelegant now due to firm, fierce tannins, but so balanced, it should easily negotiate the years. Better after 2012.

The Puzzle

91

80

California

Napa

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Newton

null

Portugal

This always-impressive wine is a blend that pits local Alentejo grapes against Syrah and Petit Verdot. Concentrated and complex, it is packed both with black fruits and dark tannins. Intense acidity proclaims its youth and this powerful wine will need to age. Drink from 2019.

Rubrica

94

40

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Luis Duarte

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Luis Duarte 2012 Rubrica Red (Alentejano)

Italy

This opens with white flower, yellow stone fruit and honeydew melon aromas. The fruity sensations carry over to the palate, with a tangerine zest note and tangy acidity that leads to a juicy finish.

Sereole

87

null

Veneto

Soave Colli Scaligeri

null

Garganega

Bertaini

null

US

Created as a Zinfandel specialist, Mariah produces exquisitely crafted, although big-boned, Zins from this high-altitude appellation. The wine is dry and balanced, with a rich earthiness to the blackberry, coffee and tobacco flavors. It's also very tannic, and needs to be served with the right fare. Lamb and duck come to mind.

null

90

35

California

Mendocino Ridge

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Zinfandel

Mariah

null

Italy

Here is a clean, straightforward Brunello with pretty aromas of wild berry, vanilla, leather, spice and rum cake. It shows a genuine, frank style with a sweet, velvety close.

null

90

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Lazzeretti

null

Israel

A fresh and easy-drinking white made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, the Blanc boasts scents of soft talcum powder, pink peony and orange blossom against a gooseberry and white strawberry fruit backbone. Zippy and prickly in the mouth with a mouthwatering, grassy finish.

Unoaked Blanc

86

30

Judean Hills

null

White Blend

Flam

null

Chile

Aromas of tree bark, cola, mushroom and black olive get this Cab going, while on the palate it keeps that savory-over-fruity character by showing meaty, mildly herbal flavors. It's full, a bit tannic and grabby. But overall it has an honest feel and integrity.

Tribute

87

17

Colchagua Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Caliterra

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Caliterra 2005 Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)

Portugal

One of Portugal's priciest table wines, this vintage boasts cherry and plum aromas that just don't seem all that intense, followed by bright cherry flavors accented by modest cedar. The long finish is evidence of its quality, but it turns astringent and one wonders whether the fruit will outlast the tannins.

Fojo

87

84

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta do Fojo

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Quinta do Fojo 2000 Fojo Red (Douro)

US

The vineyard is in a very cool, damp part of the valley, and this particular bottling always shows a dry finish, considerable tannins and an earthiness not found in warmer parts of the appellation. This 2008 follows those lines. It has a dense core of sour cherry candy fruit, with some superripe currants. Will age interestingly over the decade.

Trenton Estate Vineyard

92

52

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Joseph Swan Vineyards

null

Joseph Swan Vineyards 2008 Trenton Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

Big is the word here. Big in volume and mouthfeel, big in flavor. The fruit is a bit cooked, with blackberry pie filling, rum-soaked raisins and melted milk chocolate splashed with crème de cassis. Finishes with Zin's distinct white pepper. Perfect with grilled pork loin.

Luvisi Vineyard

91

36

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Signorello

null

Italy

Incredibly rich and ripe, a total departure from traditional dry Morellino. Cola, chocolate, caramel and blackberry aromas emanate from the bouquet, while the palate is loaded with black fruit and coffee. Finishes sweet, with fudge and mocha notes. A layered, meaty wine.

Massi di Mandorlaia Riserva

91

40

Tuscany

Morellino di Scansano

null

Sangiovese

Conte Ferdinando Guicciardini

null

France

Grown inland, away from the sea's influence, this wine has a full-bodied character. Acidity cuts through the ripe red fruits and caramel and spice flavor. The wine is rich and full in the mouth, soft at the end.

Les Muraires Douce Vie

89

19

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Bernard Magrez

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bernard Magrez 2015 Les Muraires Douce Vie Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

France

Showing signs of maturity, this is a ripe, while still steely wine. The acidity cuts through the aromatic pear and apple flavors, while a touch of spice adds complexity. Not for long-term aging.

Schoenenbourg Grand Cru

89

null

Alsace

null

Riesling

Dopff Au Moulin

null

Chile

Aromas of grilled meat, oak and saucy berry fruits set up a stretched palate that feels fine but basic. Salty plum and berry flavors are mildly stewed, while this is short on the finish. As a whole, this is good Cabernet that cuts no new ground.

La Joya Gran Reserva

86

15

Colchagua Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Viña Bisquertt

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Bisquertt 2015 La Joya Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)

Argentina

Opens with jammy aromas but it's also stewed and stalky. The palate is resiny and tannic, which means it's grabby. Tastes a bit leafy and burnt, with spiced, roasted red plum flavors. Offers mostly oak spice and heat on the finish.

made with organic grapes

84

13

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

VinEcol

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

VinEcol 2010 made with organic grapes Malbec (Mendoza)

France

88-90 Barrel sample. Very soft, rounded wine, the tannins a mere hint as the fruit rolls forward. Fine, juicy spice.

Barrel sample

89

null

Bordeaux

Moulis-en-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Anthonic

null

Chile

Wearing a heavy mantle of rather green, not-too-subtle oak, the fruit in this wine struggles to be noticed. Faintly apple, with earthy notes, it is fairly buried, and the wine lacks the life and dimension on the palate one seeks in a wine with reserve status.

Reserva

82

12

Maipo Valley

null

Chardonnay

Undurraga

null

France

There is a sense of pent-up energy with this wine. It has powerful fruit along with flavors of chocolate, but it is all masked and repressed by tight firm tannins. A wine that will develop slowly.

Pessac-Léognan

91

35

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Malartic-Lagravière

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Malartic-Lagravière 2000 Pessac-Léognan (Bordeaux)

US

A bit hot in alcohol, and glycerine gives a sugary-sweet edge to the blackberries, black cherries and oak. There might even be some residual sugar. If you like your reds soft and on the sweet side, and lots of people do, it's for you.

The Hedge

85

48

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Syrah

Terry Hoage

null

Italy

Aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, leather and ground white pepper follow through to the smooth, full-bodied palate along with a mineral accent. Supple tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework while a licorice note signals the close.

null

90

30

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Cantina del Pino

null

Australia

Lifted and juicy, this impressive effort from Western Australia shows woodsy, cedary notes on a restrained nose. The palate is drenched in gorgeous cassis and cherry cordial fruit framed by gentle tannins. The crisp finish will cut through steak or pork dishes. Imported by America Uncorked.

Awakening

89

25

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Watershed

null

Watershed 2005 Awakening Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)

Italy

Lush oak lends coconut and toast notes to the cherry fruit in this international-style wine. Fairly full, it displays a supple texture and offers dark rich flavors on the palate. Closes with espresso notes and even tannins. Has class and flavor, but it's very much of the new school...not for traditionalists. Drink now through 2006.

Riserva

89

21

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Villa Cerna

null

Chile

Generally ripe, clean and fresh. Smells pure and spicy, with blackberry aromas setting up a crisp palate. Tastes a little herbal as do almost all Chilean Merlots, but the berry fruit and spice elements are uncompromised and uncomplicated. A likable value Merlot.

Estate Reserva

87

12

Curicó Valley

null

Merlot

Errazuriz

null

Spain

A bit oily on the bouquet, this has slightly acrid notes of burnt hay and matchstick, with notes of apple and nectarine. It feels full and not edgy, with good acidity and limited flavors of baked apple and peach. A standard Penedès wine made from 80% Xarello, with Malvasia and Macabeo.

Rupestris

85

19

Catalonia

Penedès

null

White Blend

Pardas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Pardas 2010 Rupestris White (Penedès)

France

Packed with strawberry aromas and red berry fruits, this is a ripe, fruit-forward wine only lightly disturbed by tannins. There is a great juicy quality here.

Château des Bachelards

86

null

Beaujolais

Fleurie

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

null

Chile

Snappy, crisp and green on the nose, but well balanced and showing the good side of Chilean SB, which is oceanic, fresh, green and citrusy. Flavors of lime, grapefruit and passion fruit are true, while the finish is fruity at first before breaking up.

Estate Reserva

87

12

Casablanca Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Errazuriz

null

Portugal

Still young, it is full of spice from wood aging along with juicy black fruits. It is soft, dominated by black currant and acidity. Not for aging, it will be ready by the end of 2014.

null

87

null

Tejo

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta do Casal Branco

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta do Casal Branco 2012 Red (Tejo)

US

Lusty and ripe, with very high alcohol, this wine nonetheless wears the heat well, showing jammy black cherry pie, licorice, crisp bacon, sandalwood and pepper flavors that go on into a long, spicy finish. The interesting blend is Tempranillo, Merlot, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with each variety playing an essential role.

Toro de Paso

88

37

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Red Blend

Bodega de Edgar

null

Bodega de Edgar 2010 Toro de Paso Red (Paso Robles)

France

90-92 Barrel sample. Balanced, open wine, full of ripe blackcurrant fruits. It has a fine, rich density which shows well alongside the acidity of a young wine. It finishes with delicious black fruits.

Barrel sample

91

null

Bordeaux

Pauillac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château d'Armailhac

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château d'Armailhac 2008 Barrel sample (Pauillac)

US

At the price, a pretty satisfying Malbec that's a little tight at first, with dark stewy notes, but on balance good texture and finish. It shows plum and black cherry flavors integrated throughout and a touch of Yolo earthiness, too.

null

85

10

California

Yolo County

Central Valley

Malbec

Sawbuck

null

Italy

Elegant and ageworthy, this shows dry, firm tannins and bright aromas of wild berry, tobacco and spice. Pair this with roast pork or lamb.

Vigna Tecc

91

25

Piedmont

Dogliani

null

Dolcetto

Poderi Luigi Einaudi

null

US

Though the winery indicates that just one quarter of the barrels (all French oak) were new, this wine puts those spicy, toasty scents and flavors of mocha and cinnamon front and center. It's soft and silky, with round, forward flavors of plums dipped in chocolate.

Whole Cluster Reserve

88

40

Oregon

Yamhill-Carlton District

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Bishop Creek Cellars

null

Argentina

Varietally correct on the nose, but weak, with lychee, tropical fruit and Fantastik cleanser aromas. The palate fails to hold form, yielding an oily, heavy feel along with lemony, mealy flavors. Pithy on the finish.

null

83

9

Other

Cafayate

null

Torrontés

Acordeón

null

US

Subtlety and reserve drive this full-bodied, round-textured white Rhône-style blend. The velvety mouthfeel is almost more notable than the subdued pear, melon and butter flavors. It's a wine for lingering over, because it reveals its best stuff after time in the glass. It leads with 49% Marsanne, plus Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc.

Enigma

92

25

California

Sierra Foothills

White Blend

Terre Rouge

null

Italy

The nice thing about this dessert wine is that you can recognize those distinctive musky notes that come from botrytis. This unique vineyard phenomenon only occurs in a handful of Italian vineyards and Fattoria Zerbina is lucky enough to have one. Aromas recall the fuzz on a peach: You get the fresh fruit but also the warm, organic tones from the skin. Its texture is thick and opulent and its finish is long lasting.

Scaccomatto

92

66

Central Italy

Albana di Romagna

null

Albana

Fattoria Zerbina

null

US

Made from a bunch of grape varieties, including Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a really nice wine, especially for the price. It's dry, fruity and robust, with rich, earthy flavors of blackberries and spices. Easy to find, with 22,100 cases produced. From E&J; Gallo.

Winemaker's Blend

90

20

California

Napa County-Sonoma County-San Joaquin County

California Other

Red Blend

Ghost Pines

null

Australia

Sidewood's 2009 Chardonnay is a throwback to the sort of delicious, well-priced Chardonnays Australia used to be known for, but with a touch more class. It delivers a big blast of upfront melon and peach fruit nestled in toasted cashew-like oak, then finishes fresh and citrusy. Good value for drinking over the next 6–12 months.

null

89

26

South Australia

Adelaide Hills

null

Chardonnay

Sidewood

null

Australia

Very similar in style and feel to the 2005 offering, Wise's 2006 Single Vineyard Chardonnay is a crisp, nicely structured wine with a preponderance of citrus and toasty oak flavors. Apple and pear notes add just the right amount of fleshiness.

Single Vineyard

90

27

Western Australia

null

Chardonnay

Wise

null

US

A good red wine that does just what Merlot is supposed to do, be enjoyable now. It's softly fruity and immediately likeable, with pleasant cherry pie, blackberry, cocoa and sandalwood flavors.

null

87

30

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Peter Franus

null

Peter Franus 2007 Merlot (Napa Valley)

Italy

The unusual but inviting medley of aromas include Mediterranean herb, sea salt, oregano, citrus and dried yellow flower. On the round palate, a saline note backs mature pear, creamy yellow apple and nectarine zest. It closes on a buttery note.

Ante Bianco

88

23

Sicily & Sardinia

Etna

null

White Blend

I Custodi

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

I Custodi 2012 Ante Bianco (Etna)

US

All five Bordeaux varietals are blended with a bit of Syrah. Firm, dark and concentrated, the wine enters with alluring, complex scents of Asian spice, sweet hay, chamomile and coffee. Raspberry and cherry fruit is set against balancing acidity and ripe tannins. The finish adds coffee liqueur, smoke and tar.

The Illusionist Red

92

40

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Sleight of Hand

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Sleight of Hand 2007 The Illusionist Red Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

The vineyard was made famous by Williams Selyem for fantastically rich, ageable Pinot Noirs. Now Merry Edwards has her own bottling, and it's right up there. Tastes young and grape-sappy, with jammy black cherry, cola, licorice and dusty Asian spice flavors, perfectly accented with smoky new oak. Needs time, and will develop complexities through 2012, at least.

Flax Vineyard

95

54

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Merry Edwards

null

US

A bit heavy for a rosé, without quite the liveliness you want. It's a very fruity wine, with forward raspberry, vanilla, cocoa and spice flavors.

Rosé of Syrah

84

22

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Rosé

Buena Vista

null

US

Oaky and direct in ripe tropical fruit, with a gooseberry taste more akin to Sauvignon Blanc, this Chard is unripe and simple.

Special Reserve

81

14

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Michael Pozzan

null

France

Red berrydominated wine, full in the mouth. It has texture, feels ripe, is just touched by an edge of caramel. The finish, though, is pure red fruit acidity.

null

86

18

Provence

Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire

null

Rosé

Château Maupague

null

Italy

Toast and chocolate take center stage and shape a modern expression of one of Puglia's most traditional wines. This riserva has good density and persistency and ends with firm tannins and lingering notes of sweet spice.

Selvarossa Riserva

88

17

Southern Italy

Salice Salentino

null

Red Blend

Cantine Due Palme

null

Cantine Due Palme 2004 Selvarossa Riserva Red (Salice Salentino)

France

86-88 Good classic fruit, with some good structure and some pleasing botrytis. It is not hugely rich, but is ripe and layered with dryness.

Barrel Sample

87

null

Bordeaux

Sauternes

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Sigalas Rabaud

null

Italy

In honor of the firm's 130th anniversary and made in limited quantities, this enticing sparkler offers ethereal scents of fragrant wild flower, apple and pear that follow through to the vibrant, focused palate, alongside a lemony note. It's clean and crisp, with a pristine bone-dry finish.

Cuvée Anniversario Brut

90

25

Veneto

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Mionetto

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Mionetto NV Cuvée Anniversario Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)

France

This off-dry wine is fresh, light and fruity. Bright pear and quince flavors are given a boost by great acidity, spice and a light touch of mineral texture. Drink now.

One

85

null

Alsace

null

Alsace white blend

Pierre Sparr

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Pierre Sparr 2012 One White (Alsace)

US

Black as coal, with a heavy, smoky, meaty nose, this is one of a growing number of excellent biodynamic Syrahs from Oregon. It marries tangy acids to chewy red and blue fruits, with streaks of coffee liqueur and caramel latté. Half was whole-cluster fermented, and it all spent time in 50% new French oak.

Reserve

92

75

Oregon

Applegate Valley

Southern Oregon

Syrah

Cowhorn

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Cowhorn 2013 Reserve Syrah (Applegate Valley)

US

There's a lack of structure and soul in this wine, which presents as somewhat mushy in tropical fruit and preserved lemon.

Mills Cuvée

82

25

California

Green Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

River Road

Virginie Boone

@vboone

River Road 2014 Mills Cuvée Chardonnay (Green Valley)

US

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this wine is soft and tannic, with a puckery mouthfeel. The cherry-berry flavors are jammy. Ready now.

Cuvée Lago

84

40

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Red Blend

St. Francis

null

Spain

Traditional Rioja aromas of leather, vanilla, dried red fruits, spice and dill turn earthy with airing. This is healthy but mature on the palate, with oaky flavors of vanilla accenting core pie cherry, red plum and raspberry. Oak spice and acidity reverberate on the finish. Drink now.

Don Jacobo Reserva

90

23

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Corral

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Corral 2005 Don Jacobo Reserva (Rioja)

France

Full and ripe with rich fruit, fresh acidity and delicious layers of citrus and green plum flavors. It's a textured wine, showing fruit skin tautness as well as dense structure and the potential for aging. Drink from 2016.

Vieilles Vignes

87

null

Burgundy

Pouilly-Vinzelles

null

Chardonnay

Cave des Grands Crus Blancs

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Cave des Grands Crus Blancs 2012 Vieilles Vignes (Pouilly-Vinzelles)

Italy

Fratelli Alessandria's flagship Barolo opens with pretty spice nuances followed by cherry, blueberry and loads of buoyant fruit. This is a happy, cheerful wine with a vertical lift and tonic notes of eucalyptus and root beer. The tannins are drying and fine. Drink after 2018.

Monvigliero

93

74

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Fratelli Alessandria

null

US

The vineyard is far better known for powerful, concentrated Pinot Noir, and this Chardonnay shares those characteristics. It's a big, fruity wine, not showing much finesse, but plenty of sheer magnitude. Brims with tropical fruit, apple, exotic spice and oak flavors that finish dry. Could do interesting things over the years.

Rosella's Vineyard

90

36

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Morgan

null

Italy

Gaudium is a radically unique expression of Fiano that might not appeal to everyone but that definitely shows careful craftsmanship and execution. The nose is redolent of crushed clove and exotic spice (aromas you'd almost expect to find in a red wine) closely followed by fresh melon, pear and peach.

Gaudium

90

null

Southern Italy

Fiano di Avellino

null

Fiano

I Capitani

null

I Capitani 2009 Gaudium (Fiano di Avellino)

US

Jax has struggled to find a style to their Chardonnay. This 2011 is their finest effort to date, although it does show the effects of the chilly vintage, being tight and tart. With lime, orange and papaya flavors, enriched with new French oak, it's rich, yet elegant and restrained.

Cold Creek Ranch Vineyard

90

38

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Jax

null

Jax 2011 Cold Creek Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay (Carneros)

New Zealand

There's a lot of excitement in New Zealand over Syrah right now, and wines like this are one good reason why. Plum and berry fruit shows good ripeness, without sacrificing the peppery notes that define cool-climate Syrah. It's medium-bodied and crisp, weighing in at a reasonable 13.5% alcohol, and picking up some pleasant espresso and black-olive flavors on the finish. Drink 2010–2015.

Gimblett Gravels

88

33

Hawke's Bay

null

Syrah

Trinity Hill

null

France

Bright cherry and cedary aromas open to a soft mouthfeel and tart blackberry flavors with black toast shadings. The dark flavors and light mouthfeel are a bit out of sync, as if the flavor range demands more weight on the palate. Tart black fruits show on the finish.

Estate Bottled

83

11

Languedoc-Roussillon

Vin de Pays d'Oc

null

Syrah

Abarbanel

null

Abarbanel 1999 Estate Bottled Syrah (Vin de Pays d'Oc)

US

This gentle, complex white offers lovingly crafted waves of tropical lychee and golden-apple minerality, with bites of wet stone, gravel and lemon. Balanced in acidity and a lightness of being, it's meant for the table or kitchen, to sip happily while making a meal.

Naissance

92

30

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Galerie

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Galerie 2015 Naissance Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

France

Still full of tannins, this is a tight strongly textured wine. It is dry, just hinting at black fruits and juicy acidity. It is probably already aged and so will remain a firm wine with fruit flavors in the background.

Divin de Corbin

87

35

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Corbin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Corbin 2011 Divin de Corbin (Saint-Émilion)

US

Cherries and chocolate are the hallmark of the Zins at Maryhill. The fruit is pretty and the chocolate smooth, certainly a crowd-pleasing style. The finish is clean and supple.

Proprietor's Reserve

87

30

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Zinfandel

Maryhill

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Maryhill 2009 Proprietor's Reserve Zinfandel (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

From a two-acre block within the amazing Maple Vineyard planted in 1910, this wine also contains 10% Petite Sirah and 10% mixed blacks. Baked berry pie comes to mind first, conjuring up all things good and right in the world, topped in bourbon whipped cream and nutmeg. Good acidity buoys the proceedings. Drink now through 2021.

Tina's Block Maple Vineyard

92

48

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Armida

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Armida 2013 Tina's Block Maple Vineyard Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

US

Here's a wine in a box that shows nice Chardonnay character. It has peach, pear and apple flavors, with crisp acidity that makes it clean and vibrant. Some boxed wines are hard to open, but this one has an easy screwcap.

null

84

9

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Bandit

null

Spain

Rubbery, meaty and fully ripe smelling: that's the nose on this round and dark Monastrell. Yet while it hints at being bold and burly, the palate is more restrained and subtle. Don't expect a ton of stuffing, and instead look for savory plum and olive flavors in front of a short, stout finish. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.

null

86

14

Levante

Yecla

null

Monastrell

Castillo del Barón

null

US

Floral scents, lemon zest, orange and pineapple swirl together, leading into a fruit-powered palate which reaches across the citrus spectrum and into papaya. Flavors are penetrating and the finish tight, so give it extra time to breathe.

L Cuvée

89

19

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Apolloni

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Apolloni 2013 L Cuvée Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)

Italy

Mature black-skinned fruit, new leather, Mediterranean herb and dark spice are some of the aromas you'll find on this big, bold red. The brawny monolithic palate doles out ripe plum, black cherry marinated in spirits and cake spice alongside chewy tannins and the warmth of evident alcohol. Drink 2018–2025.

Riserva

91

64

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Podere Paganico

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Podere Paganico 2010 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)

US

Softly layered in medium-sized waves of earth, rose and strawberry, this is a delightful wine with enough stuffing through the midpalate to enjoy on its own or with a meal.

Bella Luna Vineyard

90

45

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Churchill Cellars

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Churchill Cellars 2012 Bella Luna Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

France

Strong new-wood aromas lead to a palate that is layered with firm tannins, a polished toast character and a sufficient ripe blackberry flavor to balance. This 2010 bottling shows that this is a chateau to watch.

null

92

null

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Bernadotte

null

US

This has black cherry fruit flavor in spades, along with blueberry and sweet blackberry. It's smooth to the point of softness, with fully ripe tannins and a sweet but firm finish with chocolate, cherries and coffee grounds.

null

89

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Tamarack Cellars

null

France

Packed with fruit and crisp acidity, this is a bright, light and perfumed wine. Red-berry flavors are lifted by red currants and a light spice. Drink now for total freshness.

null

87

22

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Rosé

Bernard Reverdy et Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bernard Reverdy et Fils 2014 Rosé (Sancerre)

Australia

Tahbilk's Marsanne is always difficult to evaluate young, as it's invariably rather neutral in aroma and flavor. Subtle notes of pear and marshmallow make a fleeting appearance before yielding to crisp, lemony finish. Drink now with oysters, or hold 5–10 years for greater weight, texture and versatility with food.

Estate Grown and Bottled

87

18

Victoria

Nagambie Lakes

null

Marsanne

Tahbilk

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Tahbilk 2015 Estate Grown and Bottled Marsanne (Nagambie Lakes)

Italy

Aromas of red berry and balsamic herbs provide the focus of this vibrant and easy-going wine made entirely with Sangiovese. The lush palate offers black cherry and a hint of licorice alongside firm but ripe tannins. There's no complexity, but this enjoyable red is perfect to pair with everyday fare. Drink now. Wine4All, Specialty Wine.

null

87

16

Tuscany

Morellino di Scansano

null

Sangiovese

Terre di Fiori

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Terre di Fiori 2011 Morellino di Scansano

Italy

This structured wine opens with an unusual blend of aromas that includes ripe black fruit, dill and chocolate. The palate offers velvety tannins and notes of tart blackberry, black cherry, fig and mature plum sprinkled with notes of cocoa.

Duca Enrico

90

70

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Duca di Salaparuta

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Duca di Salaparuta 2008 Duca Enrico Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)