spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Chile	Not many modern-day Carmenères are as overtly green and underdone as this, which is surprising given that it's from warm Colchagua and a good vintage. But green as a bean or bell pepper it is, and there's also some sizzle and scrape to the tannins and mouthfeel. Shows glimpses of better ripeness and balance, but those don't last long enough to turn things around.	Reserva	83	11	Colchagua Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Apaltagua	null	null	null
France	86-88 Barrel sample. Balanced and fresh, with plenty of blackcurrant fruits, very sweet, the tannins the merest hint.	Barrel sample	87	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château la Rose Trimoulet	null	null	null
US	Argyle's Reserve shows less oak than the Nuthouse and Spirithouse bottlings, with more compact and vivid fruit. Nice flavors of stone fruits, grapes and citrus, well integrated and full through the mid-palate. It rounds into a very pretty finish, fruit forward, balanced and true.	Reserve	90	20	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	Argyle	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Argyle 1999 Reserve Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)
Portugal	Raisins and ripe fruit combine in this LBV that has some richness while remaining on the dry side. Blackberry jelly is layered with acidity and a dark tannic structure. For drinking now.	Late Bottled Vintage	87	null	Port	null	null	Port	Cálem	null	null	null
US	Blended from Marsanne and Viognier in equal proportions, this wine is marked by ripe, opulent mango, peach, orange, vanilla and honey flavors. It feels sweet as you taste it, but the finish is dry.	null	87	23	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	White Blend	Treana	null	null	null
US	Most remarkable is the balance of smooth, complex tannins and acidity. The powerful oak is well balanced, keeping with the wine's volume. The cherry-pie filling, red currant and spice flavors are rich and complex. The wine will be best now through 2020.	Estate Grown Cave Fermented	93	90	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Franc	Jarvis	null	null	Jarvis 2010 Estate Grown Cave Fermented Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)
Portugal	Aromatic with white flowers, it's rounded, soft and gentle. It misses out on acidity, giving the wine a fat feel. Drink now.	null	84	null	Tejo	null	null	Portuguese White	Monte Largo	null	null	null
Italy	This rosé opens with a pretty shade of pink and offers aromas of forest berry, cherry, herbs and a touch of ash or white mineral. There's firm, crisp acidity that really keeps the palate refreshed. Shows loads of cheer and brightness in the mouth.	Osa! Frappato Rosato	87	38	Sicily & Sardinia	Sicilia	null	Rosé	Paolo Calì	null	null	null
Italy	Squarcialupi Riserva has shown a successful evolution over the years. This bottling opens with tangy aromas of tobacco, dark fruit, clove and eucalyptus. Small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are added to the blend, but the wine's winning card comes from Sangiovese's natural acidity, which lends the wine a crisp, menthol-like finish.	Squarcialupi Riserva	89	35	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Sangiovese	La Castellina	null	null	null
Australia	This is the current release of Grant Burge's Meshach, which is typically held back for additional bottle age—the already bottled 2005 will be released in 2010. It displays extraordinary complexity in its scents of tea, coffee, spice and marinated beef, but the primary focus remains on its elegant blackberry fruit. Try around 2010.	Meshach	90	95	South Australia	Barossa	null	Shiraz	Grant Burge	null	null	null
US	The aromas of canned pear and peach seem to show some oxygen exposure. This wine drinks medium sweet with abundant stone-fruit flavors.	null	82	20	America	null	null	Riesling	Original House Wine	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Original House Wine NV Riesling (America)
US	Plenty of ripe, luxurious fruit and flowers in this Viognier, accented with brisk acidity. Floods the mouth with tangerine, pineapple, lemon, lime, honeysuckle and vanilla flavors that finish fairly sweet and sugary. Drink now.	null	86	30	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	Viognier	Jorian Hill	null	null	Jorian Hill 2009 Viognier (Santa Ynez Valley)
Italy	Food friendly, informal and bright, this easy-drinking Pinot Grigio opens with bright citrus, stone fruit and melon. There's a touch of white almond paste on the close that recalls the warm Tuscan sunshine.	Le Rime	85	null	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Pinot Grigio	Banfi	null	null	null
US	Fruity in flavor and nicely rounded in texture, this medium-bodied wine from Napa-based Mason Cellars incorporates grapes from around the state. It has a good balance between lively acidity and rather ripe apple and melon flavors.	null	87	14	California	California	California Other	Pinot Grigio	Three Pears	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Three Pears 2016 Pinot Grigio (California)
US	This wine plays tricks on the palate, tasting much lighter in body than its alcohol suggests. Layered with red fruit along with a lift of herb, it is structured and composed, with a long, lingering finish. This is a good one to stock up on if you love big Zin with a smaller footprint.	Old Vines	87	16	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Zinfandel	Hullabaloo	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Hullabaloo 2012 Old Vines Zinfandel (Lodi)
France	While it certainly has bright acidity and green fruit flavors, this is quite creamy in texture for an Aligoté, its angles softened and rounded. The finale is fresh, with a more citrus character.	null	85	25	Burgundy	Bourgogne Aligoté	null	Aligoté	Domaine Jayer-Gilles	null	null	null
Italy	There's a slightly lactic quality to the wine that muddles the flavors and aromas. Instead of peach, you get peach yogurt and instead of citrus, you get lemon cream. Feels very creamy in the mouth as well.	Brut	85	20	Veneto	Prosecco di Valdobbiadene	null	Prosecco	Maschio dei Cavalieri	null	null	null
France	A particularly fresh and refreshing wine, with the cleanest acidity, attractive red fruits and grapefruit juice. A great apéritif style. Screwcap.	Rouvière	87	14	Provence	Coteaux Varois	null	Rosé	Château Routas	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Routas 2010 Rouvière Rosé (Coteaux Varois)
Italy	Prugnolo Gentile (another name for Sangiovese) is blended with small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to produce a firmly intense wine with black fruit aromas and spicy cardamom. There's a gritty quality to the tannins and overall texture.	null	88	19	Tuscany	Vino Nobile di Montepulciano	null	Prugnolo Gentile	Canneto	null	null	Canneto 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Italy	Generous and creamy perlage opens the stage for deeply fragrant tones of tangerine skin, white flower and peach. The wine is soft and soapy with load of bubbling in the mouth.	null	84	19	Piedmont	Asti	null	Moscato	Bera	null	null	Bera 2011 Moscato (Asti)
US	Tastes too oaky, with overwhelming smoky caramel, vanilla extract and buttered toast notes that swamp the underlying pineapples and peaches. In this case, you're better off with Gainey's regular 2007 Chard, which costs a lot less.	Limited Selection	86	38	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Gainey	null	null	null
Australia	This Western outpost of Yalumba's empire has produced a supple Cabernet that's already approachable. Cedar, mocha and vanilla notes wreathe the red-berry fruit, giving this a woody but harmonious nature. Drink now–2025.	null	90	22	Western Australia	Margaret River	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Ringbolt	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Ringbolt 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)
US	This Pinot Gris has aromas of wax, red apple, underripe white peach and citrus. The white peach note becomes more dominant on the easygoing palate, and it leads to a mineral-like tang that lingers onto the slightly yeasty finish.	Estate Grown	84	20	Virginia	Monticello	null	Pinot Gris	Pollak	null	null	Pollak 2012 Estate Grown Pinot Gris (Monticello)
US	Coming from one of Washington's premier Riesling sites, it's redolent with peach, mineral and floral notes. It drinks almost completely dry with bright, crisp acids.	Evergreen Vineyard	88	16	Washington	Ancient Lakes	Columbia Valley	Riesling	Tempus Cellars	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a fresh and zippy Barbera d'Asti aged only in stainless steel with pristine notes of fresh berry fruit and cooling acidity to match. It's an easy red wine with a simple but genuine flavor profile that would pair with home-cooked pasta.	Lavignone	87	13	Piedmont	Barbera d'Asti	null	Barbera	Pico Maccario	null	null	null
Argentina	A smooth Cab with cola, vanilla, black cherry and sweet berry aromas. Shows body and build, with wild berry flavors bolstered by ample oak yielding related spice and chocolate. Dark, spicy and showing a hint of herbs on the finish.	Reserve	89	16	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Cabernet Sauvignon	Maipe	null	null	null
France	A blend of Syrah and Braucol from the slopes above Gaillac, this fruity, friendly wine has notes of spice and red berry. It's attractively juicy, with soft tannins, and it's ready to drink now.	Château Baron	87	16	Southwest France	Gaillac	null	Red Blend	Georges Vigouroux	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Georges Vigouroux 2008 Château Baron Red (Gaillac)
US	Though single vineyard wines can be impressive, there are times when they'd be better as components in a blend. This is the case here. Just on the edge of sour, the very tart grapey flavors seem overtaken by acidity, without compensating depth or complexity.	Fairsing Vineyard	87	39	Oregon	Willamette Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Swick	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Swick 2014 Fairsing Vineyard Pinot Noir
Italy	This has medicinal herb and adhesive bandage aromas that carry over to the lean palate. Racy acidity and a bitter note give it a firm, brisk finish.	null	83	12	Northeastern Italy	Collio	null	Pinot Grigio	Ferruccio Sgubin	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Ferruccio Sgubin 2015 Pinot Grigio (Collio)
New Zealand	This is less luxuriantly ripe than some of the other 2013 Hawke's Bay Syrahs, showing some firm, dusty tannins on the finish, but it's still a terrific offering. Cracked black pepper, fresh blueberries and cedar notes come together beautifully on the palate, promising much for the future. Drink 2018–2025.	Jewelstone	92	29	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Syrah	Mission Estate	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Mission Estate 2013 Jewelstone Syrah (Hawke's Bay)
Italy	Very pale straw in color, this sparkler delivers measured aromas of honeydew, pear and crushed stone. It's a direct and genuine wine that delivers the goods at an attractive price. Tasty and clean in the mouth. Imported by Zonin USA.	Brut Blanc de Blanc	87	15	Piedmont	Piedmont	null	Chardonnay	Zonin	null	null	null
US	This wine is big and bold, but its opulent, generous fruit flavors perfectly fill out its frame, giving it the balance it needs for enjoyment. Ripe blackberry and black cherry notes mark the palate, unfettered by oak-inflected flavor. The texture is firm with lots of fine-grained tannins, while the fruit lingers nicely on the finish.	Made With Organic Grapes	91	16	California	Mendocino County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Zinfandel	Bonterra	null	null	null
Chile	One sniff indicates there's a fair amount of oak on this Chardonnay, plus baked apple and peach scents. The palate offers acidic rip and lemony cut, but it's not too sharp. Tangy flavors of lemon and citrus are wrapped in resiny oak, and the finish is textured and long.	Single Vineyard Falaris Hill Vineyard Reserva Especial	87	20	Leyda Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Leyda	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Leyda 2011 Single Vineyard Falaris Hill Vineyard Reserva Especial Chardonnay (Leyda Valley)
Austria	Attractively herbaceous, this is full of green fruit and intense citrus, with a tangy texture. Screwcap.	Rotenpüllen	87	23	Niederösterreich	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Pratsch	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Pratsch 2010 Rotenpüllen Sauvignon Blanc (Niederösterreich)
Spain	For years this wine was a big-time bargain from Navarra. Now it's not so inexpensive yet the quality is the same. There's common nectarine and raspberry aromas before snappy peach and berry flavors. It's juicy and modest, with crispness and a drying finish.	Gran Feudo Rosé	85	12	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Garnacha	Bodegas Julián Chivite	null	null	null
France	This opulent, ripe wine comes from a single vineyard. It has a rich texture, with dense yellow and apple fruits that are allied to a more citrus, gooseberry and lemon character. It rolls around the mouth with a smooth, satisfying aftertaste.	Chambrates	94	70	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Domaine Vacheron	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Vacheron 2012 Chambrates (Sancerre)
New Zealand	This has come to epitomize the Hawke's Bay style of Sauvignon Blanc, typical in it's ripe fruit and oak treatment. Hints of vanilla and cedar frame passion fruit and pink grapefruit notes, then leave a lingering impression of Creamsicle behind on the silky-textured finish.	Cape Crest	93	30	Hawke's Bay	null	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Te Mata	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Te Mata 2013 Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc (Hawke's Bay)
Austria	This wine's shy nose suggests fig leaf and citrus. Green-tinged herbal notes and faint lime fruit swish sinuously n the light-bodied palate. It's slender yet creamy, lithe and full of personality. The finish is dry and refreshing.	Per Due	90	15	Kremstal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Hermann Moser	null	null	null
France	91–93. Barrel sample. This is a rich, ripe wine with soft tannins and a generous texture. The dry core gives a sense of shape to all the opulence on the palate.	Barrel Sample	92	null	Bordeaux	Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château La Bon Pasteur	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château La Bon Pasteur 2012 Barrel Sample (Pomerol)
Spain	Staunch red fruit aromas are a bit prickly at first, but within a few minutes they settle on mineral, herbs, anise and licorice. The palate has a firm but pure feel, and the tannins aren't too tough at all. Flavors of cassis, cherry cough drop and raisin are deep yet narrow, and just complex enough. Drink now through 2013.	Clos de l'Obac	92	87	Catalonia	Priorat	null	Red Blend	Costers del Siurana	null	null	null
Italy	Inky-dark concentration segues to bold berry notes and loads of dark, deep fruit: plum, prune, blackberry and rum cake. There are also pretty dustings of dry mineral and dried herb at the back. This is a bold Brunello with power, determination, structure and balance. It needs at least 10 years of cellar aging.	null	94	60	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Citille di Sopra	null	null	null
Germany	Typical of Egon Müller's wines, this is light in body, but titanium-strong in structure, welding rather tart, lemony fruit to stony, minerally notes and embellishing it all with the merest hints of riper, apple-y fruit. It's just off-dry, with great persistence and lipsmacking appeal.	Scharzhof	89	23	Mosel-Saar-Ruwer	null	null	Riesling	Egon Müller	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Egon Müller 2006 Scharzhof Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
Italy	Pretty aromas of white spring flower, orchard fruit and a tad of candied citrus zest mingle in the glass. The vibrant palate delivers crisp yellow apple, Bartlett pear and nectarine alongside firm acidity. White almond marks the finish.	null	89	18	Lombardy	Lugana	null	Turbiana	Olivini	null	null	null
US	Shows all the hallmarks of the upscale Cabs the winery is better known for, from the softly sensuous mouthfeel, ripe fruit and judicious use of new French oak, to the long-lasting complexities. Red and black cherry jam, cassis, plum sauce, gingerbread, smoky vanillins, peppery spice, and it's all dry and balanced. What's not to like? Drink now.	null	92	40	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Syrah	Joseph Phelps	null	null	null
US	Tasty in the modern style, with ripe, forward pineapple, orange, peach jam and buttered toast flavors. There's good acidity, and even a hint of minerals, but the wine ultimately is lushly one-dimensional.	Estate Grown	86	30	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Broadway Vineyards	null	null	Broadway Vineyards 2010 Estate Grown Chardonnay (Carneros)
US	This barrel selection, Keller's best, is an elaborate and complex Pinot Noir. It shows classic coastal acidity, with deep, delicious flavors of raspberries, cherries, mocha, licorice, spices and sweet sandalwood. The tannins are rich enough to let it age over the next six years.	Precioso	93	75	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Keller	null	null	null
New Zealand	Like the other 2013 Chardonnays from Kumeu River, this boasts crisp acids. Melon and lime notes dominate at first, slowly being overtaken by zesty pineapple fruit on the finish. Quaffable now, but sure to deepen and round out with a few years of aging. Drink now–2020.	Hunting Hill	91	49	Kumeu	null	null	Chardonnay	Kumeu River	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Kumeu River 2013 Hunting Hill Chardonnay (Kumeu)
US	Accented with intriguing notes of charred oak, dried herbs, porcini mushrooms and a whisper of peppery grains of paradise, this is a rustic Merlot. The midpalate shows hints of underripe red fruit and raw green peppers, but it's a sturdy dry red that would hold up well with rustic braised meats on a cold winter's night.	Estate	85	19	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Merlot	Raphael	null	null	null
Portugal	A dark, brooding wine, packed with black fruits that are dominated by dry tannins. This is still young, but the dense blackberry fruit flavors are all here. Its weight and power need time to tame, but for now, the acidity and fruit are impressive.	null	90	19	Douro	null	null	Touriga Nacional	Quinta de Ventozelo	null	null	null
US	A terrific California blush wine, rich and compelling, with a gorgeous color, sort of a salmon-koi gold. It's bone dry and crisply clean in acidity, with strong, but not heavy, flavors of strawberries and raspberries. There's a dusting of tannins that give the wine a solid structure.	Rose of Pinot Noir	92	22	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Rosé	Lynmar	null	null	Lynmar 2009 Rose of Pinot Noir Rosé (Russian River Valley)
US	Very ripe flavors of berries and figs dominate this Cab-centric Bordeaux blend, along with intriguing side notes suggesting melon and cassis, smoke and mocha. It's a big, sexy wine, its fruit flavors backed with thick, ripe, but chalky tannins. If there is a downside, it is that it comes off as a bit monolithic.	Michele Red Wine	90	55	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Red Blend	Nicholas Cole Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Nicholas Cole Cellars 2005 Michele Red Wine Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
Argentina	Getting pricey as Argentine Chard goes, this moderately rich wine has true aromas and flavors, meaning there's some apple, pear and butter to sniff and vanilla-tinged peach and melon to taste. Not as complex or complicated as maybe it should be, but easy to like.	Reserva	85	16	Mendoza Province	Mendoza	null	Chardonnay	Terrazas de Los Andes	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	Great acidity and minerality in this elegant young wine. Doesn't show the rich concentration of De Loach's single-vineyard Chards, but then again, it costs far less. It's actually a good value for a dry, minerally and complex Russian River Chardonnay. Don't drink it too cold.	Cool Coastal Vineyards	90	18	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	De Loach	null	null	null
US	Good balance throughout typifies this Columbia Valley Cabernet. The tart fruit suggests cranberry and raspberry, accompanied by generous acidity. A hint of herb runs through the finish, but the tannins are well-managed and smooth.	null	88	36	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Syzygy	null	null	null
Italy	Here's a sour and astringent expression of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Syrah that opens with sharp black fruit and Indian spice. The fruit flavors are jammy and rich on the close.	Podere Ritorti	87	null	Tuscany	Bolgheri	null	Red Blend	I Luoghi	null	null	null
Portugal	Smooth and silky, ripe stone fruit flavors are complemented by a flexible structure that gives shape to the juicy character. A light edge of wood and fine acidity complete the balance.	Terra Grande Reserva	89	15	Alentejano	null	null	Portuguese Red	Parras Vinhos	null	null	null
US	This is also a Milbrandt vineyard, but quite different flavors emerge from the other Milbrandt wines. Plenty of black cherry fruit, with a minerality that suggests iron ore. Penetrating, ripe and potent (15% alcohol), yet well balanced and complex, with wild herbs lurking in the background.	Pheasant Vineyard	90	35	Washington	Wahluke Slope	Columbia Valley	Syrah	K Vintners	null	null	null
US	Pretty aromas of cola, rosebuds, dried strawberry, fennel and Dr Pepper show brightly on the nose of this blend of 55% Grenache, 29% Syrah and 16% Mourvèdre.There is a slightly charred flavor to the palate, where grilled black cherries and berries are intriguingly savory and lifted by crushed black pepper.	Salacious	89	38	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	G-S-M	Asuncion Ridge	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Asuncion Ridge 2013 Salacious G-S-M (Paso Robles)
France	This lively, raspberry- and red-currant-flavored wine has just the right tang of acidity to create its crisp feel. Fruity and fragrant, it features a touch of minerality to add further texture.	Brut Rosé	87	20	Alsace	Crémant d'Alsace	null	Sparkling Blend	Pierre Sparr	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Pierre Sparr NV Brut Rosé Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)
US	A savory, mineral aspect makes this dry wine especially interesting. It has slightly herbal aromas, white peach flavors, rather full body that adds lushness, and a lingering finish.	McFadden Farm Made From Organically Grown Grapes	89	22	California	Mendocino	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Pinot Gris	Horse & Plow	null	null	null
Italy	Ripe cherry, clove, cinnamon, leather and spice shape a well-balanced wine that exhibits both depth and complexity. Tones of prunes and dried fruit add warm accents and the wine delivers smooth but firm tannins.	null	89	null	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese Grosso	Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona	null	null	Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2003 Brunello di Montalcino
Italy	Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this opens with aromas of red cherry, underbrush and pomegranate. The palate is both concentrated and elegant, delivering raspberry, strawberry jam and notes of chopped mint. Velvety tannins provide support and finesse. Enjoy through 2021.	Anrar Riserva	91	63	Northeastern Italy	Alto Adige	null	Pinot Nero	Andriano	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Andriano 2013 Anrar Riserva Pinot Nero (Alto Adige)
France	A pale, simply fruity rosé, with scents of citrus and crushed vitamins. This is light to medium in body and only moderately intense in its flavors, hinting at berries, orangey citrus and chocolate on the finish.	Pomelo	84	11	Rhône Valley	Ventoux	null	Rosé	Balma Venitia	Joe Czerwinski	@JoeCz	Balma Venitia 2012 Pomelo Rosé (Ventoux)
US	Aromatically generous, this displays notes of pineapple, pear and guava. The palate drinks off dry, with abundant tropical fruit flavors, but lacks the acidity to hold it all together.	null	86	15	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Sauvignon Blanc	Apex	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Apex 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	This wine goes deliciously towards the citrus flavors, spiked with minerality. However it does also offer some richness, flavors of pears and ripe red apples, softened with melon. It is balanced, vibrant, a full wine that also shows structure.	Les Enseignères	90	null	Burgundy	Puligny-Montrachet	null	Chardonnay	Maison Champy	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Maison Champy 2006 Les Enseignères (Puligny-Montrachet)
US	Otis includes the oldest cabernet vines in Washington state, dating back to the 1950s, and has been a Columbia vineyard-designate since 1981. Black pepper and dried sage are its imprints, and Otis always makes a tight, ageworthy wine, not in the currently fashionable ultraripe mode. Lean and herbal, but deep and ageworthy.	Otis Vineyard	91	23	Washington	Yakima Valley	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Columbia Winery	null	null	null
Spain	This is packed with oaky, masculine aromas of black fruit, bacon, moss and leather, but in the mouth it's rough as nails, with heavy tannins propping up flavors of blackberry, baked plum, herb and smoke. It finishes earthy and toasty, with thick tannins and ruggedness. Drink now with beef.	Gran Dama de Toro	90	45	Northern Spain	Toro	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Fariña	null	null	null
France	The granite soil and ocean climate of Château-Thébaud—plus two years aging in tank—give this wine good richness while also retaining the crisper aspects of Muscadet. A delicate salty character lies over the final delicious apple and citrus flavors.	Château-Thébaud	90	13	Loire Valley	Muscadet Sèvre et Maine	null	Melon	Domaine Clair Moreau	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Clair Moreau 2010 Château-Thébaud (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine)
US	A little on the rustic side, with pronounced cherry-berry, herb, coffee and spice flavors wrapped into a dry, tannic structure that finishes with some astringency. Drink now.	Alta Mesa Vineyard	85	40	California	Santa Barbara County	Central Coast	Mourvèdre	San Sakana	null	null	null
US	A bit heavy and dense in raspberry and cola fruit, with a curiously soft mouthfeel, yet there seems to be good acidity as you swallow. Could just be unresolved now. Give it a year or two to come around.	Sonatera Vineyard	87	45	California	Sonoma Coast	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Siduri	null	null	null
US	Drink this with very rich foods, such as shellfish in a buttery cream sauce. It's a big, oaky, caramelly wine, with ripe pineapples beneath the oak. A little soft, but smooth and silky. An elegant Chardonnay for drinking now.	SRH	87	22	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Lafond	null	null	null
US	Juicy on the nose and palate, with loads of sweet peach and melon, this semidry Riesling is balanced by brisk lime-tinged acidity and crisp starfruit flavors that shine on the midpalate. Finishes on a pleasantly drying jasmine-tea note.	null	87	15	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Riesling	Knapp	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Knapp 2010 Riesling (Finger Lakes)
Italy	If there is one quality that distinguishes the wines of the late Giuseppe Quintarelli, it is complexity. Unlike any other producer in the Amarone production area, this legendary artisan magically pulls out aromas of dried sage, Indian spice, crushed white pepper and delicate forest berry. On the palate, the wine is bright, crisp and intense, but never heavy or syrupy. Italy lost one of its greatest winemakers when Quintarelli passed away in early 2012.	null	94	null	Veneto	Amarone della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Quintarelli	null	null	null
Italy	The Valdinara is a soft, seductive wine showing plenty of jammy fruit, and a pleasant smoky spice. On the finish it is a touch stemmy, but it is so slight that it adds an exotic edge to the wine. Pleasant, not very intense and easy to like.	null	85	23	Piedmont	Barbera d'Alba Superiore	null	Barbera	Valdinera	null	null	null
Italy	Scents of violet, iris and a balsamic whiff of menthol mingle together. The succulent palate doles out juicy raspberry, black cherry, clove and licorice alongside a backbone of firm, polished tannins. Drink 2018–2023.	Sorano Roggero	91	75	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	San Biagio	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	San Biagio 2012 Sorano Roggero (Barolo)
US	Chewy and tannic, this has plenty of barrel flavors, but is light on the fruit. Coffee, caramel and toasty components are all here, seeming to smother any ripe fruit that might fill out the middle.	Wooldridge Creek Vineyard	87	32	Oregon	Applegate Valley	Southern Oregon	Merlot	Soléna	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Soléna 2014 Wooldridge Creek Vineyard Merlot (Applegate Valley)
Austria	Conference pear and ripe lemon scents unfurl on the nose of this wine. The palate reinforces those aromas with juiciness and ease. A zesty, refreshing edge keeps it lively and taut, feeling citrus-centered, refreshing and clean.	Vorder Seiber Federspiel	90	25	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Jäger	null	null	null
Chile	Attractive aromas of pear and coconut set the stage for clean, fruity pear and apple flavors. This wine is balanced, offering length on the palate and finish, but also defined flavors and freshness. By all indications it's well made, and best of all it tastes as it should. Best Buy.	La Escultura Estate - Reserva	86	10	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Errazuriz	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Errazuriz 2000 La Escultura Estate - Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)
US	Vanilla, baking spice, cranberry and cherry aromas lead to soft, medium-bodied fruit flavors with an elegant styling. It's a very pretty representation of the vintage with good balance.	Arbitrage	89	32	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Market Vineyards	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Market Vineyards 2011 Arbitrage Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
France	This is a crisp, intensely fruity wine. Full of red berries and fresh acidity, it is dry with a tangy orange-peel character, light minerality and a touch of caramel. It is ready to drink.	La Fleur d'Amélie	85	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux Rosé	null	Rosé	Château de Sours	null	null	null
US	Cabernet Sauvignon makes up just over half of this blend with the rest Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Vanilla and cocoa aromas are out in front of herb, black licorice and dark fruit. The dark-fruit and woodspice flavors are refined and show a sense of depth, elegance and balance that captures the attention.	Damn Straight	90	40	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Plumb Cellars	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	Plumb Cellars 2010 Damn Straight Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	A good, lusty Zinfandel to toss back with excellent barbecue and roasts. It's a big, full-bodied, fruity wine, packed with dry, tannicly Zinny flavors of wild berries, beef jerky and crushed black pepper. Drink now.	Tori Vineyard	87	32	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Wilson	null	null	null
US	A Chateauneuf-du-Pape inspired blend of 64% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre and 12% Syrah, Moriah was not made in 2011 but roars back to life in 2012 light ruby red in color and fully refined in rose petal aromatics. Integrated and subtle, it's focused in bright red fruit and layered white pepper.	Cuvée Moriah	94	50	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Rhône-style Red Blend	Donelan	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Donelan 2012 Cuvée Moriah Red (Sonoma County)
Argentina	A fully ripe bouquet brushes up against raisin notes but pulls back. This feels juicy and full of life. Flavors of toasty, spicy plum and cassis roll onto a rugged, slightly hot finish with chocolaty spice and lasting berry intensity. Drink through 2021.	Bramare Rebon Vineyard	91	95	Mendoza Province	Valle de Uco	null	Malbec	Viña Cobos	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Viña Cobos 2013 Bramare Rebon Vineyard Malbec (Valle de Uco)
US	This is flavorful, well-built and robust with an exotic twist to its flavors. There's a hint of mint or menthol in the aroma, lots of black cherry and dark plum flavors and a firm, tannic texture. It's deeply colored and full bodied.	Chui Vineyard	87	22	California	Fair Play	Sierra Foothills	Malbec	Winery by the Creek	Jim Gordon	@gordone_cellars	Winery by the Creek 2012 Chui Vineyard Malbec (Fair Play)
Germany	Glimpses of maturity are evident throughout this wine. Slightly briny, savory aromas on the nose open to layers of ripe black cherries and autumn leaves on the palate. It's rich and supple, fringed just faintly with tannins. Drink now.	null	85	18	Rheinhessen	null	null	Pinot Noir	Leonard Kreusch	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Leonard Kreusch 2011 Pinot Noir (Rheinhessen)
US	Deep, pungent dark-berry aromas open this round, inviting cherry and raspberry flavored wine. Round and almost overly suave on the palate, it has ample black cherry, chocolate and toast flavors, and closes with a finish sporting dried fruits. The dry, talcum-like tannins allow for early drinking.	Rock Cairn	90	75	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Nickel & Nickel	null	null	Nickel & Nickel 1997 Rock Cairn Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)
South Africa	Dainty aromas of hay, toasted red-apple skin, orange blossom and citrus rind dance in the bouquet of this wine. The medium-weight palate offers clean fruit flavors of pear and apple flesh, with a subtle mineral streak. Soft sweet-spice accents unfold on the medium-length finish. Drink now–2017.	Limestone Hill Estate	90	20	Robertson	null	null	Chardonnay	De Wetshof	Lauren Buzzeo	@laurbuzz	De Wetshof 2013 Limestone Hill Estate Chardonnay (Robertson)
France	From vines more than 50 years old, this is a surprisingly lush, forward Cornas from a vintage known at most domaines for its hard tannins. Black cherry fruit surrounds a core of dense mineral flavors, with light touches of wood on the finish. It's approachable now but should easily hold until at least 2015.	Empreintes	90	null	Rhône Valley	Cornas	null	Syrah	Éric & Jöel Durand	null	null	null
France	91-93 Barrel sample. While it has weight and concentration, the wine also has great freshness. It is a fine combination of dry tannins and fresh blackcurrant fruits.	Barrel sample	92	null	Bordeaux	Pomerol	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Marzelle	null	null	null
US	The 2005 vintage was kind to this wine, grown in the warmer, northerly Middle Reach section of the valley. While lacking the depth of the 2002 and 2003, it shows flavorful black currants, cherries and root beer, with a peppery finish. The tannins are rich and fine. Small additions of Zin, Malbec, Petite Sirah and other red varieties add complexity.	DaKine Vineyard	89	45	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Syrah	Longboard	null	null	null
France	A powerful, solid wine, its dark fruits fitting well with the wood, the firm tannins and black plum flavors. This is made for aging, as it is just starting to show its depth.	null	91	35	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Corbin	null	null	null
France	Made from Cabernet Franc, this is not as good as the Blanc de Blancs version of Trésor (not available in the United States). But it still has a good onion-skin color, a fresh raspberry character, and a good poise and lightness. Imported by Kobrand.	Trésor Rosé	87	20	Loire Valley	Saumur	null	Cabernet Franc	Bouvet-Ladubay	null	null	null
France	Soft and richly fruity, this has all the right red cherry and banana flavors that are immediately attractive. A delicious, juicy wine. Screwcap.	Nouveau	85	10	Beaujolais	Beaujolais	null	Gamay	Mommessin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Mommessin 2011 Nouveau (Beaujolais)
US	New American oak cradled this wine, which includes 12% Petite Sirah. A strong aroma of root beer or Dr. Pepper wraps itself around smoky tar and toast, with a grippyness on the leathery finish that falls a touch flat.	Old Vines	86	42	California	Calistoga	Napa	Zinfandel	Saddleback	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Saddleback 2013 Old Vines Zinfandel (Calistoga)
South Africa	A light and easygoing Chard with bright aromas of lemon citrus, green apple and watermelon rind. Riper apple and tropical fruit notes appear on the palate, followed by a refreshingly clean finish. 3,000 cases imported; drink now.	Unoaked	86	12	Western Cape	null	null	Chardonnay	Brampton	null	null	null
Portugal	This is the second wine from this showpiece quinta. The wine is a classic Douro blend dominated by Touriga Franca, giving a rich, soft and juicy character that is ready to drink. It has great fruit, spice and integrated tannins.	Sino da Romaneira	88	19	Douro	null	null	Portuguese Red	Quinta da Romaneira	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Quinta da Romaneira 2013 Sino da Romaneira Red (Douro)
US	Soft and slightly buttery, this smooth-drinking Pinot Gris deftly mixes spiced pear fruit with a pat of butter and a whiff of resin. It's at a perfect point of drinkability right now.	null	89	12	Oregon	Oregon	Oregon Other	Pinot Gris	Firesteed	null	null	null
US	Moderately priced Pinot is getting better, as this crisp, fruity wine shows. It has proper varietal character in the silky tannins, keen acids and polished cherry-vanilla flavors, with an edge of smoke oak.	null	85	13	California	Central Coast	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	Echelon	null	null	null

Chile

Not many modern-day Carmenères are as overtly green and underdone as this, which is surprising given that it's from warm Colchagua and a good vintage. But green as a bean or bell pepper it is, and there's also some sizzle and scrape to the tannins and mouthfeel. Shows glimpses of better ripeness and balance, but those don't last long enough to turn things around.

Reserva

83

11

Colchagua Valley

null

Carmenère

Apaltagua

null

France

86-88 Barrel sample. Balanced and fresh, with plenty of blackcurrant fruits, very sweet, the tannins the merest hint.

Barrel sample

87

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château la Rose Trimoulet

null

US

Argyle's Reserve shows less oak than the Nuthouse and Spirithouse bottlings, with more compact and vivid fruit. Nice flavors of stone fruits, grapes and citrus, well integrated and full through the mid-palate. It rounds into a very pretty finish, fruit forward, balanced and true.

Reserve

90

20

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

Argyle

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Argyle 1999 Reserve Chardonnay (Willamette Valley)

Portugal

Raisins and ripe fruit combine in this LBV that has some richness while remaining on the dry side. Blackberry jelly is layered with acidity and a dark tannic structure. For drinking now.

Late Bottled Vintage

87

null

Port

null

Port

Cálem

null

US

Blended from Marsanne and Viognier in equal proportions, this wine is marked by ripe, opulent mango, peach, orange, vanilla and honey flavors. It feels sweet as you taste it, but the finish is dry.

null

87

23

California

Central Coast

White Blend

Treana

null

US

Most remarkable is the balance of smooth, complex tannins and acidity. The powerful oak is well balanced, keeping with the wine's volume. The cherry-pie filling, red currant and spice flavors are rich and complex. The wine will be best now through 2020.

Estate Grown Cave Fermented

93

90

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Franc

Jarvis

null

Jarvis 2010 Estate Grown Cave Fermented Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)

Portugal

Aromatic with white flowers, it's rounded, soft and gentle. It misses out on acidity, giving the wine a fat feel. Drink now.

null

84

null

Tejo

null

Portuguese White

Monte Largo

null

Italy

This rosé opens with a pretty shade of pink and offers aromas of forest berry, cherry, herbs and a touch of ash or white mineral. There's firm, crisp acidity that really keeps the palate refreshed. Shows loads of cheer and brightness in the mouth.

Osa! Frappato Rosato

87

38

Sicily & Sardinia

Sicilia

null

Rosé

Paolo Calì

null

Italy

Squarcialupi Riserva has shown a successful evolution over the years. This bottling opens with tangy aromas of tobacco, dark fruit, clove and eucalyptus. Small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are added to the blend, but the wine's winning card comes from Sangiovese's natural acidity, which lends the wine a crisp, menthol-like finish.

Squarcialupi Riserva

89

35

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Sangiovese

La Castellina

null

Australia

This is the current release of Grant Burge's Meshach, which is typically held back for additional bottle age—the already bottled 2005 will be released in 2010. It displays extraordinary complexity in its scents of tea, coffee, spice and marinated beef, but the primary focus remains on its elegant blackberry fruit. Try around 2010.

Meshach

90

95

South Australia

Barossa

null

Shiraz

Grant Burge

null

US

The aromas of canned pear and peach seem to show some oxygen exposure. This wine drinks medium sweet with abundant stone-fruit flavors.

null

82

20

America

null

Riesling

Original House Wine

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Original House Wine NV Riesling (America)

US

Plenty of ripe, luxurious fruit and flowers in this Viognier, accented with brisk acidity. Floods the mouth with tangerine, pineapple, lemon, lime, honeysuckle and vanilla flavors that finish fairly sweet and sugary. Drink now.

null

86

30

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

Viognier

Jorian Hill

null

Jorian Hill 2009 Viognier (Santa Ynez Valley)

Italy

Food friendly, informal and bright, this easy-drinking Pinot Grigio opens with bright citrus, stone fruit and melon. There's a touch of white almond paste on the close that recalls the warm Tuscan sunshine.

Le Rime

85

null

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Pinot Grigio

Banfi

null

US

Fruity in flavor and nicely rounded in texture, this medium-bodied wine from Napa-based Mason Cellars incorporates grapes from around the state. It has a good balance between lively acidity and rather ripe apple and melon flavors.

null

87

14

California

California Other

Pinot Grigio

Three Pears

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Three Pears 2016 Pinot Grigio (California)

US

This wine plays tricks on the palate, tasting much lighter in body than its alcohol suggests. Layered with red fruit along with a lift of herb, it is structured and composed, with a long, lingering finish. This is a good one to stock up on if you love big Zin with a smaller footprint.

Old Vines

87

16

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Zinfandel

Hullabaloo

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Hullabaloo 2012 Old Vines Zinfandel (Lodi)

France

While it certainly has bright acidity and green fruit flavors, this is quite creamy in texture for an Aligoté, its angles softened and rounded. The finale is fresh, with a more citrus character.

null

85

25

Burgundy

Bourgogne Aligoté

null

Aligoté

Domaine Jayer-Gilles

null

Italy

There's a slightly lactic quality to the wine that muddles the flavors and aromas. Instead of peach, you get peach yogurt and instead of citrus, you get lemon cream. Feels very creamy in the mouth as well.

Brut

85

20

Veneto

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

null

Prosecco

Maschio dei Cavalieri

null

France

A particularly fresh and refreshing wine, with the cleanest acidity, attractive red fruits and grapefruit juice. A great apéritif style. Screwcap.

Rouvière

87

14

Provence

Coteaux Varois

null

Rosé

Château Routas

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Routas 2010 Rouvière Rosé (Coteaux Varois)

Italy

Prugnolo Gentile (another name for Sangiovese) is blended with small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to produce a firmly intense wine with black fruit aromas and spicy cardamom. There's a gritty quality to the tannins and overall texture.

null

88

19

Tuscany

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

null

Prugnolo Gentile

Canneto

null

Canneto 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Italy

Generous and creamy perlage opens the stage for deeply fragrant tones of tangerine skin, white flower and peach. The wine is soft and soapy with load of bubbling in the mouth.

null

84

19

Piedmont

Asti

null

Moscato

Bera

null

Bera 2011 Moscato (Asti)

US

Tastes too oaky, with overwhelming smoky caramel, vanilla extract and buttered toast notes that swamp the underlying pineapples and peaches. In this case, you're better off with Gainey's regular 2007 Chard, which costs a lot less.

Limited Selection

86

38

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Gainey

null

Australia

This Western outpost of Yalumba's empire has produced a supple Cabernet that's already approachable. Cedar, mocha and vanilla notes wreathe the red-berry fruit, giving this a woody but harmonious nature. Drink now–2025.

null

90

22

Western Australia

Margaret River

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Ringbolt

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Ringbolt 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River)

US

This Pinot Gris has aromas of wax, red apple, underripe white peach and citrus. The white peach note becomes more dominant on the easygoing palate, and it leads to a mineral-like tang that lingers onto the slightly yeasty finish.

Estate Grown

84

20

Virginia

Monticello

null

Pinot Gris

Pollak

null

Pollak 2012 Estate Grown Pinot Gris (Monticello)

US

Coming from one of Washington's premier Riesling sites, it's redolent with peach, mineral and floral notes. It drinks almost completely dry with bright, crisp acids.

Evergreen Vineyard

88

16

Washington

Ancient Lakes

Columbia Valley

Riesling

Tempus Cellars

null

Italy

Here's a fresh and zippy Barbera d'Asti aged only in stainless steel with pristine notes of fresh berry fruit and cooling acidity to match. It's an easy red wine with a simple but genuine flavor profile that would pair with home-cooked pasta.

Lavignone

87

13

Piedmont

Barbera d'Asti

null

Barbera

Pico Maccario

null

Argentina

A smooth Cab with cola, vanilla, black cherry and sweet berry aromas. Shows body and build, with wild berry flavors bolstered by ample oak yielding related spice and chocolate. Dark, spicy and showing a hint of herbs on the finish.

Reserve

89

16

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Cabernet Sauvignon

Maipe

null

France

A blend of Syrah and Braucol from the slopes above Gaillac, this fruity, friendly wine has notes of spice and red berry. It's attractively juicy, with soft tannins, and it's ready to drink now.

Château Baron

87

16

Southwest France

Gaillac

null

Red Blend

Georges Vigouroux

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Georges Vigouroux 2008 Château Baron Red (Gaillac)

US

Though single vineyard wines can be impressive, there are times when they'd be better as components in a blend. This is the case here. Just on the edge of sour, the very tart grapey flavors seem overtaken by acidity, without compensating depth or complexity.

Fairsing Vineyard

87

39

Oregon

Willamette Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Swick

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Swick 2014 Fairsing Vineyard Pinot Noir

Italy

This has medicinal herb and adhesive bandage aromas that carry over to the lean palate. Racy acidity and a bitter note give it a firm, brisk finish.

null

83

12

Northeastern Italy

Collio

null

Pinot Grigio

Ferruccio Sgubin

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Ferruccio Sgubin 2015 Pinot Grigio (Collio)

New Zealand

This is less luxuriantly ripe than some of the other 2013 Hawke's Bay Syrahs, showing some firm, dusty tannins on the finish, but it's still a terrific offering. Cracked black pepper, fresh blueberries and cedar notes come together beautifully on the palate, promising much for the future. Drink 2018–2025.

Jewelstone

92

29

Hawke's Bay

null

Syrah

Mission Estate

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Mission Estate 2013 Jewelstone Syrah (Hawke's Bay)

Italy

Very pale straw in color, this sparkler delivers measured aromas of honeydew, pear and crushed stone. It's a direct and genuine wine that delivers the goods at an attractive price. Tasty and clean in the mouth. Imported by Zonin USA.

Brut Blanc de Blanc

87

15

Piedmont

null

Chardonnay

Zonin

null

US

This wine is big and bold, but its opulent, generous fruit flavors perfectly fill out its frame, giving it the balance it needs for enjoyment. Ripe blackberry and black cherry notes mark the palate, unfettered by oak-inflected flavor. The texture is firm with lots of fine-grained tannins, while the fruit lingers nicely on the finish.

Made With Organic Grapes

91

16

California

Mendocino County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Zinfandel

Bonterra

null

Chile

One sniff indicates there's a fair amount of oak on this Chardonnay, plus baked apple and peach scents. The palate offers acidic rip and lemony cut, but it's not too sharp. Tangy flavors of lemon and citrus are wrapped in resiny oak, and the finish is textured and long.

Single Vineyard Falaris Hill Vineyard Reserva Especial

87

20

Leyda Valley

null

Chardonnay

Leyda

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Leyda 2011 Single Vineyard Falaris Hill Vineyard Reserva Especial Chardonnay (Leyda Valley)

Austria

Attractively herbaceous, this is full of green fruit and intense citrus, with a tangy texture. Screwcap.

Rotenpüllen

87

23

Niederösterreich

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Pratsch

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Pratsch 2010 Rotenpüllen Sauvignon Blanc (Niederösterreich)

Spain

For years this wine was a big-time bargain from Navarra. Now it's not so inexpensive yet the quality is the same. There's common nectarine and raspberry aromas before snappy peach and berry flavors. It's juicy and modest, with crispness and a drying finish.

Gran Feudo Rosé

85

12

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Garnacha

Bodegas Julián Chivite

null

France

This opulent, ripe wine comes from a single vineyard. It has a rich texture, with dense yellow and apple fruits that are allied to a more citrus, gooseberry and lemon character. It rolls around the mouth with a smooth, satisfying aftertaste.

Chambrates

94

70

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Vacheron

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Vacheron 2012 Chambrates (Sancerre)

New Zealand

This has come to epitomize the Hawke's Bay style of Sauvignon Blanc, typical in it's ripe fruit and oak treatment. Hints of vanilla and cedar frame passion fruit and pink grapefruit notes, then leave a lingering impression of Creamsicle behind on the silky-textured finish.

Cape Crest

93

30

Hawke's Bay

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Te Mata

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Te Mata 2013 Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc (Hawke's Bay)

Austria

This wine's shy nose suggests fig leaf and citrus. Green-tinged herbal notes and faint lime fruit swish sinuously n the light-bodied palate. It's slender yet creamy, lithe and full of personality. The finish is dry and refreshing.

Per Due

90

15

Kremstal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Hermann Moser

null

France

91–93. Barrel sample. This is a rich, ripe wine with soft tannins and a generous texture. The dry core gives a sense of shape to all the opulence on the palate.

Barrel Sample

92

null

Bordeaux

Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château La Bon Pasteur

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château La Bon Pasteur 2012 Barrel Sample (Pomerol)

Spain

Staunch red fruit aromas are a bit prickly at first, but within a few minutes they settle on mineral, herbs, anise and licorice. The palate has a firm but pure feel, and the tannins aren't too tough at all. Flavors of cassis, cherry cough drop and raisin are deep yet narrow, and just complex enough. Drink now through 2013.

Clos de l'Obac

92

87

Catalonia

Priorat

null

Red Blend

Costers del Siurana

null

Italy

Inky-dark concentration segues to bold berry notes and loads of dark, deep fruit: plum, prune, blackberry and rum cake. There are also pretty dustings of dry mineral and dried herb at the back. This is a bold Brunello with power, determination, structure and balance. It needs at least 10 years of cellar aging.

null

94

60

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Citille di Sopra

null

Germany

Typical of Egon Müller's wines, this is light in body, but titanium-strong in structure, welding rather tart, lemony fruit to stony, minerally notes and embellishing it all with the merest hints of riper, apple-y fruit. It's just off-dry, with great persistence and lipsmacking appeal.

Scharzhof

89

23

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

null

Riesling

Egon Müller

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Egon Müller 2006 Scharzhof Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

Italy

Pretty aromas of white spring flower, orchard fruit and a tad of candied citrus zest mingle in the glass. The vibrant palate delivers crisp yellow apple, Bartlett pear and nectarine alongside firm acidity. White almond marks the finish.

null

89

18

Lombardy

Lugana

null

Turbiana

Olivini

null

US

Shows all the hallmarks of the upscale Cabs the winery is better known for, from the softly sensuous mouthfeel, ripe fruit and judicious use of new French oak, to the long-lasting complexities. Red and black cherry jam, cassis, plum sauce, gingerbread, smoky vanillins, peppery spice, and it's all dry and balanced. What's not to like? Drink now.

null

92

40

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Syrah

Joseph Phelps

null

US

Tasty in the modern style, with ripe, forward pineapple, orange, peach jam and buttered toast flavors. There's good acidity, and even a hint of minerals, but the wine ultimately is lushly one-dimensional.

Estate Grown

86

30

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Broadway Vineyards

null

Broadway Vineyards 2010 Estate Grown Chardonnay (Carneros)

US

This barrel selection, Keller's best, is an elaborate and complex Pinot Noir. It shows classic coastal acidity, with deep, delicious flavors of raspberries, cherries, mocha, licorice, spices and sweet sandalwood. The tannins are rich enough to let it age over the next six years.

Precioso

93

75

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Keller

null

New Zealand

Like the other 2013 Chardonnays from Kumeu River, this boasts crisp acids. Melon and lime notes dominate at first, slowly being overtaken by zesty pineapple fruit on the finish. Quaffable now, but sure to deepen and round out with a few years of aging. Drink now–2020.

Hunting Hill

91

49

Kumeu

null

Chardonnay

Kumeu River

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Kumeu River 2013 Hunting Hill Chardonnay (Kumeu)

US

Accented with intriguing notes of charred oak, dried herbs, porcini mushrooms and a whisper of peppery grains of paradise, this is a rustic Merlot. The midpalate shows hints of underripe red fruit and raw green peppers, but it's a sturdy dry red that would hold up well with rustic braised meats on a cold winter's night.

Estate

85

19

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Merlot

Raphael

null

Portugal

A dark, brooding wine, packed with black fruits that are dominated by dry tannins. This is still young, but the dense blackberry fruit flavors are all here. Its weight and power need time to tame, but for now, the acidity and fruit are impressive.

null

90

19

Douro

null

Touriga Nacional

Quinta de Ventozelo

null

US

A terrific California blush wine, rich and compelling, with a gorgeous color, sort of a salmon-koi gold. It's bone dry and crisply clean in acidity, with strong, but not heavy, flavors of strawberries and raspberries. There's a dusting of tannins that give the wine a solid structure.

Rose of Pinot Noir

92

22

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Rosé

Lynmar

null

Lynmar 2009 Rose of Pinot Noir Rosé (Russian River Valley)

US

Very ripe flavors of berries and figs dominate this Cab-centric Bordeaux blend, along with intriguing side notes suggesting melon and cassis, smoke and mocha. It's a big, sexy wine, its fruit flavors backed with thick, ripe, but chalky tannins. If there is a downside, it is that it comes off as a bit monolithic.

Michele Red Wine

90

55

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Red Blend

Nicholas Cole Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Nicholas Cole Cellars 2005 Michele Red Wine Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Argentina

Getting pricey as Argentine Chard goes, this moderately rich wine has true aromas and flavors, meaning there's some apple, pear and butter to sniff and vanilla-tinged peach and melon to taste. Not as complex or complicated as maybe it should be, but easy to like.

Reserva

85

16

Mendoza Province

Mendoza

null

Chardonnay

Terrazas de Los Andes

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

Great acidity and minerality in this elegant young wine. Doesn't show the rich concentration of De Loach's single-vineyard Chards, but then again, it costs far less. It's actually a good value for a dry, minerally and complex Russian River Chardonnay. Don't drink it too cold.

Cool Coastal Vineyards

90

18

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

De Loach

null

US

Good balance throughout typifies this Columbia Valley Cabernet. The tart fruit suggests cranberry and raspberry, accompanied by generous acidity. A hint of herb runs through the finish, but the tannins are well-managed and smooth.

null

88

36

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Syzygy

null

Italy

Here's a sour and astringent expression of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Syrah that opens with sharp black fruit and Indian spice. The fruit flavors are jammy and rich on the close.

Podere Ritorti

87

null

Tuscany

Bolgheri

null

Red Blend

I Luoghi

null

Portugal

Smooth and silky, ripe stone fruit flavors are complemented by a flexible structure that gives shape to the juicy character. A light edge of wood and fine acidity complete the balance.

Terra Grande Reserva

89

15

Alentejano

null

Portuguese Red

Parras Vinhos

null

US

This is also a Milbrandt vineyard, but quite different flavors emerge from the other Milbrandt wines. Plenty of black cherry fruit, with a minerality that suggests iron ore. Penetrating, ripe and potent (15% alcohol), yet well balanced and complex, with wild herbs lurking in the background.

Pheasant Vineyard

90

35

Washington

Wahluke Slope

Columbia Valley

Syrah

K Vintners

null

US

Pretty aromas of cola, rosebuds, dried strawberry, fennel and Dr Pepper show brightly on the nose of this blend of 55% Grenache, 29% Syrah and 16% Mourvèdre.There is a slightly charred flavor to the palate, where grilled black cherries and berries are intriguingly savory and lifted by crushed black pepper.

Salacious

89

38

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

G-S-M

Asuncion Ridge

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Asuncion Ridge 2013 Salacious G-S-M (Paso Robles)

France

This lively, raspberry- and red-currant-flavored wine has just the right tang of acidity to create its crisp feel. Fruity and fragrant, it features a touch of minerality to add further texture.

Brut Rosé

87

20

Alsace

Crémant d'Alsace

null

Sparkling Blend

Pierre Sparr

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Pierre Sparr NV Brut Rosé Sparkling (Crémant d'Alsace)

US

A savory, mineral aspect makes this dry wine especially interesting. It has slightly herbal aromas, white peach flavors, rather full body that adds lushness, and a lingering finish.

McFadden Farm Made From Organically Grown Grapes

89

22

California

Mendocino

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Pinot Gris

Horse & Plow

null

Italy

Ripe cherry, clove, cinnamon, leather and spice shape a well-balanced wine that exhibits both depth and complexity. Tones of prunes and dried fruit add warm accents and the wine delivers smooth but firm tannins.

null

89

null

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese Grosso

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

null

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2003 Brunello di Montalcino

Italy

Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this opens with aromas of red cherry, underbrush and pomegranate. The palate is both concentrated and elegant, delivering raspberry, strawberry jam and notes of chopped mint. Velvety tannins provide support and finesse. Enjoy through 2021.

Anrar Riserva

91

63

Northeastern Italy

Alto Adige

null

Pinot Nero

Andriano

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Andriano 2013 Anrar Riserva Pinot Nero (Alto Adige)

France

A pale, simply fruity rosé, with scents of citrus and crushed vitamins. This is light to medium in body and only moderately intense in its flavors, hinting at berries, orangey citrus and chocolate on the finish.

Pomelo

84

11

Rhône Valley

Ventoux

null

Rosé

Balma Venitia

Joe Czerwinski

@JoeCz

Balma Venitia 2012 Pomelo Rosé (Ventoux)

US

Aromatically generous, this displays notes of pineapple, pear and guava. The palate drinks off dry, with abundant tropical fruit flavors, but lacks the acidity to hold it all together.

null

86

15

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

Apex

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Apex 2013 Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

This wine goes deliciously towards the citrus flavors, spiked with minerality. However it does also offer some richness, flavors of pears and ripe red apples, softened with melon. It is balanced, vibrant, a full wine that also shows structure.

Les Enseignères

90

null

Burgundy

Puligny-Montrachet

null

Chardonnay

Maison Champy

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Maison Champy 2006 Les Enseignères (Puligny-Montrachet)

US

Otis includes the oldest cabernet vines in Washington state, dating back to the 1950s, and has been a Columbia vineyard-designate since 1981. Black pepper and dried sage are its imprints, and Otis always makes a tight, ageworthy wine, not in the currently fashionable ultraripe mode. Lean and herbal, but deep and ageworthy.

Otis Vineyard

91

23

Washington

Yakima Valley

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Winery

null

Spain

This is packed with oaky, masculine aromas of black fruit, bacon, moss and leather, but in the mouth it's rough as nails, with heavy tannins propping up flavors of blackberry, baked plum, herb and smoke. It finishes earthy and toasty, with thick tannins and ruggedness. Drink now with beef.

Gran Dama de Toro

90

45

Northern Spain

Toro

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Fariña

null

France

The granite soil and ocean climate of Château-Thébaud—plus two years aging in tank—give this wine good richness while also retaining the crisper aspects of Muscadet. A delicate salty character lies over the final delicious apple and citrus flavors.

Château-Thébaud

90

13

Loire Valley

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

null

Melon

Domaine Clair Moreau

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Clair Moreau 2010 Château-Thébaud (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine)

US

A little on the rustic side, with pronounced cherry-berry, herb, coffee and spice flavors wrapped into a dry, tannic structure that finishes with some astringency. Drink now.

Alta Mesa Vineyard

85

40

California

Santa Barbara County

Central Coast

Mourvèdre

San Sakana

null

US

A bit heavy and dense in raspberry and cola fruit, with a curiously soft mouthfeel, yet there seems to be good acidity as you swallow. Could just be unresolved now. Give it a year or two to come around.

Sonatera Vineyard

87

45

California

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Siduri

null

US

Drink this with very rich foods, such as shellfish in a buttery cream sauce. It's a big, oaky, caramelly wine, with ripe pineapples beneath the oak. A little soft, but smooth and silky. An elegant Chardonnay for drinking now.

SRH

87

22

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Lafond

null

US

Juicy on the nose and palate, with loads of sweet peach and melon, this semidry Riesling is balanced by brisk lime-tinged acidity and crisp starfruit flavors that shine on the midpalate. Finishes on a pleasantly drying jasmine-tea note.

null

87

15

New York

Finger Lakes

Riesling

Knapp

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Knapp 2010 Riesling (Finger Lakes)

Italy

If there is one quality that distinguishes the wines of the late Giuseppe Quintarelli, it is complexity. Unlike any other producer in the Amarone production area, this legendary artisan magically pulls out aromas of dried sage, Indian spice, crushed white pepper and delicate forest berry. On the palate, the wine is bright, crisp and intense, but never heavy or syrupy. Italy lost one of its greatest winemakers when Quintarelli passed away in early 2012.

null

94

null

Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Quintarelli

null

Italy

The Valdinara is a soft, seductive wine showing plenty of jammy fruit, and a pleasant smoky spice. On the finish it is a touch stemmy, but it is so slight that it adds an exotic edge to the wine. Pleasant, not very intense and easy to like.

null

85

23

Piedmont

Barbera d'Alba Superiore

null

Barbera

Valdinera

null

Italy

Scents of violet, iris and a balsamic whiff of menthol mingle together. The succulent palate doles out juicy raspberry, black cherry, clove and licorice alongside a backbone of firm, polished tannins. Drink 2018–2023.

Sorano Roggero

91

75

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

San Biagio

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

San Biagio 2012 Sorano Roggero (Barolo)

US

Chewy and tannic, this has plenty of barrel flavors, but is light on the fruit. Coffee, caramel and toasty components are all here, seeming to smother any ripe fruit that might fill out the middle.

Wooldridge Creek Vineyard

87

32

Oregon

Applegate Valley

Southern Oregon

Merlot

Soléna

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Soléna 2014 Wooldridge Creek Vineyard Merlot (Applegate Valley)

Austria

Conference pear and ripe lemon scents unfurl on the nose of this wine. The palate reinforces those aromas with juiciness and ease. A zesty, refreshing edge keeps it lively and taut, feeling citrus-centered, refreshing and clean.

Vorder Seiber Federspiel

90

25

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

Jäger

null

Chile

Attractive aromas of pear and coconut set the stage for clean, fruity pear and apple flavors. This wine is balanced, offering length on the palate and finish, but also defined flavors and freshness. By all indications it's well made, and best of all it tastes as it should. Best Buy.

La Escultura Estate - Reserva

86

10

Casablanca Valley

null

Chardonnay

Errazuriz

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Errazuriz 2000 La Escultura Estate - Reserva Chardonnay (Casablanca Valley)

US

Vanilla, baking spice, cranberry and cherry aromas lead to soft, medium-bodied fruit flavors with an elegant styling. It's a very pretty representation of the vintage with good balance.

Arbitrage

89

32

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Market Vineyards

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Market Vineyards 2011 Arbitrage Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

France

This is a crisp, intensely fruity wine. Full of red berries and fresh acidity, it is dry with a tangy orange-peel character, light minerality and a touch of caramel. It is ready to drink.

La Fleur d'Amélie

85

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé

null

Rosé

Château de Sours

null

US

Cabernet Sauvignon makes up just over half of this blend with the rest Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Vanilla and cocoa aromas are out in front of herb, black licorice and dark fruit. The dark-fruit and woodspice flavors are refined and show a sense of depth, elegance and balance that captures the attention.

Damn Straight

90

40

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Plumb Cellars

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

Plumb Cellars 2010 Damn Straight Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

A good, lusty Zinfandel to toss back with excellent barbecue and roasts. It's a big, full-bodied, fruity wine, packed with dry, tannicly Zinny flavors of wild berries, beef jerky and crushed black pepper. Drink now.

Tori Vineyard

87

32

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Wilson

null

US

A Chateauneuf-du-Pape inspired blend of 64% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre and 12% Syrah, Moriah was not made in 2011 but roars back to life in 2012 light ruby red in color and fully refined in rose petal aromatics. Integrated and subtle, it's focused in bright red fruit and layered white pepper.

Cuvée Moriah

94

50

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Rhône-style Red Blend

Donelan

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Donelan 2012 Cuvée Moriah Red (Sonoma County)

Argentina

A fully ripe bouquet brushes up against raisin notes but pulls back. This feels juicy and full of life. Flavors of toasty, spicy plum and cassis roll onto a rugged, slightly hot finish with chocolaty spice and lasting berry intensity. Drink through 2021.

Bramare Rebon Vineyard

91

95

Mendoza Province

Valle de Uco

null

Malbec

Viña Cobos

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Viña Cobos 2013 Bramare Rebon Vineyard Malbec (Valle de Uco)

US

This is flavorful, well-built and robust with an exotic twist to its flavors. There's a hint of mint or menthol in the aroma, lots of black cherry and dark plum flavors and a firm, tannic texture. It's deeply colored and full bodied.

Chui Vineyard

87

22

California

Fair Play

Sierra Foothills

Malbec

Winery by the Creek

Jim Gordon

@gordone_cellars

Winery by the Creek 2012 Chui Vineyard Malbec (Fair Play)

Germany

Glimpses of maturity are evident throughout this wine. Slightly briny, savory aromas on the nose open to layers of ripe black cherries and autumn leaves on the palate. It's rich and supple, fringed just faintly with tannins. Drink now.

null

85

18

Rheinhessen

null

Pinot Noir

Leonard Kreusch

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Leonard Kreusch 2011 Pinot Noir (Rheinhessen)

US

Deep, pungent dark-berry aromas open this round, inviting cherry and raspberry flavored wine. Round and almost overly suave on the palate, it has ample black cherry, chocolate and toast flavors, and closes with a finish sporting dried fruits. The dry, talcum-like tannins allow for early drinking.

Rock Cairn

90

75

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Nickel & Nickel

null

Nickel & Nickel 1997 Rock Cairn Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

South Africa

Dainty aromas of hay, toasted red-apple skin, orange blossom and citrus rind dance in the bouquet of this wine. The medium-weight palate offers clean fruit flavors of pear and apple flesh, with a subtle mineral streak. Soft sweet-spice accents unfold on the medium-length finish. Drink now–2017.

Limestone Hill Estate

90

20

Robertson

null

Chardonnay

De Wetshof

Lauren Buzzeo

@laurbuzz

De Wetshof 2013 Limestone Hill Estate Chardonnay (Robertson)

France

From vines more than 50 years old, this is a surprisingly lush, forward Cornas from a vintage known at most domaines for its hard tannins. Black cherry fruit surrounds a core of dense mineral flavors, with light touches of wood on the finish. It's approachable now but should easily hold until at least 2015.

Empreintes

90

null

Rhône Valley

Cornas

null

Syrah

Éric & Jöel Durand

null

France

91-93 Barrel sample. While it has weight and concentration, the wine also has great freshness. It is a fine combination of dry tannins and fresh blackcurrant fruits.

Barrel sample

92

null

Bordeaux

Pomerol

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Marzelle

null

US

The 2005 vintage was kind to this wine, grown in the warmer, northerly Middle Reach section of the valley. While lacking the depth of the 2002 and 2003, it shows flavorful black currants, cherries and root beer, with a peppery finish. The tannins are rich and fine. Small additions of Zin, Malbec, Petite Sirah and other red varieties add complexity.

DaKine Vineyard

89

45

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Syrah

Longboard

null

France

A powerful, solid wine, its dark fruits fitting well with the wood, the firm tannins and black plum flavors. This is made for aging, as it is just starting to show its depth.

null

91

35

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Corbin

null

France

Made from Cabernet Franc, this is not as good as the Blanc de Blancs version of Trésor (not available in the United States). But it still has a good onion-skin color, a fresh raspberry character, and a good poise and lightness. Imported by Kobrand.

Trésor Rosé

87

20

Loire Valley

Saumur

null

Cabernet Franc

Bouvet-Ladubay

null

France

Soft and richly fruity, this has all the right red cherry and banana flavors that are immediately attractive. A delicious, juicy wine. Screwcap.

Nouveau

85

10

Beaujolais

null

Gamay

Mommessin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Mommessin 2011 Nouveau (Beaujolais)

US

New American oak cradled this wine, which includes 12% Petite Sirah. A strong aroma of root beer or Dr. Pepper wraps itself around smoky tar and toast, with a grippyness on the leathery finish that falls a touch flat.

Old Vines

86

42

California

Calistoga

Napa

Zinfandel

Saddleback

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Saddleback 2013 Old Vines Zinfandel (Calistoga)

South Africa

A light and easygoing Chard with bright aromas of lemon citrus, green apple and watermelon rind. Riper apple and tropical fruit notes appear on the palate, followed by a refreshingly clean finish. 3,000 cases imported; drink now.

Unoaked

86

12

Western Cape

null

Chardonnay

Brampton

null

Portugal

This is the second wine from this showpiece quinta. The wine is a classic Douro blend dominated by Touriga Franca, giving a rich, soft and juicy character that is ready to drink. It has great fruit, spice and integrated tannins.

Sino da Romaneira

88

19

Douro

null

Portuguese Red

Quinta da Romaneira

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Quinta da Romaneira 2013 Sino da Romaneira Red (Douro)

US

Soft and slightly buttery, this smooth-drinking Pinot Gris deftly mixes spiced pear fruit with a pat of butter and a whiff of resin. It's at a perfect point of drinkability right now.

null

89

12

Oregon

Oregon Other

Pinot Gris

Firesteed

null

US

Moderately priced Pinot is getting better, as this crisp, fruity wine shows. It has proper varietal character in the silky tannins, keen acids and polished cherry-vanilla flavors, with an edge of smoke oak.

null

85

13

California

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

Echelon

null