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
15,505	France	Combining richness and structure, this is a beautifully ripe wine. The wood aging is still showing strongly, although there is already opulent competition with the apricot and peach fruits that are cut with orange zest acidity. A strongly textured charactergives the wine an impressive shape and long-term aging. Drink from 2019.	94	103	Burgundy	Chardonnay
119,449	US	This robust, richly layered wine shows lemon chiffon and vanilla characteristics balanced by golden apple and pear undertones.	90	27	California	Chardonnay
51,967	US	This bottling, from seven cool climate vineyards, makes a great intro into savory Syrah, showing all that peppery might without shoving it down the throat. Cracked peppercorn is redolent on the nose and palate, with the latter also showing raw lamb and beef char. The sip tends toward soy and leather, but with a core of dried blackberry fruit that's familiar to most palates. The texture is tightly woven.	93	45	California	Syrah
65,064	France	There is an attractive orange-zest tang to this rounded wine. It brings out ripe yellow fruits that have acidity to add to the mineral texture of this balanced wine. It is ready to drink.	86	30	Burgundy	Chardonnay
61,435	US	Adelsheim helped to pioneer Dijon clone Chardonnay in Oregon, a movement that completely reshaped and reinvigorated those wines. Crisp styling (from stainless steel fermentation and no malolactic) puts the emphasis on clean, refreshing fruit flavors of melon, star fruit, lime and cucumber, with excellent concentration and length.	90	22	Oregon	Chardonnay
83,567	Italy	Alluring aromas of violet, rose, dark berry and a hint of cured meat emerge on this firmly structured wine. The palate is rather extracted, offering rich black cherry, chocolate, tobacco and sweet spice alongside grippy tannins.	90	74	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
61,301	US	Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), with the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this offers aromas of vanilla, baking spice, green pepper and dark fruit, with the oak showing somewhat prominently. The palate brings well-balanced dark fruit and green-pepper flavors, with spice lingering on the finish.	88	35	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
38,821	US	This is a very pure expression of Viognier—single vineyard (Del Rio) and single clone (Clone 1), aged five months in stainless steel. It's vibrantly aromatic with notes of lime leaf, ripe peach and flowers with an unctuous feel and a tart finish.	88	18	Oregon	Viognier
124,646	Italy	Baked plum, crushed violet, chewing tobacco and roasted coffee bean aromas lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry jam, mocha and licorice alongside firm, polished tannins. Drink 2017–2024.	90	50	Veneto	Red Blend
58,430	France	A fresh and white-fruited wine. It has the crispest acidity along with open melon and peach fruits, moving to a soft, ripe aftertaste. A great apéritif wine.	87	15	Provence	White Blend
91,273	US	Dry and crisp in cool-climate coastal acidity, this polished Chard shows pretty flavors of pineapples, green apples, honey and oak spice. It's creamy, and made in the New World style.	86	29	California	Chardonnay
68,640	US	Dark in color, ripe and pruney in aroma, the palate is medium bodied and thick with dried fruit flavors.	85	27	California	Sangiovese
29,308	France	Although best known for its base in Menetou-Salon, Pellé also has 12 acres of vines in Sancerre. This wine is fresh and crisp, with a strongly herbal element that gives a textured character as well as tight acidity. It is ready to drink.	89	29	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
27,104	US	Puckering in tannins with a rubbery imprint around blackberry and black tar, this is a huge wine that may need a bit of decanting to enjoy.	83	30	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
107,093	US	This opens immediately into a lush, varied, flavorful wine that's broadly fruity and generously endowed with toasty oak highlights. It's drinking beautifully already, but is also nicely structured for aging through 2022.	91	40	Oregon	Pinot Noir
127,325	US	There's a dark green dankness on the nose of this single-vineyard wine, with wet basil and damp oregano mixing with lawn cuttings and dark-green lime peels. The sip shows tangy lime zest, lime juice and a wet-cement minerality.	88	25	California	Sauvignon Blanc
1,419	US	Richly aromatic, on the strength of the nose alone this could pass for something from Napa's Rutherford Bench. The blue and purple fruit notes and dusty tannins all say California, but the laser-like definition, minerality and natural acidity prove it's Washington fruit all the way. Strikingly dense and complex, with decades of life ahead.	93	50	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
85,838	France	Produced from a selection of grapes, this is a bold, fruity wine that has rich tannins and a generous structure. It is all about the black-fruit flavors with balanced acidity and just hints of toast. It is now a delicious, mature wine from a fine year. Drink now.	90	55	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
114,320	Italy	Aromas of honeysuckle and exotic fruit lead the way. The aromas flow over to the rather sweet supple palate along with mature white peach, candied lemon peel and a confectionery note. A soft mousse backs up the rich flavors.	88	43	Veneto	Glera
98,110	Italy	A lovely, lush wine with bold, direct aromas of ripe cherry, cured meat, blackberry preserves and exotic spice. It presents a clean and fresh mouthfeel, with solid structure on the long finish.	93	25	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
58,113	France	Typical of Pouilly Fumé in its dense texture and flavor, this ripe wine has a smoky character that comes from the flint soil, which also adds its tight, mineral texture. It needs to age, so drink from 2018.	92	28	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
33,664	Italy	Loaded with energy, this polished red opens with fragrant blue flower, new leather, black plum and baking spice aromas. The juicy, vibrant palate offers tart cherry, cranberry, clove and thyme, its acidity and fine-grained tannins lending grip to the finish. Racy and linear, it needs time to fully develop. Drink 2019–2028.	90	29	Tuscany	Red Blend
33,680	Italy	Ripe plum, blue flower and an earthy whiff of truffle lead the nose, while the juicy palate offers black cherry and clove flavors with a hint of game. Chewy tannins provide the framework.	90	32	Tuscany	Red Blend
42,999	US	While slightly reserved in aroma, this serious, special-occasion wine comes on steady and strong in flavor. Blueberry and black cherry notes pick up more raspberry and red cherry with each sip. In addition to fruit complexity, it has a full body, sleek texture and lingering finish. Best now through 2020.	93	45	California	Zinfandel
39,391	France	With an attractive touch of toastiness on this ripe wine, this is balanced and very ready to drink. In the house style, it is rich with a comparatively high dosage that gives it a soft character. Plenty of acidity and hints of red fruits provide a vibrant contrast. It is ready to drink.	92	85	Champagne	Champagne Blend
114,726	US	Much more Pinot Noir like in style, this single vineyard Grenache offers aromas of fresh sagebrush, black raspberry, crushed slate and the slightest bit of game. It's light and bright on the palate, yet bolstered by strong and persistently grippy tannins, allowing rose petal and light violet flavors to shine atop the structure.	93	25	California	Grenache
119,753	US	Here's a good, rich Cabernet for drinking now. It satisfies for the elaborate layers of blackberries, cherries and plums, enhanced with spicy, smoky oak. Full-bodied and tannic, it shows lots of elegant complexity for the price.	87	20	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
117,107	US	Smoked oregano, black plum, dark berries and loamy soil notes come through on this bottling by one of this appellation's original families. Dark plum, blackberry, crushed black rocks, iron and touches of dried mint and white sage come through on the savory palate. This bottling aims more for power than finesse in this variable grape.	93	48	California	Grenache
110,326	France	From a small parcel of land that is not designated as classed growth (rare in Pauillac), this is a richly satisfying wine. It is full of complex tannins as well as juicy red-berry fruits. There is also structure to give it the chance to age. Drink this wine with its delicious potential from 2022.	91	44	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
64,701	US	Teriyaki chicken and Chinese roast pork are just two umami foods that come to mind to pair with this spicy, fruity and exuberant young red wine. A Merlot-based Bordeaux blend with Sangiovese, it's rich in cherry, bacon and pepper flavors.	87	20	California	Red Blend
93,456	US	The sister wine to the Squall Line Red, this is another Bordeaux-style blend, with Merlot in the central role. It's sleek and well-crafted, with purple fruits, delicate toast and a creamy, latté-like finish.	90	28	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
71,237	France	Tropical fruit aromas show up on the ripe fruity palate of this wine. With pineapple and mango, it is in the tropical spectrum of Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity is just right to keep the crisp texture in place. Drink now.	87	15	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
79,654	US	Considered warm by Central Coast standards, Paso Robles is not always ideal for Chardonnay, but the veteran squad at Castoro did well on this nicely tight bottling. Key-lime pith and crisp Gala apple show on the nose, while solid acidity delivers flavors of rainy slate and squeezed citrus. There's good grippy tension to the sip as well.	91	15	California	Chardonnay
59,801	Italy	Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 10% Merlot create a vibrant wine with beautiful intensity and underlying tones of milk chocolate, prune, blueberry and spice. In the mouth, the wine is still a bit chunky and the tannins raw—you'd best wait to drink it after 2010.	93	64	Tuscany	Cabernet Sauvignon
32,764	US	A big-boned Pinot, inexpensively priced, that offers smoke and oak without nuance or layers.	84	16	California	Pinot Noir
123,551	US	There's not much going on here beyond lots of smoky, caramelized oak and some easy peach and citrus flavors. A touch of unripeness is also found. Chardonnnay has not been ZD's strong suit, and still isn't.	84	55	California	Chardonnay
21,680	Spain	After an initial blast of earth and lettuce, this Cabernet finds some of its fruity essence. But still, it has persistent green notes that interfere with the wine's candied black fruit component. Finishes tannic and slightly clampy, with decent length and a mix of cassis, cherry and herbs. Classic Old World Cabernet from the Penedès.	85	36	Catalonia	Cabernet Sauvignon
71,535	France	A ripe, balanced and structured wine, this is dense and full of blackberry and damson fruits. It has spice from the wood aging, along with a dry core of tannins. With its potential, it will be ready to drink from 2018.	87	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
43,760	France	The nonvintage Taittinger cuvée, with its lively mousse, is soft and creamily fruity. While the bottle tasted was young, it had enough ripe white fruits and lime-juice flavors to balance out the freshness. Typically for Taittinger, Chardonnay is an important element in the blend, giving the wine its final mineral tautness.	88	42	Champagne	Champagne Blend
70,541	Portugal	Huge and rich, this offers ripe black fruits and a concentrated structure. It's packed with a seemingly sweet blackberry flavor that serves as a counterpoint to the firm texture. With both density and a dark edge, this will age over several years.	92	20	Douro	Portuguese Red
82,420	US	This is a nice, dry sparkling wine, rich in citrus, apple, yeasty brioche and spice flavors. The bubbles are a little ragged, giving it a scoury mouthfeel. But for the price, it's a fine bubbly.	86	16	California	Sparkling Blend
60,959	US	The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend is from Howell Mountain. The Syrah is from the Hudson Vineyard, in Carneros. The wine is very fine, offering complex tiers of blackberries, black currants, cherries, raspberries, bacon, sweet Provençal herbs, spices and toasty oak. Very fine, with a sharp bite of acidity that calls for a good steak. Now and through 2014, at the very least.	93	48	California	Red Blend
60,926	US	This soft and seductive wine is reminiscent of a good Chassagne-Montrachet from a relatively warm year. It has the same ripe, lightly tropical fruit, inflected with citrus and buoyed by firm acidity. The use of oak is restrained, the balance perfect, and the finish long and satisfying.	91	35	Oregon	Chardonnay
53,537	Spain	Baked, spicy aromas of berry fruits are a bit damp and herbal. This feels chunky, with mouthfilling, rough tannins. Earthy, baked plum and berry flavors are herbal and a touch salty, while this ends with mature berry flavors and hard tannins.	89	26	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
48,896	France	A complete wine. As it starts in the mouth, there is a feeling of everything in its place. The tannins are initially soft, dusty rather than dry; then the dark plums, red berries and so-sweet strawberries come into play. And finally, they all come together in a climax of richness and freshness.	98	134	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
83,042	US	Deep blueberry and blackcurrant aromas waft off this bottling, as do scents of oak smoke and beef char. It's thick in the glass, with sticky tannins and strong acidity that present flavors of boisterous blackberry, tar, pepper, dark chocolate and dried herbs.	89	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
105,001	US	Tough and gritty in tannins, this Cabernet is still raw. There's a flattering core of ripe blackberry and black currant fruits, but the wine doesn't show the approachability of other 2007 Cabernets. Give it another five years in the cellar, but no guarantees that the fruit will outlast the tannins.	88	80	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
60,763	Italy	Here's a really pretty Rosso with a bright, fruit-driven bouquet. It opens with notes of raspberry and wild berry, with background tones of cinnamon and crushed clove. The finish is acidic and crisp.	89	18	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
118,478	France	Firm and solidly structured, this is a dense wine. It has plenty of tannins and a touch of bitter chocolate, but they are supported by the ripe fruit and fresh black currant flavors. It's a wine for aging, drink from 2017.	89	18	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
61,735	US	Reduced on the nose, this wine has a nuttiness and a petrol-like quality that colors its otherwise thin dried plum flavor. Low in oak, it will pair well with traditional Italian fare.	85	32	California	Sangiovese
114,536	Portugal	This is one of the grand wines of the Douro, from the last estate to be founded by the legendary Dona Antonia Ferreira in the 19th century. This is a long-lasting wine showing a fresh character, with dense, dark tannins and intense floral fruit. This will age for many years, so don't drink before 2020.	97	90	Douro	Portuguese Red
96,958	US	A bit thinner aromatically than some other Cabs, this shows black cherry, tobacco ash, soft cedar and rose petals on the nose. The palate is also relatively light, but offers complex black pepper, thyme, red cherry, turned earth and dried-mint flavors.	87	60	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
124,507	US	Extra time in bottle seems to have served this vineyard-designate well, allowing it to meld truffle, black pepper and leather with juicy black fruit. Aged in American oak, it offers a touch of violet on the nose and a lingering depth of flavor on the finish.	90	45	California	Cabernet Franc
129,002	US	This is one of the stars of the vintage in 2010; the Conner Lee fruit is rich and fully ripe, with a pleasingly candied aspect. Yet it remains lively with bracing acids, citrus and apple, and highlights of toasted nuts and caramel. A big, grin-inducing wine that is virtually irresistible.	93	35	Washington	Chardonnay
99,263	US	Fruity and rustic, this blend of Zin and other grape varieties has forward berry, cherry, currant, mint and spice flavors. Fully dry, it has an everyday quality that suggests sandwiches, chicken and simple Italian fare.	84	22	California	Red Blend
53,722	US	Full and plush, with complex aromas of cassis, cinnamon, earth, cedar, coffee and cream. Low in acidity, it is large in depth of fruit and flavor, with black currants, earth and coffee reigning on the palate and into the finish. A sensuous texture and long finish with soft tannins complete the pleasure package. Very approachable; drink now through 2008.	94	50	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
71,241	Italy	Honeysuckle and tropical fruit aromas lead the nose while the vivacious palate offers honeydew melon, white peach and pineapple. Crisp acidity and a lively perlage invigorate the finish.	87	20	Veneto	Glera
15,764	Australia	This crisp, focused wine may not be quite as racy as its namesake dog breed, but it is very fresh. There's a touch of green apple, but the majority of the fruit leans more toward white grapeffruit, with a long finish.	88	18	South Australia	Sauvignon Blanc
7,515	US	This big-boy, 100% varietal Cab is reflective of both its vintage and provenance, a celebration of black pepper, blackberry and tar around an intensely full-bodied, bittersweet palate. Tobacco leaf and leather saddle interweave themselves through the wine's middle and end. Drink now through 2020.	92	150	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
88,834	US	Sharp in acidity while silky on the palate, this blend of 12 estate blocks is the Pinot made in the largest quantity by the winery. Soft, pretty and approachable, it offers red cherry, blackberry, rose petal and cola spice, with a bite of oak on the finish.	88	50	California	Pinot Noir
19,163	US	From a famed old site planted to 75% Zinfandel and 25% mixed black-skinned varieties, this wine conveys a minty-eucalyptus quality that tunes the acidity high against a medium-weight body. Austere at first on the palate, it expands as it goes, offering robust, dry tannins and layers of cardamom and coffee with time and air.	90	60	California	Zinfandel
128,774	France	An equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is a crisper than other Champagnes in the Coutelas range. It is also still young with its bright green and citrus fruits and tense texture. Lively and fresh, it should be aged and not drunk before 2017.	91	60	Champagne	Champagne Blend
24,693	US	A bit quick on the finish, but otherwise a nice everyday Chardonnay. Shows a soft, buttercream texture, with dry, subtle flavors of pineapples, pears and buttered toast.	85	13	California	Chardonnay
63,997	US	This light-bodied wine is a bit sweet and sugary, balanced by crisp apple flavors and a tangy touch of acidity. It's good and thirst-quenching.	85	24	California	Riesling
24,410	France	This is the entry-level wine from this quality estate. It is simple, fruity and ripe with attractive red fruits. Brightly crisp, it is ready to drink.	86	18	Provence	Rosé
37,907	France	Soft Champagne, with a white fruit character, tasting ripe. The acidity is there, although it is unbalanced against the high dosage. The general feel is heavy.	84	40	Champagne	Champagne Blend
30,156	France	Structured and firm with balancing red berry fruit, this is a solid, chunky wine that reflects the concentration of the vintage. It has weight, solid tannins and hints of pepper and spice. Age for 2–3 years.	87	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
100,709	Italy	This opens with aromas suggesting toast, menthol, mature berry, coffee and a balsamic note. On the full-bodied palate, notes of white pepper, cinnamon and powdered sage accent dried black cherry while firm, close-grained tannins provide the framework.	89	60	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
54,779	Spain	This smooth and elegant Priorat offers a fine mix of red fruit, tobacco, spice and vanilla on the bouquet. It feels fresh and crisp in the mouth, with ample body and solid flavors of licorice, toast and black fruits. Things darken up on the finish, where molasses, pepper and spice notes run out for a good, long time. Drink now–2019.	92	55	Catalonia	Red Blend
17,796	US	This popular blend of seven red grapes is dark and strongly flavored with a streak of vanilla. There's nothing fancy here, just big, vanilla-soaked flavors, at an affordable price.	85	10	Oregon	Red Blend
86,038	France	Aromas of toasted hazelnuts and yeast give way on the palate to oranges, cloves and golden delicious apples. The Bolly house style of weight and heft is well displayed here, balanced out by a long, taut finish.	90	90	Champagne	Champagne Blend
28,668	France	A pale-colored wine with crisp, tight red-currant fruit, this is light and lively. Drink this simple, attractive wine now.	85	13	Bordeaux	Rosé
101,398	US	Polished and sophisticated, with lush green apple, pineapple, buttered toast and cinnamon flavors. Likeable for its balance and sheer drinkability.	88	20	California	Chardonnay
38,312	Italy	The beauty of this wine is that it shows seductive power and personality. Nothing is over the top. Cortevecchia Riserva doles out carefully measured aromas of forest fruit, spice, toasted nut and tobacco. It feels linear, bright and tight, but it is also elegant and soft.	90	48	Tuscany	Sangiovese
29,727	US	Fresh-squeezed olallieberries, concentrated lilacs, plum skin and a light pepper aroma show on this wine's dense nose. The palate is lighter in flavor yet dense in texture, with strong tannins framing the fresh boysenberry fruit.	86	30	California	Grenache
89,374	US	Here's a soft, sweet Cabernet, rich in blackberries, cherries, cassis and chocolate, with a spicy finish. It shows plenty of ripe varietal character, and is ready to drink now.	87	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
40,530	Italy	Pretty coffee and tobacco aromas add weight and persistency to this garnet colored Brunello. There's fruit here in the form of cherry, pomegranate and dried raspberry but those savory notes at the back really add to the wine's overall complexity.	89	60	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
4,901	US	The winery's coolest, lightest Syrah, this is an elegant, ethereal wine, sanguine and gamy with an abundance of white pepper and blueberry. Complex, it takes on a thick middle before finishing lean and soft.	91	40	California	Syrah
37,745	Italy	Chopped herb, fragrant blue flower, woodland berry and menthol aromas take center stage in this vibrant red. On the palate, clove and star anise notes underpin red cherry, cranberry and tobacco flavors. A hint of orange zest marks the finish while refined tannins and bright acidity provide the framework.	93	42	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
104,574	US	This winery is striving to show that Burgundian varietals can work in the cooler Willow Creek region of Paso Robles, where sea breeze comes through the Templeton Gap. This bottling provides good evidence, with aromas of crushed rocks, vanilla toast, roasted apple and peach. Brisk apple cider dominates the palate, picking up roasted almonds in the midpalate and possessing quite a bit of pear skin grip.	90	36	California	Chardonnay
35,604	US	Ah, this is a wonderfully dry and bracing wine that avid wine drinkers will appreciate for its great balance, sense of reserve and mouthwatering quality. The aromas and flavors are like cucumber, grapefruit and white pepper, the acidity is almost electric and the finish lingering.	91	28	California	Sauvignon Blanc
121,303	US	Lots of toasty new oak on this potent California Chardonnay. Malolactic fermentation and sur lees aging give it a buttered popcorn creaminess, while the underlying fruit is vibrant in acidity, suggesting candied apricots and tangerines.	87	30	California	Chardonnay
38,409	US	Whiffs of cola and exotic baking spices abound on this rich, caramel-toned blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Noiret grapes aged sherry-style in a solera. It's a unique wine with interesting notes of oxidation and maturation, but a bit clumsy on the palate.	84	45	New York	Red Blend
105,578	France	For the vintage, this is a ripe, bold wine. Layers of delicious black fruits are supported by firm tannins and the right amount of wood aging. Balanced and dense, it will age well. Drink from 2017.	88	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
71,712	Italy	This simple wine offers up subdued sensations of raw berries and a hint of mocha but it lacks fruit richness. It's already very evolved and should be drunk soon.	86	20	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
26,529	US	A classic Cab in the Santa Cruz Mountains style, this savory bottling shows black pepper, charcoal and grilled blueberries on the nose along with tons of dried herbs. Blackberry, anise, dill, cedar and pencil lead show on the sip, where intriguing depth and a silky texture combine.	93	55	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
107,233	US	Shows Sangiovese's bright cherry and cola flavors and mouthwatering acidity, in a light, silky texture. It's a good, dry, savory wine, but a little one-dimensional. Drink up.	86	30	California	Sangiovese
15,140	US	There's a feral quality to this bottling by the trio of Brandon Sparks-Gillis and John and Steve Dragonette that makes it fascinating. Aromas of dark cranberry and rose petal meet up with funkier game and composting flowers on the nose. There is strong ginger and mace spice on the sip, giving intrigue to the light strawberry, red plum and pomegranate fruits.	93	60	California	Pinot Noir
30,220	US	Aged in stainless steel, this single-vineyard Viognier is aromatic and appealing, with notes of fresh flowers, peach and lees. It's off-dry, medium bodied, with a textured feel and light fruit flavors.	87	19	Oregon	Viognier
10,677	Spain	If this Cava weren't so pickled in smell and taste, it would rate better. As is, it opens with white fruit, vanilla and brine aromas. Flavors of apple and pear maintain a prevalent, pickled edge, while the finish falls off in feel and clarity.	84	15	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
37,071	US	A robust, spicy wine that offers lots of bang for the buck. The flavors range from lush raspberries and red cherries up through blackberries and currants, veering into mocha, and there's lots of crushed black pepper. Easy to like with steak, lamb, Mexican food.	88	14	California	Syrah
4,059	US	A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is aromatically brooding, with notes of pencil lead, barrel spice, herb, medicine cabinet and cherry. The flavors are rich and full bodied, showing concentration and depth.	90	17	Washington	Red Blend
6,456	US	It's rare that domestic Chardonnay is truly Chablis-like, but this delicately framed wine fits that description perfectly. Nuanced with mineral and spice notes, this has melon and apple flavors that seem to sail on a gentle sea breeze. It doesn't slam you with oak, instead it seduces with you style.	91	28	Washington	Chardonnay
16,493	Italy	Aromas of underbrush, stewed prune and baking spice waft out of the glass. The smooth, enveloping palate doles out dried black cherry, raspberry jam, pipe tobacco and cinnamon framed in velvety tannins that lend polished support. A cocoa note closes the finish.	93	94	Veneto	Red Blend
35,000	Spain	Toasty, oaky aromas of graphite, pepper, barrel char and black fruits properly announce a palate of chewy tannins and several layers of blackberry, cassis, barrel-spice, toast and chocolate flavors. Chocolaty depth on the finish only adds to the package. Drink through 2030.	92	59	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
77,668	US	There's just a touch of oak on this Chardonnay, enough to give it hints of smoke and buttered toast. The palate is dominated by flavors of tropical fruits, citrus, peaches and green apples, balanced with crisp lime-juice acidity. It's an elegant, dry Chard at a good price.	88	16	California	Chardonnay
91,000	US	Soft and tannic, this polished Syrah has easy, delicious flavors of chocolate, red currants, grilled meat, teriyaki and pepper. It's pure Paso Robles Syrah. Drink now.	86	36	California	Syrah
119,730	US	Soleil (sun) is a trial blend on the way to becoming a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée. Mixed black fruits carry a whiff of fresh herb and peat moss. The wine is nicely balanced and of modest dimension and length.	88	30	Washington	Red Blend
45,202	Spain	Smells like air freshener and white flowers. The palate is spongey and a bit low on life, while the flavors lean toward citrus but lack purity and zap, which is further drilled in on the waxy finish. Once upon a time Basa was a leading white value from Spain; lately it has been average at best.	84	15	Northern Spain	White Blend
98,059	Italy	Aromas of oak and sawdust come with notes of plum and vanilla. The palate shows plum and black cherry along with evident oak, espresso and toasted sensations.	87	60	Tuscany	Sangiovese

15,505

France

Combining richness and structure, this is a beautifully ripe wine. The wood aging is still showing strongly, although there is already opulent competition with the apricot and peach fruits that are cut with orange zest acidity. A strongly textured charactergives the wine an impressive shape and long-term aging. Drink from 2019.

94

103

Burgundy

Chardonnay

119,449

US

This robust, richly layered wine shows lemon chiffon and vanilla characteristics balanced by golden apple and pear undertones.

90

27

California

Chardonnay

51,967

US

This bottling, from seven cool climate vineyards, makes a great intro into savory Syrah, showing all that peppery might without shoving it down the throat. Cracked peppercorn is redolent on the nose and palate, with the latter also showing raw lamb and beef char. The sip tends toward soy and leather, but with a core of dried blackberry fruit that's familiar to most palates. The texture is tightly woven.

93

45

California

Syrah

65,064

France

There is an attractive orange-zest tang to this rounded wine. It brings out ripe yellow fruits that have acidity to add to the mineral texture of this balanced wine. It is ready to drink.

86

30

Burgundy

Chardonnay

61,435

US

Adelsheim helped to pioneer Dijon clone Chardonnay in Oregon, a movement that completely reshaped and reinvigorated those wines. Crisp styling (from stainless steel fermentation and no malolactic) puts the emphasis on clean, refreshing fruit flavors of melon, star fruit, lime and cucumber, with excellent concentration and length.

90

22

Oregon

Chardonnay

83,567

Italy

Alluring aromas of violet, rose, dark berry and a hint of cured meat emerge on this firmly structured wine. The palate is rather extracted, offering rich black cherry, chocolate, tobacco and sweet spice alongside grippy tannins.

90

74

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

61,301

US

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), with the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this offers aromas of vanilla, baking spice, green pepper and dark fruit, with the oak showing somewhat prominently. The palate brings well-balanced dark fruit and green-pepper flavors, with spice lingering on the finish.

88

35

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

38,821

US

This is a very pure expression of Viognier—single vineyard (Del Rio) and single clone (Clone 1), aged five months in stainless steel. It's vibrantly aromatic with notes of lime leaf, ripe peach and flowers with an unctuous feel and a tart finish.

88

18

Oregon

Viognier

124,646

Italy

Baked plum, crushed violet, chewing tobacco and roasted coffee bean aromas lead the nose on this full-bodied red. The structured palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry jam, mocha and licorice alongside firm, polished tannins. Drink 2017–2024.

90

50

Veneto

Red Blend

58,430

France

A fresh and white-fruited wine. It has the crispest acidity along with open melon and peach fruits, moving to a soft, ripe aftertaste. A great apéritif wine.

87

15

Provence

White Blend

91,273

US

Dry and crisp in cool-climate coastal acidity, this polished Chard shows pretty flavors of pineapples, green apples, honey and oak spice. It's creamy, and made in the New World style.

86

29

California

Chardonnay

68,640

US

Dark in color, ripe and pruney in aroma, the palate is medium bodied and thick with dried fruit flavors.

85

27

California

Sangiovese

29,308

France

Although best known for its base in Menetou-Salon, Pellé also has 12 acres of vines in Sancerre. This wine is fresh and crisp, with a strongly herbal element that gives a textured character as well as tight acidity. It is ready to drink.

89

29

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

27,104

US

Puckering in tannins with a rubbery imprint around blackberry and black tar, this is a huge wine that may need a bit of decanting to enjoy.

83

30

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

107,093

US

This opens immediately into a lush, varied, flavorful wine that's broadly fruity and generously endowed with toasty oak highlights. It's drinking beautifully already, but is also nicely structured for aging through 2022.

91

40

Oregon

Pinot Noir

127,325

US

There's a dark green dankness on the nose of this single-vineyard wine, with wet basil and damp oregano mixing with lawn cuttings and dark-green lime peels. The sip shows tangy lime zest, lime juice and a wet-cement minerality.

88

25

California

Sauvignon Blanc

1,419

US

Richly aromatic, on the strength of the nose alone this could pass for something from Napa's Rutherford Bench. The blue and purple fruit notes and dusty tannins all say California, but the laser-like definition, minerality and natural acidity prove it's Washington fruit all the way. Strikingly dense and complex, with decades of life ahead.

93

50

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

85,838

France

Produced from a selection of grapes, this is a bold, fruity wine that has rich tannins and a generous structure. It is all about the black-fruit flavors with balanced acidity and just hints of toast. It is now a delicious, mature wine from a fine year. Drink now.

90

55

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

114,320

Italy

Aromas of honeysuckle and exotic fruit lead the way. The aromas flow over to the rather sweet supple palate along with mature white peach, candied lemon peel and a confectionery note. A soft mousse backs up the rich flavors.

88

43

Veneto

Glera

98,110

Italy

A lovely, lush wine with bold, direct aromas of ripe cherry, cured meat, blackberry preserves and exotic spice. It presents a clean and fresh mouthfeel, with solid structure on the long finish.

93

25

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

58,113

France

Typical of Pouilly Fumé in its dense texture and flavor, this ripe wine has a smoky character that comes from the flint soil, which also adds its tight, mineral texture. It needs to age, so drink from 2018.

92

28

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

33,664

Italy

Loaded with energy, this polished red opens with fragrant blue flower, new leather, black plum and baking spice aromas. The juicy, vibrant palate offers tart cherry, cranberry, clove and thyme, its acidity and fine-grained tannins lending grip to the finish. Racy and linear, it needs time to fully develop. Drink 2019–2028.

90

29

Tuscany

Red Blend

33,680

Italy

Ripe plum, blue flower and an earthy whiff of truffle lead the nose, while the juicy palate offers black cherry and clove flavors with a hint of game. Chewy tannins provide the framework.

90

32

Tuscany

Red Blend

42,999

US

While slightly reserved in aroma, this serious, special-occasion wine comes on steady and strong in flavor. Blueberry and black cherry notes pick up more raspberry and red cherry with each sip. In addition to fruit complexity, it has a full body, sleek texture and lingering finish. Best now through 2020.

93

45

California

Zinfandel

39,391

France

With an attractive touch of toastiness on this ripe wine, this is balanced and very ready to drink. In the house style, it is rich with a comparatively high dosage that gives it a soft character. Plenty of acidity and hints of red fruits provide a vibrant contrast. It is ready to drink.

92

85

Champagne

Champagne Blend

114,726

US

Much more Pinot Noir like in style, this single vineyard Grenache offers aromas of fresh sagebrush, black raspberry, crushed slate and the slightest bit of game. It's light and bright on the palate, yet bolstered by strong and persistently grippy tannins, allowing rose petal and light violet flavors to shine atop the structure.

93

25

California

Grenache

119,753

US

Here's a good, rich Cabernet for drinking now. It satisfies for the elaborate layers of blackberries, cherries and plums, enhanced with spicy, smoky oak. Full-bodied and tannic, it shows lots of elegant complexity for the price.

87

20

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

117,107

US

Smoked oregano, black plum, dark berries and loamy soil notes come through on this bottling by one of this appellation's original families. Dark plum, blackberry, crushed black rocks, iron and touches of dried mint and white sage come through on the savory palate. This bottling aims more for power than finesse in this variable grape.

93

48

California

Grenache

110,326

France

From a small parcel of land that is not designated as classed growth (rare in Pauillac), this is a richly satisfying wine. It is full of complex tannins as well as juicy red-berry fruits. There is also structure to give it the chance to age. Drink this wine with its delicious potential from 2022.

91

44

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

64,701

US

Teriyaki chicken and Chinese roast pork are just two umami foods that come to mind to pair with this spicy, fruity and exuberant young red wine. A Merlot-based Bordeaux blend with Sangiovese, it's rich in cherry, bacon and pepper flavors.

87

20

California

Red Blend

93,456

US

The sister wine to the Squall Line Red, this is another Bordeaux-style blend, with Merlot in the central role. It's sleek and well-crafted, with purple fruits, delicate toast and a creamy, latté-like finish.

90

28

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

71,237

France

Tropical fruit aromas show up on the ripe fruity palate of this wine. With pineapple and mango, it is in the tropical spectrum of Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity is just right to keep the crisp texture in place. Drink now.

87

15

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

79,654

US

Considered warm by Central Coast standards, Paso Robles is not always ideal for Chardonnay, but the veteran squad at Castoro did well on this nicely tight bottling. Key-lime pith and crisp Gala apple show on the nose, while solid acidity delivers flavors of rainy slate and squeezed citrus. There's good grippy tension to the sip as well.

91

15

California

Chardonnay

59,801

Italy

Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 10% Merlot create a vibrant wine with beautiful intensity and underlying tones of milk chocolate, prune, blueberry and spice. In the mouth, the wine is still a bit chunky and the tannins raw—you'd best wait to drink it after 2010.

93

64

Tuscany

Cabernet Sauvignon

32,764

US

A big-boned Pinot, inexpensively priced, that offers smoke and oak without nuance or layers.

84

16

California

Pinot Noir

123,551

US

There's not much going on here beyond lots of smoky, caramelized oak and some easy peach and citrus flavors. A touch of unripeness is also found. Chardonnnay has not been ZD's strong suit, and still isn't.

84

55

California

Chardonnay

21,680

Spain

After an initial blast of earth and lettuce, this Cabernet finds some of its fruity essence. But still, it has persistent green notes that interfere with the wine's candied black fruit component. Finishes tannic and slightly clampy, with decent length and a mix of cassis, cherry and herbs. Classic Old World Cabernet from the Penedès.

85

36

Catalonia

Cabernet Sauvignon

71,535

France

A ripe, balanced and structured wine, this is dense and full of blackberry and damson fruits. It has spice from the wood aging, along with a dry core of tannins. With its potential, it will be ready to drink from 2018.

87

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

43,760

France

The nonvintage Taittinger cuvée, with its lively mousse, is soft and creamily fruity. While the bottle tasted was young, it had enough ripe white fruits and lime-juice flavors to balance out the freshness. Typically for Taittinger, Chardonnay is an important element in the blend, giving the wine its final mineral tautness.

88

42

Champagne

Champagne Blend

70,541

Portugal

Huge and rich, this offers ripe black fruits and a concentrated structure. It's packed with a seemingly sweet blackberry flavor that serves as a counterpoint to the firm texture. With both density and a dark edge, this will age over several years.

92

20

Douro

Portuguese Red

82,420

US

This is a nice, dry sparkling wine, rich in citrus, apple, yeasty brioche and spice flavors. The bubbles are a little ragged, giving it a scoury mouthfeel. But for the price, it's a fine bubbly.

86

16

California

Sparkling Blend

60,959

US

The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend is from Howell Mountain. The Syrah is from the Hudson Vineyard, in Carneros. The wine is very fine, offering complex tiers of blackberries, black currants, cherries, raspberries, bacon, sweet Provençal herbs, spices and toasty oak. Very fine, with a sharp bite of acidity that calls for a good steak. Now and through 2014, at the very least.

93

48

California

Red Blend

60,926

US

This soft and seductive wine is reminiscent of a good Chassagne-Montrachet from a relatively warm year. It has the same ripe, lightly tropical fruit, inflected with citrus and buoyed by firm acidity. The use of oak is restrained, the balance perfect, and the finish long and satisfying.

91

35

Oregon

Chardonnay

53,537

Spain

Baked, spicy aromas of berry fruits are a bit damp and herbal. This feels chunky, with mouthfilling, rough tannins. Earthy, baked plum and berry flavors are herbal and a touch salty, while this ends with mature berry flavors and hard tannins.

89

26

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

48,896

France

A complete wine. As it starts in the mouth, there is a feeling of everything in its place. The tannins are initially soft, dusty rather than dry; then the dark plums, red berries and so-sweet strawberries come into play. And finally, they all come together in a climax of richness and freshness.

98

134

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

83,042

US

Deep blueberry and blackcurrant aromas waft off this bottling, as do scents of oak smoke and beef char. It's thick in the glass, with sticky tannins and strong acidity that present flavors of boisterous blackberry, tar, pepper, dark chocolate and dried herbs.

89

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

105,001

US

Tough and gritty in tannins, this Cabernet is still raw. There's a flattering core of ripe blackberry and black currant fruits, but the wine doesn't show the approachability of other 2007 Cabernets. Give it another five years in the cellar, but no guarantees that the fruit will outlast the tannins.

88

80

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

60,763

Italy

Here's a really pretty Rosso with a bright, fruit-driven bouquet. It opens with notes of raspberry and wild berry, with background tones of cinnamon and crushed clove. The finish is acidic and crisp.

89

18

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

118,478

France

Firm and solidly structured, this is a dense wine. It has plenty of tannins and a touch of bitter chocolate, but they are supported by the ripe fruit and fresh black currant flavors. It's a wine for aging, drink from 2017.

89

18

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

61,735

US

Reduced on the nose, this wine has a nuttiness and a petrol-like quality that colors its otherwise thin dried plum flavor. Low in oak, it will pair well with traditional Italian fare.

85

32

California

Sangiovese

114,536

Portugal

This is one of the grand wines of the Douro, from the last estate to be founded by the legendary Dona Antonia Ferreira in the 19th century. This is a long-lasting wine showing a fresh character, with dense, dark tannins and intense floral fruit. This will age for many years, so don't drink before 2020.

97

90

Douro

Portuguese Red

96,958

US

A bit thinner aromatically than some other Cabs, this shows black cherry, tobacco ash, soft cedar and rose petals on the nose. The palate is also relatively light, but offers complex black pepper, thyme, red cherry, turned earth and dried-mint flavors.

87

60

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

124,507

US

Extra time in bottle seems to have served this vineyard-designate well, allowing it to meld truffle, black pepper and leather with juicy black fruit. Aged in American oak, it offers a touch of violet on the nose and a lingering depth of flavor on the finish.

90

45

California

Cabernet Franc

129,002

US

This is one of the stars of the vintage in 2010; the Conner Lee fruit is rich and fully ripe, with a pleasingly candied aspect. Yet it remains lively with bracing acids, citrus and apple, and highlights of toasted nuts and caramel. A big, grin-inducing wine that is virtually irresistible.

93

35

Washington

Chardonnay

99,263

US

Fruity and rustic, this blend of Zin and other grape varieties has forward berry, cherry, currant, mint and spice flavors. Fully dry, it has an everyday quality that suggests sandwiches, chicken and simple Italian fare.

84

22

California

Red Blend

53,722

US

Full and plush, with complex aromas of cassis, cinnamon, earth, cedar, coffee and cream. Low in acidity, it is large in depth of fruit and flavor, with black currants, earth and coffee reigning on the palate and into the finish. A sensuous texture and long finish with soft tannins complete the pleasure package. Very approachable; drink now through 2008.

94

50

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

71,241

Italy

Honeysuckle and tropical fruit aromas lead the nose while the vivacious palate offers honeydew melon, white peach and pineapple. Crisp acidity and a lively perlage invigorate the finish.

87

20

Veneto

Glera

15,764

Australia

This crisp, focused wine may not be quite as racy as its namesake dog breed, but it is very fresh. There's a touch of green apple, but the majority of the fruit leans more toward white grapeffruit, with a long finish.

88

18

South Australia

Sauvignon Blanc

7,515

US

This big-boy, 100% varietal Cab is reflective of both its vintage and provenance, a celebration of black pepper, blackberry and tar around an intensely full-bodied, bittersweet palate. Tobacco leaf and leather saddle interweave themselves through the wine's middle and end. Drink now through 2020.

92

150

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

88,834

US

Sharp in acidity while silky on the palate, this blend of 12 estate blocks is the Pinot made in the largest quantity by the winery. Soft, pretty and approachable, it offers red cherry, blackberry, rose petal and cola spice, with a bite of oak on the finish.

88

50

California

Pinot Noir

19,163

US

From a famed old site planted to 75% Zinfandel and 25% mixed black-skinned varieties, this wine conveys a minty-eucalyptus quality that tunes the acidity high against a medium-weight body. Austere at first on the palate, it expands as it goes, offering robust, dry tannins and layers of cardamom and coffee with time and air.

90

60

California

Zinfandel

128,774

France

An equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is a crisper than other Champagnes in the Coutelas range. It is also still young with its bright green and citrus fruits and tense texture. Lively and fresh, it should be aged and not drunk before 2017.

91

60

Champagne

Champagne Blend

24,693

US

A bit quick on the finish, but otherwise a nice everyday Chardonnay. Shows a soft, buttercream texture, with dry, subtle flavors of pineapples, pears and buttered toast.

85

13

California

Chardonnay

63,997

US

This light-bodied wine is a bit sweet and sugary, balanced by crisp apple flavors and a tangy touch of acidity. It's good and thirst-quenching.

85

24

California

Riesling

24,410

France

This is the entry-level wine from this quality estate. It is simple, fruity and ripe with attractive red fruits. Brightly crisp, it is ready to drink.

86

18

Provence

Rosé

37,907

France

Soft Champagne, with a white fruit character, tasting ripe. The acidity is there, although it is unbalanced against the high dosage. The general feel is heavy.

84

40

Champagne

Champagne Blend

30,156

France

Structured and firm with balancing red berry fruit, this is a solid, chunky wine that reflects the concentration of the vintage. It has weight, solid tannins and hints of pepper and spice. Age for 2–3 years.

87

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

100,709

Italy

This opens with aromas suggesting toast, menthol, mature berry, coffee and a balsamic note. On the full-bodied palate, notes of white pepper, cinnamon and powdered sage accent dried black cherry while firm, close-grained tannins provide the framework.

89

60

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

54,779

Spain

This smooth and elegant Priorat offers a fine mix of red fruit, tobacco, spice and vanilla on the bouquet. It feels fresh and crisp in the mouth, with ample body and solid flavors of licorice, toast and black fruits. Things darken up on the finish, where molasses, pepper and spice notes run out for a good, long time. Drink now–2019.

92

55

Catalonia

Red Blend

17,796

US

This popular blend of seven red grapes is dark and strongly flavored with a streak of vanilla. There's nothing fancy here, just big, vanilla-soaked flavors, at an affordable price.

85

10

Oregon

Red Blend

86,038

France

Aromas of toasted hazelnuts and yeast give way on the palate to oranges, cloves and golden delicious apples. The Bolly house style of weight and heft is well displayed here, balanced out by a long, taut finish.

90

Champagne

Champagne Blend

28,668

France

A pale-colored wine with crisp, tight red-currant fruit, this is light and lively. Drink this simple, attractive wine now.

85

13

Bordeaux

Rosé

101,398

US

Polished and sophisticated, with lush green apple, pineapple, buttered toast and cinnamon flavors. Likeable for its balance and sheer drinkability.

88

20

California

Chardonnay

38,312

Italy

The beauty of this wine is that it shows seductive power and personality. Nothing is over the top. Cortevecchia Riserva doles out carefully measured aromas of forest fruit, spice, toasted nut and tobacco. It feels linear, bright and tight, but it is also elegant and soft.

90

48

Tuscany

Sangiovese

29,727

US

Fresh-squeezed olallieberries, concentrated lilacs, plum skin and a light pepper aroma show on this wine's dense nose. The palate is lighter in flavor yet dense in texture, with strong tannins framing the fresh boysenberry fruit.

86

30

California

Grenache

89,374

US

Here's a soft, sweet Cabernet, rich in blackberries, cherries, cassis and chocolate, with a spicy finish. It shows plenty of ripe varietal character, and is ready to drink now.

87

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

40,530

Italy

Pretty coffee and tobacco aromas add weight and persistency to this garnet colored Brunello. There's fruit here in the form of cherry, pomegranate and dried raspberry but those savory notes at the back really add to the wine's overall complexity.

89

60

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

4,901

US

The winery's coolest, lightest Syrah, this is an elegant, ethereal wine, sanguine and gamy with an abundance of white pepper and blueberry. Complex, it takes on a thick middle before finishing lean and soft.

91

40

California

Syrah

37,745

Italy

Chopped herb, fragrant blue flower, woodland berry and menthol aromas take center stage in this vibrant red. On the palate, clove and star anise notes underpin red cherry, cranberry and tobacco flavors. A hint of orange zest marks the finish while refined tannins and bright acidity provide the framework.

93

42

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

104,574

US

This winery is striving to show that Burgundian varietals can work in the cooler Willow Creek region of Paso Robles, where sea breeze comes through the Templeton Gap. This bottling provides good evidence, with aromas of crushed rocks, vanilla toast, roasted apple and peach. Brisk apple cider dominates the palate, picking up roasted almonds in the midpalate and possessing quite a bit of pear skin grip.

90

36

California

Chardonnay

35,604

US

Ah, this is a wonderfully dry and bracing wine that avid wine drinkers will appreciate for its great balance, sense of reserve and mouthwatering quality. The aromas and flavors are like cucumber, grapefruit and white pepper, the acidity is almost electric and the finish lingering.

91

28

California

Sauvignon Blanc

121,303

US

Lots of toasty new oak on this potent California Chardonnay. Malolactic fermentation and sur lees aging give it a buttered popcorn creaminess, while the underlying fruit is vibrant in acidity, suggesting candied apricots and tangerines.

87

30

California

Chardonnay

38,409

US

Whiffs of cola and exotic baking spices abound on this rich, caramel-toned blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Noiret grapes aged sherry-style in a solera. It's a unique wine with interesting notes of oxidation and maturation, but a bit clumsy on the palate.

84

45

New York

Red Blend

105,578

France

For the vintage, this is a ripe, bold wine. Layers of delicious black fruits are supported by firm tannins and the right amount of wood aging. Balanced and dense, it will age well. Drink from 2017.

88

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

71,712

Italy

This simple wine offers up subdued sensations of raw berries and a hint of mocha but it lacks fruit richness. It's already very evolved and should be drunk soon.

86

20

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

26,529

US

A classic Cab in the Santa Cruz Mountains style, this savory bottling shows black pepper, charcoal and grilled blueberries on the nose along with tons of dried herbs. Blackberry, anise, dill, cedar and pencil lead show on the sip, where intriguing depth and a silky texture combine.

93

55

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

107,233

US

Shows Sangiovese's bright cherry and cola flavors and mouthwatering acidity, in a light, silky texture. It's a good, dry, savory wine, but a little one-dimensional. Drink up.

86

30

California

Sangiovese

15,140

US

There's a feral quality to this bottling by the trio of Brandon Sparks-Gillis and John and Steve Dragonette that makes it fascinating. Aromas of dark cranberry and rose petal meet up with funkier game and composting flowers on the nose. There is strong ginger and mace spice on the sip, giving intrigue to the light strawberry, red plum and pomegranate fruits.

93

60

California

Pinot Noir

30,220

US

Aged in stainless steel, this single-vineyard Viognier is aromatic and appealing, with notes of fresh flowers, peach and lees. It's off-dry, medium bodied, with a textured feel and light fruit flavors.

87

19

Oregon

Viognier

10,677

Spain

If this Cava weren't so pickled in smell and taste, it would rate better. As is, it opens with white fruit, vanilla and brine aromas. Flavors of apple and pear maintain a prevalent, pickled edge, while the finish falls off in feel and clarity.

84

15

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

37,071

US

A robust, spicy wine that offers lots of bang for the buck. The flavors range from lush raspberries and red cherries up through blackberries and currants, veering into mocha, and there's lots of crushed black pepper. Easy to like with steak, lamb, Mexican food.

88

14

California

Syrah

4,059

US

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is aromatically brooding, with notes of pencil lead, barrel spice, herb, medicine cabinet and cherry. The flavors are rich and full bodied, showing concentration and depth.

90

17

Washington

Red Blend

6,456

US

It's rare that domestic Chardonnay is truly Chablis-like, but this delicately framed wine fits that description perfectly. Nuanced with mineral and spice notes, this has melon and apple flavors that seem to sail on a gentle sea breeze. It doesn't slam you with oak, instead it seduces with you style.

91

28

Washington

Chardonnay

16,493

Italy

Aromas of underbrush, stewed prune and baking spice waft out of the glass. The smooth, enveloping palate doles out dried black cherry, raspberry jam, pipe tobacco and cinnamon framed in velvety tannins that lend polished support. A cocoa note closes the finish.

93

94

Veneto

Red Blend

35,000

Spain

Toasty, oaky aromas of graphite, pepper, barrel char and black fruits properly announce a palate of chewy tannins and several layers of blackberry, cassis, barrel-spice, toast and chocolate flavors. Chocolaty depth on the finish only adds to the package. Drink through 2030.

92

59

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

77,668

US

There's just a touch of oak on this Chardonnay, enough to give it hints of smoke and buttered toast. The palate is dominated by flavors of tropical fruits, citrus, peaches and green apples, balanced with crisp lime-juice acidity. It's an elegant, dry Chard at a good price.

88

16

California

Chardonnay

91,000

US

Soft and tannic, this polished Syrah has easy, delicious flavors of chocolate, red currants, grilled meat, teriyaki and pepper. It's pure Paso Robles Syrah. Drink now.

86

36

California

Syrah

119,730

US

Soleil (sun) is a trial blend on the way to becoming a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée. Mixed black fruits carry a whiff of fresh herb and peat moss. The wine is nicely balanced and of modest dimension and length.

88

30

Washington

Red Blend

45,202

Spain

Smells like air freshener and white flowers. The palate is spongey and a bit low on life, while the flavors lean toward citrus but lack purity and zap, which is further drilled in on the waxy finish. Once upon a time Basa was a leading white value from Spain; lately it has been average at best.

84

15

Northern Spain

White Blend

98,059

Italy

Aromas of oak and sawdust come with notes of plum and vanilla. The palate shows plum and black cherry along with evident oak, espresso and toasted sensations.

87

60

Tuscany

Sangiovese