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 ⌀
US	Too strong in green, feline aromas and flavors, indicating unripeness. The acids are strong, and the wine is fully dry. Despite some citrus flavors, it really needs greater fruit to earn a higher score.	null	84	16	California	Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Sauvignon Blanc	Six Sigma Ranch	null	null	null
US	Pretty much as good as Napa Cabernet gets. Shows the blackberries, black currants, blueberries and spicy plums of Oakville and scads of spices, and the tannin-acid structure is, in a word, superb. The oak elaboration is just about perfect, adding a tasteful layer of smoky, buttered toast. The finish goes on and on.	null	98	75	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Vine Cliff	null	null	null
Portugal	From the home of Touriga Nacional, this is a seriously structured wine. Packed with tannins as well as initially austere fruit, it is still young. It will develop its perfumed black fruits and acidity as it ages to fill out the dense texture. Drink from 2018.	Ribeiro Santo	90	28	Dão	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Magnum Vinhos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Magnum Vinhos 2012 Ribeiro Santo Touriga Nacional (Dão)
Australia	A rich, amply endowed Clare Riesling, with potent lime aromas accented by touches of petrol, plenty of flavor intensity and a long finish composed of citrus and spice. Hints of baked apple and petrol suggest it may not be the longest-lived Riesling, but it's delicious now and should be good for another five years or so.	Polish Hill River	91	26	South Australia	Clare Valley	null	Riesling	Pauletts	null	null	null
US	A common, country-style wine, rich in cherries, cola and spices, with lusty tannins. It's lush and simple, but will rise to the occasion with a cheeseburger. The blend is Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Graciano.	Lot 362	84	16	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Cameron Hughes	null	null	null
US	Black fruit and cherry leads on this balanced red. Flavors of black pepper, black currant and plum on the palate are round but not overbearing. A good daily red to pair with pastas, stews and meat dishes.	null	84	20	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Sauvignon	Billsboro	null	null	null
France	The Birot estate is in Cadillac, the fortress town on the banks of the Garonne. This classic Sauvignon and Sémillon blend is herbal, green and grassy. It is bright with acidity and lemon fruit and with a lightly tangy texture. Drink now.	null	85	18	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château de Birot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Birot 2015 Bordeaux Blanc
US	Dry and austere, with flavors of herbs and cherries sharpened with acidity and gritty tannins. Mainly Carignane.	Zero Manipulation	82	15	California	Mendocino County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Carignane	Peterson	null	null	null
US	Clean and fresh, from a Royal Slope vineyard, showing white peach fruit with a pleasing hint of fresh herb. The acids are proportionate, and the mouthfeel offers a palate- cleansing wash of minerality.	Lawrence Vineyard	87	20	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Roussanne	Southard	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Southard 2009 Lawrence Vineyard Roussanne (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	With a distinct smoothness from wood, this is soft and ripe. It shows delicious toast, pear and melon flavors, lightened with some final acidity. Screwcap.	Saint-Martin	86	24	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Laroche	null	null	null
US	This wine is a pale cherry-red in color, showing some bricking. It brings off-dry elegantly styled cherry flavors that winnow toward the finish.	Estate Grown Cabernet	86	35	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Rosé	Obelisco Estate	null	null	null
Spain	Savory, slightly saucy aromas of plum, berry, tomato and leather come with a hint of oak. This is a bit choppy and tannic, with savory, roasted flavors of tomato, plum, currant and spice. A touch of saltiness and raw-oak flavor rise up on the finish.	Crianza	87	10	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Pata Negra	null	null	null
US	Bone dry, but sharp and harsh in texture, with some minty flavors next to the black cherries. Okay for an everyday sipper with casual foods.	null	84	10	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Coastline	null	null	null
US	There is a sharp, penetrating scent of stem and tomato leaf here. Behind it is a wine well along the aging curve, the fruit thinning away, the tannins fading into flavors of black tea.	Anna Maria	84	24	Oregon	Applegate Valley	Southern Oregon	Cabernet Sauvignon	Valley View	null	null	null
US	Aromas of toast, coffee, herb and red fruit are followed by generous coffee and cherry flavors. The tannins bring a touch of grit but it retains an overall pretty appeal.	Stillwater Creek Vineyard	88	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sangiovese	Novelty Hill	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sangiovese (Columbia Valley (WA))
Austria	Very lightly textured, this fruity, fresh wine has a hint of caramel to accent flavors of citrus and red berries. The aftertaste is clean and always packed with fruit. Screwcap.	null	86	12	Steiermark	null	null	Rosé	Strauss	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Strauss 2012 Rosé (Steiermark)
Italy	Big and chewy, this starts with aromas of grilled porcini, underbrush, ripe dark fruit, dried herb and clove. Tightly packed tannins frame dried black cherry, prune steeped in spirits, ground pepper and licorice. You'll also feel the heat of evident alcohol on the midpalate that throws it somewhat off-balance.	null	89	70	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Canalicchio Franco Pacenti	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Canalicchio Franco Pacenti 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
France	This is a smoky, wood-aged wine, with a bitter toast flavor that smothers the fruit. It does have the fruit weight, so that toast flavor will certainly soften. But to judge by the intense wood character, this bottling will likely always have a severe edge.	null	85	20	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Fleur la Mothe	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Fleur la Mothe 2010 Médoc
US	Very rich and full-bodied, very voluptuous, this soft wine shows massive tiers of well-ripened black currant, plum sauce, mocha and cedar flavors. Appealing now for the opulence, but it's a little primary, and should develop bottle character after winter, 2009.	À Côté	90	24	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	La Fenêtre	null	null	null
US	The best of Belle Glos's 2008 Pinots. It's notable for the extreme richness of the raspberries and cherries, which have a jammy intensity with even more succulent notes of vanilla cream and smoky butter. But the finish is dry, while acidity and tannins bring the wine to earth. Delicious now and through 2014.	Taylor Lane Vineyard	93	44	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Belle Glos	null	null	null
France	The name of the wine obviously comes from the Catholic mass, but it's also inspired by the ancient origins of the Cahors vineyards. The wine itself is smooth, polished and mint flavored, the tannins ripe and juicy. Wood rounds out the natural Malbec tannins.	Sanguis Christi	92	20	Southwest France	Cahors	null	Malbec	Domaine les Roques de Cana	null	null	null
US	This is a great everyday wine, with well-integrated aromas of pressed boysenberry, dried black cherry, black pepper and a touch of asphalt. Blueberry, beef crust, soy and pepper converge on the palate. The wine is smooth enough to work with a variety of dishes but packed with enough action to serve alone as well.	Cuvée Le Bec	88	25	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Beckmen	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Beckmen 2014 Cuvée Le Bec Red (Santa Ynez Valley)
US	This wine has a vivid spicy, oaky aroma and the same powerful woody character dominates the flavors. It also has full body and enough blackberry flavors to complete a tasty picture, along with a very reasonable price tag.	CAB	88	13	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Avalon	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Avalon 2013 CAB Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
France	An intense, mineral-driven wine, tasting of the limestone soil as well as very ripe fruit. Great acidity keeps the richness in line, toast offering sweetness. The wine is full-bodied, the flavors going right through to the apple-skin-textured core.	Clos Saint Marc Premier Cru	94	75	Burgundy	Chassagne-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Olivier Leflaive	null	null	null
Chile	Rubbery and roasted, with charred aromas that suggest compost and burning brush. The palate has size and plumpness, but the flavors are damp and roasted, with meatiness overriding fresh fruit. Lush but earthy and burnt tasting.	null	83	9	Central Valley	null	null	Shiraz	San Elias	null	null	null
US	This medium-bodied wine is fresh and fruity, but also polished and sophisticated. It smells like raspberries and black plums, then adds chocolate and blackberry in the flavors. Rich and flavorful it also has welcome firm tannins and fruit acidity to keep it lively. Grenache is the leading grape ingredient.	Estate Infrared	89	31	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Fenestra	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Fenestra 2010 Estate Infrared Red (Livermore Valley)
US	Fruity aromas of blueberry pie, raspberry and Cran-Grape Juice are palpable. Flavors in the same vein are jammy and spicy. Mouthwatering acidity manifests itself in this full-bodied fruit bomb.	Josie's Knoll	86	24	Virginia	Monticello	null	Merlot	Lovingston	Carrie Dykes	null	Lovingston 2015 Josie's Knoll Merlot (Monticello)
US	A pleasant nose of peach, vanilla and pineapple custard grows quite boisterous and banana-like as this wine opens up. Peachy flavors show on the palate, where the vanilla and cake flavors are cut by a tight line of lime skin.	null	87	25	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Viognier	Coruce	null	null	null
Italy	This blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc shows intensity, extraction and tight, polished tannins. Between the wine's strength and structure are soft layers of dark fruit, spice, leather and tobacco that evolve over time.	Riverbero	92	null	Tuscany	Bolgheri Superiore	null	Red Blend	Campo al Noce	null	null	null
New Zealand	The most recent of Palliser's Great Dog releases, the 2014 Ted is a full-bodied, muscular wine. Cola, cinnamon and thyme notes mark the nose, while the flavors feature dark cherries and plums, drawing to a lingering close with echoes of mocha and Mexican chocolate. Drink 2020–2028.	The Great Ted	92	63	Martinborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Palliser Estate	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Palliser Estate 2014 The Great Ted Pinot Noir (Martinborough)
US	This wine is muted and still youthful, a blend of mostly Cabernet with 13% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah and 1% Cabernet Franc. Pencil lead and dust fight for attention around big, bittersweet tannin and tobacco, not sure whether or not to let the black currant and cassis shine through.	null	89	50	California	Spring Mountain District	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Terra Valentine	null	null	null
US	An awkward wine, with some sharp, green tea notes that stick in the mouth. Otherwise, you'll find firm tannins and jammy blackberry fruit.	Babicora	85	30	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Malbec	Hearst Ranch	null	null	Hearst Ranch 2010 Babicora Malbec (Paso Robles)
France	This medium-bodied blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah is simple but satisfying. Ripe cherries and raspberries carry the load, dressed up by hints of vanilla and cinnamon. A soft dustiness marks the texture, turning silky on the finish. Drink now–2020.	La Decelle	89	20	Rhône Valley	null	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Lavau	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Lavau 2015 La Decelle Red
France	A comparatively serious Villages, its tannins firmly in evidence. There is a touch of woodiness as well. Only gradually does the red fruit come through. The aftertaste has fruity and acidity, but still those tannins.	null	84	11	Beaujolais	Beaujolais-Villages	null	Gamay	Louis Tête	null	null	null
US	Friendly and exuberant, exhibiting flavors of red berry, spice and pepper. Balanced but assertive; will pair well with a spicy pizza or pepper steak.	Three Vineyard Cuvée	84	20	Idaho	Idaho	null	Syrah	Koenig Vineyards	null	null	null
US	Big, bold and a little obvious, this Chard's main feature is oak, and plenty of it. Smoky and charry, the wine also has big fruit, along the lines of apricot jam, peach cobbler and pineapples. Don't drink it too cold.	Reserve	87	55	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	ZD	null	null	null
Chile	The aromas of black fruit, black olive and herb are solid. Racy and tangy due to pushy acidity, this has berry, herb and vanilla flavors. Fresh in feel but basic in flavor.	La Porfia Gran Reserva	84	null	Maule Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Botalcura	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Botalcura 2009 La Porfia Gran Reserva Carmenère (Maule Valley)
US	Nice for its briary, wild berry flavors of cherries, blackberries and mulberries, and the enormous fan of dusty Asian spices. Nice, too, for its dryness. But just a bit too soft, and could use greater structure. Drink now.	Old Vine	85	25	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Girard	null	null	null
France	Peach and apricot flavors dominate this ripe, full-bodied wine that has plenty of acidity to back up the richness. Still developing, it will emerge as a ripe, concentrated wine that will be generous and full. Drink from 2017.	null	91	40	Burgundy	Saint-Véran	null	Chardonnay	Jean-Christophe Perraud	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Jean-Christophe Perraud 2014 Saint-Véran
Italy	This opens with subdued ripe black-skinned fruit and underbrush aromas. The straightforward, accessible palate doles out prune, cinnamon and licorice flavors, with round, ripe tannins. Drink through 2019.	Gesualdo	88	28	Southern Italy	Aglianico del Vulture	null	Aglianico	Cantina di Venosa	null	null	null
Bosnia and Herzegovina	A mix of red and black fruits pervade on the nose, with hints of roasted coffee beans bringing nuance. Flavors of black plum and freshly ground espresso dominate the palate.	null	88	12	Mostar	null	null	Blatina	Winery Čitluk	Jeff Jenssen	@worldwineguys	Winery Čitluk 2011 Blatina (Mostar)
Italy	Nero d'Avola and Frappato are blended to create a light and fragrant wine with pretty layers of berry fruit and almond paste. It's an easy and fresh wine that works well for everyday consumption.	null	86	19	Sicily & Sardinia	Cerasuolo di Vittoria	null	Red Blend	Valle dell'Acate	null	null	Valle dell'Acate 2005 Cerasuolo di Vittoria
US	The reserve Merlot lacks the smooth, buttery softness of the regular bottling, substituting stiffer tannins, deeper color and a definite herbal component. Perhaps the thinking is that this will age longer, but for sheer pleasure it does not measure up to its less expensive sibling.	Proprietor's Reserve	85	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Maryhill	null	null	null
Greece	Leather, spice, vanilla and tobacco aromas and flavors dominate in this beefy red. Ageable tannins and a dry finish add to the strength. Pair with beef or lamb.	Agiorghitiko - Cabernet Sauvignon	84	18	Peloponnese	null	null	Red Blend	Vatistas	null	null	null
France	This crisp wine has a creamy background that presents an attractive blend of fresh apples with honey and lemon. It's a light, perfumed wine that is ready to drink now.	null	85	12	Loire Valley	Anjou	null	Chenin Blanc	Domaine Cady	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Cady 2014 Chenin Blanc (Anjou)
US	Elusive on the nose, this wine opens in the glass to show an intensity of chocolate amidst soft layers of black fruit, leather and pepper. The full-bodied texture is soft and generously ripe.	Reserve	90	40	California	Chalk Hill	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Rock Wall	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Rock Wall 2013 Reserve Zinfandel (Chalk Hill)
Italy	Ripe and robust, this pulls together sensations of violet, lilac, black cherry, nectarine zest, black pepper and licorice. The warm, hearty palate has sturdy tannins but is a bit shy on freshness, so enjoy this soon.	null	88	null	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	San Lorenzo	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	San Lorenzo 2012 Rosso di Montalcino
Italy	Made from the Turbiana grape, this conveys aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle and citrus with a whiff of walnut. The palate offers juicy nectarine, kiwi and lemon zest accented by a hint of almond.	1909	88	23	Lombardy	Lugana	null	Turbiana	Ancilla	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Ancilla 2012 1909 (Lugana)
Italy	Enticing floral, woodland berry, new leather and tilled soil aromas come together in this stunning red. Vibrant and elegant, the linear palate delivers wild cherry, red raspberry, cinnamon and clove notes, framed by firm, refined tannins and vibrant acidity. The youthful tension is pleasant, but give it time to develop even more complexity. Drink 2020–2033.	Maestro	92	45	Tuscany	Vino Nobile di Montepulciano	null	Red Blend	Palazzo Vecchio	null	null	null
Chile	Neutral smelling except for stalky hay and straw notes and a touch of pear and/or peach. Feels citrusy and alive, with flavors of green herbs, orange and tropical fruits. Flattens out on the finish, where things turn chunky and yeasty.	null	84	10	Central Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Paso Grande	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Paso Grande 2010 Chardonnay (Central Valley)
US	The oak (40% new French and American) is up front, with aromas of barrel spices, cocoa and generous amounts of vanilla followed by cherries and blue fruit. This wine is velvety in feel, displaying a mixture of fruit and barrel that carries through the finish. The oak influence is heavy but the appeal is impossible to ignore.	H3	90	15	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Columbia Crest	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Columbia Crest 2013 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)
US	Zinfandels from the large Clockspring vineyard are made by a variety of wineries, and they vary in quality. This one shows very ripe blackberry, cherry, tangerine, cola and date flavors, and is dry. The tannins are intricate, with a jalapeño pepper finish.	null	86	9	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Clockspring	null	null	null
US	A complex and complete wine with everything in place, this tastes delicious from the first whiff to the lingering finish. It has fresh-baked bread and light peach aromas and white-cherry flavors. Well balanced, it's layered on a subtle level and harmonious.	Brut Rosé	93	29	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Sparkling Blend	Roederer Estate	null	null	null
New Zealand	Former Cloudy Bay winemaker Kevin Judd has produced a moderately full-bodied, lush Pinot Noir under his own label. Intense cherry-berry fruit is framed by smoky, spicy oak that ends on notes of clove and hickory. Drink it over the next several years.	null	91	39	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Greywacke	null	null	null
France	The gentlest floral hint is suggested on the nose. The palate, on the other hand, broods and does not want to let go of its flavors. The dry palate is stony, textured and clean but it does not yet let any fruit speak. There is real concentration and length, but it clearly is too early to enjoy this. The finish gives a suggestion of apple, but we had better wait. Drink 2020–2030.	Rosacker Grand Cru	93	35	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Biecher & Schaal	null	null	null
Chile	Olive, herb and earth aromas vie with foresty fruit aromas, while the palate is rough and ready, with rugged tannins and full flavors of baked fruit, caramel, herbs and chocolate. A catchy blended wine with a sweet finish and tons of flavor. Cabernet is the main player here; drink now through 2012.	Sideral	90	31	Rapel Valley	null	null	Cabernet Blend	Altaïr	null	null	null
US	This Cabernet Franc-based Bordeaux blend is softly approachable now for its wealth of black and red cherry, currant and toasty oak flavors. It has rich tannins and a long, spicy finish. Should hold in the bottle and possibly gain momentum for 4–5 years.	Presshouse	87	30	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Farrier	null	null	null
US	Shows rich, ripe, Cabernet-style cassis and chocolate fruit and softly ripe, sweet tannins. The fresh acidity gives it an extra boost. Give it time. Best 2007–2012.	Carmela-Katie Bien Nacidio Vineyards	92	30	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Merlot	Nonno Zito	null	null	null
Italy	Cesari's Mara Ripasso shows enormous richness and intensity that is underscored by polished aromas of mature fruit, spice, plum, mesquite and maraschino cherry. The wine does a very nice job of delivering both elegance and power.	Mara	91	21	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Cesari	null	null	null
Italy	Lis Neris is a quality-minded producer in northeast Italy with a thick portfolio of delicious white wines. Among them is this crisp Pinot Grigio with immediate aromas of exotic fruit, peach and nectarine. The wine's creamy density makes it an excellent companion to pasta or rice salad.	Gris	89	null	Northeastern Italy	Venezia Giulia	null	Pinot Grigio	Lis Neris	null	null	Lis Neris 2006 Gris Pinot Grigio (Venezia Giulia)
Austria	While rather closed on the nose, this fresh, straightforward red shows ripe, red cherry on the palate with a generous, rounded mouthfeel and soft tannins. Uncomplicated and for immediate drinking.	null	83	23	Burgenland	null	null	Zweigelt	Preisinger	null	null	null
US	This is one of the best Tempranillo-based wines in California history. The other varieties blended in are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Bone dry and tannic, though a little warm in alcohol, it shows its mountain origins—from the southeast corner of the Vacas—with its immaculate core of blackberry and cassis. Compellingly delicious now and over the next 5–6 years.	The Doctor	93	70	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Red Blend	Krupp Brothers	null	null	null
US	This vineyard bottling is very vintage driven. The cool 2009 harvest has made it ripe and tart in cherry pie flavors, but also rather tannic. It's aloof, revealing little of its soul, beyond the primary fruit and oak. Needs time in the cellar. Could really be interesting over the next decade.	Mills	90	45	California	Mt. Harlan	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Calera	null	null	null
France	This is a textured wine that's rich and round. Its citrus and red berry fruits are balanced with a spice and caramel character.	Pétale de Rose	87	null	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château la Tour de l'Evêque	null	null	null
Spain	Opens with vanilla and minerality along with standard apple and peach aromas. It's a bit darker and more tan in color than what you'd expect, with fine acidity and integration throughout. Shows touches of white pepper, nutmeg and dried papaya on a classy finish. Dry and subtle at all points.	null	89	24	Galicia	Rías Baixas	null	Albariño	Orballo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Orballo 2010 Albariño (Rías Baixas)
France	Although this has a rustic edge, this is an attractive, ripe and red-fruited wine. It has a rich, jammy quality that combines with the dry tannins. The finish is dense and firm. Enjoy this now, or wait for three years.	Les Grandes Vignes Premier Cru	89	32	Burgundy	Givry	null	Pinot Noir	Jaffelin	null	null	null
France	This has a silky texture, with weight and richness. Soft and ripe, this has a hint of spice that's attractively balanced by tangy acidity.	Herrenreben	85	null	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Henri Schoenheitz	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Henri Schoenheitz 2008 Herrenreben Riesling (Alsace)
France	Completely mature, this lightly wood-aged wine has a smooth, mushroom and red fruit flavor. A touch of tannin gives dryness and delicious, refreshing acidity as an aftertaste. Drink now.	Rouge Tradition	87	24	France Other	Arbois	null	Red Blend	Domaine Rolet Père et Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Rolet Père et Fils 2009 Rouge Tradition Red (Arbois)
US	Wente does a consistently good job with this Riesling, which is from a cool appellation in the Salinas Valley. The '11 is off-dry and clean in acidity, with citrus fruit, green apple, honey and spice flavors.	Riverbank	87	13	California	Arroyo Seco	Central Coast	Riesling	Wente	null	null	Wente 2011 Riverbank Riesling (Arroyo Seco)
Australia	This is a supple, creamy-textured Shiraz to enjoy through 2020. Red-fruit notes of strawberry and raspberry marry easily with dark hints of plum and mocha, then linger gently on the finish.	Sneaky	90	15	South Australia	Langhorne Creek	null	Shiraz	Killibinbin	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Killibinbin 2013 Sneaky Shiraz (Langhorne Creek)
Spain	A heavy aromatic dose of funk, bramble and rubber is what greets you, and that reduced awkwardness never leaves the wine. Size and in-your-face leather and animal notes are dominant traits, and only below that do you find blackberry, plum and any mellowness. A good mouthfeel is the wine's saving grace. Imported by Frontier Wine Imports.	Azul	83	18	Northern Spain	Toro	null	Tinta de Toro	Estancia Piedra	null	null	null
France	88-90. Barrel sample. A firm wine with a black currant character, it's fruity, solid and chunky with gripping tannins.	Barrel Sample	89	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Cadet-Bon	null	null	null
Spain	Dusty aromas of cocoa, herbs and spice grace prune and plum scents. This is firm, layered and healthy in mouthfeel. Flavors of baked plum, blackberry and mocha finish dry and well balanced. This has more than a few years left in it. Drink through 2023.	Viña Albina Reserva	92	25	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Riojanas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Riojanas 2010 Viña Albina Reserva (Rioja)
US	This Rhône white blend is fruity, slightly sweet and simple. It has jammy flavors of pineapples, lemons, limes, honeysuckle and vanilla, offset by crisp acidity.	The Maverick Alder Springs Vineyard	85	42	California	Mendocino	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Sunbox Eleven	null	null	Sunbox Eleven 2008 The Maverick Alder Springs Vineyard White (Mendocino)
US	Espresso, flower and blue-fruit aromas lead to ripe, full boysenberry flavors. It drinks like a piece of berry pie with a cup of coffee alongside.	null	91	35	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Woodinville Wine Cellars	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Woodinville Wine Cellars 2013 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Intensely ripe, lifted black cherry and berry aromas seem gilded in pine and resin on this sultry Cabernet Franc. It's a deeply concentrated, slightly ruddy wine boasting rich, supple black-fruit flavors but has balanced acidity. The finish is marked by spice and ripe finely textured tannins.	null	88	22	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Cabernet Franc	Damiani	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Damiani 2014 Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)
Italy	Here's a blockbuster blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Cabernet Franc that impresses on all levels. The aromatic intensity is outstanding, with deep levels of cherry, chocolate, tobacco and exotic spice. But what impresses most of all is the mouthfeel: It is rich, opulent, velvety and smooth.	Tâm	93	null	Tuscany	Bolgheri Superiore	null	Red Blend	Batzella	null	null	null
France	A nice straw/pale yellow color, the nose on this wine is subdued, with hints of grain, lime and slate, but the palate perks up with plenty of citrus flavor leaning toward lime. Balanced, with a smooth feel and tiny bubbles, this delicious sparkler will instigate caviar dreams.	Brut	90	18	Burgundy	Crémant de Bourgogne	null	Sparkling Blend	Léonce Bocquet	null	null	null
France	Made by the same team as Château de France in Pessac-Léognan, this is an attractive, forward wine. It shows the juicy character of the vintage, although the tannins do give it structure and some weight. A wine for medium-term aging: 4–5 years.	null	88	35	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Coquillas	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Coquillas 2011 Pessac-Léognan
Italy	Crisp and linear, this offers delicate aromas of Spanish broom and orchard fruit. The vibrant palate offers fresh green apple and juicy citrus while energizing mineral backs up the fresh, flinty finish.	Bianco	89	28	Sicily & Sardinia	Etna	null	Carricante	Tornatore	null	null	null
New Zealand	Well priced for the quality, Villa Maria's entry-level Pinot Noir delivers moderately assertive notes of dried leaves, black cherries, cola and oaky spices. It's concentrated and gently mouth-filling, with a silky finish. Drink it now and over the next two years.	Private Bin	89	20	Marlborough	null	null	Pinot Noir	Villa Maria	null	null	null
Argentina	Condensed and dark on the bouquet, with initial hard, cheesy aromas giving way to herbal berry scents that suggest thyme and rosemary. The palate is soft and chubby, with just enough structure to make the earthy, ripe berry flavors taste better than simply big and bulky. Finishes with a light espresso bitterness. Drink now through 2012.	Uno	90	20	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Antigal	null	null	null
Chile	Black in color, with sweet, full-force aromas of cola and black fruits. There's staunch acidity on the palate, something that will barely be noticed if drunk with food. Meanwhile, the flavors are flashy but smooth, with a play toward coffee, blackberry, chocolate and herbs. Dense and deep; very nice Merlot.	Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard	91	24	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Merlot	Lapostolle	null	null	null
Italy	Flat and a bit flabby on the nose, this golden Malvasia delivers aromas of stone fruit, mature melon, ash and white mineral. The wine is definitely much more lively in the mouth. where sharp mineral tones add definition and the wine's natural acidity kicks in.	Malvasia	85	22	Northeastern Italy	Friuli Isonzo	null	Malvasia Istriana	Ronco del Gelso	null	null	null
Greece	This energetic sip starts with aromas of pear, flowers, a zing of minerals, then follows with a fresh combination of lemon zest and honey on the palate. A floral, citric finish adds to the appeal. A fantastic wine for grilled seafood or poultry dishes.	null	87	16	Mantinia	null	null	Moschofilero	Nasiakos	null	null	null
US	This is a pretty, polished and supple Pinot Noir for drinking now and over the short range. It's dry and crisp, with herb-tinged flavors of cherries and cola.	null	87	35	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Truchard	null	null	null
Portugal	Weirdly floral on the nose, reminiscent of strawberry- or cherry-scented candles and somewhat akin to air freshener. Very red-fruity on the medium-weight palate, with a sweet-tart quality. Tasted three times, with consistent notes.	Touriga Nacional-Trincadeira	84	23	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Pontual	null	null	null
France	Rounded, rich and full in the mouth, this is a fruity wine. It has flavors of toast, yeast, green apple skin and a burst of citrus. There is a dry, herbal finish.	Brut	85	15	Loire Valley	Crémant de Loire	null	Sparkling Blend	Grandin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Grandin NV Brut Sparkling (Crémant de Loire)
US	A new bottling from the winery, made from vines grown 2,000 feet up the mountain that were planted only in 2001. It's far too immature to drink now or anytime soon. The tannins are thick and on lockdown, the blackberry, cassis and cherry fruit all primary and not yet integrated with the oak. But these parts are high-quality and need time to mesh and develop. Best after 2010 through 2016 and beyond.	Yverdon Vineyard	93	70	California	Napa	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Terra Valentine	null	null	null
Italy	Made with organically-farmed Viognier, this is a unique, slightly awkward white wine with muddled aromas of kiwi, green fruit, green leaf and wild caper. The mouthfeel is thin, compact and fresh.	null	84	20	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Viognier	Di Giovanna	null	null	Di Giovanna 2010 Viognier (Sicilia)
Austria	Full and heady notes of iron-oxide and pepper are bound up in the fragrant blueberry nose. The light to medium body is translucent with flavour and highlights the pepperiness and the fresh berry fruit. There is the slightest tannin texture and ample freshness. This would even work as a chilled summer red.	Vorgeschmack	88	19	Niederösterreich	null	null	Red Blend	Arndorfer	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Arndorfer 2014 Vorgeschmack Red (Niederösterreich)
Italy	Borgonero demonstrates a very clean and polished quality of winemaking that is reflected in its aromas of ripe cherry, tobacco and spice. It sits beautifully in the mouth and glides clean over the palate with lingering notes of black fruit and cola. Very nice.	Borgonero	92	44	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Borgo Scopeto	null	null	null
US	Made in a more extracted, fuller style, this is overwhelmingly earthy and intensely aromatic. Its time in oak has not quite shaken off entirely, and its fruit expression veers on the darker side, with notes of black cherries and blueberries standing out the most. An herbal aura lingers around.	Oppenlander Vineyard	88	42	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Noir	Phillips Hill	null	null	null
Italy	Lighter bodied, with an emphasis on leather, pepper and red fruit. Strawberry and raspberry flavors are front and center, while a bit of oak-based milk chocolate provides support. Hard to find fault here, but by the same token it's rather simple and antiseptic. Good in a clean, light way. Imported by Palm Bay Imports.	null	88	49	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Col d'Orcia	null	null	null
Chile	Meaty and rubbery smelling, this has a wide and dilute mouthfeel. It tastes stalky and a little burnt, with red fruit flavors on the fringe. The finish is herbal, with some heat.	Reserve	83	15	Curicó Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cuevas del Sur	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Cuevas del Sur 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Curicó Valley)
Chile	Crisp green aromas suggest lime and then passion fruit. It's lively and spritzy in the mouth, with high acidity yielding green flavors that transition to pithy and heavy. Lemon-lime mixed with celery notes come up on the finish.	EQ	88	20	San Antonio	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Matetic	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Matetic 2010 EQ Sauvignon Blanc (San Antonio)
US	This single-block, one-barrel reserve is the best of the 2010 reserve Pinots from Coeur de Terre. It's medium ripe, with pretty accents of rose petals and milk chocolate, around raspberry fruit. Showing well already, it's a wine to drink young.	Abby's Block Reserve	88	58	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Coeur de Terre	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Coeur de Terre 2010 Abby's Block Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Italy	Depth and persistency are what sets this wine apart. The mouthfeel is densely extracted and accented by fresh fruit flavors and aromas of clove and spice. The wine has muscle and great staying power and can age a few years longer in your cellar.	null	88	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Geografico Castello Tricerchi	null	null	null
Spain	Heavily roasted, leathery, earthy aromas slightly override the fruit tones. This has a grabby, tannic palate and burnt, herbal, earthy black-fruit flavors. Saltiness and blackened notes are to be found on a clampy finish.	Dolmo	84	10	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Vicente Gandia	null	null	null
US	Rich sugar-apple and pear tart provide warmth and decadence to this wine. Despite its voluptuous nature, the wine is also layered and complex in intriguingly satisfying ways. A touch of ripe peach and salty pretzel figure into the mix quietly, yet harmoniously.	La Brisa	93	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Walt	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Walt 2014 La Brisa Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

US

Too strong in green, feline aromas and flavors, indicating unripeness. The acids are strong, and the wine is fully dry. Despite some citrus flavors, it really needs greater fruit to earn a higher score.

null

84

16

California

Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Sauvignon Blanc

Six Sigma Ranch

null

US

Pretty much as good as Napa Cabernet gets. Shows the blackberries, black currants, blueberries and spicy plums of Oakville and scads of spices, and the tannin-acid structure is, in a word, superb. The oak elaboration is just about perfect, adding a tasteful layer of smoky, buttered toast. The finish goes on and on.

null

98

75

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vine Cliff

null

Portugal

From the home of Touriga Nacional, this is a seriously structured wine. Packed with tannins as well as initially austere fruit, it is still young. It will develop its perfumed black fruits and acidity as it ages to fill out the dense texture. Drink from 2018.

Ribeiro Santo

90

28

Dão

null

Touriga Nacional

Magnum Vinhos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Magnum Vinhos 2012 Ribeiro Santo Touriga Nacional (Dão)

Australia

A rich, amply endowed Clare Riesling, with potent lime aromas accented by touches of petrol, plenty of flavor intensity and a long finish composed of citrus and spice. Hints of baked apple and petrol suggest it may not be the longest-lived Riesling, but it's delicious now and should be good for another five years or so.

Polish Hill River

91

26

South Australia

Clare Valley

null

Riesling

Pauletts

null

US

A common, country-style wine, rich in cherries, cola and spices, with lusty tannins. It's lush and simple, but will rise to the occasion with a cheeseburger. The blend is Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Graciano.

Lot 362

84

16

California

California Other

Red Blend

Cameron Hughes

null

US

Black fruit and cherry leads on this balanced red. Flavors of black pepper, black currant and plum on the palate are round but not overbearing. A good daily red to pair with pastas, stews and meat dishes.

null

84

20

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Billsboro

null

France

The Birot estate is in Cadillac, the fortress town on the banks of the Garonne. This classic Sauvignon and Sémillon blend is herbal, green and grassy. It is bright with acidity and lemon fruit and with a lightly tangy texture. Drink now.

null

85

18

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château de Birot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Birot 2015 Bordeaux Blanc

US

Dry and austere, with flavors of herbs and cherries sharpened with acidity and gritty tannins. Mainly Carignane.

Zero Manipulation

82

15

California

Mendocino County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Carignane

Peterson

null

US

Clean and fresh, from a Royal Slope vineyard, showing white peach fruit with a pleasing hint of fresh herb. The acids are proportionate, and the mouthfeel offers a palate- cleansing wash of minerality.

Lawrence Vineyard

87

20

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Roussanne

Southard

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Southard 2009 Lawrence Vineyard Roussanne (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

With a distinct smoothness from wood, this is soft and ripe. It shows delicious toast, pear and melon flavors, lightened with some final acidity. Screwcap.

Saint-Martin

86

24

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Laroche

null

US

This wine is a pale cherry-red in color, showing some bricking. It brings off-dry elegantly styled cherry flavors that winnow toward the finish.

Estate Grown Cabernet

86

35

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Rosé

Obelisco Estate

null

Spain

Savory, slightly saucy aromas of plum, berry, tomato and leather come with a hint of oak. This is a bit choppy and tannic, with savory, roasted flavors of tomato, plum, currant and spice. A touch of saltiness and raw-oak flavor rise up on the finish.

Crianza

87

10

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Pata Negra

null

US

Bone dry, but sharp and harsh in texture, with some minty flavors next to the black cherries. Okay for an everyday sipper with casual foods.

null

84

10

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Coastline

null

US

There is a sharp, penetrating scent of stem and tomato leaf here. Behind it is a wine well along the aging curve, the fruit thinning away, the tannins fading into flavors of black tea.

Anna Maria

84

24

Oregon

Applegate Valley

Southern Oregon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Valley View

null

US

Aromas of toast, coffee, herb and red fruit are followed by generous coffee and cherry flavors. The tannins bring a touch of grit but it retains an overall pretty appeal.

Stillwater Creek Vineyard

88

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sangiovese

Novelty Hill

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Sangiovese (Columbia Valley (WA))

Austria

Very lightly textured, this fruity, fresh wine has a hint of caramel to accent flavors of citrus and red berries. The aftertaste is clean and always packed with fruit. Screwcap.

null

86

12

Steiermark

null

Rosé

Strauss

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Strauss 2012 Rosé (Steiermark)

Italy

Big and chewy, this starts with aromas of grilled porcini, underbrush, ripe dark fruit, dried herb and clove. Tightly packed tannins frame dried black cherry, prune steeped in spirits, ground pepper and licorice. You'll also feel the heat of evident alcohol on the midpalate that throws it somewhat off-balance.

null

89

70

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Canalicchio Franco Pacenti

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Canalicchio Franco Pacenti 2011 Brunello di Montalcino

France

This is a smoky, wood-aged wine, with a bitter toast flavor that smothers the fruit. It does have the fruit weight, so that toast flavor will certainly soften. But to judge by the intense wood character, this bottling will likely always have a severe edge.

null

85

20

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Fleur la Mothe

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Fleur la Mothe 2010 Médoc

US

Very rich and full-bodied, very voluptuous, this soft wine shows massive tiers of well-ripened black currant, plum sauce, mocha and cedar flavors. Appealing now for the opulence, but it's a little primary, and should develop bottle character after winter, 2009.

À Côté

90

24

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

La Fenêtre

null

US

The best of Belle Glos's 2008 Pinots. It's notable for the extreme richness of the raspberries and cherries, which have a jammy intensity with even more succulent notes of vanilla cream and smoky butter. But the finish is dry, while acidity and tannins bring the wine to earth. Delicious now and through 2014.

Taylor Lane Vineyard

93

44

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Belle Glos

null

France

The name of the wine obviously comes from the Catholic mass, but it's also inspired by the ancient origins of the Cahors vineyards. The wine itself is smooth, polished and mint flavored, the tannins ripe and juicy. Wood rounds out the natural Malbec tannins.

Sanguis Christi

92

20

Southwest France

Cahors

null

Malbec

Domaine les Roques de Cana

null

US

This is a great everyday wine, with well-integrated aromas of pressed boysenberry, dried black cherry, black pepper and a touch of asphalt. Blueberry, beef crust, soy and pepper converge on the palate. The wine is smooth enough to work with a variety of dishes but packed with enough action to serve alone as well.

Cuvée Le Bec

88

25

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Beckmen

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Beckmen 2014 Cuvée Le Bec Red (Santa Ynez Valley)

US

This wine has a vivid spicy, oaky aroma and the same powerful woody character dominates the flavors. It also has full body and enough blackberry flavors to complete a tasty picture, along with a very reasonable price tag.

CAB

88

13

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Avalon

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Avalon 2013 CAB Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

France

An intense, mineral-driven wine, tasting of the limestone soil as well as very ripe fruit. Great acidity keeps the richness in line, toast offering sweetness. The wine is full-bodied, the flavors going right through to the apple-skin-textured core.

Clos Saint Marc Premier Cru

94

75

Burgundy

Chassagne-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Olivier Leflaive

null

Chile

Rubbery and roasted, with charred aromas that suggest compost and burning brush. The palate has size and plumpness, but the flavors are damp and roasted, with meatiness overriding fresh fruit. Lush but earthy and burnt tasting.

null

83

9

Central Valley

null

Shiraz

San Elias

null

US

This medium-bodied wine is fresh and fruity, but also polished and sophisticated. It smells like raspberries and black plums, then adds chocolate and blackberry in the flavors. Rich and flavorful it also has welcome firm tannins and fruit acidity to keep it lively. Grenache is the leading grape ingredient.

Estate Infrared

89

31

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Fenestra

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Fenestra 2010 Estate Infrared Red (Livermore Valley)

US

Fruity aromas of blueberry pie, raspberry and Cran-Grape Juice are palpable. Flavors in the same vein are jammy and spicy. Mouthwatering acidity manifests itself in this full-bodied fruit bomb.

Josie's Knoll

86

24

Virginia

Monticello

null

Merlot

Lovingston

Carrie Dykes

null

Lovingston 2015 Josie's Knoll Merlot (Monticello)

US

A pleasant nose of peach, vanilla and pineapple custard grows quite boisterous and banana-like as this wine opens up. Peachy flavors show on the palate, where the vanilla and cake flavors are cut by a tight line of lime skin.

null

87

25

California

Central Coast

Viognier

Coruce

null

Italy

This blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc shows intensity, extraction and tight, polished tannins. Between the wine's strength and structure are soft layers of dark fruit, spice, leather and tobacco that evolve over time.

Riverbero

92

null

Tuscany

Bolgheri Superiore

null

Red Blend

Campo al Noce

null

New Zealand

The most recent of Palliser's Great Dog releases, the 2014 Ted is a full-bodied, muscular wine. Cola, cinnamon and thyme notes mark the nose, while the flavors feature dark cherries and plums, drawing to a lingering close with echoes of mocha and Mexican chocolate. Drink 2020–2028.

The Great Ted

92

63

Martinborough

null

Pinot Noir

Palliser Estate

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Palliser Estate 2014 The Great Ted Pinot Noir (Martinborough)

US

This wine is muted and still youthful, a blend of mostly Cabernet with 13% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah and 1% Cabernet Franc. Pencil lead and dust fight for attention around big, bittersweet tannin and tobacco, not sure whether or not to let the black currant and cassis shine through.

null

89

50

California

Spring Mountain District

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Terra Valentine

null

US

An awkward wine, with some sharp, green tea notes that stick in the mouth. Otherwise, you'll find firm tannins and jammy blackberry fruit.

Babicora

85

30

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Malbec

Hearst Ranch

null

Hearst Ranch 2010 Babicora Malbec (Paso Robles)

France

This medium-bodied blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah is simple but satisfying. Ripe cherries and raspberries carry the load, dressed up by hints of vanilla and cinnamon. A soft dustiness marks the texture, turning silky on the finish. Drink now–2020.

La Decelle

89

20

Rhône Valley

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Lavau

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Lavau 2015 La Decelle Red

France

A comparatively serious Villages, its tannins firmly in evidence. There is a touch of woodiness as well. Only gradually does the red fruit come through. The aftertaste has fruity and acidity, but still those tannins.

null

84

11

Beaujolais

Beaujolais-Villages

null

Gamay

Louis Tête

null

US

Friendly and exuberant, exhibiting flavors of red berry, spice and pepper. Balanced but assertive; will pair well with a spicy pizza or pepper steak.

Three Vineyard Cuvée

84

20

Idaho

null

Syrah

Koenig Vineyards

null

US

Big, bold and a little obvious, this Chard's main feature is oak, and plenty of it. Smoky and charry, the wine also has big fruit, along the lines of apricot jam, peach cobbler and pineapples. Don't drink it too cold.

Reserve

87

55

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

ZD

null

Chile

The aromas of black fruit, black olive and herb are solid. Racy and tangy due to pushy acidity, this has berry, herb and vanilla flavors. Fresh in feel but basic in flavor.

La Porfia Gran Reserva

84

null

Maule Valley

null

Carmenère

Botalcura

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Botalcura 2009 La Porfia Gran Reserva Carmenère (Maule Valley)

US

Nice for its briary, wild berry flavors of cherries, blackberries and mulberries, and the enormous fan of dusty Asian spices. Nice, too, for its dryness. But just a bit too soft, and could use greater structure. Drink now.

Old Vine

85

25

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Girard

null

France

Peach and apricot flavors dominate this ripe, full-bodied wine that has plenty of acidity to back up the richness. Still developing, it will emerge as a ripe, concentrated wine that will be generous and full. Drink from 2017.

null

91

40

Burgundy

Saint-Véran

null

Chardonnay

Jean-Christophe Perraud

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Jean-Christophe Perraud 2014 Saint-Véran

Italy

This opens with subdued ripe black-skinned fruit and underbrush aromas. The straightforward, accessible palate doles out prune, cinnamon and licorice flavors, with round, ripe tannins. Drink through 2019.

Gesualdo

88

28

Southern Italy

Aglianico del Vulture

null

Aglianico

Cantina di Venosa

null

Bosnia and Herzegovina

A mix of red and black fruits pervade on the nose, with hints of roasted coffee beans bringing nuance. Flavors of black plum and freshly ground espresso dominate the palate.

null

88

12

Mostar

null

Blatina

Winery Čitluk

Jeff Jenssen

@worldwineguys

Winery Čitluk 2011 Blatina (Mostar)

Italy

Nero d'Avola and Frappato are blended to create a light and fragrant wine with pretty layers of berry fruit and almond paste. It's an easy and fresh wine that works well for everyday consumption.

null

86

19

Sicily & Sardinia

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

null

Red Blend

Valle dell'Acate

null

Valle dell'Acate 2005 Cerasuolo di Vittoria

US

The reserve Merlot lacks the smooth, buttery softness of the regular bottling, substituting stiffer tannins, deeper color and a definite herbal component. Perhaps the thinking is that this will age longer, but for sheer pleasure it does not measure up to its less expensive sibling.

Proprietor's Reserve

85

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Maryhill

null

Greece

Leather, spice, vanilla and tobacco aromas and flavors dominate in this beefy red. Ageable tannins and a dry finish add to the strength. Pair with beef or lamb.

Agiorghitiko - Cabernet Sauvignon

84

18

Peloponnese

null

Red Blend

Vatistas

null

France

This crisp wine has a creamy background that presents an attractive blend of fresh apples with honey and lemon. It's a light, perfumed wine that is ready to drink now.

null

85

12

Loire Valley

Anjou

null

Chenin Blanc

Domaine Cady

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Cady 2014 Chenin Blanc (Anjou)

US

Elusive on the nose, this wine opens in the glass to show an intensity of chocolate amidst soft layers of black fruit, leather and pepper. The full-bodied texture is soft and generously ripe.

Reserve

90

40

California

Chalk Hill

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Rock Wall

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Rock Wall 2013 Reserve Zinfandel (Chalk Hill)

Italy

Ripe and robust, this pulls together sensations of violet, lilac, black cherry, nectarine zest, black pepper and licorice. The warm, hearty palate has sturdy tannins but is a bit shy on freshness, so enjoy this soon.

null

88

null

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

San Lorenzo

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

San Lorenzo 2012 Rosso di Montalcino

Italy

Made from the Turbiana grape, this conveys aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle and citrus with a whiff of walnut. The palate offers juicy nectarine, kiwi and lemon zest accented by a hint of almond.

1909

88

23

Lombardy

Lugana

null

Turbiana

Ancilla

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Ancilla 2012 1909 (Lugana)

Italy

Enticing floral, woodland berry, new leather and tilled soil aromas come together in this stunning red. Vibrant and elegant, the linear palate delivers wild cherry, red raspberry, cinnamon and clove notes, framed by firm, refined tannins and vibrant acidity. The youthful tension is pleasant, but give it time to develop even more complexity. Drink 2020–2033.

Maestro

92

45

Tuscany

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

null

Red Blend

Palazzo Vecchio

null

Chile

Neutral smelling except for stalky hay and straw notes and a touch of pear and/or peach. Feels citrusy and alive, with flavors of green herbs, orange and tropical fruits. Flattens out on the finish, where things turn chunky and yeasty.

null

84

10

Central Valley

null

Chardonnay

Paso Grande

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Paso Grande 2010 Chardonnay (Central Valley)

US

The oak (40% new French and American) is up front, with aromas of barrel spices, cocoa and generous amounts of vanilla followed by cherries and blue fruit. This wine is velvety in feel, displaying a mixture of fruit and barrel that carries through the finish. The oak influence is heavy but the appeal is impossible to ignore.

H3

90

15

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Columbia Crest 2013 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills)

US

Zinfandels from the large Clockspring vineyard are made by a variety of wineries, and they vary in quality. This one shows very ripe blackberry, cherry, tangerine, cola and date flavors, and is dry. The tannins are intricate, with a jalapeño pepper finish.

null

86

9

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Clockspring

null

US

A complex and complete wine with everything in place, this tastes delicious from the first whiff to the lingering finish. It has fresh-baked bread and light peach aromas and white-cherry flavors. Well balanced, it's layered on a subtle level and harmonious.

Brut Rosé

93

29

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Sparkling Blend

Roederer Estate

null

New Zealand

Former Cloudy Bay winemaker Kevin Judd has produced a moderately full-bodied, lush Pinot Noir under his own label. Intense cherry-berry fruit is framed by smoky, spicy oak that ends on notes of clove and hickory. Drink it over the next several years.

null

91

39

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Greywacke

null

France

The gentlest floral hint is suggested on the nose. The palate, on the other hand, broods and does not want to let go of its flavors. The dry palate is stony, textured and clean but it does not yet let any fruit speak. There is real concentration and length, but it clearly is too early to enjoy this. The finish gives a suggestion of apple, but we had better wait. Drink 2020–2030.

Rosacker Grand Cru

93

35

Alsace

null

Riesling

Biecher & Schaal

null

Chile

Olive, herb and earth aromas vie with foresty fruit aromas, while the palate is rough and ready, with rugged tannins and full flavors of baked fruit, caramel, herbs and chocolate. A catchy blended wine with a sweet finish and tons of flavor. Cabernet is the main player here; drink now through 2012.

Sideral

90

31

Rapel Valley

null

Cabernet Blend

Altaïr

null

US

This Cabernet Franc-based Bordeaux blend is softly approachable now for its wealth of black and red cherry, currant and toasty oak flavors. It has rich tannins and a long, spicy finish. Should hold in the bottle and possibly gain momentum for 4–5 years.

Presshouse

87

30

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Farrier

null

US

Shows rich, ripe, Cabernet-style cassis and chocolate fruit and softly ripe, sweet tannins. The fresh acidity gives it an extra boost. Give it time. Best 2007–2012.

Carmela-Katie Bien Nacidio Vineyards

92

30

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Merlot

Nonno Zito

null

Italy

Cesari's Mara Ripasso shows enormous richness and intensity that is underscored by polished aromas of mature fruit, spice, plum, mesquite and maraschino cherry. The wine does a very nice job of delivering both elegance and power.

Mara

91

21

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Cesari

null

Italy

Lis Neris is a quality-minded producer in northeast Italy with a thick portfolio of delicious white wines. Among them is this crisp Pinot Grigio with immediate aromas of exotic fruit, peach and nectarine. The wine's creamy density makes it an excellent companion to pasta or rice salad.

Gris

89

null

Northeastern Italy

Venezia Giulia

null

Pinot Grigio

Lis Neris

null

Lis Neris 2006 Gris Pinot Grigio (Venezia Giulia)

Austria

While rather closed on the nose, this fresh, straightforward red shows ripe, red cherry on the palate with a generous, rounded mouthfeel and soft tannins. Uncomplicated and for immediate drinking.

null

83

23

Burgenland

null

Zweigelt

Preisinger

null

US

This is one of the best Tempranillo-based wines in California history. The other varieties blended in are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Bone dry and tannic, though a little warm in alcohol, it shows its mountain origins—from the southeast corner of the Vacas—with its immaculate core of blackberry and cassis. Compellingly delicious now and over the next 5–6 years.

The Doctor

93

70

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Red Blend

Krupp Brothers

null

US

This vineyard bottling is very vintage driven. The cool 2009 harvest has made it ripe and tart in cherry pie flavors, but also rather tannic. It's aloof, revealing little of its soul, beyond the primary fruit and oak. Needs time in the cellar. Could really be interesting over the next decade.

Mills

90

45

California

Mt. Harlan

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Calera

null

France

This is a textured wine that's rich and round. Its citrus and red berry fruits are balanced with a spice and caramel character.

Pétale de Rose

87

null

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château la Tour de l'Evêque

null

Spain

Opens with vanilla and minerality along with standard apple and peach aromas. It's a bit darker and more tan in color than what you'd expect, with fine acidity and integration throughout. Shows touches of white pepper, nutmeg and dried papaya on a classy finish. Dry and subtle at all points.

null

89

24

Galicia

Rías Baixas

null

Albariño

Orballo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Orballo 2010 Albariño (Rías Baixas)

France

Although this has a rustic edge, this is an attractive, ripe and red-fruited wine. It has a rich, jammy quality that combines with the dry tannins. The finish is dense and firm. Enjoy this now, or wait for three years.

Les Grandes Vignes Premier Cru

89

32

Burgundy

Givry

null

Pinot Noir

Jaffelin

null

France

This has a silky texture, with weight and richness. Soft and ripe, this has a hint of spice that's attractively balanced by tangy acidity.

Herrenreben

85

null

Alsace

null

Riesling

Henri Schoenheitz

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Henri Schoenheitz 2008 Herrenreben Riesling (Alsace)

France

Completely mature, this lightly wood-aged wine has a smooth, mushroom and red fruit flavor. A touch of tannin gives dryness and delicious, refreshing acidity as an aftertaste. Drink now.

Rouge Tradition

87

24

France Other

Arbois

null

Red Blend

Domaine Rolet Père et Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Rolet Père et Fils 2009 Rouge Tradition Red (Arbois)

US

Wente does a consistently good job with this Riesling, which is from a cool appellation in the Salinas Valley. The '11 is off-dry and clean in acidity, with citrus fruit, green apple, honey and spice flavors.

Riverbank

87

13

California

Arroyo Seco

Central Coast

Riesling

Wente

null

Wente 2011 Riverbank Riesling (Arroyo Seco)

Australia

This is a supple, creamy-textured Shiraz to enjoy through 2020. Red-fruit notes of strawberry and raspberry marry easily with dark hints of plum and mocha, then linger gently on the finish.

Sneaky

90

15

South Australia

Langhorne Creek

null

Shiraz

Killibinbin

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Killibinbin 2013 Sneaky Shiraz (Langhorne Creek)

Spain

A heavy aromatic dose of funk, bramble and rubber is what greets you, and that reduced awkwardness never leaves the wine. Size and in-your-face leather and animal notes are dominant traits, and only below that do you find blackberry, plum and any mellowness. A good mouthfeel is the wine's saving grace. Imported by Frontier Wine Imports.

Azul

83

18

Northern Spain

Toro

null

Tinta de Toro

Estancia Piedra

null

France

88-90. Barrel sample. A firm wine with a black currant character, it's fruity, solid and chunky with gripping tannins.

Barrel Sample

89

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Cadet-Bon

null

Spain

Dusty aromas of cocoa, herbs and spice grace prune and plum scents. This is firm, layered and healthy in mouthfeel. Flavors of baked plum, blackberry and mocha finish dry and well balanced. This has more than a few years left in it. Drink through 2023.

Viña Albina Reserva

92

25

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Riojanas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Riojanas 2010 Viña Albina Reserva (Rioja)

US

This Rhône white blend is fruity, slightly sweet and simple. It has jammy flavors of pineapples, lemons, limes, honeysuckle and vanilla, offset by crisp acidity.

The Maverick Alder Springs Vineyard

85

42

California

Mendocino

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Sunbox Eleven

null

Sunbox Eleven 2008 The Maverick Alder Springs Vineyard White (Mendocino)

US

Espresso, flower and blue-fruit aromas lead to ripe, full boysenberry flavors. It drinks like a piece of berry pie with a cup of coffee alongside.

null

91

35

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Woodinville Wine Cellars

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Woodinville Wine Cellars 2013 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Intensely ripe, lifted black cherry and berry aromas seem gilded in pine and resin on this sultry Cabernet Franc. It's a deeply concentrated, slightly ruddy wine boasting rich, supple black-fruit flavors but has balanced acidity. The finish is marked by spice and ripe finely textured tannins.

null

88

22

New York

Finger Lakes

Cabernet Franc

Damiani

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Damiani 2014 Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes)

Italy

Here's a blockbuster blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Cabernet Franc that impresses on all levels. The aromatic intensity is outstanding, with deep levels of cherry, chocolate, tobacco and exotic spice. But what impresses most of all is the mouthfeel: It is rich, opulent, velvety and smooth.

Tâm

93

null

Tuscany

Bolgheri Superiore

null

Red Blend

Batzella

null

France

A nice straw/pale yellow color, the nose on this wine is subdued, with hints of grain, lime and slate, but the palate perks up with plenty of citrus flavor leaning toward lime. Balanced, with a smooth feel and tiny bubbles, this delicious sparkler will instigate caviar dreams.

Brut

90

18

Burgundy

Crémant de Bourgogne

null

Sparkling Blend

Léonce Bocquet

null

France

Made by the same team as Château de France in Pessac-Léognan, this is an attractive, forward wine. It shows the juicy character of the vintage, although the tannins do give it structure and some weight. A wine for medium-term aging: 4–5 years.

null

88

35

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Coquillas

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Coquillas 2011 Pessac-Léognan

Italy

Crisp and linear, this offers delicate aromas of Spanish broom and orchard fruit. The vibrant palate offers fresh green apple and juicy citrus while energizing mineral backs up the fresh, flinty finish.

Bianco

89

28

Sicily & Sardinia

Etna

null

Carricante

Tornatore

null

New Zealand

Well priced for the quality, Villa Maria's entry-level Pinot Noir delivers moderately assertive notes of dried leaves, black cherries, cola and oaky spices. It's concentrated and gently mouth-filling, with a silky finish. Drink it now and over the next two years.

Private Bin

89

20

Marlborough

null

Pinot Noir

Villa Maria

null

Argentina

Condensed and dark on the bouquet, with initial hard, cheesy aromas giving way to herbal berry scents that suggest thyme and rosemary. The palate is soft and chubby, with just enough structure to make the earthy, ripe berry flavors taste better than simply big and bulky. Finishes with a light espresso bitterness. Drink now through 2012.

Uno

90

20

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Antigal

null

Chile

Black in color, with sweet, full-force aromas of cola and black fruits. There's staunch acidity on the palate, something that will barely be noticed if drunk with food. Meanwhile, the flavors are flashy but smooth, with a play toward coffee, blackberry, chocolate and herbs. Dense and deep; very nice Merlot.

Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard

91

24

Colchagua Valley

null

Merlot

Lapostolle

null

Italy

Flat and a bit flabby on the nose, this golden Malvasia delivers aromas of stone fruit, mature melon, ash and white mineral. The wine is definitely much more lively in the mouth. where sharp mineral tones add definition and the wine's natural acidity kicks in.

Malvasia

85

22

Northeastern Italy

Friuli Isonzo

null

Malvasia Istriana

Ronco del Gelso

null

Greece

This energetic sip starts with aromas of pear, flowers, a zing of minerals, then follows with a fresh combination of lemon zest and honey on the palate. A floral, citric finish adds to the appeal. A fantastic wine for grilled seafood or poultry dishes.

null

87

16

Mantinia

null

Moschofilero

Nasiakos

null

US

This is a pretty, polished and supple Pinot Noir for drinking now and over the short range. It's dry and crisp, with herb-tinged flavors of cherries and cola.

null

87

35

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Truchard

null

Portugal

Weirdly floral on the nose, reminiscent of strawberry- or cherry-scented candles and somewhat akin to air freshener. Very red-fruity on the medium-weight palate, with a sweet-tart quality. Tasted three times, with consistent notes.

Touriga Nacional-Trincadeira

84

23

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Pontual

null

France

Rounded, rich and full in the mouth, this is a fruity wine. It has flavors of toast, yeast, green apple skin and a burst of citrus. There is a dry, herbal finish.

Brut

85

15

Loire Valley

Crémant de Loire

null

Sparkling Blend

Grandin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Grandin NV Brut Sparkling (Crémant de Loire)

US

A new bottling from the winery, made from vines grown 2,000 feet up the mountain that were planted only in 2001. It's far too immature to drink now or anytime soon. The tannins are thick and on lockdown, the blackberry, cassis and cherry fruit all primary and not yet integrated with the oak. But these parts are high-quality and need time to mesh and develop. Best after 2010 through 2016 and beyond.

Yverdon Vineyard

93

70

California

Napa

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Terra Valentine

null

Italy

Made with organically-farmed Viognier, this is a unique, slightly awkward white wine with muddled aromas of kiwi, green fruit, green leaf and wild caper. The mouthfeel is thin, compact and fresh.

null

84

20

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Viognier

Di Giovanna

null

Di Giovanna 2010 Viognier (Sicilia)

Austria

Full and heady notes of iron-oxide and pepper are bound up in the fragrant blueberry nose. The light to medium body is translucent with flavour and highlights the pepperiness and the fresh berry fruit. There is the slightest tannin texture and ample freshness. This would even work as a chilled summer red.

Vorgeschmack

88

19

Niederösterreich

null

Red Blend

Arndorfer

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Arndorfer 2014 Vorgeschmack Red (Niederösterreich)

Italy

Borgonero demonstrates a very clean and polished quality of winemaking that is reflected in its aromas of ripe cherry, tobacco and spice. It sits beautifully in the mouth and glides clean over the palate with lingering notes of black fruit and cola. Very nice.

Borgonero

92

44

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Borgo Scopeto

null

US

Made in a more extracted, fuller style, this is overwhelmingly earthy and intensely aromatic. Its time in oak has not quite shaken off entirely, and its fruit expression veers on the darker side, with notes of black cherries and blueberries standing out the most. An herbal aura lingers around.

Oppenlander Vineyard

88

42

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Noir

Phillips Hill

null

Italy

Lighter bodied, with an emphasis on leather, pepper and red fruit. Strawberry and raspberry flavors are front and center, while a bit of oak-based milk chocolate provides support. Hard to find fault here, but by the same token it's rather simple and antiseptic. Good in a clean, light way. Imported by Palm Bay Imports.

null

88

49

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Col d'Orcia

null

Chile

Meaty and rubbery smelling, this has a wide and dilute mouthfeel. It tastes stalky and a little burnt, with red fruit flavors on the fringe. The finish is herbal, with some heat.

Reserve

83

15

Curicó Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cuevas del Sur

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Cuevas del Sur 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Curicó Valley)

Chile

Crisp green aromas suggest lime and then passion fruit. It's lively and spritzy in the mouth, with high acidity yielding green flavors that transition to pithy and heavy. Lemon-lime mixed with celery notes come up on the finish.

EQ

88

20

San Antonio

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Matetic

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Matetic 2010 EQ Sauvignon Blanc (San Antonio)

US

This single-block, one-barrel reserve is the best of the 2010 reserve Pinots from Coeur de Terre. It's medium ripe, with pretty accents of rose petals and milk chocolate, around raspberry fruit. Showing well already, it's a wine to drink young.

Abby's Block Reserve

88

58

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Coeur de Terre

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Coeur de Terre 2010 Abby's Block Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

Italy

Depth and persistency are what sets this wine apart. The mouthfeel is densely extracted and accented by fresh fruit flavors and aromas of clove and spice. The wine has muscle and great staying power and can age a few years longer in your cellar.

null

88

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Geografico Castello Tricerchi

null

Spain

Heavily roasted, leathery, earthy aromas slightly override the fruit tones. This has a grabby, tannic palate and burnt, herbal, earthy black-fruit flavors. Saltiness and blackened notes are to be found on a clampy finish.

Dolmo

84

10

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Vicente Gandia

null

US

Rich sugar-apple and pear tart provide warmth and decadence to this wine. Despite its voluptuous nature, the wine is also layered and complex in intriguingly satisfying ways. A touch of ripe peach and salty pretzel figure into the mix quietly, yet harmoniously.

La Brisa

93

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Walt

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Walt 2014 La Brisa Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)