spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Argentina	Jammy berry fruits, violet notes and graham cracker define the bouquet on this high-quality, good-value Malbec. The palate isn't huge but it's well structured, and the flavors are exotic and out of the ordinary, with an emphasis on Middle Eastern spice and blue-fruit flavors. On the finish, it's chocolaty and spicy but loses steam quickly.	null	90	18	Mendoza Province	Uco Valley	null	Malbec	Benvenuto de la Serna	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Benvenuto de la Serna 2009 Malbec (Uco Valley)
Spain	Flush on the nose, this huge, modern Rioja is loaded with cassis, blackberry and cola aromas. The palate is bold, tannic and flush, with fierceness playing off against lushness. Savory blackberry, hickory and controlled saltiness drive the flavor profile toward a roasted, spicy, blackened finish that's rugged and suggests a long life for this wine. Drink 2016–2024.	Aro	93	195	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo Blend	Muga	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Muga 2010 Aro (Rioja)
Austria	Dense, with rustic aromas, a little barnyard. The fruit is smooth in texture, touched by new wood and 14 months barrique aging. The tannins need time to settle down, with acidity shooting through the fruit.	Heideboden	87	24	Burgenland	null	null	Red Blend	Nittnaus Anita und Hans	null	null	null
Argentina	For the price, this is pretty good. Not very Syrah-like, but if you enjoy plum, cherry and currant flavors along with pretty good mouthfeel and balance, you'll get it here.	Uma	84	6	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Shiraz	Telteca	null	null	null
US	A little raw around the edges, lacking the sexy lushness you want in a fine Pinot Noir. Mostly that's a function of high acidity and a touch of minty green. Still, it's a delicious, complex wine, with oaky flavors of raspberries, cherries and Asian spices. Probably best now and for the next five years.	Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Block A	89	50	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	La Rochelle	null	null	null
Australia	When the alcohol levels are reined in to appropriate levels, this can be one of Australia's top Shiraz. The 2012 is a stunning example of balance and finesse, combining youthful scents of cassis and toasty oak with floral elements. There's ample weight and texture yet silky elegance at the same time, while already complex notes of orange pekoe and black currant are sure to gain even more with five or 10 years of cellaring. Drink 2020–2030.	Georgia's Paddock	95	85	Victoria	Heathcote	null	Shiraz	Jasper Hill	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Jasper Hill 2012 Georgia's Paddock Shiraz (Heathcote)
US	From the pitch-black color you can tell this is an enormously extracted wine. It shows the stuffing of this famous vineyard's Zins, with blackberries, loganberries, cherries, licorice, leather and cocoa-laced coffee, and is quite tannic. But it's diminished by what tastes like notable sugar in the finish, even though the alcohol is over 15%.	Monte Rosso Vineyard Reserve	84	45	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Rosenblum	null	null	null
France	A ripe, rounded wine, with flavors of pear, red apple and superfresh acidity. It's lifted, vibrant and delicious to drink now.	null	88	null	Loire Valley	Muscadet Sèvre et Maine	null	Melon	Domaine de la Tourmaline	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine de la Tourmaline 2006 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine
Chile	Rich, ripe blackberry, cassis and leathery aromas are full, stately and fitting for this lush, layered, tannic offering from Viu Manent's top Malbec vineyard. Toasty flavors of blackberry, black currant, herbs and chocolate finish chewy, beefy and full, with a hint of resiny oak. Drink through 2020.	San Carlos Single Vineyard	91	25	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Malbec	Viu Manent	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viu Manent 2012 San Carlos Single Vineyard Malbec (Colchagua Valley)
Italy	San Polo's Rosso di Montalcino offers classic aromas of cherry, black fruit and spice. But it also adds an extra layer of vanilla and sweet spice that makes for a very nice ensemble. It's smooth, rich and spicy on the close.	null	88	25	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	San Polo	null	null	San Polo 2007 Rosso di Montalcino
France	Raspberry-flavored wine, light, crisp and fresh. It has bright acidity, a wine for the summer.	Seigneurs de Bergerac Rosé	83	null	Southwest France	Bergerac	null	Merlot	Yvon Mau	null	null	null
US	In only a few vintages, winemaker Regan Meador has created a splash in the New York wine scene and this Bordeaux-style red blend is a testament to the hype. A deft blend of Old and New-world styles, it contrasts silky, rich black cherry and currant flavors against deep layers of granite minerality, leafy herbs and potpourri florals. It's complex and yet so effortlessly brisk and spry. The finish is endlessly meandering.	Illegitimi Non Carborundum	93	35	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Southold	null	null	null
US	There's hardly any oak on this wine, so what you get is pure, clean Sauvignon character. With crisp acidity, the wine brims with lemon, lime, green melon, vanilla and spice flavors, with a hint of tart gooseberry. It's totally dry.	Sea-Fog	88	25	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	The Grade	null	null	The Grade 2008 Sea-Fog Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
US	Despite appealing raspberry and cherry-pie filling, cola and spice notes, this Pinot is a bit hard and even green, with some tomato notes. The acidity is brisk, the tannins thick. Give it 4–6 years in the cellar, and it is likely to develop over a decade.	Selleck Vineyard	90	75	California	Mt. Harlan	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Calera	null	null	Calera 2007 Selleck Vineyard Pinot Noir (Mt. Harlan)
Spain	Smoke and leather aromas come with earthy, leafy berry and floral scents. This is crisp and acidic in feel, while flavors of peppery red fruits are spicy and drawing. Raw tannins and red-fruit flavors carry the finish.	Gran Coronas	86	24	Catalonia	Penedès	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Torres	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Torres 2009 Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon (Penedès)
Spain	Medicinal cherry and plum aromas are smothered in milk chocolate scents that turn more animal and leathery with airing. The palate is chunky but dull in feel, with generic red-berry flavors covered with candied oak and herbal notes.	null	83	11	Levante	Alicante	null	Monastrell	Toscar	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Toscar 2010 Monastrell (Alicante)
US	Impressive for the price, because it's enormously rich, which makes it absolutely delicious to drink now. It's clean and crisp in acidity, with opulent flavors of tropical fruits, vanilla layer cake, buttered toast, Meyer lemon sorbet and honey. That makes it sound sweet, but it's thoroughly and properly dry.	Limited Release	92	28	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Rutherford Hill	null	null	null
France	Still very closed up, this austere wine has distinct aging potential, with its taut character, apple skin texture and hints of wood. It will need 3–4 years to show its best.	Les Chaumes	89	56	Burgundy	Chassagne-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Roux Père et Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Roux Père et Fils 2009 Les Chaumes (Chassagne-Montrachet)
Spain	This purple-tinted Carignan is a concentrated number with familiar varietal and regional aromas of latex, graphite, schist, tire rubber and black fruits. In the mouth, this is chewy and full bodied, but not heavy. Oaky spicy blackberry and nutmeg flavors linger on a mildly woody, extracted and gritty finish. Best to give this a few more years so drink through 2022.	Tros de Clos	93	99	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Carignan	Portal del Priorat	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Portal del Priorat 2014 Tros de Clos Carignan (Priorat)
Mexico	Simple pear flavors, joined by a hint of butter. A bit thick and heavy, but it makes for a mouthfilling white.	Private Reserve	84	14	Valle de Guadalupe	null	null	Chardonnay	L.A. Cetto	null	null	L.A. Cetto 2000 Private Reserve Chardonnay (Valle de Guadalupe)
Italy	This blend of Biancolella and Forastera opens with subtle aromas of white spring flower and tree fruit. The rather lean palate offers crisp yellow apple, mineral and Bartlett pear alongside prominent acidity.	Biancolella	86	29	Southern Italy	Ischia	null	White Blend	Casa D'Ambra	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Casa D'Ambra 2012 Biancolella White (Ischia)
France	An unusual blend, with a high proportion of Petit Verdot, this wine relies on its dense tannins as much as its berry fruits to provide punch. It has concentration, as well as some dry bitterness, the acidity continuing right to the end.	null	88	null	Bordeaux	Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Tour Seran	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Tour Seran 2008 Médoc
US	A dry, thin, modest Cabernet, the kind you drink in a paper cup at big parties. The host serves it, and you drink with the food.	null	82	9	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Surf Point	null	null	Surf Point 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
US	This is a cherry candy-flavored, somewhat chunky/blocky style of Syrah. It's forward and fresh, but does not show exceptional structure or complexity.	Lawrence Vineyards	87	27	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Gård	null	null	null
Austria	Green pear peel and flesh dominate nose and palate and make for a fruit-driven, slender but concentrated white. The melting texture is an added bonus.	null	89	16	Kremstal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Stadt Krems	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Stadt Krems 2013 Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)
Spain	Nice value red wine with solid black fruit aromas, licorice and crushed mineral notes. It's flush and showing good volume, and the plum/berry core flavors have a vanilla accent. Mildly medicinal on the finish but overall it offers good power, structure and concentration.	Los Dos Old Vines	86	8	Northern Spain	Campo de Borja	null	Grenache-Syrah	Almira	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Almira 2008 Los Dos Old Vines Grenache-Syrah (Campo de Borja)
Chile	Basic and aromatic, but not what you'd label complex. This is easygoing Gewürz with a sweet, honeyed set of flavors that offer a modicum of spice. Honeysuckle and spice notes work the finish, and as a whole it's a nice wine for simple occasions.	Estate Selection	85	11	Curicó Valley	null	null	Gewürztraminer	Aresti	null	null	null
France	This wine has the proper power and structure of Gevrey, with firm tannins under the ripe red berry and cherry fruits. There is great juicy acidity as well as a firmer structure that will let the wine age. Drink from 2017.	null	90	null	Burgundy	Gevrey-Chambertin	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Méo-Camuzet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Méo-Camuzet 2013 Gevrey-Chambertin
Argentina	Aromas of pinched rubber and stems precede a light-bodied palate with flavors of leafy red fruits, butter and caramel. Oak flavors and mild acidity run the finish.	null	81	17	Other	Patagonia	null	Pinot Noir	Denario	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Denario 2012 Pinot Noir (Patagonia)
France	Crisp and clean, with citrus notes to go with flavors of almond and acacia blossom. Finishes with a fresh touch of ripe apples. Drink now.	La Fiole	86	30	Rhône Valley	Châteauneuf-du-Pape	null	Rhône-style White Blend	Père Anselme	null	null	null
US	Brick and black-rock earthiness mixes with slightly sour black cherry in this smartly priced blend of 55% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 15% Petite Sirah. The palate shows tart red currant fruit and sagebrush.	null	86	20	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Rhône-style Red Blend	Billhook	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Billhook 2013 Red (Santa Barbara County)
US	This is made from grapes that are sourced from the hills overlooking the warm, inland Chiles Valley subsection of Napa Valley. It's concentrated in black currant and dark chocolate flavors, with a pleasant warmth from the alcohol. But it's dry, with fine acidity—a great representation of its style.	Heminway Vineyard	92	30	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Turley	null	null	null
France	A wine that is dominated by minerality, tannins and acidity. It contains some severe characteristics yet is leaner than some others in Saint-Emilion. Still, there is aging potential.	null	91	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Beausejour-Duffau-Lagarrosse	null	null	null
US	Primarily sourced from vineyards on Howell Mountain and within Napa Valley's Glass Mountain area, this wine aims to take its cues from Bordeaux, according to the producer. It's soft and revelatory in cinnamon and black-pepper spiciness, with black currant on the palate. It finishes in chewing tobacco and tar.	null	86	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Sol Rouge	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Sol Rouge 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Australia	Cowaramup is a Margaret River subregion. A herbal note adds interest to the aromas, and some lifted red fruit sets this wine apart from Cherubino's other 2010 Cabernets. Otherwise, it's pretty similar in its lavish oaking and meaty, savory flavors, but with a bright, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2020.	Cowaramup	93	54	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Cherubino	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Cherubino 2010 Cowaramup Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)
Chile	Nice and welcoming on the nose, with melon, citrus and other punchbowl aromas. The palate is graced with fine acidity, which amplifies the wine's standard green apple and lime flavors. Clean and showing no glaring issues. Textbook everyday Chilean SB; we could drink this stuff forever.	Classic Series	87	12	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Montes	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Montes 2008 Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley)
Australia	Raciness, class and breed mark this delicious wine. With its bright, tropical fruit and spice aromas and bold, rich flavors, it's a delight from start to finish. Crisp acidity carries waves of ripe extract through the long finish. Editors' Choice.	Rose Label - Orange Vineyard	91	23	New South Wales	Orange	null	Chardonnay	Rosemount	null	null	null
Italy	This hearty Barbera del Monferrato offers surprisingly thick concentration and loads of bright fruit intensity. It's an inky, dark wine with bright nuances of cherry and blackberry and although there's a vinous, raw aspect to the bouquet, the mouthfeel is attractively thick and chewy.	null	87	16	Piedmont	Barbera del Monferrato	null	Barbera	Agricola Sulin	null	null	null
Austria	Green pear peel and citrus zest promise refreshment, framed on a linear, focused palate with lots of citrus precision. Invigorating and clean-cut, this will shine on a hot day.	Langenlois	90	20	Kamptal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Weszeli	null	null	null
US	Vinegary overtones suggest a volatile wine from the first sniff. Flavors are high-toned as well, with plum and cherry. Some sort of barrel treatment brings in dark chocolate and espresso, with slightly burnt, bitter tannins.	null	85	24	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Silvan Ridge	null	null	null
US	The winery has been producing this bottling for many years, and this is possibly the finest ever. It's soft, but not too soft, ripe, but not too ripe, and exquisitely flavorful, offering tiers of red cherries, cocoa and bacon, enhanced with smoky, sweet new oak. It's a fine wine to drink with grilled steak.	Cherryblock	94	90	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Sebastiani	null	null	null
US	This is a first-rate Oregon Pinot Gris made with fruit sourced from the Methven Vineyard. Crisp and steely, it's a mix of cucumber and honeydew melon fruit, with bracing acidity and excellent length.	Ravenna	90	16	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	White Blend	Eight Bells	null	null	null
Argentina	In this hot vintage, the wine seems narrow and reduced on the nose and palate. A collapsed structure shows density and jammy flavors of leafy berry, herbs and spice. The finish feels spent but offers tobacco and earth notes.	Trisagio Malbec-Petit Verdot-Tannat	85	28	Mendoza Province	Uco Valley	null	Red Blend	Benvenuto de la Serna	null	null	null
US	Cedar- and menthol-scented oak complementweedy cassis fruit, Full bodied, shows a touch more greenness in the finish.	Hargrave Vineyard Reserve	86	32	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Cabernet Sauvignon	Castello di Borghese	null	null	null
Austria	This is a tight, mineral-textured wine that shows the potential of its rich black fruit, while keeping a close rein on its exuberance. The result is a wood-aged wine that offers considerable aging potential, so it keep for at least three years.	Chevalier Reserve	91	45	Burgenland	null	null	Blaufränkisch	Iby	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Iby 2009 Chevalier Reserve Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)
US	This limited-production Chardonnay has the scents and flavors of just-baked, well-buttered biscuits. The fruit is a mix of peaches and pears, but the barrel influences—fermentation was done in 20% new French oak—have not quite settled into a seamless whole. That raw edge should smooth out with further time in bottle.	null	86	29	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Benton-Lane	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Benton-Lane 2011 Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)
Chile	For most people this oak-aged SB is a love-it-or-leave-it type of wine, but in this case it falls somewhere in the middle. A largely neutral bouquet comes with resiny aromas of melon. This is round, smooth and soft in the mouth, with toasty, resiny apple, melon and bitter flavors. It's showing oxidation and age on the finish, meaning it's got one foot in the grave.	Alfa Centauri	85	34	Leyda Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	O. Fournier	null	null	null
France	This is a medium-sweet wine, very fresh while also with some richness. A creamed-apple texture is given a more exotic touch with white peach flavors and freshened with bright acidity. It would be good with Asian food. Drink now.	Passeport	85	10	Loire Valley	Vouvray	null	Chenin Blanc	Barton & Guestier	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Barton & Guestier 2014 Passeport (Vouvray)
US	There's a touch of reduction on the nose of this wine, which otherwise offers a nutty profile that's somewhat shut down. Oaky and smoky, it has a bit of minty chocolate on the thick, full-bodied palate.	Wildcat Vineyard	87	49	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	MacPhail	null	null	null
Argentina	Dense and sweet up front, the nose is balanced and deep, with blackberry and graham cracker aromas. The palate feels grippy and concentrated, bearing blackberry, dark plum and black pepper flavors, with a lifted flower note. This finishes mild and spicy.	Casa Marguery	87	15	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon	Familia Marguery	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Familia Marguery 2010 Casa Marguery Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
US	This is a great value in a Petite Sirah that shows how well the variety performs in a great vintage in a warmer climate. With 20% Syrah, which seems to add richness and nobility, the wine is bone dry and elegant in mouthfeel, with complex blackberry, black currant, grilled beef, black pepper and cedar flavors. Drink now.	Family Vineyards	90	15	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Petite Sirah	Pedroncelli	null	null	Pedroncelli 2007 Family Vineyards Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley)
Argentina	Big, rubbery and smoky, with exotic fruit aromas that seem roasted. The palate is tough, tannic and clipped, with herbal, thick flavors of berry, baking spices and coffee. Finishes big but flat and hard, with lasting herbal flavors.	null	84	13	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Alamos	null	null	null
Italy	A note of jammy blackberry opens the nose of this easygoing, soft and plush wine. More ripe berry flavors appear on the finish.	null	85	12	Southern Italy	Puglia	null	Negroamaro	Feudi di San Marzano	null	null	Feudi di San Marzano 2010 Negroamaro (Puglia)
US	Here is a beautifully rendered, vividly fruity Washington Riesling. Crisp green apple flavors combine with succulently sweet citrus in a classic, off-dry style.	null	88	7	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Johannisberg Riesling	Tagaris	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Tagaris 2001 Johannisberg Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
Spain	Narrow aromas of red currant, raspberry and red plum carry a minty green accent. In the mouth, this blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is tight, with scratchy tannins and no shortage of acidity. Flavors of red berry and plum offer dry spice and herbal shadings.	Reserva	85	12	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Red Blend	Príncipe de Viana	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Príncipe de Viana 2008 Reserva Red (Navarra)
Germany	Savory apple and lemon, earth and bramble tones persist throughout this semisweet Riesling. It's refreshingly crisp and nimble making it an easy everyday pairing for casual chicken or fish dinners at home.	Spätlese	88	14	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Heinz Eifel	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Heinz Eifel 2013 Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)
Argentina	Baked and compact on the nose, which is dark, rubbery and offers hints of smoked meats. The palate has a rich, layered feel and robust flavors of baked black fruits, molasses, caramel and toast. It's warm, full and shows Old World notes of tobacco and toffee. Drink now.	Oak	88	17	Mendoza Province	Maipú	null	Malbec	Coiron	null	null	null
France	Going for a mineral character, the wine has freshness and also crisp lime, pineapple and caramel flavors. Light in feel, finely textured, almost steely.	Les Clous	89	54	Burgundy	Meursault	null	Chardonnay	Bouchard Père & Fils	null	null	null
US	Heavy and dull, like cherry pie filling, dusted with cinnamon and cocoa, without the pie shell. That baked crust provides the crunchy structure, which this fruit bomb lacks.	Aubaine Vineyard	83	50	California	San Luis Obispo County	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Loring Wine Company	null	null	null
France	Domaine de Roure is the top Crozes-Hermitage from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, and the 2008 is structured and tight, with wood-derived notes of scorched marshmallow and toast layered atop citrusy fruit. Turns a bit drying and woody on the finish, so drink now, or hold for 5–6 years and hope it integrates over time.	Domaine de Roure	88	60	Rhône Valley	Crozes-Hermitage	null	Marsanne	Paul Jaboulet Aîné	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2008 Domaine de Roure Marsanne (Crozes-Hermitage)
US	This is sort of Calera's homage to many scattered vineyards throughout Calfornia's Central Coast that Josh Jensen respects. It's a good, sound Pinot Noir, with some complexity. Fully dry and varietally correct, it has classy flavors of cherries, cola and oak. Drink now.	Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Vintage	87	24	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Calera	null	null	null
France	92-94 Barrel sample. With its gold color, this announces richness. The texture is rich, a wine that rounds in the mouth, giving sweetness, tropical flavors and big, ripe fruit. Only to finish, does the acidity arrive.	Barrel sample	93	null	Bordeaux	Barsac	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château de Myrat	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Myrat 2008 Barrel sample (Barsac)
US	There are delicious flavors in this ripe Syrah, and while it's too soft for comfort, it sure is nice to drink. Offers waves of blackberries, mocha, black pepper and smoky sandalwood that finish thoroughly dry and complex in Asian spices.	Farráh	89	18	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Syrah	Klinker Brick	null	null	Klinker Brick 2007 Farráh Syrah (Lodi)
US	Underripe red currant and green peppercorn show on the nose. The light-bodied palate brings similar flavors, with sweet vanilla being up the finish. Already showing some slight bricking in color, this Cab Franc is best enjoyed soon.	null	85	25	Virginia	Virginia	null	Cabernet Franc	Tarara	Alexander Peartree	null	Tarara 2013 Cabernet Franc (Virginia)
US	Much like the winery's pleasing Pinot Gris, this Dijon clone Chard is made in a clean, lightly herbal style. Roughly half was barrel fermented and half in stainless, all resting sur lie for twelve months. Along with the crisp apple flavors and sweet grass are hints of wet stone and a gentle impression of bourbon barrel.	null	86	22	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Left Coast Cellars	null	null	null
Argentina	Opens with standard cherry/berry aromas, although with airing cheese notes and dill enter the picture. The palate is meaty in feel, with firm, tough, slightly roasted plum and berry flavors. Finishes hot, with a bold plum and berry character.	Ikella	86	13	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Malbec	Melipal	null	null	null
US	A disappointment after the fine '03. Was it the heat? There's an overripe, rustic taste of cooked blackberry and cherry pie filling, and it finishes a little sweet. Still, it's pretty good California Coastal Zin.	Mattern Ranch Old Vine	84	23	California	Mendocino County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Zinfandel	Marr	null	null	null
US	The 14 Hands Cabernet has more grip and authority than the Hot To Trot Red, but perhaps less immediate appeal. Black cherry and fig fruit are swathed in chocolate malt flavors, with a wash of mocha setting up the finish. Take your pick; either of these reds is sure to please.	null	87	12	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	14 Hands	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	14 Hands 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	Il Concerto Brut is a tonic and tight Italian sparkler with dry aromas of lime, talc powder and crushed white pepper. The wine is fine, smooth and shows a touch of spice on the finish.	Il Concerto Brut	85	null	Veneto	Prosecco	null	Glera	San Simone	null	null	San Simone NV Il Concerto Brut (Prosecco)
Italy	From the Nervo Cru, this dark Barbaresco shows a slight edge in terms of concentration and aromatic intensity. Notes of dark fruit, hazelnut and roasted espresso bean compose the bouquet, and the wine delivers smooth softness on the finish. Those characteristics suggest that this may be ready to drink earlier than others.	Vigneto Nervo	90	60	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Pertinace	null	null	null
France	From vineyards on the north-facing slope of the Montagne de Reims, this Champagne is a blend of different Grand Cru vines. It is dry, although an underlying richness gives the wine generosity and crisp apple and pear fruitiness. An elegant texture at the end is a good indication that the wine could age.	Face Nord Extra Brut Grand Cru	93	55	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Pehu-Simonet	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Pehu-Simonet NV Face Nord Extra Brut Grand Cru (Champagne)
US	Delicate sour-cherry and raspberry notes are accented by bramble and smoke in this dry Pinot Noir rosé. High-toned acidity is a bit puckering, but works particularly well to enjoying with food. The finish is brisk but clean.	Sawmill Creek Vineyards Rosé of	87	17	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Pinot Noir	Billsboro	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Billsboro 2015 Sawmill Creek Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir (Finger Lakes)
US	After a poor showing in 2009, Jigar has redeemed itself. Their 2010 Chardonnay is rich and smooth in tropical fruits, cream, buttered toast and cinnamon spices. It's starting to show its age, so drink up.	null	86	24	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Jigar	null	null	Jigar 2010 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
US	Lots of sweet cherry fruit in this polished red wine, which also shows the char and cedary flavors of oak barrel aging. It's gentle in tannins and has enough acidity for balance. A nice, everyday wine that brings to mind well-sauced pasta dishes.	Alegria Vineyard	86	28	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Sangiovese	Acorn	null	null	null
Australia	Dry woody notes reminiscent of sawdust join apple and citrus fruit on the nose of this medium-bodied wine. There's a bit of a hollow in the midpalate, where tart apple, pineapple and lemon flavors take hold, finishing crisp.	null	85	14	Victoria	Central Victoria	null	Chardonnay	Four Sisters	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Four Sisters 2015 Chardonnay (Central Victoria)
France	This wine comes from a four-acre parcel of 55-year-old vines. It has the concentration that is so special to old vines. That goes with the ripe red fruits and generous tannins that give the wine great richness. It is a young wine still even though so fruity and will be better to drink from 2019.	Vieilles Vignes	91	64	Burgundy	Volnay	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Henri Delagrange	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Henri Delagrange 2014 Vieilles Vignes (Volnay)
US	As it opens, this wine's ever-so-slightly-dried black-cherry aroma emerges with elegance and power, alongside unending layers of potpourri, crushed flowers, juniper and dark spice. The palate leads with a tart cranberry note that broadens into a warmer strawberry flavor, laced together with tingling acidity and sagebrush spice.	Lone Oak Vineyard	94	50	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Lucienne	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Lucienne 2015 Lone Oak Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Italy	Here's a well-balanced Vernaccia with good fruit freshness backed by a dense, creamy consistency and good crispness. It also offers mineral and herbal notes and would pair well with salmon or swordfish.	Riserva	88	30	Tuscany	Vernaccia di San Gimignano	null	Vernaccia	Palagetto	null	null	null
Bulgaria	This garnet colored wine has aromas of red plums and black pepper. There are jammy flavors of ripe cherry and red raspberry on the palate. There's a nice acidic bite and a pleasant touch of astringency on the finish.	Veni Vidi Vici	86	9	Thracian Valley	null	null	Merlot	Vini	Jeff Jenssen	@worldwineguys	Vini 2012 Veni Vidi Vici Merlot (Thracian Valley)
US	A vibrantly refreshing, juicy Syrah that flatters with tons of fruit. Cherries, cassis, raspberries, plums, mocha, licorice—that just begins to describe the palate. Balance comes from dryness and a nice structure of acids and tannins.	null	88	30	California	Arroyo Seco	Central Coast	Syrah	Figge	null	null	null
France	This medium-bodied blend of Grenache (70%), Syrah (25%) and Mourvèdre (5%) is aged in large oak vats. Leather and spice notes accent modest cherry fruit, then fold in touches of black olive and mocha on the slightly dusty finish. Drink now–2017.	Héritages Élevé en Foudres de Chêne	88	16	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Ogier	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Ogier 2012 Héritages Élevé en Foudres de Chêne Red (Côtes du Rhône)
US	A lovely Chardonnay, softly creamy and lilting, with opulent flavors of pineapples, sweet lemon custard, buttered toast, vanilla, honey and smoke. Great with lobster.	Bien Nacido Reserve Block Eleven	91	30	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Qupé	null	null	null
US	Big, bold flavors of cherry pie, red currant, toasty oak and vanilla mark this ripe, tasty Pinot. It has broad appeal, successfully made for a palate that likes accessibile wines that seem sweet and fruity.	Soberanes Vineyard	88	55	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Bernardus	null	null	Bernardus 2010 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
US	I wish this Syrah were just a little drier, but that aside, it's a rewarding wine. Flooded with black cherry and cassis fruit, as well as smoky oak, it has the beautiful acidity and fine tannins of its terroir.	null	86	26	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Syrah	Tin House	null	null	null
US	The graceful, subtle nose of pears, apples and hazelnuts don't prepare you for the richness of this old-guard Napa producer's 1999 offering. A full and intense palate of toast, honey, spice and pineapple comes on strong. The flavors are supported by bright acidity, and they linger on the long and lively finish.	null	90	40	California	Rutherford	Napa	Chardonnay	El Molino	null	null	null
US	Here's a vibrantly fruity, fresh young wine. It's light in texture and silky, with crisp, lip-smacking flavors of cherries, raspberries, licorice, cola, clove and cinnamon. Delicious now.	null	90	28	California	Edna Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Kynsi	null	null	Kynsi 2005 Pinot Noir (Edna Valley)
Germany	Perhaps because of its slow, natural fermentation in large casks and the resulting lees contact, this wine shows a bit of toasty, mealy character and a slightly creamy texture. It's a weighty Riesling (for the Mosel, anyway), with ripe notes of peach complementing citrus fruit and a dry, stony finish.	Steinreich Trocken	89	40	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Ansgar Clüsserath	null	null	null
Portugal	Named in homage to a Marquesa de Alorna who was a poet in the 18th century, this wood-aged rich wine is serious and complex. It has ripe yellow fruits that balance with the spice from the wood aging, giving a ripe creamy wine that will still age. Drink from 2017.	Marquesa de Alorna Grande Reserva Branco	92	28	Tejo	null	null	Portuguese White	Quinta da Alorna	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta da Alorna 2013 Marquesa de Alorna Grande Reserva Branco White (Tejo)
Argentina	A bit rusty in color and mature, but that's what makes this wine different than most. It's earthy, a bit leathery and muddled, and slightly baked. But it's also subdued, mellow and sturdy, with lighter tannins and hints of herbs to go with finely roasted berry and tomato flavors. Integrated, long and spicy late. Drink now through 2012.	Carrascal	90	22	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Weinert	null	null	null
US	Likeable for its extreme dryness, smooth tannins and satisfying berry and spice flavors. Fans of vanilla-sweet oak will appreciate that extra edge of richness.	null	84	14	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Screw Kappa Napa	null	null	null
Portugal	This is one in a series of wines that blends Syrah with a major Douro grape, The wine has a severe, austere character, as much structure as fruit. Wood aging has helped to soften the wine and give density. It needs more time, so drink from 2019.	Touriga Franca-Syrah	88	30	Duriense	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta da Romaneira	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta da Romaneira 2014 Touriga Franca-Syrah Red (Duriense)
Italy	A blend of Nero d'Avola and Nerello Cappuccio, this delivers a tangy, spicy feel, plus polished aromas of blackberry, almond and cured meat. Pair this easygoing selection with pepperoni pizza.	Calìo	87	null	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Red Blend	Viticultori Associati Canicatti	null	null	Viticultori Associati Canicatti 2010 Calìo Red (Sicilia)
US	In a strong lineup of beautifully balanced Pinots, this cuvée shows just a touch more stem and leaf, and keeps the fruit on the tart end of the berry and cherry spectrum. The tannins remain a bit stiff and unyielding, but overall the punch and weight suggest that this is a wine bound for further development and improvement in bottle. Drink 2018–2025.	Sandra Adele Unfiltered	92	58	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	J. Christopher	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	J. Christopher 2013 Sandra Adele Unfiltered Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
US	Flowery and electric in high-toned grapefruit and peach, this is a crisp, clean white from a consistent producer. Medium-bodied, it holds small percentages of Sémillon and Muscat. The finely hewed texture benefits from 10% of the wine having been aged in neutral oak.	null	89	17	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Honig	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Honig 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
Italy	A standout wine thanks to lush red apple and cinnamon, coffee, tobacco, cherry cola, spice and peach cobbler-like aromas. Tasty, long finish with firm tannins and a flavorful, fruity tail in an ageworthy wine. A Marc de Grazia selection, various U.S. importers.	null	92	59	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Collosorbo	null	null	null
Italy	Slightly closed at first, this Sémillon needs a few minutes in the glass before the aromas become charged. Exotic fruit and pineapple notes appear with citrus and peach accents. The finish is simple and fresh.	null	86	15	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Sémillon	Fornacelle	null	null	null
Germany	Quite ripe and precise stone fruit aromas with interesting hints of minerality. Refreshingly crisp with balanced sweetness. Ample youthful, juicy fruits dance across the palate. Moderate intensity of flavor, zesty texture and a moderately long finish.	Blue Slate Kabinett	89	20	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Dr. Loosen	null	null	Dr. Loosen 2008 Blue Slate Kabinett Riesling (Mosel)
US	Dusty mineral and pollen notes lend earthy complexity to tart lemon, tangerine and sugar cookie notes on the nose of this feather-light Riesling. It's gossamer in texture yet full of juicy sweet pink-grapefruit flavor. High-toned acidity drives a cutting finish marked by a pleasantly bitter ring of lime pith and hazelnut skins.	null	91	35	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	N. Kendall Wines	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	N. Kendall Wines 2013 Riesling (Finger Lakes)
Portugal	A fresh, juicy wine with berry fruits, ripe but intense tannins and a black cherry flavor. There is a delicious, final burst of acidity.	Porca de Murça Tinto	88	10	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Real Companhia Velha	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Real Companhia Velha 2007 Porca de Murça Tinto Red (Douro)
US	Lots of oaky richness in this dry, crisp Chardonnay. It has high acidity and a dusty minerality, but also a thick coat of sweet, butterscotchy oak and powerful flavors of lemons, limes, pineapples and exotic tropical fruits. Drink over the next four years.	Barbed Oak Vineyard	90	30	California	Bennett Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Bjornstad	null	null	null

Argentina

Jammy berry fruits, violet notes and graham cracker define the bouquet on this high-quality, good-value Malbec. The palate isn't huge but it's well structured, and the flavors are exotic and out of the ordinary, with an emphasis on Middle Eastern spice and blue-fruit flavors. On the finish, it's chocolaty and spicy but loses steam quickly.

null

90

18

Mendoza Province

Uco Valley

null

Malbec

Benvenuto de la Serna

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Benvenuto de la Serna 2009 Malbec (Uco Valley)

Spain

Flush on the nose, this huge, modern Rioja is loaded with cassis, blackberry and cola aromas. The palate is bold, tannic and flush, with fierceness playing off against lushness. Savory blackberry, hickory and controlled saltiness drive the flavor profile toward a roasted, spicy, blackened finish that's rugged and suggests a long life for this wine. Drink 2016–2024.

Aro

93

195

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo Blend

Muga

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Muga 2010 Aro (Rioja)

Austria

Dense, with rustic aromas, a little barnyard. The fruit is smooth in texture, touched by new wood and 14 months barrique aging. The tannins need time to settle down, with acidity shooting through the fruit.

Heideboden

87

24

Burgenland

null

Red Blend

Nittnaus Anita und Hans

null

Argentina

For the price, this is pretty good. Not very Syrah-like, but if you enjoy plum, cherry and currant flavors along with pretty good mouthfeel and balance, you'll get it here.

Uma

84

6

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Shiraz

Telteca

null

US

A little raw around the edges, lacking the sexy lushness you want in a fine Pinot Noir. Mostly that's a function of high acidity and a touch of minty green. Still, it's a delicious, complex wine, with oaky flavors of raspberries, cherries and Asian spices. Probably best now and for the next five years.

Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Block A

89

50

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

La Rochelle

null

Australia

When the alcohol levels are reined in to appropriate levels, this can be one of Australia's top Shiraz. The 2012 is a stunning example of balance and finesse, combining youthful scents of cassis and toasty oak with floral elements. There's ample weight and texture yet silky elegance at the same time, while already complex notes of orange pekoe and black currant are sure to gain even more with five or 10 years of cellaring. Drink 2020–2030.

Georgia's Paddock

95

85

Victoria

Heathcote

null

Shiraz

Jasper Hill

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Jasper Hill 2012 Georgia's Paddock Shiraz (Heathcote)

US

From the pitch-black color you can tell this is an enormously extracted wine. It shows the stuffing of this famous vineyard's Zins, with blackberries, loganberries, cherries, licorice, leather and cocoa-laced coffee, and is quite tannic. But it's diminished by what tastes like notable sugar in the finish, even though the alcohol is over 15%.

Monte Rosso Vineyard Reserve

84

45

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Rosenblum

null

France

A ripe, rounded wine, with flavors of pear, red apple and superfresh acidity. It's lifted, vibrant and delicious to drink now.

null

88

null

Loire Valley

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

null

Melon

Domaine de la Tourmaline

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine de la Tourmaline 2006 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

Chile

Rich, ripe blackberry, cassis and leathery aromas are full, stately and fitting for this lush, layered, tannic offering from Viu Manent's top Malbec vineyard. Toasty flavors of blackberry, black currant, herbs and chocolate finish chewy, beefy and full, with a hint of resiny oak. Drink through 2020.

San Carlos Single Vineyard

91

25

Colchagua Valley

null

Malbec

Viu Manent

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viu Manent 2012 San Carlos Single Vineyard Malbec (Colchagua Valley)

Italy

San Polo's Rosso di Montalcino offers classic aromas of cherry, black fruit and spice. But it also adds an extra layer of vanilla and sweet spice that makes for a very nice ensemble. It's smooth, rich and spicy on the close.

null

88

25

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

San Polo

null

San Polo 2007 Rosso di Montalcino

France

Raspberry-flavored wine, light, crisp and fresh. It has bright acidity, a wine for the summer.

Seigneurs de Bergerac Rosé

83

null

Southwest France

Bergerac

null

Merlot

Yvon Mau

null

US

In only a few vintages, winemaker Regan Meador has created a splash in the New York wine scene and this Bordeaux-style red blend is a testament to the hype. A deft blend of Old and New-world styles, it contrasts silky, rich black cherry and currant flavors against deep layers of granite minerality, leafy herbs and potpourri florals. It's complex and yet so effortlessly brisk and spry. The finish is endlessly meandering.

Illegitimi Non Carborundum

93

35

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Southold

null

US

There's hardly any oak on this wine, so what you get is pure, clean Sauvignon character. With crisp acidity, the wine brims with lemon, lime, green melon, vanilla and spice flavors, with a hint of tart gooseberry. It's totally dry.

Sea-Fog

88

25

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

The Grade

null

The Grade 2008 Sea-Fog Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

US

Despite appealing raspberry and cherry-pie filling, cola and spice notes, this Pinot is a bit hard and even green, with some tomato notes. The acidity is brisk, the tannins thick. Give it 4–6 years in the cellar, and it is likely to develop over a decade.

Selleck Vineyard

90

75

California

Mt. Harlan

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Calera

null

Calera 2007 Selleck Vineyard Pinot Noir (Mt. Harlan)

Spain

Smoke and leather aromas come with earthy, leafy berry and floral scents. This is crisp and acidic in feel, while flavors of peppery red fruits are spicy and drawing. Raw tannins and red-fruit flavors carry the finish.

Gran Coronas

86

24

Catalonia

Penedès

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Torres

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Torres 2009 Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon (Penedès)

Spain

Medicinal cherry and plum aromas are smothered in milk chocolate scents that turn more animal and leathery with airing. The palate is chunky but dull in feel, with generic red-berry flavors covered with candied oak and herbal notes.

null

83

11

Levante

Alicante

null

Monastrell

Toscar

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Toscar 2010 Monastrell (Alicante)

US

Impressive for the price, because it's enormously rich, which makes it absolutely delicious to drink now. It's clean and crisp in acidity, with opulent flavors of tropical fruits, vanilla layer cake, buttered toast, Meyer lemon sorbet and honey. That makes it sound sweet, but it's thoroughly and properly dry.

Limited Release

92

28

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Rutherford Hill

null

France

Still very closed up, this austere wine has distinct aging potential, with its taut character, apple skin texture and hints of wood. It will need 3–4 years to show its best.

Les Chaumes

89

56

Burgundy

Chassagne-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Roux Père et Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Roux Père et Fils 2009 Les Chaumes (Chassagne-Montrachet)

Spain

This purple-tinted Carignan is a concentrated number with familiar varietal and regional aromas of latex, graphite, schist, tire rubber and black fruits. In the mouth, this is chewy and full bodied, but not heavy. Oaky spicy blackberry and nutmeg flavors linger on a mildly woody, extracted and gritty finish. Best to give this a few more years so drink through 2022.

Tros de Clos

93

99

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Carignan

Portal del Priorat

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Portal del Priorat 2014 Tros de Clos Carignan (Priorat)

Mexico

Simple pear flavors, joined by a hint of butter. A bit thick and heavy, but it makes for a mouthfilling white.

Private Reserve

84

14

Valle de Guadalupe

null

Chardonnay

L.A. Cetto

null

L.A. Cetto 2000 Private Reserve Chardonnay (Valle de Guadalupe)

Italy

This blend of Biancolella and Forastera opens with subtle aromas of white spring flower and tree fruit. The rather lean palate offers crisp yellow apple, mineral and Bartlett pear alongside prominent acidity.

Biancolella

86

29

Southern Italy

Ischia

null

White Blend

Casa D'Ambra

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Casa D'Ambra 2012 Biancolella White (Ischia)

France

An unusual blend, with a high proportion of Petit Verdot, this wine relies on its dense tannins as much as its berry fruits to provide punch. It has concentration, as well as some dry bitterness, the acidity continuing right to the end.

null

88

null

Bordeaux

Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Tour Seran

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Tour Seran 2008 Médoc

US

A dry, thin, modest Cabernet, the kind you drink in a paper cup at big parties. The host serves it, and you drink with the food.

null

82

9

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Surf Point

null

Surf Point 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

US

This is a cherry candy-flavored, somewhat chunky/blocky style of Syrah. It's forward and fresh, but does not show exceptional structure or complexity.

Lawrence Vineyards

87

27

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Gård

null

Austria

Green pear peel and flesh dominate nose and palate and make for a fruit-driven, slender but concentrated white. The melting texture is an added bonus.

null

89

16

Kremstal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Stadt Krems

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Stadt Krems 2013 Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)

Spain

Nice value red wine with solid black fruit aromas, licorice and crushed mineral notes. It's flush and showing good volume, and the plum/berry core flavors have a vanilla accent. Mildly medicinal on the finish but overall it offers good power, structure and concentration.

Los Dos Old Vines

86

8

Northern Spain

Campo de Borja

null

Grenache-Syrah

Almira

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Almira 2008 Los Dos Old Vines Grenache-Syrah (Campo de Borja)

Chile

Basic and aromatic, but not what you'd label complex. This is easygoing Gewürz with a sweet, honeyed set of flavors that offer a modicum of spice. Honeysuckle and spice notes work the finish, and as a whole it's a nice wine for simple occasions.

Estate Selection

85

11

Curicó Valley

null

Gewürztraminer

Aresti

null

France

This wine has the proper power and structure of Gevrey, with firm tannins under the ripe red berry and cherry fruits. There is great juicy acidity as well as a firmer structure that will let the wine age. Drink from 2017.

null

90

null

Burgundy

Gevrey-Chambertin

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Méo-Camuzet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Méo-Camuzet 2013 Gevrey-Chambertin

Argentina

Aromas of pinched rubber and stems precede a light-bodied palate with flavors of leafy red fruits, butter and caramel. Oak flavors and mild acidity run the finish.

null

81

17

Other

Patagonia

null

Pinot Noir

Denario

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Denario 2012 Pinot Noir (Patagonia)

France

Crisp and clean, with citrus notes to go with flavors of almond and acacia blossom. Finishes with a fresh touch of ripe apples. Drink now.

La Fiole

86

30

Rhône Valley

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

null

Rhône-style White Blend

Père Anselme

null

US

Brick and black-rock earthiness mixes with slightly sour black cherry in this smartly priced blend of 55% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 15% Petite Sirah. The palate shows tart red currant fruit and sagebrush.

null

86

20

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Rhône-style Red Blend

Billhook

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Billhook 2013 Red (Santa Barbara County)

US

This is made from grapes that are sourced from the hills overlooking the warm, inland Chiles Valley subsection of Napa Valley. It's concentrated in black currant and dark chocolate flavors, with a pleasant warmth from the alcohol. But it's dry, with fine acidity—a great representation of its style.

Heminway Vineyard

92

30

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Turley

null

France

A wine that is dominated by minerality, tannins and acidity. It contains some severe characteristics yet is leaner than some others in Saint-Emilion. Still, there is aging potential.

null

91

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Beausejour-Duffau-Lagarrosse

null

US

Primarily sourced from vineyards on Howell Mountain and within Napa Valley's Glass Mountain area, this wine aims to take its cues from Bordeaux, according to the producer. It's soft and revelatory in cinnamon and black-pepper spiciness, with black currant on the palate. It finishes in chewing tobacco and tar.

null

86

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sol Rouge

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Sol Rouge 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Australia

Cowaramup is a Margaret River subregion. A herbal note adds interest to the aromas, and some lifted red fruit sets this wine apart from Cherubino's other 2010 Cabernets. Otherwise, it's pretty similar in its lavish oaking and meaty, savory flavors, but with a bright, mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2020.

Cowaramup

93

54

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cherubino

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Cherubino 2010 Cowaramup Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)

Chile

Nice and welcoming on the nose, with melon, citrus and other punchbowl aromas. The palate is graced with fine acidity, which amplifies the wine's standard green apple and lime flavors. Clean and showing no glaring issues. Textbook everyday Chilean SB; we could drink this stuff forever.

Classic Series

87

12

Casablanca Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Montes

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Montes 2008 Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley)

Australia

Raciness, class and breed mark this delicious wine. With its bright, tropical fruit and spice aromas and bold, rich flavors, it's a delight from start to finish. Crisp acidity carries waves of ripe extract through the long finish. Editors' Choice.

Rose Label - Orange Vineyard

91

23

New South Wales

Orange

null

Chardonnay

Rosemount

null

Italy

This hearty Barbera del Monferrato offers surprisingly thick concentration and loads of bright fruit intensity. It's an inky, dark wine with bright nuances of cherry and blackberry and although there's a vinous, raw aspect to the bouquet, the mouthfeel is attractively thick and chewy.

null

87

16

Piedmont

Barbera del Monferrato

null

Barbera

Agricola Sulin

null

Austria

Green pear peel and citrus zest promise refreshment, framed on a linear, focused palate with lots of citrus precision. Invigorating and clean-cut, this will shine on a hot day.

Langenlois

90

20

Kamptal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Weszeli

null

US

Vinegary overtones suggest a volatile wine from the first sniff. Flavors are high-toned as well, with plum and cherry. Some sort of barrel treatment brings in dark chocolate and espresso, with slightly burnt, bitter tannins.

null

85

24

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Silvan Ridge

null

US

The winery has been producing this bottling for many years, and this is possibly the finest ever. It's soft, but not too soft, ripe, but not too ripe, and exquisitely flavorful, offering tiers of red cherries, cocoa and bacon, enhanced with smoky, sweet new oak. It's a fine wine to drink with grilled steak.

Cherryblock

94

90

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sebastiani

null

US

This is a first-rate Oregon Pinot Gris made with fruit sourced from the Methven Vineyard. Crisp and steely, it's a mix of cucumber and honeydew melon fruit, with bracing acidity and excellent length.

Ravenna

90

16

Oregon

Oregon Other

White Blend

Eight Bells

null

Argentina

In this hot vintage, the wine seems narrow and reduced on the nose and palate. A collapsed structure shows density and jammy flavors of leafy berry, herbs and spice. The finish feels spent but offers tobacco and earth notes.

Trisagio Malbec-Petit Verdot-Tannat

85

28

Mendoza Province

Uco Valley

null

Red Blend

Benvenuto de la Serna

null

US

Cedar- and menthol-scented oak complementweedy cassis fruit, Full bodied, shows a touch more greenness in the finish.

Hargrave Vineyard Reserve

86

32

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Cabernet Sauvignon

Castello di Borghese

null

Austria

This is a tight, mineral-textured wine that shows the potential of its rich black fruit, while keeping a close rein on its exuberance. The result is a wood-aged wine that offers considerable aging potential, so it keep for at least three years.

Chevalier Reserve

91

45

Burgenland

null

Blaufränkisch

Iby

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Iby 2009 Chevalier Reserve Blaufränkisch (Burgenland)

US

This limited-production Chardonnay has the scents and flavors of just-baked, well-buttered biscuits. The fruit is a mix of peaches and pears, but the barrel influences—fermentation was done in 20% new French oak—have not quite settled into a seamless whole. That raw edge should smooth out with further time in bottle.

null

86

29

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Benton-Lane

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Benton-Lane 2011 Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)

Chile

For most people this oak-aged SB is a love-it-or-leave-it type of wine, but in this case it falls somewhere in the middle. A largely neutral bouquet comes with resiny aromas of melon. This is round, smooth and soft in the mouth, with toasty, resiny apple, melon and bitter flavors. It's showing oxidation and age on the finish, meaning it's got one foot in the grave.

Alfa Centauri

85

34

Leyda Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

O. Fournier

null

France

This is a medium-sweet wine, very fresh while also with some richness. A creamed-apple texture is given a more exotic touch with white peach flavors and freshened with bright acidity. It would be good with Asian food. Drink now.

Passeport

85

10

Loire Valley

Vouvray

null

Chenin Blanc

Barton & Guestier

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Barton & Guestier 2014 Passeport (Vouvray)

US

There's a touch of reduction on the nose of this wine, which otherwise offers a nutty profile that's somewhat shut down. Oaky and smoky, it has a bit of minty chocolate on the thick, full-bodied palate.

Wildcat Vineyard

87

49

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

MacPhail

null

Argentina

Dense and sweet up front, the nose is balanced and deep, with blackberry and graham cracker aromas. The palate feels grippy and concentrated, bearing blackberry, dark plum and black pepper flavors, with a lifted flower note. This finishes mild and spicy.

Casa Marguery

87

15

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon

Familia Marguery

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Familia Marguery 2010 Casa Marguery Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)

US

This is a great value in a Petite Sirah that shows how well the variety performs in a great vintage in a warmer climate. With 20% Syrah, which seems to add richness and nobility, the wine is bone dry and elegant in mouthfeel, with complex blackberry, black currant, grilled beef, black pepper and cedar flavors. Drink now.

Family Vineyards

90

15

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Petite Sirah

Pedroncelli

null

Pedroncelli 2007 Family Vineyards Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley)

Argentina

Big, rubbery and smoky, with exotic fruit aromas that seem roasted. The palate is tough, tannic and clipped, with herbal, thick flavors of berry, baking spices and coffee. Finishes big but flat and hard, with lasting herbal flavors.

null

84

13

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Alamos

null

Italy

A note of jammy blackberry opens the nose of this easygoing, soft and plush wine. More ripe berry flavors appear on the finish.

null

85

12

Southern Italy

Puglia

null

Negroamaro

Feudi di San Marzano

null

Feudi di San Marzano 2010 Negroamaro (Puglia)

US

Here is a beautifully rendered, vividly fruity Washington Riesling. Crisp green apple flavors combine with succulently sweet citrus in a classic, off-dry style.

null

88

7

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Johannisberg Riesling

Tagaris

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Tagaris 2001 Johannisberg Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))

Spain

Narrow aromas of red currant, raspberry and red plum carry a minty green accent. In the mouth, this blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is tight, with scratchy tannins and no shortage of acidity. Flavors of red berry and plum offer dry spice and herbal shadings.

Reserva

85

12

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Red Blend

Príncipe de Viana

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Príncipe de Viana 2008 Reserva Red (Navarra)

Germany

Savory apple and lemon, earth and bramble tones persist throughout this semisweet Riesling. It's refreshingly crisp and nimble making it an easy everyday pairing for casual chicken or fish dinners at home.

Spätlese

88

14

Mosel

null

Riesling

Heinz Eifel

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Heinz Eifel 2013 Spätlese Riesling (Mosel)

Argentina

Baked and compact on the nose, which is dark, rubbery and offers hints of smoked meats. The palate has a rich, layered feel and robust flavors of baked black fruits, molasses, caramel and toast. It's warm, full and shows Old World notes of tobacco and toffee. Drink now.

Oak

88

17

Mendoza Province

Maipú

null

Malbec

Coiron

null

France

Going for a mineral character, the wine has freshness and also crisp lime, pineapple and caramel flavors. Light in feel, finely textured, almost steely.

Les Clous

89

54

Burgundy

Meursault

null

Chardonnay

Bouchard Père & Fils

null

US

Heavy and dull, like cherry pie filling, dusted with cinnamon and cocoa, without the pie shell. That baked crust provides the crunchy structure, which this fruit bomb lacks.

Aubaine Vineyard

83

50

California

San Luis Obispo County

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Loring Wine Company

null

France

Domaine de Roure is the top Crozes-Hermitage from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, and the 2008 is structured and tight, with wood-derived notes of scorched marshmallow and toast layered atop citrusy fruit. Turns a bit drying and woody on the finish, so drink now, or hold for 5–6 years and hope it integrates over time.

Domaine de Roure

88

60

Rhône Valley

Crozes-Hermitage

null

Marsanne

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2008 Domaine de Roure Marsanne (Crozes-Hermitage)

US

This is sort of Calera's homage to many scattered vineyards throughout Calfornia's Central Coast that Josh Jensen respects. It's a good, sound Pinot Noir, with some complexity. Fully dry and varietally correct, it has classy flavors of cherries, cola and oak. Drink now.

Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Vintage

87

24

California

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Calera

null

France

92-94 Barrel sample. With its gold color, this announces richness. The texture is rich, a wine that rounds in the mouth, giving sweetness, tropical flavors and big, ripe fruit. Only to finish, does the acidity arrive.

Barrel sample

93

null

Bordeaux

Barsac

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château de Myrat

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Myrat 2008 Barrel sample (Barsac)

US

There are delicious flavors in this ripe Syrah, and while it's too soft for comfort, it sure is nice to drink. Offers waves of blackberries, mocha, black pepper and smoky sandalwood that finish thoroughly dry and complex in Asian spices.

Farráh

89

18

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Syrah

Klinker Brick

null

Klinker Brick 2007 Farráh Syrah (Lodi)

US

Underripe red currant and green peppercorn show on the nose. The light-bodied palate brings similar flavors, with sweet vanilla being up the finish. Already showing some slight bricking in color, this Cab Franc is best enjoyed soon.

null

85

25

Virginia

null

Cabernet Franc

Tarara

Alexander Peartree

null

Tarara 2013 Cabernet Franc (Virginia)

US

Much like the winery's pleasing Pinot Gris, this Dijon clone Chard is made in a clean, lightly herbal style. Roughly half was barrel fermented and half in stainless, all resting sur lie for twelve months. Along with the crisp apple flavors and sweet grass are hints of wet stone and a gentle impression of bourbon barrel.

null

86

22

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Left Coast Cellars

null

Argentina

Opens with standard cherry/berry aromas, although with airing cheese notes and dill enter the picture. The palate is meaty in feel, with firm, tough, slightly roasted plum and berry flavors. Finishes hot, with a bold plum and berry character.

Ikella

86

13

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Malbec

Melipal

null

US

A disappointment after the fine '03. Was it the heat? There's an overripe, rustic taste of cooked blackberry and cherry pie filling, and it finishes a little sweet. Still, it's pretty good California Coastal Zin.

Mattern Ranch Old Vine

84

23

California

Mendocino County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Zinfandel

Marr

null

US

The 14 Hands Cabernet has more grip and authority than the Hot To Trot Red, but perhaps less immediate appeal. Black cherry and fig fruit are swathed in chocolate malt flavors, with a wash of mocha setting up the finish. Take your pick; either of these reds is sure to please.

null

87

12

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

14 Hands

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

14 Hands 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

Il Concerto Brut is a tonic and tight Italian sparkler with dry aromas of lime, talc powder and crushed white pepper. The wine is fine, smooth and shows a touch of spice on the finish.

Il Concerto Brut

85

null

Veneto

Prosecco

null

Glera

San Simone

null

San Simone NV Il Concerto Brut (Prosecco)

Italy

From the Nervo Cru, this dark Barbaresco shows a slight edge in terms of concentration and aromatic intensity. Notes of dark fruit, hazelnut and roasted espresso bean compose the bouquet, and the wine delivers smooth softness on the finish. Those characteristics suggest that this may be ready to drink earlier than others.

Vigneto Nervo

90

60

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Pertinace

null

France

From vineyards on the north-facing slope of the Montagne de Reims, this Champagne is a blend of different Grand Cru vines. It is dry, although an underlying richness gives the wine generosity and crisp apple and pear fruitiness. An elegant texture at the end is a good indication that the wine could age.

Face Nord Extra Brut Grand Cru

93

55

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Pehu-Simonet

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Pehu-Simonet NV Face Nord Extra Brut Grand Cru (Champagne)

US

Delicate sour-cherry and raspberry notes are accented by bramble and smoke in this dry Pinot Noir rosé. High-toned acidity is a bit puckering, but works particularly well to enjoying with food. The finish is brisk but clean.

Sawmill Creek Vineyards Rosé of

87

17

New York

Finger Lakes

Pinot Noir

Billsboro

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Billsboro 2015 Sawmill Creek Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir (Finger Lakes)

US

After a poor showing in 2009, Jigar has redeemed itself. Their 2010 Chardonnay is rich and smooth in tropical fruits, cream, buttered toast and cinnamon spices. It's starting to show its age, so drink up.

null

86

24

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Jigar

null

Jigar 2010 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

US

Lots of sweet cherry fruit in this polished red wine, which also shows the char and cedary flavors of oak barrel aging. It's gentle in tannins and has enough acidity for balance. A nice, everyday wine that brings to mind well-sauced pasta dishes.

Alegria Vineyard

86

28

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Sangiovese

Acorn

null

Australia

Dry woody notes reminiscent of sawdust join apple and citrus fruit on the nose of this medium-bodied wine. There's a bit of a hollow in the midpalate, where tart apple, pineapple and lemon flavors take hold, finishing crisp.

null

85

14

Victoria

Central Victoria

null

Chardonnay

Four Sisters

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Four Sisters 2015 Chardonnay (Central Victoria)

France

This wine comes from a four-acre parcel of 55-year-old vines. It has the concentration that is so special to old vines. That goes with the ripe red fruits and generous tannins that give the wine great richness. It is a young wine still even though so fruity and will be better to drink from 2019.

Vieilles Vignes

91

64

Burgundy

Volnay

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Henri Delagrange

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Henri Delagrange 2014 Vieilles Vignes (Volnay)

US

As it opens, this wine's ever-so-slightly-dried black-cherry aroma emerges with elegance and power, alongside unending layers of potpourri, crushed flowers, juniper and dark spice. The palate leads with a tart cranberry note that broadens into a warmer strawberry flavor, laced together with tingling acidity and sagebrush spice.

Lone Oak Vineyard

94

50

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Lucienne

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Lucienne 2015 Lone Oak Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Italy

Here's a well-balanced Vernaccia with good fruit freshness backed by a dense, creamy consistency and good crispness. It also offers mineral and herbal notes and would pair well with salmon or swordfish.

Riserva

88

30

Tuscany

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

null

Vernaccia

Palagetto

null

Bulgaria

This garnet colored wine has aromas of red plums and black pepper. There are jammy flavors of ripe cherry and red raspberry on the palate. There's a nice acidic bite and a pleasant touch of astringency on the finish.

Veni Vidi Vici

86

9

Thracian Valley

null

Merlot

Vini

Jeff Jenssen

@worldwineguys

Vini 2012 Veni Vidi Vici Merlot (Thracian Valley)

US

A vibrantly refreshing, juicy Syrah that flatters with tons of fruit. Cherries, cassis, raspberries, plums, mocha, licorice—that just begins to describe the palate. Balance comes from dryness and a nice structure of acids and tannins.

null

88

30

California

Arroyo Seco

Central Coast

Syrah

Figge

null

France

This medium-bodied blend of Grenache (70%), Syrah (25%) and Mourvèdre (5%) is aged in large oak vats. Leather and spice notes accent modest cherry fruit, then fold in touches of black olive and mocha on the slightly dusty finish. Drink now–2017.

Héritages Élevé en Foudres de Chêne

88

16

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Ogier

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Ogier 2012 Héritages Élevé en Foudres de Chêne Red (Côtes du Rhône)

US

A lovely Chardonnay, softly creamy and lilting, with opulent flavors of pineapples, sweet lemon custard, buttered toast, vanilla, honey and smoke. Great with lobster.

Bien Nacido Reserve Block Eleven

91

30

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Qupé

null

US

Big, bold flavors of cherry pie, red currant, toasty oak and vanilla mark this ripe, tasty Pinot. It has broad appeal, successfully made for a palate that likes accessibile wines that seem sweet and fruity.

Soberanes Vineyard

88

55

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Bernardus

null

Bernardus 2010 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

US

I wish this Syrah were just a little drier, but that aside, it's a rewarding wine. Flooded with black cherry and cassis fruit, as well as smoky oak, it has the beautiful acidity and fine tannins of its terroir.

null

86

26

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Syrah

Tin House

null

US

The graceful, subtle nose of pears, apples and hazelnuts don't prepare you for the richness of this old-guard Napa producer's 1999 offering. A full and intense palate of toast, honey, spice and pineapple comes on strong. The flavors are supported by bright acidity, and they linger on the long and lively finish.

null

90

40

California

Rutherford

Napa

Chardonnay

El Molino

null

US

Here's a vibrantly fruity, fresh young wine. It's light in texture and silky, with crisp, lip-smacking flavors of cherries, raspberries, licorice, cola, clove and cinnamon. Delicious now.

null

90

28

California

Edna Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Kynsi

null

Kynsi 2005 Pinot Noir (Edna Valley)

Germany

Perhaps because of its slow, natural fermentation in large casks and the resulting lees contact, this wine shows a bit of toasty, mealy character and a slightly creamy texture. It's a weighty Riesling (for the Mosel, anyway), with ripe notes of peach complementing citrus fruit and a dry, stony finish.

Steinreich Trocken

89

40

Mosel

null

Riesling

Ansgar Clüsserath

null

Portugal

Named in homage to a Marquesa de Alorna who was a poet in the 18th century, this wood-aged rich wine is serious and complex. It has ripe yellow fruits that balance with the spice from the wood aging, giving a ripe creamy wine that will still age. Drink from 2017.

Marquesa de Alorna Grande Reserva Branco

92

28

Tejo

null

Portuguese White

Quinta da Alorna

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta da Alorna 2013 Marquesa de Alorna Grande Reserva Branco White (Tejo)

Argentina

A bit rusty in color and mature, but that's what makes this wine different than most. It's earthy, a bit leathery and muddled, and slightly baked. But it's also subdued, mellow and sturdy, with lighter tannins and hints of herbs to go with finely roasted berry and tomato flavors. Integrated, long and spicy late. Drink now through 2012.

Carrascal

90

22

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Weinert

null

US

Likeable for its extreme dryness, smooth tannins and satisfying berry and spice flavors. Fans of vanilla-sweet oak will appreciate that extra edge of richness.

null

84

14

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Screw Kappa Napa

null

Portugal

This is one in a series of wines that blends Syrah with a major Douro grape, The wine has a severe, austere character, as much structure as fruit. Wood aging has helped to soften the wine and give density. It needs more time, so drink from 2019.

Touriga Franca-Syrah

88

30

Duriense

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta da Romaneira

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta da Romaneira 2014 Touriga Franca-Syrah Red (Duriense)

Italy

A blend of Nero d'Avola and Nerello Cappuccio, this delivers a tangy, spicy feel, plus polished aromas of blackberry, almond and cured meat. Pair this easygoing selection with pepperoni pizza.

Calìo

87

null

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Red Blend

Viticultori Associati Canicatti

null

Viticultori Associati Canicatti 2010 Calìo Red (Sicilia)

US

In a strong lineup of beautifully balanced Pinots, this cuvée shows just a touch more stem and leaf, and keeps the fruit on the tart end of the berry and cherry spectrum. The tannins remain a bit stiff and unyielding, but overall the punch and weight suggest that this is a wine bound for further development and improvement in bottle. Drink 2018–2025.

Sandra Adele Unfiltered

92

58

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

J. Christopher

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

J. Christopher 2013 Sandra Adele Unfiltered Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

US

Flowery and electric in high-toned grapefruit and peach, this is a crisp, clean white from a consistent producer. Medium-bodied, it holds small percentages of Sémillon and Muscat. The finely hewed texture benefits from 10% of the wine having been aged in neutral oak.

null

89

17

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Honig

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Honig 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

Italy

A standout wine thanks to lush red apple and cinnamon, coffee, tobacco, cherry cola, spice and peach cobbler-like aromas. Tasty, long finish with firm tannins and a flavorful, fruity tail in an ageworthy wine. A Marc de Grazia selection, various U.S. importers.

null

92

59

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Collosorbo

null

Italy

Slightly closed at first, this Sémillon needs a few minutes in the glass before the aromas become charged. Exotic fruit and pineapple notes appear with citrus and peach accents. The finish is simple and fresh.

null

86

15

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Sémillon

Fornacelle

null

Germany

Quite ripe and precise stone fruit aromas with interesting hints of minerality. Refreshingly crisp with balanced sweetness. Ample youthful, juicy fruits dance across the palate. Moderate intensity of flavor, zesty texture and a moderately long finish.

Blue Slate Kabinett

89

20

Mosel

null

Riesling

Dr. Loosen

null

Dr. Loosen 2008 Blue Slate Kabinett Riesling (Mosel)

US

Dusty mineral and pollen notes lend earthy complexity to tart lemon, tangerine and sugar cookie notes on the nose of this feather-light Riesling. It's gossamer in texture yet full of juicy sweet pink-grapefruit flavor. High-toned acidity drives a cutting finish marked by a pleasantly bitter ring of lime pith and hazelnut skins.

null

91

35

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

N. Kendall Wines

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

N. Kendall Wines 2013 Riesling (Finger Lakes)

Portugal

A fresh, juicy wine with berry fruits, ripe but intense tannins and a black cherry flavor. There is a delicious, final burst of acidity.

Porca de Murça Tinto

88

10

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Real Companhia Velha

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Real Companhia Velha 2007 Porca de Murça Tinto Red (Douro)

US

Lots of oaky richness in this dry, crisp Chardonnay. It has high acidity and a dusty minerality, but also a thick coat of sweet, butterscotchy oak and powerful flavors of lemons, limes, pineapples and exotic tropical fruits. Drink over the next four years.

Barbed Oak Vineyard

90

30

California

Bennett Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Bjornstad

null