spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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France	The fruit and acidity of the vintage show strongly with a lively, fresh character that brings out the citrus crispness of this wine. At the back, the wine becomes richer with yellow fruits and a rounded, ripe aftertaste.	null	87	null	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Laroche	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Laroche 2014 Chablis
France	On the dusty, earthy side of the Rhône spectrum, with hints of cordite accenting cherry fruit. It's undeniably fresh and vibrant, just lacks some of the richness characteristic of the 2007 vintage.	L'Andéol Rasteau	86	25	Rhône Valley	Côtes du Rhône Villages	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Perrin & Fils	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Perrin & Fils 2007 L'Andéol Rasteau Red (Côtes du Rhône Villages)
US	For the first time, this release of Buty's Rediviva, from estate vineyards in the Rocks region of Walla Walla, includes a bit of Mourvèdre. The pretty fruit flavors of strawberry preserves, blueberry and black cherry carry both a mineral underpinning and a whiff of the barnyard in the nose. The aging in mostly neutral puncheons and barrels adds just a hint of baking spices.	Rediviva of the Stones	91	60	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Buty	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Buty 2010 Rediviva of the Stones Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
France	A rich and fruity wine with a dusty structure that allows the blackberry jelly flavors to show through. It has a stalky black currant edge that goes with the contrasting acidity. Drink over the next five years.	null	84	null	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Tour de Luchey	null	null	null
US	Textbook Russian River Zin, this is a big, powerful, lusty wine, with a briary, brambly profile. It's enormously complex in flavor, offering notes of fresh summer berry, cola, licorice, dark chocolate and leather that are delicious and savory. It's also a little overripe, which brings raisin and prune notes. It's a great barbecue wine.	Block 1910	88	48	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Limerick Lane	null	null	null
France	A strong wood component at the moment doesn't mask the juicy ripe fruits. They give the wine its ripe character and potential. As it matures, it will be an attractive, ripe wine. Drink from 2019.	null	87	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Supérieur	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Floreal Laguens	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Floreal Laguens 2015 Bordeaux Supérieur
US	This is soft and easy in texture, light in flavors and slightly sweet. Light to medium bodied, it has very little tannin or astringency, is low in acidity and quiet on the finish.	HomeFront	84	15	California	California	California Other	Red Blend	Murphy-Goode	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Murphy-Goode 2012 HomeFront Red (California)
US	Balanced and dry, here's a Zin you can have with elegant food. It's dry, and the alcohol is below 14%. The berry and spice flavors are juicy. Good value in a Zin.	Incredible Red Bin 114	86	12	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Peachy Canyon	null	null	null
South Africa	This wine shows superb balance between ripe fruit tones, attractive oak influence and natural freshness. It leads with scents of lightly toasted nuts, orange cream, freshly dried grass and yellow flowers. The medium-weight palate offers decadent flavors of toasted apple skin and brioche, with orange-flavored acidity that lift's the wine's richness. An evolving finish seals the deal. Drink now–2020.	null	92	23	Stellenbosch	null	null	Chardonnay	Meerlust	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Meerlust 2014 Chardonnay (Stellenbosch)
France	This nonvintage is sweeter and softer than some of the other Champagnes in the Vollereaux range. The result is a wine that is ready to drink, full of fresh apple acidity with an attractive kiwi aftertaste.	Brut	87	35	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Vollereaux	null	null	null
France	The production is tiny, yet the potential of this wine is enormous, with its tight, textured structure that is still so young. It is opulent and generous while still keeping a tight rein on its emotions. A steely core is surrounded by fruit that has hints of apricots as well as citrus. This will be a very fine wine but it needs many years, so wait until 2022.	null	97	932	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Haut-Brion	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Haut-Brion 2013 Pessac-Léognan
Chile	Tropical fruit carries the bouquet, while the palate is citrusy and lively as it ranges from ripe grapefruit to pineapple and on to orange. Fresh on the tongue, with laudable balance and structure. Nothing outrageous but perfectly good.	Vineyard Selection	86	9	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	TerraNoble	null	null	null
US	Shows the acidity and minerality that mark fine Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors are rich, suggesting lemons, limes, pineapples and vanilla cream. Could be drier, as it finishes with a honeyed sweetness.	Preston Vineyards	86	18	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Sauvignon Blanc	Horse & Plow	null	null	null
US	A gorgeous aroma like roses and blackberries meets richly concentrated and ripe black-fruit flavors in this full-bodied, luxuriously textured wine. While extremely ripe and bold, the wine is also smooth and voluptuous, balanced out by silky tannins that keep the mouthfeel lively and fresh sip after sip.	Old Vine Rinaldi Vineyard	95	30	California	Fiddletown	Sierra Foothills	Zinfandel	Easton	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Easton 2014 Old Vine Rinaldi Vineyard Zinfandel (Fiddletown)
US	This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of coffee, dried herb, bittersweet chocolate and cherry are followed by ripe, full fruit flavors and nubby, drying tannins.	null	90	60	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Pirouette	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Pirouette 2013 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	This is crystalline Vernaccia with bright aromas of pear, citrus and a touch of white peppercorn or natural rubber. It goes down in a fresh and clean manner and ends with a citrus crispness.	null	86	24	Tuscany	Vernaccia di San Gimignano	null	Vernaccia	Vagnoni	null	null	Vagnoni 2007 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
US	This offers a pleasing intermix of fruit and spice, from blackberry and plum to Cab-like cassis. Juicy, mouthfilling and structured, it has a finish all about cinnamon and peppercorns.	null	89	27	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Ancient Oak Cellars	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Ancient Oak Cellars 2011 Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
US	Very rich and ripe, marked by pure, intense flavors of cherries, blueberries and spicy cloves. It displays the balanced elegance and thoughtful winemaking of this winery. Young and juicy now, it should develop in the bottle for a year or two, but some sharpness in the finish will ultimately limit ageability.	Dutton Ranch	90	35	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Dutton-Goldfield	null	null	null
France	There is just a touch of smokiness in this rich, full wine that's definitely made for food. There are red plums, some tannic texture as well as citrus and final crisp, fresh acidity.	Sélection Parcellaire	91	null	Provence	Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire	null	Rosé	Château Gassier	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Gassier 2012 Sélection Parcellaire Rosé (Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire)
US	Made from 57% Sémillon, the rest Sauvignon Blanc, this proprietary, estate wine is 100% barrel-fermented and built to age, a studious take on sultry oak and viscosity. Golden Delicious apple highlights the taste experience, reaching rich, concentrated proportion, before the wine finds its balance on the finish. Drink now through 2020.	Seta Proprietary White	91	70	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc	Signorello	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Signorello 2013 Seta Proprietary White Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
US	Reddish-orange in color, this is a high-toned, citrus-laden wine that retains fresh flavors of grapefruit and mandarin orange. It stays crisp and dry on the palate, with just a tiny suggestion of its time in neutral oak. Pomegranate and a tang of sour cherry finish things off.	Heritage Tree Vineyard Estate Rosé of	87	20	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Gustafson Family	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Gustafson Family 2014 Heritage Tree Vineyard Estate Rosé of Syrah (Dry Creek Valley)
US	Quite a beautiful, lush Syrah, and one that goes a long way to restoring faith in this long under-performing appellation. Dry and soft, the wine offers rich flavors of cassis, melted dark chocolate, leather, vanilla and anisette, with a pleasantly spicy edge of black pepper. Drink now.	Madden Ranch	92	40	California	Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Syrah	Fleming Jenkins	null	null	null
France	Pure Négrette produces a smooth, black cherry and red berry-flavored wine. Light hints of wood from aging in big barrels have helped to give the wine a rich and spicy character. This is further enhanced by black-fruit acidity that adds a fresh streak to this warm, ripe wine. Drink now.	La Folle Noire d'Ambat	88	19	Southwest France	Fronton	null	Negrette	Le Roc	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Le Roc 2012 La Folle Noire d'Ambat Negrette (Fronton)
France	This is a superripe wine. With its apricot and mango fruit flavors it is exotic and far removed from traditional white Bordeaux. A blend of Sauvignons Blanc and Gris, it has light signs of wood aging that add some spice to the very rich character of the wine. Drink from the end of 2016.	null	85	19	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Blanc	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Château Alta Gaïa	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Alta Gaïa 2015 Bordeaux Blanc
US	A little rustic and sharp, but perfectly okay if you're looking for an everyday Cab to elevate simple fare. It shows black currant and oak flavors, and is thoroughly dry.	null	84	11	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Bogle	null	null	Bogle 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Argentina	A touch creamy and milky on the nose, with shy tropical aromas in support. The palate shows warm-climate melon and peach flavors on a round, chunky frame. A mild, innocuous wine if there ever was one. Drink as soon as possible.	Estate Bottled	84	11	Mendoza Province	Uco Valley	null	Chardonnay	Finca El Portillo	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Finca El Portillo 2007 Estate Bottled Chardonnay (Uco Valley)
South Africa	A lovely nose of violets and soft berries leads on this stylish Shiraz. On the palate, luscious berry, pepper and minerals mingle together with elegance. The finish is long and clean.	null	88	15	Wellington	null	null	Shiraz	Eventide Cellar	null	null	null
Argentina	This is Torrontes in its pure, true form. Trapiche has captured the light, floral essence of the grape and wrapped it in an oily but smooth package that houses lovely green apple and papaya flavors. With structure, flavor and balance, this wine will go well with a wide range of summer foods.	Broquel	88	17	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Torrontés	Trapiche	null	null	null
Spain	A severe sense of funk and sweat is the aromatic greeting on this Sauvignon Blanc-Semillón blend. A crisp, citric palate tastes green, like lime and tarragon. On the finish, this is tight and stony, with overt citric acidity.	Taleia	85	45	Catalonia	Costers del Segre	null	White Blend	Castell d'Encus	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Castell d'Encus 2014 Taleia White (Costers del Segre)
US	Disappointing, especially from this winery and vineyard, at this price. It's high in acidity and tough in tannins, and oak just adds a caramelized sweetness to the jammy raspberry and cherry flavors. This Syrah isn't going anywhere, so drink up.	ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard	84	46	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Syrah	Kynsi	null	null	Kynsi 2006 ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)
US	Good Chardonnay, rich and ripe and steely. That metallic thing shows up both in the crisp acidity and in the stony, pebbly tang that adds a piquant freshness to the pineapple, lime tart, tangerine and smoky custard-cream flavors.	Estate Grown	94	50	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Rochioli	null	null	null
Germany	Varietally correct scents of rose petals and spice burst from the glass, followed by pear and melon fruit. It's all backed by acidity that's fairly crisp for Gewürztraminer and relatively modest residual sugar. The only quibble is the relatively quick fade on the finish.	null	87	12	Pfalz	null	null	Gewürztraminer	Villa Wolf	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Villa Wolf 2006 Gewürztraminer (Pfalz)
France	Trottevieille's style, like its old style yet renewed, offers structure and dry tannins, while there is fruit to give a powerful punch. When it all comes together, this will be in a wine for long aging.	null	91	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Trottevieille	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Trottevieille 2008 Saint-Émilion
France	The estate wine of Sainte Roseline has a pale color and perfumed, lightly herbal fruit. It has structure from the Mourvèdre that also perfumes the riper Grenache and Syrah in the blend. This concentrated wine is destined to go with food.	Cuvée Lampe de Méduse	89	20	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château Sainte Roseline	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Sainte Roseline 2015 Cuvée Lampe de Méduse Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
Australia	This is a big, fat, almost sweet-tasting Cabernet Sauvignon, with ripe fruit framed by lavish French oak redolent of cedar, vanilla and toasted coconut. Cassis and tobacco flavors wear the oak well, with berry-cherry flavors coming through on the finish. A good choice for steak, and it won't break the bank.	null	90	22	South Australia	McLaren Vale	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Tapestry	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Tapestry 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale)
US	No one in Washington makes better Semillon at this price. Dry and subtle, it benefits from blending with 10% Sauvignon Blanc, showing bright citrus rind, light toast, and excellent length.	null	90	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sémillon	L'Ecole No. 41	null	null	null
US	There's lots of structure here. Acidity stars, making this brisk, and lifting the cherry, cola and oak flavors up and out. A dry, elegant young Pinot.	Kruse Vineyard	89	40	California	York Mountain	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Sonnet	null	null	null
US	Here's an easy, soft Pinot, a real crowd pleaser. It's rich and forward in raspberries, cherries, spices, cola and sandalwood. So easy to like now for its fresh, fruity appeal.	Isabel	91	50	California	California	California Other	Pinot Noir	Au Bon Climat	null	null	Au Bon Climat 2008 Isabel Pinot Noir (California)
Italy	One of Italy's most interesting and least-know wines, Sforzato di Valetellina is made with dried Nebbiolo grapes in much the same way Amarone is made. In fact, sforzato means “forced” in Italian and alludes to the extra concentration given to the wine. With herbal and some bitter, leafy green notes, it's not a wine for everyone; it's sour in the mouth with an acid-driven close.	Canua	87	40	Lombardy	Valtellina Superiore	null	Nebbiolo	Salis 1637	null	null	null
Italy	Melograno is a 100% expression of Nero di Troia with loads of exotic spice, curry powder, cedar wood, bee's wax and church incense. The wine delivers lush, cherry flavors and a chewy feel in the mouth.	Vigna del Melograno	86	18	Southern Italy	Castel del Monte	null	Uva di Troia	Santa Lucia	null	null	Santa Lucia 2006 Vigna del Melograno Uva di Troia (Castel del Monte)
US	Very light in the glass and nimble throughout the sip, this is a promising young wine that may wind up quite excellent with some bottle age. Tightly wound black raspberry and strawberry fruit notes meet cinnamon, camphor and dewy eucalyptus on the nose, while the palate packs an array of thyme and bay leaf against a lighter cranberry fruit base.	Saveria Vineyard	90	39	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Tessier Winery	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Tessier Winery 2014 Saveria Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Italy	Black, dense and thickly concentrated, this modern Barbera d'Asti Superiore shows loads of wood influence in front of the fruit. It still needs to find harmony and those sharp oak influences will surely fall into the background with two or three more years of bottle aging.	Rusticardi 1933	88	55	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti Superiore	null	Barbera	Tenuta dei Fiori	null	null	null
Spain	Dusty up front, with leather, red plum and berry aromas. Focused and snappy in the mouth, with forward cherry and plum flavors. Finishes toasty and peppery, and overall this is a juicy wine with crispness, good fruit and spice.	Faustino VII	87	11	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Bodegas Faustino	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Faustino 2009 Faustino VII (Rioja)
Chile	This black wine is so ripe it's syrupy. Dense aromas of blackberry, raisin, cassis liqueur and perfume push the limit, while licorice, prune, raisin, blueberry and chocolate flavors end in a sticky, slow-moving finish with a lot of weight. This tastes every bit like a warm-climate wine.	Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard	88	25	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Syrah	Lapostolle	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Lapostolle 2009 Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Syrah (Colchagua Valley)
France	Very soft, full-bodied wine that has red berry fruits and a light touch of acidity. There is some concentration with a pepper and spice exoticism to go with the ripe feel.	Whispering Angel	86	20	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château d'Esclans	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château d'Esclans 2010 Whispering Angel Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
France	This is a soft pretty wine with a light fruity character. It is gently fruity, finishing with a peppery edge and crisp acidity. Drink now.	Cuvée des Princes	84	10	Provence	Var	null	Rosé	Château Sainte-Béatrice	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Sainte-Béatrice 2016 Cuvée des Princes Rosé (Var)
France	Packed with red fruits and soft tannins, this is fresh, crisp and with bright acidity. The tannins at the back offer a firm aftertaste, along with juicy red currant fruits. Thierry Lurton bought the 14th-century château in 2007.	Cuvée Prestige	85	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Supérieur	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Camarsac	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Camarsac 2013 Cuvée Prestige (Bordeaux Supérieur)
US	With rich, decadently delicious raspberry and cherry pie filling flavors, this is an impressive young Pinot. It's so sweet in fruit and oak, yet entirely dry in the finish, and the silky texture and elaborate oak overlay are just perfect. Hard to predict its longterm future, but it will make for elaborate drinking over the next four years.	Lancel Creek Vineyard	92	55	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Thomas George	null	null	null
France	93–95. Barrel sample. Comprised of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a densely ripe wine, full of black fruits, smoky wood and generous tannins. Given its structure, the wine will obviously age well, even if it is drinkable in the medium term.	Barrel Sample	94	null	Bordeaux	Pauillac	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Pichon Longueville	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Pichon Longueville 2012 Barrel Sample (Pauillac)
US	This is an o.k. Pinot Noir. On the plus side is the silky texture and rich flavors of cherries, cola and oak-infused vanilla. On the minus is a certain simple one-dimensionality.	La Encantada Vineyard	86	33	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Casa Barranca	null	null	null
Argentina	Strong berry and horsey aromas set the stage for a fruity palate braced by a shot of acidity. Blackberry flavors are a touch funky and finish hot and big.	Yauquen	84	13	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Bonarda	Ruca Malen	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Ruca Malen 2013 Yauquen Bonarda (Mendoza)
France	This branded wine produced by the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages is ripe and rounded with dense tannins and sweet fruit. It has weight, spice from wood and a fine ready-to-drink balance.	Michel Lynch	87	13	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Jean-Michel Cazes	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Jean-Michel Cazes 2009 Michel Lynch (Bordeaux)
US	This wine draws a lot of its flavor power from oak, which is evident from the spicy, cinnamon aroma to the lightly sweet maple flavor and finish. Not too full bodied, it is also light in tannins and rather easy on the palate.	null	88	16	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Great American Wine Company	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Great American Wine Company 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
France	Robust, full and nicely structured with good acidity and medium tannins, this red offers up loads of jammy raspberry and blueberry with accents of carnation and mocha. Pepper and spice appear on the mouth and follow through the long, evolving finish.	L'orée	87	20	Languedoc-Roussillon	Coteaux du Languedoc	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Clos des Nines	null	null	null
Italy	Ripe and heady, with aromas of crushed cherry and berry jam. Tons of red fruit flows on the palate, and the result is a basket of unbridled, acid-jolted flavor. Finishes full, fruity and doused with chocolate. Very good as an everyday red. Imported by Vias Imports.	La Segreta Rosso	87	17	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Red Blend	Planeta	null	null	null
Italy	A warm expression of Sangiovese, this features aromas of underbrush, forest floor, dried plum and ripe berry that carry over to the palate. It's straightforward and made to be enjoyed young.	null	87	25	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Camigliano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Camigliano 2012 Rosso di Montalcino
Italy	Here's a super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that shows its 10 years of age surprising well. There's still loads of fruit here backed by tertiary aromas of licorice, polished stone, dried fruit and old leather.	Sillano	92	70	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Carpineto	null	null	null
Portugal	This is a firm and powerful wine, chunky and dense. It has a solid edge of tannins, dark and dense, resulting in a mineral-structured wine that is both dry and likely to age for many years.	Quinta de Arnozelo Vintage	89	70	Port	null	null	Port	Burmester	null	null	null
US	Earthy in anise and blue fruit, this wine is inexplicably crisp and plush at the same time, showing the allure of the variety in its rose petal aromas. Medium bodied and velvety, it follows through in cassis and pomegranate flavors.	Wildcat Mountain	91	56	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	MacRostie	null	null	null
US	Flinty, mineral-like aromas and flavors lend a complex personality to this compelling, medium-bodied wine. The palate is crisp, dry and citrus-driven, inviting another sip and begging for some fresh-shucked oysters.	Louis Mel	90	15	California	San Francisco Bay-Livermore Valley	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Wente	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Wente 2013 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc (San Francisco Bay-Livermore Valley)
France	Rocamadour has been one of France's top pilgrimage sites since the Middle Ages but the vines only returned a decade ago. So Lagrézette's director-enologist, Claude Boudamani, went to the rock. The result is a pure Viognier, ripe and impressively rich. Classic apricot flavors come through strongly long with spice from wood aging. The wine pushes forward with its powerful fruitiness and intense flavors. Drink from 2017.	Mas de Merveilles	91	35	Southwest France	Côtes du Lot	null	Viognier	Château Lagrézette	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Lagrézette 2014 Mas de Merveilles Viognier (Côtes du Lot)
Italy	Opens with a bright golden color and aromas of apricot, peach, melon and a touch of butterscotch. It offers a compact, fresh feel in the mouth and leaves lingering flavors of stone fruit on the close.	Capitel Alto	86	14	Veneto	Soave Classico	null	Garganega	Montresor	null	null	null
Portugal	Selected fruit and longer barrel aging are the hallmarks of this Reserva. With its bright mint flavors, well integrated into the firm tannins and plum skin fruits, this is a wine ready to age.	Padre Pedro Reserva	92	18	Tejo	null	null	Portuguese Red	Casa Cadaval	null	null	null
US	Bergström's lineup of Pinot Noir begins where many other wineries finish. This complex, earthy wine shows its fair share of herb and even a hint of stem, but those are offset by crisp, well-defined flavors of cranberry, cherry and spice. A fine example of this winery's house style.	Cumberland Reserve	90	42	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Bergström	null	null	null
US	This estate-grown wine honors the historical vineyard that brought the Napa Valley worldwide attention for Cabernet. It offers both complexity and elegance, as well as an herbal underbrush accented by tobacco. Chocolate, caramel and coffee add to the intrigue around smooth, velvety tannins.	S.L.V.	91	125	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Stag's Leap Wine Cellars	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2012 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Italy	Lovely fragrances of strawberry and alpine herb continue to the bright palate. Fresh acidity and silky tannins support the juicy red berry and spicy cedar flavors. It's well balanced and elegant. Drink through 2019.	Glen Riserva	90	24	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Nero	Cantina Produttori Cortaccia	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cantina Produttori Cortaccia 2012 Glen Riserva Pinot Nero (Alto Adige)
Germany	Riesling's growing popularity has led to a number of recent brand introductions, like this one. It's light in body, with a wiry intensity to its acids and crisp green apple, lime and wet stone notes. Drink it over the next year.	Medium Sweet	85	11	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	blüfeld	null	null	null
Portugal	A bold, ripe wine that shows fruitiness. While there is some tannic structure behind all the rich plum fruit and acidity, the attraction is all up front and ready to go.	null	88	null	Alentejano	null	null	Syrah	Herdade de São Miguel	null	null	null
Portugal	Soft and fruity, this is an attractively textured wine. It has young fruitiness and needs time to fill out and reveal the structure and the minerality that are there. Drink from the end of 2014.	null	88	null	Tejo	null	null	Verdelho	Quinta da Alorna	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta da Alorna 2013 Verdelho (Tejo)
US	Incredibly rich and delicious aromas of vanilla, scotch, blackberry jam, strawberry preserves and cola get a dash of added intrigue from the green hint of pasilla chile. The palate shows dark chocolate and blueberry-boysenberry juice, proving very rich but not overly dense in mouthfeel.	null	92	30	California	Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara	Central Coast	Merlot	Westerly	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Westerly 2010 Merlot (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
France	Bright and fruity, it has good acidity and a crisp exterior. Inside, lemon and pear fruit flavors are touched with pineapple. It will be ready soon, so drink 2014.	Les Amandiers	87	null	Burgundy	Mâcon-Villages	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Sophie Cinier	null	null	null
Italy	Made with 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cabernet Franc, this offers aromas suggesting new leather, graphite and mature black-skinned berry. The concentrated savory palate doles out blueberry jam, spicy plum and licorice alongside polished tannins. Drink through 2024.	null	90	86	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Red Blend	Campo alla Sughera	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Campo alla Sughera 2011 Red (Toscana)
Italy	Plush, modern and fruity, this darkly concentrated Chianti Classico shows aromas of chocolate, cherry and mocha followed by spice and vanilla. In the mouth, the wine offers simple freshness and medium density.	Castelgreve Riserva	89	null	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Castelli del Grevepesa	null	null	null
US	A Southern Rhône-style blend of 62% Grenache, 31% Cinsault and 7% Syrah, this is loaded with flavors of wild herb and bright berry. From the Cinsault comes a hint of mushroom, while the Syrah lends muscle and peppery fruit. This has excellent concentration, complex flavors and appealing length.	Artisan Series Ma Belle Red	91	45	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Rhône-style Red Blend	Covington	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Covington 2008 Artisan Series Ma Belle Red Red (Yakima Valley)
US	A light wine, in color, texture and flavor. It has simple blackberry and oak flavors, and is priced right.	null	83	9	California	California	California Other	Cabernet Sauvignon	Happy Camper	null	null	Happy Camper 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
Chile	An authentic Chilean Sauvignon Blanc with celery and green-bean aromas along with oceanic salty notes. Zesty on the palate and fresh, with snappy citrus and green apple flavors, and then driving on the finish due to bright acids and citric flavors.	Gran Devoción	87	14	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Viña Maipo	null	null	null
Portugal	The Alfrocheiro, normally found in the Dão, is here grown on the sandy soils of Lagoalva de Cima. It gives a ripe, soft and fruity wine, full of red fruits. Tannins are gentle, filling the background with a spicy, dusty character. This wine is only made in the top vintages. Drink from 2017.	Grande Escolha	91	40	Tejo	null	null	Alfrocheiro	Quinta da Lagoalva de Cima	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta da Lagoalva de Cima 2011 Grande Escolha Alfrocheiro (Tejo)
US	A first rate Zinfandel. It shows the classic structure, dryness and tannins of a fine Napa Valley Cabernet, yet the pepper, baking spice and wild berry fruit and currant flavors are uniquely Zin. And look at that alcohol, under 14%. Drink this robust, complex wine with steaks, beef stew, tamales.	null	91	27	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Zinfandel	Frog's Leap	null	null	null
Portugal	Generous and ripe, this is a wine that is finely balanced and very ready to drink. Ripe tannins, soft texture and final acidity make for an easy-drinking wine.	Portada Winemakers Selecton	86	9	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese Red	DFJ Vinhos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	DFJ Vinhos 2014 Portada Winemakers Selecton Red (Lisboa)
Spain	Rooty, nutty aromas of stewed fruits are almost baked out. On the palate, this rallies to show muscle and shape. Flavors of dried cherry, plum and raisin feature notes of caramel and spice. On the finish, this is mild and on cruise control. Drink now.	Mencos Reserva	88	32	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Conde de Hervías & Mencos	null	null	null
France	93–95. Barrel sample. Dark in structure, with a sense of austerity and dark tannins, this is a wine that will need time to develop. There's a hint of tobacco and ripe plum on the palate, and the aftertaste promises juiciness.	Barrel Sample	94	null	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Haut-Bailly	null	null	null
US	Marc Piro broke away from his day job at Au Bon Climat to produce this first vintage of his own delicious wine. Cranberry and pomegranate aromas meld with sagebrush, thyme and peppercorn on the nose. Bright energy pops on the palate, showing cherry, cranberry, sage and bay leaf flavors.	Presqu'ile Vineyard	93	44	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Piro	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Piro 2014 Presqu'ile Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
Italy	You'll find elegance and finesse here thanks to the wine's aromas of pencil shaving, black fruit and oak. Those are the cornerstone fragrances and they are beautifully outlined by red currant, licorice and road tar. The mouthfeel is excellent: intense, complex and refined and it offers layers of spice and black fruit that last a very long time.	Bricco Asili Bricco Asili	93	150	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Ceretto	null	null	null
Italy	Made with organically farmed fruit, this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Colorino opens with an inky, dark color and savory aromas of ripe fruit, prune, plum, leather, tobacco and exotic spice. It's firm and well structured, with a velvety feel to the tannins.	Murtas	89	35	Tuscany	Colli della Toscana Centrale	null	Red Blend	Fattoria San Michele a Torri	null	null	Fattoria San Michele a Torri 2008 Murtas Red (Colli della Toscana Centrale)
US	While the nose has a persistent apple cider quality, the palate brings a bit more nuance, with unripe peach and sweet-and-sour lemon flavors.	null	83	15	Michigan	Leelanau Peninsula	null	Riesling	Good Harbor	Alexander Peartree	null	Good Harbor 2011 Riesling (Leelanau Peninsula)
US	Spicy berry, chocolate and bitter greens are in play, though slightly muted. The components smooth out and surf into a broad, easygoing finish. Drink up.	Hyland Vineyard Reserve	88	38	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	City Winery of New York	null	null	null
US	Smoky tar and oak meet baked huckleberry in this soft, textured and lengthy wine from this great family of grape growers. Moderate acidity allows for a ripe, full-bodied expression of the variety.	Sangiacomo Vineyard	90	42	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	La Follette	Virginie Boone	@vboone	La Follette 2014 Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Italy	A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Bianco, this has sensations of yellow apples, beeswax, citrus and mineral. It's simple but well made and would work well with lightly seasoned fish or pasta dishes topped with vegetable sauces.	San Siro Bianco	87	20	Northeastern Italy	Vigneti delle Dolomiti	null	White Blend	Pisoni	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Pisoni 2012 San Siro Bianco White (Vigneti delle Dolomiti)
US	The star of the single-clone lineup, this feels like a truly complete wine, with pinpoint focus. Complex fruit flavors mix berries and cherries with a touch of spice. Lively and detailed, this perfectly balanced wine does not push too hard, and delivers intriguing aromatics threaded with baking spices and a lingering finish. Drink 2020 through 2030.	Pommard Clone	92	50	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Amalie Robert	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Amalie Robert 2011 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
US	The inaugural release from this winery, this wine was barrel fermented and aged sur lie for 17 months. Unfiltered and lightly cloudy, it offers appealing aromas of peach, butter and spice that lead to textured but deft flavors and a persistent finish.	Roskamp Vineyard	91	45	Washington	Snipes Mountain	Columbia Valley	Chardonnay	Co Dinn	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Co Dinn 2013 Roskamp Vineyard Chardonnay (Snipes Mountain)
US	Sonoma-Cutrer's Pinots have been disappointing in the past, but this release is a huge improvement. It's dry, silky in the mouth, and complex in flavors, offering hints of sour-cherry candy, red licorice, prosciutto, cola and sweet, smoky sandalwood. Best enjoyed now for its richness.	Owsley Vineyard Estate Bottled	89	42	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Sonoma-Cutrer	null	null	Sonoma-Cutrer 2010 Owsley Vineyard Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Italy	The Pertinace evolved nicely in the glass; at first there are simple lime peel aromas, but over time, they become richer and slightly more complex. On the palate there is pear, as well as the lime and an interesting smoky quality. Crisp and with good balance, the finish is a little short. Imported by MW Imports.	null	85	16	Piedmont	Roero Arneis	null	Arneis	Pertinace	null	null	null
France	A fresh, lemon-scented wine, with white flower aromas and soft, crisp lime flavors. The wine has some softness as well as an attractive zesty finish. Screwcap.	La Côte Blanche	84	null	Burgundy	Mâcon-Villages	null	Chardonnay	Cave de Lugny	null	null	null
Italy	Easy, fresh and true to the variety, this expression offers blue flower and forest berry notes, backed by almond and pistachio accents. The finish is crisp, tight and lean.	Case Ibidini	87	15	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Nero d'Avola	Valle dell'Acate	null	null	null
Italy	Valpolicella Vigneto Sant'Urbano offers very bright, albeit, one-dimensional aromas of red cherry and blueberry. The mouthfeel is crisp and smooth and the wine promises to pair with light meat or pasta.	Vigneto Sant'Urbano	86	32	Veneto	Valpolicella Classico Superiore	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Speri	null	null	Speri 2007 Vigneto Sant'Urbano (Valpolicella Classico Superiore)
US	This winery gives its wines extra years in bottle prior to release, and it pays off with powerful, muscular, densely structured that have been polished to a fine luster. This Syrah emphasizes fruit, not funk, with opulent flavors of black fruit, dried cherry, fig and plum. The 30 months it spent in two-thirds new French oak adds dark streaks of coffee and cocoa. It shows tremendous depth, and it could be cellared for another few years—but why wait?	null	96	55	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	Corliss Estates	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Corliss Estates 2007 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	This is pure Malbec from the Gamache vineyard. The lush, concentrated fruit is a generous bowl-full of berries, lightly dusted with peppery herbs. The midpalate is concentrated and shows pretty floral and pipe tobacco highlights, while the tannins have a chewy, rustic edge.	null	90	60	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Malbec	Boudreaux Cellars	null	null	null
Italy	Compared to the previous vintage, this Tuscan Chard-Pinot Blanc blend has a slightly fresher, greener edge with notes of garden herbs and dried hay. Those notes are fleshed out thanks to abundant yellow fruit, kiwi and soft minerals. In the mouth, it is yielding and generous with bright acidity and length on the finish.	Bàtar	90	78	Tuscany	Toscana	null	White Blend	Agricola Querciabella	null	null	null
Portugal	This lightly wood-aged wine is slightly austere in style, with plum and blackberry tones providing weight. Some tannins and acidity accompany its fine, fruity core, giving a more serious note to this wine. Drink from 2018.	Seleção do Enólogo	92	11	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Pedra Cancela	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Pedra Cancela 2010 Seleção do Enólogo Red (Dão)
Portugal	A fresh, ripe red wine, with spice and sweet fruit. There is a simple, attractive juicy character, accompanied by soft tannins. The fruit is fresh and berry-flavored, just brushed by wood.	Tinto	87	11	Bairrada	null	null	Portuguese Red	Colinas de São Lourenço	null	null	null

France

The fruit and acidity of the vintage show strongly with a lively, fresh character that brings out the citrus crispness of this wine. At the back, the wine becomes richer with yellow fruits and a rounded, ripe aftertaste.

null

87

null

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Laroche

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Laroche 2014 Chablis

France

On the dusty, earthy side of the Rhône spectrum, with hints of cordite accenting cherry fruit. It's undeniably fresh and vibrant, just lacks some of the richness characteristic of the 2007 vintage.

L'Andéol Rasteau

86

25

Rhône Valley

Côtes du Rhône Villages

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Perrin & Fils

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Perrin & Fils 2007 L'Andéol Rasteau Red (Côtes du Rhône Villages)

US

For the first time, this release of Buty's Rediviva, from estate vineyards in the Rocks region of Walla Walla, includes a bit of Mourvèdre. The pretty fruit flavors of strawberry preserves, blueberry and black cherry carry both a mineral underpinning and a whiff of the barnyard in the nose. The aging in mostly neutral puncheons and barrels adds just a hint of baking spices.

Rediviva of the Stones

91

60

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Buty

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Buty 2010 Rediviva of the Stones Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

France

A rich and fruity wine with a dusty structure that allows the blackberry jelly flavors to show through. It has a stalky black currant edge that goes with the contrasting acidity. Drink over the next five years.

null

84

null

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Tour de Luchey

null

US

Textbook Russian River Zin, this is a big, powerful, lusty wine, with a briary, brambly profile. It's enormously complex in flavor, offering notes of fresh summer berry, cola, licorice, dark chocolate and leather that are delicious and savory. It's also a little overripe, which brings raisin and prune notes. It's a great barbecue wine.

Block 1910

88

48

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Limerick Lane

null

France

A strong wood component at the moment doesn't mask the juicy ripe fruits. They give the wine its ripe character and potential. As it matures, it will be an attractive, ripe wine. Drink from 2019.

null

87

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Floreal Laguens

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Floreal Laguens 2015 Bordeaux Supérieur

US

This is soft and easy in texture, light in flavors and slightly sweet. Light to medium bodied, it has very little tannin or astringency, is low in acidity and quiet on the finish.

HomeFront

84

15

California

California Other

Red Blend

Murphy-Goode

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Murphy-Goode 2012 HomeFront Red (California)

US

Balanced and dry, here's a Zin you can have with elegant food. It's dry, and the alcohol is below 14%. The berry and spice flavors are juicy. Good value in a Zin.

Incredible Red Bin 114

86

12

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Peachy Canyon

null

South Africa

This wine shows superb balance between ripe fruit tones, attractive oak influence and natural freshness. It leads with scents of lightly toasted nuts, orange cream, freshly dried grass and yellow flowers. The medium-weight palate offers decadent flavors of toasted apple skin and brioche, with orange-flavored acidity that lift's the wine's richness. An evolving finish seals the deal. Drink now–2020.

null

92

23

Stellenbosch

null

Chardonnay

Meerlust

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Meerlust 2014 Chardonnay (Stellenbosch)

France

This nonvintage is sweeter and softer than some of the other Champagnes in the Vollereaux range. The result is a wine that is ready to drink, full of fresh apple acidity with an attractive kiwi aftertaste.

Brut

87

35

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Vollereaux

null

France

The production is tiny, yet the potential of this wine is enormous, with its tight, textured structure that is still so young. It is opulent and generous while still keeping a tight rein on its emotions. A steely core is surrounded by fruit that has hints of apricots as well as citrus. This will be a very fine wine but it needs many years, so wait until 2022.

null

97

932

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Haut-Brion

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Haut-Brion 2013 Pessac-Léognan

Chile

Tropical fruit carries the bouquet, while the palate is citrusy and lively as it ranges from ripe grapefruit to pineapple and on to orange. Fresh on the tongue, with laudable balance and structure. Nothing outrageous but perfectly good.

Vineyard Selection

86

9

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

TerraNoble

null

US

Shows the acidity and minerality that mark fine Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors are rich, suggesting lemons, limes, pineapples and vanilla cream. Could be drier, as it finishes with a honeyed sweetness.

Preston Vineyards

86

18

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Sauvignon Blanc

Horse & Plow

null

US

A gorgeous aroma like roses and blackberries meets richly concentrated and ripe black-fruit flavors in this full-bodied, luxuriously textured wine. While extremely ripe and bold, the wine is also smooth and voluptuous, balanced out by silky tannins that keep the mouthfeel lively and fresh sip after sip.

Old Vine Rinaldi Vineyard

95

30

California

Fiddletown

Sierra Foothills

Zinfandel

Easton

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Easton 2014 Old Vine Rinaldi Vineyard Zinfandel (Fiddletown)

US

This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of coffee, dried herb, bittersweet chocolate and cherry are followed by ripe, full fruit flavors and nubby, drying tannins.

null

90

60

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Pirouette

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Pirouette 2013 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

This is crystalline Vernaccia with bright aromas of pear, citrus and a touch of white peppercorn or natural rubber. It goes down in a fresh and clean manner and ends with a citrus crispness.

null

86

24

Tuscany

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

null

Vernaccia

Vagnoni

null

Vagnoni 2007 Vernaccia di San Gimignano

US

This offers a pleasing intermix of fruit and spice, from blackberry and plum to Cab-like cassis. Juicy, mouthfilling and structured, it has a finish all about cinnamon and peppercorns.

null

89

27

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Ancient Oak Cellars

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Ancient Oak Cellars 2011 Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

US

Very rich and ripe, marked by pure, intense flavors of cherries, blueberries and spicy cloves. It displays the balanced elegance and thoughtful winemaking of this winery. Young and juicy now, it should develop in the bottle for a year or two, but some sharpness in the finish will ultimately limit ageability.

Dutton Ranch

90

35

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Dutton-Goldfield

null

France

There is just a touch of smokiness in this rich, full wine that's definitely made for food. There are red plums, some tannic texture as well as citrus and final crisp, fresh acidity.

Sélection Parcellaire

91

null

Provence

Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire

null

Rosé

Château Gassier

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Gassier 2012 Sélection Parcellaire Rosé (Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire)

US

Made from 57% Sémillon, the rest Sauvignon Blanc, this proprietary, estate wine is 100% barrel-fermented and built to age, a studious take on sultry oak and viscosity. Golden Delicious apple highlights the taste experience, reaching rich, concentrated proportion, before the wine finds its balance on the finish. Drink now through 2020.

Seta Proprietary White

91

70

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc

Signorello

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Signorello 2013 Seta Proprietary White Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

US

Reddish-orange in color, this is a high-toned, citrus-laden wine that retains fresh flavors of grapefruit and mandarin orange. It stays crisp and dry on the palate, with just a tiny suggestion of its time in neutral oak. Pomegranate and a tang of sour cherry finish things off.

Heritage Tree Vineyard Estate Rosé of

87

20

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Gustafson Family

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Gustafson Family 2014 Heritage Tree Vineyard Estate Rosé of Syrah (Dry Creek Valley)

US

Quite a beautiful, lush Syrah, and one that goes a long way to restoring faith in this long under-performing appellation. Dry and soft, the wine offers rich flavors of cassis, melted dark chocolate, leather, vanilla and anisette, with a pleasantly spicy edge of black pepper. Drink now.

Madden Ranch

92

40

California

Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Syrah

Fleming Jenkins

null

France

Pure Négrette produces a smooth, black cherry and red berry-flavored wine. Light hints of wood from aging in big barrels have helped to give the wine a rich and spicy character. This is further enhanced by black-fruit acidity that adds a fresh streak to this warm, ripe wine. Drink now.

La Folle Noire d'Ambat

88

19

Southwest France

Fronton

null

Negrette

Le Roc

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Le Roc 2012 La Folle Noire d'Ambat Negrette (Fronton)

France

This is a superripe wine. With its apricot and mango fruit flavors it is exotic and far removed from traditional white Bordeaux. A blend of Sauvignons Blanc and Gris, it has light signs of wood aging that add some spice to the very rich character of the wine. Drink from the end of 2016.

null

85

19

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Blanc

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Château Alta Gaïa

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Alta Gaïa 2015 Bordeaux Blanc

US

A little rustic and sharp, but perfectly okay if you're looking for an everyday Cab to elevate simple fare. It shows black currant and oak flavors, and is thoroughly dry.

null

84

11

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bogle

null

Bogle 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

Argentina

A touch creamy and milky on the nose, with shy tropical aromas in support. The palate shows warm-climate melon and peach flavors on a round, chunky frame. A mild, innocuous wine if there ever was one. Drink as soon as possible.

Estate Bottled

84

11

Mendoza Province

Uco Valley

null

Chardonnay

Finca El Portillo

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Finca El Portillo 2007 Estate Bottled Chardonnay (Uco Valley)

South Africa

A lovely nose of violets and soft berries leads on this stylish Shiraz. On the palate, luscious berry, pepper and minerals mingle together with elegance. The finish is long and clean.

null

88

15

Wellington

null

Shiraz

Eventide Cellar

null

Argentina

This is Torrontes in its pure, true form. Trapiche has captured the light, floral essence of the grape and wrapped it in an oily but smooth package that houses lovely green apple and papaya flavors. With structure, flavor and balance, this wine will go well with a wide range of summer foods.

Broquel

88

17

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Torrontés

Trapiche

null

Spain

A severe sense of funk and sweat is the aromatic greeting on this Sauvignon Blanc-Semillón blend. A crisp, citric palate tastes green, like lime and tarragon. On the finish, this is tight and stony, with overt citric acidity.

Taleia

85

45

Catalonia

Costers del Segre

null

White Blend

Castell d'Encus

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Castell d'Encus 2014 Taleia White (Costers del Segre)

US

Disappointing, especially from this winery and vineyard, at this price. It's high in acidity and tough in tannins, and oak just adds a caramelized sweetness to the jammy raspberry and cherry flavors. This Syrah isn't going anywhere, so drink up.

ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard

84

46

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Syrah

Kynsi

null

Kynsi 2006 ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)

US

Good Chardonnay, rich and ripe and steely. That metallic thing shows up both in the crisp acidity and in the stony, pebbly tang that adds a piquant freshness to the pineapple, lime tart, tangerine and smoky custard-cream flavors.

Estate Grown

94

50

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Rochioli

null

Germany

Varietally correct scents of rose petals and spice burst from the glass, followed by pear and melon fruit. It's all backed by acidity that's fairly crisp for Gewürztraminer and relatively modest residual sugar. The only quibble is the relatively quick fade on the finish.

null

87

12

Pfalz

null

Gewürztraminer

Villa Wolf

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Villa Wolf 2006 Gewürztraminer (Pfalz)

France

Trottevieille's style, like its old style yet renewed, offers structure and dry tannins, while there is fruit to give a powerful punch. When it all comes together, this will be in a wine for long aging.

null

91

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Trottevieille

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Trottevieille 2008 Saint-Émilion

France

The estate wine of Sainte Roseline has a pale color and perfumed, lightly herbal fruit. It has structure from the Mourvèdre that also perfumes the riper Grenache and Syrah in the blend. This concentrated wine is destined to go with food.

Cuvée Lampe de Méduse

89

20

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château Sainte Roseline

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Sainte Roseline 2015 Cuvée Lampe de Méduse Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

Australia

This is a big, fat, almost sweet-tasting Cabernet Sauvignon, with ripe fruit framed by lavish French oak redolent of cedar, vanilla and toasted coconut. Cassis and tobacco flavors wear the oak well, with berry-cherry flavors coming through on the finish. A good choice for steak, and it won't break the bank.

null

90

22

South Australia

McLaren Vale

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tapestry

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Tapestry 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale)

US

No one in Washington makes better Semillon at this price. Dry and subtle, it benefits from blending with 10% Sauvignon Blanc, showing bright citrus rind, light toast, and excellent length.

null

90

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sémillon

L'Ecole No. 41

null

US

There's lots of structure here. Acidity stars, making this brisk, and lifting the cherry, cola and oak flavors up and out. A dry, elegant young Pinot.

Kruse Vineyard

89

40

California

York Mountain

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Sonnet

null

US

Here's an easy, soft Pinot, a real crowd pleaser. It's rich and forward in raspberries, cherries, spices, cola and sandalwood. So easy to like now for its fresh, fruity appeal.

Isabel

91

50

California

California Other

Pinot Noir

Au Bon Climat

null

Au Bon Climat 2008 Isabel Pinot Noir (California)

Italy

One of Italy's most interesting and least-know wines, Sforzato di Valetellina is made with dried Nebbiolo grapes in much the same way Amarone is made. In fact, sforzato means “forced” in Italian and alludes to the extra concentration given to the wine. With herbal and some bitter, leafy green notes, it's not a wine for everyone; it's sour in the mouth with an acid-driven close.

Canua

87

40

Lombardy

Valtellina Superiore

null

Nebbiolo

Salis 1637

null

Italy

Melograno is a 100% expression of Nero di Troia with loads of exotic spice, curry powder, cedar wood, bee's wax and church incense. The wine delivers lush, cherry flavors and a chewy feel in the mouth.

Vigna del Melograno

86

18

Southern Italy

Castel del Monte

null

Uva di Troia

Santa Lucia

null

Santa Lucia 2006 Vigna del Melograno Uva di Troia (Castel del Monte)

US

Very light in the glass and nimble throughout the sip, this is a promising young wine that may wind up quite excellent with some bottle age. Tightly wound black raspberry and strawberry fruit notes meet cinnamon, camphor and dewy eucalyptus on the nose, while the palate packs an array of thyme and bay leaf against a lighter cranberry fruit base.

Saveria Vineyard

90

39

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Tessier Winery

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Tessier Winery 2014 Saveria Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)

Italy

Black, dense and thickly concentrated, this modern Barbera d'Asti Superiore shows loads of wood influence in front of the fruit. It still needs to find harmony and those sharp oak influences will surely fall into the background with two or three more years of bottle aging.

Rusticardi 1933

88

55

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti Superiore

null

Barbera

Tenuta dei Fiori

null

Spain

Dusty up front, with leather, red plum and berry aromas. Focused and snappy in the mouth, with forward cherry and plum flavors. Finishes toasty and peppery, and overall this is a juicy wine with crispness, good fruit and spice.

Faustino VII

87

11

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Bodegas Faustino

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Faustino 2009 Faustino VII (Rioja)

Chile

This black wine is so ripe it's syrupy. Dense aromas of blackberry, raisin, cassis liqueur and perfume push the limit, while licorice, prune, raisin, blueberry and chocolate flavors end in a sticky, slow-moving finish with a lot of weight. This tastes every bit like a warm-climate wine.

Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard

88

25

Colchagua Valley

null

Syrah

Lapostolle

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Lapostolle 2009 Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Syrah (Colchagua Valley)

France

Very soft, full-bodied wine that has red berry fruits and a light touch of acidity. There is some concentration with a pepper and spice exoticism to go with the ripe feel.

Whispering Angel

86

20

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château d'Esclans

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château d'Esclans 2010 Whispering Angel Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

France

This is a soft pretty wine with a light fruity character. It is gently fruity, finishing with a peppery edge and crisp acidity. Drink now.

Cuvée des Princes

84

10

Provence

Var

null

Rosé

Château Sainte-Béatrice

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Sainte-Béatrice 2016 Cuvée des Princes Rosé (Var)

France

Packed with red fruits and soft tannins, this is fresh, crisp and with bright acidity. The tannins at the back offer a firm aftertaste, along with juicy red currant fruits. Thierry Lurton bought the 14th-century château in 2007.

Cuvée Prestige

85

13

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Camarsac

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Camarsac 2013 Cuvée Prestige (Bordeaux Supérieur)

US

With rich, decadently delicious raspberry and cherry pie filling flavors, this is an impressive young Pinot. It's so sweet in fruit and oak, yet entirely dry in the finish, and the silky texture and elaborate oak overlay are just perfect. Hard to predict its longterm future, but it will make for elaborate drinking over the next four years.

Lancel Creek Vineyard

92

55

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Thomas George

null

France

93–95. Barrel sample. Comprised of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a densely ripe wine, full of black fruits, smoky wood and generous tannins. Given its structure, the wine will obviously age well, even if it is drinkable in the medium term.

Barrel Sample

94

null

Bordeaux

Pauillac

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Pichon Longueville

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Pichon Longueville 2012 Barrel Sample (Pauillac)

US

This is an o.k. Pinot Noir. On the plus side is the silky texture and rich flavors of cherries, cola and oak-infused vanilla. On the minus is a certain simple one-dimensionality.

La Encantada Vineyard

86

33

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Casa Barranca

null

Argentina

Strong berry and horsey aromas set the stage for a fruity palate braced by a shot of acidity. Blackberry flavors are a touch funky and finish hot and big.

Yauquen

84

13

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Bonarda

Ruca Malen

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Ruca Malen 2013 Yauquen Bonarda (Mendoza)

France

This branded wine produced by the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages is ripe and rounded with dense tannins and sweet fruit. It has weight, spice from wood and a fine ready-to-drink balance.

Michel Lynch

87

13

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Jean-Michel Cazes

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Jean-Michel Cazes 2009 Michel Lynch (Bordeaux)

US

This wine draws a lot of its flavor power from oak, which is evident from the spicy, cinnamon aroma to the lightly sweet maple flavor and finish. Not too full bodied, it is also light in tannins and rather easy on the palate.

null

88

16

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Great American Wine Company

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Great American Wine Company 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

France

Robust, full and nicely structured with good acidity and medium tannins, this red offers up loads of jammy raspberry and blueberry with accents of carnation and mocha. Pepper and spice appear on the mouth and follow through the long, evolving finish.

L'orée

87

20

Languedoc-Roussillon

Coteaux du Languedoc

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Clos des Nines

null

Italy

Ripe and heady, with aromas of crushed cherry and berry jam. Tons of red fruit flows on the palate, and the result is a basket of unbridled, acid-jolted flavor. Finishes full, fruity and doused with chocolate. Very good as an everyday red. Imported by Vias Imports.

La Segreta Rosso

87

17

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Red Blend

Planeta

null

Italy

A warm expression of Sangiovese, this features aromas of underbrush, forest floor, dried plum and ripe berry that carry over to the palate. It's straightforward and made to be enjoyed young.

null

87

25

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Camigliano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Camigliano 2012 Rosso di Montalcino

Italy

Here's a super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that shows its 10 years of age surprising well. There's still loads of fruit here backed by tertiary aromas of licorice, polished stone, dried fruit and old leather.

Sillano

92

70

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Carpineto

null

Portugal

This is a firm and powerful wine, chunky and dense. It has a solid edge of tannins, dark and dense, resulting in a mineral-structured wine that is both dry and likely to age for many years.

Quinta de Arnozelo Vintage

89

70

Port

null

Port

Burmester

null

US

Earthy in anise and blue fruit, this wine is inexplicably crisp and plush at the same time, showing the allure of the variety in its rose petal aromas. Medium bodied and velvety, it follows through in cassis and pomegranate flavors.

Wildcat Mountain

91

56

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

MacRostie

null

US

Flinty, mineral-like aromas and flavors lend a complex personality to this compelling, medium-bodied wine. The palate is crisp, dry and citrus-driven, inviting another sip and begging for some fresh-shucked oysters.

Louis Mel

90

15

California

San Francisco Bay-Livermore Valley

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Wente

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Wente 2013 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc (San Francisco Bay-Livermore Valley)

France

Rocamadour has been one of France's top pilgrimage sites since the Middle Ages but the vines only returned a decade ago. So Lagrézette's director-enologist, Claude Boudamani, went to the rock. The result is a pure Viognier, ripe and impressively rich. Classic apricot flavors come through strongly long with spice from wood aging. The wine pushes forward with its powerful fruitiness and intense flavors. Drink from 2017.

Mas de Merveilles

91

35

Southwest France

Côtes du Lot

null

Viognier

Château Lagrézette

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Lagrézette 2014 Mas de Merveilles Viognier (Côtes du Lot)

Italy

Opens with a bright golden color and aromas of apricot, peach, melon and a touch of butterscotch. It offers a compact, fresh feel in the mouth and leaves lingering flavors of stone fruit on the close.

Capitel Alto

86

14

Veneto

Soave Classico

null

Garganega

Montresor

null

Portugal

Selected fruit and longer barrel aging are the hallmarks of this Reserva. With its bright mint flavors, well integrated into the firm tannins and plum skin fruits, this is a wine ready to age.

Padre Pedro Reserva

92

18

Tejo

null

Portuguese Red

Casa Cadaval

null

US

Bergström's lineup of Pinot Noir begins where many other wineries finish. This complex, earthy wine shows its fair share of herb and even a hint of stem, but those are offset by crisp, well-defined flavors of cranberry, cherry and spice. A fine example of this winery's house style.

Cumberland Reserve

90

42

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Bergström

null

US

This estate-grown wine honors the historical vineyard that brought the Napa Valley worldwide attention for Cabernet. It offers both complexity and elegance, as well as an herbal underbrush accented by tobacco. Chocolate, caramel and coffee add to the intrigue around smooth, velvety tannins.

S.L.V.

91

125

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2012 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Italy

Lovely fragrances of strawberry and alpine herb continue to the bright palate. Fresh acidity and silky tannins support the juicy red berry and spicy cedar flavors. It's well balanced and elegant. Drink through 2019.

Glen Riserva

90

24

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Nero

Cantina Produttori Cortaccia

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cantina Produttori Cortaccia 2012 Glen Riserva Pinot Nero (Alto Adige)

Germany

Riesling's growing popularity has led to a number of recent brand introductions, like this one. It's light in body, with a wiry intensity to its acids and crisp green apple, lime and wet stone notes. Drink it over the next year.

Medium Sweet

85

11

Mosel

null

Riesling

blüfeld

null

Portugal

A bold, ripe wine that shows fruitiness. While there is some tannic structure behind all the rich plum fruit and acidity, the attraction is all up front and ready to go.

null

88

null

Alentejano

null

Syrah

Herdade de São Miguel

null

Portugal

Soft and fruity, this is an attractively textured wine. It has young fruitiness and needs time to fill out and reveal the structure and the minerality that are there. Drink from the end of 2014.

null

88

null

Tejo

null

Verdelho

Quinta da Alorna

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta da Alorna 2013 Verdelho (Tejo)

US

Incredibly rich and delicious aromas of vanilla, scotch, blackberry jam, strawberry preserves and cola get a dash of added intrigue from the green hint of pasilla chile. The palate shows dark chocolate and blueberry-boysenberry juice, proving very rich but not overly dense in mouthfeel.

null

92

30

California

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara

Central Coast

Merlot

Westerly

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Westerly 2010 Merlot (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)

France

Bright and fruity, it has good acidity and a crisp exterior. Inside, lemon and pear fruit flavors are touched with pineapple. It will be ready soon, so drink 2014.

Les Amandiers

87

null

Burgundy

Mâcon-Villages

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Sophie Cinier

null

Italy

Made with 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cabernet Franc, this offers aromas suggesting new leather, graphite and mature black-skinned berry. The concentrated savory palate doles out blueberry jam, spicy plum and licorice alongside polished tannins. Drink through 2024.

null

90

86

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Red Blend

Campo alla Sughera

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Campo alla Sughera 2011 Red (Toscana)

Italy

Plush, modern and fruity, this darkly concentrated Chianti Classico shows aromas of chocolate, cherry and mocha followed by spice and vanilla. In the mouth, the wine offers simple freshness and medium density.

Castelgreve Riserva

89

null

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Castelli del Grevepesa

null

US

A Southern Rhône-style blend of 62% Grenache, 31% Cinsault and 7% Syrah, this is loaded with flavors of wild herb and bright berry. From the Cinsault comes a hint of mushroom, while the Syrah lends muscle and peppery fruit. This has excellent concentration, complex flavors and appealing length.

Artisan Series Ma Belle Red

91

45

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Rhône-style Red Blend

Covington

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Covington 2008 Artisan Series Ma Belle Red Red (Yakima Valley)

US

A light wine, in color, texture and flavor. It has simple blackberry and oak flavors, and is priced right.

null

83

9

California

California Other

Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Camper

null

Happy Camper 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

Chile

An authentic Chilean Sauvignon Blanc with celery and green-bean aromas along with oceanic salty notes. Zesty on the palate and fresh, with snappy citrus and green apple flavors, and then driving on the finish due to bright acids and citric flavors.

Gran Devoción

87

14

Casablanca Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Viña Maipo

null

Portugal

The Alfrocheiro, normally found in the Dão, is here grown on the sandy soils of Lagoalva de Cima. It gives a ripe, soft and fruity wine, full of red fruits. Tannins are gentle, filling the background with a spicy, dusty character. This wine is only made in the top vintages. Drink from 2017.

Grande Escolha

91

40

Tejo

null

Alfrocheiro

Quinta da Lagoalva de Cima

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta da Lagoalva de Cima 2011 Grande Escolha Alfrocheiro (Tejo)

US

A first rate Zinfandel. It shows the classic structure, dryness and tannins of a fine Napa Valley Cabernet, yet the pepper, baking spice and wild berry fruit and currant flavors are uniquely Zin. And look at that alcohol, under 14%. Drink this robust, complex wine with steaks, beef stew, tamales.

null

91

27

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Zinfandel

Frog's Leap

null

Portugal

Generous and ripe, this is a wine that is finely balanced and very ready to drink. Ripe tannins, soft texture and final acidity make for an easy-drinking wine.

Portada Winemakers Selecton

86

9

Lisboa

null

Portuguese Red

DFJ Vinhos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

DFJ Vinhos 2014 Portada Winemakers Selecton Red (Lisboa)

Spain

Rooty, nutty aromas of stewed fruits are almost baked out. On the palate, this rallies to show muscle and shape. Flavors of dried cherry, plum and raisin feature notes of caramel and spice. On the finish, this is mild and on cruise control. Drink now.

Mencos Reserva

88

32

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Conde de Hervías & Mencos

null

France

93–95. Barrel sample. Dark in structure, with a sense of austerity and dark tannins, this is a wine that will need time to develop. There's a hint of tobacco and ripe plum on the palate, and the aftertaste promises juiciness.

Barrel Sample

94

null

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Haut-Bailly

null

US

Marc Piro broke away from his day job at Au Bon Climat to produce this first vintage of his own delicious wine. Cranberry and pomegranate aromas meld with sagebrush, thyme and peppercorn on the nose. Bright energy pops on the palate, showing cherry, cranberry, sage and bay leaf flavors.

Presqu'ile Vineyard

93

44

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Piro

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Piro 2014 Presqu'ile Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)

Italy

You'll find elegance and finesse here thanks to the wine's aromas of pencil shaving, black fruit and oak. Those are the cornerstone fragrances and they are beautifully outlined by red currant, licorice and road tar. The mouthfeel is excellent: intense, complex and refined and it offers layers of spice and black fruit that last a very long time.

Bricco Asili Bricco Asili

93

150

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Ceretto

null

Italy

Made with organically farmed fruit, this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Colorino opens with an inky, dark color and savory aromas of ripe fruit, prune, plum, leather, tobacco and exotic spice. It's firm and well structured, with a velvety feel to the tannins.

Murtas

89

35

Tuscany

Colli della Toscana Centrale

null

Red Blend

Fattoria San Michele a Torri

null

Fattoria San Michele a Torri 2008 Murtas Red (Colli della Toscana Centrale)

US

While the nose has a persistent apple cider quality, the palate brings a bit more nuance, with unripe peach and sweet-and-sour lemon flavors.

null

83

15

Michigan

Leelanau Peninsula

null

Riesling

Good Harbor

Alexander Peartree

null

Good Harbor 2011 Riesling (Leelanau Peninsula)

US

Spicy berry, chocolate and bitter greens are in play, though slightly muted. The components smooth out and surf into a broad, easygoing finish. Drink up.

Hyland Vineyard Reserve

88

38

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

City Winery of New York

null

US

Smoky tar and oak meet baked huckleberry in this soft, textured and lengthy wine from this great family of grape growers. Moderate acidity allows for a ripe, full-bodied expression of the variety.

Sangiacomo Vineyard

90

42

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

La Follette

Virginie Boone

@vboone

La Follette 2014 Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Italy

A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Bianco, this has sensations of yellow apples, beeswax, citrus and mineral. It's simple but well made and would work well with lightly seasoned fish or pasta dishes topped with vegetable sauces.

San Siro Bianco

87

20

Northeastern Italy

Vigneti delle Dolomiti

null

White Blend

Pisoni

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Pisoni 2012 San Siro Bianco White (Vigneti delle Dolomiti)

US

The star of the single-clone lineup, this feels like a truly complete wine, with pinpoint focus. Complex fruit flavors mix berries and cherries with a touch of spice. Lively and detailed, this perfectly balanced wine does not push too hard, and delivers intriguing aromatics threaded with baking spices and a lingering finish. Drink 2020 through 2030.

Pommard Clone

92

50

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Amalie Robert

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Amalie Robert 2011 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

US

The inaugural release from this winery, this wine was barrel fermented and aged sur lie for 17 months. Unfiltered and lightly cloudy, it offers appealing aromas of peach, butter and spice that lead to textured but deft flavors and a persistent finish.

Roskamp Vineyard

91

45

Washington

Snipes Mountain

Columbia Valley

Chardonnay

Co Dinn

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Co Dinn 2013 Roskamp Vineyard Chardonnay (Snipes Mountain)

US

Sonoma-Cutrer's Pinots have been disappointing in the past, but this release is a huge improvement. It's dry, silky in the mouth, and complex in flavors, offering hints of sour-cherry candy, red licorice, prosciutto, cola and sweet, smoky sandalwood. Best enjoyed now for its richness.

Owsley Vineyard Estate Bottled

89

42

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Sonoma-Cutrer

null

Sonoma-Cutrer 2010 Owsley Vineyard Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Italy

The Pertinace evolved nicely in the glass; at first there are simple lime peel aromas, but over time, they become richer and slightly more complex. On the palate there is pear, as well as the lime and an interesting smoky quality. Crisp and with good balance, the finish is a little short. Imported by MW Imports.

null

85

16

Piedmont

Roero Arneis

null

Arneis

Pertinace

null

France

A fresh, lemon-scented wine, with white flower aromas and soft, crisp lime flavors. The wine has some softness as well as an attractive zesty finish. Screwcap.

La Côte Blanche

84

null

Burgundy

Mâcon-Villages

null

Chardonnay

Cave de Lugny

null

Italy

Easy, fresh and true to the variety, this expression offers blue flower and forest berry notes, backed by almond and pistachio accents. The finish is crisp, tight and lean.

Case Ibidini

87

15

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Nero d'Avola

Valle dell'Acate

null

Italy

Valpolicella Vigneto Sant'Urbano offers very bright, albeit, one-dimensional aromas of red cherry and blueberry. The mouthfeel is crisp and smooth and the wine promises to pair with light meat or pasta.

Vigneto Sant'Urbano

86

32

Veneto

Valpolicella Classico Superiore

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Speri

null

Speri 2007 Vigneto Sant'Urbano (Valpolicella Classico Superiore)

US

This winery gives its wines extra years in bottle prior to release, and it pays off with powerful, muscular, densely structured that have been polished to a fine luster. This Syrah emphasizes fruit, not funk, with opulent flavors of black fruit, dried cherry, fig and plum. The 30 months it spent in two-thirds new French oak adds dark streaks of coffee and cocoa. It shows tremendous depth, and it could be cellared for another few years—but why wait?

null

96

55

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

Corliss Estates

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Corliss Estates 2007 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

This is pure Malbec from the Gamache vineyard. The lush, concentrated fruit is a generous bowl-full of berries, lightly dusted with peppery herbs. The midpalate is concentrated and shows pretty floral and pipe tobacco highlights, while the tannins have a chewy, rustic edge.

null

90

60

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Malbec

Boudreaux Cellars

null

Italy

Compared to the previous vintage, this Tuscan Chard-Pinot Blanc blend has a slightly fresher, greener edge with notes of garden herbs and dried hay. Those notes are fleshed out thanks to abundant yellow fruit, kiwi and soft minerals. In the mouth, it is yielding and generous with bright acidity and length on the finish.

Bàtar

90

78

Tuscany

Toscana

null

White Blend

Agricola Querciabella

null

Portugal

This lightly wood-aged wine is slightly austere in style, with plum and blackberry tones providing weight. Some tannins and acidity accompany its fine, fruity core, giving a more serious note to this wine. Drink from 2018.

Seleção do Enólogo

92

11

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Pedra Cancela

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Pedra Cancela 2010 Seleção do Enólogo Red (Dão)

Portugal

A fresh, ripe red wine, with spice and sweet fruit. There is a simple, attractive juicy character, accompanied by soft tannins. The fruit is fresh and berry-flavored, just brushed by wood.

Tinto

87

11

Bairrada

null

Portuguese Red

Colinas de São Lourenço

null