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
Georgia
Aged in buried clay vessels in accordance with ancient Georgian winemaking techniques, then transferred to new oak, there's a core of bright cherry fruit, coffee grinds and vanilla on the nose and palate of this unique Saperavi. It's a good wine, but charred wood, jagged tannins and hints of barnyard tend to obscure all the lovely fruit.
Satrapezo
84
40
Kakheti
null
null
Saperavi
Telavi
null
null
null
Czech Republic
The Cabernet Moravia grape is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Zweigelt. Here, it incorporates all of Cab Franc's leafy herbaceousness and Zweigelt's tart, cranberry flavors in a refreshing wine. It's delicate in concentration, but easy drinking, with lots of green, grassy notes on the finish.
null
85
18
Moravia
null
null
Cabernet Moravia
Vino z Czech
null
null
null
US
This winery produces a slew of Pinot Noirs each year, and this specific clonal study shows clove and cardamom on the somewhat subdued nose. The flavors are more forward, dominated by black tea and cherry, with a touch of tannin.
Pommard Clone
89
55
California
Sta. Rita Hills
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
Fess Parker
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
Fess Parker 2012 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
US
There's no oak at all on this Sauvignon Blanc, just lots of clean freshness. What stars is a great burst of gooseberry, grapefruit and peach fruit, accented with zesty acidity. Just delicious, a perfect wine for cocktails and Asian-inspired cuisine.
White Grass
90
16
California
Sonoma County
Sonoma
Sauvignon Blanc
Mara
null
null
null
US
Likeable for its dryness and clean acidity, and elaborate buildup of orange, pineapple, pear, honey and vanilla flavors. There is a green, unripe ammonia streak mixed in.
The Climber
84
12
California
California
California Other
Sauvignon Blanc
Clif Family
null
null
null
New Zealand
Previous vintages have impressed more than this one, which admittedly wasn't an easy year in Marlborough. The marriage of toasty oak and ripe fruit comes across as similar to popcorn, aligned with linear notes of pineapple and citrus that extend through the long, clean finish.
null
88
30
Marlborough
null
null
Chardonnay
Cloudy Bay
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Cloudy Bay 2014 Chardonnay (Marlborough)
US
Grown in the famous Monte Rosso Vineyard, this rosé has the complex interest of a red wine, but it's a blush and is properly light-bodied and silky. It's dry and crisp, and shows bitter cherryskin, white tobacco and spice flavors.
Rosato di Sangiovese Monte Rosso Vineyards
87
22
California
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma
Sangiovese
Muscardini
null
null
Muscardini 2009 Rosato di Sangiovese Monte Rosso Vineyards Sangiovese (Sonoma Valley)
Italy
This oak-fermented Sauvignon (in an artsy, screwcap bottle) delivers a rich, spicy finish and thick layers of peach, citrus, tomato leaf and honey-like aromas. It's a gorgeous wine that is an absolute pleasure to drink.
null
89
52
Northeastern Italy
Alto Adige
null
Sauvignon
Franz Haas
null
null
Franz Haas 2009 Sauvignon (Alto Adige)
US
The source of dependably rich Chards, Rosella's has given Bernardus the opportunity to craft a wonderfully complex wine. It's ripe in flavors ranging from lime tart and kiwi to papaya, nectarine and Anjou pear. Delicious, although it would benefit from higher acidity.
Rosella's Vineyard
90
40
California
Santa Lucia Highlands
Central Coast
Chardonnay
Bernardus
null
null
null
Portugal
With the classic tongue-tickle of young Vinho Verde, this fresh, crisp and off-dry wine is immediately drinkable. It has ripe orange and sweet citrus fruitiness, and plenty of acidity.
Vera Branco
85
12
Vinho Verde
null
null
Portuguese White
Obrigado
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Obrigado 2014 Vera Branco White (Vinho Verde)
US
Clean, dry and oaky, with modest flavors of peaches and pears, and a good finish. A good value.
null
84
7
California
California
California Other
Chardonnay
Camelot
null
null
null
US
The '05, as befits a cool vintage, is lean, with the alcohol showing through bare-bones citrus flavors. Even those who like their whites dry and flinty may find this Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier blend a little thin.
Blancaneaux
86
40
California
Rutherford
Napa
Rhône-style White Blend
Rubicon Estate
null
null
null
US
This blend of Syrah, Zin and Petite Sirah is dry, tannic and full-bodied, with blackberry, currant, plum, cherry, mulberry and tobacco flavors that make up in power what they lack in subtlety.
null
84
11
California
California
California Other
Red Blend
The Big Red Monster
null
null
null
US
Pure Cabernet from some of Washington's oldest vines at Champoux and Sagemoor, this is a superb bottle, dense, compact and textural. A full mix of black fruits underscored with clean, moist earth and polished, silky tannins, finishes with pretty barrel flavors of spice and vanilla. Broad, deep and immensely pleasurable.
Old Vines
95
89
Washington
Washington
Washington Other
Cabernet Sauvignon
Woodward Canyon
null
null
null
Italy
This is a very beautiful wine with aromatic intensity and fresh, crisp acidity. The wine is satisfying on all levels: It drinks easily and would pair with fish, crustaceans or vegetables. Very promising.
Fontanavigna
88
39
Southern Italy
Terre del Volturno
null
Pallagrello
Terre del Principe
null
null
null
Portugal
A smooth, yet textured Port, with sweet berry fruits layered with tannins that promise aging. The wine has elegance, perfumed with violets and ripe berries, balanced with some drier acidity and structure. The best vintage from Romaneira so far.
Vintage
91
null
Port
null
null
Port
Quinta da Romaneira
null
null
null
US
Not particularly Petite Sirah-like, because it's not a big, huge, tannic wine that needs a long time to come around. But it is a marvelously good red for drinking now at a fair price. Drily tannic and polished, it has deep flavors of fresh, crushed ripe blackberries and cherries, with a delicious edge of pepper and chocolate.
null
88
13
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
Petite Sirah
Francis Berwyn
null
null
Francis Berwyn 2006 Petite Sirah (Paso Robles)
US
The winery's single-vineyard bottling, released a few months earlier, was much better. This regional bottling is simple and rustic. The blackberries and currants are rich, but there's a stubborn undertow of asparagus.
null
83
32
California
Temecula
South Coast
Syrah
Leonesse Cellars
null
null
null
Uruguay
This blend of several grapes led by Tannat is a touch gritty and stewed. Yes, it has its qualities such as jammy berry and a nice, fleshy feel. But it's wayward and jumpy, and overall balance is elusive. Very expenisve for what you get.
Preludio Barrel Select Lote Number 60
84
50
Juanico
null
null
Red Blend
Establecimiento Juanico
null
null
null
New Zealand
This packs in more intensity than the 2008 version, offering lime-sherbet and mineral notes rounded out by ripe stone fruit flavors. It's medium-bodied and off-dry, nicely balancing sweetness with crisp acidity.
null
90
21
Marlborough
null
null
Riesling
Spy Valley
null
null
null
Portugal
This wine is light in body but heavily perfumed. Clean fruit shows on the palate, with an addition of geranium aromas.
Vintage
87
80
Port
null
null
Port
Quinta do Vale Meão
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Quinta do Vale Meão 2015 Vintage (Port)
Spain
Plum, cherry and cassis aromas are mildly woody. This feels firm, choppy and rugged. Flavors of cherry, plum and cassis reflect the nose, while this finishes ripe, with fresh acidity that comes with a controlled citrusy character.
Reserva
89
19
Northern Spain
Rioja
null
Tempranillo
Viña Eguía
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Viña Eguía 2011 Reserva (Rioja)
US
The RR wines receive special packaging, but little technical information is provided. Though this is a 2013, it's of a piece with the winery's 2014 Pinots, which is to say that lemony acids and a plethora of herbal components overshadow the fruit. There are hints of wild berry, and a finish with light suggestions of chocolate.
RR
87
79
Oregon
Ribbon Ridge
Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir
Chehalem
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Chehalem 2013 RR Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge)
Italy
There's a glimpse of dried herb and rosemary behind more intense aromas of black fruit, cherry and leather. This rich wine is concentrated and persistent, and it should pair well with stewed meat dishes.
Keramos Riserva
90
42
Sicily & Sardinia
Cannonau di Sardegna
null
Cannonau
Tenute Soletta
null
null
null
US
The balance and brightness are immediately apparent, with sweet raspberry and red cherry fruit against some lightly earthy tannins. All in proportion, yet with a bit of extra depth that suggests some ageworthiness. Everything is ripe, but not too ripe, and the acidity feels natural and proportionate.
Corral Creek
91
44
Oregon
Chehalem Mountains
Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir
Chehalem
null
null
null
France
This is a bright, tight wine, with flavors of citrus and white fruit. It has intense acidity, and the sweetness of the dosage gives it a soft feeling. It's light and fruity.
Cuvée des Dames Chardonnay Brut
87
null
Champagne
Champagne
null
Chardonnay
Champagne Gremillet
null
null
null
Italy
There's good aromatic intensity here in the form of peach, sourdough, yellow rose and honey-roasted almond. The wine is tonic and firm in the mouth with good heft to its body and enough concentration to stand up to fried finger food appetizers.
Brut
89
30
Lombardy
Franciacorta
null
Sparkling Blend
Lantieri de Paratico
null
null
null
Australia
This 60-40 blend features gentle aromas of vanilla and cassis in a medium-bodied, creamy-smooth format. It's not powerful or complex, but offers pure cassis and vanilla flavors tinged with chocolate on the finish. Good value.
Yellow Label
85
12
South Australia
South Australia
null
Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon
Wolf Blass
null
null
null
US
Good price for a zesty, sweet dessert wine. It's a nice way to finish dinner over something with white and yellow fruit, vanilla and custard ingredients. Shows rich, honeyed orange, apricot and honey flavors, with tingly acidity.
Bartolucci Vineyard
88
16
California
Lake County
Mendocino/Lake Counties
Muscat
Bonterra
null
null
null
US
The Alatus blend is two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Malbec and Syrah also in the mix. Dark and spicy, it remains compact and toasty, with a solid core of cassis, coffee grounds, cedar and smoke. The barrel influences (40% new) are well displayed, but the rest of the wine needs more time to catch up.
Alatus
89
36
Washington
Walla Walla Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Red Blend
Kontos
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Kontos 2010 Alatus Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
Italy
This straightforward Dolcetto offers varietal aromas of black cherry, licorice and hints of black pepper, all of which carry over to the palate. Simple but well made.
null
85
15
Piedmont
Dolcetto d'Alba
null
Dolcetto
Borgogno F.lli Serio e Battista
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Borgogno F.lli Serio e Battista 2012 Dolcetto d'Alba
Italy
Youthful and fresh, this opens with aromas of dark berry, moist underbrush and a whiff of violet. The bright, easygoing palate offers tart cherry, orange zest and a whisper of clove alongside zesty acidity and relaxed tannins.
null
87
30
Tuscany
Rosso di Montalcino
null
Sangiovese
Castello Romitorio
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Castello Romitorio 2014 Rosso di Montalcino
US
This red wine, named for the chef at the winery restaurant, is fruity and high-toned, with lots of cherry and berry flavor. All neutral oak, soft tannins, ready to drink.
Frank Chiullino Chef Blend Red
86
55
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Red Blend
Tagaris
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Tagaris 2007 Frank Chiullino Chef Blend Red Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US
Dark fruits, leather and game notes yield an almost Syrah-like nose that opens to chocolate, dark-berry and mineral flavors. Rich—even thick-textured—it is soft and quite approachable now, with fine, well-dispersed tannins. Finishes long, ultrablack, smooth and enjoyable. Drink now to 2007.
Synthesis Diamond Mtn. Vyd.
91
50
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Martin Ray
null
null
null
US
This is a 100% varietal wine, aged nearly two years in 75% new French oak and treated like a king. It responds in kind, rewarding the palate with smoothly voluptuous characteristics of red currant, anise and clove, its tannin and oak supportive and integrated and its finish lengthy. This wine should have years to go in the cellar; drink now through 2023.
Patriarch Winston Hill Vineyard
93
225
California
Rutherford
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Frank Family
Virginie Boone
@vboone
Frank Family 2013 Patriarch Winston Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
US
Gorgeous and immaculate. Showcases Russian River/Sonoma Coast Pinot at its finest, with superb acidity, ultra-refined tannins and flavors of grilled blackberries, cherry pie filling, cola, crushed black pepper, cinnamon, anise and smoky, caramelized sandalwood. As rich as it is, there's an elusive quality, with hints of wild game and undefineable forest floor. Beautiful now and through 2015.
Occidental Coast Two Daughters Vineyard
96
65
California
Sonoma Coast
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
Evening Land
null
null
null
US
Very deep black plum, smashed red berries, concentrated cola and coffee liqueur aromas entice the nose on this blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Zinfandel and 20% Grenache. It's very spicy and lively on the palate with an almost biting, explosive acidity. Flavors of espresso and deep red fruits are noticeable.
Aeolus Estate
87
50
California
Temecula
South Coast
Red Blend
Gershon Bachus
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
Gershon Bachus 2008 Aeolus Estate Red (Temecula)
Chile
Sweet on the nose, with marshmallow, Nestle's Quick and generic dark fruit aromas. The palate is more snappy and alert, with good but regular berry flavors mixing with chocolate and herbal notes. Juicy and lively across the palate but herbal on the finish.
Reserva
86
11
Colchagua Valley
null
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Apaltagua
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Apaltagua 2009 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley)
US
A fine, fancy Cabernet. It shows Diamond Mountain's famously hard tannins, but they're so finely ground, the wine is actually drinkable now, with a brief decant. It's entirely dry, with complex waves of blackberries, cherries, currants, violets, mocha, minerals and, of course, plenty of sweet smoky oak.
null
92
50
California
Diamond Mountain District
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Martin Ray
null
null
Martin Ray 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain District)
France
This blend of Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng shows fresh apricot fruit, with delicate acidity and nervy texture. It's not for aging, so drink it now.
Les Casterasses
90
30
Southwest France
Jurançon Sec
null
Gros and Petit Manseng
Domaine Bru-Baché
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Domaine Bru-Baché 2005 Les Casterasses (Jurançon Sec)
South Africa
There's a pleasingly tart green character to this wine, with crisp, refreshing aromas and flavors of green pear, plum, melon rind, grapefruit peel and pineapple core. The fruity mélange is easy and juicy on the palate, finishing lively and mouthwatering. Drink now.
null
88
18
Western Cape
null
null
Chenin Blanc
Protea
Lauren Buzzeo
@laurbuzz
Protea 2014 Chenin Blanc (Western Cape)
US
Much more robust and full-bodied than the L'Ermitage brut, but still elegant and fine. Offers yeast, smoke and vanilla-tinged strawberry flavors, in a slightly rugged texture. Age through the end of the decade.
L'Ermitage Rose
93
72
California
Anderson Valley
Mendocino/Lake Counties
Sparkling Blend
Roederer Estate
null
null
null
France
94–96. Barrel sample. A very fine, concentrated wine. Full of solid black fruits and tannins, it's seriously powerful, driven by its great fruits and intense mineral texture. For long-term aging.
Barrel Sample
95
null
Bordeaux
Saint-Émilion
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Vieux Château Mazerat
null
null
null
US
It's a big wine in terms of an inky color and very firm tannins but it does not come across as overly full-bodied, and the alcohol level is moderate. Enough blackberry flavor and acidity come through to keep it balanced just this side of extreme. This should improve through 2018.
null
88
26
California
Amador County
Sierra Foothills
Tempranillo
Uphill Vineyards
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Uphill Vineyards 2010 Tempranillo (Amador County)
US
There's a fine wine in here, but it needs a little time for those pesky tannins to soften. They coat the mouth with astringency, making it hard to appreciate the fruit. But the fruit is there, in the form of pure, sweet cherries. It's not a longterm ager, but a year or three in the cellar should make this soft, gentle wine more beautiful.
Estate
90
60
California
Diamond Mountain District
Napa
Cabernet Franc
Reverie
null
null
null
Italy
This is an elegant wine with measured but well-dosed aromas of cherry fruit, leather, tobacco and spice. It has all its elements in place in terms of aromas but where it really excels is in the mouth: It delivers bursting flavors of crisp fruit and plush cherry berry with polished tannins and great length.
San Leonino Riserva Monsenese
90
null
Tuscany
Chianti Classico
null
Sangiovese
Tenimenti Angelini
null
null
null
US
Decadent in caramel-toffee oak, this full-bodied wine has a generous helping of hazelnut and ginger cookie at its heart. Hefty in oak yet wrapped in enough acidity, it's balanced and easily enjoyed. The finish echoes in whiskey and wood.
Bench Blend
91
40
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Chardonnay
William Hill Estate
Virginie Boone
@vboone
William Hill Estate 2013 Bench Blend Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
US
Ripe berry, subtle herb and slight earth notes combine to produce an elegant, complex wine with beautiful balance. The palate offers solid flavors and texture and the wine finishes well, with decent length and berry, cocoa and toast elements.
Family Selection
88
12
California
California
California Other
Merlot
Trinchero
null
null
null
Spain
Punchy berry aromas lead to a fresh, direct palate with fairly sharp acidity. This shows flavors of plum, berry, herbs and spice, which are standard for Rioja. A lasting finish with mild oak and acidic snap wraps up this easy-to-gauge Crianza.
Crianza
88
14
Northern Spain
Rioja
null
Tempranillo
Viña Herminia
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Viña Herminia 2012 Crianza (Rioja)
US
This is easily one of the most delicious Cabernets of the year. The first sip dazzles, offering a treasure chest of flavors, including blackberry, spice, mocha and toasted oak. For all the richness, the wine is properly dry, and the tannins are as smooth as old silk. It's so approachable, it's hard to believe it's from Diamond Mountain, whose tannins are notoriously hard in youth. The one drawback is that the wine is too soft for aging, but who cares? Drink now–2015.
Checkmate
95
140
California
Diamond Mountain District
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Summers
null
null
null
US
This is the new planting from Mike Sauer (Red Willow) and the first wine to be so designated. It's an impressive debut, almost impenetrably dark, yet still satiny and supple in the mouth. The vines show tight definition, enhanced with a mix of herb, earth and organic funk; give them a few more years and this will probably be one of the best Syrah sites in the state.
Les Vignes De Marcoux
89
35
Washington
Yakima Valley
Columbia Valley
Syrah
Wineglass Cellars
null
null
null
France
A fine, very pure style of Champagne. Has hints of toast and citrus fruits that come together in a style that is almost the essence of Champagne. Crisp, rich and complex. Imported by Kobrand.
La Française Brut
92
35
Champagne
Champagne
null
Champagne Blend
Taittinger
null
null
null
Chile
Slightly herbal, with hints of tree bark and chewing gum. Runs a touch hard and tannic, with cherry and little more carrying the flavor profile. Firm, even hard, in the mouth.
Casa La Joya Reserve
82
9
Colchagua Valley
null
null
Shiraz
Viña Bisquertt
null
null
null
US
A seldom-seen near 100% offering of this variety (6% Syrah is blended in), this wine shows notes of herbs, sugared plum, thistle and chocolate. It coats the palate from end to end with silky soft, almost pillowy fruit and savory flavors that keep the interest high.
McKinley Springs
89
32
Washington
Horse Heaven Hills
Columbia Valley
Cinsault
Robert Ramsay
null
null
null
Argentina
Lean, dusty red-fruit aromas are redolent of nail polish. A grabby palate is chunky and home to syrupy, cloying flavors of medicinal red fruits. Burnt, rubbery notes characterize the finish.
Urban Uco
81
15
Mendoza Province
Uco Valley
null
Tempranillo
O. Fournier
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
O. Fournier 2013 Urban Uco Tempranillo (Uco Valley)
US
The aromas on this wine seem a bit candied, with notes of red currant, raspberry and cranberry. Flavors are fresh, with plenty of tart, puckering cranberry notes throughout. There's not a lot of complexity, but it should fit in well at the dinner table, with the oak dialed way back and the acid up.
null
87
13
Washington
Columbia Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Sangiovese
Cavatappi
Sean P. Sullivan
@wawinereport
Cavatappi 2016 Sangiovese (Columbia Valley (WA))
Spain
Oxidized, yeasty aromas are not fresh. On the palate, this is spritzy, but oxidation creates a yeasty, bready blanket on top of basic pear and papaya. It finishes flat.
null
83
25
Northern Spain
Getariako Txakolina
null
White Blend
Zudugarai
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Zudugarai 2013 White (Getariako Txakolina)
Italy
Refreshing and delicious, this blend of Sardinian grapes—40% Monica, 30% Cannonau and 30% Carignano—opens with aromas of rose, wild berry and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. The vibrant palate offers juicy red cherry, raspberry and a hint of baking spice alongside bright acidity. A saline note backs up the finish.
Chiaro di Stelle
90
15
Sicily & Sardinia
Isola dei Nuraghi
null
Rosato
Pala
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Pala 2014 Chiaro di Stelle Rosato (Isola dei Nuraghi)
South Africa
Chalky but ripe with red pear, melon and yellow floral components throughout. Medium weight and balanced with a clean, toasted almond milk infused finish. Drink now.
null
87
28
Stellenbosch
null
null
Chardonnay
Hartenberg
null
null
null
Italy
This is beautifully airy and buoyant, with thick, lush aromas of red fruit, toasted nut, almond paste, molasses and cola. These aromas emerge as one in a smooth, seamless manner and segue into menthol freshness on the finish.
Pupà Pepu
92
null
Tuscany
Colli della Toscana Centrale
null
Red Blend
Podere Brizio Roberto Bellini
null
null
null
US
Richly fruity, this wine has a smooth texture and well-concentrated black-plum flavors along with a lightly spicy, bread dough accent that adds interest. It's a touch sweet and supported by light tannins.
Ben's Select
86
20
California
California
California Other
Red Blend
Ben Ish
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Ben Ish NV Ben's Select Red (California)
US
Gooseberry and lychee candy pervade over subtle notes of lemon, lime and eucalyptus. Vibrant on the palate, lychee and gooseberry remain the stars but take on a bitterness. Racy acidity is prevalent and lends itself to a tart finish.
null
85
24
Virginia
Monticello
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Stinson
Carrie Dykes
null
Stinson 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Monticello)
France
Minty new wood aromas on a wine that shows both great tannins and sweet wood. The fruit is still to show, but promises fresh plum flavors that will be delicious and juicy. This is a ripe, concentrated wine.
null
96
75
Bordeaux
Saint-Émilion
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2009 Saint-Émilion
Spain
Round and lemony on the nose, with apple and minerality. The palate is juicy and fresh, with dry, angular pineapple and lemon flavors. Short and acidic in the mouth, but fresh and clean throughout. This is Basque white wine, take it or leave it.
null
86
18
Northern Spain
Bizkaiko Txakolina
null
White Blend
Gorka Izagirre
null
null
null
US
A pretty pale salmon color is matched by aromas of strawberry and herbs that are light and delicate. The palate brings the suggestion of sugar with an elegant styling.
Lucy Rosé of
86
14
Washington
Yakima Valley
Columbia Valley
Cabernet Franc
Cloudlift Cellars
null
null
null
US
Sweet with the aroma of ripe, red plum preserves and a touch of green herbs, this is a lovely blend of Cab Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with hints of toasted oak. Soft and lush with a cherry pie filling palate, it's an easygoing, medium-bodied wine with a pleasant, fruit-forward profile.
76 West
86
25
New York
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Lamoreaux Landing
null
null
null
France
This wine has a good balance between spice and ripe yellow and apple fruits. The taut, mineral texture will allow it to age well. Touches of toast support the rich fruits. Drink from late 2017.
Cuvée Passion
89
29
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Blanc
null
Bordeaux-style White Blend
Château Tour de Mirambeau
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château Tour de Mirambeau 2016 Cuvée Passion (Bordeaux Blanc)
Portugal
A selection of grapes and year's wood aging give this wine structure, depth of flavor and aging potential. It has weight, but the acidity is a definite element here, giving a vibrant edge and definition to the rich berry and plum fruits.
Reserva
92
null
Douro
null
null
Portuguese Red
Apegadas Quinta Velha
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Apegadas Quinta Velha 2007 Reserva Red (Douro)
Australia
A slightly roasted quality permeates this wine, lending hints of coffee and asphalt to the sturdy black olive flavors. Turns a bit crisp and tart on the finish; drink now–2010. Imported by Pacific Wine Partners.
Ebenezer
88
35
South Australia
Barossa
null
Shiraz
Barossa Valley Estate
null
null
null
Argentina
Powerful but reduced, with gritty berry aromas and a ton of clove on the nose. There's a carry over of the clove in the mouth, and also roasted fruit flavors, wood spice and sweetness. Powerful for sure, but arguably a bit too woody for its own good.
Tonada
85
20
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Finca La Anita
null
null
null
Chile
Rubbery and gassy at first, with a ton of barrel power that pushes charred aromas onto the nose. Feels correct and well-balanced, with honest Pinot flavors of red fruits, herbs and baked earth. Tastes and feels harmonious.
Wild Ferment
89
28
Casablanca Valley
null
null
Pinot Noir
Errazuriz
null
null
null
US
The Fielding Hills Syrah remains one of my favorites in a state loaded with great Syrahs, fruit-powered with spicy purple fruits, annotated with scents of game, anise, smoke and moist earth. The black and purple fruits dominate, as expressive and ripe as any Syrah in the state. It's still young, a bit oaky, and relatively high in alcohol. Give it some bottle age and all the complexity will come into focus.
RiverBend Vineyard
93
40
Washington
Wahluke Slope
Columbia Valley
Syrah
Fielding Hills
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Fielding Hills 2007 RiverBend Vineyard Syrah (Wahluke Slope)
US
What's so likeable about this Pinot is its dryness, silkiness and elegance. It shows a cool-climate structure, with a bite of acidity and fine tannins, and tantalizing flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola and minerals. Should develop in the bottle over the next six years.
Morning Dew Ranch
93
50
California
Anderson Valley
Mendocino/Lake Counties
Pinot Noir
Brogan
null
null
null
US
Tart and tight, with primary raspberry and cranberry fruit, dotted with licorice, cola and cinnamon notes. Despite its youth, it shows appealing complexity, leading into a full and satisfying finish with drying tannins. Give it a couple more years of bottle age and you will have a real winner on your hands.
Grande Cuvée
90
25
Oregon
Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir
Soléna
null
null
null
US
This opens with a muted but very pleasing nose of orange, pineapple, clove, almond and baked apple aromas. The palate's tropical fruit is complemented by butterscotch, clove and allspice flavors. Soft but well-constructed, it's a medium-weight wine with balanced fruit and well-utilized oak on the finish.
Hope's Cuvée
89
60
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Chardonnay
Signorello
null
null
null
Australia
This has a distinctly spicy, savory, meaty quality to its aromas, possibly due to the one-third of the blend that comes from Eden Valley. Those elements impart great complexity to this wine, building on its core of blackberry fruit. Like all the Torbreck wines, this shows a rich, layered texture and a long finish. Drink now–2020.
The Struie
93
50
South Australia
Barossa
null
Shiraz
Torbreck
null
null
null
Argentina
Concentrated berry and mossy aromas are inviting and introduce a fresh palate that rolls comfortably along. Black fruit, spice, herb and licorice flavors finish minty, spicy and long. This wine is from the Tupungato region, and it shows: It's balanced and herbal, but also loaded with fruit.
Synthesis
92
35
Mendoza Province
Tupungato
null
Malbec
Finca Sophenia
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Finca Sophenia 2012 Synthesis Malbec (Tupungato)
Portugal
It's old-gold color says it all. This luscious, liquorous wine has a tangy edge to go alongside the acidity, the raisin fruits and flavors of long wood aging. It's not so much fresh as still very alive and poised. Drink now.
40 Years Old Tawny
92
80
Port
null
null
Port
Quinta do Vallado
null
null
null
Portugal
The wine feels lean, the fruit fading behind the bare bones of a wine. The tannins show through dry and solid, and the finish has attractive acidity.
Terras d'El Rei
83
6
Alentejano
null
null
Portuguese Red
Cooperativa Reguengos de Monsaraz
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Cooperativa Reguengos de Monsaraz 2009 Terras d'El Rei Red (Alentejano)
France
A classic Champagne blend of Chard and Pinot Noir gives this wine some good depth and ripe flavors. Has flavors of toast, spices and pears as well as some good tannin structure. The finish is dry, with just a hint of softness. Imported by Boisset America.
Grande Cuvée
88
15
Burgundy
Crémant de Bourgogne
null
Champagne Blend
Charles de Fère
null
null
null
Italy
A sweet, blueberry-like element to the nose denotes a simple and fruity red wine that is high in drinkability and appeal. Executed in a light, easy style with a luminous color and lean texture, this Nero d'Avola would pair well with roasted chicken or pork.
Carmen
86
18
Sicily & Sardinia
Sicilia
null
Nero d'Avola
Marabino
null
null
Marabino 2007 Carmen Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)
Australia
This full-bodied wine could use a touch more lushness in the midpalate to help carry its assertive flavors of blackberries and chocolate. Mouthwatering fruit on the finish is backed by firm tannins, suggesting at least a few years of cellaring potential. Would go nicely with grilled steak. Multiple U.S. Importers.
The Rascal
88
24
South Australia
McLaren Vale
null
Shiraz
Hugh Hamilton
null
null
null
US
A candied, floral nose and sweet flavors of honey and flowers make this wine simple, but it is enjoyable on a basic level. Flavors are well balanced and the finish is delicate. Good with salads or fish.
Spring Wine
82
13
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
null
White Blend
Chaddsford
null
null
null
US
Lean but dry and clean, with some tough tannins framing flavors of cherries, grilled meat and black pepper. Drink now.
null
84
23
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
Syrah
McClean
null
null
null
Chile
Light pink to the eye, then fresh and vital on the nose, with a touch of stalkiness. Refreshing, lip-smacking acidity drives the palate, pushing tangy, basic citrus flavors.
Reserva
86
13
Colchagua Valley
null
null
Rosé
Calcu
null
null
null
US
Though not indicated on the bottle, this is Pepper Bridge Vineyard fruit. Soft and lush, it broadens out quickly across the palate, a friendly mix of strawberry, peppery spice, and light toast. Ready for immediate enjoyment.
null
87
29
Washington
Walla Walla Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Merlot
Two Vintners
null
null
null
US
Rich and thoroughly enjoyable, brimming with blackcurrant and cassis flavors and a balanced overlay of smoky, spicy oak. This pretty wine drinks very dry and smooth, and the tannins are just right. It is elegant from start to finish. Drink now.
Alexander's Crown
90
28
California
Alexander Valley
Sonoma
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rodney Strong
null
null
null
Argentina
Mango, papaya and vanilla aromas are lightly tropical and chunky. The palate is plump and fair. Flavors of green melon, papaya and mixed tropical fruits finish steady and with a reprise of leesy, yeasty vanilla.
Cool Climate Selection
85
14
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Pinot Grigio
Argento
null
null
null
US
The primary aroma of raw game creates an assertively meaty nose, with underlying tones of char, brown spice and black fruit. Medium to full bodied, it feels open upon entrance before firming up on the midpalate. A note of spiced blackberry jam lingers on the finish with some warmth.
Hodder Hill
86
35
Virginia
Virginia
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Glen Manor
null
null
Glen Manor 2009 Hodder Hill Red (Virginia)
US
A soft, voluptuous Merlot. The velvety texture frames ripe, juicy blackberry, cherry jam and milk chocolate flavors, with a flowery, violet note. But the wine is too soft, and the tannins melted.
Mitsuko's Vineyard
86
25
California
Carneros
Napa-Sonoma
Merlot
Clos Pegase
null
null
null
US
A bit vegetal, and a bit sweet on the finish in pineapple candy. Not particularly successful.
null
82
20
California
Santa Barbara County
Central Coast
Chardonnay
Babcock
null
null
null
Italy
This opens with aromas of white spring flowers, orchard fruit and a whiff of herbs. The vibrant palate doles out green apple, citrus zest and pear alongside tangy acidity and a refined, creamy mousse.
Rive di Ogliano Extra Dry
89
30
Veneto
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
null
Glera
Masottina
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Masottina 2014 Rive di Ogliano Extra Dry (Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)
Australia
Tree bark and deep woods notes mix with plum notes for an intriguing opener, yielding to a palate with plummy, leathery flavors. Overall, it's a bit lean, but the finish shows admirable length and mouthwatering acidity.
Lioness
86
25
Western Australia
Great Southern
null
Shiraz-Viognier
Plantagenet
null
null
Plantagenet 2005 Lioness Shiraz-Viognier (Great Southern)
Germany
The wine's floral aromas and somewhat restrained fruit on the nose strike a refined tone, while on the palate the wine is lush, round and sweet, buoyed by bright pineapple, peach and lime flavors. Finishes long and sleekly elegant.
Erdener Prälat Auslese Goldkapsel
93
114
Mosel
null
null
Riesling
Dr. Loosen
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Dr. Loosen 2009 Erdener Prälat Auslese Goldkapsel Riesling (Mosel)
US
This Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is a good everyday wine. It's full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of blackberry, currant and dried herb.
Crazy Creek Estate
86
15
California
Alexander Valley
Sonoma
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Fidelity
null
null
null
Spain
Fairly rough and gaseous at first (and we tried two different samples), although it does soften with time. The mouth and palate are pretty good: Raspberry and plum flavors are tasty, and the acidity is not lacking. Finishes with earth and a touch of burnt coffee.
Crianza
84
11
Central Spain
La Mancha
null
Tempranillo
Condesa de Leganza
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Condesa de Leganza 2003 Crianza Tempranillo (La Mancha)
US
Made in the crisp, lighter-bodied way that is Edna Valley Pinot Noir, this is an elegant wine to drink now and for a year or two. It has an angular structure housing cool-climate flavors of cherries, cola, herbs and sweet, smoky sandalwood.
El Pico
89
33
California
Edna Valley
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
Baileyana
null
null
null
Italy
An excellent example of this local grape variety, this is an aromatic, full-bodied wine, with ripe fruit. Aromas of lavender are followed on the palate by flavors of almonds and fresh, green fruits.
Luc de Volpe Tocai Friulano
89
18
Northeastern Italy
Colli Orientali del Friuli
null
Tocai
Volpe Pasini
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Volpe Pasini 2002 Luc de Volpe Tocai Friulano Tocai (Colli Orientali del Friuli)
France
Hints of menthol and cherry cough drop are upfront on the nose. Flavors of red currant, rhubarb and sour raspberry appear on the crisp, tart palate, finishing clean yet short.
null
83
9
France Other
Vin de France
null
Pinot Noir
Patriarche Père et Fils
Lauren Buzzeo
@laurbuzz
Patriarche Père et Fils 2014 Pinot Noir (Vin de France)
Italy
Missoni is an oak-aged Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with soft, chewy fruit and aromas of cherry liqueur, rum cake, espresso and exotic spice. The mouthfeel is plush, round and driven by plump blackberry flavors.
Missoni
87
21
Sicily & Sardinia
Sicilia
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Feudi del Pisciotto
null
null
null