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
12,732	Spain	Dusty notes and beeswax aromas dominate this wine, which is 90% Garnacha Blanca and the rest Pedro Xímenez. Tight and grabby, with staunch acidity, this tastes of white pepper, grass and waxy stone fruits. Briny notes and citric acidity on the finish are offset by tropical accents of papaya and melon.	88	25	Catalonia	White Blend
78,484	France	This is a style of wine that offers a blockbuster view of Bordeaux. It is full of dark extracted fruits, brooding tannins, dark plum juice and a burnt feeling that comes from alcohol. In its style, it goes for excess.	86	35	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
27,936	US	This estate-grown inland Mendocino Zin has an inviting spiciness and is plenty briary with a full body of flavor but its high-alcohol level masks any other nuances.	85	23	California	Zinfandel
55,558	Spain	This is always a really good buy among rosé sparklers and a personal favorite in the Best Buy category. It opens with red fruit, vanilla and yeasty aromas, but it's racy, crisp and refined in the mouth, with nectarine, peach and controlled citrus flavors. It's dry, spicy and fairly smooth on the finish.	88	12	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
107,318	US	This wine is medium-bodied, with slightly briny flavors of cherry, earth and herb. It's balanced and holds interest, with a clear emphasis on the herbal aspect of Oregon Pinot Noir.	87	30	Oregon	Pinot Noir
17,532	France	The name of wine indicates it was made with running juice off the grapes to give the color rather than adding red wine (more normal in rosé Champagne). The color is rich, the palate ripe and full in the mouth. The wine has a lively mousse, a soft rounded aftertaste and balanced acidity.	86	67	Champagne	Champagne Blend
46,589	Italy	Smoky overtones of barbecue and pipe tobacco fill in the background and provide a platform for all the busy cherry and ripe berry notes presented on the nose. It's a big, bold style with loads of savory spice, black pepper and smoked bacon. Drink after 2015.	92	65	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
10,232	US	This dry, single-vineyard bottling is extremely aromatic, as only Gewürztraminer can be. The ripe lychee and grapefruit is subsumed in a cloud of baby powder. It's quite dry, and for those that want a supremely floral varietal expression of this grape, this is your go-to bottle.	91	19	Oregon	Gewürztraminer
8,425	US	Easy-going in spite of full body, this warm and generous wine is full of ripe fruit flavors and has a smooth texture. The fresh cherry and raspberry flavors are tasty and satisfying, while very light tannins keep the mouth-feel soft.	85	13	California	Pinot Noir
1,888	US	An outstanding Hellion, 44% Primitivo, 31% Petite Sirah and 25% Zinfandel. It's a complete wine, with a full array of superbly rich berry fruits, a hint of chocolate and fine-grained tannins. Delicious right out of the bottle, but it could be cellared for at least another five years.	93	22	Washington	Red Blend
49,902	US	Citrus rind and grapefruit fruit flavors are set against more floral highlights. It's as refreshing as a gin and tonic, and even carries a hint of quinine flavor in the finish. The wine is sturdy and consistent through the middle and finishes with a gentle fade.	88	22	Washington	Viognier
85,763	US	This high-wire wine skirts along tart red fruits with a stiff herbal spine. Sourced from Lange Estate, Freedom Hill and Yamhill vineyards, it was aged in 40% new French oak. A nice streak of espresso, licorice and char completes the finish.	90	50	Oregon	Pinot Noir
126,565	Spain	If this old-school winery has a signature wine, it's Tondonia. Hailing from the hot 2003 vintage, this smells rooty, with tobacco, cedar and subtle balsamic notes that only a few wines share, for instance the occasional Barolo. High acidity is keeping this vital, while flavors of tomato, currant and raspberry come with caramel and chocolate notes. The finish, which is subtle and long, is a highlight. Drink through 2020.	91	51	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
49,910	Portugal	From vines in the upper Douro valley, this is an intense wine that's still young. Its smooth, ripe black cherry fruits are followed by blueberry, spice from wood and bitter chocolate. This is a complex wine that finishes fresh.	88	10	Douro	Portuguese Red
39,434	France	Ripe plum, dark coffee and spice flavors join the firm tannins in this intense wine. It has a strong structure that needs to soften to allow the juicy black-currant flavor to surface. Give it 4–5 years.	90	37	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
64,847	US	This opens with enticing aromas of toasted hazelnut, Key lime and white peach. The firm, controlled palate is concentrated and long, offering vivid, precise fruit and a tasty hint of skin phenolics.	91	17	Washington	Chardonnay
5,053	US	Slightly funky scents of asphalt and sweaty socks come along with graphite, pressed blackberry and New Mexico chile. The palate is led by tobacco-laced zing, opening with boysenberry flavors, and finishing with decent acidity and mouth-coating tannins.	91	60	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
116,118	US	The DSM sparklers all come in a fancy package, all are méthode champenoise, all finished with a wire cage and Champagne cork. This is quite yeasty, with a pretty toasted coconut flavor that spices up the fruit. Primarily Chardonnay, it has no perceptible residual sugar.	88	11	Washington	Sparkling Blend
68,946	US	Layered fruit and spice flavors plus a firm, dry texture will make this medium-bodied wine a good pairing for all kinds of big proteins. It has black cherry and plum aromas, firm, fine-grained tannins and a lip-smacking finish.	89	23	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
55,636	France	There have been 19 (dix-neuf) generations of Mellots making wine in Sancerre; at least one of them in each generation has been named Alphonse. This wine celebrates the history and the great quality of the family's wines today. It is richly endowed with both the beautifully ripe fruit and with a sophisticated acidity and texture. Drink this very fine wine now, although, like the Mellots, it will also age.	93	75	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
38,980	Italy	Here's a gorgeous Chianti Classico that shows great intensity, breeding and class. It opens with quintessential varietal aromas of leather, blue flower, berry and spice. The palate delivers juicy black cherry, white pepper, cinnamon and mint alongside bracing but refined tannins and fresh acidity. It already has compelling depth but is still young and needs time to develop even more complexity. Drink 2016–2030.	96	63	Tuscany	Red Blend
82,548	US	A simple Chard, with vanilla, buttered popcorn and pineapple jam flavors.	82	13	California	Chardonnay
45,224	US	Lots of zingy acidity in this Pinot, but also lots of fruit. Explodes in sunny California raspberries, cherries, blackberries and pomegranates, with a rich coating of sweet oak. Drink this flashy wine now and through 2015.	90	62	California	Pinot Noir
28,727	US	Easy to drink for its ripe, jammy blackberry and cherry flavors. It's a simple wine, with brisk acidity for balance. The price is right for what you get.	84	10	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
128,156	US	Rich and ripe in tropical fruit, apricot and peach flavors, this oaky Chardonnay is brightened by crisp acidity. The oakiness returns in the finish, which suggests buttered toast. Drink now.	90	41	California	Chardonnay
52,066	US	Sharp and jammy, like blackberry and cherry jam wine. Lots of freshness and acidity, not much elegance. Drink up.	83	14	California	Merlot
50,651	US	This wine has already spent some time in bottle, but should withstand further time in the cellar quite well, through 2020. Inky, it's also fragrant and floral, with a depth of cherry and vanilla, offering big tannin structure and a black-licorice finish.	90	45	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
21,556	US	A good, rich, flashy Zinfandel. There's not much to get excited about, but it delivers Zin's personality in a most attractive way. It's spicy, rich and sweet in cherry, raspberry, cocoa, honey and spice flavors.	87	35	California	Zinfandel
53,762	US	This young wine balances ripe tangy fruit flavors of apple and peach against barrel flavors from aging in roughly one-quarter new French oak. The good components are in place, but a bit more bottle age should help to pull them together.	90	42	Oregon	Chardonnay
67,465	US	Quite approachable for such a heady blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, this wine shows blueberry, black cherry, turned loam and toasted sage on the dense nose. Though driven by ripe purple fruit and purple flower flavors, the palate is lightly spiced with cedar, juniper, tobacco and turned earth.	94	78	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
77,746	Spain	Red-fruit aromas come with notes of leather, spice and stalkiness. Spiky acidity creates a sharp mouthfeel that turns earthier as the acids fade. The flavor profile is tart, with herbal leanings and raspberry. A slight bitterness and not much fruit are what you get on the finish.	86	15	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
59,215	Germany	Musky, spicy and reasonably complex on the nose, this recent entrant into the ranks of realistically priced Riesling is a bit chunky in the mouth, but offers satisfying apple, melon and citrus flavors.	85	14	Mosel	Riesling
95,540	Italy	Fragrant blue flower, woodland berry, dark spice and pine forest aromas lead the way. It's racy, focused and loaded with chiseled finesse, delivering juicy red cherry, crushed cranberry, cinnamon and star anise. Tightly knit, refined tannins and firm acidity provide the backbone. Drink 2023–2033.	95	48	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
95,305	Germany	Sweet lemon-curd aromas are laced with hints of petroleum and smoke on the nose of this brisk, sprightly spätlese. Intensely ripe stone fruit flavors dance delicately on the palate, laced with white blossoms and lemony acidity.	91	28	Mosel	Riesling
16,160	US	A concentrated white peach element plays strongly on the nose of this coveted bottling, with touches of sea salt and a sharp tangerine-like edge. Ripe peach and cherimoya flavors show on the palate, but a crescendoing citrus-driven acidity cuts through the richness and allows more savory components like salt and smoked nut to blossom on the finish.	93	60	California	Chardonnay
73,218	France	Burgundy producer Aegerter has come up with a bright and breezy Provence rosé whose style sums up the lighter side of these wines. It is fruity, fresh, very clean and crisp.	86	17	Provence	Rosé
25,801	France	Montée de Tonnerre is considered one of the richest premier crus in Chablis, and this wine lives up to that reputation. It's ripe and full of yellow fruit, while maintaining its acidity and tight texture. Still young, its intense fruit and crispness will allow it to age for many years. Drink from 2019.	93	57	Burgundy	Chardonnay
116,496	US	A blend made of up a majority Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine also includes Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Licorice and red plum mingle on the palate, around a layering of cinnamon and black spice. Soft, the overall texture and body is substantial, finding a balance and trace of acidity on the finish.	88	50	California	Red Blend
101,012	US	This 100% varietal wine was aged 18 months in American oak and is vaguely pharmaceutical in aromas. Its elusive fruit stays wrapped in thick, unforgiving tannin.	83	45	California	Cabernet Franc
24,949	US	This complex, tightly wound effort from a four-acre block planted to a single clone tastes of luxurious caramel and toasted oak, its flavors superimposed over a backdrop of forest-like scents.	90	85	California	Pinot Noir
17,465	Italy	Tedeschi's bright Ripasso offers vibrant tones of forest berry and bramble followed by sharp, crisp acidity that keeps the palate refreshed. The wine ends with medium, but persistent intensity.	88	22	Veneto	Red Blend
26,835	US	Whiffs of ripe black cherries, vanilla and spice, along with delicate hints of soil and barnyard, mark this unusual blend of Saperavi and Sereksiya grapes. Tart black-fruit flavors accented with swathes of fresh herbs are a bit lean on the palate, but the acidity is gentle. It's dry and easy drinking in style with smooth, gentle tannins.	87	55	New York	Red Blend
128,633	US	This very attractive, richly oaked wine melds all the wood smoke, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla of new barrels with delicious, ripe fruit flavors from the grapes. It has a suave, layered texture from the initial sip to the lingering finish, and is very hard to resist.	91	25	California	Pinot Noir
93,297	France	Ripe and creamy wine, with some herbaceousness and yellow fruits. Layering citrus and a tangy texture, it's fruity, full of lively acidity and ready to drink this year. Screwcap.	86	20	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
121,608	US	A touch of mushroom and vegetable unripeness runs through this Pinot. It's not entirely unpleasant, but it does interfere with your enjoyment of the fruit. Drink this silky, dry wine now.	85	19	California	Pinot Noir
105,136	US	Baked red cherry and strawberry scents meet with touches of soy, nori and crushed rock on the nose of this bottling. Lots of peppery spice shows on the palate, though blackberry-pie flavors are sweeter than expected.	87	18	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
41,028	US	Clear, well-defined varietal scents of pepper, licorice and boysenberry cut through, with a hint of fresh-cut tobacco. A substrate of granite underscores this ripe, supple, medium-long wine with good grip and a polished mouthfeel. Drink 2015 through 2020.	89	38	Oregon	Syrah
44,356	US	With Pinot Noir, texture is everything, and this lovely wine is pure silk and satin. That makes it drinkable now, with its pretty flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola, cinnamon butter and sandalwood. But it's also tannicly tough, with a sandpapery scour. Seems like it should mellow over the next 3–4 years, although not much beyond that.	92	65	California	Pinot Noir
34,446	US	A good Cab, dry and smoothly tannic, with black currant, cedar and spice flavors. Totally dry, it shows sophistication and class, but not ageability. Easy to find, with more than 15,000 cases produced. Drink now.	87	25	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
46,323	France	Rich, fruity and textured, this expresses freshness with its acidity and red-currant flavors. These cut through the tangy texture, giving a tight aftertaste. The wine can be drunk immediately for its crispness or held until late 2016 to let it soften.	88	60	Champagne	Champagne Blend
2,351	Argentina	Pencil eraser, iodine, latex and blueberry aromas settle better than they start. In the mouth, this is saturated and chunky in feel, with toasty flavors of blackberry, licorice and mint that finish long, herbal and loamy.	88	19	Mendoza Province	Malbec
60,542	US	The oak peeks through, set against proportionate strawberry and cherry fruit which has been lightly ripened. It's not a big wine, but it is balanced, and was barrel-aged for 18 months in a percentage of French oak. It should drink well now through 2022.	89	32	Oregon	Pinot Noir
37,875	US	Quilceda makes big, muscular Cabernets, but the power is tightly controlled and never out of whack. Firm cherry fruit is edged with mixed spices from barrel aging. Still young and hard, this is a tannic wine that clearly has the stuffing and structure to age indefinitely, but if drunk now will require many hours of breathing time. Editors' Choice.	93	60	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
35,718	US	Billowy, expansive tannins remain round and approachable on the palate of this generously ripe wine, juicy in black cherry and plum. The robust fruit is complemented by savory tinges of cedar and leather.	90	34	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
53,874	France	Unusually, this premier cru vineyard produces both red and white wines, both of which are made by this domaine. The wine is soft, rounded and with a ripe creamy character. It has plenty of crisp apple and rich pear flavors along with enough acidity to keep it bright and tangy. Drink from 2018.	90	70	Burgundy	Chardonnay
36,981	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
122,756	Argentina	Rubbery plum and berry aromas offer notes of leather and metallic minerals. This has an oaky feel, meaning it's sticky and lactic. Herbal, slightly green flavors of plum and berry are sweetened and softened by oak in front of a minty, lightly herbaceous finish.	85	12	Mendoza Province	Malbec
63,567	US	Certified organic and Biodynamic, this estate-grown gem offers seductive scents of rose petals and orange blossoms, dried figs and a hint of pastry. The lush aromatics lead into a delicate yet profound wine, with a core of raspberry/cherry fruit, and lingering minerality.	93	52	Oregon	Pinot Noir
105,007	US	Pungent of baked plum and baking spice, this Shenandoah Barbera is soft and rustic, yet refined, with a jolt of mocha espresso on the finish. The expert acidity enveloping this wine should pair with Mediterrean-themed food.	88	25	California	Barbera
12,805	US	Very juicy if straightforward aromas of blueberry and blackberry rise off of this fun and easy-drinking Syrah from the Carhartt family, whose estate is in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley. The palate builds on those ripe elements with a bit of tar and dried fruit.	88	32	California	Syrah
123,725	US	Compared to Wiemer's more fruity, floral bottlings this vintage, the Josef Vineyard is decidedly savory, showing pronounced notes of earth and herb. Semisweet in style, the palate offers concentrated doses of fresh white pear and tangerine as well. The finish lingers on dusty mineral tones.	89	39	New York	Riesling
118,812	US	Lively cherry juice, hibiscus, wet clay and mint aromas show on the nose of this estate bottling. There is a bright acidity on the palate, presenting assertive raspberry and plum flavors along with freshly turned soil.	92	42	California	Pinot Noir
125,541	France	A pale, dry wine, this is crisp and lightly textured. It has a bright lemon character as well as red-currant fruits. Produced in the hills behind Saint-Tropez it is named after the painter who had strong connections with Provence. Drink this wine now.	88	26	Provence	Rosé
52,285	Italy	Offering the creamy and floral intensity of sparkling wines at double the price, this bears subtle notes of peach, white flower, brimstone and dried herb.	87	12	Veneto	Glera
96,170	US	Rick Longoria is all about restraint in his winemaking, and that shows on the shy aromas of this bottling that allow hints of black plum, wildfire, roasted meat and light rosemary to emerge. Tart plum and cranberry fruit pop on the palate, where a feral, gamy component is laced by forest floor and wild herbs.	92	50	California	Pinot Noir
98,849	US	Vibrant and young, this offers tart cranberry and raspberry fruit set against baking spice highlights. It spent 10 months in French oak, mostly neutral, and is a clean, crisply defined wine with plenty of life ahead.	88	28	Oregon	Pinot Noir
123,842	US	From the Wittstrom Vineyard northwest of Paso Robles, this rich and accessible bottling shows lavender, lilac and violet potpourri on the nose, with black cherry and balsamic notes Baked blackberry and blueberry flavors show on the palate, where chalky tannins carry milk chocolate and Concord grape notes long into the finish.	91	36	California	Petite Sirah
79,187	US	This bold, full-bodied white is a nifty showcase of Pinot Gris's unique duality. On the nose, it seems quite spry and cutting, wafting of crushed minerals, crisp green-apple skins and blossoms. The palate, however, is weighty and mouth filling, a testament to 30 days of maturation on its lees. It maintains its fresh, fruity flair and pleasantly sunny citrus acidity.	88	16	New York	Pinot Grigio
19,364	US	A blend of undisclosed varieties from the Central Valley, and a great bargain. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the lush red fruit, spice, mocha and anise flavors, and how easy this wine is to like.	88	16	California	Red Blend
48,785	Spain	Clean in the glass, this SB smells like lime and grapefruit. The palate is equally citrusy in feel, with old-vine minerality. Flavors of white pineapple, tangerine, lime and grapefruit span the citrus spectrum, while the finish is sharp and angular.	86	22	Northern Spain	Sauvignon Blanc
79,984	Spain	This is mulchy on the nose, with a compost aroma muddling up the red-fruit component. It feels lean and scouring, with cranberry, tart raspberry and vanilla flavors. The finish is fragmented and stalky.	83	13	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
44,405	France	In the prestigious village of Vosne-Romanée, there is little room for anything but Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. This wine, from the flatter ground at the bottom of the slope, shows something of the structure that makes the great wines. To balance that it also has bright fruit and plenty of acidity. It will be ready to drink from early 2018.	91	150	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
55,435	Argentina	Briny notes of oyster shell blend with spicy barrel notes and core apple aromas on the bouquet of this crisp, pure, minerally Chardonnay. Flavors of apple, quince, orange marmalade and minerals finish sturdy and secure.	89	20	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
29,629	Spain	After an initial blast of raw oak this Ribera settles nicely to show appealing leather and berry aromas along with savory blackberry and molasses flavors. There's also ample spice, chocolate and toast to give it a dark personality. Nice for a young wine; it's flush, lush and quite dense.	88	17	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
60,527	US	Despite the reserve designation, this is a tasting-room-only wine. It's rather light and elegant in style, with a raspberry veneer over sturdy herbal tannins.	89	35	Oregon	Pinot Noir
90,342	Italy	This is a breakthrough vintage for Castello d'Albola and its team of winemakers who have crafted a truly beautiful and compelling wine rich with soft tones of chocolate fudge, almond paste, chewy cherry and long-lasting blueberry tones. The wine is plush and chewy in the mouth with big fruit flavors, yet it remains elegant and balanced at the same time.	93	60	Tuscany	Red Blend
69,873	US	Made to benefit the Wente Foundation for Arts Education, this wine is made in small quantities. It is juicy and leathery, soft, structured and medium-bodied with a long finish of tar and tannin.	86	100	California	Red Blend
103,544	France	A very soft scent of pear rises from the glass. The mellowness of this pear fruit is expressed fully on the concentrated palate. Bosc pear shimmers and is boosted by slight residual sweetness. The finish is off dry, balanced and generous.	91	35	Alsace	Pinot Gris
57,554	US	Half Z'Ivo and half Illahe vineyard fruit, this aromatic wine punches up its relatively light flavors of cranberry fruit with an array of side notes. Leather, cola, dust, chalk and brown spices come into play, as the finish tilts towards the rustic.	89	40	Oregon	Pinot Noir
40,069	Italy	This fun blend of Barbera, Merlot and Albarossa drinks easily and would pair with a long list of foods including pasta, chicken and spicy ground beef. Aromas include cherry, blackberry, cola and chocolate and the wine's finish is smooth and soft.	87	19	Piedmont	Red Blend
54,179	US	Smoky bark and cola notes are cradled in reductive oak in this robust wine from a fantastically farmed site. Its dark berry flavor is supported by velvety tannin and juicy acidity, both of which provide moderate structure.	90	40	California	Pinot Noir
90,665	US	Black plums and Mission figs stewed with cinnamon, cloves and vanilla make for an intriguing nose on this bottling from a longtime Italian winemaking family. The palate shows cola, black cherry, coffee bean and dark chocolate, though proves quite grippy with a structure that will let down its guard with patience.	88	32	California	Zinfandel
22,289	US	There's a gorgeous floral and citrus bouquet upon entry, followed by lithe flavors of orange blossom and zest. From an estate-grown vineyard, the wine is balanced and elegant, with a twist of pineapple custard on the finish.	92	35	California	Chardonnay
42,071	Italy	Here's a young Nebbiolo that boasts floral and berry aromas. The palate delivers ripe strawberry and raspberry with a hint of orange peel. Bright and delicious. Saranty Imports, Pleasure Elite.	88	23	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
107,172	France	A full, rich wine, showing red fruits at their best. It has structure and layers of bright acidity. It's not a wine for long aging, likely to be at its best in three years time.	88	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
129,811	France	A tight, tannic wine, showing considerable acidity as well as fresh red fruits. The wine is densely packed with dry tannins, then a fruity character develops, sparked by acidity.	89	100	Burgundy	Pinot Noir
58,368	US	This is a Chardonnay for red wine lovers. It's full bodied and oaky, and it grows better as it warms in the glass. Airing brings out sweet honey, orange jam, apricot and tropical fruit favors, yet the acidity and minerality also develop, providing balance. The oak develops too, with buttered toast and butterscotch notes bringing additional richness.	95	75	California	Chardonnay
50,149	US	The producer continues to hit it out of the park with this vintage of Pinot, offering a gorgeously balanced interpretation of a marquee vineyard site. Rose petal and lavender aromas evolve into flavors of rosemary, high-toned orange peel, dried cherry and cranberry on the palate, keeping things ethereal throughout. Smooth and medium bodied, the tannins are coy and the entire experience memorable.	94	70	California	Pinot Noir
117,623	US	A whiff of hay and bramble lends an earthy tone to this otherwise bright, easy-drinking wine. On the palate, fresh tangerine, white peach and lemon flavors are refreshing and pristine. Medium bodied and a bit racy, the finish is quite brisk.	86	16	New York	Chardonnay
124,388	Italy	Spice, cherry liqueur, dark fruit, leather and moist tobacco comprise the bouquet. Structured and firm, the wine delivers a clean, focused feel.	90	79	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
92,319	Italy	Aromas recall rose petal, dark berry and orange zest. The palate delivers mature blackberry, cocoa, mocha and a licorice note alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.	89	28	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
16,741	US	Rich, smoky cassis, raspberry and cherry flavors define this estate wine. It's lush, round, powerful and full-bodied, with moderate structure and oak, seasoned with cinnamon and chocolate notes.	90	50	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
54,871	US	Always a compelling wine, the 2011 Upper Barn shows the estate's classic acidity and minerality that give it such linear elegance. There is, however, nothing shy about the flavors, which are an explosion of oranges, peaches, limes, honey and new oak. This wine is not for aging, so drink now through 2015.	93	75	California	Chardonnay
78,433	France	Based in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers, this vineyard has ancient monastic origins. The 2005 is a well-balanced wine, structured with Cabernet and rounded with Merlot. The fruit is rich, not complex, but very food friendly.	89	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
16,085	US	Bitterly dry and high in acidity, this Grenache lacks the richness needed to satisfy. Its cherry, cola and oak flavors are thin, all on the surface, giving it a fast, rustic feel.	84	19	California	Grenache
6,147	US	Zin specialist Artezin gets into the Petite Sirah game with this enormously ripe, fruity wine. Shows a modern, cult interpretation of the variety, with blackberry jam, licorice, candied violet, mocha and pepper spice flavors wrapped into huge, but very finely ground, tannins.	89	36	California	Petite Sirah
129,385	France	This is a taut wine that's full of zest, acidity and delicate wild strawberry fruit. It has a hint of orange and almond, with a great crisp feeling.	87	14	Provence	Rosé
64,306	US	Tasted in May of 2012, this shows an immaturity, where all the parts haven't yet come together. It has a big, rich black-cherry flavor, with elaborate smoky oak, brisk acidity, firm tannins and heat from the alcohol all vying for dominance. Needs time; cellar it until 2015.	90	52	California	Pinot Noir
10,325	US	A blend of the five major Bordeaux varieties, this is a deliciously soft wine. So easy to like for its rich blackberry, cherry, raspberry and smoky oak flavors, courtesy of 40% new barrels. Shows lots of class for the price.	90	21	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
112,979	US	Fresh apple rinds, squeezed Mexican lime and a touch of guava show on the nose of this crisp yet tropical-tinged bottling. The flavors also start light with citrus and then delve into more guava-led tropicality, approaching ripe tuberose-flower pungency.	86	20	California	Chardonnay

12,732

Spain

Dusty notes and beeswax aromas dominate this wine, which is 90% Garnacha Blanca and the rest Pedro Xímenez. Tight and grabby, with staunch acidity, this tastes of white pepper, grass and waxy stone fruits. Briny notes and citric acidity on the finish are offset by tropical accents of papaya and melon.

88

25

Catalonia

White Blend

78,484

France

This is a style of wine that offers a blockbuster view of Bordeaux. It is full of dark extracted fruits, brooding tannins, dark plum juice and a burnt feeling that comes from alcohol. In its style, it goes for excess.

86

35

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

27,936

US

This estate-grown inland Mendocino Zin has an inviting spiciness and is plenty briary with a full body of flavor but its high-alcohol level masks any other nuances.

85

23

California

Zinfandel

55,558

Spain

This is always a really good buy among rosé sparklers and a personal favorite in the Best Buy category. It opens with red fruit, vanilla and yeasty aromas, but it's racy, crisp and refined in the mouth, with nectarine, peach and controlled citrus flavors. It's dry, spicy and fairly smooth on the finish.

88

12

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

107,318

US

This wine is medium-bodied, with slightly briny flavors of cherry, earth and herb. It's balanced and holds interest, with a clear emphasis on the herbal aspect of Oregon Pinot Noir.

87

30

Oregon

Pinot Noir

17,532

France

The name of wine indicates it was made with running juice off the grapes to give the color rather than adding red wine (more normal in rosé Champagne). The color is rich, the palate ripe and full in the mouth. The wine has a lively mousse, a soft rounded aftertaste and balanced acidity.

86

67

Champagne

Champagne Blend

46,589

Italy

Smoky overtones of barbecue and pipe tobacco fill in the background and provide a platform for all the busy cherry and ripe berry notes presented on the nose. It's a big, bold style with loads of savory spice, black pepper and smoked bacon. Drink after 2015.

92

65

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

10,232

US

This dry, single-vineyard bottling is extremely aromatic, as only Gewürztraminer can be. The ripe lychee and grapefruit is subsumed in a cloud of baby powder. It's quite dry, and for those that want a supremely floral varietal expression of this grape, this is your go-to bottle.

91

19

Oregon

Gewürztraminer

8,425

US

Easy-going in spite of full body, this warm and generous wine is full of ripe fruit flavors and has a smooth texture. The fresh cherry and raspberry flavors are tasty and satisfying, while very light tannins keep the mouth-feel soft.

85

13

California

Pinot Noir

1,888

US

An outstanding Hellion, 44% Primitivo, 31% Petite Sirah and 25% Zinfandel. It's a complete wine, with a full array of superbly rich berry fruits, a hint of chocolate and fine-grained tannins. Delicious right out of the bottle, but it could be cellared for at least another five years.

93

22

Washington

Red Blend

49,902

US

Citrus rind and grapefruit fruit flavors are set against more floral highlights. It's as refreshing as a gin and tonic, and even carries a hint of quinine flavor in the finish. The wine is sturdy and consistent through the middle and finishes with a gentle fade.

88

22

Washington

Viognier

85,763

US

This high-wire wine skirts along tart red fruits with a stiff herbal spine. Sourced from Lange Estate, Freedom Hill and Yamhill vineyards, it was aged in 40% new French oak. A nice streak of espresso, licorice and char completes the finish.

90

50

Oregon

Pinot Noir

126,565

Spain

If this old-school winery has a signature wine, it's Tondonia. Hailing from the hot 2003 vintage, this smells rooty, with tobacco, cedar and subtle balsamic notes that only a few wines share, for instance the occasional Barolo. High acidity is keeping this vital, while flavors of tomato, currant and raspberry come with caramel and chocolate notes. The finish, which is subtle and long, is a highlight. Drink through 2020.

91

51

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

49,910

Portugal

From vines in the upper Douro valley, this is an intense wine that's still young. Its smooth, ripe black cherry fruits are followed by blueberry, spice from wood and bitter chocolate. This is a complex wine that finishes fresh.

88

10

Douro

Portuguese Red

39,434

France

Ripe plum, dark coffee and spice flavors join the firm tannins in this intense wine. It has a strong structure that needs to soften to allow the juicy black-currant flavor to surface. Give it 4–5 years.

90

37

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

64,847

US

This opens with enticing aromas of toasted hazelnut, Key lime and white peach. The firm, controlled palate is concentrated and long, offering vivid, precise fruit and a tasty hint of skin phenolics.

91

17

Washington

Chardonnay

5,053

US

Slightly funky scents of asphalt and sweaty socks come along with graphite, pressed blackberry and New Mexico chile. The palate is led by tobacco-laced zing, opening with boysenberry flavors, and finishing with decent acidity and mouth-coating tannins.

91

60

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

116,118

US

The DSM sparklers all come in a fancy package, all are méthode champenoise, all finished with a wire cage and Champagne cork. This is quite yeasty, with a pretty toasted coconut flavor that spices up the fruit. Primarily Chardonnay, it has no perceptible residual sugar.

88

11

Washington

Sparkling Blend

68,946

US

Layered fruit and spice flavors plus a firm, dry texture will make this medium-bodied wine a good pairing for all kinds of big proteins. It has black cherry and plum aromas, firm, fine-grained tannins and a lip-smacking finish.

89

23

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

55,636

France

There have been 19 (dix-neuf) generations of Mellots making wine in Sancerre; at least one of them in each generation has been named Alphonse. This wine celebrates the history and the great quality of the family's wines today. It is richly endowed with both the beautifully ripe fruit and with a sophisticated acidity and texture. Drink this very fine wine now, although, like the Mellots, it will also age.

93

75

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

38,980

Italy

Here's a gorgeous Chianti Classico that shows great intensity, breeding and class. It opens with quintessential varietal aromas of leather, blue flower, berry and spice. The palate delivers juicy black cherry, white pepper, cinnamon and mint alongside bracing but refined tannins and fresh acidity. It already has compelling depth but is still young and needs time to develop even more complexity. Drink 2016–2030.

96

63

Tuscany

Red Blend

82,548

US

A simple Chard, with vanilla, buttered popcorn and pineapple jam flavors.

82

13

California

Chardonnay

45,224

US

Lots of zingy acidity in this Pinot, but also lots of fruit. Explodes in sunny California raspberries, cherries, blackberries and pomegranates, with a rich coating of sweet oak. Drink this flashy wine now and through 2015.

90

62

California

Pinot Noir

28,727

US

Easy to drink for its ripe, jammy blackberry and cherry flavors. It's a simple wine, with brisk acidity for balance. The price is right for what you get.

84

10

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

128,156

US

Rich and ripe in tropical fruit, apricot and peach flavors, this oaky Chardonnay is brightened by crisp acidity. The oakiness returns in the finish, which suggests buttered toast. Drink now.

90

41

California

Chardonnay

52,066

US

Sharp and jammy, like blackberry and cherry jam wine. Lots of freshness and acidity, not much elegance. Drink up.

83

14

California

Merlot

50,651

US

This wine has already spent some time in bottle, but should withstand further time in the cellar quite well, through 2020. Inky, it's also fragrant and floral, with a depth of cherry and vanilla, offering big tannin structure and a black-licorice finish.

90

45

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

21,556

US

A good, rich, flashy Zinfandel. There's not much to get excited about, but it delivers Zin's personality in a most attractive way. It's spicy, rich and sweet in cherry, raspberry, cocoa, honey and spice flavors.

87

35

California

Zinfandel

53,762

US

This young wine balances ripe tangy fruit flavors of apple and peach against barrel flavors from aging in roughly one-quarter new French oak. The good components are in place, but a bit more bottle age should help to pull them together.

90

42

Oregon

Chardonnay

67,465

US

Quite approachable for such a heady blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, this wine shows blueberry, black cherry, turned loam and toasted sage on the dense nose. Though driven by ripe purple fruit and purple flower flavors, the palate is lightly spiced with cedar, juniper, tobacco and turned earth.

94

78

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

77,746

Spain

Red-fruit aromas come with notes of leather, spice and stalkiness. Spiky acidity creates a sharp mouthfeel that turns earthier as the acids fade. The flavor profile is tart, with herbal leanings and raspberry. A slight bitterness and not much fruit are what you get on the finish.

86

15

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

59,215

Germany

Musky, spicy and reasonably complex on the nose, this recent entrant into the ranks of realistically priced Riesling is a bit chunky in the mouth, but offers satisfying apple, melon and citrus flavors.

85

14

Mosel

Riesling

95,540

Italy

Fragrant blue flower, woodland berry, dark spice and pine forest aromas lead the way. It's racy, focused and loaded with chiseled finesse, delivering juicy red cherry, crushed cranberry, cinnamon and star anise. Tightly knit, refined tannins and firm acidity provide the backbone. Drink 2023–2033.

95

48

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

95,305

Germany

Sweet lemon-curd aromas are laced with hints of petroleum and smoke on the nose of this brisk, sprightly spätlese. Intensely ripe stone fruit flavors dance delicately on the palate, laced with white blossoms and lemony acidity.

91

28

Mosel

Riesling

16,160

US

A concentrated white peach element plays strongly on the nose of this coveted bottling, with touches of sea salt and a sharp tangerine-like edge. Ripe peach and cherimoya flavors show on the palate, but a crescendoing citrus-driven acidity cuts through the richness and allows more savory components like salt and smoked nut to blossom on the finish.

93

60

California

Chardonnay

73,218

France

Burgundy producer Aegerter has come up with a bright and breezy Provence rosé whose style sums up the lighter side of these wines. It is fruity, fresh, very clean and crisp.

86

17

Provence

Rosé

25,801

France

Montée de Tonnerre is considered one of the richest premier crus in Chablis, and this wine lives up to that reputation. It's ripe and full of yellow fruit, while maintaining its acidity and tight texture. Still young, its intense fruit and crispness will allow it to age for many years. Drink from 2019.

93

57

Burgundy

Chardonnay

116,496

US

A blend made of up a majority Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine also includes Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Licorice and red plum mingle on the palate, around a layering of cinnamon and black spice. Soft, the overall texture and body is substantial, finding a balance and trace of acidity on the finish.

88

50

California

Red Blend

101,012

US

This 100% varietal wine was aged 18 months in American oak and is vaguely pharmaceutical in aromas. Its elusive fruit stays wrapped in thick, unforgiving tannin.

83

45

California

Cabernet Franc

24,949

US

This complex, tightly wound effort from a four-acre block planted to a single clone tastes of luxurious caramel and toasted oak, its flavors superimposed over a backdrop of forest-like scents.

90

85

California

Pinot Noir

17,465

Italy

Tedeschi's bright Ripasso offers vibrant tones of forest berry and bramble followed by sharp, crisp acidity that keeps the palate refreshed. The wine ends with medium, but persistent intensity.

88

22

Veneto

Red Blend

26,835

US

Whiffs of ripe black cherries, vanilla and spice, along with delicate hints of soil and barnyard, mark this unusual blend of Saperavi and Sereksiya grapes. Tart black-fruit flavors accented with swathes of fresh herbs are a bit lean on the palate, but the acidity is gentle. It's dry and easy drinking in style with smooth, gentle tannins.

87

55

New York

Red Blend

128,633

US

This very attractive, richly oaked wine melds all the wood smoke, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla of new barrels with delicious, ripe fruit flavors from the grapes. It has a suave, layered texture from the initial sip to the lingering finish, and is very hard to resist.

91

25

California

Pinot Noir

93,297

France

Ripe and creamy wine, with some herbaceousness and yellow fruits. Layering citrus and a tangy texture, it's fruity, full of lively acidity and ready to drink this year. Screwcap.

86

20

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

121,608

US

A touch of mushroom and vegetable unripeness runs through this Pinot. It's not entirely unpleasant, but it does interfere with your enjoyment of the fruit. Drink this silky, dry wine now.

85

19

California

Pinot Noir

105,136

US

Baked red cherry and strawberry scents meet with touches of soy, nori and crushed rock on the nose of this bottling. Lots of peppery spice shows on the palate, though blackberry-pie flavors are sweeter than expected.

87

18

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

41,028

US

Clear, well-defined varietal scents of pepper, licorice and boysenberry cut through, with a hint of fresh-cut tobacco. A substrate of granite underscores this ripe, supple, medium-long wine with good grip and a polished mouthfeel. Drink 2015 through 2020.

89

38

Oregon

Syrah

44,356

US

With Pinot Noir, texture is everything, and this lovely wine is pure silk and satin. That makes it drinkable now, with its pretty flavors of raspberries, cherries, cola, cinnamon butter and sandalwood. But it's also tannicly tough, with a sandpapery scour. Seems like it should mellow over the next 3–4 years, although not much beyond that.

92

65

California

Pinot Noir

34,446

US

A good Cab, dry and smoothly tannic, with black currant, cedar and spice flavors. Totally dry, it shows sophistication and class, but not ageability. Easy to find, with more than 15,000 cases produced. Drink now.

87

25

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

46,323

France

Rich, fruity and textured, this expresses freshness with its acidity and red-currant flavors. These cut through the tangy texture, giving a tight aftertaste. The wine can be drunk immediately for its crispness or held until late 2016 to let it soften.

88

60

Champagne

Champagne Blend

2,351

Argentina

Pencil eraser, iodine, latex and blueberry aromas settle better than they start. In the mouth, this is saturated and chunky in feel, with toasty flavors of blackberry, licorice and mint that finish long, herbal and loamy.

88

19

Mendoza Province

Malbec

60,542

US

The oak peeks through, set against proportionate strawberry and cherry fruit which has been lightly ripened. It's not a big wine, but it is balanced, and was barrel-aged for 18 months in a percentage of French oak. It should drink well now through 2022.

89

32

Oregon

Pinot Noir

37,875

US

Quilceda makes big, muscular Cabernets, but the power is tightly controlled and never out of whack. Firm cherry fruit is edged with mixed spices from barrel aging. Still young and hard, this is a tannic wine that clearly has the stuffing and structure to age indefinitely, but if drunk now will require many hours of breathing time. Editors' Choice.

93

60

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

35,718

US

Billowy, expansive tannins remain round and approachable on the palate of this generously ripe wine, juicy in black cherry and plum. The robust fruit is complemented by savory tinges of cedar and leather.

90

34

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

53,874

France

Unusually, this premier cru vineyard produces both red and white wines, both of which are made by this domaine. The wine is soft, rounded and with a ripe creamy character. It has plenty of crisp apple and rich pear flavors along with enough acidity to keep it bright and tangy. Drink from 2018.

90

70

Burgundy

Chardonnay

36,981

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

122,756

Argentina

Rubbery plum and berry aromas offer notes of leather and metallic minerals. This has an oaky feel, meaning it's sticky and lactic. Herbal, slightly green flavors of plum and berry are sweetened and softened by oak in front of a minty, lightly herbaceous finish.

85

12

Mendoza Province

Malbec

63,567

US

Certified organic and Biodynamic, this estate-grown gem offers seductive scents of rose petals and orange blossoms, dried figs and a hint of pastry. The lush aromatics lead into a delicate yet profound wine, with a core of raspberry/cherry fruit, and lingering minerality.

93

52

Oregon

Pinot Noir

105,007

US

Pungent of baked plum and baking spice, this Shenandoah Barbera is soft and rustic, yet refined, with a jolt of mocha espresso on the finish. The expert acidity enveloping this wine should pair with Mediterrean-themed food.

88

25

California

Barbera

12,805

US

Very juicy if straightforward aromas of blueberry and blackberry rise off of this fun and easy-drinking Syrah from the Carhartt family, whose estate is in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley. The palate builds on those ripe elements with a bit of tar and dried fruit.

88

32

California

Syrah

123,725

US

Compared to Wiemer's more fruity, floral bottlings this vintage, the Josef Vineyard is decidedly savory, showing pronounced notes of earth and herb. Semisweet in style, the palate offers concentrated doses of fresh white pear and tangerine as well. The finish lingers on dusty mineral tones.

89

39

New York

Riesling

118,812

US

Lively cherry juice, hibiscus, wet clay and mint aromas show on the nose of this estate bottling. There is a bright acidity on the palate, presenting assertive raspberry and plum flavors along with freshly turned soil.

92

42

California

Pinot Noir

125,541

France

A pale, dry wine, this is crisp and lightly textured. It has a bright lemon character as well as red-currant fruits. Produced in the hills behind Saint-Tropez it is named after the painter who had strong connections with Provence. Drink this wine now.

88

26

Provence

Rosé

52,285

Italy

Offering the creamy and floral intensity of sparkling wines at double the price, this bears subtle notes of peach, white flower, brimstone and dried herb.

87

12

Veneto

Glera

96,170

US

Rick Longoria is all about restraint in his winemaking, and that shows on the shy aromas of this bottling that allow hints of black plum, wildfire, roasted meat and light rosemary to emerge. Tart plum and cranberry fruit pop on the palate, where a feral, gamy component is laced by forest floor and wild herbs.

92

50

California

Pinot Noir

98,849

US

Vibrant and young, this offers tart cranberry and raspberry fruit set against baking spice highlights. It spent 10 months in French oak, mostly neutral, and is a clean, crisply defined wine with plenty of life ahead.

88

28

Oregon

Pinot Noir

123,842

US

From the Wittstrom Vineyard northwest of Paso Robles, this rich and accessible bottling shows lavender, lilac and violet potpourri on the nose, with black cherry and balsamic notes Baked blackberry and blueberry flavors show on the palate, where chalky tannins carry milk chocolate and Concord grape notes long into the finish.

91

36

California

Petite Sirah

79,187

US

This bold, full-bodied white is a nifty showcase of Pinot Gris's unique duality. On the nose, it seems quite spry and cutting, wafting of crushed minerals, crisp green-apple skins and blossoms. The palate, however, is weighty and mouth filling, a testament to 30 days of maturation on its lees. It maintains its fresh, fruity flair and pleasantly sunny citrus acidity.

88

16

New York

Pinot Grigio

19,364

US

A blend of undisclosed varieties from the Central Valley, and a great bargain. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the lush red fruit, spice, mocha and anise flavors, and how easy this wine is to like.

88

16

California

Red Blend

48,785

Spain

Clean in the glass, this SB smells like lime and grapefruit. The palate is equally citrusy in feel, with old-vine minerality. Flavors of white pineapple, tangerine, lime and grapefruit span the citrus spectrum, while the finish is sharp and angular.

86

22

Northern Spain

Sauvignon Blanc

79,984

Spain

This is mulchy on the nose, with a compost aroma muddling up the red-fruit component. It feels lean and scouring, with cranberry, tart raspberry and vanilla flavors. The finish is fragmented and stalky.

83

13

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

44,405

France

In the prestigious village of Vosne-Romanée, there is little room for anything but Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. This wine, from the flatter ground at the bottom of the slope, shows something of the structure that makes the great wines. To balance that it also has bright fruit and plenty of acidity. It will be ready to drink from early 2018.

91

150

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

55,435

Argentina

Briny notes of oyster shell blend with spicy barrel notes and core apple aromas on the bouquet of this crisp, pure, minerally Chardonnay. Flavors of apple, quince, orange marmalade and minerals finish sturdy and secure.

89

20

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

29,629

Spain

After an initial blast of raw oak this Ribera settles nicely to show appealing leather and berry aromas along with savory blackberry and molasses flavors. There's also ample spice, chocolate and toast to give it a dark personality. Nice for a young wine; it's flush, lush and quite dense.

88

17

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

60,527

US

Despite the reserve designation, this is a tasting-room-only wine. It's rather light and elegant in style, with a raspberry veneer over sturdy herbal tannins.

89

35

Oregon

Pinot Noir

90,342

Italy

This is a breakthrough vintage for Castello d'Albola and its team of winemakers who have crafted a truly beautiful and compelling wine rich with soft tones of chocolate fudge, almond paste, chewy cherry and long-lasting blueberry tones. The wine is plush and chewy in the mouth with big fruit flavors, yet it remains elegant and balanced at the same time.

93

60

Tuscany

Red Blend

69,873

US

Made to benefit the Wente Foundation for Arts Education, this wine is made in small quantities. It is juicy and leathery, soft, structured and medium-bodied with a long finish of tar and tannin.

86

100

California

Red Blend

103,544

France

A very soft scent of pear rises from the glass. The mellowness of this pear fruit is expressed fully on the concentrated palate. Bosc pear shimmers and is boosted by slight residual sweetness. The finish is off dry, balanced and generous.

91

35

Alsace

Pinot Gris

57,554

US

Half Z'Ivo and half Illahe vineyard fruit, this aromatic wine punches up its relatively light flavors of cranberry fruit with an array of side notes. Leather, cola, dust, chalk and brown spices come into play, as the finish tilts towards the rustic.

89

40

Oregon

Pinot Noir

40,069

Italy

This fun blend of Barbera, Merlot and Albarossa drinks easily and would pair with a long list of foods including pasta, chicken and spicy ground beef. Aromas include cherry, blackberry, cola and chocolate and the wine's finish is smooth and soft.

87

19

Piedmont

Red Blend

54,179

US

Smoky bark and cola notes are cradled in reductive oak in this robust wine from a fantastically farmed site. Its dark berry flavor is supported by velvety tannin and juicy acidity, both of which provide moderate structure.

90

40

California

Pinot Noir

90,665

US

Black plums and Mission figs stewed with cinnamon, cloves and vanilla make for an intriguing nose on this bottling from a longtime Italian winemaking family. The palate shows cola, black cherry, coffee bean and dark chocolate, though proves quite grippy with a structure that will let down its guard with patience.

88

32

California

Zinfandel

22,289

US

There's a gorgeous floral and citrus bouquet upon entry, followed by lithe flavors of orange blossom and zest. From an estate-grown vineyard, the wine is balanced and elegant, with a twist of pineapple custard on the finish.

92

35

California

Chardonnay

42,071

Italy

Here's a young Nebbiolo that boasts floral and berry aromas. The palate delivers ripe strawberry and raspberry with a hint of orange peel. Bright and delicious. Saranty Imports, Pleasure Elite.

88

23

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

107,172

France

A full, rich wine, showing red fruits at their best. It has structure and layers of bright acidity. It's not a wine for long aging, likely to be at its best in three years time.

88

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

129,811

France

A tight, tannic wine, showing considerable acidity as well as fresh red fruits. The wine is densely packed with dry tannins, then a fruity character develops, sparked by acidity.

89

100

Burgundy

Pinot Noir

58,368

US

This is a Chardonnay for red wine lovers. It's full bodied and oaky, and it grows better as it warms in the glass. Airing brings out sweet honey, orange jam, apricot and tropical fruit favors, yet the acidity and minerality also develop, providing balance. The oak develops too, with buttered toast and butterscotch notes bringing additional richness.

95

75

California

Chardonnay

50,149

US

The producer continues to hit it out of the park with this vintage of Pinot, offering a gorgeously balanced interpretation of a marquee vineyard site. Rose petal and lavender aromas evolve into flavors of rosemary, high-toned orange peel, dried cherry and cranberry on the palate, keeping things ethereal throughout. Smooth and medium bodied, the tannins are coy and the entire experience memorable.

94

70

California

Pinot Noir

117,623

US

A whiff of hay and bramble lends an earthy tone to this otherwise bright, easy-drinking wine. On the palate, fresh tangerine, white peach and lemon flavors are refreshing and pristine. Medium bodied and a bit racy, the finish is quite brisk.

86

16

New York

Chardonnay

124,388

Italy

Spice, cherry liqueur, dark fruit, leather and moist tobacco comprise the bouquet. Structured and firm, the wine delivers a clean, focused feel.

90

79

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

92,319

Italy

Aromas recall rose petal, dark berry and orange zest. The palate delivers mature blackberry, cocoa, mocha and a licorice note alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.

89

28

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

16,741

US

Rich, smoky cassis, raspberry and cherry flavors define this estate wine. It's lush, round, powerful and full-bodied, with moderate structure and oak, seasoned with cinnamon and chocolate notes.

90

50

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

54,871

US

Always a compelling wine, the 2011 Upper Barn shows the estate's classic acidity and minerality that give it such linear elegance. There is, however, nothing shy about the flavors, which are an explosion of oranges, peaches, limes, honey and new oak. This wine is not for aging, so drink now through 2015.

93

75

California

Chardonnay

78,433

France

Based in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers, this vineyard has ancient monastic origins. The 2005 is a well-balanced wine, structured with Cabernet and rounded with Merlot. The fruit is rich, not complex, but very food friendly.

89

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

16,085

US

Bitterly dry and high in acidity, this Grenache lacks the richness needed to satisfy. Its cherry, cola and oak flavors are thin, all on the surface, giving it a fast, rustic feel.

84

19

California

Grenache

6,147

US

Zin specialist Artezin gets into the Petite Sirah game with this enormously ripe, fruity wine. Shows a modern, cult interpretation of the variety, with blackberry jam, licorice, candied violet, mocha and pepper spice flavors wrapped into huge, but very finely ground, tannins.

89

36

California

Petite Sirah

129,385

France

This is a taut wine that's full of zest, acidity and delicate wild strawberry fruit. It has a hint of orange and almond, with a great crisp feeling.

87

14

Provence

Rosé

64,306

US

Tasted in May of 2012, this shows an immaturity, where all the parts haven't yet come together. It has a big, rich black-cherry flavor, with elaborate smoky oak, brisk acidity, firm tannins and heat from the alcohol all vying for dominance. Needs time; cellar it until 2015.

90

52

California

Pinot Noir

10,325

US

A blend of the five major Bordeaux varieties, this is a deliciously soft wine. So easy to like for its rich blackberry, cherry, raspberry and smoky oak flavors, courtesy of 40% new barrels. Shows lots of class for the price.

90

21

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

112,979

US

Fresh apple rinds, squeezed Mexican lime and a touch of guava show on the nose of this crisp yet tropical-tinged bottling. The flavors also start light with citrus and then delve into more guava-led tropicality, approaching ripe tuberose-flower pungency.

86

20

California

Chardonnay