spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Germany	“Feinherb” isn't an officially defined term, but it's generally understood to mean a wine that's slightly drier than might be expected without being fully dry. This is a medium-bodied, slightly sweet wine, with notes of honey and paraffin alongside citrus fruit. Drink it over the next year or two.	Feinherb	87	18	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Dr. Pauly Bergweiler	null	null	null
New Zealand	On the grassy, leaner side of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc spectrum, with grapefruit aromas accented by pungent, herbal scents. Despite the citrus and herb flavors, it's actually a bit weightier than many Marlborough Sauvignons, yet finishes clean and fresh.	Woodthorpe	86	18	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Te Mata	null	null	null
Argentina	Earthy and deep from head to tail. The nose offers fresh compost, loamy berry, cola and overriding richness. Feels smooth and layered across the palate, with dark berry, pepper and bitter chocolate flavors. Blackened on the finish and toasty; 50% Malbec with four additional Bordeaux varieties.	Don Tiburcio	90	14	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Red Blend	Benegas	null	null	null
US	On opening, the oak on this Carneros Chard was overwhelming in smoke and char, giving the pear, Meyer lemon and kiwi flavors a woody undertow. As it breathes, it softens and unifies, but it's still a Hulk of a wine.	Lot 57	85	12	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Cameron Hughes	null	null	null
Germany	Thirty bucks may seem like a lot for an entry-level Riesling, but this is an exemplary example. Aromas of wet stones, moss and spring flowers are mouthwatering, and then are followed by a complex array of nonfruity flavors, like stones and greens carried along by a mouthfeel that's light as a feather. Tart pineapple emerges on the long finish. Drink anytime over the next 10 years.	Scharzhof	90	29	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Egon Müller	null	null	null
Canada	Anise, blackberry and pepper on the nose and palate create an appealing Merlot that is nonetheless a touch acidic. Balance it with a rich meat stew or duck entrée.	First Growth	84	50	Ontario	Niagara Peninsula	null	Merlot	Reif Estate	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Reif Estate 2002 First Growth Merlot (Niagara Peninsula)
US	Rich in apricot and orange marmalade, crème brûlée and vanilla flavors, this dessert sipper has a soft, honeyed richness. The residual sugar is 14.1%, making it fabulously sweet.	Late Harvest	88	20	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Gewürztraminer	Husch	null	null	null
US	Sharp, spicy, tastes of apples, with plenty of flesh. Ripe and straightforward, showing none of the sugar, vanilla and excessive oak chip flavors of most cheap Chardonnays. Solid winemaking, juicy acids, and a fine food wine for six bucks.	null	87	6	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Chardonnay	Pine & Post	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Pine & Post 2006 Chardonnay (Washington)
Chile	Montes Folly is the benchmark by which all other Chilean Syrahs must measure themselves. Yes, it's entirely New World in its approach, but how can you gripe about such a potent brew of balsam wood, tanned leather, licorice, mineral and monster black fruit? The palate is big but balanced by live-wire acidity, and even at 15% alcohol it's harmonious. A real winner; one of the best Folly wines to date.	Folly	93	95	Santa Cruz	null	null	Syrah	Montes	null	null	null
US	It's hard to understand how they got this massively ripe fruit from grapes with only 13 percent alcohol. Theories abound. It tastes late-picked, almost porty, with currant, coffee and chocolate flavors, and is full-bodied and dry.	null	84	30	California	Green Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Guerrero Fernandez	null	null	null
France	Fruity and perfumed, this is an attractive, juicy wine. Red berry and red currant fruits from the 27-acre estate give the wine freshness, gently underlined by the tannins. Drink from 2017.	null	86	20	Bordeaux	Francs Côtes de Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château les Charmes Godard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château les Charmes Godard 2012 Francs Côtes de Bordeaux
US	The aromas are reserved, with notes of wood spice at the fore along with chocolate, vanilla and dark fruit. The chocolate-covered-cherry flavors show polish, backed by lightly grainy tannins.	Heritage	90	48	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Browne Family Vineyards	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	Juicy but not quite ripe, this is a green and herbal wine that is not worth aging. Drink it over the next few years.	null	83	18	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Laride	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Laride 2011 Haut-Médoc
US	Showing quite a bit of tannins and acids, this is a very young wine, of a kind that isn't seen all that much in Russian River Valley these days. Swan makes their Pinots the old-fashioned way, for aging. Dry and astringent, the wine has a deep core of cherry and blackberry fruit, almost like a Merlot, except for the silkiness. Stick this in your cellar until 2008, at least.	Great Oak Vineyard	90	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Joseph Swan Vineyards	null	null	null
France	This is still a young wine, with its youthful structure of dark, stalky tannins still in place. It offers juicy black-currant flavors as well as fresh acidity and a dry aftertaste. The wine comes from a vineyard named after the 17th-century French philosopher Montesquieu. Drink from 2017.	Clos Montesquieu	87	36	Bordeaux	Graves	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château des Fougères	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château des Fougères 2012 Clos Montesquieu (Graves)
Italy	La Cala is a fun and easy expression of Vermentino from the sunny island of Sardinia that shows bright citrus notes backed by tones of honeysuckle and wild sage. Pair this wine with fried calamari.	La Cala	86	14	Sicily & Sardinia	Vermentino di Gallura	null	Vermentino	Sella & Mosca	null	null	Sella & Mosca 2008 La Cala (Vermentino di Gallura)
US	Made from 100% Cabernet, this shows the tremendous richness and concentration of previous vintages of this wine, which was aged in 90% new French oak. Huge and flashy in cherry, blackberry and raspberry fruit, gorgeous, sumptuous, fat, although purists will insist it's too much of a good thing. Hard to predict its longterm future, but the next six years are assured.	Exzellenz Sacrashe Vineyard	92	165	California	Rutherford	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Hall	null	null	null
US	This 100% Cabernet's dark, saturated color testifies to its extracted ripeness and richness. It's a gigantic wine, buried at the moment under smoky oak, but tremendous underneath in blackberry, cherry, currant, sweet herb, violet and cured meat flavors. A big success even in this vintage. Now, with decanting, and through 2019.	Campbell Vineyard	94	75	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Honig	null	null	null
France	This apricot and honey flavored wine is both rich and fresh. The balance between the sweetness, the botrytis and the acidity is just right. It will go well with blue cheese or pâté. Drink from 2015.	Toute une Histoire	91	null	Southwest France	Jurançon	null	Petit Manseng	Domaine Nigri	null	null	null
Argentina	Dry and toasty on the nose, but tart, racy and raspy on the palate. The raspberry and cherry flavors are sharp and fall off to dry and lean as the wine progresses.	Amadores Limited Edition	82	16	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Pinot Noir	Palo Alto	null	null	null
US	This densely textured, deeply flavored wine showcases the beauty of old vines in Amador terroir. It has an opaque color, opulent clove, blackberry and cassis aromas, and ripe, jammy flavors that drench the palate yet are supported by tannins firm enough to keep it balanced and appetizing. Best after 2020.	Grandpère Special Reserve	92	50	California	Amador County	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Renwood	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Renwood 2014 Grandpère Special Reserve Zinfandel (Amador County)
US	This wine is a blend of about equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a balance of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The nose is toast and oak driven, bringing notes of charred currant and dark-roast coffee. Medium bodied on the palate, structured tannins offer support to flavors of racy red and black currant, red plum skin and toasted vanilla.	null	86	34	Virginia	Virginia	null	Meritage	Rappahannock Cellars	Alexander Peartree	null	Rappahannock Cellars 2012 Meritage (Virginia)
France	There is great structure here, with dusty tannins percolating through the rich wine. It has power, concentration and density, with cocoa and cherry flavors well integrated. Think about aging for 1–2 years.	Sélection	90	null	Beaujolais	Moulin-à-Vent	null	Gamay	Georges Duboeuf	null	null	null
Portugal	Bright and fruity, with a tannic edge, this is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah. This is food friendly, with a rich red-fruit flavor that's cut with a caramel note and strawberry acidity.	Conde de Vimioso Colheita Seleccionada	85	9	Tejo	null	null	Rosé	Falua	null	null	null
Italy	This earthy Tuscan offers aromas that recall underbrush, berries, violet and spice. The juicy palate delivers ripened dark cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon-spice alongside chewy tannins and fresh acidity.	null	88	25	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	Querciavalle	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Querciavalle 2010 Chianti Classico
US	This Pinot's parts haven't found each other yet. There's big, ripe raspberry and cherry fruit, sweet, toasty oak, brisk acids and firm tannins, yet they form an unruly confederation. Stash this in the cellar until at least 2020.	Rosella's Vineyard	89	65	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Bernardus	null	null	Bernardus 2012 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
US	Give this Merlot some time to breathe before serving. Right out of the bottle, it's tough, gritty and tannic. It will never be a mellow wine, but it does have nice black-cherry and licorice flavors.	null	84	25	California	Paicines	Central Coast	Merlot	Donati	null	null	null
New Zealand	A rich, lush blend of tropical and stone fruits, partially barrel-fermented to add a creamy texture and subtle spice notes. Seductive and supple in the mouth but with a solid backbone of acidity that keeps it from turning soft or mushy.	Reserve	90	25	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Matariki	null	null	null
US	Lead pencil and hints of gravel come from Red Mountain fruit, with some of the welcome funk and grit in place from the Boushey Vineyard. Lovely aromas suggest violets and white pepper and hints of smoky chocolate. Smooth, tart, tasting of cherry and berry.	Jolie Bouche	89	34	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Efeste	null	null	null
US	Actually a blend of Zin plus 10 other minor varietals in an old field blend, this complex wine fascinates with its intricately interlocked flavors. There's a sensation a second. Bottom line: This wine is delicious, ripely sweet although technically dry, and ageworthy.	Heritage Vines Alegria Vineyards	91	28	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Acorn	null	null	Acorn 2000 Heritage Vines Alegria Vineyards Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
US	With aromas like sweet vanilla and candied cherries, and similarly syrupy flavors, this might make a better after-dinner wine than a table wine. The acidity and tannins are very subdued, so the overt fruitiness and oaky sweetness take over.	The Other	84	13	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Red Blend	Peirano	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Peirano 2012 The Other Red (Lodi)
Italy	Here's a well-evolved and sophisticated expression of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes (the traditional blend of most Valpolicella wines) that opens with intense aromas of barbecue spice, dark chocolate, prune, cola and cherry liqueur.	Semonte Alto	90	25	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Venturini Massimino	null	null	Venturini Massimino 2007 Semonte Alto (Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso)
US	An everyday sort of Pinot. At this price, it's worth investigating for wine lovers curious about this popular variety, but who don't want to spend an arm and a leg. It's rich in raspberries, cola and spices.	Huntington	85	21	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Pali	null	null	null
New Zealand	Among St. Clair's 2009 range of block Savvies, this is among the sweatiest, with pungent nettle and almost-asparagus notes on the nose. Yet on the palate, the wine is full-bodied, round and concentrated, with nectarine and honey elements punched up by bright herbal tones. Long and intense on the finish. Drink now.	Pioneer Block 20 Cash Block	89	24	Marlborough	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Saint Clair	null	null	null
Portugal	Viognier and Alvarinho are not native to the Alentejo but the region's heat adds warmth and richness. This refreshing wine's acidity and citrus flavors are balanced by the ripe yellow fruit and pineapple. Partially aged in wood, it needs a few more months. Drink from 2018.	Reserva Branco	90	null	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese White	Monte da Ravasqueira	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Monte da Ravasqueira 2015 Reserva Branco White (Alentejano)
US	Shows the rustic tannins and ripe to overripe flavors you often find in Foothills Zin, with wild berries, currants and raisins. Fine with barbecue, pizza, tacos and similar fare that calls for a lusty, dry red wine.	Old Vine Rio Volpe	84	35	California	Shenandoah Valley (CA)	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Bella Piazza	null	null	null
Portugal	An exotic blend including Pinot Noir and Merlot along with Portuguese varieties, taking its name from two local villages with saint's names. It has acidity and an awkward bitter edge, with tough black fruits. Maybe it needs time for the wine to soften and meld with the tight acidity.	null	89	25	Bairrada	null	null	Pinot Noir	Campolargo	null	null	null
Argentina	Earthy and a bit foresty on the nose, with a leather accent to the berry aromas. Full and reasonably sound across the palate, which offers baked berry and coffee flavors in front of a modest, leathery finish.	Reserva	86	12	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Santa Julia	null	null	null
Germany	Cutting and crisp, this wine is a showcase for the complexities that exist beneath its austere mineral style. On the palate, fresh apple and pear notes are glazed by a crush of wet mineral stones. It's a refreshingly, mouth quenching wine that finishes taut and pristine.	Trabener Würzgarten Kabinett Trocken	89	40	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Villa Huesgen	null	null	null
Spain	Oaky aromas of maple and molasses are overriding and ponderous. In the mouth, this is tannic and punishing. Flavors of coconut and chocolate are overly dominant, leaving nothing but candied stickiness and wood resin on the finish.	Reserva	82	19	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Larchago	null	null	null
Italy	Floral aromas, white peach and mineral tones make for a harmonious and elegant sparkler with a pretty, vibrant appearance in the glass. Fruity, nutty flavors add sophistication and elegance in the mouth.	Extra Dry	86	13	Veneto	Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Carmina	null	null	Carmina NV Extra Dry (Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene)
US	With its juicy, concentrated peach, nectarine and apple flavors, the Célèbre is Dr. Frank's more approachable, easy-going sparkling. It's fruity, forward and delicately sweet yet maintains steadfast acidity and a soft, foamy mouthfeel.	Célèbre	89	21	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Sparkling Blend	Dr. Konstantin Frank	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Dr. Konstantin Frank NV Célèbre Sparkling (Finger Lakes)
US	The mouthfeel is brittle and the acidity is brisk on this good regional expression of Pinot Noir. It shows the variety's silkiness, with sour cherry candy, cranberry and rhubarb tea flavors. Drink now–2016.	Reserve	88	40	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Balverne	null	null	null
Australia	It's berries, all berries in the 2008 Flying Piano Shiraz. The nose offers up raspberry and cherry pie while blackberry tones dominate the smooth palate. A nice chocolate note chimes in on the short finish.	Flying Piano Hand Select	84	11	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	Shiraz	Ozwell Vintners	null	null	null
Spain	Peach, citrus and other simple but pure aromas give this Verdejo a proper if somewhat rote opening. The palate is tangy and cleansing, with lemon and apple in the lead. Finishes a bit acidic, but with freshness and a clean get-away. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.	null	87	14	Northern Spain	Rueda	null	Verdejo	Marqués de Irún	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Marqués de Irún 2007 Verdejo (Rueda)
US	This opens with a strong sense of coconut that abruptly hits pomegranate and cranberry on the palate. The sweetness of the coconut dissipates on the finish, which veers slightly sour.	Estate Bottled	84	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Spring Mountain Vineyard	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Spring Mountain Vineyard 2011 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	This single-vineyard exploration shows a more tropical side than the winery's other Chardonnays. Rich, rounded notes of honeysuckle, lemon custard and apple cider characterize the nose. The palate is reserved compared to the showy aromas, with buttered peach and green-apple flavors.	Rincon VIneyard	90	48	California	Arroyo Grande Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Testarossa	null	null	null
US	With a little Petite Sirah and Carignane added for complexity, this is a beautiful Zinfandel meant for drinking now. It has fresh, zesty flavors of wild raspberries, cherries, blueberries and red currants, with notes of licorice, cocoa and pepper. Notable new oak adds even richer elements of vanilla and smoke.	null	90	28	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Ferrari-Carano	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a light and brilliantly crystalline Prosecco Brut with subtle aromas of mineral, white flowers and stone fruit. The easy bubbly—made by a sisters-only team—closes with a playful touch of bitter almond.	Brut	87	18	Veneto	Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Sorelle Bronca	null	null	null
Italy	Hands down one of Italy's best whites, this boasts alluring white flower and yellow stone fruit scents. The enveloping, delicious palate delivers white peach, mature pear, ginger and lemon drop flavors. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors while a mineral note energizes the finish.	La Froscà	94	29	Veneto	Soave Classico	null	Garganega	Gini	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Gini 2015 La Froscà (Soave Classico)
US	A bright, tart mix of fruit runs a gamut from citrus to apple to cherry. Flavors suggest young vines; clean, juicy and tasty with pure but simple fruit. A wine to enjoy while it's in the bloom of youth.	null	88	29	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Malbec	Beresan	null	null	null
Portugal	Crisp, structured wine, showing the fruit skin and bite that makes Arinto such an interesting variety. There is an orange zest edge, emphasizing lightness, freshness, finishing a delicious wine.	Grand'Arte Arinto	88	13	Estremadura	null	null	Arinto	DFJ Vinhos	null	null	null
Spain	Sweet melon, peach and vanilla aromas come with a tropical leaning. The mouthfeel trends toward flat, while modest flavors of apple and melon are supported by soft, melony acidity. While this is good, it's on the flat and flabby side.	null	86	23	Northern Spain	Valdeorras	null	Godello	Casal Novo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Casal Novo 2011 Godello (Valdeorras)
US	This compelling and delicious bottling has a grand bearing, sophisticated flavors and elegant texture, like something the staff at Downton Abbey would serve. The aromas are lightly smoky and spicy, like white pepper and walnuts. Flavors are subtle, dry but somehow rich, as hints of white peach, almond and dried cherry develop.	Reserve	94	110	California	North Coast	North Coast	Champagne Blend	Schramsberg	null	null	null
Spain	Instantly recognizable in its distinctive black bottle, this perennial favorite shouts “Par-tay!” right out of the glass. Beery, tart and tangy, it’s fine by itself but even better as a mixer bubbly.	Cordon Negro Brut	84	8	Catalonia	Penedès	null	Champagne Blend	Freixenet	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Freixenet NV Cordon Negro Brut (Penedès)
US	The underlying fruit on this unoaked Chardonnay doesn't need the richness of barrels in order to satisfy. Its flavors are enormously rich and ripe, with notes of tropical fruits, oranges, vanilla and spices. Interestingly, it's also much higher in alcohol than Foxen's oaked Chardonnays, giving it an almost dessert wine headiness.	Steel Cut Bien Nacido Vineyard	90	32	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Foxen	null	null	null
France	An intense, dark-colored wine, flavored with spice, tobacco, hints of mint and dark berry fruits. It's certainly rich, but the tannins do come through along with some green pepper flavors to finish.	La Montée de l'Epine	86	null	Loire Valley	Anjou	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Domaine Philippe Delesvaux	null	null	null
US	This is a lovely bottle from this Idaho producer with notes of hay, butter, spice and melon. It has a broad, creamy feel that lingers on the finish.	French Creek Vineyard	89	28	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Chardonnay	Periple	null	null	null
Italy	Loaded with bright red fruit and sweet red candy, this Chianti from Siena Province shows a pristine and lively interpretation of Sangiovese.	Terra di Siena	86	null	Tuscany	Chianti Colli Senesi	null	Sangiovese	Tenuta di Trecciano	null	null	null
Italy	A victim of the vintage, this light-bodied wine styled for early drinking shows decent cherry, earth and tobacco flavors but comes up lean and drying on the finish.	null	83	10	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Sangiovese	Tenuta Caparzo	null	null	null
US	Pretty red fruit leads the nose on this blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, along with brown spices, anise and chopped herbs. The forest flavors are strong, with pine sap and eucalyptus, as riper boysenberry fruit emerges with chopped oregano and thyme.	Wanderlust	93	35	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	G-S-M	Zenaida Cellars	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Zenaida Cellars 2011 Wanderlust G-S-M (Paso Robles)
Spain	Bread, vanilla cookie and pear scents drive the bouquet on this nature Cava. A citrusy, medium-bodied palate shows flavors of cider, brined apple and mixed citrus fruits, while the finish is salty, with notes of orange and grapefruit.	Gran Reserva Brut Nature	87	20	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Bohigas	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bohigas NV Gran Reserva Brut Nature Sparkling (Cava)
Italy	This all-Viognier wine opens with apricot, butterscotch, toast and vanilla notes. On the creamy, full-bodied palate, lime and hazelnut flavors accent a core of juicy yellow peach. Enjoy through 2019.	Giovin Re	90	70	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Viognier	Michele Satta	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Michele Satta 2014 Giovin Re Viognier (Toscana)
US	Firm, ripe and very solid: a chunkier, more muscular style of Pinot Noir, somewhat reminiscent of Cabernet. There's good black cherry and boysenberry fruit, some milk chocolate and vanilla bean barrel flavors, and plenty of ripeness. Perfectly enjoyable right now, this is a good effort at this price point.	null	88	25	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Cuneo	null	null	null
France	A freshly perfumed wine, with attractive bright cherry flavors that have a lift and crispness to them. The tannins are persistent and dry, layering with the plum skin acidity. This is not a rich wine, but it makes a fascinating alternative to red Burgundy. Would work well with salmon dishes.	null	88	40	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Vacheron	null	null	null
US	This has a subdued nose for a Riesling, with elements of squeezed lime, orange cake and stone fruit. There is decent tension on the palate, hovering between ripe nectarine and bitter grapefruit peel.	Unoaked	88	16	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Riesling	Carmel Road	null	null	null
Italy	A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this opens with drying mineral tones of granite and campfire, and it has austere, dusty tannins. The fruit is bold, pulled together by notes of cherry, cassis, leather and spice.	Ruit Hora	91	30	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	Caccia al Piano 1868	null	null	null
Italy	Inspired by the Italian word for pearl, La Perlara is a delicious dessert wine that boasts a luminous golden color and intense aromas of honey, almond, apricot and sweet yellow rose. There's also a touch of piquant spice at the end that sets it apart, and the mouthfeel is indeed as smooth and silky as a pearl.	La Perlara	94	63	Veneto	Recioto di Soave	null	Garganega	Ca' Rugate	null	null	null
France	With its high proportion of Merlot, this is a slinky, rich wine, smooth and ripe. Yes, there are tannins, but the jammy fruit softens the dark corners. It should age, but is not for the long-term.	null	91	null	Bordeaux	Lalande de Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	La Fleur de Boüard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	La Fleur de Boüard 2005 Lalande de Pomerol
US	Thick, heavy and jammy now, with blackberry, cherry and raspberry flavors, balanced with good acidity. Almost rustic in the fruity concentration and tart acids. Your best bet is the cellar. Try after 2013.	null	89	175	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	The Vineyard House	null	null	null
France	A classically structured wine, this has a smoky wood flavor that's balanced by a fresh black-currant note. It has a juicy edge, a dark chocolate note and a slight bitterness that should fade. This needs to age for 4–5 years. Château Loudenne is situated by the Gironde estuary.	null	88	24	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Loudenne	null	null	null
US	The aromas show notes of herb, jalapeño pepper, dark fruit, and barrel spice, with the alcohol poking through a touch. The flavors are medium bodied, brightened by tart acidity. Grainy tannins back it all up.	Marie's View Wallula Vineyard	88	80	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Den Hoed	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	A simple, kind of rough and earthy Cab, thin in fruit, which accentuates the tannins. It's dry and spicy on the finish.	null	83	16	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Mia's Playground	null	null	null
Spain	This smells a lot like mustard, with short, bitter flavors of red apple skins. Sweet touches of caramel and cocoa can be found on the finish.	Rosat	83	19	Catalonia	Montsant	null	Rosé	Garbó	null	null	null
France	This is a seductive style of Pomerol. It may not have great weight, but what it does have is rich, juicy berry fruit flavors, an open structure and tannins just holding all this ripeness together.	null	89	null	Bordeaux	Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château La Grave à Pomerol	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château La Grave à Pomerol 2006 Pomerol
Spain	Baked, earthy and leathery, just like all the AN wines. But there's also a smooth intersection of the old and new worlds here; it's one part rooty, oaky and rich but also dry, leathery and indigenous to the Balearics (the base grape is Callet). Finishes a little sweet and warm, and thus it's begging to be drunk now.	Àn	89	50	Spanish Islands	Vi de la Terra Illes Balears	null	Red Blend	Ànima Negra	null	null	null
US	A stylish Roussanne, built along the lines of a nice, rich Chardonnay. Feels full and creamy in the mouth, with interesting, complex flavors of peaches, apricots, sweet Meyer lemon, honeysuckle and oak. Crisp acidity is notable in the tart, clean finish.	Morine Ranch	88	24	California	High Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Roussanne	Shannon Ridge	null	null	null
US	A really nice Merlot, and look at that price. It's dry, elegant and entirely balanced, with a rich earthy texture. Shows classic flavors of black cherries, black currants, violets, anise and sweet sandalwood. Terrific value.	Block 500	90	14	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Merlot	Trentadue	null	null	Trentadue 2007 Block 500 Merlot (Alexander Valley)
US	This Pinot Noir has deep flavors of cherry and persimmon, plus a lush application of sweet oak. It has a sandpaper-like mouthfeel, and it might benefit from a few years in a cellar. Otherwise, decant it for a couple hours before serving.	Dutton Ranch	88	40	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Dutton-Goldfield	null	null	Dutton-Goldfield 2011 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Australia	Showing hints of development in its petrol and baked apple aromas and flavors, this medium-bodied Riesling should probably be consumed over the next few years while it retains the fruit to anchor its mouthwatering finish.	Watervale	90	17	South Australia	Clare Valley	null	Riesling	Reilly's	null	null	null
US	Shows the sweet richness of Napa Valley. It has candied flavors of blackberries and cherries, wrapped into firm, polished tannins. A pretty wine, it should show its best over the next four years.	Lot Four	89	40	California	St. Helena	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	The Magpie	null	null	null
Italy	This offers aromas of almond, citrus zest and orchard fruit. The firm, rich palate delivers lemon drop, white peach and yellow apple while bright acidity and small, persistent bubbles provide the framework. It ends crisp and refreshing.	Dry	89	26	Veneto	Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze	null	Glera	Andreola	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Andreola 2014 Dry (Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze)
Germany	Viscous, almost oily in texture, this is several vintages older than most of the recent samples, yet seems so unevolved that it's not out of place. Honey and dried spices are the predominant themes, with citrusy fruit making up the core. Should evolve glacially through at least 2025.	Wehlener Sonnenuhr Vat 10 Riesling Beerenauslese	91	160	Mosel-Saar-Ruwer	null	null	Riesling	S.A. Prüm	null	null	null
US	A blend from Jim Clendenen's own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and the Bien Nacido Vineyard where his winery is located, this bottling shows candied red cherry, star anise, fennel and sagebrush on the earthy but fruity nose. The palate combines fresh thyme and other wild herbs with tart Montmorency cherry—bold flavors wrapped in a delicate package.	La Bauge Au-dessus	93	35	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Au Bon Climat	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Au Bon Climat 2014 La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
New Zealand	This is a medium-bodied, off-dry Riesling. It's very fruit-forward, verging on tropical, with hints of banana and guava in the mix, balanced by brighter, more pineappley notes. Drink now for its exuberant youth, or try in 2–3 years for a more settled, spicy flavor profile.	null	88	17	Waipara	null	null	Riesling	Mount Grey Estate	null	null	null
Portugal	Soft berry fruits, touches of wood vanilla and creamy caramel make for an accessible wine, simple, finishing with fresh acidity.	Late Bottled Vintage	85	null	Port	null	null	Port	Quinta Santa Eufemia	null	null	null
Australia	Harmony is the hallmark here. Apple, oak in the background and closing butterscotch are the flavors. The supporting cast of crisp acidity, medium body, and velvety mouthfeel complete this well-knit package. Best Buy.	null	90	11	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Chardonnay	Chateau Reynella	null	null	null
US	A blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), this aromatic wine brings aromas of funk, earth, truffle, fire pit, dried peat, herb and cherry. The flavors are soft, silky and refined, showing a sense of grace—a very pretty expression of a Bordeaux-style blend.	Flying Pig	91	95	Oregon	Walla Walla Valley (OR)	Oregon Other	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Cayuse	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Cayuse 2014 Flying Pig Red (Walla Walla Valley (OR))
US	This is a sweet wine with flavors of white sugar, orange, honey and vanilla, all brightened by crisp acidity.	null	86	13	California	Lake County	null	Riesling	The White Knight	null	null	The White Knight 2011 Riesling (Lake County)
South Africa	Vibrant and expressive, this offers initial aromas of blackberry, cassis and boysenberry that are matched with spicy hints of licorice root, black pepepr and cigar-box spice. The palate is round and slightly creamy, but framed by medium tannins and a long, toasty finish.	null	89	10	Swartland	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Riebeek Cellars	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Riebeek Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Swartland)
Italy	San Rustico's Recioto has that characteristic pungent red apple aroma that you often get with Amarone (made from the same grapes in a similar style). Beyond that, this is a vibrant, buoyant wine with fresh cherry flavors backed by spice, espresso bean and chocolate.	Vigneto del Gaso	85	null	Veneto	Recioto della Valpolicella	null	Red Blend	San Rustico	null	null	null
Chile	Ripe, earthy black-fruit aromas are spicy and a bit lactic from oak, hence, the palate is full and creamy, but with a good acidic cut. Blackberry, herbal spice and cool toasty oak flavors finish warm and plump.	Lucero	91	20	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Syrah	Kingston Family	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Kingston Family 2014 Lucero Syrah (Casablanca Valley)
US	Kathie Lee Gifford is just the latest celebrity to enter the winemaking game, but she made a solid partner in Scheid, one of the biggest vineyard owners in Monterey County. Their Gifft smells fresh and lively, with tangerine and sour grass aromas, followed by a sipping experience full of smoke, oak, lanolin and tan flavors, approaching leather and sandalwood.	Estate Grown	88	20	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Gifft	null	null	null
Spain	Raisin and heavy plum aromas suggest full ripeness and even some overripeness. It feels chewy and textured, with serious concentration and baked flavors of dark berry and roasted plum. This tips the scale in terms of weight and ripeness, delivering a deep, roasted character that calls for near-term consumption	null	88	30	Central Spain	Vino de la Tierra de Castilla	null	Garnacha	Ziries	null	null	null
Argentina	Dark, sweet and rooty on the nose, with a warm, soft outlook. The palate is bold and thorough, with ripe berry, plum and chocolate flavors. Per usual, Punto Final is ripe, sweet and big, with a peppery finish and toasty, jammy warmth.	Punto Final Reserva	89	20	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Bodega Renacer	null	null	null
Hungary	This straw-colored dry Furmint has lemon zest, green apple and tropical mango aromas. Its apple, pear and peach flavors are inflected with a nice level of minerality. The finish is soft yet zesty.	Dry	89	16	Tokaji	null	null	Furmint	Patricius	Jeff Jenssen	@worldwineguys	Patricius 2015 Dry (Tokaji)
US	An unusual blend dominated by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with only ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon. Very dark, rich and fruity, with cassis, blackcurrant, anise and herb flavors that are wrapped in big, sturdy tannins. Too young to drink now, unless it's with an enormous dish like braised short ribs, but best left for four or five years.	Proprietary	91	50	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Monticello Vineyards	null	null	Monticello Vineyards 2000 Proprietary Red (Napa Valley)
US	Charred oak, barbecue smoke and a hint of prune detract somewhat in this tart, herbal wine that offers a suggestion of cola. It finishes somewhat flat.	Mounts Family Vineyard Old Vine	84	29	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	David Clinton	Virginie Boone	@vboone	David Clinton 2013 Mounts Family Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
Chile	Rubbery and firm on the nose, with generic berry and cassis aromas. The palate is mostly clean, with a candied, almost creamy feel supporting jammy blackberry, cassis and baking-spice flavors. Finishes sweet yet herbal. Pretty much as you'd expect for a 65,000-case product.	null	85	11	Maipo Valley	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cousiño-Macul	null	null	null

Germany

“Feinherb” isn't an officially defined term, but it's generally understood to mean a wine that's slightly drier than might be expected without being fully dry. This is a medium-bodied, slightly sweet wine, with notes of honey and paraffin alongside citrus fruit. Drink it over the next year or two.

Feinherb

87

18

Mosel

null

Riesling

Dr. Pauly Bergweiler

null

New Zealand

On the grassy, leaner side of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc spectrum, with grapefruit aromas accented by pungent, herbal scents. Despite the citrus and herb flavors, it's actually a bit weightier than many Marlborough Sauvignons, yet finishes clean and fresh.

Woodthorpe

86

18

Hawke's Bay

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Te Mata

null

Argentina

Earthy and deep from head to tail. The nose offers fresh compost, loamy berry, cola and overriding richness. Feels smooth and layered across the palate, with dark berry, pepper and bitter chocolate flavors. Blackened on the finish and toasty; 50% Malbec with four additional Bordeaux varieties.

Don Tiburcio

90

14

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Red Blend

Benegas

null

US

On opening, the oak on this Carneros Chard was overwhelming in smoke and char, giving the pear, Meyer lemon and kiwi flavors a woody undertow. As it breathes, it softens and unifies, but it's still a Hulk of a wine.

Lot 57

85

12

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Cameron Hughes

null

Germany

Thirty bucks may seem like a lot for an entry-level Riesling, but this is an exemplary example. Aromas of wet stones, moss and spring flowers are mouthwatering, and then are followed by a complex array of nonfruity flavors, like stones and greens carried along by a mouthfeel that's light as a feather. Tart pineapple emerges on the long finish. Drink anytime over the next 10 years.

Scharzhof

90

29

Mosel

null

Riesling

Egon Müller

null

Canada

Anise, blackberry and pepper on the nose and palate create an appealing Merlot that is nonetheless a touch acidic. Balance it with a rich meat stew or duck entrée.

First Growth

84

50

Ontario

Niagara Peninsula

null

Merlot

Reif Estate

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Reif Estate 2002 First Growth Merlot (Niagara Peninsula)

US

Rich in apricot and orange marmalade, crème brûlée and vanilla flavors, this dessert sipper has a soft, honeyed richness. The residual sugar is 14.1%, making it fabulously sweet.

Late Harvest

88

20

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Gewürztraminer

Husch

null

US

Sharp, spicy, tastes of apples, with plenty of flesh. Ripe and straightforward, showing none of the sugar, vanilla and excessive oak chip flavors of most cheap Chardonnays. Solid winemaking, juicy acids, and a fine food wine for six bucks.

null

87

6

Washington

Washington Other

Chardonnay

Pine & Post

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Pine & Post 2006 Chardonnay (Washington)

Chile

Montes Folly is the benchmark by which all other Chilean Syrahs must measure themselves. Yes, it's entirely New World in its approach, but how can you gripe about such a potent brew of balsam wood, tanned leather, licorice, mineral and monster black fruit? The palate is big but balanced by live-wire acidity, and even at 15% alcohol it's harmonious. A real winner; one of the best Folly wines to date.

Folly

93

95

Santa Cruz

null

Syrah

Montes

null

US

It's hard to understand how they got this massively ripe fruit from grapes with only 13 percent alcohol. Theories abound. It tastes late-picked, almost porty, with currant, coffee and chocolate flavors, and is full-bodied and dry.

null

84

30

California

Green Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Guerrero Fernandez

null

France

Fruity and perfumed, this is an attractive, juicy wine. Red berry and red currant fruits from the 27-acre estate give the wine freshness, gently underlined by the tannins. Drink from 2017.

null

86

20

Bordeaux

Francs Côtes de Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château les Charmes Godard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château les Charmes Godard 2012 Francs Côtes de Bordeaux

US

The aromas are reserved, with notes of wood spice at the fore along with chocolate, vanilla and dark fruit. The chocolate-covered-cherry flavors show polish, backed by lightly grainy tannins.

Heritage

90

48

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Browne Family Vineyards

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

Juicy but not quite ripe, this is a green and herbal wine that is not worth aging. Drink it over the next few years.

null

83

18

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Laride

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Laride 2011 Haut-Médoc

US

Showing quite a bit of tannins and acids, this is a very young wine, of a kind that isn't seen all that much in Russian River Valley these days. Swan makes their Pinots the old-fashioned way, for aging. Dry and astringent, the wine has a deep core of cherry and blackberry fruit, almost like a Merlot, except for the silkiness. Stick this in your cellar until 2008, at least.

Great Oak Vineyard

90

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Joseph Swan Vineyards

null

France

This is still a young wine, with its youthful structure of dark, stalky tannins still in place. It offers juicy black-currant flavors as well as fresh acidity and a dry aftertaste. The wine comes from a vineyard named after the 17th-century French philosopher Montesquieu. Drink from 2017.

Clos Montesquieu

87

36

Bordeaux

Graves

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château des Fougères

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château des Fougères 2012 Clos Montesquieu (Graves)

Italy

La Cala is a fun and easy expression of Vermentino from the sunny island of Sardinia that shows bright citrus notes backed by tones of honeysuckle and wild sage. Pair this wine with fried calamari.

La Cala

86

14

Sicily & Sardinia

Vermentino di Gallura

null

Vermentino

Sella & Mosca

null

Sella & Mosca 2008 La Cala (Vermentino di Gallura)

US

Made from 100% Cabernet, this shows the tremendous richness and concentration of previous vintages of this wine, which was aged in 90% new French oak. Huge and flashy in cherry, blackberry and raspberry fruit, gorgeous, sumptuous, fat, although purists will insist it's too much of a good thing. Hard to predict its longterm future, but the next six years are assured.

Exzellenz Sacrashe Vineyard

92

165

California

Rutherford

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Hall

null

US

This 100% Cabernet's dark, saturated color testifies to its extracted ripeness and richness. It's a gigantic wine, buried at the moment under smoky oak, but tremendous underneath in blackberry, cherry, currant, sweet herb, violet and cured meat flavors. A big success even in this vintage. Now, with decanting, and through 2019.

Campbell Vineyard

94

75

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Honig

null

France

This apricot and honey flavored wine is both rich and fresh. The balance between the sweetness, the botrytis and the acidity is just right. It will go well with blue cheese or pâté. Drink from 2015.

Toute une Histoire

91

null

Southwest France

Jurançon

null

Petit Manseng

Domaine Nigri

null

Argentina

Dry and toasty on the nose, but tart, racy and raspy on the palate. The raspberry and cherry flavors are sharp and fall off to dry and lean as the wine progresses.

Amadores Limited Edition

82

16

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Pinot Noir

Palo Alto

null

US

This densely textured, deeply flavored wine showcases the beauty of old vines in Amador terroir. It has an opaque color, opulent clove, blackberry and cassis aromas, and ripe, jammy flavors that drench the palate yet are supported by tannins firm enough to keep it balanced and appetizing. Best after 2020.

Grandpère Special Reserve

92

50

California

Amador County

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Renwood

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Renwood 2014 Grandpère Special Reserve Zinfandel (Amador County)

US

This wine is a blend of about equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a balance of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The nose is toast and oak driven, bringing notes of charred currant and dark-roast coffee. Medium bodied on the palate, structured tannins offer support to flavors of racy red and black currant, red plum skin and toasted vanilla.

null

86

34

Virginia

null

Meritage

Rappahannock Cellars

Alexander Peartree

null

Rappahannock Cellars 2012 Meritage (Virginia)

France

There is great structure here, with dusty tannins percolating through the rich wine. It has power, concentration and density, with cocoa and cherry flavors well integrated. Think about aging for 1–2 years.

Sélection

90

null

Beaujolais

Moulin-à-Vent

null

Gamay

Georges Duboeuf

null

Portugal

Bright and fruity, with a tannic edge, this is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah. This is food friendly, with a rich red-fruit flavor that's cut with a caramel note and strawberry acidity.

Conde de Vimioso Colheita Seleccionada

85

9

Tejo

null

Rosé

Falua

null

Italy

This earthy Tuscan offers aromas that recall underbrush, berries, violet and spice. The juicy palate delivers ripened dark cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon-spice alongside chewy tannins and fresh acidity.

null

88

25

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

Querciavalle

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Querciavalle 2010 Chianti Classico

US

This Pinot's parts haven't found each other yet. There's big, ripe raspberry and cherry fruit, sweet, toasty oak, brisk acids and firm tannins, yet they form an unruly confederation. Stash this in the cellar until at least 2020.

Rosella's Vineyard

89

65

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Bernardus

null

Bernardus 2012 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

US

Give this Merlot some time to breathe before serving. Right out of the bottle, it's tough, gritty and tannic. It will never be a mellow wine, but it does have nice black-cherry and licorice flavors.

null

84

25

California

Paicines

Central Coast

Merlot

Donati

null

New Zealand

A rich, lush blend of tropical and stone fruits, partially barrel-fermented to add a creamy texture and subtle spice notes. Seductive and supple in the mouth but with a solid backbone of acidity that keeps it from turning soft or mushy.

Reserve

90

25

Hawke's Bay

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Matariki

null

US

Lead pencil and hints of gravel come from Red Mountain fruit, with some of the welcome funk and grit in place from the Boushey Vineyard. Lovely aromas suggest violets and white pepper and hints of smoky chocolate. Smooth, tart, tasting of cherry and berry.

Jolie Bouche

89

34

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Efeste

null

US

Actually a blend of Zin plus 10 other minor varietals in an old field blend, this complex wine fascinates with its intricately interlocked flavors. There's a sensation a second. Bottom line: This wine is delicious, ripely sweet although technically dry, and ageworthy.

Heritage Vines Alegria Vineyards

91

28

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Acorn

null

Acorn 2000 Heritage Vines Alegria Vineyards Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

US

With aromas like sweet vanilla and candied cherries, and similarly syrupy flavors, this might make a better after-dinner wine than a table wine. The acidity and tannins are very subdued, so the overt fruitiness and oaky sweetness take over.

The Other

84

13

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Red Blend

Peirano

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Peirano 2012 The Other Red (Lodi)

Italy

Here's a well-evolved and sophisticated expression of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes (the traditional blend of most Valpolicella wines) that opens with intense aromas of barbecue spice, dark chocolate, prune, cola and cherry liqueur.

Semonte Alto

90

25

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Venturini Massimino

null

Venturini Massimino 2007 Semonte Alto (Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso)

US

An everyday sort of Pinot. At this price, it's worth investigating for wine lovers curious about this popular variety, but who don't want to spend an arm and a leg. It's rich in raspberries, cola and spices.

Huntington

85

21

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Pali

null

New Zealand

Among St. Clair's 2009 range of block Savvies, this is among the sweatiest, with pungent nettle and almost-asparagus notes on the nose. Yet on the palate, the wine is full-bodied, round and concentrated, with nectarine and honey elements punched up by bright herbal tones. Long and intense on the finish. Drink now.

Pioneer Block 20 Cash Block

89

24

Marlborough

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Saint Clair

null

Portugal

Viognier and Alvarinho are not native to the Alentejo but the region's heat adds warmth and richness. This refreshing wine's acidity and citrus flavors are balanced by the ripe yellow fruit and pineapple. Partially aged in wood, it needs a few more months. Drink from 2018.

Reserva Branco

90

null

Alentejano

null

Portuguese White

Monte da Ravasqueira

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Monte da Ravasqueira 2015 Reserva Branco White (Alentejano)

US

Shows the rustic tannins and ripe to overripe flavors you often find in Foothills Zin, with wild berries, currants and raisins. Fine with barbecue, pizza, tacos and similar fare that calls for a lusty, dry red wine.

Old Vine Rio Volpe

84

35

California

Shenandoah Valley (CA)

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Bella Piazza

null

Portugal

An exotic blend including Pinot Noir and Merlot along with Portuguese varieties, taking its name from two local villages with saint's names. It has acidity and an awkward bitter edge, with tough black fruits. Maybe it needs time for the wine to soften and meld with the tight acidity.

null

89

25

Bairrada

null

Pinot Noir

Campolargo

null

Argentina

Earthy and a bit foresty on the nose, with a leather accent to the berry aromas. Full and reasonably sound across the palate, which offers baked berry and coffee flavors in front of a modest, leathery finish.

Reserva

86

12

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Santa Julia

null

Germany

Cutting and crisp, this wine is a showcase for the complexities that exist beneath its austere mineral style. On the palate, fresh apple and pear notes are glazed by a crush of wet mineral stones. It's a refreshingly, mouth quenching wine that finishes taut and pristine.

Trabener Würzgarten Kabinett Trocken

89

40

Mosel

null

Riesling

Villa Huesgen

null

Spain

Oaky aromas of maple and molasses are overriding and ponderous. In the mouth, this is tannic and punishing. Flavors of coconut and chocolate are overly dominant, leaving nothing but candied stickiness and wood resin on the finish.

Reserva

82

19

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Larchago

null

Italy

Floral aromas, white peach and mineral tones make for a harmonious and elegant sparkler with a pretty, vibrant appearance in the glass. Fruity, nutty flavors add sophistication and elegance in the mouth.

Extra Dry

86

13

Veneto

Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Carmina

null

Carmina NV Extra Dry (Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene)

US

With its juicy, concentrated peach, nectarine and apple flavors, the Célèbre is Dr. Frank's more approachable, easy-going sparkling. It's fruity, forward and delicately sweet yet maintains steadfast acidity and a soft, foamy mouthfeel.

Célèbre

89

21

New York

Finger Lakes

Sparkling Blend

Dr. Konstantin Frank

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Dr. Konstantin Frank NV Célèbre Sparkling (Finger Lakes)

US

The mouthfeel is brittle and the acidity is brisk on this good regional expression of Pinot Noir. It shows the variety's silkiness, with sour cherry candy, cranberry and rhubarb tea flavors. Drink now–2016.

Reserve

88

40

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Balverne

null

Australia

It's berries, all berries in the 2008 Flying Piano Shiraz. The nose offers up raspberry and cherry pie while blackberry tones dominate the smooth palate. A nice chocolate note chimes in on the short finish.

Flying Piano Hand Select

84

11

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

null

Shiraz

Ozwell Vintners

null

Spain

Peach, citrus and other simple but pure aromas give this Verdejo a proper if somewhat rote opening. The palate is tangy and cleansing, with lemon and apple in the lead. Finishes a bit acidic, but with freshness and a clean get-away. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines.

null

87

14

Northern Spain

Rueda

null

Verdejo

Marqués de Irún

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Marqués de Irún 2007 Verdejo (Rueda)

US

This opens with a strong sense of coconut that abruptly hits pomegranate and cranberry on the palate. The sweetness of the coconut dissipates on the finish, which veers slightly sour.

Estate Bottled

84

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Spring Mountain Vineyard 2011 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

This single-vineyard exploration shows a more tropical side than the winery's other Chardonnays. Rich, rounded notes of honeysuckle, lemon custard and apple cider characterize the nose. The palate is reserved compared to the showy aromas, with buttered peach and green-apple flavors.

Rincon VIneyard

90

48

California

Arroyo Grande Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Testarossa

null

US

With a little Petite Sirah and Carignane added for complexity, this is a beautiful Zinfandel meant for drinking now. It has fresh, zesty flavors of wild raspberries, cherries, blueberries and red currants, with notes of licorice, cocoa and pepper. Notable new oak adds even richer elements of vanilla and smoke.

null

90

28

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Ferrari-Carano

null

Italy

Here's a light and brilliantly crystalline Prosecco Brut with subtle aromas of mineral, white flowers and stone fruit. The easy bubbly—made by a sisters-only team—closes with a playful touch of bitter almond.

Brut

87

18

Veneto

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Sorelle Bronca

null

Italy

Hands down one of Italy's best whites, this boasts alluring white flower and yellow stone fruit scents. The enveloping, delicious palate delivers white peach, mature pear, ginger and lemon drop flavors. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors while a mineral note energizes the finish.

La Froscà

94

29

Veneto

Soave Classico

null

Garganega

Gini

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Gini 2015 La Froscà (Soave Classico)

US

A bright, tart mix of fruit runs a gamut from citrus to apple to cherry. Flavors suggest young vines; clean, juicy and tasty with pure but simple fruit. A wine to enjoy while it's in the bloom of youth.

null

88

29

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Malbec

Beresan

null

Portugal

Crisp, structured wine, showing the fruit skin and bite that makes Arinto such an interesting variety. There is an orange zest edge, emphasizing lightness, freshness, finishing a delicious wine.

Grand'Arte Arinto

88

13

Estremadura

null

Arinto

DFJ Vinhos

null

Spain

Sweet melon, peach and vanilla aromas come with a tropical leaning. The mouthfeel trends toward flat, while modest flavors of apple and melon are supported by soft, melony acidity. While this is good, it's on the flat and flabby side.

null

86

23

Northern Spain

Valdeorras

null

Godello

Casal Novo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Casal Novo 2011 Godello (Valdeorras)

US

This compelling and delicious bottling has a grand bearing, sophisticated flavors and elegant texture, like something the staff at Downton Abbey would serve. The aromas are lightly smoky and spicy, like white pepper and walnuts. Flavors are subtle, dry but somehow rich, as hints of white peach, almond and dried cherry develop.

Reserve

94

110

California

North Coast

Champagne Blend

Schramsberg

null

Spain

Instantly recognizable in its distinctive black bottle, this perennial favorite shouts “Par-tay!” right out of the glass. Beery, tart and tangy, it’s fine by itself but even better as a mixer bubbly.

Cordon Negro Brut

84

8

Catalonia

Penedès

null

Champagne Blend

Freixenet

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Freixenet NV Cordon Negro Brut (Penedès)

US

The underlying fruit on this unoaked Chardonnay doesn't need the richness of barrels in order to satisfy. Its flavors are enormously rich and ripe, with notes of tropical fruits, oranges, vanilla and spices. Interestingly, it's also much higher in alcohol than Foxen's oaked Chardonnays, giving it an almost dessert wine headiness.

Steel Cut Bien Nacido Vineyard

90

32

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Foxen

null

France

An intense, dark-colored wine, flavored with spice, tobacco, hints of mint and dark berry fruits. It's certainly rich, but the tannins do come through along with some green pepper flavors to finish.

La Montée de l'Epine

86

null

Loire Valley

Anjou

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Domaine Philippe Delesvaux

null

US

This is a lovely bottle from this Idaho producer with notes of hay, butter, spice and melon. It has a broad, creamy feel that lingers on the finish.

French Creek Vineyard

89

28

Washington

Washington Other

Chardonnay

Periple

null

Italy

Loaded with bright red fruit and sweet red candy, this Chianti from Siena Province shows a pristine and lively interpretation of Sangiovese.

Terra di Siena

86

null

Tuscany

Chianti Colli Senesi

null

Sangiovese

Tenuta di Trecciano

null

Italy

A victim of the vintage, this light-bodied wine styled for early drinking shows decent cherry, earth and tobacco flavors but comes up lean and drying on the finish.

null

83

10

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Sangiovese

Tenuta Caparzo

null

US

Pretty red fruit leads the nose on this blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, along with brown spices, anise and chopped herbs. The forest flavors are strong, with pine sap and eucalyptus, as riper boysenberry fruit emerges with chopped oregano and thyme.

Wanderlust

93

35

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

G-S-M

Zenaida Cellars

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Zenaida Cellars 2011 Wanderlust G-S-M (Paso Robles)

Spain

Bread, vanilla cookie and pear scents drive the bouquet on this nature Cava. A citrusy, medium-bodied palate shows flavors of cider, brined apple and mixed citrus fruits, while the finish is salty, with notes of orange and grapefruit.

Gran Reserva Brut Nature

87

20

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Bohigas

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bohigas NV Gran Reserva Brut Nature Sparkling (Cava)

Italy

This all-Viognier wine opens with apricot, butterscotch, toast and vanilla notes. On the creamy, full-bodied palate, lime and hazelnut flavors accent a core of juicy yellow peach. Enjoy through 2019.

Giovin Re

90

70

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Viognier

Michele Satta

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Michele Satta 2014 Giovin Re Viognier (Toscana)

US

Firm, ripe and very solid: a chunkier, more muscular style of Pinot Noir, somewhat reminiscent of Cabernet. There's good black cherry and boysenberry fruit, some milk chocolate and vanilla bean barrel flavors, and plenty of ripeness. Perfectly enjoyable right now, this is a good effort at this price point.

null

88

25

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Cuneo

null

France

A freshly perfumed wine, with attractive bright cherry flavors that have a lift and crispness to them. The tannins are persistent and dry, layering with the plum skin acidity. This is not a rich wine, but it makes a fascinating alternative to red Burgundy. Would work well with salmon dishes.

null

88

40

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Vacheron

null

US

This has a subdued nose for a Riesling, with elements of squeezed lime, orange cake and stone fruit. There is decent tension on the palate, hovering between ripe nectarine and bitter grapefruit peel.

Unoaked

88

16

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Riesling

Carmel Road

null

Italy

A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this opens with drying mineral tones of granite and campfire, and it has austere, dusty tannins. The fruit is bold, pulled together by notes of cherry, cassis, leather and spice.

Ruit Hora

91

30

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

Caccia al Piano 1868

null

Italy

Inspired by the Italian word for pearl, La Perlara is a delicious dessert wine that boasts a luminous golden color and intense aromas of honey, almond, apricot and sweet yellow rose. There's also a touch of piquant spice at the end that sets it apart, and the mouthfeel is indeed as smooth and silky as a pearl.

La Perlara

94

63

Veneto

Recioto di Soave

null

Garganega

Ca' Rugate

null

France

With its high proportion of Merlot, this is a slinky, rich wine, smooth and ripe. Yes, there are tannins, but the jammy fruit softens the dark corners. It should age, but is not for the long-term.

null

91

null

Bordeaux

Lalande de Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

La Fleur de Boüard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

La Fleur de Boüard 2005 Lalande de Pomerol

US

Thick, heavy and jammy now, with blackberry, cherry and raspberry flavors, balanced with good acidity. Almost rustic in the fruity concentration and tart acids. Your best bet is the cellar. Try after 2013.

null

89

175

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

The Vineyard House

null

France

A classically structured wine, this has a smoky wood flavor that's balanced by a fresh black-currant note. It has a juicy edge, a dark chocolate note and a slight bitterness that should fade. This needs to age for 4–5 years. Château Loudenne is situated by the Gironde estuary.

null

88

24

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Loudenne

null

US

The aromas show notes of herb, jalapeño pepper, dark fruit, and barrel spice, with the alcohol poking through a touch. The flavors are medium bodied, brightened by tart acidity. Grainy tannins back it all up.

Marie's View Wallula Vineyard

88

80

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Den Hoed

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 Other

Red Blend

The Big Red Monster

null

US

A simple, kind of rough and earthy Cab, thin in fruit, which accentuates the tannins. It's dry and spicy on the finish.

null

83

16

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Mia's Playground

null

Spain

This smells a lot like mustard, with short, bitter flavors of red apple skins. Sweet touches of caramel and cocoa can be found on the finish.

Rosat

83

19

Catalonia

Montsant

null

Rosé

Garbó

null

France

This is a seductive style of Pomerol. It may not have great weight, but what it does have is rich, juicy berry fruit flavors, an open structure and tannins just holding all this ripeness together.

null

89

null

Bordeaux

Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château La Grave à Pomerol

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château La Grave à Pomerol 2006 Pomerol

Spain

Baked, earthy and leathery, just like all the AN wines. But there's also a smooth intersection of the old and new worlds here; it's one part rooty, oaky and rich but also dry, leathery and indigenous to the Balearics (the base grape is Callet). Finishes a little sweet and warm, and thus it's begging to be drunk now.

Àn

89

50

Spanish Islands

Vi de la Terra Illes Balears

null

Red Blend

Ànima Negra

null

US

A stylish Roussanne, built along the lines of a nice, rich Chardonnay. Feels full and creamy in the mouth, with interesting, complex flavors of peaches, apricots, sweet Meyer lemon, honeysuckle and oak. Crisp acidity is notable in the tart, clean finish.

Morine Ranch

88

24

California

High Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Roussanne

Shannon Ridge

null

US

A really nice Merlot, and look at that price. It's dry, elegant and entirely balanced, with a rich earthy texture. Shows classic flavors of black cherries, black currants, violets, anise and sweet sandalwood. Terrific value.

Block 500

90

14

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Merlot

Trentadue

null

Trentadue 2007 Block 500 Merlot (Alexander Valley)

US

This Pinot Noir has deep flavors of cherry and persimmon, plus a lush application of sweet oak. It has a sandpaper-like mouthfeel, and it might benefit from a few years in a cellar. Otherwise, decant it for a couple hours before serving.

Dutton Ranch

88

40

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Dutton-Goldfield

null

Dutton-Goldfield 2011 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Australia

Showing hints of development in its petrol and baked apple aromas and flavors, this medium-bodied Riesling should probably be consumed over the next few years while it retains the fruit to anchor its mouthwatering finish.

Watervale

90

17

South Australia

Clare Valley

null

Riesling

Reilly's

null

US

Shows the sweet richness of Napa Valley. It has candied flavors of blackberries and cherries, wrapped into firm, polished tannins. A pretty wine, it should show its best over the next four years.

Lot Four

89

40

California

St. Helena

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

The Magpie

null

Italy

This offers aromas of almond, citrus zest and orchard fruit. The firm, rich palate delivers lemon drop, white peach and yellow apple while bright acidity and small, persistent bubbles provide the framework. It ends crisp and refreshing.

Dry

89

26

Veneto

Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze

null

Glera

Andreola

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Andreola 2014 Dry (Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze)

Germany

Viscous, almost oily in texture, this is several vintages older than most of the recent samples, yet seems so unevolved that it's not out of place. Honey and dried spices are the predominant themes, with citrusy fruit making up the core. Should evolve glacially through at least 2025.

Wehlener Sonnenuhr Vat 10 Riesling Beerenauslese

91

160

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

null

Riesling

S.A. Prüm

null

US

A blend from Jim Clendenen's own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and the Bien Nacido Vineyard where his winery is located, this bottling shows candied red cherry, star anise, fennel and sagebrush on the earthy but fruity nose. The palate combines fresh thyme and other wild herbs with tart Montmorency cherry—bold flavors wrapped in a delicate package.

La Bauge Au-dessus

93

35

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Au Bon Climat

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Au Bon Climat 2014 La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)

New Zealand

This is a medium-bodied, off-dry Riesling. It's very fruit-forward, verging on tropical, with hints of banana and guava in the mix, balanced by brighter, more pineappley notes. Drink now for its exuberant youth, or try in 2–3 years for a more settled, spicy flavor profile.

null

88

17

Waipara

null

Riesling

Mount Grey Estate

null

Portugal

Soft berry fruits, touches of wood vanilla and creamy caramel make for an accessible wine, simple, finishing with fresh acidity.

Late Bottled Vintage

85

null

Port

null

Port

Quinta Santa Eufemia

null

Australia

Harmony is the hallmark here. Apple, oak in the background and closing butterscotch are the flavors. The supporting cast of crisp acidity, medium body, and velvety mouthfeel complete this well-knit package. Best Buy.

null

90

11

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Chardonnay

Chateau Reynella

null

US

A blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), this aromatic wine brings aromas of funk, earth, truffle, fire pit, dried peat, herb and cherry. The flavors are soft, silky and refined, showing a sense of grace—a very pretty expression of a Bordeaux-style blend.

Flying Pig

91

95

Oregon

Walla Walla Valley (OR)

Oregon Other

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Cayuse

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Cayuse 2014 Flying Pig Red (Walla Walla Valley (OR))

US

This is a sweet wine with flavors of white sugar, orange, honey and vanilla, all brightened by crisp acidity.

null

86

13

California

Lake County

null

Riesling

The White Knight

null

The White Knight 2011 Riesling (Lake County)

South Africa

Vibrant and expressive, this offers initial aromas of blackberry, cassis and boysenberry that are matched with spicy hints of licorice root, black pepepr and cigar-box spice. The palate is round and slightly creamy, but framed by medium tannins and a long, toasty finish.

null

89

10

Swartland

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Riebeek Cellars

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Riebeek Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Swartland)

Italy

San Rustico's Recioto has that characteristic pungent red apple aroma that you often get with Amarone (made from the same grapes in a similar style). Beyond that, this is a vibrant, buoyant wine with fresh cherry flavors backed by spice, espresso bean and chocolate.

Vigneto del Gaso

85

null

Veneto

Recioto della Valpolicella

null

Red Blend

San Rustico

null

Chile

Ripe, earthy black-fruit aromas are spicy and a bit lactic from oak, hence, the palate is full and creamy, but with a good acidic cut. Blackberry, herbal spice and cool toasty oak flavors finish warm and plump.

Lucero

91

20

Casablanca Valley

null

Syrah

Kingston Family

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Kingston Family 2014 Lucero Syrah (Casablanca Valley)

US

Kathie Lee Gifford is just the latest celebrity to enter the winemaking game, but she made a solid partner in Scheid, one of the biggest vineyard owners in Monterey County. Their Gifft smells fresh and lively, with tangerine and sour grass aromas, followed by a sipping experience full of smoke, oak, lanolin and tan flavors, approaching leather and sandalwood.

Estate Grown

88

20

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Gifft

null

Spain

Raisin and heavy plum aromas suggest full ripeness and even some overripeness. It feels chewy and textured, with serious concentration and baked flavors of dark berry and roasted plum. This tips the scale in terms of weight and ripeness, delivering a deep, roasted character that calls for near-term consumption

null

88

30

Central Spain

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

null

Garnacha

Ziries

null

Argentina

Dark, sweet and rooty on the nose, with a warm, soft outlook. The palate is bold and thorough, with ripe berry, plum and chocolate flavors. Per usual, Punto Final is ripe, sweet and big, with a peppery finish and toasty, jammy warmth.

Punto Final Reserva

89

20

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Bodega Renacer

null

Hungary

This straw-colored dry Furmint has lemon zest, green apple and tropical mango aromas. Its apple, pear and peach flavors are inflected with a nice level of minerality. The finish is soft yet zesty.

Dry

89

16

Tokaji

null

Furmint

Patricius

Jeff Jenssen

@worldwineguys

Patricius 2015 Dry (Tokaji)

US

An unusual blend dominated by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with only ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon. Very dark, rich and fruity, with cassis, blackcurrant, anise and herb flavors that are wrapped in big, sturdy tannins. Too young to drink now, unless it's with an enormous dish like braised short ribs, but best left for four or five years.

Proprietary

91

50

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Monticello Vineyards

null

Monticello Vineyards 2000 Proprietary Red (Napa Valley)

US

Charred oak, barbecue smoke and a hint of prune detract somewhat in this tart, herbal wine that offers a suggestion of cola. It finishes somewhat flat.

Mounts Family Vineyard Old Vine

84

29

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

David Clinton

Virginie Boone

@vboone

David Clinton 2013 Mounts Family Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

Chile

Rubbery and firm on the nose, with generic berry and cassis aromas. The palate is mostly clean, with a candied, almost creamy feel supporting jammy blackberry, cassis and baking-spice flavors. Finishes sweet yet herbal. Pretty much as you'd expect for a 65,000-case product.

null

85

11

Maipo Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cousiño-Macul

null