spawn99/wine-reviews · Datasets at Hugging Face

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US	This is an astounding wine for the price, a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. Sinewy, it's taut in currant, clove and tobacco alongside generous structured tannin. The blackberry takes on a rich depth of chocolate mocha on the lengthy memorable finish.	G	94	50	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Guarachi Family	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Guarachi Family 2014 G Red (Napa Valley)
US	The latest vintage of this white Pinot Noir is a pretty straw color, lacking the rich rose hue of the 2013, but the flavors remain robust and compelling. You'll find plenty of mixed tree fruits, along with suggestions of grass, herb, cracker and toast, with a youthfully yeasty aftertaste.	Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc	90	25	Oregon	Willamette Valley	null	Pinot Noir	Ghost Hill	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Ghost Hill 2014 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc Pinot Noir
France	This can be a somewhat edgy wine, but the warmth of 2009 has softened it, imparting a rich, velvety texture and flavors of dried cherries, leather, cinnamon and clove. The long finish features a chocolaty note. Drink now–2025.	Les Christins	91	31	Rhône Valley	Vacqueyras	null	Rhône-style Red Blend	Perrin & Fils	null	null	null
US	Rich in well-ripened fruit flavors and with a sweet coat of smoky oak and vanilla, this Chard also has a structural integrity based on crispness and vitality. It's not a soft, creamy Chard, but a firm one, with exotic fruit.	Reserve	89	20	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Frei Brothers	null	null	null
Italy	There's a hint of strawberry at the start that soon segues to savory aromas of cured meat and spice. The ripeness translates to the mouth where there's a touch of cherry. Age for five more years.	null	90	50	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Giacomo Fenocchio	null	null	null
Chile	Dusty oily aromas of citrus peel, almond and yeasty white fruits come with a hint of oak. This Chardonnay feels solid and balanced, but regular. A mix of oak spice, vanilla and briny peach flavors do a slow soft fade on the finish.	Classic Series	86	13	Curicó Valley	null	null	Chardonnay	Montes	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Montes 2015 Classic Series Chardonnay (Curicó Valley)
Italy	The Rizzi family of Barbaresco does amazing work with its specific vineyard crus. One of its best sites is the Fondetta vineyard, although this vintage seems more nervous and raw than in past years. Clover, spice and green capers are some of the more interesting aromatic characteristics of this wine. You'll also get bright fruit and lemon zest on the close.	Nervo Fondetta	89	49	Piedmont	Barbaresco	null	Nebbiolo	Rizzi	null	null	Rizzi 2007 Nervo Fondetta (Barbaresco)
Canada	This off-dry Riesling has a nose of flowers and warming spices, followed by slightly sweet and spicy fruit (apples, pears, vanilla) flavors. The wine is simple but appealing.	Reserve Off-Dry	82	16	Ontario	Short Hills Bench	null	Riesling	Henry of Pelham	Susan Kostrzewa	@suskostrzewa	Henry of Pelham 2007 Reserve Off-Dry Riesling (Short Hills Bench)
France	A closed nose gives little away of the conifer and pine notes that seem to spice this wine. It has aromas of oak and some cinnamon but fruit never makes it to the fore.	Tradition	86	19	Alsace	Alsace	null	Pinot Noir	Domaine Fernand Engel	null	null	null
US	This is a dry wine, yet the flavors of raspberries and cherries are sweet tasting. It has a delicate, silky mouthfeel, and the tart acids add plenty of cut. Pair this with grilled, broiled or pan-fried steak, served with mushrooms.	null	92	42	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	La Rochelle	null	null	null
Italy	This is a clear, bright and tonic white wine from the deep south of Italy, showing aromas of honeysuckle, pineapple and pear. The fruit used for this easygoing white is farmed organically.	Daunia	87	17	Southern Italy	Puglia	null	Falanghina	Antica Enotria	null	null	Antica Enotria 2011 Daunia Falanghina (Puglia)
US	At 2.3% residual sugar, this is nicely balanced between sweet and dry. The fruit links peach, apricot and pear with a honey in tea streak that carries into the finish.	null	86	10	Washington	Washington	Washington Other	Riesling	Washington Hills	null	null	null
US	Soft and simple and as sweet as something you'd pour over ice cream. The flavors are terrifically ripe—cherries, raspberries, dates, vanilla fudge, butterscotch. And look at that alcohol, 16.6%!	null	82	20	California	Paso Robles	Central Coast	Zinfandel	Christian Lazo	null	null	null
US	A beautifully clean, crisply dry wine that offers plenty of minerals, but doesn't stint on the fruit. With citrus, peach, tart green apple, gardenia and gooseberry flavors, it's super-drinkable with a wide variety of foods. This unoaked blend consists of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris.	Cuvée Natalie	88	28	California	Santa Ynez Valley	Central Coast	White Blend	Brander	null	null	null
US	Valley of the Moon hasn't raised the price on this Bordeaux blend for years, which makes it a value for the complexity you get. This isn't one of those soft, mushy wines that's all flavor and no structure. Acids and tannins provide the architecture for polished blackberry, black olive and smoky oak flavors that are so appealing.	Cuvée de la Luna	92	30	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Valley of the Moon	null	null	Valley of the Moon 2004 Cuvée de la Luna Red (Sonoma County)
Spain	A forward wine with earthy aromas, leather and a hint of Navarra's herbal essence. The palate is full-bodied and complete, with balanced weight and tannic structure. Flavors of dark berry and black plum are deep and mildly roasted, while the finish is meaty and chocolaty. Chivite Colección 125 is often Navarra's best red wine, and that appears to be the case in 2004.	Colección 125 Reserva	91	45	Northern Spain	Navarra	null	Tempranillo Blend	Bodegas Julián Chivite	null	null	null
US	A very seductive nose with both power and flower in full array. The floral components are unusual and show exceptional winemaking talent. Very chocolaty, smooth, with the purity of cassis fruit and the power of fully ripe tannins to back up the barrel flavors. It fades gently into the finish, leaving behind that lovely chocolate and a trail of dark fruits.	The Whipping Boy	93	25	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Southard	null	null	null
France	This is a rich and round wine, full in the mouth with a youthful palate. There is a ripe, creamy texture full of apple and orange flavors that are balanced with an edgy, steely character. This promises good aging so drink until 2022.	Heissenberg	92	45	Alsace	Alsace	null	Riesling	Domaine Ostertag	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Domaine Ostertag 2010 Heissenberg Riesling (Alsace)
France	Big and structured, this wine is currently dominated by tannins, but it shows a hint of its intense fruit and potential. The red and black fruits are rich and ripe, and they promise future balance. Age this for at least 7–8 years.	Domaine du Clos Frantin	93	null	Burgundy	Clos de Vougeot	null	Pinot Noir	Albert Bichot	null	null	null
Portugal	Classic tannic Dão Touriga Nacional, packed with minerality, dark and dry tannins, firm and with a good juicy final character. Part of a range of wines from across the country under the name Azul Portugal.	Azul Portugal	90	10	Dão	null	null	Portuguese Red	Wines & Winemakers	null	null	null
France	With three years aging in bottle before release, this is rich and full on the palate. Hints of toast show how well it is developing to give a ripe, complex wine that could still age further. To experience it at its best, drink from 2017.	Louise B. Cuvée Prestige Brut	91	58	Champagne	Champagne	null	Champagne Blend	Goutorbe-Bouillot	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Goutorbe-Bouillot NV Louise B. Cuvée Prestige Brut (Champagne)
France	Earthy, soft and ripe, this wine shows the richness of the vintage. It is full of red plum and red jelly flavors, and the tannins are dusty in the background. The acidity holds it all together, and the finish is juicy and fruity.	null	88	42	Burgundy	Volnay	null	Pinot Noir	Jaffelin	null	null	null
US	Rich in fruit and oak, but balanced with crisp acidity. It's strongly flavored, brimming with pineapple jam, white peach, apricot, buttered toast and vanilla. Gets the Chardonnay job done with some elegance.	null	87	30	California	Sonoma County	Sonoma	Chardonnay	Arrowood	null	null	Arrowood 2007 Chardonnay (Sonoma County)
France	This is a cleanly made rosé from Cabernet, with a caramel flavor that falls alongside attractive red-berry flavors.	Le	83	12	Southwest France	Côtes du Tarn	null	Rosé	Domaine D'en Ségur	null	null	null
Portugal	A mature wine, this is both fruity and nicely wood-aged. It has ripe dried fruits, apricot as well as raisins, giving freshness and old gold acidity. The fine balance works well.	10-Year-Old Tawny	89	34	Port	null	null	Port	Smith Woodhouse	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Smith Woodhouse NV 10-Year-Old Tawny (Port)
Spain	A whiff of red-apple skins, red plum and spice make for a reasonably clean and fresh nose. This feels plump but still vital. Pithy flavors of citrus and cantaloupe turn more pithy on the finish.	null	85	7	Central Spain	La Mancha	null	Rosé	Despierta	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Despierta 2014 Rosé (La Mancha)
US	The Cabernet is the best of the Girly Girl wines. This herbal, honest and no-frills Cabernet would be perfectly fine served alongside a grilled flank steak.	null	87	17	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Girly Girl	null	null	null
US	A sensational value, the grapes come from top vineyards that generally command high prices. Tobacco and cherry scents roll smoothly into a rich, dense palate loaded with kirsch, crème de cassis and framboise flavors. The fruit is concentrated, sappy and deep.	Four Vineyards	91	18	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Merlot	Arbor Crest	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Arbor Crest 2012 Four Vineyards Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	A little watery, but nicely dry and quite tart, which gets those tastebuds watering. Shows flavors of lemons and limes, with a hint of pear.	null	84	8	California	California	California Other	Pinot Grigio	Red Rover	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of mature yellow apple and a whiff of chamomile flower lead the nose. The aromas carry over to the extremely ripe palate along with a hint of acacia and a marked note of bitter almond.	null	85	null	Veneto	Soave	null	Garganega	Marcello Turra	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Marcello Turra 2015 Soave
US	Rounded aromas of melon and salty peaches rise to the nose on this wine from the Monterey County appellation just south of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The palate is driven by citrus, grass and a rather extreme sense of sea salt, enhanced with mouth-watering acidity and a nectarine flesh finish. It's tasty though varietally uncommon.	Thérèse Vineyards Griva Vineyard	88	25	California	Arroyo Seco	Central Coast	Sauvignon Blanc	Martin Ranch	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Martin Ranch 2012 Thérèse Vineyards Griva Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Arroyo Seco)
Australia	Well done Shiraz, carefully made and judiciously oaked, with vanilla and cedar accenting blackberry, plum and black olive flavors. It's moderately tannic on the finish, where it adds some coffee-like nuances as well. Drink 2010–2018.	null	90	35	Victoria	Heathcote	null	Shiraz	Taltarni	null	null	null
Italy	Amandorlato is a brawny, powerful red dessert wine with vinous aromas of grape, raisin, dried blackberry, prune and plum. The wine is aged in large oak cask to impart some aromas of spice and smoke and the tannins are firmly astringent on the close.	Amandorlato 500 ml	87	55	Veneto	Recioto della Valpolicella Classico	null	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Corteforte	null	null	null
France	Living up to its name, this wine comes in a bottle shaped like an ancient amphora. Its fruit is more modern, clean and fresh with just a hint of aromatic spices and orange zest. The aftertaste has a touch of vanilla.	null	85	null	Provence	Côtes de Provence	null	Rosé	L'Amphore de Provence	Roger Voss	@vossroger	L'Amphore de Provence 2012 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)
France	An impressively structured wine, this great blend of Négrette, Syrah and Malbec shows intense tannins underlying powerful juicy black fruit flavors. Aromatic, spicy and driven by its dry texture, it should age for several years.	Le Bouissel	90	20	Southwest France	Fronton	null	Red Blend	Château Bouissel	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Château Bouissel 2008 Le Bouissel Red (Fronton)
France	Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a caramel-dominated rosé, the red berry fruit some way behind. It is fresh, with some attractive acidity. Screwcap.	null	84	null	Southwest France	Côtes de Gascogne	null	Rosé	Haut Marin	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Haut Marin 2010 Rosé (Côtes de Gascogne)
Chile	A bit aggressive and hot at first, and then mossy and earthy. The palate delivers weight and forceful acidity, while the berry flavors are robust but grating and weighed down by a lot of warm, woody overtones. Like a bucking mule; at $28 it seeks to be more than it is.	Altum Single Vineyard	83	28	Maipo Valley	null	null	Merlot	TerraMater	null	null	null
Italy	Aromas of scorched earth, prune and dark cooking spice lead the nose while the mature palate shows raisin, dried berry, leather and a hint of anise. Smooth but fleeting tannins indicate this has seen better days. Drink now.	Riserva	87	14	Tuscany	Chianti Classico	null	Red Blend	Villa Montignana	null	null	null
Chile	Cherry and berry aromas are direct and vivid, with a slight touch of spice. There's energy to the palate, which is slightly jammy and creamy. Ripe plum and cherry flavors show mild oak notes, while the finish is bright, bold and deals some chocolaty oak.	Coastal Cool Climate Estate Bottled	90	19	Casablanca Valley	null	null	Pinot Noir	Lomas del Valle	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Lomas del Valle 2014 Coastal Cool Climate Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley)
South Africa	Opulent, lush and round in style, this leads with ripe aromas of apricot, yellow apple and mange, laced with hints of clementine oil, marzipan and toasted baking spice. The palate is full and creamy, but balanced by ample acidity, lifting the texture from an overly flabby impression. Flavors of woody spice and peach pit dance on the lingering finish. Drink now–2017.	Nine Yards	91	50	Stellenbosch	null	null	Chardonnay	Jardin	null	null	null
Australia	A “layered” blend of five different varieties, this starts off a bit floral and lemony, then develops some earthier notes to go along with the modest citrus flavors. Finishes short. Sémillon (37%), Muscat (20.5%), Gewürztraminer (19.5%), Pinot Gris (19%) and Chardonnay (4%).	Layers	84	17	South Australia	Adelaide	null	White Blend	Peter Lehmann	null	null	null
US	Very tart, almost sour, this high-acid wine just might be a good match for fresh oysters, but on its own it is slightly bitter and barely ripe.	Estate	84	16	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Gris	Tyee Wine Cellars	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Tyee Wine Cellars 2008 Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)
US	Ripe in style, this offers aromas of blueberry pie and spice that lead to rich, full-bodied blue- and black-fruit flavors. There's quite a bit of warmth but the wine's appeal is hard to ignore.	Cockburn Ranch Vineyard	89	26	Washington	Walla Walla Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Syrah	College Cellars	Sean P. Sullivan	@wawinereport	College Cellars 2013 Cockburn Ranch Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
US	Here's a delicious Cabernet for drinking now, although it may gain a note or two with a few years in the cellar. It's dry and full-bodied, with flavors of black currants, cassis, anise, dark chocolate and smoky oak.	Twenty Bench	88	22	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Nine North Wine Company	null	null	Nine North Wine Company 2012 Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Italy	Made entirely with Sangiovese, this offers aromas of blue flowers and wild berries. The firm palate delivers black cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and clove while a note of orange zest lifts up the finish. Firm, fine-grained tannins deftly support the juicy flavors. Drink 2016–2020.	Perlato del Bosco	93	30	Tuscany	Toscana	null	Sangiovese	Tua Rita	null	null	null
Italy	Made with Nero d'Avola and other grapes, all bush-trained, this opens with subdued aromas of dark berry and toast. The dense palate offers dried blackberry, oak-driven spice and a chocolate note alongside firm tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the fruit flavors.	Doppiozeta	88	50	Sicily & Sardinia	Noto	null	Red Blend	Zisola	Kerin O’Keefe	@kerinokeefe	Zisola 2011 Doppiozeta Red (Noto)
US	This blend of all five Bordeaux varieties hails from a smaller, high elevation appellation bridging Sonoma County and Napa Valley. It's jammy and spicy in red fruit, berry and cocoa flavors. Drink now.	Alluvium	88	30	California	Knights Valley	Sonoma	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Beringer	null	null	Beringer 2007 Alluvium Red (Knights Valley)
US	This smells sugary, floral and herbaceous, then the flavors become more crisp and zesty like lemon and green apple. While the wine seems to start sweet, it finishes very dry and tangy, and should stand up well to rich salads, cheeses and seafood.	null	86	17	California	Lake County	Mendocino/Lake Counties	Sauvignon Blanc	Two Angels	null	null	null
US	Primary, concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors pierce through the core of this rich, fruity Pinot. Subtle oak aging lends delicate vanilla, spice and nut tones, but it's an elegant, finely structured wine with crisp acidity and fine, persistent tannins. Drinks well now but should improve through 2021.	Shared Table Farm	91	50	New York	North Fork of Long Island	Long Island	Pinot Noir	Anthony Nappa	Anna Lee C. Iijima	null	Anthony Nappa 2014 Shared Table Farm Pinot Noir (North Fork of Long Island)
US	Dry and tart, with strong gooseberry flavors that may be too strong for some people. The feline spray taste is fortunately enriched with limes and pears. Drink now.	null	85	26	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Stag's Leap Wine Cellars	null	null	null
US	From the 1,400-elevation Van der Kamp Vineyard, this wine conveys roses and black tea, along with a woodsy, truffle-like character. While powerfully round and soft, it offers elegance in abundance, alongside a swatch of fresh-dug earth and a thick finish of forest floor. Drink now through 2022.	Ysabel	93	116	California	Sonoma Mountain	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Hyde de Villaine	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Hyde de Villaine 2012 Ysabel Pinot Noir (Sonoma Mountain)
US	Io has a really good track record with this Syrah, which is grown in Paso Robles. The '06 is intricately structured, a dry wine with complex flavors of blackberries, currants, dates, mocha, leather, grilled meat, pepper and vanilla. Hard to resist drinking it now, but it should evolve in interesting ways over the next six years.	Ryan Road Vineyard	92	48	California	San Luis Obispo County	Central Coast	Syrah	Io	null	null	null
US	Well made in a lighter style, this offers strawberry and raspberry fruit, tart acids, and a tight, somewhat tannic exit. This winery has dramatically reduced the alcohol levels of their wines over the past few years—by what means we do not know—but the 13.1% listed here feels a little thin.	Hawks View Vineyard	86	60	Oregon	Chehalem Mountains	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Torii Mor	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Torii Mor 2008 Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)
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)
US	A nice debut from this new label under the Tendril umbrella. Intense in color and deep in flavor, this pure varietal rosé pushes forward raspberry and cherry fruit with plenty of juicy pizzazz. The back end revs up with a burst of citrus rind.	Rosé of	90	28	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Child's Play	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Child's Play 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
US	Soft, simple and a little vegetal, with a green, asparagus taste alongside the blackberries. A decent party wine where no one really cares, as long as the wine is red.	null	82	8	California	California	California Other	Zinfandel	Redtree	null	null	null
US	An interesting white wine, with crisp acidity and dry flavors of apricots, tangerines, peaches, lemons, limes and white flowers. If you can't tell what variety it is, that's because it's a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier.	Champ des Fleurs	87	26	California	Napa Valley	Napa	White Blend	Venge	null	null	Venge 2009 Champ des Fleurs White (Napa Valley)
Chile	Rooty smelling, with cola, ripe berry, herb and mild field-like scents. The palate is more tight and tannic than many varietal Carmenères, with dark, roasted flavors of berry fruit, coffee and pepper. Clacky and alive on the finish, with lasting smokiness.	Single Vineyard	87	18	Maule Valley	null	null	Carmenère	Oveja Negra	null	null	null
US	A Merlot-based blend with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this offers forward aromas of dark cherry, blueberry compote and blackberry, which are offset by notes of pastry spice, char and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, it offers ripe, integrated tannins and lush acids that lend the palate a velvety texture.	Estate Reserve Josie's Knoll	88	25	Virginia	Monticello	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Lovingston	null	null	Lovingston 2009 Estate Reserve Josie's Knoll Red (Monticello)
Italy	When Donatella Colombini left the family estate of Fattoria dei Barbi, she set up her own production network at Fattoria del Casato. Here she has made an elegant 1997 Brunello, brimming with black tar and cherries, and balanced ripe, sweet tannins and acidity. While it is not powerful, it is smooth, ripe and seductive.	null	91	38	Tuscany	Brunello di Montalcino	null	Sangiovese	Donatella Cinelli Colombini	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Donatella Cinelli Colombini 1997 Brunello di Montalcino
US	Forward fruit and oak flavors mark this clean, swift Chardonnay. The palate boasts apricot, papaya and buttered toast flavors, balanced with crisp acidity.	null	85	20	California	Carneros	Napa-Sonoma	Chardonnay	Artesa	null	null	Artesa 2012 Chardonnay (Carneros)
France	This perfumed wine is tough on the palate. It has a firm, dry core, surrounded by red-currant-driven acidity. The finish is out of balance.	null	83	10	Bordeaux	Bordeaux	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château le Bergey	null	null	null
US	Mazzocco's Zins are dependably superripe and high in alcohol. This '07 is a big, strong wine, offering flavors of blackberry and blueberry jam, spread onto buttered white toast and sprinkled with anisette. It's delicious and heady.	West Dry Creek	88	32	California	Dry Creek Valley	Sonoma	Zinfandel	Mazzocco	null	null	Mazzocco 2007 West Dry Creek Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
Italy	This Nebbiolo from Gattinara offers a firm and compact nose with aromas of wild cherries, cola and mesquite wood. The 2004 vintage shows harmony and balance with intense flavors of cherry and black fruit on the finish. The polished tannins keep the wine's texture firm and solid.	TreVigne	90	49	Piedmont	Gattinara	null	Nebbiolo	Travaglini	null	null	null
Israel	This inky garnet-colored wine offers a bouquet of blueberry and aniseed. It is well made, with ever-so-slightly chewy tannins and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, licorice and violet that culminate in an anise-laden finish.	D Oak Aged	91	23	Israel	null	null	Petite Sirah	Dalton	Mike DeSimone	@worldwineguys	Dalton 2014 D Oak Aged Petite Sirah (Israel)
US	Managing to be both brisk and rounded on the nose, this bottling by veteran Rick Longoria shows ripe nectarine, sea salt, white peach and lime rind aromas. The palate is quite flinty at first, then opens to light Meyer lemon juice, Gravenstin apple flesh, sea salt, white sesame, chive and jasmine flavors. Excellent now, but will drink excellently all the way through 2024.	Rita's Crown Vineyard	93	50	California	Sta. Rita Hills	Central Coast	Chardonnay	Longoria	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Longoria 2014 Rita's Crown Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
Chile	Earthy, heavy and herbal on the nose, with snappy fruit, grating tannins and intense but rustic flavors of plum, raspberry and oak-based butter. Mildly rich but also a bit rough, with vanilla on the finish.	Reserva	86	15	Maule Valley	null	null	Merlot-Cabernet	Portal Del Alto	null	null	null
US	Made in a popular style, this jammy wine has cherry, blackberry and spiced rum flavors that are ripe and pure, with a pleasantly tannic texture. Easy to like.	Vintner's Reserve	86	12	California	California	California Other	Zinfandel	Kendall-Jackson	null	null	null
US	The scent of oak is all over this wine, though it is from neutral, not new, American barrels. Still it seems to over-ride the thin fruit, which hints at cherry candy and little else. The barrels also kick in a bit of spice, but there just isn't much happening here. It's simple, clean, and overpriced!	null	83	28	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Barbera	Locati Cellars	null	null	null
Spain	Ripe berry, black cherry and leather aromas come together nicely in front of a creamy palate with just enough acid-tannin tension. Lightly herbal, spicy blackberry flavors are savory rather than dark and fruity. The wine tastes spicy and peppery on a finish that feels right.	Crianza	89	18	Northern Spain	Ribera del Duero	null	Tempranillo	Catania	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Catania 2014 Crianza (Ribera del Duero)
US	This is the kind of wine that negociant Don Sebastiani & Sons produces so well. For an everyday price, you get a pretty nice Cabernet, dry and spicy, with a good punch of berry fruit.	null	87	12	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Merlot	SKN	null	null	null
Germany	Rich and succulent, with pineapple and jasmine top notes and intense stone fruit in the mouth. There's no shortage of sweetness here but it's well framed by a vibrant acid structure that carries the fruit through to the medium finish. Really well done.	Erdener Treppchen Spätlese	87	26	Mosel	null	null	Riesling	Schmitges	null	null	null
Italy	This easy Montepulciano d'Abruzzo opens with ripe, jammy aromas of black cherry, blackberry pie and moist pipe tobacco. The wine is soft, slightly sweet and well structured on the close.	null	84	12	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Vino dei Fratelli	null	null	Vino dei Fratelli 2008 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
US	The winery pulled out all the stops on this Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, yet the wine is so tannic and sharp now. Shows massively extracted black currant and oak flavors that run deep and long in the finish. Who knows what this wine might do in 10–15 years, but it's a roll of the dice.	Paradiso	91	75	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	V. Sattui	null	null	V. Sattui 2009 Paradiso Red (Napa Valley)
Argentina	Dusty, jumbled aromas of prune, raisin, sugar beet and leather are disparate. Chunky and flabby in feel, this tastes of oak, tomato and stewed berries. A flat finish fails to bring it around.	Barda	83	30	Other	Patagonia	null	Pinot Noir	Bodega Chacra	Michael Schachner	@wineschach	Bodega Chacra 2016 Barda Pinot Noir (Patagonia)
Spain	Stony, minerally aromas of green apple and lemon are clean and focused. The palate follows that lead, showing minerally crispness along with firm but not cutting acidity. Apple, pear and peach flavors finish glassy and fresh.	Minius	88	18	Galicia	Monterrei	null	Godello	Valmiñor	null	null	null
Austria	From Nikolaihof's reserve library collection, this is living, vivid proof of the aging ability of Grüner Veltliner. The wine is still fresh, a lively line of acidity giving bite and shape to flavors of fresh almonds, dried fruits and a rounded final caramel taste. This is a wine to savor, to sip and relish.	Vinothek	94	208	Wachau	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Nikolaihof	null	null	null
US	A medium-full wine with an oily roundness broken by spice and citrusy acids. Flavors of lemon and citrus pith are tart and dry, but lychee, mineral and petrol round them out, matching the nose. Finishes with a tart orange aftertaste.	Ingle Vineyard	88	25	New York	Finger Lakes	Finger Lakes	Johannisberg Riesling	Heron Hill	null	null	null
US	An average, everyday Cab, dense and soft, made in the style of ripe fruit and lots of oak. Tasted twice, with considerable bottle variation.	Oakville Terraces	86	70	California	Oakville	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	De Sante	null	null	null
Chile	At 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet, this signature blend from La Rosa exhibits touches of green on the nose but mostly deep black fruit. The palate runs thick and sticky courtesy of extract and tannin, however, the flavors of plum, chocolate and bacon are satisfying. Quite a big, meaty red. Powerful if a bit clumsy.	Don Reca Limited Release	87	20	Cachapoal Valley	null	null	Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon	Viña La Rosa	null	null	null
US	Racy, zesty aromas of honey and squeezed orange form the nose of this still-tight wine, a blend of 62% Grenache Blanc and 38% Rousanne from a vineyard at the mouth of the Arroyo Seco appellation. The crisp palate offers pear and apple cider flavors with a finish of honeydew melon. A perfect pairing for halibut and shellfish.	Le Cigare Blanc Beeswax Vineyard	88	26	California	Arroyo Seco	Central Coast	Rhône-style White Blend	Bonny Doon	Matt Kettmann	@mattkettmann	Bonny Doon 2011 Le Cigare Blanc Beeswax Vineyard White (Arroyo Seco)
Austria	A subtle mix of pear and pepper plays on the nose. A seam of clean, fresh acidity leads to a concentrated, peppery palate where zestiness reigns, made more interesting by the aromatic pungence of lovage and arugula.	Stein	90	20	Kamptal	null	null	Grüner Veltliner	Jurtschitsch	Anne Krebiehl MW	@AnneInVino	Jurtschitsch 2013 Stein Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal)
US	With a sizable presence on the nose and a palate evocative of black cherry, strawberry compote and orange peel, this wine speaks volumes in terms of texture and body. Its full-bodied concentration is supported by generous oak. Despite all that power, the tannins remain demure and relatively well behaved.	Year of the Horse Single Vineyard Reserve	93	90	California	Russian River Valley	Sonoma	Pinot Noir	Donum	Virginie Boone	@vboone	Donum 2014 Year of the Horse Single Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Germany	Shows good varietal character in a somewhat sweet format. It starts off slightly musky and gingery on the nose, then adds lychee fruit flavors. For its sweetness, it's not particularly richly textured or weighty, making it a possibility as an apéritif.	Neipperger Schlossberg Auslese	88	48	Württemberg	null	null	Traminer	Grafen Neipperg	null	null	null
US	This is a bright mix of brambly berry, peppery herb, pine sap and tree bark. It definitely falls into the herbal/forest style of Oregon Pinot, with tart, spicy fruit in the background.	Hyland	88	50	Oregon	McMinnville	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Soléna	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Soléna 2013 Hyland Pinot Noir (McMinnville)
US	This splendid effort is sourced from the Durant Vineyard, and aged in neutral French oak for seven months prior to bottling. Spicy and dense, it's a lively blend of lime, apple, apricot and pear fruits. A trickle of juicy acidity pulls the flavors through into a finish with streaks of vanilla and clove. The 20-year-old vines provide the complexity and detail that will reward another decade of aging. Drink now through 2025.	Chassé	94	29	Oregon	Dundee Hills	Willamette Valley	Chardonnay	DanCin	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	DanCin 2013 Chassé Chardonnay (Dundee Hills)
France	91–93. Barrel sample. A finely tannic wine, this is the second vintage release since Château Haut-Brion's owner took over and renamed the estate. The wine is darkly textured, very firm and concentrated with great Merlot character. The finish reveals delicious blackberry flavors.	Barrel Sample	92	null	Bordeaux	Saint-Émilion	null	Bordeaux-style Red Blend	Château Quintus	null	null	null
Italy	This is a lovely wine made from the Montepulciano grape that opens with inky dark concentration and bold notes of black fruit, prune and exotic spice. In the mouth, it shows a rich, soft texture with chocolate fudge on the finish.	Terre dei Vestini San Zopito	90	34	Central Italy	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	null	Montepulciano	Torre Raone	null	null	Torre Raone 2007 Terre dei Vestini San Zopito (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)
Austria	Fresh, fruity and juicy, this is a bright expression of Zweigelt. It is packed with red cherry and currant flavors, lively balanced acidity and a delicious warm finish. Screwcap.	null	87	20	Burgenland	null	null	Zweigelt	Judith Beck	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Judith Beck 2008 Zweigelt (Burgenland)
US	Lots of berry, currant, cocoa and bacon flavors in this wine, and also plenty of tannins. Good, but turns soft, hot and a little jammy-candied toward the finish.	Reserve	84	30	California	El Dorado	Sierra Foothills	Petite Sirah	Lava Cap	null	null	null
France	The wine is ripe and soft, with a style that is more towards tropical fruits. So apricots, ripe pears are cut with crisp acidity. The wine is tangy at the end with orange zest flavors. Drink from 2017.	La Reine Blanche	88	24	Loire Valley	Sancerre	null	Sauvignon Blanc	Jean Reverdy et Fils	Roger Voss	@vossroger	Jean Reverdy et Fils 2015 La Reine Blanche (Sancerre)
US	Passes muster for its tropical fruit and vanilla cream flavors. Turns a little cloying and sweet on the finish, though.	Ruth's Vineyard	83	21	California	Lodi	Central Valley	Chardonnay	Cantara	null	null	null
US	Softly tannic, sexy and delicious, with waves of berry-cherry pie filling and mocha for richness, and drier, tarter notes of currants, leather, rhubarb and pomegranates, accentuated with smoky wood. A blend of Grenache and Syrah, it's sophisticated and nuanced. Try as an interesting, more food-friendly alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.	The Brat	94	36	California	Sierra Foothills	Sierra Foothills	Rhône-style Red Blend	Prospect 772	null	null	null
US	Pretty and plump, this is bursting with ripe cherry fruit. Highlights include a dusting of cocoa powder, and the wine sits perky on the palate with fine-grained tannins and ample acidity.	Prelude	91	23	Oregon	Willamette Valley	Willamette Valley	Pinot Noir	Andrew Rich	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Andrew Rich 2013 Prelude Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
US	Front-loaded with lemon, lime, grapefruit, gooseberry and honeysuckle flavors, this friendly Sauv Blanc is basically dry. It turns racy with acidity toward the finish. A nice, versatile white wine for drinking anytime.	null	85	19	California	Rutherford	Napa	Sauvignon Blanc	Sawyer	null	null	null
Australia	I've come to like Katnook's wines quite a lot, but this one is a disappointment. Though the wine has cool cherry fruit and black pepper aromas, it feels tired and weak on the palate. The berry fruit starts showing through on the finish, but its cameo appearance just isn't enough. Imported by Freixenet USA.	null	85	22	South Australia	Coonawarra	null	Shiraz	Katnook Estate	null	null	null
Italy	Here's an elegant Barolo that shows slightly aged notes of candied fruit, leather, light spice and dried pipe tobacco. The mouthfeel is finely textured and dense with a long, solid quality of tannins.	Vigneto Gattera	92	50	Piedmont	Barolo	null	Nebbiolo	Mauro Veglio	null	null	null
US	If anyone can perfectly evoke the ripe style of California Cabernet along with the structure of Washington state fruit, it's Peter Rosback of Sineann – conveniently located in Oregon. Why this iconoclastic winemaker does not just move to Washington is hard to figure; he obviously loves the grapes and knows exactly what to do with them. This Cabernet Sauvignon, from a relatively young block at the Champoux vineyard, has some heat and chewy tannins. But it should age well, and the tightly wound herb and tobacco and stone flavors that are now constrained will ultimately come out.	Baby Poux Vineyard	90	42	Washington	Columbia Valley (WA)	Columbia Valley	Cabernet Sauvignon	Sineann	Paul Gregutt	@paulgwine	Sineann 2005 Baby Poux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
US	Distinctly Californian in the hugeness of the ripe fruit, just massive in blackberries and black cherries, liberally oaked and soft. Not particularly subtle at this time, but could do interesting things in the cellar. No guarantees.	null	88	60	California	Napa Valley	Napa	Cabernet Sauvignon	Highlands	null	null	Highlands 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
US	Good raspberry, cola, vanilla, sweet oak and spice flavors in this silky Pinot Noir. It's a little off in texture, though, with overly aggressive acidity. But it's a pretty nice Pinot.	Swiss Clones 2A	87	48	California	Santa Maria Valley	Central Coast	Pinot Noir	2nd Chance	null	null	null

US

This is an astounding wine for the price, a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. Sinewy, it's taut in currant, clove and tobacco alongside generous structured tannin. The blackberry takes on a rich depth of chocolate mocha on the lengthy memorable finish.

G

94

50

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Guarachi Family

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Guarachi Family 2014 G Red (Napa Valley)

US

The latest vintage of this white Pinot Noir is a pretty straw color, lacking the rich rose hue of the 2013, but the flavors remain robust and compelling. You'll find plenty of mixed tree fruits, along with suggestions of grass, herb, cracker and toast, with a youthfully yeasty aftertaste.

Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc

90

25

Oregon

Willamette Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Ghost Hill

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Ghost Hill 2014 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc Pinot Noir

France

This can be a somewhat edgy wine, but the warmth of 2009 has softened it, imparting a rich, velvety texture and flavors of dried cherries, leather, cinnamon and clove. The long finish features a chocolaty note. Drink now–2025.

Les Christins

91

31

Rhône Valley

Vacqueyras

null

Rhône-style Red Blend

Perrin & Fils

null

US

Rich in well-ripened fruit flavors and with a sweet coat of smoky oak and vanilla, this Chard also has a structural integrity based on crispness and vitality. It's not a soft, creamy Chard, but a firm one, with exotic fruit.

Reserve

89

20

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Frei Brothers

null

Italy

There's a hint of strawberry at the start that soon segues to savory aromas of cured meat and spice. The ripeness translates to the mouth where there's a touch of cherry. Age for five more years.

null

90

50

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Giacomo Fenocchio

null

Chile

Dusty oily aromas of citrus peel, almond and yeasty white fruits come with a hint of oak. This Chardonnay feels solid and balanced, but regular. A mix of oak spice, vanilla and briny peach flavors do a slow soft fade on the finish.

Classic Series

86

13

Curicó Valley

null

Chardonnay

Montes

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Montes 2015 Classic Series Chardonnay (Curicó Valley)

Italy

The Rizzi family of Barbaresco does amazing work with its specific vineyard crus. One of its best sites is the Fondetta vineyard, although this vintage seems more nervous and raw than in past years. Clover, spice and green capers are some of the more interesting aromatic characteristics of this wine. You'll also get bright fruit and lemon zest on the close.

Nervo Fondetta

89

49

Piedmont

Barbaresco

null

Nebbiolo

Rizzi

null

Rizzi 2007 Nervo Fondetta (Barbaresco)

Canada

This off-dry Riesling has a nose of flowers and warming spices, followed by slightly sweet and spicy fruit (apples, pears, vanilla) flavors. The wine is simple but appealing.

Reserve Off-Dry

82

16

Ontario

Short Hills Bench

null

Riesling

Henry of Pelham

Susan Kostrzewa

@suskostrzewa

Henry of Pelham 2007 Reserve Off-Dry Riesling (Short Hills Bench)

France

A closed nose gives little away of the conifer and pine notes that seem to spice this wine. It has aromas of oak and some cinnamon but fruit never makes it to the fore.

Tradition

86

19

Alsace

null

Pinot Noir

Domaine Fernand Engel

null

US

This is a dry wine, yet the flavors of raspberries and cherries are sweet tasting. It has a delicate, silky mouthfeel, and the tart acids add plenty of cut. Pair this with grilled, broiled or pan-fried steak, served with mushrooms.

null

92

42

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

La Rochelle

null

Italy

This is a clear, bright and tonic white wine from the deep south of Italy, showing aromas of honeysuckle, pineapple and pear. The fruit used for this easygoing white is farmed organically.

Daunia

87

17

Southern Italy

Puglia

null

Falanghina

Antica Enotria

null

Antica Enotria 2011 Daunia Falanghina (Puglia)

US

At 2.3% residual sugar, this is nicely balanced between sweet and dry. The fruit links peach, apricot and pear with a honey in tea streak that carries into the finish.

null

86

10

Washington

Washington Other

Riesling

Washington Hills

null

US

Soft and simple and as sweet as something you'd pour over ice cream. The flavors are terrifically ripe—cherries, raspberries, dates, vanilla fudge, butterscotch. And look at that alcohol, 16.6%!

null

82

20

California

Paso Robles

Central Coast

Zinfandel

Christian Lazo

null

US

A beautifully clean, crisply dry wine that offers plenty of minerals, but doesn't stint on the fruit. With citrus, peach, tart green apple, gardenia and gooseberry flavors, it's super-drinkable with a wide variety of foods. This unoaked blend consists of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Cuvée Natalie

88

28

California

Santa Ynez Valley

Central Coast

White Blend

Brander

null

US

Valley of the Moon hasn't raised the price on this Bordeaux blend for years, which makes it a value for the complexity you get. This isn't one of those soft, mushy wines that's all flavor and no structure. Acids and tannins provide the architecture for polished blackberry, black olive and smoky oak flavors that are so appealing.

Cuvée de la Luna

92

30

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Valley of the Moon

null

Valley of the Moon 2004 Cuvée de la Luna Red (Sonoma County)

Spain

A forward wine with earthy aromas, leather and a hint of Navarra's herbal essence. The palate is full-bodied and complete, with balanced weight and tannic structure. Flavors of dark berry and black plum are deep and mildly roasted, while the finish is meaty and chocolaty. Chivite Colección 125 is often Navarra's best red wine, and that appears to be the case in 2004.

Colección 125 Reserva

91

45

Northern Spain

Navarra

null

Tempranillo Blend

Bodegas Julián Chivite

null

US

A very seductive nose with both power and flower in full array. The floral components are unusual and show exceptional winemaking talent. Very chocolaty, smooth, with the purity of cassis fruit and the power of fully ripe tannins to back up the barrel flavors. It fades gently into the finish, leaving behind that lovely chocolate and a trail of dark fruits.

The Whipping Boy

93

25

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Southard

null

France

This is a rich and round wine, full in the mouth with a youthful palate. There is a ripe, creamy texture full of apple and orange flavors that are balanced with an edgy, steely character. This promises good aging so drink until 2022.

Heissenberg

92

45

Alsace

null

Riesling

Domaine Ostertag

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Domaine Ostertag 2010 Heissenberg Riesling (Alsace)

France

Big and structured, this wine is currently dominated by tannins, but it shows a hint of its intense fruit and potential. The red and black fruits are rich and ripe, and they promise future balance. Age this for at least 7–8 years.

Domaine du Clos Frantin

93

null

Burgundy

Clos de Vougeot

null

Pinot Noir

Albert Bichot

null

Portugal

Classic tannic Dão Touriga Nacional, packed with minerality, dark and dry tannins, firm and with a good juicy final character. Part of a range of wines from across the country under the name Azul Portugal.

Azul Portugal

90

10

Dão

null

Portuguese Red

Wines & Winemakers

null

France

With three years aging in bottle before release, this is rich and full on the palate. Hints of toast show how well it is developing to give a ripe, complex wine that could still age further. To experience it at its best, drink from 2017.

Louise B. Cuvée Prestige Brut

91

58

Champagne

null

Champagne Blend

Goutorbe-Bouillot

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Goutorbe-Bouillot NV Louise B. Cuvée Prestige Brut (Champagne)

France

Earthy, soft and ripe, this wine shows the richness of the vintage. It is full of red plum and red jelly flavors, and the tannins are dusty in the background. The acidity holds it all together, and the finish is juicy and fruity.

null

88

42

Burgundy

Volnay

null

Pinot Noir

Jaffelin

null

US

Rich in fruit and oak, but balanced with crisp acidity. It's strongly flavored, brimming with pineapple jam, white peach, apricot, buttered toast and vanilla. Gets the Chardonnay job done with some elegance.

null

87

30

California

Sonoma County

Sonoma

Chardonnay

Arrowood

null

Arrowood 2007 Chardonnay (Sonoma County)

France

This is a cleanly made rosé from Cabernet, with a caramel flavor that falls alongside attractive red-berry flavors.

Le

83

12

Southwest France

Côtes du Tarn

null

Rosé

Domaine D'en Ségur

null

Portugal

A mature wine, this is both fruity and nicely wood-aged. It has ripe dried fruits, apricot as well as raisins, giving freshness and old gold acidity. The fine balance works well.

10-Year-Old Tawny

89

34

Port

null

Port

Smith Woodhouse

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Smith Woodhouse NV 10-Year-Old Tawny (Port)

Spain

A whiff of red-apple skins, red plum and spice make for a reasonably clean and fresh nose. This feels plump but still vital. Pithy flavors of citrus and cantaloupe turn more pithy on the finish.

null

85

7

Central Spain

La Mancha

null

Rosé

Despierta

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Despierta 2014 Rosé (La Mancha)

US

The Cabernet is the best of the Girly Girl wines. This herbal, honest and no-frills Cabernet would be perfectly fine served alongside a grilled flank steak.

null

87

17

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Girly Girl

null

US

A sensational value, the grapes come from top vineyards that generally command high prices. Tobacco and cherry scents roll smoothly into a rich, dense palate loaded with kirsch, crème de cassis and framboise flavors. The fruit is concentrated, sappy and deep.

Four Vineyards

91

18

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Merlot

Arbor Crest

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Arbor Crest 2012 Four Vineyards Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

A little watery, but nicely dry and quite tart, which gets those tastebuds watering. Shows flavors of lemons and limes, with a hint of pear.

null

84

8

California

California Other

Pinot Grigio

Red Rover

null

Italy

Aromas of mature yellow apple and a whiff of chamomile flower lead the nose. The aromas carry over to the extremely ripe palate along with a hint of acacia and a marked note of bitter almond.

null

85

null

Veneto

Soave

null

Garganega

Marcello Turra

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Marcello Turra 2015 Soave

US

Rounded aromas of melon and salty peaches rise to the nose on this wine from the Monterey County appellation just south of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The palate is driven by citrus, grass and a rather extreme sense of sea salt, enhanced with mouth-watering acidity and a nectarine flesh finish. It's tasty though varietally uncommon.

Thérèse Vineyards Griva Vineyard

88

25

California

Arroyo Seco

Central Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

Martin Ranch

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Martin Ranch 2012 Thérèse Vineyards Griva Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Arroyo Seco)

Australia

Well done Shiraz, carefully made and judiciously oaked, with vanilla and cedar accenting blackberry, plum and black olive flavors. It's moderately tannic on the finish, where it adds some coffee-like nuances as well. Drink 2010–2018.

null

90

35

Victoria

Heathcote

null

Shiraz

Taltarni

null

Italy

Amandorlato is a brawny, powerful red dessert wine with vinous aromas of grape, raisin, dried blackberry, prune and plum. The wine is aged in large oak cask to impart some aromas of spice and smoke and the tannins are firmly astringent on the close.

Amandorlato 500 ml

87

55

Veneto

Recioto della Valpolicella Classico

null

Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Corteforte

null

France

Living up to its name, this wine comes in a bottle shaped like an ancient amphora. Its fruit is more modern, clean and fresh with just a hint of aromatic spices and orange zest. The aftertaste has a touch of vanilla.

null

85

null

Provence

Côtes de Provence

null

Rosé

L'Amphore de Provence

Roger Voss

@vossroger

L'Amphore de Provence 2012 Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

France

An impressively structured wine, this great blend of Négrette, Syrah and Malbec shows intense tannins underlying powerful juicy black fruit flavors. Aromatic, spicy and driven by its dry texture, it should age for several years.

Le Bouissel

90

20

Southwest France

Fronton

null

Red Blend

Château Bouissel

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Château Bouissel 2008 Le Bouissel Red (Fronton)

France

Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a caramel-dominated rosé, the red berry fruit some way behind. It is fresh, with some attractive acidity. Screwcap.

null

84

null

Southwest France

Côtes de Gascogne

null

Rosé

Haut Marin

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Haut Marin 2010 Rosé (Côtes de Gascogne)

Chile

A bit aggressive and hot at first, and then mossy and earthy. The palate delivers weight and forceful acidity, while the berry flavors are robust but grating and weighed down by a lot of warm, woody overtones. Like a bucking mule; at $28 it seeks to be more than it is.

Altum Single Vineyard

83

28

Maipo Valley

null

Merlot

TerraMater

null

Italy

Aromas of scorched earth, prune and dark cooking spice lead the nose while the mature palate shows raisin, dried berry, leather and a hint of anise. Smooth but fleeting tannins indicate this has seen better days. Drink now.

Riserva

87

14

Tuscany

Chianti Classico

null

Red Blend

Villa Montignana

null

Chile

Cherry and berry aromas are direct and vivid, with a slight touch of spice. There's energy to the palate, which is slightly jammy and creamy. Ripe plum and cherry flavors show mild oak notes, while the finish is bright, bold and deals some chocolaty oak.

Coastal Cool Climate Estate Bottled

90

19

Casablanca Valley

null

Pinot Noir

Lomas del Valle

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Lomas del Valle 2014 Coastal Cool Climate Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley)

South Africa

Opulent, lush and round in style, this leads with ripe aromas of apricot, yellow apple and mange, laced with hints of clementine oil, marzipan and toasted baking spice. The palate is full and creamy, but balanced by ample acidity, lifting the texture from an overly flabby impression. Flavors of woody spice and peach pit dance on the lingering finish. Drink now–2017.

Nine Yards

91

50

Stellenbosch

null

Chardonnay

Jardin

null

Australia

A “layered” blend of five different varieties, this starts off a bit floral and lemony, then develops some earthier notes to go along with the modest citrus flavors. Finishes short. Sémillon (37%), Muscat (20.5%), Gewürztraminer (19.5%), Pinot Gris (19%) and Chardonnay (4%).

Layers

84

17

South Australia

Adelaide

null

White Blend

Peter Lehmann

null

US

Very tart, almost sour, this high-acid wine just might be a good match for fresh oysters, but on its own it is slightly bitter and barely ripe.

Estate

84

16

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Gris

Tyee Wine Cellars

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Tyee Wine Cellars 2008 Estate Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley)

US

Ripe in style, this offers aromas of blueberry pie and spice that lead to rich, full-bodied blue- and black-fruit flavors. There's quite a bit of warmth but the wine's appeal is hard to ignore.

Cockburn Ranch Vineyard

89

26

Washington

Walla Walla Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Syrah

College Cellars

Sean P. Sullivan

@wawinereport

College Cellars 2013 Cockburn Ranch Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

US

Here's a delicious Cabernet for drinking now, although it may gain a note or two with a few years in the cellar. It's dry and full-bodied, with flavors of black currants, cassis, anise, dark chocolate and smoky oak.

Twenty Bench

88

22

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Nine North Wine Company

null

Nine North Wine Company 2012 Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Italy

Made entirely with Sangiovese, this offers aromas of blue flowers and wild berries. The firm palate delivers black cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and clove while a note of orange zest lifts up the finish. Firm, fine-grained tannins deftly support the juicy flavors. Drink 2016–2020.

Perlato del Bosco

93

30

Tuscany

Toscana

null

Sangiovese

Tua Rita

null

Italy

Made with Nero d'Avola and other grapes, all bush-trained, this opens with subdued aromas of dark berry and toast. The dense palate offers dried blackberry, oak-driven spice and a chocolate note alongside firm tannins. Drink sooner rather than later to capture the fruit flavors.

Doppiozeta

88

50

Sicily & Sardinia

Noto

null

Red Blend

Zisola

Kerin O’Keefe

@kerinokeefe

Zisola 2011 Doppiozeta Red (Noto)

US

This blend of all five Bordeaux varieties hails from a smaller, high elevation appellation bridging Sonoma County and Napa Valley. It's jammy and spicy in red fruit, berry and cocoa flavors. Drink now.

Alluvium

88

30

California

Knights Valley

Sonoma

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Beringer

null

Beringer 2007 Alluvium Red (Knights Valley)

US

This smells sugary, floral and herbaceous, then the flavors become more crisp and zesty like lemon and green apple. While the wine seems to start sweet, it finishes very dry and tangy, and should stand up well to rich salads, cheeses and seafood.

null

86

17

California

Lake County

Mendocino/Lake Counties

Sauvignon Blanc

Two Angels

null

US

Primary, concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors pierce through the core of this rich, fruity Pinot. Subtle oak aging lends delicate vanilla, spice and nut tones, but it's an elegant, finely structured wine with crisp acidity and fine, persistent tannins. Drinks well now but should improve through 2021.

Shared Table Farm

91

50

New York

North Fork of Long Island

Long Island

Pinot Noir

Anthony Nappa

Anna Lee C. Iijima

null

Anthony Nappa 2014 Shared Table Farm Pinot Noir (North Fork of Long Island)

US

Dry and tart, with strong gooseberry flavors that may be too strong for some people. The feline spray taste is fortunately enriched with limes and pears. Drink now.

null

85

26

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

null

US

From the 1,400-elevation Van der Kamp Vineyard, this wine conveys roses and black tea, along with a woodsy, truffle-like character. While powerfully round and soft, it offers elegance in abundance, alongside a swatch of fresh-dug earth and a thick finish of forest floor. Drink now through 2022.

Ysabel

93

116

California

Sonoma Mountain

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Hyde de Villaine

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Hyde de Villaine 2012 Ysabel Pinot Noir (Sonoma Mountain)

US

Io has a really good track record with this Syrah, which is grown in Paso Robles. The '06 is intricately structured, a dry wine with complex flavors of blackberries, currants, dates, mocha, leather, grilled meat, pepper and vanilla. Hard to resist drinking it now, but it should evolve in interesting ways over the next six years.

Ryan Road Vineyard

92

48

California

San Luis Obispo County

Central Coast

Syrah

Io

null

US

Well made in a lighter style, this offers strawberry and raspberry fruit, tart acids, and a tight, somewhat tannic exit. This winery has dramatically reduced the alcohol levels of their wines over the past few years—by what means we do not know—but the 13.1% listed here feels a little thin.

Hawks View Vineyard

86

60

Oregon

Chehalem Mountains

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Torii Mor

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Torii Mor 2008 Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)

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)

US

A nice debut from this new label under the Tendril umbrella. Intense in color and deep in flavor, this pure varietal rosé pushes forward raspberry and cherry fruit with plenty of juicy pizzazz. The back end revs up with a burst of citrus rind.

Rosé of

90

28

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Child's Play

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Child's Play 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

US

Soft, simple and a little vegetal, with a green, asparagus taste alongside the blackberries. A decent party wine where no one really cares, as long as the wine is red.

null

82

8

California

California Other

Zinfandel

Redtree

null

US

An interesting white wine, with crisp acidity and dry flavors of apricots, tangerines, peaches, lemons, limes and white flowers. If you can't tell what variety it is, that's because it's a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier.

Champ des Fleurs

87

26

California

Napa Valley

Napa

White Blend

Venge

null

Venge 2009 Champ des Fleurs White (Napa Valley)

Chile

Rooty smelling, with cola, ripe berry, herb and mild field-like scents. The palate is more tight and tannic than many varietal Carmenères, with dark, roasted flavors of berry fruit, coffee and pepper. Clacky and alive on the finish, with lasting smokiness.

Single Vineyard

87

18

Maule Valley

null

Carmenère

Oveja Negra

null

US

A Merlot-based blend with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this offers forward aromas of dark cherry, blueberry compote and blackberry, which are offset by notes of pastry spice, char and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, it offers ripe, integrated tannins and lush acids that lend the palate a velvety texture.

Estate Reserve Josie's Knoll

88

25

Virginia

Monticello

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Lovingston

null

Lovingston 2009 Estate Reserve Josie's Knoll Red (Monticello)

Italy

When Donatella Colombini left the family estate of Fattoria dei Barbi, she set up her own production network at Fattoria del Casato. Here she has made an elegant 1997 Brunello, brimming with black tar and cherries, and balanced ripe, sweet tannins and acidity. While it is not powerful, it is smooth, ripe and seductive.

null

91

38

Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino

null

Sangiovese

Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Donatella Cinelli Colombini 1997 Brunello di Montalcino

US

Forward fruit and oak flavors mark this clean, swift Chardonnay. The palate boasts apricot, papaya and buttered toast flavors, balanced with crisp acidity.

null

85

20

California

Carneros

Napa-Sonoma

Chardonnay

Artesa

null

Artesa 2012 Chardonnay (Carneros)

France

This perfumed wine is tough on the palate. It has a firm, dry core, surrounded by red-currant-driven acidity. The finish is out of balance.

null

83

10

Bordeaux

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château le Bergey

null

US

Mazzocco's Zins are dependably superripe and high in alcohol. This '07 is a big, strong wine, offering flavors of blackberry and blueberry jam, spread onto buttered white toast and sprinkled with anisette. It's delicious and heady.

West Dry Creek

88

32

California

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma

Zinfandel

Mazzocco

null

Mazzocco 2007 West Dry Creek Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)

Italy

This Nebbiolo from Gattinara offers a firm and compact nose with aromas of wild cherries, cola and mesquite wood. The 2004 vintage shows harmony and balance with intense flavors of cherry and black fruit on the finish. The polished tannins keep the wine's texture firm and solid.

TreVigne

90

49

Piedmont

Gattinara

null

Nebbiolo

Travaglini

null

Israel

This inky garnet-colored wine offers a bouquet of blueberry and aniseed. It is well made, with ever-so-slightly chewy tannins and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, licorice and violet that culminate in an anise-laden finish.

D Oak Aged

91

23

Israel

null

Petite Sirah

Dalton

Mike DeSimone

@worldwineguys

Dalton 2014 D Oak Aged Petite Sirah (Israel)

US

Managing to be both brisk and rounded on the nose, this bottling by veteran Rick Longoria shows ripe nectarine, sea salt, white peach and lime rind aromas. The palate is quite flinty at first, then opens to light Meyer lemon juice, Gravenstin apple flesh, sea salt, white sesame, chive and jasmine flavors. Excellent now, but will drink excellently all the way through 2024.

Rita's Crown Vineyard

93

50

California

Sta. Rita Hills

Central Coast

Chardonnay

Longoria

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Longoria 2014 Rita's Crown Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)

Chile

Earthy, heavy and herbal on the nose, with snappy fruit, grating tannins and intense but rustic flavors of plum, raspberry and oak-based butter. Mildly rich but also a bit rough, with vanilla on the finish.

Reserva

86

15

Maule Valley

null

Merlot-Cabernet

Portal Del Alto

null

US

Made in a popular style, this jammy wine has cherry, blackberry and spiced rum flavors that are ripe and pure, with a pleasantly tannic texture. Easy to like.

Vintner's Reserve

86

12

California

California Other

Zinfandel

Kendall-Jackson

null

US

The scent of oak is all over this wine, though it is from neutral, not new, American barrels. Still it seems to over-ride the thin fruit, which hints at cherry candy and little else. The barrels also kick in a bit of spice, but there just isn't much happening here. It's simple, clean, and overpriced!

null

83

28

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Barbera

Locati Cellars

null

Spain

Ripe berry, black cherry and leather aromas come together nicely in front of a creamy palate with just enough acid-tannin tension. Lightly herbal, spicy blackberry flavors are savory rather than dark and fruity. The wine tastes spicy and peppery on a finish that feels right.

Crianza

89

18

Northern Spain

Ribera del Duero

null

Tempranillo

Catania

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Catania 2014 Crianza (Ribera del Duero)

US

This is the kind of wine that negociant Don Sebastiani & Sons produces so well. For an everyday price, you get a pretty nice Cabernet, dry and spicy, with a good punch of berry fruit.

null

87

12

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Merlot

SKN

null

Germany

Rich and succulent, with pineapple and jasmine top notes and intense stone fruit in the mouth. There's no shortage of sweetness here but it's well framed by a vibrant acid structure that carries the fruit through to the medium finish. Really well done.

Erdener Treppchen Spätlese

87

26

Mosel

null

Riesling

Schmitges

null

Italy

This easy Montepulciano d'Abruzzo opens with ripe, jammy aromas of black cherry, blackberry pie and moist pipe tobacco. The wine is soft, slightly sweet and well structured on the close.

null

84

12

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Vino dei Fratelli

null

Vino dei Fratelli 2008 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

US

The winery pulled out all the stops on this Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, yet the wine is so tannic and sharp now. Shows massively extracted black currant and oak flavors that run deep and long in the finish. Who knows what this wine might do in 10–15 years, but it's a roll of the dice.

Paradiso

91

75

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

V. Sattui

null

V. Sattui 2009 Paradiso Red (Napa Valley)

Argentina

Dusty, jumbled aromas of prune, raisin, sugar beet and leather are disparate. Chunky and flabby in feel, this tastes of oak, tomato and stewed berries. A flat finish fails to bring it around.

Barda

83

30

Other

Patagonia

null

Pinot Noir

Bodega Chacra

Michael Schachner

@wineschach

Bodega Chacra 2016 Barda Pinot Noir (Patagonia)

Spain

Stony, minerally aromas of green apple and lemon are clean and focused. The palate follows that lead, showing minerally crispness along with firm but not cutting acidity. Apple, pear and peach flavors finish glassy and fresh.

Minius

88

18

Galicia

Monterrei

null

Godello

Valmiñor

null

Austria

From Nikolaihof's reserve library collection, this is living, vivid proof of the aging ability of Grüner Veltliner. The wine is still fresh, a lively line of acidity giving bite and shape to flavors of fresh almonds, dried fruits and a rounded final caramel taste. This is a wine to savor, to sip and relish.

Vinothek

94

208

Wachau

null

Grüner Veltliner

Nikolaihof

null

US

A medium-full wine with an oily roundness broken by spice and citrusy acids. Flavors of lemon and citrus pith are tart and dry, but lychee, mineral and petrol round them out, matching the nose. Finishes with a tart orange aftertaste.

Ingle Vineyard

88

25

New York

Finger Lakes

Johannisberg Riesling

Heron Hill

null

US

An average, everyday Cab, dense and soft, made in the style of ripe fruit and lots of oak. Tasted twice, with considerable bottle variation.

Oakville Terraces

86

70

California

Oakville

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

De Sante

null

Chile

At 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet, this signature blend from La Rosa exhibits touches of green on the nose but mostly deep black fruit. The palate runs thick and sticky courtesy of extract and tannin, however, the flavors of plum, chocolate and bacon are satisfying. Quite a big, meaty red. Powerful if a bit clumsy.

Don Reca Limited Release

87

20

Cachapoal Valley

null

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon

Viña La Rosa

null

US

Racy, zesty aromas of honey and squeezed orange form the nose of this still-tight wine, a blend of 62% Grenache Blanc and 38% Rousanne from a vineyard at the mouth of the Arroyo Seco appellation. The crisp palate offers pear and apple cider flavors with a finish of honeydew melon. A perfect pairing for halibut and shellfish.

Le Cigare Blanc Beeswax Vineyard

88

26

California

Arroyo Seco

Central Coast

Rhône-style White Blend

Bonny Doon

Matt Kettmann

@mattkettmann

Bonny Doon 2011 Le Cigare Blanc Beeswax Vineyard White (Arroyo Seco)

Austria

A subtle mix of pear and pepper plays on the nose. A seam of clean, fresh acidity leads to a concentrated, peppery palate where zestiness reigns, made more interesting by the aromatic pungence of lovage and arugula.

Stein

90

20

Kamptal

null

Grüner Veltliner

Jurtschitsch

Anne Krebiehl MW

@AnneInVino

Jurtschitsch 2013 Stein Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal)

US

With a sizable presence on the nose and a palate evocative of black cherry, strawberry compote and orange peel, this wine speaks volumes in terms of texture and body. Its full-bodied concentration is supported by generous oak. Despite all that power, the tannins remain demure and relatively well behaved.

Year of the Horse Single Vineyard Reserve

93

90

California

Russian River Valley

Sonoma

Pinot Noir

Donum

Virginie Boone

@vboone

Donum 2014 Year of the Horse Single Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Germany

Shows good varietal character in a somewhat sweet format. It starts off slightly musky and gingery on the nose, then adds lychee fruit flavors. For its sweetness, it's not particularly richly textured or weighty, making it a possibility as an apéritif.

Neipperger Schlossberg Auslese

88

48

Württemberg

null

Traminer

Grafen Neipperg

null

US

This is a bright mix of brambly berry, peppery herb, pine sap and tree bark. It definitely falls into the herbal/forest style of Oregon Pinot, with tart, spicy fruit in the background.

Hyland

88

50

Oregon

McMinnville

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Soléna

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Soléna 2013 Hyland Pinot Noir (McMinnville)

US

This splendid effort is sourced from the Durant Vineyard, and aged in neutral French oak for seven months prior to bottling. Spicy and dense, it's a lively blend of lime, apple, apricot and pear fruits. A trickle of juicy acidity pulls the flavors through into a finish with streaks of vanilla and clove. The 20-year-old vines provide the complexity and detail that will reward another decade of aging. Drink now through 2025.

Chassé

94

29

Oregon

Dundee Hills

Willamette Valley

Chardonnay

DanCin

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

DanCin 2013 Chassé Chardonnay (Dundee Hills)

France

91–93. Barrel sample. A finely tannic wine, this is the second vintage release since Château Haut-Brion's owner took over and renamed the estate. The wine is darkly textured, very firm and concentrated with great Merlot character. The finish reveals delicious blackberry flavors.

Barrel Sample

92

null

Bordeaux

Saint-Émilion

null

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

Château Quintus

null

Italy

This is a lovely wine made from the Montepulciano grape that opens with inky dark concentration and bold notes of black fruit, prune and exotic spice. In the mouth, it shows a rich, soft texture with chocolate fudge on the finish.

Terre dei Vestini San Zopito

90

34

Central Italy

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

null

Montepulciano

Torre Raone

null

Torre Raone 2007 Terre dei Vestini San Zopito (Montepulciano d'Abruzzo)

Austria

Fresh, fruity and juicy, this is a bright expression of Zweigelt. It is packed with red cherry and currant flavors, lively balanced acidity and a delicious warm finish. Screwcap.

null

87

20

Burgenland

null

Zweigelt

Judith Beck

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Judith Beck 2008 Zweigelt (Burgenland)

US

Lots of berry, currant, cocoa and bacon flavors in this wine, and also plenty of tannins. Good, but turns soft, hot and a little jammy-candied toward the finish.

Reserve

84

30

California

El Dorado

Sierra Foothills

Petite Sirah

Lava Cap

null

France

The wine is ripe and soft, with a style that is more towards tropical fruits. So apricots, ripe pears are cut with crisp acidity. The wine is tangy at the end with orange zest flavors. Drink from 2017.

La Reine Blanche

88

24

Loire Valley

Sancerre

null

Sauvignon Blanc

Jean Reverdy et Fils

Roger Voss

@vossroger

Jean Reverdy et Fils 2015 La Reine Blanche (Sancerre)

US

Passes muster for its tropical fruit and vanilla cream flavors. Turns a little cloying and sweet on the finish, though.

Ruth's Vineyard

83

21

California

Lodi

Central Valley

Chardonnay

Cantara

null

US

Softly tannic, sexy and delicious, with waves of berry-cherry pie filling and mocha for richness, and drier, tarter notes of currants, leather, rhubarb and pomegranates, accentuated with smoky wood. A blend of Grenache and Syrah, it's sophisticated and nuanced. Try as an interesting, more food-friendly alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Brat

94

36

California

Sierra Foothills

Rhône-style Red Blend

Prospect 772

null

US

Pretty and plump, this is bursting with ripe cherry fruit. Highlights include a dusting of cocoa powder, and the wine sits perky on the palate with fine-grained tannins and ample acidity.

Prelude

91

23

Oregon

Willamette Valley

Pinot Noir

Andrew Rich

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Andrew Rich 2013 Prelude Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)

US

Front-loaded with lemon, lime, grapefruit, gooseberry and honeysuckle flavors, this friendly Sauv Blanc is basically dry. It turns racy with acidity toward the finish. A nice, versatile white wine for drinking anytime.

null

85

19

California

Rutherford

Napa

Sauvignon Blanc

Sawyer

null

Australia

I've come to like Katnook's wines quite a lot, but this one is a disappointment. Though the wine has cool cherry fruit and black pepper aromas, it feels tired and weak on the palate. The berry fruit starts showing through on the finish, but its cameo appearance just isn't enough. Imported by Freixenet USA.

null

85

22

South Australia

Coonawarra

null

Shiraz

Katnook Estate

null

Italy

Here's an elegant Barolo that shows slightly aged notes of candied fruit, leather, light spice and dried pipe tobacco. The mouthfeel is finely textured and dense with a long, solid quality of tannins.

Vigneto Gattera

92

50

Piedmont

Barolo

null

Nebbiolo

Mauro Veglio

null

US

If anyone can perfectly evoke the ripe style of California Cabernet along with the structure of Washington state fruit, it's Peter Rosback of Sineann – conveniently located in Oregon. Why this iconoclastic winemaker does not just move to Washington is hard to figure; he obviously loves the grapes and knows exactly what to do with them. This Cabernet Sauvignon, from a relatively young block at the Champoux vineyard, has some heat and chewy tannins. But it should age well, and the tightly wound herb and tobacco and stone flavors that are now constrained will ultimately come out.

Baby Poux Vineyard

90

42

Washington

Columbia Valley (WA)

Columbia Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sineann

Paul Gregutt

@paulgwine

Sineann 2005 Baby Poux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

US

Distinctly Californian in the hugeness of the ripe fruit, just massive in blackberries and black cherries, liberally oaked and soft. Not particularly subtle at this time, but could do interesting things in the cellar. No guarantees.

null

88

60

California

Napa Valley

Napa

Cabernet Sauvignon

Highlands

null

Highlands 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

US

Good raspberry, cola, vanilla, sweet oak and spice flavors in this silky Pinot Noir. It's a little off in texture, though, with overly aggressive acidity. But it's a pretty nice Pinot.

Swiss Clones 2A

87

48

California

Santa Maria Valley

Central Coast

Pinot Noir

2nd Chance

null