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
This is a pleasant, medium-bodied wine with ripe fruit and spice flavors and a touch of tannin providing firmness. What it lacks in varietal personality it makes up in value.
null
85
18
California
California
California Other
Pinot Noir
The Naked Grape
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
The Naked Grape NV Pinot Noir (California)
Argentina
Grapy, meaty aromas are loud and all over the map. The palate of this purple Cafayate Malbec is saturated and loaded with pulp, tannins and bulk. Roasted blackberry and cured-meat flavors finish mellow and soft, without much length.
Reserve
88
17
Other
Cafayate
null
Malbec
Piattelli
null
null
null
US
Full bodied and completely mature, this is saturated with ripe flavors. It has enough firm tannin for a gripping texture and brings a sense of completeness for something this bold. It tastes like sweet blackberries and boysenberries, yet is dry.
Reserve Goltz Vineyard
86
25
California
El Dorado
Sierra Foothills
Zinfandel
Charles B. Mitchell
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Charles B. Mitchell 2013 Reserve Goltz Vineyard Zinfandel (El Dorado)
New Zealand
Lovely aromas of toasted nuts and lemon curd are backed up on the palate by hints of melon and citrus. This is an elegant, understated Chardonnay with a silky texture worthy of pairing with refined fish and chicken dishes. Drink it over the next 6–12 months.
Single Vineyard
88
30
Martinborough
null
null
Chardonnay
Alana Estate
null
null
null
France
Strawberry aromas follow through to the soft, red berry fruit flavors of this wine. The blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon gives both richness and structure. Drink now.
null
85
18
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Rosé
null
Rosé
Rosé de Guiet
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Rosé de Guiet 2016 Rosé (Bordeaux Rosé)
Italy
Terre di Giumara is a fresh and tight white wine with bright yellow fruit, peach and honey-roasted almond. The wine is full and ripe, with a touch of piquant spice on the close.
Terre di Giumara
87
14
Sicily & Sardinia
Sicilia
null
Inzolia
Caruso & Minini
null
null
null
Germany
Crushed mineral and dried sage aromas belie the intensity of fresh nectarine and apricot flavors in this spry, invigorating wine. Striking acidity lends a delicate, lacy mouthfeel accentuated by a sheen of minerality.
Schrazhofberger Spätlese
88
34
Mosel
null
null
Riesling
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt
Anna Lee C. Iijima
null
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2013 Schrazhofberger Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)
Italy
This fragrant, red cherry- and sage-scented Chianti is made from organically grown Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino. The easygoing palate delivers raspberry, redcurrant and leather notes, framed by smooth tannins and fresh acidity. It's meant to be enjoyed young.
When We Dance
89
18
Tuscany
Chianti
null
Red Blend
Il Palagio
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Il Palagio 2015 When We Dance (Chianti)
Portugal
A wood-aged white, spicy and ripe. It has just the right balance of acidity to go with the ripe green plum and melon fruits. With a great bite of acidity to finish, this is a wine that will age for 3–4 years.
Reserva Branco
90
50
Douro
null
null
Portuguese White
Quinta do Vallado
null
null
null
France
Soft and round, this ripe wine offers both fruit and acidity. It is young and full of green plum and pear flavors, still textured with a young, crisp character. It needs to fill out for a few years, and will be best from 2017.
null
89
43
Burgundy
Pernand-Vergelesses
null
Chardonnay
Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter 2013 Pernand-Vergelesses
France
Producer Jean-Yves Bretaudeau enjoys showing how well Muscadet can age. In this cuvée, now five years old, all the signs of freshness are still there, just that they are given an edge of nuttiness as well as spice. The wine is impressive, crisp and also full of character. Drink now.
Mouzillon-Tillières
91
20
Loire Valley
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine
null
Melon
Domaine du Colombier
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Domaine du Colombier 2012 Mouzillon-Tillières (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine)
France
Red berries dominate this juicy, concentrated wine. It is packed with fruit flavors, while the tannins from the ripe Merlot are soft and well integrated into the background.
Diablère
85
null
Southwest France
Côtes de Duras
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Domaine les Riquets
null
null
null
US
A swirl of fresh berries and sour cranberries, rust and a touch of asphalt greet the nose on this wine from one of the more beautiful vineyards in California. The flavors also touch on ripe, juicy blackberries and tart black plum skins.
Star Lane Vineyard
88
34
California
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
Central Coast
Syrah
Dierberg
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
Dierberg 2012 Star Lane Vineyard Syrah (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
Portugal
Fruity and off-dry, this has light touches of sweet strawberry and vanilla to go with the orange zest acidity. Screwcap.
Pink Elephant
84
8
Lisboa
null
null
Rosé
DFJ Vinhos
null
null
null
Spain
Gorgeous, amplified aromas of wild berry, plum and fine herbs are crystal clear and magnetic. This beautiful Priorat is layered, smooth as glass and exemplary in every way. Flavors of mixed black fruits, cocoa, toast and schisty mineral finish in a swirl of chocolate, blackened toast, licorice and peppercorn. Best from 2015–2018.
null
96
90
Catalonia
Priorat
null
Red Blend
Clos Mogador
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Clos Mogador 2010 Red (Priorat)
Portugal
Firm and tannic with balanced, juicy red fruits—sweet strawberry and red-plum skins. This could age 2–3 years. Its structure is supported by the fruit and wood flavors.
Trincadeira-Aragonez
85
null
Alentejo
null
null
Portuguese Red
Alentex
null
null
null
US
Rich, ripe and oaky, this full-bodied wine has loads of sweet blackberry and black cherry flavors, with generous doses of oak spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, wood smoke and dark chocolate. It's bold but complex and will be a lot of fun to drink with red meat.
null
91
20
California
Lodi
Central Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Freakshow
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Freakshow 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi)
Portugal
Raw, rustic wine, its tannins hardened by excessive acidity. It just about works as a rough and ready red.
Vale de Lobos
80
12
Ribatejo
null
null
Portuguese Red
Quinta da Ribeirinha
null
null
null
US
Napa-based Elyse is better known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, but they have reached into Nevada County, in the Sierra Foothills, for this lovely Rhône-style blend. It's soft in acidity and the tannins are melted, as you might expect from a warm-to-hot region. But the flavors are plush in jammy cherries, black raspberries, chocolate and crushed black pepper.
Naggiar Vineyard C'est si Bon
89
28
California
Sierra Foothills
Sierra Foothills
Rhône-style Red Blend
Elyse
null
null
Elyse 2005 Naggiar Vineyard C'est si Bon Red (Sierra Foothills)
France
Bright and juicy, this is a fresh, red-fruited wine, ripe and fragrant. The tannic element is almost an afterthought.
null
85
33
Bordeaux
Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Château de Ricaud
null
null
null
US
A highly unusual blend of Burdin, a rare French hybrid, and Chambourcin grapes, this red wine offers delicate maraschino-cherry and berry flavors. It's a slightly fragile wine but whiffs of tobacco and garden soil lend complexity. The finish lingers on tart red fruit flavors and a hint of tannin.
River's Edge Casscles Vineyards
85
25
New York
New York
New York Other
Red Blend
Hudson-Chatham
null
null
null
Spain
An herbal and brambly roughneck with forced aromas, lots of leather, and ultimately cranberry and other tart red-fruit flavors. Not much body, and thus it's short and piquant.
Roble
82
21
Northern Spain
Ribera del Duero
null
Tempranillo
Hemar
null
null
null
US
This is a crisp, medium-bodied wine, with pleasant aromas of apricot, lemon and pineapple. A smidgen of almond nuttiness marks the finish.
null
87
18
California
Potter Valley
Mendocino/Lake Counties
Sauvignon Blanc
Paul Dolan
null
null
null
Portugal
A big and ripe wine that has great fruit as well as a firm, dark structure. It's built strongly with black plums pushed by solid tannins, while also having great juicy acidity. Dominated by Touriga Nacional, it's spicy, perfumed and developing well. Drink from 2016.
Terraços do Tejo Reserva
92
null
Tejo
null
null
Portuguese Red
Casal da Coelheira
null
null
null
France
90-92 Barrel sample. Complex wine, its botrytis character very dominant, heady, so concentrated it is almost dry. This is dense, very rich in character.
Barrel sample
91
null
Bordeaux
Barsac
null
Bordeaux-style White Blend
Château Caillou
null
null
null
US
Sauvignon Blanc has been a consistent performer for Hanna, usually yielding a rich, ripe wine with brisk acidity. The '11 is one of their best efforts. It's tart, clean and savory, with the pineapple, tangerine and Meyer lemon flavors touched with a slight sweetness.
null
87
19
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Sauvignon Blanc
Hanna
null
null
Hanna 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley)
Spain
Better upon previous tastings. This time around it seems tough and rubbery, with a caustic burn to the nose. The palate is sweet and burnt, with caramel and raw berry fruit. Lacks freshness.
Brut Rosé
81
16
Catalonia
Cava
null
Sparkling Blend
Gran Gesta
null
null
null
US
A polished, soft Cabernet blend with Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It's particularly smooth in the mouth, with lush tannins framing blackberry, currant and cedar flavors. Drinks rich and complex now and for a few more years.
Highlands
90
33
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pali
null
null
null
US
A good, sound Cabernet, well-made and clean, with proper varietal flavors of blackberries, cocoa and smoky new oak. Yet it's somewhat soft, with a jammy-candy taste, and seems to lack complexity. Could be going through an awkward phase.
null
86
60
California
Howell Mountain
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
La Jota Vineyard
null
null
null
France
Starts off scents with toasted hazelnut that give it an almost white Burgundy-like bouquet, then adds crisp, linear notes of citrus. Firmly structured and fresh, this is worth holding a few years to see how it develops.
Domaine Mule Blanche
89
39
Rhône Valley
Crozes-Hermitage
null
Rhône-style White Blend
Paul Jaboulet Aîné
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2007 Domaine Mule Blanche White (Crozes-Hermitage)
US
From one of the most impressive vineyards located at the region's far-western edge, this bottling offers rounded and ripe red-cherry aromas with sharper pomegranate elements, dried fennel, mint, light tobacco, sesame and thyme on the nose. The palate combines wild sagebrush and a minty eucalyptus flavor with candied cherries, leaning more toward herbal depth than ripe fruit.
Radian Vineyard
94
58
California
Sta. Rita Hills
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
Pali
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
Pali 2014 Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
US
Rustic and simple, this has some decent cherry-berry flavors. Drink up.
The Grass Cutter
82
12
California
California
California Other
Red Blend
Cambridge & Sunset
null
null
null
US
Silhouette is Merryvale's small-production best of barrels blend from the winery's various vineyards. The '08 is a success, showing brisk acidity and new oak and yeast flavors and a creamy texture framing ripe pineapple, pear and mineral flavors. It's an elegant wine that shouldn't be served too cold.
Silhouette
93
55
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Chardonnay
Merryvale
null
null
null
US
Fruits, flowers and spice should lead the nose and bathe the palate with this Nebbiolo, but the wine falls flat, with bitter, sweet flavors that are astringent in nature and lack elegance.
Estate Bottled
80
15
Ohio
Ohio
null
Nebbiolo
Hermes
Susan Kostrzewa
@suskostrzewa
Hermes 2006 Estate Bottled Nebbiolo (Ohio)
Italy
Citrus blossom and peach aromas open while the zesty palate offers rennet apple, lemon drop and almond. Crisp acidity and a mineral note lead to a tangy finish.
Ceròu
87
18
Northeastern Italy
Collio
null
Pinot Grigio
Ascevi Luwa
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Ascevi Luwa 2014 Ceròu Pinot Grigio (Collio)
Italy
This fresh and easy Sicilian white is a blend of Insolia, Grecanico and Catarratto with easy citrus and stone fruit aromas. Pair it with Chinese chicken salad.
Regaleali
85
10
Sicily & Sardinia
Sicilia
null
White Blend
Tasca d'Almerita
null
null
null
US
Marked by a lean minerality, this Chablis-style wine is not one of those fat, opulent Chards that dazzles with sheer richness. It's more subtle than that, and more acidic. Structure, in fact, is the name of the game here, with its lemon and lime flavors that barely break into green apples. Fine now, if not served too cold, and for the next 2–4 years. Beyond that, wines of this kind go quickly downhill.
Hat Trick Double L Vineyard
92
65
California
Santa Lucia Highlands
Central Coast
Chardonnay
Morgan
null
null
null
US
This dark red sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier smells like Dr. Pepper, has lively bubbles and leaves a dry, very fruity impression on the palate. Dark cherry and ripe plum flavors dominate.
Pinot Doonier
87
36
California
California
California Other
Sparkling Blend
Bonny Doon
Jim Gordon
@gordone_cellars
Bonny Doon 2014 Pinot Doonier Sparkling (California)
Italy
Funky aromas of farmyard, tire rubber and fetid flowers waft from the glass of this Nero d'Avola. The muddled palate offers stewed prune, overripe black plum and oaky vanilla alongside bitter, green sensations of old sage. Panebianco, Vinity.
Curma
84
35
Sicily & Sardinia
Sicilia
null
Nero d'Avola
Armosa
null
null
null
Italy
This Soave Classico shows a luminous golden color and subdued aromas of dried herbs and white mineral or talc powder. More fruit tones appear in the mouth, especially peach and citrus, and the wine is bright and polished on the close.
Grisela
86
18
Veneto
Soave Classico
null
Garganega
Tessari
null
null
null
Germany
Orange rind and tangerine aromas are enticing introductions to this brisk, exotically spiced spätlese. The palate is sweet, with yellow peach and Meyer lemon, but accented with hints of herbs and savory spices that bring to mind delicate South Indian cuisine. A touch of lemon-pith astringency and acidity adds tightness to the finish.
Bernkasteler Graben Spätlese
91
28
Mosel
null
null
Riesling
Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef)
null
null
null
France
With a higher proportion of Merlot (92%) than usual, this is a round, ripe wine released at just 20% of normal production. The generous texture and tannins are well integrated into the rich fruit. It's juicy, broad and showing the typical acidity of the vintage. With its tannic structure, the wine will age well. Drink from 2020.
null
94
109
Bordeaux
Pomerol
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Vieux Château Certan
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Vieux Château Certan 2013 Pomerol
US
Sweet, spicy and floral aromas start this stylish Viognier from Cooper. The wine has some heft with its honeyed layers of flowers, spice and fruit. It's elegant and approachable…a sultry sip.
null
86
21
Virginia
Virginia
null
Viognier
Cooper Vineyards
null
null
null
US
Here's a nice, dry Pinot from Mount Eden Vineyards ideal for drinking now. It's gentle in the mouth, with soft tannins and a boost of acidity to highlight the raspberry and cola flavors.
null
88
35
California
Santa Cruz Mountains
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
Domaine Eden
null
null
null
France
A toasty streak frames the overall character of this wine, resulting in aromas and flavors of wood-grilled peaches and lightly roasted walnut shells. The texture is round and fleshy, but a sweet spice and orange-oil lift help to keep the palate fresh and balanced.
Réserve Spéciale
86
15
Languedoc-Roussillon
Pays d'Oc
null
Viognier
Gérard Bertrand
null
null
null
France
Gently herbaceous with a character that also allows room for a creamy texture, this is a refreshing wine with a crisp edge, always in moderation. Drink this fresh wine now.
null
86
13
Southwest France
Côtes de Gascogne
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine du Tariquet
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Domaine du Tariquet 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Côtes de Gascogne)
Portugal
Yes, there is some elegance here as well as rich fruit and sweet perfumed juiciness. It's attractively fruity, uncomplex. Screwcap.
Aya Elegant
84
null
Alentejano
null
null
Portuguese Red
Logowines
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Logowines 2008 Aya Elegant Red (Alentejano)
Italy
Winemaker Barbara Tamburini is a rising star, and her l'Rennero Merlot is outstandingly juicy and succulent. Notes of ripe fruit such as black cherry and blueberry are backed by sweet spice and a rich, plush mouthfeel. The wine is powerful and chewy but also elegant and balanced at the same time.
I'Rennero
92
45
Tuscany
Val di Cornia Suvereto
null
Merlot
Gualdo del Re
null
null
Gualdo del Re 2004 I'Rennero Merlot (Val di Cornia Suvereto)
US
This wine seems overtaken with scents and flavors of tree tar and resin. The impression of pine resin cuts out the fruit, leaving some woody flavors in the finish.
Sams Valley Vineyard
85
25
Oregon
Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon
Merlot
Cliff Creek
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Cliff Creek 2012 Sams Valley Vineyard Merlot (Southern Oregon)
US
The color is a bit murky, but the wine offers sound, solid varietal aromas and plenty of sweet fruit. It's definitely front-loaded, with sweet cherry/berry and a nicely managed finish with a lick of chocolate. It shows the California influence of the winemaker, who is based in Santa Rosa.
Beran Vineyard
88
39
Oregon
Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir
Siduri
Paul Gregutt
@paulgwine 
Siduri 2006 Beran Vineyard Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
US
Curiously perfumed with notes of roasted hazelnuts and fresh apples, this is a savory, dry Chardonnay. Full bodied in style with notes of nut oil and nut skins throughout, it ends with a hint of wood sap astringency on the finish.
null
83
15
New York
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes
Chardonnay
Shaw
null
null
null
Italy
Jumara is a very oaky expression of Aglianico, with spicy background tones of cinnamon and chocolate, backed by roasted nut and cigar. There are dark fruit aromas here that will help this hearty wine evolve over the next 1–2 years.
Jumara
87
17
Southern Italy
Irpinia
null
Aglianico
I Capitani
null
null
I Capitani 2007 Jumara Aglianico (Irpinia)
US
Tasting sweet and hot, this sure is ripe. It has extracted flavors of jammy blackberry, cherry and cola. Drink now.
null
87
85
California
Chalk Hill
Sonoma
Merlot-Malbec
Chalk Hill
null
null
Chalk Hill 2009 Merlot-Malbec (Chalk Hill)
US
Salty wood and brine show this vineyard's straight shot to the sea, as bright lifted acidity helps to further prove the point. Focused and tense on the palate, there's a sharp, stony minerality that comes into play here, alongside etchings of lemon peel and green apple.
Gap's Crown Vineyard
91
45
California
Sonoma Coast
Sonoma
Chardonnay
Sojourn
Virginie Boone
@vboone
Sojourn 2015 Gap's Crown Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
US
Creamy and lush, this offers currents of tropical coconut complemented by floral gardenia and pear. Made in a fuller style than some of the winery's other vineyard-specific wines, the generosity of fruit is expertly offset by searingly pleasant acidity, sustaining it sip after sip.
Quail Hill Vineyard Old Wente
92
55
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Chardonnay
Lynmar
null
null
null
Spain
Varietally correct on the nose, this has green apple, grapefruit and floral aromas. It feels basic, tangy and linear, with notes of melon, citrus and a dry, crisp finish that's mildly briny and a touch bitter.
null
87
13
Northern Spain
Rueda
null
Verdejo
Legaris
null
null
null
France
Soft and creamy, this wine has an attractive burst of freshness with apple and citrus flavors. Lightly textured and fruity, it is ready to drink.
null
86
18
Burgundy
Bourgogne
null
Chardonnay
Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Jean-Luc and Paul Aegerter 2014 Bourgogne
US
The name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but this is a pretty good wine. Smooth and velvety, with earth-tinged berry, coffee and spice flavors, this gets better as it warms and breathes in the glass.
SyrCab
89
32
California
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma
Syrah-Cabernet
B.R. Cohn
null
null
null
US
From Gallo's Central Coast brand, a lean, tart and minerally Chardonnay marked by flavors of flint and lime just veering into tart green apple. Extremely well made, and not without interest, but if big, blowsy Chards are your thing, look elsewhere.
null
87
16
California
Monterey County
Central Coast
Chardonnay
Anapamu
null
null
Anapamu 2001 Chardonnay (Monterey County)
US
Shows the extreme dryness, crisp acidity, flowers and minerality that often mark Carneros Chadonnays, which makes it elegant and sleek. With a touch of Meyer lemons and limes, it rises to richness. Drink now.
null
87
18
California
Carneros
Napa-Sonoma
Chardonnay
Carneros Highway
null
null
null
US
Certainly a bigger, denser wine than the Carneros Pinot. The plummy-berry flavors are wrapped in sturdy, rich tannins, with extra notes of earth and herbs. Feels weighty on the palate, a wine of importance, not to mention elegance. The density suggests meats on the bone.
Reserve
91
50
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Pinot Noir
Robert Mondavi
null
null
Robert Mondavi 2001 Reserve Pinot Noir (Napa Valley)
France
This is an unusual rosé for Champagne. It is made 100% from Pinot Noir rather than a blend. And it is made by getting color directly from the fermenting grapes rather than the normal Champagne process of adding red wine. The result is a dark-colored rosé that has a tannic structure as well as red fruits. It is rich and concentrated with ripeness rather than great freshness. It is definitely a food wine.
Brut Rosé de Saignée
87
40
Champagne
Champagne
null
Pinot Noir
Vollereaux
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Vollereaux NV Brut Rosé de Saignée Pinot Noir (Champagne)
South Africa
Medium-intense aromas of pear, red apple skin and delicate sweet spice appear on the nose, while accents of toast and limey citrus unfold in the mouth. Vibrant and easy to drink with a clean, softly wooded finish. Try with grilled steak fish like swordfish or mahi mahi.
Isabella
86
24
Stellenbosch
null
null
Chardonnay
Muratie
null
null
null
US
This wine opens with potential that is realized as it develops in the glass. It starts powerfully grippy and closed, then earthy loam and dried herb emerge aromatically before bites of black cherry and pomegranate tease the palate.
Starr Ridge Vineyard Estate
88
62
California
Russian River Valley
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
Thomas George
Virginie Boone
@vboone
Thomas George 2012 Starr Ridge Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Argentina
On the nose, aromas of sweet, red hard candy mingle with a note of animal fur. Fairly tannic and lively in the mouth, this has herbal, rubbery flavors alongside jumpy red-berry fruit. The finish is a bit abrasive.
Staccato Made with Organically Grown Grapes
84
10
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon
Caligiore
Michael Schachner
@wineschach
Caligiore 2011 Staccato Made with Organically Grown Grapes Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
Italy
Aged for a year in new oak, this hefty wine opens with aromas of vanilla, chocolate, plum and toast. The dense, juicy palate delivers concentrated blackberry, blueberry extract and vanilla, but you'll also notice an alcoholic warmth.
Don Antonio
89
42
Sicily & Sardinia
Sicilia
null
Nero d'Avola
Morgante
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Morgante 2011 Don Antonio Nero d'Avola (Sicilia)
US
Oregon has always made great Rieslings, yet few of the state's winemakers have ever made it a priority. Trisaetum's James Frey is out to change that, and is off to a great start. This 2008, like its predecessor, captures the complexity, grace and compelling charm of the grape. Dense and still light, it brings honey, tea, lemon, nectarine, jasmine, lime, caramel and sweet nut flavors together, a riotous jumble that is beyond delicious. But wait; it will improve with cellaring.
null
94
24
Oregon
Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley
Riesling
Trisaetum
null
null
null
Australia
Daryl Groom has turned out a reasonably bold, intense Sauvignon Blanc that weighs in under 13% alcohol yet manages to avoid tasting malnourished or underripe. Fig, melon and citrus aromas and flavors hit the right buttons, then finish on a lingering note. Drink now.
null
90
18
South Australia
Adelaide Hills
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Groom
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Groom 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Adelaide Hills)
France
Gorgeously nuanced nose, with almond, marzipan, melon, lime and fresia up front, set against a palate of Brazil nut and cinnamon toast. Soft and lush, the long finish picks up a nutmeg accent. Noticeable sweetness suggests this wine will work well as an apéritif. Drink now for its freshness or cellar a few years for more complexity.
Grand Cru Mambourg
89
35
Alsace
Alsace
null
Pinot Gris
Pierre Sparr
null
null
null
Italy
Jammy notes of strawberry and raspberry preserves open the nose of this overripe Morellino di Scansano. The wine is dark and concentrated but all that mature fruit leaves a raw, chewy sensation on the finish.
null
83
20
Tuscany
Morellino di Scansano
null
Sangiovese
Poggio Lungo
null
null
null
US
Dry, earthy and a little simple, this Chard has flavors of herbs, pears and oak, and is soft in acidity. For another two dollars, you're better off buying Beaulieu's beautiful Carneros Chardonnay.
null
84
18
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Chardonnay
Beaulieu Vineyard
null
null
null
US
This tastes like buttered toast, topped with orange marmalade and vanilla. The crisp acidity makes it feel bright and clean.
null
87
10
California
Sonoma County
Sonoma
Chardonnay
Geyser Peak
null
null
null
South Africa
A gorgeous, single-vineyard Chenin Blanc that shows great complexity and balance. The bouquet is initially seductive and oaky, but it subsides with time to integrate with the ripe melon, mango and yellow peach scents. Developed and slightly honeyed, the palate is lush and round. Almond, honeysuckle and soft sweet spice flavors stay through the long close. Tasty now, but should age nicely through 2015.
Honeybunch Reserve
91
39
Stellenbosch
null
null
Chenin Blanc
Remhoogte
Lauren Buzzeo
@laurbuzz
Remhoogte 2010 Honeybunch Reserve Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch)
US
Brisk in acidity and bone dry, this Pinot is elegant, although it falls short on opulence. The flavors are of sour cherry candy and cola.
Charles Vineyard Zero New Oak
87
38
California
Anderson Valley
null
Pinot Noir
Foursight
null
null
Foursight 2009 Charles Vineyard Zero New Oak Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
Germany
Fans of this sometimes kinky grape variety will probably feel this rating is too low. This wine starts of with hints of Scheurebe's wild side, offering up hints of something resembling Sauvignon Blanc, then adding almost tropical fruit and currant and pink grapefruit flavors tinged with just enough residual sugar for balance. A wild ride, but an enjoyable one.
Ungsteiner Herrenberg Spätlese
89
30
Pfalz
null
null
Scheurebe
Pfeffingen
Joe Czerwinski
@JoeCz
Pfeffingen 2007 Ungsteiner Herrenberg Spätlese Scheurebe (Pfalz)
US
The wines from this remote ranch off of Jalama Road combine mossy forest-floor touches with dark hearty aromas, in this case showing pine, rust, juniper, thyme and purple fruit on the nose. The texture is grippy, and there is cranberry fruit in the background, but the palate's attention turns mostly to eucalyptus, dark spice and even tobacco toward the finish.
Estate
93
45
California
Santa Barbara County
Central Coast
Pinot Noir
JCR
Matt Kettmann
@mattkettmann
JCR 2014 Estate Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
Italy
At age 20, this fantastic wine proves the serious aging potential of top Etna Biancos. Boasting intriguing depth and complexity, it delivers layers of lemon drop, dried apricot, ginger, dried Mediterranean herb and star anise with an intriguing balsamic note and a mineral-driven finish.
Pietramarina Bianco Superiore
92
195
Sicily & Sardinia
Etna
null
Carricante
Benanti
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Benanti 1994 Pietramarina Bianco Superiore (Etna)
France
The aromas are attractive, perfumed with berries and fresh red fruits. The palate has black currant acidity, a rustic edge and a soft layer of tannin. The wine is very fresh, probably too much so.
null
83
null
Burgundy
Bourgogne
null
Pinot Noir
Pierre Olivier
null
null
null
Portugal
Made from a collection of old varieties, with delicious ripe fruit, dark tannins and a powerful structure. The texture is surrounded by sweet fruit, super-rich plums, black figs, the exuberant fruit balanced by a more austere, serious side.
Rol de Coisas Antigas
91
18
Bairrada
null
null
Portuguese Red
Campolargo
null
null
null
France
Intensely herbaceous, this is a crisp, lemon and grapefruit-driven wine. Bright and fruity, it has a touch of minerality to keep it structured. Drink now.
null
88
12
Bordeaux
Entre-Deux-Mers
null
Bordeaux-style White Blend
Château les Arromans
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Château les Arromans 2013 Entre-Deux-Mers
US
At nearly seven years in age, this 100% Cabernet is still offering ripe, fresh blackberry, cassis liqueur, dark chocolate and oak flavors. It feels young, with firm, hard tannins, but very fine and complex. Just at the beginning of its journey, it will easily reward further cellaring. Hold until 2015, at the very least.
Meteor Vineyard
93
135
California
Napa Valley
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tom Eddy
null
null
Tom Eddy 2005 Meteor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US
While the aroma is a touch earthy, the flavors in this full-bodied and plush-textured wine resemble honey, peach and almond. With a hint of sweetness to round out the mouthfeel, this could be a good match for a wide variety of cheeses.
Mamma Mia
85
23
California
Sierra Foothills
Sierra Foothills
White Blend
Naggiar
null
null
null
Portugal
A firmly structured wine, its tannins well bedded into perfumed black plum fruits. It has juicy, fresh acidity over the rich fruits, giving brightness to an otherwise weighty wine.
null
90
24
Alentejano
null
null
Syrah
Cortes de Cima
null
null
null
Italy
Underbrush, tilled soil, violet, pressed rose petal and ripe berry aromas emerge on this polished, full-bodied red. The palate shows nice tension, offering juicy wild cherry, raspberry, ground clove, cinnamon and chopped herb framed by fine-grained tannins. A licorice note closes the firm finish.
null
93
60
Piedmont
Barbaresco
null
Nebbiolo
Pio Cesare
Kerin O’Keefe
@kerinokeefe
Pio Cesare 2011 Barbaresco
US
A beautiful nose introduces a Cabernet built upon clean, precise, supple yet muscular fruit. This is a really nice bottle, still quite youthful, with beautiful primary fruit scents and flavors. The barrel tannins still need to soften up a bit.
null
90
30
Washington
Walla Walla Valley (WA)
Columbia Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tulpen
null
null
null
US
There's a little oak on this wine, just enough to give it a soft, smoky edge. Otherwise, the star is the Albariño grape, tart with acidity and juicy with citrus, green apple, peach and white-flower flavors. Try it as an interesting alternative to Pinot Gris.
null
88
22
California
Edna Valley
Central Coast
Albariño
LaZarre
null
null
LaZarre 2012 Albariño (Edna Valley)
Argentina
Minty, herbal and slightly grassy on the nose, and of course there's berry fruit to boot. The palate has normal feel and balance, with regular red fruit flavors from the currant and cherry family. Lengthy on the finish, but overall it's as basic as they come.
null
84
10
Mendoza Province
Mendoza
null
Malbec
Vila
null
null
null
US
A spicy, stewy Barbera that's medium in weight, soft and earthy—like a weathered leather saddle. It finishes long and soft, swaddled in plum flavor.
null
87
20
California
Amador County
Sierra Foothills
Barbera
IL Gioiello
Virginie Boone
@vboone
IL Gioiello 2008 Barbera (Amador County)
Italy
Elegant and vibrant, this luminous Prosecco from the celebrated Cartizze cru offers aromas of white flower, talc powder and stone fruit. Persistent bubbling is offset by sweet peach flavors.
Belcanto Cartizze
88
24
Veneto
Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze
null
Glera
Bellussi
null
null
Bellussi NV Belcanto Cartizze (Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze)
France
Big and bold, this is real Chambertin, a dense mouthful of plum fruit and tannin. It is foursquare, solid but not overbearing, leaving room for a delicious mix of black fruits and power leavened with some acidity. Age this wine for 10 years.
null
96
575
Burgundy
Chambertin Clos de Bèze
null
Pinot Noir
Bouchard Père & Fils
Roger Voss
@vossroger
Bouchard Père & Fils 2006 Chambertin Clos de Bèze
US
Ever have a cherry cola? That's what this Pinot tastes like, along with toasty oak, the sweet heat of alcohol and peppery spices. It's a translucent ruby color, with a light, silky body. Drink up.
null
87
27
California
Sonoma Coast
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
The Forager
null
null
The Forager 2011 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
US
A simple Cabernet, the kind to drink at a party and not fuss. It's dry and smooth, with berry and herb flavors.
null
84
13
California
Mendocino
Mendocino/Lake Counties
Cabernet Sauvignon
Heron
null
null
null
Australia
Howard Park's single-vineyard wines continue to impress for their value and consistency. The 2004 Leston is a richly textured, velvety Cab, marked by earthy, loamy scents and classic cassis, vanilla and tobacco flavors. Drink 2009–2015.
Leston
91
20
Western Australia
Margaret River
null
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howard Park
null
null
null
Spain
Solabal captures the essence of Rioja reserva with this fairly oaked, fruity wine. The palate is tight and demanding, with proper acid-to-tannin balance. Flavors of wild raspberry and plum are lively, while the finish shows some creaminess, tobacco and warmth. Drink now and over the next two years.
Reserva
91
28
Northern Spain
Rioja
null
Tempranillo Blend
Solabal
null
null
null
New Zealand
Pineapple and grapefruit flavors are accented by hints of tomato leaf, meaning this conforms to the basic Marlborough profile that blends fruit with grassy, herbal notes. Pretty good, it just fades a bit quickly on the finish.
null
86
18
Marlborough
null
null
Sauvignon Blanc
Dashwood
null
null
null
US
This little-sung (outside of Washington) winery makes an eagerly-awaited rosé of cabernet franc each spring, but here is the real deal. One hundred percent varietal, it puts the lie to the notion that cabernet franc must be tannic and tough. Here it is fragrant, firm and tart, with spicy apple, plum, date, fig and even golden raisin flavors. Interested, complex and beautifully crafted, without obvious oak and just 13 percent alcohol.
null
89
20
Washington
Yakima Valley
Columbia Valley
Cabernet Franc
Chinook
null
null
null
US
Dry and tannic, this Syrah has some juicy blackberry, blueberry, beef jerky and black pepper flavors. The underlying wine feels too soft, even though there are brusque acids toward the finish. Ready now.
Pine Hawk West Vineyard
84
24
California
Paso Robles
Central Coast
Syrah
D'Anbino
null
null
null
Australia
Cullen's Diana Madeline is amazingly consistent from year to year, and the 2006 continues that tradition. It's maybe a touch fuller-bodied and rounder than some years, but maintains a sense of restraint and a timeless blend of tobacco, cedar and cassis, finishing with a flourish of mint.
Diana Madeline
90
75
Western Australia
Margaret River
null
Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Cullen
null
null
null
Italy
This vibrant, linear wine opens with aromas of lemon-lime, pear and a whiff of alpine herb. The vertical palate offers crunchy apple, white grapefruit and a hint of mango alongside zesty acidity.
null
89
20
Northeastern Italy
Alto Adige Valle Isarco
null
Kerner
Abbazia di Novacella
null
null
null
US
Good price for a bubbly of this quality. Shows a nice spectrum of citrus, yeast and strawberry flavors that finish dry, crisp and clean, if a little rough. Drink now.
Brut
85
17
California
Sonoma County
Sonoma
Sparkling Blend
Piper Sonoma
null
null
null