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
34,550	US	Outstanding, with a honeyed note that suggests a hint of botrytis. A lovely blending of complex fruits, perfectly set against the acids and residual sugar just over one percent. This resonates beautifully.	92	18	Oregon	Riesling
97,006	US	Shows fine pedigree in the ripeness and finesse of the tannins, which are as pure as velvet. Flavorwise, this Syrah is very ripe, bursting in blackberry, black cherry, pomegranate, licorice and mocha flavors that are almost sweet on the finish. It's made in the modern Napa style, and not an ager.	87	35	California	Syrah
129,569	Italy	Fragrant and refined, this shows enticing aromas of wild herb, rose petal, dark spice, red berry and a whiff of camphor. Luminous and elegant, the vibrant palate has juicy Marasca cherry, cranberry, star anise and white pepper while bright acidity and taut polished tannins provide the framework. It's still young but already possesses terrific poise. Drink 2021–2033.	93	65	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
83,031	US	Jigar makes Cabernets to drink now, and this accomplishes that intent. The wine is firmly tannic, with jammy flavors of blackberries and cherries and the herbaceousness that Alexander Valley Cabs so often show.	87	24	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
79,201	Germany	A delicate streak of honeycomb gilds layers of yellow peaches, apples and tangerines in this off-dry Riesling. Its concentrated fruitiness is lip smacking, but it's also quite elegant, reverberating long on a steely strike of acidity and minerality. Drink now through 2020.	90	23	Mosel	Riesling
73,914	Italy	Yeasty aromas of bread crust and mature white stone fruit lift out of the glass. Rounded and refreshing, the vivacious palate shows ripe yellow apple and Bartlett pear alongside bright acidity and a firm perlage.	88	16	Veneto	Glera
50,949	Italy	Aromas of moist soil, red berry and a whiff of blue flower come together on this simple red. The taut palate offers sour cherry, white pepper and a dash of clove set against a backbone of sharp acidity and dusty tannins.	86	20	Tuscany	Red Blend
23,586	France	This is great Champagne, in the bottle-aged Henriot style. It's a classic Chardonnay, ripe, creamy, packed with yellow fruits, and finely balanced with a great waft of toast. A high percentage of older vintages in the blend gives this wine richness, maturity, without ever losing its crisp edge.	93	55	Champagne	Chardonnay
11,902	France	From a biodynamic vineyard in the heart of Sancerre, this wine is tight, mineral-driven and very young, well balanced between herbal and citrus flavors. These are lifted and filled out with the ripe Rocha pear flavors that give an extra juicy element. The wine will age well and will be better after 2018.	92	65	Loire Valley	Sauvignon Blanc
77,523	Italy	Plozner's Malpelo boasts a very pretty copper color with pink and amber highlights and aromas of grapefruit, pear and peach. Pinot Grigio has a dark skin color so this wine represents the way the variety was made before it earned fame as a white wine.	88	27	Northeastern Italy	Pinot Grigio
100,955	US	A substantial addition of 18% Merlot and smaller touch of 2% Cabernet Franc contribute to the heartiness and warmth of this wine that is tight in tobacco and graphite, with a smattering of coconut. Bittersweet chocolate, clove and dried herb contribute aroma and full-bodied flavor.	90	80	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
108,123	Spain	Dry apple and crisp citrus aromas come with a touch of sweet grass. It has lively lemon-lime and apple flavors, and it seems to have beeen dosed on the sweeter side of extra dry. Overall, it's fruity, friendly and likable.	86	10	Catalonia	Sparkling Blend
110,235	US	Overtly sweet, like sugared peach and lemon juice, fortunately balanced with crisp acidity. If you like that off-dry taste, it's for you.	84	16	California	Chardonnay
9,741	Italy	Shy aromas suggesting ripe black-skinned fruit, espresso and a whiff of dark spice emerge in the glass. The medium-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, mocha and grilled sage alongside fresh acidity and taut tightly knit tannins. Drink after 2019.	89	80	Tuscany	Sangiovese
59,847	US	This Bordeaux-style blend is 25% Merlot, the rest an even split between Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Stiff, tannic and earthy, it delivers robust flavors of herb and bark more than ripe fruit. With its assertive tannins, it should stand up well to a grilled tri-tip.	87	25	Oregon	Red Blend
58,020	Italy	You'll find wild red berry, coconut, leather, dark spice and balsamic notes on the nose of this wine. They infuse the palate, accenting its espresso-like flavor. It's full-bodied, with a backbone of close-grained tannins that give the finish grip. Drink 2019–2027.	90	54	Tuscany	Sangiovese
61,543	US	Bonterra sources organically grown grapes from both Mendocino and Lake counties to craft this light, slightly sour white generous in kiwi and a pronounced aroma and taste of honeydew.	86	14	California	Sauvignon Blanc
69,547	Spain	A muscular, oaky nose shows cool, grapy, berry aromas that carry an animal streak. This is drawing, tannic and rubbery on the palate, with meaty, hard-spice flavors of blackberry that turn mildly bitter and hot on the finish.	84	10	Northern Spain	Grenache
48,399	Italy	Aromas of underbrush, tilled soil, woodland berry and crushed rose unfold in the glass. The firm palate offers mature red cherry, strawberry, clove, mint and licorice alongside tightly knit, austere tannins that need to unwind. It's still young and wound up but should evolve majestically over the next decade and then maintain for years. Drink 2020–2040.	94	125	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
126,186	Spain	For those who like an old-school, oxidized style of white Rioja (think López de Heredia), Murrieta's Capellanía is up your alley. The nose is almost like Sherry in its creamy, maderized state, while the palate is low in power, with coconut and lemon flavors. Finishes soft, with vanilla. A unique, identifiable white wine that's not for everyone. Drink now.	88	26	Northern Spain	White Blend
116,565	US	Classic varietal scents of talcum powder and rosewater lead into a tangy, tart, low alcohol but bone-dry wine. The fruit is substantial, offering solid flavors of grapefruit and lemon peel.	88	18	Oregon	Gewürztraminer
99,875	France	Gentil is used in Alsace to describe a blended wine. This is soft and smooth, making a great apéritif, with just an edge of crispness to go over the rich pear and green plum flavors. Finishes with a burst of pineapple.	86	12	Alsace	White Blend
120,754	Italy	This opens with aromas of cellar floor, moist underbrush, dried sage and a whiff of crushed violet. The robust but straightforward palate offers mature black cherry and a hint of dark cooking spice alongside close-grained rather fleeting tannins that leave a raspy finish.	86	65	Veneto	Red Blend
99,987	France	Ripe and soft, this is a broad style of white showing a tropical side of Sauvignon and Sémillon fruit flavors. The texture is rich, full in the mouth, the acidity well in balance.	87	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style White Blend
101,693	US	Shows the rich fruit, acidity and silky texture of Calera's spot on Mount Harlan, with cherry, cola and sweet sandalwood flavors. It's not as complex or concentrated as the single-vineyard bottlings, but is a good approximation.	87	30	California	Pinot Noir
56,979	US	A blend of several vineyards in the famous Middle Reach stretch of the warmer, northwestern arm of the Russian River Valley, this is a beautiful wine to drink now. It's dry and silky, with perfectly ripened raspberry, cherry, strawberry and cola flavors, brightened by crisp acidity. It will hold in the bottle through 2020.	91	52	California	Pinot Noir
583	US	This incredibly zesty and fruity bottling shows raspberry, lavender and white pepper on the nose. It's fun to sip, with snappy red fruits and hibiscus most prominent. Complexity comes from touches of rooibos tea and potpourri. It's still extremely youthful.	89	32	California	Pinot Noir
119,774	US	A beautifully fragrant but not overpowering oak aroma wafts up from the glass. The same sort of sophisticated spicy element joins in the flavors along with vivid black cherry notes supported by firm acidity, moderate tannins and medium body. It's built like a classic, but it costs much less.	87	9	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
105,592	Italy	This lively Merlot from Coastal Tuscany conveys aromas of blackberry, spice and a whiff of underbrush. The juicy palate offers crushed black cherry, red currant and a note of white pepper alongside soft tannins. Enjoy it soon to capture the fresh fruit sensations.	88	18	Tuscany	Merlot
37,953	US	Freshly cut pear and tropical aromas lead to medium-bodied flavors. The style is clean and well made, with the concentration dipping a bit at times.	85	12	Washington	Pinot Gris
95,755	US	This is a richly oaked young Chardonnay. It brims with ripe papaya, mango, pineapple and apple flavors, while the oak barrels add layers of buttered toast, honey and vanilla meringue.	89	33	California	Chardonnay
35,653	US	Consistently among the best $20-and-under wines each vintage, this blend of 52% Grenache, 44% Syrah and 4% Tempranillo from vintner Dan Lee delivers plump boysenberry, plum, baking spice and rosemary scents on the nose. The palate is dry and herbal yet bright with acidity, full of thyme and sagebrush notes against a backdrop of plum fruit.	88	18	California	Rhône-style Red Blend
112,109	Portugal	This is a fruity, immediately drinkable wine. It has red berry flavors and bright acidity that gives the wine freshness and a light, juicy touch. Light tannins add structure to the bright aftertaste.	86	15	Douro	Portuguese Red
108,638	US	This already tastes old and oxidized, almost like a fino sherry. It's not exactly undrinkable, but is not a good value.	81	10	California	Pinot Grigio
39,859	US	Hints of roasted beet and forest floor lend rusticity to ripe red cherry and plum in this full-bodied Cabernet Franc. Crisp acidity lifts and lightens the midpalate. Smooth supple tannins and a hint of truffle linger on the finish.	87	22	New York	Cabernet Franc
123,307	Germany	A whiff of spice amidst freshly pressed apples and pears gives this bright, easy going Kabinett an autumnal feel. A swirl of honey enriches the midpalate, finishing with lemon-tea sweetness. Begin drinking now.	87	20	Mosel	Riesling
42,159	Portugal	The Côa valley is at the remote eastern end of the Douro. The wine revels in its firm, mineral, structured character, with acidity, spice and a dry center. There is weight, richness and the potential for aging.	91	25	Douro	Portuguese Red
128,318	Italy	There's a strong fruit component to this Brunello that adds to the general softness and plushness of its cheerful personality. Blueberry, raspberry and fresh cherry are backed by subtle touches of smoke and moist pipe tobacco. Espresso and chocolate appear on the close and the acidity is not too sharp.	90	45	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
19,579	France	Based mainly on vines in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, this impressive wine is superbly rich with just the merest hint of age. With its lively mousse, secondary aromas of mocha and flavors of green apples, it is a wine that should develop magnificently over the next 4–5 years.	94	61	Champagne	Chardonnay
13,696	US	If you like a bigger, broader style, with plenty of toast and buttery goodness, this is the one for you. It spent a year in one-quarter new barrels, another eight months in neutral oak. Oily, buttery and loaded with ripe peach, pear and pineapple fruit, it's a wine to drink chilled and early, while it retains all of its innate freshness.	91	35	Oregon	Chardonnay
122,991	Italy	This has bright aromas of red currant, cherry and red pepper. The palate isn't very expressive, but it does show some prune and raisin notes, along with a hint of chocolate. It could use a bit more freshness and length, and you'll detect the alcohol. Drink soon.	86	40	Veneto	Red Blend
83,265	France	This is a well-balanced wine, full of red fruits and with an attractive, deep salmon-pink color. It is ripe, showing plenty of fruit while also having a crisp texture and plenty of final acidity. The aftertaste is bright and lively.	88	69	Champagne	Champagne Blend
113,812	US	You can almost smell the minerals and acids in this Chardonnay. The flavors verify the aroma, adding fruitier notes of limes, sweet apples and white peaches, complexed with the creamy, smoky nuances of new oak and sur lies aging.	90	28	California	Chardonnay
117,133	US	There's little going on aromatically or texturally in this thin, fairly nondescript wine.	80	13	California	Zinfandel
19,865	Italy	Truffle, blue flower and eucalyptus aromas take center stage in this straightforward red. The racy palate offers tart sour cherry, orange zest and licorice notes, framed by firm tannins and zesty acidity.	87	14	Tuscany	Red Blend
109,665	France	Aged in wood and then in bottle for five years, this wine is rich and soft. It is generous, with ripe apple and melon flavors, and is ready to drink.	88	49	Champagne	Champagne Blend
44,748	Italy	This outlier wine sparked much controversy at the Nebbiolo blind tastings because of the thickness of its extraction and the darkness of its appearance. Serracapelli is a beautifully rich wine that doesn't necessarily highlight Barbaresco typicity. You'll get opulent aromas of black cherry, spice, leather and moist tobacco. The mouthfeel is rich, round and velvety.	94	60	Piedmont	Nebbiolo
119,742	US	An easy wine whose ripe fruit and oak flavors are immediately likeable. The cherries, raspberries and plums have a jammy sweetness, yet the tannins are firm. Easy to find, with 27,300 cases produced.	87	20	California	Merlot
75,265	US	This wine, which hails from the Napa side of the sprawling Carneros appellation, is somewhat heavy and full-bodied for a Pinot Noir. Yet it's dry in style and the tannins are light and silky. It might improve with a year or two in the bottle.	88	40	California	Pinot Noir
68,307	France	Vineyards close to the sea produce a beautiful crisp wine, with red fruits, a touch of saltiness and tangy acidity. Cool fermentation has kept so much delicious flavorsome fruit. Drink now.	91	40	Provence	Rosé
67,856	US	Soft and slightly one-dimensional, this bears blackberry and cherry jam flavors enriched with smoky oak. There's a funky, Syrah-like bacon note, too. It's not likely to improve with age, so drink up.	85	59	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
54,269	Italy	From one of Amarone's premier producers, this delicious Amarone delivers generous black cherry flavors, with hints of raisin, white pepper, nutmeg and chocolate. It's soft and round, with smooth, velvety tannins and compelling intensity.	94	63	Veneto	Red Blend
126,871	France	This wine has a ripe texture, rich fruit and touches of spice. Full bodied and tangy, it's smooth, with a hint of caramel. Drink now.	84	15	Bordeaux	Rosé
91,366	France	A toasty, spicy aroma reveals the wood-aging flavors that are still firmly in place in this wine. Underneath, there is fine, juicy black currant fruit, crisp acidity and good potential. Drink from 2019.	88	22	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
108,651	France	Great swathes of fruit cross the tannic core in this impressive wine. Hints of wood aging peek out from beneath the sumptuous richness and spice. It is ripe, dense and obviously set for long aging. Drink from 2018.	95	115	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
101,090	US	This 100% varietal wine shows notes of raspberry and chocolate sprinkled with oak spices from time in 50% new French barrels. It's wound up tightly at present, packed to the brim with red fruit flavors and firm, slightly gritty tannins.	91	58	Washington	Merlot
28,705	France	This lively, lightly herbal blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon and white Vermentino. It pivots deftly on a texture that is mineral, crisp, and contrasting with the red fruits. It is ready to drink.	87	15	Provence	Rosé
59,439	Spain	Year in and year out this is a consistent wine that's dry, traditional and confident but also rather reserved. The palate shows classic but quiet cherry, raspberry and tobacco flavors, while the finish is warm and offers a dash of molasses and balsamic vinegar. Drink now.	85	11	Northern Spain	Tempranillo
42,243	US	This wine is composed of five varieties, with none making up more than 21% of the blend. Fresh aromas of berry, cranberry, red currant and herbs are followed by fruit-forward cherry and berry flavors that bring appeal.	89	14	Washington	Red Blend
69,894	US	There's no oak on this Viognier, so the fruit stands out, and what fruit it is. Superripe in pineapples, honey, mangoes, guavas and Asian pears, with crisp, citrusy acidity that makes it vibrant and clean, if a little direct. Drink now.	87	24	California	Viognier
18,137	Italy	Sangiovese gets a spicy lift from 5% Alicante on this bright, easy drinking wine. It offers scents of blue flowers, plum, blackberry and baking spice while the smooth, savory palate delivers crushed black cherry, white pepper and aniseed. Bright acidity and refined tannins lend it balance.	88	16	Tuscany	Red Blend
80,257	US	Sweet and soft, this light-bodied wine tastes faintly like peaches and strawberries, but sugar delivers most of the flavor.	83	24	California	Rosé
46,508	France	This is a pretty, light and balanced wine. It has attractive acidity plus a crisp edge of grapefruit and a typical touch of spice to give it a lift and an edge. The aftertaste continues the attractive, fresh theme.	86	15	Provence	Rosé
74,994	US	Light in color and texture, this wine at first is muted and shy, getting spicier and earthier as it goes, with a baked strawberry-compote flavor at its core.	88	30	California	Pinot Noir
13,036	US	Just 44 cases of this fragrant and elegant reserve were made from the estate vineyard's oldest vines; at 35 years of age they have the grace and sensuous elegance that only time can bring. Give the wine a few moments to open and up come sweet minty notes, chocolaty oak and rather delicate flavors of raspberry and pomegranate, struck against metal, mineral and earth.	92	100	Oregon	Pinot Noir
62,305	US	Tart and bright, with an almost-jammy mix of raspberry and strawberry preserves, this concentrated, fruit-powered Merlot overdelivers for the price. Along with the luscious fruit are darker streaks of iron, coffee grounds and char, all in a classy, well-designed, four-vineyard blend.	91	16	Washington	Merlot
74,829	US	With their '05 reserve, Reverie has produced possibly their greatest Cabernet Sauvignon ever. But be forewarned, it needs cellaring. Not a long time, just enough to soften and sweeten a bit. Right now, the tannins shove to the front of the line, pushing aside the delicious blackberries and currants. But the wine has Bordeaux-like elegance. Even a few years in the bottle will help resolve things.	94	85	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
78,688	US	It displays a very pretty pink color, but that's the showiest side of a rather reserved wine. The nose smells slightly of rosebush and the palate is a bit watery, with some stone fruit and noticeable tension.	83	27	California	Rosé
106,339	US	This blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot is focused on cedar, crushed dried herbs and cracked, hot blacktop aromas, but also shows blueberry and boysenberry fruit on the nose. The savory palate coincides, with pencil lead, dried sagebrush and juniper, oregano and thyme and the ever-so-slight hint of dried New Mexico chile.	91	42	California	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
82,684	US	From start to finish, there's so much going on with Lamoreaux Landing's Yellow Dog. Honey and orange blossom aromas are laced with a whisper of musk. The bright lemon-lime sweetness is balanced elegantly with a distinct minerality evocative of smoke, slate and stone, and a bracing acidity that drives a lingering finish.	88	20	New York	Riesling
44,355	US	The 2008 Pinots from Ken Wright display their individual terroirs quite succinctly, with little evidence of the (roughly) 30% new oak they receive. The Abbott Claim has a bit more of a chocolaty flavor, with full, spicy cherry fruit at its core. In fact there is so much fruit, spicy and candied, that it is a bit like fruitcake, in a good way.	92	50	Oregon	Pinot Noir
33,941	US	Fresh lime and lemon aromas light up this crisp and tangy wine. The flavors are bright, the texture tight at first but it smooths out on the finish.	86	12	California	Sauvignon Blanc
104,962	US	Honeydew and mango notes lend tropical flair to apple and pear flavors in this fruit-forward, easy drinking Chardonnay. Dry and medium bodied in style, it's balanced by a stream of zesty lime acidity and a touch of saline mineral on the finish.	88	15	New York	Chardonnay
44,080	US	Delicate and pale, this elegant rosé hints at rhubarb and strawberry, dappled with light herbs. Tart and refreshing.	86	16	Oregon	Rosé
124,019	US	Touches of crème fraîche seems to lend a lactic richness to this bristling, light-bodied sparkling wine. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it's mouth-filling and rich in mousse, lingering long with a kiss of biscuit. Drink now through 2018.	87	25	New York	Sparkling Blend
2,740	US	This aromatic, medium-bodied white flirts with a distinct grassiness that can overwhelm, before settling into finer notions of grapefruit and stone fruit, as well as ripe, fleshy cantaloupe.	86	19	California	Sauvignon Blanc
59,258	US	A very pretty pale salmon color, this wine offers aromas of strawberry and cherry. The flavor concentration is wanting, not entirely able to hold it all together.	86	15	Washington	Rosé
40,419	Portugal	Duas Quintas Reserva is now established as one of the benchmark wines in the Douro. This dark-colored effort has ripe, concentrated dark berry and herb flavors and a fine sense of tannic structure from wood aging. There's a strong sense of minerality as well, giving this richness and aging potential.	92	30	Douro	Portuguese Red
44,180	Argentina	Black fruit aromas come with a dusty note and a hint of milk chocolate. This feels straightforward, with flavors of raspberry, mild herb and sugar beet. The finish is short and easy, with an approachable mouthfeel.	85	11	Mendoza Province	Malbec
80,825	US	Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this méthode Champenoise sparkler is golden peach in color with attractive aromas and flavors of orange blossom, hazelnut, orange peel and a slight sense of garden herbs. Dry, it makes for a nice wine on its own or in spritzers.	89	30	California	Sparkling Blend
33,753	France	One of the labels from the Bonnet vineyard of André Lurton, this red follows the approachable, fruity style of these wines. Red berry fruits and soft tannins make it already drinkable.	86	17	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
21,026	Argentina	Flowery, tropical aromas might have you thinking this is Torrontés. The palate is flimsy and dilute, with lychee and pyrazine-driven flavors that tail off in bitter fashion.	83	13	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
58,010	France	Philippe and Gilles Reich have produced this rich while structured wine from their family vineyard. It has generous black fruits that are supported by wood-aging flavors and finely balanced tannins. The majority Cabernet Sauvignon blend gives juicy black-currant fruit. Drink this wine from 2018.	90	40	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
96,994	France	This wine is smooth, mature and rich with yellow fruits and a rounded texture. A hint of wood and spice has plenty of crisp acidity to balance. Drink now.	87	26	Burgundy	Chardonnay
72,525	France	Lemon and creamed pear flavors give this open, soft wine attractive fruitiness. The fruit is everything here, with acidity adding a crisp edge to the rounder textures. It is ready to drink.	86	33	Burgundy	Chardonnay
54,113	Spain	Lean, dry raspberry aromas and a slight floral essence carry the nose toward a zesty, semisharp palate with crisp cherry and cranberry flavors. Not bad in a lean, stripped-back way; but there's no excess oak, weight or sweetness. Lean stuff for old-school palates nursing plates of ham or salami.	83	10	Northern Spain	Tempranillo Blend
57,414	Spain	Earthy plum and raspberry aromas come with notes of animal fur and tree bark. This blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon feels crisp due to lip-smacking acidity, while woody flavors of vanilla and dry spice form an accent to core red-fruit notes. A long, dry, stylish and tangy finish is squarely old school in character.	88	19	Northern Spain	Red Blend
3,929	Argentina	Sharp, prickly aromas suggest tart red plum and wild herbs. The palate is a bit heavy and sticky, with sweet, gummy, medicinal berry flavors. Finishes bitter and peppery, with a medicinal aftertaste.	83	7	Mendoza Province	Red Blend
44,385	Italy	Here's a straightforward red that offers aromas of underbrush, scorched earth and mature black-skinned fruit. The simple palate offers crushed black cherry, coffee and a hint of anise alongside polished, not very persistent tannins.	87	14	Tuscany	Red Blend
93,190	France	This wine is concentrated and shows hints of bitter extraction as well as ripe fruit. There is a tough dryness that will soften given time, yielding a palate that's rich and fulfilling. Wait until 2016.	86	25	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
82,695	Italy	Here's a lush and modern Rosso di Montalcino with bright aromas of spice and vanilla that play background roles to fresh cherry and raspberry. The wine boasts a smooth, supple texture and sweet fruit on the finish.	88	25	Tuscany	Sangiovese Grosso
70,523	France	The top cuvée from this fine cooperative is rich, dominated by Pinot Noir to give a full-bodied feel. Fruit flavors of ripe apple and pink grapefruit give sophistication, along with toast and yeast. Worth aging for 4–5 years, but delicious now.	92	78	Champagne	Champagne Blend
31,176	US	The Niven family's winemaker, Christian Roguenant, teases smoked meats, blackberry paste, dark slate, aromatic red cherries and concentratied hibiscus from the nose of this wine. The palate shows plenty of ripe, red fruit, but is made interesting by woody herbs, including oregano and marjoram.	90	30	California	Pinot Noir
46,832	US	Winemaker Doug Meador says this is not a “California Fats” Chardonnay, by which he means he went light on the oak and allowed the fruit to speak for itself. It's pretty fruit, with the smell and taste of apples. However, that slight touch of oak adds just the right amount of vanilla and cream to the mix. —S.H.	86	14	California	Chardonnay
117,047	Italy	Delicate scents of red berry, blue flower and crushed stone lift out of the glass. The vibrant, elegantly structured palate offers succulent wild cherry, fleshy black raspberry, cinnamon and light baking spice alongside fresh acidity and smooth, supple tannins. A mineral vein gives it precision and intensity.	93	25	Sicily & Sardinia	Red Blend
116,260	US	This shows fresh, crisp apple and lemon-cream aromas, with clean appley flavors and buttery accents. Medium bodied, it tends toward the soft, rather than crisp, side. Lively fruit flavors make it refreshing.	85	12	California	Chardonnay
111,623	US	Marked by acidity, strong tannins and powerful fruit, this Cabernet is a three-way playoff. The fruit is the obvious early victor, flashy in plums, blackberries, cassis and cedar. But the astringency makes it difficult to enjoy now. Cellar for six years, and see what happens.	89	95	California	Cabernet Sauvignon
89,982	France	Concentrated and spicy, this is full of generous tannins and delicious black plum fruits. Spice goes with the toasty wood-aging flavors that enhance the opulent texture of this delicious, ready-to-drink wine. The aftertaste, with its acidity, introduces some freshness.	89	12	Bordeaux	Bordeaux-style Red Blend
66,321	Argentina	Lightly citric and mildly tropical, but mostly it's just a simple, easygoing wine with cantaloupe and peachy flavors along with a mild, cleansing finish. Nothing special but nothing wrong, and therein lies its virtue.	84	6	Mendoza Province	Chardonnay
104,737	France	This is rich and soft, with sweet red fruits and some acidity. It's full-bodied and should fair well with food.	85	13	Provence	Rosé

34,550

US

Outstanding, with a honeyed note that suggests a hint of botrytis. A lovely blending of complex fruits, perfectly set against the acids and residual sugar just over one percent. This resonates beautifully.

92

18

Oregon

Riesling

97,006

US

Shows fine pedigree in the ripeness and finesse of the tannins, which are as pure as velvet. Flavorwise, this Syrah is very ripe, bursting in blackberry, black cherry, pomegranate, licorice and mocha flavors that are almost sweet on the finish. It's made in the modern Napa style, and not an ager.

87

35

California

Syrah

129,569

Italy

Fragrant and refined, this shows enticing aromas of wild herb, rose petal, dark spice, red berry and a whiff of camphor. Luminous and elegant, the vibrant palate has juicy Marasca cherry, cranberry, star anise and white pepper while bright acidity and taut polished tannins provide the framework. It's still young but already possesses terrific poise. Drink 2021–2033.

93

65

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

83,031

US

Jigar makes Cabernets to drink now, and this accomplishes that intent. The wine is firmly tannic, with jammy flavors of blackberries and cherries and the herbaceousness that Alexander Valley Cabs so often show.

87

24

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

79,201

Germany

A delicate streak of honeycomb gilds layers of yellow peaches, apples and tangerines in this off-dry Riesling. Its concentrated fruitiness is lip smacking, but it's also quite elegant, reverberating long on a steely strike of acidity and minerality. Drink now through 2020.

90

23

Mosel

Riesling

73,914

Italy

Yeasty aromas of bread crust and mature white stone fruit lift out of the glass. Rounded and refreshing, the vivacious palate shows ripe yellow apple and Bartlett pear alongside bright acidity and a firm perlage.

88

16

Veneto

Glera

50,949

Italy

Aromas of moist soil, red berry and a whiff of blue flower come together on this simple red. The taut palate offers sour cherry, white pepper and a dash of clove set against a backbone of sharp acidity and dusty tannins.

86

20

Tuscany

Red Blend

23,586

France

This is great Champagne, in the bottle-aged Henriot style. It's a classic Chardonnay, ripe, creamy, packed with yellow fruits, and finely balanced with a great waft of toast. A high percentage of older vintages in the blend gives this wine richness, maturity, without ever losing its crisp edge.

93

55

Champagne

Chardonnay

11,902

France

From a biodynamic vineyard in the heart of Sancerre, this wine is tight, mineral-driven and very young, well balanced between herbal and citrus flavors. These are lifted and filled out with the ripe Rocha pear flavors that give an extra juicy element. The wine will age well and will be better after 2018.

92

65

Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

77,523

Italy

Plozner's Malpelo boasts a very pretty copper color with pink and amber highlights and aromas of grapefruit, pear and peach. Pinot Grigio has a dark skin color so this wine represents the way the variety was made before it earned fame as a white wine.

88

27

Northeastern Italy

Pinot Grigio

100,955

US

A substantial addition of 18% Merlot and smaller touch of 2% Cabernet Franc contribute to the heartiness and warmth of this wine that is tight in tobacco and graphite, with a smattering of coconut. Bittersweet chocolate, clove and dried herb contribute aroma and full-bodied flavor.

90

80

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

108,123

Spain

Dry apple and crisp citrus aromas come with a touch of sweet grass. It has lively lemon-lime and apple flavors, and it seems to have beeen dosed on the sweeter side of extra dry. Overall, it's fruity, friendly and likable.

86

10

Catalonia

Sparkling Blend

110,235

US

Overtly sweet, like sugared peach and lemon juice, fortunately balanced with crisp acidity. If you like that off-dry taste, it's for you.

84

16

California

Chardonnay

9,741

Italy

Shy aromas suggesting ripe black-skinned fruit, espresso and a whiff of dark spice emerge in the glass. The medium-bodied palate offers dried black cherry, mocha and grilled sage alongside fresh acidity and taut tightly knit tannins. Drink after 2019.

89

80

Tuscany

Sangiovese

59,847

US

This Bordeaux-style blend is 25% Merlot, the rest an even split between Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Stiff, tannic and earthy, it delivers robust flavors of herb and bark more than ripe fruit. With its assertive tannins, it should stand up well to a grilled tri-tip.

87

25

Oregon

Red Blend

58,020

Italy

You'll find wild red berry, coconut, leather, dark spice and balsamic notes on the nose of this wine. They infuse the palate, accenting its espresso-like flavor. It's full-bodied, with a backbone of close-grained tannins that give the finish grip. Drink 2019–2027.

90

54

Tuscany

Sangiovese

61,543

US

Bonterra sources organically grown grapes from both Mendocino and Lake counties to craft this light, slightly sour white generous in kiwi and a pronounced aroma and taste of honeydew.

86

14

California

Sauvignon Blanc

69,547

Spain

A muscular, oaky nose shows cool, grapy, berry aromas that carry an animal streak. This is drawing, tannic and rubbery on the palate, with meaty, hard-spice flavors of blackberry that turn mildly bitter and hot on the finish.

84

10

Northern Spain

Grenache

48,399

Italy

Aromas of underbrush, tilled soil, woodland berry and crushed rose unfold in the glass. The firm palate offers mature red cherry, strawberry, clove, mint and licorice alongside tightly knit, austere tannins that need to unwind. It's still young and wound up but should evolve majestically over the next decade and then maintain for years. Drink 2020–2040.

94

125

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

126,186

Spain

For those who like an old-school, oxidized style of white Rioja (think López de Heredia), Murrieta's Capellanía is up your alley. The nose is almost like Sherry in its creamy, maderized state, while the palate is low in power, with coconut and lemon flavors. Finishes soft, with vanilla. A unique, identifiable white wine that's not for everyone. Drink now.

88

26

Northern Spain

White Blend

116,565

US

Classic varietal scents of talcum powder and rosewater lead into a tangy, tart, low alcohol but bone-dry wine. The fruit is substantial, offering solid flavors of grapefruit and lemon peel.

88

18

Oregon

Gewürztraminer

99,875

France

Gentil is used in Alsace to describe a blended wine. This is soft and smooth, making a great apéritif, with just an edge of crispness to go over the rich pear and green plum flavors. Finishes with a burst of pineapple.

86

12

Alsace

White Blend

120,754

Italy

This opens with aromas of cellar floor, moist underbrush, dried sage and a whiff of crushed violet. The robust but straightforward palate offers mature black cherry and a hint of dark cooking spice alongside close-grained rather fleeting tannins that leave a raspy finish.

86

65

Veneto

Red Blend

99,987

France

Ripe and soft, this is a broad style of white showing a tropical side of Sauvignon and Sémillon fruit flavors. The texture is rich, full in the mouth, the acidity well in balance.

87

12

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style White Blend

101,693

US

Shows the rich fruit, acidity and silky texture of Calera's spot on Mount Harlan, with cherry, cola and sweet sandalwood flavors. It's not as complex or concentrated as the single-vineyard bottlings, but is a good approximation.

87

30

California

Pinot Noir

56,979

US

A blend of several vineyards in the famous Middle Reach stretch of the warmer, northwestern arm of the Russian River Valley, this is a beautiful wine to drink now. It's dry and silky, with perfectly ripened raspberry, cherry, strawberry and cola flavors, brightened by crisp acidity. It will hold in the bottle through 2020.

91

52

California

Pinot Noir

583

US

This incredibly zesty and fruity bottling shows raspberry, lavender and white pepper on the nose. It's fun to sip, with snappy red fruits and hibiscus most prominent. Complexity comes from touches of rooibos tea and potpourri. It's still extremely youthful.

89

32

California

Pinot Noir

119,774

US

A beautifully fragrant but not overpowering oak aroma wafts up from the glass. The same sort of sophisticated spicy element joins in the flavors along with vivid black cherry notes supported by firm acidity, moderate tannins and medium body. It's built like a classic, but it costs much less.

87

9

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

105,592

Italy

This lively Merlot from Coastal Tuscany conveys aromas of blackberry, spice and a whiff of underbrush. The juicy palate offers crushed black cherry, red currant and a note of white pepper alongside soft tannins. Enjoy it soon to capture the fresh fruit sensations.

88

18

Tuscany

Merlot

37,953

US

Freshly cut pear and tropical aromas lead to medium-bodied flavors. The style is clean and well made, with the concentration dipping a bit at times.

85

12

Washington

Pinot Gris

95,755

US

This is a richly oaked young Chardonnay. It brims with ripe papaya, mango, pineapple and apple flavors, while the oak barrels add layers of buttered toast, honey and vanilla meringue.

89

33

California

Chardonnay

35,653

US

Consistently among the best $20-and-under wines each vintage, this blend of 52% Grenache, 44% Syrah and 4% Tempranillo from vintner Dan Lee delivers plump boysenberry, plum, baking spice and rosemary scents on the nose. The palate is dry and herbal yet bright with acidity, full of thyme and sagebrush notes against a backdrop of plum fruit.

88

18

California

Rhône-style Red Blend

112,109

Portugal

This is a fruity, immediately drinkable wine. It has red berry flavors and bright acidity that gives the wine freshness and a light, juicy touch. Light tannins add structure to the bright aftertaste.

86

15

Douro

Portuguese Red

108,638

US

This already tastes old and oxidized, almost like a fino sherry. It's not exactly undrinkable, but is not a good value.

81

10

California

Pinot Grigio

39,859

US

Hints of roasted beet and forest floor lend rusticity to ripe red cherry and plum in this full-bodied Cabernet Franc. Crisp acidity lifts and lightens the midpalate. Smooth supple tannins and a hint of truffle linger on the finish.

87

22

New York

Cabernet Franc

123,307

Germany

A whiff of spice amidst freshly pressed apples and pears gives this bright, easy going Kabinett an autumnal feel. A swirl of honey enriches the midpalate, finishing with lemon-tea sweetness. Begin drinking now.

87

20

Mosel

Riesling

42,159

Portugal

The Côa valley is at the remote eastern end of the Douro. The wine revels in its firm, mineral, structured character, with acidity, spice and a dry center. There is weight, richness and the potential for aging.

91

25

Douro

Portuguese Red

128,318

Italy

There's a strong fruit component to this Brunello that adds to the general softness and plushness of its cheerful personality. Blueberry, raspberry and fresh cherry are backed by subtle touches of smoke and moist pipe tobacco. Espresso and chocolate appear on the close and the acidity is not too sharp.

90

45

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

19,579

France

Based mainly on vines in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, this impressive wine is superbly rich with just the merest hint of age. With its lively mousse, secondary aromas of mocha and flavors of green apples, it is a wine that should develop magnificently over the next 4–5 years.

94

61

Champagne

Chardonnay

13,696

US

If you like a bigger, broader style, with plenty of toast and buttery goodness, this is the one for you. It spent a year in one-quarter new barrels, another eight months in neutral oak. Oily, buttery and loaded with ripe peach, pear and pineapple fruit, it's a wine to drink chilled and early, while it retains all of its innate freshness.

91

35

Oregon

Chardonnay

122,991

Italy

This has bright aromas of red currant, cherry and red pepper. The palate isn't very expressive, but it does show some prune and raisin notes, along with a hint of chocolate. It could use a bit more freshness and length, and you'll detect the alcohol. Drink soon.

86

40

Veneto

Red Blend

83,265

France

This is a well-balanced wine, full of red fruits and with an attractive, deep salmon-pink color. It is ripe, showing plenty of fruit while also having a crisp texture and plenty of final acidity. The aftertaste is bright and lively.

88

69

Champagne

Champagne Blend

113,812

US

You can almost smell the minerals and acids in this Chardonnay. The flavors verify the aroma, adding fruitier notes of limes, sweet apples and white peaches, complexed with the creamy, smoky nuances of new oak and sur lies aging.

90

28

California

Chardonnay

117,133

US

There's little going on aromatically or texturally in this thin, fairly nondescript wine.

80

13

California

Zinfandel

19,865

Italy

Truffle, blue flower and eucalyptus aromas take center stage in this straightforward red. The racy palate offers tart sour cherry, orange zest and licorice notes, framed by firm tannins and zesty acidity.

87

14

Tuscany

Red Blend

109,665

France

Aged in wood and then in bottle for five years, this wine is rich and soft. It is generous, with ripe apple and melon flavors, and is ready to drink.

88

49

Champagne

Champagne Blend

44,748

Italy

This outlier wine sparked much controversy at the Nebbiolo blind tastings because of the thickness of its extraction and the darkness of its appearance. Serracapelli is a beautifully rich wine that doesn't necessarily highlight Barbaresco typicity. You'll get opulent aromas of black cherry, spice, leather and moist tobacco. The mouthfeel is rich, round and velvety.

94

60

Piedmont

Nebbiolo

119,742

US

An easy wine whose ripe fruit and oak flavors are immediately likeable. The cherries, raspberries and plums have a jammy sweetness, yet the tannins are firm. Easy to find, with 27,300 cases produced.

87

20

California

Merlot

75,265

US

This wine, which hails from the Napa side of the sprawling Carneros appellation, is somewhat heavy and full-bodied for a Pinot Noir. Yet it's dry in style and the tannins are light and silky. It might improve with a year or two in the bottle.

88

40

California

Pinot Noir

68,307

France

Vineyards close to the sea produce a beautiful crisp wine, with red fruits, a touch of saltiness and tangy acidity. Cool fermentation has kept so much delicious flavorsome fruit. Drink now.

91

40

Provence

Rosé

67,856

US

Soft and slightly one-dimensional, this bears blackberry and cherry jam flavors enriched with smoky oak. There's a funky, Syrah-like bacon note, too. It's not likely to improve with age, so drink up.

85

59

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

54,269

Italy

From one of Amarone's premier producers, this delicious Amarone delivers generous black cherry flavors, with hints of raisin, white pepper, nutmeg and chocolate. It's soft and round, with smooth, velvety tannins and compelling intensity.

94

63

Veneto

Red Blend

126,871

France

This wine has a ripe texture, rich fruit and touches of spice. Full bodied and tangy, it's smooth, with a hint of caramel. Drink now.

84

15

Bordeaux

Rosé

91,366

France

A toasty, spicy aroma reveals the wood-aging flavors that are still firmly in place in this wine. Underneath, there is fine, juicy black currant fruit, crisp acidity and good potential. Drink from 2019.

88

22

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

108,651

France

Great swathes of fruit cross the tannic core in this impressive wine. Hints of wood aging peek out from beneath the sumptuous richness and spice. It is ripe, dense and obviously set for long aging. Drink from 2018.

95

115

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

101,090

US

This 100% varietal wine shows notes of raspberry and chocolate sprinkled with oak spices from time in 50% new French barrels. It's wound up tightly at present, packed to the brim with red fruit flavors and firm, slightly gritty tannins.

91

58

Washington

Merlot

28,705

France

This lively, lightly herbal blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon and white Vermentino. It pivots deftly on a texture that is mineral, crisp, and contrasting with the red fruits. It is ready to drink.

87

15

Provence

Rosé

59,439

Spain

Year in and year out this is a consistent wine that's dry, traditional and confident but also rather reserved. The palate shows classic but quiet cherry, raspberry and tobacco flavors, while the finish is warm and offers a dash of molasses and balsamic vinegar. Drink now.

85

11

Northern Spain

Tempranillo

42,243

US

This wine is composed of five varieties, with none making up more than 21% of the blend. Fresh aromas of berry, cranberry, red currant and herbs are followed by fruit-forward cherry and berry flavors that bring appeal.

89

14

Washington

Red Blend

69,894

US

There's no oak on this Viognier, so the fruit stands out, and what fruit it is. Superripe in pineapples, honey, mangoes, guavas and Asian pears, with crisp, citrusy acidity that makes it vibrant and clean, if a little direct. Drink now.

87

24

California

Viognier

18,137

Italy

Sangiovese gets a spicy lift from 5% Alicante on this bright, easy drinking wine. It offers scents of blue flowers, plum, blackberry and baking spice while the smooth, savory palate delivers crushed black cherry, white pepper and aniseed. Bright acidity and refined tannins lend it balance.

88

16

Tuscany

Red Blend

80,257

US

Sweet and soft, this light-bodied wine tastes faintly like peaches and strawberries, but sugar delivers most of the flavor.

83

24

California

Rosé

46,508

France

This is a pretty, light and balanced wine. It has attractive acidity plus a crisp edge of grapefruit and a typical touch of spice to give it a lift and an edge. The aftertaste continues the attractive, fresh theme.

86

15

Provence

Rosé

74,994

US

Light in color and texture, this wine at first is muted and shy, getting spicier and earthier as it goes, with a baked strawberry-compote flavor at its core.

88

30

California

Pinot Noir

13,036

US

Just 44 cases of this fragrant and elegant reserve were made from the estate vineyard's oldest vines; at 35 years of age they have the grace and sensuous elegance that only time can bring. Give the wine a few moments to open and up come sweet minty notes, chocolaty oak and rather delicate flavors of raspberry and pomegranate, struck against metal, mineral and earth.

92

100

Oregon

Pinot Noir

62,305

US

Tart and bright, with an almost-jammy mix of raspberry and strawberry preserves, this concentrated, fruit-powered Merlot overdelivers for the price. Along with the luscious fruit are darker streaks of iron, coffee grounds and char, all in a classy, well-designed, four-vineyard blend.

91

16

Washington

Merlot

74,829

US

With their '05 reserve, Reverie has produced possibly their greatest Cabernet Sauvignon ever. But be forewarned, it needs cellaring. Not a long time, just enough to soften and sweeten a bit. Right now, the tannins shove to the front of the line, pushing aside the delicious blackberries and currants. But the wine has Bordeaux-like elegance. Even a few years in the bottle will help resolve things.

94

85

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

78,688

US

It displays a very pretty pink color, but that's the showiest side of a rather reserved wine. The nose smells slightly of rosebush and the palate is a bit watery, with some stone fruit and noticeable tension.

83

27

California

Rosé

106,339

US

This blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot is focused on cedar, crushed dried herbs and cracked, hot blacktop aromas, but also shows blueberry and boysenberry fruit on the nose. The savory palate coincides, with pencil lead, dried sagebrush and juniper, oregano and thyme and the ever-so-slight hint of dried New Mexico chile.

91

42

California

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

82,684

US

From start to finish, there's so much going on with Lamoreaux Landing's Yellow Dog. Honey and orange blossom aromas are laced with a whisper of musk. The bright lemon-lime sweetness is balanced elegantly with a distinct minerality evocative of smoke, slate and stone, and a bracing acidity that drives a lingering finish.

88

20

New York

Riesling

44,355

US

The 2008 Pinots from Ken Wright display their individual terroirs quite succinctly, with little evidence of the (roughly) 30% new oak they receive. The Abbott Claim has a bit more of a chocolaty flavor, with full, spicy cherry fruit at its core. In fact there is so much fruit, spicy and candied, that it is a bit like fruitcake, in a good way.

92

50

Oregon

Pinot Noir

33,941

US

Fresh lime and lemon aromas light up this crisp and tangy wine. The flavors are bright, the texture tight at first but it smooths out on the finish.

86

12

California

Sauvignon Blanc

104,962

US

Honeydew and mango notes lend tropical flair to apple and pear flavors in this fruit-forward, easy drinking Chardonnay. Dry and medium bodied in style, it's balanced by a stream of zesty lime acidity and a touch of saline mineral on the finish.

88

15

New York

Chardonnay

44,080

US

Delicate and pale, this elegant rosé hints at rhubarb and strawberry, dappled with light herbs. Tart and refreshing.

86

16

Oregon

Rosé

124,019

US

Touches of crème fraîche seems to lend a lactic richness to this bristling, light-bodied sparkling wine. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it's mouth-filling and rich in mousse, lingering long with a kiss of biscuit. Drink now through 2018.

87

25

New York

Sparkling Blend

2,740

US

This aromatic, medium-bodied white flirts with a distinct grassiness that can overwhelm, before settling into finer notions of grapefruit and stone fruit, as well as ripe, fleshy cantaloupe.

86

19

California

Sauvignon Blanc

59,258

US

A very pretty pale salmon color, this wine offers aromas of strawberry and cherry. The flavor concentration is wanting, not entirely able to hold it all together.

86

15

Washington

Rosé

40,419

Portugal

Duas Quintas Reserva is now established as one of the benchmark wines in the Douro. This dark-colored effort has ripe, concentrated dark berry and herb flavors and a fine sense of tannic structure from wood aging. There's a strong sense of minerality as well, giving this richness and aging potential.

92

30

Douro

Portuguese Red

44,180

Argentina

Black fruit aromas come with a dusty note and a hint of milk chocolate. This feels straightforward, with flavors of raspberry, mild herb and sugar beet. The finish is short and easy, with an approachable mouthfeel.

85

11

Mendoza Province

Malbec

80,825

US

Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this méthode Champenoise sparkler is golden peach in color with attractive aromas and flavors of orange blossom, hazelnut, orange peel and a slight sense of garden herbs. Dry, it makes for a nice wine on its own or in spritzers.

89

30

California

Sparkling Blend

33,753

France

One of the labels from the Bonnet vineyard of André Lurton, this red follows the approachable, fruity style of these wines. Red berry fruits and soft tannins make it already drinkable.

86

17

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

21,026

Argentina

Flowery, tropical aromas might have you thinking this is Torrontés. The palate is flimsy and dilute, with lychee and pyrazine-driven flavors that tail off in bitter fashion.

83

13

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

58,010

France

Philippe and Gilles Reich have produced this rich while structured wine from their family vineyard. It has generous black fruits that are supported by wood-aging flavors and finely balanced tannins. The majority Cabernet Sauvignon blend gives juicy black-currant fruit. Drink this wine from 2018.

90

40

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

96,994

France

This wine is smooth, mature and rich with yellow fruits and a rounded texture. A hint of wood and spice has plenty of crisp acidity to balance. Drink now.

87

26

Burgundy

Chardonnay

72,525

France

Lemon and creamed pear flavors give this open, soft wine attractive fruitiness. The fruit is everything here, with acidity adding a crisp edge to the rounder textures. It is ready to drink.

86

33

Burgundy

Chardonnay

54,113

Spain

Lean, dry raspberry aromas and a slight floral essence carry the nose toward a zesty, semisharp palate with crisp cherry and cranberry flavors. Not bad in a lean, stripped-back way; but there's no excess oak, weight or sweetness. Lean stuff for old-school palates nursing plates of ham or salami.

83

10

Northern Spain

Tempranillo Blend

57,414

Spain

Earthy plum and raspberry aromas come with notes of animal fur and tree bark. This blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon feels crisp due to lip-smacking acidity, while woody flavors of vanilla and dry spice form an accent to core red-fruit notes. A long, dry, stylish and tangy finish is squarely old school in character.

88

19

Northern Spain

Red Blend

3,929

Argentina

Sharp, prickly aromas suggest tart red plum and wild herbs. The palate is a bit heavy and sticky, with sweet, gummy, medicinal berry flavors. Finishes bitter and peppery, with a medicinal aftertaste.

83

7

Mendoza Province

Red Blend

44,385

Italy

Here's a straightforward red that offers aromas of underbrush, scorched earth and mature black-skinned fruit. The simple palate offers crushed black cherry, coffee and a hint of anise alongside polished, not very persistent tannins.

87

14

Tuscany

Red Blend

93,190

France

This wine is concentrated and shows hints of bitter extraction as well as ripe fruit. There is a tough dryness that will soften given time, yielding a palate that's rich and fulfilling. Wait until 2016.

86

25

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

82,695

Italy

Here's a lush and modern Rosso di Montalcino with bright aromas of spice and vanilla that play background roles to fresh cherry and raspberry. The wine boasts a smooth, supple texture and sweet fruit on the finish.

88

25

Tuscany

Sangiovese Grosso

70,523

France

The top cuvée from this fine cooperative is rich, dominated by Pinot Noir to give a full-bodied feel. Fruit flavors of ripe apple and pink grapefruit give sophistication, along with toast and yeast. Worth aging for 4–5 years, but delicious now.

92

78

Champagne

Champagne Blend

31,176

US

The Niven family's winemaker, Christian Roguenant, teases smoked meats, blackberry paste, dark slate, aromatic red cherries and concentratied hibiscus from the nose of this wine. The palate shows plenty of ripe, red fruit, but is made interesting by woody herbs, including oregano and marjoram.

90

30

California

Pinot Noir

46,832

US

Winemaker Doug Meador says this is not a “California Fats” Chardonnay, by which he means he went light on the oak and allowed the fruit to speak for itself. It's pretty fruit, with the smell and taste of apples. However, that slight touch of oak adds just the right amount of vanilla and cream to the mix. —S.H.

86

14

California

Chardonnay

117,047

Italy

Delicate scents of red berry, blue flower and crushed stone lift out of the glass. The vibrant, elegantly structured palate offers succulent wild cherry, fleshy black raspberry, cinnamon and light baking spice alongside fresh acidity and smooth, supple tannins. A mineral vein gives it precision and intensity.

93

25

Sicily & Sardinia

Red Blend

116,260

US

This shows fresh, crisp apple and lemon-cream aromas, with clean appley flavors and buttery accents. Medium bodied, it tends toward the soft, rather than crisp, side. Lively fruit flavors make it refreshing.

85

12

California

Chardonnay

111,623

US

Marked by acidity, strong tannins and powerful fruit, this Cabernet is a three-way playoff. The fruit is the obvious early victor, flashy in plums, blackberries, cassis and cedar. But the astringency makes it difficult to enjoy now. Cellar for six years, and see what happens.

89

95

California

Cabernet Sauvignon

89,982

France

Concentrated and spicy, this is full of generous tannins and delicious black plum fruits. Spice goes with the toasty wood-aging flavors that enhance the opulent texture of this delicious, ready-to-drink wine. The aftertaste, with its acidity, introduces some freshness.

89

12

Bordeaux

Bordeaux-style Red Blend

66,321

Argentina

Lightly citric and mildly tropical, but mostly it's just a simple, easygoing wine with cantaloupe and peachy flavors along with a mild, cleansing finish. Nothing special but nothing wrong, and therein lies its virtue.

84

6

Mendoza Province

Chardonnay

104,737

France

This is rich and soft, with sweet red fruits and some acidity. It's full-bodied and should fair well with food.

85

13

Provence

Rosé