spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Argentina	This Salta blend of Malbec and Tannat smells a lot like fresh road tar. The palate is adequately cushioned, while hard, stalky, roasted berry flavors are oaky. This has a lot of disparate parts but the whole has issues and is sketchy.	Hermanos	83	15	Other	Salta	null	Malbec-Tannat	Domingo Hermanos	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Domingo Hermanos 2014 Hermanos Malbec-Tannat (Salta)
France	This is a rich and smooth wine, creamy and full of baked apple and ripe pear flavors. Rounded with warm flavors, it carries just the right amount of citrus acidity and a touch of toast. Drink now until 2018.	Hommage à André Trénel	88	28	Burgundy	Saint-Véran	null	Chardonnay	Trenel Fils	null	null	null
Italy	Although the wine lacks overall intensity, its measured, composed approach is very refreshing in this land of powerhouse wines. Dig deep and give it time to allow for sweet chocolate, black fruit, spice and cherry liquor. The wine is smooth, with chewy chocolate flavors, and excellent length.	null	90	null	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Monte dall'Ora	null	null	null
France	Firm and solid tannins with a dry core offers a dark character and density. Along with this, the wine has a ripe, fruity character that's packed with acidity and layered with wood.	null	91	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Haut-Simard	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Haut-Simard 2010 Saint-Émilion
US	Deep and rich aromas of black raspberry, star anise, iodine and iron entertain the nose on this bottling by winemaker Clarissa Nagy. It's lush on the palate, with deep red fruits, but then becomes brightened by acidity and focused on an earthy, herbal line down the middle. With wild mint and anise on the finish it's quite complex.	Reserve	94	42	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Riverbench	null	null	null
US	Four years of aging on the lees gives this particularly late-release Merlot a delightfully tactile mouthfeel. It's silky to the touch, yet voluminous on the palate, filling the mouth with flavors of ripe red cherry and cranberry accented by bramble, earth and potpourri. Sprightly in acidity yet rich in body, it lingers with intensity and persistence.	Reserve	91	30	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Merlot	Shaw	null	null	null
Spain	A strange bird with herbaceous aromas that suggest sage or juniper baking in the summer sun. The palate is acidic and sharp, with green-tinged pie cherry and plum skin flavors. Gritty on the finish, with needling tannins and a final wave of that odd juniper character. 60% Monastell and 40% Petit Verdot.	Crianza	82	16	Levante	Jumilla	null	Red Blend	Casa de la Ermita	null	null	null
Australia	An admirable effort, combining lemony citrus notes with hints of pear and quince. It's medium in body, with a long, crisp finish.	The Long Paddock	89	15	Victoria	Victoria	null	Pinot Grigio	Redbank	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Redbank 2014 The Long Paddock Pinot Grigio (Victoria)
Italy	Round and full aromas with some toasted notes, almonds, grapefruit and tangerine, but thinner in the mouth, with more flavors and a crisp, short close. Imported by Zonin USA.	null	85	12	Northeastern Italy	Friuli Aquileia	null	Pinot Grigio	Albola	null	null	null
US	If you like that slightly sour, green hit of gooseberry in your Sauvignon Blanc, this one's for you. Beyond that, it's dry, and offers citrus, green apple and vanilla flavors.	null	85	16	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Mason Cellars	null	null	null
Austria	Pale pink in color, it has a slender body and ample lemon acidity that promise soothing coolness on a hot day. Linear, lemony and very refreshing.	Zweigelt	88	22	Wachau	null	null	Rosé	Jäger	null	null	null
Spain	Molasses, spice, chocolate and pure raisins define this as classic P.X. It's syrupy but not too much so, with maple, cinnamon and brown sugar flavors. For a sweet and candied dessert wine, it has excellent balance and persistence. A star among many in this category; these wines are hard not to like.	Añada	92	18	Andalucia	Montilla-Moriles	null	Pedro Ximénez	Alvear	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Alvear 2004 Añada Pedro Ximénez (Montilla-Moriles)
US	This is a nice, drinkable red from Red Mountain, though it does not have any varietal focus. There's light red fruit, some sense of minerality, and balancing acidity.	Monastrell AKA Mourvèdre	87	28	Washington	Red Mountain	Columbia Valley	Monastrell	Michael Florentino	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Michael Florentino 2010 Monastrell AKA Mourvèdre Monastrell (Red Mountain)
US	Buttered toast and caramel corn dominate this Chardonnay, which also features ripe pineapple and golden mango flavors. It's made in the popular style of ripe, oaky fruitiness.	Estate Bottled	85	19	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Eberle	null	null	null
Spain	Heavy, oily and well oaked, but also elegant, elevated and something out of the ordinary. This is barrel-fermented Viura at a high quality level; it's smooth, creamy and lifted but also acid-rich and lemony, with notes of toast, vanilla, melon and wood resin. A potentially fine wine to drink now with baked or sautéed fish.	Cosme Palacio 1894 Blanco	90	50	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	White Blend	Bodegas Palacio	null	null	null
US	There's a seemingly sweet edge to the lemon, lime and vanilla flavors, which are fortunately balanced with crisp acidity. Fans of richly styled white wines will like this bottling.	Vintner's Reserve	84	13	California	California	California Other	Sauvignon Blanc	Kendall-Jackson	null	null	Kendall-Jackson 2011 Vintner's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (California)
Italy	This easygoing Nebbiolo delivers bright notes of forest fruit, cherry cola and root beer. The tannins are tight and firm but also balanced by the wine's succulent fruit flavors.	Mirinè	87	38	Piedmont	Nebbiolo d'Alba	null	Nebbiolo	Paolo Manzone	null	null	null
US	Couldn't get any riper, with an explosion of blackberries, cherries, currants, plums, and cola, not to mention plenty of toasty, caramelized oak. Trades complexity and subtlety for sheer power. It's mostly Merlot, with a splash of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.	The Puzzle	88	80	California	Napa	null	Red Blend	Newton	null	null	null
Italy	This Rosso shows awkward aromas of almond paste and lemon zest on top of characteristic layers of wild berry and spice. It's light and lean on the palate with crisp fruit flavors on the close.	null	83	null	Tuscany	Rosso di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Poggio dell'Aquila	null	null	null
US	Feels good on the entry, with promising blackberry-cherry flavors and a bite of tannins, but quickly turns too soft and candy sweet. A decent, simple wine for drinking now.	Reserve	84	20	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Syrah	Lava Cap	null	null	null
US	Loaded with bright raspberry fruit, a little on the soda pop side, but perfectly quaffable, and best served chilled. It would be an interesting side-by-side with a Beaujolais Nouveau.	null	85	13	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Noir	Underwood	null	null	null
Italy	Sour cherry, cranberry, licorice and cola open the nose of Mustilli's Piedirosso. This is an easy, fresh wine that would pair with pizza or pasta topped with loads of cheese.	null	86	17	Southern Italy	Sannio	null	Piedirosso	Mustilli	null	null	null
Luxembourg	This Riesling has white floral and lemon zest aromas and lemon pith and grapefruit flavors. It's nicely balanced, with a pleasantly tart finish.	Wormeldange Weinbour Grand Premier Cru	88	23	Moselle Luxembourgeoise	null	null	Riesling	Domaines Vinsmoselle	Jeff Jenssen	@worldwineguys	Domaines Vinsmoselle 2015 Wormeldange Weinbour Grand Premier Cru Riesling (Moselle Luxembourgeoise)
US	Oak dominates this wine, giving it toast and vanilla caramel aromas and flavors. The underlying wine is soft and fruity, with blackberries and cherries. Drink now. Production was 24,146 cases.	Allomi	85	28	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hess	null	null	Hess 2008 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Italy	White talc and pressed flowers come to mind and color a pristine sparkler with pretty luminosity and a generous disposition. The wine has a soft, yielding texture and offers peachy fruit flavors on the close.	Rollmatt Brut	85	22	Veneto	Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Vigne Matte	null	null	null
Austria	Grassy overtones and freshly clipped boxwood turn this into an aromatic, fragrant wine with a lithe body but lots of aromatic depth, with hints of tropical passion fruit underneath. Drink now.	Heideboden	89	17	Burgenland	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Nittnaus Hans und Christine	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Nittnaus Hans und Christine 2013 Heideboden Grüner Veltliner (Burgenland)
Portugal	Fruity and aromatic, this blend of Fernão Pires, Arinto and Sauvignon Blanc is fresh with attractive acidity and also riper tropical fruit and pear flavors. It has a mineral texture that gives the a fine structure. Drink now.	Companhia das Lezírias Herdade de Catapereiro	86	12	Tejo	null	null	Portuguese White	Wines & Winemakers	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Wines & Winemakers 2014 Companhia das Lezírias Herdade de Catapereiro White (Tejo)
US	A bit tart in acidity, this polished Pinot needs rich beef or lamb to cut through. It's a lovely wine, fully dry and balanced, with rich flavors of cherries, cola and anise. Drink now.	Sarmento Vineyard	89	40	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Windbreak	null	null	null
France	Considerable wood flavors mask the ripe fruits at this stage. A rich, perfumed wine, it will bring huge, ripe flavors of pineapple and peach, as well as a powerful toasty character. Give it until 2018.	null	93	391	Burgundy	Bienvenues Bâtard-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Domaine Faiveley	null	null	null
US	The barrel aromas of vanilla and coconut are far out front of the fruit on this blend of Petite Sirah (40%), Zinfandel (33%), Lemberger (20%) and Syrah. It's full bodied with the wood overwhelming any sense of varietal flavors.	D.R. Wolfe's Family	85	16	Washington	Horse Heaven Hills	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Thurston Wolfe	null	null	null
US	A brooding foundation of blackberry and mushroomy earth lift this full-bodied, tannic wine, which needs further time in bottle to develop. Spicy cinnamon, clove and pepper keep it lively on the palate, between the density and concentration of oak. Let this wine unwind in the bottle through 2020.	null	88	35	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Grenache	V. Sattui	Virginie Boone	@vboone	V. Sattui 2012 Grenache (Napa Valley)
US	This is unusual for a reserve, in that it's lower in alcohol than the regular bottling, and more cases were produced. The light fruits and herbs—green apple and lemon verbena in particular—are highlighted with tarragon and citrus peel. The complexity compensates for the just-on-the-edge ripeness, and time in 20% new oak adds a buttery note to the finish.	Nicholas Estate Reserve	89	33	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Anam Cara	null	null	null
US	Too oaky. Vanilla, buttered toast, caramel and sweet oak aromas dominate, and the wine turns sweet and extracted in the mouth. There are some decent blackberry and cherry flavors, but this is a pretty common wine.	Silver Label	84	15	California	North Coast	North Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	B.R. Cohn	null	null	B.R. Cohn 2007 Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast)
US	Cayuse's Bordeaux blend shows remarkable complexity and detail for such a young red wine. Earthy undergrowth, autumnal fungus, some sweetness in the fruit, some brown sugar; it's got so much going on. Long and lingering, it's a fascinating mix of herb, mushroom, cranberry, rock, all interwoven with some pretty, spicy sweet oak.	Camaspelo	92	55	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Cayuse	null	null	null
US	The nose is a tad fleshy with ripe red-fruit and sweet spice notes, but the palate is crisp with striking acidity and hints of green leaves and forest floor. It tastes fine now, with ripe, chalky tannins, but it should hold well until at least 2015.	Merliance	86	35	New York	Long Island	Long Island	Merlot	Long Island Merlot Alliance	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Long Island Merlot Alliance 2008 Merliance Merlot (Long Island)
US	An unfortunate wine. It may have been better a few years ago, but the fruit is fading, leaving behind a taste of vegetables and mint. Doesn't seem likely to reverse course.	Murphy Ranch Sarah Block	82	24	California	Alexander Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Sauvignon	Murphy-Goode	null	null	null
Italy	As in this producer's '97 Croce Riserva, an even palate-feel is among the best features here. The aromas and flavors are very dark and the oak quite dense. A core of sour black-plum fruit wears mild vanilla accents and the balance is attractive. Pleasing and stylish.	Scassino	87	18	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	Terrabianca	null	null	null
US	The Estates Reserve is a barrel selection combining chosen lots from the three estate vineyards. Despite this vintage's reputation for offering ripe, forward, accessible flavors, this wine remains stubbornly closed. It's entirely possible that it has just hit a bit of a dumb phase, which is not uncommon for recently-bottled Pinot Noir. Ripe full-bodied flavors of strawberry preserves peek through, with moderating acids and no herbal notes.	Estates Reserve	92	69	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Trisaetum	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Trisaetum 2014 Estates Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Portugal	One of Portugal's legendary wines, this white Pêra-Manca is beautifully rounded and ripe, with apricots, toast and an intense series of fruit and herbal flavors. It has concentration, while also showing great elegance and impressive aging potential. Drink in two years, but also age for five.	Pêra-Manca Branco	94	33	Alentejo	null	null	Portuguese White	Cartuxa	null	null	null
France	Seemingly at its peak of maturity, although it should stay there for several years, this is a masterful Saint-Joseph, showing great complexity (flowers, pepper, smoke, cherries), ripe fruit and satin-textured tannins. Drink now-2012.	Les Granits	92	95	Rhône Valley	Saint-Joseph	null	Syrah	M. Chapoutier	null	null	null
France	With some richness, this is a drink-now rosé. The initial fresh fruit has diminished, leaving a rounded, caramel-flavored wine without acidity.	Rosé	83	10	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Barton & Guestier	null	null	null
Italy	Light in approach and consistency, this is a fresh, easygoing white wine from central Italy that can be consumed at informal occasions such as with appetizers or at an outdoor barbecue. The aromas recall lime, green melon and sweet basil.	Macrina	86	15	Central Italy	Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore	null	Verdicchio	Garofoli	null	null	null
US	A little too soft and direct, with a melted butter sweetness to the tropical fruit, spice, white flower and toast flavors. Could use greater depth and structural complexity.	Signature	86	39	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Viognier	Darioush	null	null	null
US	This is overripe, with raisiny, pruny flavors and a hot finish.	Michael's Vineyard	81	36	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Adelaida	null	null	Adelaida 2009 Michael's Vineyard Zinfandel (Paso Robles)
Portugal	A soft, fruity wine, with spice, strawberry and currant flavors. It has a warm, open feel, with a hint of tannin. Its name refers to the winding Douro River Valley.	Twisted	88	18	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Niepoort	null	null	null
US	This Père de Famille is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest split between Merlot and Petit Verdot. Sweet, pure fruit—black currants and black cherry and blackberry—is packed tight, concentrated and polished, but needing hours to breathe open. Dense, dusty, complex, complicated, this wine is sophisticated beyond description.	Père de Famille	97	60	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Betz Family	null	null	null
Portugal	It's rare to find a Douro white made from Rabigato, which is normally found in a regional blend. It produces a crisp, apple and green pear flavored wine that is attractive, drawing much of its character from the fact the vines are 40-years-old. The wine is fresh, tangy and ready to drink.	Reserva	89	18	Douro	null	null	Rabigato	Quinta de Porrais	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta de Porrais 2014 Reserva Rabigato (Douro)
US	This dry rosé has a bright pink color, subtle aromas like strawberry and watermelon, and fairly rich fig flavors that are well balanced by crisp acidity. Light and refreshing on the palate, this style of rosé seems to be the profile of choice for a growing number of California winemakers.	null	88	25	California	High Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Rosé	High Valley	null	null	null
Italy	A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, this well-structured red offers ripe dark-skinned berry, underbrush and graphite aromas. The concentrated, savory palate delivers black currant, white pepper and soothing licorice flavors and fine tannins. Enjoy through 2023.	null	91	65	Tuscany	Bolgheri Superiore	null	Red Blend	Castello di Bolgheri	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Castello di Bolgheri 2013 Bolgheri Superiore
France	A real evocation of fresh, crisp and crunchy apple delivers freshness and punch on the easy-drinking but fresh, clean and joyful palate. Drink this soon, if possible at a summer party where this slender wine will come into its refreshing own.	null	88	18	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Famille Hauller	null	null	null
US	A solid Sauvignon Blanc, rich, dry and savory. Fermented in neutral oak and aged on the lees, it shows a pleasantly tangy, sourdough creaminess, with ripe flavors of citrus fruits, white peaches and a firm, flinty minerality that comes from these mountain soils.	Estate	91	40	California	Napa	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Spring Mountain Vineyard	null	null	null
US	This Syrah is marked by rich, extracted flavors. It's strong in blackberries, cherries and raspberries, coated with lots of smoky, caramelized oak. The deliciousness factor is very high. Drink now for decadent youthfulness.	Susan's Hill Vineyard	90	34	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Syrah	Novy	null	null	null
US	Brilliantly crisp and lushly creamy and honeyed, just a beautiful Chardonnay that offers decadence and sheer deliciousness. Massive in grilled pineapples, green apples, ripe nectarines and butterscotch, brightened with mouthwatering acidity. A joy to drink.	Russian River Selection	94	32	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Gary Farrell	null	null	null
US	Still settling into the bottle, this wine is aromatically quiet, with notes of white flowers and pear. It drinks off dry, with generous amounts of stone-fruit flavors. If the aromas blossom, it could move up a notch as the flavors are quite well proportioned.	Cold Creek Vineyard	88	16	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Chateau Ste. Michelle	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))
Italy	Here is a fresh and zippy Pinot Bianco with immediate aromas of peach, white melon, kiwi and chopped basil leaves. The wine has personality and dimension and at the base of it is thick texture.	Vial	88	22	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Bianco	Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro	null	null	Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro 2007 Vial Pinot Bianco (Alto Adige)
France	Marcillac is one of the more remote French regions located in the hills of the Massif Central. Mansois is the local red grape, and here it has produced a perfumed wine, with red berry fruit that's lined with herb and lavender notes. It has a tense streak of acidity that cuts through the palate, leaving a balance of fruit and dry tannin.	null	87	19	Southwest France	Marcillac	null	Mansois	Lionel Osmin & Cie	null	null	null
Italy	Delicate aromas of red rose and wild berry lead the nose while the taut palate offers raw sour cherry, anise, cinnamon and mocha. Bracing tannins lead to a firm, drying finish.	null	88	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Morra Diego	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Morra Diego 2011 Barolo
US	This is a gem—40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 30% Cab Franc. Dense, fruity and salty, it also carries concentrated chocolate and coffee flavors, surrounding very rich cassis and black cherry fruits. A superb value.	Red	90	18	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	OS Winery	null	null	null
US	From a ranch planted originally in 1926 this is a knockout wine, exotically spiced and nuanced in pepper, cinnamon and a distinction of sandalwood. High-toned fruit provides a lift to the lushness that wants to dominate, but never does, allowing the tangy orange and blackberry to speak quietly and clearly.	Montafi Ranch	93	47	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Carlisle	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Carlisle 2014 Montafi Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
Australia	A good choice in the under-$10 category, with hard-to-resist flavors of plum, blueberry and blackberry jam punctuated by notes of fresh green pepper. Cherry and vanilla flavors adorn the palate and hang around just long enough to be memorable. A great partner for spare ribs. Drink before 2011.	null	84	8	Australia Other	South Eastern Australia	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Alice White	null	null	null
Spain	Browning and maturing, but still showing a ton of life and kick. This traditional-style wine is mildly roasted on the nose, with touches of leather, latex and other firm aromas. The palate is nice, with dry raspberry and cherry flavors finishing with power and length. Solid and respectable, but not something you'd label as special. Drink now–2014.	Faustino de Autor Reserva Especial	89	59	Northern Spain	Rioja	null	Tempranillo	Bodegas Faustino	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodegas Faustino 1998 Faustino de Autor Reserva Especial (Rioja)
Italy	With a long winemaking history that spans back to 1908, the Germano family has played an important role in the evolution of Barolo and Langhe wines. The Vigna Rué cru expression is an incredible wine with beautifully focused aromas of wild berry, cola and mineral. The mouthfeel is equally impressive thanks to the polished and drying nature of the tannins.	Vigna Rué	94	null	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Germano Angelo	null	null	Germano Angelo 2005 Vigna Rué (Barolo)
France	A soft, lightly herbaceous style, with good green apple and white currant flavors. Crisp, light, refreshing, drink this year.	Sauvignon	85	11	Loire Valley	Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Fournier Père et Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Fournier Père et Fils 2006 Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc (Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France)
US	Notes of raisin, black currant, spice and smoke mark the dark-smelling nose. This is a full-bodied wine, bolstered by firm tannins and uplifting acids. The finish endures with soft notes of licorice and baking spice.	null	85	25	Virginia	Virginia	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Boxwood	null	null	null
Chile	This crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc leans green with pea and canned bean aromas, but it offers enough green apple and citrus character for enjoyment. The palate is zesty and lemony, with flavors that include green veggies, herbs, limes and tangerines. The finish is mildly green and citrusy.	Selección del Directorio Gran Reserva Cool Coastal Vineyard	87	10	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Santa Helena	null	null	null
US	Made using grapes grown high in the Mayacamas Mountains, this is extremely concentrated in pineapple essence, peach custard and tropical fruit flavors. It's extravagant, with 50% new French oak playing a strong role in contributing notes of buttered toast, crème brûlée and butterscotch to the flavor profile.	null	90	55	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Chardonnay	Moone-Tsai	null	null	null
US	Tastes semisweet, like a lemon, lime and pineapple cough drop. But the acidity is brisk and cleansing, and lots of people will enjoy this affordable wine.	null	83	7	California	Monterey County	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Hilltown	null	null	null
US	It's the kind of wine that's perfect for a summer day. You could put some strawberries in it, or make it a cooler with a dash of fruit juice. No insult to the wine, which is dry and zesty in acidity and very good. The flavors are a solid home run of citrus, green apples, honeysuckle and cinnamon.	La Encantada Vineyard	88	30	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Blanc	Alma Rosa	null	null	null
New Zealand	Shows flashes of beauty on the nose, combining vanilla barrel notes with herbs and black cherries. Light and herbal on the palate, this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon seems a bit like a Loire Cabernet Franc, without the minerality.	null	85	null	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon	Crossroads	null	null	null
US	The lush aromas are dense and dark, with streaks of coffee, baking chocolate, iron ore, and earth. In the mouth the fruit explodes into full bloom—broad flavors of cherry and chocolate, lovely Asian spices.	null	91	48	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Va Piano	null	null	null
Australia	Having earned its reputation as one of Australia's finest Chardonnays, the challenge is then to maintain that level of quality. The 2010 Art Series certainly does that. Enticing aromas of woodsmoke, peach and pink grapefruit give way to intense flavors of citrus and stone fruit on the palate. It's full bodied, yet with great focus and length, ending crisply despite the wine's inherent richness. Drink now–2020, perhaps longer.	Art Series	94	89	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Chardonnay	Leeuwin Estate	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Leeuwin Estate 2010 Art Series Chardonnay (Margaret River)
US	This rich, good Chardonnay is easy to drink. The tropical fruit, apricot and peach flavors are accented with oak, and balanced with acidity.	Appellation Series	86	28	California	Santa Lucia Highlands	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Cru	null	null	Cru 2012 Appellation Series Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Spain	Concentrated aromas of berry fruits, spice and black currant jelly suggest that the wine is full and rich. In the mouth, severe tannins create a grinding sensation, while flavors of toast, blackberry, cassis and brown sugar lead to a heavy, burnt tasting finish that's blocky in feel.	Parada de Atauta	88	25	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tinto Fino	Dominio de Atauta	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Dominio de Atauta 2009 Parada de Atauta (Ribera del Duero)
Italy	A very successful Fiano, with bright aromas of banana, exotic fruit, pineapple and loads of honey. In fact, those beautiful honey flavors continue onto the palate and give the wine a pretty sensation of smoothness and creaminess.	null	88	28	Southern Italy	Fiano di Avellino	null	Fiano	Di Meo	null	null	null
South Africa	Although the label reads “Touch of Oak,” this wine exhibits an assertive oak-driven character throughout that produces an overall sweet red cherry and berry profile. Medium weight with light tannins, it's easy to drink now.	Touch of Oak	86	40	Tulbagh	null	null	Shiraz	Rijk's	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Rijk's 2009 Touch of Oak Shiraz (Tulbagh)
New Zealand	This is textbook Central Otago Pinot, from the nuances of wild thyme to the bold cherry fruit and mouthwatering finish. This medium-bodied wine is structured enough to last several years, but soft enough to drink now.	null	90	34	Central Otago	null	null	Pinot Noir	Peregrine	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Peregrine 2012 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)
France	Solid tannins mask some sweetness in the highly perfumed fruit, flavored with spices, tobacco, dried fruits. This has some good depth, allied with rich touches of wood.	Les Gravières du Roy	88	17	Loire Valley	Saumur-Champigny	null	Cabernet Franc	Sauvion	null	null	null
US	This simple Chard has likeable, intense flavors of lemons and limes and other tropical fruits, such as guavas and nectarines. It's very dry, and the finish is rich in clean, bright, palate-stimulating acids.	null	86	14	California	Monterey	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Hahn	null	null	null
US	A little soft, but delicious and complex. It has waves of raspberry, cherry, sweet cola, red licorice and oaky cedar flavors, with a spicy edge of smoked meat, like cured salumi. Feels elegant, although it lacks the structure for aging, so drink now.	null	89	40	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Exuberance	null	null	Exuberance 2006 Syrah (Sonoma Valley)
Australia	From the folks who bring you Two Hands comes this big Cab, which sticks to the glass and deals a chile-spiced nose right out of the gate. The front palate is loaded with chocolate, mocha and forward fruit—all of the hedonistic sexiness your palate can handle. A hint of sour cherry is buried, suggesting that some of its assets may reveal themselves down the track.	Greenock Coach House Block	91	105	South Australia	Barossa Valley	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Branson Coach House	null	null	null
US	Ken Wright's 2010 Pinots keep the alcohol levels low without sacrificing any flavor or depth. The Nysa is a gorgeous color, aromatically rich with a bouquet of fruit and flowers. Fresh and primary flavors of ripe berry are set amid delicate tannins. The structure suggests excellent aging potential over a decade or more.	Nysa Vineyard	91	50	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Ken Wright	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Ken Wright 2010 Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
New Zealand	The warm climate of Gisborne, on New Zealand's North Island, isn't known for its Riesling, but this is a solid effort, as long as sweetness isn't an issue. Pineapple, peach and citrus flavors carry a hint of wet stone and deliver plenty of sugar (a reported 40 g/L), making it a strong candidate to pair with spicy Asian dishes.	Opou Vineyard	88	30	Gisborne	null	null	Riesling	Millton	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Millton 2013 Opou Vineyard Riesling (Gisborne)
France	The two signature white grapes of Côtes de Gascogne give a wine flavored with tropical fruit and honey. It is delicate, ripe and just off dry. The wine is ready to drink although it will be better at the end of 2015.	No. 4 Gros & Petit Manseng	87	11	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Gros and Petit Manseng	Domaine Uby	null	null	null
France	Ripe and luscious, this is made almost entirely from Sémillon. Its rich texture is packed with flavors of honeyed apricots and sultanas. A hint of toast is fully absorbed into this intensely sweet wine, and the final citrusy edge adds a fine, contrasting point.	Château Latrezotte La Sauternes de Ma Fille	90	45	Bordeaux	Sauternes	null	Bordeaux-style White Blend	Bernard Magrez	null	null	null
France	A somewhat austere, lean wine, with dry tannins and tobacco aromas. The berry fruits are full of spice and fresh currants, giving a wine that is stalky, firm and finishes dry.	Bagatelle	84	18	Loire Valley	Saumur	null	Cabernet Franc	Manoir de la Tête Rouge	null	null	null
Spain	With its black plum, blackberry and other bold, juvenile aromas, this bargain-priced Spaniard shows flavors of chocolate, natural bitterness and good overall balance. A little big and brawny, but better than washed out and weak. A classic chorizo or hamburger wine.	Protocolo Tinto	86	6	Central Spain	Vino de la Tierra de Castilla	null	Tempranillo	Dominio de Eguren	null	null	null
Portugal	Spicy and perfumed, this has a rich yellow-fruit flavor that's contrasted with a crisp pink-grapefruit edge. It's rounded and smooth, with a taut, herbal burst on the finish.	Portal Colheita Branco	86	18	Douro	null	null	Portuguese White	Quinta do Portal	null	null	null
US	Inviting aromas of baked blueberries are leveled by crushed asphalt and dried herbs on the refined nose of this bottling. Stewed strawberry and red plum flavors are elegantly cut by more crushed stone, dried spearmint and a touch of sweet tobacco, all held together by grippy tannins.	Mortal Zin	90	38	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Graveyard	null	null	null
France	Full-bodied and a bit heavy to make a delicate quaff, but pair this wine with the right summer foods (a juicy hamberger comes to mind) and it will work. Some tarry, meaty notes obscure what appears to be delicate cherry fruit that ends with a peppery tang.	Tradition de Campuget	84	12	Rhône Valley	Costières de Nîmes	null	Rosé	Château de Campuget	null	null	null
US	Sweet roasted red pepper, black plum, black cherry and delicious apple aromas lead to a palate of simple red to black fruit, toast and dried herbs. Finishes long with a touch of pepper and grilled meat. The structure provided by balanced tannins and acidity suggest a reward for aging.	null	88	36	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Titus	null	null	Titus 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Germany	Honey tangerines and freesias perfume this dazzling auslese that's full of pristine yellow peach and citrus flavors. It's luscious, almost opulent with fruit, but cut with a shock of lemon-lime acidity that extends the long, long finish.	Bernkasteler Lay Auslese	93	38	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef)	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef) 2013 Bernkasteler Lay Auslese Riesling (Mosel)
Israel	This wine has a bouquet of cassis, violet and black pepper. Well-integrated flavors of cassis, strawberry preserves, anise, fennel bulb and lavender are set amid silky tannins that feel as if they may go on forever but are surpassed at the finish when fruit flavors pull out all the stops.	Namura Single Vineyard Special Reserve	90	52	Galilee	null	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Or Haganuz	null	null	null
France	T-L's 2007s from the Northern Rhône came out well, including this example from Saint-Joseph. Intense espresso, cracked pepper and black olive notes scream of cool-climate Syrah, while the feel in the mouth is supple, ending on a silky note.	Vieilles Vignes	91	46	Rhône Valley	Saint-Joseph	null	Syrah	Tardieu-Laurent	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Tardieu-Laurent 2007 Vieilles Vignes (Saint-Joseph)
US	Another Joe Davis wine that's benefited from patience, this bottling offers more mature character than the same vineyard's 2009. Umami touches of soy, shiitake and leather underscore the cherry and raspberry scents on the nose. It has a grippy texture and a subtly presented range of flavors—from dried anise and Christmas spice to elderberry, cranberry and dried plum skin.	Clos Pepe Vineyard	94	65	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Arcadian	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Arcadian 2011 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
France	This steep vineyard produces a particularly rich style of Chablis because of its excellent exposure. This wine exemplifies this. It is warm, and rounded, with superrich yellow fruits, almost tropical. Underlying it all is a structure derived from green plum skin flavors.	Beauroy Premier Cru	91	null	Burgundy	Chablis	null	Chardonnay	William Fèvre	null	null	null
US	This wine is at the extreme end of the spectrum for Sémillon, and has an avid following as a result. Golden yellow in color, it shows ultraripe fruit that smells of apricots, peaches and pine. The fruit supports a lot of oak. Winemaker Marty Clubb has a great touch with this often-overlooked grape. As good as it is, the '99 still seems less complex than the spectacular '98.	Fries Vineyard	92	22	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Sémillon	L'Ecole No. 41	null	null	null
France	A generous wine, this features intense dark fruits, ripe strawberry and an almost -weet character. It's packed with spice, richness and beautiful concentration. Great acidity gives a wine that is developing freshness and weight. Drink from 2020.	Les Boucherottes Premier Cru	94	62	Burgundy	Beaune	null	Pinot Noir	Louis Jadot	null	null	null
Spain	Patience is a must to make it through this burly, earthy, almost murky blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Early aromas of mulch and coffee morph into black fruit and leather, while initially reduced black cherry and currant flavors take on more character and depth with time. Never does it really shine, but it is a serious wine that has its merits.	Cuvée Palomar	88	48	Northern Spain	Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León	null	Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon	Abadia Retuerta	null	null	null
Italy	This celebrated Barbera d'Alba from the historic Marchesi di Barolo winery opens with a dark, brooding color and earthy aromas of wild mushroom, cured beef and dark forest fruit. It shows impressive color and concentration and those inviting earth, mineral notes would pair with elegant dishes such as game hen, roast duck or porcini risotto.	Ravera	90	34	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba	null	Barbera	Marchesi di Barolo	null	null	null
South Africa	The aromas of this wine are ripe—almost overripe—with notes of mushy strawberry and red cherry, while the palate shows more restraint in flavors of red currant and tart, small berry. With soft tannins and medium acidity, this is an easy-drinking and fruity selection that finishes quick and clean.	null	85	14	Stellenbosch	null	null	Pinotage	Ernst Gouws & Co.	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Ernst Gouws & Co. 2011 Pinotage (Stellenbosch)

Argentina

This Salta blend of Malbec and Tannat smells a lot like fresh road tar. The palate is adequately cushioned, while hard, stalky, roasted berry flavors are oaky. This has a lot of disparate parts but the whole has issues and is sketchy.

Hermanos

83

15

Other

Salta

null

Malbec-Tannat

Domingo Hermanos

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Domingo Hermanos 2014 Hermanos Malbec-Tannat (Salta)

France

This is a rich and smooth wine, creamy and full of baked apple and ripe pear flavors. Rounded with warm flavors, it carries just the right amount of citrus acidity and a touch of toast. Drink now until 2018.

Hommage à André Trénel

88

28

Burgundy

Saint-Véran

null

Chardonnay

Trenel Fils

null

Italy

Although the wine lacks overall intensity, its measured, composed approach is very refreshing in this land of powerhouse wines. Dig deep and give it time to allow for sweet chocolate, black fruit, spice and cherry liquor. The wine is smooth, with chewy chocolate flavors, and excellent length.

null

90

null

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Monte dall'Ora

null

France

Firm and solid tannins with a dry core offers a dark character and density. Along with this, the wine has a ripe, fruity character that's packed with acidity and layered with wood.

null

91

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Haut-Simard

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Haut-Simard 2010 Saint-Émilion

US

Deep and rich aromas of black raspberry, star anise, iodine and iron entertain the nose on this bottling by winemaker Clarissa Nagy. It's lush on the palate, with deep red fruits, but then becomes brightened by acidity and focused on an earthy, herbal line down the middle. With wild mint and anise on the finish it's quite complex.

Reserve

94

42

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Riverbench

null

US

Four years of aging on the lees gives this particularly late-release Merlot a delightfully tactile mouthfeel. It's silky to the touch, yet voluminous on the palate, filling the mouth with flavors of ripe red cherry and cranberry accented by bramble, earth and potpourri. Sprightly in acidity yet rich in body, it lingers with intensity and persistence.

Reserve

91

30

New York

Finger Lakes

Merlot

Shaw

null

Spain

A strange bird with herbaceous aromas that suggest sage or juniper baking in the summer sun. The palate is acidic and sharp, with green-tinged pie cherry and plum skin flavors. Gritty on the finish, with needling tannins and a final wave of that odd juniper character. 60% Monastell and 40% Petit Verdot.

Crianza

82

16

Levante

Jumilla

null

Red Blend

Casa de la Ermita

null

Australia

An admirable effort, combining lemony citrus notes with hints of pear and quince. It's medium in body, with a long, crisp finish.

The Long Paddock

89

15

Victoria

null

Pinot Grigio

Redbank

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Redbank 2014 The Long Paddock Pinot Grigio (Victoria)

Italy

Round and full aromas with some toasted notes, almonds, grapefruit and tangerine, but thinner in the mouth, with more flavors and a crisp, short close. Imported by Zonin USA.

null

85

12

Northeastern Italy

Friuli Aquileia

null

Pinot Grigio

Albola

null

US

If you like that slightly sour, green hit of gooseberry in your Sauvignon Blanc, this one's for you. Beyond that, it's dry, and offers citrus, green apple and vanilla flavors.

null

85

16

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Mason Cellars

null

Austria

Pale pink in color, it has a slender body and ample lemon acidity that promise soothing coolness on a hot day. Linear, lemony and very refreshing.

Zweigelt

88

22

Wachau

null

Rosé

Jäger

null

Spain

Molasses, spice, chocolate and pure raisins define this as classic P.X. It's syrupy but not too much so, with maple, cinnamon and brown sugar flavors. For a sweet and candied dessert wine, it has excellent balance and persistence. A star among many in this category; these wines are hard not to like.

Añada

92

18

Andalucia

Montilla-Moriles

null

Pedro Ximénez

Alvear

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Alvear 2004 Añada Pedro Ximénez (Montilla-Moriles)

US

This is a nice, drinkable red from Red Mountain, though it does not have any varietal focus. There's light red fruit, some sense of minerality, and balancing acidity.

Monastrell AKA Mourvèdre

87

28

Washington

Red Mountain

Columbia Valley

Monastrell

Michael Florentino

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Michael Florentino 2010 Monastrell AKA Mourvèdre Monastrell (Red Mountain)

US

Buttered toast and caramel corn dominate this Chardonnay, which also features ripe pineapple and golden mango flavors. It's made in the popular style of ripe, oaky fruitiness.

Estate Bottled

85

19

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Eberle

null

Spain

Heavy, oily and well oaked, but also elegant, elevated and something out of the ordinary. This is barrel-fermented Viura at a high quality level; it's smooth, creamy and lifted but also acid-rich and lemony, with notes of toast, vanilla, melon and wood resin. A potentially fine wine to drink now with baked or sautéed fish.

Cosme Palacio 1894 Blanco

90

50

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

White Blend

Bodegas Palacio

null

US

There's a seemingly sweet edge to the lemon, lime and vanilla flavors, which are fortunately balanced with crisp acidity. Fans of richly styled white wines will like this bottling.

Vintner's Reserve

84

13

California

California Other

Sauvignon Blanc

Kendall-Jackson

null

Kendall-Jackson 2011 Vintner's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (California)

Italy

This easygoing Nebbiolo delivers bright notes of forest fruit, cherry cola and root beer. The tannins are tight and firm but also balanced by the wine's succulent fruit flavors.

Mirinè

87

38

Piedmont

Nebbiolo d'Alba

null

Nebbiolo

Paolo Manzone

null

US

Couldn't get any riper, with an explosion of blackberries, cherries, currants, plums, and cola, not to mention plenty of toasty, caramelized oak. Trades complexity and subtlety for sheer power. It's mostly Merlot, with a splash of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

The Puzzle

88

80

California

Napa

null

Red Blend

Newton

null

Italy

This Rosso shows awkward aromas of almond paste and lemon zest on top of characteristic layers of wild berry and spice. It's light and lean on the palate with crisp fruit flavors on the close.

null

83

null

Tuscany

Rosso di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Poggio dell'Aquila

null

US

Feels good on the entry, with promising blackberry-cherry flavors and a bite of tannins, but quickly turns too soft and candy sweet. A decent, simple wine for drinking now.

Reserve

84

20

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Syrah

Lava Cap

null

US

Loaded with bright raspberry fruit, a little on the soda pop side, but perfectly quaffable, and best served chilled. It would be an interesting side-by-side with a Beaujolais Nouveau.

null

85

13

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Noir

Underwood

null

Italy

Sour cherry, cranberry, licorice and cola open the nose of Mustilli's Piedirosso. This is an easy, fresh wine that would pair with pizza or pasta topped with loads of cheese.

null

86

17

Southern Italy

Sannio

null

Piedirosso

Mustilli

null

Luxembourg

This Riesling has white floral and lemon zest aromas and lemon pith and grapefruit flavors. It's nicely balanced, with a pleasantly tart finish.

Wormeldange Weinbour Grand Premier Cru

88

23

Moselle Luxembourgeoise

null

Riesling

Domaines Vinsmoselle

Jeff Jenssen

@worldwineguys

Domaines Vinsmoselle 2015 Wormeldange Weinbour Grand Premier Cru Riesling (Moselle Luxembourgeoise)

US

Oak dominates this wine, giving it toast and vanilla caramel aromas and flavors. The underlying wine is soft and fruity, with blackberries and cherries. Drink now. Production was 24,146 cases.

Allomi

85

28

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hess

null

Hess 2008 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Italy

White talc and pressed flowers come to mind and color a pristine sparkler with pretty luminosity and a generous disposition. The wine has a soft, yielding texture and offers peachy fruit flavors on the close.

Rollmatt Brut

85

22

Veneto

Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Vigne Matte

null

Austria

Grassy overtones and freshly clipped boxwood turn this into an aromatic, fragrant wine with a lithe body but lots of aromatic depth, with hints of tropical passion fruit underneath. Drink now.

Heideboden

89

17

Burgenland

null

Grüner Veltliner

Nittnaus Hans und Christine

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Nittnaus Hans und Christine 2013 Heideboden Grüner Veltliner (Burgenland)

Portugal

Fruity and aromatic, this blend of Fernão Pires, Arinto and Sauvignon Blanc is fresh with attractive acidity and also riper tropical fruit and pear flavors. It has a mineral texture that gives the a fine structure. Drink now.

Companhia das Lezírias Herdade de Catapereiro

86

12

Tejo

null

Portuguese White

Wines & Winemakers

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Wines & Winemakers 2014 Companhia das Lezírias Herdade de Catapereiro White (Tejo)

US

A bit tart in acidity, this polished Pinot needs rich beef or lamb to cut through. It's a lovely wine, fully dry and balanced, with rich flavors of cherries, cola and anise. Drink now.

Sarmento Vineyard

89

40

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Windbreak

null

France

Considerable wood flavors mask the ripe fruits at this stage. A rich, perfumed wine, it will bring huge, ripe flavors of pineapple and peach, as well as a powerful toasty character. Give it until 2018.

null

93

391

Burgundy

Bienvenues Bâtard-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Domaine Faiveley

null

US

The barrel aromas of vanilla and coconut are far out front of the fruit on this blend of Petite Sirah (40%), Zinfandel (33%), Lemberger (20%) and Syrah. It's full bodied with the wood overwhelming any sense of varietal flavors.

D.R. Wolfe's Family

85

16

Washington

Horse Heaven Hills

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Thurston Wolfe

null

US

A brooding foundation of blackberry and mushroomy earth lift this full-bodied, tannic wine, which needs further time in bottle to develop. Spicy cinnamon, clove and pepper keep it lively on the palate, between the density and concentration of oak. Let this wine unwind in the bottle through 2020.

null

88

35

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Grenache

V. Sattui

Virginie Boone

@vboone

V. Sattui 2012 Grenache (Napa Valley)

US

This is unusual for a reserve, in that it's lower in alcohol than the regular bottling, and more cases were produced. The light fruits and herbs—green apple and lemon verbena in particular—are highlighted with tarragon and citrus peel. The complexity compensates for the just-on-the-edge ripeness, and time in 20% new oak adds a buttery note to the finish.

Nicholas Estate Reserve

89

33

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Anam Cara

null

US

Too oaky. Vanilla, buttered toast, caramel and sweet oak aromas dominate, and the wine turns sweet and extracted in the mouth. There are some decent blackberry and cherry flavors, but this is a pretty common wine.

Silver Label

84

15

California

North Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

B.R. Cohn

null

B.R. Cohn 2007 Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast)

US

Cayuse's Bordeaux blend shows remarkable complexity and detail for such a young red wine. Earthy undergrowth, autumnal fungus, some sweetness in the fruit, some brown sugar; it's got so much going on. Long and lingering, it's a fascinating mix of herb, mushroom, cranberry, rock, all interwoven with some pretty, spicy sweet oak.

Camaspelo

92

55

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Cayuse

null

US

The nose is a tad fleshy with ripe red-fruit and sweet spice notes, but the palate is crisp with striking acidity and hints of green leaves and forest floor. It tastes fine now, with ripe, chalky tannins, but it should hold well until at least 2015.

Merliance

86

35

New York

Long Island

Merlot

Long Island Merlot Alliance

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Long Island Merlot Alliance 2008 Merliance Merlot (Long Island)

US

An unfortunate wine. It may have been better a few years ago, but the fruit is fading, leaving behind a taste of vegetables and mint. Doesn't seem likely to reverse course.

Murphy Ranch Sarah Block

82

24

California

Alexander Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Sauvignon

Murphy-Goode

null

Italy

As in this producer's '97 Croce Riserva, an even palate-feel is among the best features here. The aromas and flavors are very dark and the oak quite dense. A core of sour black-plum fruit wears mild vanilla accents and the balance is attractive. Pleasing and stylish.

Scassino

87

18

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

Terrabianca

null

US

The Estates Reserve is a barrel selection combining chosen lots from the three estate vineyards. Despite this vintage's reputation for offering ripe, forward, accessible flavors, this wine remains stubbornly closed. It's entirely possible that it has just hit a bit of a dumb phase, which is not uncommon for recently-bottled Pinot Noir. Ripe full-bodied flavors of strawberry preserves peek through, with moderating acids and no herbal notes.

Estates Reserve

92

69

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Trisaetum

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Trisaetum 2014 Estates Reserve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

Portugal

One of Portugal's legendary wines, this white Pêra-Manca is beautifully rounded and ripe, with apricots, toast and an intense series of fruit and herbal flavors. It has concentration, while also showing great elegance and impressive aging potential. Drink in two years, but also age for five.

Pêra-Manca Branco

94

33

Alentejo

null

Portuguese White

Cartuxa

null

France

Seemingly at its peak of maturity, although it should stay there for several years, this is a masterful Saint-Joseph, showing great complexity (flowers, pepper, smoke, cherries), ripe fruit and satin-textured tannins. Drink now-2012.

Les Granits

92

95

Rhône Valley

Saint-Joseph

null

Syrah

M. Chapoutier

null

France

With some richness, this is a drink-now rosé. The initial fresh fruit has diminished, leaving a rounded, caramel-flavored wine without acidity.

Rosé

83

10

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Barton & Guestier

null

Italy

Light in approach and consistency, this is a fresh, easygoing white wine from central Italy that can be consumed at informal occasions such as with appetizers or at an outdoor barbecue. The aromas recall lime, green melon and sweet basil.

Macrina

86

15

Central Italy

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore

null

Verdicchio

Garofoli

null

US

A little too soft and direct, with a melted butter sweetness to the tropical fruit, spice, white flower and toast flavors. Could use greater depth and structural complexity.

Signature

86

39

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Viognier

Darioush

null

US

This is overripe, with raisiny, pruny flavors and a hot finish.

Michael's Vineyard

81

36

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Adelaida

null

Adelaida 2009 Michael's Vineyard Zinfandel (Paso Robles)

Portugal

A soft, fruity wine, with spice, strawberry and currant flavors. It has a warm, open feel, with a hint of tannin. Its name refers to the winding Douro River Valley.

Twisted

88

18

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Niepoort

null

US

This Père de Famille is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest split between Merlot and Petit Verdot. Sweet, pure fruit—black currants and black cherry and blackberry—is packed tight, concentrated and polished, but needing hours to breathe open. Dense, dusty, complex, complicated, this wine is sophisticated beyond description.

Père de Famille

97

60

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Betz Family

null

Portugal

It's rare to find a Douro white made from Rabigato, which is normally found in a regional blend. It produces a crisp, apple and green pear flavored wine that is attractive, drawing much of its character from the fact the vines are 40-years-old. The wine is fresh, tangy and ready to drink.

Reserva

89

18

Douro

null

Rabigato

Quinta de Porrais

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta de Porrais 2014 Reserva Rabigato (Douro)

US

This dry rosé has a bright pink color, subtle aromas like strawberry and watermelon, and fairly rich fig flavors that are well balanced by crisp acidity. Light and refreshing on the palate, this style of rosé seems to be the profile of choice for a growing number of California winemakers.

null

88

25

California

High Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Rosé

High Valley

null

Italy

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, this well-structured red offers ripe dark-skinned berry, underbrush and graphite aromas. The concentrated, savory palate delivers black currant, white pepper and soothing licorice flavors and fine tannins. Enjoy through 2023.

null

91

65

Tuscany

Bolgheri Superiore

null

Red Blend

Castello di Bolgheri

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Castello di Bolgheri 2013 Bolgheri Superiore

France

A real evocation of fresh, crisp and crunchy apple delivers freshness and punch on the easy-drinking but fresh, clean and joyful palate. Drink this soon, if possible at a summer party where this slender wine will come into its refreshing own.

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88

18

Alsace

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Riesling

Famille Hauller

null

US

A solid Sauvignon Blanc, rich, dry and savory. Fermented in neutral oak and aged on the lees, it shows a pleasantly tangy, sourdough creaminess, with ripe flavors of citrus fruits, white peaches and a firm, flinty minerality that comes from these mountain soils.

Estate

91

40

California

Napa

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Sauvignon Blanc

Spring Mountain Vineyard

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US

This Syrah is marked by rich, extracted flavors. It's strong in blackberries, cherries and raspberries, coated with lots of smoky, caramelized oak. The deliciousness factor is very high. Drink now for decadent youthfulness.

Susan's Hill Vineyard

90

34

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Syrah

Novy

null

US

Brilliantly crisp and lushly creamy and honeyed, just a beautiful Chardonnay that offers decadence and sheer deliciousness. Massive in grilled pineapples, green apples, ripe nectarines and butterscotch, brightened with mouthwatering acidity. A joy to drink.

Russian River Selection

94

32

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Gary Farrell

null

US

Still settling into the bottle, this wine is aromatically quiet, with notes of white flowers and pear. It drinks off dry, with generous amounts of stone-fruit flavors. If the aromas blossom, it could move up a notch as the flavors are quite well proportioned.

Cold Creek Vineyard

88

16

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))

Italy

Here is a fresh and zippy Pinot Bianco with immediate aromas of peach, white melon, kiwi and chopped basil leaves. The wine has personality and dimension and at the base of it is thick texture.

Vial

88

22

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

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Pinot Bianco

Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro

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Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro 2007 Vial Pinot Bianco (Alto Adige)

France

Marcillac is one of the more remote French regions located in the hills of the Massif Central. Mansois is the local red grape, and here it has produced a perfumed wine, with red berry fruit that's lined with herb and lavender notes. It has a tense streak of acidity that cuts through the palate, leaving a balance of fruit and dry tannin.

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87

19

Southwest France

Marcillac

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Mansois

Lionel Osmin & Cie

null

Italy

Delicate aromas of red rose and wild berry lead the nose while the taut palate offers raw sour cherry, anise, cinnamon and mocha. Bracing tannins lead to a firm, drying finish.

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88

null

Piedmont

Barolo

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Nebbiolo

Morra Diego

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Morra Diego 2011 Barolo

US

This is a gem—40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 30% Cab Franc. Dense, fruity and salty, it also carries concentrated chocolate and coffee flavors, surrounding very rich cassis and black cherry fruits. A superb value.

Red

90

18

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

OS Winery

null

US

From a ranch planted originally in 1926 this is a knockout wine, exotically spiced and nuanced in pepper, cinnamon and a distinction of sandalwood. High-toned fruit provides a lift to the lushness that wants to dominate, but never does, allowing the tangy orange and blackberry to speak quietly and clearly.

Montafi Ranch

93

47

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Carlisle

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Carlisle 2014 Montafi Ranch Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Australia

A good choice in the under-$10 category, with hard-to-resist flavors of plum, blueberry and blackberry jam punctuated by notes of fresh green pepper. Cherry and vanilla flavors adorn the palate and hang around just long enough to be memorable. A great partner for spare ribs. Drink before 2011.

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84

8

Australia Other

South Eastern Australia

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Cabernet Sauvignon

Alice White

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Spain

Browning and maturing, but still showing a ton of life and kick. This traditional-style wine is mildly roasted on the nose, with touches of leather, latex and other firm aromas. The palate is nice, with dry raspberry and cherry flavors finishing with power and length. Solid and respectable, but not something you'd label as special. Drink now–2014.

Faustino de Autor Reserva Especial

89

59

Northern Spain

Rioja

null

Tempranillo

Bodegas Faustino

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodegas Faustino 1998 Faustino de Autor Reserva Especial (Rioja)

Italy

With a long winemaking history that spans back to 1908, the Germano family has played an important role in the evolution of Barolo and Langhe wines. The Vigna Rué cru expression is an incredible wine with beautifully focused aromas of wild berry, cola and mineral. The mouthfeel is equally impressive thanks to the polished and drying nature of the tannins.

Vigna Rué

94

null

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Germano Angelo

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Germano Angelo 2005 Vigna Rué (Barolo)

France

A soft, lightly herbaceous style, with good green apple and white currant flavors. Crisp, light, refreshing, drink this year.

Sauvignon

85

11

Loire Valley

Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France

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Sauvignon Blanc

Fournier Père et Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Fournier Père et Fils 2006 Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc (Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France)

US

Notes of raisin, black currant, spice and smoke mark the dark-smelling nose. This is a full-bodied wine, bolstered by firm tannins and uplifting acids. The finish endures with soft notes of licorice and baking spice.

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85

25

Virginia

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Boxwood

null

Chile

This crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc leans green with pea and canned bean aromas, but it offers enough green apple and citrus character for enjoyment. The palate is zesty and lemony, with flavors that include green veggies, herbs, limes and tangerines. The finish is mildly green and citrusy.

Selección del Directorio Gran Reserva Cool Coastal Vineyard

87

10

Colchagua Valley

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Sauvignon Blanc

Santa Helena

null

US

Made using grapes grown high in the Mayacamas Mountains, this is extremely concentrated in pineapple essence, peach custard and tropical fruit flavors. It's extravagant, with 50% new French oak playing a strong role in contributing notes of buttered toast, crème brûlée and butterscotch to the flavor profile.

null

90

55

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Chardonnay

Moone-Tsai

null

US

Tastes semisweet, like a lemon, lime and pineapple cough drop. But the acidity is brisk and cleansing, and lots of people will enjoy this affordable wine.

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83

7

California

Monterey County

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Hilltown

null

US

It's the kind of wine that's perfect for a summer day. You could put some strawberries in it, or make it a cooler with a dash of fruit juice. No insult to the wine, which is dry and zesty in acidity and very good. The flavors are a solid home run of citrus, green apples, honeysuckle and cinnamon.

La Encantada Vineyard

88

30

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Blanc

Alma Rosa

null

New Zealand

Shows flashes of beauty on the nose, combining vanilla barrel notes with herbs and black cherries. Light and herbal on the palate, this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon seems a bit like a Loire Cabernet Franc, without the minerality.

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85

null

Hawke's Bay

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Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon

Crossroads

null

US

The lush aromas are dense and dark, with streaks of coffee, baking chocolate, iron ore, and earth. In the mouth the fruit explodes into full bloom—broad flavors of cherry and chocolate, lovely Asian spices.

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91

48

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Va Piano

null

Australia

Having earned its reputation as one of Australia's finest Chardonnays, the challenge is then to maintain that level of quality. The 2010 Art Series certainly does that. Enticing aromas of woodsmoke, peach and pink grapefruit give way to intense flavors of citrus and stone fruit on the palate. It's full bodied, yet with great focus and length, ending crisply despite the wine's inherent richness. Drink now–2020, perhaps longer.

Art Series

94

89

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Chardonnay

Leeuwin Estate

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Leeuwin Estate 2010 Art Series Chardonnay (Margaret River)

US

This rich, good Chardonnay is easy to drink. The tropical fruit, apricot and peach flavors are accented with oak, and balanced with acidity.

Appellation Series

86

28

California

Santa Lucia Highlands

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Cru

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Cru 2012 Appellation Series Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Spain

Concentrated aromas of berry fruits, spice and black currant jelly suggest that the wine is full and rich. In the mouth, severe tannins create a grinding sensation, while flavors of toast, blackberry, cassis and brown sugar lead to a heavy, burnt tasting finish that's blocky in feel.

Parada de Atauta

88

25

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

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Tinto Fino

Dominio de Atauta

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Dominio de Atauta 2009 Parada de Atauta (Ribera del Duero)

Italy

A very successful Fiano, with bright aromas of banana, exotic fruit, pineapple and loads of honey. In fact, those beautiful honey flavors continue onto the palate and give the wine a pretty sensation of smoothness and creaminess.

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88

28

Southern Italy

Fiano di Avellino

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Fiano

Di Meo

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South Africa

Although the label reads “Touch of Oak,” this wine exhibits an assertive oak-driven character throughout that produces an overall sweet red cherry and berry profile. Medium weight with light tannins, it's easy to drink now.

Touch of Oak

86

40

Tulbagh

null

Shiraz

Rijk's

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Rijk's 2009 Touch of Oak Shiraz (Tulbagh)

New Zealand

This is textbook Central Otago Pinot, from the nuances of wild thyme to the bold cherry fruit and mouthwatering finish. This medium-bodied wine is structured enough to last several years, but soft enough to drink now.

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90

34

Central Otago

null

Pinot Noir

Peregrine

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Peregrine 2012 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

France

Solid tannins mask some sweetness in the highly perfumed fruit, flavored with spices, tobacco, dried fruits. This has some good depth, allied with rich touches of wood.

Les Gravières du Roy

88

17

Loire Valley

Saumur-Champigny

null

Cabernet Franc

Sauvion

null

US

This simple Chard has likeable, intense flavors of lemons and limes and other tropical fruits, such as guavas and nectarines. It's very dry, and the finish is rich in clean, bright, palate-stimulating acids.

null

86

14

California

Monterey

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Hahn

null

US

A little soft, but delicious and complex. It has waves of raspberry, cherry, sweet cola, red licorice and oaky cedar flavors, with a spicy edge of smoked meat, like cured salumi. Feels elegant, although it lacks the structure for aging, so drink now.

null

89

40

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Exuberance

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Exuberance 2006 Syrah (Sonoma Valley)

Australia

From the folks who bring you Two Hands comes this big Cab, which sticks to the glass and deals a chile-spiced nose right out of the gate. The front palate is loaded with chocolate, mocha and forward fruit—all of the hedonistic sexiness your palate can handle. A hint of sour cherry is buried, suggesting that some of its assets may reveal themselves down the track.

Greenock Coach House Block

91

105

South Australia

Barossa Valley

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Branson Coach House

null

US

Ken Wright's 2010 Pinots keep the alcohol levels low without sacrificing any flavor or depth. The Nysa is a gorgeous color, aromatically rich with a bouquet of fruit and flowers. Fresh and primary flavors of ripe berry are set amid delicate tannins. The structure suggests excellent aging potential over a decade or more.

Nysa Vineyard

91

50

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Ken Wright

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Ken Wright 2010 Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)

New Zealand

The warm climate of Gisborne, on New Zealand's North Island, isn't known for its Riesling, but this is a solid effort, as long as sweetness isn't an issue. Pineapple, peach and citrus flavors carry a hint of wet stone and deliver plenty of sugar (a reported 40 g/L), making it a strong candidate to pair with spicy Asian dishes.

Opou Vineyard

88

30

Gisborne

null

Riesling

Millton

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Millton 2013 Opou Vineyard Riesling (Gisborne)

France

The two signature white grapes of Côtes de Gascogne give a wine flavored with tropical fruit and honey. It is delicate, ripe and just off dry. The wine is ready to drink although it will be better at the end of 2015.

No. 4 Gros & Petit Manseng

87

11

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

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Gros and Petit Manseng

Domaine Uby

null

France

Ripe and luscious, this is made almost entirely from Sémillon. Its rich texture is packed with flavors of honeyed apricots and sultanas. A hint of toast is fully absorbed into this intensely sweet wine, and the final citrusy edge adds a fine, contrasting point.

Château Latrezotte La Sauternes de Ma Fille

90

45

Bordeaux

Sauternes

null

Bordeaux-style White Blend

Bernard Magrez

null

France

A somewhat austere, lean wine, with dry tannins and tobacco aromas. The berry fruits are full of spice and fresh currants, giving a wine that is stalky, firm and finishes dry.

Bagatelle

84

18

Loire Valley

Saumur

null

Cabernet Franc

Manoir de la Tête Rouge

null

Spain

With its black plum, blackberry and other bold, juvenile aromas, this bargain-priced Spaniard shows flavors of chocolate, natural bitterness and good overall balance. A little big and brawny, but better than washed out and weak. A classic chorizo or hamburger wine.

Protocolo Tinto

86

6

Central Spain

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

null

Tempranillo

Dominio de Eguren

null

Portugal

Spicy and perfumed, this has a rich yellow-fruit flavor that's contrasted with a crisp pink-grapefruit edge. It's rounded and smooth, with a taut, herbal burst on the finish.

Portal Colheita Branco

86

18

Douro

null

Portuguese White

Quinta do Portal

null

US

Inviting aromas of baked blueberries are leveled by crushed asphalt and dried herbs on the refined nose of this bottling. Stewed strawberry and red plum flavors are elegantly cut by more crushed stone, dried spearmint and a touch of sweet tobacco, all held together by grippy tannins.

Mortal Zin

90

38

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Graveyard

null

France

Full-bodied and a bit heavy to make a delicate quaff, but pair this wine with the right summer foods (a juicy hamberger comes to mind) and it will work. Some tarry, meaty notes obscure what appears to be delicate cherry fruit that ends with a peppery tang.

Tradition de Campuget

84

12

Rhône Valley

Costières de Nîmes

null

Rosé

Château de Campuget

null

US

Sweet roasted red pepper, black plum, black cherry and delicious apple aromas lead to a palate of simple red to black fruit, toast and dried herbs. Finishes long with a touch of pepper and grilled meat. The structure provided by balanced tannins and acidity suggest a reward for aging.

null

88

36

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Titus

null

Titus 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Germany

Honey tangerines and freesias perfume this dazzling auslese that's full of pristine yellow peach and citrus flavors. It's luscious, almost opulent with fruit, but cut with a shock of lemon-lime acidity that extends the long, long finish.

Bernkasteler Lay Auslese

93

38

Mosel

null

Riesling

Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef)

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef) 2013 Bernkasteler Lay Auslese Riesling (Mosel)

Israel

This wine has a bouquet of cassis, violet and black pepper. Well-integrated flavors of cassis, strawberry preserves, anise, fennel bulb and lavender are set amid silky tannins that feel as if they may go on forever but are surpassed at the finish when fruit flavors pull out all the stops.

Namura Single Vineyard Special Reserve

90

52

Galilee

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Or Haganuz

null

France

T-L's 2007s from the Northern Rhône came out well, including this example from Saint-Joseph. Intense espresso, cracked pepper and black olive notes scream of cool-climate Syrah, while the feel in the mouth is supple, ending on a silky note.

Vieilles Vignes

91

46

Rhône Valley

Saint-Joseph

null

Syrah

Tardieu-Laurent

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Tardieu-Laurent 2007 Vieilles Vignes (Saint-Joseph)

US

Another Joe Davis wine that's benefited from patience, this bottling offers more mature character than the same vineyard's 2009. Umami touches of soy, shiitake and leather underscore the cherry and raspberry scents on the nose. It has a grippy texture and a subtly presented range of flavors—from dried anise and Christmas spice to elderberry, cranberry and dried plum skin.

Clos Pepe Vineyard

94

65

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Arcadian

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Arcadian 2011 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

France

This steep vineyard produces a particularly rich style of Chablis because of its excellent exposure. This wine exemplifies this. It is warm, and rounded, with superrich yellow fruits, almost tropical. Underlying it all is a structure derived from green plum skin flavors.

Beauroy Premier Cru

91

null

Burgundy

Chablis

null

Chardonnay

William Fèvre

null

US

This wine is at the extreme end of the spectrum for Sémillon, and has an avid following as a result. Golden yellow in color, it shows ultraripe fruit that smells of apricots, peaches and pine. The fruit supports a lot of oak. Winemaker Marty Clubb has a great touch with this often-overlooked grape. As good as it is, the '99 still seems less complex than the spectacular '98.

Fries Vineyard

92

22

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Sémillon

L'Ecole No. 41

null

France

A generous wine, this features intense dark fruits, ripe strawberry and an almost -weet character. It's packed with spice, richness and beautiful concentration. Great acidity gives a wine that is developing freshness and weight. Drink from 2020.

Les Boucherottes Premier Cru

94

62

Burgundy

Beaune

null

Pinot Noir

Louis Jadot

null

Spain

Patience is a must to make it through this burly, earthy, almost murky blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Early aromas of mulch and coffee morph into black fruit and leather, while initially reduced black cherry and currant flavors take on more character and depth with time. Never does it really shine, but it is a serious wine that has its merits.

Cuvée Palomar

88

48

Northern Spain

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León

null

Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon

Abadia Retuerta

null

Italy

This celebrated Barbera d'Alba from the historic Marchesi di Barolo winery opens with a dark, brooding color and earthy aromas of wild mushroom, cured beef and dark forest fruit. It shows impressive color and concentration and those inviting earth, mineral notes would pair with elegant dishes such as game hen, roast duck or porcini risotto.

Ravera

90

34

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba

null

Barbera

Marchesi di Barolo

null

South Africa

The aromas of this wine are ripe—almost overripe—with notes of mushy strawberry and red cherry, while the palate shows more restraint in flavors of red currant and tart, small berry. With soft tannins and medium acidity, this is an easy-drinking and fruity selection that finishes quick and clean.

null

85

14

Stellenbosch

null

Pinotage

Ernst Gouws & Co.

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Ernst Gouws & Co. 2011 Pinotage (Stellenbosch)