GroNLP/ik-nlp-22_winemag · Datasets at Hugging Face

index int64 1 130k	country stringclasses 8 values	description stringlengths 34 829	points int64 80 100	price float64 4 3.3k	province stringclasses 21 values	variety stringlengths 4 26
53,274	US	Simple, sweet and oaky, this Chard has ripe flavors of tropical fruits, pears, lemon tarts and vanilla. It's fine for big parties where Chard is in demand.	82	10	California	Chardonnay
128,166	US	A blend of six different varieties with Merlot and Syrah taking the lead, this wine brings aromas of toast, matchstick and cherry. The flavors are luscious and full, backed by lightly tacky tannins.	86	13	Washington	Red Blend
4,751	US	The lovely, lushly fruity nose features plenty of buttery, roasted walnut scents from new oak fermentation. Despite the oak, it retains its freshness and acid balance, keeping it lively through a long, toasty finish.	89	50	Washington	Chardonnay
113,515	France	This dense, tannic wine has spice and black fruit aromas that follow through on the palate, with new wood and black plum flavors. Concentrated and firm, it has fine potential. Drink from 2019.	90	35	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
109,306	Italy	This leads with violet, berry and chocolate aromas, followed by plum and black cherry flavors laced with hints of espresso. It's simply structured with fresh acidity and solid tannins.	86	15	Tuscany	Red Blend
69,028	Italy	From the Prail region of Alto Adige, this stunning, intense Sauvignon is full of grassy, herbaceous flavors. It is still young, needing time to lose its grapefruit character and ripen into a fine, aromatic wine.	89	19	Northeastern Italy	Sauvignon Blanc
65,104	US	Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) takes the lead on this wine, with the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of high-toned herbs, wood spices, cocoa, cassis and a mixture of maraschino and dark cherries are followed by a full palate, overflowing with generous fruit flavors.	91	43	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
41,941	Italy	Pretty aromas of crushed blue flower and red berry lead the nose on this easygoing red. The fresh palate offers up juicy black cherry and savory herb alongside supple tannins and bright acidity.	87	10	Tuscany	Red Blend
46,557	US	From a selection of clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam soils, this is a dark and savory Pinot Noir. Ripe and oaked, it presents a balanced combination of cherry fruit flavor and soda spice.	85	42	California	Pinot Noir
31,816	Australia	Give this wine a few minutes to open up, and once it does it's a lovely example of cool climate Chardonnay. Subtle notes of ripe lemon, stone fruit, butter, and smoke lead into a slippery textured, medium-weighted palate. More lemon and stone fruit mark the flavors, and toast and smoke show on the finish.	90	25	South Australia	Chardonnay
69,731	France	The grandmother of Serge Davico, the winemaker at the estate, is memorialized in this wine. A perfumed wine, it's tight with acidity and with floral overtones. The ripe red fruit is right up there along with a smooth texture and aftertaste.	89	20	Provence	Rosé
62,041	France	Classic, open, herbaceous fruit flavors with attractive light acidity and a perfumed character from the Muscadelle in the blend. The wine is fruity, crisp citrus and lively final freshness. Screwcap.	86	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
24,418	US	These 15-year-old vines deliver additional complexity, further enhanced by native yeast fermentation. This is a delicate wine, but not a wimpy one. Tart berry and cranberry fruit carries a taste of toasted grain as it does a graceful fade through the finish. Give it plenty of air and it really opens up! Drink now through 2022.	92	50	Oregon	Pinot Noir
74,365	US	Soft in structure and slightly herbal, this polished wine has flavors of blackberries, cherries, tobacco, cocoa and leather. Drink now.	84	18	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
120,078	US	Voluptuously smooth, this wine is dark and brambly in tangy blackberry and black currant, offering a length and breadth of texture and big flavor. Earthy, with accents of cedar, it has a toasted oak flavor that adds to the complexity and intrigue.	94	225	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
73,875	US	An impressive wine that presents a full bouquet with bready, leesy, toasty aromas, and intriguing lemon and caramel hints. The palate sports attractive fruit and spice flavors that are both complex and lovely, if a challenge to define. There’s a long full finish to this top-notch American sparkler.	93	65	California	Champagne Blend
494	US	This is intensely aromatic, with loads of tropical fruit, apple blossom and white peach notes on the nose and palate. It's fresh, tasty and big in body, yet deftly balanced. Soft, lemony acidity on the midpalate gets a boost of citrus rind and saline on the finish.	87	12	New York	Chardonnay
118,365	US	This is a candy-jammy Merlot, with flavors of nougat, sour cherry Lifesavers and cola. It's fine for big parties or as an inexpensive house red wine.	84	15	California	Merlot
98,650	US	Schramsberg did a good job with this wine, creating a lush sparkler with generous cascading bubbles, firm Pinot fruit and a tight, spicy finish. This is still hard and even a little bitter at the end; more time in the bottle will bring out all the richness locked inside.	87	29	California	Champagne Blend
32,309	Spain	Darker and a touch more stewy than the winery's less pricey old-vines effort. Airing loosens it up, but throughout it's a big, stewy wine with extracted blackberry and coffee cake flavors. The finish is equally on the rich side, with swirling toffee and coffee afternotes. It's a big wine with heft but also some chunkiness.	88	37	Northern Spain	Red Blend
45,420	US	This marches in a completely opposite direction from the oaky, fruity, buttery style of modern Chardonnay. It's bone dry and minerally, with mouthwatering acidity and traces of oranges and limes. The minerality is like a lick of cold steel. What a great food wine at a great price, although production was a paltry 230 cases.	92	25	California	Chardonnay
1,869	Italy	Poggio al Merli is a 100% Merlot that shows a perfect marriage between variety and territory. It's an opulent, soft and round wine that is woven tight with blackberry, pipe tobacco, rum cake and a touch of black olive. Velvety tannins drive a long, intense finish.	93	75	Tuscany	Merlot
103,696	Germany	Orange blossoms and freshly cut apples and pears perfume this lavishly fruity, floral Riesling sparkling. It's sprightly and sheer on the palate with a fine, persistent effervescence.	90	35	Mosel	Riesling
22,043	France	Fresh easy notes of pear drop rise from the glass. The very slender palate has lemony freshness but also residual sweetness and a pithy phenolic edge. This is fresh, off dry and just balanced. Drink soon.	86	20	Alsace	Pinot Gris
127,217	US	Viognier makes up just over 8% of this wine and it shows itself with perfumed aromas of flowers and orange peel, along with brown stems, freshly ground herb, black olive, mineral and whiffs of smoked meat. The palate is all about texture and layers, while never losing its exquisite sense of balance, gliding on the extended finish. Superb stuff, with an emphasis on elegance.	94	65	Washington	Syrah
31,427	France	This Champagne is beautifully mature, its ripe fruit and soft texture magnified by toast and yeast. Rich and full bodied, its fine acidity keeps it in great condition. With a crisp aftertaste that gives it a delicious lift, it's ready to drink now.	95	380	Champagne	Champagne Blend
25,635	US	Although the aromas are sweet, oozing with pear nectar, stone fruit, dried spices and apple blossoms, this wine features only 1.5% residual sugar. It's fairly big for a Finger Lakes Riesling, with a slightly oily texture, and comes across as being close to dry thanks to firm acids on the finish. The only problem with this wine is its limited availability.	90	13	New York	Riesling
67,207	US	It's easy to use the word “huge” to describe this Cabernet, which contains smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It immediately takes over the palate with ripe, opulent cherry pie, blackberry tart, cassis liqueur, green olive and oak flavors. The tannins are very strong, the most powerful of Mondavi Cabernets in years. Which leads to the question of ageability. Where's this wine going? On the negative side is high alcohol, which gives it a burn. So drink it over the next 5–6 years.	90	135	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
105,838	Italy	Friuli in northeast Italy has the unique soils and climatic conditions for full bodied and sophisticated white wines. This Pinot Grigio offers the easy, approachable qualities we associate with the grape with that added dimension or creaminess that is so characteristic of the region.	87	16	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
125,838	US	A portion of the Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from vines planted in 1973, with additions of 10% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot. It's an exceptionally fine-tuned blend, with pinpoint fruit flavors, sappy acids and complementary barrel notes. The classic structure, which is the hallmark of all Betz wines, suggests a long life ahead.	96	65	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
46,438	Portugal	A wine that starts out all tannins. The fruit takes a while to show through and then produces juicy red cherry flavors and considerable acidity, the wood aging rounding the corners. This is for medium-term aging.	89	18	Douro	Portuguese Red
26,620	Italy	Brichet is a soft and plump Barbera with loads of red cherry, chocolate fudge and cinnamon. It's fun, rich and easy to drink. Pair it with meatloaf or lamb chops.	89	35	Piedmont	Barbera
80,936	US	Tons of fruit in this easy, direct Pinot Noir. Raspberry, cherry, pomegranate, persimmon and cola begins to describe it, further sweetened by smoky, caramelized oak. Rich and crisp, if a little one-dimensional. But it's a really nice dimension.	88	70	California	Pinot Noir
6,634	Argentina	This extremely dark-colored Malbec offers mellow blueberry and blackberry aromas. The palate is big, jammy feeling and features only pokes of acidic cut. Inky black-fruit flavors come with licorice, peppercorn notes and heat. The finish is solid but limited in scope. Drink now through 2016.	88	50	Mendoza Province	Malbec
31,493	France	While it does have a tannic structure, this wine is characterized by its ripe fruits, rich texture and softness. Strong plum jelly and spice are nicely combined to give an in-the-mouth fruitiness that's freshened by the final acidity. Drink this wine from 2017.	89	29	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
67,518	US	Somewhat rugged, with edgy tannins, but very flavorful, a nice wine to have with Italian-inspired pasta dishes. Made from Syrah and Sangiovese, with a splash of Cabernet, it's dry and tart, and shows blackberry, cherry and currant flavors.	87	25	California	Red Blend
125,028	US	There is already a hint of tawniness to this wine (second bottle— first was TCA-infected) that suggests a short life ahead. It's charming at the moment, surprisingly far along the aging curve, but with pretty cherry fruit and some sandalwood in the tannins. Drink up.	85	24	Oregon	Pinot Noir
126,811	Italy	A blend of Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (in equal measure), this is soft and ripe, with black cherry, cassis, chocolate and toasted espresso-bean notes. The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, with a touch of berry-like sweetness.	90	17	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
80,717	Germany	Smoky and earthy on the nose, this remarkably complex Beerenauslese highlights bright, sunny stonefruit flavors with layers of minerality. It's delightfully flinty, but lip-smackingly honeyed as well. Finishes briskly with a delicate saline note.	94	50	Mosel	Riesling
65,063	US	Rusty pink in color, this bottling shows somewhat sour aromas of red plum, turned earth, orange rind and tart raspberry. The palate offers dried cherry and more soil, but is missing the texture and acidity of many modern rosés.	86	32	California	Pinot Noir
105,270	US	A surprisingly green tinge vies with tobacco, raspberry and woodspice for attention. This wine is full in feel with good concentration of flavors but ultimately the greenness provides distraction.	88	28	Washington	Merlot
17,368	US	This wine starts out lightly reductive, providing initial distraction from the aromas of pear, lees and spice. The palate is medium bodied, with a creamy, generous feel.	88	28	Washington	Chardonnay
71,040	US	A nice Cab that shows the structure and purity of good terroir. It could use more concentration and intensity, but is totally dry and has savory black currant, mocha and cedar flavors. Drink now.	86	17	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
100,562	France	Earthy ripeness of peach and yellow plum abounds. The palate is rounded and medium sweet, suggesting jellied and crystallized fruit confections with an appetizingly tart edge. Drink soon.	87	30	Alsace	Gewürztraminer
98,641	Italy	A Sauvignon Blanc from Sardinia, and it’s a good one. One worries after the slightly reticent nose, but after that it’s all uphill. Well balanced, with crisp acidity and an expansive mouthfeel. Its predominantly melon finish goes on and on.	88	12	Sicily & Sardinia	Sauvignon Blanc
31,116	Spain	Open-grained oak aromas dominate a toasty nose with heat. This feels lean and tomatoey. Flavors of tart plum and pie cherry are almost sour and feel edgy due to severe wood tannins.	85	13	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
48,269	US	New oak dominates this wine, giving it aromas of toast and vanilla. After decanting, the air brings out interesting notes of dried herbs and blackberries. Tastes very rich and flamboyant, almost sweet, like a chocolate berry pastry, and should develop over the next few years. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.	90	55	California	Red Blend
1,913	US	There is a creamy, leesy mouthfeel to this estate-grown Riesling, whose residual sugar is masked with acidity. Tart apple and pear fruit flavors finish with lighter notes of candied orange and citrus.	87	14	Washington	Riesling
5,234	France	This beautifully perfumed wine comes from one of the highest in elevation premier cru vineyards. The tannins have fully integrated with the red berry and cherry fruits to give a soft, jammy character that contrasts with acidity to give a great lift at the end. Drink this sophisticated wine from 2018.	91	65	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
44,587	Italy	Enticing scents of ripe dark-skinned berry, leafy underbrush, chopped herb, dark spice and a toasted note come together on this structured, poised wine. The delicious, full-bodied palate offers layers of juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, mint and a blast of orange peel while firm, velvety tannins provide the polished framework. A coffee note closes the lingering finish. Drink 2019–2028.	95	170	Tuscany	Sangiovese
121,227	France	Low-yielding old vines have produced this perfumed wine. Along with the fragrance, it has a tannic structure, layers of acidity and red fruits that are gently maturing. The wine is dense, with rare concentration for a red Sancerre, while the aftertaste balances acidity and fruitiness. Drink now.	92	73	Loire Valley	Pinot Noir
21,350	Spain	Aromas of dry brush, wiry cherry and road tar open this Syrah. In the mouth, high acidity creates sheer angularity. Plum and tart black-currant flavors are staunch and rubbery on a mildly abrasive finish.	86	15	Northern Spain	Syrah
128,725	US	Blended from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers immediately luscious flavors of cherries, blueberries, currants, mocha and new oak. The tannins are considerable, and there's lots of acidity, but the wine is so ripe it's irresistible now with a great steak.	90	50	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
21,986	Argentina	This is a supremely rich, extracted Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapy black-plum aromas are more dense, inky and concentrated than elegant. That theme carries onto the palate, which is full and tannic. Blackened flavors of cassis, toast, chocolate and herbal black fruits finish with chewy tannins and a note of coconut. Drink through 2020.	91	25	Mendoza Province	Cabernet Sauvignon
61,641	Italy	Here's a youthful expression of Sangiovese Grosso in which the grape's trademark acidity and fruity brightness shine through. Cherry, white almond, dried raspberry and rum cake notes present a soft, chewy feel in the mouth, although the overall structure is solid.	91	90	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
47,691	US	Baked black plums, nutmeg, gingerbread spice, cinnamon and concentrated hibiscus show on the nose of this impressive countywide blend. The palate centers on forest floor elements of juniper and eucalyptus as well as tart cranberry fruit and a touch of smoke. Would wash down a variety of foods well.	89	25	California	Pinot Noir
28,157	US	Wild berries, from elderberry to salmonberry to mountain strawberries, are in play in this wine. The underpinning scents suggest earth and wet cement, while in the finish a strong flavor of breakfast tea lingers. This is an interesting addition to the Sineann lineup.	90	36	Oregon	Pinot Noir
32,477	US	This vineyard-designate opens in bombastic amounts of Asian spice and wild strawberry, making for a whirlwind of flavor and acidity on the palate. Black tea and rose garden dance around highlights of orange and cranberry, the wine tart in mineralogy, as well as full of length and density.	90	56	California	Pinot Noir
71,304	US	Bennett Valley is a little appellation in Sonoma County and it's been known as a good source of nuanced Merlot since Matanzas Creek specialized in the variety. This new bottling recalls those glory days. It's a fine Merlot, dry and silky and elegant, with ripe flavors of black and red cherries, chocolate and herbs. Try as a softer, gentler version to Cabernet.	92	28	California	Merlot
52,410	US	Generous and fruity aromas of baked blackberry and blueberry syrup show on this blend of 48% Merlot, 45% Zinfandel, 4% Primitivo, 2% Petite Sirah and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, along with an underlying rockiness. A nicely tight structure boosted by strong acidity presents flavors of blackberry and black-cherry skin.	87	26	California	Red Blend
38,563	US	The Amador Zin specialist is offering its first ever Grenache here, a tremendous debut, super light in color and texture, lightly rendered to show off its layers of delicate violet and raspberry amid a meatier backbone of lurking anise and herbs. With 9% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah, this is a light red worth seeking out.	89	20	California	Grenache
115,601	US	There's a yogurt-driven dairy element on the nose of this estate wine from western Gilroy, with sleek white peach, light white pepper, lemon blossom and lime-pith aromas in support. The Brie cheese-rind tension carries to the palate, along with grapefruit pith, lime zest and bountiful energy. This bottling is great now but will hold until at least 2022.	92	30	California	Chardonnay
869	US	The most reserved of this winery's Grenache studies, this bottling shows baked red cherry, red currant, cola and slate on the nose. An iron-based minerality shows on the earthy palate, which also offers chipped slate, cranberry and tart cherry elements. It's a tad light but still intriguingly textured.	90	42	California	Grenache
105,986	US	A fresh, crisp, clean young Pinot Noir that shows the silkiness and relative transparency of many Carneros Pinots. It's a bit thin, compared to more full-bodied versions, but elegant and dry, with flavors of cherryskins, cola and sandalwood. Now–2012.	87	28	California	Pinot Noir
31,268	US	Young and stiff upon being opened, this is striated with flavors and scents of earthy beet, rhubard, raspberry and strawberry. The palate brings in accents of iron filings, mushroom and further complexity. It's a sturdy, medium-weight, earthy wine, with moderate aging potention. Drink now through 2023.	91	48	Oregon	Pinot Noir
120,235	Spain	Raspberry, plum and cherry aromas are light, pure and fully inviting, with nothing off-putting. This tastes bright and balanced, with cherry and berry flavors that are impossible not to like. A dash of oaky cocoa blends with leftover red fruit flavors on a nice finish.	90	10	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
112,774	US	This is a bit fat and forward, with flavors of tropical fruit and banana, and a light dusting of cocoa, cinnamon and butterscotch. It's a tasty wine to drink up as soon as possible.	87	28	Oregon	Chardonnay
111,154	Italy	Soft, plush and modern, this is a superstar Brunello with all the qualities we love in this gorgeous category of wine. Made from organically farmed fruit, it offers amazing intensity and determination with aromas of spice, blackberry and currants. The texture is smooth and silky and the tannins offer a solid backbone.	94	55	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
87,581	US	Just a hint of sweetness can be found in a bouquet of honey-dusted flower. Pretty in on the palate, with citrus and apricot notes, this shows floral accents that are somewhat reminiscent of Gewürztraminer.	90	18	Washington	Riesling
105,020	US	A big, rich, flashy Chardonnay that's designed to impress, and does. Almost too much of a good thing, with massive lemondrop candy, pineapple, lime and kiwi fruit flavors, as well as firm minerality and lots of toasty oak. Drink now with opulent fare, such as shellfish.	92	60	California	Chardonnay
74,549	US	Here's a very tight, young Pinot, one you'll want to put some bottle age on. It's marked by acids and oak flavors that have not yet been integrated into the underlying fruit. Give it through 2008, by which time the smoky wood and vanilla should marry with the cherries and Dr. Pepper flavors to produce a rich, complex sipper.	91	50	California	Pinot Noir
21,315	US	Here's a good Sauvignon Blanc that will go well with a wide range of foods. Clean, crisp and a little sweet, it has pleasant pineapple, lemon, lime and vanilla flavors.	85	18	California	Sauvignon Blanc
98,309	US	Apple blossoms scent this fresh dry Riesling. The palate is invigorating and spry, bolstered by a breezy citrus and green-apple finish. It's not a deeply concentrated wine but effortlessly elegant.	88	18	New York	Riesling
68,944	US	This interesting and rather subtle wine smells like white pepper and pistachios and tastes like white peaches. It stays dry on the palate, while the texture spreads flavors smoothly for a sense of richness.	89	16	California	Sauvignon Blanc
108,270	US	Sweet, soft and jammy, with raspberry, bacon and bubblegum flavors.	82	10	California	Petite Sirah
127,514	Italy	Made with 75% Corvina and 25% Corvinone grapes—organically grown and dried for 90 days—this opens with aromas of raisins, ripe plum and black pepper. The robust palate offers black currant, licorice, nutmeg and tobacco alongside close-grained tannins. Drink through 2022.	90	69	Veneto	Red Blend
28,612	France	Full and ripe, certainly as befits Meursault from a great year, but this wine also has deliciously crisp acidity which adds an element of minerality, of poise, to the smooth toast and cream texture. An enticing, structured wine.	90	80	Burgundy	Chardonnay
28,499	US	Made from Syrah, this is a zesty, dry and medium-bodied wine, soft and thirst-quenching in waves of strawberry and raspberry. Undertones of dried herb and citrus mark the finish.	87	14	California	Rosé
103,824	US	Overripe flavors of raisins and prunes compromise this Zinfandel. It's dry and pretty tannic, and the alcohol is high, giving it a hot, porty finish.	83	30	California	Zinfandel
108,938	US	Still quite locked up, this wine displays initial aromas of cocoa and vanilla (from 20% new American oak) along with plum, medicine cabinet and raspberry. Sweet fruit flavors are backed by firm tannins and mouthwatering acids.	88	36	Washington	Tempranillo
39,226	Italy	Alluring aromas of menthol, red berry, rose and herb lift out of the glass. The rounded solid palate offers raspberry, morello cherry, a touch of clove and a hint of cinnamon framed in firm tannins. It's straightforward by Barolo standards but it's appealing and already almost accessible. Drink after 2021.	89	30	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
103,390	France	A ripe, full wine, immediately accessible, speaking both of minerality and fresh acidity. The fruit goes right to the green apples, kiwi and juicy lemon flavors, but the structure is bold and rounds out these crisp fruits. A wine for aging, perhaps 2–3 years.	90	35	Burgundy	Chardonnay
92,169	Spain	Rich in color and aromas; the nose pushes soothing, fragrant dark-fruit aromas that carry a touch of perfume and violets. In the mouth, the wine is only moderately rich. With full acids and zest, it's not as hefty as many modern Riojas. Still, it's a well-executed Tempranillo with ample oak and good mouthfeel.	88	20	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
39,069	Italy	From vineyard holdings in Castiglione Falletto, this opens with alluring scents of new leather, ripe berry, blue flower, cake spice and a balsamic note. The full-bodied palate doles out black raspberry, fleshy black cherry, clove and tobacco. Firm, ripe tannins provide support and an age-worthy structure. Drink 2022–2032.	94	96	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
53,107	US	This Pinot Noir-dominant sparkler is nutty and perfumed, its honeysuckle scents bringing lightness and brightness to a meaty core of body and weight.	88	45	California	Sparkling Blend
29,991	US	A nice, bone-dry wine. With crisp, tingly acidity, it shows Viognier's exotic side, with tropical fruit, citrus, wildflower, vanilla and spice flavors.	85	11	California	Viognier
103,840	US	Rich red cherry, rhubarb and alpine strawberry aromas meet rust and shaved licorice on the nose of this beautiful bottling from the Parker family's cool-climate vineyard. It's deceptively light on the palate, with airy flavors that intensify to exotic cherry, mulberry, tea leaf and maduro cigar, framed by firm, structured tannins. Drink 2020–2024.	93	55	California	Pinot Noir
66,972	US	This biodynamically farmed wine comes from Steep Creek Ranch next to the winery facility and Nelson Vineyard on the shores of the Columbia River. It shows lots of intrigue, with pure notes of herbs, mulberry and mineral that are enjoyable yet elusive. It's clingy in feel, with elegant yet rich fruit flavors.	87	60	Washington	Syrah
56,198	US	Merlot (64%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) makes up the majority of this wine, which is topped off by smidgens of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The aromas of raspberries, black cherries and milk chocolate are generous, while the palate brings a sense of smoothness and balance.	90	35	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
88,259	US	The winery's first release of this variety offers aromas of apple, chamomile, spice and lees. On the palate, the green-apple acids are tart and bracing, needing some food to tame them.	89	48	Washington	Chardonnay
30,909	US	The Horseshoe Bend Vineyard, which is in the cool Laguna part of the southern valley, is capable of great Pinot Noir. In a warmer vintage, the wines are lush. In chilly ones like 2011, they're elusive. But the wines always have great structure. This bottling is marked by acidity, tannins, dryness and a superbly silky mouthfeel. The flavors veer between barely ripe cherries and pomegranates to green tomatoes and celery leaf. The wine needs time. Give it until 2017 to begin to show its stuff.	91	50	California	Pinot Noir
98,890	Italy	This bright, easy-drinking red offers aromas and flavors of wild cherry, crushed raspberry and freshly ground pepper. It's fresh and enjoyable, with soft tannins. Drink soon.	87	15	Veneto	Red Blend
112,159	US	Spicebox, dark raspberry, vanilla and toasty oak aromas are followed by reserved, well constructed fruit flavors that taper toward the finish.	88	25	Washington	Merlot
77,341	US	The third vintage of this wine is 100% varietal, with the fruit coming from Stone Tree, Cold Creek and Beverly vineyards. Aromas of coffee, vanilla, clove, dark plum and spice lead to concentrated, layered but still elegant fruit flavors.	91	85	Washington	Merlot
24,503	US	This wine has gorgeous ripe fruit aromas, mouth-filling flavors and a plush, generous texture. A hint of smoke shades the ripe black-cherry aromas. Layered flavors of clove, cedar, pomegranate and rosemary intermingle on the palate. Despite the ripeness and full body, a fine coat of tannins and supportive acidity keep the mouthfeel fresh and appetizing.	92	45	California	Pinot Noir
71,068	US	Bella has a spotty record with this wine. The '05, from a cooler vintage, shows a Northern Rhône dryness and peppery taste, with good blackberry and currant flavors. But the tannins are very hard, almost old-fashioned in the way they shut the palate down.	86	38	California	Syrah
68,813	US	Medium bodied and lean in profile, this wine starts with floral aromas, then brings in fairly tart cherry and pomegranate flavors and firmly tannic texture.	86	26	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
8,798	France	A dark-hued wine, it's richly fruity with spice and wood flavors. It is ripe, full in the mouth, offering solid tannins as well as attractive acidity. It's suited for medium-term aging, so drink from 2016.	89	24	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
107,812	US	This nicely structured Bordeaux blend's aromas begin with violets and roll into cherry candy, while in the mouth the wine is sweet yet firm, with tart acids that are tightly wound. A mix of berry, cherry and cassis fruit is counterweighted with citric acids. Tannins are ripe with hints ofcut tobacco, moist earth and black olive.	90	42	Washington	Red Blend
86,018	US	V. Sattui tries their hand at Grenache, with good results. The wine shows the variety's famed cherry flavors, intense and jammy, along with a good amount of caramelized oak. The winemaker wisely added a bit of Syrah and Petite Sirah, which add body and weight. Ready to drink now.	88	29	California	Grenache

53,274

US

Simple, sweet and oaky, this Chard has ripe flavors of tropical fruits, pears, lemon tarts and vanilla. It's fine for big parties where Chard is in demand.

82

10

California

Chardonnay

128,166

US

A blend of six different varieties with Merlot and Syrah taking the lead, this wine brings aromas of toast, matchstick and cherry. The flavors are luscious and full, backed by lightly tacky tannins.

86

13

Washington

Red Blend

4,751

US

The lovely, lushly fruity nose features plenty of buttery, roasted walnut scents from new oak fermentation. Despite the oak, it retains its freshness and acid balance, keeping it lively through a long, toasty finish.

89

50

Washington

Chardonnay

113,515

France

This dense, tannic wine has spice and black fruit aromas that follow through on the palate, with new wood and black plum flavors. Concentrated and firm, it has fine potential. Drink from 2019.

90

35

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

109,306

Italy

This leads with violet, berry and chocolate aromas, followed by plum and black cherry flavors laced with hints of espresso. It's simply structured with fresh acidity and solid tannins.

86

15

Tuscany

Red Blend

69,028

Italy

From the Prail region of Alto Adige, this stunning, intense Sauvignon is full of grassy, herbaceous flavors. It is still young, needing time to lose its grapefruit character and ripen into a fine, aromatic wine.

89

19

Northeastern Italy

Sauvignon Blanc

65,104

US

Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) takes the lead on this wine, with the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of high-toned herbs, wood spices, cocoa, cassis and a mixture of maraschino and dark cherries are followed by a full palate, overflowing with generous fruit flavors.

91

43

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

41,941

Italy

Pretty aromas of crushed blue flower and red berry lead the nose on this easygoing red. The fresh palate offers up juicy black cherry and savory herb alongside supple tannins and bright acidity.

87

10

Tuscany

Red Blend

46,557

US

From a selection of clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam soils, this is a dark and savory Pinot Noir. Ripe and oaked, it presents a balanced combination of cherry fruit flavor and soda spice.

85

42

California

Pinot Noir

31,816

Australia

Give this wine a few minutes to open up, and once it does it's a lovely example of cool climate Chardonnay. Subtle notes of ripe lemon, stone fruit, butter, and smoke lead into a slippery textured, medium-weighted palate. More lemon and stone fruit mark the flavors, and toast and smoke show on the finish.

90

25

South Australia

Chardonnay

69,731

France

The grandmother of Serge Davico, the winemaker at the estate, is memorialized in this wine. A perfumed wine, it's tight with acidity and with floral overtones. The ripe red fruit is right up there along with a smooth texture and aftertaste.

89

20

Provence

Rosé

62,041

France

Classic, open, herbaceous fruit flavors with attractive light acidity and a perfumed character from the Muscadelle in the blend. The wine is fruity, crisp citrus and lively final freshness. Screwcap.

86

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

24,418

US

These 15-year-old vines deliver additional complexity, further enhanced by native yeast fermentation. This is a delicate wine, but not a wimpy one. Tart berry and cranberry fruit carries a taste of toasted grain as it does a graceful fade through the finish. Give it plenty of air and it really opens up! Drink now through 2022.

92

50

Oregon

Pinot Noir

74,365

US

Soft in structure and slightly herbal, this polished wine has flavors of blackberries, cherries, tobacco, cocoa and leather. Drink now.

84

18

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

120,078

US

Voluptuously smooth, this wine is dark and brambly in tangy blackberry and black currant, offering a length and breadth of texture and big flavor. Earthy, with accents of cedar, it has a toasted oak flavor that adds to the complexity and intrigue.

94

225

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

73,875

US

An impressive wine that presents a full bouquet with bready, leesy, toasty aromas, and intriguing lemon and caramel hints. The palate sports attractive fruit and spice flavors that are both complex and lovely, if a challenge to define. There’s a long full finish to this top-notch American sparkler.

93

65

California

Champagne Blend

494

US

This is intensely aromatic, with loads of tropical fruit, apple blossom and white peach notes on the nose and palate. It's fresh, tasty and big in body, yet deftly balanced. Soft, lemony acidity on the midpalate gets a boost of citrus rind and saline on the finish.

87

12

New York

Chardonnay

118,365

US

This is a candy-jammy Merlot, with flavors of nougat, sour cherry Lifesavers and cola. It's fine for big parties or as an inexpensive house red wine.

84

15

California

Merlot

98,650

US

Schramsberg did a good job with this wine, creating a lush sparkler with generous cascading bubbles, firm Pinot fruit and a tight, spicy finish. This is still hard and even a little bitter at the end; more time in the bottle will bring out all the richness locked inside.

87

29

California

Champagne Blend

32,309

Spain

Darker and a touch more stewy than the winery's less pricey old-vines effort. Airing loosens it up, but throughout it's a big, stewy wine with extracted blackberry and coffee cake flavors. The finish is equally on the rich side, with swirling toffee and coffee afternotes. It's a big wine with heft but also some chunkiness.

88

37

Northern Spain

Red Blend

45,420

US

This marches in a completely opposite direction from the oaky, fruity, buttery style of modern Chardonnay. It's bone dry and minerally, with mouthwatering acidity and traces of oranges and limes. The minerality is like a lick of cold steel. What a great food wine at a great price, although production was a paltry 230 cases.

92

25

California

Chardonnay

1,869

Italy

Poggio al Merli is a 100% Merlot that shows a perfect marriage between variety and territory. It's an opulent, soft and round wine that is woven tight with blackberry, pipe tobacco, rum cake and a touch of black olive. Velvety tannins drive a long, intense finish.

93

75

Tuscany

Merlot

103,696

Germany

Orange blossoms and freshly cut apples and pears perfume this lavishly fruity, floral Riesling sparkling. It's sprightly and sheer on the palate with a fine, persistent effervescence.

90

35

Mosel

Riesling

22,043

France

Fresh easy notes of pear drop rise from the glass. The very slender palate has lemony freshness but also residual sweetness and a pithy phenolic edge. This is fresh, off dry and just balanced. Drink soon.

86

20

Alsace

Pinot Gris

127,217

US

Viognier makes up just over 8% of this wine and it shows itself with perfumed aromas of flowers and orange peel, along with brown stems, freshly ground herb, black olive, mineral and whiffs of smoked meat. The palate is all about texture and layers, while never losing its exquisite sense of balance, gliding on the extended finish. Superb stuff, with an emphasis on elegance.

94

65

Washington

Syrah

31,427

France

This Champagne is beautifully mature, its ripe fruit and soft texture magnified by toast and yeast. Rich and full bodied, its fine acidity keeps it in great condition. With a crisp aftertaste that gives it a delicious lift, it's ready to drink now.

95

380

Champagne

Champagne Blend

25,635

US

Although the aromas are sweet, oozing with pear nectar, stone fruit, dried spices and apple blossoms, this wine features only 1.5% residual sugar. It's fairly big for a Finger Lakes Riesling, with a slightly oily texture, and comes across as being close to dry thanks to firm acids on the finish. The only problem with this wine is its limited availability.

90

13

New York

Riesling

67,207

US

It's easy to use the word “huge” to describe this Cabernet, which contains smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It immediately takes over the palate with ripe, opulent cherry pie, blackberry tart, cassis liqueur, green olive and oak flavors. The tannins are very strong, the most powerful of Mondavi Cabernets in years. Which leads to the question of ageability. Where's this wine going? On the negative side is high alcohol, which gives it a burn. So drink it over the next 5–6 years.

90

135

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

105,838

Italy

Friuli in northeast Italy has the unique soils and climatic conditions for full bodied and sophisticated white wines. This Pinot Grigio offers the easy, approachable qualities we associate with the grape with that added dimension or creaminess that is so characteristic of the region.

87

16

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

125,838

US

A portion of the Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from vines planted in 1973, with additions of 10% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot. It's an exceptionally fine-tuned blend, with pinpoint fruit flavors, sappy acids and complementary barrel notes. The classic structure, which is the hallmark of all Betz wines, suggests a long life ahead.

96

65

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

46,438

Portugal

A wine that starts out all tannins. The fruit takes a while to show through and then produces juicy red cherry flavors and considerable acidity, the wood aging rounding the corners. This is for medium-term aging.

89

18

Douro

Portuguese Red

26,620

Italy

Brichet is a soft and plump Barbera with loads of red cherry, chocolate fudge and cinnamon. It's fun, rich and easy to drink. Pair it with meatloaf or lamb chops.

89

35

Piedmont

Barbera

80,936

US

Tons of fruit in this easy, direct Pinot Noir. Raspberry, cherry, pomegranate, persimmon and cola begins to describe it, further sweetened by smoky, caramelized oak. Rich and crisp, if a little one-dimensional. But it's a really nice dimension.

88

70

California

Pinot Noir

6,634

Argentina

This extremely dark-colored Malbec offers mellow blueberry and blackberry aromas. The palate is big, jammy feeling and features only pokes of acidic cut. Inky black-fruit flavors come with licorice, peppercorn notes and heat. The finish is solid but limited in scope. Drink now through 2016.

88

50

Mendoza Province

Malbec

31,493

France

While it does have a tannic structure, this wine is characterized by its ripe fruits, rich texture and softness. Strong plum jelly and spice are nicely combined to give an in-the-mouth fruitiness that's freshened by the final acidity. Drink this wine from 2017.

89

29

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

67,518

US

Somewhat rugged, with edgy tannins, but very flavorful, a nice wine to have with Italian-inspired pasta dishes. Made from Syrah and Sangiovese, with a splash of Cabernet, it's dry and tart, and shows blackberry, cherry and currant flavors.

87

25

California

Red Blend

125,028

US

There is already a hint of tawniness to this wine (second bottle— first was TCA-infected) that suggests a short life ahead. It's charming at the moment, surprisingly far along the aging curve, but with pretty cherry fruit and some sandalwood in the tannins. Drink up.

85

24

Oregon

Pinot Noir

126,811

Italy

A blend of Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (in equal measure), this is soft and ripe, with black cherry, cassis, chocolate and toasted espresso-bean notes. The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, with a touch of berry-like sweetness.

90

17

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

80,717

Germany

Smoky and earthy on the nose, this remarkably complex Beerenauslese highlights bright, sunny stonefruit flavors with layers of minerality. It's delightfully flinty, but lip-smackingly honeyed as well. Finishes briskly with a delicate saline note.

94

50

Mosel

Riesling

65,063

US

Rusty pink in color, this bottling shows somewhat sour aromas of red plum, turned earth, orange rind and tart raspberry. The palate offers dried cherry and more soil, but is missing the texture and acidity of many modern rosés.

86

32

California

Pinot Noir

105,270

US

A surprisingly green tinge vies with tobacco, raspberry and woodspice for attention. This wine is full in feel with good concentration of flavors but ultimately the greenness provides distraction.

88

28

Washington

Merlot

17,368

US

This wine starts out lightly reductive, providing initial distraction from the aromas of pear, lees and spice. The palate is medium bodied, with a creamy, generous feel.

88

28

Washington

Chardonnay

71,040

US

A nice Cab that shows the structure and purity of good terroir. It could use more concentration and intensity, but is totally dry and has savory black currant, mocha and cedar flavors. Drink now.

86

17

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

100,562

France

Earthy ripeness of peach and yellow plum abounds. The palate is rounded and medium sweet, suggesting jellied and crystallized fruit confections with an appetizingly tart edge. Drink soon.

87

30

Alsace

Gewürztraminer

98,641

Italy

A Sauvignon Blanc from Sardinia, and it’s a good one. One worries after the slightly reticent nose, but after that it’s all uphill. Well balanced, with crisp acidity and an expansive mouthfeel. Its predominantly melon finish goes on and on.

88

12

Sicily & Sardinia

Sauvignon Blanc

31,116

Spain

Open-grained oak aromas dominate a toasty nose with heat. This feels lean and tomatoey. Flavors of tart plum and pie cherry are almost sour and feel edgy due to severe wood tannins.

85

13

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

48,269

US

New oak dominates this wine, giving it aromas of toast and vanilla. After decanting, the air brings out interesting notes of dried herbs and blackberries. Tastes very rich and flamboyant, almost sweet, like a chocolate berry pastry, and should develop over the next few years. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

90

55

California

Red Blend

1,913

US

There is a creamy, leesy mouthfeel to this estate-grown Riesling, whose residual sugar is masked with acidity. Tart apple and pear fruit flavors finish with lighter notes of candied orange and citrus.

87

14

Washington

Riesling

5,234

France

This beautifully perfumed wine comes from one of the highest in elevation premier cru vineyards. The tannins have fully integrated with the red berry and cherry fruits to give a soft, jammy character that contrasts with acidity to give a great lift at the end. Drink this sophisticated wine from 2018.

91

65

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

44,587

Italy

Enticing scents of ripe dark-skinned berry, leafy underbrush, chopped herb, dark spice and a toasted note come together on this structured, poised wine. The delicious, full-bodied palate offers layers of juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, mint and a blast of orange peel while firm, velvety tannins provide the polished framework. A coffee note closes the lingering finish. Drink 2019–2028.

95

170

Tuscany

Sangiovese

121,227

France

Low-yielding old vines have produced this perfumed wine. Along with the fragrance, it has a tannic structure, layers of acidity and red fruits that are gently maturing. The wine is dense, with rare concentration for a red Sancerre, while the aftertaste balances acidity and fruitiness. Drink now.

92

73

Loire Valley

Pinot Noir

21,350

Spain

Aromas of dry brush, wiry cherry and road tar open this Syrah. In the mouth, high acidity creates sheer angularity. Plum and tart black-currant flavors are staunch and rubbery on a mildly abrasive finish.

86

15

Northern Spain

Syrah

128,725

US

Blended from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers immediately luscious flavors of cherries, blueberries, currants, mocha and new oak. The tannins are considerable, and there's lots of acidity, but the wine is so ripe it's irresistible now with a great steak.

90

50

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

21,986

Argentina

This is a supremely rich, extracted Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapy black-plum aromas are more dense, inky and concentrated than elegant. That theme carries onto the palate, which is full and tannic. Blackened flavors of cassis, toast, chocolate and herbal black fruits finish with chewy tannins and a note of coconut. Drink through 2020.

91

25

Mendoza Province

Cabernet Sauvignon

61,641

Italy

Here's a youthful expression of Sangiovese Grosso in which the grape's trademark acidity and fruity brightness shine through. Cherry, white almond, dried raspberry and rum cake notes present a soft, chewy feel in the mouth, although the overall structure is solid.

91

90

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

47,691

US

Baked black plums, nutmeg, gingerbread spice, cinnamon and concentrated hibiscus show on the nose of this impressive countywide blend. The palate centers on forest floor elements of juniper and eucalyptus as well as tart cranberry fruit and a touch of smoke. Would wash down a variety of foods well.

89

25

California

Pinot Noir

28,157

US

Wild berries, from elderberry to salmonberry to mountain strawberries, are in play in this wine. The underpinning scents suggest earth and wet cement, while in the finish a strong flavor of breakfast tea lingers. This is an interesting addition to the Sineann lineup.

90

36

Oregon

Pinot Noir

32,477

US

This vineyard-designate opens in bombastic amounts of Asian spice and wild strawberry, making for a whirlwind of flavor and acidity on the palate. Black tea and rose garden dance around highlights of orange and cranberry, the wine tart in mineralogy, as well as full of length and density.

90

56

California

Pinot Noir

71,304

US

Bennett Valley is a little appellation in Sonoma County and it's been known as a good source of nuanced Merlot since Matanzas Creek specialized in the variety. This new bottling recalls those glory days. It's a fine Merlot, dry and silky and elegant, with ripe flavors of black and red cherries, chocolate and herbs. Try as a softer, gentler version to Cabernet.

92

28

California

Merlot

52,410

US

Generous and fruity aromas of baked blackberry and blueberry syrup show on this blend of 48% Merlot, 45% Zinfandel, 4% Primitivo, 2% Petite Sirah and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, along with an underlying rockiness. A nicely tight structure boosted by strong acidity presents flavors of blackberry and black-cherry skin.

87

26

California

Red Blend

38,563

US

The Amador Zin specialist is offering its first ever Grenache here, a tremendous debut, super light in color and texture, lightly rendered to show off its layers of delicate violet and raspberry amid a meatier backbone of lurking anise and herbs. With 9% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah, this is a light red worth seeking out.

89

20

California

Grenache

115,601

US

There's a yogurt-driven dairy element on the nose of this estate wine from western Gilroy, with sleek white peach, light white pepper, lemon blossom and lime-pith aromas in support. The Brie cheese-rind tension carries to the palate, along with grapefruit pith, lime zest and bountiful energy. This bottling is great now but will hold until at least 2022.

92

30

California

Chardonnay

869

US

The most reserved of this winery's Grenache studies, this bottling shows baked red cherry, red currant, cola and slate on the nose. An iron-based minerality shows on the earthy palate, which also offers chipped slate, cranberry and tart cherry elements. It's a tad light but still intriguingly textured.

90

42

California

Grenache

105,986

US

A fresh, crisp, clean young Pinot Noir that shows the silkiness and relative transparency of many Carneros Pinots. It's a bit thin, compared to more full-bodied versions, but elegant and dry, with flavors of cherryskins, cola and sandalwood. Now–2012.

87

28

California

Pinot Noir

31,268

US

Young and stiff upon being opened, this is striated with flavors and scents of earthy beet, rhubard, raspberry and strawberry. The palate brings in accents of iron filings, mushroom and further complexity. It's a sturdy, medium-weight, earthy wine, with moderate aging potention. Drink now through 2023.

91

48

Oregon

Pinot Noir

120,235

Spain

Raspberry, plum and cherry aromas are light, pure and fully inviting, with nothing off-putting. This tastes bright and balanced, with cherry and berry flavors that are impossible not to like. A dash of oaky cocoa blends with leftover red fruit flavors on a nice finish.

90

10

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

112,774

US

This is a bit fat and forward, with flavors of tropical fruit and banana, and a light dusting of cocoa, cinnamon and butterscotch. It's a tasty wine to drink up as soon as possible.

87

28

Oregon

Chardonnay

111,154

Italy

Soft, plush and modern, this is a superstar Brunello with all the qualities we love in this gorgeous category of wine. Made from organically farmed fruit, it offers amazing intensity and determination with aromas of spice, blackberry and currants. The texture is smooth and silky and the tannins offer a solid backbone.

94

55

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

87,581

US

Just a hint of sweetness can be found in a bouquet of honey-dusted flower. Pretty in on the palate, with citrus and apricot notes, this shows floral accents that are somewhat reminiscent of Gewürztraminer.

90

18

Washington

Riesling

105,020

US

A big, rich, flashy Chardonnay that's designed to impress, and does. Almost too much of a good thing, with massive lemondrop candy, pineapple, lime and kiwi fruit flavors, as well as firm minerality and lots of toasty oak. Drink now with opulent fare, such as shellfish.

92

60

California

Chardonnay

74,549

US

Here's a very tight, young Pinot, one you'll want to put some bottle age on. It's marked by acids and oak flavors that have not yet been integrated into the underlying fruit. Give it through 2008, by which time the smoky wood and vanilla should marry with the cherries and Dr. Pepper flavors to produce a rich, complex sipper.

91

50

California

Pinot Noir

21,315

US

Here's a good Sauvignon Blanc that will go well with a wide range of foods. Clean, crisp and a little sweet, it has pleasant pineapple, lemon, lime and vanilla flavors.

85

18

California

Sauvignon Blanc

98,309

US

Apple blossoms scent this fresh dry Riesling. The palate is invigorating and spry, bolstered by a breezy citrus and green-apple finish. It's not a deeply concentrated wine but effortlessly elegant.

88

18

New York

Riesling

68,944

US

This interesting and rather subtle wine smells like white pepper and pistachios and tastes like white peaches. It stays dry on the palate, while the texture spreads flavors smoothly for a sense of richness.

89

16

California

Sauvignon Blanc

108,270

US

Sweet, soft and jammy, with raspberry, bacon and bubblegum flavors.

82

10

California

Petite Sirah

127,514

Italy

Made with 75% Corvina and 25% Corvinone grapes—organically grown and dried for 90 days—this opens with aromas of raisins, ripe plum and black pepper. The robust palate offers black currant, licorice, nutmeg and tobacco alongside close-grained tannins. Drink through 2022.

90

69

Veneto

Red Blend

28,612

France

Full and ripe, certainly as befits Meursault from a great year, but this wine also has deliciously crisp acidity which adds an element of minerality, of poise, to the smooth toast and cream texture. An enticing, structured wine.

90

80

Burgundy

Chardonnay

28,499

US

Made from Syrah, this is a zesty, dry and medium-bodied wine, soft and thirst-quenching in waves of strawberry and raspberry. Undertones of dried herb and citrus mark the finish.

87

14

California

Rosé

103,824

US

Overripe flavors of raisins and prunes compromise this Zinfandel. It's dry and pretty tannic, and the alcohol is high, giving it a hot, porty finish.

83

30

California

Zinfandel

108,938

US

Still quite locked up, this wine displays initial aromas of cocoa and vanilla (from 20% new American oak) along with plum, medicine cabinet and raspberry. Sweet fruit flavors are backed by firm tannins and mouthwatering acids.

88

36

Washington

Tempranillo

39,226

Italy

Alluring aromas of menthol, red berry, rose and herb lift out of the glass. The rounded solid palate offers raspberry, morello cherry, a touch of clove and a hint of cinnamon framed in firm tannins. It's straightforward by Barolo standards but it's appealing and already almost accessible. Drink after 2021.

89

30

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

103,390

France

A ripe, full wine, immediately accessible, speaking both of minerality and fresh acidity. The fruit goes right to the green apples, kiwi and juicy lemon flavors, but the structure is bold and rounds out these crisp fruits. A wine for aging, perhaps 2–3 years.

90

35

Burgundy

Chardonnay

92,169

Spain

Rich in color and aromas; the nose pushes soothing, fragrant dark-fruit aromas that carry a touch of perfume and violets. In the mouth, the wine is only moderately rich. With full acids and zest, it's not as hefty as many modern Riojas. Still, it's a well-executed Tempranillo with ample oak and good mouthfeel.

88

20

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

39,069

Italy

From vineyard holdings in Castiglione Falletto, this opens with alluring scents of new leather, ripe berry, blue flower, cake spice and a balsamic note. The full-bodied palate doles out black raspberry, fleshy black cherry, clove and tobacco. Firm, ripe tannins provide support and an age-worthy structure. Drink 2022–2032.

94

96

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

53,107

US

This Pinot Noir-dominant sparkler is nutty and perfumed, its honeysuckle scents bringing lightness and brightness to a meaty core of body and weight.

88

45

California

Sparkling Blend

29,991

US

A nice, bone-dry wine. With crisp, tingly acidity, it shows Viognier's exotic side, with tropical fruit, citrus, wildflower, vanilla and spice flavors.

85

11

California

Viognier

103,840

US

Rich red cherry, rhubarb and alpine strawberry aromas meet rust and shaved licorice on the nose of this beautiful bottling from the Parker family's cool-climate vineyard. It's deceptively light on the palate, with airy flavors that intensify to exotic cherry, mulberry, tea leaf and maduro cigar, framed by firm, structured tannins. Drink 2020–2024.

93

55

California

Pinot Noir

66,972

US

This biodynamically farmed wine comes from Steep Creek Ranch next to the winery facility and Nelson Vineyard on the shores of the Columbia River. It shows lots of intrigue, with pure notes of herbs, mulberry and mineral that are enjoyable yet elusive. It's clingy in feel, with elegant yet rich fruit flavors.

87

60

Washington

Syrah

56,198

US

Merlot (64%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) makes up the majority of this wine, which is topped off by smidgens of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The aromas of raspberries, black cherries and milk chocolate are generous, while the palate brings a sense of smoothness and balance.

90

35

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

88,259

US

The winery's first release of this variety offers aromas of apple, chamomile, spice and lees. On the palate, the green-apple acids are tart and bracing, needing some food to tame them.

89

48

Washington

Chardonnay

30,909

US

The Horseshoe Bend Vineyard, which is in the cool Laguna part of the southern valley, is capable of great Pinot Noir. In a warmer vintage, the wines are lush. In chilly ones like 2011, they're elusive. But the wines always have great structure. This bottling is marked by acidity, tannins, dryness and a superbly silky mouthfeel. The flavors veer between barely ripe cherries and pomegranates to green tomatoes and celery leaf. The wine needs time. Give it until 2017 to begin to show its stuff.

91

50

California

Pinot Noir

98,890

Italy

This bright, easy-drinking red offers aromas and flavors of wild cherry, crushed raspberry and freshly ground pepper. It's fresh and enjoyable, with soft tannins. Drink soon.

87

15

Veneto

Red Blend

112,159

US

Spicebox, dark raspberry, vanilla and toasty oak aromas are followed by reserved, well constructed fruit flavors that taper toward the finish.

88

25

Washington

Merlot

77,341

US

The third vintage of this wine is 100% varietal, with the fruit coming from Stone Tree, Cold Creek and Beverly vineyards. Aromas of coffee, vanilla, clove, dark plum and spice lead to concentrated, layered but still elegant fruit flavors.

91

85

Washington

Merlot

24,503

US

This wine has gorgeous ripe fruit aromas, mouth-filling flavors and a plush, generous texture. A hint of smoke shades the ripe black-cherry aromas. Layered flavors of clove, cedar, pomegranate and rosemary intermingle on the palate. Despite the ripeness and full body, a fine coat of tannins and supportive acidity keep the mouthfeel fresh and appetizing.

92

45

California

Pinot Noir

71,068

US

Bella has a spotty record with this wine. The '05, from a cooler vintage, shows a Northern Rhône dryness and peppery taste, with good blackberry and currant flavors. But the tannins are very hard, almost old-fashioned in the way they shut the palate down.

86

38

California

Syrah

68,813

US

Medium bodied and lean in profile, this wine starts with floral aromas, then brings in fairly tart cherry and pomegranate flavors and firmly tannic texture.

86

26

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

8,798

France

A dark-hued wine, it's richly fruity with spice and wood flavors. It is ripe, full in the mouth, offering solid tannins as well as attractive acidity. It's suited for medium-term aging, so drink from 2016.

89

24

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

107,812

US

This nicely structured Bordeaux blend's aromas begin with violets and roll into cherry candy, while in the mouth the wine is sweet yet firm, with tart acids that are tightly wound. A mix of berry, cherry and cassis fruit is counterweighted with citric acids. Tannins are ripe with hints ofcut tobacco, moist earth and black olive.

90

42

Washington

Red Blend

86,018

US

V. Sattui tries their hand at Grenache, with good results. The wine shows the variety's famed cherry flavors, intense and jammy, along with a good amount of caramelized oak. The winemaker wisely added a bit of Syrah and Petite Sirah, which add body and weight. Ready to drink now.

88

29

California

Grenache