spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Italy	There's a meaty or slightly burned quality here with ripe notes of black fruit plus exotic spice, smoke and coals. A black mineral element or graphite note is also very prominent and the wine tastes, big, firm, chewy and sophisticated.	Passo del Lupo	88	30	Central Italy	Conero Riserva	null	Montepulciano	Fazi Battaglia	null	null	null
US	A fruity-oaky and rather simple Pinot Noir. Offers plenty of upfront cherry-berry and cola fruit, with a kiss of oak, wrapped into a silky texture.	null	86	32	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Peter Paul Wines	null	null	null
France	This blend of Grenache and Cinsault comes from the small cru area of La Londe. Produced from organic grapes, it is pale in color, although rich in texture and with touches of white peach and strawberry. With its pepper and tangy texture it is a style of rosé that could well age. Drink from 2018.	Léoube la Londe	92	48	Provence	Côtes de Provence La Londe	null	Rosé	Château Léoube	null	null	null
France	Full-bodied wine, with textured and layering tannins as well as red fruits. The wine has weight, a complex herbal and spice character as well as final fruitiness and tense acidity. A wine for aging over six months to a year.	Cuvée G	90	null	Provence	Bandol	null	Rosé	Les Vignobles Gueissard	null	null	null
US	The label—a grinning winery dog—is irresistible. The wine is a bit sharp, with a green edge to the tannins and a strong streak of vanilla, perhaps from some sort of oak treatment.	null	85	20	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Murray	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Murray 2010 Syrah (Red Mountain)
US	Covey's much-loved Lemberger is a nod to Washington's early days, when the rustic red was considered to be the state's finest effort. These days it's just another light, grapy, innocuous party wine, but at least the rasty tannins have been smoothed out.	Quail Series	84	7	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Lemberger	Covey Run	null	null	null
Italy	In terms of overall quality this is the best yet from this sea-facing estate in coastal Tuscany. The blend sees Cabernet Sauvignon enhanced by Merlot and Cabernet Franc and the overall effect is one of impressive intensity and sophistication. The finish is velvety rich and smooth.	Argentiera	95	60	Tuscany	Bolgheri Superiore	null	Red Blend	Tenuta Argentiera	null	null	null
US	As Washington-grown Syrah takes the national spotlight, this entry from Gamache should be on everyone's radar. It's a very well-made example of the classic Washington style, with a bright mix of berry, composted earth, licorice and black tea, backed with citrusy acids. Moderate in density, despite relatively high alcohol, it's good for drinking over the next five years.	null	90	30	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Gamache	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Gamache 2008 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	With 80% of the blend comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by every other major red Bordeaux variety, this wine offers dusty tannins around soft, integrated oak, sharp black fruit and dried herb. Robust and ripe on the finish, it should mellow in the cellar, through 2022.	Felicity	91	60	California	Coombsville	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Sodaro	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Sodaro 2012 Felicity Red (Coombsville)
US	A yellowish salmon in color, this wine shows hints of watermelon, bubble gum and cotton candy in the light and pleasantly uncomplicated nose. There is great energy on the palate, with more focus on a steely, metallic texture rather than ripe flavors, proving fresh, bright and quick on the sip.	Blair Vineyard Rosé of	88	23	California	Arroyo Seco	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Waxwing	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Waxwing 2014 Blair Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Noir (Arroyo Seco)
Chile	Spicy, mildly herbal aromas of cassis and red-berry fruits feed into a racy, fresh palate with vital acidity and excellent overall balance. Flavors of spice and berry fruits are persistent, while the finish is deep and feels right. This blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Carmenère is entirely pleasing. Drink through 2018.	Private Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenere	91	30	Cachapoal Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Valle Secreto	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Valle Secreto 2011 Private Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenere Red (Cachapoal Valley)
Italy	There's a dark, savory quality to this richly concentrated wine that is reminiscent of aromas of air-dried beef or spicy bresaola. You'll also get ripe fruit and blackberry jam and there's a textured, gritty quality to the firm but ripe tannins.	Marina Cvetic'	90	29	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Masciarelli	null	null	null
Spain	On the nose, this aging Chardonnay brings corn to mind. Its palate is neither exciting nor flawed, with melon and stone fruit flavors that are yeasty and short, finishing on a bready and slightly oxidized note. Not a great value for its price.	Milmanda	87	65	Catalonia	Conca de Barberà	null	Chardonnay	Torres	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Torres 2013 Milmanda Chardonnay (Conca de Barberà)
US	Aromas of smoky peach, citrus blossom and crushed stone are enticing and inviting. The palate of this unoaked Chardonnay is restrained and green apple focused, with a refreshing lemon-lime vein running down the backbone.	null	87	20	Virginia	Monticello	null	Chardonnay	The Boneyard	Alexander Peartree	null	The Boneyard 2013 Chardonnay (Monticello)
US	There's an enormous blast of raspberry and cherry pie filling in this Pinot Noir, as well as an elaborate coating of sweet, caramelized oak. Below that, you won't find much else. It's all razzle dazzle, but few world Pinot Noirs can achieve this level of flash.	Fiddlestix Vineyard	87	48	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Pali	null	null	null
US	Dull and herbal, with modest berry and spice flavors. The structure is soft and simple. Disappointing.	Estate	83	30	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Chateau Montelena	null	null	Chateau Montelena 2006 Estate Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
Portugal	Lightly wood aged, this is a rich wine that has tropical fruits as well as toast and pepper from the alcohol. Unfortunately, there's a streak of citrus that sits awkwardly with the rest of the wine. Drink now.	null	84	22	Douro	null	null	Portuguese White	Quinta do Judeu	null	null	null
Italy	Timpune is a full-bodied expression of Grillo with mature notes of peach, apricot, melon and honey. There's a nicely fragrant note at the back and the wine would pair with cold pasta salad with cubed mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.	Timpune	87	20	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Grillo	Caruso & Minini	null	null	null
France	The Sauvion family's flagship Muscadet is richer than some, with fresh apple flavors as well as the more characteristic grapefruit. This is lively, lightly prickly on the tongue, deliciously crisp but with some weight and intensity.	Château du Cléray Haute Culture	88	16	Loire Valley	Muscadet Sèvre et Maine	null	Melon	Sauvion	null	null	null
US	This is a big, extracted wine. It brims with cherry jam, chocolate and anise flavors, and it finishes very rich and sweet. It feels thick, soft and weighty on the palate, and it's fully ready to drink now.	Theriot Vineyard	87	35	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Syrah	Bodega Rancho	null	null	null
South Africa	This Shiraz speaks of its terroir, with its savory black pepper, plum and cassis nose and balanced black fruit, spice and cedar flavors. Full of ripe, rich fruit and tied together with an elegant spicy backbone. Pair with grilled meat or go spicy and try Asian or Mexican alongside.	1685	89	19	Coastal Region	null	null	Shiraz	Boschendal	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a dark and dense wine that has solid perfumed fruits. The tannins, still dry, are partnered with blackberry fruits, spice and just a touch of wood. The wine needs to age, so wait until 2016.	Azul Portugal Colheita	87	null	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Wines & Winemakers	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Wines & Winemakers 2012 Azul Portugal Colheita Red (Alentejano)
US	Well integrated charred oak melds well with ripe blackberry and black plum aromas in this blend of Merlot from a cooperative of Long Island winemakers. This is a full-bodied wine with an intensely concentrated black fruit character, a kick of earthy, barnyard funk and firm, structured tannins.	Merliance	86	35	New York	Long Island	Long Island	Merlot	Long Island Merlot Alliance	null	null	null
France	Fresh with apple and citrus, this is a perfumed, immediately attractive wine. It has bright acidity, a lightly mineral texture and a tangy, zesty aftertaste. It's young and will age although it is delicious now.	Le Charmois Premier Cru	87	40	Burgundy	Saint-Aubin	null	Chardonnay	Au Pied du Mont Chauve	null	null	null
US	A jubilant bouquet of orange blossoms, marmalade and stony minerals, this unctuous ice wine is profoundly aromatic and complex. Rich and nectar-like, yet not at all cloying on the palate, it's anchored by a piercing vein of acidity that's thrilling with every sip. Spicy, sweet and lavishly creamy, it lingers endlessly on the finish.	Ice Wine	91	43	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Vidal Blanc	Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2013 Ice Wine Vidal Blanc (Finger Lakes)
Spain	Simple to the point of being boring. Aromas of generic white fruits don't stand out, while the palate is soft and tastes vaguely of kiwi and nectarine. Finishes flat. Similar to the 2007.	null	82	13	Catalonia	Penedès	null	Xarel-lo	Sumarroca	null	null	null
France	95—97 Barrel sample. The freshness of 2006 is here in abundance. But because it is Pétrus, those deliciously lively black fruits are backed up with a formidable battery of tannins and concentration. But never extracted, always properly restrained.	Barrel sample	96	null	Bordeaux	Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Pétrus	null	null	null
US	The aromas of this jazzy wine disclose lime leaf, white peach and slate. The off-dry flavors of flowers, pear and stone fruit are typical of Washington in their intensity and detail.	Old Vines	88	17	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Seven Hills	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Seven Hills 2013 Old Vines Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Quite light in color, this is a lighter style of Chardonnay, kicking off with crispy green apple aromas mixed with a bit of barrel smoke. Lime and apple lead the lean palate, which shines with granite minerality.	null	88	20	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Summerland	null	null	null
US	The nose on this bottling by Doug Margerum shows a strong herbal backbone against a dense fruit core on the nose, with dried sage, bay leaf, black currant, blackberry and wet-asphalt aromas. The tightly wound palate combines graphite, charred beef, elderberry, black pepper, asphalt and the slightest touch of vanilla bean. These components present tremendous potential for tertiary flavor development, so drink 2018–2028.	Black Oak Vineyard	91	40	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Syrah	Margerum	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Margerum 2013 Black Oak Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara County)
US	This is a fine example of a fresh, complex, young Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. It's bone dry and elegantly crisp, with intricate flavors of cherries, rhubarb, pomegranates, Dr. Pepper cola and minerals, along with sweet, smoky notes from oak barrel aging. Best of all is the silky texture. Fine now, with decanting, and through 2014.	Reserve	92	40	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Rusack	null	null	null
US	Passes muster for its tropical fruit and vanilla cream flavors. Turns a little cloying and sweet on the finish, though.	Ruth's Vineyard	83	21	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Chardonnay	Cantara	null	null	null
US	One heck of a value, this elegant, spicy Cabernet comes alive with tobacco and blackberry flavors that broaden in scope and flavor as you sip. Ample tannins and acidity round out the smooth texture. The wine is deeply colored, aromatically inviting and completely satisfying on the finish.	Collection	89	15	California	Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cameron Hughes	null	null	null
US	Shafer's Cabernet is so dominant, it's sometimes forgotten how good their Merlot can be. The wines are dependably dry, rich and balanced, as the excellent '05 demonstrates. It's soft and drinkable now, but rich and sweet in tannins that frame cherry, currant, cola, licorice and vanilla flavors. Will reward cellaring through 2011.	null	91	46	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	Shafer	null	null	null
France	92–94 The fruit is packed full of intense black currants, while the acidity shows through the dark, dry tannins. A powerful wine.	Barrel Sample	93	null	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Pape Clément	null	null	null
Italy	More ethereal than brawny, licorice, balsam notes, forest berry, smoked cedar wood, anise seed and menthol notes are woven carefully together. Plum and cinnamon spice come though in the mouth followed by bitter coffee and firms tannins. Imported by Wilson Daniels Ltd.	Vigna Spuntali	93	86	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Tenimenti Angelini	null	null	null
Argentina	Woody and dense at first, this smells bright and fruity as it opens. A solid palate houses lightly toasted flavors of blackberry that turn more peppery and toasty on a fairly oaky finish.	Estate	87	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Doña Paula	null	null	null
US	A staple of California winemaking, this vintage is as good as ever—perfectly polished, with light aromas of toasted oak and crisp green apple, lemon-lime and tempting butter flavors, and a medium-bodied frame. The texture is silky smooth, and everything tastes harmonious and balanced.	Vintner's Reserve	91	17	California	California	California Other	Chardonnay	Kendall-Jackson	null	null	null
Portugal	This very crisp, cool-climate sparkling rosé is a blend of Castelão and Merlot. It has acidity, a touch of raspberry fruit and a just off-dry ripeness.	Loridos Rosé Bruto	84	20	Vinho Espumante de Qualidade	null	null	Portuguese Sparkling	Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal	null	null	null
Chile	Foxy blueberry and jumpy aromas hint at volatility and are a bit alarming. But give this normally excellent wine some time and it comes around. In the mouth, this is textured, tannic and a bit lactic. For flavors, look for lightly herbal blueberry and cassis. The 2010 vintage was cold by Chilean standards, and that is evident in this wine.	Gê	90	92	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Emiliana	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Emiliana 2010 Gê Red (Colchagua Valley)
US	Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot split the blend with 8% Syrah in addition. The opening scents are toasty and inviting, and the wine enters the palate smooth and agreeable, with pretty red fruits. There's a lick of licorice and then the flavors seem to lighten up and finish tart and astringent. But decant this and let it breathe, and the wine can surprise with its staying power.	Protagonist	90	55	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	J. Bookwalter	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	J. Bookwalter 2011 Protagonist Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Cherry and smoke, with a burnt rubber edge. In the mouth it is thin and watery, diffuse and flat.	null	81	19	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Cubanisimo Vineyards	null	null	null
Germany	Despite being essentially an entry-level wine, this is not simple fruity-sweet Riesling. Instead, it offers aromas of slate, citrus and an almost fumé-like smoky character, mostly dry, minerally, stony flavors and a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2012.	Butterfly Medium Dry	89	20	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Zilliken	null	null	null
US	Tart, juic, and peppery, with blackberry and boysenberry fruit. Though rather herbal and tannic, it displays good balance and moderate concentration.	null	87	30	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Woodinville Wine Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Woodinville Wine Cellars 2007 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	Torcolato dessert wine offers a very clean presentation of aromas that span honey almond and dried jasmine to stone fruit and caramel. Try this beautiful wine with sharp Gorgonzola cheese or Stilton.	Torcolato	92	40	Veneto	Breganze	null	Vespaiolo	Maculan	null	null	null
US	Ripeness of fruit and tart acidity combine to make this a fine, drily elegant coastal Chardonnay. Beyond the great structure are savory flavors of pineapples and green apples, with rich notes of honeysuckle flower and a grounding tug of minerality.	null	92	45	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Ovation	null	null	null
Italy	This boasts a brilliant ruby color and a very beautiful appearance that is enhanced by its large aromatic offering. Blueberry, raspberry and cherry are backed by roasted nut and spice tones that are generous without being overwhelming. The wine ends with bright fruit flavors and a long finish and can be paired with red meat or game dishes.	Riserva	92	99	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Villa Poggio Salvi	null	null	Villa Poggio Salvi 2001 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)
US	Lots of oak on this Chardonnay, but it's awkward, and feels overworked and sweetly simple, despite some pretty pineapple jam flavors.	Vintner's Selection	82	12	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Rock Hollow	null	null	null
France	Dark and weighty, this is a dense wine, very firm in its tannins as well as bringing out rich blackberry fruits. The wood shows through strongly, while there is a pepper edge from the high alcohol.	L'Orangerie de Carignan	85	null	Bordeaux	Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Carignan	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Carignan 2011 L'Orangerie de Carignan (Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux)
US	The vineyard has been a consistent source of good to great Pinot Noirs for Paraiso winery. Now La Rochelle dips into it, with successful results. It's a dry, elegantly silky but complex wine, with an array of cherry, raspberry, rose flower, cinnamon spice and smoky vanilla flavors, heightened with crisp acidity. Drink now.	Paraiso Vineyard	90	40	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	La Rochelle	null	null	null
Italy	Made of 85% Sangiovese, 8% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers black cherry and baking spice scents. Ripe black plum, cedar and leather notes form the palate, with a framework of supple tannins. Enjoy through 2019.	Lionello Marchesi	88	15	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	Castello di Monastero	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Castello di Monastero 2013 Lionello Marchesi (Chianti Classico)
France	A solid wine, showing some generosity and richness, the fruits displaying a fine balance between sweetness, dry tannins and bright acidity. It has some of the sensuous character of good Volnay, opening into ripeness. Worth aging for several years, but already offering considerable pleasure.	Caillerets Premier Cru Ancienne Cuvée Carnot	92	89	Burgundy	Volnay	null	Pinot Noir	Bouchard Père & Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bouchard Père & Fils 2007 Caillerets Premier Cru Ancienne Cuvée Carnot (Volnay)
US	100% varietal, this wine displays an intriguing profile of savory herbs, nori, barrel spices and graphite with dark fruit lurking beneath the surface and a citrus twist. There's minimal excess alcoholic fat. It's all flavor, with lively acids, a supple, polished feel and good depth and intensity—especially impressive considering the youth of this site (2005 plantings).	May's Discovery Vineyard	92	45	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Andrew Will	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Andrew Will 2011 May's Discovery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)
US	Blended with a little Cabernet Franc, it's dry, smoothly tannic and ripe in black cherry jam, herb tea and sandalwood flavors. It's not ageable, but shows a certain elegance of structure.	Estate Grown	90	35	California	Oak Knoll District	Napa	Merlot	Monticello Vineyards	null	null	Monticello Vineyards 2010 Estate Grown Merlot (Oak Knoll District)
US	A grassy element surrounds searing layers of lime and kiwi, the wine from a prominent Sonoma site known for the variety. Tingling in acidity and yet offering structure and grace, it finishes clean and refreshing.	Kick Ranch	87	26	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Apsara	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Apsara 2014 Kick Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County)
France	This rich wine balances ripe yellow fruits with intense citrus acidity in a harmonious whole. Its structure is laden with minerality, toast and a smooth, delicious creamy aftertaste.	Les Pucelles Premier Cru	94	260	Burgundy	Puligny-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Leflaive	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Leflaive 2009 Les Pucelles Premier Cru (Puligny-Montrachet)
US	Tropical in its pineapple and coconut scents, this white is creamy and lush. Neither overripe nor over-oaked, its finish is marked by wild vanilla.	null	88	18	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Girard	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Girard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
US	Simple, with sweet citrus flavors that have a vegetal edge.	null	81	15	California	California	California Other	Pinot Grigio	Bargetto	null	null	null
US	Explosively fruity but refined. Tastes of the quintessence of black cherries, with nuances of anise and mocha. Rich in tannins, but softly drinkable now, and exquisitely detailed. These grapes used to go into Opus One.	null	92	35	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Franc	Detert Family Vineyards	null	null	null
Italy	Rich and chewy, this comes with bold aromas of black fruit, plum, licorice, tobacco and leather. It's slightly rustic in places, but its overall personality and feel is intriguing and pleasurable.	Tenutarossa	90	50	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Pasetti	null	null	null
US	Named for the 50 tons of rock removed from this section of an estate vineyard, this Cab also contains 8% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It's likable in its juicy black cherry, cedar and pencil lead. Full bodied and robust on the palate, it teases in blueberry, chocolate and raspberry, with a grippy presence of tannin.	Fifty Tons	90	60	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Medlock Ames	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Medlock Ames 2013 Fifty Tons Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
Italy	Cut grass, citrus, gooseberry and tomato vine aromas lead the way. The crisp palate delivers grapefruit, white peach, kiwi and mineral with just a hint of green bell pepper. Racy acidity provides the framework.	Gfill	88	22	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Sauvignon	St. Pauls	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	St. Pauls 2014 Gfill Sauvignon (Alto Adige)
US	Dark for a rosé, and heavy in texture, with berry and cocoa flavors. Lacks charm, but at least it's dry.	Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon	82	12	California	California	California Other	Rosé	Vinum	null	null	null
Australia	Impressively silky for the price, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Shiraz (35%), Petit Verdot (7%) and Malbec (5%) is a bargain that should be easy enough to find, with 10,000 cases imported. Toasty oak and vanilla notes frame mixed berries and olives, marrying sweet and savory elements into a pleasing, medium-bodied red for early consumption.	Langhorne Crossing	87	10	South Australia	Langhorne Creek	null	Red Blend	Bleasdale	null	null	null
Germany	This slate selection from Kendermanns is a pleasant surprise, speaking of its origins in the smoky, wet slate aromas and stony flavors couched in layers of white peach, melon and hints of honey. Despite a considerable 12.5% alcohol, it seems light and fresh, ending on notes of citrus and melon. Imported by Reh Kendermann GmbH Weinkellerei.	Schiefer Riesling QbA Trocken	88	21	Mosel-Saar-Ruwer	null	null	Riesling	Kendermanns	null	null	null
Spain	A firm wine with fine structure and balance. The nose is fiery and rustic early on, then seductive as it opens up. The palate exhibits currents of raspberry, cherry and plum, and below the surface there's vanilla and brown sugar. A smooth operator that shows the Campo Viejo brand in its best light.	Gran Reserva	90	20	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Campo Viejo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Campo Viejo 2001 Gran Reserva (Rioja)
US	Not the richest Merlot Geyser Peak has ever made. The wine is totally dry and fairly tannic, with dried herb, licorice and cherry flavors. Best thing about it is the structural elegance.	null	85	19	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Merlot	Geyser Peak	null	null	null
US	A simple wine, with cola, herb and raspberry tea flavors that are dry, but have a sharp mouthfeel. Seems unevenly ripened, with awkward tannins.	null	83	22	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Grenache	Minassian-Young	null	null	null
France	The extra richness often found in Pouilly Fumé is apparent here, giving this wine weight as well as a rounded texture that hints at minerality. Fresh and fruity with apple and ripe pear flavors, it's ready to drink now.	Le Troncsec	87	30	Loire Valley	Pouilly-Fumé	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Joseph Mellot	null	null	null
US	At first pour, it's awfully tough in tannins, and can hardly express itself. After a while, the heart of black currants and cherries opens up generously, making it lovely to drink now and over the next five years.	Estate	90	38	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Stuhlmuller Vineyards	null	null	Stuhlmuller Vineyards 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
US	Light, tannic, leafy and earthy, which is not entirely inappropriate for a $15 Oregon Pinot. The herbal flavors come with the low-rent territory, but the balance and clean sweep of the wine demonstrate David O'Reilly's sure winemaking hand. A well-made budget bottle.	null	86	15	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Noir	O'Reilly's	null	null	null
US	Though not labeled as such, this 75% Sauvignon Blanc/25% Sémillon blend is moderately ripe, lightly toasty, and a well-balanced, all-purpose white wine for poultry and richer seafood.	null	87	19	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sauvignon Blanc	Three Rivers	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Three Rivers 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	Combine prune, leather and spice notes with firm tannins and the result is a slightly rustic, old-school expression of Vacqueyras. It's concentrated and characterful, with up to a decade of aging potential.	La Sillote	88	37	Rhône Valley	Vacqueyras	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Les Vins de Vienne	null	null	null
Germany	Keller's Grosses Gewächs offerings are hard to come by, even in Germany, but the von der Fels offers GG quality fruit at a markedly gentle price. Orchestral in complexity, it's dry, yet plump with stone fruit and a cashew-nut richness. Taut with acidity, it maintains a dancing, shimmering vitality throughout. It's stunning already, but sure to gain power and density from 2020 on.	von der Fels	95	null	Rheinhessen	null	null	Riesling	Weingut Keller	null	null	null
US	This is a good, solidly made wine with medium body and a pleasant mix of spicy oak and juicy fruit flavors. The texture goes easy on the palate.	null	87	13	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Bar Dog	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Bar Dog 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Italy	This blend of Italian and international grapes opens with buoyant tones of white cherry, cola, tobacco and chopped herb. The wine is sharp and defined with a refreshingly crisp close.	null	88	null	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Greppi Cupi	null	null	null
Chile	Citrus aromas are familiar. Lively and zesty in the mouth, with refreshing acidity. Orange and passion fruit lead the palate, which transitions to grapefruit. Crisp on the finish. Good for an everyday white wine.	Cefiro Reserva	86	12	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Viña Casablanca	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	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Cono Sur 2008 Sustainable Agriculture Pinot Noir (Colchagua Valley)
US	A very “Burgundian” Pinot Noir in the mushroom, pine needle and herb scents that accompany the deeper fruit flavors of black cherries and red currants, accented with savory clove spice. Structurally, the wine shows a brilliant architecture of firm tannins and crisp acids, with a deft touch of oak. Really a treat to drink, and should evolve for many years.	Cargasacchi Vineyard	94	44	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Cargasacchi	null	null	Cargasacchi 2006 Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
Spain	Start packing your cellar with 2010 Ribera gems like this wine, which is offering graphite and minerally plum and berry aromas in front of a full-bodied, hard-driving palate. Ripe, extracted blackberry and lightly herbal flavors finish with tons of residual weight and tannins. This is loud, burly and delicious; drink from 2016–2030.	Alconte Crianza	93	30	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Montecastro	null	null	null
US	Meant to reflect the three elements of terroir, nature and man, this small-production wine is well represented in compost, dried herb, mild tannin and oak. The acidity is moderate and in some ways disjointed, while the finish features highlights of vanilla and currant.	Coombsville Vineyard	86	89	California	Coombsville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Threesome Cellars	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Threesome Cellars 2012 Coombsville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Coombsville)
France	This is ripe, full bodied and delicious, with a red fruit flavor. It has all the juicy fruitiness that is associated with Beaujolais. Drink now, even slightly chilled.	null	86	11	Beaujolais	Beaujolais	null	Gamay	Chateau de Pizay	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas highlight bright berry, plum and baking spices. On the palate, raw Morello cherry takes center stage backed by notes of espresso and roasted coffee bean alongside abrasive wood tannins.	Bordini	87	62	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Fontanabianca	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Fontanabianca 2011 Bordini (Barbaresco)
France	Produced from young vines, this is a fresh, fruity, and crisp wine. It has attractive apple and pear flavors, brightened further by citrus overtones. Drink this attractive wine now.	Sur le Fort	87	29	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine Fouassier	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a pale colored, attractively perfumed wine. With red berry fruit flavors, bright acidity and a lively orange zest texture, it is fruity and ready to drink.	Lab	86	9	Lisboa	null	null	Rosé	Casa Santos Lima	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Casa Santos Lima 2015 Lab Rosé (Lisboa)
Spain	The smell of honey and lemon-lime soda give this a basic but respectable opening. It's sort of foamy and plump in the mouth, with apple and green-herb flavors. Lacks a little touch but offers bouncy fruit and no overt faults. Imported by Winelink Imports.	Brut Nature	86	14	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Dibon	null	null	null
Italy	This simple Sicilian red delivers bright berry fruit, blue flower and white almond skin. It shows almost Pinot Noir-like aromas and the power and gritty mouthfeel usually associated with Nero d'Avola.	null	84	10	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Resonata	null	null	Resonata 2010 Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)
Italy	A ripe and jammy expression of Merlot form central Italy with aromas of black cherry, exotic spice, green peppercorn, leather and moist pipe tobacco. The wine is soft, smooth and extremely velvety on the close.	null	87	20	Central Italy	Lazio	null	Merlot	Casale del Giglio	null	null	null
US	Bone dry, tannic, herbal and earthy at first, it benefits from airing, revealing appealing flavors of strawberry, plum and cherry with light licorice, black olive and herbes de Provence. The innovative blend includes a splash of Malbec.	null	87	9	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Covey Run	null	null	null
US	Each sip of this graceful wine brings a little more depth and flavor. The aromas at first are quiet with just a hint of butter and toasted baguette, but on the palate it's easy to enjoy the pear-tart flavors and creamy texture. Everything seems to build toward the finish, which is long and luxurious.	Hoffman Vineyard	92	35	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Darcie Kent Vineyards	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Darcie Kent Vineyards 2013 Hoffman Vineyard Chardonnay (Livermore Valley)
US	This blend of 25% Sangiovese, 25% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot shows the winery's characteristic tobacco spice in a subdued way, along with red and black cherry, hibiscus and red currant-filled chocolate truffle scents. The palate is leathery and full of dried cherry, nutmeg and vanilla flavors.	Dark & Dreamy	92	65	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Red Blend	Turiya	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Turiya 2012 Dark & Dreamy Red (Central Coast)
Chile	Dense and a bit green on the nose, with oak-based aromas of coffee to go with graphite and blackberry. Feels thick, creamy and resiny, with oak-led flavors of coconut, chocolate, vanilla and herbs along with black fruit. Finishes minty, with tobacco notes and heat.	Reserva	87	15	Rapel Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Casas del Bosque	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Casas del Bosque 2010 Reserva Carmenère (Rapel Valley)
US	Solidly structured, this wine is medium- to full-bodied, moderately tannic and heading toward maturity in flavors. The medium garnet color goes to tawny at the rim. Aromas of cola, cherries and a touch of smoke are followed by rather lean fruit and clove flavors. Unfined, unfiltered and fermented with wild yeast.	Charles Vineyard	86	46	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Noir	Foursight	null	null	null
US	Ripely opulent, it's explosive in blackberry jam and red currants, with the grilled meat bone and black pepper notes of a cool-climate Syrah. The tannins are strong, but finely ground, while the acids will cut right through meat fat. Give this lovely young wine until 2016–2017 in the cellar.	Samantha's Vineyard	89	40	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	MacLaren	null	null	MacLaren 2011 Samantha's Vineyard Syrah (Russian River Valley)
US	A majority of new French oak nestled this wine, contributing to its dark golden color and oak intensity on the nose and palate. Slightly sweet in ripe apple and vanilla, it will benefit greatly from the enjoyment of food alongside.	null	88	65	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Hill Family Estate	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Hill Family Estate 2012 Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
Germany	Nicely done for an entry-level wine, with slate, fresh floral greens and briny minerality all wrapped up in an off-dry cocoon of green apples and citrus fruits. Fresh and clean on the finish.	null	89	22	Mosel-Saar-Ruwer	null	null	Riesling	Willi Haag	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Willi Haag 2007 Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
US	At the time of tasting, the nose of this dry white was still quite closed, but its buoyant, almost tropical, expressions of mango, cantaloupe and stone fruit on the palate were already quite irresistible. Penetrating and juicy, it wraps up elegantly with a zesty mineral finish. Drink through 2018 to enjoy its fresh, fruity style.	null	88	20	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Pinot Gris	Dr. Konstantin Frank	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Dr. Konstantin Frank 2015 Pinot Gris (Finger Lakes)
Chile	Nutty, honeyed apple and melon aromas come with plenty of raw wood grain. This is an oaky, resiny Chardonnay with just enough core acidity to maintain balance. Creamy apple and melon flavors finish on barrel-driven resin and cinnamon accents.	Alpha	87	23	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Montes	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Montes 2014 Alpha Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)
US	Carneros is really the perfect place to grow Albarino, due to its cool climate that lets the grapes ripen yet preserves vital acidity. This is really a fine example. It's juicy in acidity and dry in green apples and limes, with a touch of white flower and a hint of toasty oak.	null	88	26	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Albariño	Artesa	null	null	Artesa 2010 Albariño (Carneros)
France	This is an impressive wine that's full of fruit, structure and acidity. It's well balanced, rich and crisply fresh, with lively acidity on the finish—a real food-friendly rosé.	null	91	19	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château de Pampelonne	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Pampelonne 2011 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

Italy

There's a meaty or slightly burned quality here with ripe notes of black fruit plus exotic spice, smoke and coals. A black mineral element or graphite note is also very prominent and the wine tastes, big, firm, chewy and sophisticated.

Passo del Lupo

88

30

Central Italy

Conero Riserva

null

Montepulciano

Fazi Battaglia

null

US

A fruity-oaky and rather simple Pinot Noir. Offers plenty of upfront cherry-berry and cola fruit, with a kiss of oak, wrapped into a silky texture.

null

86

32

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Peter Paul Wines

null

France

This blend of Grenache and Cinsault comes from the small cru area of La Londe. Produced from organic grapes, it is pale in color, although rich in texture and with touches of white peach and strawberry. With its pepper and tangy texture it is a style of rosé that could well age. Drink from 2018.

Léoube la Londe

92

48

Provence

Côtes de Provence La Londe

null

Rosé

Château Léoube

null

France

Full-bodied wine, with textured and layering tannins as well as red fruits. The wine has weight, a complex herbal and spice character as well as final fruitiness and tense acidity. A wine for aging over six months to a year.

Cuvée G

90

null

Provence

Bandol

null

Rosé

Les Vignobles Gueissard

null

US

The label—a grinning winery dog—is irresistible. The wine is a bit sharp, with a green edge to the tannins and a strong streak of vanilla, perhaps from some sort of oak treatment.

null

85

20

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Murray

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Murray 2010 Syrah (Red Mountain)

US

Covey's much-loved Lemberger is a nod to Washington's early days, when the rustic red was considered to be the state's finest effort. These days it's just another light, grapy, innocuous party wine, but at least the rasty tannins have been smoothed out.

Quail Series

84

7

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Lemberger

Covey Run

null

Italy

In terms of overall quality this is the best yet from this sea-facing estate in coastal Tuscany. The blend sees Cabernet Sauvignon enhanced by Merlot and Cabernet Franc and the overall effect is one of impressive intensity and sophistication. The finish is velvety rich and smooth.

Argentiera

95

60

Tuscany

Bolgheri Superiore

null

Red Blend

Tenuta Argentiera

null

US

As Washington-grown Syrah takes the national spotlight, this entry from Gamache should be on everyone's radar. It's a very well-made example of the classic Washington style, with a bright mix of berry, composted earth, licorice and black tea, backed with citrusy acids. Moderate in density, despite relatively high alcohol, it's good for drinking over the next five years.

null

90

30

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Gamache

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Gamache 2008 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

With 80% of the blend comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by every other major red Bordeaux variety, this wine offers dusty tannins around soft, integrated oak, sharp black fruit and dried herb. Robust and ripe on the finish, it should mellow in the cellar, through 2022.

Felicity

91

60

California

Coombsville

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Sodaro

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Sodaro 2012 Felicity Red (Coombsville)

US

A yellowish salmon in color, this wine shows hints of watermelon, bubble gum and cotton candy in the light and pleasantly uncomplicated nose. There is great energy on the palate, with more focus on a steely, metallic texture rather than ripe flavors, proving fresh, bright and quick on the sip.

Blair Vineyard Rosé of

88

23

California

Arroyo Seco

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Waxwing

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Waxwing 2014 Blair Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Noir (Arroyo Seco)

Chile

Spicy, mildly herbal aromas of cassis and red-berry fruits feed into a racy, fresh palate with vital acidity and excellent overall balance. Flavors of spice and berry fruits are persistent, while the finish is deep and feels right. This blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Carmenère is entirely pleasing. Drink through 2018.

Private Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenere

91

30

Cachapoal Valley

null

Red Blend

Valle Secreto

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Valle Secreto 2011 Private Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenere Red (Cachapoal Valley)

Italy

There's a dark, savory quality to this richly concentrated wine that is reminiscent of aromas of air-dried beef or spicy bresaola. You'll also get ripe fruit and blackberry jam and there's a textured, gritty quality to the firm but ripe tannins.

Marina Cvetic'

90

29

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Masciarelli

null

Spain

On the nose, this aging Chardonnay brings corn to mind. Its palate is neither exciting nor flawed, with melon and stone fruit flavors that are yeasty and short, finishing on a bready and slightly oxidized note. Not a great value for its price.

Milmanda

87

65

Catalonia

Conca de Barberà

null

Chardonnay

Torres

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Torres 2013 Milmanda Chardonnay (Conca de Barberà)

US

Aromas of smoky peach, citrus blossom and crushed stone are enticing and inviting. The palate of this unoaked Chardonnay is restrained and green apple focused, with a refreshing lemon-lime vein running down the backbone.

null

87

20

Virginia

Monticello

null

Chardonnay

The Boneyard

Alexander Peartree

null

The Boneyard 2013 Chardonnay (Monticello)

US

There's an enormous blast of raspberry and cherry pie filling in this Pinot Noir, as well as an elaborate coating of sweet, caramelized oak. Below that, you won't find much else. It's all razzle dazzle, but few world Pinot Noirs can achieve this level of flash.

Fiddlestix Vineyard

87

48

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Pali

null

US

Dull and herbal, with modest berry and spice flavors. The structure is soft and simple. Disappointing.

Estate

83

30

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Chateau Montelena

null

Chateau Montelena 2006 Estate Zinfandel (Napa Valley)

Portugal

Lightly wood aged, this is a rich wine that has tropical fruits as well as toast and pepper from the alcohol. Unfortunately, there's a streak of citrus that sits awkwardly with the rest of the wine. Drink now.

null

84

22

Douro

null

Portuguese White

Quinta do Judeu

null

Italy

Timpune is a full-bodied expression of Grillo with mature notes of peach, apricot, melon and honey. There's a nicely fragrant note at the back and the wine would pair with cold pasta salad with cubed mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.

Timpune

87

20

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Grillo

Caruso & Minini

null

France

The Sauvion family's flagship Muscadet is richer than some, with fresh apple flavors as well as the more characteristic grapefruit. This is lively, lightly prickly on the tongue, deliciously crisp but with some weight and intensity.

Château du Cléray Haute Culture

88

16

Loire Valley

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

null

Melon

Sauvion

null

US

This is a big, extracted wine. It brims with cherry jam, chocolate and anise flavors, and it finishes very rich and sweet. It feels thick, soft and weighty on the palate, and it's fully ready to drink now.

Theriot Vineyard

87

35

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Syrah

Bodega Rancho

null

South Africa

This Shiraz speaks of its terroir, with its savory black pepper, plum and cassis nose and balanced black fruit, spice and cedar flavors. Full of ripe, rich fruit and tied together with an elegant spicy backbone. Pair with grilled meat or go spicy and try Asian or Mexican alongside.

1685

89

19

Coastal Region

null

Shiraz

Boschendal

null

Portugal

This is a dark and dense wine that has solid perfumed fruits. The tannins, still dry, are partnered with blackberry fruits, spice and just a touch of wood. The wine needs to age, so wait until 2016.

Azul Portugal Colheita

87

null

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Wines & Winemakers

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Wines & Winemakers 2012 Azul Portugal Colheita Red (Alentejano)

US

Well integrated charred oak melds well with ripe blackberry and black plum aromas in this blend of Merlot from a cooperative of Long Island winemakers. This is a full-bodied wine with an intensely concentrated black fruit character, a kick of earthy, barnyard funk and firm, structured tannins.

Merliance

86

35

New York

Long Island

Merlot

Long Island Merlot Alliance

null

France

Fresh with apple and citrus, this is a perfumed, immediately attractive wine. It has bright acidity, a lightly mineral texture and a tangy, zesty aftertaste. It's young and will age although it is delicious now.

Le Charmois Premier Cru

87

40

Burgundy

Saint-Aubin

null

Chardonnay

Au Pied du Mont Chauve

null

US

A jubilant bouquet of orange blossoms, marmalade and stony minerals, this unctuous ice wine is profoundly aromatic and complex. Rich and nectar-like, yet not at all cloying on the palate, it's anchored by a piercing vein of acidity that's thrilling with every sip. Spicy, sweet and lavishly creamy, it lingers endlessly on the finish.

Ice Wine

91

43

New York

Finger Lakes

Vidal Blanc

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2013 Ice Wine Vidal Blanc (Finger Lakes)

Spain

Simple to the point of being boring. Aromas of generic white fruits don't stand out, while the palate is soft and tastes vaguely of kiwi and nectarine. Finishes flat. Similar to the 2007.

null

82

13

Catalonia

Penedès

null

Xarel-lo

Sumarroca

null

France

95—97 Barrel sample. The freshness of 2006 is here in abundance. But because it is Pétrus, those deliciously lively black fruits are backed up with a formidable battery of tannins and concentration. But never extracted, always properly restrained.

Barrel sample

96

null

Bordeaux

Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Pétrus

null

US

The aromas of this jazzy wine disclose lime leaf, white peach and slate. The off-dry flavors of flowers, pear and stone fruit are typical of Washington in their intensity and detail.

Old Vines

88

17

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Seven Hills

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Seven Hills 2013 Old Vines Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Quite light in color, this is a lighter style of Chardonnay, kicking off with crispy green apple aromas mixed with a bit of barrel smoke. Lime and apple lead the lean palate, which shines with granite minerality.

null

88

20

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Summerland

null

US

The nose on this bottling by Doug Margerum shows a strong herbal backbone against a dense fruit core on the nose, with dried sage, bay leaf, black currant, blackberry and wet-asphalt aromas. The tightly wound palate combines graphite, charred beef, elderberry, black pepper, asphalt and the slightest touch of vanilla bean. These components present tremendous potential for tertiary flavor development, so drink 2018–2028.

Black Oak Vineyard

91

40

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Syrah

Margerum

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Margerum 2013 Black Oak Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara County)

US

This is a fine example of a fresh, complex, young Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. It's bone dry and elegantly crisp, with intricate flavors of cherries, rhubarb, pomegranates, Dr. Pepper cola and minerals, along with sweet, smoky notes from oak barrel aging. Best of all is the silky texture. Fine now, with decanting, and through 2014.

Reserve

92

40

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Rusack

null

US

Passes muster for its tropical fruit and vanilla cream flavors. Turns a little cloying and sweet on the finish, though.

Ruth's Vineyard

83

21

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Chardonnay

Cantara

null

US

One heck of a value, this elegant, spicy Cabernet comes alive with tobacco and blackberry flavors that broaden in scope and flavor as you sip. Ample tannins and acidity round out the smooth texture. The wine is deeply colored, aromatically inviting and completely satisfying on the finish.

Collection

89

15

California

Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cameron Hughes

null

US

Shafer's Cabernet is so dominant, it's sometimes forgotten how good their Merlot can be. The wines are dependably dry, rich and balanced, as the excellent '05 demonstrates. It's soft and drinkable now, but rich and sweet in tannins that frame cherry, currant, cola, licorice and vanilla flavors. Will reward cellaring through 2011.

null

91

46

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

Shafer

null

France

92–94 The fruit is packed full of intense black currants, while the acidity shows through the dark, dry tannins. A powerful wine.

Barrel Sample

93

null

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Pape Clément

null

Italy

More ethereal than brawny, licorice, balsam notes, forest berry, smoked cedar wood, anise seed and menthol notes are woven carefully together. Plum and cinnamon spice come though in the mouth followed by bitter coffee and firms tannins. Imported by Wilson Daniels Ltd.

Vigna Spuntali

93

86

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Tenimenti Angelini

null

Argentina

Woody and dense at first, this smells bright and fruity as it opens. A solid palate houses lightly toasted flavors of blackberry that turn more peppery and toasty on a fairly oaky finish.

Estate

87

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Doña Paula

null

US

A staple of California winemaking, this vintage is as good as ever—perfectly polished, with light aromas of toasted oak and crisp green apple, lemon-lime and tempting butter flavors, and a medium-bodied frame. The texture is silky smooth, and everything tastes harmonious and balanced.

Vintner's Reserve

91

17

California

California Other

Chardonnay

Kendall-Jackson

null

Portugal

This very crisp, cool-climate sparkling rosé is a blend of Castelão and Merlot. It has acidity, a touch of raspberry fruit and a just off-dry ripeness.

Loridos Rosé Bruto

84

20

Vinho Espumante de Qualidade

null

Portuguese Sparkling

Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal

null

Chile

Foxy blueberry and jumpy aromas hint at volatility and are a bit alarming. But give this normally excellent wine some time and it comes around. In the mouth, this is textured, tannic and a bit lactic. For flavors, look for lightly herbal blueberry and cassis. The 2010 vintage was cold by Chilean standards, and that is evident in this wine.

Gê

90

92

Colchagua Valley

null

Red Blend

Emiliana

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Emiliana 2010 Gê Red (Colchagua Valley)

US

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot split the blend with 8% Syrah in addition. The opening scents are toasty and inviting, and the wine enters the palate smooth and agreeable, with pretty red fruits. There's a lick of licorice and then the flavors seem to lighten up and finish tart and astringent. But decant this and let it breathe, and the wine can surprise with its staying power.

Protagonist

90

55

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

J. Bookwalter

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

J. Bookwalter 2011 Protagonist Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Cherry and smoke, with a burnt rubber edge. In the mouth it is thin and watery, diffuse and flat.

null

81

19

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Cubanisimo Vineyards

null

Germany

Despite being essentially an entry-level wine, this is not simple fruity-sweet Riesling. Instead, it offers aromas of slate, citrus and an almost fumé-like smoky character, mostly dry, minerally, stony flavors and a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2012.

Butterfly Medium Dry

89

20

Mosel

null

Riesling

Zilliken

null

US

Tart, juic, and peppery, with blackberry and boysenberry fruit. Though rather herbal and tannic, it displays good balance and moderate concentration.

null

87

30

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Woodinville Wine Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Woodinville Wine Cellars 2007 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

Torcolato dessert wine offers a very clean presentation of aromas that span honey almond and dried jasmine to stone fruit and caramel. Try this beautiful wine with sharp Gorgonzola cheese or Stilton.

Torcolato

92

40

Veneto

Breganze

null

Vespaiolo

Maculan

null

US

Ripeness of fruit and tart acidity combine to make this a fine, drily elegant coastal Chardonnay. Beyond the great structure are savory flavors of pineapples and green apples, with rich notes of honeysuckle flower and a grounding tug of minerality.

null

92

45

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Ovation

null

Italy

This boasts a brilliant ruby color and a very beautiful appearance that is enhanced by its large aromatic offering. Blueberry, raspberry and cherry are backed by roasted nut and spice tones that are generous without being overwhelming. The wine ends with bright fruit flavors and a long finish and can be paired with red meat or game dishes.

Riserva

92

99

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Villa Poggio Salvi

null

Villa Poggio Salvi 2001 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino)

US

Lots of oak on this Chardonnay, but it's awkward, and feels overworked and sweetly simple, despite some pretty pineapple jam flavors.

Vintner's Selection

82

12

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Rock Hollow

null

France

Dark and weighty, this is a dense wine, very firm in its tannins as well as bringing out rich blackberry fruits. The wood shows through strongly, while there is a pepper edge from the high alcohol.

L'Orangerie de Carignan

85

null

Bordeaux

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Carignan

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Carignan 2011 L'Orangerie de Carignan (Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux)

US

The vineyard has been a consistent source of good to great Pinot Noirs for Paraiso winery. Now La Rochelle dips into it, with successful results. It's a dry, elegantly silky but complex wine, with an array of cherry, raspberry, rose flower, cinnamon spice and smoky vanilla flavors, heightened with crisp acidity. Drink now.

Paraiso Vineyard

90

40

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

La Rochelle

null

Italy

Made of 85% Sangiovese, 8% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers black cherry and baking spice scents. Ripe black plum, cedar and leather notes form the palate, with a framework of supple tannins. Enjoy through 2019.

Lionello Marchesi

88

15

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

Castello di Monastero

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Castello di Monastero 2013 Lionello Marchesi (Chianti Classico)

France

A solid wine, showing some generosity and richness, the fruits displaying a fine balance between sweetness, dry tannins and bright acidity. It has some of the sensuous character of good Volnay, opening into ripeness. Worth aging for several years, but already offering considerable pleasure.

Caillerets Premier Cru Ancienne Cuvée Carnot

92

89

Burgundy

Volnay

null

Pinot Noir

Bouchard Père & Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bouchard Père & Fils 2007 Caillerets Premier Cru Ancienne Cuvée Carnot (Volnay)

US

100% varietal, this wine displays an intriguing profile of savory herbs, nori, barrel spices and graphite with dark fruit lurking beneath the surface and a citrus twist. There's minimal excess alcoholic fat. It's all flavor, with lively acids, a supple, polished feel and good depth and intensity—especially impressive considering the youth of this site (2005 plantings).

May's Discovery Vineyard

92

45

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Andrew Will

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Andrew Will 2011 May's Discovery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)

US

Blended with a little Cabernet Franc, it's dry, smoothly tannic and ripe in black cherry jam, herb tea and sandalwood flavors. It's not ageable, but shows a certain elegance of structure.

Estate Grown

90

35

California

Oak Knoll District

Napa

Merlot

Monticello Vineyards

null

Monticello Vineyards 2010 Estate Grown Merlot (Oak Knoll District)

US

A grassy element surrounds searing layers of lime and kiwi, the wine from a prominent Sonoma site known for the variety. Tingling in acidity and yet offering structure and grace, it finishes clean and refreshing.

Kick Ranch

87

26

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Apsara

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Apsara 2014 Kick Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County)

France

This rich wine balances ripe yellow fruits with intense citrus acidity in a harmonious whole. Its structure is laden with minerality, toast and a smooth, delicious creamy aftertaste.

Les Pucelles Premier Cru

94

260

Burgundy

Puligny-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Leflaive

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Leflaive 2009 Les Pucelles Premier Cru (Puligny-Montrachet)

US

Tropical in its pineapple and coconut scents, this white is creamy and lush. Neither overripe nor over-oaked, its finish is marked by wild vanilla.

null

88

18

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Girard

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Girard 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

US

Simple, with sweet citrus flavors that have a vegetal edge.

null

81

15

California

California Other

Pinot Grigio

Bargetto

null

US

Explosively fruity but refined. Tastes of the quintessence of black cherries, with nuances of anise and mocha. Rich in tannins, but softly drinkable now, and exquisitely detailed. These grapes used to go into Opus One.

null

92

35

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Franc

Detert Family Vineyards

null

Italy

Rich and chewy, this comes with bold aromas of black fruit, plum, licorice, tobacco and leather. It's slightly rustic in places, but its overall personality and feel is intriguing and pleasurable.

Tenutarossa

90

50

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Pasetti

null

US

Named for the 50 tons of rock removed from this section of an estate vineyard, this Cab also contains 8% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It's likable in its juicy black cherry, cedar and pencil lead. Full bodied and robust on the palate, it teases in blueberry, chocolate and raspberry, with a grippy presence of tannin.

Fifty Tons

90

60

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Medlock Ames

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Medlock Ames 2013 Fifty Tons Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Italy

Cut grass, citrus, gooseberry and tomato vine aromas lead the way. The crisp palate delivers grapefruit, white peach, kiwi and mineral with just a hint of green bell pepper. Racy acidity provides the framework.

Gfill

88

22

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Sauvignon

St. Pauls

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

St. Pauls 2014 Gfill Sauvignon (Alto Adige)

US

Dark for a rosé, and heavy in texture, with berry and cocoa flavors. Lacks charm, but at least it's dry.

Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon

82

12

California

California Other

Rosé

Vinum

null

Australia

Impressively silky for the price, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Shiraz (35%), Petit Verdot (7%) and Malbec (5%) is a bargain that should be easy enough to find, with 10,000 cases imported. Toasty oak and vanilla notes frame mixed berries and olives, marrying sweet and savory elements into a pleasing, medium-bodied red for early consumption.

Langhorne Crossing

87

10

South Australia

Langhorne Creek

null

Red Blend

Bleasdale

null

Germany

This slate selection from Kendermanns is a pleasant surprise, speaking of its origins in the smoky, wet slate aromas and stony flavors couched in layers of white peach, melon and hints of honey. Despite a considerable 12.5% alcohol, it seems light and fresh, ending on notes of citrus and melon. Imported by Reh Kendermann GmbH Weinkellerei.

Schiefer Riesling QbA Trocken

88

21

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

null

Riesling

Kendermanns

null

Spain

A firm wine with fine structure and balance. The nose is fiery and rustic early on, then seductive as it opens up. The palate exhibits currents of raspberry, cherry and plum, and below the surface there's vanilla and brown sugar. A smooth operator that shows the Campo Viejo brand in its best light.

Gran Reserva

90

20

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Campo Viejo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Campo Viejo 2001 Gran Reserva (Rioja)

US

Not the richest Merlot Geyser Peak has ever made. The wine is totally dry and fairly tannic, with dried herb, licorice and cherry flavors. Best thing about it is the structural elegance.

null

85

19

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Merlot

Geyser Peak

null

US

A simple wine, with cola, herb and raspberry tea flavors that are dry, but have a sharp mouthfeel. Seems unevenly ripened, with awkward tannins.

null

83

22

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Grenache

Minassian-Young

null

France

The extra richness often found in Pouilly Fumé is apparent here, giving this wine weight as well as a rounded texture that hints at minerality. Fresh and fruity with apple and ripe pear flavors, it's ready to drink now.

Le Troncsec

87

30

Loire Valley

Pouilly-Fumé

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Joseph Mellot

null

US

At first pour, it's awfully tough in tannins, and can hardly express itself. After a while, the heart of black currants and cherries opens up generously, making it lovely to drink now and over the next five years.

Estate

90

38

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Stuhlmuller Vineyards

null

Stuhlmuller Vineyards 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

US

Light, tannic, leafy and earthy, which is not entirely inappropriate for a $15 Oregon Pinot. The herbal flavors come with the low-rent territory, but the balance and clean sweep of the wine demonstrate David O'Reilly's sure winemaking hand. A well-made budget bottle.

null

86

15

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Noir

O'Reilly's

null

US

Though not labeled as such, this 75% Sauvignon Blanc/25% Sémillon blend is moderately ripe, lightly toasty, and a well-balanced, all-purpose white wine for poultry and richer seafood.

null

87

19

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Three Rivers

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Three Rivers 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

Combine prune, leather and spice notes with firm tannins and the result is a slightly rustic, old-school expression of Vacqueyras. It's concentrated and characterful, with up to a decade of aging potential.

La Sillote

88

37

Rhône Valley

Vacqueyras

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Les Vins de Vienne

null

Germany

Keller's Grosses Gewächs offerings are hard to come by, even in Germany, but the von der Fels offers GG quality fruit at a markedly gentle price. Orchestral in complexity, it's dry, yet plump with stone fruit and a cashew-nut richness. Taut with acidity, it maintains a dancing, shimmering vitality throughout. It's stunning already, but sure to gain power and density from 2020 on.

von der Fels

95

null

Rheinhessen

null

Riesling

Weingut Keller

null

US

This is a good, solidly made wine with medium body and a pleasant mix of spicy oak and juicy fruit flavors. The texture goes easy on the palate.

null

87

13

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bar Dog

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Bar Dog 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

Italy

This blend of Italian and international grapes opens with buoyant tones of white cherry, cola, tobacco and chopped herb. The wine is sharp and defined with a refreshingly crisp close.

null

88

null

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Greppi Cupi

null

Chile

Citrus aromas are familiar. Lively and zesty in the mouth, with refreshing acidity. Orange and passion fruit lead the palate, which transitions to grapefruit. Crisp on the finish. Good for an everyday white wine.

Cefiro Reserva

86

12

Casablanca Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Viña Casablanca

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

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Cono Sur 2008 Sustainable Agriculture Pinot Noir (Colchagua Valley)

US

A very “Burgundian” Pinot Noir in the mushroom, pine needle and herb scents that accompany the deeper fruit flavors of black cherries and red currants, accented with savory clove spice. Structurally, the wine shows a brilliant architecture of firm tannins and crisp acids, with a deft touch of oak. Really a treat to drink, and should evolve for many years.

Cargasacchi Vineyard

94

44

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Cargasacchi

null

Cargasacchi 2006 Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

Spain

Start packing your cellar with 2010 Ribera gems like this wine, which is offering graphite and minerally plum and berry aromas in front of a full-bodied, hard-driving palate. Ripe, extracted blackberry and lightly herbal flavors finish with tons of residual weight and tannins. This is loud, burly and delicious; drink from 2016–2030.

Alconte Crianza

93

30

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Montecastro

null

US

Meant to reflect the three elements of terroir, nature and man, this small-production wine is well represented in compost, dried herb, mild tannin and oak. The acidity is moderate and in some ways disjointed, while the finish features highlights of vanilla and currant.

Coombsville Vineyard

86

89

California

Coombsville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Threesome Cellars

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Threesome Cellars 2012 Coombsville Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Coombsville)

France

This is ripe, full bodied and delicious, with a red fruit flavor. It has all the juicy fruitiness that is associated with Beaujolais. Drink now, even slightly chilled.

null

86

11

Beaujolais

null

Gamay

Chateau de Pizay

null

Italy

Aromas highlight bright berry, plum and baking spices. On the palate, raw Morello cherry takes center stage backed by notes of espresso and roasted coffee bean alongside abrasive wood tannins.

Bordini

87

62

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Fontanabianca

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Fontanabianca 2011 Bordini (Barbaresco)

France

Produced from young vines, this is a fresh, fruity, and crisp wine. It has attractive apple and pear flavors, brightened further by citrus overtones. Drink this attractive wine now.

Sur le Fort

87

29

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Fouassier

null

Portugal

This is a pale colored, attractively perfumed wine. With red berry fruit flavors, bright acidity and a lively orange zest texture, it is fruity and ready to drink.

Lab

86

9

Lisboa

null

Rosé

Casa Santos Lima

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Casa Santos Lima 2015 Lab Rosé (Lisboa)

Spain

The smell of honey and lemon-lime soda give this a basic but respectable opening. It's sort of foamy and plump in the mouth, with apple and green-herb flavors. Lacks a little touch but offers bouncy fruit and no overt faults. Imported by Winelink Imports.

Brut Nature

86

14

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Dibon

null

Italy

This simple Sicilian red delivers bright berry fruit, blue flower and white almond skin. It shows almost Pinot Noir-like aromas and the power and gritty mouthfeel usually associated with Nero d'Avola.

null

84

10

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Resonata

null

Resonata 2010 Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)

Italy

A ripe and jammy expression of Merlot form central Italy with aromas of black cherry, exotic spice, green peppercorn, leather and moist pipe tobacco. The wine is soft, smooth and extremely velvety on the close.

null

87

20

Central Italy

Lazio

null

Merlot

Casale del Giglio

null

US

Bone dry, tannic, herbal and earthy at first, it benefits from airing, revealing appealing flavors of strawberry, plum and cherry with light licorice, black olive and herbes de Provence. The innovative blend includes a splash of Malbec.

null

87

9

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Covey Run

null

US

Each sip of this graceful wine brings a little more depth and flavor. The aromas at first are quiet with just a hint of butter and toasted baguette, but on the palate it's easy to enjoy the pear-tart flavors and creamy texture. Everything seems to build toward the finish, which is long and luxurious.

Hoffman Vineyard

92

35

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Darcie Kent Vineyards

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Darcie Kent Vineyards 2013 Hoffman Vineyard Chardonnay (Livermore Valley)

US

This blend of 25% Sangiovese, 25% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot shows the winery's characteristic tobacco spice in a subdued way, along with red and black cherry, hibiscus and red currant-filled chocolate truffle scents. The palate is leathery and full of dried cherry, nutmeg and vanilla flavors.

Dark & Dreamy

92

65

California

Central Coast

Red Blend

Turiya

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Turiya 2012 Dark & Dreamy Red (Central Coast)

Chile

Dense and a bit green on the nose, with oak-based aromas of coffee to go with graphite and blackberry. Feels thick, creamy and resiny, with oak-led flavors of coconut, chocolate, vanilla and herbs along with black fruit. Finishes minty, with tobacco notes and heat.

Reserva

87

15

Rapel Valley

null

Carmenère

Casas del Bosque

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Casas del Bosque 2010 Reserva Carmenère (Rapel Valley)

US

Solidly structured, this wine is medium- to full-bodied, moderately tannic and heading toward maturity in flavors. The medium garnet color goes to tawny at the rim. Aromas of cola, cherries and a touch of smoke are followed by rather lean fruit and clove flavors. Unfined, unfiltered and fermented with wild yeast.

Charles Vineyard

86

46

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Noir

Foursight

null

US

Ripely opulent, it's explosive in blackberry jam and red currants, with the grilled meat bone and black pepper notes of a cool-climate Syrah. The tannins are strong, but finely ground, while the acids will cut right through meat fat. Give this lovely young wine until 2016–2017 in the cellar.

Samantha's Vineyard

89

40

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

MacLaren

null

MacLaren 2011 Samantha's Vineyard Syrah (Russian River Valley)

US

A majority of new French oak nestled this wine, contributing to its dark golden color and oak intensity on the nose and palate. Slightly sweet in ripe apple and vanilla, it will benefit greatly from the enjoyment of food alongside.

null

88

65

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Hill Family Estate

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Hill Family Estate 2012 Chardonnay (Napa Valley)

Germany

Nicely done for an entry-level wine, with slate, fresh floral greens and briny minerality all wrapped up in an off-dry cocoon of green apples and citrus fruits. Fresh and clean on the finish.

null

89

22

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

null

Riesling

Willi Haag

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Willi Haag 2007 Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

US

At the time of tasting, the nose of this dry white was still quite closed, but its buoyant, almost tropical, expressions of mango, cantaloupe and stone fruit on the palate were already quite irresistible. Penetrating and juicy, it wraps up elegantly with a zesty mineral finish. Drink through 2018 to enjoy its fresh, fruity style.

null

88

20

New York

Finger Lakes

Pinot Gris

Dr. Konstantin Frank

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Dr. Konstantin Frank 2015 Pinot Gris (Finger Lakes)

Chile

Nutty, honeyed apple and melon aromas come with plenty of raw wood grain. This is an oaky, resiny Chardonnay with just enough core acidity to maintain balance. Creamy apple and melon flavors finish on barrel-driven resin and cinnamon accents.

Alpha

87

23

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Montes

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Montes 2014 Alpha Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)

US

Carneros is really the perfect place to grow Albarino, due to its cool climate that lets the grapes ripen yet preserves vital acidity. This is really a fine example. It's juicy in acidity and dry in green apples and limes, with a touch of white flower and a hint of toasty oak.

null

88

26

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Albariño

Artesa

null

Artesa 2010 Albariño (Carneros)

France

This is an impressive wine that's full of fruit, structure and acidity. It's well balanced, rich and crisply fresh, with lively acidity on the finish—a real food-friendly rosé.

null

91

19

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château de Pampelonne

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Pampelonne 2011 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)