spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

country stringclasses 49 values	description stringlengths 18 829	designation stringlengths 1 95 ⌀	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 2.5k ⌀	province stringclasses 478 values	region_1 stringlengths 3 50 ⌀	region_2 stringclasses 18 values	variety stringclasses 726 values	winery stringlengths 1 54	taster_name stringclasses 19 values	taster_twitter_handle stringclasses 15 values	title stringlengths 12 135 ⌀
US	Alcohol 14.2%. Still pretty tannic and youthful, with perky acids, and not showing at all its age. Big in fruit, with cherries and blueberries. Oak adds its thing, and there's a cocoa finish. No sign at all of raisins or overripeness. Beautiful now, and should hold throughout the decade.	Allen Vineyard	92	null	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Williams Selyem	null	null	null
France	91–93 Under new management, this estate has improved dramatically. There are freshness and fragrant aromas from the black currant fruits. To finish, it is dry, but poised.	Barrel Sample	92	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Clos Fourtet	null	null	null
Chile	A very nice blended white with melon and powdered sugar aromas. The palate is ripe and bouncy, with body and flavors of apricot, orange and lime. Dry and brushing up against complex on the finish. Shows more Viognier than Chardonnay. More than solid for the money. Imported by Ecovalley Quality Wine Group and National Refrescos Import Company, LLC.	Reserva	88	15	Limarí Valley	null	null	Chardonnay-Viognier	Tamaya	null	null	null
France	Medium sweet in style, this is spicy, fragrant wine with honeyed lychee and pear flavors. It's warm and rich with nicely lifted acidity on the finish.	null	86	18	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Gris	Domaine Charles Baur	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Charles Baur 2011 Pinot Gris (Alsace)
Spain	Almost volatile, but with reduced raisin below. If you are familiar with hot-climate California Zinfandel, this is not unlike that. It has a vinegary attack and then a strange but limited sweetness lurking in the weeds. A challenged wine.	Javier Asensio Tinto	83	10	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Red Blend	Asensio	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Asensio 2003 Javier Asensio Tinto Red (Navarra)
Italy	This is a standout ripasso that offers everything you should look for (and more) in this category of wine: intensity, freshness, persistency and loads of succulent fruit. Aromas include cherry liqueur, spice and chocolate.	Monti Garbi	91	20	Veneto	Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Tenuta Sant'Antonio	null	null	null
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
Italy	Here's a brightly saturated Pinot Grigio with toasted notes of almond, freshly baked bread and creamy butter. You can taste the influence of oak here and the wine is rich in flavor and intensity. The mouthfeel is dense, creamy and long-lasting.	Maso delle Rose	89	27	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Grigio	Josef Weger	null	null	null
US	A blend of Syrah and 7% Viognier, this has a tremendous perfume on the nose. Mouth-filling and savory, it is adorned with flavors of mushroom, earth and black raspberry. Cellar this for a while, or enjoy it now with roasted game served in a mushroom ragout.	The Brawler	92	36	California	Calaveras County	Sierra Foothills	Syrah-Viognier	Prospect 772	null	null	null
France	A rich wine, with delicious cream and apple flavors, lifted by fine acidity. It is opulent, packed with apricot and light honey character encased in a dry, mineral framework.	Millésime Grand Cru	92	75	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Lallier	null	null	null
US	Pineapple and spice on the nose are followed by like flavors on the palate. An interplay of acid adds quality to the wine but overall, it lacks dimension and the kind of layering that typifies good Chardonnay.	null	82	12	New York	New York	New York Other	Chardonnay	Brotherhood	null	null	null
France	This is a structured wine, with dry tannins and notes of berry and red cherry. The fruit comes through the smoky character, bringing sweet-tasting acidity. Give this wine 3–4 years to age.	null	85	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château le Moulin de la Jaumarde	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château le Moulin de la Jaumarde 2009 Bordeaux
Portugal	This is a tight and structured wine, showing a fine balance between tannin and acidity, with dark, brooding fruit that still need time to develop. Give this wine until 2018.	Domini	91	15	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	José Maria da Fonseca	Roger Voss	@vossroger	José Maria da Fonseca 2013 Domini Red (Douro)
Austria	This is a very herbal wine, with a green medicinal edge that contrasts the rich yellow-fruit flavor. There is concentration, dense fruits and a soft, ripe finish. Screwcap.	Alte Reben Reserve	89	null	Kamptal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Weixelbaum	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Weixelbaum 2010 Alte Reben Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal)
Austria	Pear freshness, yeasty savor and citrus zip combine on the palate of this easy-drinking, fresh and enlivening Grüner. There is an earthy, sonorous note at the core that balances the airy freshness.	Friendly	90	20	Kamptal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Laurenz V.	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Laurenz V. 2014 Friendly Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal)
Italy	This is a nice expression of Sauvignon although it lacks intensity and staying power. If you're looking for a fresh and easy appetizer wine with aromas of peach, citrus and basil, this is a perfect choice. The wine is zesty, clean and crisp on the close.	null	85	19	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Sauvignon	Attems	null	null	null
US	Earthy compost, black pepper and leather define this red that's hugely structured in tight-grained tannin. Lush blueberry pie and violets mark the fruity, floral side of its personality.	null	90	38	California	Calistoga	Napa	Petite Sirah	Jean Edwards	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Jean Edwards 2013 Petite Sirah (Calistoga)
Chile	Slightly sweaty and prickly, but those are true Sauvignon characteristics and with time they settle to reveal orange and tangerine flavors and even more citrus on the finish. Not the most detailed wine, but at $5.99 it is what it is.	null	84	6	Central Valley	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Valdivieso	null	null	null
France	Rich and round, the wine boasts ripe toast and creamy pear and peach fruit. The lemon touches give point to this full wine, adding attractive freshness.	Les Trois Pêcheurs	88	18	Burgundy	Saint-Véran	null	Chardonnay	Vignerons des Terres Secrètes	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Vignerons des Terres Secrètes 2008 Les Trois Pêcheurs (Saint-Véran)
Italy	Soft layers of Chardonnay with aromas of vanilla cream and stone fruit are blended with fresh notes of citrus and passion fruit from the Vermentino element found within. The two varieties complement each other very well and produce an elegant wine for shellfish or seafood risotto.	Torveto	90	32	Central Italy	Umbria	null	White Blend	Lungarotti	null	null	Lungarotti 2008 Torveto White (Umbria)
Spain	Apple and stone fruit aromas come with a mineral component and a stalky, hay note. It feels good and full, showing classic Cava flavors of stalky apple and nectarine. The finish is smooth and easygoing.	Aria Estate Brut	86	14	Catalonia	Cava	null	Sparkling Blend	Segura Viudas	null	null	null
France	A delicious wine that moves easily between rich, wood-aged Chardonnay and a tight mineral structure. It is ripe, with apricot flavors interspersing with pears and some orange zest. While it is ready to drink, another few months will bring out even more richness.	Chartron et Trébuchet	91	null	Burgundy	Puligny-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Maison Jean-Baptiste Béjot	null	null	null
Portugal	Concentrated tannins give this wine from organic grapes a powerful structure. For balance, it also has a more fruity character that offers blackberry and black plums. The dense texture means it needs to age until 2015.	null	86	19	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta do Romeu	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta do Romeu 2010 Red (Douro)
Portugal	There are few Syrahs in Portugal—some in the Alentejo—but this comes from the coastal region of Bairrada. It shows all the rich, violet and black plum juice varietal character, very juicy. There is spice from wood, but this and the soft tannins meld easily into the rich fruit.	Quinta do Valdoeiro	87	17	Bairrada	null	null	Syrah	Messias	null	null	null
US	With a hint of blush in the color and a scent of rose petals in the nose, this aromatic and flavorful Gewürz invites contemplation. It's got some strong pine needle flavors along with light citrus and apple fruit, but the more interesting elements are the floral/soapy harmonics that dance along the edges.	Dry	88	12	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Gewürztraminer	Airlie	null	null	null
France	This is a steely wine, tight with acidity and lemon fruits. It has a mineral, tangy texture that is still calming down, which suggests a young wine that needs time. Certainly the fruit is all there, if with a nervy character. Drink the wine from 2018.	Les Plantenays	88	30	Burgundy	Rully	null	Chardonnay	Louis Max	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Louis Max 2013 Les Plantenays (Rully)
US	Made mostly from Pinot Noir, with the balance Chardonnay, this is a richly satisfying sparkling wine. Accented with crisp acidity that makes the fruit brisk and clean, it has appealing flavors of strawberries, oranges and limes, with the yeasty sourness of a fine sparkling wine.	Brut	92	70	California	Anderson Valley	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Sparkling Blend	Schramsberg	null	null	null
US	Dry and minty, this Pinot has the elegantly silky structure of a fine cool-climate wine. But it's a little thin in the cherry fruit flavors that lift it above the ordinary, and finishes quick.	Rhinefarm Vineyard	85	38	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Gundlach Bundschu	null	null	null
Italy	Regina is Renieri's super Tuscan with a feminine soul. A pure expression of Syrah, the lush wine is soft, velvety and enduring in the mouth. Its momentum holds strong thanks to afternotes of berry fruit, leather and black pepper.	Regina di Renieri	90	30	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Syrah	Renieri	null	null	Renieri 2008 Regina di Renieri Syrah (Toscana)
France	Faint notes of ripe pear rise from the glass. The palate comes in with fresh zestiness—it is dry and slender but has lip-smacking citrus freshness of grapefruit and tangerine. This is bundled, full of invigorating appetizing freshness. There is something bracingly clean but also harmonious about the finish.	Terroir d'Alsace	92	30	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Zind-Humbrecht	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2015 Terroir d'Alsace Riesling (Alsace)
Italy	Medium bodied and refreshing, this vibrant wine—made with organically grown fruit—delivers baked apple, citrus zest and bitter almond flavors. Crisp acidity provides balance while steely mineral energizes the clean, linear finish.	Pancole	88	14	Tuscany	Vernaccia di San Gimignano	null	Vernaccia	Cesani	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Cesani 2014 Pancole (Vernaccia di San Gimignano)
Austria	Pepper and cinnamon strike first, before beautifully aromatic notions of blueberry, plum and tart black cherry appear. These scented fruits pervade the entire palate with spice, verve and freshness. A wonderfully poised Sankt Laurent at the perfect intersection of restrained freshness and glorious richness.	null	93	21	Thermenregion	null	null	St. Laurent	Johanneshof Reinisch	null	null	null
France	This shows a touch of evolution in its faded rim, but the aromas of cherries, cinnamon and mocha remain pristine. The tannins are smooth and supple, subtly framing expressive flavors of cherries, chocolate, espresso and baking spices. Drink now–2022.	null	91	19	Rhône Valley	null	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	L'Amandine	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	L'Amandine 2012 Red
US	Drink this Pinot now for its rich, ripe strawberry and raspberry flavors. They're succulent, brightened with acidity and enriched with sweet, toasty oak.	null	88	45	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Graton Ridge	null	null	Graton Ridge 2011 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
US	This is 100% Cabernet from a 25-year-old estate vineyard. There’s plenty of vanilla and cassis in the nose, with some pickled volatile acidity lurking about. Firm and earthy, with a hint of mint and some dark, toasty streaks running through the red fruit. High-toned and slightly hot in the finish.	Reserve	87	30	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Kiona	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Kiona 1997 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)
US	Harrison's Cabernet is a bit hard in youth, marked by strong tannins that make for an astringent mouthfeel. It's also somewhat linear in varietal flavor, with ripe black currants and blackberries and a certain minerality. Not drinkable now, but all indications are for a good future. Better after 2012.	Estate Bottled	92	50	California	Rutherford	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	William Harrison	null	null	null
US	Aged substantially in bottle, this wine has found its groove, sanguine in meat and game topped in currant, dried herb and cedar. Pomegranate and cranberry give it a high-toned minerality around integrated oak and tannin.	Private Reserve	93	199	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Tobacco Road	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Tobacco Road 2006 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	Tastes overripe and hot, with a raisiny, stewed prune edge to the otherwise pleasant blackcurrant and cherry flavors. Too bad, because the tannic structure is very nice. That cooked taste is not going to age out.	null	82	24	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Waterstone	null	null	null
Chile	This mix of Petit Verdot and four other red grapes is dark, slightly raisiny and jammy on the nose. In the mouth, it is ripe and ripped, with depth and density along with soft tannins. Flavors of prune, baked berry, licorice and peppery spice finish with overt herb, tobacco and chocolaty flavors. Drink this powerful, weighty blend through 2018.	VSC	91	40	Cachapoal Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Santa Carolina	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Santa Carolina 2010 VSC Red (Cachapoal Valley)
US	Overtly sweet, this tastes like a dessert pastry turned into wine. The flavors are of orange, pineapple, vanilla-cream and buttered toast.	Back Seat Blonde	82	14	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	White Blend	Coquelicot	null	null	Coquelicot 2010 Back Seat Blonde White (Santa Ynez Valley)
France	The freshness of ripe red apple, meadow flowers and citrus hits the nose enticingly. The palate flows and glows with these swirling, intense and pure notes which are boosted even more by residual sweetness. This richness is balanced by refreshingly tart apple that dances on the palate. This is exuberant, balanced and full of fruit, with an off-dry finish.	null	93	null	Alsace	Alsace	null	Gewürztraminer	Domaine Marcel Deiss	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Domaine Marcel Deiss 2014 Gewurztraminer (Alsace)
Portugal	Vines aged 35 years and more go into this wine. It has great power and concentration while also having beautiful ripe fruit. Big-hearted berry flavors are balanced by some serious tannins that promise medium-term aging. Drink this wine soon from 2017 or even better wait until 2018.	Manoella	92	22	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Wine & Soul	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Wine & Soul 2013 Manoella Red (Douro)
France	Mumm makes a mighty fine mid-priced bottle, with plenty of toasty flavor to lift it into an orbit close to where the big boys fly. The fruit is on the lighter side, but crisply defined, and it segues into the round, satisfying flavors of older, more mature Champagne. The bubbles are gentle and petite, and the flavors linger elegantly all around the tongue.	Cordon Rouge Brut	89	43	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	G. H. Mumm	null	null	null
France	This Provence cru classé estate has produced a refreshingly fruity wine. With its red-currant and citrus flavors and tight mineral acidity, it is both textured and really crisp. Drink now.	Eternelle Favorite	86	24	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	Château de Saint-Martin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château de Saint-Martin 2016 Eternelle Favorite Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
Austria	Beautifully ripe notes of yellow pear, even floral overtones, dance above the glass. The palate unfolds in the same friendly, floral, light-footed fashion. Lightness, freshness and flavor are all reminiscent of a flower meadow in spring. A lovely, delicate wine with well-hidden depth.	Klassik	90	13	Carnuntum	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Artner	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Artner 2015 Klassik Grüner Veltliner (Carnuntum)
US	Intensely ripe and rich, this wine boasts flavors of raisins and currants with oak adding hints of sweet toast. It's overripe and brawny in style, with high alcohol lending a hot, glycerine mouthfeel.	Estate Grown	86	40	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Mourvèdre	Larner	null	null	Larner 2010 Estate Grown Mourvèdre (Santa Ynez Valley)
US	Spectacular blueberry aromatics enliven this fruit-driven wine. The extraction is right up to the edge of being too much, but sits just perfectly in the mouth. A deep, saturated garnet color with scents of berry and sweet, musky Concord accents. It's solid in the mouth, tannic with a slightly chewy edge to the tannins.	null	88	19	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Dolcetto	Woodward Canyon	null	null	null
Spain	Slightly vinegary on the cherry-laden nose, with a mild but persistent briney character. The palate is high in acid, leading to some scour, but the flavors of plum and berry, while generic, are pretty good. Finishes with hints of toast, pepper and spice. Solid enough for $8.	null	84	8	Central Spain	Vino de la Tierra de Castilla	null	Tempranillo	Ermita San Antonio	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a straight-laced Barbera d'Asti (aged in stainless steel) with linear aromas of berry fruit and cherry that appear in a direct and immediate manner. There's no great complexity here, nor is there supposed to be. This is a genuine expression of a fundamentally easy-drinking food wine.	La Madrina	87	55	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti	null	Barbera	Costa Olmo	null	null	null
Argentina	Earthy berry aromas come with a note of balsam wood, tobacco and soy sauce. This is juicy, with sinewy tannins and a sense of perpetual hardness to the palate. Lightly herbal blackberry and plum flavors exhibit a stalky note. Toasty and tannic on the finish. Drink through 2022.	El Alto Parcel	91	100	Mendoza Province	Luján de Cuyo	null	Malbec	Doña Paula	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Doña Paula 2010 El Alto Parcel Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)
Greece	Exotic pineapple and melon fruit aromas lead on this full-bodied white. On the palate, curvy melon and vanilla are punctuated by citrus and a spray of minerals. Assertive with body that can handle bigger flavors, like seafood, poultry and fruit.	null	87	30	Peloponnese	null	null	Petroulianos	Vatistas	null	null	null
Italy	Luscious Granny Smith apple is backed by creamy peach and mature pear. In fact, the pear notes become the dominant aromatic force after a few minutes in the glass (maybe because 10% Pinot Bianco is added to the blend). This bright sparkler offers creamy froth and a crisp, clean close.	Brut	87	15	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Bortolotti	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a delicious dessert wine made with dried Moscato grapes. It has an intense fragrance of orange blossoms, citrus and herbs. The dense palate delivers honey, lemon drop, sage and mint. Pair this with cream-filled pastries or fruit tarts.	Dindarello	90	22	Veneto	Veneto	null	Moscato	Maculan	null	null	null
US	Tropical and fleshy with upfront acidity, this wine has a full-bodied richness on the nose and overtone, despite a more light-bodied midpalate and finish. Along the way, lemony brightness mingles with a taste of yellow apple.	null	88	18	California	Sonoma Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Kunde	null	null	null
US	Aromas of blood, nori and worn leather compose the nose, with a touch of charred bread that adds a subtle bitterness. Light to medium bodied, the palate feels pliant at the start, but the acids spike and tower over the tannins as the wine spreads across the palate. A flavor of tart raspberry marks the finish.	null	83	20	Virginia	Monticello	null	Merlot-Petite Verdot	Autumn Hill	null	null	Autumn Hill 2009 Merlot-Petite Verdot (Monticello)
US	This biodynamically farmed vineyard delivers stunning, elegant, textured Pinot. Layer upon layer upon layer develops in the mouth, from the ripe strawberry/cherry fruit, masterfully speckled with toast, espresso and cola notes. The mouthfeel is silky and supple, and this lovely wine lives up to its name with an innate resonance that lingers gracefully in the mouth.	Resonance Vineyard	93	48	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Sineann	null	null	null
US	This is a fine effort from first-year fruit that was cropped way down for extra concentration. It's a vibrant wine with a bright raspberry flavor that has a pretty, lightly candied quality.	Dijon 667 Clone	89	54	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Carabella	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Carabella 2010 Dijon 667 Clone Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)
US	This 100% varietal wine is a nice one, approachable and interesting in baked plum, licorice and leather. Tannins are sizable yet integrated.	null	89	26	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Petite Sirah	Miro	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Miro 2013 Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley)
US	Velvety texture underlies dusty tannins and neutral oak in this light and lean wine from a vineyard in the heart of Pinot Noir country. Vanilla and cherry play off each other nicely, finding equal partnership with a buoyant acidity.	Los Amigos Vineyard	86	28	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Cabernet Franc	Wait Cellars	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Wait Cellars 2014 Los Amigos Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Russian River Valley)
France	Red fruits and a cool edge characterize this wine from the highest elevation of the Beaujolais cru villages. It has red cherry fruitiness, a crisp layer of acidity and a dry, smoky aftertaste. Drink from 2018.	null	87	14	Beaujolais	Chiroubles	null	Gamay	Florent Descombe	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Florent Descombe 2016 Chiroubles
Italy	This opens with earthy aromas of brimstone, scorched soil, hay, orchard fruit and dried herb. The palate offers pink grapefruit, white stone fruit, sage and a marked saline note that creates a briny mineral finish.	Timeo	89	null	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Grillo	Baglio di Pianetto	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Baglio di Pianetto 2015 Timeo Grillo (Sicilia)
US	Hailing from Underwood Mountain, this is cool climate Riesling made in a warm vintage with notes of lime, guava and mineral. It has a healthy amount of residual sugar (37 g/L) but the acid (8.4g/L) creates a pleasing sense of tension and makes it seemingly drier.	Reminiscence	88	18	Washington	Columbia Gorge (WA)	Washington Other	Riesling	Ancestry	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Ancestry 2012 Reminiscence Riesling (Columbia Gorge (WA))
France	This tannic and extracted wine shows touches of burnt wood and solid, dry tannins. It misses the generously fruity feel of the vintage, replacing it with a firm, tight character. It needs several years.	null	88	20	Bordeaux	Haut-Médoc	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château la Tonnelle	null	null	null
US	Coming from Uvas Valley earth that was originally planted in the 1920s by Italian immigrants, this wine shows leather, plum sauce and dark chocolate on the nose. It's light on the palate, but possesses strong tannic grip and refreshing acidity that boost the dried flower, blueberry juice and graphite flavors.	Estate	90	25	California	Santa Clara Valley	Central Coast	Barbera	Solis	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Solis 2011 Estate Barbera (Santa Clara Valley)
US	Sémillon, sadly, is getting pulled out and replanted all over Washington, despite the fact that it makes a fine stable mate to the state's better-known Sauvignon Blancs, This includes 22% Sauv Blanc in the blend, a delivers flavors of fig and melon along with fresh grain and a bit of spice. It's balanced and crisp; a good summer sip.	null	86	9	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sémillon	Chateau Ste. Michelle	null	null	null
Portugal	The wine is fresh with berry fruits while being solidly structured and dense. Rich fruits shine through the concentrated structure. It does need to age, although not for long and it could be drunk now if decanted. Otherwise, drink from 2016.	Dusty	89	13	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Poeira	null	null	null
US	Lemon rind, orange juice and chalk show on the nose of this bottling, which is a tad simple but very quaffable. Lemon wedge, green and yellow apples, and a bit of citrus pith show on the sip.	null	87	13	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Layer Cake	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Layer Cake 2015 Chardonnay (Central Coast)
France	Soft and broad, a little unfocused, the fruit showing pear juice and green apple skins. It feels light, juicy, missing concentration, and there's a caramel toast aftertaste.	Buissonnier Côte Chalonnaise Chardonnay	84	18	Burgundy	Côte Chalonnaise	null	Chardonnay	Vignerons de Buxy	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Vignerons de Buxy 2008 Buissonnier Côte Chalonnaise Chardonnay (Côte Chalonnaise)
Austria	Restrained ripeness does not make this an obvious wine, but it comes towards you if you spend time with it. Notions of yellow pear and Golden Delicious apple partner with an herbal twist and refreshing citrus acidity.	Blanc	89	null	Burgenland	null	null	Austrian white blend	Tinhof	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Tinhof 2013 Blanc White (Burgenland)
Germany	This summery Riesling wafts of ripe yellow cherries and blossoms. Dry in style with a rich, rounded mouthfeel, it's deeply concentrated with stone fruit flavors accented by hints of waxy lemon and lime skin. It's delicious now for its fragrant, fruity exuberance, but likely to develop its waxy, mineral complexities through 2019–2021.	Trabener Würzgarten Schiefer Tocken	91	35	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Villa Huesgen	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Villa Huesgen 2012 Trabener Würzgarten Schiefer Tocken Riesling (Mosel)
France	94-96 Barrel sample. Dominated by firm tannins, dark texture, black berry and currant fruits. A powerful wine that shows an immense dry core.	Barrel sample	95	null	Bordeaux	Pessac-Léognan	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Haut-Bailly	null	null	null
France	White peach and spice notes billow aromatically in this soft, creamy textured wine. There is attractive acidity along with a touch of honey that softens and rounds out the acidity. It's ready to drink, although it will age well in the bottle.	Brut	86	13	Alsace	Crémant d'Alsace	null	Sparkling Blend	Hubert Meyer	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Hubert Meyer NV Brut Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)
France	Crisp, mineral and tight, this is still a young bottling. It is dry, full of citrus-fruit flavors and with a fine burst of acidity that cuts through the wine. Let this delicious wine settle for a few more months to add more fruit to the texture. Drink from late 2018.	Blanc de Blancs Brut	91	40	Champagne	Champagne	null	Chardonnay	Vollereaux	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Vollereaux NV Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)
Italy	This is a big, blockbuster blend of Cab, Alicante and Petit Verdot with thick extraction and raw tones of fruit, tobacco and spice that liven up its chewy, textured mouthfeel.	Poggio al Lupo	92	45	Tuscany	Maremma	null	Red Blend	Tenuta Sette Ponti	null	null	null
US	This is a vineyard change for this wine, which now comes from one of the state's top Syrah sites. Coming in at an absurdly low alcohol level, especially considering the warmth of the vintage, it offers aromas of garrigue, lemon twist and generous amounts of black pepper. The pepper and savory flavors are elegant and polished, with a mouthfeel that demands another sip. It's all about elegance of expression and feel.	Boushey Vineyard	92	40	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Mourvèdre	Ardor	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Ardor 2014 Boushey Vineyard Mourvèdre (Yakima Valley)
US	Overripe, with blackberry jam fruit veering into raisins, prunes and brown sugar, like sweetened oatmeal. The tannins are strong.	Dryfarmed Old Vine	84	25	California	Cienega Valley	Central Coast	Cabernet Pfeffer	DeRose	null	null	null
Italy	Made with 100% late-harvested Syrah, this opens with subdued aromas of blackberry jam, cedar, ground pepper and a smoky note. On the moderately sweet palate, nutmeg accentuates both dried prune and fig.	Kaid Vendemmia Tardiva	89	30	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Syrah	Alessandro di Camporeale	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Alessandro di Camporeale 2011 Kaid Vendemmia Tardiva Syrah (Sicilia)
France	Sweet, rich, dense, very much of its year. At the same time, there is the Barton touch that leaves some fine elegance, to go with the smoky fruits and richness, while acidity gives it a fine lift.	null	91	65	Bordeaux	Saint-Julien	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Langoa Barton	null	null	null
France	Organically grown fruit, aged in new wood for 12 months, creates this rich smooth wine. With a juicy oxidative character, it is soft and round. Yellow fruits and spice come together in a wine that is now ready to drink.	null	88	30	Southwest France	Bergerac Sec	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Beauséjour	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Beauséjour 2013 Red (Bergerac Sec)
US	This grape is obscure for California but excels in this bottling, with intriguing aromas of yellow melon, crushed white rocks and an array of citrus, from tangerine peels to kumquats. The palate is a lime shade of green, featuring flavors of lime blossoms, Key lime pie and kaffir lime leaves, but also shows limestone minerality and a hint of passion fruit.	null	90	27	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Vermentino	Tablas Creek	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Tablas Creek 2014 Vermentino (Paso Robles)
Portugal	The wine, named after a typical mustache from the 19th century, is all fruit: ripe blackberries with balancing acidity. This is an easy ripe wine that will be great with barbecues this summer thanks to its soft tannins and drinkability.	Bigode Tinto	85	9	Lisboa	null	null	Portuguese Red	DFJ Vinhos	Roger Voss	@vossroger	DFJ Vinhos 2015 Bigode Tinto Red (Lisboa)
Italy	Underbrush, singed earth, mature dark-skinned fruit and a balsamic note emerge in the glass. The ripe, firm palate shows mocha, black raspberry and licorice as well as a slightly green note of raw sage. A backbone of bracing tannins provides the tight framework.	Margheria	88	49	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Boasso	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Boasso 2012 Margheria (Barolo)
South Africa	A light, pretty nose of vanilla and strawberry and light-bodied, delicate fruit flavors on the palate recommend this great value from Marc Kent. With its crisp minerality and fresh but subtle fruit, the wine is a perfect everyday pairing for warm weather dishes.	The Wolftrap	88	11	Western Cape	null	null	Rosé	Boekenhoutskloof	null	null	null
South Africa	Forward aromas of sweet spice and baked apple lead the nose, while secondary hints of cobbler and vanilla cream follow. The palate is lush and ripe, but it's kept in check by a streak of acidity that braces up the nutty finish. Rich, balanced and accessible.	Sutherland	89	15	Elgin	null	null	Chardonnay	Thelema	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Thelema 2009 Sutherland Chardonnay (Elgin)
US	This has medicinal, sweet-tasting flavors of chocolate and cherry.	null	80	10	California	California	California Other	Merlot	Fat Cat	null	null	null
US	The texture is wrong on this five-year-old wine. It's all jagged tannins and sharp acidity, while the blackberry fruit contains suggestions of overripe prunes. Drink up.	Vallerga Vineyard	82	55	California	Yountville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Hopper Creek	null	null	Hopper Creek 2006 Vallerga Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville)
Italy	This has flavors of fresh citrus and intense, fragrant flowers. The finish has notes of lime and white peach, with a soft, lush feeling and creamy bubbles.	Millesimato 20.10 Extra Dry	87	14	Veneto	Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore	null	Glera	Le Manzane	null	null	Le Manzane 2010 Millesimato 20.10 Extra Dry (Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)
Israel	A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this offers dainty aromas of peony, nectarine and white strawberry. Fresh and bright, this has a lively mouthfeel and a zippy finish.	Volcanic Dry	86	25	Galilee	null	null	Rosé	Odem Mountain	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	Odem Mountain 2011 Volcanic Dry Rosé (Galilee)
Austria	Disclosing soft citrus and a balanced palate without any hard edges, it's honest and unpretentious.	Vom Sand	85	null	Südsteiermark	null	null	White Blend	Sattlerhof	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Sattlerhof 2013 Vom Sand White (Südsteiermark)
France	The Muscadelle gives a ripe perfumed wine. It is fruity while also full of floral and spice flavors. Made from organically grown grapes, it is crisp and direct, full of apricot and pear flavors. Drinkable now, although it will be better from 2017.	Conti-ne Périgoudine Parcelle Jeanneton No ZB100	90	29	Southwest France	Bergerac Sec	null	Muscadelle	Château Tour des Gendres	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Tour des Gendres 2014 Conti-ne Périgoudine Parcelle Jeanneton No ZB100 Muscadelle (Bergerac Sec)
France	Coming from a small 5-acre clos owned entirely by Bouchard Père, this a ripe wine, with wood dominating the aromas, but then allowing its spicy character to be balanced by delicious, crisp but ripe pear flavors. It is a rounded wine, offering full Chardonnay, kept in check by acidity.	Clos Saint-Landry Premier Cru	92	null	Burgundy	Beaune	null	Chardonnay	Bouchard Père & Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Bouchard Père & Fils 2006 Clos Saint-Landry Premier Cru (Beaune)
Chile	This Syrah-led blend offers a moderately intense nose, with berry and cassis aromas along with herb and spice notes. It's full and structured, but not a bulldozer, and the flavors of baked berry, cassis, herb and chocolate are excellent. It's very smooth and heady, with lots of complexity. Drink now–2016.	Kuyen	92	40	Maipo Valley	null	null	Red Blend	Antiyal	null	null	null
Italy	Chiarlo tends to be one of the more reliable producers in Piedmont, and this comes across as a pleasant everyday wine. The fruit is very ripe, bordering on the superripe; but on the palate, the wine has some interesting flavors, dark cherry fruit and hints of licorice and green olive.	Le Monache	85	13	Piedmont	Monferrato	null	Red Blend	Michele Chiarlo	null	null	null
US	There's a rustier rhubarb hint to this wine, made in a hillside winery between Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz. Light clove and cafe au lait round out the nose. A sip reveals warm red fruit up front, a soft and silky mouthfeel and flavors of a cinnamon cookie laced with Chinese five-spice mix.	null	93	31	California	Santa Cruz Mountains	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Savannah-Chanelle	null	null	null
US	Soft and polished, this Cab offers upfront blackberry, currant, mocha and cedar flavors, wrapped into rich, ripe tannins. It's a gentle wine at a good price for the elegance.	null	87	16	California	Suisun Valley	North Coast	Cabernet Sauvignon	Wooden Valley	null	null	Wooden Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Suisun Valley)
US	This gets special attention because winemaker Kevin Riley is one of the few to engage with old vines of the historic Mission grape variety. Light watermelon, orange spritz and wet cement show on the nose, while the slightly watery palate offers red fruit, crushed rock and citrus rinds on the finish.	Willow Creek Farm Rose of	88	18	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Mission	Proulx	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Proulx 2015 Willow Creek Farm Rose of Mission (Paso Robles)
US	This stiffens up with streaks of stem and herb, underscoring compact blueberry and blue-plum fruits. It's an eight vineyard mix, aged in 20% new French oak.	null	88	25	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Lange	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Lange 2015 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Italy	Opale is a sophisticated and rich expression of Vermentino (10% is fermented in oak) with both heft and freshness. The aromas recall peach, butterscotch and apricot and the wine is a perfect match to crustaceans.	Opale	89	40	Sicily & Sardinia	Vermentino di Sardegna	null	Vermentino	Mesa	null	null	null
Argentina	Oily, nutty aromas fold in hints of field greens and onions. Apple and citrus flavors are adequate, while the wine feels acidic, with little supporting texture. Tangy, basic stuff with a rough edge.	Los Cardos	83	11	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Chardonnay	Doña Paula	null	null	null
US	This field blend holds some 60 varieties, among them Syrah, Zinfandel, Cinsault, Dolcetto and Viognier. The concoction works, remaining vibrant in floral violet and just-picked blueberry, before richer elements of dried cherry and plum wander in. Velvety and robust, it pairs with meats from the grill.	Alegría Vineyards Medley	92	48	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Red Blend	Acorn	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Acorn 2012 Alegría Vineyards Medley Red (Russian River Valley)

US

Alcohol 14.2%. Still pretty tannic and youthful, with perky acids, and not showing at all its age. Big in fruit, with cherries and blueberries. Oak adds its thing, and there's a cocoa finish. No sign at all of raisins or overripeness. Beautiful now, and should hold throughout the decade.

Allen Vineyard

92

null

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Williams Selyem

null

France

91–93 Under new management, this estate has improved dramatically. There are freshness and fragrant aromas from the black currant fruits. To finish, it is dry, but poised.

Barrel Sample

92

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Clos Fourtet

null

Chile

A very nice blended white with melon and powdered sugar aromas. The palate is ripe and bouncy, with body and flavors of apricot, orange and lime. Dry and brushing up against complex on the finish. Shows more Viognier than Chardonnay. More than solid for the money. Imported by Ecovalley Quality Wine Group and National Refrescos Import Company, LLC.

Reserva

88

15

Limarí Valley

null

Chardonnay-Viognier

Tamaya

null

France

Medium sweet in style, this is spicy, fragrant wine with honeyed lychee and pear flavors. It's warm and rich with nicely lifted acidity on the finish.

null

86

18

Alsace

null

Pinot Gris

Domaine Charles Baur

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Charles Baur 2011 Pinot Gris (Alsace)

Spain

Almost volatile, but with reduced raisin below. If you are familiar with hot-climate California Zinfandel, this is not unlike that. It has a vinegary attack and then a strange but limited sweetness lurking in the weeds. A challenged wine.

Javier Asensio Tinto

83

10

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Red Blend

Asensio

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Asensio 2003 Javier Asensio Tinto Red (Navarra)

Italy

This is a standout ripasso that offers everything you should look for (and more) in this category of wine: intensity, freshness, persistency and loads of succulent fruit. Aromas include cherry liqueur, spice and chocolate.

Monti Garbi

91

20

Veneto

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Tenuta Sant'Antonio

null

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

Italy

Here's a brightly saturated Pinot Grigio with toasted notes of almond, freshly baked bread and creamy butter. You can taste the influence of oak here and the wine is rich in flavor and intensity. The mouthfeel is dense, creamy and long-lasting.

Maso delle Rose

89

27

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Grigio

Josef Weger

null

US

A blend of Syrah and 7% Viognier, this has a tremendous perfume on the nose. Mouth-filling and savory, it is adorned with flavors of mushroom, earth and black raspberry. Cellar this for a while, or enjoy it now with roasted game served in a mushroom ragout.

The Brawler

92

36

California

Calaveras County

Sierra Foothills

Syrah-Viognier

Prospect 772

null

France

A rich wine, with delicious cream and apple flavors, lifted by fine acidity. It is opulent, packed with apricot and light honey character encased in a dry, mineral framework.

Millésime Grand Cru

92

75

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Lallier

null

US

Pineapple and spice on the nose are followed by like flavors on the palate. An interplay of acid adds quality to the wine but overall, it lacks dimension and the kind of layering that typifies good Chardonnay.

null

82

12

New York

New York Other

Chardonnay

Brotherhood

null

France

This is a structured wine, with dry tannins and notes of berry and red cherry. The fruit comes through the smoky character, bringing sweet-tasting acidity. Give this wine 3–4 years to age.

null

85

15

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château le Moulin de la Jaumarde

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château le Moulin de la Jaumarde 2009 Bordeaux

Portugal

This is a tight and structured wine, showing a fine balance between tannin and acidity, with dark, brooding fruit that still need time to develop. Give this wine until 2018.

Domini

91

15

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

José Maria da Fonseca

Roger Voss

@vossroger

José Maria da Fonseca 2013 Domini Red (Douro)

Austria

This is a very herbal wine, with a green medicinal edge that contrasts the rich yellow-fruit flavor. There is concentration, dense fruits and a soft, ripe finish. Screwcap.

Alte Reben Reserve

89

null

Kamptal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Weixelbaum

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Weixelbaum 2010 Alte Reben Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal)

Austria

Pear freshness, yeasty savor and citrus zip combine on the palate of this easy-drinking, fresh and enlivening Grüner. There is an earthy, sonorous note at the core that balances the airy freshness.

Friendly

90

20

Kamptal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Laurenz V.

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Laurenz V. 2014 Friendly Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal)

Italy

This is a nice expression of Sauvignon although it lacks intensity and staying power. If you're looking for a fresh and easy appetizer wine with aromas of peach, citrus and basil, this is a perfect choice. The wine is zesty, clean and crisp on the close.

null

85

19

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Sauvignon

Attems

null

US

Earthy compost, black pepper and leather define this red that's hugely structured in tight-grained tannin. Lush blueberry pie and violets mark the fruity, floral side of its personality.

null

90

38

California

Calistoga

Napa

Petite Sirah

Jean Edwards

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Jean Edwards 2013 Petite Sirah (Calistoga)

Chile

Slightly sweaty and prickly, but those are true Sauvignon characteristics and with time they settle to reveal orange and tangerine flavors and even more citrus on the finish. Not the most detailed wine, but at $5.99 it is what it is.

null

84

6

Central Valley

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Valdivieso

null

France

Rich and round, the wine boasts ripe toast and creamy pear and peach fruit. The lemon touches give point to this full wine, adding attractive freshness.

Les Trois Pêcheurs

88

18

Burgundy

Saint-Véran

null

Chardonnay

Vignerons des Terres Secrètes

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Vignerons des Terres Secrètes 2008 Les Trois Pêcheurs (Saint-Véran)

Italy

Soft layers of Chardonnay with aromas of vanilla cream and stone fruit are blended with fresh notes of citrus and passion fruit from the Vermentino element found within. The two varieties complement each other very well and produce an elegant wine for shellfish or seafood risotto.

Torveto

90

32

Central Italy

Umbria

null

White Blend

Lungarotti

null

Lungarotti 2008 Torveto White (Umbria)

Spain

Apple and stone fruit aromas come with a mineral component and a stalky, hay note. It feels good and full, showing classic Cava flavors of stalky apple and nectarine. The finish is smooth and easygoing.

Aria Estate Brut

86

14

Catalonia

Cava

null

Sparkling Blend

Segura Viudas

null

France

A delicious wine that moves easily between rich, wood-aged Chardonnay and a tight mineral structure. It is ripe, with apricot flavors interspersing with pears and some orange zest. While it is ready to drink, another few months will bring out even more richness.

Chartron et Trébuchet

91

null

Burgundy

Puligny-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Maison Jean-Baptiste Béjot

null

Portugal

Concentrated tannins give this wine from organic grapes a powerful structure. For balance, it also has a more fruity character that offers blackberry and black plums. The dense texture means it needs to age until 2015.

null

86

19

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta do Romeu

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta do Romeu 2010 Red (Douro)

Portugal

There are few Syrahs in Portugal—some in the Alentejo—but this comes from the coastal region of Bairrada. It shows all the rich, violet and black plum juice varietal character, very juicy. There is spice from wood, but this and the soft tannins meld easily into the rich fruit.

Quinta do Valdoeiro

87

17

Bairrada

null

Syrah

Messias

null

US

With a hint of blush in the color and a scent of rose petals in the nose, this aromatic and flavorful Gewürz invites contemplation. It's got some strong pine needle flavors along with light citrus and apple fruit, but the more interesting elements are the floral/soapy harmonics that dance along the edges.

Dry

88

12

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Gewürztraminer

Airlie

null

France

This is a steely wine, tight with acidity and lemon fruits. It has a mineral, tangy texture that is still calming down, which suggests a young wine that needs time. Certainly the fruit is all there, if with a nervy character. Drink the wine from 2018.

Les Plantenays

88

30

Burgundy

Rully

null

Chardonnay

Louis Max

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Louis Max 2013 Les Plantenays (Rully)

US

Made mostly from Pinot Noir, with the balance Chardonnay, this is a richly satisfying sparkling wine. Accented with crisp acidity that makes the fruit brisk and clean, it has appealing flavors of strawberries, oranges and limes, with the yeasty sourness of a fine sparkling wine.

Brut

92

70

California

Anderson Valley

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Sparkling Blend

Schramsberg

null

US

Dry and minty, this Pinot has the elegantly silky structure of a fine cool-climate wine. But it's a little thin in the cherry fruit flavors that lift it above the ordinary, and finishes quick.

Rhinefarm Vineyard

85

38

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Gundlach Bundschu

null

Italy

Regina is Renieri's super Tuscan with a feminine soul. A pure expression of Syrah, the lush wine is soft, velvety and enduring in the mouth. Its momentum holds strong thanks to afternotes of berry fruit, leather and black pepper.

Regina di Renieri

90

30

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Syrah

Renieri

null

Renieri 2008 Regina di Renieri Syrah (Toscana)

France

Faint notes of ripe pear rise from the glass. The palate comes in with fresh zestiness—it is dry and slender but has lip-smacking citrus freshness of grapefruit and tangerine. This is bundled, full of invigorating appetizing freshness. There is something bracingly clean but also harmonious about the finish.

Terroir d'Alsace

92

30

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2015 Terroir d'Alsace Riesling (Alsace)

Italy

Medium bodied and refreshing, this vibrant wine—made with organically grown fruit—delivers baked apple, citrus zest and bitter almond flavors. Crisp acidity provides balance while steely mineral energizes the clean, linear finish.

Pancole

88

14

Tuscany

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

null

Vernaccia

Cesani

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Cesani 2014 Pancole (Vernaccia di San Gimignano)

Austria

Pepper and cinnamon strike first, before beautifully aromatic notions of blueberry, plum and tart black cherry appear. These scented fruits pervade the entire palate with spice, verve and freshness. A wonderfully poised Sankt Laurent at the perfect intersection of restrained freshness and glorious richness.

null

93

21

Thermenregion

null

St. Laurent

Johanneshof Reinisch

null

France

This shows a touch of evolution in its faded rim, but the aromas of cherries, cinnamon and mocha remain pristine. The tannins are smooth and supple, subtly framing expressive flavors of cherries, chocolate, espresso and baking spices. Drink now–2022.

null

91

19

Rhône Valley

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

L'Amandine

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

L'Amandine 2012 Red

US

Drink this Pinot now for its rich, ripe strawberry and raspberry flavors. They're succulent, brightened with acidity and enriched with sweet, toasty oak.

null

88

45

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Graton Ridge

null

Graton Ridge 2011 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

US

This is 100% Cabernet from a 25-year-old estate vineyard. There’s plenty of vanilla and cassis in the nose, with some pickled volatile acidity lurking about. Firm and earthy, with a hint of mint and some dark, toasty streaks running through the red fruit. High-toned and slightly hot in the finish.

Reserve

87

30

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Kiona

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Kiona 1997 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

US

Harrison's Cabernet is a bit hard in youth, marked by strong tannins that make for an astringent mouthfeel. It's also somewhat linear in varietal flavor, with ripe black currants and blackberries and a certain minerality. Not drinkable now, but all indications are for a good future. Better after 2012.

Estate Bottled

92

50

California

Rutherford

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

William Harrison

null

US

Aged substantially in bottle, this wine has found its groove, sanguine in meat and game topped in currant, dried herb and cedar. Pomegranate and cranberry give it a high-toned minerality around integrated oak and tannin.

Private Reserve

93

199

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tobacco Road

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Tobacco Road 2006 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

Tastes overripe and hot, with a raisiny, stewed prune edge to the otherwise pleasant blackcurrant and cherry flavors. Too bad, because the tannic structure is very nice. That cooked taste is not going to age out.

null

82

24

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Waterstone

null

Chile

This mix of Petit Verdot and four other red grapes is dark, slightly raisiny and jammy on the nose. In the mouth, it is ripe and ripped, with depth and density along with soft tannins. Flavors of prune, baked berry, licorice and peppery spice finish with overt herb, tobacco and chocolaty flavors. Drink this powerful, weighty blend through 2018.

VSC

91

40

Cachapoal Valley

null

Red Blend

Santa Carolina

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Santa Carolina 2010 VSC Red (Cachapoal Valley)

US

Overtly sweet, this tastes like a dessert pastry turned into wine. The flavors are of orange, pineapple, vanilla-cream and buttered toast.

Back Seat Blonde

82

14

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

White Blend

Coquelicot

null

Coquelicot 2010 Back Seat Blonde White (Santa Ynez Valley)

France

The freshness of ripe red apple, meadow flowers and citrus hits the nose enticingly. The palate flows and glows with these swirling, intense and pure notes which are boosted even more by residual sweetness. This richness is balanced by refreshingly tart apple that dances on the palate. This is exuberant, balanced and full of fruit, with an off-dry finish.

null

93

null

Alsace

null

Gewürztraminer

Domaine Marcel Deiss

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Domaine Marcel Deiss 2014 Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

Portugal

Vines aged 35 years and more go into this wine. It has great power and concentration while also having beautiful ripe fruit. Big-hearted berry flavors are balanced by some serious tannins that promise medium-term aging. Drink this wine soon from 2017 or even better wait until 2018.

Manoella

92

22

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Wine & Soul

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Wine & Soul 2013 Manoella Red (Douro)

France

Mumm makes a mighty fine mid-priced bottle, with plenty of toasty flavor to lift it into an orbit close to where the big boys fly. The fruit is on the lighter side, but crisply defined, and it segues into the round, satisfying flavors of older, more mature Champagne. The bubbles are gentle and petite, and the flavors linger elegantly all around the tongue.

Cordon Rouge Brut

89

43

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

G. H. Mumm

null

France

This Provence cru classé estate has produced a refreshingly fruity wine. With its red-currant and citrus flavors and tight mineral acidity, it is both textured and really crisp. Drink now.

Eternelle Favorite

86

24

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

Château de Saint-Martin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château de Saint-Martin 2016 Eternelle Favorite Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

Austria

Beautifully ripe notes of yellow pear, even floral overtones, dance above the glass. The palate unfolds in the same friendly, floral, light-footed fashion. Lightness, freshness and flavor are all reminiscent of a flower meadow in spring. A lovely, delicate wine with well-hidden depth.

Klassik

90

13

Carnuntum

null

Grüner Veltliner

Artner

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Artner 2015 Klassik Grüner Veltliner (Carnuntum)

US

Intensely ripe and rich, this wine boasts flavors of raisins and currants with oak adding hints of sweet toast. It's overripe and brawny in style, with high alcohol lending a hot, glycerine mouthfeel.

Estate Grown

86

40

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Mourvèdre

Larner

null

Larner 2010 Estate Grown Mourvèdre (Santa Ynez Valley)

US

Spectacular blueberry aromatics enliven this fruit-driven wine. The extraction is right up to the edge of being too much, but sits just perfectly in the mouth. A deep, saturated garnet color with scents of berry and sweet, musky Concord accents. It's solid in the mouth, tannic with a slightly chewy edge to the tannins.

null

88

19

Washington

Washington Other

Dolcetto

Woodward Canyon

null

Spain

Slightly vinegary on the cherry-laden nose, with a mild but persistent briney character. The palate is high in acid, leading to some scour, but the flavors of plum and berry, while generic, are pretty good. Finishes with hints of toast, pepper and spice. Solid enough for $8.

null

84

8

Central Spain

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

null

Tempranillo

Ermita San Antonio

null

Italy

Here's a straight-laced Barbera d'Asti (aged in stainless steel) with linear aromas of berry fruit and cherry that appear in a direct and immediate manner. There's no great complexity here, nor is there supposed to be. This is a genuine expression of a fundamentally easy-drinking food wine.

La Madrina

87

55

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti

null

Barbera

Costa Olmo

null

Argentina

Earthy berry aromas come with a note of balsam wood, tobacco and soy sauce. This is juicy, with sinewy tannins and a sense of perpetual hardness to the palate. Lightly herbal blackberry and plum flavors exhibit a stalky note. Toasty and tannic on the finish. Drink through 2022.

El Alto Parcel

91

100

Mendoza Province

Luján de Cuyo

null

Malbec

Doña Paula

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Doña Paula 2010 El Alto Parcel Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)

Greece

Exotic pineapple and melon fruit aromas lead on this full-bodied white. On the palate, curvy melon and vanilla are punctuated by citrus and a spray of minerals. Assertive with body that can handle bigger flavors, like seafood, poultry and fruit.

null

87

30

Peloponnese

null

Petroulianos

Vatistas

null

Italy

Luscious Granny Smith apple is backed by creamy peach and mature pear. In fact, the pear notes become the dominant aromatic force after a few minutes in the glass (maybe because 10% Pinot Bianco is added to the blend). This bright sparkler offers creamy froth and a crisp, clean close.

Brut

87

15

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Bortolotti

null

Italy

Here's a delicious dessert wine made with dried Moscato grapes. It has an intense fragrance of orange blossoms, citrus and herbs. The dense palate delivers honey, lemon drop, sage and mint. Pair this with cream-filled pastries or fruit tarts.

Dindarello

90

22

Veneto

null

Moscato

Maculan

null

US

Tropical and fleshy with upfront acidity, this wine has a full-bodied richness on the nose and overtone, despite a more light-bodied midpalate and finish. Along the way, lemony brightness mingles with a taste of yellow apple.

null

88

18

California

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Kunde

null

US

Aromas of blood, nori and worn leather compose the nose, with a touch of charred bread that adds a subtle bitterness. Light to medium bodied, the palate feels pliant at the start, but the acids spike and tower over the tannins as the wine spreads across the palate. A flavor of tart raspberry marks the finish.

null

83

20

Virginia

Monticello

null

Merlot-Petite Verdot

Autumn Hill

null

Autumn Hill 2009 Merlot-Petite Verdot (Monticello)

US

This biodynamically farmed vineyard delivers stunning, elegant, textured Pinot. Layer upon layer upon layer develops in the mouth, from the ripe strawberry/cherry fruit, masterfully speckled with toast, espresso and cola notes. The mouthfeel is silky and supple, and this lovely wine lives up to its name with an innate resonance that lingers gracefully in the mouth.

Resonance Vineyard

93

48

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Sineann

null

US

This is a fine effort from first-year fruit that was cropped way down for extra concentration. It's a vibrant wine with a bright raspberry flavor that has a pretty, lightly candied quality.

Dijon 667 Clone

89

54

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Carabella

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Carabella 2010 Dijon 667 Clone Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)

US

This 100% varietal wine is a nice one, approachable and interesting in baked plum, licorice and leather. Tannins are sizable yet integrated.

null

89

26

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Petite Sirah

Miro

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Miro 2013 Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley)

US

Velvety texture underlies dusty tannins and neutral oak in this light and lean wine from a vineyard in the heart of Pinot Noir country. Vanilla and cherry play off each other nicely, finding equal partnership with a buoyant acidity.

Los Amigos Vineyard

86

28

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Cabernet Franc

Wait Cellars

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Wait Cellars 2014 Los Amigos Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Russian River Valley)

France

Red fruits and a cool edge characterize this wine from the highest elevation of the Beaujolais cru villages. It has red cherry fruitiness, a crisp layer of acidity and a dry, smoky aftertaste. Drink from 2018.

null

87

14

Beaujolais

Chiroubles

null

Gamay

Florent Descombe

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Florent Descombe 2016 Chiroubles

Italy

This opens with earthy aromas of brimstone, scorched soil, hay, orchard fruit and dried herb. The palate offers pink grapefruit, white stone fruit, sage and a marked saline note that creates a briny mineral finish.

Timeo

89

null

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Grillo

Baglio di Pianetto

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Baglio di Pianetto 2015 Timeo Grillo (Sicilia)

US

Hailing from Underwood Mountain, this is cool climate Riesling made in a warm vintage with notes of lime, guava and mineral. It has a healthy amount of residual sugar (37 g/L) but the acid (8.4g/L) creates a pleasing sense of tension and makes it seemingly drier.

Reminiscence

88

18

Washington

Columbia Gorge (WA)

Washington Other

Riesling

Ancestry

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Ancestry 2012 Reminiscence Riesling (Columbia Gorge (WA))

France

This tannic and extracted wine shows touches of burnt wood and solid, dry tannins. It misses the generously fruity feel of the vintage, replacing it with a firm, tight character. It needs several years.

null

88

20

Bordeaux

Haut-Médoc

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château la Tonnelle

null

US

Coming from Uvas Valley earth that was originally planted in the 1920s by Italian immigrants, this wine shows leather, plum sauce and dark chocolate on the nose. It's light on the palate, but possesses strong tannic grip and refreshing acidity that boost the dried flower, blueberry juice and graphite flavors.

Estate

90

25

California

Santa Clara Valley

Central Coast

Barbera

Solis

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Solis 2011 Estate Barbera (Santa Clara Valley)

US

Sémillon, sadly, is getting pulled out and replanted all over Washington, despite the fact that it makes a fine stable mate to the state's better-known Sauvignon Blancs, This includes 22% Sauv Blanc in the blend, a delivers flavors of fig and melon along with fresh grain and a bit of spice. It's balanced and crisp; a good summer sip.

null

86

9

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sémillon

Chateau Ste. Michelle

null

Portugal

The wine is fresh with berry fruits while being solidly structured and dense. Rich fruits shine through the concentrated structure. It does need to age, although not for long and it could be drunk now if decanted. Otherwise, drink from 2016.

Dusty

89

13

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Poeira

null

US

Lemon rind, orange juice and chalk show on the nose of this bottling, which is a tad simple but very quaffable. Lemon wedge, green and yellow apples, and a bit of citrus pith show on the sip.

null

87

13

California

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Layer Cake

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Layer Cake 2015 Chardonnay (Central Coast)

France

Soft and broad, a little unfocused, the fruit showing pear juice and green apple skins. It feels light, juicy, missing concentration, and there's a caramel toast aftertaste.

Buissonnier Côte Chalonnaise Chardonnay

84

18

Burgundy

Côte Chalonnaise

null

Chardonnay

Vignerons de Buxy

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Vignerons de Buxy 2008 Buissonnier Côte Chalonnaise Chardonnay (Côte Chalonnaise)

Austria

Restrained ripeness does not make this an obvious wine, but it comes towards you if you spend time with it. Notions of yellow pear and Golden Delicious apple partner with an herbal twist and refreshing citrus acidity.

Blanc

89

null

Burgenland

null

Austrian white blend

Tinhof

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Tinhof 2013 Blanc White (Burgenland)

Germany

This summery Riesling wafts of ripe yellow cherries and blossoms. Dry in style with a rich, rounded mouthfeel, it's deeply concentrated with stone fruit flavors accented by hints of waxy lemon and lime skin. It's delicious now for its fragrant, fruity exuberance, but likely to develop its waxy, mineral complexities through 2019–2021.

Trabener Würzgarten Schiefer Tocken

91

35

Mosel

null

Riesling

Villa Huesgen

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Villa Huesgen 2012 Trabener Würzgarten Schiefer Tocken Riesling (Mosel)

France

94-96 Barrel sample. Dominated by firm tannins, dark texture, black berry and currant fruits. A powerful wine that shows an immense dry core.

Barrel sample

95

null

Bordeaux

Pessac-Léognan

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Haut-Bailly

null

France

White peach and spice notes billow aromatically in this soft, creamy textured wine. There is attractive acidity along with a touch of honey that softens and rounds out the acidity. It's ready to drink, although it will age well in the bottle.

Brut

86

13

Alsace

Crémant d'Alsace

null

Sparkling Blend

Hubert Meyer

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Hubert Meyer NV Brut Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)

France

Crisp, mineral and tight, this is still a young bottling. It is dry, full of citrus-fruit flavors and with a fine burst of acidity that cuts through the wine. Let this delicious wine settle for a few more months to add more fruit to the texture. Drink from late 2018.

Blanc de Blancs Brut

91

40

Champagne

null

Chardonnay

Vollereaux

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Vollereaux NV Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay (Champagne)

Italy

This is a big, blockbuster blend of Cab, Alicante and Petit Verdot with thick extraction and raw tones of fruit, tobacco and spice that liven up its chewy, textured mouthfeel.

Poggio al Lupo

92

45

Tuscany

Maremma

null

Red Blend

Tenuta Sette Ponti

null

US

This is a vineyard change for this wine, which now comes from one of the state's top Syrah sites. Coming in at an absurdly low alcohol level, especially considering the warmth of the vintage, it offers aromas of garrigue, lemon twist and generous amounts of black pepper. The pepper and savory flavors are elegant and polished, with a mouthfeel that demands another sip. It's all about elegance of expression and feel.

Boushey Vineyard

92

40

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Mourvèdre

Ardor

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Ardor 2014 Boushey Vineyard Mourvèdre (Yakima Valley)

US

Overripe, with blackberry jam fruit veering into raisins, prunes and brown sugar, like sweetened oatmeal. The tannins are strong.

Dryfarmed Old Vine

84

25

California

Cienega Valley

Central Coast

Cabernet Pfeffer

DeRose

null

Italy

Made with 100% late-harvested Syrah, this opens with subdued aromas of blackberry jam, cedar, ground pepper and a smoky note. On the moderately sweet palate, nutmeg accentuates both dried prune and fig.

Kaid Vendemmia Tardiva

89

30

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Syrah

Alessandro di Camporeale

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Alessandro di Camporeale 2011 Kaid Vendemmia Tardiva Syrah (Sicilia)

France

Sweet, rich, dense, very much of its year. At the same time, there is the Barton touch that leaves some fine elegance, to go with the smoky fruits and richness, while acidity gives it a fine lift.

null

91

65

Bordeaux

Saint-Julien

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Langoa Barton

null

France

Organically grown fruit, aged in new wood for 12 months, creates this rich smooth wine. With a juicy oxidative character, it is soft and round. Yellow fruits and spice come together in a wine that is now ready to drink.

null

88

30

Southwest France

Bergerac Sec

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Beauséjour

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Beauséjour 2013 Red (Bergerac Sec)

US

This grape is obscure for California but excels in this bottling, with intriguing aromas of yellow melon, crushed white rocks and an array of citrus, from tangerine peels to kumquats. The palate is a lime shade of green, featuring flavors of lime blossoms, Key lime pie and kaffir lime leaves, but also shows limestone minerality and a hint of passion fruit.

null

90

27

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Vermentino

Tablas Creek

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Tablas Creek 2014 Vermentino (Paso Robles)

Portugal

The wine, named after a typical mustache from the 19th century, is all fruit: ripe blackberries with balancing acidity. This is an easy ripe wine that will be great with barbecues this summer thanks to its soft tannins and drinkability.

Bigode Tinto

85

9

Lisboa

null

Portuguese Red

DFJ Vinhos

Roger Voss

@vossroger

DFJ Vinhos 2015 Bigode Tinto Red (Lisboa)

Italy

Underbrush, singed earth, mature dark-skinned fruit and a balsamic note emerge in the glass. The ripe, firm palate shows mocha, black raspberry and licorice as well as a slightly green note of raw sage. A backbone of bracing tannins provides the tight framework.

Margheria

88

49

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Boasso

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Boasso 2012 Margheria (Barolo)

South Africa

A light, pretty nose of vanilla and strawberry and light-bodied, delicate fruit flavors on the palate recommend this great value from Marc Kent. With its crisp minerality and fresh but subtle fruit, the wine is a perfect everyday pairing for warm weather dishes.

The Wolftrap

88

11

Western Cape

null

Rosé

Boekenhoutskloof

null

South Africa

Forward aromas of sweet spice and baked apple lead the nose, while secondary hints of cobbler and vanilla cream follow. The palate is lush and ripe, but it's kept in check by a streak of acidity that braces up the nutty finish. Rich, balanced and accessible.

Sutherland

89

15

Elgin

null

Chardonnay

Thelema

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Thelema 2009 Sutherland Chardonnay (Elgin)

US

This has medicinal, sweet-tasting flavors of chocolate and cherry.

null

80

10

California

California Other

Merlot

Fat Cat

null

US

The texture is wrong on this five-year-old wine. It's all jagged tannins and sharp acidity, while the blackberry fruit contains suggestions of overripe prunes. Drink up.

Vallerga Vineyard

82

55

California

Yountville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Hopper Creek

null

Hopper Creek 2006 Vallerga Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville)

Italy

This has flavors of fresh citrus and intense, fragrant flowers. The finish has notes of lime and white peach, with a soft, lush feeling and creamy bubbles.

Millesimato 20.10 Extra Dry

87

14

Veneto

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

null

Glera

Le Manzane

null

Le Manzane 2010 Millesimato 20.10 Extra Dry (Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)

Israel

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this offers dainty aromas of peony, nectarine and white strawberry. Fresh and bright, this has a lively mouthfeel and a zippy finish.

Volcanic Dry

86

25

Galilee

null

Rosé

Odem Mountain

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

Odem Mountain 2011 Volcanic Dry Rosé (Galilee)

Austria

Disclosing soft citrus and a balanced palate without any hard edges, it's honest and unpretentious.

Vom Sand

85

null

Südsteiermark

null

White Blend

Sattlerhof

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Sattlerhof 2013 Vom Sand White (Südsteiermark)

France

The Muscadelle gives a ripe perfumed wine. It is fruity while also full of floral and spice flavors. Made from organically grown grapes, it is crisp and direct, full of apricot and pear flavors. Drinkable now, although it will be better from 2017.

Conti-ne Périgoudine Parcelle Jeanneton No ZB100

90

29

Southwest France

Bergerac Sec

null

Muscadelle

Château Tour des Gendres

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Tour des Gendres 2014 Conti-ne Périgoudine Parcelle Jeanneton No ZB100 Muscadelle (Bergerac Sec)

France

Coming from a small 5-acre clos owned entirely by Bouchard Père, this a ripe wine, with wood dominating the aromas, but then allowing its spicy character to be balanced by delicious, crisp but ripe pear flavors. It is a rounded wine, offering full Chardonnay, kept in check by acidity.

Clos Saint-Landry Premier Cru

92

null

Burgundy

Beaune

null

Chardonnay

Bouchard Père & Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Bouchard Père & Fils 2006 Clos Saint-Landry Premier Cru (Beaune)

Chile

This Syrah-led blend offers a moderately intense nose, with berry and cassis aromas along with herb and spice notes. It's full and structured, but not a bulldozer, and the flavors of baked berry, cassis, herb and chocolate are excellent. It's very smooth and heady, with lots of complexity. Drink now–2016.

Kuyen

92

40

Maipo Valley

null

Red Blend

Antiyal

null

Italy

Chiarlo tends to be one of the more reliable producers in Piedmont, and this comes across as a pleasant everyday wine. The fruit is very ripe, bordering on the superripe; but on the palate, the wine has some interesting flavors, dark cherry fruit and hints of licorice and green olive.

Le Monache

85

13

Piedmont

Monferrato

null

Red Blend

Michele Chiarlo

null

US

There's a rustier rhubarb hint to this wine, made in a hillside winery between Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz. Light clove and cafe au lait round out the nose. A sip reveals warm red fruit up front, a soft and silky mouthfeel and flavors of a cinnamon cookie laced with Chinese five-spice mix.

null

93

31

California

Santa Cruz Mountains

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Savannah-Chanelle

null

US

Soft and polished, this Cab offers upfront blackberry, currant, mocha and cedar flavors, wrapped into rich, ripe tannins. It's a gentle wine at a good price for the elegance.

null

87

16

California

Suisun Valley

North Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wooden Valley

null

Wooden Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Suisun Valley)

US

This gets special attention because winemaker Kevin Riley is one of the few to engage with old vines of the historic Mission grape variety. Light watermelon, orange spritz and wet cement show on the nose, while the slightly watery palate offers red fruit, crushed rock and citrus rinds on the finish.

Willow Creek Farm Rose of

88

18

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Mission

Proulx

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Proulx 2015 Willow Creek Farm Rose of Mission (Paso Robles)

US

This stiffens up with streaks of stem and herb, underscoring compact blueberry and blue-plum fruits. It's an eight vineyard mix, aged in 20% new French oak.

null

88

25

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Lange

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Lange 2015 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

Italy

Opale is a sophisticated and rich expression of Vermentino (10% is fermented in oak) with both heft and freshness. The aromas recall peach, butterscotch and apricot and the wine is a perfect match to crustaceans.

Opale

89

40

Sicily & Sardinia

Vermentino di Sardegna

null

Vermentino

Mesa

null

Argentina

Oily, nutty aromas fold in hints of field greens and onions. Apple and citrus flavors are adequate, while the wine feels acidic, with little supporting texture. Tangy, basic stuff with a rough edge.

Los Cardos

83

11

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Chardonnay

Doña Paula

null

US

This field blend holds some 60 varieties, among them Syrah, Zinfandel, Cinsault, Dolcetto and Viognier. The concoction works, remaining vibrant in floral violet and just-picked blueberry, before richer elements of dried cherry and plum wander in. Velvety and robust, it pairs with meats from the grill.

Alegría Vineyards Medley

92

48

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Red Blend

Acorn

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Acorn 2012 Alegría Vineyards Medley Red (Russian River Valley)