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
113,609	Argentina	Jammy aromas of cassis and red-licorice candy lack framing. This wine feels dense and compact. Medicinal berry and plum flavors carry a bitter edge, while green tannins make for a raw finish.	86	13	Mendoza Province	Malbec
36,829	France	Definitely mature, this is a ripe wine with rich tropical flavors that give balance to the beginnings of toastiness. An attractive tang of acidity contrasts with the soft, ripe aftertaste. The wine will age further, although it is ready to drink now and until 2018.	89	63	Champagne	Champagne Blend
95,783	US	Hints of thyme, sage, violet and coffee are just a handful of the nuances that color this composed Bordeaux-style Blend. Brisk acidity balances the bold, ripe fruit, leading to a fresh, herbaceous finish with penetrating tannins. Drink now over a long evening, or better yet, cellar it for 3–5 years to let all of the components come together.	90	52	New York	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
112,520	Italy	Aromas of blackcurrant, spice, menthol, espresso and a whiff of toasted oak lead the nose. The round, chewy palate doles out blackberry jam, licorice, ground black pepper and coffee alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Showing the heat of the vintage, it's evolving quickly so enjoy sooner rather than later.	88	36	Tuscany	Sangiovese
31,363	Australia	An inky wine, yet remarkably well balanced and supple, marrying a lush, creamy texture with masses of blueberries and hints of mint and licorice. Drink now or hold up to 10 years.	92	42	South Australia	Petite Sirah
32,698	US	Meaning “from the vine,” this 100% whole-cluster bottling presents black cherry, tart pomegranate, graphite, baking spice and sage bark on the nose. There's lots of dark herbs and dark fruit on the palate as well as black-olive depth and black-slate minerality. With the density of herbs, it's a bit like chewing on sage and eucalyptus.	90	38	California	Pinot Noir
20,410	US	This estate-grown wine mixes earthy strawberry and raspberries against a tannic backbone that lends plenty of strength. Let it unwind a while in the glass.	89	33	California	Pinot Noir
28,233	US	This inaugural release from former NFL quarterbacks Dan Marino and Damon Huard is a blend of 86% Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Klipsun Merlot and 5% Champoux Cabernet Franc. It's aromatically brooding at kickoff, with notes of dark coffee, dusty earth and cherry. The soft, smooth cherry and coffee flavors will benefit from additional time in the bottle, as this wine is more about elegance than sheer power. Give it until 2025–2030 to see it at its best; it has the stuffing to get there.	93	75	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
119,561	US	Made from equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this is dry, tannic and oaky, and it offers blackberry jam and black currant flavors.	85	55	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
112,390	France	This wine opens with an explosion of Granny Smith apples underlined by firm minerality. The honeyed palate shows nice grapefruit and lemon character. Medium, citrus finish. Best now, but will gain complexity over three to four years.	88	30	Alsace	Pinot Gris
93,761	US	Two-thirds Merlot with the rest made up of near equal parts of the other four Bordeaux varieties, this wine opens with aromas of toast, spice, plum, licorice, herbs and red and black fruit. The black-fruit flavors are fresh and exquisitely balanced, with a finish that persists.	91	38	Washington	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
122,057	Spain	Minerally power is the main theme to the bouquet on this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend that comes with notes of seashell and even more briary berry and spice aromas. Chewy, round and full in the mouth, this delivers spicy, foresty berry flavors, herbal notes, mushroom hints and peppery spice on a good finish. Drink through 2018.	90	17	Catalonia	Red Blend
122,582	US	Rich round fleshy fruit flavors of pear and cantaloupe show excellent concentration. There's a powdered sugary sweetness lurking in the background, not unpleasantly, but this is no bone dry example of Pinot Gris. Drink chilled with cold chicken or light pasta dishes.	89	17	Oregon	Pinot Gris
51,273	Italy	San Biagio's classic Barolo shows captivating scents of violet, mint and eucalyptus. The palate is shy at first, but opens to reveal ripe berry, plum, spice and licorice notes. This has big but round tannins, and is already forward and enjoyable.	90	50	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
45,534	US	This classy, dry wine looks coppery in color, smells like cinnamon and cherries, and tastes crisp and appetizing. It has great balance, good flavors and a lingering finish.	90	32	California	Sparkling Blend
9,771	US	A very fine example of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, showing the elegance and complexity wines from that Sonoma County region can attain. Soft and intricate in tannins, the wine shows a mélange of blackberry, currant, cherry, sweet dried herb and smoky flavors that are delicious now, and should hold well for several years.	92	40	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
72,522	US	From the cool 2011 vintage, this wine brings notes of black tea, dark raspberries and herbs. It's tangy with lip-smacking plum and cranberry flavors backed by firm tannins.	86	45	Oregon	Grenache
14,250	US	This rustic Barbera tastes of blackberry. It's medium bodied with just-right acidity and tannins that are well-integrated and smooth. The finish gets a little bit meaty, which will work fine alongside meaty, smoky foods.	86	27	California	Barbera
120,312	France	Light, lean wine, its juicy fruit giving an attractive surface with a soft structure below. The wine is pleasant, fruity, not for aging.	84	23	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
29,867	Australia	Marked by potent aromas of green apple and lime sherbet, this is an intense, flavorful Riesling that just lacks that little bit of finesse. It's dry and medium-bodied, with a slightly oily, slightly coarse texture. Drink it young.	89	20	South Australia	Riesling
59,043	Argentina	Initially this smells earthy and rubbery, but with airing it shows roasted dark-berry aromas mixed with horsey leather. The palate is full, tannic and scratchy, with black-fruit flavors, pepper, toast and herbal notes. Toast and coffee flavors are found on a hard, tannic finish. Tasted twice with mixed results.	85	15	Mendoza Province	Syrah
125,430	US	Feels awkward in the mouth now, with hard tannins and tart acids. However, it has an attractive richness of blackberries and cassis, enhanced with rich oak. It's a classically youthful Cabernet that should develop with 3–5 years in the bottle.	89	95	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
74,918	Italy	Soft and forward, this opens with aromas of ripe plum, violet, leather, tilled earth and baking spices. The warm palate delivers fleshy black cherry accented with anisette and white pepper alongside round tannins. This is delicious but already evolved, so enjoy soon.	90	30	Tuscany	Red Blend
46,946	France	This is the second wine from Siaurac, generous and ripely fruity. It is packed with juicy blackberries, acidity and an open, generous character. With its fruit and soft tannins it needs no aging. Drink now.	88	17	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
100,234	France	This is a light and open wine, showing more fruitiness characteristic spice of Pinot Gris. It does have almond and green herb flavors, along with a touch of pepper and bitterness. Drink now.	86	17	Alsace	Pinot Gris
70,797	US	The fruit came from the Glenrose Vineyard and underwent a 30-day maceration before spending three years in puncheon. The wonderful nose shows chocolate-covered dried cherries, stewed plum, sweetened leather and an almost teriyaki umami. The palate is framed by silky, fine-grained tannins with acidity that's still fresh, along with roasted game, cooked cherry and more tanned leather flavors.	93	60	California	Nebbiolo
31,412	Germany	Heady tropical pineapple, melon and mango tones pulse through this palate-clinging auslese. It's lusciously sweet but not cloying, with spine-tingling acidity and pleasantly musky saffron notes that intensify on its long, lean finish. Delicious already, it will continue to improve through 2040.	95	114	Mosel	Riesling
79,513	US	This proprietary blend starts with a very gamy though thoroughly enjoyable nose of charred meat, coffee, berry and compost. On the palate, there is espresso, dried herbs and black cherry, proving to be a complex and savory yet very easy-to-like wine.	91	35	California	Red Blend
120,929	US	Dry, acidic and simple, this has a vegetal along with flavors of cherry and blackberry.	82	11	California	Zinfandel
94,502	US	Anderson Valley has always been a hospitable home to Pinot Gris and this 100% tank-fermented, no-malolactic-fermentation beauty is fragrant in orange blossom and honeysuckle, a tangible streak of wet stone zipping throughout. Steely, it settles into apricot and guava before ending with another bite of acidity. A perfect sipping wine, it's also ready for oysters.	89	21	California	Pinot Gris
104,661	US	Bright aromas and vibrant fruit flavors combine for a very energized, beautifully balanced wine that will shine at the dinner table. It has rhubarb and sour-cherry aromas, red-cherry and cinnamon flavors, a lively texture and lingering finish.	91	35	California	Pinot Noir
86,031	US	A taste of charcuterie gives this Syrah a meaty, sweetish mid-palate, but it manages to finish dry, with a scour of coastal acidity. The famously pure Edna Valley fruit shows up as classic blackberries, spicy and tangy, while the tannins are significant. Give the wine until 2017–2018 to try to resolve its internal difficulties.	88	35	California	Syrah
98,390	France	The palest of rosés, this crisp, bright and fruity wine is full of tight acidity, freshly picked raspberries and steely acidity. It could age a few more years to bring out a toastier character. The specially designed bottle has a hummingbird etched on the inside and gold on the outside.	95	300	Champagne	Champagne Blend
4,730	US	An earthy, leathery, spicy nose dominates this 100% Cabernet from 17-year-old vines. This is an elegant, complex, earthy wine, beautifully balanced with classic cassis laced with leather, barnyard, coffee, smoke and spice. 180 cases made.	91	32	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
89,658	US	This overtly woody wine smells like cedar chips and fresh-cut oak and tastes like pine, menthol and cherry candy. While it's fun to pick out its different flavors, this is not what most people expect from Cabernet.	84	15	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
790	US	The variety is unmistakable, with notes of dried herb, dark cherry and espresso. The jammy fruit flavors are rich, with lightly grainy tannins and coffee notes on the finish. It shows a fine sense of balance.	90	17	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
106,633	US	This is unmistakably a mountain-grown Merlot, hefty with dark fruit and layers of baking spice. Concentrated and ready to age another 5–7 years, it has a long and leathery finish.	87	20	California	Merlot
52,984	US	Going through a tough patch, with the primary fruit beginning to fall out and drier, earthier notes marching in. The grapes come from the cool climate vineyards of Bien Nacido and Watch Hill, and the wine shows consequent dryness and acidity. A year or two ago, blackberries would have overwhelmed. Now, they're drying out, permitting charred meat, mushroom and herb notes to co-star. Drink up.	91	75	California	Syrah
12,564	US	Squeaky fresh and full of grapefruit, peach and nectarine flavors, this semi-dry Riesling is an irresistible quaffer. Straightforward, juicy and refreshing, it's a delightful wine for youthful consumption.	87	14	New York	Riesling
72,139	Italy	Aromas of wild cherry, raspberry, rose, grilled herb and a balsamic note follow through to the firm palate along with fresh mint and orange zest. Fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity support the juicy flavors.	90	20	Tuscany	Red Blend
116,812	US	Fans of great big wines will like it, but this Petite Sirah is unbalanced, with heat from high alcohol compounding the acidity, making the mouhtfeel prickly. The berry flavors are overripe, running into raisins and chocolate.	84	37	California	Petite Sirah
106,051	US	Expressive, not expensive, this has an appetizing mixture of spice, herb and smoke aromas, plenty of blackberry and raspberry flavors, and a soothing texture. It smells like black pepper, dried thyme and wood smoke, then turns more fruity in the mouth. It is medium bodied and slightly soft in balance.	87	10	California	Zinfandel
115,688	Australia	This plump, medium-weight Chardonnay features bright, fleshy pineapple flavors that finish clean and crisp. At this price, you could do a lot worse.	87	14	South Australia	Chardonnay
74,670	France	The tannins of the vintage are very apparent in this dry wine. That gives it a dry structure that was enhanced by wood aging. It needs to develop longer and become a wine that is balanced while always austere. Drink from 2017.	87	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
30,125	US	This is a decidedly beautiful wine, a carefully crafted offering of Tahitian vanilla bean, caramelized apple and juicy peach that is integrated and buoyant in acidity. It continues to open and shine in the glass, getting better as it travels along the palate, with a lush finish of preserved lemon that just sings.	95	70	California	Chardonnay
72,613	US	Big and lush, this one's got gobs of chocolate, plum, spice, black cherry, spice, coffee, herb, toast, and vanilla, all framed in creamy smooth tannins that give a supple quality to the blend. Long, lush and smooth at the end.	90	42	California	Zinfandel
98,259	Germany	The nose is quite subdued, but the palate of this bargain Spätlese offers buoyant orange and apricot flavors. It's an easy, juicy wine, neatly balanced with brisk, citrusy acidity. Drink now.	88	12	Mosel	Riesling
125,419	Italy	From one of Montalcino's historic estates, Camigliano's Brunello opens with attractive darkness and a smooth texture. Dark fruit, tobacco and espresso aromas emerge from the nose and the wine feels bright, polished and silky overall.	92	50	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
77,335	US	This structured wine is lithe and ethereal in dried herb and cranberry, with a hint of pencil lead. Puckering tannins suggest aging through 2020, to draw out the more succulent layers of black cherry and plum. The wine has 12% Merlot.	91	55	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
35,780	US	A new vineyard source for the producer, this was planted in 1910 to a mix of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Peloursin and Trousseau. The wine shows a zestiness to the palate and fruit, a mix of pomegranate, raspberry and plum, side-kicked by dusty mocha. Bright in acidity with a chalky finish, the wine can be enjoyed now with a decant or cellared through 2022.	90	43	California	Zinfandel
30,701	US	This is a good Cab for drinking with everyday fare, like burgers or tacos. It's softly tannic and sweet with blackberries, cherries and toasty oak.	85	8	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
100,484	US	While the aromas show some promise, they are disappointingly faint for a Gewürztraminer. This wine is an easy quaffer but lacks the palate richness typical of this variety. Crisp acidity and low alcohol (11.7%) make it a good hot weather choice.	80	16	New York	Gewürztraminer
76,398	US	Coming from the winery's SJR Vineyard in The Rocks District, this blockbuster wine displays savory aromas of green olive, sea breeze, smoked meat, peat and earth along with coffee and plum. The palate shows great concentration and richness but also deftness, delineation and precision. It's a complete head turner that shows a true sense of place.	94	65	Oregon	Syrah
92,681	France	A blend of 70% Clairette, 15% Sémillon and 15% Rolle, this is a slightly nutty, almondy white with touches of honeyed richness and apricot. Turns a bit astringent on the finish.	87	36	Provence	White Blend
48,681	US	This is a rich, fruity Chardonnay that's sweet in pineapple, orange and buttered toast flavors. A nice cut of acidity provides needed balance.	84	15	California	Chardonnay
34,020	Italy	Barolo San Lorenzo has very nice intensity—it's there, but not in your face. The wine is already starting to show some interesting mineral components that are backed by black fruit, licorice and truffle. Its intensity builds in the glass and although it starts slow, it picks up loads of speed in the mouth. Drink after 2015.	91	70	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
111,727	Italy	This earthy Tuscan offers aromas that recall underbrush, berries, violet and spice. The juicy palate delivers ripened dark cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon-spice alongside chewy tannins and fresh acidity.	88	25	Tuscany	Red Blend
41,713	US	Red currant, cranberry sauce, seasoned tomato and curry spices frame the nose. On the palate, the exotic elements continue, with gram masala and black cardamom flavors, which makes for a very savory, noteworthy and nicely rounded experience. Serve with Indian curries or try chicken mole.	91	40	California	Pinot Noir
24,466	US	This wine is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Malbec. It shows the big, hard tannins of both varieties, as well as their dryness and intense blackberry, currant and dark chocolate flavors. The 100% new French oak is in balance with the size of the underlying fruit. Don't even think of popping the cork before 2015, and it should still be providing pleasure in 2021.	92	115	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
21,633	Italy	This vibrant Pinot Grigio opens with aromas of white flowers and white tree fruit. The round palate offers mature pear and green apple alongside bright acidity but the structure doesn't fully support the evident alcohol.	89	30	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
97,080	US	Woody in cedar and toasted oak, this mild-mannered red is juicy in red currant and plum, offering a lush and plush body and texture. Tannins coat the back of the palate as notes of clove and mocha spark the finish.	88	24	California	Merlot
3,019	France	This ripe, full, almost toasty wine tastes of tropical fruit and spice, giving it an exotic feel. At the same time, the right amount of acidity acts as a fine balance. This concentrated wine, medium-sweet in style, should be aged for 2–3 years.	92	33	Alsace	Pinot Gris
31,399	Portugal	Solid and firm, it has powerful tannins and no sense yet of aging. The concentration is palpable, offering impressive weight while also bringing out ripe berry fruits. It needs until 2017–2018 to soften.	88	60	Douro	Portuguese Red
62,994	US	Lots of ripe Zinny character in this wine, which is a blend of vineyards from throughout the valley. It's enormously rich in raspberry and cherry jam fruit, spiced with cinnamon, cloves and anise, and finished with sweet, smoky sandalwood.	88	20	California	Zinfandel
6,102	Portugal	This wine is soft, fruity, rounded and red fruit flavored. Soft tannins and black plum skins give the wine a light structure. The wine is developing well and will be ready to drink from 2016.	87	13	Douro	Portuguese Red
59,822	Italy	This is a rich and succulent wine made from Cab Franc and 15% Merlot. This wine is packed tight, with tones of espresso bean, blackberry coulis, milk chocolate, dried lavender and a playful touch of scented candle or incense. Ripe tannins and a long finish. Drink after 2012.	93	42	Tuscany	Cabernet Franc
1,713	Italy	This Sangiovese from a hot vintage definitely seems past its peak. It has a very sweet-smelling, cherry-driven nose with a touch of marmalade that is blasted by a sudden rush of oak wood.	85	29	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
97,012	Italy	Soft, plush and approachable, this Sicilian Merlot offers all the prerequisites of an enjoyable, well-priced everyday dinner wine. The wine is rich and velvety with bright cherry flavors followed by spice and cola. It's the perfect wine to sell by the glass.	87	15	Sicily & Sardinia	Merlot
30,717	Spain	Melon, peach and vanilla aromas don't display much oak while coming across clean and ripe. This feels juicy, with orange, tangerine and nectarine flavors. The finish is spunky and acidic but not overly deep or complex. This is 95% Viura and 5% Malvasia.	88	15	Northern Spain	White Blend
63,608	US	This medium-bodied wine has aromas that suggest strawberry jam and maple syrup, and equally fruity and ripe flavors. Touches of vanilla and chocolate add a bit of unctuous complexity, and the mouthfeel is velvety.	86	12	California	Merlot
42,718	US	Squeezed lime, tangerine rind and juice and yellow-grapefruit zest show on the sharply citrusy nose of this bottling, which is expertly rounded out by white peach and chalk. Light stone-fruit flavors of nectarine and apple blossom show first on the palate, which is cut by lemon juice and green grapefruit, and warmed up with sea salt, toast and walnut-oil touches.	92	48	California	Chardonnay
26,910	US	Acidic and minty, this Pinot Noir just doesn't have enough richness, despite some modest cherry and cola flavors. Its dry and silky qualities are pleasant.	83	21	California	Pinot Noir
77,157	US	Impeccably fresh, vivid and textural, this appealing wine brings a mix of orange peel, pink grapefruit and pear fruit. There's a pleasing touch of spice, and all but 5% was stainless-steel fermented.	90	17	Oregon	Pinot Gris
40,482	France	The second wine of Château Meyney comes from one of the top estates of the appellation. From selected parcels and barrels of wine, this shows the same sense of structure as the top wine, while the fruitiness is developing more quickly. The black currant and plum-juice flavors are already bursting from the tannins. Drink from 2017.	91	40	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
40,120	France	This is a fat style of rosé, bringing out ripe strawberries and diminishing the acidity. That makes it attractive as an apéritif style. It is fruity and soft with a smooth aftertaste.	87	46	Champagne	Champagne Blend
90,612	Spain	This opens with vanilla and sweet, powdery aromas. In the mouth, it's bubbly and foamy, with a mix of pickled citrus and dry apple flavors. The finish is crisp and dry like a soda cracker.	83	15	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
107,998	US	A big, boldly powerful but elegant Zinfandel, full-bodied in the mouth and dry, offering waves of ripe fruits and spices. The cool 2007 vintage has kept the wine from being too ripe, resulting in balanced flavors of blackberries, currants, licorice, bacon, cocoa, black pepper and Asian spices. Just terrific. Drink over the next six years.	93	48	California	Zinfandel
37,340	US	An impressive young Cabernet from a region not well known for Cabs. The first impression is a complex aroma of herb, dark cherry and dark chocolate that continues through to the palate. The texture is laced well with fine, firm tannins that will make it great with rich meat and cheese dishes. Overall it is concentrated and full-bodied, big but balanced.	90	22	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
70,676	France	Named after a parcel of vines, this youthful, fruity wine is on its way to being delicious. It has a proper steely character, shot through with acidity and minerality while the citrus character is strong and firm. Drink from 2015.	90	34	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
93,248	France	This is rich, full-bodied Chardonnay, rounded out with peaches and spiced apricots. The wood is evident here, giving an extra softness as well as bringing out rich honey. A wine that opens beautifully in the mouth, ready to drink but also ageworthy.	92	35	Burgundy	Chardonnay
65,416	US	Whiffs of black cherry and delicate violets make this full-bodied Long Island Cab Franc wonderfully aromatic. The palate as well is rich with red fruit, dark brambly notes and soft supple tannins, but the tomato leaf flavors that linger throughout are a distraction.	85	27	New York	Cabernet Franc
110,692	US	Violet and lavender florals mesh with strawberry pie and earthy bark aromas on this single-vineyard expression from Lompoc-based Joey Gummere. The flavors are cranberry-apple and boysenberry, tart and relatively light, both tannins and acidity integrated seamlessly.	90	45	California	Pinot Noir
97,953	US	This is a bold combination of 89% Dolcetto from the Napa side of Carneros and 11% Barbera from one of its happy spots in the state, El Dorado County. Big bodied and tannic on entry, it softens in the glass to reveal bright red cherry and spearmint, with a touch of bitterness on the finish.	88	36	California	Red Blend
20,965	US	Waxy plum and a surprising characteristic of watermelon provide a subtle freshness to this otherwise hugely tannic, concentrated wine. Tar and yeast play a role as well.	85	45	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
76,870	US	Simply delicious, this smells like plump red cherries, tastes generously fruity and feels rich in texture. A spicy cinnamon aroma comes up on the second sniff, and the flavors add black cherry and cedar. The mouthfeel is rather soft, as the acid and tannins are moderate, and the body is full but not heavy.	92	48	California	Pinot Noir
27,884	US	Rich and full bodied, despite the relatively low alcohol, this supertart and luscious Riesling is loaded with sour candy flavors of lemon and lime. Quite refreshing, pure and dry.	89	17	Washington	Riesling
18,619	Argentina	Rustic, rubbery, leathery aromas are highly suggestive of animal hide and stalky berry fruits. This is hard as rocks on the palate, with an astringent mouthfeel. Briny, leathery berry and plum flavors end with a stalky aftertaste.	83	15	Mendoza Province	Malbec
25,967	Spain	Grapy smelling at first, this is made from a vineyard located in a Spanish national park. It is tight, tannic and mildly astringent on the palate, with high-tension structure. Wild berry flavors are gamey in nature, with spice, tobacco and earth notes adding complexity. Drink this old vine wine now through 2022.	92	40	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
77,754	US	John Shaw and Lisa Cuevas Shaw run this boutique-sized, Bordeaux-minded winery, which offers this Sauvignon Blanc alongside their higher priced reds. This wine starts with lemongrass, crushed rock and white flower aromas, then indulges in some tropical guava on the palate, which is very soft and full.	86	18	California	Sauvignon Blanc
71,868	France	Soft and somewhat dilute, this wine is attractively crisp but does not show great character. It's a fine apéritif wine, light and gently fruity.	83	14	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
123,029	US	This wine—aged in a mixture of 20% new American and French oak—shows a pleasing interplay of fruit and barrel. Notes of vanilla and cocoa intermingle with dried herbs, cranberry and bell pepper. It brings focused, lightly styled but high-octane cranberry flavors that are almost creamy in feel, with the focus more on elegance than sheer power.	90	50	Washington	Cabernet Sauvignon
107,074	Argentina	Tobacco and mint aromas cloud the wine's bouquet, while the palate starts out rough and scratchy, with a heavy dose of grape-skin tannin. Upon airing it offers more berry fruit but also salty, leathery finishing flavors. And the tannins never really cease.	83	18	Mendoza Province	Malbec
115,541	US	A strong scent and flavor of vitamin pill mixes with tight red fruit, stone, licorice and earth in this Rhône blend that includes small amounts of Grenache and Mourvèdre. Give this wine time to breathe and let the fruit come forward before you drink it.	88	30	Washington	Syrah
79,331	France	This beautifully balanced wine shows rich red fruits as well as crisp freshness. It has a mineral texture, aromatic fruitiness and a lightly peppery aftertaste. The blend is 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 20% Syrah. Drink now.	89	18	Provence	Rosé
5,185	Argentina	With oak-based aromas of Graham cracker, vanilla and baked berries, this comes across as being ripe and generous. Baked black fruits, ample oak, mocha and vanilla are the key flavors, while the finish is woody and medium long. Drink now.	90	16	Mendoza Province	Malbec
11,816	US	Golden-hay in color, this has a luxurious toffee-caramel imprint accompanied by apple and pineapple notes. Soft and medium in acidity, it's a bright, layered wine that follows through in flavor and tone on the finish.	88	20	California	Chardonnay
24,917	US	Textural and leesy, this refreshing Chardonnay also has a pretty, toasty nose. The mouthfeel and barrel notes compensate for the rather light, generic fruit.	87	20	Washington	Chardonnay
12,104	US	Made in the popular style, this has flavors of buttered toast, orange, peach, Meyer lemon and vanilla bean, which are brightened by crisp acidity. Drink now.	86	24	California	Chardonnay
105,801	US	Extremely grassy on the nose, this also shows lime juice and a skunky cannabis character that starts to blow off with time. The texture is racy on the palate, but the grassy component proves rather sour and one-dimensional.	84	26	California	Sauvignon Blanc
83,680	US	Biscuit, burnt toast, and a hint of rubber dominate the nose. The fruit is light and somewhat buried—a little melon, unripe peach and pineapple. Perhaps too much barrel exposure, or over-toasted barrels?	85	20	Washington	Chardonnay

113,609

Argentina

Jammy aromas of cassis and red-licorice candy lack framing. This wine feels dense and compact. Medicinal berry and plum flavors carry a bitter edge, while green tannins make for a raw finish.

86

13

Mendoza Province

Malbec

36,829

France

Definitely mature, this is a ripe wine with rich tropical flavors that give balance to the beginnings of toastiness. An attractive tang of acidity contrasts with the soft, ripe aftertaste. The wine will age further, although it is ready to drink now and until 2018.

89

63

Champagne

Champagne Blend

95,783

US

Hints of thyme, sage, violet and coffee are just a handful of the nuances that color this composed Bordeaux-style Blend. Brisk acidity balances the bold, ripe fruit, leading to a fresh, herbaceous finish with penetrating tannins. Drink now over a long evening, or better yet, cellar it for 3–5 years to let all of the components come together.

90

52

New York

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

112,520

Italy

Aromas of blackcurrant, spice, menthol, espresso and a whiff of toasted oak lead the nose. The round, chewy palate doles out blackberry jam, licorice, ground black pepper and coffee alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Showing the heat of the vintage, it's evolving quickly so enjoy sooner rather than later.

88

36

Tuscany

Sangiovese

31,363

Australia

An inky wine, yet remarkably well balanced and supple, marrying a lush, creamy texture with masses of blueberries and hints of mint and licorice. Drink now or hold up to 10 years.

92

42

South Australia

Petite Sirah

32,698

US

Meaning “from the vine,” this 100% whole-cluster bottling presents black cherry, tart pomegranate, graphite, baking spice and sage bark on the nose. There's lots of dark herbs and dark fruit on the palate as well as black-olive depth and black-slate minerality. With the density of herbs, it's a bit like chewing on sage and eucalyptus.

90

38

California

Pinot Noir

20,410

US

This estate-grown wine mixes earthy strawberry and raspberries against a tannic backbone that lends plenty of strength. Let it unwind a while in the glass.

89

33

California

Pinot Noir

28,233

US

This inaugural release from former NFL quarterbacks Dan Marino and Damon Huard is a blend of 86% Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Klipsun Merlot and 5% Champoux Cabernet Franc. It's aromatically brooding at kickoff, with notes of dark coffee, dusty earth and cherry. The soft, smooth cherry and coffee flavors will benefit from additional time in the bottle, as this wine is more about elegance than sheer power. Give it until 2025–2030 to see it at its best; it has the stuffing to get there.

93

75

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

119,561

US

Made from equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this is dry, tannic and oaky, and it offers blackberry jam and black currant flavors.

85

55

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

112,390

France

This wine opens with an explosion of Granny Smith apples underlined by firm minerality. The honeyed palate shows nice grapefruit and lemon character. Medium, citrus finish. Best now, but will gain complexity over three to four years.

88

30

Alsace

Pinot Gris

93,761

US

Two-thirds Merlot with the rest made up of near equal parts of the other four Bordeaux varieties, this wine opens with aromas of toast, spice, plum, licorice, herbs and red and black fruit. The black-fruit flavors are fresh and exquisitely balanced, with a finish that persists.

91

38

Washington

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

122,057

Spain

Minerally power is the main theme to the bouquet on this Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend that comes with notes of seashell and even more briary berry and spice aromas. Chewy, round and full in the mouth, this delivers spicy, foresty berry flavors, herbal notes, mushroom hints and peppery spice on a good finish. Drink through 2018.

90

17

Catalonia

Red Blend

122,582

US

Rich round fleshy fruit flavors of pear and cantaloupe show excellent concentration. There's a powdered sugary sweetness lurking in the background, not unpleasantly, but this is no bone dry example of Pinot Gris. Drink chilled with cold chicken or light pasta dishes.

89

17

Oregon

Pinot Gris

51,273

Italy

San Biagio's classic Barolo shows captivating scents of violet, mint and eucalyptus. The palate is shy at first, but opens to reveal ripe berry, plum, spice and licorice notes. This has big but round tannins, and is already forward and enjoyable.

90

50

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

45,534

US

This classy, dry wine looks coppery in color, smells like cinnamon and cherries, and tastes crisp and appetizing. It has great balance, good flavors and a lingering finish.

90

32

California

Sparkling Blend

9,771

US

A very fine example of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, showing the elegance and complexity wines from that Sonoma County region can attain. Soft and intricate in tannins, the wine shows a mélange of blackberry, currant, cherry, sweet dried herb and smoky flavors that are delicious now, and should hold well for several years.

92

40

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

72,522

US

From the cool 2011 vintage, this wine brings notes of black tea, dark raspberries and herbs. It's tangy with lip-smacking plum and cranberry flavors backed by firm tannins.

86

45

Oregon

Grenache

14,250

US

This rustic Barbera tastes of blackberry. It's medium bodied with just-right acidity and tannins that are well-integrated and smooth. The finish gets a little bit meaty, which will work fine alongside meaty, smoky foods.

86

27

California

Barbera

120,312

France

Light, lean wine, its juicy fruit giving an attractive surface with a soft structure below. The wine is pleasant, fruity, not for aging.

84

23

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

29,867

Australia

Marked by potent aromas of green apple and lime sherbet, this is an intense, flavorful Riesling that just lacks that little bit of finesse. It's dry and medium-bodied, with a slightly oily, slightly coarse texture. Drink it young.

89

20

South Australia

Riesling

59,043

Argentina

Initially this smells earthy and rubbery, but with airing it shows roasted dark-berry aromas mixed with horsey leather. The palate is full, tannic and scratchy, with black-fruit flavors, pepper, toast and herbal notes. Toast and coffee flavors are found on a hard, tannic finish. Tasted twice with mixed results.

85

15

Mendoza Province

Syrah

125,430

US

Feels awkward in the mouth now, with hard tannins and tart acids. However, it has an attractive richness of blackberries and cassis, enhanced with rich oak. It's a classically youthful Cabernet that should develop with 3–5 years in the bottle.

89

95

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

74,918

Italy

Soft and forward, this opens with aromas of ripe plum, violet, leather, tilled earth and baking spices. The warm palate delivers fleshy black cherry accented with anisette and white pepper alongside round tannins. This is delicious but already evolved, so enjoy soon.

90

30

Tuscany

Red Blend

46,946

France

This is the second wine from Siaurac, generous and ripely fruity. It is packed with juicy blackberries, acidity and an open, generous character. With its fruit and soft tannins it needs no aging. Drink now.

88

17

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

100,234

France

This is a light and open wine, showing more fruitiness characteristic spice of Pinot Gris. It does have almond and green herb flavors, along with a touch of pepper and bitterness. Drink now.

86

17

Alsace

Pinot Gris

70,797

US

The fruit came from the Glenrose Vineyard and underwent a 30-day maceration before spending three years in puncheon. The wonderful nose shows chocolate-covered dried cherries, stewed plum, sweetened leather and an almost teriyaki umami. The palate is framed by silky, fine-grained tannins with acidity that's still fresh, along with roasted game, cooked cherry and more tanned leather flavors.

93

60

California

Nebbiolo

31,412

Germany

Heady tropical pineapple, melon and mango tones pulse through this palate-clinging auslese. It's lusciously sweet but not cloying, with spine-tingling acidity and pleasantly musky saffron notes that intensify on its long, lean finish. Delicious already, it will continue to improve through 2040.

95

114

Mosel

Riesling

79,513

US

This proprietary blend starts with a very gamy though thoroughly enjoyable nose of charred meat, coffee, berry and compost. On the palate, there is espresso, dried herbs and black cherry, proving to be a complex and savory yet very easy-to-like wine.

91

35

California

Red Blend

120,929

US

Dry, acidic and simple, this has a vegetal along with flavors of cherry and blackberry.

82

11

California

Zinfandel

94,502

US

Anderson Valley has always been a hospitable home to Pinot Gris and this 100% tank-fermented, no-malolactic-fermentation beauty is fragrant in orange blossom and honeysuckle, a tangible streak of wet stone zipping throughout. Steely, it settles into apricot and guava before ending with another bite of acidity. A perfect sipping wine, it's also ready for oysters.

89

21

California

Pinot Gris

104,661

US

Bright aromas and vibrant fruit flavors combine for a very energized, beautifully balanced wine that will shine at the dinner table. It has rhubarb and sour-cherry aromas, red-cherry and cinnamon flavors, a lively texture and lingering finish.

91

35

California

Pinot Noir

86,031

US

A taste of charcuterie gives this Syrah a meaty, sweetish mid-palate, but it manages to finish dry, with a scour of coastal acidity. The famously pure Edna Valley fruit shows up as classic blackberries, spicy and tangy, while the tannins are significant. Give the wine until 2017–2018 to try to resolve its internal difficulties.

88

35

California

Syrah

98,390

France

The palest of rosés, this crisp, bright and fruity wine is full of tight acidity, freshly picked raspberries and steely acidity. It could age a few more years to bring out a toastier character. The specially designed bottle has a hummingbird etched on the inside and gold on the outside.

95

300

Champagne

Champagne Blend

4,730

US

An earthy, leathery, spicy nose dominates this 100% Cabernet from 17-year-old vines. This is an elegant, complex, earthy wine, beautifully balanced with classic cassis laced with leather, barnyard, coffee, smoke and spice. 180 cases made.

91

32

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

89,658

US

This overtly woody wine smells like cedar chips and fresh-cut oak and tastes like pine, menthol and cherry candy. While it's fun to pick out its different flavors, this is not what most people expect from Cabernet.

84

15

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

790

US

The variety is unmistakable, with notes of dried herb, dark cherry and espresso. The jammy fruit flavors are rich, with lightly grainy tannins and coffee notes on the finish. It shows a fine sense of balance.

90

17

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

106,633

US

This is unmistakably a mountain-grown Merlot, hefty with dark fruit and layers of baking spice. Concentrated and ready to age another 5–7 years, it has a long and leathery finish.

87

20

California

Merlot

52,984

US

Going through a tough patch, with the primary fruit beginning to fall out and drier, earthier notes marching in. The grapes come from the cool climate vineyards of Bien Nacido and Watch Hill, and the wine shows consequent dryness and acidity. A year or two ago, blackberries would have overwhelmed. Now, they're drying out, permitting charred meat, mushroom and herb notes to co-star. Drink up.

91

75

California

Syrah

12,564

US

Squeaky fresh and full of grapefruit, peach and nectarine flavors, this semi-dry Riesling is an irresistible quaffer. Straightforward, juicy and refreshing, it's a delightful wine for youthful consumption.

87

14

New York

Riesling

72,139

Italy

Aromas of wild cherry, raspberry, rose, grilled herb and a balsamic note follow through to the firm palate along with fresh mint and orange zest. Fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity support the juicy flavors.

90

20

Tuscany

Red Blend

116,812

US

Fans of great big wines will like it, but this Petite Sirah is unbalanced, with heat from high alcohol compounding the acidity, making the mouhtfeel prickly. The berry flavors are overripe, running into raisins and chocolate.

84

37

California

Petite Sirah

106,051

US

Expressive, not expensive, this has an appetizing mixture of spice, herb and smoke aromas, plenty of blackberry and raspberry flavors, and a soothing texture. It smells like black pepper, dried thyme and wood smoke, then turns more fruity in the mouth. It is medium bodied and slightly soft in balance.

87

10

California

Zinfandel

115,688

Australia

This plump, medium-weight Chardonnay features bright, fleshy pineapple flavors that finish clean and crisp. At this price, you could do a lot worse.

87

14

South Australia

Chardonnay

74,670

France

The tannins of the vintage are very apparent in this dry wine. That gives it a dry structure that was enhanced by wood aging. It needs to develop longer and become a wine that is balanced while always austere. Drink from 2017.

87

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

30,125

US

This is a decidedly beautiful wine, a carefully crafted offering of Tahitian vanilla bean, caramelized apple and juicy peach that is integrated and buoyant in acidity. It continues to open and shine in the glass, getting better as it travels along the palate, with a lush finish of preserved lemon that just sings.

95

70

California

Chardonnay

72,613

US

Big and lush, this one's got gobs of chocolate, plum, spice, black cherry, spice, coffee, herb, toast, and vanilla, all framed in creamy smooth tannins that give a supple quality to the blend. Long, lush and smooth at the end.

90

42

California

Zinfandel

98,259

Germany

The nose is quite subdued, but the palate of this bargain Spätlese offers buoyant orange and apricot flavors. It's an easy, juicy wine, neatly balanced with brisk, citrusy acidity. Drink now.

88

12

Mosel

Riesling

125,419

Italy

From one of Montalcino's historic estates, Camigliano's Brunello opens with attractive darkness and a smooth texture. Dark fruit, tobacco and espresso aromas emerge from the nose and the wine feels bright, polished and silky overall.

92

50

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

77,335

US

This structured wine is lithe and ethereal in dried herb and cranberry, with a hint of pencil lead. Puckering tannins suggest aging through 2020, to draw out the more succulent layers of black cherry and plum. The wine has 12% Merlot.

91

55

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

35,780

US

A new vineyard source for the producer, this was planted in 1910 to a mix of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Peloursin and Trousseau. The wine shows a zestiness to the palate and fruit, a mix of pomegranate, raspberry and plum, side-kicked by dusty mocha. Bright in acidity with a chalky finish, the wine can be enjoyed now with a decant or cellared through 2022.

90

43

California

Zinfandel

30,701

US

This is a good Cab for drinking with everyday fare, like burgers or tacos. It's softly tannic and sweet with blackberries, cherries and toasty oak.

85

8

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

100,484

US

While the aromas show some promise, they are disappointingly faint for a Gewürztraminer. This wine is an easy quaffer but lacks the palate richness typical of this variety. Crisp acidity and low alcohol (11.7%) make it a good hot weather choice.

80

16

New York

Gewürztraminer

76,398

US

Coming from the winery's SJR Vineyard in The Rocks District, this blockbuster wine displays savory aromas of green olive, sea breeze, smoked meat, peat and earth along with coffee and plum. The palate shows great concentration and richness but also deftness, delineation and precision. It's a complete head turner that shows a true sense of place.

94

65

Oregon

Syrah

92,681

France

A blend of 70% Clairette, 15% Sémillon and 15% Rolle, this is a slightly nutty, almondy white with touches of honeyed richness and apricot. Turns a bit astringent on the finish.

87

36

Provence

White Blend

48,681

US

This is a rich, fruity Chardonnay that's sweet in pineapple, orange and buttered toast flavors. A nice cut of acidity provides needed balance.

84

15

California

Chardonnay

34,020

Italy

Barolo San Lorenzo has very nice intensity—it's there, but not in your face. The wine is already starting to show some interesting mineral components that are backed by black fruit, licorice and truffle. Its intensity builds in the glass and although it starts slow, it picks up loads of speed in the mouth. Drink after 2015.

91

70

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

111,727

Italy

This earthy Tuscan offers aromas that recall underbrush, berries, violet and spice. The juicy palate delivers ripened dark cherry, black raspberry, white pepper and cinnamon-spice alongside chewy tannins and fresh acidity.

88

25

Tuscany

Red Blend

41,713

US

Red currant, cranberry sauce, seasoned tomato and curry spices frame the nose. On the palate, the exotic elements continue, with gram masala and black cardamom flavors, which makes for a very savory, noteworthy and nicely rounded experience. Serve with Indian curries or try chicken mole.

91

40

California

Pinot Noir

24,466

US

This wine is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Malbec. It shows the big, hard tannins of both varieties, as well as their dryness and intense blackberry, currant and dark chocolate flavors. The 100% new French oak is in balance with the size of the underlying fruit. Don't even think of popping the cork before 2015, and it should still be providing pleasure in 2021.

92

115

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

21,633

Italy

This vibrant Pinot Grigio opens with aromas of white flowers and white tree fruit. The round palate offers mature pear and green apple alongside bright acidity but the structure doesn't fully support the evident alcohol.

89

30

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

97,080

US

Woody in cedar and toasted oak, this mild-mannered red is juicy in red currant and plum, offering a lush and plush body and texture. Tannins coat the back of the palate as notes of clove and mocha spark the finish.

88

24

California

Merlot

3,019

France

This ripe, full, almost toasty wine tastes of tropical fruit and spice, giving it an exotic feel. At the same time, the right amount of acidity acts as a fine balance. This concentrated wine, medium-sweet in style, should be aged for 2–3 years.

92

33

Alsace

Pinot Gris

31,399

Portugal

Solid and firm, it has powerful tannins and no sense yet of aging. The concentration is palpable, offering impressive weight while also bringing out ripe berry fruits. It needs until 2017–2018 to soften.

88

60

Douro

Portuguese Red

62,994

US

Lots of ripe Zinny character in this wine, which is a blend of vineyards from throughout the valley. It's enormously rich in raspberry and cherry jam fruit, spiced with cinnamon, cloves and anise, and finished with sweet, smoky sandalwood.

88

20

California

Zinfandel

6,102

Portugal

This wine is soft, fruity, rounded and red fruit flavored. Soft tannins and black plum skins give the wine a light structure. The wine is developing well and will be ready to drink from 2016.

87

13

Douro

Portuguese Red

59,822

Italy

This is a rich and succulent wine made from Cab Franc and 15% Merlot. This wine is packed tight, with tones of espresso bean, blackberry coulis, milk chocolate, dried lavender and a playful touch of scented candle or incense. Ripe tannins and a long finish. Drink after 2012.

93

42

Tuscany

Cabernet Franc

1,713

Italy

This Sangiovese from a hot vintage definitely seems past its peak. It has a very sweet-smelling, cherry-driven nose with a touch of marmalade that is blasted by a sudden rush of oak wood.

85

29

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

97,012

Italy

Soft, plush and approachable, this Sicilian Merlot offers all the prerequisites of an enjoyable, well-priced everyday dinner wine. The wine is rich and velvety with bright cherry flavors followed by spice and cola. It's the perfect wine to sell by the glass.

87

15

Sicily & Sardinia

Merlot

30,717

Spain

Melon, peach and vanilla aromas don't display much oak while coming across clean and ripe. This feels juicy, with orange, tangerine and nectarine flavors. The finish is spunky and acidic but not overly deep or complex. This is 95% Viura and 5% Malvasia.

88

15

Northern Spain

White Blend

63,608

US

This medium-bodied wine has aromas that suggest strawberry jam and maple syrup, and equally fruity and ripe flavors. Touches of vanilla and chocolate add a bit of unctuous complexity, and the mouthfeel is velvety.

86

12

California

Merlot

42,718

US

Squeezed lime, tangerine rind and juice and yellow-grapefruit zest show on the sharply citrusy nose of this bottling, which is expertly rounded out by white peach and chalk. Light stone-fruit flavors of nectarine and apple blossom show first on the palate, which is cut by lemon juice and green grapefruit, and warmed up with sea salt, toast and walnut-oil touches.

92

48

California

Chardonnay

26,910

US

Acidic and minty, this Pinot Noir just doesn't have enough richness, despite some modest cherry and cola flavors. Its dry and silky qualities are pleasant.

83

21

California

Pinot Noir

77,157

US

Impeccably fresh, vivid and textural, this appealing wine brings a mix of orange peel, pink grapefruit and pear fruit. There's a pleasing touch of spice, and all but 5% was stainless-steel fermented.

90

17

Oregon

Pinot Gris

40,482

France

The second wine of Château Meyney comes from one of the top estates of the appellation. From selected parcels and barrels of wine, this shows the same sense of structure as the top wine, while the fruitiness is developing more quickly. The black currant and plum-juice flavors are already bursting from the tannins. Drink from 2017.

91

40

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

40,120

France

This is a fat style of rosé, bringing out ripe strawberries and diminishing the acidity. That makes it attractive as an apéritif style. It is fruity and soft with a smooth aftertaste.

87

46

Champagne

Champagne Blend

90,612

Spain

This opens with vanilla and sweet, powdery aromas. In the mouth, it's bubbly and foamy, with a mix of pickled citrus and dry apple flavors. The finish is crisp and dry like a soda cracker.

83

15

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

107,998

US

A big, boldly powerful but elegant Zinfandel, full-bodied in the mouth and dry, offering waves of ripe fruits and spices. The cool 2007 vintage has kept the wine from being too ripe, resulting in balanced flavors of blackberries, currants, licorice, bacon, cocoa, black pepper and Asian spices. Just terrific. Drink over the next six years.

93

48

California

Zinfandel

37,340

US

An impressive young Cabernet from a region not well known for Cabs. The first impression is a complex aroma of herb, dark cherry and dark chocolate that continues through to the palate. The texture is laced well with fine, firm tannins that will make it great with rich meat and cheese dishes. Overall it is concentrated and full-bodied, big but balanced.

90

22

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

70,676

France

Named after a parcel of vines, this youthful, fruity wine is on its way to being delicious. It has a proper steely character, shot through with acidity and minerality while the citrus character is strong and firm. Drink from 2015.

90

34

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

93,248

France

This is rich, full-bodied Chardonnay, rounded out with peaches and spiced apricots. The wood is evident here, giving an extra softness as well as bringing out rich honey. A wine that opens beautifully in the mouth, ready to drink but also ageworthy.

92

35

Burgundy

Chardonnay

65,416

US

Whiffs of black cherry and delicate violets make this full-bodied Long Island Cab Franc wonderfully aromatic. The palate as well is rich with red fruit, dark brambly notes and soft supple tannins, but the tomato leaf flavors that linger throughout are a distraction.

85

27

New York

Cabernet Franc

110,692

US

Violet and lavender florals mesh with strawberry pie and earthy bark aromas on this single-vineyard expression from Lompoc-based Joey Gummere. The flavors are cranberry-apple and boysenberry, tart and relatively light, both tannins and acidity integrated seamlessly.

90

45

California

Pinot Noir

97,953

US

This is a bold combination of 89% Dolcetto from the Napa side of Carneros and 11% Barbera from one of its happy spots in the state, El Dorado County. Big bodied and tannic on entry, it softens in the glass to reveal bright red cherry and spearmint, with a touch of bitterness on the finish.

88

36

California

Red Blend

20,965

US

Waxy plum and a surprising characteristic of watermelon provide a subtle freshness to this otherwise hugely tannic, concentrated wine. Tar and yeast play a role as well.

85

45

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

76,870

US

Simply delicious, this smells like plump red cherries, tastes generously fruity and feels rich in texture. A spicy cinnamon aroma comes up on the second sniff, and the flavors add black cherry and cedar. The mouthfeel is rather soft, as the acid and tannins are moderate, and the body is full but not heavy.

92

48

California

Pinot Noir

27,884

US

Rich and full bodied, despite the relatively low alcohol, this supertart and luscious Riesling is loaded with sour candy flavors of lemon and lime. Quite refreshing, pure and dry.

89

17

Washington

Riesling

18,619

Argentina

Rustic, rubbery, leathery aromas are highly suggestive of animal hide and stalky berry fruits. This is hard as rocks on the palate, with an astringent mouthfeel. Briny, leathery berry and plum flavors end with a stalky aftertaste.

83

15

Mendoza Province

Malbec

25,967

Spain

Grapy smelling at first, this is made from a vineyard located in a Spanish national park. It is tight, tannic and mildly astringent on the palate, with high-tension structure. Wild berry flavors are gamey in nature, with spice, tobacco and earth notes adding complexity. Drink this old vine wine now through 2022.

92

40

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

77,754

US

John Shaw and Lisa Cuevas Shaw run this boutique-sized, Bordeaux-minded winery, which offers this Sauvignon Blanc alongside their higher priced reds. This wine starts with lemongrass, crushed rock and white flower aromas, then indulges in some tropical guava on the palate, which is very soft and full.

86

18

California

Sauvignon Blanc

71,868

France

Soft and somewhat dilute, this wine is attractively crisp but does not show great character. It's a fine apéritif wine, light and gently fruity.

83

14

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

123,029

US

This wine—aged in a mixture of 20% new American and French oak—shows a pleasing interplay of fruit and barrel. Notes of vanilla and cocoa intermingle with dried herbs, cranberry and bell pepper. It brings focused, lightly styled but high-octane cranberry flavors that are almost creamy in feel, with the focus more on elegance than sheer power.

90

50

Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon

107,074

Argentina

Tobacco and mint aromas cloud the wine's bouquet, while the palate starts out rough and scratchy, with a heavy dose of grape-skin tannin. Upon airing it offers more berry fruit but also salty, leathery finishing flavors. And the tannins never really cease.

83

18

Mendoza Province

Malbec

115,541

US

A strong scent and flavor of vitamin pill mixes with tight red fruit, stone, licorice and earth in this Rhône blend that includes small amounts of Grenache and Mourvèdre. Give this wine time to breathe and let the fruit come forward before you drink it.

88

30

Washington

Syrah

79,331

France

This beautifully balanced wine shows rich red fruits as well as crisp freshness. It has a mineral texture, aromatic fruitiness and a lightly peppery aftertaste. The blend is 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 20% Syrah. Drink now.

89

18

Provence

Rosé

5,185

Argentina

With oak-based aromas of Graham cracker, vanilla and baked berries, this comes across as being ripe and generous. Baked black fruits, ample oak, mocha and vanilla are the key flavors, while the finish is woody and medium long. Drink now.

90

16

Mendoza Province

Malbec

11,816

US

Golden-hay in color, this has a luxurious toffee-caramel imprint accompanied by apple and pineapple notes. Soft and medium in acidity, it's a bright, layered wine that follows through in flavor and tone on the finish.

88

20

California

Chardonnay

24,917

US

Textural and leesy, this refreshing Chardonnay also has a pretty, toasty nose. The mouthfeel and barrel notes compensate for the rather light, generic fruit.

87

20

Washington

Chardonnay

12,104

US

Made in the popular style, this has flavors of buttered toast, orange, peach, Meyer lemon and vanilla bean, which are brightened by crisp acidity. Drink now.

86

24

California

Chardonnay

105,801

US

Extremely grassy on the nose, this also shows lime juice and a skunky cannabis character that starts to blow off with time. The texture is racy on the palate, but the grassy component proves rather sour and one-dimensional.

84

26

California

Sauvignon Blanc

83,680

US

Biscuit, burnt toast, and a hint of rubber dominate the nose. The fruit is light and somewhat buried—a little melon, unripe peach and pineapple. Perhaps too much barrel exposure, or over-toasted barrels?

85

20

Washington

Chardonnay