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
52,466	France	A big, ripe and juicy wine packed with black fruit notes and laced with acidity. The tannins offer a contrast to the fruitiness, bringing balance and structure. This is an impressive wine, the smoky aftertaste bringing out the wood aging.	91	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
70,040	US	Chocolate-covered cherry and plum surround a shock of stark acidity on this wine that has a round and soft palate. On the finish, a touch of astringency flirts with cedar.	86	82	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
123,575	US	This rosé—a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache—is light on flavor. A thin note of watermelon and a hint of peach pit quickly fade.	83	16	Washington	Rosé
126,872	France	This wine has a caramel edge that gives richness but also detracts from the fruit. It offers a smooth texture along with a spicy edge. Drink now.	84	15	Bordeaux	Rosé
7,333	US	Too sweet by far for a table wine, with simple, medicinal cherry and blackberry flavors and a harshly tannic mouthfeel.	80	10	California	Zinfandel
50,715	Italy	Rose petal, perfumed berry pressed powder and sweet cake spice aromas lead the way. The vibrant palate offers crunchy red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, grilled herb and tobacco alongside fresh acidity and assertive tannins. Drink 2019–2029.	93	65	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
11,404	US	Compostable earth marks the entry of this clonal exploration—a robust, full-bodied and ripely warm wine.With mint, pine and black tea accents, it offers wild raspberry and rhubarb fruit, bringing a homemade pie to mind.	91	55	California	Pinot Noir
127,943	US	Too green and acidic for pleasure, with mint dominating the rather modest cherries and red currants. Sleek and elegant in the mouth, but the absence of richness hurts the score.	84	42	California	Pinot Noir
39,698	US	Offering a thick mousse and a waft of hazelnut Frangelico, this is a clear, crisp and smooth sparkling Brut, delicious in golden delicious apple that finishes clean and swift.	87	18	California	Sparkling Blend
113,262	Italy	The 2009 vintage has been kind to Cascina Morassino. This bright Barbaresco opens with plump aromas of ripe fruit and cherry, showing both dense extraction and impressive aromatic intensity. Silky and long, it represents the best of the Nebbiolo grape.	91	22	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
61,070	US	A bit sharp, but polished and supple, with good varietal flavors of blackberries, currants, tobacco and a hint of heady crême de cassis liqueur. Seems at its best now, so drink up.	88	24	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
10,423	US	Strong cola, fresh pomegranate, pressed strawberry and dried spearmint notes show on the nose of this blend of 40% Tempranillo, 32% Petite Sirah, 18% Zinfandel and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from east of Los Angeles. Very intriguing, extremely minty flavors pop on the palate, spicing up the baked blueberry and meaty beef elements.	91	29	California	Red Blend
73,215	Spain	Crisp, snappy red-berry aromas are the opening on this fresh and easy Tempranillo. A zesty, quick mouthfeel and tangy, bright plum and berry flavors are pleasant and juicy.	86	12	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
106,139	France	Dense tannins dominate this firm and structured wine. Behind the dry surface lies fruitiness, bringing out red currant and berry flavors along with acidity. The wine is potentially rich and deliciously perfumed. Drink from 2017.	90	36	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
96,432	US	Cherry, cola and pomegranate flavors mark this dry, silky Pinot Noir. It's a little soft and simple.	84	75	California	Pinot Noir
98,130	France	The scent of fresh Bosc pear peel also conveys a sense of texture. This is confirmed on the rounded, juicy and full-fruited palate that balances the generous ripe pear with ample, off-dry freshness. Drink soon for maximum enjoyment of fruit.	90	20	Alsace	Pinot Gris
107,758	US	With generic berry, cherry and chocolate flavors that are rich and ripe, this soft, simple red blend is O.K. for everyday drinking.	82	30	California	Red Blend
118,090	US	This Malibu winery's bottling from the historic Bien Nacido vineyard is lush with lemon curd, buttered croissant and brown spice aromas. The palate is both plush and vibrant, its apple cream and poached pear favors enlivened with sea salt, lemon rind and slate accents. It's complex and awesome.	93	39	California	Chardonnay
39,633	US	An elegant wine with sculpted berry fruit flavors, this is compact and persistent. A touch of citrus accompanies generous allspice and baking-spice highlights. The lengthy finish brings hints of sandalwood and caramel.	91	45	Oregon	Pinot Noir
83,845	US	This smells and tastes rather vegetal; it lacks richness and comes across a bit sweet.	80	40	California	Red Blend
16,648	US	A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant mixture with 11% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, this powerfully generous wine has a thread of classic black olive and dried herb that provides a restrained edge. Tightly woven tannin and oak give added strength and structure.	93	100	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
103,889	US	This is an ebullient wine, full of herb, grapefruit and wet-earth aromas as well as very tangy yet sweet-seeming citrus flavors. It has good concentration and stays fresh through the finish.	88	18	California	Sauvignon Blanc
41,787	US	Intricate aromas and spicy, complex flavors make this medium-bodied wine an adventure to drink. It smells like cherries and cloves and wood smoke, tastes nicely ripe but dry, and has an appetizing, tannic grip in the texture.	89	16	California	Barbera
27,695	Spain	This wine costs a lot for what it's giving. The nose starts out hard and fruitless, and while the aromas come around, the wine always holds onto its corn and haystack character. Zippy acidity gives the mouth zest, and it also livens up papaya, banana and apricot flavors. Complex and different, but does it taste good enough to justify a $78 price tag?	88	78	Catalonia	White Blend
110,926	France	The estate wine at Mapliers is rich, full-bodied and rounded. It has raspberry and apricot flavors that give it richness. To balance that there is a strong mineral and spice edge along with final acidity. This powerful wine should be aged a few months, so think Thanksgiving and drink from late 2017.	90	27	Provence	Rosé
111,621	Italy	This wine goes from delivering savory spice, cured meat and smoked bacon to being lean and not too intense or persistent on the close. The alcohol and dry tannins want more plush fruit for support.	89	40	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
61,180	US	The nose on this creative blend of 52% Gewürztraminer, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 23% Chenin Blanc is quite showy with peach, baked orange, apple blossom and honeysuckle notes. But the real star is the palate that is racy with sizzling energy and flavors of cut grass, lemongrass and sour-apple peels.	90	20	California	White Blend
32,914	Spain	Here's a highly recommended, everyday Ribera del Duero wine that starts with a full, round nose of charcoal, wild berry patch and oak. The oak, however, is tame (just three months of barrel time for this youngster) not forced, thus the cherry and raspberry fruit has vibrancy and balance.	88	10	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
127,572	US	A splendid, near-perfect Pinot, although it's very young and will benefit from time in the bottle. Few Pinots offer richer, more massive flavors. Just explodes on the palate with raspberries, cherries, persimmons, Dr. Pepper cola, mocha and cinnamon spices, yet the tannin-acid structure keeps it all balanced. A joy to drink as it warms and changes in the glass. Now–2014.	97	54	California	Pinot Noir
120,873	US	From a vineyard planted in 1982 at 1,200 feet above the Carmel Valley, this wine offers a nose that is nothing short of fascinating. Oak smoke, yellow cake and cinnamon stick are followed by sharper, dill-like herbs, then the scents of the shoreline. The palate sprinkles toasted wood atop lemon peels and apple skins, proving sour, bitter and elegantly restrained yet flavorful.	91	52	California	Chardonnay
47,004	US	Light in color, this wine offers aromas of herb, red currant, graphite, raspberry and barrel spice. The fruit and barrel flavors are elegantly styled, playing off each other through the finish.	86	12	Washington	Merlot
94,766	US	This is a compelling wine with aromas of coffee, dried herbs, cherry and barrel spices. It wins over on finesse rather than power but shows more than ample amounts of both. There's enough structure that it will benefit from some time in the cellar. It will be best from 2019–2027.	93	99	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
80,307	France	Very crisp and fresh, this young wine has tight acidity as well as touches of yellow fruits. It is a fruity wine that needs to soften over the next few months. Drink from 2016	85	11	Burgundy	Chardonnay
115,160	US	This appellation has shown great promise with the variety and this wine demonstrates why. Aromas and flavors of dried and baked plum center on a juicy, soft core, accented in pencil shavings and cedar. Red cherries and a long finish complement the whole.	91	32	California	Merlot
44,072	France	A fresh, lightweight wine with good black berry fruits, a juicy character and balancing spice. The tannins are certainly dry, but the fruit is well in balance.	86	30	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
90,669	US	This wine has all the deep, dark color and firm tannins that are expected, but it pleasantly sweetens the blackberry flavors ever so slightly and smooths the edges in terms of texture, for a big wine that's also quite friendly.	90	25	California	Petite Sirah
22,440	Italy	A blend of Merlot, Malbec and Caberent Franc, this opens with enormous fruit purity, backed by luscious tones of oak spice and tobacco. The wine's two sensations—sweet and savory—are well integrated. Fresh acidity and firm structure complete the mouthfeel.	89	35	Tuscany	Red Blend
123,681	Italy	This 100% Sangiovese Chianti opens with iris, new leather and vanilla aromas. Structured and savory, the palate delivers black cherry, tobacco and licorice flavors, while chewy tannins lend structure. Enjoy through 2021.	90	47	Tuscany	Sangiovese
98,834	US	Soft, round and supple on the palate, this is a robust luxurious wine, rich in red and black currant and berry. Pleasing, with a touch of clove, it's a powerful, concentrated statement on the variety.	91	45	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
51,965	France	This wine is still young, reveling in its bright fruit and mineral texture. Drawn from Côte des Blancs vineyards, it's tight, tense and loaded with citrus fruit. With its finely crisp aftertaste, it's delicious now for its fruit but will also be great from 2020, once its toasty character develops more fully.	93	80	Champagne	Champagne Blend
128,829	US	Golden yellow in color, this aged, vintage cuvée is light and floral, with tastes of guava and fennel around a full, creamy texture and buoyant acidity. Disgorged in July 2014, it stays fresh and vibrant throughout the lengthy finish.	92	75	California	Sparkling Blend
83,313	France	Full of fruit, this also expresses a tight and mineral sense of terroir. Tangy, packed with white fruit and green plums cut with lime juice, this ripe, full-bodied wine is going to be delicious. Drink from 2018.	92	40	Burgundy	Chardonnay
11,099	US	A very distinctive Chard—full of character and even eccentricity. There are strong, up-front aromas of tangerines, vanilla, butterscotch, smoke, ripe peaches and caramel. It's especially notable for the thick, creamy texture and a penetrating, spicy clove note that follows through on the long, rich finish. A complex, serious wine.	91	30	California	Chardonnay
41,432	US	The eagerly anticipated first release from Maison Louis Jadot's Oregon project does not disappoint. Long time Jadot winemaker Jacques Lardière has put all his heart and expertise into this wine, sourced from a much-loved vineyard recently acquired by the firm. Concentrated raspberry purée comes through in both aroma and flavor, with laser focus. It's a magical combination of finesse, silkiness and strident youth, with 20 years of aging potential. Drink now through 2035.	94	65	Oregon	Pinot Noir
121,453	Italy	Underbrush, sunbaked soil, toast, and espresso aromas come together in the glass. The structured, tightly wound palate shows star anise, dried black cherry and a note of powdered sage with bracing tannins that grip the finish.	90	210	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
105,639	US	A really wonderful Cabernet, clearly grown well and well made. It has that plush, rich feeling you want in a Cabernet Sauvignon, with deliciously ripe blackberry, black currant, cassis and dark chocolate flavors. Terrific now, and should age for 4–6 years, if not longer.	93	45	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
125,603	US	This is 100% varietal from the historic Foppiano clone, the wine marked by grapy leather and buoyant acidity in equal parts. Chocolate and gunpowder show up along the way, before a big grip gets aggressive on the finish, blown off by a few more swirls of the glass.	90	44	California	Petite Sirah
32,968	Germany	Apple, pear and stone-fruit flavors are vibrant and fresh from nose to finish of this delicately sweet Kabinett. It offers uncomplicated refreshment, but is anchored with taut acidity and honed, steely minerality. The finish is long and persistent.	90	31	Mosel	Riesling
75,415	US	A bit thin and astringent, yet with a powerful, clear focus that conjures up straight cranberry fruit flavors. Baking spices and a hint of cocoa penetrate through the hard shell of acid and tannin. Needs more time.	86	40	Oregon	Pinot Noir
21,705	Spain	Hard to say who this wine is made for; must be the old schooler who likes lightness and elegance. Starts with gritty, rooty, mature aromas of tobacco and leaves, with red fruit scents mixed in. The palate is light but right, with elegant cherry and raspberry flavors that are not dark or heavy. Fades with vanilla and tobacco notes. Drink right away.	85	36	Catalonia	Cabernet Sauvignon
105,597	US	This combines fruity and savory aromas, with a rich but tannic texture and full body. Aroma recall black olive and cedar, while flavors focus on the fruit components. Everything is in place for an enjoyable, well-structured dinner wine.	88	35	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
23,758	France	While there is a strong element of new wood in this wine, it also has plenty of ripe black fruits. So it makes a wine that is powerful, potentially complex in 4–5 years with richness and a solid, serious final character.	88	20	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
48,240	Italy	Aromas of mature dark berry, leather, black spice and a whiff of tar come together on this full-bodied red. The juicy, robust palate offers mature black cherry, fleshy raspberry, dark spice and licorice alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. The ripe fruit easily supports the warmth of alcohol that fills in the finish. Drink through 2023.	92	66	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
123,377	US	An enterprising blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, this zippy, light-footed rosé is full of tart cranberry and sour cherry acidity. Crisp yellow peach notes add sunshine on the palate. It finishes crisp and clean.	89	25	New York	Rosé
39,836	US	This is a big wine in structure, but mellow and complex in flavor as if it's been well aged. Blended from Grenache, Tempranillo and Monastrell, it smells lightly sweet and tastes dry and inviting like vanilla, milk chocolate and raspberries.	87	16	California	Red Blend
52,640	US	If you want to understand the essence of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandal, taste this wine. It's absolutely classic. Shows the region's balance, power and elegance. From the wild blackberry, raspberry, fig and tangerine zest fruit, to the clove, white pepper and anise spices, to the fabulously rich tannic structure, this is great, world-class Zinfandel. The high alcohol feels absolutely natural.	94	36	California	Zinfandel
119,879	US	This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec offers classic peppercorn and big juicy cassis and blackberry notes. It's enjoyable now in its vibrant fruit forwardness but also structured enough to let sit 2018–2020. On the finish are touches of bittersweet chocolate and dried herb.	88	85	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
38,307	Italy	A blend of equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese, Piastraia opens with tangy green hints of rosemary and curry leaf, followed by notes of ripe strawberry, cherry liqueur and blackberry jam. Touches of leather and tobacco surface on the palate, and the tannins are firm and richly textured.	90	45	Tuscany	Red Blend
23,519	US	A majority varietal, this widely distributed wine also contains Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Dense and flat on the palate, it dances in bay leaf and black cherry, finishing with more herb around a tight fist of ripeness.	86	55	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
68,170	France	Lemon-scented Mirabelle notes hover on the nose and turn into fully fledged, ripe plum on the palate where the seam of fresh, enlivening and brightening acidity sets a lively theme. The body is light, the finish is dry and the overall impression is one of light-footed playfulness and ease. You might almost forget to notice the more textured, structured core which underlies all this and will allow it to age beautifully. Drink now through 2025.	94	48	Alsace	Riesling
129,141	US	This is obviously a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows the pedigree and class you expect from a winery of Staglin's level, enormously rich in black currant, mocha and cedar flavors, with ripe, soft and complex tannins. But the price is challenging. If you choose to buy and cellar, the wine should develop at least for several years.	92	175	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
13,976	France	This is a beautiful wine, so crisp, taut and refreshing. It brings out the fragrance and freshness of the chalk vineyards of the Côte de Blancs, fruity with apples and citrus. Still young although already balanced, the wine will age for several years and will be ready to drink from 2018.	94	86	Champagne	Chardonnay
227	US	The deep ruby color belies this wines cool-climate origins. The nose shows more black fruit aromas than is typical for Pinot Noir. The palate is all Pinot, though, with cherry pie filling flavors made more complex by vanilla from toasty new oak. It finishes with some nice mineral and earth notes. Silky tannins allow for immediate consumption but the wine will gain in complexity after a year or two in the cellar.	85	15	New York	Pinot Noir
66,416	US	This may be a wrong estimate, but the wine tastes like it was made from younger vines in this large vineyard. It has that fresh, rude, jammy quality that trades complexity and ageworthiness for immediate appeal. Yet there's no denying the luxurious balance, and the deliciousness of the cherry, raspberry and cola flavors. Drink now.	89	46	California	Pinot Noir
103,295	Australia	This Pinot Grigio is faintly coppery in color (trendy in some circles), with slightly floral and citrus overtones. It's modest in alcohol, but reasonably plump on the midpalate, delivering melon and apple-skin flavors before finishing crisp and refreshing. Drink now.	87	17	South Australia	Pinot Grigio
33,487	France	Ripe and fruity, this red-berry flavored wine has good acidity and a crisp, bright texture. The tannins are now well integrated into the fruit, giving a structured, yet fresh, aftertaste. Drink now. In the Chéty family for eight generations, the vineyards were changed to organic in 2011 by sons Olivier and Emmanuel (enologist), who also made major renovations to the winery.	87	15	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
43,543	US	Sharp red cherries, a touch of cola and a wisp of forest floor comprise the nose of this affordable bottling. Cranberry skins, orange peels and pine sap sourness prevail on the palate.	84	11	California	Pinot Noir
43,282	US	This is a soft vineyard-designate, approachable and flirting with overripe flavors that rein in accents of soy, brown sugar and Dr Pepper.	85	44	California	Zinfandel
33,592	Italy	Sangiovese Grosso (specifically the BBS11 clone identified by Biondi-Santi) is enhanced with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon to produce a thickly structured wine with aromas of smoked beef, mature cherry and moist earth.	88	29	Tuscany	Sangiovese
46,087	US	An intense, impactful Malbec strong in tannin and power, teeth-staining and suggestive of a leathery saddle. Amidst the wine's manliness there is also ripe dark cherry, tobacco and plenty of soft vanilla. This is a big meat wine.	88	45	California	Malbec
119,285	France	The Louis Max style seems to be of wines that open slowly and have a firm structure. That's the case here: It has plenty of acidity, with a red currant flavor and a dry, dense character.	87	58	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
106,072	US	Made from Syrah and Grenache, this is a big, powerful blush wine, with jammy strawberry and raspberry flavors. It's sweet on the finish, almost a dessert wine. If this is your style, it's for you.	85	19	California	Rosé
60,482	US	Made from a majority of Zinfandel with tiny amounts of Carignane and Petite Sirah, Gino's is big, rich and straightforward, with a touch of dried herb and dark plum surrounded by accents of oak. Powerfully robust, it'll need a rich meat dish to stand alongside.	88	34	California	Zinfandel
83,858	US	A brilliant Chardonnay, displaying both the terroir of this fine upland part of Monterey County, and the cool vintage that let the grapes hang on the vines until they were perfectly ripe. Dazzles with pineapple and mango fruit, with a perfect jacket of sweet, vanilla-scented oak. Best of all is the acidity, which is brisk, bright and clean.	95	45	California	Chardonnay
78,891	US	This wine tastes taut, young and tannic, as ripe red and black cherry are held in by good acidity and strong tannins that give a bite to the mouthfeel. Made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, it is full bodied but not heavy, feeling very vibrant and structured.	90	28	California	Red Blend
30,313	US	Light aromas of ripe pear and jasmine precede medium-sweet, somewhat oily-feeling flavors. It doesn't all come together but still provides enjoyment.	85	17	Washington	Riesling
51,745	US	Full bodied and softly tannic, this wine's fruit is front and center, wrapped in a subtle jacket of sweet oak. It dazzles with blackberries, cherries, raspberries, currants and chocolate flavors. Drink now for its sheer lusciousness.	90	32	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
89,550	Italy	Made with no dosage, this is a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero. Ripe apple, toasted walnut, lemon zest and bread dough flavors are backed up by crisp acidity. The refined perlage adds softness and elegance.	90	52	Northeastern Italy	Sparkling Blend
73,856	US	There's much to enjoy with this wine's aromas of vanilla, coffee, baking spices, raspberry and green wood. The sweet flavors show cranberry-like tartness and grainy tannins.	87	24	Washington	Merlot
51,027	US	Textural and spicy, this has a subtle mix of herb, salts, stem, leaf and wild berry flavors. It's fascinating and complex, with the sort of mystifying sex appeal that only Pinot Noir seems to be capable of. It spent 18 months in 30% new French oak to good effect.	92	48	Oregon	Pinot Noir
95,675	US	Both refreshing and nicely fruity, this wine blends bright apple and lemon flavors on a tangy texture that softens a bit on the finish.	87	13	California	Sauvignon Blanc
6,883	Italy	White flower, orchard fruit and citrus aromas emerge on this lively white. The bright, crisp palate delivers crunchy rennet apple and lime zest alongside racy acidity that leaves a clean finish.	87	19	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
58,826	US	Quite deep and brooding on the nose, this blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot shows mocha, blood, blueberry, smoke, loam and gingerbread on the nose. The showy, ripe purple fruit is restrained by a lava-rock minerality, oregano herbals and cedar tannins that give a grippy texture.	91	30	California	Red Blend
113,679	US	Aggressively herbal, dark and slatey, this arresting Pinot Noir is distinctive and powerful; it won't appeal to everyone, but those who like it will appreciate its uniqueness. There is an impression of clay and a hardness to the fruit, but it's compact enough to suggest a reasonably long life ahead.	90	60	Oregon	Pinot Noir
1,483	France	A light wine, somewhat unfocused and lacking fruit intensity. But it is certainly pleasant, clean and fresh, with a definite green tinge and a citrus aftertaste.	85	19	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
121,580	Portugal	This is a rich wine with spice from the wood aging as well as black-plum fruits. It has tannins and some concentration, giving a wine that is rich and ready to drink.	89	20	Douro	Portuguese Red
126,391	US	100% Cabernet Sauvignon all coming from Alder Ridge Vineyard, it has notes of cherry and dried herbs. The tannins are dry with a cranberry filled finish.	86	20	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
21,879	Italy	The largely unexplored Faro denomination in the northern point of Sicily is producing some of the island's best work. The promising Nocera grape variety is used here and vintner Salvatore Geraci is one of its biggest proponents. This blended red is finely embroidered with subtle notes of forest berry, cassis, leather and spice.	92	80	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
50,506	Italy	Nozze d'Oro (dedicated to the producer's wife on their 50th wedding anniversary) offers fragrant, herbaceous qualities that recall cut grass, tomato leaf and exotic fruit (the blend is 80-20 Insolia and Sauvignon Blanc). The wine is aromatic and generous and boasts firm texture and a crisp close. Pair it with raw fish or Japanese dishes.	88	35	Sicily & Sardinia	White Blend
51,759	US	This wine captures the essence of Swan's 2010 Pinot Noirs. It shows the effects of the cool vintage, and it bears an earthy, mushroomy inflection to the plummy and cherry-like flavors.	90	29	California	Pinot Noir
64,470	US	Cocoa, raspberry and dark-chocolate aromas are followed by chocolaty barrel flavors that persist on the finish. There's enjoyment to be had but the oak seems a bit out front.	88	17	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
82,904	US	It's all about simple, jammy cherry and blackberry, brown sugar and sweet oak flavors for this Zin. But it has a wonderful tannin-acid structure, making it a sophisticated barbecue wine.	85	10	California	Zinfandel
73,995	Portugal	Ninety-year-old vines produce this ink-black wine, intensely powerful and concentrated. At this stage it is very young, its superb dense fruit still developing. But the power, the rich tannins and the smooth feel from open stone fermenters still make this a wine that needs considerable aging. Give it 5–7 years and more.	95	145	Douro	Portuguese Red
91,996	US	This is the winery's every day generic red blend, mixing vintages, vineyards and grapes. It's forward, fruit-powered and relatively soft, finishing with astringent and herbal tannins.	85	15	Washington	Red Blend
129,310	France	Lovely apple fruit plays on the nose. The palate is very light and dry, but has a slightly bitter edge that suggests that this might be better with food than as an apéritif. The finish is beautifully dry and invitingly tart.	90	30	Alsace	Sparkling Blend
42,137	US	Simple, with cherry jam, mint and cola flavors. Crisp coastal acidity makes it mouthwatering.	83	12	California	Pinot Noir
45,612	US	The winery behind America's first Petite Sirah continues pumping out quaffable bottles, including this show of black plums, pressed violets, black raspberries, white pepper, licorice candy and dill on the nose. The palate offers boysenberries and baked oregano, with a tapenade-like zing on the finish.	87	18	California	Petite Sirah
79,493	France	Very rich, this perfumed wine has considerable weight. It is powerful, perhaps too powerful, and its dense fruits and structure don't fit the norm of Provence rosés.	86	27	Provence	Rosé
54,907	US	A blend of fruit from Weinbau, Ciel du Cheval, Lady Hawk, Champoux and Obelisco vineyards, this is clearly Cabernet with its aromas of milk chocolate, herbs, vanilla, dark coffee and cherry. Flavors are rich yet supple, with a finish that lingers.	90	30	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
87,495	Italy	This savory Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend offers aromas of bell pepper, red currant and plum that carry over to the palate, along with toasted sensations of espresso and oak. Its linear structure will pair well with grilled chicken seasoned with rosemary and grilled vegetables.	87	18	Veneto	Red Blend

52,466

France

A big, ripe and juicy wine packed with black fruit notes and laced with acidity. The tannins offer a contrast to the fruitiness, bringing balance and structure. This is an impressive wine, the smoky aftertaste bringing out the wood aging.

91

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

70,040

US

Chocolate-covered cherry and plum surround a shock of stark acidity on this wine that has a round and soft palate. On the finish, a touch of astringency flirts with cedar.

86

82

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

123,575

US

This rosé—a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache—is light on flavor. A thin note of watermelon and a hint of peach pit quickly fade.

83

16

Washington

Rosé

126,872

France

This wine has a caramel edge that gives richness but also detracts from the fruit. It offers a smooth texture along with a spicy edge. Drink now.

84

15

Bordeaux

Rosé

7,333

US

Too sweet by far for a table wine, with simple, medicinal cherry and blackberry flavors and a harshly tannic mouthfeel.

80

10

California

Zinfandel

50,715

Italy

Rose petal, perfumed berry pressed powder and sweet cake spice aromas lead the way. The vibrant palate offers crunchy red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, grilled herb and tobacco alongside fresh acidity and assertive tannins. Drink 2019–2029.

93

65

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

11,404

US

Compostable earth marks the entry of this clonal exploration—a robust, full-bodied and ripely warm wine.With mint, pine and black tea accents, it offers wild raspberry and rhubarb fruit, bringing a homemade pie to mind.

91

55

California

Pinot Noir

127,943

US

Too green and acidic for pleasure, with mint dominating the rather modest cherries and red currants. Sleek and elegant in the mouth, but the absence of richness hurts the score.

84

42

California

Pinot Noir

39,698

US

Offering a thick mousse and a waft of hazelnut Frangelico, this is a clear, crisp and smooth sparkling Brut, delicious in golden delicious apple that finishes clean and swift.

87

18

California

Sparkling Blend

113,262

Italy

The 2009 vintage has been kind to Cascina Morassino. This bright Barbaresco opens with plump aromas of ripe fruit and cherry, showing both dense extraction and impressive aromatic intensity. Silky and long, it represents the best of the Nebbiolo grape.

91

22

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

61,070

US

A bit sharp, but polished and supple, with good varietal flavors of blackberries, currants, tobacco and a hint of heady crême de cassis liqueur. Seems at its best now, so drink up.

88

24

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

10,423

US

Strong cola, fresh pomegranate, pressed strawberry and dried spearmint notes show on the nose of this blend of 40% Tempranillo, 32% Petite Sirah, 18% Zinfandel and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from east of Los Angeles. Very intriguing, extremely minty flavors pop on the palate, spicing up the baked blueberry and meaty beef elements.

91

29

California

Red Blend

73,215

Spain

Crisp, snappy red-berry aromas are the opening on this fresh and easy Tempranillo. A zesty, quick mouthfeel and tangy, bright plum and berry flavors are pleasant and juicy.

86

12

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

106,139

France

Dense tannins dominate this firm and structured wine. Behind the dry surface lies fruitiness, bringing out red currant and berry flavors along with acidity. The wine is potentially rich and deliciously perfumed. Drink from 2017.

90

36

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

96,432

US

Cherry, cola and pomegranate flavors mark this dry, silky Pinot Noir. It's a little soft and simple.

84

75

California

Pinot Noir

98,130

France

The scent of fresh Bosc pear peel also conveys a sense of texture. This is confirmed on the rounded, juicy and full-fruited palate that balances the generous ripe pear with ample, off-dry freshness. Drink soon for maximum enjoyment of fruit.

90

20

Alsace

Pinot Gris

107,758

US

With generic berry, cherry and chocolate flavors that are rich and ripe, this soft, simple red blend is O.K. for everyday drinking.

82

30

California

Red Blend

118,090

US

This Malibu winery's bottling from the historic Bien Nacido vineyard is lush with lemon curd, buttered croissant and brown spice aromas. The palate is both plush and vibrant, its apple cream and poached pear favors enlivened with sea salt, lemon rind and slate accents. It's complex and awesome.

93

39

California

Chardonnay

39,633

US

An elegant wine with sculpted berry fruit flavors, this is compact and persistent. A touch of citrus accompanies generous allspice and baking-spice highlights. The lengthy finish brings hints of sandalwood and caramel.

91

45

Oregon

Pinot Noir

83,845

US

This smells and tastes rather vegetal; it lacks richness and comes across a bit sweet.

80

40

California

Red Blend

16,648

US

A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant mixture with 11% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, this powerfully generous wine has a thread of classic black olive and dried herb that provides a restrained edge. Tightly woven tannin and oak give added strength and structure.

93

100

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

103,889

US

This is an ebullient wine, full of herb, grapefruit and wet-earth aromas as well as very tangy yet sweet-seeming citrus flavors. It has good concentration and stays fresh through the finish.

88

18

California

Sauvignon Blanc

41,787

US

Intricate aromas and spicy, complex flavors make this medium-bodied wine an adventure to drink. It smells like cherries and cloves and wood smoke, tastes nicely ripe but dry, and has an appetizing, tannic grip in the texture.

89

16

California

Barbera

27,695

Spain

This wine costs a lot for what it's giving. The nose starts out hard and fruitless, and while the aromas come around, the wine always holds onto its corn and haystack character. Zippy acidity gives the mouth zest, and it also livens up papaya, banana and apricot flavors. Complex and different, but does it taste good enough to justify a $78 price tag?

88

78

Catalonia

White Blend

110,926

France

The estate wine at Mapliers is rich, full-bodied and rounded. It has raspberry and apricot flavors that give it richness. To balance that there is a strong mineral and spice edge along with final acidity. This powerful wine should be aged a few months, so think Thanksgiving and drink from late 2017.

90

27

Provence

Rosé

111,621

Italy

This wine goes from delivering savory spice, cured meat and smoked bacon to being lean and not too intense or persistent on the close. The alcohol and dry tannins want more plush fruit for support.

89

40

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

61,180

US

The nose on this creative blend of 52% Gewürztraminer, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 23% Chenin Blanc is quite showy with peach, baked orange, apple blossom and honeysuckle notes. But the real star is the palate that is racy with sizzling energy and flavors of cut grass, lemongrass and sour-apple peels.

90

20

California

White Blend

32,914

Spain

Here's a highly recommended, everyday Ribera del Duero wine that starts with a full, round nose of charcoal, wild berry patch and oak. The oak, however, is tame (just three months of barrel time for this youngster) not forced, thus the cherry and raspberry fruit has vibrancy and balance.

88

10

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

127,572

US

A splendid, near-perfect Pinot, although it's very young and will benefit from time in the bottle. Few Pinots offer richer, more massive flavors. Just explodes on the palate with raspberries, cherries, persimmons, Dr. Pepper cola, mocha and cinnamon spices, yet the tannin-acid structure keeps it all balanced. A joy to drink as it warms and changes in the glass. Now–2014.

97

54

California

Pinot Noir

120,873

US

From a vineyard planted in 1982 at 1,200 feet above the Carmel Valley, this wine offers a nose that is nothing short of fascinating. Oak smoke, yellow cake and cinnamon stick are followed by sharper, dill-like herbs, then the scents of the shoreline. The palate sprinkles toasted wood atop lemon peels and apple skins, proving sour, bitter and elegantly restrained yet flavorful.

91

52

California

Chardonnay

47,004

US

Light in color, this wine offers aromas of herb, red currant, graphite, raspberry and barrel spice. The fruit and barrel flavors are elegantly styled, playing off each other through the finish.

86

12

Washington

Merlot

94,766

US

This is a compelling wine with aromas of coffee, dried herbs, cherry and barrel spices. It wins over on finesse rather than power but shows more than ample amounts of both. There's enough structure that it will benefit from some time in the cellar. It will be best from 2019–2027.

93

99

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

80,307

France

Very crisp and fresh, this young wine has tight acidity as well as touches of yellow fruits. It is a fruity wine that needs to soften over the next few months. Drink from 2016

85

11

Burgundy

Chardonnay

115,160

US

This appellation has shown great promise with the variety and this wine demonstrates why. Aromas and flavors of dried and baked plum center on a juicy, soft core, accented in pencil shavings and cedar. Red cherries and a long finish complement the whole.

91

32

California

Merlot

44,072

France

A fresh, lightweight wine with good black berry fruits, a juicy character and balancing spice. The tannins are certainly dry, but the fruit is well in balance.

86

30

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

90,669

US

This wine has all the deep, dark color and firm tannins that are expected, but it pleasantly sweetens the blackberry flavors ever so slightly and smooths the edges in terms of texture, for a big wine that's also quite friendly.

90

25

California

Petite Sirah

22,440

Italy

A blend of Merlot, Malbec and Caberent Franc, this opens with enormous fruit purity, backed by luscious tones of oak spice and tobacco. The wine's two sensations—sweet and savory—are well integrated. Fresh acidity and firm structure complete the mouthfeel.

89

35

Tuscany

Red Blend

123,681

Italy

This 100% Sangiovese Chianti opens with iris, new leather and vanilla aromas. Structured and savory, the palate delivers black cherry, tobacco and licorice flavors, while chewy tannins lend structure. Enjoy through 2021.

90

47

Tuscany

Sangiovese

98,834

US

Soft, round and supple on the palate, this is a robust luxurious wine, rich in red and black currant and berry. Pleasing, with a touch of clove, it's a powerful, concentrated statement on the variety.

91

45

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

51,965

France

This wine is still young, reveling in its bright fruit and mineral texture. Drawn from Côte des Blancs vineyards, it's tight, tense and loaded with citrus fruit. With its finely crisp aftertaste, it's delicious now for its fruit but will also be great from 2020, once its toasty character develops more fully.

93

80

Champagne

Champagne Blend

128,829

US

Golden yellow in color, this aged, vintage cuvée is light and floral, with tastes of guava and fennel around a full, creamy texture and buoyant acidity. Disgorged in July 2014, it stays fresh and vibrant throughout the lengthy finish.

92

75

California

Sparkling Blend

83,313

France

Full of fruit, this also expresses a tight and mineral sense of terroir. Tangy, packed with white fruit and green plums cut with lime juice, this ripe, full-bodied wine is going to be delicious. Drink from 2018.

92

40

Burgundy

Chardonnay

11,099

US

A very distinctive Chard—full of character and even eccentricity. There are strong, up-front aromas of tangerines, vanilla, butterscotch, smoke, ripe peaches and caramel. It's especially notable for the thick, creamy texture and a penetrating, spicy clove note that follows through on the long, rich finish. A complex, serious wine.

91

30

California

Chardonnay

41,432

US

The eagerly anticipated first release from Maison Louis Jadot's Oregon project does not disappoint. Long time Jadot winemaker Jacques Lardière has put all his heart and expertise into this wine, sourced from a much-loved vineyard recently acquired by the firm. Concentrated raspberry purée comes through in both aroma and flavor, with laser focus. It's a magical combination of finesse, silkiness and strident youth, with 20 years of aging potential. Drink now through 2035.

94

65

Oregon

Pinot Noir

121,453

Italy

Underbrush, sunbaked soil, toast, and espresso aromas come together in the glass. The structured, tightly wound palate shows star anise, dried black cherry and a note of powdered sage with bracing tannins that grip the finish.

90

210

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

105,639

US

A really wonderful Cabernet, clearly grown well and well made. It has that plush, rich feeling you want in a Cabernet Sauvignon, with deliciously ripe blackberry, black currant, cassis and dark chocolate flavors. Terrific now, and should age for 4–6 years, if not longer.

93

45

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

125,603

US

This is 100% varietal from the historic Foppiano clone, the wine marked by grapy leather and buoyant acidity in equal parts. Chocolate and gunpowder show up along the way, before a big grip gets aggressive on the finish, blown off by a few more swirls of the glass.

90

44

California

Petite Sirah

32,968

Germany

Apple, pear and stone-fruit flavors are vibrant and fresh from nose to finish of this delicately sweet Kabinett. It offers uncomplicated refreshment, but is anchored with taut acidity and honed, steely minerality. The finish is long and persistent.

90

31

Mosel

Riesling

75,415

US

A bit thin and astringent, yet with a powerful, clear focus that conjures up straight cranberry fruit flavors. Baking spices and a hint of cocoa penetrate through the hard shell of acid and tannin. Needs more time.

86

40

Oregon

Pinot Noir

21,705

Spain

Hard to say who this wine is made for; must be the old schooler who likes lightness and elegance. Starts with gritty, rooty, mature aromas of tobacco and leaves, with red fruit scents mixed in. The palate is light but right, with elegant cherry and raspberry flavors that are not dark or heavy. Fades with vanilla and tobacco notes. Drink right away.

85

36

Catalonia

Cabernet Sauvignon

105,597

US

This combines fruity and savory aromas, with a rich but tannic texture and full body. Aroma recall black olive and cedar, while flavors focus on the fruit components. Everything is in place for an enjoyable, well-structured dinner wine.

88

35

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

23,758

France

While there is a strong element of new wood in this wine, it also has plenty of ripe black fruits. So it makes a wine that is powerful, potentially complex in 4–5 years with richness and a solid, serious final character.

88

20

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

48,240

Italy

Aromas of mature dark berry, leather, black spice and a whiff of tar come together on this full-bodied red. The juicy, robust palate offers mature black cherry, fleshy raspberry, dark spice and licorice alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. The ripe fruit easily supports the warmth of alcohol that fills in the finish. Drink through 2023.

92

66

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

123,377

US

An enterprising blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, this zippy, light-footed rosé is full of tart cranberry and sour cherry acidity. Crisp yellow peach notes add sunshine on the palate. It finishes crisp and clean.

89

25

New York

Rosé

39,836

US

This is a big wine in structure, but mellow and complex in flavor as if it's been well aged. Blended from Grenache, Tempranillo and Monastrell, it smells lightly sweet and tastes dry and inviting like vanilla, milk chocolate and raspberries.

87

16

California

Red Blend

52,640

US

If you want to understand the essence of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandal, taste this wine. It's absolutely classic. Shows the region's balance, power and elegance. From the wild blackberry, raspberry, fig and tangerine zest fruit, to the clove, white pepper and anise spices, to the fabulously rich tannic structure, this is great, world-class Zinfandel. The high alcohol feels absolutely natural.

94

36

California

Zinfandel

119,879

US

This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec offers classic peppercorn and big juicy cassis and blackberry notes. It's enjoyable now in its vibrant fruit forwardness but also structured enough to let sit 2018–2020. On the finish are touches of bittersweet chocolate and dried herb.

88

85

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

38,307

Italy

A blend of equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese, Piastraia opens with tangy green hints of rosemary and curry leaf, followed by notes of ripe strawberry, cherry liqueur and blackberry jam. Touches of leather and tobacco surface on the palate, and the tannins are firm and richly textured.

90

45

Tuscany

Red Blend

23,519

US

A majority varietal, this widely distributed wine also contains Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Dense and flat on the palate, it dances in bay leaf and black cherry, finishing with more herb around a tight fist of ripeness.

86

55

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

68,170

France

Lemon-scented Mirabelle notes hover on the nose and turn into fully fledged, ripe plum on the palate where the seam of fresh, enlivening and brightening acidity sets a lively theme. The body is light, the finish is dry and the overall impression is one of light-footed playfulness and ease. You might almost forget to notice the more textured, structured core which underlies all this and will allow it to age beautifully. Drink now through 2025.

94

48

Alsace

Riesling

129,141

US

This is obviously a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows the pedigree and class you expect from a winery of Staglin's level, enormously rich in black currant, mocha and cedar flavors, with ripe, soft and complex tannins. But the price is challenging. If you choose to buy and cellar, the wine should develop at least for several years.

92

175

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

13,976

France

This is a beautiful wine, so crisp, taut and refreshing. It brings out the fragrance and freshness of the chalk vineyards of the Côte de Blancs, fruity with apples and citrus. Still young although already balanced, the wine will age for several years and will be ready to drink from 2018.

94

86

Champagne

Chardonnay

227

US

The deep ruby color belies this wines cool-climate origins. The nose shows more black fruit aromas than is typical for Pinot Noir. The palate is all Pinot, though, with cherry pie filling flavors made more complex by vanilla from toasty new oak. It finishes with some nice mineral and earth notes. Silky tannins allow for immediate consumption but the wine will gain in complexity after a year or two in the cellar.

85

15

New York

Pinot Noir

66,416

US

This may be a wrong estimate, but the wine tastes like it was made from younger vines in this large vineyard. It has that fresh, rude, jammy quality that trades complexity and ageworthiness for immediate appeal. Yet there's no denying the luxurious balance, and the deliciousness of the cherry, raspberry and cola flavors. Drink now.

89

46

California

Pinot Noir

103,295

Australia

This Pinot Grigio is faintly coppery in color (trendy in some circles), with slightly floral and citrus overtones. It's modest in alcohol, but reasonably plump on the midpalate, delivering melon and apple-skin flavors before finishing crisp and refreshing. Drink now.

87

17

South Australia

Pinot Grigio

33,487

France

Ripe and fruity, this red-berry flavored wine has good acidity and a crisp, bright texture. The tannins are now well integrated into the fruit, giving a structured, yet fresh, aftertaste. Drink now. In the Chéty family for eight generations, the vineyards were changed to organic in 2011 by sons Olivier and Emmanuel (enologist), who also made major renovations to the winery.

87

15

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

43,543

US

Sharp red cherries, a touch of cola and a wisp of forest floor comprise the nose of this affordable bottling. Cranberry skins, orange peels and pine sap sourness prevail on the palate.

84

11

California

Pinot Noir

43,282

US

This is a soft vineyard-designate, approachable and flirting with overripe flavors that rein in accents of soy, brown sugar and Dr Pepper.

85

44

California

Zinfandel

33,592

Italy

Sangiovese Grosso (specifically the BBS11 clone identified by Biondi-Santi) is enhanced with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon to produce a thickly structured wine with aromas of smoked beef, mature cherry and moist earth.

88

29

Tuscany

Sangiovese

46,087

US

An intense, impactful Malbec strong in tannin and power, teeth-staining and suggestive of a leathery saddle. Amidst the wine's manliness there is also ripe dark cherry, tobacco and plenty of soft vanilla. This is a big meat wine.

88

45

California

Malbec

119,285

France

The Louis Max style seems to be of wines that open slowly and have a firm structure. That's the case here: It has plenty of acidity, with a red currant flavor and a dry, dense character.

87

58

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

106,072

US

Made from Syrah and Grenache, this is a big, powerful blush wine, with jammy strawberry and raspberry flavors. It's sweet on the finish, almost a dessert wine. If this is your style, it's for you.

85

19

California

Rosé

60,482

US

Made from a majority of Zinfandel with tiny amounts of Carignane and Petite Sirah, Gino's is big, rich and straightforward, with a touch of dried herb and dark plum surrounded by accents of oak. Powerfully robust, it'll need a rich meat dish to stand alongside.

88

34

California

Zinfandel

83,858

US

A brilliant Chardonnay, displaying both the terroir of this fine upland part of Monterey County, and the cool vintage that let the grapes hang on the vines until they were perfectly ripe. Dazzles with pineapple and mango fruit, with a perfect jacket of sweet, vanilla-scented oak. Best of all is the acidity, which is brisk, bright and clean.

95

45

California

Chardonnay

78,891

US

This wine tastes taut, young and tannic, as ripe red and black cherry are held in by good acidity and strong tannins that give a bite to the mouthfeel. Made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, it is full bodied but not heavy, feeling very vibrant and structured.

90

28

California

Red Blend

30,313

US

Light aromas of ripe pear and jasmine precede medium-sweet, somewhat oily-feeling flavors. It doesn't all come together but still provides enjoyment.

85

17

Washington

Riesling

51,745

US

Full bodied and softly tannic, this wine's fruit is front and center, wrapped in a subtle jacket of sweet oak. It dazzles with blackberries, cherries, raspberries, currants and chocolate flavors. Drink now for its sheer lusciousness.

90

32

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

89,550

Italy

Made with no dosage, this is a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero. Ripe apple, toasted walnut, lemon zest and bread dough flavors are backed up by crisp acidity. The refined perlage adds softness and elegance.

90

52

Northeastern Italy

Sparkling Blend

73,856

US

There's much to enjoy with this wine's aromas of vanilla, coffee, baking spices, raspberry and green wood. The sweet flavors show cranberry-like tartness and grainy tannins.

87

24

Washington

Merlot

51,027

US

Textural and spicy, this has a subtle mix of herb, salts, stem, leaf and wild berry flavors. It's fascinating and complex, with the sort of mystifying sex appeal that only Pinot Noir seems to be capable of. It spent 18 months in 30% new French oak to good effect.

92

48

Oregon

Pinot Noir

95,675

US

Both refreshing and nicely fruity, this wine blends bright apple and lemon flavors on a tangy texture that softens a bit on the finish.

87

13

California

Sauvignon Blanc

6,883

Italy

White flower, orchard fruit and citrus aromas emerge on this lively white. The bright, crisp palate delivers crunchy rennet apple and lime zest alongside racy acidity that leaves a clean finish.

87

19

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

58,826

US

Quite deep and brooding on the nose, this blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot shows mocha, blood, blueberry, smoke, loam and gingerbread on the nose. The showy, ripe purple fruit is restrained by a lava-rock minerality, oregano herbals and cedar tannins that give a grippy texture.

91

30

California

Red Blend

113,679

US

Aggressively herbal, dark and slatey, this arresting Pinot Noir is distinctive and powerful; it won't appeal to everyone, but those who like it will appreciate its uniqueness. There is an impression of clay and a hardness to the fruit, but it's compact enough to suggest a reasonably long life ahead.

90

60

Oregon

Pinot Noir

1,483

France

A light wine, somewhat unfocused and lacking fruit intensity. But it is certainly pleasant, clean and fresh, with a definite green tinge and a citrus aftertaste.

85

19

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

121,580

Portugal

This is a rich wine with spice from the wood aging as well as black-plum fruits. It has tannins and some concentration, giving a wine that is rich and ready to drink.

89

20

Douro

Portuguese Red

126,391

US

100% Cabernet Sauvignon all coming from Alder Ridge Vineyard, it has notes of cherry and dried herbs. The tannins are dry with a cranberry filled finish.

86

20

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

21,879

Italy

The largely unexplored Faro denomination in the northern point of Sicily is producing some of the island's best work. The promising Nocera grape variety is used here and vintner Salvatore Geraci is one of its biggest proponents. This blended red is finely embroidered with subtle notes of forest berry, cassis, leather and spice.

92

80

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

50,506

Italy

Nozze d'Oro (dedicated to the producer's wife on their 50th wedding anniversary) offers fragrant, herbaceous qualities that recall cut grass, tomato leaf and exotic fruit (the blend is 80-20 Insolia and Sauvignon Blanc). The wine is aromatic and generous and boasts firm texture and a crisp close. Pair it with raw fish or Japanese dishes.

88

35

Sicily & Sardinia

White Blend

51,759

US

This wine captures the essence of Swan's 2010 Pinot Noirs. It shows the effects of the cool vintage, and it bears an earthy, mushroomy inflection to the plummy and cherry-like flavors.

90

29

California

Pinot Noir

64,470

US

Cocoa, raspberry and dark-chocolate aromas are followed by chocolaty barrel flavors that persist on the finish. There's enjoyment to be had but the oak seems a bit out front.

88

17

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

82,904

US

It's all about simple, jammy cherry and blackberry, brown sugar and sweet oak flavors for this Zin. But it has a wonderful tannin-acid structure, making it a sophisticated barbecue wine.

85

10

California

Zinfandel

73,995

Portugal

Ninety-year-old vines produce this ink-black wine, intensely powerful and concentrated. At this stage it is very young, its superb dense fruit still developing. But the power, the rich tannins and the smooth feel from open stone fermenters still make this a wine that needs considerable aging. Give it 5–7 years and more.

95

145

Douro

Portuguese Red

91,996

US

This is the winery's every day generic red blend, mixing vintages, vineyards and grapes. It's forward, fruit-powered and relatively soft, finishing with astringent and herbal tannins.

85

15

Washington

Red Blend

129,310

France

Lovely apple fruit plays on the nose. The palate is very light and dry, but has a slightly bitter edge that suggests that this might be better with food than as an apéritif. The finish is beautifully dry and invitingly tart.

90

30

Alsace

Sparkling Blend

42,137

US

Simple, with cherry jam, mint and cola flavors. Crisp coastal acidity makes it mouthwatering.

83

12

California

Pinot Noir

45,612

US

The winery behind America's first Petite Sirah continues pumping out quaffable bottles, including this show of black plums, pressed violets, black raspberries, white pepper, licorice candy and dill on the nose. The palate offers boysenberries and baked oregano, with a tapenade-like zing on the finish.

87

18

California

Petite Sirah

79,493

France

Very rich, this perfumed wine has considerable weight. It is powerful, perhaps too powerful, and its dense fruits and structure don't fit the norm of Provence rosés.

86

27

Provence

Rosé

54,907

US

A blend of fruit from Weinbau, Ciel du Cheval, Lady Hawk, Champoux and Obelisco vineyards, this is clearly Cabernet with its aromas of milk chocolate, herbs, vanilla, dark coffee and cherry. Flavors are rich yet supple, with a finish that lingers.

90

30

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

87,495

Italy

This savory Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend offers aromas of bell pepper, red currant and plum that carry over to the palate, along with toasted sensations of espresso and oak. Its linear structure will pair well with grilled chicken seasoned with rosemary and grilled vegetables.

87

18

Veneto

Red Blend